Madison City (part 14 of 20)

Business. - E. L. Burdick has a large dry goods store, and keeps a large assortment of dry goods, groceries, boots and shoes, hardware, drugs and medicines. Commercial agents call him one of their most reliable customers. Miller & Gibson have a wao-on and blacksmith shop, and do a large amount of work. Jesse Greene has a blacksmith shop, is a genial fellow and does good work. Burdick & Lanphere have a steam mill, and deal in bent^ lumber; are manufacturers of wagons and sleighs. They also deal largely in picture frames. Collins & Spencer, dealers in pictures and picture frames, are doing a lively business. A. B. Campbell, harness maker, has a fine shop. He also has a shop at Middleton and one at Alden, Minn., and does a thriving business. A. R. Greene, general traveling salesman for the Fox Biver Manufacturing Co., Dayton, 111., for the states of "Wisconsin, Iowa and Minnesota. G. B. Huntington is a well known dealer in improved stock. Albion is one of the best tobacco growino; towns in southern "Wisconsin. In building up the village, Jesse Saunders has done more, by way of selling lots at reasonable prices, and erecting buildings, than any other one man. Dr. C. R. Head has been a prominent and successful physician for more than twenty-five years, and is well known throughout the state. The Burdick Brothers, builders, do a large amount of work. Visitors to Albion will find a nice home at the Bandall House, and can visit the lake at will.

Terry

This town was named in honor of Commodore Perry, and is the southwest township in Dane county, adjoining Iowa county on the west, and Green county on the south. The soil in this town consists mostly of light openings, and partly of choice natural meadows, yielding the best kind of natural grasses for stock. It is abundantly supplied with good, clear water from beauciful sparkling springs, and several beautiful small streams, emptying into the Pecatonica river, having their sources from springs of water in the town. Its surface is what is usually termed undulating or rolling; but the soil (with the exception of a few stony ridges) is mostly of a good quality, and well adapted both for dairy and grain farms.

The first settler was one John Brown, a native of Indiana, who in the spring of 1846 settled on section 27. Soon after, John, Hobart and Anton Keller, three brothers, from Germany, came into the town and settled on sections 3 and 10. The next settlers were Shute Rudy and John Sears, from Kentucky; John Eastman, from Ohio, and S. H. Campbell, from Virginia, who, in the year 1847, settled in the southern part of the town. In the early part of the year 1818, B. F. Denson, a native of North Carolina, set- tied on section 34. In the summer of the same year several Norwegian families moved in, of whom Lars llalvorson and T. Thompson settled on section 17; Hans Johnson, on section 20, and Ole O. Bakken, on section 1. The above named persons may properly be considered the pioneers of the town ; and of those, only Ole O. Bakken now remain, the rest having moved away. JST. W. Denson was the first white child born in the town, March 19, 1818, and a daughter of John Eastman was born April 11th of the same year.

This town has a serious drawback, on account of its long distance from railroad communicatio7i, being situated in the center, between several railroad stations, none of which is nearer than twenty miles from its center; but there now seem to be strong hopes of a narrow guage railway at no very distant day, to be built through the village of Blanchardville (from Freeport, Illinois, to Lone Rock, Iowa county, Wis.). Blanchardville is a thriving village, located about three miles southwest from the southwest corner of the town, in the town of Blanchard, La Fayette county. There is also a village, named Moscow, located about two miles southwest from the southwest corner of the town of Perry. Both of these places have good grist mills and other conveniences usually found in villages - such as postoffice, churches, school houses, traders, mechanics, etc. The village of Moscow is located on the Blue Mounds' branch of the Pecatoniea river, and the village of Blanchardville on the

The first church in the town was built in 1851, on sec. 8, and belonged to the Norwegian Lutheran denomination. The style and size of this church structure exhibits in a striking degree the simplicity of pioneer life, and the modest pretensions of that day. It was built of logs, and its size only twenty feet square. It also served as a school house until the fall of 1852, when the first one was built in the town. This school house was of small dimensions, hastily constructed of rude logs, and located about a quarter of a mile east of where Daley's store now stands, on section 8.

Town of Perry was at first joined to town of Primrose for township system of government, but in the winter of 1854 was organized as a separate town and had its own government. At the first town election, A. Sanderson, one of the early settlers, was elected chairman, and O. B. Daley, town clerk. To exhibit an instance as a remarkable contrast between early pioneer life and the present day, in relation to choosing officers, and to show that the offices sought the men, instead of the men the offices, in those good old times, may be mentioned the fact, that, at the first town election, O. B. Daley, Esq., was elected town clerk, justice of the peace, superintendent of schools and town treasurer.

The nationalities settling in said town, since 1848, have been mostly Norwegians and Germans, and these are now the only remaining nationalities there- in; about three-fourths of the population of said town being Norwegian, and one-fourth German, the other nationalities having all moved away.

The town, politically, is noted for its casting a large republican vote, the Norweigian portion of its citizens voting that ticket, while the Germans adhere to the democratic party with equal distinctiveness.

The town, on account of its detached situation from the rest of the business world, had, during the first years of its existence, to suffer considerable inconvenience in relation to mail communications. The nearest postoffice was at Blue Mounds, where Ebenezer Brigham was postmaster; and to relieve the inhabitants of Ferry and vicinity, somewhat, a sort of private mail communication was established by the citizens, by which they hired a person as mail carrier who each week, brought the mail matter from Blue Mounds postoffice, for all of those in the town of Perry and vicinity, who had joined in paying the expenses for this private mail establishment. On this occasion O. B. Daley, Esq., was selected postmaster, to distribute and receive the mail. This mail service was kept up until 1857, when a special mail route was established through the town, with the appointment of A. Sanderson as postmaster. He served as postmaster until 1871, at which time a regular mail route,with a semi-weekly mail, was established through the town, and O. B. Daley, Esq., residing on section 8, was appointed postmaster. On section 23 there was another postoffice established at Forward, with

The town has no village, but O. B. Daley, Esq., has established a trading and general business place on section 8, where he has kept a well furnished store since 1853. In close proximity to him is a commodious church of the Norwegian Lutheran denomination, erected in 1860, together with the parsonage of the pastor. Rev. P. M. Brodahl was the first regular pastor of the church, and served as such from the summer of 1856 till the summer of 1868, when he returned to Norway. Rev. A. Jacobson is the present pastor, and has served since 1868. The church is in a flourishing condition, and its pastor is well liked, and faithfully attends to his pastoral duties.

There is also near Daley's store a beautiful and commodious frame school house, which has the last few years taken the place of the old log school house, the first school house in the town. There is a wagon and blacksmith shop conducted by Errick Henderickson and Ole E. Stam, while Dr. William McFarlane has settled in this town, and is engaged in the practice of his profession in the place of Dr. C. B. J. Hersch, who for a number of years was the settled physician in town, thus making the place conliguous to Daley's store a lively place as a hamlet.

There are now three churches in the town, two belonging to the Norwegian Lutheran denomination, and one German Catholic. There are five organized school districts, besides parts of districts adjoining other towns.

For the growth and progress of Perry much credit is due to A. Sanderson, the first chairman, and to O. B. Daley, the first clerk. They were both indefatigable in encouraging the settlement and contributing largely to its growth and progress. To O. B. Daley, Esq., is mainly due the honor of getting the Norwegian Lutheran congregation effectively organized, and it may well be said, without exaggeration, that O. B Daley, Esq., is justly deserving of the universal respect and esteem in which he is held by the community of which he is the honored member. A. Sanderson is no longer in the land of the living, having laid down the struggles and warfare of life about four years since. Many others of the early settlers have also crossed the river of death. The present chairman of the town is L. M. Anderson, Esq., who has served the town faithfully in that capacity since 1870. Mr. Anderson has well earned the confidence thus bestowed, in sending him for so many successive terms to represent the town in the county board of supervisors, as public interests will be well taken care of, and never suffer in his hands. The town has once been represented in the legislature by Hon. OleTorgerson, now a resident of Madison.

Notwithstanding the inconvenience of long distance from markets, Perry has made rapid strides towards wealth and competency, and has now a population of about one thousand souls, made up mostly of thrifty tillers of the soil. Judging from facts, it may be safely predicted that the town will contribute its full share to the rapid increase of the population of old Dane; peopled as it is by Norwegian and German branches of the prolific Teutonic race. As an instance, it may be mentioned that one of the early settlers, Michael Gobel, who died about one year since, left surviving, thirteen healthy children, and several other instances, nearly approaching this can be shown in this town. If we may thus be allowed to judge by analogy, we may safely claim that the town of Perry will, in the near future, possess a numerous population of American born descendants of the Norwegian and German branches of the Teutonic race of men, proudly tracing their lineage from this great ancestral source. Thus are made up the historic streams, forever mingling their waters with the great and mighty flood of the American Republic.

Westpoet And Tillage Of Waukakee

The town of "Westport is situated northwest of the city of Madison, and adjoining the town of Madison on the north, or north side of lake Mendota (Fourth Lake), a part of the lake being within the limits of the town. The northern and western parts of the town are principally prairie, beautiful and undulating in hills, valleys and lowland, interspersed with groves of timber, or oak openings, while the southern part of the town is heavily timbered with oak, hickory and maple, and is familiarly known as the " Sugarbush." The climate is notably healthy, and the soil rich and adapted to the luxuriant growth of all kinds of grain, green and lignuminous crops, as well as dairy purposes.

