Columbus City (part 2 of 2)

Jekemiah Drake

was born in Ulster County, N. Y., and at an early age removed to Herkimer County in the same State. When quite young, he was thrown upon his own resources, and supported himself by the fruits of his own labor. Thus early was laid the foundation of that self-reliance and that independence of spirit which distinguished his whole life, and thus was developed a strong and vigorous constitution, and a mind fitted in a remarkable degree for the transaction of business. Western New York at that time was a wilderness. The busy tongue of enterprise had as yet uttered no prophecy of its future development. Mr. Drake was among the early pioneers who explored that portion of the State. He was among those who projected and urged to completion the Erie Canal. He saw the first section completed, and was present when the first trip was made. As the work progressed, he superintended large contracts, and saw this great line of communication stretching from Albany to Buff'alo, thus connecting the East with the then unknown West. He was largely acquainted with the leading men of those times, and took a deep interest in the political ((uestions of the day. His piety was a principle rooted in the heart, and yielding the fruits of righteousness. His sympathy was always with progress, laboring to advance those measures that should result in general good. Statesmen of a past generation were his neighbors. De Witt Clinton was his friend, and he remembered Gov. Seward as a mere stripling. He was for a time largely engaged in public works in the State of New Jersey, and during the war of 1812 he was in the lumber trade in Canada. He came to what is now the city of Columbus in 1842, when there were but fcAv improvements, and thus he took rank among the early pioneers of the West. He repaired and enlarged the grist-mill, and built the first frame house in Columbus. After residing there five years, he removed on a farm three miles south, where he remained until the gradual decay of nature rendered it necessary for him to relinquish his business and seek that rest which he had so richly earned by a long life of labor. But the rest was short. Old age has but few comforts at best. Mr. Drake was a man to whom honor was more than a name. He was a man positive in his principles, of remarkable energy and perseverance, strong in his political views, firm in his Christian faith, reliable in his business as a man tried and true. He died early in December, 1868, aged eighty-four.

Joseph Ji. Doty

Mr. Doty was born in Lewis County, N. Y., and entered Union College at the age of sixteen. After graduating, he read law in the office of Davis & Pierson, of Troy, N. Y., and, oa completing the course, took up his residence in Ogdensburg, N. Y. Taking an active part in the current politics of the day, and enjoying the. friendship of that eminent statesman, the lamented Silas Wright, as well as of Preston King, he at once took a high position in the party whose cause he had espoused, and was appointed, by President Polk, Postmaster at Ogdensburg, which position he held for four years. His natural tastes, however, led him into the editorial chair, and for five years he was editor of the Buffalo Courier, the leading Democratic paper in Western New York. Removing to the West, he was editorially engaged in Milwaukee for awhile, and afterward was associated with H. D. Barron, in the editorial conduct of a Democratic paper at Waukesha. Removing to Portage, where his parents resided, he became editorially connected with the Badger State, in conjunction with John A. Brown, and on his retirement from the sheet he became the sole editor. He wont to Florida in the spring of 1861, for the benefit of his health, and was there when the war broke out. After the war was over, he edited a paper for awhile, but latterly was engaged in fruit-growing. A residence of several years in Portage - during which time he took a leading and conspicuous part in all public matters - as editor of the Badger State, gained for him many friends who will, through life, ever cherish the virtues which distinguished him.

Few men possessed more of those peculiar abilities which distinguish the good editor than Mr. Doty. Possessed of fine scholarly attainments and culture, with a fondness for all public matters, more especially politics, and with a large fund of rare good nature and humor, the position of editor was one exactly adapted to his tastes and habits, and he lent to the columns of his paper unusual interest. Always liberal in sentiment, generous and courteous, he never suffered his columns to be defiled by coarse, vulgar abuse of political adversaries, and never allowed political differences to disturb personal friendships. He died in Jacksonville, Fla., June 19, 1868, aged forty-five years.

Bakon Steuben Doty

was born at Salem, Washington Co., N. Y., in 1795, but removed to Lewis County with his father when a child. He was educated under Dr. Alexander, at Fairfield, and subsequently studied law at Cherry Valley with Mr. Hammond, an eminent jurist of his day, and completed his seven years' course with Judge Williams, at Utica. He went into practice with Ela Collins, District Attorney of Lewis County, in 1818. Mr. Doty was a brother of James Duane Doty, one of the Territorial Governors of the State. About 1818, he married. Subsequently, he removed to Ogdensburg, and was there associated in business with Bishop Perkins. In 1826-2/, he served St. Lawrence County in the Legislature of New York. Jabez D. Hammond, the eminent political historian, makes special mention of Mr. Doty, speaking of him as one of the most prominent of the Democratic members, and with others named respectable for talents and intelligence. He was the political associate of the lamented Silas Wright and Preston King, and was appointed Collector of the port at Ogdensburg by Gen. Jackson, which position he held through the administration. Removing to Buffalo, he remained there for a few years. He came to Wisconsin about the year 1851, first settling at Green Bay. He removed to Portage about 1855. Here he practiced law. For several years, he was the Treasurer of Portage. Judge Doty, as he was accustomed to be called, was truly a gentleman of the old school. His manner and habits of life were formed at a time of which few of the present generation have any knowledge. He had a proud, dignified sj)irit, a courtly bearing, and in his intercourse with men was a true gentleman. He attracted friends to him and won their attachment by his magnetic influences and forever held them by his faithfulness to them under all circumstances. He died in Portage on the 28th day of October, 1872.

was a native of England, and was about sixty-five years of age at the time of his death. He came to this country at an early date, taking up his residence in Randolph, and sharing with his few neighbors all the hardships incident to the settling up of a new county. Twenty years ago, he was elected to the Assembly from the northern district of this county, and discharged the duties of the position with rare judgment and unquestioned fidelity.

He died at his residence in the village of Randolph the 18th of November, 1874. He was the Supervisor of the West Ward of that village, and he left a sick-bed to come up to the county seat the week before his death, to attend to his official duties. But he was unable to meet with the board except on a single occasion, and it was apparent to all that he was undergoing great bodily suflfering at that time. He returned to his room at the hotel, but his associates on the Board freely expressed their fears that he would never meet with them in deliberation aorain. Their fears were soon confirmed. His time had come.

Emmons Taylor

was born in the town of Rupert, Bennington Co.. Vt., June 26, 1828. He entered Williams College, at Williamstown, Mass., at the early age of fifteen, and graduated when only nineteen years old. He read law at Granville, N. Y., in the office of J. C. Hopkins, afterward United States Judge for the Western District of Wisconsin, and, on being admitted to the practice, he came to this State, taking up his residence, in 1857, in Portage, and becoming the business partner of L. S. Dixon, afterward Chief Justice of Wisconsin. He continued in that relation until Mr. Dixon's elevation to the bench, in 1859. More recently, a like partnership was formed with his brother, J. B. Taylor, which continued to his death.

In 1868, Mr. Taylor was elected District Attorney of Columbia County, and was unanimously re-elected in 1870, and again in 1872. In political sentiment, he was a Republican, but not a partisan. His talents would have given him almost any position he might have aspired to, had his ambition led him into the field of politics, which it did not. Political preferment had no charms for him. The law was his chosen profession, and he devoted himself to it with an assiduity rarely excelled. It is not a matter of wonder, then, that he achieved a high distinction at the bar. He died April 13, 1874, in Portage, after an illness of about ten weeks' duration. He left no family, his wife - Martha Pride, having preceded him to the grave something more than a year before his death, and his infant boy a few months earlier still.

