Exeter Town (part 1 of 2)

Exeter Town

In the beginning were the lead mines. The Sauk, or Sugar River, diggings were situated a little over a mile southwest of the present village of Exeter. The squaws were the first miners, but they had neither the knowledge nor the tools to make their labor very profitable. With such instruments as they could make, they picked out the surface or float mineral ; and when their excavations became too deep to step into, they threw in a dead tree on which they climbed up and down. When a vein ran under the rock, they dug it out as far as they could reach, built a fire in the hole thus made, and, when the rock was heated, cracked it by pouring on water.

The first white man who saw these diggings was a miner named Burke, who happened to pass them after losing his way on a journey across the territory. Led by his account of what he had seen, McNut and Boner, two traders, went to the diggings in 1S28, and built a trading house there. They were undoubtedly the first white men to settle in the county. In August of the same year, Win. Devise, who had already spent some time in prospecting at the diggings, went there to live. Almost always after this there were transient miners at the diggings. While Mr. Devise was preparing to go to Exeter, Edward D. Beouchard, a Frenchman, began to mine there. In the fall, Mr. Devise was followed by his employees, Wm. Wallace and wife, and J. R. Blackmore. It has been said that soon after the arrival of the Wallace family at Exeter, Louisa Wallace, afterwards Mrs. Chas. Thomas, was born there, and that she was the first white person born in Green County. Mrs. Thomas thinks she ought to have had the honor ascribed to her, for Exeter was the home of the family at the time of her birth, but she was born in Galena, August 7, 1830. Mr. Devise, who is now living at Bellville, is a Virginian. At the time under consideration, he and Mr. James Hawthorne were partners. Their acquaintance began at Vandalia, from which place they journeyed together in 1S27 to Shullsburg, where they entered into partnership, and where, in about a year, Mr. Devise left Mr. Hawthorne to carry on their mining enterprises there alone, while he went to Blue Mounds. Soon after this he went to Exeter, and then Mr. Hawthorne went to Blue Mounds.

After their arrival at the diggings, McNut and Boner, by means of whisky and a few worthless baubles, possessed themselves of ail the lead raised by the Indians. In August, 1S2S, when there happened to be no white person there except the traders and Van Sickles, their Dutch interpreter, McNut killed Boner. Whether the deed was prompted by a desire to possess alone the treasure filched from the Indians, or was the unforeseen result of a drunken quarrel, cannot now be ascertained. Van Sickles hastened to Blue Mounds, the nearest settlement, with the news. McNut, probably supposing Van Sickles had gone somewhere else, also went to Blue Mounds, and was lying there drunk when Van Sickles arrived. The next day, miners, one of whom was Robert Kirkendoll, now of Cadiz, buried Boner near the spot where he was killed ; but the plow long ago removed all traces of this first grave. McNut was arrested and sent to Prairie du Chien, where sixteen other men wTere awaiting trial for murder. Since Van Sickles, the only witness against him, was a notorious liar, McNut was acquitted; and immediately after his release he left the country. Van Sickles was very much dissatisfied with the trial, not because he laid any claim to veracity, but because one of the men called on to swear to his bad character was Jacob Hunter, whom Van Sickles declared to be a greater liar than himself. After NcNut's arrest, Devise and Beouchard obtained control of the mines. In the spring of 1829, they built a log smelting furnace near the old trading house, and broke the first land broken in the county. The first crop was a crop of turnips raised in 1S29. It appears from Prof. Salisbury's biographical sketch of Mr. Devise, in volume 6 of the Wisconsin Historical Collections, that in the fail of 1829 Mr. Devise went to Fulton and Peoria Counties, Illinois, and brought up a drove of hogs, and that in the summer of 1S30 he broke sixteen

The Indians foresaw their own doom in the advent of more skillful miners, and endeavored to avert it by throwing the windlasses into the shafts and carrying away the ropes. They stole all the mineral left on the ground, but were too cowardly to go into the shafts to steal, though few shafts at the Exeter diggings have been sunk more than thirty feet. The name diggings, by the way, was so universally applied to the excavations for lead that when a stranger asked a man who had once worked there the way to the mines, the man stared and said he did not know. After a little conversation, a sudden light burst upon him, and he exclaimed, with the air of a discoverer, " Oh, you mean the diggings! "

The customs of the miners, and the rules in regard to the diggings were much the same at Sugar River as in the more populous mining districts. The government did not sell mineral land for a number of years after other land had been in the market, but when a miner discovered a lead he was allowed to make a claim there of two hundred square yards. Claims frequently proved unsatisfactory, were abandoned, and then claimed by other miners who made them productive. In such cases, the first miner sometimes insisted that he had never given up his claim, and a quarrel was the result. The miners' houses were many of them holes in the hillsides. A traveler might derive his first knowledge of the existence of a habitation by his sudden descent into it

There were few women at any of the diggings in the state. In some places where a hundred men were at work, there was not one woman; and many of the men became as careless of their dress as the wolves were. A miner who worked sometimes in Green County, and sometimes farther west, says that one day, when he had not seen a woman for several years, he was called to ferry Mr. and Mrs. Paine over a stream, and that he ran in an opposite direction as though a tribe of Indians was after him. Another miner says that while he was digging at Mineral Point, all the men came up from their shafts one day to see a woman that one of their number had discovered in an emigrant wagon.

Some of the miners made fortunes in a short time; others dug for years with no success. A few, working with a definite purpose, engaged in other occupations after a few years, and are counted with the best citizens of the county; but most of them were reckless and improvident, spending all their earnings, whether large or small, and being sometimes rich and sometimes miserably poor. Two miners usually lived and worked together. There was hard work to be done outside the mines. James Slater, who went to Exeter in 1S2S, and who is now a resident of Clarno, tells of walking from Exeter to Blue Mounds - a distance of twenty-eight miles - for a bushel of potatoes, which he bought of Mr. Brigham for two dollars, and carried home on his back.

One-sixteenth of the lead raised belonged to the government. It was paid by the smelters, who bought the lead of the miners, usually paying them from eight to ten dollars a thousand pounds. Mr. Hawthorne, who left the mines in 1833, says the highest price he ever received was twenty dollars per thousand pounds. The first lead smelted at Exeter was hauled by oxen to Galena, where it sold for eighty dollars per ton. In 1833, Col. Hamilton, who had a furnace at Wiota, built some boats with which he attempted to transport his lead down the Pecatonica, Rock, and Mississippi rivers to St. Louis ; but two of the boats were overturned, their contents were lost, and the experiment was never repeated. The tariff excitement that accompanied the election of President Jackson, brought lead down to its lowest price, and caused many miners to leave Green County; but Mr. Devise, with four employes, kept on trading and smelting through 1S30 and the greater part of '31. Sometime in 1S31, John Dougherty established a trading post near the furnace. Prof. Salisbury says that the first information the settlers on Sugar River had of the Black Hawk war was given by the Winnebagoes about noon one May day to Dougherty's half-breed wife, and that they all started that same day to Galena. As all the teams had gone some days before with lead, the fugitives went with an old buggy and a broken down yoke of oxen. Mr. Devise afterwards went to Wiota, where he assisted in the erection of Fort Hamilton. He took an active part in the war, sometimes fighting, sometimes going on long and dangerous jour- neys as messenger of the commanding officers; and, when he was mustered out he received a dollar a day for the services of himself and horse during the war. As soon as the war was over, Mr. Devise, the Dougherty family, and a number of miners returned to the diggings. Their buildings had been burned during their absence, and Mr. Dougherty found his merchandise, which had been left buried in the ground, much injured by moisture; but a barrel of metheglin which had been made early in the spring " to keep" was found so much improved that all present drank immoderately, forgetting, until intoxication came, the unusual strength of its ingredients. Mr. Beouchard went away from Exeter a month before the war, intending to return soon. He was a scout during the war, and did not return to Exeter for a year, and then he remained but a short time. He has now lived at Mineral Point nearly forty years. Before he came to Wisconsin in 1819, he was sent by the Hudson's Bay Fur Company to the Pacific ocean. He went to the diggings near Galena in 1822.

Soon after his return, Mr. Devise sold his furnace to Mr. Dougherty, and thenceforth worked in the mines until 1850. It is thought that during his mining life he made and lost or spent about $40,000. In 1835 Mr. Dougherty sold the furnace to Camp (or Kemp) and Collins. From that time the di^g-ing-s were known as Kemp and Collins' diggings. John and Joseph Camp were natives of Cornwall, England; the Collins brothers, only one of whom, William, worked in Green

County, were Irish. A great many of the first miners at Su^ar River were from England and Ireland, which explains the appearance in Green County of the English name of Exeter. The other name, Sugar River Diggings, came from the Indian name of the river in that vicinity, Tonasookarah, meaning sugar, and referring to the maple trees on the river banks. With the new firm came new traders and miners, but traders and miners do not make villages. In the winter of 1835-6, while looking for a place to make a claim, Henry F. Janes, for whom Janesville was named, and his cousin, John Janes, went to the diggings for provisions. It was very cold and dark when they reached the place to which they had been directed, and no miners were there. While they were making arrangements to pass the night, supperless and shelterless, they saw a light. Supposing it was an Indian camp, they hastened to it, but found a miner, Michael Welsh. " He received us," wrote Mr. Janes twenty years later, " with all the hospitality with which a Wisconsin miner could receive a stranger, and any attempt on my part to describe that would be but a failure to do justice to that noble hearted class of the citizens of Wisconsin. We were now snugly ensconced in a warm cabin by a roaring fire, and soon had a stool placed between us on which was a pyramid of potatoes, a dish of pork swimming in a miniature lake of gravy, and a tin cup of coffee for each of us. * * * We then went over to where New Mexico was afterwards laid out, explored there two or three days, and then to Hamilton's diggings, and finally back

The cabin of Michael Welsh stood where the village of Exeter is; and there was a still older cabin there built by Pierce Bradley. Both houses were built before the war, and there was a small garden adjoining each. Mr. Welsh was an Irishman, who had been educated to be a Catholic priest. Mr. Bradley was a native of New York. He had an Indian wife, and when the Indians went away he went with them. Soon after the war, Thomas Welsh built a house where the village is. He cultivated a little ground, and his wife, known as old mother Welsh, kept tavern there.