In the fall of 1845, Louis Montandon, a Frenchman, and Edward Boyles, an Irishman, built a log cabin on section twenty, and during that winter engaged themselves in splitting rails. They endured great privation during the first year or two, and were necessitated to travel on foot about eighteen miles, through creeks and swamps, to get their corn and tlour gristed, and on many occasions were obliged to barricade the door of their cabin to keep out the wolves, who would surround them in the niij-ht on all occasions when they were provided with a good supply of pork and flour, making the night hideous with their howling and efforts to obtain an entrance.

Lecta, Louis' wife, was a helpmate to him in many ways, and in none more so than when he was appointed assessor; she did the business for him with a promptness and energy better suited to the sterner sex, and equally as well done.

In 1846, a few American families of the names of Burdick, Tower, Bradbury and Rodgers came into the town, and afterwards a number of families from "Westport, Ireland (from which the town took its name), among whom were the O'Malleys. Collins, Fitzgibbon and Ruddy, also came about this time.

For a number of years, there was some difficulty in getting access from Madison to the eastern portion of the township, in consequence of there being no bridges across the Catfish, but on the building of Farwell's grist mill and two bridges across the Yahara, immigi-ation started into the town, and in 1849 and 1850 a large number of settlers from Kilkenny, and other parts of Ireland, purchased farms in the central and western part of the town, among whom were the late Hon. Mat. Roach, P. R. Tierney, J.# Welsh, AVm. and Lawrence O'Keefe, Martin Reed and a number of others, and the Irish element has remained strong and influential, some of its wealthiest farmers being of that nationality. The present population, like most western towns, is mixed with Irish, German, English, American, Scotch and Norwegian, and agriculture is the principal pursuit.

Early settlers tell of the exquisite beauty of the whole surroundings of Westport when they first settled in it, and it has never lost a single charm either in its native landscapes or what art and the hand of man has bestowed. Game, of all kinds, was abundant, and was consequently much resorted to by the Indians. In the spring the settlers were accustomed to turn their hogs out to run at large until fall, and when in need of fresh pork would proceed with guns and dogs in search of some fat pigs, shoot and carry home for use. When the weather became colder the hogs would return with their broods for winter quarters.

There are some interesting mounds in the town, a few of which may be seen on the hospital grounds; the building; itself is built where a number of Indian graves and mounds stood, and visitors to the hospital and vicinity will find the drives full of interest and beauty, and will be still more so when the contemplated carriage drive from Madison around the edge of the lake shall be completed. In former years the Indian wiffwams might be seen on and near the hospital grounds, where the Indians would be hunting muskrat or fishing. Before the United States government ordered their removal to Nebraska, they made annual visits to what was then called the Indian village, on section thirty-three, on the land now belonging to John D. Clute. On section twenty, on the farm of J. Fitzgibbon, there are a number of large mounds of an oblong, or oval shape, overlooking Fourth Lake, and also near the shore of the lake at a place known as the Black Woods, near Foxes' bluff, a name given to that locality from the frequency of these little animals to be found there. Near here the City of Four Lakes was first contemplated, and where some log cabins were built and cellars excavated in anticipation of that hope. One of the mounds on Fitzgibbon's farm was opened by some of the citizens, but nothing of interest found but some stone hammers or knives, and a few flint arrowheads.

The first town meeting was held in the house of Michael O'Malley, in 1849, and the following officers were elected: Supervisors - Michael O'Malley (Chairman), John Collins and Louis Montanda. Town Clerk - Thomas O'Malley (but who afterwards resigned, and Thomas R. Hill was appointed). Treasurer - Thomas Butts. SupH of Schools - I. P. Tower. Justices of the Peace - Amos Rodgers, Charles Clarkson, I. P. Tower and Azariah Fay. Constables - Martin O'Malley and Milo Wells. Assessor - John Bradbury. Fence Viewers - Michael O'Malley, Lawrence Rodgers and Edward Boyles. Sealer of Weights - Thomas R. Hill.

Mr. Thomas Shillinglaw was the first postmaster in the town, and his wife is known to have been the first lady justice of the peace in Wisconsin, having been appointed by the town board, subscribed to the oath of office and filed her bonds in pursuance of law.

The present officers of the town are: Supervisors - James Hogan (Chairman), Michael Koldes, and Raynerd Helt. Treasurer - William Wilson. Clerk

In the central part of the town is a large Catholic church, built in 1860, by the Rev. P. J. Lavans. It is now under the pastoral charge of the Rev. Father Miller, whose energy and christian character is doing a good and lasting work among his parishioners. He has, also, charge of the German Mission church, in Waunakee, on section 8, built in 1874. The best of harmony prevails among co-religionists, and in the hiring of teachers religious persuasion has not been deemed a qualification for obtaining a school.

One of the state's hospitals for the insane is located within the town, on the north bank of Lake Mendota, and in plain view of Madison. The hospital is a large and beautiful stone building (the stone being obtained from quarries within the town), and is surrounded by a beautiful farm of between three and four hundred acres, the labor of cultivating being mostly performed by the patients, and a large share of the vegetables and fruits used in the building are raised on the farm. There is, also, a large dairy of cows kept for supplying the institution with milk. Mr. Thos. Hill, an early settler, at one time contracted to purchase eighty acres of land near where the present site of the hospital is, and to pay for the same in cord wood. He cut the wood and piled it, but before he was able to consummate the bargain, a prairie fire came along and burnt up all his labor and so disheartened him, that he resolved to make no further efforts to regain the land,

For years, Westport was the residence of Ex-Governor Farwell, on a large farm on the margin of Fourth Lake, adjoining the hospital grounds, and part owned by them. The peninsular island now nsed by the institution as a vegetable garden received its name as " Governor's " Island from the above fact.

It is also the home of Miss Ella "Wheeler, whose poems are becoming known, from their sweet and tender heart strains, from the Atlantic to the Pacific.

John Kershaw, an Englishman, was one of the notables in his day, and lived for a number of years in a shanty on section six. He was a man of remarkable memory and general information; indeed, was known as the walking cyclopedia of Westport. He knew the value of money just so far as it was capable of being used in acquiring books, which he read to know, and not only to possess. Kershaw's shanty was one of those places where to lie in bed was to command the entrance, and when blustering weather unlatched the door, John would lie still and give it a kick with his foot to again close it. It was an airy house, when any one contemplates its roof, which was shingled wTith eighteen-inch oak shingles, that year after year's exposure had brought into a semi-circular shape outward. John never lost his opportunities in acquiring knowledge, and it is said his astronomical culture was greatly heightened by the ethereal vision, seen through the telescopic shingles of his home.

His name, however, is a pleasing recollection to the citizens of Westport, and few would receive a heartier welcome than old John Kershaw should he a^ain return to Westport from his new home in the West.

On Six-Mile Creek there is a good grist mill, built in 1860 by E. D. Churchill, who sold out to the late Mr. Win. Paekham, who, together with his two sons, Raymond and William, run it successfully for a num- . ber of years, when they sold out, in 1876, to the present owner, Mr. John Bowerman, and who purposes increasing his power and facilities by the aid of steam. A short distance further up the creek there was formerlv a saw mill.

The town is well supplied with quarries, and the Cream stone, or marble, used in the building of the government court house and post-office, in Madison, was obtained from the quarry on section 11, and which the United States government purchased for that purpose. The stone was exhibited and much admired at the Centennial, as were also some of the other products of the town.

A branch of the Chicago & Northwestern Railway passes through the town from northwest to southeast, with Mendota station, on the the hospital farm, and Waunakee, on sections five and eight, in the northwest.

Waunakee is a pretty and thriving village, situated on a beautiful prairie, from which it is said to have derived its name. It was platted January 30, 1871, by George C. Fish and Louis Baker, and has now a population of two hundred, and a brisk trade is carried on in all kinds of agricultural produce, live

Waunakee Business Directory. - Packham Bros., lumber, grain and live stock; Buhlman Bros., drygoods, groceries, clothing, etc.; C. Hudson, drugs, groceries and general merchandise; L. P. Goodchap, boots, shoes, groceries and general merchandise; Taylor Bros., boots, shoes, groceries and general merchandise; E. L. Noyes, contractor and builder and dealer in village lots, &c. ; E. L. !Noyes, cheese factory; R. W. Towne, hotel keeper and meat market; I. P. Bacon, justice of the peace; P. R. Tierney, attorney at law; James Riley, deputy sheriff and dealer in farm machinery; C. Gusman, carpenter; A. J. Van Tassel, carpenter; A. Peih, saloon keeper; M. Schuluck, saloon keeper; J. Hilgert, saloon keeper; J. Howard, physician; J. Knipschild, shoemaker; T. R. Lutzow, shoemaker; E. J. Foster, station and express agent; J. T. Akers, blacksmith; Hilbert Bros., blacksmiths; Mrs. Foster, milliner.

Springdale, town No. 6 north, of range No. 7 east, lies fifteen to twenty-one miles southwest of the city of Madison, and is traversed by the Madison and Mineral Point, and the Madison and Wiota state roads, and the territorial road from the Badger Mills to Bine Mounds.

There are in this township some remarkable remains of that ancient people, who are supposed to have inhabited this country prior to its occupancy by the Indian races; the most noteworthy of which are to be found on section fifteen. Here are three mounds about fifty feet apart, and extending east and west; they are uniform in size, being about six feet in height above the surface of the adjacent land, and circular at the base, where they are nearly forty feet in diameter. Commencing at the distance of fifty feet from the most eastern mound, and extending in an unvarying direction to the east, there is a long low ridge or bank of earth, one hundred feet in length; the height of this ridge above the surface of the ground on which it is situated is four feet, and measures six feet through the base, north and south. A line drawn due east and west would divide the three mounds and ridge exactly in the center. Being upon elevated land.

the view from the site of these mounds would, were it not for the luxuriant young trees by which they are surrounded, be beautiful and commanding. In the summer of 1870 one of these mounds was partially explored by Mr. Charles H. Lewis, a resident of the town, when a well preserved human skeleton was unearthed, together with a stone pipe of curious workmanship, two stone knives, some highly polished and perforated pieces of bone, and many stone implements, the use of which is now unknown.

