Madison City (part 17 of 20)

In 1853, a Free Will Baptist society and church was organized here, Rev. Benjamin Davis, pastor. It continued but a few years and then died out.

under his ministration. In 1858, the society, with the assistance of each of the other religious bodies, built the first church, which was also used by the other denominations until 1875. The house at this time being badly out of repair, in consequence of a number of those who had taken an active interest in the church having died, or removed from here, so that there were not enough left to interest themselves in the necessary repairs, when it was leased to the Second Advent Church and society for ninety-nine years. This society was formed about 1858, the Rev. Mr. Hitchcock, pastor, and has continued prosperous up to the present time. Since the leasing of the church to them they have repaired it in a very tasteful manner, and it is now quite an ornament to the village. The Baptist, Presbyterian and Methodist still possess the right to use it.

The first physician that settled here was Dr. E. H. Osborne, who came in 1817, and lias earned a reputation as one of the most successful in Dane county; his practice extending over several townships. He retired from practice in 1874 (on account of failing health), with an ample fortune - a large hearted man, ever ready to help all enterprises that would be for the benefit of his fellow man, and respected by all who knew him.

The cemetery was laid out in 1855, on land bought of Wellington Willoughby. Until a few years back but little interest was taken in keeping the ground in proper repair, but now there is quite a taste awakened to suitably ornament the grounds.

The first hotel was built by John "Wood in 1851, and to-day will compare favorably with any village hotel. It is in excellent condition, and kept in grand style by the present owner, S. A. Barker, who has the tact and the means to keep a good hotel.

The first mill built here was by John Frederick in 1844, a large stone building, but was taken down in 1870. The present mill was built in 1867, by fm. B. Norris, who sold to J. W. Norton in 1870, who now owns and oj>erates it.

This is one of the best water powers on Sugar river. There is scarcely one-half the power utillized. It is also one of the safest and least expensive, not being liable to damage by floods, which speaks well for it as one of the best locations for manufacturing purposes in Dane county. The business of the village at present is two good general stores, H. E. Story and William B. Norris, both doing a good business; J. D. Oliver, harness shop, doing a prosperous business; D. S. Smith, wagon shop, doing a good paying business; T. B. Withers, blacksmith; Geo. Dyson, shoe shop; C. C. Pease, cheese factory; Miss A. H. Gassett, millinery goods, and doing an excellent business; Miss Kate Sullivan, dressmaker; J. M. Williams, cabinet maker.

miles apart, about equal distance between them, it very naturally has a tendency to carry immigration by to newer places, with better prospects for railroad comforts and conveniences. A route for a railroad was surveyed from Brodhead to the Wisconsin river in 1856, and another about the same time from Brodhead to Madison. But owing; to bad management and local jealousy, it was never completed. The present spring another has been surveyed from Brooklyn to Belleville, a branch of the Northwestern, and it is hoped may be built. Should we get a road to this place, we would in a very few years have the largest town in Dane county, judging from the beautiful location, ease of access, water power, and well cultivated lands.

There are several mounds on the banks of the river, some of them have been opened, but nothing new discovered to give any light on their origin.

Paoli By Ii. S. Tjtley

Paoli village is situated on the east branch of Sugar river, in the town of Montrose, five miles north of the county line between Green and Dane counties, the river here having; an average width of about twenty-five feet and the valley of about two miles.

In 1S6J: the mill property was bought by the brothers, B. M. and F. H. Mincli, who put up a substantial stone grist-mill, using the saw-mill as a storage room. They now do business under the firm name of B. M. Mincli & Co.

Others, doing business at present, are the following: "Willliam Fischer, Postmaster, dealer in dry goods and groceries, and proprietor of the Paoli Cheese Factory. William Minch & Co., dry goods, groceries and notions. Henry Goodnow, general blacksmith, light and heavy forging. Solon J. Smith, harnessmaker. C. J. Keve, blacksmith. John Meyer, wagonmaker. Milo Sanders, carpenter and joiner. Miss Mary J. Ulerich, dressmaker. Miss Lucy Sanders, milliner. Mr. Hangartner, shoemaker. Dr. George Pickett, physician and surgeon. Frank Meng, proprietor and keeper of the hotel.

preachers of that day was known as Father Fox, a very earnest advocate of the gospel, and father of Dr. and Rev. Matthew Fox, of Oregon. They now have a neat and commodious church building in the village. The present pastor is Rev. Mr. Burnip.

The Paoli school house is pleasantly situated on the east bank of Sugar river, and consists of two commodious rooms well furnished, the school being graded into two departments during the winter term. The assessed valuation of the district is $131,500, and it has 108 children.

Dunk

Dunn, or township 6 north, range 10 east of the 4th principal meridian, lies south of Blooming Grove, and Lake Waubesa, or Second Lake, and north of Rutland, between Pleasant Springs and Lake Kegonsa, or First Lake on the east, and the towns of Oregon and Fitchburg on the west.

The original name of this town was Rome, comprising what is now Oregon, Fitchburg and Dunn. When set apart from the other towns, Dover was the name that was intended to have been given it; but in 1848, by mistake of the engrossing clerk of the Assembly, it received its present name.

The surface of this town is somewhat undulated, yet not marked by any steep ascents or sterile bluffs; but consists of prairie, oak openirgs and meadow land. The soil on the prairie and a portion of the lower lands is rich black loam, with limy clay and sandy subsoil in the openings. Madison, the University and Insane Asylum can be seen from several points in town.

The largest stream is the Yahara, or Catfish river, which is the outlet of Lake "Waubesa, or Second Lake, and runs in a southeasterly direction through sections 4, 10, 11, and 14, into First Lake, and then winds its way into Rock river.

lialf a mile wide, and is called the " Wide Spread," or " Mud Lake." This stream is well wooded on either bank with heavy timbers, and a greater portion of the way, the banks being high and dry, afford splendid facilities for milling purposes.

The second largest stream is Door Creek, which rises on section 7, in the town of Cottage Grove, winds its way from the north, through sections 1, 12, and 13 of this town, and empties into First Lake. Hook Lake covers an area of several hundred acres on sections 28, 29, and 32, and is stagnant water, fed by small springs and surface water; has no outlet but almost evaporates as fast as fed by springs. High water occurs only in times of rainy seasons. During dry seasons, cranberries are gathered on the marshes.

These lakes, with the exception of Hook Lake, teem with fishes of most every species adapted to fresh water, and during the early settlement of this town, were so abundant that they could be taken from the smaller streams by pitchforks. On the lakes, swans, pelicans, geese and ducks were numerous, and the woods abounded with bears, wolves, foxes and deer.

On the west bank of First Lake, on sec. 14 and 23, there was at one time a village of Winnebago Indians, and numerous trails and relics are still found, as well as a number of Indian mounds, or cemeteries, where they buried their dead. These mounds are numerous on sec. 23, and also on the point that projects into the lake from the west. Here they have been opened, and remains of Indians found therein, two, three and four having been buried in the same grave. Lead ore is frequently found on sections ltt and 23, in bulks con- tainting from three to fifteen pounds each. Where it came from, or whether mines of this valuable mineral exist undiscovered by civilization, we are unable to say. Abel Rasdall, an Indian fur trader, was told by the Indians that ore did exist in quantities near the lake. A few years since we discovered, on the south bank of the Catfish river, near the lake, a kiln, or place made of stone and clay under ground, where lead ore was smelted by the aborigines, and in the immediate vicinity seemed to be a great resort for tribes of savages, as Indian relics are frequently found, such as arrow heads, stone axes, etc.

One of the detachments of the army in pursuit of Black Hawk, on his retreat to Prairie du Chien, camped for several days on section 27, where they felled trees to form a strong corral for their horses.

The town was first settled by Alvah W. Wetherby and family, on section 21, in 1843. The following year, Dr. Levi Pritchard settled on section 18; A. Witcomb on section 28; Dexter brothers on section 27; Root brothers, one on section 27, and one on section 7; Richard Palmer on section 18; O. B. Moore on section 1; and William M. Colladay on section 27. In three or four years after the first settlement, the inhabitants seemed to be quite numerous, and in 1848 there were about twenty-five families settled in what is now the town of Dunn. Wetherby having accumulated property, emigrated in 1858 to California. Dr. Pritchard practiced as a homoeopathic physician with great success, and gained the respect and esteem of the whole country, and against the real wishes of the people he emigrated to Missouri, where he died about the year 1S70. The Root brothers emigrated from here to Oregon. A. \Vitcomb and the Dexter brothers (Witcomb's nephews) emigrated to Nebraska. O. B. Moore still resides on his old homestead. He has held the office of chairman of the town board of supervisors for several different terms, besides various other town offices ; is an energetic Republican, and strong supporter of education.

Wm. M. Colladay immigrated from Philadelphia to this town and first settled on section 27, where he lived for several years. In 1853 he moved on to section 23, bordering on First Lake, where he still resides; this being one of the finest locations in the country. These commodious grounds and pleasant scenery make it a pleasant summer resort. Picnics, fishing parties, etc., are almost an every day occurrence; at this writing, July, 1877, there are encamped on the*e grounds several parties, in all forty- two, with nine tents. To give an idea of the natural beauty of this place and lake, we here insert a card verbatim, from a young man, dated London, England.:

Hon. W. M. Colladay and Family. - While here my thoughts often revert to my many friends in Wisconsin, and especially to yourself and family, and the pleasant occasions spent with you. In all my travels in America and this country, I've not seen a place that, for natural beauty, equaled yours. If 1 ever reach home again in Wisconsin, be assured you will find me again at Colladay 's Point.

