Dodgeville City (part 2 of 2)

On the 7th of June, 1876, a meeting of the Directors was held at the Secretary's office, and the subscription books were opened. The subscription list began by those who were present, eight in number taking five shares of stock each, at ^100 per share. M. J. Briggs and Mr. Baldwin were employed to canvass the country and obtain aid, and were authorized to negotiate for town and village bonds, to be given in exchange for railroad mortgages, to be paid or canceled in fifty years, without interest, thus beating the law, which provides that no municipality shall vote aid without a consideration.

From that time on until the spring of 1877, the committee, better than whom it would have been hard to find, prosecuted their work with vigor ; and, in the event, secured from the different towns along the route appropriations amounting to $133,000.

In September, 1876, at a legally appointed meeting, the village and town of Dodgeville voted the handsome sum of $57,500 aid, $14,000 of which was to come from the town. This voting 5 per cent of the taxable property of the town for a railroad was highly disagreeable to a great many, and an attempt was made by the town to become separated from the village, but not successfully. The condition on which the bonds were given was that the money was not to be paid over until the work was completed, or near enough done to insure a completion.

In the fall of 1877, the interest manifested and encouragement given along the route being so great, it was deemed judicious by the directors to contract for the building of the road, and to start the work as soon as possible. A proposition was submitted by E. Baldwin and W. H. Whitman, of Illinois, at that time to build the road, which taken up by the company and discussed at various meetings, and finallv, on the 15th day of December, 1877, the contract was let to them authorizing the building of the road within three years from January 1, 1878. The salient points of the contract, a very voluminous document, were that after the road was completed, the contractors were to have the aid and own the "lion's share" of the road; in other words, the road would virtually have belonged to them.

The work was begun, ami about eight miles of grading done near Freeport, and nearly the same amount at Blanchardville. Much of tliis was done in j)ayment of individual subscriptions, which were quite large in some cases, and very general. In fact, the whole country was tiioroughly alive and interested in promoting the work by every means, but the work of grading did not continue long, the contractors not having " long purses," and failing to get aid, were obliged to stop. In this connection, it may not come amiss to say that nothing has been done since in the way of actual work.

The contract was so drawn that the contractors could hold the company and trustees with whom the town and village bonds were consigned until the expiration of the contract, or until they chose to release them ; consequently, when they stopped work, everything stoppeil. Eventually, another company was formed, of which we will speak later, to take the contract off the hands of the contractors, but this not being done as anticipated, on the 8th of September, 1880, Whitman & Baldwin proposed to release the company and the town and village bonds on condition that an extension of the contract be granted under the patent to continue until December 31. 1881, and which should be considered as fulfilled by building the road no further than Blanchardville. This proposition was gladly assented to by the directors, and soon after a public meeting was held by the directors and a number of citizens, and the subscriptions were canceled. Then a bonfire was built on Iowa street, near the post office, and a funeral march taken to the spot where the bonds were solemnly cremated, and the people once more made happy.

Previous to the canceling of the railroad contract and subscriptions and burning of bonds, in the spring of 1879, Mr. Baldwin, as mentioned in connection with Mr. Briggs, to whom Whitman had made a contingent transfer of his rights, informed the citizens that for the want of funds, they could not go on with the work; and that as the preliminaries were all attended to, and the work fairly begun, all that was now needed was capital to carry to a successful issue what had been started under such favorable auspices. In accordance with that state of affairs, they submitted a proposition that, for a certain amount of paid-up stock in the completed road, they would transfer their contract to any party or parties who would bind themselves to complete the road. The matter was at once taken up by a number of the capitalists of the place, who were anxious that the work should not be dropped at such a " stage in the game." Several meetings were held which finally resulted in the organization of a construction company, to be known as the Freeport & Dodgeville Railroad Company. A patent was secured, by consent of the old company, on the 14th day of May, 1879, with capital stock limited to $50,000. The incorporators and directors were S. W. Reese, Joseph Bennett, James Roberts, G. W. Burrall and Joel Whitman.

The first meeting of the company was held on the 24th of May following, when S. W. Reese was elected President : Joseph Bennett, Vice President ; Joel Whitman, Treasurer, and James Roberts, Secretary. By-laws were also adopted at this meeting.

By order of the board, stock subscription books were opened at the Secretary's office on Monday, the 26th day of May, which were not to be closed until 250 shares of stock, at §100 per share, had been subscribed for. At a subsequent meeting, the shares were increased to 300 in number, 271 of which were eventually taken, under the condition that nothing should be paid in until the road contract had been assigned to the company. Thirty shares were taken by W. 0. Wright, of Freeport, conditionally upon his being a member of the board.

Very soon after this, on the 8th of July, 1879, the Directors deputized Mr. Wright to go to New York to negotiate for money on the company's bonds, and for the purpose of contracting for building material, as rails, spikes, etc. While Mr. Wright was gone, the company decided to discontinue operations, owing to certain conditions not being complied with by the contractholders and Mr. Wright. Thus ended the operations of the second railroad company formed in Dodgeville.

In the spring of 1880, Mr. Cobb, the Superintendent of the Mineral Point road, came here, and a meeting of the citizens was convened to take into consideration the voting of aid to assist in constructing an extension from Mineral Point to Dodgeville. At this time nothing decisive was done, although it was stipulated that $30,000 would be voted by the town and village. Subsequently, three Commissioners from the town and two from the village were authorized by the public to confer with Mr. Cobb, and to make terms, if possible, to get the road through. At this meeting, the Commissioners agreed to furnish $35,000 toward the enterprise, and, accordingly, an understanding was entered into that the road would be built. But from week to week the matter lingered along, and at last nothing came of the movement.

At this juncture the Chicago & North-Western road came forward and stipulated that if the Dodgeville people would furnish $25,000, they would construct a broad-guage from Madison to unite at this point with the narrow-guage road running through Grant County. They also stipulated to build a depot on the fair-grounds and to make that the place of transfer. Again the Dodgeville people came to the front; and almost within twenty-four hours the required aid was pledged to be forthcoming, in case the funds voted in support of the Dodgeville & Freeport line were not demanded. About that time the Milwaukee ik St. Paul Railroad Company purchased the Mineral Point road. This naturally had the effect to change the tactics of the Chicago & North-Western Company, who then decided to construct a broad-guage road over their entire line, and to build the depot one mile north of the town, preferring to do that and sacrifice the town and village aid rather than build the road according to their first proposition.

During that season (1880), S. S. Merrill, Superintendent of the Millwaukee & St. Paul Railroad, came here and looked over the ground and country ; then offered to extend the road from Mineral Point for $10,000, evidently considering that it would be a profitable thing to do, now that there was a competing line coming here. This offer, however, was not taken up, the people prudently thinking that, after having run the gamut of railroad fiasco experience, it was just as well to let well enough alone, and to take such favors as fortune had at last brought to their doors, without money or price.

