Darien Town

Organization

When, by act of the Territorial Legislature, approved January 2, 1838, the town of Dela- -van was created, consisting of four townships, the one now forming Darien was among the number. By an act approved January 6, 1840, Town 2 north, in Rango 15 east, was formed into a separate town, by the name of Darien, from a town of the same name in New York, from -which most of the early settlers came. The surface of the town is generally quite level, the greater portion of the rolling land being near the central and northern part.

Topography

The soil is of excellent quality throughout, being easy of cultivation and highly productive. The town is very fairly timbered with the various varieties indigenous to this part of the State. The inhabitants are mostly Americans, with a small admixture of other nationalities. The population of 1875 was 1,442; it is now 1,391.

The Turtle Creek, the largest and most important stream in the town, enters on Section 13, and, after a circuitous bend, passes thi-ough the town south and westerly, leaving it on Section IS. This stream fiu'nishes some water-power, but it is too level to be of superior value as such. Muzzy Creek enters on Section 33 and flows a little to the northwest, leaving the tovm on Section 31, and empties into the Turtle in Rock County. Spring Brook Creek enters on Section 31 and leaves the town on the same section, emptying into the Muzzy in Rock County. For some distance on either side of the Turtle is considerable marsh land, and also in the southwestern part of the town, in the vicinity of the Muzzy and Spring Brook Creeks. Tiu-tle Prairie, so called from the creek of the same name, extends across the town east and west, a little south of the center, the others being Ridge Prairie, in the northeast; Rock Prairie, in the northwest; Hazie Prairie, on Section 13, and Blooming Prairie, north of and near the center. The original oak openings were in the north and northeast part of the town. There are still existing a few of the Indian mounds, supposed to have been built by the ancient Mound-Builders, but these are of small size and almost undiscernible. These are principally on Section 18.

Early Settlement

The town of Darien was first settled by Christopher Chesebro and E. Belding, who came in Aj^ril, 1837 - the former from Otsego County, N. Y., the latter from Hadley, Mass. Mr. Chesebro settled on Section 11, built a house, broke a few acres of land, and planted corn, beans and a few other vegetables. Mr. Belding located on Section 11, and also broke a few acres of land. He is now a resident of Delavan. IVIi-. Chesebro died in the spring of 1839, his death being the first in town. At the time of their coming to the town of Darien, both of these pioneer settlers were unmarried. Next came N. S. Comstock, fi-om Delawai-e County, N. Y., on horseback, the date of his advent being May 28, and the locality of his settlement Section 7. After erecting a log house, he broke twenty acres of land and retiu-ned to New York for his family. Being possessed of some money, Mi-. Comstock escaped many of the hard " rubs " which most of the pioneers were obliged to endure. A. W. Maxsou, now of Janesville, fm-nishes fm-ther interesting information of the settlers of 1837 and 1838, in the following words: " Joseph Maxson, a native of Rhode Island, settled in Allegany County, N. Y., in 1801. He was then seventeen years of age, and his worldly wealth consisted of a scanty wardrobe and 2 cents in money. He sold his only pair of shoes for an ax, and, going eight miles into the wilderness, cleared himself a farm - the site of the present village of Centerville. (The old ax and one of these cents are still kept by his son as precious relics. ) In the spring of 1837, he took his son, A. W. Maxson, then seventeen years of age, the old ax for which he traded his shoes in 1801, a few tools, and, with one horse "and a wagon, started for Wisconsin. He aiTived on Turtle Prairie May 29. It was then in full bloom, and covered with wild flowers. Locating on Section 18, they cut the sod from the prairie with an ax, and jilauted beans and melons. Soon after they were located in their new home, the father fell from his horse, and, striking a stone, broke five of his ribs. His son, with the assistance of two young men (William Moore and Hiram Kingsley), who had that day arrived from Illinois, undertook the duties of surgeon and nurse. They bled him with a jack-knife, buckled a strap around his body, and in three weeks he assisted in building their cabin, cutting the first tree with the same old ax which cut the first tree in Centerville in 1804. Remaining about a month, he went back to New York for more supplies. Moore and Kingsley then broke a few acres of land on Sections 5 and 19, sowing part of it to buckwheat. They returned to Illinois, leaving the crop in charge of yoiing Maxson. He cut it with a cradle, constructed of a grass scythe and a few oak branches, threshed it on the gi'ound, allowed the wind to clean it, and then ground it in a coflee-mill. This was the first grain raised in the town of Darien. In the month of June, John Lippett, Gyrus Lippett, John Bruce, Salmon Thomas and Trumbell D. Thomas arrived. Soon after, a child of Mi-. Thomas' died, and IVIrs. Thomas gave birth to a child - Alfred W., since District Attorney, the first white child born in the town of Darien. In the fall of 1837, Benjamin Moore arrived with a large family. W'illiam Carter came in December and built a log house on Section 21, which was biu-ned the following spring by prairie tires. In the spring of 1838, Amos Older settled on the same section, his father, a gi-ay-haired old man, accompanying him. During the winter also came Austin Maxson, from the State of New York, walking the entire distance to Wisconsin. At this time, the largest wild animals were wolves and deer, although a lynx and a panther are said to have been killed. Mills had not been built, and the settlers went to Dundee, 111., to have their grain ground. The first saw-mill was built by Joseph Maxson and his son A. \V., in 1841, and was replaced in 1850 by a grist-mill, also erected by them."

Salmon Thomas, with his family, and his brother, Trumbull D.. moved into the present town of Darien in June, 1837. Mr. Thomas' brother had made his claim in the fall of 1836, and paid a man to put a log house on it, but when the family arrived they found the logs rolled up and covered, but no door or windows. They were obliged to cut a door through before they could get in.

The most prominent settlers who came to the town of Darien previous to 1841 are as follows: In the spring of 1838, O. W. Carter, Jr., Leander Dodge, Jacob S. (;!ook, Jacob A. Sea, Lyman and Loren K. Jones, Asher Johnson, Hiram A. Johnson, Jared Fox and Charles Ellsworth in the summer and fall of 1838; William and C. Hollister, in the spring, and Ebenezer Chesebro, Elijah Belden, Rev. Mr. Kingsley, John V. AValker, Hugh Long and Chester D. Long in June of 1839; Nicholas Peny and two sons, Jabez B. Chesebro, Lyman H. Seaver, William A. Waterhouse, Alvah Johnson, Joseph Wilkins and Robert Lawson in the summer and fall of 1839; Archibald Woodard, John Curtis, Lemuel Hollister, Elisha McCollister, William G. Mavhaw, Jasper Griggs, Hiram A. Stone, John Wilkins. M. Woodhull and Robert A. Houston in" 1840.

Of these persons, W. E. Chesebro, Cyrus Lip]iett, William and Orange W. Carter, Hiram A. Johnson. Chester D. Long. Alvah Johnson, Cyrenius and William Hollister, and Salmon Thomas, are still residents of Darien, while Nicholas S. Comstock, Joseph Maxson, Benjamin Moi>re, E. B. Gates, John Bruce, Loren K. Jones, Leander Dodge, Amos Older, Reuben Knapp, Asher Johnson, Hugh Long. Lyman H. Seaver, Ebenezer Chesebro, Newton McGraw, Robert Lawson, Nicholas Perry, Henry Tojiping, Jesse Older, Eugene Flaherty and Jasjier Griggs are known to be dead. The settlers of a later date are Valentine Aldrich, Robert Hutchinson, Archibald Woodard, John Wilkins, Peter M. Keeler, Eli King, H. B. Greenman, Cornelius Dykeman, Jacob Niskern. John Niskern, Ira P. Lanard, Asa Foster, Randall Stone, Isaac Vail, Levi Bedell, Josiah Vrooman. John B. Hastings, Josiah Dodge, Samuel W. Dodge, George Walker, Moses McKee, Henry Frey, Ezekiel Trip)), Jeremiah Bradway, Jamas Dilley, Hiram Onderdonk. John Rhinehart, Ovid Reed, S. C. and Amos Ives, Joshua Parish, Carey Welch, Lucius Relyea, James Dudley, Zebulon T. Lee, Levi Blakeman, Rial N. Weed, James McKey, William Woodard, Eusebias Barwell, Rufns, Alexander and James Gallu]), John B. Cook, Stephen Mc- Hugh, Thomas McHugh, John F. McKee, Willard Blanchard and Elisha Hunt. A majority of the above-named persons were from the town of Darien, N. Y.

them had not sufficient to piu'chase theii- land at the land sales, and had to boiTow money by the process called "machine shave." They paid iJ'JOO for eighty acres, and on the whole amount of money 12 per cent interest. But they, however, came to stay, and the wealthy farmers of the town bear evidence to how well they have caiTied out their intentions.

Resume

The town of Darien was first settled by Elijah Belding and Christojjher C. Chesebro, in April, 1837. Mr. Belding came from Hadley, Mass., and settled on Section 10, while Mr. Chesebro came from Otsego County, N. Y., and settled on Section 15. They were both unmarried at the date of their settlement. Mr. Chesebro died in the spring of 1830, his death being the first in the town. Mr. Belding is now a resident of Delavai\ In 1837 came Joseph and Ai-thur Maxson, who settled on Section 18; Nicholas S. Comstock, on Section 27; Salmon and Trumbull D. Thomas, on Section 12; William Moore, on Section 15; W. E. Chesebro, on Section 18: Benjamin Moore, on Section 5; Hiram Kingsley. on Section 18; John Bruce, on Section 27; Cjtus and John Lippett, on Section 35; Lorenzo Carter, on Section 35; Loren K. and Lyman Jones, on Section 10; William and Orange AV. Carter, on Section 21; E. B. Gates, on Section 8; and Martin Moore is said to have come in at this time, but made no permanent settlement.

The settlers of the spring of 1838 are Leander Dodge, on Section 28 ; Amos Older, on vSection 21; Jacob A. Sea, on Section 35: Reuben Knapp, on Section 24; Asher Johnson, on Section 17; Hiram A. Johnson, on Section 18; Hugh and Chester D. Long, on Section 28; Alvah Johnson, on Section 20; Lyman H. Seaver, on Section 33; Ebenezer Chesebro, on Section 11; William A. Waterhouse, on Section 33; Newton McGraw, on Section 10; CjTennius Hollister, on Section 4; AVilliam Hollister, on Section 8; Robert Lawson, on Section 10; Jared Fox, on Section 11; Jabez B. Chesebro, on Section 19; John V. Walker, on Section 33; Nicholas Pen-y, on Section 34; Henry Topping, on Section 35; Jesse Older, on Section 20.

First Things And Events

Other early marriages were those of M. S. Pratt to Lydia Comstock, March 28, 1841; Peter Bowen to Hannah Older, May 4. 1840; William Carter to Adaline Seaver, December 15, 1841. Rev. H. Topjiing tied the nuptial knots.

The first birth in the town was A. D. Thomas, a son of Salmon Thomas, in August, 1837. He has since been District Attorney of W^alworth County, and is now an attorney at law in Deadwood, D. T.