"Nature was bountiful in her gifts to Mr. Taylor," said one who knew him well. " She gave him a kindness that reached out to all with whom he became acquainted. She gave him 80 full a love of justice that it was the guiding star of all his actions. She bestowed on him the gift of oratory, and an intellect of no common power, accompanied by an ambition that secured their careful and generous culture. He was, therefore, a kindly, justice-loving, talented man, a fine scholar and an accomplished orator. In the closer walks of professional life, the qualities I have named gave their coloring to all his thoughts, all his words and all his actions. In his intercourse with his brethren, he was a pleasant and genial companion, a reliable associate and an honorable opponent, who kept his promise in spirit as well as in letter. He never forgot the obligation of the attorney to give his client the most intelligent and faithful labor that careful preparation and diligent study could furnish. Victory never elated him so as to make him forget the amenities of the profession, or the courtesy due to the losing party, nor did defeat ever make him unjust to the court, to the jury, or to an opposing counsel. In short, his bearing and conduct, under all circumstances, were so commendable that the man seemed greater than the lawyer."

Says another who was brought into intimate association with Mr. Taylor, as a member of an ancient and honorable society, in which at the time of his death he was prominent in official position : "As a lawyer. Gen. Taylor - the name by which we all delighted to call him - was the equal and peer of any member of the bar. He was studious, earnest, careful in all the practice of the profession. He was laborious, painstaking, thoughtful in all matters of preparation. He was in action and execution vigorous, strong and emphatic. The hammer in his hand was carefully poised ; and the blow from it that followed carried with it the added power of the preparation that preceded. His inclinations and his habits were to do thoroughly and well all that he deemed worthy to be done at all. His work was not slighted or neglected, when once entered upon, but was diligently, thoroughly and conscientiously performed. And so his labor was earnest and untiring. He was industrious in the most faithful sense of the terra." " His great abilities and acquirements," wrote a friend eminently qualified to judge of them, " placed him in the very front rank of his profession. As a counselor he was thoughtful, impartial, conscientious and judicious. He always told the truth to his client and gave honest and candid advice, whether it was encouraging or discouraging to the preconceived opinions of the client, and without regard to consequences to himself or others. As an advocate, he had few superiors, if any, at the bar.

" His presence and bearing when before the coart and jury, in forensic debate, were dignified, courteous and manly, his manner most impressive and convincing, his logic sound and lucid, his language well chosen and his elocution perfect. His well-rounded periods, pronounced in a strong and well-modulated voice, were correctly interspersed with accent and emphasis, always conveying his exact meaning, and always producing effect. His sarcasm and denunciation were terrific and his pathos and tender feeling most melting and sympathetic. He was, in short, invested with all the elements and graces'of the advocate and orator. Amongst his brother lawyers, and in his legal practice, he was the very soul of honor ; kind, courteous and obliging in every sense - the highest type of the lawyer and gentleman. In social life, he was most eminently fitted to both ornament and influence society, and his friendships were well chosen, most intimate, disinterested, strong and lasting. He was a most kind and tender husband, a warm and generous friend, and so attached to the scenes, associations and labors of his home, that it was with great reluctance and effort that he was ever induced to go abroad and enlarge the sphere of his acquaintance, influence, and professional practice and triumphs. It was owing to these local and friendly attachments, more than to anything else, that his appreciation and his fame were not as great throughout the country as in his own State, and in the county of Columbia.

Jacob Low

Jacob Low, only son of Capt. Gideon Low, was born in the town of Hyde Park, Dutchess Co., N. Y., November 5, 1807. He died at his home in Lowville, Columbia Co., Wis., June 24, 1875. His fondness for travel and adventure led him to adopt, while quite young, a sailor's life, and, by diligence and strict attention to business, he was soon promoted to commander of a steamer. During the time not actively engaged on the water, he learned the hatter's trade, at which he was very expert, and to which, in after years, he often referred with pride. His wife objecting to his seafaring life, and having saved something with which to start business for himself, he opened a hat store in Albany, N. Y., where soon, in the general crash of business, in 1837, he found his $10,000 swept away, and himself again with only his hands with which to fight the battle of life.

He could see no better chance to retrieve his fortunes than to again try the water. Through the assistance of his brother-in-law, Capt. Winship, of the ship Richmond, he was made supercargo of the vessel, which was trading at most of the principal seaports of Europe and the Indies. To these visits to the Old AVorld was he indebted for his extensive knowledge of characters, customs and things, which, added to his native wit, rendered him so entertaining and instructive a conversationalist. On one of these voyages, an attack of yellow fever came near bringing his life to a close, sapping his constitution and leaving him ever after fragile and weakly. On his return, he opened a grocery store in New York City, and, while there, was a member of the famous old Seventh Regiment, New York State Militia.

His ventures on shore, however, not proving remunerative, he emigrated with his family, early in 1843, to Green Bay, Wis., where he conducted a hotel called the Astor House, and, in the fall of the same year, removed to old Fort Winnebago, Columbia Co., Wis., where, in company with his brother-in-law, John Schaumburgh, he operated a general store, the principal portion of their trade being with the Indians.

In 1845, he removed to his farm in what is now the town of Lowville, but at that time simply a delightful spot, where the prairie and openings seemed to contest their right to the beautiful little rivulet which separated the two, and after that date formed one of two halting^ places on the road leading from Fort Winnebago to Madison, the other at Token Creek being an older claim. Here he erected his buildings, subdued the virgin soil, reared his children, and passed his maturer years. Here he lived and died, honored and respected by his kindred and neighbors, many of whom had been attracted to the vicinity through his influence. Not being hardy enough to labor in the field on this new farm himself, his time was employed in making home beautiful, advising his neighbors, and dispensing hospitality to the many strangers who were then flocking to Wisconsin. As a host he had no superior; his friends were always entertained in royal good style, and made to feel a welcome seldom experienced elsewhere. Whoever enjoyed his unbounded hospitality were indeed fortunate.

He was quick and impulsive ; his friends could do nothing wrong, his enemies nothing right. His convictions were strong and his influence positive. As an instance : when Deacon Clinton and his associates went to him to assist them in obtaining mortgages for the old LaCrosse Railroad Company, he told them plainly that he considered it a dangerous experiment, and would neither mortgage his own farm nor assist them in obtaining mortgages from others. The sophistry of the smooth-tongued Deacon could not prevail, and, as the neighboring farmers were accustomed to refer to him for advice on matters not fully understood by themselves, but a solitary mortgage was obtained in that vicinity. In politics, he was a radical, originally a Whig, and latterly an active worker in the formation of the Republican party ; with him language was not strong enough to express his condemnation of the Democratic party. As a Whig, he was elected Sheriff of Columbia County in 1850 ; and, as a Republican, he was elected to the Assembly from the Third District for the year 1872. In 1863, he was appointed by the Governor as State Agent to look after the interests of the sick and wounded soldiers, with headquarters at Memphis. In 1859, he was Assistant Sergeant-at-arms in the Wisconsin State Assembly.

He was married at Poughkeepsie, N. Y., May 6, 1836, to Catherine Morgan, only daughter of David Morgan, of that city. Had four children - Lewis, born January 27, 1837, who died January 19, 1873 ; Bartlett Marshall, born February 1, 1839 ; Melissa A., born March 28, 1841, and John H., born December 29, 1842.