These mounds and their contents are objects of great interest to the antiquarian, as they point to the stone age of Wisconsin, and tend to the elucidation of the great problem in regard to that extinct and mysterious people, the Mound Builders of America.

The town was settled in 1844 or 1845, the first settler being Mr. John Harlow, who built the first house within the limits of the town. That house is still standing1 on the farm of Mr. Patrick Casey, on section one.

In 1845, Messrs. Michael Jacket, Wyatt Perkins, Perry Munger, Thomas Bentley and others, settled in the northeast part of the town and commenced the improvement of their lands. Mr. Perkins built a dam and saw mill on a small branch of Sugar river. These were regarded by some of Mr. Perkins' neighbors, as hindrances rather than improvements, and led to litigation, which resulted in the removal of the dam and mill, and also Mr. Perkins, who sought a new location for his mechanical industry.

In 1846 Messrs. Thomas B. Miles, Axium Malone, Hawley Chi Ids, 1ST. H. Dryden, Thore T. Spaanem, Morgan L. Curtis, John S. Berge, Henry Boland, Martin Nash, Michael Johnson and others, moved in and occupied land in other parts of town. In 1850 John Mitchell and James P. McPherson settled on section 24 and 25.

The town was organized in 1848, the first election for town officers being held on the second Tuesday of April in that year. Twenty votes were cast, and twenty-one offices were filled, and the following named persons were elected, viz.: Chairman, Martin Nash; Supervisors, Wyatt Perkins and Thomas Bentley; Town Clerk, Robert N. Ashmore; Treasurer, Morgan L. Curtis; Collector, Axium Malone; Justices, Martin Nash and Morgan L. Curtis; Commissioners of Highways, Thomas Bentley, N. H. Dryden, and Robert N. Ashmore; School Commissioners, Hawley Childs, Thos. B. Miles and Wyatt Perkins; Assessors, Perry Munger and Thos. B. Miles; Fence Viewers, Michael Jacket and Hawley Childs; Constables, Axium Malone and John I. Berge; Sealer of Weights and Measures, Win, A. Dryden.

Of the twenty-one officers then elected, there are four of them yet residents of the town, viz.: Messrs. N. II. Dryden, Thos. B. Miles, Michael Jacket and John I. Berge.

It was determined that no town tax should be levied, and that the officers should receive no pay foi their services for that year, but shortly after the elec- tion, a special town meeting was quietly convened by the incumbents interested, and a small town tax, sufficient to satisfy the office-holders of those early days, was levied, and in due time collected.

From 1848 to 1852, the population of the town was largely increased by immigration, and nearly all the land was then entered and occupied by settlers from the Eastern and Middle States, and from England, Scotland, Ireland, Germany and Norway, who have devoted their attention and labor to the cultivation of the soil. The natural facilities for manufactures of any description are but limited, and agriculture has therefore been the occupation of the people, and will likely remain so.

The western branch of Sugar river runs through the west and southwest part of the town, and the village of Mount Vernon. This village was platted in 1850-51, by Mr. George G. Britts, who then commenced the improvement of the water-power and built a saw mill. In 1852, Dr. P. Byam obtained possession of the village site and much of the adjacent land, enlarged the village plat, and built a small but well arranged grist mill, which has been of great convenience to the citizens.

Near where the river enters the town, there is a place familiarly known as the Mormon Baptismal Pond, because at an early day several of the followers of Joe Smith, having come from the South after the government had ordered their removal to Utah, and settled in several places in the west, among oth- ers here, where they were accustomed to preach and baptize converts. The excitement at these services is said to have been equal to any fair, and perhaps with but little difference, as Saint and Gentile, for miles around, met more for the hilarity incident to the occasion than for any great conversions that followed, although some of the preachers were powerful orators. It is said that during the baptismal rites the excitement would become so great that an occasional mistake would occur as some poor unfortunate dog was forced into the river by wicked Gentiles, and then seized by an excited Saint and devoutly immersed. These poor animals were afterwards known as Mormon proselytes, put out on probation.

Religious discussions between the Mormons and others were of common occurrence, and three of their most eloquent preachers challenged a Mr Cameron, a Scotch layman, to a public discussion of their doctrines in the school house. Though a busy time among the farmers, they nevertheless assembled early in the morning from far and near, to hear the combatants. The discussion continued the whole day, and though the layman had persuasive and subtile orators to contend with, he came out the victor, and not long afterwards, as well as by a number of indescreet acts of a moral character, the Mormon cause began to wane, and finally to move out of the town.

The town is divided into five whole and three joint school districts, with six school houses located in the town, two of which are stone and four are frame build- ings, all of which are in good condition. The citizens, at town and school district meetings, have always evinced the interest they feel in the existence and prosperity of our common schools, by providing liberally for their support.

There are but two church edifices in the town, the Norwegian Lutheran, occupying an elevated position on the prairie ridge, in section 8, and the Baptist church, in Mount Yernon. A German Lutheran congregation meet for worship in the school house of school district No. 3, on section 25, and a German Methodist congregation meet at the houses of the members, in the same neighborhood.

In 1859, Mr. George West opened a store on sec- . tion 11, near what is now the Clontarf postoffice. Pie continued in business about a year, and was succeeded by Messers. Peter Quigley, John C. Thompson, Thos. Managan, and Patrick Carr. Mr. Carr has continued in business there for about fourteen years, has a large stock of goods, suitable for the locality, and does an extensive and increasing trade with the citizens of Springdale, Verona and Cross Plains.

The first postoffice in the town, Springdale, was established in 1850. Mr. Thos. B. Miles was appointed postmaster, and retained the office until December, 1866, when he resigned.

There are now three postoffices in the town, Springdale, on section 25, J. P. McPherson, postmaster; Mount Yernon, I. G. Brader, Sr., postmaster; and Clontarf, on section 12, P. Carr, postmaster.

Mount Vernon By Dk. W. J. Donald

Tbii village, of about one hundred inhabitants, is situated on the middle branch of the Sugar river, nineteen miles southwest of Madison. The location is a pleasant one, the greater part being on the east bank of the river, while on the west side, some high rocks and hills add to the picturesqueness of the scenery. On one of these rocks grew an old pine tree that was an ancient landmark to the early settlers, and a noted object of interest to visitors because of its marked distinction from all surroundings. It was blown down by a wind-storm on the evening of January 1, 1876.

The surrounding country, though rolling, is productive, and well adapted to the raising of stock and dairy puqioses, and inhabited by a thrifty class of farmers, mostly of German and Norwegian origin.

Two religious societies are here represented, Baptist and Methodist. The Baptists have a good church edifice. The Methodists hold service in the school-house, a good stone building.

The never- failing Sugar river affords two excellent water powers, with only one, as yet, improved. Its distance from Madison and other villages makes it a good point for business of all kinds ; not one, in truth, can be said to be overdone. Those in business here have been, in most every instance, successful, and have continued residents of the place for many years. Mr. John Jones, proprietor of the flouring mill, learned his business here, and afterward became partner, and again eight years ago, proprietor, while he now rents the mill to C. W. Korn. Mr. I. G. Brader, Sr., who keeps an excellent general store, has been in business, with a little exception, for the past eighteen years, and has held the office of postmaster continuously since 1856.* Mr. C. C. Allen furnishes a good hotel, and lately erected newT buildings for the better accommodation of the traveling public.

Dr. William J. Donald, after a year's respite from business, is at his post again, as in the past eleven years. Mr. W. W. Abbot, blacksmith, and C. J. Lewis, builder and carpenter, have been residents of the place for the past twenty-five years, and in active business. Among others doing business and general y prospering maybe mentioned: Foye and Kea, masons; W. W. Miner, boots and. shoes; M. F. Van Norman, live stock buyer; Andrew Peterson, blacksmith; Erick Erickson, shoemaker; P. E. Call, saddler; F. A. Fix, hotel and saloon; George, Wade, butcher; C. H. Lewis, carpenter; A. C. Brader, clerk; I. G. and A. C. Brader were in the mercantile business until two years ago. I. G. Brader, Jr., removed to Iowa,, but has recently returned, and built himself a residence, and expects to resume business soon.

* Since the above was in type I. G. Brader, Sr., has sold to O. B. Daley, ol the town of Perry, and his son Herman will continue in charge of the biisi nee6 in Mount Vernon.