The first town meeting was held at the residence of A. W. Wetherby, April 4, 1848; the spring election of the territory at which the state constitution was adopted. Only twenty-three votes were cast, and the following were the first elective officers: R. T. Raw- son, chairman, "Win. Freeman and Eli Root, supervisors; ¥m. M. Colladay, clerk; Norman Farwell, Henry Farns worth and Joseph C. Swain, school commissioners; "Wrn. M. Colladay and JR. G. Spaulding, justices of the peace; A. W. "Wetherby, treasurer; Calvin Farnsworfch, assessor. At the last presidential election there were 229 votes cast, and at the last local election 216.

During the earlv history of the town, there were no party lines drawn at local elections, but as the Democratic party grew strong, they took matters in their own hands. Within the last few years the young men have taken an active part in political afl'airs, and the Republican party have gained control.

The first public school was taught at the residence of Asa Dexter, by Miss Amanda Soul, now the esteemed wife of Asher G. Greene of this town. The district then comprised nearly the whole township. The first school district organized was what is now District No. 4. There are in town six school houses, including two joint districts. The amount expended annually for educational purposes is about $1,500.

There is one church, erected in 1873, at McFarland, by the Norwegian Lutherans. The Methodist Episcopal society hold services every other Sunday, alternately, at Hoffman's Hall and the school house in district No. 4. The present pastor is Rev. W. J. "Wilson.

ter of the southeast quarter of section two. The village of McFarland was laid out on section three, by Wm. II. McFarland in 1857, and the depot removed, and the spacious residence of Mr. McFarland erected. The following season he moved his family from Milwaukee to his new home, where he still resides. He is a hearty supporter of education, and offers to donate a site for the erection of a suitable building for a public graded school, of which we arc in much need. In 1856, Eugene Eighmy bought grain at the old depot, and continued to buy after the erection of the new depot until the spring of 1859, when Freeman Eighmy assumed the business and continues to bny, always paying the highest market price for all produce, and every man is sure to get full weight. All in all, we have the best market in the counhy, and a buyer in whom all place the utmost confidence; and he in return is worthy of their trust, he is also proprietor of a lumber yard, where he keeps a large stock of first class lumber. In 1868, Mr. Eighmy erected a commodious and substantial warehouse, in which the capacity for storage is ten thousand bushels. Lawrence Eighmy and Philetus Hurd, stock buyers, courteous, gentlemen, are always ready to pay the highest market price for live stock. Eugene Eighmy, a social business man, has a large trade in the mercantile business. O. O. Forton also has a good trade and large stock of general merchandise. H. H. Hoffman has a large convenient store with a small stock of clothing and crockery, and a fair trade. Lloyd Hurd, an energetic young man, has a good business in the harness trade. Lamp, our village smithy, has all the work he can attend to. Shelter & Iieid also have a blacksmith shop. Nelson & Hanson are proprietors of a - boot and shoe firm. Ed. Johnson, dealer in confectionery, boots and shoes.

Among our most prominent farmers and stock raisers are Geo. Keenan (the owner of the largest real estate and most spacious farm residence in the county), Wm. E. Sherlock, Michael Lally, Win. M. Colladay, Robt. Henry, Knute Daley, Timothy Cusic, James Tusler, Egbert Bennett, Tollif Olson, Morris Brown, Geo. Leitch and Calvin Farnsworth. In common with other parts of this county, until within a few years, the principal crop was wheat; but since, the yield has been so seriously affected by the chinch bug and other unknown causes, the greater portion of the farmers have engaged in raising live stock, and as a consequence, have largely increased the acreage of coarser grain. Through the courtesy of James Tusler, the present assessor, we are able to give the official statistics of the acreage of the different agricultural products of the present }rear (1877): Wheat, 1,449; corn, 3,140; oats, 2,542; barley, 718; rye, 117; tobacco, 149; potatoes, 107; cultivated grasses, 1,740.

The following are the names of the present town officers: John M. Sampson, chairman, Knute H. Dally, and Josiah Douglass, supervisors; Osman T. Olson, clerk/ James Tusler, assessor/ Shure Johnson, treasurer/ Amos Prentiss, justice of the peace.

By Hon, John T. Clark

Location. - This town is situated in the northwest corner of this county; is bounded on the north by the town of West Point, in Columbia county, on the east by the town of Dane, on the south by the town of Berry, and on the west by the town of Mazomanie and the town of Prairie du Sac, in Sauk county. It is not quite a full township, the Wisconsin river cutting off the northwest corner of section six.

The territory which now forms this town was taken from the town of Dane, and the name Koxbury was given to it on a vote of the residents, at the suggestion of James Steele, Esq., who still resides there. At the time of its formation, which was in the year 1849, all the land lying west of the present town and east of the Wisconsin river was attached to Roxburv: but in 1863, the strip of land last described was, by an act of the legislature, attached to the town of Mazomanie.

The first officers of the town were: Burke Fairchild, chairman; Lorenzo Fan* and Lorenzo D. Miller, supervisors; James Crowder, town clerk/ Lorenzo Farr, assessor; James Steele, treasurer; Z. Bowers, J. Crowder, George Richards and B. Fairchilds, justices of the peace. Not a German in the list, while now none of the town officer is of any other nationality, unless lie be American born of German parents.

fiecl. The hills frequently rise to a great height, and are mostly filled with fine building stone, some of which is made into lime of the best quality. Between these hills or "bluffs," as they are called, when of considerable height, the lands are very fertile. Some of the best wheat lands are on the top of high hills. The land is what is called openings, with here and there a few acres which might be termed " prairie."

On sections one and two is a beautiful sheet of water, from its transparency called " Crystal Lake." The water of this lake is shallow, extending into West Point, and covers about a section of land.

On sections three and four is another smaller lake, covering about a half section of land. This is called " Fish Lake," or " Clark's Lake," from the name of tlie owner of the land on which it is situated. It is not known how deep this lake is. It has been sounded to the depth of eighty feet and no bottom found. These lakes are well stocked with fish. There is also another small lake on sections fourteen and fifteen, called " Crane Lake," and in many parts of the town there are ponds which, with springs here and there, and the "Wisconsin river, supply the stock with water.

The people, who are almost exclusively Germans, are engaged in general farming and grape raising. There is no manufacturing carried on, unless under that term wine making can be included. It is believed that there are more grapes raised in this town than in the rest of the county, and perhaps than in the whole state besides. Jacob Kehl, who resides near Prairie du Sac, has the largest vineyard. All over the town may be found sunny slopes where, in the proper season, hang thousands of r'.ch clusters.

There is no large village or market place in town. Clifton, situated on the Wisconsin river opposite Prairie du Sac, and in the very northwest corner of the town, was once a promising village, but it has not kept pace with the growth of the country about it. In the southeast corner of the town is a small village called "Alden's Corners." Superior City, on the Wisconsin river, was one of the earliest laid out towns in the state, and will be hereafter noticed. The only stores in town are those of B. Renter, near the church and the center of the town, and of P. J. Schleck, near the Sauk City bridge.

The produce raised in this town is marketed at Madison, Middleton, Black Earth, Mazomanie, Sauk City, Prairie du Sac (which is connected with Portage by steam navigation on the Wisconsin river), Lodi, Dane station and Waunakee. All points of the compass compete for what the town can raise.

On the 21st day of July, 1832, the battle called " the battle of Wisconsin Heights," in what is known as the Black Hawk war, was fought here, principally upon sections 19 and 24, and near the present residences of George Richards, Esq., and Richard Taylor. A painting of this battle ground, executed by Brooks, may be seen at the rooms of the State Historical Society at Madison. The thrashing machine represented on this painting was on the farm of Mr. Richards. The Indians and their pursuers appear to have come over the bluff from the southeast. A sort of running fight was kept up while the savages were driven through the vallev, across the lowlands and the Wiscousin river, and so on to Bad Axe. Many human

Superior City. - One of the earliest, largest, and most successful paper towns ever laid out in the west, was located in this territory, now called Eoxbury. It was principally upon section nineteen ; beginning near the present residence of P. J. Schleck, Esq., extending southward and down the Wisconsin river, covering the farm owned by T. M. Warren, Esq., and now occupied by John Stein felder, and embracing the Varnell place, spreading over more than three hundred acres of land.

It appears from all accounts that in the year 1837 or 1838, a company was formed in the eastern states, of which company one Floyd seems to have been the principal manager, to lay out a town on the Wisconsin river, either with the honest expectation that such town would be built, and legitimate gain be made thereby to the proprietors, or with the hope that a speculation might be made out of such parties residing at the east as had more money and credulity than sound judgment.

The town was christened " Superior City," and a most elegant map was made of it, showing the streets, the public buildings and parks, the Wisconsin river on which steamboats were plying up and down, and also navigating the smaller stream, a tributary coming down from Crane Lake by Father Inama's house, on which stream splendid mills were represented (which stream, by the way, is dry ten months in the

All in fact, which had ever been done towards building a town, was to stake out the streets, lots, blocks, and squares, and to fell some trees and hew them, apparently with the intention of using the timber in building. This was all that was ever done in this direction, unless perhaps a shanty was built for the laborers who cut and hewed the timber.