The disease which finally ended his life was consumption. The home where he resided for thirty years, and which was a landmark so long, has passed into other hands, and the living members of the family are all removed from the town. The monument in the pleasant little country cemetery, less than a mile from his old home, and the name bequeathed the township, are the only outward indications to remind the present generation of the warm, true-hearted pioneer, who was once so important a factor in the life of the community.

Carl Haertel

was born on the 16th of June, 1824, in the village of Bechenheim, Grand Duchy of Hesse- Darmstadt. At fourteen, he was bound to learn the trade of cooper and brewer ; at the expiration of his apprenticeship, he made extensive travels in Europe. In 1851, he came to the United States with his sister, Mrs. Fauerbach, of Madison. In 1852, he came to Portage and took up his residence, residing here until his death, which occurred Wednesday, June 7, 1876. Beginning business in Portage on a small scale, and in a manner commensurate with his limited means, by prudence, industry, and strict attention to business, he soon laid the foundation for the large estate he subsequently acquired. The fine buildings and business blocks he has erected are enduring monuments to his enterprise, sagacity and public spirit.

Mr. Haertel was thoroughly domestic in his habits, and rarely left home for more than a day or two at a time. He loved his home, and he loved his adopted city with all the aft'ection he felt for his Fatherland. Coming here when it was a mere hamlet, he knew all the people ; started with them in their battle for life ; shared their joys and their sorrows, and had an attachment for them all that amounted almost to a brotherly affection. No word, no act, no assistance was ever withheld by him that would promote the happiness of his fellow. No man that ever lived had a kinder heart or more unlimited benevolence than Mr. Haertel. His reputation in this respect was not confined to Portage, but it was co-extensive with the State, and his countrymen left their homes from across the sea, to come to Portage and vicinity, and they sought the counsel and invoked the aid of Mr. Haertel with as much confidence as the little child flies to its parent for protection, and they were never denied any assistance it was possible for his great heart to extend. His public spirit was no less marked than his private enter]irise. Everything having for its object the advancement and the local interests of Portage found in him an active and and liberal supporter. No public man or distinguished citizen ever came to Portage, whose comfort was not sought to be promoted by Mr. Haertel. He desired every stranger who came here to leave with a good impression of the city and its people, and to him is due in a great measure the reputation the city has gained for its public spirit, liberality and good fellowship. His unbounded humor Was also a distinguishing feature of his character, and in the years to come early settlers of Portage and their children will often recount a pleasant anecdote of Cai'l Haertel. On the 9th of June, 1876, he was laid away to rest in the beautiful Silver Lake Cemetery.

William Wier

William Wier, one of the earliest settlers and most eccentric residents of Portage, died very suddenly on the 6th day of July, 1877, aged about sixty years. He was in his usual health on the day previous, and was at the old fort on that day, but was drenched in a storm. He was a native of Scotland, and first appeared in this country as a soldier in a British regiment, stationed in Canada. He subsequently enlisted in the First United States Infantry, and, as a member of that regiment, served in the Seminole war. At the close of the Florida war, in 1842, he came with his regiment to Fort Winnebago, and remained here until the troops were ordered to Mexico in 1845. His term of service was close upon its expiration, and he was soon after mustered out at one of the forts in the Southwest. He then returned to Fort Winnebago, which had been left in charge of Sergt. Van Camp. The latter died within a brief period, and Weir succeeded him. Fort Winnebago became Portage ; this frontier grew to be a center of civilization, and the old fort that is the dejected memento of so many stirring memories, became a deserted ruin. Silence and desolation succeeded the sounds of reveille and retreat, and all the martial activity that once gave life to the place. But it was ever the same with Fort Winnebago to him, and he always considered himself its commander and special guardian. When the rebellion broke out. he enlisted in the Nineteenth Wisconsin. He was afterward promoted to a second lieutenancy in the Thirty-third, and was mustered out as a Captain.

The worn old veteran, who was out of his sphere in these piping times of peace, was buried in the neglected cemetery on the fort grounds, and he is entitled to the sound sleep of a faithful soldier.

Squire Sherwood Case

was born in Hillsdale, Columbia Co., N. Y., September 27, 1801. During his childhood, his parents removed to Chautauqua County, N. Y., then the extreme western limit of civilization. Here his father engaged in farming, lumbering and kindred occupations, and, as help was scarce and high, the boy here laid the foundation of the habits of industry which sei'ved him so welt in after life. He removed, when about twenty-one years of age, to Buffalo, N. Y., and rented the Farmers' Hotel in that place, which, after three years, he was enabled to buy. His connection with this hotel, first as lessee, then as proprietor, continued eleven years. He then took up the business of contracting for the building of public works and pursued it for a time with great success. He built the first macadamized road in the western part of New York, thereby converting an almost impassable road into a fine drive, an achievement which was then considered one of the wonders of the age. Unfortunately, however, he took a contract on the Erie Canal, and, by the suspension of work on it in 1842, he lost the bulk of his property. While in Buffalo, he was a member of the Common Council for ten or twelve years. He was Colonel of the Two Hundred and Eighth Regiment, New Yoi-k Militia, and served under Scott in the

After the loss of his property in 1842, he removed to Wisconsin and took up a farm in what is now Merton Township, Waukesha County, formerly a portion of Milwaukee County. But farming was less to his taste than mechanical work, so, in 18.51, he removed to Waukesha Village and purchased the car-shops there. He built the first cars used in the construction of the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railroad. He obtained the right of way for the company between La Crosse and Portage, to which latter city he removed in the spring of 1857. In the fall of 1857, he became station agent at Portage, which position he held for ten years. In the spring of 1868, he moved to Mauston, and, being advanced in years and broken in health, never again took an active part in business or politics. His death occurred at Mauston March 30, 1878.

In summing up the events of Mr. Case's active and useful life, it must not be forgotten that he was a member of the convention which formed the State Constitution. In this convention, he represented in part the county of Waukesha.

John Converse

Mr. Converse was born at Randolph, Orange Co., Vt., November 9, 1797. He removed thence to Stafford, Tolland Co., Conn. About the year 1820, was married to Miss Azubah Pinney, of Stafford, and lived there and at Chesterfield, N. H., until about 1843, when he removed westward. He stopped a short time at Tully, N. Y., but came to Randolph in this county about 1844 or 1845, and resided in Columbia County until 1877. For some years, he resided with his daughter, Mrs. A. B. Alden, in this city, but at her death he removed to Dundas, Minn., and made his home with his son, Frederick J., an<l died there August 10, 1879. His wife survived him, though then over eighty-four years of age. Their children were Mrs. A. B. Alden (deceased), J. Phelps Converse (deceased), Fred J. Converse, L. P. Converse, H. B. Converse, Mrs. E. W. Gaylord, Mary Converse (deceased), and Mrs. James Taylor (deceased).

Mr. Converse was a man of great benevolence. He at one time had a large quantity of land in Randolph. He built a grist-mill now standing about two miles north of Randolph Village. He also kept a hotel at Randolph Village, which was then called, after him, " Converseville." He was for several years Postmaster there, and for some time station agent at Randolph. This was his last regular business. His remains were interred at Faribault, Minn.