At the diggings, new miners were constantly coming and going, but they made no permanent improvements. Camp and Collins cultivated the land broken by Mr. Devise, but it was not until 1838 that James Slater began to make the third farm in the township. The next farms were made by Joseph Dunbar, John Ferguson, Leonard Ross, Geo. Magee, Chas. George, John Armstrong, Amos Harris, and Wm. and Robert Oliver. These farmers all came to the county before the war, or very soon after it, but, with perhaps two exceptions, their farms were made after 1S40.

In 1839 or '40, Chas. Stevens built a log tavern and a furnace where the village is. The new furnace attracted miners, and the village began to grow, so that the year 1841 saw it in possession of a post office and three stores. The stores were kept by Thomas Somers, always called Tom Somers, John S. Litchfield, and

Hiram Calkins, the latter gentleman afterwards taking into partnership with him Alvinza Hey wood, who has since made one of the largest fortunes made in the gold mines of California.

In 1S41, a traveling Mormon preacher stopped at the school house in the village, and preached the first sermon preached in the township Like many subsequent religious meetings, the services were attended by the miners, who are described as making a model audience, listening attentively to the sermon, and giving generously when the hat was parsed around.

In 1842, Exeter had her first dance. It was at one of the taverns, for there were two taverns at that time, kept respectively by Ezra Durgin and Brainard Blodgfett. People were in attendance from Beloit and Illinois. They ate supper in the kitchen, and then took out the table and danced, two sets at a time, till morning.

Most memorable of all gatherings in Exeter is a fourth of Jul\ celebration held there in 1843. The orator was a man known to fame as " the wild Yankee." He stood on a barrel of whisky ; and, while he spoke, Tom Somers, cup in hand, sat by the faucet, and, for a consideration, gave drink to the thirsty. Gentlemen who attended the celebration say that the following are some of the sentences they applauded : " Let us carry our thoughts back to that time when our forefathers, led by Columbus, crossed the pathless ocean, without star or compass to guide them, and landed on the desert rock of Plymouth." "Let us recount the history of that great struggle in which they so nobly fought, bled,

In 1843, Exeter was platted, and, at the same time, transformed into the proudest of all little villages. She cherished the hope of becoming the metropolis of the county. Her pride was fed by Tom Somers, who said that though Monroe might fill her public square with court houses, she could not keep the county seat away from Exeter. For a number of years there were two furnaces, high hopes, a great deal of money, and mouths enough to drink five tons of coffee in a year, at Exeter. Then, lead grew less abundant; and, though Exeter would not see it, it was evident that the heyday of her youth and pleasure was ended. Her oldest friends left her, one by one, for California, and Tom Somers, her truest admirer, died ; there were none to sing her praises, and Dayton, her irrepressible younger sister, hinted that she was passe , and had better retire. The hint was received as a belle of acknowledged position is likely to receive such a hint from one who first disputes her sway. But, in the rivalry that ensued, the advantages of wealth and natural fitness for the desired pre-eminence were all with Dayton, and Exeter soon gave up the struggle. Yet Exeter has not now the appearance of a defrauded sister. Unlike Decatur, she makes no show of having known better days. All traces of the old life have passed away, leaving her, instead of the bitterness of disappointment, untroubled quiet and content.

New York and Lorenzo Fuller of Ohio bought the mill of Samuel Leland and Mahlon Lewis. The only building near the mill was a log house occupied by Mrs. Lewis and her sons. After a year or two the new mill owners wanted a school house. They gave the lumber, and the few farmers who lived near enough to send their children there to school assisted in the erection of the building. When it was done, all concerned felt that the love they bore to learning was expensive; but they hired their teacher, and took her to the village of Exeter to be examined. Exeter had for some time been negligent in providing for her school, for which reason Mr. Heywood, the town superintendent, gave all the money in his hands to the new school, and it proved to be enough to pay the teacher three terms. To meet a want of that part of the county, Messrs. Havens and Fuller, with William and Amos Kirkpatrick, decided to transform the saw mill into a grist mill. Before the change was effected, Amos Kirkpatrick became sole owner of the mill, which he finished and sold in 1850 or '51. While the mill was building, Mr. Havens laid out a village, which, at the request of one of the mill hands who had lived at Dayton, Ohio, was called Dayton. Improvements began at once. The first building designed for a store was built by Harvey Church. Before the completion of mill and store, Wm. Rhinehart and Samuel Gracy began to build a hotel which was finished in 1S51. One of its rooms was rented to Geo. Duncan for a store, and he was soon after appointed Dayton's first postmaster.

Dayton is now a flourishing village. The flour mill of Thomas Green and the cheese factory of Ross and Richmond, with the stores and shops of Messrs. V. Ross, Wm. Green, Dick, Ellis, Doolittle, Wackman, and Rutty make the place an important one to the towns of Brooklyn and Exeter. The addition known as East Dayton was platted some years since by Mr. M. T. White.

The first town meeting in the town of Exeter was held at the house of L. D. Barnes, in the village of Exeter. For a short time after the rise of Dayton, town meetings were held alternately at Exeter and Dayton. As late as 1S50 Exeter had twenty-two dwellings, two stores, one hundred and four inhabitants, and some rights that Dayton respected. But now that Exeter has no store, no post office, and not even a blacksmith shop, town meetings are always held at the Dayton hotel, which for twenty years has been owned by A. D. Hymers.

Among: the first farmers who srave their attention to the improvement of the stock of the county, was Mr. Lysaght of the town of Exeter. His sheep and blooded horses, arc said by stock-raisers to be exceptionally fine. Other large stock-growers are Messrs, Ferguson, Magec, Ross, Ruff, and Wade.

Source changes here: from History of Green County, Wisconsin, by Union Publishing Company, Springfield, Ill., Pub. [from Old Catalog], published 1884; 20,785 words in this source stream.

Exeter Town

Congressional township 4 north, range 8 east, of the fourth principal meridian, comprises the civil town, Exeter, It is bounded on the north by Dane county; on the east by the town of Brooklyn; on the south by the town of Mount Pleasant, and on the west by New Glarus. Sugar river crosses the surface of this town, coming from Dane county by way of section 2, and leaving through section 25. On section 14, where the village of Dayton is located, this stream affords the only water power in the town. Three small spring branches enter the river as it passes through this town. The largest comes from Dane county by way of section 1, flows south and makes junction with the river on section 24. Two branches, heading on sections 5 and 16, unite on section 10, and reach the river from the west on section 2. A small spring branch flows from near the old village of Exeter, to the main stream on section 25. A branch of little Sugar river crosses the southwestern portion of the town. These water courses make the surface of the country rolling, but no very abrupt bluffs are found. The soil of this town varies. East of the river the soil has a much more apparent tendency toward sandiness than the west, and the soil improves as you retreat from the stream. In the northwestern portion of the town there is a good prairie soil, and to the south and southwest the surface is quite rough, having a heavy clay soil, and being quite well timbered. In the valleys the soil consists of a rich black loam. In the southeastern portion of the town there is considerable rolling prairie, which generally has a rich, deep soil, underlaid with clay.

Altogether Exeter is one of the best agricultural towns in the northern part of Gi'een county. There is plenty of timber for use, water in abundance, and considerable natural meadow land, making it a fine stock district, and the people are improving their natural advantages.

Baelt Settlement

The lead mines at Exeter, called in early days "New Diggings," and later Sugar river mines and Exeter mines, caused this town to be the first settled of any in Green county. In a rude way the Indians had mined lead here years before white men had been in this country. 'Tis said "a man named Burke, in crossing the country, lost himself and found the Indian diggings." When this occurred, no one knows. But two miners and traders named D. McNutt and Mr. Boner, came here early in 1827, bring ing goods for the Indians, and soon became possessed of the lead ore in the hands of the Indians by trade in whiskey and trinkets These built a cabin for occupancy. Whether t^iey intended to remain or not, cannot be ascertained. But at all events their residence here was brought to a tragic termination; for a little over a year later McNutt killed Boner in a drunken quarrel. Van Sickles, their Indian interpreter, was the only white man there, except themselves. McNutt kept up his drunk, but sobered enough to reach Blue Mounds, where lie was arrested. The next day miners buried Boner. Upon McNutt's trial at Prairie du Chien, lie was acquitted, the jury believing that while he might have killed Boner, the fact ' that Van Sickles, who was noted as a champion liar, swore positively to the killing, was sufficient to raise a reasonable doubt, and in accordance with their oaths they found a verdict of "not guilty." McNntt left the country.