In the summer of 1840, a private school was taught by Mrs. Maiy Carter, in Cyrus Lipjiett's house, being the first in the town. In the fall of the same year, a school was taught in what is now District No. 4. by C. D. Long. He commenced his school the 1st of November, in a schoolhouse which had been previously built. Miss Adaline Seaver also taught a school that fall in the house of William A. Waterhouse. in what is now District No. 6. She commenced later in the month than Mi-. Long. There are now five whole and seven joint school districts in the town.

In the summer of 1841, a saw-mill was built by Joseph and Arthur Maxson, on the north bank of the Turtle, on Section 1^. A fiouring-mill was built by the same parties in 1850, and is now owned by E. G. Chesebro. It is a two-story frame, custom mill, with two run of stone.

The report of the Connty Superintendent of Schools for 1881 states that in the town of Darien there are five whole districts and five joint districts; the number of male childi-en in the town over four and under twenty years of age is 213; female, 209; total, 422; there are eight schoolhouses in the town, with accommodations for the seating of 473 pi^pils; the cash vakie of all these houses is 13,000; cash value of sites, $425; cash value of apparatus, $295; total valuation of all school property is $4,320.

The amount of school money on hand, August 31, 1880, was $685.09. The amount received from taxes levied on building and rejjairing was $63.50; from taxes levied for teachers' wages, $1,797.50; from taxes levied by County Supervisors, $188.16; from income of school fund, $169.56; fi-om all other soiu-ces, 117.60; total amount received diu-ing the year, $2,921.41. The amount paid oiit for building and repairing was $98.67; for appai-atus, etc., $2.94; for teachers' services, $2,181.50; for school fiu-nitm-e, etc., $39.80; for all other pvu'poses, $271.31; total amount paid out dimng the year, $2,593.87; money on hand August 31, 1881, 1327.54.

Corporate History

The first town meeting and election of officers, according to the provisions of the act setting oft" and organizing the town of Darien, was held at the house of John Bruce, in the present village of Darien, on Ti^esday, the 5th day of April, 1842. Salmon Thomas was chosen Chairman of this meeting, and J. W. Seaver, Clerk. Among other resolutions passed were the following: " That the town elect three Assessors ; that the town elect two Constables ; that a sum of money be raised equal to one-foiu-th of 1 per cent, for the support of the common schools; that the officers of the town be allowed at the rate oi $1 per day for their services; that the town raise a sum of money equal to one-half of 1 mill on a dollar on the valuation of the taxable projierty, to defray the contingent expenses of the town; that all services of town officers rendered which cannot be computed by the day shall be referred to the Board of Sujiervisors, and liy them audited as they shall deem just, and that such amounts, when so audited, shall be paid by drafts on the Town Treasurer."

Fifty-thi-ee votes were polled at this election, as follows: "W. A. Waterhouse, John Bruce, "William Older, Samuel Fowle, Edwin Taylor, T. D. Thomas, Asa Foster, Reuben Knapp, Elisha McAllister, William A. Older, Asher Johnson, J. B. Cook, Leander Dodge, Isaac Vail, J. W. Seaver, John "Williams, Jabez B. Chesebro, Nicholas S. Comstock, John Lippett, Amos Older, Newton McGraw, "William G. Mayhew, Ebenezer Chesebro, L. K. Jones, Benjamin Moore, Homer L. Greeuman, Silas Haskins, Hiram A. Johnson, L. H. Seaver, C. D. Long, Wickham E. Chesebro. Richard Cook, Minthorn Woodhull, Elijah Belding. Cyrus Lijijiett, Jesse Older, William Hollister, William Carter, Jared Fox, David Linsley, Jacob S. Cook, Lorenzo Carter, Salmon Thomas, Valentine Aldi-ich, Hiram A. Stone, George Clapper, Henry King, Timothy Knapp, Barney Bedell, Orange Carter, Eli King, Orange W. Carter and Jacob A. Sea. The names of the officers elected at this meeting appear fiu'ther on, in the roster of town officials.

The amount of money raised for the support of common schools for 1842 was $132.42; the amount raised to defray the contingent expenses of the town was $101.48; the pro})ortion of county expenses, as per certificate of the Clerk of the Board, was $175.70; the Collector's fees were $20.48; total amount raised for 1842 was $430.08.

The school districts were set off as follows: Ridge Prairie District, No. 1, and Blooming Prairie District, No. 2, September 21, 1840; Darien District, No. 3, September 28, 1840; Turtle Creek District, No. 4; Turtle Prairie District, No. 5: and Spring Brook District, No. 6, September 30, 1840. The number of scholars between the ages of four and sixteen in these disti'icts in 1842 was 138, as follows: No. 2, 17 scholai's; No. 3, 23 scholars; No. 4, 48 scholars; No. 5, 27 scholars: No. 6, 23 scholars. The $132.42 raised for the sujiport of these schools was j^roportioned as follows: No. 2, $16.31; No. 3, $22.07; No. 4, $46.09; No. 5, $25.91; No, 6, $22.07. The following is a roster of town officials from the organization of the town to and including the year 1881:

1844 - Supervisors, Salmon Thomas, Chairman; Loren K. Jones, Hugh Long; Joseph W. Seaver, Clerk; Leander Dodge. Treasm-er; Edson B. Older, Collector; T. D. Thomas, Valentine Akh-ich, Joseph Maxson, Assessors; Hiram A. Stone, William G. Mayhew, Asher Johnson, Commissioners of Highways; C. D. Long, J. B. Hastings, N. S. Comstock, Commissioners of Schools; Newton McGraw. Zebulon T. Lee, Joseph Chamberlain, Justices of the Peace; Edson B. Older, William A. Older, Homer L. Greenman, Constables.

1848 - Supervisors, Gaylord Blair, Chairman; Charles P. Soper, Asher Johnson; Jonathan Hastings, Clerk; Henry Fry, Treasurer; Lyman H. Seaver, Assessor; W. A. W^aterhouse, Collector; Josiah Dodge, Levi Blakeman, Joseph R. Wilkins, Commissioners of Highways; Charles P. Soper, Chester D. Long, George Cotton, Commissioners of Schools; William H. Moore, George Cotton. Asher Johnson, Justices of the Peace; W. A. Waterhouse, Homer L. Greenman, Francis Wilkins, Constables.

1849 - Supervisors, George Cotton, Chairman; Willard Blanchard, Josiah Dodge; Calvin Serl, Clerk; Heni-y Fry. Treasm-er; E. P. Conrick. Essessor; Chest :r D. Long, Sup riutendent of Schools; Amos Older, (jreorge Cotton, Asher Johnson, Willard A. Blanchard, Justices of the Peace; Francis Wilkins, Cyrus Lippett, Anson Pen-y, Constables.

1851 - Supervisors, George Cotton, Chairman ; Ebenezer Latimer, Hiram Onderdonk; Charles P. Soper, Clerk; W. A. Waterhouse. Treasurer; William H. Moore. Assessor; Parker M. Cole, Superintendent of Schools; Aj-chibald AVoodwai-d. Joshua Parish, John W. Seaver, Justices of the Peace; Jesse M. Scofield, Francis Wilkins. Joseph Nelson. Constables.

Superintendent of Schools; George Cotton, Calvin Serl, Rufus Conable, Justices of the Peace; Joseph Nelson, Francis Wilkins, W. A. Waterhouse, Constables.

1853 - Supervisors, Salmon Thomas, Chaimian; Hiram A. Johnson, Hiram Ouderdouk; E. W. Grow, Clerk; Lyman H. Seaver, Assessor; William A. Waterhouse, Treasurer; Jonathan Hastings, N. S. Comstock, Justices of the Peace; John B. Hastings, Superintendent of Schools; William A. Waterhouse, Samuel F. Chesebro, Constaliles.

1854 - Supervisors, Chester D. Long, Chairman; Hiram A. Johnson, Joshua Pai'ish; Charles P. Soper, Clerk; James Gale, Treasurer; Cyrus Lippitt, Assessor; James W. Seaver, Superintendent of Schools; William A. Waterhouse, John Williams, Salmon Thomas, Justices of the Peace; James Gale, Alexander Gallup, P. S. Carver, Constables.

1855 - Supervisors, Hiram A. Johnson, Chairman; Salmon Thomas, Lyman A. Seaver; William A. Waterhouse, Clerk; William Harper, Treasui-er; Hiram Onderdonk, Assessor; Joseph W. Seaver, Superintendent of Schools; C. P. Soper, C. Serl, J. J. Johnson, Justices of the Peace.

1856 - Supervisors, John B. Hastings, Chairman; John De Wolf, Charles P. Soper; William A. Waterhouse, Clerk; John D. Older. Treasiu-er; Henry Hodgkinson, Julius H. Seaver, Willard B. Babcock. Assessors; E. L. Han-is, Superintendent of Schools; John Williams, R. N. Weed, Justices of the Peace; John D. Older, Walter Hodgkinson, Constables.

1857 - Supervisors. Josiah Dodge, Chairman; Lyman H. Seaver, Hiram A. Stone; Joseph W. Seaver, Clerk; William A. Waterhouse, Treasurer; William H. Williams, Willard B. Babcock, Henry Hodgkinson, Assessors; Thomas \\'illiams, Henry M. Ray, Hiram A. Johnson, Justices of the Peace; Chester D. Long, Superintendent of Schools; Ovid Reed, Charles P. Soper, Calvin Serl, Constables.

1858 - Supervisors, Hii-am A. Johnson, Chairman; John De Wolf, G. W. Lamont; N. W. Hoag, Clerk; Gaylord Blair, Assessor; William A. Waterhouse. Treasurer; Calvin Serl, Heniy Hodgkinson, Justices of the Peace; C. D. Long, Superintendent of Schools; William A. Waterhouse, J. F. Lyon, A. Jones, Constables.

1859 - Suix^rvisors, G. W. Lamont, Chairman; M. O. Grinnell, James Gale; N. W. Hoag, Clerk; W. A. Waterhouse, Treasurer; Hugh Long, Assessor; C. D. Long, Superintendent of Schools; William Harrison, M. B. Stone, Justices of the Peace; John F. Lyon, P. Roundy, L. K. Jones, Constables.

1861 - Supervisors, P. M. Cole, Chairman; Edgar Topping, W. B. Rabcock; N. W. Hoag, Clerk; W. A. Waterhouse, Treasui-er; C. P. Soper, Assessor; U. S. Hollister, Superintendent of Schools; Calvin Serl, Justice of the Peace; P. W. Roundy, A. Jones, Isaac Lyon, Constables.

1862 - Sirpervisors, P. M. Cole, Chairman; P. M. Latimer, A. Jones; N. W. Hoag, Clerk; William A. Waterhouse, Treasurer; D. Rodman, Assessor; John S. Dodge, O. H. Gilbert, John Flaherty, Justices of the Peace; W. A. Waterhouse, M. Flaherty, Isaac Lyon, Constables.