Alfred Topliff

Mr. Toplifi" was born in Westfield, Mass., November 11, 1799, and was the youngest of a family all of whom died comparatively young, except Mr. Topliff", who, had he lived eight days more, would have reached the grand old age of fourscore. He died early in November, 1879. In the spring of 1844, he came to Columbus, and soon afterward settled in the town of Hampden, and there went to work making improvements and preparing the way for the reception of his family, who were then East. In 1846, he went back after his family, and when he returned he found he was elected to the ofiice of County Surveyor, an office which he held until about year 1870, when he resigned, but the instruments which he loved so well were not allowed to become rusty for want of use. Many were the lines run and roads laid out by the good-natured Squire. In 1851, he was elected a member of the Wisconsin Legislature, and re-elected in 1852, proving himself to be an active, intelligent and honest member of that body. In 1855, he moved to Columbus, then a small village, and resided here until he died. It was always a pleasure to meet the good old gentleman. Kind, intelligent, courteous, a good word for everybody, always appearing to look on the bright side of the picture, and with that quaint humor, of which he was so fond, and which was ever at his command, he was sure to dispel what gloom might be upon his auditor, leaving him for the time being, at least, a transformed being, feeling better for having conversed with the good old man. He was a religious man in the true meaning of the word ; nothing egotistical or pharasaical about him, but a true, square, intelligent belief in God, and his Savior guarded and controlled him through the latter part of his earthly career.

Harrison S. Haskell

was born at Tunbridge, Vt., on the 8th day of September, 1818. He had only the advantage, of the common school in his early days, but these he improved diligently, and when he attained his majority, he had not only acquired a good common-school education, but he had the desire and the determination to possess what only college training could give him. Mainly by his own unaided efforts, he made his preparation for college, and entered the Vermont University, from which he graduated with high standing in 184.5. Immediately, he entered upon the study of law in his native State, but the next year, 1846, found him in Beloit, Wis., in the law oflBce of Noggle & Spaulding, where he pursued his legal study sufficiently to secure his admission to the bar. He commenced practice at the village of Columbus, in this county, in 1847, connecting with his law practice a general land agency in 1848. At Columbus, he formed a law partnership with J. J. Guppy, which existed until 1851, when the latter removed to Portage. These young men, by their strict integrity and their diligent attention to business, soon won the confidence of the people among whom they had chosen their homes. In 1852, Mr. Haskell was elected County Treasurer of his county, and entered upon the duties of that office at Portage, on the 1st day of .January, 185.3. Prior to the expiration of his office, he became cashier of Columbia County Bank, in which position he was succeeded by John P. McGregor. For several years, he was an extensive dealer in rea,l estate, both within and without the city of Portage, where he continued to reside after his election as Treasurer. He was elected Justice of the Peace of the Fourth Ward, and, until he received the appointment of Postmaster in the year 1874, he was repeatedly chosen to that office, though the ward in politics was strongly against him. He held for many years, and until within a few days of his death, the office of Circuit Court Commissioner. At the time of his death, he was Postmaster of Portage. From the organization of the Columbia County Agricultural Society, he was one of its fast friends. At diflferent times, he held almost every office in that society, and in all places he labored for its interest with ceaseless diligence. He had much more than average artistic taste, which, cultivated as it had been for many years, gave him a place at the head of almost every committee by which the merits of any production of fine arts were to be judged.

Samuel Stephen Brannan

was born at Silver Creek, Chautauqua County, N. Y., February 2, 1835, where he remained with his parents until about fourteen years of age, when, in 1849, they removed to Wisconsin, first settling at Calumet. In the spring of 1850, they removed to Portage. During the same year, he engaged to the Delaney Brothers as, a printer's apprentice, and in that capacity did duty as the " roller boy " on the first number of the Hirer Times, the first paper published in Columbia County ; so his connection with the press of Portage is antedated by no one. In 1853, he became inoculated with the California fever which so largely prevailed throughout the entire land at that time, and he determined to join a party which was being formed here to seek their fortunes in the new El Dorado. This he did, and although but eighteen years of age, he set out in the spring of that year for an overland trip to California. To make the journey to that then far-off land, through wilderness, desert and canyon, following the trail " into a silence as profound as the grave," was quite a different matter from what it is now. Then the journeying was principally by foot, the "canopy of heaven" serving as a blanket in fair weather, and the bottom-boards of the wagon utilized as shelter in case of a storm. After six months of weary travel, the party found itself in the Golden Land. Mr. Brannan soon obtained employment in a newspaper office at Downieville. In 1856, he returned to Portage, arriving home in the fall of that year. Here he was again employed in the newspaper offices of the city, and for several months he " held a case " as a compositor in the ofSce of the Madison Patriot. In

1860, he was elected Marshal of Portage City ; in 1861, he was elected Alderman of the Third Ward, and was repeatedly re-elected to the same position ; in 1871, he was elected Mayor of the city, and re-elected in 1872, each time receiving a unanimous vote, although the opposing party was largely in the majority in the city ; he was elected to the County Board of Supervisors in

1861, and was repeatedly re-elected. In 1872, he was elected to the assembly from this district, and was known as one of the most popular members of that body. He was frequently called to serve as a member of the Board of Education and in other minor official positions, and in every capacity as a public officer he served with credit to himself and acceptance to the public.

In 1861, he purchased the material of the old Badger State, then lying idle, and consolidated the office with the Portage City Record, which had been purchased by I. Holmes and A. J. Turner, under the name of the Wisconsin State Register. Mr. Holmes disposed of his interest in the establishment in 1864, and Messrs. Brannan & Turner continued to publish the paper until 1878, a period of seventeen years, when, Mr. Brannan's health failing him, the office was disposed of to John T. Clark, one of its present proprietors. In the fall of 1877, he decided upon a trip to Colorado, in the hope that his health, which had already become seriously impaired, might be restored. There he remained until the following summer, when he returned home, feeling that he had been greatly benefited, and confident that he was once more fit for active duty. After a few weeks, he returned again to Colorado, attracted thither by the excitement always attending the opening-up of a mining country. Just then, the Leadville mines were beginning to attract attention. Indeed, before they had become more than locally known, he formed a very high opinion of their extent and richness, for, as he expressed it, it was " bound to become the gi-eatest mining camp in the world." There he determined to set his stakes and go into business, which he did. With a partner, he opened a supply 'store, but it was late in the season, and there being few of the comforts of life in that remote locality, the altitude being far too great for susceptible constitutions and the weather being very severe, he underwent privations that produced a return of the malady from which he had suifered, and he was forced to relinquish business and return home to Portage. He improved somewhat in health through the winter, and, upon the death of Postmaster Haskell, was appointed to succeed him, and was able to assume charge of the office April 1, 1879. During the summer there was apparently a decided improvement in his health, and it was fondly hoped that thei'e were yet nlany yeai-s of usefulness and a fair degree of health in store for him. But the insidious disease which had so long preyed upon him was lurking in his system, and, a little more than two months before his death, compelled him to remain almost entirely in his rooms. Each succeeding day showed a gradual decline in his condition, and it was apparent that the lotcommon to all was not far distant. It came at last to his relief. He died in Portage April 5, 1880. He would gladly have lived, for he had " tasted the wine of existence " and he loved it ; but when he knew that the balance of life was resolved into a few days, he gladly welcomed death, and on a beautiful afternoon, surrounded by his family and many of those friends who were nearest and dearest to him, passed away quietly, calmly and with scarcely a struggle.

The funeral ceremonies were imposing. People came from all parts of the county and State to pay their last tribute of afi"ection to their deceased friend, attesting the deep respect in which he was held while living. There was hardly a town in the county that was not represented at the funeral by scores of citizens, and the Presbyterian Church afforded room for but a small portion of those present. Fi-iends from Milwaukee who were unable to attend sent kind words of condolence to the family, accompanied by gracefully wrought crescents, crosses and anchors, composed of beautiful flowers, and many ladies of Portage also sent lovely floral offerings.

