Madison City (part 18 of 20)

The erection of these precincts gave a total of nine voting places in the county, and the names then given were, with an exception or two, adopted by the towns when afterwards organized. The then town of Madison, by the change, had six places established for voting within its limits.

yet without their first settler. They were known only by number and range; and nothing was more puzzling for a time to " old settlers'' than to recognize towns by the names given them by successive boards of supervisors in subsequent years. Even now the writer confesses himself often in doubt as to the location of some of the towns from their names, long as they have been established,without reference to a map - having learned in the "old way." There is quite a difference between remembering thirty-six names and two or three, as in the early time, while the plats of survey were extremely simple.

Schools and School Districts. - The first school district in either town or county was created December 25, 1841, on the formal application, by petition, of Almon Lull, I. W. Bird, E. Irving. P. W. Matts and Nicholas Smith. David Brigham, James Morrison and Bush Fairchild were commissioners of schools. The district was numbered 1, and comprised the whole township of Madison as at present organized, including most of the city site. In February, 1811, the district was enlarged by adding to it town 8, range 9 - now Westport. Up to 1846, seventeen districts had been designated in different portions of the county, to meet the wants of new settlement, but they were entirely disconnected, and without union or uniform plan. Upon the formal beginning of town government by popular vote, the town of Madison, as then organized, was formally divided into districts, by the order following, given in full:

Town School Districts in 1816. - The official division of the town of Madison into school districts will, perhaps, better illustrate the meagerness of population in 1816, than anything I might say on the subject. It was as follows:

"Beit known that on this 29th day of June, A. D. 1846, we, the undersigned commissioners of common .schools for the town of Madison, county of Dane and territory of Wisconsin, have divided

This order is signed by J. Gilletfc Knapp, Benjamin Holt, and F. H. Talcott, school commissioners. It is doubtful if there were a. dozen schools actually kept in the entire county. It will be seen that the commissioners divided the then town of Madison into districts, incorporating whole townships where there were no, or few inhabitants, and making them of lesser size only when actual colonies had been begun. Viewed in the

The vote for state government at the spring election, 1846, was 200 for, and 47 against. A great many settlers deemed it too early to establish a state, as the general government relieved them of all burthens by paying the territorial expenses. The proposition was barely carried, mainly by the vote cast in villages and cities, through the activity of politicians desirous of place and distinction.

Vote for Town Officers in 1846. - The population of the town at this time may be inferred from the vote cast at the election held April 7, for town officers. Political division ran very high at this period, and as the settlers were all young or middle aged, it is presumed that few or none failed to attend the polls. The result as to supervisors was as follows:

If the 232 votes cast indicated an average of four nonvoters to each, the total population of the town would have been 928, and it did not probably much exceed this, including, of course, the village.

Among the number voted for at this election, but few remain citizens of the present town, or now survive. J. D. Ruggles was elected clerk over E. M. Williamson by one majority. For treasurer, Darwin Clark was elected over Henry C. Parker. For collector, Andrus Viall was elected over Benjamin W. Wilcox and Abel Rasdall; For assessors, George Vroman, J. W. Thomas and William Larkin were elected over Wm. A. Webb, W. D. Bird and Michael M. McCord. For fence viewers, Eliab B. Dean, Jr., Thos. W. Sutherland and John

Y. Smith triumphantly defeated S. F. Blanchard, R. F. Lowdon and Samuel Parkhurst. Justices, Wm. N. Seymour, Nathaniel Wheeler and Alonzo Wilcox were chosen over Adam Smith, Barlow Shackleford and Nathan Spaulding. Of these and the lesser candidates, it is painful to note how many have disappeared from the scene of their labors.

The clerk, at a meeting in April, was ordered to procure a printed form for town orders, suitable books for a town record, and a proper seal. The total taxes voted for all purposes amounted to about seven mills. The English settlement in the lower part of Black Earth vallejr, just commenced, owing to the poverty of some of its members, cost the town quite a heavy sum for poor purposes, and was a subject of much controversy. Cattle of all kinds, except bulls and stallions, were permitted, by official action, to run at large in all highways, the owners not being liable for damages to any one whose premises were not enclosed by a legal fence.

At an election held April 6, 1847, the vote for state constitution "Yes" was 175; " No," 154. For license to sell liquors, "Yes," 27 votes; "No," 13. Equal suffrage to colored persons, "Yes," 18 votes; "No," 176, As yet the place had achieved but one colored " man and brother," and his voting enfranchisement was not popularly relished; and yet Titus Kirhpatrick was highly distinguished by the attentions received, both in prose and verse, as old settlers will all no doubt remember.

A genial kindness pervaded communities at this time, unknown to the present. How often a score of able bodied men left their own work to go out ten or twenty miles to help a new settler raise his cabin, whose name even was scarcety known ; and all without fee or reward. It was equally so with the sick, needy and destitute. The shams of modern society had no place here. The impulses of benevolence were sincere and genuine. Hypocrisy and selfishness had not as yet found a foothold. Degrees of wealth were not recognized as degrees in the scale of humanity. Piety was scarce; but practical good deeds were too common to attract notice. They were looked upon as matters of course.

A vein of waggery tinged the whole social order. Every one was joker or jokist - made victims of others, or was himself victimized. Humor and fun were standard coin. Their circulation reached every one. But it is almost impossible to record in words the spirit that escaped in its essence, and overflowed on all occasions. Mirth, indeed, flowed like a river with full Ivmks, and there was no such thing as strangers to the flood. Hardships and trouble were alike forgotten in its presence. This mercurial impulse made a " smiling land " of a wide waste of fertile but unoccupied desert.

Nothing in the " show line " could at that time make its appearance without universal patronage. It did not matter whether good or bad, sport was bound to come out of it. Even the gravity of courts and legislatures were no barriers to the popular tendency. How vividly I recall the advent of a circus, in the summer of 1848.* The legislature was at the moment in dull and heavy session, myself reporting for the press. Suddenly strains of music floated into the Assembly Chamber.

* Mr. N. T. Hawes, of Fitch burg, states that the first circus exhibited in Madison was in the summer of 1C44, and exhibited on the corner of the block now occupied by J. E. Fisher as a furniture warehouse. In the Dane county minutes there is a record made of one Geo. K. Spaulding as being licensed to exhibit the "North American Circus." in Dane county, for ninety days, dating July 5th, 1814. Also on July Kith, 1845, and July 11th, 1840, the firm of June & Turner were licensed for the same purpose, and for about the the same numbe: of days each time.

A moment more, there was a rush of members for the windows over seats and desks, and then a stampede for the doors. The speaker stopped with a " motion " on his lips, his gavel dropped, and, with one or two jumps, he landed on the stairway, and thence to the floor below, and out into the park with the crowd, and was among the first to reach the street. The clerks, astonished for a moment, joined in pursuit; and the reporter stood in an empty house in the space of about a minute, which no one had adjourned, and so he adjourned himself. But to dwell on these memories would take a volume.

Events of Genekal Impoktance. - The first event of local consequence was the location of the territorial capitol. At the time there was but one settler in the county. Next to it was the building of a steam sawmill on Fourth lake, near the present steamboat landing, whereby some oak lumber was obtainable for the floors of dwellings. Previous to this, the most " aristocratic " houses were covered with siding split by hand. Log houses were of course largely in excess. As this mill soon ceased work, owing to a quarrel over the own* ership (having been built with territorial funds), Simeon Mills and William A. Wheeler, erected another in 1811, on a creek which empties into the northerly end of Third lake; and this small affair, which turned out 2,000 feet daily, of hard wood, was for a long time the sole reliance for a supply of lumber for the county. This mill was soon after sold to Philo Dunning, who run it for some years. Subsequently Mr. Mills built a steam mill on the edge of the marsh, between Main street and Washington avenue, in the year 1819. To his enterprise at this period and afterwards, the town and county owe far more than they have ever repaid. All these mills have, of course, long since disappeared. The crop of " prairie saw logs " is a thing of the past,

In 1844 the first flouring mill was erected in the town by William A. Wheeler and Joseph Vroman, on a small branch of Sugar River in town 6, of range 8 (now Verona), and known as Badger Mill, which was the only grist mill for several years, and consequently the inhabitants were largely dependent upon Janesville and other towns in Rock river valley for their bread, until L. J. Farwell built a large flouring mill at the outlet of Lake Mendota, in 1851.*

The Era of Canal Projects. - Among events of these early times, the survey of a canal route from Rock river to the Wisconsin, by way of the Four Lakes, ought not to be omitted, as the " canal fever " preceded the '"railroad mania.'1 In 1838-9, Capt. Cram made a canal survey from Rock river to Madison, under instructions from the general government, and in the latter year, Capt. Alex. M. Mitchell continued it from the head of Fourth Lake to " Mud Lake," and down Black Earth valley to the Wisconsin, and pronounced the project "perfectly feasible!" Here, then, was a scheme worth