The first man to make a permanent settlement in this town - and this was the first settlement in Green county - was William Deviese. He was of French-Scotch descent, born in Pocahontas Co., Va., March 16, 1793. In 1826 he left his native State, and the following spring of 182'7, found him in St. Louis. In March, 182'7, he came to Wiota, Lafayette Co., Wis. Ter. In August, 1828, a short time after the McNutt-Boner tragedy, Mr. Deviese, who had prospected here prior to that time, took up liis residence at "Exeter Diggings," and thus became the first settler in Green county. At first Mr. Deviese was a trader in a small way. He was a stirring man, and soon got in shape to give employment to others. In the fall of the same year, William Wallace and wife, and Josiah R. Blackmore came to the mines in the employ of Mr. Deviese. In the spring of 1829, he built a smelting furnace, and in the fall went to Peoria and brought home a drove of hogs. In 1830, he broke sixteen acres of land and put in some turnips, and "sod crop." During this year - 1830 - lead which he had been selling at Galena for $80 per ton, dropped to a low figure and the mines, which had been worked vigorously, were nearly abandoned. Mr. Deviese still continued the smelting furnace, buying ore and selling some goods. Blackmore had left, and afterward he and Wallace turned up again as settlers in the town of Clarno.

John Dougherty, in 1831, opened a small trading cabin. Deviese kept up his smelting works, employing three or four hands, until the outbreak of the lilack Hawk War, in 1832, the first news of which ttiat reached the mining settlement was of the engagement at Stillman's Kun. All hastened to Galena. Mr. Deviese joined a company under William S. Hamilton, at Wiota, and did valuable service as a scout, messenger and soldier. No service for which he was not ready and willing ; no work too hard or too continuous. He eventually received for his services $1 per day for himself and horse. September 1 of the same year found him again at Exeter rebuilding, for the Indians, or rather malicious whites, as Mr. Deviese believes, had destroyed everything destructable. He found his oxen and cut hay for the winter, selling his smelting furnace to Mr. Dougherty the following year. He conducted business in a prosperous way until, in 1836, he had become wealthy for those days. The financial convulsions of the commercial world in 1836-7 could not spare the humble lead mining settlement, and ruin overtook Mr. Deviese, financially wrecking him and his fortunes. He passed under a dark cloud and gave himself up to indulgence in drink. For the years following he says : "There is nothing of my life worth telling." Major Deviese is a man who is universally respected, and by many of the old pioneers, beloved for his many and manly qualities. Wl.en he had it to spend and give, he did it royally ; a man of good education ; high-minded ; loved the right even when traveling wrong. He is now in his ninety-first year, clear in intellect and memory, though bedridden since September, 1879, occasioned by a fall, permanently injuring his spine. He now lives with Hollis Crocker, just over the line in Dane county. He has for many years followed total abstinence, so far as liquor is concerned, but an inveterate smoker, and many a Sabbath morning the family are aroused by his crying out : "Oh ! how I wish I could smoke." In his helpless condition some one must wait upon him, and his wants are immediately attended to. Major Deviese, as he is commonly called, joined the Methodist Church many years ago. In his death, which must occur 'ere long, he will be mourned and remembered as few among the old pioneers have been. He has no relatives living in the west, or, perhaps anywhere else. He has never been married ; as he says : "Wlien I ought to have married, I left the ac- tive world behind me." Hollis Crocker gave Major Deviese a home over thirty-one years ago. For nearly a third of a century has his untiring care of and for him been a subject of wondc-ito all who do not know his good heart. No reward or hope of reward has ever been his ; and God's richest blessing can be but a feeble recognition of this man's love of humanity, as shown in his care of fellow being - unfortunate. No son could do more, or do it more willingly. Hollis Crocker is a pioneer in every sense, having settled here in 1842, and undergone all the hardship, privation and disadvantages attendant upon the building up of a new countiy. His wife was born at Gratiot's Grove, Wis. Ter., in 1829. She was a granddaughter of a Swiss colonist, who came to the Red River colony, (Lord Selkirk's settlement) in 1821. Her mother made the trip by way of Hudson Bay, from the mouth of the Rhine, and in 1823, down the Red river. Lake Travis and St. Peter's river to Fort Snelling in a canoe, and from thence to l^afayette county, this State.

Pierce Bradley came to the mines in an early day, and erected one of the first cabins where Exeter village was afterward built. He was engaged at mining.

James Hawthorne came at about the same time as Major Deviese, and for a time the two were in partnership. Mr. Hawthorne left the mines in 1833.

Edward D. Beochard, a Frenchman, was mining at Exeter in 1828, and remained until 1833, except a period during the Black Hawk War. lie went from here to Lafayette county.

Business Growth In Exkter

I?i 1835 Kemp & Collins bought out Mr. Dougherty's interests at this place, and also the same year, bought 600 acres of land south of the mines, including that which Major Deviese had broken. Mr. Dougherty, later, moved to Otter Creek, Lafayette county,* and died there. Kemp came from England; and Collins - who was of Scotch descent - from Ireland. They remained in Exeter only a fewyears, when Joseph Kemp returned to England. Later, he came back and died at Wiota. William Collins succeeded to the real estate and left about the same time as Kemp. He came back and sold the land; then went to California.

The first hotel was a log affair, erected by Brainard Blodgett, in 1840. The same year, Ezra Durgin erected a small log tavern. Both sold whisky. Blodgett left, a short time later, and went to the Wisconsin pineries where he was drowned. He was succeeded in business by Alvah B. Humphrey. The latter, and his wife, lived here until 1854, when they went to Monroe, where they died. Ezra Durgin went to California.

Thomas Somers came in 1840, and when the first postoffice, "Exeter," was established, in 1841, he was made postmaster. Mr. Somers died at Exeter in 1851. In 1846 the first frame house was built by Mr. Somers. He sold to Charles George, who opened a hotel. Thomas Somers followed Kemp & Collins in trade. Then in succession came "Wild Yankee" Litchfield and John Burke, Freeman Safford, Ephraim Bowen, Ilayward & Lindslay. It is not known where Litchfield went; John Burke went to Iowa; Hayward to California and is now wealthy; Lindslay went to Sheboygan and engaged in lumber business.

In 1834 Tpm Welch and wife came to Exeter. Mrs Welch is remembered by the old pioneers for her general recklessness, and disposition to run the machine without regard to what others might call respectability. They farmed some, and kept "boarders, whisky, etc." Welch died there. The widow married a man nanud Flaherty and started for Oregon, and the husband died on the. way. It is said the woman, later, married her fifth husband in Oregon. Tis said "she was able to get outside of from three to five di'inks of whisky every morning before breakfast."

John Armstrong came to the town in 1840, and settled on section 5. He sold out in 1844, but lived here until 1850. He was a reckless fellow and fond of drink and wild life, but had many good qualities. It is said of him, that lie ordered dinner in Galena, for a party of miners in his employ, and upon being told he would have to wait until the other guests were served, he rode his horse into the dining room, and on the tables, scattering things right and left. He paid $300 for the sport. From here he went to the Wisconsin pineries, and died about 1860.

Joseph Dunbar came in 1836, and followed farming and mining. For the last thirty years or more, he has lived on his fine farm on sections 22 and 23.

Capt. Leonard Ross resided a short time in the village of Exeter, in 1840, and the same year settled on section 8. Capt. Ross was a valuable acquisition to the new settlement, and bought 900 acres of land in that part of the town. He was an energetic and public spirited man.

The building of the Dayton mill and the almost entire failure of the lead mines, caused a general decline at Exeter, until in 1884 it numbered loss than half a dozen houses.

First Events

'J'he first birth in the Exeter mining settlement was that of Louisa, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. William Wallace, born Aug. 7, 1830. She afterward married Charles Thomas.

The first religious services were held in 1829. A miner, who was also a preacher, was always ready, willing and able to instruct his fellow workers in spiritual matters, and in those early years the voice of prayer would occasionally be lieard among the hardy miners at Exeter.

The following January, 1829, James Fanning died in the cabin of Major Deviese. He was l)uried by the side of Boner, on land recently owned by N. Wilcox.

A man named Castleman, from Milwaukee, was the first doctor. It it said he did not have much skill, but was merely able to practice medicine. Dr. Stearns, who succeeded him, was a man of considerable education, genius and skill. Dr. Parsons came later and after a few years went to Milwaukee.

Town Organization

The town of Exeter was organized in 1849. The first election was held at the house of L. D. Barnes, April 3, 1819, and resulted in the election of the following officers: Supervisors. John Porter, chairman; Robert Witter an<l James Hair; treasurer, John Gilman; assessoi , William Oliver; clerk, A. K. Stearns; school commissioner, Alonzo Haywood; justices of the peace, John Porter, Robert Witter, Frederick StriefiF and James Hair; constables, James T. Porter, Walter C. Ressler and James D. Forbes. There were thirty-nine votes cast. The clerks of the election were Charles K. Adams and A. K. Stearns; the judges were Lorenzo Barnes, John Porter and William Fletcher.

Educational

The first school in the town of Exeter was taught in a log house in the Exeter miiiirig settlement in 1840. The teacher was Mr Johnson. Schools have been taught regularly since that time.

District No. 2 (joint) embraces territory in the towns of Exeter, Montrose and Oregon, with a school house in Montrose. There are fourteen pupils belonging to this district in Exeter.

Joint district No. 3 embraces territory in Exeter and Brooklyn, the school house being located in the latter town. Seven pupils reside in this town.

Joint district No. 4 embraces territory in Exeter, New Glarus and Primrose. The school house is in New Glarus; four pupils re^^ide in Exeter.