Mr. Brannan's Masonic history is as follows : Initiated an Entered Apprentice January 12, 1861 ; passed to the Degree of Fellow Craft March 2, 1861 ; raised to the Sublime Degree of Master Mason August 10, 1861, in Fort AVinnebago Lodge, No. 3-3; advanced to the Honorary Degree of Mark Master June 29, 187-1: : elected and presided as Past Master October

12, 1874 ; received and acknowledged a Most Excellent Master November 9, 1874 ; and exalted to the August Degree of Royal Arch Mason March 11, 1875, in Fort Winnebago Chapter, No. 14, Royal Arch Masons ; constituted a Knight of the Red Cross March 9, 1876 ; created a Knight Templar, Knight of Malta, of the Order of St. John of Jerusalem, April 6, 1876, in Fort Winnebago Commandery, No. 4, of Knights Templar.

Mr. Brannan was the son of William and Prussia Brannan. He was one of five children, having had two sisters and two brothers, all of whom died of consumption, and his father finally dying of the same malady. He was married on the 27th day of August, 1861, to Miss Caroline M. Prentiss, of Portage. The fruits of this union were four children - Prentiss S., Willie R., Kittie C. and Jack T., all of whom survive him.

Mr. Brannan was personally known to almost every one in Columbia County, and it may be safely said, that no man had more friends or fewer enemies than he. There was something in his nature that attracted men and women to him with an irresistible force, and bound them to him in friendship as with bands of steel. He wanted to think well of everybody, and was never happier than when he was able by some kind word, act or deed, to promote the pleasure and welfare of his friends. His considerate and obliging nature was so thoroughly understood that men and women and young people went to him with their sorrows and troubles, much as the child goes to its mother with its grief, or the parishioner to the prelate with his affliction. This perfect confidence in his disposition to aid them, which so many seemed to feel, was the highest possible compliment that could have been paid him. His aid, counsel and assistance were sought by those sorely in need, and no one ever left him, after such a mission, regretfully. That these invocations frequently came from persons who had but little personal acijuaintance with him, was all the more complimentary, as it showed that his kindly and sympathetic nature was known wherever his name was spoken. How many went to him with their sorrows of which no one knows but themselves, cannot be conjectured, for he never betrayed a confidence that had been reposed in him.

On a sunny slope in Silver Lake Cemetery, in that "windowless palace of rest," reposes all that was mortal of Samuel Stephen Brannan. The hands of affection will plant shrubs and flowers around it, u o was born in Tyrone County, Ireland, in the month of October, 1816. He was the oldest son of Samuel and Letitia Dunn. In the year 1834, he emigrated to the United States, being then eighteen years old. He landed in New York, and immediately started West to the lead mines of Wisconsin, at Mineral Point, where he commenced digging for lead ore. He followed the mining business until December, 18-37, when he came to Fort Winnebago, now Portage. He there and then made a claim on Section 8, on the west side of the Wisconsin River, on a part of the plat of Portage, and he then went into trade in a house a little below where the United States Hotel now stands, on Bronson avenue. He kept a general supply store for lumbermen of the Wisconsin pinery, and Indian goods for Indian trade. He continued to live in Portage, and, in 1852, made and proved up a pre-emption right to the southeast quarter of Section 6, Township 12, Range 9, which covers that portion of tlie- plat of Portage lying west of Mac street and north of Conant street, including the railroad and depot buildings. In 1858, he sold out all his interest at Portage, and invested his means in the village of New Lisbon, Juneau County, purchasing one-half of the village plat, and the saw and grist mills of the place, where he lived until his death, which occurred in January, 1868. His death was occasioned by softening of the brain. He held many places of public trust, among which were

Mayor of Portage, a member of the Board of County Commissioners, Deputy United States Marshal, Justice of the Peace, and, in 1847, he was commissioned by the Governor a Lieutenant Colonel of Columbia County Militia. He built, with Hugh McFarlane, four saw-mills, two in the Wisconsin pinery and two on the Lemonweir, Juneau County. These men were in partnership in mining, lumbering and trading from 1835 up to June, 1852, a period of seventeen years. Andrew Dunn spent considerable money for the improvement of Portage City. He built a fine dwelling-house on the site where N. H. Woods' residence now stands ; he also built the present Corning House ; he built, at his own expense, the depot buildings and gave the railroad company a deed of four blocks for nothing, as an inducement to the railroad company to locate the depot where it now stands. In his pecuniary matters, he was industrious in accumulating and economical in all his habits. He had an eye to competent retirement, and to this end selected a beautiful location in the village of New Lisbon and built a good house for his final home. He left a wife and eight children - three sons and five daughters. One strong and prominent trait of his character was the sympathy of his nature. His benignity of manhood was the master key to Andrew Dunn's whole private and public life. They made him what all who surrounded him in life gladly knew him to be - a genial and high-toned gentle^ man ; a generous, guileless man, free from all pretense and deceit ; gentle-hearted and largeminded ; sagacious, moderate, judicious, faithful, true and just, whose charity never wearied and never slept : who held his own and his friends' honor above all the blandishments of passion, and all the temptations of ambition and wealth, and who came as near as our nature can come to loving his neighbor as himself.

Thomas J. Emerton

Thomas J., son of Thomas and Rachel (Perkins) Emerton, was born in Groton, N. H., March 15, 1805. Here he resided with his parents until nineteen years of age, assisting his father on the farm and attending the common schools of that section. When he reached the age mentioned, he left the paternal roof and emigrated to the northern part of the State and settled in Coos County, where he began the laborious work of clearing a farm. After he had been here two years, his parents also came, making their home with him until his marriage, February 19, 18-33, with Rebecca L. Rogers. Three children were born unto him - Benjamin J., Lucy R. and Andrew J. ; all of whom reached the age of maturity, and are now (1880) worthy citizens of Columbia County.

On the 3d day of April, 1851, Mr. Emerton and his family left his native State for the great West, arriving at Fort Winnebago in about one month. Here he purchased a farm in the town of Fort Winnebago, on which he resided sixteen yeai-s, when he removed to Westfield, Marquette County, where he died January, 1870, leaving his aged companion and three children to mourn his loss.

When a young man, he affiliated with the Democratic party, but when the slavery question was prominently agitated in the early day, he embraced the principles of the Free-Soil partv, and was a delegate to the convention which nominated John P. Hale for President, and was its presiding officer. On the organization of the Republican party, he identified himself with it, and was a consistent advocate of its principles until death. While a citizen of New Hampshire, he was often elected to town office, and was a member of the Legislature of the State for two years. On his removal to this State, though often solicited, he invariably declined to become a candidate for any office, preferring the pleasures of a private life to the excitement and turmoil attending the life of the politician.

Shortly after his marriage, together with his wife, he united with the Presbyterian Church, with which body he was a consistent member until he was called to his reward above. To him death had no terrors, for he did not die as one without hope.

While Mr. Emerton only received the advantages of a common-school education, he was a well-read man ; well versed in political, scientific and religious subjects, and especially in general history. Few men were better posted in this latter department.

It has been we!! said of him that he was a gentleman of the old school. It mattered not under what circumstances he was placed ; whether dressed in the common every-day clothes of the toiling farmer, or in the broadcloth of the man of leisure ; whether in company with the rich or poor, the scholar or the ignorant man, he was ever the same pleasant, cultured gentleman. It was natural with him. In the family circle, he was kind and indulgent, having great love for his wife and children ; ever ready to sacrifice his own comfort for their pleasure. He was always in good humor, and fond of a good joke ; a good story-teller, and was always ready to match a good one related by another by a better one. His wit was proverbial, and few cared to test him in a war of words, or wete ever satisfied at the end of the encounter.