* To illustrate the dilemma of a community thus situated, let me give a brief example. On my first visit to Madison, in 1845, I was invited by Daniel M. Holt, an old acquaintance, to take tea with his family. On accompanying him to his house I soon discovered that his wife, from a whispered conversation, was in a "peck of trouble." Finally, Holt, turning to me, said, '-It is no use to conceal anything. We have to depend on Janesville for flour, and the 'flour man' is four days behind time. I bought an extra 6tock on his last visit, but the taverns and neighbors are all out, and wre have lent until we have not an ounce for ourselves. I think the man must get along yet to-night. At any rate let us go out and watch the road for him. If he fails, we can't give you either bread or biscuit, for there is no such thing in town. You will have to All up with potatoes and fish." We accordingly took up a position in the woods, near where the court house now stands, and eagerly scanned the '-Janesville road." In about an hour a team was seen winding round the head of Third Lake, which proved to be the "flour man's." Some biscuit was speedily prepared, much to the relief of the wife, who persisted in feeling "mortified" at being caught in so common a predicament at that time in all families. The rule seemed to be that the "taverns" must be supplied in'any event, for the good repute of the place, however short the citizens. Such a deprivation at the time, with me, as with others, would have simply excited a hearty laugh. But feminine hospitality was often put to a severe test in those days.

talking about - a water route both east and west from Madison, and our lakes, in imagination, all to be turned into reservoirs for steamers and canal boats! The ideas of the time were far ahead of present or possible reality. There was no such word as " visionary " to the new comer. A canal carried over a two hundred-feet crest, with no body of water as a feeder, did not seem an extravagant enterprise during this era of wild real estate speculation.

Scandinavian Immigration. - Norwegian settlement was commenced around Lake Koshkonong about 1840. It soon pressed into the southeast corner towns of Dane county. Dressed in the costume of their native land, with customs and manners wholly un-American, the Scandinavian was at first regarded with great curiosity by the native element. As a rule, they selected the hilly lands out of the government domain, and built their dwellings mainly in excavations, often invisible at a distance. When a census was taken in midwinter in 1847, as a preliminary to the convention to frame a state constitution, Joel P. Mann, who was making the enumeration, had great trouble in finding this class of the population. In this emergency, Mr. Burdick (EUsJta, for short,) suggested a plan that was eminently successful. It was to gain a high hill in early morning, count the smokes, and multiply the number by ten! The census was soon after satisfactorily completed.

In the absence of polling places, the Norwegian settlers, in 1816, had to come to Cottage Grove (Beecher's place) to vote. There was much strife between political parties to gain this accession in strength, and the custom was, to send out a team on election day, with a deputy clerk to naturalize, together with a plethoric keg of whisky, and an agent to see that a supply of the right kind of tickets were given out and put into the ballot

Officer to applicant - "Hold up your hand. You swear." Applicant - "Y&w" Officer - "By Jesus Christ." Applicant - "Taw." Officer - " You vote the democratic ticket!'1'' Applicant - "Yaw." Officer - "Here is the straight vote. Go up to that window where you see those three men, and put it in the box, then come back and take a square drink. You are now invested with the whole dignity and every right of a free American citizen."

The wondrous career of the race in material wealth and mental improvement, under favorable and improving conditions, is, to the early American settlers, a marked phase in race development, conspicuous among all others witnessed in western life.

There were few German settlers then, one I recollect by the name of Xavier Jordan. I can only remember the names of three Irishmen, Thomas and Matthew Dunn and Peter Kavanaugh and their families. A dozen English families located, near what is now Mazonianie and towns of Springfield and Berry, and a few Scotchmen in this town and Verona, comprised the " foreign element." The American type was generally predominant.

Population, however, commenced flowing in very rapidly about this period, and but a short time elapsed before nearly every European nation had representatives among us. Owing to the rivalry between different counties, the census returns of the period are, on the score of exact accuracy, at least open to suspicion.

The railroad, also, which first reached us in 1854, was another event whose impulse is scarcely yet over. For the first time our people were tied to the outer world by an enduring baud - a tie whose cost many of them are not likely to forget. Its advent was regarded as a decidedly "big thing." Hundreds came from miles distant to see the first gravel train!

The Town as now Organized. - The present area of the township of Madison is about 11,400 acres of land - the balance water. It stands like a sheep that has passed through the hands of the shearer. Years of steady clipping had shrunk it to square boundaries, when the legislative shears made a final clip about 1859, and set off a few sections to the town of Burke. As a result, its parts are no longer " contiguous territory." The two northern corners, " McBride's Point" and uLivesey's Woods," are isolations - the voters from one side having to pass through Springfield and Middleton to get into their own town, and on the other, to traverse some five miles of city site to attend the polls. Except these breaks, the town encloses the city as the shell does the kernel, or the setting the gem, and embraces about all the beauties of location and landscape that the city is so boastful over. The promontories and peninsulas, headlands, bluffs and bays are nearly all in the town, which probably has no counterpart in outline elsewhere upon the globe.

Geologically, the valle}rs and lowlands lie at the junction of the Lower or Potsdam sandstone with the Lower Magnesian limestone, so that the wash from the hills is a perpetual source of fertility. In addition to this, the town is in the very focus of ancient glacial activity, which not only scooped out the lake basins, but piled the debris, mixed with transported material, along the skirts of our hills and into nearly all our valleys. The surface may be said to be nearly all rolling, and without levels, other than marsh grounds. The soil is generally good, and its fertilizing qualities likely to endure.

There are no waste lands, or too little to make a note of in a general description. On the Avhole, our half a town has capabilities exceeding many whole ones elsewhere.

Our population numbers now about 1,000. The farms lead all other pursuits. We have six or seven school districts, no churches, one or two saloons, as many hotels, and little of mechanic arts, manufacturing or merchandising, and no debt! A more intelligent, quiet, orderly and harmonious people cannot be found in the whole state. For more than twenty years past it has been difficult to get any one to qualify as a justice of the peace, and during part of the time we have rarely had such an official; and the same is equally true of constables. With few exceptions our criminals have all been imported, and were not " to the manor born."

Eben Peck, the first person who located on the site of the city, is also credited with being the first who '' broke the glebe " and turned the first furrow in the present town of Madison; and, for that matter, in the county of Dane. He broke about three acres, a little west of William Larkin's present homestead, in 1838, probably under the impression that it was government land; but, finding out his mistake, abandoned the work, and did not attempt cultivation. William Lawrence made a settlement near the north line of the town of Windsor, in 1838; but to what extent he broke the soil, if at all, is doubtful. In 1839, Abel Dunning and William D. Bird made breakings within the present town, and " Esq. Peaslee " did the same on the " 76 farm," in Burke, which has passed through so many proprietors since. Wm. B. and Gr. H. Slaughter also settled in Middleton in the same year. Dunning sowed crops on his breaking in 1839, but Bird and others, it is reported, not until the next year. These two worthy gentlemen and pioneers are the fathers of agriculture in Dane county, preceding in date all others now remaining or living, and have continued in their chosen profession from the beginning. Both have filled many public stations of great usefulness to the county, but none as conspicuous as their merits deserved. Neither have ever had leisure to run after office; and when they have accepted trusts of the kind, it has been done as a duty owed to community, rather than from any desire for place. The beginners of our farms are certainly worthy of having their names commemorated, and of every honorable distinction in the power of the community to confer.

Among others of our pioneers, the names of James R. Larkin, Jonathan Larkin, Daniel Larkin, William Larkin and B. F. Larkin, stand prominently and conspicuous as a family. To these should be added Harmon J. Hill, Andrus Viall, Russell and Daniel Sheldon, and many others not easily enumerated from memory - all good men - citizens to be proud of - worthy in all senses to have assisted in founding not alone a town and county, but the state as well. As all the old settlers in the city belonged to the town, their career, in a historical sense, is a part of our heritage.

1840. Supervisors - John Nelson, ch'n. Andrus Viall, R. F. Davis. Clerk - Robert L. Ream. Collector - Office abolished. Treas urer - M. G. Van Bergen. Assessor - Newton Emmons (but one elected). Sv.pt. of Schools - D. II. Wright (but one elected). Just ices - Abram Ogden, David H. Wright, William Welch. Constables - Alfred Main, A. M. Rasdall, Henry Carman.

The legislature of 1856 chartered the city of Madison, and the town, in area nearly as now organized, held its election in April. The following were the first officers chosen :

+ Leonard J. Farwell purchased most of the northeast part of the village in 1847, visited Europe in 1848, and commenced improving his estate in 1849. Among the work he projected in 1851, was a large amount of ditching, etc. While absent, the whigs nominated him for chairman of the board of supervisors, and it was at once seen by the democrats that it was a formidable name to run against. To incite the needed opposition, Andrew Bishop, betin- known as "Elder," harrangued a crowd, saying, in substance, "that if Farwell was elected he would put the town into $10,00.1 expense for ditching his marsh, while his opponent, Barnard, would be eminently a safe man." Upon this, an Irishman on the outside of the crowd, nudging another, thus expressed himself: "Pat, do yes mind that now? If Farwell's elected he will spind tin thousand dollars a ditchin' the marsh, and Barnard niver a cint. Bisk says so. Farwell's the man for us, be jabers. Divil a ha'p'orth do we give Barnard a vote." The result of Bish's effort was to give Farwell the whole Irish strength - a whig victory for the first time in many years. The notoriety given to the event made Farwell a year later, governor of Wisconsin. Simeon Mills and Gov. Farwell were the real founders of about every early enterprise to improve the country, and make Madison what it has since become. " Bish's " speech was the prime inspiration of Farwell's political advancement, aided by Col Botkiu and others.