Joint district No. 4 embraces territory in Exeter and New Glarus. The school house is located on section 29, and is valued at $270. Fifty-six pupils reside in Exeter.

Joint district No. 8 embraces territory in Exeter and Brooklyn, tl:e school house being located in the latter town. There are six pupils in this town.

Village Of Dayton

The first settlers on the present site of Dayton were the members of the Lewis family. Mablan Lewis came in 1844. Mr. Leland came the same year and they formed the firm of Lelatid & Lewis. Mahlan Lewis went to California in 1850, and died in the mines there four years later. Leland also left.

Mahlan Lewis' mother, a widow, came in in 1845. Slie had a family of two girls and three sons besides Mahlan. Melvin went to Minnesota in about 1860 and still lives tliere. Stephen lives in tlie town of Brooklyn. Joseph died about lh60. Eunice, the eldest girl, married Ansil Filts, and died in this town two or three years later. Abigail, the other girl, married a Mr. Cook and they went to Minnesota, where they still live. The old lady lived upon tlie old homestead until 1870, then went to the town of Union, Rock county, and lived with a sister until the time of her death, which occurred shortly afterward, when she was nearly ninety years of age. The Lewis family were the first permanent settlers of Dayton. They lived in the house now occupied by Mrs. Joseph Green.

A. D. Kirkpatrick came in 1852 from Ohio and bronght his family. He had formerly lived in the town of Brooklyn. After selling out to Joseph Green he returned to his farm in Brooklyn. Mr. Kirkpatrick gave the name of Dayton to the village, from Dayton, Ohio.

Dr. Lysaght, with his two sons, William and Thomas, came from Ireland in 1844 and purchased a large tract of land. The doctor remained about two years, then left his eons to improve his gift to them. Thomas went to California in 1850. He died in Kansas before 1860. William lived in this town until 1882, when he sold out and removed to the city of Monroe, where he still lives, having acquired a goodly share of this "world's goods."

The water power at Dayton village was first improved by Leland & Lewis, in 1845. They built a dam across the river and erected a saw mill. It is said by old settlers to have been a good mill, and successfully operated. It being the only mill within a long distance, excepting a mill that had been erected at Attica the preceding year, this was a great convenience to the new settlement. In 1862 the property was sold to A. D. Kirkpatrick, who was assisted by Leonard Ross and others with means to build a flouring mill. This was equipped with two run of buhrs and was operated in con)iection with the saw mill by Mr. Kirkpatrick until April, 1854. At this time the property was puichased by Joseph Green, who enlarged the grist mill by adding a wing to the east end in 1854, and in 1855 he entirely rebuilt the saw mill. In 1866 Mr. Green rented the property to his son, Thomas Green, who, in 1881, after his father's death, purchased the proj^erty. He has added new machinery to the grist mill, and moved the saw mill building away, converting it into a barn.

The village .of Dayton was platted in August, 1853, by P. P. Havens, the plat being situated on the northeast quarter of section 14. In the spring of 1854 M. T. White made an addition, laying into lots and blocks land on the southwest quarter of section 12.

P. P. Havens settled here in 1847, and opened the first blacksmith shop in this section of country. He was one of the best of mechanics, and his breaking plows were considered to be the best obtainable. He made plows and did general work in his line, supplying a large extent of country. Mr. Havens did not seem to be desirous of making money from the sale of lots, for, it seems, to induce people to locate

M. T. A¥hite settled here as early as 1849, coming from Milwaukee county. He bought the southwest quarter of section 12, and still lives upon it. He has three sons living in the town - Frank, Mortimer and Benjamin.

About ten families reside in this part of the village, which is separated from the balance by Sugar river. In school affairs the two sides are distinct from each other, and this side has a fine school building. There is also on this side Wackman & Ruttz's blacksmith shop and Charles Wackman's wagon shop.

The first hotel in the village was opened July 1, 1853, by Rhinehart & Gracy. That day was a memorable one in Dayton's history. It is said by several who were present that the number of men who went home sober that night could be counted on the fingers of one hand. This hotel in the spring of 1855 was sold to Julius Stone, wiio, not long afterward, sold to A. D. Hymer. Different parties have rented the house, among whom are E. W. Smith, Mr. Williams and William Hayden. In 1880 Mr. Hymer sold the property to Mathias Hosely, now of Monroe, who ran the house until 1883, when he rented it to Charles Sheple, the present occupant.

The first store in Dayton was opened in 1852 by a man named McLaughlin. During the same year he was closed out by his creditors, and returned to Ohio. ' The building he used is now occupied as a residence by Thomas Green, although many changes have been made.

In the fall of 1853 a store was opened by Leonard & Church, who kept a small stock of general merchandise. In 1855 Mr. Church bought his partner's share and continued the business for a few. years, when he closed out and sold the building to Mr. Gattiker, who opened a hardware and tin store.

named Harvey into partnership. Harvey had no capital, but a great amount of assurance. 'Tis said of him that he "was all things to all men," At least he seemed to know how to carry funds. When it became necessary for one of the firm to visit Chicago with $1,500 to pay indebtedness and replenish stock, he was the one to go, and he never returned. The firm immediately went out of business, and later Duncan went to California.

James Norris opened a store in the same building in 1855, and two years later sold to .Jacob J. Tschudy (now of Monroe). Mr. Tschudy, owing to the financial panic of 1857-8, followed the fashion of the times, necessarily, and failed too. In 1858 Mosher & Humphrey opened a stock of goods here, and remained one season, when they returned to Monroe. In 1859 George Campbell, of Albany, occupied the same building and sold goods for one year. The building then remained vacknt for a time, until, in 1861, Joseph Green put in a stock of dry goods and groceries. After the war his son, William Green, was associated with him.

In 1859 James Norris erected the store building now occupied by Thomas Luchsinger, and put in a stock of goods. Mr. Norris ran the business until 1866, when he sold to C. W. Leonard, formerly of the firm of Leonard & Church, and E. W. Smith. A year or two later Joseph Green bought them out, and afterwards sold to his son, William Green, who removed the stock to Albany in the spring of 1882. In November, 1882, Thomas Luchsinger bought the building, put in a good stock of general merchandise, and is still in business.

In the early days of Dayton's history, Thomas Gracy opened a small slock of groceries ajid dry goods. He sold to Day & Ross, who added drugs to the stock. Mr. Day sold his interest to Riclimoml &, Koss, and later Mr. Ross bought f)ut his partner. A few years later he sold to Witter <fc Trouesdale. Mr. Witter sold his interest after a time to his ])artiier, and in 188.3 it purchased by J. P. Cuhningham. Mr.

The Dayton Mercantile Association was organized in the spring of 1884, for the purpose of conducting a general mercantile business. The association bought the stock of Thomas Luchsinger, rented his store building, and opened for trade in May. The stockholders number about 100. The paid up capital amounts to $5,000. The directors and officers of the association are: Directors, W. S. Heal, president; Ansel Fitts, James Root, Philip Wackman, William Gill, I. F. Wallahan; Forester Havens, treasurer; Thomas Green, secretary.

John Pace commenced wagon building and repairing, on the east side, in 1854. He was succeeded by Doolitlle and Still, who ran the business several years and sold to John Taylor. Then the business passed into the hands of Mr. Doolitlle again, and later to Theodore Wackman, who was afterwards associated with Charles Wackman. The latter bought out Theodore, and now (1884) runs the business.

In 1859 Alfred Gittiker opened a tin shop and kept some shelf hardware in a room over the saw mill, and later in the building now occupied by the harness shop. Mr. Gattiker left here in 1864, and was succeeded by a Mr. Taylor, who ran a shop about one year. In 1869 William Dick, who had learned his trade with Gattiker, who had been in the army and absent some years, opened a tin shop and shelfhardware store. He is still in business.

In 1853 Nick Gruidenwise opened a blacksmith shop in East Dayton. Later he was in partnership with D. M. Spencer, who succeeded to the business. He was followed by D. and J. P. Wackman. J. P. Wackman bought out his partner, Daniel, and was with his brother Joseph in the business for some time. Joseph sold to S. L. Rutty and he to T. M. Scott, aird from the latter gentleman Wallace Rutty purchased the interest. In ]844 the firm was Wackman & Huttv.

In 1859 William Taylor opened a harness shop, closing out about four years later. .T. R. Richards opened a shop soon afterward, being here temporarily. He sold out to E. O. Faiilks, who is still in business. About 1866, William Kirkpatrick opened a shop and worked about two years. E. Witters did some business in this line here in 1872.

S. L. Forges keeps a small refreshment stand, candies and fruits, and is the shoemaker and cobbler of the village. Mr. Forges came from Ohio to this State in 1855, and has lived in Dayton fourteen years.

The first physician of Dayton was Dr. J. B. Orm.sby, who located here in 1854, coming from Bradford, Vt., with a family of a wife an<l one child. Dr. Ormsby is well remembered l.y the old settlers as a skillful, kind hearted, intelligent physician, always ready to serve all, pay or no pay. Many an old pioneer has cause to remember him gratefully. He left herein 1867, and now lives at Milan, Til. He buried hi ^ wife here, in 1865. Dayton has, since the departure of Dr. Ormsby, been transientl)^ the resident of many physicians among whom are remembered Dr. Cobbin, Dr. George Fox, Dr. Bloomer, Dr. Roone, Dr. Edgar, Dr. G. N. Troesdale, Dr. Con for, and in 1883, Dr. W. C. Roberts, son of Dr. Roberts, of Albany, located here and is the resident physician. The doctor ha.s won the confidence of his patrons, and is building for himself a lucrative and honorable practice.