Education

The first school in this section of the country was taught as early as 1833 or 1834, by Robert Boyer, who figures extensively in the early history of this part of the State as one of the first teachers in several localities. His school, and the schools for several years after his time, were taught outside of the village, and therefore are especially mentioned in connection with the town history. The first school in the village proper was taught by Mrs. Mary J. Ranger, who is still living here. Thirty-five years ago there stood where Peter Spang's residence now stands a small one-story frame building in which she (then Miss Carrier) taught her first quarter's school. This, like many others, was supported by the parents, who paid pro rata. Miss Carrier making her own terms. This old building is now in use as a dwelling-house. After her marriage, Mrs. R. taught in a room built by John Jenkins as a store, on Union street, which is now the Soden & Jones tailor-shop. Like other " school-rooms " in Dodgeville, it was rented, as the district did not build or own a schoolhouse uncil 1853. Mrs. Ranger also at one time trained the youthful idea in what is now the residence of E. H. McElhose. Her school-room was warmed by an old cook stove, and, as the winter was a bitterly cold one, much discomfort was the inevitable result. " I used to warm my feet one at a time by pushing them through the circle of shivering scholars," she says. This lady taught in the village almost constantly until 1878, and is now succeeded in that capacity by a daughter. In 1846, the people raised money by subscription and built the old town hall, which afterward became the Wesleyan Chapel and then the Primitive Methodist Church. This building did service up to 1850 or later as a schoolhouse. H. E. Foster, Emma A. Comfort and others taught here.

In the spring of 1849, the town of Dodgeville having been organized. Rev. A. S. Allen, the first Town Superintendent of Schools, organized District No. 1, which then extended to the Mineral Point line, three miles north, and being in width one and a half miles. This was afterward extended west so as to include the whole or a part of the Van Metre survey. The first officers were Thomas Stephens, Director ; D. C. Evans, Treasurer, and J. D. Jenkins, Clerk. Various meetings were held during 1849 and 1850, on the question of building a schoolhouse, and at one time a tax of $1,700 was voted. This was afterward rescinded, and the district continued to hire various buildings for school purposes up to 1833. That year. District No. 10 was set apart and organized with Chapel street as its south line, and the " Grove " and " Rock " Schoolhouses were both built, the one taking its name from the small timber surrounding it and the other from the material of which it was built. In 1850, the number of persons in the district, from four to twenty years of age, was 226. Text books - Goodrich's Readers, Colburn's and Adams' Arithmetics, Bullion's Grammar, Smith's Geography, Webster's Spelling-book, Fulton and Eastman's Penmanship.

The two districts existed independently of each other up to the fall of 1864, when J. Thomas Pryor, Jr., then Principal of the Grove School, succeeded in influencing the leading men of both districts to consent to a union. This was accomplished by action of the Town Board, which appointed a board made up of members of the former boards. The town hall was then hired and Merrill Fellows installed as Principal, while the two schoolhouses were used as primary and intermediate departments. This plan is still pursued, but with the high school department conducted under a curriculum of a very advanced and comprehensive character, and entirely superior to what at first existed. Since 1865, the Principals have been J. Thomas Pryor, Jr.,

1875 ; J. H. Pike. 1876-77. In the fall of 1878, J. W. Livingston, a graduate of the Platteville State Normal School, was employed, and has since been retained as Principal. In the fall of 1879, he formulated the present course of studies, which course was approved and accepted by the district board. There are now seventy-three pupils in the high-school department and one assistant teacher, Miss Josephine Ranger. The grammar department is in charge of Miss Lizzie Sincox, who has fifty-four pupils. Frank M. Dyer and Miss Millie Robinson have charge of respectively,the intermediate and primary departments of the Grove School. The " Rock ' School is in charge of Charles Marks, in intermediate, and Miss Lela Mitchell, primary. There are now 560 children in the district that are old enough to attend school. The standing of the scholars in the different departments is considered very good, and the characters and attainments of the several teachers are recognized as being exceptionally excellent. When the new schoolhouse shall have been completed, the general standard will doubtless be greatly improved by the improved facilities for good work that will then be afforded both to teachers and scholars.

Post Office

A post office was first established at Dodgeville by Postmaster General William Barry August 27, 1834, William Henry being appointed its first Postmaster. Mr. Henry kept the office in what was known as the " Dodgeville Store," from the fact that Henry L. Dodge occupied it at a later date and for several years. In October of 1834, Mr. Henry resigned, and was succeeded by Thomas Jenkins, who kept the office in his dwelling house, which stood a few yards to the west of Mr. Jones' bakery. Mr. Jenkins was followed by Henry L. Dodge as Postmaster ; while he held the office, it was again kept in the old store. Mr. Dodge resigned eventually, and T. M. Fullerton, a clerk in the firm of Beach & Rynerson, was appointed to the place, and kept the office in the store of his employers about 1844. After Mr. Fullerton, John Adams kept the " post offis " in the store of Hoskins, Thomas & Company. According to statements, Mr. Adams' ideas of civil service and conducting a post office were exceedingly crude, it being his custom to throw the mail into a heap in the middle of the floor, and let the people paw the matter over to their satisfaction in search of their mail. This method of business was finally stopped by a postal detective coming to the place, who, seeing how matters were going, asked the worthy Postmaster if that was the way he delivered the mail. In reply, Hoskins informed him that it was none of his d - d business. As a result, there was a vacancy in the office soon after, which was filled by the appointment of Silas Wiles. Mr. Wiles did not hold the office a great while; but, owing to the inaccuracy of his accounts, was replaced by Bryce Henry, who kept the office in the William M. Todd store. During the summer of 1850, the office was kept by Doran Jenkins in his book store, one door north of the present office. Whether Mr. Jenkins acted as appointee or deputy, is not known.

At the time of the inaugural of Franklin Pierce in 1853, Louis T. Wheeler was appointed Postmaster, having the office in the building now occupied b\' Mr. Hocking. The office eventually passed into the hands of Dr. Bunall, who officiated as Postmaster until 1861. When S. W. Reese was appointed according to the political change of the times. Mr. Reese held the office until 1877, employing Thomas Hughes, G. W. Louis and Thomas Rogers as deputies, who kept the office in various places. After him, Joel Whitman became the Postmaster, holding the office until 1878, when Thomas Rogers, the incumbent, was appointed.

Dodgeville has ever been more attentive to mining than music. The first band was organized in 1855 ; the town board had charge of the instruments, which were bought by subscription. Josiah Paull was the leader of this band, which held together until about 1859. In 1860, during the excitement of the Lincoln-Douglas campaign, Thomas Bosanko formed a band, composed as follows : Thomas Bosanko, leader, E flat ; James Rowe, B flat ; James Letcher, B flat alto ; F. Nankibell, post horn ; William H. Letcher, E flat bass ; Henry Nanki- by William Clark, was formed ; and, during the most memorable years of the civil war, Dodgeville was alive with martial music. " The boys " of both bands went to the Lake Superior mines in the fall of 1863, taking their instruments with them. Several returned at the close of the war, however, and Mr. Clark was again made leader of a re-organized banil. He was succeeded in 1874 by James Letcher, who has since led the few who cling to the sounding cymbals. The present Dodgeville band needs recruits, and it is hoped that the recent formation of the hook and ladder company may create a new interest, and supply the needed help.