The whole number of votes cast at this election wa«s 124, as against 1,425 the year previous, when connected with the city. The vote of the town during the past twenty years has rarely reached above 300, and then only in very exciting elections.

Chairmen of Hoard of Supervisors - H. J '. Hill, two terms, W". D. Bird, Thomas Reynolds, two term?, H. A. Tenney, Andrus Viall, Chancellor Hill, two terms, Abel Dunning, two terms, Henry Turvill, Ed. E. Bryant, George C. Russell, Henry A. Draper, William Windsor.

Supt. of Schools - H. A. Tenney, two years, Caleb' Jewett and nenry Turvill, two years. By change in the school system, this office was abolished at the close of Mr. Turvill* s term.

Personal Recollections

In compiling a history in which events of a general character are recorded, many interesting anecdotes and pleasing personal recollections are frequently unintentionally omitted. We purposed giving our readers a chapter on "Personal Incidents of Pioneer Life," but our space forbids recording more than the following, the first of which, furnished us by the Hon. Geo. B. Smith, is a simple narative of an act, so genuinely unselfish, that it will be rare to find its equal any where.

A good many years ago an incident occurred here in Madison, illustrating high integrity, great generosity and singular unselfishness, which I think should be preserved.

Among the early settlers of Madison were two single men, Robert Moore, an Englishman, and James Dow, a Scotchman. Robert was always called "Bob," and James "Jimmie." Jimmie Dow lived always, when I knew him, all alone in a sort of hole in the ground on the Sauk road, about two miles west of Madison. "Bob" lived in town with old Uncle John Mallow, a brickmaker, with a large family. " Bob " often visited " Jimmie " at his cabin, in fact, I think he made " Jimmie's " house his headquarters. They were both genial, jolly good fellows, and both excessively fond of their toddy. "Bob" was famous as a whistler. Every year, for many years, he used to whitewash the old Capitol fence, when he would always draw crowds by his remarkable whistling:. " Jimmie " was a well digger, and often worked at day's work with liis team of mules, which he always owned whde I knew him. He could repeat Burns' poems by the hour, and always, to use his own expression, as "dry as afesh." One afternoon " Bob " went out to " Jimmie 's " and in the evening feeling quite unwell, he startled his friend " Jimmie " by telling him he was sure he should not live until morning. "Jimmie" protested that he was only fidgety and frightened. "Bob," was deeply impressed that he should die that night, and he said: "'Jimmie,' I owe you for borrowed money thirty or forty dollars, and I owe Uncle John Mallow more than that for board. Now, Jimmie, I am sure I shall die before morning, and if I do, I want you to take my gun and a note I have against a man in Columbus for $30, all 1 have in the world, and give them to Uncle John, for he is poor and has a large family to support, and you must lose your debt. If I live, I wih\pav you both." "Jimmie" said he would. Sure enough, "Bob" did die that night. When the funeral was over "Jimmie" took the gun and the note to Uncle John Mallow, and that very morning he brought the note to me at my house for collection, and told me this story. I collected the note, Mallow got his pay - "Jimmie" lost his debt. " Jimmie " remained here for a few years after the death of Bob, but finally left; where he went to I do not know. Two or three years ago he returned to visit his old friends, but tliis was no place for "Jimmie." I did not see him, but those who did, said he was still as " dry as a fesh."

Mr. E. M. Williamson says that Berry Haney and Pelkie, the Frenchman referred to on page 26, had the dispute about a claim of land in Cross Plains, and Haney shot the Frenchman through the thigh, the ball entering the folding leaf of a cherry table, and which for years afterwards was shown by Haney to his friends as a curiosity. Haney, however, took care of Pelkie until his final recovery.

Mr. E. Burdiok relates that Haney at one time borrowed $50 of him and tendered him his note, which he, Burdick, refused, remarking that it was a matter of honor between Haney and himself, and all he wished was that the money should be returned at a given date. Haney was never known to honor liis note, but this matter of verbal promise to pay was the highest form of integrity to him, and on the appointed day Haney passed over the lawful amount with a nervous earnestness that he never was known to experience, at any other time when his note of hand fell due.

Adam Smith, of Sun Prairie, who was at one time a partner of Abel Rasdall, relates an incident which, we believe, lias never been recorded before. Rasdell kept a trading store on the east side of King and Webster streets, and on one occasion a young Indian entered his store and attacked Mm with an open knife. Rasdell was unarmed, but after guarding the blows, was finally able to wrench the knife from the hands of the Indian, and though wounded across the back of his fingers, pursued him out into the street, where he caught and threw him down, and then struck at with the knife, while he held him down with one hand. The knife each time struck a heavy buckskin belt the Indian wore, and thus failed to injure him. The father of the young man coming up at the time, rushed up to Rasdall and besought him to spare the life of his son and take his, as he was an old man and had few moons to live. Tin- appeal touched the heart of Rasdall. and though naturally rash and vindictive, he allowed the young man to get up and go off with his father without further molestation.

Wm. Welch, Esq., speaking of the good sayings and good things that are left slumbering in obscurity, for want of proper can in the preserving of them, and which would go far to the exclusion of so many trashy books that are palmed off on the public, relates the following in his Home Diary: " In 1857, the law firm of Welch & Lamb was established, and with their extensive acquaintance in the county, clients multiplied apace, and among them Mr. John Foreman, late of Deerfield. In 1860, the State Fair was appointed to be held in Madison; and Mr. Welch, making Mr. Foreman a friendly visit at his farm, bargained for a dozen spring chickens for home consumption, and a crock of good butter, which John and his wife were to bring to Madison when they made a visit to the Fair, and to stay over night at Mr. Welch's. John and his wife came according to agreement, with chickens and butter, and passing on tlrrough town stopped at the house of Mr. Lamb, who, eyeing the chickens, eloquently persuaded the couple to leave their merchandise with him, as it would be all right, it making no particular difference which of the partners were made happy by the possession of the fowls, and so quietly passed them from John into a convenient smoke house that served as a preservative by smoke or otherwise. John and his wife, after satisfying themselves with sight seeing at the Fair, returned to Welch's for night quarters, and after supper related their adventure with Mr. Lamb; and imwilling to disconcert the sunshine and joy on the honest face of the two good soids, Welch admitted it would be all right. But t.'0 foul a deed rankled in the brea.st of Welch, and he mentally shouted revenge. Peter Parkinson, Jr.. Mr. Welch's respected brother-in-law, driving up to the house at the time, Welch opened to him his budget of grief, and both agreed to cany the war out that very night. Proceeding to the house of Lamb, and satisfying themselves that everything was quiet in the house, they stealthily crept up to the smoke house, and carefully removmg a temporary door, commenced wringing the necks of the chickens, and had nearly complete-.! their operations when, to their horror and consternation, a large dog rushed out at them, but which proving to be a six months old Newfoundland, they readily made friends with him, and finishing their work of blood, took with them both the dog and chickens. The following morning the girl prepared the chickens for breakfast, and was assisted by Mrs. Foreman, who declared that the chickens '-iooked for all the world just like those John and her had brought to Deacon Lamb's." When Lamb reached the office in the morning', Welch observed some perturbation of feeling on his countenance, but supposing- his own imagination was working equally strong, said nothing until asked by Lamb if Foreman and wife had stayed with him over night, which being answered in the affirmative, he again asked if they had come up town again the same evening, and being answered in the negative, was asked why he made these inquiries, when he proceeded to relate the night's theft, and how he had traced the foot prints of both a man and a woman in his lot, and had them measured by stick and ride. At this juncture, Welch involuntarily withdrew his protruding foot and sublimely disclaimed against all hen roost thieves, until Lamb, thoroughly satisfied that he had no clue to the robber, quietly charged himself with the clnckens, and for fifteen long years remained ignorant of the above facts, although brother Parkinson with some twinge of conscience, tried to make reparation by presenting Lamb with the hah of a hog."

Madison has been long noted for her excellent staff of house and sign painters, and sometimes in the display of the latter their patience and good sense have been strongly imposed on. In one of the wards of our city lying between here and Cottage Grove, one of our good, quiet and honest Germans had started a small grocery store, and desired the aid of an artist of the brush to prepare 1dm a suitable sign for the proper announcement of his merchandise. The terms and price not being satisfactory, our good neighbor bargained for the use of paint and brush, as he had once some knowledge of the art himself, and could do a " leetle dat vay.11 After a labored effort he produced the following: " Lager Beer and So - me. Groceries." Another equally as good might be seen in the First ward of our city, and reads: " Going oat doing whitewashing taken in here."