The map was taken to Chicago, ISTew York, and Boston, accompanied with the most glowing descriptions of the beauty, salubrity and commercial advantages of the city, and large numbers of the lots were sold, some at as high figures as $800 each. They were sold, too, to persons who had been considered as of sound mind. Daniel Webster, " the Godlike Daniel," is said to have had about $13,000 in the great city.

After making the maps and selling the lots, neither the proprietors, their agents, "nor any other man," came to build the city; the timber was sold by the laborers to whom the company was indebted for work, or appropriated by such persons as thought they needed it. The stakes have long since fallen, and the place which knew Superior City " shall know it no more forever."

Early Settlement. - In 18-10, Augustine Haraszthy, commonly known as Count ITaraszthy, with his cousin Charles Hallasz, the latter of whom has ever since resided and now resides at what is now called Sauk City, Hungarians by birth, immigrated to and located at the place last named. Haraszthy appears to have been a man of great energy and of considera- ble means, and very enthusiastic about the future of this country. He invested at once in lands in the neighborhood, and set about improvement. So far as can now be ascertained, in the fall of 1840, he erected the first building in this town, not for a residence, but as :i sort of hunting lodge. This was a log building, and was set upon a point of the bluff above and near the Wisconsin river, and nearly opposite the lumber office of Mr. Hallasz, as it now stands in Sauk City.

During the year 1841, Haraszthy established a ferry across the Wisconsin river near or a little below where the Sauk City bridge now stands, and the house now owned and occupied by P. J. Schleck, Esq., as a store, saloon, and post office, was built by Mr. Haraszthy in that year, and used as a ferry house. Robert Richards and Jacob Fraelich operated the ferry, and resided in this house. This is supposed to have been the first dwelling erected in town, and they the first residents. At this point two or three Indian trails met, and for several years this was the usual crossing place. From this date there was little improvement in the town for four years.

The year 1815 determined in a great degree the nationality and religion of the population of the town. In that year came Father Adelbert Inama, a German catholic priest. He had been two years from his native land, and those two years had been passed in JSTew York. He had come to seek a home in the wilderness, and to plant and uphold here the standard of the cross. He selected for his residence a most romantic spot; a little ravine surrounded by hills except where at certain seasons of the year, a stream, sometimes swelling into a torrent, passes through. Here he still lives, with no house in sight except his own, and with no clearing except a good sized garden. His cows pasture through the woods, and he keeps no horse, preferring to walk wherever his duty has called him. Here in 1845, he built his log cabin, which looks out toward the midday sun. Directly in the rear rises a steep bluff covered with timber. You approach the dwelling across a foot bridge over the ravine down which heavy rains and melting snows hurl their floods to the river. After a time he adds at the west end of his cabin a kitchen, using his room first built for all the purposes of his priestly office. His work grew upon his hands, and he joined to the east end of his original building an audience room and an altar, the two forming his chapel, which, surmounted by a cross, is still standing, and in which chapel, till 1853, mass was said every day.

"When Father Inama came, there was but one catholic in what is now Roxbury; that was one Matthias Schmidt, and he soon left. The lone priest made great efforts to induce immigration. He entered a considerable amount of land near the center of the town, and allowed those coming in to take it at government price. As a matter of course the new comers were catholic Germans, and the diligent pastor soon found a flock gathering about him. His little chapel in the ravine was. visited by those of his faith from all the country round. All nationalities, and even some Indians who had been converted through the labors of the early missionaries, were glad to find this lonely spot where they could receive the rites and enjoy the privileges of their mother church.

from Fatherland or from the states, until in the year 1853, the society was able to complete, near the center of the town, the little red brick church, 21 by 80 feet in size, which now stands in the rear of the stone building, and is occupied by the altar. The growth of the society continued until in 1860 it embraced from sixty to seventy families, and the little brick church having become quite too small, they enclosed the present stone front, 41 by 50 feet in size. This, with the old church, was used but not finished within, till 1866. This society has continued to increase until now it embraces over one hundred families. They have commenced a second addition to the church, the foundations of which are already laid, and when complete they will have a magnificent edifice. The plan provides for the removal of the little old brick church in the rear, extending; the stone building until its length shall be 110 feet, and adding wings so that when finished the building will stand on the ground in the form of a cross.

Mention should be made of the fact that this church has above its altar what is considered one of the finest paintings in America. It is large; there are five figures upon it. Above are the Yirgin and Child, two beautiful forms; below, on the left, is St. Jerome, and on the right are St. James and St. ]STorbert, after the latter of whom the church is named, and who is represented with the features of Louis I, king of Bavaria. This choice painting was executed by an artist in Munich, in 1859, and was sent by said king, as a present to this church, in 1860.

Connected with the church just described, in a commodious stone building, is a school, taught by " sisters," where the children and youth are instructed in the doctrines and faith of their fathers. The town has no other school except the common district schools, for which there are several fine buildings.

Father Inama is now in his 80th year. He has served this church and the country round about since 1S45, assisted only for a time by Father Max Gardner, until 1872, when he was relieved by Father Matthias Heigl, a young man of fine talents and education, of preposessing personal appearance and cultivated manners, who now performs the duties of pastor to this lar^e congregation.

Father Inama born in Tyrol in 1T98, having spent five years in Botzen, devoted to the study of the classics, four years in Innspruch, given to literature and philosophy; to theology one year in Vienna, two years in Innspruch and one in Trent, speaking with fluency several languages, at the age of seventy-five years, having ministered in the same town for thirty years, and having been largely instrumental in settling that town, and in promoting its prosperity, respected and honored by men of all classes and religions, and of no religion, retires to spend the remnant of his days in his vine covered cottage, surrounded by flowers; in his little chapel daily offering prayers for his beloved congregation, with eyes scarcely dimmed or strength abated, calmly awaits the summons of his Maker.

The same year in which Father Inama settled in Roxbury, also came George Richards, Adolph Fasbinder, Carl Schugart, Richard Taylor, - Weber,

- Campbell, James Crowder and Burke Faircliilds. In 184:6 came Anton Ganser, T. M. Warren, George Baltis, Nicholas Breckendorf, Michel Michel, Michael Loeser, Conrad Jordan, and perhaps others.

From that time the population increased rapidly, until from almost every valley and hilltop rose the smoke of a I02; cabin. The few Americans who were among the early settlers have mostly disposed of their property to the Germans, until so far as the language spoken and heard in this town is concerned, one might as well be in Deutchland. The population at the census taken in 1875, was 1,151.

The inhabitants are generally industrious, economical and thrifty. There is almost no litigation in the town. There is scarcely any crime to be punished, and the public peace is not often disturbed. On special occasions, King Lager in some cases prevails over sobriety, and black e}res and bloody noses abound; but the next day all are at work, some, perhaps, with aching heads, but such trifles are never brought into court. The next Sunday all are at church and in peace.

the log cabins are fast disappearing, and in their places are rising good, substantial buildings, mostly of stone, and on every side are found the evidences of permanent prosperity.

Thanks are due for information touching the early history and settlement of the town to Charles Hallasz, Esq., of Sauk City, James Crowder, now of Lodi, to Father Inama, and to George Richards, Anton Ganser and Horace Miller, Esqrs., of Roxbury.

Township No. 5 north, range 9 east of the 4th principal meridian, is situated in the center of the southern tier of townships in the county of Dane. The surface is undulating, and was, in the state of nature, covered with burr and white oak openings, with a few small prairies and marshes. The soil is good for most agricultural products, but is not rated first class in the county. There are four small creeks, outlets to the same number of springs, two of which are on section 12, forming the head waters of the Badfish, and one each on sections 18 and 20.

Bartley Runey built the first cabin in the township, in the fall of 1841, and moved his family, consisting of his wife, three boys and four girls, into it in the spring of 1842, and opened a tavern. It was located on section 24, near the junction of the mail route from Madison to Janesville and the road from Mineral Point to Milwaukee, known as the " old lead route." It was a favorite stopping place for the teamsters hauling that mineral, and many an old pioneer has seen from ten to fourteen yoke of oxen pulling one stalled wagon out of the mud near the pioneer tavern. His nearest neighbor was "Win. Quivey, in town 0, range 9. Mr. Runey was a man of great energy, but lived only two or three years after settling here. His son Garrett now occupies the old homestead, and few landmarks remain to mark the site of the once famous tavern.

The next settler was Robert Thompson, who located, and, with the assistance of Mr. Runey and boys, built a cabin on section 12, near a beautiful spring which bears his name. The log house is there in good preservation, and the spring, as if in mockery of the decrepitude that has overtaken the young and robust pioneer, still bubbles and sparkles in perennial youth. At the close of 1842, Mr. Runey and family and Mr. Thompson were the only residents in the township.

In 1813, the number was increased by the settlement of Stephen Hook, who located on section 27, and Thomas Hook, his brother; also, C. Sargeant, on section 31, where he still resides, Abram Kierstead and family, consisting of his wife, two sons and three daughters who in a few years were married respectively to three prominent young jnoneers, viz.: Hon. S. G. Abbott, Hon. I. M. Bennett and Wm. S. Bedford, Esq. G. P. Moseley settled that year on the present site of the village of Oregon, built a cabin - partly frame and partly logs - and opened a tavern. This log tavern was the nucleus of the present thriving village. Horace Watrous settled on section 1, and built a loo; house. Eli Root made a claim on the same section, but soon left. Thus ended the pioneer settlement for 1813.