1863 - Supervisors, John De Wolf, Chaii-man; H. E. Seaver, J. J. Johnson; Orange Williams, Clerk; John S. Dodge, Treasurer ; W. A. Waterhouse, Assessor; J. F. Lyon, G. W. Lamont, Justices of the Peace; J. O. Fuller, H. A. Stone, James Stryker, Constables.

1864 - Supervisors, H. E. Seaver, Chairman ; C. S. Teeple, C. M. Fuller; N. W. Hoag, Clerk; W. A. Waterhouse, Treasm-er; A. Jones, Assessor; Calvin Serl, K. W. Masson. Justices of the Peace; W. A. Waterhouse, Joseph Chilson, Alpheus Grant, Constables.

1865 - Supervisors, J. J. Johnson, Chairman; T. P. Davis, C. P. Soper; N. W. Hoag, Clerk; J. F. Lyon, Treasiu-er; A. Jones, Assessor; J. F. Lyon, G. W. Lamont, Justices of the Peace; A. Jones, L. Borst, J. S. Dodge, Constables.

1866 - Supervisors, J. J. Johnson, Chairman; U. S. Hollister, H. E. Seaver; N. W Hoag, Clerk ; J. F. Lyon, Treasiu-er ; A. Jones, Assessor; C. B. Sperry, C. P. Soper, Justices of the Peace; L. S. Wilkins, D. Clough, A. Jones, Constables.

Clerk; W. A. Waterhonse, Treasm-er; A. Jones, Assessor; J. F. Lyon, XJ. S. Hollister, Justices of the Peace; John Owens, J. McKinuey, 6. W. Lamont, Jr., Constables.

18(J8 - Supervisors, J. F. Lyon, Chairman; I. Stowell, C. P. Soper; N. W. Hoag, Clerk; \V. A. Waterhoi;se, Treasurer; A. Jones, Assessor; O. H. Gilbert, C. P. Soper, Justices of the Peace; John H. Owens, H. Waterhonse, William Hollister, Constables.

1869 - Snpervisors, J. F. Lyon, Chairman; O. W. Carter, Daniel Rodman; N. AV. Hoag, Clerk; J. M. Vanderhoof, Treasiu-er; A. Jones,, Assessor; David Williams, A. W. Masson, Justices of the Peace; Richard Taylor, L. O. Robinson, D. E. Bennett, Constables.

1870 - Supervisors, J. F. Lyon, Chairman; U. S. Hollister, A, A. McKay; N. W. Hoag, Clerk; Leroy Dodge, Treasurer; A. Jones, Asse.ssor; A. Woodard, W. R. Jones, Justices of the Peace; John Owens, John L. Ormsley, John McKinney, Constables.

1871 - Supervisors, J. F. Lyon, Chairman; U. S. Hollister, H. A. McKay; N. W. Hoag, Clerk; A. H. Stone, Treasiu-er ; A. Jones, Assessor; A. W. Maxson, David Williams, J. M. Vanderhoof, Justices of the Peace; John McKinney, L. C. Waite, L. O. Robinson, Constables.

1872 - Supervisors, J. F. Lyon, Chairman; U. S. Hollister, W. B. Johnson; T. R. Morgan, Clerk; A. H. Stone. Treasm-er; A. Jones, Assessor; A. Woodai'd, O. H. Gilbert, Justices of the Peace; L. C. Waite. J. C. McKinney, Constables.

1873 - Sujiervisors, Daniel Rodman, Chairman ; Israel Stowell, E. E. Hillman; H. E. Seaver. Clerk; L. C. Waite, Treasurer; A. Jones, Assessor; David Williams. J. M. Vanderhoof, Justices of the Peace; A. Jones, J. McKinney, James Sti-yker, Constables.

1876 - Supervisors, John De Wolf, Chairman; Charles Allen. A. J. Rodman; T. R. Morgan, Clerk; James Stryker, Trea.siu-er; D. P. Clough, Assessor; J. M. Vanderhoof , A. Woodard, Justices of the Peace; J. McKinney, Orange Starin, James Stryker, Constables.

1877 - Supervisors, J. B. Johnson, Chairman; W. H. Williams, W. H. Griswold; T. R. jNIorgan, Clerk; D. P. Clough, Treasiu-er; J. M. Vanderhoof, Assessor; A. Maxson, A. Woodai'd, Justices of the Peace; James Sti7ker, John McKinney, O. Starin, Constables.

The village of Darien is located on Section 27 of the town of Darien, on the South- Western Division of the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railway, which enters the town on Section 24 and passes out on Section 31. The village was first settled by John Bruce, in 1837, who pm-- chased all the land where the village now is, and erected a small house, which afterward became a hotel. James Dilley and John B. Cook were subsequent settlers of the village. In July, 1856, the village was platted by Hemy Frey, Hiram A. Stone and Edgar Topping, proprietors, since which time additions have been made by these gentlemen and John Bruce.

Previous to the coming of the railroad, which passes through the village, it did not imjirove t<^ any gi-eat extent, there being but few other dwellings in the locality than the cabins of the iirst settlers; but time is the magic wand that changes all things it touches, and which often makes the realization far better than the most sanguine hopes. The growth of the village, however, has at no time been rapid, but constant and gradual. The business done here has always been largely in excess of the apparent resom'Ces of the place, and in some respects it has been miich gi'eater than that done by towns of much greater size thi'oughout the country. Socially and religiously, this village "holds its own" with the others in the county, having a number of different denominational and secular organizations. They have fii'st-class schools here, which maintain a high educational standard.

The railroad reached this point eai'ly in 1856, and Parker M. Cole soon afterward erected a small warehouse. This has since been removed, and is now used as a cheese factory. This had a capacity of about 8,000 bushels. Hiram Onderdonk built a warehouse during that year also. It has a capacity of 10,000 bushels, and is now owned and used by J. J. Johnson. In 1857,* John Williams built a warehouse, in size 30x80, two stories high, and with a capacity of 15,000 bushels. It is now owned by W^illiam Blakely and H. A. Johnson, and used as a general storehoiise. John Bruce built a wai'ehouse in 1858. This has a capacity of 5,000 bushels; is owned by D. P. Clough and J. B. Johnson, and used as a general storehouse. In 1861 or 1862, M. B. Stone built a warehouse, two stories high and with a capacity of 20,000 bushels. It is now used in the buying and shipping of grain.

The shipments of grain and stock fi'om this jioint annually have been, during some years, simply enormous. In 1860, the shipments of wheat alone amounted to 206,000 bushels. This is the largest stock-shippers' point in the county, and said to be the largest on this line of road between Milwaukee and the Mississippi River.

Darien has now two general stores, two gi'oceries, one drug store, one cabinet-shop and salesroom, two harness-shops an I salesrooms, one shoe-shop and salesrooms, two shoe-shops, one hotel, one barber-shop and three mechanics' shops.

Religious

The first church organized in the village was that of the Baptists, in 1850. Their church building is in size 30x60, and cost $2,000. It was built in 1858. At present, it has no resident minister. Rev. D. Halteman, of Delavan, has it in charge.

The Methodist Chm'ch building was erected in 1870, at a cost of $2,500. It is in size 30x50. The dedicatory sermon was preached in November of that year, by Rev. Samuel Fellows. The church society was organized a short time previous to the building of the church, with between fifty and sixty members. Most of the original members have died or moved away, so that the present membership numbers about twelve. Three hundred persons can easily be seated in their church building. The chiu-ches in Allen's Grove and Darien are a separate charge, and ai'e presided over by the same minister.

Post Office

The first post office in the town of Darien was established in 1838, on Blooming Prairie, and C. C. Chesebro was appointed Postmaster. Delavan was at this time in his district, his appointment being obtained through the influence of Mr. Phcenix. In 1839, a petition was presented to the Post Office Department at Washington for the establishment of an office at this point, which petition was favorably received and acted upon. John Bruce was made Postmaster. Mr. Bruce held the office some time, and was succeeded by Heniy Frey. and he in tiu-n by Edward Topping and Moses B. Stone. The latter held the office until 1861, when N. W. Hoag and Joseph Lyon held the office for a number of years. Then C. S. Teeple was commissioned, and he was succeeded, in 1875, by the present Postmaster, G. F. Lathrop.

For several years the question of building a t«wn hall was agitated, but it was not until August 14, 1869, that a vote was reached authorizing the constniction of a hall. The hall was built in the fall of that year, at a cost of $2,000. It is in size 28x60, with sixteen-feet posts.

Darie.n Lodge, No. 126, A., F. & A. M., was organized March 29, 1860, and their charter is dated June 13, 1860. There were ten charter members, as follows: Alexander Smith, P. W. Wooley, John Dickson, H. A. Johnson, Calvin Serl, Samuel Bailey, Levi Blakeman, Alexander Reed, La Fayette Chesley and S. K. Clark. Calvin Serl, W. M. ; S. K. Clark, S. W. ; Samuel Bailey, J. W.. were the first officers, and so named in the charter. The present officers are: David Williams, W. M.; Harvey L. Saxton, S. W. ; William Blakely, Jr., J. W.; Samuel Bailey, Treasurer; George F. Lathrop, Secretary; H. E. Seaver, S. D. ; H. W. Seaver, J. D.: A. J. Redman, J. M. Vanderhoof, Stewards; James Stiyker, Tiler. The lodge hold their meetings on the fii-st and third Tuesdays of each month. The present number of members is forty-one. Of the charter members, but one, Samuel Bailey, is now a member of the lodge. John Dickson, Calvin Serl, Levi Blakeman and Alexander Reed have passed to the celestial lodge on high, while the others, with the exception of H. A. Johnson, who is still a resident but not a member, have moved away. The lodge occupies a rented hall on Lot 4, Block 26, which they have fitted up at an expense of about §300.

Abraham Lincoln Post. No. 3, G. A. B., Dejmrtment of \V isconsin.^^s organized August 26, 1879, by Deputy Commander Griff J. Thomas, of Berlin, Wis., and their charter is dated August 16 of the same year. The charter members were: J. B. Johnson. Rodney Seaver. J. P. Waite. Edwin E. Park, A. M. Cook. L. H. Stebbins, W. F Enos, John McCannon, J. M. Vanderhoof. H. M. Fitzgerald. E. E. Hillman and Rosell S. Miner. The first officers were: J. M. Vanderhoof, P. C. ; H. M. Fitzgerald, S. V. C. ; Rodney Seaver, J. V. C. ; A. M. Cook, Sm-- geon; L. H. Stebbins, Chaplain; A. M. Cook, Adjutant; J. B. Johnson, Quartermaster; John McCannon, O. D.; W. F. Enos, O. G.; J. F. Capen, S. M.; E. E. Hillman, Q. M. S. The present officers are: J. M. Vanderhoof, P. C; E. E. Hillman, S. V. C; Michael Flaherty, J. V. C; H. M. McCannon. Surgeon; Benjamin Blass, Chaplain; Rodney Seaver, Adjutant; W. F. Enos, Quartermaster; J. H. Owens, O. D.; Stephen Hare, O. G.; E. "E. Park, S. M.; Riley Wheeler, Q. M. S. The post has a relief fund for the benefit of their worthy comrades in need. The membership at present numbers fifty, and their meetings are held weekly, in Williams' Hall, which they have partially fitted up at an expense of 175. The post is one of the most floiirishing of its kind in the county. »

War History

Darien's war record is good. She raised nearly $15,000 for all purposes, and fm-nished one man in excess of her quota, which was 102. The reader is referred to the general war history for the individuals who gave " a hearty pull and a pull altogether " to bring this about.