Education is a great helper if it is not always a great elevator; but which it is, we are not prepared to say, after reading the following, prepared and held by one of our painters for years for the expense incurred in its execution for a practicing physician in a neighboring village, and which was tastefully lettered: " Dr. Wilber B. Dodge, M. D., Physician and Surgeon." In the making of books, says the wise man, there is no end, and so might it be added with regaid to professional titles. They are weightier than the pretended owners of them.

When Pinneo, the shingle weaver, was in want of a drink, he was accustomed to go to Squire Seymour, who kept store for the Deans, and run his credit until the shingles he had wove were sold. On one occasion, having readied the utmost limit of his financial standing with the Squire, he endeavored by persuasive argument to have him give him one drink more. The Squire, however, was inexorable, so Pinneo returned to his shingle establishment, where he found Adam Smith, from whom he borrowed an empty pistol, and with a bottle hi his pocket started for Deans1 store. On entering he held the pistol in one hand and the bottle in the other and demanded that the Squire should fill his bottle. The fierce attitude of the belligerent brought the Squire to terms, and, after filling the bottle, Pinneo coolly showed him the pistol was unloaded.

Vienna By Hon. A. A. Boyce

The town of Vienna is situated on the north line of Dane county, and is midway between the east and west lines of the count}-. The town is bounded on the north by the town of Arlington, in Columbia county, on the east by Windsor, on the south by Westport, and on the west by the town of Dane. It occupies the township of land known as town 9 north, range 9 east. This township of land was set off from the northwest corner of Windsor, and organized as a separate town by an act of the second state legislature, in 1849. The name of the town was derived from the town of Vienna in the state of New York, from whence came some of the early settlers. It occupies a part of the high lands that divide the waters of the Wisconsin from those of Rock river. Prom the northwest part of the town the waters fall into Lodi creek, a small tributary of the Wisconsin, from the east, and south the waters find their way into Lake Mendota through two small creeks, one on the east, the other on the southwest border of the town. The land is sufficiently undulating to afford complete drainage. There are no marshes of any considerable extent. The soil is principally a deep, rich, dark loam of great fertility. In many of the hills and ridges, limestone of good quality for building purposes is found. It is said that every quarter section of land would make a good farm. Beautiful prairies, interspersed with groves, form pleasing landscapes of great beauty.

the north, Norway Grove, in the center, and Hundred Mile Grove, in the northwest part of the town, the grove was so called by the military engineers who placed the stake in the grove that marked the one hundredth mile on the military road from old Fort Crawford, at Prairie du Chien. This road extended from Fort Crawford, on the Mississippi, by way of Fort Winnebago, at the portage between the Wisconsin and Fox rivers, to Fort Howard at Green Bay, and in early days was the principal thoroughfare from the southwest to the pineries of the north. It passed through the northwest corner of the town.

In the year 1838, William G. Simons (now of Lodi) entered the first land, the southeast quarter of section 21, and plowed the first land. The next year he built the first house, with the intention of keeping a tavern on the projected road from Madison to Fort Winnebago, but the projected road taking another route by the way of Token Creek, he left, and sold the land to Louis Montonda, who and his wife Electa, were the only inhabitants for two years within the present limits of the town. In 1812, Montonda moved away and the town was left Avithout an inhabitant until 1815, when David Robertson and Thomas Lindsay located on section 4, where they now reside. S. Nicholson settled on section 22. The next year (1816), Willard Fisher and Joseph Deming, with their families, settled on section 21, and Ira Simons and Harvey P. Wheaton moved on to section 6; in this year also members of a colony from and near the city of Leicester, England, settled on section 31, being mostly mechanics, unused to farm labor and the hardships of pioneer life, a majority of them left and sought homes elsewhere. Among those who remained and improved their farms were William Plackett, Jonah Poynor, William Crow, and Jabez Weston. In the spring of 1847, Adam Paton settled on section 4, A. A. Boyce on section 6, Whiting D. Stanley and Aaron Lamb on section 7, and Benjamin Nesmith on section 32. A number of families from Norway settled in the central and eastern part of the town. Among the first that came were Erick and Michael Johnson, with their families, who still reside on their farms. During this and the following years, many more settlers arrived. Robert Mann and Isaac Mann located on section 7. Among the early settlers who still occupy the farms on which they settled, are Samuel Pashley, R. McChesney, Alexander and Tims. Paton, M. O'Dwyer, W. 0. and Wm. Fisher, R. B. Kellogg, Ole Hemundson, Henry Nelson, T. E. Farness, Lars Sampson, T. Errickson, John Ollis, J. and W. Howie, Aaron Cooledge, J. Farwell, S. Raymond, H. Cramer, Jas. Taylor, R. J. Poynor, Wm. Plackett, J. C. Hustleby, A. J. Damp, S. M. Lester and A. Rankin.

The first town meeting for the election of town officers was held at the house of Willard Fisher, on the 16th day of April, 1819. and the following officers were chosen: Sitjwrrisors, A. A. Boyce, chairman, Willard Fisher, and Benjamin Nesmith; town clerk, Isaac Mann; assessor, Thomas Lindsay ; treasurer, Jabez Weston; justices of the peace, A. A. Boyce, Jonah Poynor, Willard Fisher, and Hubbell Fuller.

The first school house was built at Hundred Mile Grove, on section 7, in 1851. There are five churches in the town, the first church erected was the Norwegian Lutheran Church, in 1851, on section 21; then followed the Methodist Church on section 31; the Seventh Day Adventists and the Catholic Churches both on section 9, and the Episcopal church on section 32.

The inhabitants of this town have been peculiarly exempt from sickness. The high and dry location of the lands gives them a pure and healthful atmosphere.

While the people are of so many different nationalities and religions, yet greater harmony does not prevail in any town. Few crimes have been committed, and pauperism is almost unknown. Schools and churches are liberally supported. Many of the young people avail themselves of the educational advantages afforded by the State University, the Normal and High Schools.

Two railroads come within the limits of the town. The Chicago and Northwestern Railway crosses the southwest part of the town, the Madison and Portage road the northeast. The stations on these roads afford good and convenient markets for the products of the farms - Morrison, DeForest and Windsor on the Madison, and Portage road ; Waunakee, Dane and Lodi, on the Northwestern road.

The pioneer settlers underwent many privations. Among those most severely felt was the want of a good and near market. Milwaukee, almost the only cash market for wheat, was nearly one hundred miles distant, over new, and at times, almost impassable roads. Frequently the expenses of marketing a load of wheat at Milwaukee were greater than the money received for the load. W. D. Stanley used to relate his experience in marketing his first load of wheat at Milwaukee; it was in the fall of the }*ear, the roads were bad and muddy, the weather rainy most of the time; it took nearly eight clays to accomplish the trip; no extraordinary expenses were incurred, and yet so little did he receive for forty bushels of wheat that when he returned home all he had to show for his load and eight days1 work for himself and team, was three yards of sheep's grey cloth and a pound of tea.

The experience of another neighbor - John Overton, of Dane - was even worse than that of neighbor Stanley. He hired a 3-oke of oxen at twenty-five cents per day, his own oxen not being sufficient to haul forty bushels of wheat to Milwaukee over the bad roads; he hired a wagon at twenty-five cents per day; he paid only ordinary expenses. After paying for the use of the oxen and wao'on, he found that the f'ortv bushels of wheat did not pay expenses, and that he was fifty cents in debt.

I remember marketing a load of wheat in those early days at Madison, selling it to " 'Squire " Seymour (then of the firm of Seymour & Varney), for forty cents per bushel, in " store pay." Wheat was the staple farm crop; in fact about the only thing raised on the farm that could be converted into money. The yield of wheat on the new rich lands was enormous; forty bushels to the acre was not an uncommon crop. Now such yields of grain are rarely, if at all obtained - not even from virgin soil. There are several reasons for this: first, insect enemies of the wheat plant, then unknown, have come in and so multiplied as to completely destroy the crop in places, year after year; second, the successive crops of wheat taken from the same lands, without any system of judicious rotation with other crops, have taken from the soil the elements of plant food necessary to the production of large crops of wheat; and lastly, the comparatively few acres of land that were plowed by the early settlers drew from the atmosphere (nature's great storehouse) the plant food that now would be divided among many times the number of plowed acres.

Many of the first settlers entered upon the lands without first purchasing the lands from the government or even pre-empting them, simply claiming them, using all of their means in building fences and other improvements, and farm stock, intending to make from the farm, or borrow, money sufficient to pay the government for the land. The right of the settlers to the lands they claimed was generally recognized and held sacred by the settlers, who protected each other in their rights, and cases were rare where claims were ''jumped" by settlers. Occasionally some land speculator would " enter" (or buy of the government) the lands claimed by settlers, and whenever one of that class appeared, his movements were watched with a good deal of anxiety.