Sun Prairie

In pursuance of an act of the first, or Belmont, legislative assembly, which located the seat of government at Madison, Mr. Augustus A. Bird had been elected acting commissioner for the erection of suitable buildings for the accommodation of the assembly and other officers of the territorial government. On the 20th day of May, 183T, the acting commissioner, accompanied by his brother, Mr. C. II. Bird, and a company of forty-five men, started from Milwaukee for the town of Madison. At that time nearly all of Wisconsin westward from Milwaukee was an unbroken wilderness. One solitary settler at Summit, about twenty miles west of the lake, three at Watertown, on Rock river, one at Fort Atkinson, twenty miles down the river, and one at Janesville. These bold pioneers, with their wives and children, stood sentinels upon the outmost borders of civilization. With these exceptions, all was in the condition in which it left the fashioning hand of the Creator. Wild beasts roamed at will over its forests and prairies, and their dominion was disputed only by the scarcely less wild and savage Winnebagoes. On the fifth day of June, the company above mentioned, tired, foot-sore and depressed, plodded their weary way through the wild scenery of this then unexplored wilderness. Xine days had elapsed since they started on their weary march, and they had been drenched with rains and oppressed with continuous cloudy and lowering weather - the sun had not once gladdened them with its beams since the clay on which they left Milwaukee. At length, as they emerged upon the borders of the beautiful prairie, about two miles east of where the village of Sun Prairie now stands, the sun shone forth in all its brightness, and illuminated the scene before them as with a halo of glory. The contrast which this beautiful vision presented to the g^oom with which they bad been surrounded wTas so great, that they greeted it with a shout, and almost involuntarily bivouacked upon its borders, christening the locality " Sun Prairie," which name they carved into the bark of an oak tree which stood near by: and for many years this tree bore upon its breast, in rude letters, the inscription " Sun Prairie." Hence originated the name of the locality which is the subject of this sketch. The company above mentioned encamped that night upon the spot, which some two years afterwards was selected by Mr. C. II. Bird for his future home, and upon which his residence now stands. In the year 1839, Mr. B. became the first white settler in the town of Sun Prairie, and during the first year of his residence his only neighbors consisted of a band of Winnebagoes, whose wigwams were upon the present site of the Baptist Church, and who hunted the game that abounded in the vicin- it j. In 1840, Mr. Thomas Marks, and the next year Messrs. Benj. Knight, Charles Peasley, Horace Potter, W. Van Bergen, John Winsled, John Ostrander and Rev. Albert Slingerland, with their families, located at this point. Col. W. II. Angell and several others came within the next year or two, and thus was formed the little hamlet which for several years, and until invaded by the enemy of all sylvan beauty and quietude - the railroad - constituted one of the most lovely rural hamlets in the west. "While settlers were thus slowly arriving at the little village, others were locating in the surrounding country; at Pierceville, some four miles south, Messrs. Enoch and Bradford Churchill, Ira Balch, John Taylor, ~W. A. Pierce, Tisdale Pierce, Calvin Flower, Mark Haslett and John Phillips formed a little settlement in 1840; at the Bailey settlement, two miles southwest from the village, Samuel, Asahel and Charles Bailey and It. T. Cameron were the advance guard, and arrived in 1841; at other points within the present limits of the township of Sun Prairie, A. W. Dickinson, George Pine and Mr. Brockway located in the year 1842. At Northumberland, in the town of Bristol, at Deanville and other points in the vicinity, little settlements were springing into existence, and the country was beginning to assume importance as an agricultural district.

That the pathway of these early pioneers was not always strewn with flowers will be readily believed. Their lot was no more exempt from toil, privation and hardship than is that of all who brave the perils of frontier life. The following incident, selected from a large number of similar anecdotes, is mentioned as illustrative of this: In the fall of 1837, C. H. Bird, Zenas Bird, Norman Pratt and Mr. Parker were sent to Milwaukee by their employer, the acting commissioner above mentioned, and having accomplished the object of their mission, were on their return journey. In the act of crossing Pock river their canoe capsized, and all their provisions and accoutrements were lost. During the remaining four days of their homeward journey, their only food consisted of oak apples - little excrescences caused by the sting of an insect upon the leaves of oak trees. But for the timely meeting with two brave fellows, sent from Madison, with food for their relief, they must have perished from fatigue and hunger.

The township of Sun Prairie was organized in the year 1839, and included all that district which now constitutes the townships of York, Medina, Bristol and Sun Prairie. The first election, or town meeting, was held in the spring of 1840, at the house of Mr. C. H. Bird, and it was presided over by John Catlin, Esq., from the town of Madison, who had been deputed for that purpose. At that election nine votes were cast.

In 1844, the township or precinct of Sun Prairie was subdivided by the organization of the towns of York and Bristol, from its northern half, and in 184S the town of Medina was organized, leaving a township of the usual dimensions, six miles square. Its surface is slightly undulating and is of the quality usually known as " oak openings," interspersed with small projections or indentations from the neighboring prairie. It is traversed from northwest to southeast by the Koshkonong creek, along which are occasional bottom-lands or natural meadows of jn'eat fertility. The original settlers were almost exclusively of New England origin, but in later years quite a number of Germans and a few Irish have found homes within its borders. Of the early settlers above enumerated, nearly all remained as permanent residents, and founded homes for themselves and posterity such as are a recompense for the toils and privations which they endured as pioneers. A few only partook of the restless spirit which so often haunts the frontiersman, and moved farther on as civilization crowded upon their footsteps. A. W. Dickinson transferred his farm to John A. Peckham, who now resides upon it. Horace Potter sold out his farm, which is now owned by Pardee Peckham. Mr. Brockway was followed by Moses Yervalen, and he by Joshua Boyles, the present thrifty and enterprising owner. John Ostrancler early transferred his home to the present town of Bristol and became one of the first settlers of the Northumberland neighborhood. The township, exclusive of the village, has at present a population of about sixteen hundred, who are devoted solely to agricultural pursuits. The New England characteristics of its early settlers have always exerted a decided influence upon the social, political, religious and busi- ness character of the people, hence morality, conscientiousness and zeal have always been prominent characteristics and have resulted in the establishment of schools, church organizations and societies, especially distinguished by these attributes, and honest}7, integrity and strict economy in their business relations have resulted in abundant prosperity.

The limits of this chapter preclude any biographical sketches of individuals or even the briefest allusion to the part taken by the people of Sun Prairie in its local history or in its relations with other communities. Most especially do we regret the want of space in which to rehearse their record in the war of the rebellion. It must suffice to say that in unity of sentiment, in support of the government, no people were more loyal, and in the practical bestowal of men and means to aid in that desperate struggle none did their duty more fully.

Since the separation of the village from the township by the incorporation of the former in 1S68, the citizens of the township have erected a neat and commodious town-house, on section eighteen, in which is transacted the business of the town government. It is also the place of meeting of a large and flourishing Grange of the Patrons of Husbandry, which embraces a large proportion of the farmers of the town. The present board of supervisors consists of F. L. Warner, chairman, A. F. Persons and Robert Beecham.

had been completed as far as Watertown, and located and graded on a line about three miles south of the village of Sun Prairie. The denizens of this little hamlet, having for about twenty years enjoyed the quietude and seclusion consequent upon their great distance from any business centre, had apparently no aspirations for their village, nor even dreamed that it was possible to convert the Sabbath stillness and sylvan beauties of their streets into a mart of busy trade - a market for the produce of an extensive and productive tract of country. The rapid progress in the construction of the railroad, however, and the certainty that if completed upon its projected route their little village would be forever cut off from any hope of future greatness, seemed at once to arouse them from their apparent lethargy to a sense of the necessity for action. Meetings were held, committees appointed and negotiations entered into with S. L. Rose, president of the railroad company, S. S. Merrill, general manager, D. C. Jackson and other influential railroad men, with the object of securing a change in the location of the road so as to bring it to Sun Prairie. These men were soon won over to the support of the project, but the change of route could not be made without some special legislation. A bill for this purpose was introduced into the senate at the next session of the legislature, but notwithstanding a strong effort in its favor by railroad officials and lobbyists from the village of Sun Prairie, it was bitterly opposed by antagonistic interests and defeated. It is said that the then member of assembly from that district regretted the fate of the bill in. the senate, because he thereby missed an opportunity to deliver "a d - d spicy little speech," which he had prepared in its favor. Strategy, however, which more often than valor, wins victories, succeeded in procuring the necessary legislation under which the desired change could be made. A clause was introduced into a bill then pending, which provided that no valid injunction could be served upon a railroad company to restrain them from doing any act unless thirty days previous notice had been served upon such company. The bill to which this provision was attached passed the legislature and became a law before those who were opposed to the desired change of route were aware that under it the change could be made. Thus protected from restraint by injunction, the company hastened the laying of the track without unnecessary delay, in some places not even grading the road-bed, and in less than thirty days the route was changed, and the triumph of Sun Prairie secured. In November, 1859, the railroad was completed to that point. Then followed a period of active business prosperity, and apparently a golden opportunity for building up, on a permanent basis, a town of considerable importance and magnitude. For ten years, Sun Prairie wras the western terminus of the Milwaukee and Baraboo Yalley Railroad, and was one of the largest and most flourishing inland grain markets in the state.

That this period of business activity and great prosperity was not productive of more permanent results as manifested in enlarged growth and increase of population and wealth may perhaps be partially explained by the fact that at about the time when the attention of capitalists and enterprising business men was being attracted to this point, the war of the rebellion came with all its attendant horrors; enlistment and conscription were the order of the day ; the population was decimated and business of all kinds except that of supplying men and means for the army was depressed and languishing. As a market for the produce of the country Sun Prairie was in no wav injured by this trying ordeal, but its prospects of being permanently benefited thereby were materially lessened. Capital became shy of investment in embryo cities, and enterprise was diverted into other channels than that of building up rural towns, be their prospects ever so inviting. In the meantime, and before it was possible to recover from these and other depressing influences, which the prescribed limits of this chapter preclude from mention, the railroad had changed ownership, and been diverted from its originally determined route and made to converge toward and join the main line of the Milwaukee and Prairie du Ohien road at the city of Madison. This deprived Sun Prairie of its advantages as an inland railroad terminus, and made of it simply a way-station. Its inability to acquire strength, wealth and ing up of competing markets, and as a consequence it has been shorn of a portion of its former business prosperity. By an act of the legislature, passed in 1868, the village of Sun Prairie was incorporated. Its government consists of a j)i*esident and three trustees, with such subordinate officers as are usual in a village municipality, all of whom are elected annually. The first president, Mr. W. H. Angell, held that office two terms, and his successors, Messrs. W. H. Chandler, C. R. Babcock, C. G. Crosse, John Gibbons, Geo. Maloney and C. C. La Bore, one term each, in the order in which they are named - - C. G. Crosse being the present incumbent. The present trustees are Messrs. Win. Small, H. Dirnfeldt and H. Daniels.

