Dodgeville City (part 1 of 2)

Dodgeville City

Alexander and the officers of his brigade issued a peremptory refusal to chanr^e the original plans. The brigade as re-organized comprised Col. James W. Stephenson and his Galena company, and Gen. Henry's brigade. They were subsequently joined by Capt. Craig and a company of Galena miners. With Pauquette and a contingent of Indian guides, the expedition numbered 700 men. The line of inarch was taken up on July 15, in the direction of the enemy. On the third day, they arrived at a deserted Indian village, designated as the resting-place of the enemy. Silence reigned supreme, and an investigation showed that the former occupants had departed several days previously. An express messenger was dispatched to notify Gen. Atkinson of the discovery. Proceeding down the river for a few miles, the express struck a fresh trail leading toward the Wisconsin River, when he immediately returned and reported. With a tangible trail to pursue, the chase was resumed in the morning and continued until evening, when the troops arrived at a narrow strip of land beyond the Third Lake. The tongue or spit of land was covered with a dense growth of brush, which rendered a passage inadvisable without preliminary exploration ; accordingly the company of scouts under Capt. Joe Dixon, were instructed to advance and reconnoiter. At the conclusion of the examination, it was deemed too late to efl'ect a crossing, and the expedition bivouacked on the shores of the lake. The march was resumed on the ensuing morning. A solitary Indian, ill and infirm with disease, was overtaken near Tliird Lake, and, his condition being unknown to the pursuers, was instantly shot and killed by Capt. Fred Dickson, of Capt. Joseph Dixon's company. Another disabled Indian was shot by Dr. Phillis. In falling, ihe dying Indian took aim and discharged his gun. wounding a member of Capt. Clark's company. The column from the time of departure from Rock River, was led by Col. W. L. D. Ewing's battalion of Henry's brigade, preceded by Dixon's scouts. Dodge's command chafed and fumed at the tardy advance, as they feared that the foe would be enabled to gain the protecting shades of the islands on the Wisconsin River, if not overtaken by forced marches. With a determination to close on the enemy. Gen. Dodge was unanimously importuned to lead the van. To accomplish this movement, the company defiled ti> the right and left of Ewing's battalions. Stimulated by the eagerness of the miners, the forward corps increased their pace and maintained a central position. In this order they advanced rapidly, halting on one or two occasions to form in line of battle when the enemy appeared in front, until, arriving at the Wisconsin bottom ; the horse guard was told off and the men dismounted. Scarcely had this movement been effected, before Capt. Dixon and his scouts appeared galloping over a ridge in full flight from a vastly preponderating body of Indians. The columns immediately advanced, Ewing's battalion forming the center, to the top of the ridge, where they formed into line by wheeling to the right. A single discharge demoralized the Indians, w'ho retreated precipitately to an adjacent hill or ridge. This position they occupied until the appearance of Gen. Henry with Collins', Jones' and Fry's regiments. During this delay, which was about an hour, the enemy were engaged in concentrating their forces and sustaining a continual fire. When the line of battle was formed. Dodge's command, including Ewing's battalion, formed the right wing. Fry's regiment was ordered to 00 upy a position on the right, to prevent the Indians from performing a successiiil flank movement. Obviously surmising that this was a movement designed to cut off his women and papooses, the Indian chief from his elevated post of observation, issued orders to beat a retreat. The whites meanwhile advanced across on open country unmolested, and captured the deserted camp, suffering only the loss of one man woundeil.

It having been ascertained that the supply of provisions was not sufficient to enable the men to continue the pursuit across the Wisconsin, and being incumbered with a number of wounded, it was thought circumspect to remove to the Blue Mounds, which could plainly be seen from an eminence near the battle-ground. On arriving there, Dodge's command, including Stephenson's company, were ordered to their respective posts, with orders to rendezvous at Helena, on the Wisconsin River, as soon as Gen. Atkinson should arrive there with the regular forces.

On re-assembling at Helena, the miners were joined by Gen. Atkinson, who ordered the inarch to be resumed. Together they followed the trail of the retreating Sacs and Foxes, which was discovered under the bluffs south of the Wisconsin River, until they arrived at the Mississippi, near the mouth of the Bad Axe. On the route, a number of dead bodies were found, many in a state of putrefaction ; these had doubtless died of wounds received at the battle of Wisconsin Heights, and from debility produced by sickness and starvation. The march was therefore rendered distressingly offensive, both to the senses of smelling and of sight.

On the evening of the 1st of August, signs of the enemy were discovered, and some stragglers killed. At 2 o'clock on the morning of the 2d, the line of march was taken up ; Col. Dodge's miners forming the advance, supported by the regular troops under Col. Zachary Taylor. The battle of the Bad Axe was inaugurated about sunrise by a skirmish between Capt. Dixon's spies and a band of warriors, in which one of his men was severely wounded. Later in the day, after the troops had formed in line of battle, and had advanced to the top of the bluff overlooking the Mississippi, Dixon again engaged the enemy in the river bottom. Guided by the sound of his guns, the regulars and Dodge's volunteers marched directly down the bluff to his support. When they arrived on the ground, they found Dixon seriously wounded. Gen. Henry, who had followed the Indian trail down the ravine, was on the ground, supporting the company of spies. From the point at which Dixon was wounded, the enemy were followed down the river some distance, when the entire military strength attacked them. The encounter was a brave and noble stand on the part of the Indians to withstand the combined forces; and, as the result shows, they did some effectual execution in the ranks of their pale-lace foes ere their overwhelming numbers and superior skill caused them to retreat. In the regular army, there were seventeen killed, whose names are unknown. Among the miners, who sank to a last rest in defense of their hearths, were Capt. Joseph Dixon, Sergt. George Willard, Privates Smith, Hood, Lowry, Skinner and Payson. In Henry's brigade, there were but five men killed and wounded. In the pursuit from the Wisconsin River, it was evident that the Indians were suffering terrible tortures from the pangs of famine and illness. Their principal means of subsistence were roots, bark of trees and horse-flesh. When the heat of the pursuit temporarily relaxed, the vanquished braves would avail themselves of the momentary respite to slaughter and dismember one of their scrawny ponies. The flesh, hide and entrails were devoured with a voracity begotten of deadly hunger, and the only relic left to mark the feast was the hair of the tail and mane. While fleeing from the pursuers in their rear, they sought escape across the Mississippi. They were encountered by the steamboat Warrior, having on board Lieut. Kingsbury and a detachment of United States troops, with two pieces of artillery. On the succeeding day. Gen. Atkinson, his staff, and nearly all the regular troops, embarked for transportation to Fort Crawford. Prior to the departure of the troops, Wabasha, the renowned Indian chieftain, with a number of Sioux warriors, reported himself to Gen. Atkinson. He was accorded permission to pursue the enemy into their own country. Thus, the little remnant of Black Hawk's bloodthirsty band who escaped the shot and shell of the soldiers, lived only to be extirpated with the scalpingknife and tomahawk, in the remorseless grasp of their hereditary foe.

" I will close my reminiscences of olden times by giving an account of Col. Samuel C. Stambaugh's expedition against the Sacs and Foxes. Col. Stambaugh had previously been the Menomonee Indian Agent, but had been superseded by Col. Boyd, who had been directed to raise a party of the Menomonees to serve against the hostile Indians. Col. Boyd gave the command of the expedition to Stambaugh. The Menomonees rendezvoused at Green Bay, early in July, 1832. There were over three hundred, all Indians, except the officers, about nine in number. Osh-kosh, Souligny, lom-e-tah. Grizzly Bear, old Po-e-go-nah, Wau-nau-ko, Pe-mau-te-not, Osh-ka-he-na-nieu, La Mott, Carau, and, indeed, all the principal men of the Menomonees, were of the party. Alexander Irwin was Commissary and Quartermaster. The Indians were arranged into two companies; I commanded one, having my son, Charles A. Grignon, and my nephew, Robert Grignon, for Lieutenants. George Johnson, of Green Bay, was chosen to the command of the other company, with William Powell and James Boyd for Lieutenants. With a few pack-horses, and each man a supply of provisions, we started from Green Bay. We proceeded to the Great Butte des Morts, and there crossed over. Went to Portage, and, the next day, renewed our marcii, and the first night camped on Sugar Creek, some half-dozen miles from Blue Mounds ; the second night at Fort Dodge ; then to English Prairie ; ther.ce, with one other camping, we reached Prairie du Chien, before reaching which. Grizzly Bear, his son and three others, descending the Wisconsin in a canoe, discovered a Sauk girl on an island alone. The Grizzly Bear s ^jn went and took her, and found her half-starved. She was about ten years old, and, on the return of the party. Col. Stambaugh took her to Green Bay and placed her in the Indian- Mission School ; and the next year, when Black Hawk reached Green Bay on his way hume, he took her with him.

"From Col. William S. Hamilton, we learned at Prairie du Chien, that a trail of Sauks had been discovered down the river. Fully one-half of our party, with George Grignon and William Powell, remained at Prairie du Chien, while Oshkosh, lometah, Souligny, Carau and Pemautenot, with their warriors, proceeded by land, accompanied by Col. Hamilton. We stopped at Bennett's Ferry, on the Wisconsin River, and started early the next morning, and, about noon, struck the Sauk trail. We pursued it until the sun was about an hour and a half iiigh, when we discovered the smoke of the Indians, encamped in a low spot beside a small stream, on the prairie. There were only two men and a youth about twelve years old, three or four women, and as many children. We at once surrounded them and rushed upon them, with orders to take them prisoners ; but the Menomonees were fierce for a fight, and killed the two men, and took the others prisoners. They fired a volley at the two Sauks, and, when they fell, they were riddled with bullets by those coming up, who wished to share in the honor (?) of having participated in the fight. In the melee, one of the children was wounded, and died the next day. Lieut. Robert Grignon was badly wounded in the side with buckshot, which, coursing around the back, lodged. He thought he was shot by the Indian lad, but I think it quite as likely to have been by some of our own party, firing, as they were, in every direction. This little affair occurred not far back from the Mississippi, and some ten or twelve miles north of Cassville. Col. Hamilton participated in it.