This number was enlarged in the year 1811 by the arrival of Reuben Boyce and family, who settled on section 36, where his son Reuben still resides. In a few days after his arrival, several members of his family were prostrated, by ship fever, of which two of his children died - the first deaths in the township.

their best interests. ¥m. S. Bedford located about the same time, on section 35, Stoddard Johnson on section 1, and Vra. Cnmmings on section 10, who built a cabin. Mrs. Cnmmings killed a large deer which had been driven into the door yard and canght by the dogs. She achieved a victory, but rumor hath, it that in the struggle she lost nearly all the drapery with which woman delights to adorn herself. At any rate, she beat a hasty retreat on the approach of the young and blushing Joseph G. Fox, and would only speak to him through a chink in the door.

W. F. Lee and Schuyler Gilbert came in this year. Mr. Gilbert located on section 10, and still owns under his patent. S. J. Pratt came in September, the same year. Landing in Milwaukee, he started on foot and alone across lots, and crying, "to find a home." Arriving at Runey's in a few days, he located his present homestead, and now four generations frequently gather under his roof-tree.

About the same time, John S. Frary arrived in Milwaukee. Hardly had he stepped on shore when he was accosted by a stranger: " Do you want to go west, young man?" "West!" cried the weary and homesick John; "west! for eighteen long days and nights have I sought the west on the fastest conveyances the country affords, and if you have anything further west, commend me to the first boat going east" But he changed his mind, came with the stranger, and in a short time was building his cabin on section 24. 1844 closed with less than a dozen structures to shelter a civilized man in the township.

cated on section 3. John still holds his parchment title; Ira Hays and two sons - Enos and Plympton - on section 5; R. P. Main on section 24, and six brothers, by the name of Devine, on section 23. They deserve a far more extended notice than the space allotted the writer will permit. Joseph Algard and famihy settled on section 17; Harry Brown and John Ellsworth on section 9, and ¥m. De Boise on section 8; Amasa Salisbury on section 1; Rufus Rawson on section 12, where he built the first blacksmith shop. Dick Castleman has the credit also of building this first shop.

In 1845, Nathaniel Ames, three sons and one grandson- - J. IN". Ames - settled in the township. Mr. Ames was born in 1761, joined the revolutionary army, saw Washington when he visited the winter quarters of his arm}7 near Morristown, 1ST. J., witnessed the execution of Major Andre, and died in Oregon August 27, 1863, at the great age of one hundred and two years and four months. When asked by one of his neighbors to what he ascribed his long life, he quietly and philosophically replied: " I have always slept well."

Rev. Matthew A. Fox came in August, 1845, and a few clays after, held his first service in the log cabin of Mrs. Kelloo-a*, the occasion being the funeral of her husband. His next service was in the bar room of C P. Moseley's tavern. In 1856, the first church was built, and he was installed as pastor, which position he has acceptably and usefully filled to the present time. The church stands within a few rods of the cabin in which he performed his first sorrowful service. Many of his early pioneer friends have been carried through its portals to their last resting place, for whom he has performed a like sad service, and it seems as though his labors might end almost on the spot where they commenced.

J. W. Scovill opened the first store in the township, in the fall of 1845, on section 21, or the "Hollow." He chopped the logs, split the puncheons for the floor and rived the shakes himself. After it was raised and completed, he went to Racine for his stock. During his absence, Mrs. Scovill papered it throughout with Albany Evening Journals. How the heart of the venerable j'T. W." would swell to know his paper had served so good a purpose! The enterprising young merchant, by thus surrounding his customers with sound Whig doctrine, insensibly led them to vote that ticket, and from its organization the town has been "Whig or Republican by large and uninterrupted maiorities. What might have been the result had the good lady used the Albany Argus?

Rosel Babbitt and Seba T. Lewis opened farms this year on sections 14 and 15. Mr. Lewis was accidentally killed in his well by the fall of a bucket. Ephraim Newton and perhaps two or three others located in 1845.

Joseph G. Fox returned from Ireland with his young bride in the fall of 1845 and commenced housekeeping in the first frame house in the township. He had it erected during his absence. His brother James settled near him about the same time. At the close of 1845, pioneer life in the township was about closed. Mills were being erected on the Catfish and Sugar rivers, post offices conveniently established, merchants and mechanics commencing business, roads laid out

The glowing descriptions of the salubrious climate, fertile, soil and abundance of game, sent through the mail or carried by those returning for their families or sweethearts, produced its effect in 1846 and 7, and friends, relatives and neighbors hastened to possess the remaining unoccupied lands. All the conveniences of older settlements were here, or in the near future, except a market, and they cared little for that in comparison with the prosperity that surely awaited them. With strong hearts and willing hands they toiled on, and are to-day reaping the rewards of their enterprise and self-denial. During these years, among those who came to stay, are L. M. Storey, T. Storey, Samuel Shepard, Smith Patchin and Daniel McKeeby. They settled near together, and the settlement was called Storeytown. E. W. Dwight, Phineas Baldwin, father and three brothers, came still later. In 1846, I. M. Bennett opened a store in " Pome Corners," and laid the foundations of his large fortune, and a few years later Wm. S. Bedford engaged in the same business.

The first marriage solemnized in the township was in the first log house built therein; the happy parties being David Anthony and Jane Puney. A Pev. Mr. Miner, of Madison, performed the ceremony. On his way to Mr. Puney 's, his horse got mired in the Nine Spring creek. Unable to extricate him, he started on foot to fulfill his agreement. At Lake Yiew he sent assistance to his horse, which was found dead. Wearily walking on, he reached Mr. Runey's about 11 o'clock at night, wet, muddy and exhausted. He performed his work so well, however, that David and Jane to-daj enjoy a well earned competence in peace and contentment. The first piece of cloth was woven by Mrs. Sophia Underwood, who now lives with her son Henry, on a loom made by Enos Hays, the first of its kind in the township. The first public religious service was held in Barney's bar room, by a Methodist missionary by the name of Hawks; and the first parties to a law suit were J. S. Frary vs. B. Buney.

In this narative, the writer has found no place to speak of the real pioneers of the present town of Oregon - the noble band of women who came with or followed their husbands and lovers to this wilderness. They suffered the real hardships and privations of pioneer life. They, unmindful of storms without or minor distress within, gathered little delicacies and needful articles, and visited and assisted the sick and suffering, though frequently miles away. Every old settler's memory is filled with recollections of their gentleness, their kindness, their charity. Many of them have found the repose of death, but those who live are thrice blessed by those who received and now live to testify to their noble and unselfish labor.

The political history of the township is short. To gratify the young and enthusiastic pioneers' longing for ballot-boxing, towns 5 and 6 of range 9, and town 6 of range 10, were formed into an election precinct in 1846, and at the suggestion of J. N. Ames, was called Koine, from which fact the present village of Oregon was then called " Borne Corners." In 1847, Bosel Babbitt circulated a petition for separate township organization under the name of Oregon, which was adopted at the town meeting held in April, and Beii- ben Boyce elected chairman. Then " local self government" became fairly established, and as it consists mainly in electing officers and paying taxes, the ballotboxing pioneer has no reason to regret his work, if its success is measured by the numbers of the one or the magnitude of the other.

Oregon By T. E. Thompson

This pleasant little village of about 500 inhabitants is situated in the midst of a fertile agricultural region, in the southern part of the county, ten miles from the capital city, and is the second station on the Madison division of the Chicago and Northwestern Railroad. A drive on the highway through Lake View to the City of the Lakes in summer is most delightful. Green meadows and waving fields of grain are seen on every side, and neat white farm houses dot the landscape in every direction; and here and there are to be seen a few of the ancient landmarks of the mound builders, some still intact, while others have lost their distinctness by being put to useful purposes by the husbandman, to which occasional glimpses of the glistening waters of the lakes Waubesa, Monona and Mendota, and the city in the distance with its Capitol, University, Churches and other public buildings are brought into view, presenting to the traveler a scene of pastoral beauty unsurpassed in the state.

The first settlement of this town begun in about the year 1842, thirty-six years ago. Prominent among the first settlers may be mentioned C. P. Moseley, Robert Thompson, J. S. Frary, S. J. Pratt, Abraham Kiersterd, W. S. Bedford, Roswell Babbitt, Phineas

Boyces, Tipples, Johnsons, Hooks and Foxes were all pioneers and early identified with its history, having witnessed its gradual development and improvement np to the present time.

The surface of the country is slightly undulating, with a good soil of sandy loam, specially adapted for agricultural purposes, consisting chiefly of oak openings, diversified by small prairies and marshes.

The little settlement first took the name of Rome Corners, being a central point of the surrounding towns, which were known only by numbers, as town No. 4, 6, etc.