A postoffice was established at Dayton, in September, 1854. W. W. Shepard, a young lawyer, resident of Dayton, visited the east, and went to Washington, for the purpose of securing a postoffice for Dayton. He succeeded. Mr. Shepard evidently was impressed with the magnitude of what he saw there, or wished to impress others, f<)rhesays, "the Capitol is forty rods and the President's house is nothing sliorter." The first postmaster in Dayton was

George Duncan. He was succeeded by James Norris, and he by C. D. W. Leonard, William Green, Volney Ross and G.N. Troesdale; and he by the present incumbent, J. P. Cunningham.

Jeremiah P. Cunningham, postmaster and merchant at Dayton, is a son of James and Mary Cunningham, and was born in Exeter, March 17, 1853. When eighteen years old he went to Chicago, where he was employed by the Transfer Omnibus Company five and a half years. He was then engaged as conductor on the west division street railroad, one year, then eighteen months in the Northwestern Railroad office, after which he ran a milk wagon about six months. In the fall of 1879, he returned to Green county and for two years rented the farm of James Martin, of Albany. In the spring of 1882 he rented the farm owned by J. P. Wackman, in Exeter, and worked it one year. In 1883 he bought the business of G. W. Trousdale, in Dayton, where he is now engaged in general merchandising. He has enlarged the store and increased the stock. He was married in Brodhead. May 29, 1876, to Margaret O'Donnell, daughter of John and Mary O'Donnell, of Monticello. One child - Mary, was born to them July 2, 1 878. Mrs. Cunningham died May 13,1883. Mr. Cunningham is a young man of good business capacity and habits. His child, Mary, lives with her grandfather, O'Donnell, at Monticello, Wis. His father, James Cunningham, was born in Waterford county, Ireland, in 1819. In 1844 he came to Montreal, Canada, and lived in Kingston a short time. He tlien went to Vermont and worked on a railroad, and afterwards went to Kentucky, where he worked one year and returned to Vermont. He remained in that State and Massachusetts till about 1848, when he came to Green county and bought 200 acres on section 1, of Exeter. He was married in Dane county, to Mary Kerwin. Four children were born to them - Jeremiah P., William, Catharine, wife of John Dooley, and Rose Ann, living in Milwaukee. His wife died and he was again married to Catharine Joyce, of Monticello.

History Of Green Counts

By this union there were three children - Margaret. John and James. James Cunningham died in 1882. William Cunningham now owns and occupies the homestead.

The Methodist church was erected in 1868. It is 30x50 feet in size, with a belfry, but no bell, and cost |2,200. Elder Russell was the first pastor. In 1884 the pastor was Elder Haight.

In 1868, a Presbyterian church was built at a cost of $2,400. It is 30x50 feet in size, and also has a belfry, but no bell. Elder Newell was the first pastor, and through his instrumentality the church was built. The present pastor is Elder Pierce.

The Catholic church was built in 1869. It is 30x48 feet in size, and cost $2,000. Rev. James Stehle is the present pastor in charge. There are 120 families communicants in this parish.

Dayton has three cemeteries. The one on the west side, close by the village plat, was located in 1852. William Norton was the first one buried there; he was the father of John M. Norton. He died in April, 1853. Another cemetery adjoins White's addition to Dayton, on the east side; it was established in 1854. The Catholic cemetery is located on section 10, about one mile from the village. The other cemetery in this town is near the old village of Exeter. It was located in 1850, near the center of tlie north side of section 35. A stranger named Shields had been buried on the grounds before the location was made.

Masonic Lodge

Dec. 6, 1873, under a dispensation of the grand lodge of A. F. & A. M., of the State of Wisconsin, a lodge was established at Dayton, with the following officers: E. C. Morre, W. M.; Joseph Witter, S. W.; P. H Multer, J. W.; R. Riy, Treas.; Perry Doolittle, Sec'y. June 9, 1875, a charter was granted by the grand lodge, and the name and number given was, Dayton Lodge, No. 198. The first officers elected were: L. D. Dalrymple, W. M.; Joseph

Witter, S. W.; P. H. Multer, J. W.; G. 'L. Rutly, Treas.; C. Peterson, Sec'y. The ma.sters succeeding Mr. Dalrymple have been: William Green, G. N. Troesdale, and the present master, A. S. Lewis. The present officers are: James Lewis, S. W.; G. Langhead, J. W.; L. Ro.ss, Treas.; J. H. Langhead, Sec'y. The lodge has a membership of forty-seven. The lodge room is well furnished and their treasury is in good condition.

Cheese Factories

Dayton formerly had two cheese factories, but neither have been operated for some years. But a Mr. Davis, from Chicago, converted the one on the east side, in 1883, into a creamery, and ran the business through most of the season, then failed. He left the farmers who had sold him cream behind about six or seven weeks in his payments.

A cheese factory in the Ross neighborhood was put in operation in May, (1884) by a stock company consisting of the following stock holders: Jeremiah Staley, William H. Ross, Leonard Ross, Abram Kundert, Henry Schneider and James Wilson. Leonard Ross, manao-er and treasurer. The building is located on section 16, main building 20x50 feet, and contains a work room 20x24 feet. They expect to use 1,500 barrels of milk per day this season.

In this connection are presented several letters containing reminiscences of early days by Hollis Crocker. As little change as possible has been made, in order to preserve the style of the writer, and they will prove to the pioneers to be one of the most interesting chapters in Dayton's history. In his first letter, under the date of April 10, 1884, Mr. Crocker says: "At your request I will try and write a few of my early recollections of Green county, for, although a resident of Dane county, I had more to do with Green county in an early day than with Dane. I came to Wisconsin in the fall of 1842, with my father and family, and for the first two years we had to cross the entire county every time we went to mill, either to TVinslow, on the Pecatonica, or Curtis's mill, on the Richland creek. I well remember the first thing I saw on landing in old Exeter, on the 2l8t day of September, 1842. Three men were assisting a fourth man to the polls. It was Territorial election day. There was a man under each arm and another pushing in the rear, whilst froth and curses were pouring out of his mouth. Young as I was, (I was only fourteen) the thought struck me that possibly his vote might not be a very intelligent one. The very early settlers of Green county will remember old John Armstrong, sometimes called Devil John. I saw him in Exeter the first day we came there. He directed us to his house in the north part of the town, near where Mr. Lysaght used to live. As he had a good deal of whisky down, he felt very rich, and generously proposed to keep us a day, week or month, as the case might be, free of charge. We staid at his house all night. Mrs. Armstrong and children retired to the corn crib, surrendering us the use of the house; in fact, the early pioneers, with but few exceptions, were a whole-souled and generous class of people. Uncle John Armstrong had lived in the vicinity of Galena as a miner, a number of years before he came to Green county. He was quite wealthy at one time. When he was digging mineral at Galena, I remember hearing one of his adventures at that place. He had a good many hands at work for him, and the thought struck him to give them a first class meal at the hotel. The landlord wished him to wait a while, as he had some of the elite or upper ten at table that day. Uncle John swore that himself and hands were as good as his upper crust, and mounting his horse, he rode him into the dining room, made him leap with his fore-feet on the table, crushing it down, breaking the dishes and smasliing things generally; then cooly asking what were the damages, he paid them and went his way rejoicing. I suppose the damages were the snug little sum of |300. Uncle John used to spree it some times for a week at a stretch, and there was one peculiarity about him, he would never stagger, and I believe he was more active when drunk, than when sober. I think he came to Exeter some time about 1840. He sold his claim and improvements to William Lysaght's father in 1844, and with Joe Hendrick, (his wife's son-in-law) went into northern Wisconsin. They were both pioneers and required a great deal of elbow room.

"Leonard Ross, commonly called Capt. Ross, came to Exeter about the same time and settled one mile south of Armstrong. He was quite a prominent man in an early day. He died in 1856. His widow still lives on the old place and still looks hale and hearty. Long may she be spared to u-s.

"I remember another character who lived at Exeter when we came. I think his name was Joseph Wall, but he was better known by the name of Dad Joe. He was a Kentuckian by birth, and was as proud of it as any of the F. F. v., of old Virginia. He had a great aversion to eastern people; he designated them all as damned Yankees. Late in the autumn uf 1842, my two brothers, Russell and William, started for Oneco, below Monroe seven or eight miles, for lumber, getting a late start, they were benighted at the Kemp & Collins place, where LTncle John Porter then lived. As no one in that day thought of turning a traveler away, he kindly took them in. Shortly after their arrival Dad Joe came in, somewhat elevated ; by some means he found out they were York State people. He insisted on Uncle John turning them two d - d Yankees out. He said the straw pile was good enough for Yankees to sleep in. Failing to get Mr. Porter to turn them out, he declared he would not stay in the same house with them, and started for the village of Exeter. Mr. Porter going out about half an hour afterwards, found Dad Joe fast asleep, about ten or twelve rods from the house.

"It would not do to pass over the history of Exeter, without mentioning Tom Welch and his wife, well known as Mother Welch. They came to Exeter some time about the year 1835. They farmed some and kept tavern some. The old lady would would go with an ox team to Milwaukee or Galena; she was well known at both places. When the store keepers saw her coming they would say: 'There comes Mother Welch, we must put up our goods about double so we can stand it to be beat down.' They used to keep their whisky hid from each other, and when a mutual friend happened to come there, unless he looked out sharp between the two treating him he would be made drunk. Michael Welch, brother to Thomas, left Exeter some time about 1848 or 1849. A year or two ago I heard a man say he had seen him in California. He was keeping 'bach.'