Mineral Point And Dodgeville Telegraph

In January, 1879, the first steps were taken toward establishing telegraphic connection between this place and Mineral Point and the East, at the suggestion of A. S. Hearn, editor of the Chronicle, and Fred Phillips, manager of the justly popular United States Hotel, of Mineral Point. These gentlemen circulated a subscription paper, and received such encouragement in the way of liberal subscriptions and a generally-manifested interest upon the part of many of the leading business men of both places, that what was first an unperfected scheme soon took shape to eventually result in the present line. The first subscribers to stock were F. W. Phillips, eleven shares; W. A. Jones, two; William T. Henry, one; J. M. Smith, one; Lanyon & Spensly, one; G. W. Cobb, one; W. H. Bennett, one; Wilson & Mcllhon, one; P. Allen. Jr., one; A. S. Hearn, one; M. J. Briggs, one; S. W. Reese, three; Bennett, George & Co., three, and Thomas Blackney, one.

Articles of incorporation were drawn and filed on the 28th day of January, 1879, by Messrs. Phillips, Hearn and Briggs. According to these articles, prepared under the provisions of Chapter 8H of the Revised Statutes, the name shall be "Mineral Point and Dodgeville Telegraph Company," with a capital stock fixed at $500. The officers to be a President, Treasurer, Secretary and Board of three Directors, to be elected annually by the stockholders, who shall perform the labors usually required of such officers. Each subscriber to stock becomes a member of the company, and retains his interest as long as he holds the same.

The first meeting for the election of officers and transacting general business was held on the 11th day of March, 1879, but there not being a sufficient number of shares of stock represented, the meeting was adjourned until the 17th of the month, when Thomas Blackney took the chair, and business was opened by the election of the following officers: Fred Phillips, President; M. J. Briggs, Treasurer; J. M. Smith, Secretary, and Joseph Bennett, G. W. Cobb and S. W. Reese, Directors. Messrs Phillips, Briggs and Hearn were appointed a committee to draft by-laws, and the President was authorized to purchase the necessary materials to construct and fit up the line, and to employ laborers and proceed at once to the construction of the same. Fifty per cent of the shares were required to be paid by the 1st of April following the meeting, and the remainder on or before the 15th of the same month.

The work of erecting the line was begun soon after, and continued without interruption until May 22, when it was completed ready for operating. The total cost of materials and construction and operators' instruments was $119. The first message was transmitted to the grocers of Dodgeville by W. H. Boyd, of Milwaukee, on the 30th of April, 1879. There are three local o95ces connected with the line - one at the depot and one at the United States Hotel, in Mineral Point, and one at Dodgeville. The President of the company is Fred Phillips, operator at Mineral Point, W. H. Thomas being the operator at the Dodgeville end of the line. Rates are fixed at 25 cents per ten words, with 2 cents each for extras. The number of messages transmitted the first year aggregated nine hundred and thirty two, amounting to $250.64. No dividends have ever been declared to the stockholders, as barely enough is realized to pay the salaries of the operators. However, the business men would probably employ operators and pay them more than the income received, were it not possible to keep the line in operation otherwise, as it has proved of great utility in various business matters.

Fires And Fire Company

Dodgeville has suffered but little in the course of its development from fires. That most terrible of enemies and warmest of friends has, with but few exceptions, through the judicious management of the Village Board and commendable prudence of the people, been restricted to the point of utility, and made to subserve the wants of the people rather than to create needs by its remorseless energy and fury.

There has been but one what might be termed conflagration. That occurred on the 5th of March, 1856, and proved very destructive. At noon, a fire broke out in the garret of a frame buildincr used for a saloon by the firm of Hope & Lidicoat, on the west side of Iowa street, north of Division. There being no fire apparatus, the flames progressed very rapidly despite the efforts of the citizens, and within a few minutes this building was not only doomed to perish, but a large brick store standing next to it on the north, which was heavily stocked with ceneral merchandise, was also ignited and shared the same fate. Adjoining this was a frame building owned by McCracken and Dr. Goodlad. and occupied as a drug store and dwelling. This also caught on fire, and was destroyed with the others. In order to stop the destruction, a house on the north of these, owned by John Parris, was torn down, while on the south, fortunately, there was a vacant lot covered with water, which stayed its progress in that direction, so that no further damage was done. The loss was almost total, as there was no insurance on the buildings and but little of the merchandise was saved. Mr. McCracken was a very heavy loser to the extent of $10,000, according to general estimates.

The burning of the Primitive Methodist Church, described in the church sketch, was another quite serious fire, and one that made a clean sweep, thus paving the way for the present handsome edifice.

The Dodgeville Hook and Ladder Company No. 1 is certainly one of the creditable institutions of the village, and in its organization at a time when there was no apparent danger presents a fiiir index to the character of the business men who prefer " an ounce of prevention to a pound of cure," and propose to be prepared for emergencies and to be just a step in advance of any of their neighbors. The following is a sketch of the organization taken from their "By-Laws," and briefly describes just what has been done:

" Soon after the destructive fire at Highland, and pursuant to a published call for a massmeetinc at the court house, on Wednesday evening, December 1, 1880, a large number of business men and representative citizens met to devise some means for the better protection of our village in case a fire should happen to break out.

" The meeting was called to order by Mr. R. G. Owens. S. W. Reese, Esq., was then elected Chairman, who, in a few brief remarks, stated the object of the meeting.

Resolved, That we proceed to enroll and organize a hook and ladder company, and thai the Village Board be requested to purchase the necessary apparatus for its equipment.

" Messrs. J. T. Pryor, Jr., R. G. Owens and A. S. Hearn were appointed a committee to present the proceedings of the meeting to the Village Board.

-' A meeting of the Village Board was held on the evening of December 2, when the request for aid to equip the said company was assented to, and the necessary steps immediately taken to purchase the equipments.

" Pursuant to the call of the temporary Chairman, those who had signified their willingness to become members of the company held a meeting at the court house December 9, and adopted a code of laws for the government of the company, whereupon the meeting adjourned to December 15, 1880, which was fixed as the date of the first annual meeting of the company. At that meeting, the company was duly organized under the name of the Dodgeville Hook and Ladder Company No. 1, and elected ofiicers for the ensuing year.