" We camped on the battle ground that night, and the next day went to Cassville, carrying Robert Grignon on a litter, and thence to Prairie du Chien he was conveyed in a canoe, wiiile we returned by land. We delivered the prisoners at Prairie du Chien : we had to leave Robert Grignon there, as the shot coulil not be extracted, and he was not able to return until the autumn. We commenced our return home in three days, and nothing happened on our march worthy of note. AH our surviving party have received bounty land warrants, which the Menomonees have generally sold ; and Robert Grignon, in consequence of his wound, receives a pension."

Highland Guards, Company Cr, Twenty-seventh Infantry. - The Twenty-seventh Regiment was ordered to rendezvous at Camp Sigel, Milwaukee, where the men were mustered into service on the 17th of September, 1862, under Col. Conrad Krez, Company G being made up of men from the town of Highland. The regiment left the State on the 16th of March, and proceeded to Columbus, Ky., from which point, in May, they moved to Snyder's Bluff, Miss., where they were during the siege of Vicksbu'.'g. From this place, they moved via Helena, Ark., and Duval's Bluff, to Little Rock, where they were stationed until the 23d of March, 1864. Then they were ordered to join the Red River expedition, under Gen. Banks. After a seven days' march, they reached .\rkadelphia; thence moved to Spoonville and Okolona, a distance of thirty-seven miles, where, on tiie 3d of April, they had their first engagement, sustaining the loss of a few men. Having repulsed the enemy, they marched to Eikins' Ferry, crossed the Little Missouri, and, resuming the march with the army corps, participated in the action at Prairie de Arc. From this point they started for Little Rock, marching via Moscow and Camden, to Jenkins' Ferry, where they were again engaged, sustaining considerable loss. Having effected the crossing, they continued the march, reaching their destination without further interruption on the 1st of May. On the -Sd of October following, they broke camp, and, embarking, left Little Rock for Pine Bluff, Ark., where they joined Clayton's command. On the 22d of the month they returned to Little Rock, having done some heavy marching, but without an engagement. Soon after, four of the companies were assigned to guard duty in the vicinity. On the 7th of February, 187.5, the regiment started for New Orleans, to join Canby's command, and finally, after a good deal of heavv marching, they pulled up before Spanish Fort on the 27th of March, where they were stationed (luring the continuance of the siege, and lost a few men. The enemy evacuated the fort on the 8th of April, and were pursued by the Twenty-seventh, which witnessed the capture of the forces by Gen. Steele.

They then moved to Stark's Landing, thence to Blakely, on through Mobile to Whistler Station, thence by Nannahubbah Bluff to Macintosh Bluff, where they arrived on the 2.5th of April, and where tiiey were employed in erecting fortifications until after the surrender of Gen. Taylor. From there they went to Mobile, and, soon after, to Brazos, Tex., where they arrived the 6th of June. On the 13th, they marched to Clarksville, where they were engaged in picket duty until the 2d of August, when they moved to Brownsdale, where, on the 29th of the month, they were mustered out. They then embarked for home, arriving in Madison on the 17th of September, 1865, and were soon after paid off and disbanded.

Stanton and Burton Guards. Companifs B and C, Thirtieth Infantry. - The recruits for the Thirtieth Regiment rendezvoused at Camp Randall, in October, 1862, where they were mustered in on the 21st of the month, under Col. D. J. Dill, the Iowa County men being the nucleus of Companies B and C. Regimental head({uarters were at Madison for some time after. Eventually, the regiment was divided into four companies, going up the Missouri River to Fort Sully ; neither of these, however, were Companies B or C. On the 2r)th of May, Company C was sent to Bayfield, in this State, remaining but a short time, then returned and the regiment went to Milwaukee.

In October, 1864, Companies B and C, with two other companies, were sent to Fort Wadsworth, in Dakota Territory, under Maj. Clowney. Leaving Fort Wadsworth on the 29th of September, 1865, they removed to Fort Snelling, Minn., where they arrived on the 12th of October, after a 300-niile march. On the 20th of October they embarked on the Mississippi and went to Benton Barracks, Missouri, and thence to Paducah, Kv.. where they were engaged in guard duty until the 6th of December, when tliey were removed to Louisville, Ky., and all but one of the companies were called in. Thence the regiment moved to Bowling Green, Ky., where it remained but a short time, going thence to Louisville, where it arrived on the 12th of January, 1865, and was assigned to guard the military prison. On the 8th of February, Companies B, C and G, under Maj. Clowny. moved to Frankfort, Ky., where they were stationed as city garrison. Company B soon after moved to Georgetown, where it acted as garrison under Lieut. Gill. This company rejoined the command on the 27th of May, and with it returned to Louisville. On the iOth of September, the regiment was mustered out, and on the 25th arrived at Madison, and was disbanded and paid off. *

Dvdgeville Ranyers, Company C, TInrty-first Infantry. - The Thirty-first Regiment was principally recruited in the summer of 1862. The first rendezvous was held in September at Prairie du Chien, where, on the 9th of October, the recruits were mustered in under Col. L E. Messmore. One of the si.x companies mustered, C, or Dodgeville Rangers, was recruited in the town of Dodgeville. After lying in camp until the 14th of November, the regiment was divided, three companies going to Madison to take charge of the camps for drafted men. From there they were moved to Camp Jlitcliell, where the other companies had gone, and where, on the 13th of January, the remaining four companies were mustered in. On the 1st of March, 1863, the regiment was moved via Cairo, 111., to Columbus, Ky., where it was assigned to the Sixteenth Army Corps at Camp Halleck. While here, they were engaged in raiding, reconnoitering and guarding at different adjacent points. From Columbus, they proceeded via Caira and Louisville to Nashville, Tenn., in September, and remained there until October, when they moved to La Vergne, and thence to Murfreesboro. Soon after. Company B was detached and stationed at Stone River Crossing, where it remained until April, 1864, doing guard duty ; then joined the regiment at Murfreesboro. Soon after, the regiment was assigned to the Second Army Corps, and was divided into detachments, and placed on guard duty along the line of the railroad from Tullahoma to Murfreesboro. A mounted detachment under Lieut. Beattie did excellent service in Middle Tennessee from March to June. In June, the entire regiment was transferred to Nashville, Tenn., and placed on provost duty. On the 16th of July, 1864, they were ordered to Atlanta, where they arrived on the 21st of July, and took a position in the trenches, and where they were constantly under fire and engaged in fatigue duty until the evacuation by the enemy. Subsequently, thej' were engaged in foraging and garrison duty, until the 15th of November, when, with the Second Corps, they started and went through to the sea with Sherman. When within nine miles of Savannah, the regiment had to struggle through a terrible swamp, under heavy fire. However, it, in company with an Ohio regiment, captured the rebel camp and equipments, for which exploit they received the encomiums of the entire command. Eventually, the Thirty-first participated in the engagements at Chesterfield, S. C, March 1, 1865. At Averysboro, S. C, on the 16th of March. At Bentonville March 19, wiiere the regiment did distinguished service, helping to sustain five heavy charges, and losing sixty men. Thence they marched to Goldsboro and Raleigh, where they encamped. On the 3d of April, they started for home, stopping at Alexandria, Va., to engage in a grand review. May 20. Arriving at Louisville, Companies B and C were mustered out, June 20 ; reached Madison the 23d, and, on the 8th of July, were paid off and disbanded.

The Sixth Battery. - The Sixth Battery, Buena Vista Artillery, Capt. Henry Dillon, having twenty-five men from Iowa County, was organized at Camp L^tley, Racine, on the 2d of October, 1861. They were first placed in charge of a siege battery at New Madrid, Island No. 10, where they remained until May 17, 1863, when they removed to Corinth, and were, on the 3d and 4th of June, engaged in the battle at that point, sustaining a loss of four killed and twenty-one wounded. Having been to Boonville, Rienzi, Grand Junction, Moscow, Lumpkin's Mills, Memphis, Holly Springs and La Fayette. Tenn., they were finally moved to Helena, Ark., thence to Milliken's Bend, La., and on to the siege of Vicksburg, after the battle of Thompson Hill. WHien the enemy retreated, the battery was in the pursuit, and, overtaking him, engaged at Jones' Cross Roads. They were at the battle of Raymond on the 1 2th of May ; thence went to Jackson, where they were engaged ; then on to Vicksburg, where they took position on the 19th, remaining during the siege. Eventually, on the 27th of September, the entire battery moved to Memphis, Tenn., having been divided a short time before. From this point, with the First Brigade. Third Division. Fifteenth Army Corps, the battery moved via Glendale, Miss., Dickson, Ala., Tuscumbia, Chickasaw, Florence, Rogerville, Fayetteville, through Win-