I. M. Bennett, now of the banking firm of Bennett & Pullen, of Evausville, Wisconsin, kept the first country store in a little log building where now stands the Oregon Exchange,- and which was the objective point of trade for the scattered settlers. J. B. Runey, one of the oldest pioneers, settled near the center of the township in the spring of 1842, and built the first log house on the old territorial road running from the lead regions near Dodge ville to Milwaukee, and which was a stopping place for teamsters drawing lead to market. The nearest house was five miles distant, in what is now known as the town of Fitchburg, and wTas also kept as a tavern by a man by the name of Quivey. Mr. Runey was killed a few years later while returning home from Madison, by the overturning of his wagon near the Nine Spring marsh, on

Devines, a family of six brothers, emigrated from Pennsylvania about the year 1845, and settled together near the center of the town, and are now thrifty and prosperous farmers. Mr. Joseph Devine at one time traveled with an ox team as far as Delavan to mill, sixty miles distant, and frequently to Janesville, at a later period. There were no other mills in that section, with the exception of the Badger Mills, where a small business was done. The nearest market was at Milwaukee, ninety miles distant, a trip with an ox team consuming ten to twelve days, the teamsters often camping by the roadside. Wheat only brought from 20 to 25 cents per bushel. Dressed pork, $1.25 per hundred pounds, and frequently the proceeds of the sale would not amount to more than the expenses of transportation. A story is told of a man who hired a load of wheat taken to market, agreeing to pay twenty cents per bushel transportation. When the teamster returned he asked his employer if he had a quarter of a dollar, remarking as he received it, " Now that makes you and me square." The load of grain did not pay the expense of transportation. Almost the only way that anything could be realized from a trip, was to bring back emigrants or a little merchandise for the country stores along the route.

Nathaniel Ames, for two years and a half a soldier of the Revolution, and present at Tarrytown at the execution of Major Andre, and whose portrait adorns the State Historical rooms, settled here at an early period, and also many of his descendants. He died

The business transacted in this town is quite large, it being the nucleus of trade for a considerable section of country around, and is an extensive shipping point for live stock to the Chicago market, the shipments exceeding those of any other station between there and Chicago. During the shipping season twenty- seven car loads of stock have been shipped in one day,, but the usual number is about fifteen per week. It was at one time a great market for wheat, as many as 100 car loads being shipped monthly. The grain shipments are now confined mostly to oats, of which a great many are received at this station. A fine brickyard, owned by J. B. Munger, is in successful operation, and where are manufactured a superior quality of white brick, said to be equal to the famous Milwaukee brick, large shipments being made annually to all parts of the country. There are two hotels, the Oregon Exchange being the principal one, kept by Richard Chandler, familiarly and widely known by his friends as "Dick," is one of the best country hotels in the state, and travelers find here a comfortable and home-like stopping place, with a genial host ever ready to minister to the wants and comfort of his guests. The religious element is represented by two churches, one of the Presbyterian and the other of the Methodist denomination, presided over by able pastors. There is also a fine school building consisting of four departments, in charge of capa-

The pioneer meeting and pic nic here in July, 1875, was a gratifying success in every particular, it being the first assemblage of the kind ever held in this section. Fully four thousand people were in attendance from the surrounding towns and villages. The governor of the state and other distinguished personages arrived on the morning train from Madison, and were welcomed by a large concourse of the tillers of the soil, with music and banners. At about ten o'clock, a large procession was formed with a detachment of horsemen in front, followed by every con ceivable kind and description of vehicle, loaded with sturdy yeomarry, taking up its line of march to a beautiful grove near the village, where appropriate exercises were held, consisting of music, and short speeches commemorative of the early settlement of the country.

A prominent feature of the procession were the ox teams drawing full loads of pioneers, with their wives and blooming daughters. To one was attached a sled, used by one of the oldest settlers when he first came into the country, upon which were seated the wife and two grandchildren. In one of the wagons drawn by oxen, was the governor and other invited guests. The weather was most auspicious, and every one seemed happy and determined to make happy all those around them. At the close of the day, the expression was universal that it was the most social and enjoyable gathering ever brought together, and an event long to be remembered in the history of Oregon. Among the business establishments may be enumerated the following: Shepherd & Tracy, dealers in dry goods, groceries and general merchandise; C. W. Netherwood, postmaster, and proprietor of Netherwood's Hall, a commodious hall used for lectures, theatrical entertainments and balls ; Isaac Howe, groceries, drugs and medicines; J. T. Hayes, harness maker, has an extensive establishment, and does a large business in his various lines; Mrs. A. P. Johnson, milliner; C. H. Cronk, station agent; J. W. Scoville, dealer in dry goods, groceries, crockery and glassware; M. C. Salmon, furniture; F. W. Coward, boot and shoemaker; T. Boyd Cowdry, merchant tailor and dealer in gentlemen's furnishing goods; J. M. Doolittle, meat market; C. E. Powers, restaurant and confectionery; A. B. Marvin, grain and poultry dealer; Gr. W. Getz, wagon and carriage maker; Lindsay & Terwilliger, dealers in dry goods, groceries, yankee notions, etc.; F. D. Powers, attorney; E. L. Booth, boot and shoe maker; Miss O. M. Postle, milliner and dress" maker; H. B. Richards, grain dealer; AVm. H. Myers, carriage maker; J. H. Coward, boot and shoe maker; A. W. Herbert, spring bed factory; Johnson & Beckley, milliners and dressmakers; Isaac Johnson, confectionery, flour and feed; H. PI. Marvin, dealer in hardware, tin ware and agricultural implements; Tipple & Emmons, stock buyers; Lovejoy & Richards, lumber dealers; Algard & Chandler, stock buyers; P.

Hayes, proprietor of the Oregon Hotel, opposite the depot. There are also two physicians, an insurance agent, three blacksmith shops, and a livery establishment.

The hardy pioneers who suffered all the pnvations and hardships attending the settlement of a new country, and who have witnessed its gradual growth and development, now enjoy the fruits of their labor, as the well cultivated farms and comfortable homes attest their growing prosperity and happiness.

Black Earth By Clarence Burnett And A. J. Fullerton

JSTot a very remarkable village; yet, from its picturesque appearance, nestling between huge chains of bluffs, its cosy dwellings, its excellent water power, and its sprightly business aspect, is one to excite in the mind of the visitor a desire to know something of its history. Hence this sketch.

The ground it now occupies was formerly the home of the "Winnebago Indians. They were a peaceable tribe, and gave very little annoyance, save by their incessant begging, and their propensity for " borrowing." Many amusing anecdotes are told of them by early settlers, but our limited space forbids their mention. The region abounds in Indian mounds; but perhaps the most remarkable among them is that just south of the village, which represents the prostrate form of a human being, and is several rods in length. It is supposed to mark the last resting place of one of their numerous chiefs.

About 1842 Solomon Hayden made his appearance upon the site which is now known as JBlack Earth. "With him he brought one Charles Turk, and they commenced the toilsome work of rearing a home and clearing ground upon which to raise such articles as are necessary to existence. Mr. H. has the credit of building tlie first house within the present township limits. It was a primitive structure, such as all of us are more or less familiar with, and such as to-day would seem impossible to class among what are known as residences. But in those days a house was valued more for the shelter it gave than for its comely appearance. It occupied a spot of ground just south of the present residence of Mr. John Hill.

Just previous to the building of Mr. Hayden's house - about October, 1843 - Mr. Henry Wilson arrived from New York, together with his family. He found himself in a strange country, almost uninhabited, and without any means of sheltering himself from the storms of the coming winter. Something must be done, and Mr. W. at once set about building r, temporary abiding place. When completed it was more a wigwam than anything else, being built of such loose material as could be readily found, and covered with the dry grass of the marshes, close at hand. Here he wintered his family, cooking in the open air, and getting along with inconveniences as only pioneers can. This will explain the allusions often made to Mr. Wilson's spending his first Wisconsin winter in a hay stack. In the spring following, on the completion of Mr. Hayden's house spoken of, the family were moved to it, and there remained until Mr. Wilson's return from Milwaukee and other points, where he had gone to purchase such articles as were needed in clearing the land which he had settled upon.

A few years later Mr. O. B. Ilaseltine came here from Vermont, and took up land; and to him attaches great importance in Black Earth's history. Under his direction, in August, 1850, the original village plat was made. It was surveyed by David B. Jarvis, then county surveyor, and was composed of six blocks, comprising the southeast quarter of the southeast quarter of section twenty-six, township eight north, of range six east. The village took its name from a creek, which passed through it, but was afterwards changed to Ray, and then again to Black Earth, under which, in 1857, it was incorporated, with George High as president. The incorporation act was for some reason done away with, and it has since remained as it now is. The several additions were made in subsequent years, but no particular importance attaches to them.

the need of such a branch of industry, Mr. John B. Sweat purchased of Mr. Haseltine the site and privileges of the present mill company, and built the mill. This he conducted for some length of time, when he sold it to Mr. John Wall, who after building a small addition, transferred it to its present owners, Messrs. Stanford, Logan & Co. The mill as it now is has a reputation well to be envied, and is doing a very extensive business, not only doing the custom milling for a large scope of country, but shipping large quantities of fine quality of flour to the eastern markets.

Then followed a business venture in the form of a " country store," Elias Pound being the proprietor. His place of business was where now stands the residence of Mr. M. H. Myers. Old settlers tell what are to us marvelous stories of the sale of eggs at three cents per dozen, butter at three cents per pound, and other things proportionately. Success attending Mr. Pound, others were not slow to see it, and soon afterward Messrs. High & Barber established themselves in business.

Our first hotel was the building which, with sundry additions, is now the residence of Mr. J. Q. Stuart. It was kept by Mr. Jared Peck. The next was the hotel which now stands and is known as the Yalley House. This we believe was first kept by Mr. Thomas Barber. Perhaps none of our "old timers" have acquired a stronger hold upon the affections of the people than Mr. B. This gentleman came over from England in 1S48, arriving just in time to vote on the admission of our state into the union. For eight years he tilled the soil, marketing his products in Milwaukee, and frequently not getting enough for the load to pay the expenses of the trip. In 1S54, he moved to the village and engaged in the hotel business, and afterward established the hardware establishment, in which he has since remained.