The village is situated in the midst of one of the most productive agricultural districts in the state - about twelve miles northeast from the city of Madison and seventy miles west from Milwaukee - and is the natural outlet for the productions and the mart of trade for quite a large extent of country. There were shipped from this point, in the year 1876, about 120,000 bushels of wheat, 30,000 bushels of barley, 17,000 bushels of oats and other grain, 1,300 fat swine, 1,000 head of fat cattle, and other produce in proportion. There is at present a population of about eight hundred, much the largest number of whom are American born, and a large per cent, of whom are from New England. A few intelligent and liberalminded Germans, and a lesser number of Irish, serve to enliven and jnve zest to the otherwise staid charac- ter of the inhabitants. Many of the citizens are agriculturists from the surrounding country who have retired from their farms to enjoy the school, church and society privileges of the village. The mechanic arts are quite fully represented; numerous workers in metal and in wood ply their busy trades and earn liberal incomes by their skill as artisans. The profession of the law has one representative, that of medicine four, and the clergy six.

The mercantile history of the village dates from the year 1842, when one David C. Butterfield - a quaint genius, a sort of "connecting link" between the Indian and Caucasian - became proprietor of a few dry goods, and commenced a traffic with the few white settlers and more numerous Indians. He was superseded in 1844, by Edwin Brayton, who continued the business about one year, and sold out to Mr. Silas Smith, a Methodist preacher, who for several years eked out a precarious support from its profits. That the occupation of a merchant in those early years was not repaid with financial success, may be inferred from the facts that seventy miles of ill-conditioned roads intervened between it and any market for the jjroduce of the country; that no means of transportation existed except by teams, and that the prices of grain in Milwaukee were often so low as scarcely to cover the cost of transportation. This preacher-merchant was of the muscular order of Christians, as well as an honest and upright business man, and when, as sometimes happened, a customer became rude and boisterous in consequence of having indulged too freely in the then rather common beverage, whisky, the preacher's brawny arm soon " conquered a peace," and sent him on his way sobered by the lesson he had received. Frederick Starr was successor to Mr. Smith, and after a brief business career, he was followed by Thomas White. In 1859, Mr. White, having failed in business, was succeeded by Messrs. Williams & Maloney, who, by their enterprise and business habits, soon established a successful trade, of which Mr. Geo. Maloney is the present representative. The business of Mr. Maloney consists of one of the most extensive and successful dry goods and general merchandising establishments in the village. Mr. C. Ii. Babcock is proprietor of a flourishing business in dry goods, groceries, etc. His stock is large and diversified, and his business is vigorously and efficiently conducted. He is the present representative of the firm of Babcock, Clark & Co., which in 1861 succeeded to the firm of Main & Marvin, which had been in existence but a brief period. Messrs. Gilman, Weigan & Moak are a new firm, which has recently opened up a fine stock of general merchandise. They are successors to the late firm of Chittenden & Woodward, which succeeded to that of Gilman & Curtis. This last named firm originated in 1870, and was the pioneer in the system of " ready pay." The present firm will steadily adhere to this principle, and are deserving of patronage and encouragement in carrying out this necessary reform in business. Mr. F. H. Hood is a young and enterprising dealer in groceries, ready-made clothing, etc. He keeps a full stock, is a courteous gentleman and a successful business man. He is successor to his father, Mr. II. Rood, who first established the business in 1862. Mr. Benjamin Franks, a dealer in ready-made clothing, notions, cigars, etc., has a well selected stock, and is doing a good business. He first established the business in 1860. Mr. Geo. "WTieelan, from a small beginning in 1862, has established a flourishing business in variety goods in connection with furniture and undertaking. Miss L. E. Stowe and Mrs. L. Bird, have each a full and tastefully selected stock of millinery goods, adapted to the wants of a wide range of customers. Mr. I. D. Hayden has a stock of stoves and tinware, which, in connection with his manufacturing and repairing shop, make a very successful establishment. Messrs. Bowen & Svvanton, and also, Mr. E. A. Weigan, dealers in grain and all kinds of farm produce, are each proprietors of a large and spacious grain elevator, and are doing a large and prosperous business. Col. W. H. Angell is the proprietor of an extensive lumber establishment, which for many years he has conducted in an eminently successful and business-like manner. J. D. Bird is also a lumber merchant, doing quite an extensive business. John Hecker and J. G. Egbertson are severally engaged in the manufacture and sale of harness and other wearing apparel for horses. Mr. II. Dirnfeldt is proprietor of a well-kept and bountifully supplied meat market.

~W\ F. Ilardwick, is under the present proprietorship of Mr. J. E. Mann, and is the largest hotel in the village. The Sun Prairie House, erected by Mr. W. H. Angell in 1850, and for many years conducted by him, is now presided over by Mr. A. C. Miller, who is a genial and obliging landlord. Mr. N". Mosell is the gentlemanly proprietor of a large and commodious hotel called the Germania House.

The trade in drugs and medicines is conducted by Drs. Crosse and Lewis. The manufacture and sale of boots and shoes by G. W. Bull, C. A. Sawyer, W. E. Morehouse and E. Aschenburker. That of wagons and carriages b}T C. C. La Bore, J. C. Kanouse and Jacob Weicher; and blacksmithing, in all its branches, is carried on by John Ditmas, W. Small, J. Sweeney, George Kanouse and W. D. B. Pincheon. The trade in jewelry is represented by II. J. Bird.

Of societies, there are six church organizations, and a lodge each of Masons, Odd Fellows, Good Templars and Patrons of Husbandry. Preliminary steps have been taken and a liberal fund subscribed for the establishment of a free library and reading room, and undoubtedly this valuable institution will soon become an established feature in the village. A first class cornet band of musicians regales the lovers of music with its enlivening strains.

Considerable taste and refinement are manifested by the citizens in the character of their private residences, and much enterprise and liberality in their public buildings and improvements. A liberally supported and well conducted graded school, with a tine building beautifully located on an eminence in the western part of the village, attests the intelligence and liberality of the people. There are five church buildings - the Episcopal, Methodists, Baptists and Congregationalists have each a large, commodious and elegant house of worship, and the Catholics and German Methodists have each a comfortable but more unpretending building.

The absence of those causes of disease which so constantly exist in the vicinity of towns located near watercourses, renders Sun Prairie almost entirely exempt from all diseases of malarial origin, while the purity of its water supply and of its atmosphere, the cleanliness of its streets and public places, and the wise supervision of its authorities, render the visits of those frightful epidemics which so often decimate the population of other localities, quite impossible.

To men of enterprise and business, seeking a location for manufactories or trade away from the disadvantages which are to be contended against in cities, Sun Prairie offers a peculiarly inviting prospect; and the country in the immediate vicinity, by its fertility, its facilities for market and the cheap prices of lands, offers rare inducements to farmers and others who desire to invest in productive real estate, and to all who are seeking pleasant, healthful homes, surrounded by a moral, intelligent and refined community, few places offer greater attractions. It is probable, therefore, that in the not distant future, a season of renewed prosperity will open upon the village, and it will become one of the brightest little gems in the diadem of our state.

The town of Springfield, or town 8, north of range 8 east, is situated in the northwestern part of Dane county, about ten miles northwest of Madison. The dome of the capitol, and even parts of the city of Madison, are distinctly seen from several portions of the town. The lands of the town consist of oak openings and prairie; the surface, especially in the western part, is diversified with high bluffs.

The only stream in the town rises in section 10, and flows east, and enters the town of Westport, into the six mile creek, thence into lake Mendota. Along this stream are marsh lands that have become valuable by drainage, and on either side of these are woods and young timber, through which one of the old Indian trails passed, and in which Indians still occasionally camp. About the year 1850 or '51, the United States government sent west some five hundred Indians, and in passing through the town, they camped over Sunday on section 10. They were under the command or control of a government officer from Indiana, popularly called Cutall, a Frenchman, and whose name we are informed, was Couteau, in French, signifying a knife. But, be this as it may, he did not,

The town was once the scene of a bloody conflict, which, as far as can be learned, must have occurred between the Sac and Winnebago Indians, as they had many and desperate feuds before the early pioneers came into this part of the country. Section 7, on the line between Springfield and Berry, gives evidence of what one of these contests was, as Mr. G. Hochstesin, for a number of years, desisted plowing his land, on account of the number of human bones on this section. There is also at this place one, and perhaps two, mounds or graves, where some of the slain were buried, and up to a recent date, stones were set, or piled up, to mark the place. Arrow heads, and other Indian relics are found on this battle-field, as also in other portions of the town.

During the Black Hawk war, it is probable that Gen. Atkinson was chief in command, and that Zach. Taylor, then a colonel, was in command of a part of the regular troops. It appears from history that a good deal of skirmishing and fighting occurred all through the country from Prairie du Ghien to Portage. The road known as the Military road, from Green Bay to Chicago, and west to Prairie du Chien, crosses the town of Springfield, and the army marching along this road, at one time encamped for the night on section 9. Jefferson Davis was then a lieutenant, and was with the army at the time above mentioned.