Chester and over the Cumberland Mountains to Chattanooga, where they arrived on the 2d of November. They soon after participated in the celebrated movement against Mission Ridge on the 24th. Their guns were soon after condemned, and they went into camp until fresh equipments could be supplied. They were at Bridgeport, Larkinsville, and finally at Huntsville, Ala., on the 0th of Aui^ust, 1864, where the new ti-appings and recruits were forwarded soon after. A number of the men re-enlisted at this time as veterans. During March and April,, one section of the bf.ttery was stationed on the Tennessee River, twelve miles from Huntsville. Here they had occasional engagements with the enemy, who were stationed on the opposite side. On the 12th of May, they started in pursuit of a rebel force which had captured and burned Madison Station, twelve miles distant. The pursuit was abandoned at the Tennessee River, and they returned to camp. June 22, they left Huntsville, and proceeded via Stevenson; thence by rail to Kingston, Ga., where they arrived on the 30th, and remained in camp until July 12. They then moved forward thirteen miles to Fort Etowah, commanding the bridge across Etowah- River, near Cartersville, Ga. Lieut. Simpson then took command of the battery, which comprised two ofEcers and ninety-six enlisted men, forty of whom were veterans. The Sixth Battery exchanged guns on the Oth of November, receiving Rodman rifles instead of NapoleoK guns. They broke camp at Fort Etowah on the 10th of November, and moved via Cartersville and Chattanooga, to Nashville, Tenn.. and joined the reserve artillery on the 17th, at Camp Barry, where Capt. Hood resumed command of the battery. On the 29th, anticipating ai> attack, Camp Barry was broken. The same day, the artillery was assigned to the defenses of Nashville, the Sixth Battery occupying Fort Gillem. December 29, they returned to Camp Barry, and, on the 7th of January, 1865, were transferred to the Reserve Garrison Artillery of the department of the Cumberland. In accordance with orders, the men, on the 16th of January, were armed with muskets, and subse(iuently furnished details for duty as provost guard itt the city. They left Nashville by rail on the 17th of February, arriving next day at Chattanooga. They remained at Chattanooga until ordered to proceed to AVisconsin for discharge from service. They arrived on the 3d of July, 1865, at Madison, Wis. The battery was mustered out on the 18th, to take eiFect from the date of their arrival in the State.

Town Of Waldwick

First Land Entries and Plats - Government and Official Roster - Early Settlement - The First Fort and Dodge's Indian Reception - First Claims and Notable Events - Items- OF 1828 and 1829 - Troubles of 1838 and 1839 - After the Black Hawk War - Trade Resumed - The Suckers and Their Successors - Business from 1850 to 1870 - Health of the Village - War Items - Railroad Interests - Education - Post Office - Bands - Mineral Point and Dodgeville Telegraph - Fires and Fire Company - Hotels - Manufactures- Secular Societies - Religious - Cemeteries - General Summary - Professional Men - Directory.

This thriving village, now the county seat of Iowa County, is, in some respects, the most notable point in the county, and, indeed, in the entire lead-mining region of Wisconsin. Not because of its having preceded all others, but rather on account of its prominence in 1827 and 1828, as the principal mining point on the extreme frontier, and as having been the especial protege of Gov. Henry Dodge, after whom it was named. The annals of the early days are filled with the exploits of this noted man, around whom and Dodgeville the chief events and experiences connected with the miners who first came to this county, were centered. He was preeminently the prophet, law-giver and founder of this place not only, but was one of the figureheads in the history of the State that the sons and daughters of modern life love to contemplate. The reckless bravado of the early miners, and the no less unrestrained ruthlessness of the aboriginal inhabitants, which operated disastrously in the extreme for them in many instances, were doubtless the anterior means which opened the way to the present fruitful development.

The all-pervading greed for gold and love of adventure stimulated the hardy miners of almost every clime on earth to wend their difficult way into the interior districts of the State, long before the busiest brain could have anticipated, or, perhaps, even have prophesied, what has been realized. And, as they pressed forward, willing to sacrifice every civilized enjoyment, and life and limb as well, if need be, in pursuit of Fortune's favors, so were they ever constantly opposed by the native and only natural owners of the soil, if, indeed, such a thing as a natural owner can exist. The result of this opposition was only to furnish an added stimulant to future exertion, while it may have proved a temporary restraint.

Thus we early learn of the gradual and constant encroachments of the whites, which, every now and again, resulted in some bloody fray, caused by the red men resenting what, to them, was an unwarrantable intrusion, and which, in many instances, was totally unjustifiable upoa the part of the whites, except upon the hypothesis that might is right, and that nature, in a primitive condition, is the proper spoil for any one.

Whatever may be the conclusions of the reader respecting the question of early proprietorship, the outcome remains the same. The trouble of 1827, as seen in the sketch of the Winnebago war, furnished an opportunity for the miners to rush into a country hitherto untouched, although coveted by them. How eagerly the chance was seized, it is easy to understand, in contemplation of that past ; but the mighty metamorphosis which has since been wrought is a spectacle much more difficult to fully appreciate or comprehend. The reality of the growth of fifty years is almost as wonderful as Eutopia, when compared with the past and its barbaric condition.

Lead mining being during many years the only productive industry engaged in, those who first came to Dodgeville were solely attracted hither by that powerful magnet to a miner's will, mineral, which was found here and in the vicinity in great quantities. Fortunately, the location was well adapted for a village site, a condition which Gov. Dodge was not slow to improve. The situation is altogether admirable in most respects, and well adapted to a large and permanent growth, and to which, to a great extent, maybe attributed the final or present admirable reality.

The situation is altogether very desirable, unquestionably one of the very best in the county, and especially well adapted to a large and permanent business growth. These qualities probably did not receive any particular attention in the early days, when it was generally thought there never would be anything else done here other than mining, but, at this era, when every available piece of surrounding land is being tilled, and when the entire country is teeming with the fruits of husbandry, the aspect of things assumes an entirely different phase. The question of stability, or that which promotes stability, is chiefly to be considered, and that is where Dodgeville takes the lead to-day. Being located, as she is, only about two miles from the geographical center of the county, and in the very heart of one of the most productive agricultural districts in the State, a constant and ever-increasing tribute in the way of trade and consequent wealth and prosperity, most naturally rolls in upon her from every direction as long as the land continues to produce.

It cannot be denied that in the emulation of past years, and owing to certain irresistible influences combined with a want of interest in her early development upon the part of many of those who first came here, Dodgeville was left far behind by her only rival, Mineral Point ; yet, though this be the case, there is a satisfaction in the thought that time, the balm that soothes, the power tbat destroys or upbuilds, has come to the succor of the place through the many changes that have been gradually wrought during a series of years, and is now rapidly pushing her to the front rank of local precedence in all things. Furthermore, if Dodgeville had in the early career of the place received a bequest similar to that donated by the Government to Mineral Point, it might have made far more rapid progress in all that pertains to general development, as then there would have been a fund of no small magnitude accruing for several years, that could have been employed in making all needful improvements, but this not being the case, every improvement made here has been at the general expense of the citizens.

In 1827, 1828 and 1829, the place was the metropolis of the mining region; stores, taverns, "groceries " and shops were in the full tide of operation ; miners were digging around in almost every direction, and their rude cabins, almost the only signs of their presence, might be seen dotting the landscape here and there in close proximity. The prospects were then bright indeed, but in one season (1829), the price of lead declined very rapidly from $5 per 100 pounds to less than one-fourth of that sum, causing nearly as lively an emigration of the miners to other scenes as there had been an immigration one or two years before. That condition, coupled with the lead rents exacted by the Government, very soon drove nearly every one away, so that by the fall of 1829, there was nothing going on worthy of more than a passing notice.

At that time, Mineral Point, although in a terribly sickly condition, succeeded in maintaining an existence, and from that on, for nearly forty years, managed to keep the lead in business and general prominence. This distinction, however, though long accredited, in 1860 met with a severe check in the removal of the court house to this point, and last but not least, now that the Milwaukee and Madison Division of the Chicago & North-Western Railroad is to pass through the place, another auxiliary to the growth of the county-seat will have been established that places the village in an entirely different relation to externals, and materially improves the future outlook.

Having given a brief glance at the salient points connected with the progress of the town from its incipiency, we will now attempt an examination in detail of the general growth and local interests of the place, not, however, assuming that the account is entirely free from errors, as the memory of man is somewhat uncertain.

First Land Entries And Plats

The first claimants here, as in nearly all new places, had, in the beginning, their little dir ferences, and sometimes had a great deal of trouble concerning them. Tiiat which is remembered here as having been the most prominent was a hotly-contested matter between James Jenkins and Henry Dodge, about a ten-acre lot lying south of Iowa street, where the court house and many other valuable buildings now stand, which both of them claimed. This was, doubtless, a regular mining claim, which would be, according to the claim laws, a piece of land equal to ten acres. As to whom this piece of land by right belonged is not known, nor, indeed, is it especially necessary to the interest of our narrative to know ; suffice it to say of this affair, almost before the memory of the oldest inhabitant here, there was a dispute concerning the ownership of this part of the village property, and which afterward fell into the hands of James Jenkins, who made the first entry of land here.

The following are the names of those who first owned the land upon which the village stands, together with the times at which the entries were made:

Section S3 Entries. - The east half of northeast quarter, by James Jenkins, September 4, 1835 ; the west half of the northeast quarter, by H. L. Dodge and John Lindsay, April 12, 1837 ; the southeast quarter, by James B. McDonald, June 30, 1838.

Section 34- Entries. - Southwest quarter and northwest quarter of northwest quarter, by W. Young, January 5, 1836, and April 29, 1836 ; east half of northwest quarter, by A. C. Dodge, April 27, 1836; southwest quarter and west half of southeast quarter, by De Garmo Jones, April 1, 1836 ; east half of southeast quarter, by Henry Dodge and H. L. Dodge, March 24, 1837 ; west half of northeast quarter, by William I. Madden, April 29, 1836; east half of northeast quarter, by Arthur Bransen, September 3, 1836.