Darien In 1881

In 1881, there were 8,326 acres of growing grain, 370 acres of orchai'd, 2,749 acres of mowing and pasturage, and 1,877 acres of growing timber; the number of milch cows was 907, valued at $22,675.

Cheese Factories

In 1856, Parker M. Cole built a warehouse in the village of Darien, which was moved, and in 1870, coverted into a cheese factory. Mi-. Cole operated it until his death, which occurred in 1877, and it is now owned by his widow, a resident of Milwaukee, and operated by Robert

Pearson, of the firm of Pearson Brothers, of Sharon. The factory consumes the milk of 300 cows, which makes nine cheeses per day, of an average weight of sixty-five pounds. Most of this cheese is sold at the factory to Eastern merchants. The building is 24x60, one story in height, and represents a valuation of $1,500.

There were five whole and seven union school districts. The whole number of scholars between the ages of four and twenty years was 422, of which number 283 attended school. There were eight schools, taught by ten teachers, at average monthly wages of $55 for male and $19.95 for female teachers. There were eight schoolhouses, valued, including sites, at $4,025. The total amount annually expended for schools was $2,921.

Biographical Sketches

JAMES ASHLEY, Sr., miller; P. 0. Fairfield, Rock Co.; was born in Saratoga Co., N. Y., in 1812; was married to Julia Ann Morehouse in 1833. Emigrated to Wisconsin in the spring of 1844, and settled in what is now the town of Lyons, Walworth Co., where he resided with his family until 1880, when he took up his residence in Nebraska, where most of his children reside. James, Jr., is still a resident of Darien. He was born in Montgomery Co., N. Y., in 183ti, since his father came here in 1843; his wife was Louisa Meacham, who was born in Racine Co, Wis., in 1842. Her father came to Wisconsin from the State of New York in 1840. They have four children - Louisa, Jeptha, James and Jesse.

ISAAC W. BABCOCK, farmer. Section 21 ; P. O. Darien ; son of Hiram Babcock, who was born in Otsego Co., N. Y., Nov. 30, 179tl, and married Olive Wetmore. He emigrated with his family to Wisconsin in 1843, and settled in the town of Walworth, Walworth Co., where he lived two years. He tlien removed to Darien, where he kept hotel for several years ; he then removed to Delavan, where he engaged in the same business. He then removed to Manchester, Delaware Co., Iowa, where he died Feb. 28, 1875. His wife died in February, 1864. The parents of Mr. Babcock had seven children, three sons and four daughters; two sons and three daughters are living. Isaac W., was born November, 1825. He went to California in 1850, where he resided until 1862 ; he was engaged in mining for two years, and the remainder of the time in merchandising. He bought his present farm of G. I. Vanderhoof; has 160 acres. Mrs. Babcock's maiden name was Mary Plummer, born in Yates Co., N. Y., in 1830. She removed to Illinois with her parents in 1844. Mr. and Mrs. Babcock have no children, except - adopted daughter - Anna.

WILLARD B. BABCOCK, farmer, Sec. 14; P. 0. Delavan; was born in Wayne Co., N. Y., in 1822. His father, Stephen Babcock, died in the State of New York, Wayne Co. In 1837, the rest of his family, consisting of his mother and four children, came to Walworth County and settled on the farm now owned by W. B. since 1845. The farm originally consisted of 120 acres ; W. B. has now about 600 acres. His mother died in 1850 ; her children were Betsy Jane, W. B., S. S. and C. S. W. B. married Louisa Burnett, born in St. Lawrence Co., N. Y.

WILLIAM BLAKELY, Darien. He is a native of North Ireland, of Scotch and English parentage. He emigrated with his father to Rutland Co., Vt., in 1832. He was brought up to the business of wool manufacturing. He sold his manufacturing interest in 1865. Since that time he has been engaged in speculating. He came to Darien in 1869. Is an active, and successful business man, and is at present in company with Messrs. Clough & Johnson in the firm of William Blakely & Co., engaged in wool buying. He makes a specialty of breeding improved American Merino sheep. He is a large land owner ; has about 600 acres of land in the town of Darien. His wife was Abigail Eldred, born in Washington Co.. N. Y. They have four children, Abbie, now Mrs. H. D. Long; William B., Minnie E. and Bvron J.

MRS. ELLEN S. BLAKELY, Sec. 28 ; P. 0. Darien ; she is the widow of Robert Blake'y, who was born in County Tyrone, Ireland, in 1802, but emigrated to Vermont. When Mr. Robert Blakely and his first wife emigrated to America they did not have means to bring their four children with them. After reaching America, they both went to work, and after two years they sent means to their brother, who came with their children to America. Mr. Robert Blakely was a very industrious man ; he acquired a handsome property. He gave to his children, by his first wife, Mr. William Blakely and his sister,

Mrs. Margaret Pepper, now residing at Darien, the only ones now surviving, nearly all the means they have, besides leaving his second wife and her son, Robert L. Blakely, in pretty good circumstances. Was engaged for twenty years as a woolen manufacturer at Pawlet, Rutland Co., Vt. He lost his first wife in Vermont ; married his present wife, then Miss Ellen S. Adams, born in the town of Peru, Bennington Co., Vt. They came to Walworth County and settled on the farm now owned by Mrs. Blakely in 187t), which was purchased from Mr. William Carter. Mr. Blakely had five children by his first wife. Mrs. Blakely has one son, Robert L., born in Pawlet, February, 18G5. She lost a daughter, Mary E., born in Pawlet, who died in 1872, at five years of age.

A-. P. BLAKE.VIAN, farmer, Sec. 21; P. 0. Darien; born in Orleans Co., N. Y., in 1824, where he lived till 21 years of ago, or till 1845, when became to Walworth Co. His parents were Levi and Su.san Blakeraan. His father came out from the State of New York and made the location where his son now lives, in 1844. This farm has befen in the possession of the family since that time. Mr. Levi Blikemau died in Kebruary, 1864. His wife died several years previous to that time. Mr. Blakeman was married to Mary Francis Burr, born in Connecticut. They have ten children, four boys and six girls. The oldest is 26, and the youngest 6 years of age. Mr. Blakeman's farm contains 160 acres.

B. F. CARTER, farmer, Sec. 2 ; P. 0. Delavan ; son of Johu Carter, who was born at Oxford, England, about 18 )8. He came to the United States when a young man, and to Walworth Co. in 1847, and^s 'ttled on Sec. 2, where he died in 1S79. His wife was also a native of England, and still lives at the homestead. She has ten children, only two of whom are at the homestead. B. F. was born in Chenango C i , N. Y., in 1845. His wife died in 1871 ; he has one child, Norton. B. F. works the home fiirm. Susie also lives at home. The farm contains 104 acres.

WILLIAM CARTER, farmer, P. O. Darien; born in Darien, Genesee Co., N. Y., in 1812. His fiither was Orange Carter, who settled in Walworth Co. in 1838, and was one of the earliest settlers of Genesee Co., N. y! Mr. William Carter went to Milwaukee in the fall of 1837, and to Walworth Co. in the early part of the following winter. He made a location on Sec. 21. The Carter family, including Mr. Orange W. Carter, of Darien, are among not only the earliast, but most prominent fiimilies of Walworth Co. Mr. William Carter was married to Adaline Seaver, daughter of Warren Seaver ; they have no children. Mr. Carter settled i'. the village in 1871.

DAVID A. CHRISTIE, farmer. Sec. 7; P. 0. Fairfield, Rock Co.; born in Orange Co., N. Y., in 1812. His father, Andrew C, was also a native of that county, as is also his grandfather, David C. His father was a soldier in the war of 1812, and died in Tompkins Co., N. Y., about 1838. David A. came to Walworth County Oct. 5, 1843; he engaged to work for Mr. P. S. ('hild, but soon after bought a piece of land in Richland, which, however, he soon exchanged for another farm. He bought the farm he now owns in 1862. His wife was Jane Stewart, daughter of Arthur Stewart, born in Ireland. They have one son, George. His farm consists of 196 acres.

DARWIN P. CLOUGH, dealer in stock, etc., Darien. He was born in Madison Co., N. Y., in 1838. He was brought up a farmer ; came to Wisconsin in March, 1863, and purchased a farm on Sec. 28, in the town of Darien, and engaged in farming till 1875, and opened a meat market in the village. He sold his business in the spring of 1881, and is now as a member of the firm of Blakely & Co., engaged in buying stock, wool, etc. His wife was Miss Alice Bucknall, daughter of Henry Bucknall, of the town of Sharon. They have four children - -Josie, Kittie, Edwin and an infant son.

MRS. SARAH JOHNSON DEAN, physician and surgeon, Darien, formerly Miss Sarah Johnson, was born in Harlem, Winnebago Co., III., in 1841. She was married to Mr. Martin Dean in 1857, they came to Darien in 1874. She became a student of melicine in 1876, under the instruction of Dr. E. N. Huntley, of Rockford, 111., and graduated at the University of Michigan, Department of Medicine and Surgery, July 1, 1880. Although Mrs. Dean has been in the practice of medicine but two years, she has already acquired an extensive and lucrative practice. Her thorough knowledge of her profession and energetic character, her sympathetic nature, and the love for her chosen profession are fast winning for her an enviable reputation. Her husband is a native of Oneida Co., N. Y., where he was born in 1835. They have three children - Charlie A. Clara M. and Hettie B.

JOHN DeWOLP, farmer. Sec. 13; P. 0. Delavan. Mr. DeWolf is one of the prominent and successful formers of Walworth Co. He is a native of Herkira3r, N. Y., where he was born in 1817. When 30 years of age he removed to the county of Oswego, where he lived until 1854, when he came to Walworth County, and purchased his present farm of Mrs. Orinda Barlow. Mr. De Wolf has a fine and valuable farm, adjoining the village of Delavan. His improvments, buildings, etc., are among the best in the county. His farm contains 208 acres. Mrs. DeWolf, formerly

Miss Susan E. Vinton, was born in Herkimer Co. They have three children - Delavan, a Baptist clergyman, now of Bristol, Conn.; Libbie E., and Etta, now Mrs. Charles T. Isham. They lost their oldest son, Myron, born 1839, and died in 1873. Mr. DeWolf has been a Republican since the organization of that party. He represented his district in the Legislature of 1859 and 1860.