" The truck was built in January, 1881, by E. B. Preston, 160 State street, Chicago, 111., and cost, everything included, $400. It has all the modern improvements, and combines beauty, strength and lightness, so that it can be easily and rapidly handled. The wagon, including the tongue, is about 27 feet long. The width between the wheels from center to center is about 4 feet 4 inches ; the diameter of front wheels 3 feet 6 inches, that of the hind wheels 4 feet 6 inches ; the width of frame is 2 feet 10 inches, depth 3 feet 4 inches, and has windlass attached, one large head-lamp and two side lamps, leathern buckets, hooks, ladders, axes, chains and ropes, necessary for any emergency."

The first public stopping-place (mentioned elsewhere) was a boarding-house opened during 1828, by one Wentworth. It was a double log cabin, with a narrow passage, or hall-way, between the two structures, each of which was 16x16. The next year, one McBryde kept boarders here. Col. Blythe, a noted character in primitive Dodgeville, was the first to open what may properly be called a hotel, in what was the old H. L. Dodge store. To the original log structure, one Ward, who had succeeded Dodge in business, had built a frame addition. Here the Colonel, who was a reckless gambler, kept a very good hotel for several years. He was succeeded, in order, by William Rablin, Watkin Watkins and Frank Beckett. From 1838 to 1840, H. L. Dodge also kept a sort of stopping-place in some long, low log buildings near his store. Maj. Thomas Jenkins also kept boarders as early as 1834 and 1835.

In 1845, James D. Jenkins built the large frame house now occupied as a bakery and confectionery store, in which he kept hotel for a year or more, then rented it to Aaron Adams.

Marks' Hotel. - This is the most popular hotel in the village, among traveling men, and Reuben Marks, the present owner and " mine host " has made it so. In 1849, a German, best known as " Dutch " Walter, erected the building, and soon after sold it to Herman Tick, also a German, but neither kept hotel here or elsewhere. The house was first opened as a hotel in 1852, by the brothers Thomas and Moses M. Howell. The latter gentleman named it the Dodgeville House, and kept it three or four years ; then Berry Ogburn rented it of the Howells and kept it six months. It was then purchased by Richard Jones, who changed the name to the United States Hotel, which name it bore until a recent date. Jones kept it a number of years, then rented it for several years to Watkin Watkins. James Van Dyne and Thomas Thomas have also managed the house at different times. Mr. Marks bought it October 25, 1875, and has since thoroughly rebuilt the original structure and erected an addition, which makes it more than double its former size. It is the only temperance hotel in Dodgeville that is doing a large business, and has borne its present name since November, 1880.

The Wisconsin House - Was built as the Rough and Ready House in 1847, by Benjamin Thomas, Sr., and was so named to perpetuate the admiration of the builder for the hero of Buena Vista. The name, the house and the owner were immensely popular, and, in many of the old-time stories told by the founders and pioneers of the village, this old hostelry figures most conspicuously. "Uncle Ben" sold the property to John E. Bartle in 1852 or 1853. He, in turn, sold it to the present proprietor, Joseph Hocking, November 6, 1854. The transfer having been made on election day, Mr. Hocking opened a free house, and for a number of days the jollification was kept up. " Why should we not enjoy ourselves in those days'" says Mr.

Hocking. " ' Mineral ' was easy to get, money plenty, flour worth $3 per barrel, beef 3 cents per pound, pork 2^ cents, potatoes 2 bits per bushel, and whisky proportionately cheap." The earnings of months were often spent in a day by the reckless miners, yet dishonesty, theft or meanness were not as fashionable as now. Houses were left unlocked while the owners were absent for days at a time, and all felt safe and confident. In 1860, Mr. Hocking built his store, and, in 1869, connected the old stone Rough and Ready House with it, this giving him a roomy hotel, which is deservedly well patronized, and has been called by its present name since his purchase. Mr. Hocking is doubtless the veteran hotel-keeper of Iowa County.

The Western Hotel. - The name of this house recalls those of at least three of the early settlers and prominent men of Dodgeville who have passed over the dark river. Joseph Vincent had laid the foundations and partially completed a hotel, when, in 1817, Col. Thomas Stephens bought him out. Col. Stephens completed the building, opened it as the Western Hotel, and managed it mo.st successfully until it burned down, in November, 1848. He then built the present Western Hotel, which is located a few rods to the south of where the old one stood. From 18.50 to 1852, he rented it to William Rowe, Esq., now of Arena, and, on his return from California, again took charge of the house, managing it until 1854, when John R. Roberts bought it. Mr. Roberts caused the house to be raised from its foundations, and under it built the cellar, bar-room, etc. In early times, this was the leading hotel in Dodgeville, but the removal of the business houses to other streets caused a fatal depression in its prosperity. Since the death of Mr. Roberts, in August, 1879, the house has been managed on the temperance plan by his widow.

Tlie Oommeraial House. - Benjamin Midbow laid the foundations and partially built the original structure in 1864. He then made an exchange, by which Samuel Henderson came into possession of the property. He completed the building, and for a time occupied it with his family, opening up a stock of jewelry in the second story. Capt. Nelson Whitman was for a time in business here. In 1867, Henderson sold it to James Roberts, who first rented it to James Jones. Mr. Jones, finally becoming the owner, made extensive additions to and improvements upon the building, which made it what it is to-day, giving it its present name and opening it as a hotel. Mr. Jones died in 1877, his widow keeping the house until September 1, 1878. when Adam Eulberg rented it. The central location of the house, combined with the popularity of the host, have given the Commercial a large and well-deserved run of business.

The' Dodgeville Hotel - Was originally built as a private house by one Wise, a blacksmith. In 1867, the present owner, Richard Rogers, bought the lot and building, then erecting the main part of the hotel, which, with the Wise residence and the old " Red House," well remembered by "the boys" of early times, affords him a large and commodious hotel, and no one knows better than does "Uncle Dick" how to manage such a house in a country town. His house does its full share of business, and the patrons stick by it.

Strattman ^ Co.' a Factory. - The first wagons made in Dodgeville were by Ranger & Detchmendy, two Frenchmen from St. Genevieve, Mo. They came in 1840, and their shop was what is now Mr. Ranger's residence, he having raised and enlarged it. Mr. R. was the wagon-maker, and Detchmendy the blacksmith ; the latter was also something of a gun and locksmith. " Dock " Wise was probably the ne.xt blacksmith, and .Matthew Kelly the next; he founded the present Stratman shops in 1845 or 1846, building a small one-story shop of stone or "rock." After Kelly, one Olson A. Norse, blacksmith, rented the shop and worked here. In 1853, Peter Spang bought the shop of Col. Thomas Stephens, enlarged it, making it two stories high, and really established the present large concern. F. W. Strattman became a partner in 1860, and the owner in 1872. In May, 1872, he associated Richard Lane as a partner, constituting the present firm. A thriving business is done, five goodly buildings being occupied. Thirty hands are kept in constant employ, turning out wagons, sleighs and plows. Carriages, cutters, harrows, rollers, cultivators, etc., are also manufactured here. The firm now propose to add a large engine and blast furnace. It is worthy of note that a wagon made by this firm was awarded the first prize over 120 competitors at the Wisconsin State Fair of 1880.