Section 37 Entries. - Southwest quarter, by William I. Madden, October 26 and 27, 1835 ; the remainder of the section by De Garmo Jones, April 1, 1836.

Section SS Entries. - East half of northeast quarter and east half of southeast quarter, by William I. Madden, October 27, 1835 ; the west half of northeast quarter, by D. W. Jones, Esau Johnson and Stephen Taylor, March 8, 1837 ; the west half of southeast quarter, by Esau Johnson and William L. Sterling, March 4, 1837 ; east half of northwest quarter and east half of southwest quarter, by Moses Whitesides, September 16, 1835, and March 7, 1837 ; the west half of northwest quarter, by Asa Tyrer, July 27, 1836, and north half of southwest quarter, by Samuel Hambly, June 24, 1847.

The above is a correct list of the entries, and may be of use to our readers as accurate reference, in connection with the dates of the various recorded plattings which have been made as follows, from the first to last :

Hoskin & Company's Addition, platted by Samuel Hoskins, B. Thomas, Henry Dunston and Thomas Liddecoat. It was recorded August 31, 1855, and included Wilson's Addition.

Hoskin & Company's Second Addition, in connection with Dodge's Addition, platted by Samuel Hoskins, H. Dunston and Thomas Liddecoat, October 7, 1862.

Government And Official Roster

Not anything was done in Dodgeville, of consequence, toward establishing municipality independent of the town government until the spring of 1858, and even then it is quite probable that nothing would have been accomplished in that direction had it not been for the individual effort of L. H. D. Crane, who was at that time Clerk of the Assembly. After having conferred briefly with the principal business men, who were almost unanimously in favor of a change, he drafted a charter and submitted it in person to the Legislature. By an act approved March 31, 1858, the bill became a law, incorporating "the President and Trustees of the village of Dodgeville" (known as Chapter 132), and embracing the following-described territory: The southwest quarter ; the south half of the northwest quarter, and southwest quarter of the southeast quarter of Section 27 ; the southeast quarter of the northeast quarter, and the east half of the southeast quarter of Section 28 ; the east half of the northeast quarter of Section 33 ; and the northwest quarter of the northeast quarter, and the northwest quarter of Section 34, of Town 6, Range 3.

The elective officers were to be a President, six Trustees, one Treasurer, one Assessor and a Marshal, in whom were vested the municipal, fiscal and prudential affairs of the village. Al' other officers required in the transaction of business pertaining to the village, were appointed by the President and Trustees. Vacancies which might occur in the offices of any of the elected officers, were to be filled by calling a special election.

For the purpose of administering justice, the President was constituted a judicial officer, ranking with Justices of the Peace throughout the county. Ample provisions were also made for establishing such ordinances as might be deemed necessary for the preservation of good order, and for the protection of the general village interest in all particulars.

The charter was submitted for acceptance to a public vote of the citizens of the place, on the 4th of May, 1858; the result was favorable to the charter by a vote of eighty-four for it tofifty-seven against.

The recognized points of greatest interest to the citizens, or objects considered in the charter, were the provisions made for the improvement of the streets and sidewalks ; for the proper management of excise matters, and for the establishing of such police regulations as would promote the best interests of the growing community. The fact prominently noticeable here, as elsewhere, with villages operating under the town form of government, was that no special benefit could be derived either from taxes or license ; and the only remedy that could be applied was that judiciously resorted to by the majority. Some of course objected, on the grounds that they could not let their hogs and cattle run ; but, according to tradition, they were allowed to run toa considerable extent, under the first charter, law to the contrary notwithstanding, as not every one stood ready to pound them.

By act of the Village Board July 12, 1858, the village was divided into two wards, the boundary line between them being a continuation, east and west, of the south line of Lot No. 10, of Jabez Wilson's Addition. That part lying south of the line was constituted the First Ward, and that north of the line the Second Ward.

The village operated and elected officers, under the charter of 1858, until 1861, then quietly relapsed to its pristine condition, or more properly speaking, the citizens neglected to elect officers, either through mutual consent, or mutual indifference, which amounts to about the same thing, and therefore, nothing was done, except to slide along on the old-fashioned plan.

This stagnation continued until the spring of 1864, when the people roused themselves, and a general desire was expressed that the village government should be revived. This could have been done under the old charter, but it was deemed desirable to increase the corporate limits and remodel the old form. Accordingly, an amendment was drafted by S. W. Reese, and, being sub-

The only change made in the boundaries was to include the whole of the south quarter of Section 27, whereas before, the limits only included the southwest quarter of the southeast quarter of Section 27. By adding the above 120 acres, the territory embraced became regular in form, being two miles long from north to south, by a mile and one-half wide from east to west. Soon after the passage of the amendment, it was presented for the approval of the people, and was accepted by a large majority.

This charter was a thorough revision of the first charter, embracing all of its salient points, besides introducing various other advantageous provisions. According to Section 4, the elective officers were only the President and Trustees, all other officers, as Clerk, Treasurer or Marshal and Street Commissioner, were to be appointed by the Village Board. A municipal court was established, the President being constituted Police Justice.

To enumerate the various provisions made for the creating of ordinances is unnecessary > suffice it to say, the ground covered was broad enough to provide for nearly every exigency that might arise. Two amendments were made to this chapter of a similar character - one by act approved March 10, 1866 (Cliapter 102), and one by act approved March 26, 1867 (Chapter 194).

The village aifairs continued to be conducted under the above charter until the spring of 1878, when the Village Board submitted a proposition to the people to amend the old charter, or re-incorporate under the general law of 1872 (Chapter 188). The subject came before the people on the 19th day of May, 1878, when it was voted to amend the old charter by including all of the articles of Chapter 188, after Section 18, consecutively, with amendments that might be made to the same at subsequent sessions of the Legislature.

Soon after the amendment had been effected, a large number of the people expressed dissatisfaction at some of the conditions or provisions imposed by the change, of which they were not thoroughly cognizant at the time of voting, especially regarding the paying of the poll and road tax in money ; whereas, previously, they had paid the same in money, labor or materials. In accordance with this state of feeling, a petition was circulated to annul the charter, for the purpose of re-incorporating under a private charter ; but when it came to a vote of the people, the movement was defeated by a large majority, thus leaving the charter as it now stands.

Since the depot has been located, just outside of the village limits, the dissolution of the corporation has been contemplated, for the purpose of including within the corporate limits the land extending about a mile north of the present limits, which would take in the depot and grounds, and a considerable territory beyond. However, nothing has as yet been done in that direction.

1858 - L. H. D. Crane, President ; George Sims, Matthew Bishop, John Ellwood, Nicholas Arthur, John Williams and B. F. Thomas were elected Trustees ; Jacob Miller, Marshal ; Richard Arundel, Treasurer; J. R. Roberts, Assessor. Mr. Ellwood, residing outside of the corporation, was ineligible, and, at a special meeting called for the purpose, Charles Madden was elected in his place. At a special election, held October 19, 1858, Thomas Stephens was elected President of the village, in place of L. H. D. Crane, resigned. The village officers, from 1859 to 1880, inclusive, have been :

186-1 - Samuel W. Reese, President ; James Rowe, Treasurer (refused to qualify, B. Thomas, Sr., appointed) ; Assessor, Thomas Lewis, Marshal (by appointment).

1865 - This year, the President, William Hendy, and six Trustees, were elected ; they appointing the following ofiBcers : W. J. Wrigglesworth, Clerk ; salary, $50 ; B. Thomas, Sr., Treasurer ; Thomas Lewis, Marshal and Street Commissioner.

1868 - S. W. Reese, President ; Orville Strong, Clerk ; J. E. Bartle, Treasurer ; David R. Davis, Marshal and Street Commissioner ex officio. The salaries of the Clerk and Marshal were fixed at $100 per annum.

1870 - S. W. Reese, President, Police Justice and a member of the County Board of Supervisors ; Orville Strong, Clerk ; J. E. Bartle, Treasurer ; D. R. Davies, Marshal and Street Commissioner ex-officio. From 1870 to the present time, the President of the village has been a member of the County Board.

Early Settlement

According to the most authentic evidence, both of memoirs and the corroborative testimony of men now living, the very first settlement made in what is now the county of Iowa, was at this point, in the summer or fall of 1827. The first immigrants came in at the time of the raid on the Red Bird faction of the tribe of Winnebago Indians, and, in all probability, by prospecting, or, through information derived from a band of Indians, who had diggings on the Jenkins Branch, since known as Cox Hollow, were led to the discovery of the rich "patches" of ore abounding here. We speak of their being " patches," because nearly all of the early miners were shallow diggers, and because the surface diggings have always been known by that name.

The first parties that we have any record of were Ezra Lamb and two others - one by the name of Putnam, and the other named Morehead, a tinker. They were here certainly before October of 1827. There were some others here at that time also, but rather as stragglers than permanent workers, and whose names are not known either to history or to fame.

The first notable arrivals on the scene were Henry Dodge and his associates, servants, and probably a portion of the command who had been with him in pursuit of the Indians. They put in an appearance on the 3d day of October, 1827, and thenceforth, for three years, the incipient town was the theater of unceasing activity.

The principal characters, aside from Gen. Dodge and those mentioned, who came here in 1827, were Jesse W. Shull, Daniel Moore, John Ray, James Tagles, Geo. Medary, Jef and Louis Van Metre, brothers, who made the Van Metre survey, James L. Strode, James McRaney, Charles Galloway, John Turney, Charles Whistler, Milton B. Parsons, George Medary, James Wooley, Jacob Hunter, Charles Gaines and Martin Van Sickle. In the immediate vicinity of the place, during this year and the following, many settled, some of whom were residents for many years in the county. Nearly all of the above parties were acquaintances and friends of Gen. Dodge, and were men of the greatest resolution, and in many instances, of unusual ability ; in fact, men of such qualities of character as would naturally make them agreeable associates for the " Old Roman," as Gen. Dodge has been fiimiliarly called, on account of his inflexible will and invincible bravery.