In the summer of 1846 a settler was informed that a stranger on horseback had been in the neighborhood looking land, and that he had obtained the numbers of the lands he claimed, and had left in the direction of Milwaukee that forenoon. The settler had not money enough to buy the land of the government, but he had a friend living on Rowan's creek, eight or nine miles away, who could lend him money sufficient with what he had, to enter his land at the land office at Milwaukee; so he determined to borrow the money and reach the land office before the stranger. He had no horse (I think there was no horse owned in the town at that time); it was nearly noon when he started for his friend's; he was fortunate in finding him at home and in getting the money; when he returned home and commenced his journey on foot to the land office, the afternoon was well advanced. He reached Cottage Grove late in the evening. He dare not enter a house to sleep for fear he should sleep too long, but Lay down by the tavern stable door where he knew he would be awakened early in the morning. Before sunrise he was up and on the road; he reached Milwaukee that night. In the morning he entered the land office as soon as it was opened, and found to his great relief that he was in time to enter the land. Before leaving the office a stranger entered to buy lands, and among the numbers were his own lands that he had just paid for.

Dane were called together to right the wrongs of a brother settler whose claim had been "jumped'" The case was an aggravated one, and was briefly this: A settler was living on a claim where he had built a house, broken and fenced a field. He was visited by a former acquaintance from an eastern state, who came to buy lands. The settler entertained the man for several days, accompanied him a day or two in looking up lands, and assisted him in getting correct descriptions. With these the man left for the land office and entered the lands claimed by his entertainer, and returned to the neighborhood and demanded possession of the land. The news of the outrage soon spread among the settlers. They met on a cold December (lay at the house of the injured settler, and caused the " claim jumper" to be brought in. A justice of the peace was conveniently near, to act as the occasion might require - to take the acknowledgment of a deed or hold an inquest. The man was stubborn; he refused to receive the money he paid for the land and sign a deed made ready for his signature. Threats and entreaties were alike unavailing. At last it was determined to try the " water cure." He was taken to a neighboring pond, a hole was cut in the ice, and he was plunged in. In his case the cold water cure was instantaneous and complete; he expressed himself not only willing but anxious to sign that deed. He took the money, signed the deed, and departed, a sadder and wetter, if not a wiser man. Few persons except early settlers fully understand the inconveniences and hardships of pioneer life in those days. Living for years without a reliable market for their products, without railroad or telegraph, schools or churches. The post office, store, physician and mechanic miles away, and perhaps a day's drive to the nearest grist mill. Those early pioneers were persons of robust health, and inured to toil; they were buoyed up with hope and expectation of gain; their lives were not devoid of happiness; they were kind and hospitable, ever ready to assist one another. Many, even now, recall with pleasure and regret the days of pioneer life in old " territorial times."

The township of York lies in the northeast corner of Dane county, 18 miles northeast of Madison, and is known as town 9 north, of range 12 east. The land in this town is oak openings with occasionally marsh or meadow land, there being no prairie within its borders. It is watered in the southwest part by Waterloo creek, which is the only stream in the town. The land is of good quality and produces excellent crops. There are a number of living springs that afford an abundant supply of water in the town.

York Center is the name of a small village at the junction of sections 15, 16, 22 and 24. It has a store, blacksmith shop and a few buildings.

The town of York was organized April 1, 1848. B. B. Freeman wras chosen chairman; D. E. Emery and Walter Brown, supervisors; Martin Mead, justice of the peace; Otis B. Lapham, town clerk.

Verona

This township lies in the southwestern portion of the county, nine miles southwest of Madison, and is known as town six north, of range eight east. The town is well watered by Sugar river, which rises in the town of Cross Plains, and has also two branches rising on section 7 in this town, flowing southeast and passing out on section thirty-four; there is also a tributary, called Badger Mill creek, rising on section thirteen and emptying into Sugar river on section twenty-eight. On the banks of the streams there are excellent marsh and meadow lands. The land is oak opening interspersed with prairie.

The first settlers were two Scotchmen, named James Young and Thomas Stewart, who came to the town in 1837. They were engaged in the butcher business in Galena, and afterward were employed by Edward Campbell, of Cross Plains, who formerly kept the relay house for the stages between Madison and Mineral Point.

Early one Sunday morning, in the summer of 1810, a party of ten or twelve, among whom were George and William Vroman, James Young, Thomas Stewart and Wakefield Brothers, started out in a wagon from Edward Campbell's house (now James Bonner's) to explore the upper valley of the Sugar river. After wending their way down the valley for about three miles thej* came suddenly upon the north end of an elevated prairie, and following the dividing ridge about a mile, came to ten mounds, nine of which were circular, while one had the form of a mammoth.* From this place they had a splendid view of the surrounding country, the mounds being quite prominent and about the center of the prairie. After agreeing to call this beautiful spot Nine Mound Prairie, (section 8), they continued their journey in a southeast direction, and came to what is now called the Badger Mill creek, which they crossed. On either side of the creek they found a beautiful flat or level piece of land, containing several hundred acres without stones or obstructions of any kind, and covered with a luxuriant growth of grass, while the soil was of the richest. This tract is divided by Badger Mill creek, with Sugar river coursing the west side, and nearly surrounded by groves of hard wood suitable for building and fencing purposes. "What more," the}r exclaimed, "could be desired as a building site - here we have it?"

On the left bank of the creek a promontory with an elevation of from thirty to forty feet extending out about one-fourth of a mile, covered with timber, and commanding an extensive view of the flats, was the spot where the two hardy Scots resolved to make their future home.

The party, proceeding toward .the southern extremity of the prairie, found a number of prominent mounds which" they examined; christened the place " Mound Prairie," and crossing to the west side of Sugar River, made their way back to their starting point.

A week afterwards, the two Scots, James Young and Thos. Stewart, returned to take possession of their home, and after locating on the south side of the creek, on sees. 27 and 28, they made an excavation into the side of the ridge six by eight feet, and then roofed it with poles

* One of these mounds was opened by Dr. Waterbury ami others, in 1847, when a portion of a human skeleton was found that must have belonged to a person not less than six feet six inches in height.

and grass. Thus prepared - being both bachelors - the}' stored away such cooking utensils and household goods as they had brought with them, and returned to bring the remainder of their goods and chattels, with the intention of keeping " batch," in their new and first habitation built by white men in the township of Verona. During their absence, a heavy thunderstorm came on during the night, and on their return the following day from Edward Campbell's, they found the creek had become swollen into a river, whose waters they did not dare to cross. Waiting until it subsided, they passed over without difficulty, but only to find the contents of their new abode washed away- by the flood. After some searching they found the most of the missing articles where the water had left them. With even this experience, they concluded to build again, but this time above high water mark. Moving to- the top of the. promontory, from which they had the commanding view of the fiats, on their first visit, they commenced digging in a horizontal position into an Indian mound, making an excavation ten by fourteen feet. During the digging, they came across the skull and bones of a human being, which they supposed must belong to one of the race of the mound builders; but dreading more the dangers of floods than the dry bones of past mortalit}r, they continued their work, and then roofed the excavation with logs, and poles, thatching it with grass from the creek, leaving a suitable place for a chimney at the end of the domicile, and suppling the entrance with a door, the panels of which were of grass, while the frame was made with an axe and augur, as lumber and nails were a luxury they could not then dream of possessing. This hastily constructed home, made out of a tomb, was a comfortable abode against wind and rain. But while supposing themselves to be the peaceful possessors of their home, it was matter of astonishment to them to find that they were not the only occupants of the knoll. A large and full grown lynx was occupying an adjacent portion of the tomb, and was concealed from them by the underbrush, within a few paces of their door. For a time they concluded not to disturb him, and so passed and repassed him every day, until they discovered that' he liked domestic fowl better than the wild, so they determined to make him move his quarters elsewhere. Thomas armed himself with a club, while James brought forth " Nicodemus 11 and discharged its contents into his lynxship. Wounded, but not disabled, the ferocious brute sprang from his lair and gave them battle. Thomas charged on him with his club, and by a well directed blow " extinguished the varmint," and thus gave them peaceful possession of their home and the riddance of a bad tenant.

By the way, "Nicodemus,' was a favorite fowling piece upon which the owner had bestowed the above sobriquet, and was a musket of no ordinary capacity. It had a barrel something less than six feet and a bore that could swallow a Springfield rifle. When fully loaded and discharged the report would shake the ground and reverberate among the hills and woods for miles around. Game that once heard its thunder never cared to come within its range again. In after years, the writer had ample opportunity of testing its good qualities, but it was always a matter of doubt with him whether it was the load or the concussion that brought down the game. One thing he has a convincing recollection of, however, that its recoil often brought him to terra firma.

Trusting the reader will pardon our digression, we will now return to where we left our pioneers fairly located in their new home. After breaking some land, planting corn and potatoes, they found their provisions had given out, and they had eaten their last morsel for breakfast. A supply could not be had nearer than Galena, about ninety miles distant, so Thomas hitched the team to the wagon and started for that place. While the horses stood drinking in the stream it occurred to him that long absence from civilization had not improved his toilet, or personal appearance, and that the old saying of blackened boots and a clean shirt was the twin sister of u cleanliness and next to Godliness,11 so to appear before the fair maids of Galena in commendable style he pulled the shirt from his back and washed it in the creek, then returned it to its legitimate place on his back and drove on, trusting to an iron- constitution and his team to carry him to where he could get something to eat, though there was no road to follow, and still less no bridges to cross, but a wild, uninhabited country to pass through.