MRS. AURELTA J. DICKSON, Allen's Grove, is the widow of Dr. John Dickson, who was born near Meadville, Crawford Co., Penn., Sept. 26, 1820. He graduated from Allegheny College at Mcadville in 1845, and entered the Cleveland Medical College after his graduation, and received a diploma from that institution in 1847. He came to Wisconsin in 1848 and began the practice of his profession at Mount Zion, Rock Co. ; but soon after removed to Allen's Grove, where a more inviting field presented itself. He was a man of marked traits of character, possessing vigor of will, and steadiness of purpose, and had a generous and sympathetic nature. He was married September, 1850, to bis present widow, then Miss Aurelia J. Lee, daughter of Z. T. Lee, of Darien. He was one of the oldest members of the State Medical Society, of which he was Vice President in 1872. During the war of the rebellion, he was on duty a portion of the time, as examining and enrolling surgeon, in the First Congressional District of the State. His untiring devotion to his professional duties proved that there was a limit to human endurance. He suffered occasionally from irregular action of the heart, and he was apprehensive of serious results. He died instantly on Dec. 15, 1875, just as ho had returned from a visit to a patient a few miles from home. Mrs. Dickson was born in Pembroke, Genesee Co., N. Y., in 1831. She came to Walworth Co. with her parents, who settled in the town of Darieri, in 1842. Mrs. Dickson has four children - -Kate, wife of Dr. Winn, Marcus L., William R. and John.

CHRISTOPHER I. DOCKST.VDKR, farmer. Sec. 1 1 ; P. 0. Delavan; was born in Montgomery Co., N. Y., 1810, where he was brought up. Came to Walworth Co. in 1843, and settled in Richmond, where he resided till 1865, when on account of the declining health of his wife, he sold his farm and removed to Delavan, where he lived about four years, when he exchanged his property in Delavan for his present farm, on which he now resides. His lir.st wife was Eliza Ann Smith, born in Madison Co., N. Y. She died in Delavan, in 1870. His present wife was Mrs. Eliza R. Thompson; her maiden name was Nelson; she was born in Otsego Co.,N. Y. Mr. Dockstader has seven children by first wife, only one of whom is living, Thomas Perry, born in the town of Richmond in 1848.

LE.\NDER DODGE, deceased brother of Josiah Dodge, was born in April, 1802, in Seneca Co., N. Y. He moved to Genesee Co. with his parents; was married in 1827 to Harriet Carter, a sister of William and Orange Carter. He came to Walworth Co. in the fall of 1838, and settled on Sec. 28, in Darien, where he resided until 1866, when he removed to what is now the town of Lyons, where he died Oct. 22, 1880, leaving a widow and ten children-Eugene, Wilson R., Levant, Laura, Le Roy, Amelia L, Clara, Bettie, Hattie and William. Mr. Dodge was an upright citizen, and his memory is cherished by all that have had the pleasure of knowing him. Several of his children arc still residents at Walworth Co., and numbered among the most intelligent and respected of her citizens. Wilson, re>iding on Sec. 7 ; he was born in Genesee Co., in 1831 ; married Susan F. Lippit, daughter of Cyrus L'ppit. They have four sons - William A., James E., Allen and Bruce.

JOSIAH DODGE, farmer, Sec. 28; P. 0. Darien; he was born in Seneca Co., N. Y., in 1810. His father, Josiah Dodge, wasa native of Massachusetts, born in Hampshire Co., in that State, in 1771. Emigrated to Seneca Co., N. Y., and to Genesee Co., in that State, in 1818, where he died in 1851. He had eight children. Josiah, Jr., was married in Genesee Co., in 1834, to Julia Long, daughter of Hugh Long, and removed to Walworth Co., in 1843, and bought his present farm of his father-in-law, Mr. Long. Mr. Dodge was the first settler on this farm, no improvements having been made when he purchased it. He lost his wife in June, 1867 ; iiis present wife was Mrs. Susan (Champion) Hastings, widow of Mr. Charles Hastings. Mrs. Dodge was born in Alexander, Genesee Co., N. Y., in 1819. Mr. Hastings died in 1869 : she was married to Mr. Dodge iu 1872. Mr. Dodge has six children by first wife - Losette, Mary Hugh, Phebe, Julia and Delia ; his farm contains 80 acres.

MICHAEL FLAHERTY, farmer, resides on Sec. 16 ; P. 0. Darien ; son of Eugene Flaherty, who was born in Ireland, and emigrated to this country, and resided in the East for some years, and came to Walworth Co. in 1840, and settled in the town of Darien, where he died April 18, 1877. The parents of Mr. Flaherty had four sons and three daughters ; the four sons and one of the daughters are living ; the mother died several years previous to the death of the father. Michael was born in Sullivan Co., N. Y., in 1838 ; married Elizabeth Welch, a daughter of Cary Welch. She was born in Oswego Co., N. Y., in 1844 ; they have three children - Mary, Cary and Arthur ; Mr. Flaherty served two years in the army during the rebellion, as a member of the 2d Wis. V. C.

HENRY M. FITSGERALD, Darien, born in the city of Limerick, Ireland, September, 1841 ; his father came to this country from Ireland when Henry was a small child ; his mother, sister and youngest brother died of cholera during the jirevalence of that disease as an epidemic in Ireland, leaving him alone in the world ; his father hearing of the death of his mother, sent for him, and he came to New York in September, 1851, when 10 years old; his father provided a home for him in a farmer's family, and soon after disappeared, and has not since been seen by his son, and that was nearly 30 years ago. The selection of a home for his boy, by his father, proved to have been a very unfortunate one, as the people were unkind, and were cruel to the boy, but some one came to the rescue, and he found a home with a kind old farmer, with whom he remained until he reached manhood ; for this man and his family he has the kindest remembrances ; he enlisted in 1801 in the 97th N. Y. V. I.; he re-enlisted at the end of his term of service and served until the close of the war ; he enlisted as a private, was regularly promoted to a First Lieutenancy, and at the close of the war received a commission as Captain; he participated in many of the most important battles of the war. including 2d Bull Run, battle of Chancellorville, Gettysburg, Mine Run, campaign of the Wilderness ; was at the siege of Petersburg, taking of the Weldon Railroad, etc. ; he was a gallant soldier, and his war record is one of which he may well be proud; he came to Walworth Co. in 1865, and settled at Darien, which is still his home; he has been engaged in farming, in railroading, and hotel keeping successively .since he came to Wisconsin ; he married Mary Soper, daughter of C. P. Soper, an early settler of the town of Darien ; they have two children - Lottie and Katie.

HENRY FLEMING, farmer. Sec. 3; P. 0. Delavan ; Mr. Fleming was born at Lockport, Niagara Co., N. Y., in 1830 ; he went to Waukesha Co., Wis., in 1849 ; he taught school in Waukesha Co., several terms. He came to Walworth Co. in 1855 ; he worked on a farm several seasons and also taught school several terms, after coming to Walworth Co. ; he bought the farm which he now owns in 1859 ; he has one son, Charles G.

DAVID FOLTS, merchant at Allen's Grove, was born in Herkimer Co., N. Y., in 1822, where he was brought up ; came to Walworth Co. in 1853, and settled on See. 30, in the town of Darien. Mr. Folts and brother's farm formerly contained 520 acres ; a p.irt of this farm his brother gave to his sons, who now occupy it. Mr. Folts has been engaged in agricultural pursuits for the greater part of his life ; failing health compelled him to discontinue forming, which was the cause of his engaging in his present pursuit of business. His wife was Harriet M. House, born in Herkimer Co., N. Y. Theyhave.six children - Mary E., Frank C., Jacob J., Minnie E., Lizzie G. and W. A. A.

JOHN H. FULLER, former. Sec. 14; P. 0. Delavan; son of C. M. Fuller, who was born in Vermont, and came to Walworth Co. about 1859, and settled in the town of Darien ; he now lives in the town of Delavan. Mr. Fuller's wife was Elizabeth Sperbeck, daughter of Jacob Sperbeck ; they have one dausrhter - Lena. Mrs. Betsy (Correll) Sperbeck, mother of Mrs. Fuller lives with her son-in-law, Mr. Fuller; she was born near Albany, N. Y., Nov. 7, 1795 ; her husband, Jacob Sperbeck, was also born in the State of New York. They came to Wisconsin in the fall of 1843 and settled in the town of Darien ; Mr. Sperbeck died in March, 1870. Mrs. Sperbeck has had ten children, eight of whom are living. Mrs. Fuller was born in Wyoming Co., N. Y., in 1840.

JOHN GOCHEY, blacksmith, Darien, was born in Lower Canada; his fother was Francis Gochey, also a native of Lower Canada, of French descent. The parents of Mr. Gochey removed to Vermont when he was a child; he learned the trade of blacksmith with his father in Vermont. He went to Elgin, 111., in 1851, where he lived two years, and then to Lake Co., in same State. He came to Darien in September, 1860 ; his wife was Sarah J. Sanders, daughter of Jacob G. Sanders, one of the very earliest settlers of Walworth Co. He was born near Boston, Mass., but brought up in Franklin Co., Vt.; he was married in Franklin Co., Vt., to Hannah White. Mr. Sanders emigrated to Wisconsin and settled in the town of Walworth, Walworth Co., in February, 1837. They have six children, three of whom are living - Samuel C. resides in Ogle Co., 111., Sarah J., born in Vermont, in 1832, and Polly, now Mrs. Francis Imes. The father of Mrs. .Gochey died in 1876 ; Mrs. Gochey lived with her son Samuel, Mr. and Mrs. Gochey, only one child living - Harvey F.

M. 0. GRENELL, farmer. Sec. 32; P. O. Darien; was born in Jefterson Co., N. Y., in 1817, where he was brought up. He came to Walworth Co. in the fall of 1853, and settled on his present farm. His wife was Miss Eliza Goddard ; they have three children - Julia K., Sarah and H. B. Farm contains 120 acres.

REV. EDWARD L. HARRIS, Sec. 13; P. 0. Delavan; was born in Cayuga Co., N. Y., Jan. 12, 1816. Soon after his birth his parents removed to Vermont, their former place of residence ; when he was 16 years of age his parents returned to the State of New York. He prepared f >r college at El- dredge Academy, in Onondaga Co., and graduated at Madison University, New York, in 1843. He began preaching at " Pike," Alleghany Co., N. Y., in 1843, where he was ordained Aug. 31, 1843, and was married the day of his ordination to Miss Sarah M. Fuller, daughter of Rev. C. M. Fuller. Mrs. Harris was born at Grafton, Vt., Aug. 1, 1814; Mr. Harris was pastor of the Baptist Church for two and a half years, and five years at Rushford; then went to Beloit, Wis., in 1850, where he was pastor of a church for three and a half years; his health failing he was obliged to relinquish ministerial labor to a certain extent, and has devoted much of his time to farming since he came to his present location, in 1854 ; he has, however, done much in connection with the ministry since he came here. Was pastor of the church at Walworth four years, at Burr Oak and Lawrence one year, and he organized the Baptist Church at Darien, and was its pastor eleven years. During the time of the rebellion he was Chaplain of the 3d Colored Heavy Artillery ; was also for a time engaged in teaching the Freedman. Mr. Harris' mother, Mrs. Julia Taylor Harris, lives with her son ; his father died in 1842. They have two sons - Andrew Fuller and Walter Carroll. They lost their oldest son when he was only 4 years old, they have also an adopted son, Roger Williams, now doing business in Chicago.