"In 1845 a Swiss settlement was started at New Glarus. Soon after coming there, Christopher Martin, of Monroe, was passing through the place and called up the crowd and treated. He noticed the people gathered in a little group and looked at him from time to time, talking amongst themselves;pretty soon he treated again, their curiosity was so aroused that one of the group constituting himself spokes man for the rest, walked up to Mr. Martin and asked him: 'Bees you von politic manV' 'No, 'says Mr. Martin. At this the man seemed astonished and exclaimed: 'Veil vat for you treat us then?' showing by this that politicians had already been tampering with them. The Swiss were very shrew in business matters, especially in buying cows. Shortly after they came to New Glarus, one of them came over to Mr. Ross' to buy a cow. Mr. Streiff came along as interpreter. They seemed to fix their attention on a rather inferior cow, examining her very attentively. They asked her price, and after looking at her some time, Mr. Streiff turned around and pointing to his best cow asked him in a careless manner what her price Avas. Mr. Ross named a sum a good deal less than he would have been willing to take for her had he supposed they actually wanted to buy her. 'Veil,' says Mr. Streiff,'dis man vill take this cow' pointing to the good one. Mr. Ross would not go back on his word and let them have his best cow, but declared fhey would never catch him napping again. Whilst I am speaking of Leonard Ross, I will mention what I should have written before. Not only does his widow live at the old place, but his three sons - Milton, William and Leonard, live near there. There was a fourth son, Otis, but he was killed before Petersburg. He belonged to the 37th regiment. Milton, the eldest,and William, served three years in the 8th regiment, Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry, company H, and had the good fortune to get home alive, though Milton lost an eye in his country's service. I should be much to blame if I failed to mention 'old Ball,' a favorite horse of the captain's. Mr. Ross and old Ball were one and inseparable, as much as was .Judge Irvin and his horse, Pedro. Ball was a large bay horse eighteen hands high, and well proportioned. He had a white stripe in his face, which gave him his name. He was very high spirited and a horse of uncommon intelligence. Every old settler in Green county will remember him. Although a heavy horse, he was a speedy traveler. Mr. Ross at one time was in Monroe on business; and receiving news of his wife's illness, he rode him home (twenty miles) in two hours, without injuring him in the least.

"I cannot refrain from relating one anecdote of Charlie George, an old settler in Exeter. At one time a Mormon preacher was holding forth at the Ross school house, and in his discourse he urged upon the people the necessity of watchfulness; and bringing over the word 'watch' very often, old Charlie took him at Iiis word, and getting up, started for the door, remarking

"Tiie first time I passed through Monroe, then called New Mexico, as near as I can recollect, there were but three or four houses, and now ii is one of the prettiest inland towns in llie country; surrounded on all sides by as good a farming country as the sun shines on. I was never personally acquainted with many of the residents of Monroe, but a good man/ 1 knew by reputation. I remember seeing old Peter Rutledge. As near as I can remember he was about four feet, eight, nine or ten inches in height, and I should judge his weight was about 190 pounds, so you see that as far as avoirdupois was concerned, he was a man. He was a juryman on the celebrated Vineyard trial. I think a Mr. Field and Moses M. Strong were lawyers for the defendant. I think it was Mr. Field who made the plea, and whilst he was coming out strong on the pathetic dodge, depicting the melancholy task of the messenger who should carry the sorrowful news of a verdict of guilty to his distracted wife, Peter was observed to be agitated. He said afterwards be was fearful that he would be the one chosen to carry the harrowing intelligence to the victim's wife. I suppose he was just such a juryman as the most of criminal lawyers delight in. "The winter of 1842-43 was very severe, with an uncommon depth of snow for this country. Very few settlers had seen such a depth of snow. To us, who just were from the eastern part York State, it was nothing unusual. Towards spring, feed became scarce, and in some places timber was cut down for the cattle to browse on, especially the linden or basswood. I well remember when Thomas Bowers' neighborhood was called Egypt, certainly very many went there to buy corn. Some of our neighbors were so scared at the deep snow, that they did not ti'y to go to the mill, using hominy as a substitute for bread. I remember starting with twt) yoke of young oxen for mill below Monroe. I took my mother along as far as Mr. Thompson's, in the town of Sylvester, and going on the next day to mill. The day I started home it thawed a good deal, the water started running in the ravines a little. Stopped at Mr. Thompson's all night. It froze very hard, and the low places next morning were all a glare of ice. My oxen could not travel in the yoke. I got Mr. L. True, at this time a resident of Sylvester, to take his horses and bring home my grist with the ox yokes, and I drove my oxen loose. Coming to Little Sugar river below Exeter, I found the water about three feet deep between the bridges. The ice was not strong enough to hold up the cattle. I had to go back to a rail fence and get a rail and break the ice between the bridges; the cattle went through Indian file and I got home all right. I remember the first pork we bought in the country cost us ten shillings per 100 pounds. We bought a good cow of Thomas Bowen for $9; a yoke of steers coming four years old for $30. One thing I can testify to, money was hard to come by in those early days. Author Smith was murdered for #200. It would seem a small sum of money to kill a man for now, but $200 looked full as large at that time as $1,500 would now. I see his name is called Arthur; it is a mistake, his given name was Author. He boarded with my father the first winter we were in the country. My father went to school one winter to Mr. Smith's father, at that time a resident of Vermont. It is an old saying that murder will out, but nearly forty years have passed by and poor Author's murderer's not discovered yet, that is to my knowledge.

"I have nothing more to say of my own adventures, they were the same as other early settlers. It is pretty generally known to all who take any interest in Major Deviese, tliat he is now living with me, three miles nortliwest of Belleville, he has lived with me over thirty years, and is now ninety-one years of age. Four years ago, the 2d day of last September, he fell from the door step and hurt his right hip, and broke the wrist of his right arm. It was never fully ascertained what injury was done to his hip, as he could not stand the pain of a thorough examination, and he was so old the doctor did not dare to use chloroform. Since that time he has not left the bed only us he has been lifted; still his health is generally good, especially for a man of his advanced age. His mind and memory is I'emarkably good for a man of his age, he is a perfect chronicle of the past, and notwithstanding his afflictions and intirmity, he is cheerful and resigned; this is owing somev^hat to his natural temperament, which is very cheerful, but is also owing in a great measure to a firm trust in Christ, and bright hope that when the trials i'i this life are over, he will be admitted into tliat rest that remains for the people of God."

Montrose, April 17, 1884. "You speak of the drinking habits of the early pioneers, I must confess that in proportion to the number of population, there was far more liquor drank forty years ago than there is to-day, but it must be remembered that Exeter for a number of years Was a mining town, and there is almost always more drinking done in such places than where the occupation of the people is purely agricultural, but there was a good deal of drinking done in those days. Births, deaths, marriages, 4th of July, election, Christmas, harvesting, hog killing, house raising, were all good excuses for imbibing, but then, to offset this evil, I believe there was less pride, more open-handed hospitality in those days than at the present time. A young couple could get married in those days without ruining themselves buying costly clothes. If a man was buried, it was not thought necessary to starve his widow and fatherless children in order to procure a $75 or f 100 cofHn, because other people did. You spoke about the Major telling some more of his early experience. Since you were here, I heard him tell one. Mr. Foreman, who used to live in Exeter in a very early day, had set a number of traps in a circle, with a bait in the center, to catch a wolf. A Mrs. Powell lived near where the traps were set, and her little dog got into one of them, and of course set up a dreadful howl. Mrs. Powell went to the rescue of her pet and got caught in a trap herself, and of course there was more music. A large black dog belonging to Pierce Bradley, an old resident of Exeter, then thought it best to go and see what was the matter, of course -he got caught, and then the chorus was complete. Fortunately the outcries brought Mr. Foreman to the rescue, and he set them all at libeity. When I think how the great west has settled up, even in my day, (I am fifty-six) it is wonderful. I can remember when going into the western part of York State was called going out west. If any one started to go as far west as Indiana or Illinois, their friends bid them farewell,with about the same feeling they would, bad they started for that undiscovered country, from whose bourne no traveler returns. But now the Pacific can only stop them, and I am not sure as that will prove a barrier long, some enterprising emigrant will want to colonize the Sandwich Island."