Peter Spang carries on the same business on a lesser scale, employing six or eight men. lie also has the only power cider-mill in the place, with which he does a large business each year for the farmers of the surrounding country.

William Harris is the veteran wagon-maker of Dodgeville, and the manufacturer of the premium wagon in Iowa County, according to the Judges of the Agricultural Society, 1880. He began in 1816 near his present large shop, and has kept at it ever since.

The Breivery. - In June. 1867, J. G. Trentzsch and J. F. Bichel came from Mineral Point and laid the foundation for a brewery. It was completed and in active operation for about thirteen years. It was burned with its entire contents in the spring of 1880. Mr. Trentzsch was then the owner, he having bought out the partners, who at different times associated with him, viz., John Rudersdorf and H. Zirfass. Additions had been made to the building, it being at the time of its destruction 21x86 feet; the basement was of stone, and was surmounted by two stories of wood. The average annual production was about 400 barrels, the beer being stored in an arched cellar, dug under the hill to the south of the brewery. The loss by the fire is fixed by Mr. T. at $8,000, exclusive of the $2,000 insurance.

Secular Societies

Dodgeville Lodge, No. 119, A., F. <f A. M. - The first regular communication was opened in the village on Saturday evening, August 27, 1859, in pursuance of a dispensation from the Grand Lodge of the State. There were present, L. W. Strong, W. M. ; George W. Burrall, S. W. ; S. W. Reese, J. W. ; Samuel Harris, Acting Tiler, and Thomas Thomas. The charter was granted June 13, 1860, and bears the names of George W. Burrall, W. M. ; S. W. Reese, S. W., and John Bonner, J. W. There were ten charter members : George W. Burrall, S. W. Reese, Thomas Thomas, John Bonner, Samuel Harris, David Lewis, Joseph Lean, J. L. Roberts, L. M. Strong and Levi Sterling. The officers installed December 28, 1860, were John Bonner, W. M. ; S. W. Reese, S. W. ; Thomas Thomas, J. W. ; Bronson Spensley, Treasurer ; Samuel Harris, Secretary; Peter Grifiith, S. D. ; J. 0. Williams, J. D., and Thomas Howells, Tiler. There were then thirteen Master Masons. The lodge now has a membership of seventy, with the following-named officers : John Temby, W. M. ; Richard Carter, S. W. ; James Cleminson, J. W. ; William Sands, Treasurer; J. J. Hoskins, Secretary; Aldro Jenks, S. D. : T. R. Mundy, J. D. ; E. M. Davis, Tiler ; Thomas Carkeek and Joseph Blake, Stewards. The first lodge met in the hall then known as the Charles Harris building. In October, 1860, the removal was made to the B. F. Thomas hall, thence in December, 1864, the lodge removed to the Jeardoe building, and from there to their present commodious quarters in the summer of 1867. The hall is about 20x50 feet, well lighted and furnished. The walls are hung with portraits of prominent members and other suitable pictures. The lodge also preserves the sword that was used by the Tiler of the old Mineral Point Lodge.

Iowa Encampment, I. 0. 0. F., No. 27 - Instituted September 25, 1868, by C. P. Hudson, Special Deputy. First Officers: W. S. Bowen, C. P.; Richard Francis, H. P.; J. J. Cornish, S. W.; H. E. Jones, J. W.; 0. P. Ashley, Scribe; J. Sobey, Treasurer. There are now twenty-two members. Officers : E. J. Perkins, C. P.; E. H. McElhose, John Ralph. Scribe; J. Sobey, A. L. Robbins, S. W.; W. N. Bishop, J. W. The I. 0. 0. F. Lodge and the Encampment have always shared the same hall.

Dodgeville Lodge, No. 11/7, I. 0. 0. F. - Instituted in April, 1868, by dispensation of the State G. M. The following were the officers then elected: Josephus Sobey, N. G.; Richard Francis, V. G.; W. B. Bowen, Secretary; Francis Vivian, Treasurer. The charter was granted January 21, 1869, with Matthew Bishop, Francis Vivian, John Davey, Richard Francis, W. S. Bowen and A. B. Robinson as charter members. Officers: Richard Francis. N. G.: W. S. Bowen, V. G.; 0. P. Ashley, Secretary, and Matthew Bishop, Treasurer. The lodge hns now eighty-three members in good standing, with the following-named as officers: Edmund Edy- vean, N. G ; Henry Lane, V. G.; John Ralph. Secretary ; E. H. McElhose, Treasurer, and Thomas Bosanko, P. S. The first meeting was' held in Good Templars' Hall, opposite the court house. In October, 1879, the members held their first lodge in the hall which they now rent, over the store of W. H. Rogers. The brethren have displayed much taste in fitting up and furnishing their quarters. Appropriate pictures adorn the walls, and the room is well lighted and pleasant.

The Reform Club. - No temperance movement is or will be better remembered by the citizens of the county seat than that instituted August 29, 1877, by Col. H. W. Rowell and J. H. Hooffstitler. Both gentlemen were from Illinois, and were at the time creating a temperance "boom " throughout Southwest Wisconsin. The Reform Club, a direct outcome of their labors, was a secret society, males alone being eligible. Dr. H. C. Cutler was the first President; AVilliam Harris. Vice President ; B. Thomas, Jr., Secretary ; William Henry, Treasurer, and Josephus Sobey, Chaplain. An Executive Committee and a Grievance Committee of three members each were elected, as were the officers, every three months. The latter committee investigated all alleged violations of the pledge and constitution, and it then required a two-thirds' vote of all members present at a meeting to expel the culprit. Almost every business man in the place joined the club, and in fourteen months it was 200 strong. George L. Frost was the last President, and B. Thomas, Jr., the last and only Secretary. The club disbanded November 21, 1878.

The A. 0. U. IF. - Instituted July 15, 1879, by A. H. Taisey, Deputy G. M. W. There were sixteen charter members, who chose the following-named as officers : J. Thomas Pryor, Jr., M. W. ; A. S. Hearn, Foreman ; C. A. Tesche, Overseer; Orville Strong, Rec. ; John Ralph, Rdr. ; D. G. Jones. Financier ; William Hewitt, Guide ; F. W. Stratman, I. W. ; Thomas Blackney, 0. W. The present officers are : J. Thomas Pryor, Jr., P. M. W. ; Orville Strong, M. W. ; A. S. Bobbins, Foreman; B. Thomas, Jr., Overseer ; F. W. Stratman, Rec; John Ralph, Rdr. ; D. G. Jones, Financier ; John Mylroie, Guide ; William Mylroie, I. W. ; A. S. Hearn, 0. W. Dr. Ricliard Cozens has been Medical Examiner since the organization.