Joseph Bailey

was born in May, 1827, in Ashtabula Co., Ohio, and removed in 18.32, with his father's family, to Livingston, Fulton Co., 111., and completed his education at Quincy. He spent much of his early life in the lead mines near Galena, and in exploring for minerals in Kansas and Missouri.

In 18-50, he took up his residence in Columbia County, Wis., and, in conjunction with Jonathan Bowman, founded the village of Newport. When the rebellion broke out, he was engaged in the real-estate !)usiness, lumbering, and contracting on the public works. He immediately proceeded to raise a company of lumbermen, and tendering its services to Gov. Randall, it was accepted. He was commissioned as Captain, and his company assigned to the Fourth Regiment, Col. Paine, and moved with his regiment to Baltimore. Here Capt. Bailey's peculiar talents were brought into use. AVhile stationed at the Relay House, he superintended the construction of Fort Dix, a small but powerful work, which commanded the "viaduct" at that point. After this, he was employed in the construction of barracks for the regiment, in Patterson Park, Baltimore, and in twenty-eight days completed a building 1,550x28 feet, with quartermaster and commissary buildings, and officers' quarters.

Capt. Bailey accompanied the movements of the Fourth Wisconsin to Ship Island, New Orleans, and up the river to Vicksburg. Here he spent three days with six of his men, reconnoitering in the rear of the city, ascertaining that the enemy had eight guns in position. Returning with the second expedition, Capt. Bailey was placed in command of the " working details " on the famous Butler "canal" or "cut-off." The work was engineered by a Polish engineer, and proved a failure. Continuing with the Fourth Wisconsin until September, 1862, Capt. Bailey was detached by Gen. Butler to superintend the construction of Government levees, In October, he was ordered to construct a fortification on the right of Fort Parapet. After its completion, another work was constructed on the south side of the Parapet, and also a sti'ong fort on the west side of the river. These works occupied his attention during the winter of 1862-6.3.

About this time, he was appointed Chief Engineer on Gen. W. T. Sherman's staff, and was subsequently employed in erecting heavy fortifications at Pass Manchac.

Capt. Bailey was promoted to Major of the Fourth Wisconsin, in March, 1863, but still retained his position on the staff of Gen. Sherman. In tlie investment of Port Hudson, in May, it was found necessary to plant a battery on a ridge, which was commanded by a direct and enfilading fire of the enemy's artillery and musketry. The project was pronounced impracticable, except at a great loss of life, by "the Chief Engineer and his subordinates, except Maj. Bailey, who thought it might be accomplished, and urged his opinion with such pertinacity that the commanding General consented that the Major should make the attempt at its construction. Furnished with a detail from the Engineer Corps, and a regiment of infantry as supi)orts, with characteristic energy the Major commenced his work, and, notwithstanding the doubts and sneers of educated engineers, which were plentifully bestowed, in seventy-two hours he astonished the enemy by unmasking, within 320 yards of their strongest work, a powerful battery of eighteen nine-inch guns, which completely silenced, and kept silent, the enemy in his front. Maj. Bailey also constructed a mine under one of the principal works of the enemy, by running a drift to a point in front of the water-side of the citadel, a distance of over four hundred yards ; from this he approached, by a series of parallels, to the base of the enemy's works, under which he excavated a horizontal shaft, 180 feet in length, and at the terminus deposited twelve barrels of powder, and was nearly ready to explode the mine, on the 4th of July, when the place was surrendered. For his services during the siege, he was highly complimented by Gen. Banks, who issued an order promoting him to the colonelcy of the Fourth Regiment. He at once took command of the regiment, but the authority of Gen. Banks to promote oiEcers in the field was not recognized by the War Department, and Col. Boardman was placed in command of the regiment, Maj. Bailey being promoted to Lieutenant Colonel, patriotically acquiescing in the decision of his superiors.

During the winter of 186-3-64, Lieut. Col. Bailey was engaged in recruiting in Wisconsin, and, in February, 1864, returned to the regiment with recruits sufficient to fill the Fourth Wisconsin to the maximum as a cavalry regiment.

On the 8th of March, he was detached, to serve as Chief Engineer on the staff of Gen. Franklin, that General commanding the Nineteenth Corps, and accompanied that corps on the Red River expedition, returning with the army of Gen. Banks to Alexandria, where it was ascertained that the water in Red River was so low that the fleet of gunboats and transports could not pass the lower falls.

With an army dispirited by disaster, a powerful force of the enemy threatening an attack hourly, commissary supplies nearly exhausted, with the fleet of gunboats and transports thus helpless and useless, every expedient to relieve them was abandoned as hopeless by those who had made military engineering a study for life. It was left for an obscure lumberman from Columbia County to put in practice that experience which, on a smaller scale, had enabled him and his brother-raftsmen to get their rafts o9' the sand-bars and obstructions common to the streams on which they ply their trade.

Col. Bailey suggested the building of a dam, 640 feet in length, to raise the water on the rapids, to enable the imprisoned vessels to pass over. The project was scoffed at by the regular engineers, but Col. Bailey obtained permission and at once went to work, and within eleven days had the dam completed, and, after a little delay, gunboats and transports were passed over the obstructions, and the army started on its way rejoicing.

This was the crowning glory in the military career of Col. Bailey. He received from all sides compliments for his skill and ingenuity. Commodore Porter thanked him in a public letter. Congress passed the following vote of thanks :

Resolved, by the Senate and House of Representatives, in Congress assembled, That the thanks of Congresa be and are hereby tendered Lieut. Col. .Joseph Bailey, of the Fourth Regiment Wisconsin Volunteers. Acting Engineer of the Nineteenth Army Corps, for distinguished services in recent campaigns on Red River, by which the gunboat flotilla, under Rear Admiral David D. Porter, was rescued from imminent peril. And be it further resolved. That the President of the United States be requested to cause a copy of this resolution to be transmitted to Lieut. Col. Bailey.

In the passage of the army across the Atchafalaya, at Simonsport, the ingenuity of Col. Bailey constructed a bridge of the transports of the fleet, which passed the whole army safely over, and, in twelve minutes after the last wagon had crossed, the fleet of floats which had constituted the bridge were steaming rapidly toward the Mississippi.

On the 10th of June, 1864, Col. Bailey was brevetted Brigadier General, as previously mentioned, an^l was consigned to the command of a brigade, and was stationed on the Mississippi and White Rivers, and was subsequently assigned to the command of all the besieging forces operating against Fort Morgan, in Mobile Bay, and took the place. After this, he was sent to Pensacola, took command of the district, and was successful in three small engagements.

On the 10th of November, he received a commission as Brigadier General. He returned to Baton Rouge and commanded the First Division of Gen. Davidson's corps of cavalry, on his raid through Louisiana, Alabama and Mississippi. Returning, with his division, to Baton

Rouge, he was put in command of the Northern District of Louisiana, with headquarters at Baton Rouge, and, in March, 1865, was ordered to join Gen. Canby, on Mobile Bay, and commanded all the engineer forces, consisting of a division and detachments of the army which finally took Mobile.

After the fall of Mobile, he was placed in command of a cavalry division, and moved from there to Baton Rouge, by land, with orders to look after Jeff Davis, who was then trying to leave the country. Gen. Bailey remained in this position until he resigned. During his military career, he was several times wounded, but not severely enough to detain him from duty for more than two days.