In the year 1845, the first school house was built. It was a modest looking structure, and in keeping with the other buildings of that day. It was situated between the present farm residences of James and John Turk. For several years, the building served as a temple of learning and as a house of worship. "With the increase of population came a demand for more commodious quarters, which were provided about 1853. This was a frame building, within the village limits, upon the present school lot. This in turn became as inadequate to the demands as had the old one in its day, and in 1859 an excellent two story brick building was made in its place, and the old building sold to the people of Peter C. Paulson's district, town of Vermont, where it was removed early in the following year. Dr. S. L. Hooker and his estimable lady were the first to take charge of affairs in the new building, and right well did they perform their duties. In 1874, a wing was added and the school divided into four departments, in which form it now remains, a pride to every citizen.

In the year 1856, the Milwaukee & Mississippi Eailroad, now Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railroad, reached Black Earth. It was the original intention of the managers to put up a large depot, round house, etc., provided the land could be procured at reasonable figures. The owner of the land, in his cupidity, demanded an exorbitant sum for the ground desired, which so enraged the company's management that they refused to do more than put in a side track, and the citizens were compelled to erect the first depot building. For many years this bitter feeling existed toward the village, and but little was done by the company in way of improvements until tlie extent of the patronage compelled the company to look more favorably upon the village. Until within the past five or six years, during which time the chinch bug has almost entirely destroyed the wheat crop in this vicinity, Black Earth has ranked among the greatest shipping stations on the line. At present, live stock is its chief export. During the year 1876, there were shipped 91 cars of hogs and 85 cars of cattle, while only about 38,000 bushels of wheat were shipped. The total freight shipments amounted to 6,373,710 pounds. The receipts for the same period were 2,700,295 pounds.

At the time this sketch is penned, the population of the town is about 1,000; the village claiming a little over one-half of the number. The population is mixed, being made up principally of Americans, Norwegians, Germans and English. But little manufacturing is carried on, except in those branches dependent upon the agricultural people for support.

The business of the village at the time of this writing may be summed up as follows: Isaacson & JNTordriim, J. Bjornstad & Co., K. Eriekson, Julius Weissenborn, dry goods and groceries; T. Barber & Son, hardware; J. Ilolden, drugs; A. P. "Winden, merchant tailor; A. II. Anderson, confectioner and barber; J. Schanel, furniture; Mrs. E. S. Parker, Mrs. H. Pir per, millinery; Miss E. H. Richards, Miss Mary Severson, dress making; George Zcller, hotel; Burnett tfc Son, publishers Advertise?' and general steam printing; C. Lange, Ed. Kirst, harnessmakers; K. J

Mjelde, Gilbert Anderson, R. Lutzow, shoemakers; C. Peters, photographer; Oie Rustebakke, jeweler; Peter Johnson, general machine shop; F. Yoss, O. J. Wick, M. Hanson, blacksmiths; U. D. Wood, P. Johnson, planing mills; M. H. Myers, Ole Jordet, wagonmakers; John Peterson, carpenter; John Muskat, A. A. Steensrnd, Paul Copley, Meltzer & Peterson, saloons; Stanford & Logan, Ward Brothers, Isaacson & Nordrum, grain buyers; John Adams, Isaacson & Nordrum, Stanford & Logan, stock buyers; Ward Brothers, George Bate, lumber; Stanford, Logan. & Co., flour mill; E. II. Sackett, saw and carding mill; U. P. Stair, W. IT. Bobbins, physicians; S. Charlesworth, lawyer and insurance agent; Man waring, Beatty Sz Wilson, proprietors Black Earth cheese factory; F. Hickstine, butcher; S. Barker, drayman; William Showers, cooper.

Its public edifices are, three churches - Methodist, Congregational and Episcopal - a fine school building, with four separate departments, and a two-story town hall, situated in the center of a beautiful park.

With a good location, a splendid surrounding country, excellent water power, and all advantages given by nature, the subject of this meagre sketch can well claim a place in the front rank of Dane county villages.

Primrose By Hon. G. Tollefson

This township lies in the southwestern part of the county, on its south boundary line, which separates it from the town of New Glarus, Green county, about eighteen miles southwest of Madison, and known as township 5 north, of range 8 east. The town is well watered in the northern part, by the Avest branch of the Sugar river, and also by two tributaries of the same, furnishing the town with an abundance of water and good marsh land. The face of the country is undulating, agreeably diversified with oak openings and prairie. There is considerable highland or small ridges, in which there is excellent stone for building purposes.

On section eleven there is a large rock that stands out in strong contrast with its surroundings, and is composed of several blocks of stone, raised one above the other to the height of about fifty feet, the lower one of which measures nearly twenty-five feet in diameter, while the top block is about fifty feet. It is familiarly called the " Devil's Chimney," because of its supposed resemblance to the form of a chimney. In 1850 a man named Joel Blitz, said to be an old sailor, climbed to the top by means of ropes wrhich were thrown over it and fastened on the ground on the opposite side. He planted a flag on the top, the staff of which is still remaining. The feat was never known to have been done before or since. The base of this chimney is, like many other noted places of historical interest, covered with a profusion of names and dates from all over the United States.

Mount Julia, another of the curiosities of the town, is an oblong ridge of rock, surmounted with trees, about 200 feet high, 250 feet broad, and about 1,600 to 1,700 feet long. It is, in some places, somewhat precipitous, indeed it indicates as if it had at a very recent date been entirely so, but from the wash by rains from the top, it is now quite accessible.

The first settlers in the town of Primrose were David Thomas and family, Robert Speers and family, W. Speers, Edmund Speers, W. Underbill, Robert Harrington, Mr. Scoville, Mr. Phillips, Mr. Peck and Hall C. Chandler. Mr. R. Speers gave the town its name.

Of the Norsemen, who now constitute a large majority of the population of Primrose, Christian Hendrickson from Lier, Norway, was the first settler. He came here in 1846, and still lives on his old farm. Two years later - 1848, more Norsemen arrived, among whom were Niels Evenson, Salve Jorgenson, Niels N. Skogen, who were followed in 1S49 by Gunolf Tollefson and Peter Haslerud. When Mr. Tollefson bought his land, only 80 acres had been purchased in the town, the other settlers having only preempted the jneces of land on which they were living.

Primrose Norse Evangelical Lutheran Congregation ;" it was connected with the Norse Evangelical Lutheran Church of North America, and the church edifice here referred to, was erected in 1856 on section 21. The first minister who preached to an organized congregation was Elling Eielson. The second pastor of this congregation was Arne Boyum. The third was Ole Torgerson, and its present minister is P. Solberg.

A few years after the organization of the above named congregation, another Norse Lutheran Church was organized in this town by the Pev. A. C. Preus. This one joined the so-called Norse Synod. Its second pastor was P. M. Brodahl, and its present preacher is John Field, of the Norse Synod. This congregation erected in 1866 a church, which was consumed by fire in 1873, and has not been rebuilt.

Finally, there is a third Norse Lutheran congregation, which was organized in 1869, by Pev. C. L. Clausen; its second pastor was Prof. A. Weenaas, and its present preacher is M. F. Gjertsen of Stoughton. From the above it appears that the statement in the Dane County Atlas " that Pev. A. C. Preus was the first Lutheran pastor in Primrose " is incorrect.

There has always existed the best of feeling between the different nationalities in Primrose. To this there is but one exception. In the small village of Mt. Vernon, whereof a part is situated within the limits of the town, there lived in the early days of Primrose a man called Dr. Byam, and with him his two brothers and their families, all Americans. Dr. Byam and his brothers had, by their tricky and dishonest practices, and by repeated acts of rascality toward the citizens of the town, made themselves odious to such an ex- tent that the farmers decided to get rid of them. So they got together, about seventy in number, with Dick Chandler as their chosen leader. On the evening agreed upon they proceeded to Dr. Byam's house, armed with axes, crow-bars and other weapons, and asked to speak with him. The rascal, who suspected what was in store for him, sent his wife to the party outside with the answer that he was not at home. But the farmers were not to be bluffed off in this manner, and when he refused to come out they began to tear down the house, and were about throwing it into the stream near by. Fear now seized the doctor, and lie came out, upon the pledge of three farmers that no harm should be done to him before they had properly discussed the matter. He had to go with them into the flour mill near by. Here he was tried and found guilty of several grossly dishonest transactions, among which it was proved that he, with a patent churn, had defrauded several farmers of their lands. The sentence was that Dr. Byara, his brothers and their families must leave Mt. Yernon and Primrose within twenty-four hours, and the rascal was prudent enough to obey this decision. One of Dr. Byam's brothers was tarred and feathered, and the other, who also defied the will of the farmers and came back to town after a load of hay, was also made to feel that the farmers were in earnest when they forbade any of the Byams returning to Primrose. As soon as he had gotten the hay into his wragon, the farmers set fire to it. The horses ran away, as a matter of course, when the hay-load got to burning, and the man had to save his life as best he could by taking to his legs. Since that time none of the brothers Byam have made any attempt to settle in Primrose. Of course the Byam brothers brought suit against the seventy farmers, but the latter employed George B. Smith, of Madison, as their lawyer, and the case ended in an almost complete acquittal of the farmers. Thsy simply had to pay the costs of the suit. Although the action taken against Mr. Byam and his brothers doubtless was perfectly just, the citizens of Primrose of to-day have changed their opinion in reference to ways and means, and would not again take the law into their own hands to protect themselves against vagabonds and rascals.