James M. Strode was distinguished as an able Indian fighter and enterprising man. He was a Colonel in the militia forces of Illinois, his home being at Galena.

Col. Daniel Moore is almost too well known, by nearly all of the residents of Iowa County, to need special mention ; suffice it to say that he was one of the leading men in the very start, and for many years after, having been associated as a representative man with the principal men and events of importance connected with the early settlement of the county.

John Ray is best known as one of the first settlers in Willow Springs, La Fayette County, where he located in 1828, and opened one of the first farms in that section. His wife is remembered as the live Methodist Exhorter, who did more, perhaps, to advance the cause of Christianity, in that locality than any one or a dozen persons besides.

The name of Jesse W. Shull is especially commemorated by the village which he founded in La Fayette County, which was named for him. He was also one of the leading spirits of the early days throughout this section, and figures extensively in the early history of the lead region. The others mentioned are remembered principally as having been the leading men in this section of the country up to 1830. There were many other miners, but none who wielded so wide an influence.

One of the settlers mentioned, Milton B. Parsons, is still living on the Van Matre survey, the last man of the first hardy adventurers, who came here - then a boy, now a hale old man, the oldest settler in the county. Having resided here permanently for more than fifty-three years, he has witnessed the gradual growth and expansion of the country from a wilderness to its present high state of development ; and, being gifted with a remarkably accurate memory, he speaks of "ye olden time " and describes the men and occurrences with a realistic vividness at once highly entertaining and instructive.

The First Fort And Dodge'S Indian Reception

Almost immediately after the advent of Gen. Dodge and the others of his party, the work of erecting a somewhat comfortable abode was begun, the work being shared in common by all, from the servants of the General - four negro slaves - to the best in the camp. The dwelling erected is described as having been part dug-out and part log, an affiiir built in the most primitive manner - next to the Indian tepee. It stood on what is now known as Lot - , and, in connection with a block-house constructed soon after, was surrounded by a stockade, which inclosed a plat of ground seventy-five or eighty feet square. This may properly be denominated a fort, and was undoubtedly the first one erected in this part of Wisconsin. There is nothing left now on the spot where this first fortification stood, to even suggest the fact of its former existence, and, withal, there are not now a dozen men living who have a personal remembrance of the aflFair or its situation, for, by 1832, it had been destroyed.

It is narrated that soon after the arrival of Gen. Dodge, the band of Indians alluded to, learning who he was, assembled with their fire-arms, and, at his first approach, fired a salute. The General proceeded to lay down the law, in a very deliberate and firm manner, informing the reds that, if they conducted themselves properly, they would receive kind treatment at his hands and from the remainder of the whites, otherwise they should have all the trouble and fight that they might invite. By pursuing this discreet and humane policy, tempered by the determination not to suffer any abuse, very satisfactory results were secured, as, subsequent to that time, the whites and Indians in this vicinity lived on very amicable terms, with but few unimportant exceptions. It is said of the General that, although an ardent Indian fighter and hater, he nevertheless would always share his last morsel with them when they were on friendly terms, thus securing their admiration, and very many times submission to what the Indians were wont to deem an infraction of their rights.

First Claims And Other Notable Events

The first claim was made by Ezra Lamb and Mr. Plum, near the spring in the north part of the village. This mining claim, or, more properly, according to the mining term, " diggings," proved highly productive at the first, being sheet lead, and, indeed, this field has not been exhausted yet, as illustrated by the fiict that mining has been pursued here profitably by various parties, at difi'erent intervals, almost up to date.

As soon as Gen. Dodge came, he made as extensive a claim as the mining rules would allow, directly on the site of the business portion of the village. The right of the claim was disputed by the man Morehead, already mentioned, who professed to have discovered mineral here before the General came, and, therefore, claimed priority of rights. However just Morehead's claim may have been, the General was not the man to relinquish what he considered was his by right, and therefore the upshot of the matter will be readily surmised that, in spite of all protestations upon the part of the tinker, he was summarily ejected.

During the fall of 1827, several other mining claims were made in this section. The more prominent were one made by Daniel Moore, James McRaney, James Sayles, Charles Galloway and Jacob Hunter, in company ; one by George Medary, John Turney and Charles Whistler, in company, and one by Charles Gaines and James Wooley, in company. It is not pretended that there were not others here at that time, but those mentioned were especially noticeable. The Medary, Turney and Whistler mine lay a short distance to the northwest of the court house, within what are now the village limits. The location is now occupied by building and residence lots.

The mine owned by Gaines & Wooley was located about one-fourth of a mile north of the present court house site, in a region which has since reveled in the non-euphonious title of Dirty Hollow, as distinguished from localities making greater pretensions to natural charms, and, probably, cleanliness. But, as cannot be denied (the name to the contrary notwithstanding), the regions of Dirty Hollow have from time almost immemorial been peopled with an industrious, intelligent and thriving class of citizens.

Two furnaces were built during the fall of 1827, one by Gen. Dodge, which stood a little northeast of the old fort, across the ravine, and one by the enterprising firm of Lamb & Plum, directly east of that again. Trusting to the veracity of cotemporary parties, a large amount of smelting was done during that season, thus indicating that the mining operations being carried on there must have been quite extensive.

Two Notable Eoents. - Two events of considerable prominence occurred during 1827. deserve special mention. We revert to the advent of the first white woman probably in the county, and the first death which occurred here. Tradition speaks of this woman as having been the only one here up to 1828; her name was Eliza Van Sickle, sister to the Martin Van Sickle mentioned, who was an Indian trader, and the first one known to have brought any merchandise to the place. Whether Miss Eliza was particularly distinguished, as having been the cvnosure of all the male eyes, and the arbiter of the chivalric emotions of the sturdy miners, as manifested by personal encounters for the ascendency in her esteem and good graces, does not appear ; suffice it to say she was the first woman, and must have enjoyed a degree of distinction, in harmony with what is generally known of miners and their tendencies, as expressed in their devotion to the acquisition of money to be squandered in extravagant indulgence.

The first death was that of one of the General's colored servants, who thus at last secured his liberty beyond the perad venture of human restraint. Mention is made of his obtaining his liberty, in this connection, because the black men were slaves who had followed the fortunes of their master into the wilderness, under the promise of being granted their liberty at an early date, and besides, from their attachment to the General, whom, it is said, they served with an absolute and almost unvarying pleasure.

Items Of 1828 And 1829

In 1828, the influx of settlers was very large, and what had, during 1827, been but a collection of miserable log huts, commonly denominated a mining camp, rapidly assumed the proportions of a village. In its character as a growing hamlet, the place had been, by general acclamation, dubbed Dodgeville, in honor of the General who was the prime mover in all local enterprises. The location had already been laid off" into convenient lots by Gen. Dodge and his coajutors, and was the scene of general activity in the way of building, mining and trade. If, in subsequent years, the development of the place had been as rapid as it then was, proportionally, we should now have to record the growth of a place much larger than any inland city -of the United States. It was then the principal business center for the entire surrounding country, within an area of forty or fifty miles, and bade fair to maintain this advance above all other competitors. However, as seen, fortune soon ceased to shower her favors, and to the utter discomfiture of the thriving little burg.

The First Stores. - In the spring of 1828, among the many others who came here, was the firm known as Quail & Armstrong, who opened the first store in the county, an establishment stocked with the various articles necessary to the existence and well being of a mining camp. The prices of merchandise, including red-eye, was exorbitant in the extreme. Flour, groceries, and in fact everything, cost almost fabulous prices, owing to the distance that had to be traversed with teams before the goods could be obtained.

Soon after the arrival, or, rather, opening, of the above firm, three other stores were established here, in adjoining shanties. One by William Henry (he who did business in this place and Mineral Point during the remainder of his life), and others by William Phelps and James Coates & Co. These were rival institutions, and, undoubtedly, were as earnest in their opposition and struggle for patronage as our most ambitious modern institutions ; but we do not hear that they failed through advertising, or in the effort to excel in attractive business style, which now often occurs throughout the country. Two of the above firms kept stimulating beverages, and, very likely, did a profitable business in that direction, for the fatigues of the day were usually supplemented in the evening by the revelry, and indulgence, incident to all mining camps, and, of course, the principal ingredient necessary to a "royally good time " was the "enthusing ardent."

First Taverns and Mechanics. - In 1828, two taverns, or boarding-houses, were opened here as a matter of public necessity as much as for private gain. The proprietors were, respectively, Mr. Wentworth aud Mr. Chapman, both of whom had families; the former a wife and three grown-up girls, and the latter a wife and one girl. These, including Mrs. McRaney, Were a majority of the female population of 1828.

During this year, a blacksmith shop was started here, this being the first one in the county. The shop was owned by a man by the name of Chatsey, who was assisted by one Manlove, who, it is said, would bruise a piece of iron or the best man in camp with almost equal readiness and celerity.

Dr. Justine, the first dispenser of pills and powders, blisters and hot bricks, came here in 1828, not, however, to apply the principles of Esculapius and Galen, but rather to try his luck where the inviting herb called Masonic weed, led to something beside medical research.