Dodgeville Temple of Honor, No. 313.~0q the 14th of February, 1879, about fifty Templars came from Mineral Point, and, after enjoying a dinner at Marks' Hotel, formed a torchlight

Pride of the West Cold Water Temptc, No.'?' - Was instituted May 13, 1868. Charter members: R. G. Owens, Miss Sarah Webster, Miss Lizzie Carkeek and Miss Emily Webster. Under the foregoing name the temple did good work, until the Grand Lodge adopted new laws which necessitated the granting of a new charter, December 5, 1875, by which 'the name was changed to Juvenile Temple, No. 4, with the following oificers : G. F. Davey, C. T. ; Miss Mamie Davis, V. T. ; William Williams, R. S. ; Ellis Owens, F. S. ; Miss Annie Roberts, T. ; J. H. Prideaux, P. C. T., and W. E. Owens, Supt. The present officers are : J. C. Kelly, C. T. ; Miss Delia Letcher, V. T. ; Miss Annie Thomas, R. H. S. ; Miss Deborah Mundy, L. H. S. ; Miss Annie Glanville, R. S. ; Reuben Marks, A. S.; David Owens,|F. S. ; Miss Allie Marr, T. ; Lincoln Prideaux, C. ; Edward Owens, M. ; Miss Sarah Corin, D. M.; Miss Laura Elam, 1. G. ; Joseph Simmons, 0. G. ; G. F. Davey, Supt. ; Executive Committee - J. C. Kelly, William H. Thomas, Lincoln Prideaux. There are one hundred and twenty members.

Religious

The Methodist Episcopal Church. - The earliest meetings of this society were held at Mineral Point and in the " Peddler's Creek " (Linden) settlement at a very early dafe. As early as 1837, the Rev. - Simpson preached a sermon in the log house of William James, Esq., one mile west of Dodgeville. John Hoskins, John Rogers, and a few others attended. Mr. Rogers soon after removed to Linden, where the meetings were continued. The year 1840 witnessed the regular organization of the Dodgeville M. '£. Church, by the Rev. Thomas Whitford, of the Mineral Point Circuit, with the following named members : John Hoskins, William Webster and wife, John Rogers and wife, Mrs. Edward Thomas, Thomas Webster and William Bennett. The latter was the first Class-leader.

During the next two years, the meetings were held in tiie log houses of the settlers. The old " Rock " church was built in 1842, under direction of the following Board of Trustees: George Sims, John Rogers, William Thomas Webster, William and Joseph Vincent and John Hoskins. John Rogers, the only living member, has been one of the board ever since that year. The corner-stone was laid with suitable ceremonies, and to this day contains the curious stones, metals, coins, etc., and the scroll on which the date, and also the names of the Bishop and Trustees are recorded.

As the membership did not exceed fifteen families, the building of even that small, plain structure was a matter of much difficulty ; the miners were very migratory, and as those interested moved away to seek better " diggings," their places were filled in many cases by those who took not the slightest intereft in the matter. Still the church was built, and for a number of years the Rev. Mr. Whitford preached here. At a later day, services were frequently held by the Revs. John Lumbey and T. M. Fullerton, though neither lived here at the time.

On the 24th of July, 1860, the corner stone of the present church edifice was laid by the Rev. H. C. Tilton, of Janesville. As in the building of the old church, delays were more numerous and lengthy than pleasant, and not until September, 1861, was the church inclosed. While on his way to Platteville, in August, 1861, Bishop Simpson stopped here one Sabbath, and made the rough walls ring with one of those eloquent sermons for which he is so famous, wliich was from tlie text: " While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen ; for the tilings that are seen are temporal, but the things that are not seen are eternal." Bishop E. S. Janes, of revered memory, preached the dedication sermon, on Wednesday morning, Septembers, 1862. His text was, " In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God and the Word was God." The corner-stone, which was laid with appropriate ceremonies, contains papers, relics, etc. The contractors for the carpenter work were Thayre & Anderson ; for the masonry, Cornelius k Elliott ; plastering, Paull & Carkeek : painting, Hetlierington & Dale. The inside work (pews, etc.) was executed by E. Hocking. Tlie basement was found to be too small for the use of the Sabbath school, and the society consequently extended the length of the entire edifice twenty-one feet, a few years since. The church is now 42x86 feet, only the basement part of the addition being now used. The societv now numbers two hundred and seventy souJs, Kev. W. S. Wright, Pastor. Trustees - Joseph Bennett, James Roberts, John Rogers, W. W. Williams, J. H. Penberthy, George Davey, William Hooper, William Rogers and William Harris. The Sabbath school was organized in 1843, by William Vincent, who became the first Superintendent. John Jane was the next Superintendent, followed by James Hockings. James Roberts superintended in 1862 and 1863. Joseph Bennett has since held the office, with the exception of the year 1872, when Mr. Roberts officiated.

The Primitive Methodist - The one-story frame building erected in 1846, as a town hall, was used as a schoolhouse and a place of non-sectarian worship, was also used by the True Wesleyan organization, which flourished here for a time under the ministry of the Revs. Robert De- Lap and Thomas Orbison. This society dissolved in 1849, and many of the members united with the Mineral Point Conference of the Primitive Methodist Church. In the fall of the same year,- the Dodgeville Primitive Methodist Church was formally organized in the town hall, which became the property of the church by the payment of the $200 debt then outstanding against it. The original Trustees were James Hendy, Samuel Hendy, Johnson Glanville, William M. Rowe, Joseph Vincent, Henry Vincent, James Rowe, Edward Thomas and W. D. Rowe. In those days, the church was in the Mineral Point Circuit, and the preachers were the Revs. John Sharp, James Alderson and Charles Dawson. It is related that the former preached his first sermon in Dodgeville from the top of a whisky barrel, during the summer of 1847. In 18-55, in addition was built on the west end of the hall, and eight years later, what was then called the church, was built about twenty feet to the east of the old town hall building, with which it was connected in 1878. During a severe wind storm in 1867, the tower of the church was torn from its foundation and toppled into the street.

The fire of Monday morning, December 22, 1879, destroyed not only the church, but all its contents. Then the situation of the society was most deplorable, as it was at least $150 in debt and no church. Before the ashes were cold, a meeting was held in the town hall to arrange for the reconstruction. The new church was begun soon after, and completed in November, 1880, and on the 28th of the month the dedication services were celebrated.

The new church is a frame building, 38x66 feet in size, and 30 feet high at the eaves, with a well-proportioned tower and steeple attached to the southeast corner. The basement, the floor of which is on a level with the ground, is 12 feet high, and comprises, besides the main entrance to the building, a Sunday school room 35x37 feet, and two class-rooms, each 14x17 feet, connected by folding doors, so that they can be thrown into one for prayer meetings, etc.