MRS. MARY E. HARWOOD resides on Sec. 84; P. 0. Darien ; is the widow of Silas B. Harwood, who was born in Bennington Co., Vt., in August, 1829. Mrs. Harwood's maiden name was Mary E. Louis, born in Suffield, Conn., in 1831. They came to Darien in 1853, and settled on the farm where she now resides; her husband died in 1879. Mr. Harwood was an upright, honorable man, and a good citizen. Mrs. Harwood has two children - John, bora September, 185G, and Helen, born February, 1859.

LEMUEJi HOLLISTER, farmer, Sections 4 and 5 ; P. 0. Delavan ; was born in Tompkins Co., N. Y., Oct. 12, 1818, where he was brought up; was married to Gertrude A. Latimer, born in Ulster Co., N. Y. They came to Walworth Co. from the State of New York in 1843, and settled where they now reside. The parents of Mrs. Hollister, Alexander and Nellie Latimer, came to Walworth Co. about 1850, settled in Delavan, where they resided till their death. Mr. and Mrs. Hollister have had nine children, seven of whom are living - Adelaide, now Mrs. Harry Ellis; Mary F., now Mrs. Theodore Kingsbury; Irene B., now Mrs. William Cheney; Helen I., now Mrs. Clarence R. Conable ; Lorenzo D.; Melburn, Evalyn J ; Helen I., their fourth child, died at the age of 17 months ; another daughter, a twin of Adelaide, died in infancy. Lorenzo was born at the homestead in 1855, married Lillian North, a daughter of Mr. Fred. North; she was born in Rock Co. in 1857. Mr. Hollister is one of the successful farmers of the town of Darien. He has two brothers, Cyrenus and William, who also settled in this town at an early day, and are also numbered among the prosperous farmers of Walworth Co.

H. A. JOHNSON, of Darien, is a representative of a numerous family, which is among the earliest settlers of the town. He was born in Steuben Co., N. Y., July 14, 1814; on Sept. 25, 1838, his father, with the entire family of married and unmarried children, except one daughter, Mrs. Delilah Smith, started westward in wagons. They reached Attica, on the Wabash River, about the middle of November. They intended to settle in Jay Co., Ind., but learning that Walworth offered greater inducements to settlers of limited means they continued their journey to Attica, Fountain Co. The grandfather of Mr. Johnson, Samuel Smith, being taken ill at Attica, it was decided to remain there during the winter. The names of the children of Mr. Asher Johnson, who accompanied him West, were Alvah and H. A., and their families, Mrs. Joseph Wilkins, John J. Asher, Frank Erastus, and Samuel, also two unmarried .sisters, Ursula and Emily. In December, Hiram A. and his father came to Walworth Co. for the purpose of making a location. In the winter or month of February, 1839, the family continued their journey to Walworth Co. The followins; summer, H. A. and family made their home at Delavan. In the fall of this year, he built a log house on his land into which he removed his family. In 1847, he built a substantial frame house. Mr. Johnson is one of the substantial men who have arisen from small beginnings to a competence. He possesses sound business principles, is positive in his ideas of right and and fearless in sustaining what he believes to be just, right and honorable. He was married in Steuben Co. to Miss Almira W. Bundy, Sept. 25, 1836, born in Cooperstown, Otsego Co., N. Y., in 1815. They have had seven children - Napoleon, VVilliam, Mary, Rhoddy, Ursula, Joseph and Cyrus; four of whom are living - Mary, now Mrs. Richard Chesebro ; Rhoda, wife of William Rood ; Ursula, wife of Ira Livingston, and Joseph Johnson, the only surviving son, who married Miss Amelia Maxson, and lives on the old homestead, which H. A. Johnson first entered in 1839. He was married to Miss Almira W. Bundy, in Steuben Co., N. Y., Sept. 25, 1836.

ALVAH JOHNSON, farmer. Section 17 ; eldest son of Asher Johnson. He came to Walworth with his father in 1838 ; has been a resident of the county ever since. His first wife he married in the State of New York. His present wife was Jane Kerns ; has three children by first wife and five by second ; two children dead, one by the first and one by the second wife.

JOHN J. JOHNSON, Darien ; son of Asher Johnson. Mr. Johnson was born in Steuben Co., NY., October, 1821. He came to Walworth Co. in March, 1839. He assisted his father in opening a farm on Section 20, town of Darien. He was engaged in lambering on the Wisconsin River till 1849. Was married to Eda Howard, daughter of Sylvester Howard. Mrs. Johnson is a native of Maine. She came to Wisconsin with her parents about 1844. Mr. Johnson settled in the village of Darien in the fall of 1863. He is a prominent and successful business man. Has been engaged in buying grain aad stock for many years. Is an extensive land owner. He also owns the greater part of the original homestead. Mr. and Mrs. Johnson have one daughter, Lillie, born in 1859. They lost one daughter, Emma. Mr. Johnson's father was born Sept. 22, 1791, and died 1874. His mother was born in New Jersey Dec. 25, 1793. The parents of Mrs. Johnson emigrated to Rock Co., Wis, from Maine, in 1844; her father died in Rock Co. Her mother died at the house of her son-in-law, Mr. Johnson, January, 1881, aged 87 years.

TRUMAN H. JONES, farmer, Section 10 ; P. O. Delavan ; son of Loren K. Jones, who was born in the State of New York, and came to Walworth Co. and laid claim to a homestead on Section 10. Lyman A., brother of L. K. Jones, located a farm the same time, adjoining, which he still owns. Mr. Loren Jones died in 1861. He was married in the State of New York, to Miss Laura Grreenman ; they had ten children ; four sons and six daughters, all of whom are living. Only Truman H. and Orcelia, wife of T. Q. Low, who resides at Delavan, are residents of Walworth Co. Truman H. was born in the State of Neiv York, September, 1836. He owns a farm adjoining the homestead, and also has charge of the latter, where his mother still resides. Mr. pJones has been married twice ; his first wife was Sarah Nicholas; his present wife was Lottie Rumbles ; he has no children.

STEPHEN KERNS, farmer. Sec. 8; P. O. Darien; was born in Oneida Co., N. Y., in 1835; he removed with his parents when 2 yearsold to Algonquin, McHenry Co., Ill , where he dwelt until 1873, when he came to Walworth Co. and bought his present farm of Jacob Sweet ; he was married to Helen Skinner in 1868^ daughter of Hiram Skinner ; her parents emigrated from the State of New York to Allen Co., Ind., from there to McHenry Co., 111., where they still live. They have no children. Stephen Kerns enlisted in Co. F, 15th HI. \^. I., May 24, 1861, at Freeport, 111. Discharged at Springfield, 111., June 18, 1864; was in seven engagements.

G. F. LATHROP, general merchant, Darien; is a native of Genesee Co., N. Y.; is a son of L. Lathrop, who came to Walworth Co. with his family in 1866 ; bis father settled in the town of Sharon and engaged in farming; he died in 1871. The parents of Mr. Lathrop had two children - H. L., now now a resident of Michigan, and G. F. Mr. Lathrop's mother lives with him. He came to the village nf Darien and engaged in business with Mr. C. S. Teeple, with whom he continued eight years; Mr. Lathrop has been alone in business since March 15, 1880. He keeps a general stock in merchandise, the largest stock found in Darien. He is Postmaster at Darien, a position he has held since Oct. 18, 1875. He was married to Delia M. Dodge, daughter of J. Dodge. They have two children - Charles D., born December, 1872, and Carrie J., born November, 1877.

FREDERICK LIN DEM AN, farmer. Sec. 23 ; P. 0. Darien ; owns a farm on Sec. 34 ; was born in Hanover, Germany, in 1826; came to the United States in 1847; lived in Philadelphia about ten years, though he had previously lived in Delaware City for a time. He came to Walworth Co. in 1858; located in Darien, and engaged in the butchering business. His wife was also born in Germany. They have had eight children, three sons and five daughters.

JOHNSON MATTESON, farmer, Sec. 29 ; P. 0. Darien ; Mr. Matteson was born in Genesee Co., N. C, Nov. 5, 1823. His father was Price Matteson, born April 17, 1803. Mr. Matteson came to Walworth Co. in the spring of 1845; he purchased the fiirm where he now lives the same year. His brother, Carlos Matte-son, came to Darien several years ago, with Mr. William Carter; Carlos now lives in Nevada. Another brother, Cyrus Matteson, came in 1849; he was killed by the Mormons or Indians, while on his way to California, the same year. Mr. Matteson was married in 1848, to Lucy Barnes; she died December, 1855. His present wife was Laura Franklin, born in St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., in 1838; her parents (now deceased) came to Wisconsin. October, 1844. Mr. Matteson had two children by his first marriage - Orra, now Mrs. H. L. Stone, and Price, who died January, 1880, aged 25 years; has seven children by present wife - George I., Cyrus A., Frank M., Lizzie A., Johnson G., Clara L. and Marion. Mr. Matteson's farm contains 160 acres.

ARTHUR W. MAXSON, farmer, Sec. 18; P. 0. Fairfield, Rock Co.; he is a representative of one of the pioneers of Walworth Co., in fact is himself a pioneer ; was born in the town of Centerville, Allegany Co., N. Y., March 10, 1820. His father was Joseph Maxson, a native of Rhode Island, where he was born in 1787, but removed to Otsego, N. Y., with his parents when a child, 17 years of age, in 1804. The father of the subject of this sketch left his home in Otsego Co. for Allegany Co., for the purpose of making him a home at that then Western wilderness ; when he reached his destination, he was not in very affluent circumstances ; he wore a substantial suit of clothes, a respectable pair of shoes, and had in his pockets 2 copper cents. These constituted his earthly possessions ; the shoes he exchanged for an ax, and with this he cleared away the forest, and made for himself and family a comfortable home ; this ax, together with the log-chain used by his father in clearing this farm more than three-fourths of a century ago, is still in the possession of his son, Arthur W., as is also one of the pennies above mentioned. In May, 1837, Mr. Arthur W. Maxson, then 17 years of age, came with his father to Walworth Co. for the purpose of making a location of a future home ; the location was made ; the land not being in the market, Arthur W. remained, and kept possession until February, 1839; when it was purchased, he returned to New York in June of same year ; the years which he passed alone on his place were lonely ones in the extreme ; his nearest neighbor was at Delavan, a distance of eight miles; his father came again in 1841, and in the fall of 1842 brought out his family. His father died in 1864, his mother in 1846. He is probably the oldest settler living in the town of Darien. Three settlers, Elijah Belden, Christopher Cheesbro and N. S. Comstock, were here when he came. His parents had seven children, two sons and two daughters living, viz. - Arthur W., Orrin T., Caroline Barnes and Pollen Lyon. Mr. Max.son was married to Lucy A. Baldwin, born in Ashtabula Co., Ohio ; her parents removed to Rock Co. in 1840. They have five children - Amelia, Orrie H., Orrin E., Clara May and Mattie A. For the purpose of giving his children belter advantages cjf education, he removed his family temporarily to Janesville, but his home is still where it has been for nearly forty-five years, at Maxonville.