In the meantime, James, more accustomed to work than hunt, started as usual to the fields, accompanied by " Nicodemus," and trusting to Providence for his dinner. Noon came, but no game had crossed his path, and as it was useless to return home, there being nothing to eat, he kept on working in hopes of driving hunger away, and so continued in the field until the sun was disappearing in the west and it was time to return. On arriving at the house a flock of black birds flew past and lighting in a large burr oak tree, within a few rods of the door, " Nicodemus " was instantly brought to its proper elevation and immediately the ground shook as by an earthquake, the hills and woods gave back the echo, while the denizens of the field and forest fled in dismay. Of the blackbirds, nine were the mutilated victims, but speedily gathering them up James plucked and prepared them for a supper and breakfast, feeling, however, it was but a scant supply for a robust man. The following day a prairie hen, hatching in the vicinity, and appearing to he the only living bird that had not been frightened out of reach or existence made its appearance, when " Nicodemus" was once more brought to the horizontal, and the luckless hen fell dead bereft of both life and most of her feathers. Thankful to a bountiful Providence for even this scanty supply, he was thus able to eke out enough until his partner returned from Galena with plenty of provisions.

This coveted spot of earth, where the ancient mound builders laid their noted dead, and heaped the earth upon them for an everlasting monument; where the ferocious lynx made his den and the pioneers their abode, is now occupied by the modern and comfortable residence of Donald Stewart, brother to the pioneer. Thos. went to California many 3~ears ago, where he acquired a fortune, but very mysteriously and suddenly dying, while his partner in business equally suddenly disappearing, nothing satisfactory was ever known about his estate. James Young is at present a resident of Madison, but in feeble health, though still delighting to recount all the privations of his early pioneer life.

Samuel Taylor was the next settler. He built the first log house in the town, and which still does good service on the farm now owned by William Ogilvie. Afterwards came Patrick Davidson, and in September, 1841, Wm. Eeoch, Peter White, Peter Martin and family. Mrs. Martin was here two years before she saw the face of another woman. Among the next settlers were Matthew Hawes, Andrew Patton, William Collins, and Magnus Leslie, with their families. Settlers now began to come in quick succession.

Badger Mill's was built by Wm. A. Wheeler and Geo. Vromau, in 1843-4, and sold to Taylor & Weston. On the completion of the mill a grand ball was given in honor of the first grist mill in the county, and the music for the occasion was furnished by Pritchard's band. A few years afterwards, the mill became the property of Samuel Taylor.

The first threshing machine brought into the county was imported from Scotland by Patrick Davidson, living on section 33; but being stationary it was used only, for a few years, when it gave place to the portable machines, of American make.

Whisky was first made from malt by John, a younger brother of Thos. Stewart, in 1843 - 1, on section 28, out of an imported copper still, the size of a tea kettle. It was used for many years in distilling a good quality of Scotch whisky, whose praise, as well as the liberality of the manufacturer, was lauded far and near over the sparsely settled country. The days that brewing was going on, it was surprising to see with what instinct the wounded bucks would head for the still; at least the hunters always claimed they had lost the trail at this spot or very near it, and would give up the chase for the day. Tired and thirsty, these hunters would drop in to see how Scotch whisky was made, when John would refresh them with draughts of the double strong, fresh from the still, which he freel}* dealt out in a quaigh,* and many a hunter started home fully convinced that the " Scotch " was all it was said to be, and perhaps a little more. The kiln for drying the malt was made after the pattern of a hundred years ago, and was a circular pit dug in the ground, covered with a conical shaped roof and a hole in the center to allow the smoke to pass out. The drying floor was made of poles laid close together

* Pronounced Kivd, a small drinking cup, made either of wood, the horn of an animal, or silver. The horn was used by hunters for convenience against breaking, but on festival occasions in Scotland, during fuedal times, the silver cup was used.

An incident connected with the drying is related of three young Scotchmen who volunteered to sit up all night and dry the malt. The generous freedom granted to all who came to visit the still did not prevent the young men from smuggling a " stoup " of Scotch to keep up their spirits. Not aware of this fact, John furnished them with a liberal supply, that the weary hours might pass more cheerie. Weary hours, forsooth!

and along thro' the " wee sma' hours " these " drouthy neebors " would pass around the stoup, until one of the party was often heard to say: " I dinna like the toddy; I like my whisky dry." The supply giving out, and concluding that the malt was as dry as themselves now were, they resolved to start for home; but to make sure that the work was complete, made up one more fire and then left for the house, half a mile distant. Arriving there they turned round, and looking in the direction from which they had come, beheld a bright glow in the southeast. While they stood wondering at the sight, one of them involuntarily sang -

Morning, however, revealed to them the fact that the mysterious glow in the southeast was the flames of the malt and kiln, that having caught fire, had burned to ashes. The first public house in town was kept by Cheney Luce, and culled the " Traveler's Home.'1 Joseph. Flick was the first blacksmith and postmaster; Dr. Spencer the first physician, who was followed by Dr. Waterbury. R. Bunlap opened the first store, on section 21; and the first school house was built on the west side of what is now the Dane County Poor Farm, and was known as the Badger Prairie school house, and the first teacher Amy Thornton.

The town received its name from Geo. and Win. Vroman, after their native township in New York.. The first post office also retained the name of the town. In 1854, the county purchased of Win. A. Wheeler, his farm on section 14, for county poor purposes, and built a brick house 10 by 60 feet, with basement, and two stories and a half high, since which other buildings have been added. -

The physical character of the town is something well worthy of note. The outline is distinctly marked by a ridge of boulders and gravel, which, during the glacial period on our planet, had been pushed forward by a dense body of ice. This ridge intersects the north line of the township on sec. 5, and extends diagonally across the south line on sec. 36. Nowhere south or west of the foot of this ridge are there any boulders or gravel to be found, except where the water may have forced passages through. This can be seen best on sections 5, 16 and 22. On the first section, where the waters have forced a passage through the ridge, immense boulders have been carried down the water-course a distance of half a mile; on sec. 16 an opposing bluff crowds the water close to the foot of the ridge, forming a deep and narrow gulch, where the lime rock can be seen projecting from the bluff on the right, and boulders and gravel on the left. Here, also, large boulders have been carried along half a mile or more. Again, on sec. 22, at

Badger Mills, we find another gap in the ridge. Here the water has strewn boulders down the creek threefourths of a mile, the smaller ones being carried farthest down.

Among the other curiosities to be seen are the " sink holes " on sees. 17 and 18, as well as other places in the west part of the township. The holes are pits or depressions in the ground, some of which are twenty-five feet deep and thirty-five feet across the mouth. Although there is no apparent opening at the bottom, all the water that flows into them is drained off as fast as it runs in. These holes have evidently been formed by the action of the water, percolating through into subterranean channels, and washing the loose soil along with it.

Many of the early settlers recollect seeing the " blue rings " on the prairies; but the plow has now obliterated most of them. Two, however, are still to be seen on the southeast quarter of the southeast quarter of sec. 17, where the husbandman has not yet intruded. These

O circles are about forty-two feet in diameter, with an opening at one side of about three feet, reminding one of a circus ring. The belt itself is about two feet wide, and as near a circle as can be. There is nothing to show that there had ever been an elevation or depression of the soil; but it shows a darker color. The grass does not differ from that on either side, except that it starts earlier in spring; grows faster and shows a deep blue color, hence the name given to the ring. Stock of all kind crop this grass close to the ground, while that on either side will remain untouched. We have seen many of those circles, and they all look alike, but can give no explanation. Who can?

very plenty for a number of years after the first settlers came, but neither of the former are now to be found. The curlew was also a frequenter of this section, but has disappeared for many years.

There are six district and joint district schools; three churches, one Presbj'terian, one Baptist, and one Methodist. There is also a large number of Indian mounds scattered throughout the town. Patrick Davidson lived for many years in one of these mounds, on his land on section 33, and it was remarkable for its warmth in winter and general comfort in summer.

There are now but few of the old settlers remaining, but, nevertheless, many of the youths of those times, now grown to maturity can recall the glad glee with which they hailed the social gatherings that came year after year, when Willie Reoch would "skirl his pipes," or "scrape his fiddle,'' and they could dance the "hieland fling.'1 William is still as nimble in the heel or hand as ever, and bids fair to play either pipe or violin, at many gatherings yet to come. Patrick Davidson is also still among us, and whose reputation as the best pibroch player in the county still remains undisputed.