Gen. Bailey was married in 1846 to Miss Mary Spaulding, by whom he had seven children. In the fall of 1865, after returning from the army, he removed to Missouri, settling finally in Vernon County. In the fall of 1866, he was elected Sheriff of the county, and, in the discharge of his official duties, he was killed by two brothers named Pixley, March 25, 1867. The murderers escaped and were never captured, notwithstanding a reward of $5,000 was offered and every effort made for their capture. A widow and five children were left to mourn his loss.

Gen. Bailey was highly respected by all who knew him, being brave and generous to a fault. He was very fond of his family, and never so happy as when with them. He was a member of the Masonic Fraternity, and was buried with Masonic honors.

Henry Merrell

His father, Benajah Merrell, was born in New Hartford, Conn., June 18, 1766. His mother, Lucretia Henderson, was born in the same place September 7, 1768. Very little of the history of his parents is known, save that they were farmers in moderate circumstances. His mother relates that, prior to the outbreak of the Revolutionary war, those who used tea were considered as Tories, therefore little, if any, was used ; that at one time, supposed to be when the news of the battle of Lexington had reached them, her father rushed into the church where the people had assembled for worship, crying, " Turn out ! turn out ! the British are coming ! " which had the effect of hastily breaking up the meeting. The marriage of Benajah Merrell and Miss Henderson occurred in their native town September 18, 1789. Soon after this, they moved to New Hartford, N. Y. This was before there were any public conveyances west of Albany, N. Y., Mrs. Merrell traveling the entire distance on horseback. Passing through Utica, where there were at the time but a few log houses, and, not fancying its location, they proceeded four miles beyond and settled on the river, in New Hartford. Here Mr. Merrell embarked in the mercantile business, at the same time building a grist-mill - the first in that region, and, probably, the first west of Albany. While here, he sold a span of horses to Jason Parker, and went with him into the woods to cut the poles to cover the wagon to be used as a stage - the first ever run between Albany and Utica. Subsequently, he removed to L^tica, and was elected Sheriff. Eight children were born to this worthy couple, four sons and four daughters, all of whom grew to men's and women's estate. The subject of this sketch was the seventh child, and was born in Utica, N. Y., August 7, 1804, where he obtained his education. In 1819, with his father's family, he removed to Sacket's Harbor, N. Y., where his elder brother, Hiram, had been since 1812, engaged in the mercantile business. In a short time, Mr. Merrell went into his brother's store as a clerk, and remained with him until 1823. In the fall of that year, he received a proposal from, and went to Utica and engaged with, Alexander Seymour, as head clerk and book-keeper of his establishment. Here he made many influential friends and acquaintances, among whom were Montgomery Hunt, President of the Utica Bank ; Mr. Lathrop, of the Ontario Bank ; Henry Seymour, Canal Commissioner and father of ex-Gov. Seymour, and many others. While here, he had the privilege of hearing William Lloyd Garrison deliver an Abolition lecture, the first in his life.

In the spring of 1825, his brother Hiram made him an ofier to return to Sacket's Harbor and embark with him in the mercantile business, which was accepted. Here the entire charge of the store was thrown upon him, giving him experience useful to him in after life. At this place, he formed the acquaintance of Commodore Woolsey, Gen. Brady, Col. Cummings, Maj. N. Clark, Paymaster Satterlee Clark, Sr., Gen. Wool, and many others famous in history.

In 1834, he made up his mind to go West, and Capt. Clitz, a recruiting officer in Utica, hearing of it, wrote him of an opportunity to embark in the sutler business at Fort Winnebago, Wis., and advised him to come to Utica and see about it. This letter was shown to his friend, Lieut. Bradley, who advised him to go, representing the country as the most beautiful he ever saw. Taking the stage for Utica, Mr. Merrell called upon Capt. Clitz, and was fortunate in there meeting Col. Cummings, who had been through Wisconsin also. He was by these men introduced to Satterlee Clark, Sr., who held the appointment of sutler at the fort. An arrangement was effected, and Mr. Merrell returned to Sacket's Harbor to make his arrangements for embarking in the business. The brother of Mr. Merrell was greatly surprised that he should undertake any business without first consulting him, and inquired where he was to get the money necessary. Henry replied he intended asking a certain person to indorse for him. This greatly amused the brother, as the gentleman named was known to be very close and cautious in all things, and seldom indorsed for any one. But Henry was not mistaken in his man. His note was indorsed, money obtained, and he went to New York to purchase his stock.

In New York, he was fortunate in meeting several old acquaintances, who favored him by introducing him to leading business houses, where he obtained credit for all the stock desired. He was also fortunate in meeting several sutlers from other posts, who gave him much valuable information as to what he should buy. He came to Fort Winnebago when it was a military post, in 1834, and held the position of sutler. He was engaged in merchandising for a number of years, and was elected Senator from the Portage District after the adoption of the State Constitution in 1848. He resided here from 1834 till his death, but devoted his time to business rather than public matters, and by his energy and foresight acquired a handsome fortune. For a number of years previous to his death, he had been engaged in active business in La Crosse, and came to his home from that city the previous week feeling unwell, and two days afterward fell into a stupor, from which he was raised with great difficulty by his attending physicians. After he was restored to consciousness, he did not recover his strength, but continued to decline gradually, but certainly, up to the last hour, when he passed away without a struggle. During his long residence in Portage, he always commanded the greatest respect. His amiability and cheerfulness of character, and his active sympathy in every good and charitable work, endeared him to his friends and the community where he so long resided. His name was intimately interwoven with the early settlers and pioneers of Wisconsin, by all of whom he was respected and esteemed. He passed away after a busy life, at a ripe old age, without a blemish on his record, and universally regretted. His death occurred May 5, 1876.

Julius Conveese Chandler

He was the fifth son of William B. Chandler, in a fiimily of thirteen children, all of whom possessed strong characteristics, and several of them have occupied important and responsible positions, both in civil and public life. Julius entered as an apprentice to the printing trade at an early age in the office of the Green Mountain Freeinan, published at Montpelier, Vt., which was the leading paper in the State.

On completing his apprenticeship, he set out as a journeyman, his first stopping-place being Quincy, Mass. In 1858, he went thence to Cleveland, Ohio, where his brother William then resided, and worked for a time as compositor on the Leader. In the fall of the same year, he weat back to Quincy, and was married to Miss Helen W. Adams, of that place. Returning to Cleveland, he contiiaifcd his work there until August, 1854, when he removed to Janesville, in this State, where he worked on the Democrat, of which Judge Armstrong was editor. From Janesville he came to Portage, where he and his brother, John A., started the Independent.

John withdrew at the end of nine months, and after the paper had lived two years, Julius sold to Robert B. Wentworth. He continued a year longer in Portage, out of business and then went to Friendship and started the Adams County Independent , which he published till the war broke out, when enlisted in the Second Regiment. In the first battle of Bull Run, he was disabled so that he was discharged from the sei'vice. He then returned to Friendship, and continued the Independent irregularly till May, 1864, when he again enlisted, this time in the Fortieth, a 100-day regiment, serving till October. In December of the same year, he entered the service of his brother, William W., as traveling agent of the Star Freight Line, and so continued for about two years and a half, in the mean time selling his office at Friendship. In 1867, he removed to Baraboo, after which his career was still more erratic and unsteady than before. There he published for awhile the Baraboo Independent^ and again the Sauk County Herald. Still later, he made newspaper ventures at Augusta, Eau Claire and Elroy, and, in 1877, he edited a paper called Frontiei- Business, at Morris, Minn. In the intervals between these many ventures were times when he was wholly out of business or employment.