The main audience-room is 37x50 feet, and 18 feet high in the studding, with raised ceiling, and has a permanent seating capacity to comfortably accommodate about three hundred and fifty people. The walls and ceiling are beautifully frescoed, and the windows, which are of Gothic pattern, are filled with embossed glass with stained borders. The seats are of pine finished in oil, with walnut trimmings, and the pulpit desk, railings, etc., are of walnut and handsomely desiged. The building cost about $6,500, of which amount $4,500 was paid in cash, leaving a debt of $2,000. The present Pastor is Rev. J. W. Fox, and the Board of Trustees is as follows : Johnson Glanville, James Perkins, Thomas Arthur, William Mylroie, J. C Kelly, Henry Prideaux, R. Penallach, William Sampson and William Davies. The Dodgeville Central Sunday School was organized by Joseph Vincent and Samuel Hendy, respectively, the first and second Superintendents. For two years thereafter, the school was managed by two Superintendents, having equal authority. Among these were Johnson Glanville, W. H. Hocking, Henry Vincent and James Rogers. In 1870, while William Hendy and William Wigham were serving, the school was re-organized as the Primitive Methodist Sabbath School, William Hendy being elected Superintendent. He was succeeded by Johnson Glanville, the incumbent. About two hundred and fifty teachers and scholars are enrolled.

Welsh Congregational. - Of the different nationalities that have settled in Iowa County, none have taken a more universal and earnest stand on the side of Christianity and morality than the Welsh. In Dodgeville, this spirit was evinced at very early day, as we find that a Sabbath school and prayer meeting was organized during 1841 by Thomas Williams, Henry Williams and David Jenkins. The two former were Welshmen. Mr. Jenkins was a blacksmith, and his shop was wont to ring with the blows of the hammer during the week, and with the prayers and hymns of the devout on the Sabbath. In 1842-43, meetings were held in a log building in Welsh Hollow, east of the village. On the 24th of December, 1845, the present Welsh Congregational society was organized, the Rev. David D. Jones being the first Pastor. He was succeeded by the Revs. William Parry, who served from 1848 to 1855 ; Evan Owens, 1855-68 ; John D. Davis, 1868-71 ; Benjamin Jones, 1871, and then Rev. Sem Phillips, the present Pastor, who has been with his people since 1872. The first church, built in 1853, stands near the Grove Schoolhouse, and is now used as a dwelling, the society having sold it and devoted the proceeds to the rehabilitation of the Division Street Congregational Church, which has been their property since 1876. The present Trustees are D. W. Reese, Robert N. Williams, T. D. Griffith, Robert Williams, Williams B. Williams, Edward Parry and David D. Jones. The Sabbath school is one of the branches of the work of this church, which has ever received the utmost care and been most successfully managed.

The Welsh Oalvinistio Methodist Oharch - Was organized in the spring of 1848, the moving spirits being Isaac Owens and wife, William Owens and wife, Griffith Jones and wife, James Morris, William Jones, J. W. Jones and wife, William Jones and wife, Hugh Davis and wife, Mrs. VVatkin Watkins, Thomas Jones, Mrs. Hannah Williams and Evan Jones and wife. Of these, Mr. and Mrs. Isaac Owens and Mrs. Watkins are now the only residents of Dodgeville. In 1852, the following parties were elected Trustees: Hugh Davis, Isaac Owens, William Jones, and William Owens. The present church was then built, to which an addition was subsequently made. Among the best remembered Pastors may be mentioned the Revs. Griffith Roberts, Griffith Jones, John Evans, John Davis (Pecatonica), Edward George, Thomas Davis, John Davis and David Lewis. The latter was the first resident Pastor. Rev. William Charles is the present Pastor, and the following-named are the Trustees : Hugh W. Jones, Isaac Owens and William Hughes. The membership is now about fifty souls. The Sabbath school was organized in conjunction with the Baptists, and probably antedates ihe church. The earliest meetings were held in the log cabins of the settlers, and the efforts of the pioneer Christians in establishing and maintaining the church met with many obstacles.

The Congregational Church. - Rev. S. A. Allen, of Cuba, N. Y., was the founder of this church, assisted by Paul Jeardoe and Lewis Wheeler, each of whom officiated as Elders. In 1847, and later, an old store building on what is now Division street was used as a meeting house. The society was very weak in numbers at first, and was partially supported by the Home Mission Society. The building of the Division Street Church was begun in 1848, but such was the paucity and poverty of the membership that it was not completed until 1851. The ladies of the society, largely outnumbering the men, determined to secure a bell for the new church, and to that end formed a sewing circle, Mrs. Wheeler, Mrs. Dr. Cassells, Mrs. Col. Stephens, Mrs. John Faragher, Mrs. Paul Jeardoe, Mrs. Stebbins, Mrs. Ranger and others interesting themselves. The result was the purchase and use of the first church bell in Dodge- ville in 1853. The Rev. Mr. Allen continued to officiate until 1856, then removed to Iowa, where he died. During 1857, while the Rev. Mr. Warner was the regular Pastor, the Rev, Mr. Atwater, of Galena, 111., came here, and by his earnest work created a revival of interest in the church. The society was, however, too small and too poor to support a regular Pastor, the Rev. Mr. Williamson being the last in the year 1858. Occasional meetings were held during the next few years, the society gradually disintegrating. The church is now in possession of the Welsh Congregationalists.

The Cemeteries

The pleasant and healthful location, the pure water and air, nor yet the vitality inherited by the people of Dodgeville can stay the sickle of death's reaper. As early as 1827-28, when " Wiskonsan " was a wilderness, and when the present seat of this populous county was only a mining camp, the reaper found it. James Journey, a white miner, and one of Gov. Dodge's negro slaves, died and were buried somewhere within the inclosure now known as the old burying-ground. In 1828, there were a number of deaths and a corresponding number of interments here. Ground was ceded gratuitously for the purpose.

We, the members of the Board of Health of the town of Dodgeville, at a meeting held on the twenty-eighth (28th) inst., for the purpose of ex.amining into the situation of the burying-ground in said town, tind the ground principally filled up ; and ii is reported that there has been several graves dug into by digging other graves ; and it is further reported by a number of citizens of the place, that there is a very bad smell arising from the ground in the evening, and we consider, for the benefit of the citizens of the place, it would be advisable to close up the ground on or before the first of December next. * * * We further recommend to the Honorable Board, that they should s-elcct a piece of ground convenient to the town for the purpose of a new burial-place as soon as it can conveniently be done, so that the old one can be closed up before winter sets in, as there is a great number of persons who have been buried there who died of cholera; and if such graves should be interrupted, it might be the cause of a great deal of sickness.