Biographical

Joseph Dunbar Sr., is a native of Ireland, born in 1814. At the age of ten years he came to the United States to live with his uncle, Robert Dunbar, near Wheeling, Va. After a few years residei.ce there, he went to Philadelphia, com ing from that city to Mineral Point, Wis. Ter., where he worked a short time in the mines and around the furnaces. He came to Exeter, then called "Exeter Diggingt"," in 1835, and worked here many years, but in 1840, he bought 160 acres of government land on section 22, and later eighty acres on section 23. These lands are now comprised in the fine farm which is now his home. His residence is on section 23. He partially improved this land before his marriage. He continued to mine a portion of the time, until it ceased to be remunerative. July

20, 1855, he was married to Mary Martin, daughter of John Martin, who settled in Exeter in 1849, and died here in 1864. His widow now lives in Richland county. Mr. and Mrs. Dunbar have had fourteen children, nine of whom are living, all of whom reside with their parents, except two sons - Joseph, who lives in this town, and John, who lives in Golden, Col. The others are - Jane, Tilla, Jeremiah, Bertha R., Archie D. and Charles T. Those who have died are : Claude, Mary, wife of W. Q. Ross; Inez, Rozena M. and Sarah A. In 1836, while at the diggings, Mr. Dunbar and James Slater, spaded one acre of land and planted it with corn. The crop they sold to Joseph Kelley, who had just settled on a farm south of Monroe. The first death in Exeter, after Mr, Dunbar's arrival, was a child of Thomas Welch, the next was that of a man named Cheney, who died about 1838. It was thought desirable to bury Mr. Cheney beside the child of Mr. Welch, three miles distant. The miners at that time had nearly all left for New Diggings, just discovered at Blue Mounds, consequently help was scarce. The carrying of the body to its place of burial was undertaken by two or three men, who after accomplishing about one third of the distance, had to abandon it. Mr. Dunbar went some distance after a yoke of oxen, with which the task was completed.

George Magee, a native of Ireland, was born in the county of Armagh in 1813. He emigrated to Canada in 1821, and in 1836 went to Vicksburg, Miss. The following year he moved to Galena, 111., and the same year came to the town of Exeter and bought 500 acres of land on section 25, on which he settled. He was one of the first men in (Treen county to make farming an avocation. Mr. Magee was, in his prime, a pusliing, energetic, money-making man, and at an early day, had the sagacity to see the advantages which the county possessed as an agricultural county. He was married in 1842, to Lucy Eggleston, who was of English desceni. In 1852 he weiit to California and returned in

1855. He then devoted his time entirely to farming until 1875, when he moved to Evansville, where he now lives. He owns several buildings in that city, which he rents. He also owns his original farm of 500 acres in Exeter. His wife died in 1871. They had nine children - Jennie, wife of F. Shergar, of Evansville; Mary, wife of A. S. Lewis; Julia, wife of A. W. Patterson, of Howard Co., Neb.; Hattie, widow of John T. O. Swager, living in Evansville; Welsley died in infancy, in 1852; Emma, wife of O. Case, lives in Dane county; William, who lives on the homestead, and is unmarried; Lillie is the wife of Walter Hopkins; and George Jr. William and George Jr., rent the homestead farm of their father. George .Tr. was married Sept. 11, 1883, to Eflie Marshall, daughter of J. H, Marshall, of this town.

John Hosken, son of Richard and Mary Hosken, was born Jan. 15, 1844, in the town of Exeter. He now owns and resides upon the land bought from the speculators by his father, on section 22, in 1854. He was reared a farmer, and lived with his parents until their death, except during the short time he served in the army. He enlisted in company F, 42d Wisconsin Volunteers, and served until the regiment was mustered out, June 20, 1865. July 13, 1874, he was married to Mrs. Brabyn, widow of William Brabyn, of England, where her husband died. She came to this town in July, 1809, with four children - Joseph, now in Colorado; William H., now in Washington Territory; Elena, wife of Charles Storrs, of Dane county; and Mary Jane, who lives with her mother. A child, named William J., of Mr. Hosken's deceased brother, Joseph D., was made one of the family, but he died Oct. 27, 1881, at the age of ten years, Mr. and Mrs. Hosken have no children. His father, Richard Hosken, was born .June 20, 1801, in England, where he learned the trade of carpenter. In his youth he came to the United States, landing in New York in November, 1838 or 1839, iti company with some others and their families. He reached Wiota, where he worked at his trade among the miners until 1841. lie was married to Mary Cherry, a native of Dublin, Ireland, who came from there with a brother and two sisters in 1840. After marriage he bought land in Exeter, where he settled. Four children were born to them - Joseph D., who died in 1871; John, the subject of this sketcli; William, who died in 1867; Ann J., wife of Charles George, died in 1879. Mr. Hosken died Nov. 17, 18t)9. His wife died April 1, 1872.

John Ferguson was born in county Derry, Ireland, in J810. In 1836 he came to the United States, and in November of that year came to Wiota, Lafayette county, where he engaged in mining, which business he followed successfully a few years. Meanwhile he purchased 200 acres of land on sections 26 and 27, town of Exeter, with a view of making it his future home. Later he added 200 acres to this purchase, and after his marriage made his residence thereon. He was married Oct. 3, 1845, to Almeda Porter, Jacob Lindslay, Esq , officiating. Six children were born to them, of whom are now living - William, living in Pocahontas Co., Iowa; EUeanor, wife of Isaac Green, of Dedham, Iowa; John and Nathaniel, living at home; and Sarah, who is a school teacher, makes her home with her mother. John Ferguson died at his home March 13, 1875. He was a good citizen, and will long be remembered for his sterling qualities. He was quite -prominent in town affairs. His widow now lives on the old homestead with three of her children. Mrs. Ferguson was the daughter of an old pioneer, John Porter, who was an early settler in every place he ever lived after attaining manhood. Mrs. Ferguson was the third child born where the city of Springfield, the capital of the State of Illinois, now stands. It was then, April 29, 1826, only a squatter village. John Porter was born in Harrison Co., Ky., in 1796. He was married in his native State to Nancy Turley. Two children were born to them - James, now a resident of California; and Urana, widow of Joseph McConnell, who lives in this town. Mr. Porter removed to Sangamon county about 1820, where his wife died, and he was married to Sarah Brents in 1825. He was one of the early settlers of that county. Sarah Brents was bom in Kentucky in 1801. Her widowed mother and family came into Livingston Co., Ky., as pioneers. John Porter, by this second marriage, had eight children, and all were living in 1884 - Almeda, widow of John Ferguson, the subject of this sketch; John, living at Fort Dodge, Iowa; Nathaniel, now in California; Susan, wife Christopher Steele, now living in Missouri; William, in California; George, in Fort Dodge, Iowa; Rebecca, wife of T. D. Day, of this town; and Mary, who is married, and living fn Iowa. John Porter, as stated, was always a frontier man. He removed from Sangamon county to Pike Co., Mo., in 1831, and from there to Lafayette county, this State, in 1833, where he farmed until 1838, then came to Monroe, this county, and lived three years, then to the old village of Exeter in 1841, and later bought land on section 35, where he lived until about 1865, when he made a home with his son, George, in Fort Dodge, Iowa. His wife died in July, 1875, and he died the May previously.

Milton Ross was born at Wiota, Wis., July 7, 1839. He is the son of Capt. Leonard and Sarah E. Ross. Capt. Leonard Ross was born at Ludlow, Vt., in 1806. When eighteen years of age he left home and learned the cabinetmaker's trade, and afterwards went to Little Falls, N. Y., where he kept tavern, in company with another man. He removed from thence to Wisconsin, in 1836, locating at Wiota, Lafayette county, where he rented land and engaged in farming and mining. Jan. 8, 1838, he was married to Sarah E. Burrilte, who was born in Indiana, Jan. 30, 1821, and came to Lafayette county with her father's family, in 1828. Her fatlier's name was William Burritte. He came to Wisconsin with Major Deviese, who was the first permanent settler in Exeter. Mr. Burritte died in Wiota, Lafayette county, in 1859. Mr. and Mrs Ross lived in Wiota, after their marriage, two years, then catne to the town of Exeter, and settled on section 8. He was a man of means, and a most valuable acquisition to the new settlement. He bought land on sections 7, 8, 9, 16 and 17, about 900 acres in all. He died, deeply regretted, at his residence on section 8, June 3, 1856. His widow still survives and lives with her son, Milton, at the homestead. She has a vivid recollection of the excitement attending the Black Hawk War. Her father took an active part in attending to the safety of families of the settlers, and in restoring confidence among the timid. Eight children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Ross - Milton, William H., Leonard and Otis, who was killed at the battle of Petersburg, June 18, 1864. He was a member of the 37th Wisconsin Volunteers. Henry died in infancy; Daniel died at the age of twenty months. He became entangled in a rope swing, and died from strangulation. On the same day that this sad accident occurred, one of their twin children, Edward, died, aged five months. The other twin, Edwin, died eight days later. Milton Ross, after the death of his father, remained with his mother until he enlisted in the 8th Wisconsin regiment, the "Eagle" regiment. He was in all of the engagements of the regiment, except during the Red River campaign. He participated in the siege of Vicksburg and the battles of Corinth and luka. After the war, he returned to farm life, and April 15, 1SG6, was married to Laura A. Brayton, daughter of Joseph Brayton. She was born in Juda, in 1840. Her father settled in New Glarus, in 1848. He now lives in Fayette Co., Iowa. Mr. and Mrs. Ross have no children.

Leonard Ross, son of Capt. Leonard Ross, was born in the towti of Exeter, April 3, 1842. He lived with his mother until after his marriage with Mary Turner, which occurred Dec. 25, 1863. She was a daughter of Robert Turner, who came from New York, to Racine county, in an early day, and, about 1860, to Dane county, and now lives in Belleville. Five children were born to them, of whom four are living, and at home - Otis, William L., Edgar L. and Franklin Grant. Henry, the last born, died young. Mrs. Ross died March 11, 1880. June 30, 1881, Mr. Ross was married to Mary J. Rossi tter,of Brooklyn. By this marriage there are two children - John Henry and Luella. Mr. Ross owns one of the tine farms of Exeter, containing 198 acres, on sections 8 and 9. He also has thirty acres of valuable timber land on section 17. His improvements are excellent, and the farm is in a good state of cultivation. Mr. Ross has served as town treasurer, and was, in 1S84, elected to the town board.