JOHN MOORE, farmer. Sec. 17; P. 0. Darien. Mr. Moore was born in New Jersey, in 1820, where he lived till 1854. Married Lorena Hart, also born in New Jersey. They came to Walworth County in the fall of 1854. Bought present farm of Charles Fitzer. Mr. Moore resided in Iowa from 1872 till 1878, during which time his son took charge of the farm. Mr. and Mrs. Moore have seven children - Daniel H., W. H., John T., Charles F., Edwin H., Eva L. and Minnie E. The four oldest children were born in the State of New Jersey. Daniel H. is station agent at Rudd, Iowa. William H. resides at Trenton, N. J. John T. resides in Oswego, N. Y. Charles F. was born in New Jersey in 1854; married Ada Rose, born in Illinois ; they have one daughter, Nina Ethel, and reside at home. Edwin H., telegraph operator and station agent at Glendale, on B. C. & Northern R. R Eva, now Mrs. Arthur Robins, at Rockford, Iowa. Minnie, born October 4, 1865, lives at home.

DAVID NICHOLAS, farmer. Sec. 12; P. 0. Delavan. Mr. Nicholas was born in Herkimer Co., N. Y., in 1812. He was married to Sarah Rider. They came to Walworth County in the spring of 1846, and settled on the farm which Mr. Nicholas still owns. His wife died in 1861. His present wife was Mrs. Polly B. Dunham, formerly Miss Willard. Mr. Nicholas had seven children by his first wife, only one of whom, Edward L., is living. His son now occupies the homestead, and Mr. Nicholas resides near the village of Delavan. Mrs. Nicholas has two children by her first marriage - Amelia M. and William F. Mrs. Nicholas was born in the town of Stockbridge, Mass., Berkshire County, in 1815. Her parents removed to the State of New York, when she was a child, where she was married to Mr. J. Dunham. They came to Wisconsin about 1852, and settled in Jefferson County. Mr. Dunham enlisted in August, 1862, and died in October of that year. Mr. and Mrs. Nicholas were married Nov. 3. 1867.

CYRUS PALMERTON resides at Allen's Grove; born in the town of Dryden, Herkimer Co., N. Y., in 1822. He removed, when a child, with his parents to Allegany Co., where he lived till 16 yearsofage- He then went to the town of Covington, Genesee Co., where he lived until 21 years of age. He came to Wisconsin in the fall of 1842, and settled on Sec. 24, in the town of Bradford, Rock Co. This farm he still owns. He removed to the village of Allen's Grove, in the fall of 1879, and has been married twice. His first wife was Harriet Dykeman, daughter of Cornelius Dykeman. She died Dec. 23, 1876. His present wife was Lucy Anderson. He has two children by his first wife - William and George; has an adopted daughter, Ellen, now Mrs. Robert More.

EDWIN E. PARK, farmer; resides on Sec. 20, on the farm of J. J. Johnson ; P. 0. Darien. He was born in Chemung Co., in March, 1831. When 20 years of age, he started out to get a knowledge of the world. Arming himself with a pair of tin trunks, well supplied with such small articles which are needed in every family, including pins, needles, thread, etc., he started West, on foot, " to grow up with the couutry." He peddled his way on foot to Portage, Columbia Co., being about six months on the route, following the adage of " go slow and learn to peddle." He returned, however, to New York, and came permanently to Wisconsin in 1836, and settled at Black River Falls, where he worked at the business of masonry. He enlisted, in August, 1862, in the 95th III. V. I., and served till the close of the war. He participated in many important battles and campaigns of the war, including the siege of Vicksburg, Bank's Red River campaign ; was at the battle of Nashville, Spanish Fort, etc. After the war, he returned to Illinois, where he was residing when he enlisted. He came to Walworth Co. in 1869. His wife was Miss Mary A. Clearwater, born in Chemung Co., N. Y. They have four children - William, M. D., F. A. and Mabel A.

SETH B. PEPPER, blacksmith, Darien, was born in Pawlet, Rutland Co., Vt., Dec. 2, 1823. He resided in Rutland and Bennington Cos. until 1870, when he went to Michigan and worked at blacksmithing for one and a half years; then went to Jackson, Mich., and engaged in the mercantile business till 1874; came to Darien, Walworth Co., and established in his present business. Mrs. Pepper, formerly Margaret Blakely, was born in Ireland. They have five children - Robert L., now agent on the C, B. & Q. R. R., at Carman, Henderson Co., III. ; Amelia, now Mrs. S. P. Curtis, lives in Rutland, Vt. ; Maggie, wife of J. K. Franklin, died Nov. 12, 1877 ; Mary Bell, now Mrs. R. C. Smith, lives at Petoskey, Mich. ; Mattie E., lives at home, aged 1 5 years.

JUDSON J. PETTY, firm of Stanbro, Petty & Co., merchants at Darien, was born in Northern Illinois in 18.55; he spent several years in Californii; then engaged in business in Sharon, in February, 1880, in the firm name of Stanbro & Petty. The firm is now Stanbro, Petty & Co. They established their store at Darien May 3, 1880. Mr. Petty has charge of the store at Darien, his partners conducting the business at Sharon. Mr. Potty keeps a general store, has a large stock of goods, and is establishing a fine trade. t

OVID REED, farmer, Sec. 33 ; P. 0. Darien; born in Darien, Genesee Co., N. Y., Nov. 3, 1820. His father, Alexander Reed, was also a native of the State of New York. Mr. Reed was brought up a firmer. In 1842, he went to Cleveland, thence to Pittsburgh, and thence down the river to St. Louis, and passed the following winter in Pike Co., III., where he taught a term of school. In the spring of 1843, he came to Walworth Co. He returned to the State of New York the same season, but came back to Walworth Co. the following fall, and has been a permanent resident of the town of Darien ; his father came the following year and settled in the town of Sharon; he died in the fall of 1869 ; his wife, Betsy (Crosbyj Reed, died in 1864 ; Mr. Reed was married, January, 1846, to Jane Seaver, daughter of Joseph W. Seaver, who came to Wisconsin, October, 1840, and settled in the town of Darien. The parents of Mrs. Reed had seven children, all of whom were born in Genesee Co., N. Y.; her father died Aug. 1, 1864; her mother, Mary Long Seaver, died August, 1850. Mr. and Mrs. Reed have had eleven children, nine of whom are living - Lewis S., Mary E. (uow Mrs. E. L. Green, lives in Sacramento, Cal. ). Ann E. (in California), Clara J., D. H. (also in California), Harry D. (in Omaha), Hattie M., George and Alex. Lewis is engaged in business in Omaha ; the names of the children lost were Ida and DeWitt.

ANDREW J. RODMAN, M. D., was born in Schoharie Co., N. Y.. in 1830 ; he graduated at Union College, at Schenectady, N. Y., in 1854, and was for several years engaged in teaching before studying medicine ; he taught in the New York Conference Seminary, at Charlotteville, N. Y., and afterward in the Academy at Perry, Wyoming Co., N. Y. (of which latter institution he was for a time Principal). He began the study of medicine in Perry, and continued it in Delavan and Geneva, in Walworth Co. after moving to Wisconsin, in 1856 ; he began practice in Woodstock, 111., in 1858, and thence moved to Huntley, in the same State, where he was engaged in the practice of medicine sixteen years. He graduated at Ru.sh Medical College in 1865, and was a Sanitary Surgeon in the Union army during the rebellion ; he came to Darien in October, 1874, succeeding Dr. Sutherland. In 1858, he was married to Miss Helen A. Streeter, of Geneva, Wis.; they have four children - Carrie, Willis, Archer and Helen.

DANIEL RODMAN, dealer in lumber, sash, doors, lime, cement, building paper, etc., Darien ; he was born in Schoharie Co., N. Y., in 1831, where he was brought up ; he came to Darien in the spring of 1857 ; he is a carpenter and builder by trade, and was engaged in that business for many years; he taught school for some time, when a young man; he engaged in the grain business in 1870; has been engaged in the lumber trade since 187G ; he is doing a large and increasing business; his wife was Miss Phebe M. Wharton, born in Schoharie Co. They have three children - Edward, Willard, Abina.

MARTIN S. ROGERS, farmer, Sec. 20 ; P. 0. Darien. Mr. Rogers was born in Chemung Co., N. Y., in 1838, where he lived till 1866, when he removed to McHenry Co., 111., where he lived till 1875, when he came to the town of Darien and took charge of the farm of J. J. Johnson, on which he now resides. His wife was Asenath Park, born in Chemung Co.; they have three children - Willis E., George C. and Ida G.

J. F. ROOD, M. D., Darien ; he is the son of Erastus Rood, who emigrated to Wisconsin from the State of New York, and settled in the town of Darien in 1838. The Doctor was born in the town of Darien in 1858; he entered the office of Dr. George E. Catlin, of Geneva, as a student of medicine, in 1876 ; he graduated at the Chicago Medical College in the spring of 1881 ; he located at Darien as a practicing physician in April of that year ; he began the study of medicine from a love of the science, it having been his favorite study from a child ; although engaged in practice but a short time, he has a large and rapidly increasing business.

HARVEY SAXTON, Darien, foreman on railroad section ; son of J. I. Saxton ; he was born in the village of Darien Nov. 30, 1848 ; married Emma Lippitt, daughter of Hezekial Lippilt, born in the State of New Y^ork, in 1846. Mr. Saxton has occupied his present position since 1872; they have no children of their own, but have one adopted daughter ; the father of Mrs. Saxton came to Walworth Co. in 1849.

J. I. SAXTON, farmer, Sec. 22 ; P. 0. Darien. Mr. Saxton was born in Ulster Co., N. Y.,in 1822, where he was brought up ; he was married in 1843 to Melissa Relyea, also born in Ulster Co. ; Mr. Saxton came to Darien in 1844, his father-in-law, Lucas Belyea, came at the same time. Mr. Saxton engaged in work at his trade, that of wagon-making ; he established the first business of that kind in the village of Darien ; he settled on his farm where he now lives in 1864, but worked more or less at his trade till 1870. His father-in law, Mr. Relyea, died in the spring of 1862. Mr. and Mrs. Saxton have six children - Henrietta, Harvey, Isaac, Frank, James and Lizzie ; they have lost two children ; Mr. Saxton's farm contains 80 acres.