Two Noted Characters. - In early times, the two characters most sought after and admired for their special qualities and attainments, were a quack doctor and frontier fiddler, named Prevat, and a stray concert singer denominated Ben Higby. The names of these worthies, devotees at the shrine of Apollo, have survived the oblivion which time provides for all ordinary mortals, and they are still remembered in virtue of the pleasure afforded by them to the hard-worked miners, who knew but little of, and perhaps cared less about, aesthetic enjoyments.

First Mail Carrier. - The first mail was brought here in 1828 or 1829, by the Government mail carrier, Joseph Cleary, a half-breed, who occasionally passed through the place on his way from Green Bay to Prairie du Cliien ; but at that time there was no post office, nor, indeed, for several years after. In 1830, the snow fell to an unusual depth, and Cleary, in order tu make his regular trip, was obliged to resort to snow-shoes;, on which, during the dead of winter, he marched over the snow-clad wastes and through the trackless forests, thus performing his duty with the utmost faithfulness, at the imminent risk of losing his life.

The year 1828 is reverted to by many of the old miners as being the time when every one seemed to be making money, and as the year when the Government sent in its officials demanding lead rents from the miners. This demand was repudiated by Gov. Dodge, who refused to pay, on account of the authorities having no legal right to make such exactions, the right to mine having been purchased by the Indians. Many of the miners submitted to the imposition, while others packed up their tools and left for parts unknown, determined not to be coerced into submitting to such an unjust proceeding. From that time on, the population began to decrease, and, where one went away grumbling, two more were almost sure to follow.

During the summer of 1828, the bloody flux prevailed among the miners almost to the extent of an epidemic. The cause was the poor quality of food generally used and the excessive heat. This may have contributed largely to driving the miners away, for there was no special abatement of the disorder until the cold weather set in, after which, in a comparatively brief time, the camp was restored to its wonted health and accustomed cheerfulness.

The winter of 1828 was severe, and, at the last, a terrible scarcity of provisions prevailed. Flour sold readily at from $14 to §20 per barrel, and all other articles of consumption at similar rates.

During the season of 1829, the emigration continued, and, as fast as the miners left, their cabins were torn down, so that by 1830, there were only two or three families left in the place, and scarcely any houses save tiiose occupied by them. Gen. Dodge moved south three or four miles to a point since known as Dodge's place or grove, and where Fort Union was built in 1832. The rest of the inhabitants scattered, going here and there, thus dissolving the place even more rapidly than it had been formed. The families living here at this time, were a man by the name of McBride, who had succeeded one of the first merchant.=, and who also kept a sort of stopping-place for travelers. A man by the name of Jenkins who kept "grocery," and a family by the name of Nichols. At the time of the Black Hawk war the last persons left, and thus ended the first era or mushroom age of Dodgeville.

After Tjie Black Hawk Wak

For many years after the Indian war of 1832, Dodgeville failed to recover her former activity, and then gave little promise of its present flattering condition. The attractions of its productive mines and its healthful and beautiful location were not sufficient inducements to turn the tide of iraraiirration from other promising portions of the county. The towns of Linden, Mifflin, Mineral Point and Highland were then the objective points, and in those districts the population increased rapidly for several years. Dodgeville, however, was not destined to remain in this comatose condition long, for soon its mines were again opened up, and its valuable agricultural surroundings were being developed by the hardy pioneers, witii their wealth of bone and sinew, who had directed their footsteps to the village of destiny, and the future which so short a time before seemed to be wrapped in utter darkness again revived under the sun of prosperity.

In the months of July and August of 1833, the population did not exceed fifty persons, and the rude log cabins, the gauge of pioneer civilization, numbered not more than a half a dozen. There were then in this locality not more than four women to e.xert their refining influence over the uncouth and uncultivated stalwarts of the frontier. Two of these ladies were the wives of Thomas Jenkins and James Campbell, subsequently prominently known in this Territory as men of ability, strict integrity and high moral qualities.

Improvements were naturally in a state of incipiency, as the embellishments of the home surroutidings were lost sight of in the pursuit of the hidden treasures of tlie earth. The poorly constructed log cabins wiiich were but a grade higher than the primitive sod hut and " dug out," each formed the abode of six, seven and sometimes ten of the miners, who cared for little but a shelter and a place where they might prepare a bed of straw and indulge in dreams of " strikes," " leads " and " rich diggings " of the morrow. Mechanics in those days were almost unknown, and the cabins were built regardless of symmetry or even comfort ; they were, in the language of an early settler, " thrown together." In relation to the cabins of early times, a pioneer of 1833 says : " I have often lain awake nights, and through the roof counted the stars above, and it was no unusual occurrence after a snow-storm to get up in the morning and find two inches of the ' beautiful ' upon the floor of the cabin." These cabins possessed the old-fiisiiioned fire-place with huge chimney, and the modern cord-wood and buck-saw were frowned upon with contempt. Huge logs of oaks, with which the country then abounded, of proper length, were placed on the fire-place and left to burn at will. But notwithstanding the many inconveniences with which the inliabitants had to contend, they were happy, C(jntented and neighborly, and their generous hospitality would put to blush the hypocrasy of modern times.

In 1838, the settlement of Dodgeville was located in the immediate vicinity of Strattman's shop on Iowa street, though at that time, streets were unknown. Settlers would locate a claim and build a cabin wherever it best suited them, but generally near some flowing spring of cold water. The population then consisted jirincipally of English and Americans, the Welsh not having made their appearance in this locality until some years later.

Trade Resumed

It was during 1833 that the real foundation was laid for the present large and prosperous mercantile business of Dodgeville. Early in the spring, a man by the name of Geon opened a small store in the log building erected for this purpose on the site now occupied by Strattman's old shop, a short distance from the main thoroughfare now known as Iowa street. Here he kept a small stock of goods - sugar, calico, whisky, etc. For several months he continued a successful business, and then retired to other fields early in 1834.

The stock of a merchant in pioneer days was not, of course, more than large enough to supply the immediate deramds of his p;itrons; consequently, the greater portion of the miners' supplies were brought from Gralena, then the principal trading-point in the lead region. A representative of each of two or three families in the neighborhood would procure ox teams in the fall of the year, atid proceed to Galena for the winter's supplies; and again, in the spring, the trips would be repeated. These trips usually required a week, and what, with flour often at $20 per barrel, and other supplies as high in proportion, the necessary expenses, going and returning, rendereil a handsome sum of money desirable and even necessary.

The Indians, though quiet and peaceable, were numerous in the vicinity, and the whites benefited by their presence, receiving from them venison, game and fish in exchange for flour and provisions. In this manner, the old feud e.xisting between the Indians and white settlers gradually disappeared, until mutual courtesies were the order of the day.

The year 1833 brought but few to the future village, among the number being William Bartle and son, J. E. Bartle - the latter being still alive. Early in 1834, William James and family arrived in Dodgeville. Mr. James, subsequently familiarly known as "Squire," engaged in mining. Capt. Henry came here in the spring of this year and started a store in the buildiniT then lately vacated by Mr. Geon. The first post office in Dodgeville was then established, and Capt. Henry appointed first Postmaster, the mails being received and distributed at his store. Shortly after, Capt. Henry retired from merchandising here, and was succeeded by Henry Dodge, son of the Governor. Eventually, Mr. Dodge, imbued with the ambitious spirit of the age, erected a hewed-log building, then considered the height of civilized improvement, on the site of Strattman's shop, a little nearer to the street than the buildings erected a few years previous.

From this time on, the population and business interests increased steadily, but not rapidly ; during the years 1885, 1836 and 1837, a number of emigrants found their way to the future -village, and staked their claims, either in the present limits, or in the immediate vicinity. Among those who came during that and the two following years, we are enabled to mention Edward Thomas, Benjamin Thomas, Samuel Hoskins, John Hoskins, William Jewell, Mr. Crocker, Crawford Young, "Bully" Carnes, John Casserly, Robert Black, John Eddy, Edward Jewell, William Fine, John Roberts, William Treloar, James Smitheran, Charles Bilkey, Richard Hammel, John Rogers, Mrs. Bishop, Mrs. Peters and James Bilkey. It is not claimed that this list is complete ; far from it ; there were others who braved the hardships of a frontier life in Dodgeville during the period mentioned, but many soon after left for other and, seemingly, more promising parts, and are now almost forgotten by their associates of over forty years ago, while others have become lost in the rush of matter, the wreck of worlds and the crowds of humanity that have passed a brief existence on the stage of life, and long since caossed the mystic river.

For many years after the early settlement, Dodgeville was frequented by those transitory beings familiarly known as "Suckers." They were miners from Illinois and Missouri who operated here during the summer and returned to their homes in the winter, thus acquiring the title. Their diggings were called "sucker holes." Subsequent to 1835, these "suckers," to a great extent, abandoned mining, and began teaming, hauling lead from the diggings to market in Galena, and returning with provisions and miners' supplies.

It was not until the first rays of light kissed the the eastern horizon, ushering in the year 1840, that settlers came here in other than small parties. During the succeeding five years, emigrants, principally from Cornwall, England, poured in in large numbers ; a new impetus was then given the small village, and it began to assume flattering proportions. The locality was platted into alleys, streets and avenues, and the log huts of the early miners began to give place to commodious and substantial frame buildings. Merchants, mechanics and professional men took up their abode in Dodgeville, thus making substantial additions to the place and paving the way for the generation that is now reaping the reward of their predecessors of nearly forty years ago.

The first frame building in the village was erected in 1836, on the site now occupied by B. Thomas & Co. The next one was built by Hoskins, Thomas & Co., in 1842 ; this was located in " Dirty Hollow," near the present Dodgeville Hotel, and has been lately occupied as a cooper's shop. During the succeeding years, numerous frame buildings and stores were erected in diff"erent parts of the town.