Another circumstance that took place in the pioneer days of our town, was a conflict between Primrose and the adjoining town of Montrose. An old man, by name Mr. Jackson, in Primrose, owned a claim covered with good oak timber. This timber some of the settlers in the town of Montrose tried to get possession of, and so they came up in tolerable large equipped with teams, sleds, axes, etc., so as to be able to take all the logs down to Montrose. As soon as the people of Primrose found this out, the message of " war," was sent from neighbor to neighbor throughout the town, and an army was soon brought together. The end of the war was that the Montrose party had to go home with their sleds empty, while the Primrose people took the logs home to Mr. Jackson's house.

Burdick of Madison, both candidates for office, came to Blue Mounds to naturalize a number of Norwegians. The Norwegians, thirty or forty in number, were placed in a row and all sworn in at once, upon which Mr. Dean passed up the line, handing to each man his certificate of naturalization, and the ticket he wanted them to vote the next day, urging them to be sure to vote the ticket he s^ave them and no other. The new-fledged citizens being very conscientious and anxious to keep their pledges, appeared at the polls the next day; but the returning board were the ones who were surprised when they came to count the votes in the evening, and found that some of them had voted their naturalization certificates instead of tickets. The Norwegians in Primrose never were quite as conscientious as that.

Blooming Geoye By James Kavanaugh

This township is one of the most interesting portions of Dane county, which, from its early occupation by the natives and the unmistakable evidences of their rude productions that have been found from time to time, render it full of studious contemplation and instruction. Its proximity to the beautiful city of Madison, whose light shines upon a hill that cannot be hid, makes it at once desirable for all agricultural and remunerative purposes; its location and soil being well adapted to all industrial pursuits.

Abram Wood, the man who superintended the building; of Mrs. Eben Peck's house, the first house in Madison, was the first settler; he lived at Winnequah, and had a squaw wife, a daughter of the chief De Kaury. When Simeon Mills came to Madison, by way of Janesville, he crossed the Catfish three times, and finally landed at Winnequah. Here he found Wood, and through him was able to bargain with two Indian boys, for fifty cents each, to carry him across the lake to Madison, a favor which he was unable to persuade the boys to do before.

Robert L. Ream (in Durrie's History of the Four Lakes) says that on a small estuary or spring on Third Lake, he saw a red fox fishing for pickerel, which he caught by springing suddenly into the water and

The town of Blooming Grove is known as town 7 north, of range 10, and situated in the center of the county, about four miles east of Madison. It was originally a part of Madison, but was organized a separate town April 2, 1850, at a meeting held for that purpose at the house of R. "W". Lansing. JN". J. Tompkins was elected chairman; JVm. J. Reese and John L. Lewis, associate supervisors; Dr. II. A. Tiffany, town clerk; Ben. W. Caswell, treasurer; Josephus Lansing, assessor; Rev. John G. Miller, superintendent of schools. Mr. Miller having to leave for the east, R. W. Lansing was appointed to serve in his place. Mr. Miller, from 1845 to 1850, served in the capacity of a missionary among the Germans in Wisconsin, and recalls a very striking contrast between the homes of the citizens of to-day and those of former times. The Germans were very few then, but there were large settlements of Norwegians, a great number of whom preferred building their houses in excavations made in a hill or bluff, where they boarded up the sides with lumber.

Elder Miller purchased some land in Blooming Grove, next to Doctor Tiffany, and others who were among the first settlers. About this time Doctor Tiffany came to Elder Miller, stating that they had better organize a town of their own and be separated from Madison, so as to manage their own affairs and save expense. Accordingly a petition was made to the board of supervisors and the request granted, and on the 2d of April., 1850, town officers were elected. Some time after the organization the Doctor spoke of naming the town, but had not as yet found a suitable name for it. Elder Miller asked the privilege of naming the town. The Doctor said, "Yery well, Elder, if you have a suitable name, let us have it." Having been privileged to travel through this country for several years he readily recognized the beauties of nature which surrounded him, as he behold at a short short distance, the burr and black oak, resembling an Ohio and Pennsylvania orchard, and the prairies full of wild flowers in great abundance, of the most beautiful colors imaginable, so that no florist could have arranged his plants more artistically than was visible all around. With this scene before him, the Elder said, "I think the town names itself - Blooming Grove." " You have hit it, Elder," said the Doctor, "it is a Blooming Grove;" and so as its name was given, so does it continue in reality a Blooming Grove.

The first German church and congregation was organized and built in the southeast corner of Blooming Grove, in the year 1853, under the insjiection and care of Bev. J. H. Bagatz, of the Evangelical Association. The present pastor is Bev. T. Umbrecht.

The earlier inhabitants found this township in a wild, unimproved condition, and in possession of the Indians, who had rudely cultivated a large portion of the lands on the west bank of Monona, directly opposite Madison. The evidences of their rough culture have not entirely disappeared at this time. There are three mounds along the west bank of said lake still apparent. Many of the Indian relics have been found in and about these mounds; but they have never been thoroughly opened and explored. The Indians, in greater or less numbers, have habitually and annually revisited this delightful resort, to engage in fishing and hunting; the lake at all times affording abundant supplies of fish and game. About twenty years ago, during a quarrel the Indians had among themselves, an Indian chief shot one of his braves and then threw him in the lake; the body was taken out subsequently and buried on the lake shore, on the land now owned by Robt. McComb, where the mound is still to be seen.* The following day after the murder, about twenty-five Indians, among whom was the wife of the murdered man, passed the residence of Mr. Geo. Zinck all riding on ponies, with the exception of this woman, who walked alongside leading her pony, which the Indians said it was necessary for her to do for a number of months, as evidence of her mourning for her husband.

When the Hon. Moses M. Strong, Levi E. Marsh and Mr. Potter left Milwaukee on the 16th day of January, 1837, and traveling on horeback through Prairie village (now Waukesha), Fort Atkinson and

First Lake, for the purpose of visiting the newly located seat of government, they took the Indian trail from Second Lake to Third, and arrived on the southeast side in the town of Blooming Grove near AVinnequah, where Mr. Strong taking his field glass fixed upon a bay on the opposite shore in a northwesterly direction as the most probable direction of the section line, and crossing the lake on the ice, struck the meander post of the government surveyor at the foot of King street, and through the center of which the section line runs.

The early settlement of the town was greatly retarded for want of ready facilities for obtaining the necessaries of life, Madison affording but small amounts and at enormous prices, and Milwaukee being the nearest market (95 miles) where even the smallest demands of the citizens could be occasionally supplied. However, by economy, patience and perseverance, the forests were subdued and cleared, and the richest productions of the soil soon produced an abundance for home consumption, and the people became happy and hopeful; and now think they have the richest and most productive soil, the most beautiful farms, and enchanting scenery of any other town in the county. Its healthful condition has ever been proverbial, and from some of its eminences may be seen, and at once, the 2d, 3d, and 4th lakes, also the city of Madison and the historic Blue Mounds, twenty-five miles west of Madison, a sight full of grandeur and magnificence. Bounded on the west by Lake

Monona, the best and most placid sheet of water of the four lakes, its shores are easily accessible over a bed of white gravel, looking like brilliants set in the diadem of nature. Here bathing may be freely indulged in, our town having no prohibitory law; and for aquatic sports, in boating and fishing, it cannot be excelled. Part of sections seven and eight, all of section eighteen, and nearly all of nineteen, lie beneath the waters of Lake Monona, while sections twenty-eight and thirty-three are mostly covered by Lake Waubesa. The Catfish river connects the two, running through sections 28 and 29. There are some smaller streams in the town, upon one, Mr. Dunning erected a sawmill in the year 1841. Dr. Tiffany was the first physician in the town. Dr. Pelton came shortly afterwards.

There are a number of genial resorts on this side of the lake, where sumptuous repasts may be had in good order and at moderate rates. Steamboats ply the lake at all reasonable hours, and pleasure seekers have the freest and fullest rational enjoyments. The citizens are all farmers and hard workers, as the delightful and growing condition of their farms will show, and are proverbial for genial hospitality and high intelligence. The soil is of the very best quality that could be desired. The town has twelve school districts, and contains a population of 1,500 inhabitants.

The Cottage Grove Fire Insurance Company, comprising the towns of Cottage Grove and Blooming Grove, and adjoining towns, was organized March 24th, 1875, with the following incorporators:

The company commenced business on the 8th day of June, in the same year, with a capital of one hundred thousand dollars. The company insures all kinds of farm property, and is in a prosperous condition, and has up to this date, August 20, 1877, only sustained two small losses, amounting to $92, and has increased its capital to $270,000. Its present officers are:

The town officers of 1877 are : Supervisors - Dan - iel Bechtel, chairman, Matthew Conlan, William M. Townsend; town clerk - James Kavanaugh: assessor - Wm. H. Pauli; treasurer - Holmes Halverson.