It is related that Gen. Taylor left Lieut. Davis at Prairie du Chien and went to Portage to look after affairs, and that while away, Davis married his daughter on the sly - perhaps he has done worse things since.

The town was first settled by Ilawley Simons and family, on section 10, in 1841. His house was the first built in the town. The following year Geo. Johnson and family settled on section 4. Mrs. Simons and Mrs. Johnson were sisters. Also, about the same time, Wm. B. Slaughter settled on section 35, and Win. Bullock on section 31. Mrs. Johnson and Mr. Bullock are still living in the town, while Mr. Slaughter is now living in Madison, the others being all dead.

About this time the first post office in the town was established at Glark's Corners. Mr. Clark was postmaster, and once a week the mail was carried on horseback from Madison to Sauk. There are now four mails a week by stage between Madison and Sauk, and three post offices - Ashton, postmaster, C. Dresen; Springfield Corners, postmaster, Louis Martini; Hyer's Corners, postmaster, D. R. Hyer.

The first white child born in the town, was Eunice Johnson, who was born September 1, 1815. She married Mr. Robert Ford, and both are still (1877) living here. The first marriage was Mr. Geo. Howard to Miss Sarah M. Murray, in 1811.

Drs. S. L. F. Ward and A. A. Rowley have lived and practiced medicine in the town. Rev. N". Martin of the Baptist church was the first minister and pastor. The first death was Mrs. Frances Gillett.

Several families in England formed a colony and sent to this county three men by the names of Reeves, Wilson and Goss, as agents to locate lands; these men came into this town and located lands on sections from 10 to 15 inclusive; and during the same year, 1816, Messrs. Hillier, Gillett, Bardsley, Tinker, Kay, Riley, Tymmes, Seston, Boyer and others arrived from England and settled here. Some of them took possession of the lands and houses provided for them, and others secured places for themselves. Most, if not all of the families forming these settlements were poor. The county was a wilderness, without any of the comforts of civilization, and proved very discouraging to these families who had come from thickly settled communities, and was epecially so to the women and children; but they nobly set their faces to overcome these difficulties. The Indians gave them some trouble and occasionally a good deal of fright, entering their homes and demanding something to eat, and seldom leaving until their wants were well supplied, on which occasions they would eat enormously, and then lay down and sleep, often for a night and a day, and on getting up would give a " ugh " and start off.

frequently attack the larger animals. Mr. Tinker relates that they would come at night in packs around his house, howling so terribly that they were unable to sleep, and he has often shot them from his windows. The territory paid him a bounty of five dollars for each one he killed.

The first bread used by these families was made from Indian, or corn meal, which they prepared by rasping on a tin grater, and the first wheat flour used in the settlements was very tediously ground in coffee mills. Several of the families brought these coffee mills with them from England, and one would borrow of the other until all had ground their grist. They cleaned the wheat by spreading it on their rough table, and then hand-picking it. The first fanning mill was owned by J. Knipschild, at what was then called Clark's Corners (now Springfield Corners); after that the neighbors carried their grists to his place to be cleaned. The first flouring mill accessible to the people was Hicock's mill, in Iowa county, and as they went with oxen, it was a long and tedious journey. On one occasion, Mr. Bardsley relates that he was gone about two weeks.

It is amusing, at this late day, to hear them tell of some of their experiences in wood chopping. Ihe idea of chopping down large trees whose bark seemed capable of resisting the strongest of axes, was something entirely new to them, and on one occasion three of them traveled all day trying to find soft trees, but not finding any, returned at night wearied and disappointed with their day's toil. In one instance, a man built a staging of old logs around a tree and cut it off, leaving the stump four or five feet high; he did this for the reason that the tree was smaller at that distance from the ground. For years the stump, from its conspicuousness, was a wonder to many, as they could not comprehend why it was thus cut, until the above fact was learned. But as these men came from factories in England, it is not matter of wonder that they were not very expert backwoodsmen. Of those that came over in this colony, Geo. Gillett, "Win. Bardsley, H. Tinker and Mrs. Hillier are still living in the town. The others are either dead or removed to other places.

The town of Springfield was organized in 1848. and the election of officers was held at the house of George Gillett, when about twenty votes were cast. There were also about twenty-seven children in the town between the ages of four and twenty.

Officers elected: J. M. Babcock, (chairman), R. "Winston, D. Coda, Supervisors; B. Downing, Clerk. J. M. Babcock died before the close of the year, and P. S. Rider was elected chairman to fill the vacancy. At the election held April 3, 1877, 266 votes were cast (there are about 300 voters in the town), and 637 children between four and twenty years. During the twenty -nine years that the town has been organized, nine different persons have served as chairmen. Wm. Bardsley has served nine years; R. Ford has served four years; N. Martin has served three years;

D. Ford lias served six years, and was reelected April 3, 1877. Julius "Weisenbom (now of Black Earth), was elected town clerk three years consecutively. Thos. Binegal, three years consecutively; E. Harding, twelve years consecutively; B. Esser, three years consecutively; J. Esser, three years consecutively.

During the late war the town of Springfield furnished its entire quota of soldiers for the United States army. Among those entering the army, there were between fifty and sixty residents of the town. The following are the names of those who went from the town, so far as ascertained: Lieut. J. B. Hillier, M. Palmer,1 Lieut. C. Northrop,1 G. Bealer,1 Sergt. J.

The Young family deserve especial mention. Mr. Young sent three sons to the army. Wesley was killed in battle, Daniel died in hospital, and Horton

Springfield raised during the years 1863-5, twentythree thousand five hundred dollars tax for soldiers' bounty; this sum was considerably increased by private subscriptions, so that in all it probably amounted to near thirty thousand dollars.

In the neighborhood known as Fordville, there is a library containing four hundred volumes. This library was first started in 1858, at a cost of about five hundred dollars; one hundred dollars of this amount was donated in money and books by persons outside of the neighborhood. The principal persons in organizing this library were the Fords, Groves, Poyners and Mr. Leitch. The officers at present are: D. Ford, president; C. Poyner, secretary; C. R. Chipman, treasurer; A. Ford, librarian. The Library Association holds weekly meetings, and has had a valuable influence in the community.

The principal productions of the town for several years have been wheat, corn and oats ; but during the last few years more attention has been given to stock raising, and a more general plan of farming has been adopted.

The first market for the early settlers was Milwaukee, and the usual conveyance ox teams. The price obtained for wheat was twenty-five cents, oats ten cents per bushel, and the time occupied in making a trip about two weeks, if they had good success. If they brought back freight for the merchants in Madison they did pretty well; but if not, they frequently came back in debt. The markets now are good. The center of the town is about four and a half miles from Middleton Station, on the Chicago, Milwaukee and St. Paul Railroad, and about six miles from Waunakee, on the Chicago and Northwestern Railroad. These are both good markets for produce of all kinds.

By the increase of wealth and comfort, log houses have given place to good substantial frame, stone and brick structures; and in many places during the last few years, large and convenient barns have been built, showing that a large number of citizens have been successful in accumulating considerable property.

The first school house built in the town was a log building, on sec. 12, known as Johnson's school house. A good frame structure now stands in its stead. There are now eleven school and joint school districts, and nine school houses. There are also two German schools.

There are three churches: St. Peter's, on sec. 7; St. Martin's, on sec. 27; Springfield M. E. Church, sec. 22. Pev. Mr. Hoyt preaches the first Sabbath in eacli month in the school house, on sec. 12.

Ashton Lodge, No. 83, I. O. of G. T., has a good convenient hall on the Sauk road near the centre of the town. The lodge was instituted May 12, 1871, and meets regularly on Friday evening of each week.

At ITyer's Corners is a good hotel, with D. P. Hyer as proprietor, who cheerfully attends to the wants of the traveling public. J. Stebbins keeps a store there, and is also engaged in wagon making, while C. Yosen has a blacksmith shop.

At Springfield Corners, Louis Martini keeps a good store, and does a thriving business. EL Bohl has a blacksmith shop. Jacob Gross keeps a store on the road leading from Springfield Corners to Hyer's Corners. F. La Fay has a smithey at Ashton P. O. and is a good workman. There are four saloons in the town: John Esser, on sec. 27; C. Dresen, Ashton P. O.; Michel Karls, on section 7; and John Michels, also on section 7.