On section 5, in the northern part of the town, on the farm of D. Richardson, there is a cave that has not yet received the proper attention of either the savans of science or the local interest of the citizens, and it is hoped that at some clay near at hand, an effort will be made to open the mouth of this singular natural curiosity.* We cannot better describe this cave than to

*A mystery hangs round the cave, which has perhaps been intensified by the recollection of an adventure that occurred to two of our citizens when hi it, and though it might have proved fatal, it could not possibly have occurred had a little more care been taken in providing enough lights to cany with them. The mouth of the cave is under a ledge of rocks that hangs over a small valley of which it is the terminus, liefore the rains had washed so much debris as now exists around its entrance, there was a large enough opening

'- About 11 miles distant, and a little southwest of Madison, near the crest of the dividing ridge which separates the lake region from the valley of Sugar river, there exists the basin of an ancient pond for any person to pass in and out conveniently. Mr. Jas. Waddell and a Mr. Goodrich, started one morning on horseback to examine the cave, providing themselves with candles, entered and proceeded to investigate the interior, previously tying their horses outside. The fascination of desiring to continue their search farther than they had provided lights for, led them so far that their last candle was nearly exhausted ere they thought it prudent to return. Unable to retrace their steps, however, before it gave out entirely, one of them, taking off his shirt, tore it into strips, and lighting them, made some progress in the direction from which they had come. The cotton strips becoming exhausted, they were left in the solitude of the unknown cave, and sitting down, felt themselves worse than lost - buried alive. Meanwhile, one of the animals that had been tied to the trees broke loose, and coming home, created considerable anxiety to the wife and brothers of Mr. Waddell. The two brothers, John and Walter, knowing that James had gone to the cave, immediately supplied themselves with a rope and candle, and proceeded in search of him, dreading that some choke damp had destroyed his life. Arriving at the cave they cautiously entered, and lighting their candle, one stood near the mouth and held the rope, while the other took one end of it, and with the light started further in, calling his brother by name. " Repeated shouting brought no answer, until mental anxiety getting the better of both, they dispensed with the rope and proceeded together further in, repeatedly calling as they went. At length a faint response was heard in a distant part of the cave, and as each hurried to the other, the sound grew more distinct, and finally brought the two lost men to their side, overjoyed at their fortunate escape from a living tomb. The four men now endeavored to return, but it seemed evident for some time that it was impossible. The intricate passages on every side of them seemed to baffle every effort to retrace their steps, while their nearly exhausted candle gave them but little hope. Seeking for the outlet, Walter discovered on a number of the pillars supporting the arches, a portion of the rock assuming the shape of a spear > or arrow head, and always pointing one way. Concluding to follow these marks, they finally found them point toward the mouth of the cave, where they soon arrived in safety about twelve o'clock in the evening. With deep gratitude for then- fortunate deliverance and second escape, they made all possible haste to relieve the anxiety of those at home, feeling satisfied that the deep and intricate passages of the cave were no longer a myth to them. It is supposed by some that the marks on the pillars were caused by the action of the water as it rushes through the passages during the heavy rain-falls; but these men were of the impression or lake covering about four thousand acres, whose waters have longsince departed, and whose drainage is directly into the face of a bluff. This inlet, a quarter of a century ago, was penetrated to a depth of nearly two thousand feet, and yet has never been fully explored, or its mysterious depths examined by mortal eye. It is about Eve hunch-eel feet above the level of the four Lakes, and the openings apparently tend to the west. Sugar river is about one and a half miles distant, but no evidence has ever been discovered to warrant the belief that these waters anywhere enter or make a part of that stream. All indications, indeed, point to the certainty that it is an entrance to thai vast subterranean river system known to permeate the lead region at a great depth, and whose unknown outlet may be hundreds of miles away. Early explorers always halted from fatigue or lack of adequate preparation to proceed, and not because the way was not open; but nothing like an end has ever been reached.

" The deposit in which this immense grotto exists, is the cliff or upper magnesian limestone, which at this point is known to be underlaid by a sandstone formation, whose thickness is probably forty or fifty feet. That the channel has been cut down to this more friable material, at some point of its course, is not doubted, and hence it is naturally concluded that, if followed to the line of junction, the dimensions of the cave would swell to collossal proportions. As it exists at present, there are four narrow entrances, badly choked by the debris fallen at the mouth, or material carried in by cm-rents. The two most southern openings unite at the distance of some fifty or sixty feet, from whence cavern succeeds cavern, so far as known, for thousands of feet. Once within this rocky chamber, there was formerly no serious obstacles to progress ; but the present that they gave evidence of having been cut by human hands, perhaps by Indians, and that at one time the cave was known to them in all its intricate windings by these marks.

The first white man known to have entered the cave, was John MacDonald, jr., who in 1845 went in about eight in the morning and losmg his way, was unable to make his escape untd far on in the afternoon of the same day. His intention was to go no farther than he couid observe the rays of light reflected from the mouth, and which he endeavored to keep steadily watching, by walking in a half-turned position from the mouth to the interior. Finally thinking he had lost the light, he started back, and was only able to extricate himself as above stated. His case would have been a hopeless one, had he been unable to find his way out, as none of his friends knew of his intention; indeed, it was only a thought of the moment with himself.

difficulty of entrance has kept thousands from the spot. It has also had the effect of keeping the walls of the interior openings in a much damper condition than they otherwise would he, hy preventing the draft of outer air, which passes steadily through the whole known extent of the cavern. The far inner rooms have all the usual characteristics of the most noted caves in the country. Pendent stalactite has its corresponding stalagmite, at present much discolored 1 >y the newly added sediment. The walls are worn into strange and fantastic shapes, and everywhere exhibit the erosive power of rushing water. Long corridors and halls, whose smooth, rocky sides would seem to bid defiance to any power, connect the numerous vestibules and chambers, some of which are from twenty to thirty feet in height, and of great and almost unknown depth.

" That the cave consists of several stories is evident from numerous indications, both exterior and interior. It is proved by the sound of voices when large parties tire exploring the numerous ramifications; by variations m level; and more particularly by a whirlpool in seasons of flood, outside the entrance, which proves that the ancient channel has been choked by fallen rocks, and underlies the whole cavern thus far examined. It is still further proved by the clean cut bank of the outside water course, whose bottom is several feet below the present entrance - an impossible achievement if they were the natural inlet. Still further, no pond or water ever remains in front of the cave, in the basin below the existing entrance level, which would be impossible if it did not have a subterranean escape. < >nce cleared of accumulated debris, and instead of one or more, there would probably be found a cave of several stories, the lower of which would amply suffice to drain the region, leaving the others ordinarily dry and intact. Until this is done, the full extent and beauty of this mighty freak of nature will never be fully known or appreciated. Parties living close at hand give wonderful accounts of the phenomena witnessed after great and sudden floods, when the waters, dammed back by the choked entrance, rise ten or fifteen feet against the face of the cavern, compressing the inner air, which i -rapes through small fissures, to the crest of the hill, with a hiss and a roar somewhat akin to the shriek of a steam whistle. At one spot, indeed, the conversation of" parties deep in the cave can be heard directly overhead, showing that if extra ventilation was ever needed it could be easily provided for. Anything like floods, in this elevated basin, however, are extremely rare, and could only occur after long continued rams, or the sudden melting of great and heavy bodies of snow. No rainfall from May to November has

Rev. Matthew Fox, for many years in the early settlement of the town, preached with great zeal and earnestness to attentive audiences, and though ministerial labors were but poorly compensated, says he was gratified to know that the poor had the gospel preached to them. He says:

Mr. George Robinson opened Ins house at the Badger Mills for religious services, and early on Sunday mornings would arrange seats for the congregation, which two rooms generally accommodated. Not having a pulpit or substitute for one, I took position as convenience dictated. On one occasion I was in one room and the gentleman who undertook to lead the singing in the other, and out of my view. After my reading a hymn, the precentor for the time being, raised his voice to start the tune, but made a failure; he made another effort - it was desperate - but, alas, it also proved a failure. Then the cry of despondency came, " I can't make it go." So it remained for me to remove the difficulty the best way I could.

After some time a log school house was bmlt on the west side of Sugar river, near the residence of Andrew Patton. This served as our place of worship for years.

Mr. Peter Martin was the first elder of the church. In him I found a wise counselor, a pleasant companion, a warm friend and a sincere Christian. He and his excellent wife have long since passed to their heavenly home. I gave place to the Rev. Jas. M 'Donald, from Scotland, who labored there with much success. He, also, is deceased. The congregation have now a neat church and manse, quite in contrast with the old school house, where, after riding ten miles on cold winter mornings, I would find the people gathered round the stove. Despairing of getting warm from it, I used to proceed with the services, hoping by speaking to become warm, having first taken the precaution to place my hat against a broken pane of the window at my back. Yet in that wretched cabin I had precious hours, as I told the old, old, story, or administered the Sacrament of the Lord's Supper, or engaged in the sweet old psalms that are so rich in precious memories to the children of the covenanters, that lead one back to the days of Oargill and Cameron, and to the triumphs of truth and freedom in that noble land where God's testimony has never wanted a confessor since their witness for Jesus.