In consequence of the adoption of the foregoing, the Town Clerk, T. M. Fullerton, called a special town meeting at his office, November 2, 1850, at which meeting Dr. _G. W. Burrall moved that the Supervisors be authorized to buy a lot for a new burying-ground. This was so modified as to read, " Said lot not to be less than five nor more than ten acres, nor to be nearer the center of the village of Dodgeville than one-fourth of a mile," and agreed to, as was a motion authorizing the board to draw an order on the Treasurer to meet the expenses of tlie purchase. The board were also instructed as to the surveying, platting and sale of the lots. The board, comprising Samuel Handy, Thomas Menkey and S. T. Ferrel, bought six acres of Gov. Henry Dodge, for $60. The deed is dated July 10, 1851. At a meeting of the Town Board, February 22, 1855, Rev. A. S. Allen was requested to draw up a code of by-laws, which code was adopted by the people of the town in April, 1855. The original by-laws were lost. The first name on the records as the purchaser of a lot - Lot 1, Block 1 - is that of J. T. Messersmith ; he failed to pay, and Isaac Whitney became the owner of the lot.

This home of the dead is pleasantly situated, and has been sufficiently ornamented in various ways to render it pleasing to the eye rather than cold and repellant, or apparently only a fit abode for ghouls and spooks to inhabit.

General Summary

In gradually tracing the growth of Dodgeville from its incipiency through the various marked stages of its career, since 1827, we have only attempted to dwell upon those points in connection with its development which are of historical value in a general way, rather as pertains to the entire community than to a few individuals, although we have particularly alluded to a few of the early characters and settlers who were the founders of the place, and sustain thereby exceptionally marked relations to its history.

There are many things connected with the history of the various individuals who have sojourned here for a brief time that, if described, would be very interesting to friends, and, perchance, to the casual reader; but it is not within the province or scope of this work to dilate upon other incidents that those of permanent value to the public ; and not only that, but many things, exceedingly simple in themselves, through the medium of tradition, are made to wear "coats of many colors," or, chamelion-like, are ever- varying in their hues, so that he who would avoid error must needs eschew them entirely. Viewing the village from the present standpoint, in connection with its past fluctuating fortunes, and the various retarding influences that have been arrayed against it, an observing and reflective person must naturally be deeply impressed with -the stanch and enterprising character of a majority of the business men who have figured here within the last thirty years. The changes that have been wrought are very marked, while the various natural resources have been, until within the last fifteen or twenty years, exceedingly meager. Nothing but the sturdy Anglo-Saxon spirit could or would have achieved so much against such odds, and not one community in fifty of even that sturdy race would have done so much.

Twenty years ago, nearly all of the lots north of Division street, toward the court house, were lying unoccupied, there not being more than five or six buildings, all told, and they were very small affairs, as evidenced by those that are left; and as for business, nearly all that was being transacted was in "Dirty Hollow," or south of Division street, in the vicinity of the old fort, and where the first merchants who came here held forth. Of those who were operating here then or before, but few remain to carry the impress of that past into the business of to-day. The oldest of these firms are Messrs. Thomas & Hoskins, J. E. Bartle, Charles Rogers.

It is only about twenty-three years since the principal men of the little community banded together, and by their constant and united cflbrts against a most discouraging opposition and an absolute possession, which is but justly regarded as nine points in a case, discounted the efforts of their opponents and secured the county seat, and erected a court house that is a credit to the county. Whatever may be generally said of that struggle, known as the county seat war (fully described elsewhere), and one thing is very apparent throughout, that the moving spirits of Dodgeville achieved a triumph as creditable to their enterprise as it is advantageous to the north part of the county. As a partial result of that change, Dodgeville has since picked up very rapidly, and, withal, in a thoroughly substantial manner; for her business men in commercial circles far and wide throughout the East are recognized as being solid, a term which implies first-class beyond peradventure.

The moral, intellectual and social status of the place is far above the average. The people, while being conservative in many respects, the result of self-reliance, are, nevertheless, generous and warm-hearted to an extent seldom seen elsewhere. The young and old alike take an evident delight in contributing to the pleasure and happiness of strangers as well as to personal friends. Strangers will find a majority of the people kind, civil and obliging, as those who have been called upon to sojourn there for a time can testify ; and what greater evidence of the true spirit of civilization can be adduced than this ? 'Tis the warmth of human kindness that reveals the heart's true emotions and aspirations.

The churches here are sufficiently numerous and represent enough of diff'erent creeds to accommodate a much larger population, while the schools are undoubtedly of the very highest order, although the buildings used are rather indifferent with reference to suitableness. However, this difficulty will soon be obviated, as the united districts have already entered upon the erection of a school building of such proportions as will furnish ample accommodations of a very superior character for the pupils of the town. It is anticipated that from $20,000 to $30,000 will be expended in this way, as, now that the work is begun, it is the expressed determination of the people to erect a building that will meet all demands and be considerably in advance of anything heretofore erected in the county.

Of the amount of business transacted here annually, it is scarcely necessary to make mention, as it is generally understood that immense quantities of goods are sold, even outrivaling cotemporary towns possessing better general facilities for trade than are enjoyed here. One of the special industries of the place, which surpasses anything of the kind in this part of the State, is the culture of grapes and manufacture of wine by the Elwood brothers. Something like fifteen acres are devoted to the business, and thousands of tons of luscious grapes are raised annually, being sold or converted into the best of wine, thereby furnishing a large amount of work annually to different parties, both to men and women, and also securing a handsome revenue. The general business pursued here, and men engaged in the same, will be seen by consulting the directory. In conclusion, it may be said that, if in the future the youth of to-day develop the business qualities of the men now on the stage of action, Dodgeville will never lack for prosperity, and will wield an influence strong and beneficial to the entire county.

Professional Men

Physicians. - As will be remembered, it is noted that the first disciples of Esculapius who came here had not enough to do to procure bread, the people being too few and perversely healthy to allow or require the use of medicines. However, in later years, with the increase of population and the injurious habits indulged in by the masses, there has been more than enough of sickness, and, consequently, a demaand for doctors. The following are the names of all those who can be obtained who have operated here : Drs. Justine, Frost, Phillips, Sibley, Bishop, Williams, Burrall, Buch, Jenkins, Garney, Cutler, Williams, Perkins, Esterly, Cosens, Edwards and Pierce. Dr. Burrall was located here the greatest length of time, having been in active practice for about thirty-two years. After him. Dr. Cutler has been here the longest, and is now active in the field.

Lawyers. - The first expounder of Solon and Blackstone to locate here permanently is said to have been Charles Bishop, who came at a very early day. After him came N. B. Boyden, L. H. D. Crane, L. W. Reese, L. P. Rober, George Blessing, A. S. Sly, P. D. Wigginton, Orville Strong, M. J. Briggs, 0. C. Smith, J. J. Hoskins, J. T. Jones and Archie McArthur. Mr. Reese has longest represented the bar at this place, having been here since 1852. The lawyers who have been engaged here have usually proved to be men of superior attainments and abilities, and have contributed in large part to the success of the village in the various public enterprises in which the people have been engaged.