Among the first mechanics in the village were " Squire" and John Wilson, carpenters, who made their appearance here as early as 1834, and for many years did all the work in their line in the village. About this time, the old tavern was established in the neighborhood of Strattman's shop. Among the numerous proprietors of this frontier hotel were John Rablin, B. Ogburn and John Treloar.

In 18-35, a Dr. Frost strayed to Dodgeville, but, as appears from the records of that early day, the people were too perverse to get sick for the purpose of affording employment to a doctor, however great his skill. With hope deferred, he waited till his heart grew sick, then left for more unhealthy parts. The care of the weak then devolved principally upon the medical fraternity of Mineral Point, until the year 1848 brought the veteran and skillful physician, Dr. Burrall, who continued to practice here until his death, on the 9th of March, 1881.

In 1840, Oliver Wise and brother started a blacksmith shop in " Dirty Hollow," on the site now occupied by Peter Spang's shop. They were succeeded by William Cornish, who, sold to Jonathan Dickerson. Other blacksmith-shops were started by Jewell & Harris, in the lower part of the town ; Virgin & Jerdeau, near the site of the court house ; Mr. Oleson, near Orville Strong & Co.'s bank. John Lee and a man named Weeks, in company, started a shoeshop very early, and for several years were without competition. They were followed by William Row, who opened a shop near Hocking's Hotel, and James Jones, who started a small shop near the present post office.

In 1842, Hoskins, Thomas & Co., opened a stock of general merchandise in a small frame structure, erected for the purpose, in the lower part of the village, then known as Minersville. They were followed shortly afterward by Fullerton & Rynerson, with a general stock. They were located in a store near Strattman's shop. Jenkins Brothers started a store near the present post office; and William Todd had a good-sized stock of goods in the building which still bears his name, on the corner opposite Strattman's shop. Opposite Mr. Todd, in the brick building, was located Frank Thomas, engaged in general merchandising ; and Richard Arndale had a hardware store on the site of the present Masonic Hall.

William Marr, the pioneer cabinet-maker of Dodgeville, established himself in business in 1844, near Hocking's Hotel. Here he did a successful business until 1860, when he succumbed to the cholera epidemic of that year. Since then the business has been carried on successfully by his son, James Marr.

Jonathan Carpenter & Son had a wheelright establishment near Rogers' Hotel. Samuel Rohr also had a wheelright establishment in the vicinity of Strattman's shop, very early.

Business From 1850 To 1870

Among the business men who established themselves here between 1850 and 1855, were Britton & Son, who located where James Hocking's store now is ; Staples Brothers, opposite the present post office; John Bonner, near B. Thomas & Co.'s brick building; James Hocking and Henry Dunston, on the site of Penberthy's dry goods store ; Henry Prideaux, opposite Rogers' Hotel ; and William Wheeler, near the post office, on the same side of the street. A Mr. Perry opened a store nearly opposite the post office ; Mr. McCrackin also bad a general store on towa street. Between 1850 and 1860, the saloons in the village numbered fourteen. During this period, Dodgeville is represented as being one of the liveliest villages in Southwestern Wisconsin, with plenty of money in circulation, principally English gold and French silver. Miners then received $1.25 per day; mechanics $150 to $2. Provisions were low ; fl^ur sold for $1.50 per hundred, and beef 3 cents and pork 2 cents per pound.

The gold fever of 1849 had its due effect upon the miners of Dodgeville as elsewhere, and in 1850 a party of twenty took their departure for the city of the Golden Gate. They tried mining in the new El Dorado, but. within a year after their departure, had all returned to Dodgeville, satisfied that "all that glitters is not gold."

The panic of 1857 retarded the growth of the village somewhat; however, it was not so sensibly affected as other portions of the country ; but not until the business boom growing out of the war reached the town, increasing business, raising the value of mineral to $50, $75 and, in some instances, even to $100 per 1,000 pounds, and creating an enlarged demand for various commodities, did Dodgeville overcome the apathy consequent to the panic, and renew its pristine vigor to any appreciable extent.

During the war, the village exceeded the most sanguine expectations in responding to the call to arms for the preservation of the Union. While others were slow in preparing their quotas, Dodgeville came bravely to the front with men, money and supplies, all of whicii were furnished most liberally. Since the close of the rebellion, the village has increased steadily in population, and, as a business point, it is generally conceded to be one of the leading mercantile municipalities in Southwestern Wisconsin.

From its earliest days, Dodgeville has been, in common parlance, termed a "very busy place." Miners and merchants made money rapidly, but the accumulation of wealth was reserved to the more thrifty and to those whose inclinations did not tend in the direction of sub rosa enjoyments, such as were to be found in the village in the early day in a condition of injurious perfection. Gambling and horse-racing were then amusements largely indulged in, but the " groceries " and houses of resort, remembered by the pioneers of fifty years ago, wherein games of chance were represented, and "soldiers of fortune " most did congregate, were factors in the civilization of the place that have long since been eliminated, and the places in the village which knew them once know them now no more. So thoroughly stringent, indeed, are the present rules, that card-playing for amusement is an offense, and prohibited by a suitable ordinance. Thus do communities and nations grow from the rough, crude states, into the pursuit of and enjoyment of the highest attributes of civilization. This restriction upon the part of the Dodgeville people, speaks volumes for the real moral attributes of the people, and must necessarily be as beneficial as it is creditable.

Among the pioneers who came to Dodgeville before 1840, and still living here, are J. E. Bartle, William Treloar, Charles Bilkey, John Bilkey, Samuel Hoskins, Ben Thomas, John Rogers and James Smitheran. Of the old settlers who located here later are Joseph Ranyer, W. Watkins, John Hughes, Dr. G. W. Burrall, William Harris, James Roberts, Joseph George, R. N. Williams, Matthew Rogers, Joseph Pierce, Charles, W. N. and N. A. Bishop, William Cooper, Francis Prideaux, Thomas Clayton, Ben Hoskins, William Wilcox, T. T. James. J. R. Davis, Joseph Davis, Samuel Cornelious, Thomas Sencock, Samuel Rohr, John Penberthy, Joseph Bennett, James Perkins, James Marr and Nicholas Arthur. The names of many of the oldest settlers will appear in the history of the town of Dodgeville.

Health Of The Village

Generally speaking, Dodgeville occupies a leading position in the annals pertaining to the health of the State. The beauty of its location, situated as it is on the slope of the dividing ridge and separated from the sluggish streams in the vicinity of which the germs of disease are generated, together with the thorough cleanliness of its streets and alleys, purity of its water, and commodious and well-ventilated residences, all factors in its make-up, render it almost impervious to infectious epidemics. Dodgeville, however, under other than its present condition, has been visited by that terrible scourge Asiatic cholera, and by those dire enemies to the health of children, diphtheria and scarlet fever, each of which, with unerring malignity, has selected many victims who have answered the call with their lives.

In 1850, the Asiatic cholera ran wild through some portions of the county, and scores in the apparent enjoyment of buoyant health suddenly took on the pale seal of the Master of Immortality and were laid to rest in the village churchyard. To attempt to trace the ravages of the epidemic would be futile indeed. Mineral Point and Dodgeville then presented flattering inducements to the invasion of the dreadful malady. It was located here principally in " Dirty Hollow," where the marshy bottoms and stagnant waters, under the direct heat of the summer sun, produced the deadly miasma, the warp and woof of which was woven into the mystery of death. Here the contagion made its appearance in the middle of July, and lasted until the latter part of August. During this period, one hundred victims paid the debt of nature. Stalwart miners, the ideal of health and physical manhood, started to their toil in the morning, in the full possession of their physical powers, and, before night, they would, perhaps, be carried home ghastly corpses.

The citizens were at once alarmed, disinfectants were strewn about with a lavish hand, the streets being covered with lime ; but the efforts of the people, combined with the most powerful preventives of medical science that could be operated against the fell destroyer, were of no avail. Panic stricken, large numbers of the population deserted the unfortunate village and took refuge in the surrounding country, sometimes camping in the open fields. The mortality was so great that it sorely tried the energies of the survivors to bury the victims, five deaths being enumerated in a single day.

Among the physicians who remained and braved the epidemic were Dr. Sibley and Dr. Burrall. A man named Tyre, a farmer in the vicinity, was very successful in treating the disease ; he had a method of steaming which proved very efficacious. The first symptoms of the disease was an acute diarrhoea, followed by cramps and vomiting, the patient dying with great sufiering in a few hours after the first attack. As mentioned, the plague left the latter part of August, and the terrified inhabitants reluctantly returned to their desolated homes. The village was wrapt in mourning for households were diminished by the loss of some loved one, and in many instances whole families were swept away, leaving none to mourn the loss of kindred. Bearing their trials and sufferings patiently, the citizens set out with the endeavor to regain their normal condition, confidently hoping they had experienced that which would never occur again, but in this they were doomed to disappointment, for, in the following summer of 1851, their hearts were almost stilled by the announcement that the much admired and skillful physician, Dr. Sibley, had succumbed to the cholera in their very midst. He had been called to the aid of cholera victims in Wingville, Grant County. Braving the danger, and regardless of his own welfare, the heroic physician remained with his patients until he contracted the germs of the contagion, and became a martyr to his profession, having died August 23, 1851. Though the death rate here was not so great as during the year previous, yet those who were here at that time and witnessed its visitations say it was bad enough. Its eflFects were visible for years, and those who survive the calamity recur to it to-day with feelings of terror.