Additions By J. T. Hawes

My father and mother and three children moved into the town of Verona on the 7th clay of March, 1843. It was a very cold day, with deep snow, which lay on the ground until April, when men went to the town meeting in sleighs. It was a remarkably long and hard winter, and many cattle starved to death. I well remember instances of men coming fifteen miles to get a load of straw, when we would give them the load and keep them over night. We had moved on to Mr. Samuel Taylor's farm, so had plenty of feed. At this time there was only one other family in the town, Peter Martin's, one mile from us. The next nearest was Joseph Vroman, five miles east, Ed. Campbell seven miles north, and McFadden, seven miles south. We living on the road from Janesville to Mineral Point, and as it was the only house for a long distance each way, having a good barn, something very scarce in those days, it was a regular stopping place for all travelers. Among the notables who used to frequent our house was Judge Irvin, lions. Moses M. and Marshal M. Stroug, Ebenezer Brigham, of Blue Mounds, George Delaplaine, etc. J. Gr. Knapp and E. M. Williamson, of Madison, used to make it their home while acting as surveyors in that part of the county. Judge Irvin was always accompanied by his famous horse Pedro, and dog York. My father one winter boarded old Pedro for the judge. If my memory serves me right, the first child born in the town was Ebenezer Collins. He was born in the evening. My mother was present, and earl}' the next morning she was called to attend the birth of Olive Wheeler, a daughter of William A. Wheeler, who lived at the Badger Mills.

house,, by the Rev. Salmon Stebbins. He was followed soon after by a Methodist missionary by the name of Bennett, who afterwards took up the less honorable calling of office seeking. About this time we had occasional preaching by the Rev. Matthew Fox, of Fitchburg, a Presbyterian minister; also by his father, who was a Methodist preacher. He was known all over the country as Father Fox, or, as he sometimes styled himself in his jocular way, "Ould Daddy Fox."

In the summer of 1845 the settlers built a log school house on the northwest quarter of section 22, but when the}* had got the body up, they decided it was not located in the proper place, and so sold it to my father, who took it down and moved it on his farm, on section 13, which he was just beginning to open. The next year they erected a log school house on the west edge of what is now known as the Dane county poor farm. The first school was taught by Amy Thornton, in the winter of 1816-7, and I was one of her scholars. It was the custom in those days for the teacher to board around, and the big boys to take turns in building the fires. My turn came every Monday morning, and I remember gettiug a frozen ear on one of those occasions. The first summer school was taught by Miss Noyes, and the second winter term by Dr. Waterbury. He being the only physician in that part of the country, was frequently called away on professional duties, and at such times he placed the school in charge of some one of the big boys, quite a number of whom were men grown. One of the number, an Englishman by the name of Baker, who was sometimes called upon to preside, caused a good deal of merriment one day by telling some one in a class of spelling, who had left out the letter n in a word, that "there was a hen in there somewheres."

peace in the town, and my brother, Harvey L. Hawes, the first constable. The same year my father was elected a supervisor of the town. Among his duties were the laying out and repairing of roads. This office he held for many years. In 1846 we moved on our own farm, and entertained many travelers in our little log house. A sign over our door with the word BEER in large letters, caused considerable attraction, as it was, for many miles around, the only thing of the kind outside of Madison. As the town has filled up fast with settlers, it will be difficult to follow its history further.

Vermont

The town of Vermont lies in the western part of the county between the towns of Black Earth and Blue Mounds, and known as town 7 north, of range 6 east.

The town is well watered by Black Earth and Blue Mounds creeks, with their tributaries. The surface is very uneven, and along all the streams are bluffs or ridges; indeed, the face of the country is rough and hilly, yet there is very much desirable land suitable for all agricultural purposes. The land is covered with oak openings and no prairie. There are no villages in the town.

The town of Vermont was named by one of the settlers after his native state. The first settler was a German, named Joshua Harmony, who located here in 1846. I. C. Steele, who located on section 7, and S. Batty, on section 6, were among the early settlers. The town was organized in 1855. The first officers were Whalen Hasbrook, Isaac C. Steele and Jno. Caldwell; Aaron Dana, clerk. The first sermon was preached in 1819, by H. Mainard, of the Methodist church. The first school district was organized in 1850; A. Campbell first teacher.

This township is situated near the center of Dane county, adjoining the township of Madison on the west, and is known in the government survey as township 7 north, of range 8 east. It is watered in the northeast part by Pheasant Branch creek, which flows easterly through the village of the same name into Lake Mendota. It is also watered in the northwest portion by Black Earth creek, where on sections eight and nine there is a wide expansion known as Mud Lake, and adjoining which are large and now very valuable marsh land, that affords excellent yields of hay. This creek rises in what was formerly known as the big marsh, which contains a rich and extensive deposit of peat. These peat beds have been tested and found to be of a pure vegetable deposit, and at no distant day, will be utilized as fuel.

In the year 1838, the Hon. Thomas T. Whittlesey, from Connecticut, became the purchaser from the government of a large tract of land at the head of Lake Mendota, where he laid out the village of Pheasant Branch, and erected a steam saw mill in the year 1849, which at that early day furnished large quantities of hard lumber, which was used for building purposes in Madison as well as at the Branch and surrounding country, until the completion of the railroad, when a more desirable article could be obtained.

The surface of the township is diversified by hills and valleys, prairie and oak openings; a little of it broken with limestone ridges. The land altogether is rich and productive, and is under excellent cultivation.

ton, Pheasant Branch and Middleton Station. The C, M. & St. P. R. R. runs through the latter village, entering on section 13, in the east, and passing out on section 7, in a western direction. East Middleton has one store and a post office, and two organized churches. The cemetery is also in this village. Pheasant Branch at one time bid fair to exceed Middleton Station, if the railroad had only diverted its course and passed through the former instead of the latter. A good grist mill was built in Pheasant Branch by Wheeler & Gault in the years 1853-4, and was in successful operation fof many years. Before railroad communication, this was the central mart for a large circle of trade. The village still continues to be a place of considerable trade.

The town has a population of over 1,700, and the village of Middleton Station about 300. There are four post-offices in the town, viz.: Pheasant Branch, East Middleton,West Middleton and Middleton Station. The latter village has two church edifices, which are occupied by five religious denominations; two organized temperance societies, the Good Templars and Mendotas; six secret societies, six saloons, two doctors, but no lawyer.

As an evidence of the amount of business done in Middleton, it is recorded that for two successive months there was shipped every day from the station a full train of freight cars loaded with grain, while there were taken in at the several warehouses, and shipped in one day, fifty-two car loads. The same fall there were shipped to Milwaukee 10,070 bushels of wheat, which, from the statistics of that year, showed that it was more than Madison, or any other station in the state, or even in five states, except Milwaukee and Prairie du Chien.

The town received its name from Harry Barnes, after a place in Vermont. It was organized in 1817, and at its meeting in April, 1818, elected the following officers:

Thomas Whittlesey, chairman, Orson Cook, Linus M. Palmer, supervisors; F. J. Starr, town clerk; Andrew Starr, assessor; John B. Colton, collector; La Fayette Cleveland, George Taylor, constables; Hawley Cook, Andrew Starr, John B. Colton, school commissioners; Benj. Cleveland, Geo. Taylor, Enoch Noyes, road commissioners; Benj. Cleveland, Sen., treasurer; Benj. Cleveland, Jr., Orson Cook, Linus M. Palmer, justices of the peace; Orson Cook, sealer of weights and measures; Thomas T. Whittlesey, James D. Sanford, Linus M. Palmer, fence viewers. They polled nearly twenty votes.

The following firms are engaged in the purchase of cattle and hogs, and have convenient yards and buildings erected for successfully carrying on their business: Messrs. Dufrenne, Lyle & Richardson; Messrs. Richard Green & Daniel Vernon; Mr. Fritz Elver. ,

Mr. Richard Green Jias a large elevator, run by steam, and does an extensive business in the buying of grain. Dufrenne & Lyle conduct a general merchandise store, with a large and increasing trade. Drs. A. A. Rowley and S. C. Coolridge have well selected stocks of drugs.

The Washington Hotel is kept by Daniel Maul; American House, by Gerhard Aussem; Mendota House, by Wm. Hoffman; blacksmith and wagon shops, by John Prien, Herman Sass, H. Gerds, and G. H. Wolf; furniture shop, by Geo. Schneider; undertaker, L. Goodman. There is also a large lumber business carried on b}* Green & Kingsley, and a planing mill by A. B. Kingsley. House builders, H. P. Rider, Thomas Fleming and John Sander; masons, E. Page, John Eventual and John Eggars; boot and shoe man facturers, C. Lammert, F. Plath; gardener and fruit grower, Henry Schuster; bee and honey dealer, John Elver. This business is becoming quite general throughout the town.

By Henry Howarth And Henry Z, Moulton

This township, located in the northwest corner of the county, was formerly a part of the town of Black Earth, and comprises the north half of township 8 north, of range 6 east, and fractional part of town 9, range 6, lying south and east of the Wisconsin river. The northern portion of this town bordering on the river, was at one time low and marshy; but now, extensive tracts have been drained and brought under cultivation, and in time, will no doubt become very valuable and important lands. Other portions consist of prairie and oak openings, with a rich and productive soil, watered by the Black Earth creek and its tributaries, and is under excellent cultivation, Avhile portions in the eastern and southern parts of the town are bluffy and much less valuable.