Dr. Augustus Ross was born in Ludlow, Vt., May 27, 1816, and was married to Amanda Smith, Oct. 13, 1837, who was born in the same town May 26, 1818. Mr. Ross became a botanical physician, commonly called in those days " Phomsonian." In 1849 he came to the town of Exeter on a visit to his brother, Capt. Leonard Ross, and in 1855 brought his family here, and bought 100 acres of land on sections 16 and 17, making his residence on the latter, where he died Jan. 26, 1863. His widow, in good health, in 1884, was residing on the homestead. Dr. Ross was an able and good man. In Vermont he had an extensive practice, in fact, had too much to do, causing him to desire a home life on a farm, hence he came west. In this town, with the exception of attendance upon a few families, personal friends and relatives, he did no medical work. His death was much regretted by all his acquaintances. Their children were - Margaret, born July 8, 1839; Edgar II., born May 26, 1847. He enlisted in the 3d Wisconsin Volunteers, Capt. Flood's company; was wounded and taken prisoner near Harper's Ferry, and died of lock-jaw at Charleston, Va., Nov. 1, 1861; Joseph W.,born March 18, 1843; Marion F., born Nov. 15, 1844; A. E., born Dec. 13, 1846; Ada E., born April 6, 1849; Columbus C, born April 16, 1851, and died April 13, 1855; Wilbur born March 29,

1854; Louisa A., born Jan. 27, 1857; and Carrie, born Nov. 24, 1862. Wilbur Ross lives on the homestead with his mother. He was mar- ' ried March 13, 1881, to Caroline Hallarbush. They have two children - Myrtie May, born Feb. 1, 1882, and George A., born April 1, 1884.

William H. Ross, son of Capt. Leonard Ross, was born Sept. 8, 1840, in the old village of Exeter, where his parents resided a few weeks after their arrival in this town. Mr. Ross is probably the oldest person living in the town who was born within its limits. He lived with his parents until tbe death of his father, and remained with his mother until he enlisted in company H, of the 8th Wisconsin Volunteers. His brother, Milton Ross, enlisted on the same day, Sept. 8, 1861, that being the day on which William H. attained his majority. His mother had refused her consent previously. His regiment was a part of A. J. Smith's corps through the siege of Vicksburg and battles of Corinth, luka, etc. He took part in the Red River campaign, and participated in twenty-seven battles and skirmishes. He was a gallant soldier, and was discharged at the expiration of his term of enlistment, in September, 1864. He was married Dec. 12, 1871, to Margaret Greidenwise, born in New Jersey in 1845. They have had four ciiildren - Duane, Eldora, who died at the age of seven years; Bertha, who died at the age of four years, and Theron. Mr. Ross owns a valuable farm of 160 acres on section 16, where he resides; also twenty acres of timber on section 17.

Thomas B. Richards, a native of Cornwall, England, was born Feb. 25, 1827. His father, John Richards, with his wife and seven childreti came to the United States, landing at New York in November, 1839, and came west by way of the Erie canal and the lakes to Detroit, where they remained until the following February, then started overland with a team, which he purchased in Detroit, and went to Chicago, tlience to Freeport, then a village of lialf a dozen liouses, and one iiotel. He then proceeded to Wiota, where they arrived March 1, 1840. Here he remained three years, working in the lead mines He then came to Exeter and bought 200 acres of land on section 22, upon which he settled permanently. Of his children, Louisa was married to John Toay and resides at Mineral Point; Thomas B., subject of this sketch, lives in Exeter on his finely improved farm of 160 acres, on section 10; John Y. B. owns the homestead farm in Exeter and lives at Dayton, with his widowed sister, Elizabeth, as housekeeper. Her deceased husband was Alfred Pascoe. Mary Ann is the wife of Edward Ellis, of Brooklyn; Robert lives at Belleville; James lives in Smith Co., Kansas; Sarah, widow of Jasper Orvis, lives at Mineral Point; Joanna is the wife of Edward Curnew, of Mineral Point. Joanna and Elizabeth were born at Wiota, in this State. The father, John Richards, died Aug. 7, 1854. His widow survived until Aug. 14, 1882. Mr. Richards is well and kindly remembered by the early settlers of this town. The subject of this sketch, Thomas B. Richards, was wedded with Abigail Winston, Feb. 20, 1856. She was a resident of Rock county, but born in the State of New York. Two sons were born to them - John W., who now lives in Idaho; and Willie B., who is married and living in Cerro Gordo Co., Iowa. Mrs. Richards died Jan. 24, 1S75. Mr. Richards was again married Nov. 22, 1876, to Nancy Moore, daughter of Joseph Moore, who settled in Exeter in 1851, and died in January, 1882. His widow still survives, residing with hersons, James and Leslie Moore, at the homestead farm. Mr, Richards has by his second marriage two children - Mary Louisa and Elizabeth Elsie. Pie has owned and resided upon his farm since 1856. He has made valuable improvements.

Peter Parkin was born in Yorkshire, England, in the year 1825. Mis father, Robert Parkin, came to the United States in 1842 with liis wife and nine children, landed at New Orleans and proceeded directly to St. Louis, remaining there one year before deciding where to make a home; but in 1843 came to this county, reaching the village of Exeter January 22, and shortly afterward bought land in New Glarus; made a home there ten years or more, then sold out and moved to the town of Exeter, buying 160 acres of land on section 18, and died in 1856; his wife died in 1870. They liad nine children - George, now in Minnesota; John, who died in the town of Exeter; Charle8,who died in Mount Pleasant; Peter, the subject of this sketch; Ann, a daughter left in England, deceased; James, who lives in Eden, Dak.; Henry, living in liutler Co., Iowa; Robert, living in Canton, Dak.; and Elizabeth, wife of Eli George, now living in Kansas. Peter Parkin, the subject of tliis sketcl), was married to Mrs. Eliza Holland in 18 31. She was born in Malburn, England, in 1823. Her parents, Mr. and Mrs. John Steed, died in St. Louis. She has one sister, Mrs. Hannah Muir, living in New Orleans, and a brother, John, in Malburn, England. An adopted son, Peter, taking by them when he was eleven months old, lives at home; Frances, an adopted daugliter, was married to Mortimer White, and lives in Dayton. Mr. Parkin was put in the coal mines at seven years of age, where he worked with his father. He was not given an opportunity to secure an education, but nevertheless he has been successful. His farm consists of 102 acres, and is pleasantly located on section 11, almost adjoining the village plat.

Josiah P. Morse was born in Swanzey, Cheshire Co., N. H., Dec. 31, 1803. His father, Josialj Morse, was born in the same town. The latter, when the son was quite young, moved to Massachusetts, and from there, after a short residence, to Erie Co., N, Y., where he died. Josiah P. Morse was married in Erie county, in 1827, to Azubah Estey, and lived in the State of New York until 1843, when he came west and lived on a rented farm iti McTIenry Co., III., a short time, then catue to Green county and bought 400 acres of land on section 10, town of Exeter, where he has since lived, althoiigli he has disposed of nearly all the original purchase. He is now in comfortable circumstances financially, and has retired from active business life. His wife died in 1875. They have had five children, two of whom are now living - Wallace W., who served in the 8th Wisconsin Battery during the war, and now lives in Faulk Co., Dak,; Minerva, wife of Abner Townsend, Wadena Co., Minn. George also served in the 8th Wisconsin Battery, and died soon after coming home, from disease contracted while in the service; Rowena, deceased, who was the wife of Elbert Bowker; and Henry, who died when about twenty-five years old. Mr. Morse married Mrs, Elvira Webb, widow of Thomas C. Webb, who died in September, 1865, in Dane county. She had six children by her first marriage - Franklin and James, living at Kendall, Monroe Co., Wis.; Mary, wife Albert Bowker, of Dane county; Helen, wife of William Chatterton, of Dane county, and her two youngest daughters, Emma E and Rose F., who make their home with their step-father.

John W. Norton came to Wisconsin in 1846, and spent one summer in looking over the State and also visited Iowa. The following Avinter he taught the first school in the present village of Clinton Junction. In 1847, his father, William Norton, came to this county, accompanied by his wife and daughter, and settled on section 10, of the town of Exeter. John W. was born in Monroe Co., N. Y., Ma) 1, 1826, and was there reared upon a farm. His father's family consisted of eight children - Stella, deceased, wife of Daniel Owen, of Yates Co., N. Y.; Samuel, who died in Buffalo, N. Y.; Caroline, wife of Robert Turner, of Belleville, Wis.; Jerusha, wife of A. C. Ressequie, of Janesville; Rachel, wife of R. Gardiner, of Rhode Island; George W., who died at Columbus, Ohio, aged twenty years; John W., the subject of this sketch, and Jane A., widow of Thomas Hills, living in Janesville. William Norton died in April, 1852. His burial was the first in the Dayton cemetery. His wife. Amy Norton, died in June, 1872. The homestead farm is now owned by John W., who was married March 5, 1853, to Emma A. Moore, in Monroe Co., N. Y. They were schoolmates in former days. The following year the great loss of his life occurred, in the death of his wife, who died at the birth of a child, who also died. Since that time Mr. Norton has lived unmarried. He sold his farm of 300 acres, in 1867, to E. Wade, but came in possession of it again, in 1878. He lived in Belleville, Dane county, during the meantime He is a much respected citizen and a man who tends strictly to his own affairs.