Origin and Growth. - In surveying a new country, members of the surveying party are ever on the alert for mining lands, water privileges, and other natural properties which may at some future time tend to locate towns. It is said that daring the survey of this territory some of the men, high in official position, made arrangements with the party to select some of the best water powers, and that, in this way and for this reason, Daniel "Webster obtained possession of a large portion of the present site of Stoughton. Mr. Luke Stonghton, one of the pioneers of Wisconsin, in his travels over the country, had long noted the water power here, and the advantages which this section offered for the location of a village. In 1S47, he concluded a purchase from Daniel Webster of a large tract of land, including the site of the village. He immediately set to work to improve it, erecting a sawmill that is now occupied by Mr. Mandt, and a store upon the present site of Williams' Block. The village was soon laid out, and inducements were offered for people to settle. Mr. Alvin West was the first person who brought a family here. He built a residence where the Higbee House now stands, and by November, 1847, they were snugly en- sconced therein. Their house being opened to the public, the genial, hospitable manner of the host and hostess, together with the notableness of the latter as housekeeper, soon made it a favorite with the traveling public. The winter of 1847 passed away, and the spring opened hopefully. As early as was practicable, other houses clustered around the nucleus formed the ATear before. During this summer, Mr. Colten and Mr. "Westcott put up the brick building that still stands by the upper bridge, and soon after purchased a residence not far from it. This residence is associated, in the minds of the first settlers, with many social gatherings; the inspiration of such occasions usually being a violin - the pioneers' inseparable friend. In 1850, Mr. Stoughton put up a small gristmill to supply the needs of the people, and afterwards built a larger one. About this time a school house was erected, and Miss Fannie Duncan, who had already opened a school in a small building on the east side of the river, moved into the new building when completed. Another public house was opened by Mr. H. ITolley (the building having been erected by Mr. C. Roby), under whose genial proprietorship it figured as the Crockett House. It afterwards took on the more euphonious name of Yahara Hotel, thus rescuing the Indian name of the river, near whose bank it stood, from oblivion. The prospect of a railroad at this time (which was completed to this point in 1856) gave an impetus to the growth of the little village. Men of capital and business talent were at- tracted to the place, who, by their energy and enterprise, materially added to the building up of the town. Mr. West finding his accommodations for the public too limited, in 1853, commenced and completed a commodious brick hotel. In 1855, Dr. W. "W. Blackmail and Mr. J. R. Boyce erected a brick building, from whence they dispensed drugs for many years. The doctor practiced medicine for a long time, and was accounted very skillful. Both of these gentlemen built fine residences, which are still ornaments to the village. In the midst of this high tide of progress, a disaster befell the little village which materially injured its prosperity. The new gristmill which Mr. S. had just completed was undermined by water-rats and fell - a complete wreck. Mr. S., being in feeble health, felt unequal to the task of rebuilding; consequently he sold the mill site to Mr. Bay Jenkins, who immediately commenced the work of reconstruction.

From that time until the present, the growth of the village has been so rapid that our space forbids us to mention only a few of the more notable features. The Opera House, built by Mr. Nelson "Williams, is a fine structure and an ornament to the town. It contains one of the best halls in this section. In 1876, Mr. O. M. Turner fenced and cleared a beautiful park east of the depot, and built a fine race course. Many of the oldest settlers of this section still live in and around the village. Messrs. Nelson and Isham still live in the town, Mr. Utter in Rutland, and Mr.

Emerson in the village The future prospects for the village are good, and more building is being done this year than for some time previous. A grain elevator and tobacco warehouse are to be built this spring.

Scenery. - Stoughton is often called a New England village, and in many respects it resembles one. Situated on high rolling ground, in the bend of the Catfish, or Yahara river, it truly has a beautiful site. The country around combines some of the natural beauty of New England, with the fine prairies of Southern Wisconsin.

First, or Kegonsa Lake, is situated north of the village, and is a popular resort in warm weather. It is one of the prettiest sheets of water in the state. "Beautiful maple and oak groves line the banks, and the waters abound in finny inhabitants. A large steamer is now in proceess of building in Pittsburg, Pa., and will be put upon the lake this season. The owner is Mr. J. I. Williams, a wealthy citizen of that place, who owns a fine farm by the lake. Summer travelers will find here plenty of outdoor amusements, a healthful climate, good accommodations and cheap rates.

Exports and Imports. - Stoughton is surrounded by a fine farming country, and the exports from here consist of ordinary farm produce, grain, stock, hay, potatoes, tobacco, and articles manufactured here. Besides the common articles imported into western towns, Messrs. Melaas, Steenerson & Co. have established here an agency for the famous Lofoten Cod

Liver Oil. They import direct from Norway large quantities of this medicine, and ship it to all parts of the United States. It has a reputation unexcelled by any oil of this kind in the world, and on account of its freshness, purity and comparatively pleasant taste, many physicians will use no other.

Manufactures. - At the head of the list of manufacturers must be placed Mr. T. Gr. Mandt. About twelve years a^o, he commenced work here on an anvil. By constant perseverance and unflagging energy he is now proprietor of an extensive factory employing about eighty men, and furnished with all the modern machinery for building carriages and farm wagons, cutters and heavy sleighs of every description. Messrs. Norris & Beattie are the present owners of the mill property, and annually manufacture large quantities of flour for eastern markets. There are two cigar factories, the more extensive run by Mr. J. S. Hutson, and the other by Mr. J. W. P. Lusk. Messrs. Matthews and Ivlinsr manufacture thousands of brooms yearly, which they ship to the northern part of the state. Mr. Knute Olson supplies this section with harnesses, and has sent several shipments to Norway. In addition, we may say that this village offers many inducements to manufacturers. There is yet a large amount of water power not utilized; the location is good; labor cheap, and opportunities for transportation excellent.

Business Interests Of Stoughton

The Village of Stoughton is the second commercial mart in the county, and as an index to the general business interests, we publish the following list showing the leading merchants and business men of the place:

Stoughton State Bank, <). M. Turner, Ties., Frank Lelancl, Vice Pres. ; A. L. Hollo, Physician and Surgeon; L. K. Luse, Attorneyat-Law; T. W. Evans, Physician and Surgeon; L. D. Clark, Homeopathic Physician and Surgeon; Dr. A. P. Lusk, Dentist; D. D. Camp, Jeweler; Amos Flyte, Wagons and Carriages; Mrs. J. M. Hibbard, Millinery; H. W. Hole, Dry Goods; H. J. Rhodes, Barber; Sarbacker & Hurd, Harness Makers; T. A. Thprenson, Barber; Rothe & Gunderson, Hardware; O. X. Falks, Druggist; S. H. Severson & Co., Lumber; O. O. Melaas, Druggist; K.Olson A: Co., Harness Makers; Mrs. Cid. C. Isham, Ladies' Furnishing Goods; A. T. Higbee, Hotel Keeper and Livery; T. G. Mandt, Wagons and Carriages; Johnson & Melaas, Clothing; Norris & Beattie, Stoughton Mill ; Hans H. Swan, Boots and Shoes ; John Brickson, Grocer ; N. Jensen, Boots and Shoes; Currier & Parish, Stoughton "Courier;" W. H. Dumond, Restaurant ; W. D. Potter, General Merchandise; Hibbard & Camp, Variety Store; Win. H. Leedle, Clerk of Grange Store; J. D. Baker, Express Agent; Osman Halvorsen, Saloon; N. Swager, Tinsmith; W. A: Ferman, Photographer; S. A. Stenerson, Clerk; N. Anderson, General Merchandise; A. Nelson, Clerk; K. Olson, Tailor; A. E. McMannus, Confectionery; G. W. Wood & Co., General Merchandise; O. Peterson, Bakery; C. Larson, Wagon and Plow Factory; J. H. Laughlin, Telegraph Operator; J. Erickson, Wagons and Carriages; Guilder Anderson, Saloon; F. Frankton, ; P. Peterson, Cutter; Matthews & Kling, Broom Makers; was started early in the summer of 1857. lie continued the publication until the fall of the same year, when he sold to W. A. Giles, who changed the name to the Wisconsin Signal, and run it until the spring of 1859, when he removed the press and printing material to Prairie du Chien. The same summer L. W. Powell, who was publishing a paper at Brodhead, moved his office to Stoughton and commenced issuing the Stoughton Reporter. In 1863, I. A. Hoxie, now of Evansville, entered into .partnership with Mr. Powell, but only continued six months. Soon after Mr. Frank Allen bought a half interest. For over ten years the name was not changed. Mr. Allen, Mr. C. D. Wells, and finally Mr. A. C. Croft, owned the office and published the paper. Mr. Croft sold the press and material in 1874, and Mr. Frank Allen bought new stock and commenced printing the Signal. Early in 1876, Geo. W. Currier purchased half of the office and changed the name to the Stoughton Courier, which was published by Kling & Currier until May, 1877, when Mr. C. E. Parish purchased the interest of Mr. Kling.

Dunkirk Township, of which Stoughton is situated in the northwest corner, is in the southeastern part of the county, and known as township 5 north, of range 11 east. It is one of the original towns in the organization of the county in 1816. The first settler was John Nelson, a Norwegian, in 1843, and afterwards came John Wheeler, - Jaymes, Jesse Utter, Chancey Isham, S. H. Roys, Richard Palmer, Campbell and "William Saunders, John Estes, Levi Farnliam, Joseph Vroman, Joseph Cannon, and John Blake. The first town meeting was held at the house of Mr. Lyons, and Abner Barlow was elected first supervisor.

The Yahara, or Catfish, enters the town on section 4, in the north, and makes a circuitous bend through eleven sections, in a south and southeasterly direction, leaving the town on section 35 and passing into the towns of Fulton and Porter, in Rock county, then into Rock river. Its bank exhibits many beautiful landscapes, and affords excellent opportunities for hunting and fishing, while it furnishes very superior waterpower, some of which is yet unused.

The land is very rich and productive, consisting of oak openings, prairie and marsh - the marsh land being near the Catfish, in the northern part of the town.