Subsequently other diseases invaded the little village and played sad havoc among the children. During the month of August, 185-4, twelve children succumbed to the summer complaint. In 1857 and 1858, diphtheria made its appearance and carried away seventy-five children under fifteen years of age. During the years 1860, 1861 and 1862, scarlet fever raged among the little ones, and, despite the precautions of the citizens and noble efforts of the physicians, thirty children were enumerated among the fatal cases in the village alone.

During the past fifteen years the average number of deaths has not exceeded a dozen annually. It is a noteworthy fact that from September, 1878, until July of 1879, not a single death occurred among the children of the village. Occasion is here availed of to commend as an example to future Esculapians, the faithfulness, temperance and unremitting perseverance of Dr. G. W. Burrall, which has won for him the respect and encomiums of an entire community,

War Items

During the rebellion, the people of Dodgeville took a very active interest in the great struggle* and did as much if not more to promote the cause of the North than any other town in the county.

This meeting, which was only a precursor of the many that followed, was a grand and enthusiastic rally, for, with regard to war matters as in other things, there was no half-way work done here ; it was but according to the bent of the people to go it strong. The most prominent person in connection with the speeches and resolutions made was John Bracken, of Mineral Point.

Very soon after this, recruiting was commenced here by Charles Luver, and in a short time a company called the Dodgeville Rangers was organized, which eventually mustered into serviceas Company C, of the Twelfth Infantry, of whom general mention is made in the war history. They went out under Wilson as Captain, Luver having resigned on account of being unpopular among the men.

A good deal of recruiting was done here at different times, but the only other company which was entirely enlisted at this place was the Dodgeville Guard, or Company C, of the Thirty-first. This was the largest company that every left the county, nearly if not quite all of whom belonged to the town of Dodgeville. (See general history.)

A union league was organized in 1862, for the purpose of drilling and perfecting methods of rendering assistance, and about the same time a ladies' aid society was also formed. Mrs*

Caroline Wheeler, now dead, was the leading spirit in connection with the aid society. The feeling which actuated these organizations will be best understood by the following : In the spring of 1863, report came that Company C, of the Thirty-first, then stationed at Columbus, Ky., was suffering with the scurvy. Immediately upon the reception of the news a public meeting was held, and it was resolved to send them a quantity of vegetables. The basement of the Methodist Episcopal Church was thrown open for the purpose, and contributions of potatoes, cabbage, and. in fact, almost everything edible, came in with a rush and in large quantities. Within a few days enough stuif was shipped to the boys to make them think of home for a month at every meal, but unfortunately for the generous intentions of the people and for the company, the articles were appropriated in toto before they ever reached the front, and were never heard from only in connection with the sanitary pirates who were determined to have vegetables for the hospitals if they were to be obtained in any way. Probably they were justified in doing as they did. At any rate company C came out all right in the end while others were benefited, so the labor was not lost.

It must not be supposed by the casual reader that all of the people here were patriotic, or that everything ran smoothly, for such was not the case. There were both outspoken and secret sympathizers, who rejoiced when disaster came upon our forces, and who, it is said, held secret meetings. During the last of the rebellion, a number of the veterans of Company C, of the Twelfth, came home on furlough, and, learning how matters stood, they determined to teach the Copperheads a lesson. Having determined upon who were the most to blame and deserving of punishment, they went in force to their places of business, and marshaling out the foes to the national credit and honor, made them hurrah lustily for the Union under the penalty of being disported on a rail or in some equally ingenious manner. It is said that after that the politics of the Southern sympathizers either took a turn, or were kept to themselves. In the light of modern developments, doubtless, a real change has been effected in their sentiments with regard to Southern sympathizers.

When the veteran Company C came home, they received a public reception and dinner at the court house. In fact, whenever any of the soldiers came home, they were treated to the best the land afforded, and really more than ihey needed.

A brief description of the public demonstration made here at the fall of Vicksburg will not come amiss. The news was brought at midnight by parties from Mineral Point, who came into the village driving their horses with a rush and yelling at the tops of their voices. Mr. Reese was one of the first who heard the cry, and springing up and donning his clothes as quickly as possible, he ran down to " Dirty Hollow " and roused Ben Thomas and Samuel Hoskins. Very soon after, they got out the whole town was up, men, women and children, and then began the most tremendous jollification ever witnessed here. Bonfires were built at different points on the street, and were kept burning regardless of cost, by the use of fences and outhouses, even the women carrying rails and wood to keep them going. The band turned out with their instruments, and everybody fell into line and away they went perambulating the streets after the music and singing and shouting like all possessed. John Sagers threw open his saloon, and spiritual refreshments were dispensed regardless. Probably the old bummers will remember that occasion as being the time when they could have more than enough for the mere taking.

At 4 o'clock in the morning the stage arrived here, and then occurred one of the most ludicrous incidents of the night. A soldier by the name of Wm. George was on board, having come home on a sick furlough. Seeing the stage surrounded by a crowd of his acquaintances, George could not account fur such a demonstration, except upon the ground that they had turned out to receive him. So, after looking in utter astonishment at the enthusing crowd for a few moments, he finally ejaculated, "My God, how did you know that I was a-coming." The corresponding astonishment of his listeners, at this, can be better imagined than described.

Next morning, every available rig in town was taken, as might be said, from every dog-cart to every ancient and venerable carryall, and away the people went to Mineral Point, where werere-enacted the scenes of the preceding night.

Early in the rebellion, an appropriation of $5 was made by the town to be paid each week to the family of every married man, and besides, large bounties were paid to those who enlisted. So, it may be fairly recorded that in all particulars the people of this section did their duty to their country to the best of their ability.

Railroad Interests

For the last twenty-five years, that which has been most devoutl}' desired by the citizens of Dodgeville has been a railroad. We often hear the cry, " My kingdom for a horse ! " but here the monotony of that abjurgation has been relieved by the expression, " My substance for a railroad ! " And no wonder, for that has always been wanting to place the village and her aspiring citizens in a fair and thoroughly advanced business position. Since the time a railroad reached Mineral Point, in 1857, there has been a more or less constant agitation of the topic, how to get a railroad through to this point, no matter from what direction. At first the village was not strong enough to offer very large inducements ; for, it must be remembered, Dodgeville has been a place of slow growth ; therefore, nothing could be or was done, of any significance, until 1868, when the town and village, combined, offered the Mineral Point Railroad Company $(J0,000 if they would extend their road to this place. This was made as a standing offer ; but, for some reason, nothing was done by the company. Whether it was because they wanted more money, or on account of some ulterior cause, wherein a local finger may have been concerned, does not appear ; suflice it to say : the managers of said road have since ofiPered to build an extension for much less than $60,000.

Passing over various unimportant events connected with the efforts made at different times, we come to the organization of a railroad company in Dodgeville. One day in the spring of 1876, a civil engineer, E. Baldwin, who had been connected with the Illinois Central Railroad, and who was, withal, an ambitious and enerjjetic fellow, bethought him that it would be an excellent investment of time to work up a railroad scheme, for the purpose of connecting Lone Rock, Dodgeville and Freeport, 111., with minor places along the route, by a narrow-gauge railroad. Therefore, as soon as the weather would permit in the spring, he started out and traveled over the country from Freeport to Dodgeville, and thence to Lone Rock. Having examined the ground carefully and satisfied himself that the scheme could be made to work, as the country was good, the route not very hard to work and a railroad very necessary to all parties, he came to Dodgeville and broaclied the subject to come of the leading men. It is not expressing it strongly to say that he was a welcome embassador, and that he was met more than half-way by the best business men in the place. A railroad was what the}' wanted, and they were willing to do anything reasonable to obtain one ; yes, more than that - they were willing to make liberal sacrifices, both of money and time. During April of that year, several meetings were held among the business men, and the subject thoroughly canvassed, and, finally, a number of them clubbed together and subscribed for enough stock to secure a Government patent. This was granted under the general law, April 20, 1876, to the following gentlemen, who were incorporated as Directors of the Lone Rock, Dodgeville & Freeport Railroad Company : Orville Strong. J. W. Reese, M. J. Briggs, P. J. Morris, C. C. Watkins, II. C. Cutler, James Roberts, J. R. Davis, Charles Pishop, A. S. Ilearn, Joel Whitmen, Joseph Bennett, of Dodgeville, and George Krauskop, a banker of Richland Center.

On the 25th of April following, a meeting of the Directors was held at the office of M. J. Briggs, the leading spirit of the enterprise, and the company was effectually organized, and the following officers elected: Joseph Bennett, President; Joel Whitman, Vice President: J. W. Reese, Treasurer, and Orville Strong, Secretary. A committee, consisting of M. J. Briggs, Joel Whitman and C. C. Watkins, was appointed to solicit funds to defray the expense of preliminary investigations, surveys, etc. ; and a committee, consisting of Messrs. Cutler, Reese, Briggs and Hern, was appointed to draft by-laws. During the month of May, a company was formed in Illinois to co-operate with the Dodgeville organization, called the Freeport, Pecatonica & State Line Company. Also various meetings were held in this place, and a preliminary sur- vey was made by M. J. Briggs and E. Baldwin over the entire route contemplated, the villages and towns being agitated as to giving aid to the enterprise. Having decided the project was entirely feasible, and that liberal aid would be extended, the committee returned and reported favorably.

On the 30th of May, a meeting of the board was held, and the subject of starting the work discussed ; a division of opinion arose lespecting whether the work should be commenced on the north or south end of the line, wliich resulted in favor of beginning at Freeport. According to the evidence of succeeding events, that decision appears to have been injudicious, as in all probability, the short part of the line, that is, from Dodgeville to Lone Rock, would have been completed and opened. At the above meeting, it was decided that a committee of competent persons should immediately set to work and canvass the towns and villages thoroughly and solicit aid.