The sobriquet, " Shanghai," was given to him by the local Democratic politicians, as the representative of the Republican or " Shanghai " party, as it was called by the Democracy in 1854 - 55. The new species of Shanghai poultry was introduced into the State about the time the Republican party was in the period of incubation. When it finally made its appearance, it was dubbed the " Shanghai party," because it was a new species of fowl in the political barnyard. Mr. Chandler's ardent advocacy of the principles of the new party, as well as his personal appearance, obtained for him the cognomen of " the Shanghai ;" he accepted it and used it as his nom de plume in some of his correspondence, and by it he ever after was generally known. He died at Baraboo, Sauk Co., Wis., August 28, 1878, aged forty-five years and five days.

Samuel K. Vaughan

was born in South Adams, Mass., April 20, 1824, In 1841 the family moved to West Troy, N. Y., where his father and he engaged in the boot and shoe business. He was married on the 10th of June, 1844, to Miss Lavinna W. Wandell, of West Troy. He came West in 1848, and opened a boot and shoe establishment at Waupun, where he remained nearly four years. Meanwhile he studied law, and was admitted to the bar in Fond du Lac in 1852, and the same yes-r he moved to Wyocena, which was then the county seat of Columbia County. He was elected Clerk of the Court, in 1852, and when the county seat was changed he removed to Portage ; he was re-elected and served acceptably. He then re-established himself in the boot and shoe business in Portage. When Fort Sumter was fired on, he promptly organized a company in Portage, of which he was commissioned Second Lieutenant, to rank from April 25, 1861. His company was mustered in as "three months' men," in the Second Regiment of Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry. He was in the first battle of Bull Run, soon after which he was taken sick and was discharged. He came home, recovered, raised a company and was commissioned a Captain in the Nineteenth Regiment, to rank from December 19, 1861. On the 3d of December, 1863. he was promoted to the rank of Major. His commission as Lieutenant Colonel ranks from April 28, 1865. His commission as Colonel, by brevet, dates August y, 1865, and his colonelcy ranks from August 31, 1865. On the 22d of May, 1866, he was honored with the commission of Brigadier General, by brevet, in recognition of his "efficient and zealous services," and he was to rank as such from August 9, 1865, which was the date of his discharge at Richmond, Va. He was elected Sherifi" of Columbia County, in the fall of 1866. and served during the years 1867 and 1868. At the expiration of his office, he engaged in the manufacture of fanning-mills. The Colonel's health was never good after the war ; his final illness was brief but severe ; the leading cause of his death was rheumatism of the heart. He died on the 27th of September, 1872. Few men e.xcelled him in attractive social qualities ; he was public-spirited and deservedly popular. While a resident of Fond du Lac County, he served several terms on the Board of Supervisors. His home was the abode of generous hospitality.

He was domestic in his tastes and devotedly attached to his family. While in the service, he was a faithful home correspondent. In his early life he was an active Good Templar, and was always a consistent temperance man. He was a prominent member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows ; a man of strong convictions, a positive character, but his sound sense and good nature prevented his making enemies. He was a kind friend and a valued citizen. His widow still lives in Portage, on the homestead. He was the father of four children.

Joseph Kerr

Mr. Kerr was one of the first settlers of Columbia County. Scarcely any man in it had been more intimately connected with its history, or had taken a livelier interest in its growth and prosperity, for the ten years preceding his death, than Mr. Kerr. In his own town, Randolph, he was rapidly called by the suffrages of his townsmen to fill offices of trust and importance. He was for years Chairman of its Board of Supervisors, and three times elected Chairman of the County Board. He represented Columbia County in the Legislature for two terms - 1848 and 1849 - with honor and ability; and, at the time of his death, he was a Director in the La Crosse & Milwaukee Railroad Company.

Possessing fair ability, with good business talents, in whatever station he was placed, he acquitted himself honorably and to the satisfaction of all. A devoted and affectionate husband, a kind and indulgent parent, a good neighbor and obliging friend, and honest man and a sincere Christian, Mr. Kerr lived beloved and respected, and died January 22, 1855, in Randolph, mourned by all who knew him.

John Pardee

Mr. Pardee was born in Norfolk, Litchfield Co., Conn., February 15, 1796. He removed with his parents, when quite young, to Marcellus (now Skaneateles), Onondaga Co., N. Y. At the age of sixteen, he was left, by the death of his father, in charge of a family of six younger brothers and sisters, of whom he had charge until they were grown. He served in the war of 1812. In 1824, he removed with his mother to Wadsworth, Medina Co., Ohio, where he engaged in merchandising for thirty years. - He removed to Wisconsin in 1859, settling at Pardeeville, remaining there until his death, which occurred on the 26th of June, 1873, after a lingering illness of more than three years' duration. Mr. Pardee was always affable and courteous in his manner, and impressed all with whom he came in contact as being a gentleman at all times and under all circumstances.

Andrew Sweany

was born in the town of Luny, county of Derry, Ireland, October 29, 1829. He came to Quebec, Canada, in July, 1842 ; thence he removed directly to the State of Vermont. After a few weeks he went to Schuyler Falls, N. Y., and attended a high school at that place, taking a very high rank as a scholar, in the class of which he was a member. After remaining there a few years, he went to St. John's, Canada. From this place he moved to New Hampshire. On the 4th of October, 1849, he, with the rest of the fiimily, came to the town of Fort Winnebago. He was elected Superintendent of Schools, for the town, in 1852 ; in 1855 was chosen Town Clerk ; he was elected Chairman of the town for the years 1857 and 1858. During the sessions of the County Board in these years, he was an active and prominent member. As Chairman of the Committee on the Poor, he recommended and strenuously advocated the " County System " for their maintenance. Through his efforts, with those of some other members, he had the satisfaction of seeing the present Poor system for the county adopted, at the session in 1858. He remained in the vicinity until he entered a seminary some years previous to his death. He considered he had a call for the ministry of the Catholic Church. Had he commenced his studies sooner, he would undoubtedly have become an able, learned and zealous clergyman. It should, however, be remarked that he had commenced to study for the same end, when sixteen years of age; but his parents, fearing for his health, advised him to discontinue, which, in obedience to their wishes, he did ; but the desire still remained.

He was of remarkable depth of mind, gifted with a clear, well-poised intellect and good natural endow^ments. His apprehension was quick and judgment accurate. No one could more nicely or justly discriminate the defects or excellencies of a performance, or the exhibition of talent or genius, but his good sense and self-difBdence generally suppressed the declaration of his sentiments. He valued and appreciated erudition in all its branches and for all its legitimate purposes, and strove patiently and laboriously to acquire an extensive knowledge of sound literature. He was a rapid, correct and instructive writer ; he could speak, too, and when he did so, it told with effect - it was always to the point. He was a firm, consistent and conscientious Catholic, but his homage was a reasonable one. He was not fanatic or visionary. His veneration for religion and its ministers was not servile or forced ; not springing from ignorance or superstition, but voluntary and enlightened. For those who differed with him in his religious convictions, he retained neither hatred nor prejudice. His nature was to show respect and proper appreciation for tlie honest opinions and convictions of his fellow-creatures ; he did not display aggressiveness, even when convinced of the justness of his cause; hence the respect in which his opinions were held, even by those wtio did not agree or coincide with them. He died in the town of Fort Winnebago March 20, 1873.