The village of Dunkirk, three miles from Stoughton, is a small place on the edge of the Catfish, on section 21, and has a grist mill and blacksmith shop. In 1837, Alex. F. Pratt, now of Waukesha, in company with Augustus Story, started for the mining regions, and passing from "Waukesha (then Prairie village), to Fort Atkinson, and thence to the Catfish, encamped on the present site of the village, where they were so beset with wolves till morning, that they were necessitated to keep their fire replenished with wood to prevent their being attacked, as they were both numerous and savage, and kept close watch of them.

give much of the history of the seven churches now standing in this place. For several years, meetings were held in the old school-house. Father Sewell, as he was familiarly called, who then resided in the town of Porter, came very often, and ministers of other denominations assisted him in filling the pulpit. After the schoolhouse became unfit for use, meetings were held in a hall over Mr. J. R. Boyce's drug store; and sometimes, when the key was missing, good Mrs. Sewell heard the children recite their scripture lessons on the stairs. In 1858 the Universalist church was erected, and dedicated the summer following. The Baptist church was built next in 1861. The dedicatory sermon was preached by Rev. E. J. Goodspeed, then of Janesville. The Congregational church was built in 1863, and dedicated on the last day of that year; sermon by the Rev. M. P. Kinney of Janesville. The Methodist chureh, in 1867; sermon by Rev. Col. Fallows. The first Norwegian Lutheran church was built in 1S67, Rev. M. Falch Gjertsen, pastor, and the Norwegian Evangelical Lutheran Christ Church, in 1S75, Rev. C. M. Hvistendahl, pastor; and the Catholic church in 1868. Since the death of Father Sewell, who, during his life and long residence in Stoughton, did noble work for Christ and his religion and for the advancement of all good causes, the Congregational church has been without a regular pastor. Rev. Mr. Hendricks was the last pastor of the Baptist church. Rev. Mr. Garfield of Jefferson, fills the Universalist pulpit ; Rev. C. E. Goldthorpe, the Methodist; Rev. M . F. Gjertsen, the Lutheran ; Rev. C. M. Hvis-

Hotels. - There are several hotels. The Iligbee House, kept by A. T. Iligbee, is really a first class house; and boarders and transient guests receive good attention. The National is run and patronized largely by Scandinavians.

Schools. - From the little old school-house on the west side of the river, as a beginning, there now is a fine three-story brick building, standing on an eminence east of the river, and commanding one of the finest views to be found in this section. This building was formally opened in December, 1862, with prayer by Rev. R. Sewell; an address by the state superintendent, Hon. J. L. Pickard, and remarks by countv superintendent Barlow and others, interspersed with band music and choir singing. This being found inadequate to meet the demands of the fast increasing population, a new building, even larger than the present one, is now in process of erection on the same grounds. When finished, the two buildings will accommodate five hundred students. A free high school has been established under the state law of 18 75. The teachers now in charge of the several departments are as follows: George W. Currier, principal of High School; Manila Douglass, teacher, Grammar Department; Mary E. Tedder, teacher, Intermediate Department; Annie Wyman, teacher, Primary Department. The following named gentlemen constitute the very efficient school board: W. D. Potter, clerk; M. Johnson, treasurer; Dr. L. D. Clark, director.

Christiana By Chas. N. Brown And Others

Tins town is the second from the southern, and immediately upon the eastern boundary of the county, occupying- the whole of township 6 north, range 12 east. It was named, we believe, at the suggestion of the early Norwegian settlers, in honor of the capital of their native country, and was set off from Albion, which bounds it on the south, and organized as a separate town, May 6, 1S47.

The town was at first attached to the town of Albion for township system of government, and it was organized as a separate town, and elected its own town officers, only a short time before Wisconsin became a state. The first annual town election held after Wisconsin had entered into the family of states, was in the spring of 1819, and the town board then elected were: Randolph Brown as chairman, with Nathan G. Van Horn and Daniel Davidson as assistant supervisors, and Gabriel Bjornson as town clerk. The town has, since the above time, furnished four members for the legislature, and two county officers, as follows: Gabriel Bjornson was elected member of assembly in the year 1850; Daniel B. Crandall was next elected member of assembly in the year 1857; William D. Potter was elected member of assembly in 18G5, and Jolm E. Johnson in the year 1868. Gabriel Bjornson was next elected clerk of the county board of supervisors in the year 1852, and reelected in 1S51. And Charles Cornelinson was elected register of deeds in the year 1856. Of the above named persons only John E. Johnson is now residing here; Randolph Brown, Charles Cornelinson and Daniel B. Crandall being dead. Daniel Davidson is residing somewhere in California; William D. Potter residing in Stoughton, in this county, and Gabriel Bjornson now a resident of Madison. The residence of Nathan G. Van Horn is unknown.

Of the early settlers at Utica, S. ~W\ Coon and W-. H. H. Coon are yet residing there, both of whom, in their honorable old age, enjoy the confidence and respect of the community of which they are members.

There are in this town three small villages, the largest of which is Cambridge, situated in the northeastern part upon Koshkonong creek, and described in the next chapter. Clinton, the next in size, is situated upon the same stream, in the eastern part, and Utica, the smallest, which, in fact, is so small that it hardly lays claim to the title of village, and is upon no stream at all, lies in the western part. The population of the town in 1875, was nearly 1,700, the larger proportion of which are foreigners, of whom nearly all are Norwegians.

The surface, which is gently undulating, is diversified with prairie and oak-openings, and to the eye of a farmer, this is one of the most beautiful towns in the county. These oak openings were so named from the fact that the annual burning over of the county by Indian tribes kept the timber so entirely free from underbrush, that a team could be easily driven through it in any direction; it was this openness, contrasted with the denseness of forests of other states, that suggested the name "openings." As soon, however, as the annual fires ceased, and the original timber was cut off, there sprang up the dense second-growth which is familiar to all, and which is now, though we think improperly, called oak-openings.

Koshkonong prairie is nearly all included within its boundaries, lying in the southern, central, and western portions of it. The surface of this prairie is moderately rolling, and its soil, for fertility, is unsurpassed by any in the state, almost incredible stories being told of the yields of wheat upon it, before the success of that crop was sadly interfered with by the chinch bug. This prairie is named after Koshkonong lake, which touches the extreme southeastern corner of the county, the banks of which were favorite hunting and camping grounds of the Sacs and Foxes, as the remains of their cornfields, still faintly visible, testify, and its name, in the Indian tongue, is said to signify, " The lake we live on."

Koshkonong creek is the most important stream, and enters the town somewhat south of the northeastern corner, flows through the eastern tier of sections, and leaves it very near the southeastern corner. As this stream is quite rapid, it affords first class facilities for milling purposes, tliere being two grist mills in the town, one at Cambridge and another at Clinton, the latter having one of the finest water powers in this part of the state, and doing a large custom and flouring business.

The other streams are Mud creek in the north, and Saunders' creek in the south, but they are of little importance. Along the banks of these streams the surface is more broken and less favorable for agricultural purposes, and in some places there are large marshes, some of which, in the days of the first settlers, were so wet as to be nearly valueless, but which are now dry enough to furnish pasturage or excellent hay.

Previous to its settlement, this was a favorite hunting ground with the settlers in adjoining towns. Deer were then very plenty, and one of the favorite methods of hunting them in winter, was to get what was called a "drive" on them. Taking advantage of their curiosity, and knowing they could be easily approached with a team, several men in a sleigh followed their trail until within rifle shot, when the team was turned and driven around the deer, the men jumping out behind trees at convenient intervals. As soon as they were well surrounded the firing commenced, and the deer were driven from one side of the circle to the other, a large number frequently being killed before the herd succeeded in making its escape. This was also a favorite hunting ground of the Indians, but the trail which connected Koshkonong and First lakes, only slight traces of which are now to be found, is about the only trace of their occupancy which they have left. This trail entered the limits of the town near the southeastern corner, ran a little to the south of the Lutheran church, crossed the farms of Thos. Carpenter, Nils Torgerson, John E. Johnson and Rev. J. A. Ottesen; thence bending slightly to the south, it led to the large spring on Samuel Coon's farm, which was one of their favorite stopping places. At the time of the Black Hawk war there were no settlers in this town, and probably no fighting, although Black Hawk and his warriors, in their retreat from the Rock to the Wisconsin river, in the early part of July, 1832, crossed the northern part of the town, and encamped for some time near Koshkonong creek. An account of his sufferings at this place will be found in the succeeding chapter.

Wm. M. May hew was the first settler of the town, and located on section 23, in 1837. He was a Southerner by birth, and, previous to the great financial panic of that year, was a prominent merchant in Milwaukee. Losing his property at this time, he came to this town, and built a log house, on what is now the land of Geo. Odell, at the foot of quite a steep bluff, where for many years he kept a tavern. This was one of the regular stopping places of the teamsters drawing lead from the mines near the Blue Mounds to Milwaukee. Old settlers, entirely unaccustomed to the handling of lead, tell us, that to them, their wagons appeared almost empty. But, nevertheless, three or four yoke of oxen were required to draw the wagons over the rough roads, and the shouts and curses. of the teamsters as they urged their oxen up the steep ascent the other side of Mayhew's, could be heard for three-quarters of a mile around. For many years Mayhew's was a center of interest, Christiana postoffice, the first, and for many years the only one in the town, being kept here, and as the nearest office was at Milton, this was the place at which nearly all the settlers in adjoining towns received their mail. Here, also, was held the first town meeting and several subsequent ones.

In 1842, a number of settlers arrived, most of them being emigrants from Norway. Prominent among these were Hellik Gunderson, Jul Gisleson, Nils Olsen Smithback, and Thosten Levorson, all of whom except the latter, are now living. This was almost the beginning of Norwegian emigration to the United States, and was induced by the glowing descriptions o£ the mildness of the climate, the beauty of the prairies, and the fertility of the soil, given by members of a small colony from Norway, which, a few years before, had settled in Walworth county, near the state line. This report was printed in pamphlet form, and being quite extensively circulated in Norway, was largely instrumental in giving an impetus to emigration to this country. The arrivals spoken of were only the beginning of a more extensive emigration of Norwegians to this section, and in the five years following, the greater portion of the town was settled by them.

Accustomed, in their native country, only to timbered land, these early settlers shunned the prairie, which seemed desolate and cheerless to them, but which is now considered as the more desirable land, and settled in the edges of the openings, and along the marshes.