Owing to the wide area of the original town, the creation of villages and a city, and great municipal changes, it is difficult to make a satisfactory sketch of the town of Madison, since the shifting scene of forty years often leaves one in doubt what to include and what to reject, either as to boundaries, or as to early settlers. Strictly speaking the pioneer citizens of the village and city are a part of, and belong to, the town, and no sketch could be considered complete which did not include them, as many of them were the most prominent actors in early times. From the material at command I have made the best classification in my power. It is not entirely satisfactory to myself, and doubtless will not be to many who may read these pages and whose names have been necessarily omitted. I beg all to look upon this production with charity and a kindly eye to the difficulties of the undertaking.

Wrro first Visited the Lake Country. - Ebenezer Brigham, the first settler within the limits of Dane county,was probably the firsb white American who visited the site of Madison. In repeated conversations with the writer, many }'ears since, he stated that, in company with a few other prospectors, he erected a cabin at Blue Mounds in 1828, and, having done so, accompanied by three others, a few days later, made a trip to Fort Winnebago, then a new frontier outpost, to ascertain whether supplies could be obtained there, and what facilities existed for the shipment of lead. He had heard of the Lake Country from the Indians, and, on his return, struck south at a venture, and the same night camped on the hill on which Madison is now located, eight years hefore the site was entered by Doty and Mason. Impressed with the beauty of the spot, in a moment of enthusiasm, he predicted that a city would in time grow up there, and that it might become the future capital of a state. He was a warm, personal friend of Doty, and it was probably through him that knowledge of the place was first communicated. It is not probable that Doty and his party, who visited the region in 1829 for the purpose of examination with reference to entering land, did so at random, and without previous information as to the existence of the lakes, or that they were the first coiners here. The government surveys were not completed until 1834. At any rate, I record the statement of Mr. Brigham, made to me on several occasions, and place it in opposition to such historical works as give Doty and his party the credit of " discovery/-' No one who personally knew Brigham would for a moment question his veracity on this or any other subject. He was a pure type of western pioneer manhood, modest, quiet, unassuming, and never given to boasting. I ought to add, that he gave me the names of the companions who made the trip with him, but they have unfortunately been lost. He spoke of the excursion simply as a mere incident of his early experience in the country, and repeated to me what is above recorded the last time I met him, but a few weeks before his death. A. Pioneer Scene. - The first coiners found everything in a primitive condition. The hand of man had not as yet made what, in modern terms, is called an " improvement.1' The waters tossed idly upon their pebbly beaches, unfurrowed by a keel. The rivers ran lazily through channels winding and crooked to such a degree as to prevent any rapidity of current. The marshes and low grounds were dank in oozy slime, undrained, and with scarcely defined boundaries. Forests spread out on all sides over hill and dale. The prairies at rare intervals came down to the shores. Birds of passage in innumerable flocks swarmed upon all the waters ami low grounds. The stately swan came fearlessly to feed or make his nest; the pelican and crane, seen standing in long lines about the shores, gave strange animation to the scene, as they sought their finny prey. Ducks, geese, all varieties of water-fowl, in multitudes beyond computation, everywhere dotted the waters, Avhile fish in great variety of species filled the pellucid depths.

Nor was the land less densely peopled with wild animal life. The elk, deer, bear, wolf, fox, with many other species, found here a home and natural supplies for every want. The eagle and hawk were lords of the air. Songsters filled the woods with melody. The prairie hen, grouse, sand-hill crane, quail and other species abounded in the openings and prairies. And to this may be added the beaver, not as yet exterminated, the otter, mink, muskrat, etc., some individuals of which even yet survive. Add to these things Indian encampments about the shores, with their rude wigwams, their light canoes, their toil-worn squaws, their elfish pappooses and lazy warriors, and we shall have in brief retrospect the scene that greeted the pioneers of the Lake Country in the seasons of verdure and sunshine. It was a land without roads, bridges, or artificial landmarks, other than recent surveys, in which the only reliable guide to the traveler was his compass, and his successful journeying depended almost wholly upon his endurance, fortitude and practical good sense.

now under the meaningless name of "Mound Builders.1' The ages were marked here with the symbols of this mysterious people, with a richness and profusion that proved long residence, and keen appreciation of all that was most beautiful in nature. About every variety of form of structure known in the north were to be met with - beasts, birds, reptiles and men. That any memory of them has been preserved, is due to the labors of a Lapham and one or two others. The plow has been as great a leveler as death - one removing the race, and the other eradicating its monuments. Our fields, indeed^ are little else than the cemeteries of a people whose origin was doubtless cotemporaneous with the mammoth, the mastodon and the elephant. Nearly all their great works have now disappeared from the scene. Their unhonored dust scarce survives as a memory. Modern civilization has triumphed over the graves of a mighty past. Unless speedily surveyed, what still remain of these works - and they are still numerous in the woodlands - will soon meet the common fate. Is there no one, in this eleventh hour, to re-map the outlines of what still remain?

Fkom 1836 to 1816. - Madison was the parent town of Dane county, the first named, the first organized, and, with the exception of a single individual, the first settled. As its original boundaries probably coincided with those of the county, it is doubtful whether Ebenezer Brigham, the pioneer of all this section of country, ought not to be classed as its first settler, though living at Blue Mounds, as the township is now named. If he may not properly be thus classified, then Eben Peck and family are entitled to that distinction, by arriving a few weeks in advance of others who have remained permanently located from the beginning, while his stay was not of many years durati >u.

The first entry of land in the town was made April 6, 1836, by James D. Doty and Stevens T. Mason, covering most of the present city site; and although the place then had no name, as other tracts about were soon taken, that date may be considered as the origin of all improvements and changes that have since followed.

Anything like a correct history of the town requires a classification into three parts, according to municipal changes, which may be thus stated:

1. From 1836 to 1816, during most of which period the town and county were substantially the same, geographically, and had substantially the same officials.

2. The charter of the village in 1816, without interference with the town government, except as to purely municipal matters, which incorporation continued for ten years.

3. The chartering of the city in 1856, which ousted the village and town authority, and severed the two forms of government previously existing.

The first election precincts into which the town was divided were ordered by the county commissioners May 15, 1839, viz.: Madison and Moundville (Blue Mounds). These Avere then the only points of settlement. The total population was estimated at three hundred. The county was still attached to Iowa for taxable and judicial purposes, and as yet no courts had been held. At the election held for delegate to congress, August 10, 1839, the total vote cast for all candidates was seventythree. County officers, justices of the peace, etc., were at this time appointed by the governor. Officers of election were appointed by the county commissioners. Township government, in the sense Ave now understand it, can scarcely be said, during these ten years, to have had an existence. A quarrel betAveen Gov. Doty and the legislature, in 1812-3, finally changed the Avhole

The population, too, of this decade, was much too small and diffused either to support or to bear much civil control. There was little occasion for government where there were none to govern; and the pioneers of the wilderness were too poor in worldly goods to assume unnecessary burthens. The worst victims of the time were such speculators as had loaded heavily with wild lands, and lots in the village plat. They were naturally regarded as fair game, and whenever anything of a public nature was undertaken, it was almost always at their expense. The financial crash of 1836-7 had carried every enterprise down, and anything like renewed prosperity was not felt in the interior of Wisconsin until about 1815. The products of the farm literally had no commercial value. Wheat sold, when there was any market, at twenty-five cents per bushel, and when it reached fifty cents, farmers considered themselves on the high road to wealth, as they were, for lands could be bought at less than government price, and wants were much fewer than at the present time. It is economy and general cheapness, and not high prices and extravagant notions, that makes communities rich. Poverty and industry are the saving power of states.

From 1816 to 1856. - In 1816, the town was for the first time practically organized, and the village of Madison incorporated. The corporation did not conflict with the town government, and citizens participated equally in both elections, as if no internal municipal organization existed. The town, indeed, was for several years the controlling local authority.

son was far isolated from all neighborhood, and the gain in population from year to year was scarcely appreciable. To show more clearly the exact location of population in 1846, I have copied two extracts from the town records: one creating new voting precincts in the town, which then embraced twenty-four townships (Albion, Dunkirk and Fitchburg having previously been designated as voting places, in addition to Madison and Moundville), and the order of the commissioners of common schools dividing the town into school districts in accordance with law, to wit:

New Precincts. - June 29, 1846. - At a meeting1 of the board of supervisors, held at the county room this day, the following precincts were ordered to be established for holding general elections :

Ordered, " That a precinct be established at the house of George McFadden | now town of Montrose] in the town of Madison and county of Dane, to be known by the name of "Grand Springs Precinct," and that Geo. McFadden, Daniel M. Holt and Russell Tiffany be, and hereby ar ;, appointed judges of election for said precinct.

That a precinct be established at the house of John Clark, in the town of Madison [now probably town of Dane J, to be known by the name of ' ' Dane Precinct, ' ' and that John Clark. Arnold Downing and Freedom Simons be, and they hereby are, appointed judges of election for said precinct.

That a precinct be established at the house of John M. Thomas, in the town of Madison and county of Dane [now Cross Plains], to be known by the name of ' ' Cross Plains Precinct, ' ' and that John M. Thomas, Ripha Worden and John S. Mann be, and hereby are, appointed judges of election for said precinct.

That a precinct be established at the house of Amos Beecher, in the town of Madison and county of Dane [now Cottage Grove], to be known by the name of " Cottage Grove Precinct," and that Horatio Catlin, Roswell Brown and Charles M. Nichols be, and are hereby appointed judges of election of said precinct."