JULIUS H. SEAVER, Darien; born in Washington Co., N. Y., in 1825; he removed with his parents, Lyman H. and Sally Seaver, to Genesee Co., when he was but 3 months old ; he came to Wal worth Co. with his father's family, consisting of parents and seven children, six sons and one daughter, in September, 1839, and settled on Sec. 33, town of Darien ; Julius H. still owns a part of the original homestead ; his parents resided where they first settled till 1861, when they removed to the village of Darien. His father died June 1, 1864; his mother died Aug. 28, 1878; his parents had eleven children, two of whom died in the State of New York ; two were born in Wisconsin ; five sons and one daughter are still living. Mr. Seaver has been married twice; his first wife was Martha J. Heron, born in Washington Co., N. Y. ; she died in 1858 ; his present wife was Sarah M. Clerwater ; has two children by first wife - Sarah J. and J. M. The father of Mr. Seaver was a native of Arlington, Vt., born in 1796 ; he was prominent among the early settlers of Walworth Co., and a member of the First Constitutional Convention of Wisconsin, and otherwise prominently identified with the early history of the country.

JAMES E. SEAVER, farmer. Sec. 34 ; P. 0. Darien ; son of Lyman H. Seaver (see sketch of Julias H. Seaver); was born in Genesee Co., N. Y., in June, 1837 ; came to Walworth Co., with his parents, in 1839. Mrs. Seaver was formerly Phebe L. Dodge, daughter of Josiah Dodge ; she was born in the town of Darien, Genesee Co., N. Y., in 1841. They have five children - Marcus D., Bertha L., William L., Clara M. and Josiah H. Mr. Seaver made bis first home in the town of Sharon, where he lived until 1864; settled on present farm in that year ; his farm contains 114 acres.

JAMES SHERWOOD, retired, Darien ; born in Geneseo, Livingston Co., N. Y., in 1816; was brought up as a farmer; came to Wisconsin and settled in the town of Rock in 1844, but returned to New York State, and was married to Daphne S. Patterson in 1847. Mrs. Sherwood was born in the town of Conesus, Livingston Co., in 1821. Mr. Sherwood resided on his farm in Rock till 1849, when he came to Walworth Co. and settled in the town of Darien ; he settled in the village in the fall of 1869. They have three children - Franklin, born 1852, a farmer at Bradford Center; Clark L., born 1860, now station agent at Clinton ; and Eva, born in 1862.

WILLIAM L. STOWELL, farmer, Sec. 1 ; P. 0. Delavan. The subject of this sketch was born in the town of Delavan, Walworth Co., Wis., Feb. 13, 1851 ; is the son of Elijah and Lucicda Stowell. He was brought up a farmer, and was married March 23, 1881, to Josephene Stevens, daughter of Daniel A. Stevens. Mrs. Stowell was born at Whitney's Point, Broome Co., N. Y., and came to Wisconsin in her childhood with her parents, and resided in Johnstown, Rock Co. Mr. Stowell's people were among the very early settlers of Walworth Co. ; his father came to Delavan in 1844.

HON. C. S. TEEPLE, deceased, whose portrait appears in this work, was for twenty-five years a well known citizen and prominent business man of Walworth Co. He was a native of Schoharie Co., N. Y., where he was born in 1830. His parents were prudent and substantial farmers, and upon the farm our subject passed his earlier years, receiving a good common-school education. Deciding upon a merchantile career, he went to New York City and began his business life as clerk in a dry goods house. In 185tJ, he came to Wisconsin, locating at Darien, where he remained identified until his death, Nov. 29, 1881. Mr. Teeple began business here as a partner of N. W. Hoag, in the general merchandise line ; subsequently continuing business alone until 1872, when G. F. Lathrop became associated with him, under firm name of Teeple & Lathrop. This copartnership was successfully continued until 1880, when Mr. Lathrop retired, and our subject continued until failing health forced him to close. He was appointed Postma.ster at Darien in 18(35, holding that office until 1870. Mr. Teeple was prominent in advancing all public measures of enterprise and progress, taking a leading interest in educational affairs, and also those of a political nature. In 1870, he was elected to represent his district in the State Legislature, and in 1870 was appointed Deputy United States Marshal. When the Citizens' National Bank was organized at Delevan he was chosen one of its directors, holding that position until his death. He was a consistent member of the Baptist Church during his later years, taking special interest in Sunday school work. In business he was careful, industrious and honorable ; possessing a genial, sunny nature he made hosts of friends, and in all the relations of life was accorded universal esteem and respset. His untimely death, when in the prime of life, was a servere blow to the community, where for a r|uarter of a century he had been one of the leading spirits. Mr. Teeple was united in marriage in October, 1858, to Miss Emily Enders, also a native of Schoharie Co., N. Y. Four children are descendants - Kate E., Matie, Maude and Charles S., Jr.

LUCIUS C. WAITE, harness-maker in Darien ; son of Isaac N. Waite, who came to the town of Darien from the State of New York in May, 1844 . Lucius was born in town of Darien in February, 1840 ; learned the trade of harness-maker of Noah Dudley, who came from Orleans Co., N. Y., to Darien, in the fall of 1858. Mr. Dudley died in August, 1870. Mr. Waite was married to Ophelia E. Dudley, a daughter of Noah Dudley ; they have four children - Beulah, Hattie, Herman and Alice. Mr. Waite worked for Mr. Dudley from June 1869, to August, 1875, when he succeeded his father alone in business.

CARY WELCH, farmer, Sec. 16 ; P. O. Darien; was born in the town of Windhaai, Conn., Jan- 13, 1799, where he lived till 12 years of age, when he removed with his parents to Cortland Co., N. Y.i where he was brought up ; he was married to Eliza Bond May 28, 1820, who was born at Peterboro, Madison Co., N. Y., July 6, 1805. They came to Walworth Co. with their family in 1844, though Mr. Welch had been here the previous year, and made a location ; he first settled on Sec. 15 ; has lived where he does now since 1863. They have five children - William C; lleuben .M., George S., E'izibeth and .Melissa; farm contains 121 acres. Mr. Welch, though 83 years of age, retains in a remarkable degree his strength and activity, and he and his excellent wife are journeying down the hill together, after a long and wellspent life.

JAMES WILKINS, retired farmer; P. 0. Allen's Grove; Mr. Wilkins was born in New Jersey in 1805, where he was brought up. He was married to Hannah Fergusm, and removed to Steuben County, N. Y., where he lived seven years. He came to Walworth County in 1843, and settled in the town of Darien. He afterward settled in Rock County, where he still owns a firm. He came to the village of Allen's Grove about 1862 ; has nine children, five sons and four daughters, his wife died April, 1878.

JOSEPH R. WILKIXS, farmer, resides at Allen's Grove. Owns a farm on Sees. 30 and 31, town of Darien; P. 0. Allen's Grove. Mr. Wilkins was born in the State of New Jersey in 1817; he removed to Steuben County, N. Y., with his parents, John and Susan Wilkins. He married Celestia Johnson, daughter of Asher Johnson. He removed with his father-in-law to McHenry County, III'., in 1838, and accompanied him the following yeir to Walworth County. He purchased a farm in the town of Darien, in 1841. This land constitutes a part of his present farm. He retired from fiirminijr and removed to the village of .^lien's Grove in 1871. They have three children - .\lbert, Caroline and Alice,

DAVID WILLIAMS, of Darien, is a settler of 1846 ; was born in Darien, Genesee County, .N. Y., Jan. 6, 1818; settled in the town of Geneva, Walworth County, in 1846, and engaged in farming until 1868, when he moved to Darien ; the farm he then purchased is still in his possession. Mr. Williams has held various town offices ; was elected member of the Legislature in 1857 , has been Justice of the Peace twelve years, doing additional business of collector and insurance agent., etc., most of the time since he came here; was President of the State Agricultural Society for the years 1864 and 1865, and President of the County Agricultural Society for a number of years ; he is a prominent member ot the Masonic fraternity ; he has been .Master of the lodge at D.irien for several years ; his wife was Miss

WILLIAM H. WILLIAMS, farmer. Sec. 17; P. O. Fairfield, Rock County; was born in Genesee County, N. Y., in 1826 ; his parents were John and Ann Williams; he was married to Margaret A. Vanderhoof; they have five children - Daniel, Ida, Lillie, Dora and May. Mr. Williams bought his present farm of Mr. James Sherwood ; settled in Darien in 1850; her father died March, 1881; her mother died in 1860.

DELOS WILLIAMS, druggist, Darien; was born in Genesee County, N. Y., in the year 1824; his father was John Williams, an early settler of Darien. Mr. Williams engaged in farming for several years. After coming to Walworth County, he went to Califoroia in 1850, and engaged in mining; returned in 1855, and resumed the occupation of farming ; settled in the village in 1858, and engaged in the drug business the following year ; his drug store was the first in the village ; was established by Messrs. Phelps & Williams ; the latter was a brother of the present proprietor. Mr. Williams was married to Miss Lydia M. Phelps, born in the State of New York. They have one child - Elizabeth, born in Darien May 18, 1867. The father of Mr. Williams has quite an extensive family. There were ten children, six sons and four daughters ; five sons and one daughter are still living.

ADRIAN WINNE, wagon-maker, Darien ; was born in Albany County, N. Y., in 1818, where he was brought up, and learned his trade of James Goold, in Albany, with whom he remained six years. Mr. Winne was in the employ of the Government as wagon-maker for twenty-six years. He was employed at Watervliet Arsenal, near Albany, for a long time, then to Washington, D. C. ; was also in the State of Georgia for a time, while in the service of the Government. He removed from the State of New York to^Clinton, Rock County, Wis., in 1867 ; he came to Darien in the fall of 1868. His wife was Mary Ann Groat, born in Albany, in the State of New York. They have two children - Mary A. and Maude (now Mrs. Fred Johnson).

JOHN YALE, M. D., of the town of Darien Section, one mile west from Delavan Village: was born in the town of Guilford, Chenango County, N. Y., Dec. 27, 1821 ; is the son of Stephen and Sally R. (Ives) Yale. Dr. Yale is a direct descendant from the founder of Yale College. He received his medical education at the Geneva Medical College of New York, and at the New York City Hospital, from which he graduated March 9, 1846. He entered into practice of his profession at Mt. Upton, N. Y., where he remained until 1859, when he moved to Corning, Steuben County, and practiced until 1863; he then moved to Bainbridge, Chenango County, and continued the practice of medicine at that place until 1875, when he came to Walworth County, Wis., and settled on a small farm of thirty acres, situated on Sec. 12, town of Darion, west of Delavan Village. He has virtually retired from practice, but his well known skill and experience causes him to be sought in critical cases, and in consultation. He was married at Mt. Upton, N. Y., in September, 1846, to Miss Mary J. Chamberlain. They had one son - John C. (now residing with his father). Mrs. Yale died in December, 1856 ; the Doctor was married again June 23, 1857, at Norwich, N. Y., to Miss Emily Hoag, daughter of Philo Hoag. Mrs. Dr. Yale was born in Norwich, N. Y.

S. ZIEBACH, grain-buyer, Darien. He engaged in buying grain for J. Williams, of Freeport, III., who does an extensive business at various points on this railroad and elsewhere. Mr. Ziebach came here in 1878. He has had large experience in the grain and stock business, and bears an excellent reputation as an upright, honorable business man. He is a native of Pennsylvania, born in 1810. He went to Northern Illinois in 1866. Has bean engaged in the grain business most of the time since. His wife was born in Pennsylvania. They have four children.