Madison City (part 19 of 20)

This place may be said to be entitled to the distinction of having been "discovered,1' as the early explorers passed down the Wisconsin over two hundred years since, and viewed the lands of which the town is composed, with its extensive marshes bordering upon the river, and its forests and bluffs in the background; the first authentic account of which is that of Father James Marquette, a Jesuit missionary, who, in company with Joliet and five other Frenchmen, passed clown the river in June, 1673, on their celebrated voyage of discovery to the Mississippi. At this time, Wisconsin, then unknown as a separate political division, was under the government of France, and so remained until 1759, when it passed into the hands of the British. During the war of the Revolution (in 1780), a force of Canadians and Indians passed down the river to secure a quantity of furs, deposited by Indian traders at Prairie du Chien, from falling into the hands of the Americans. In the " war of 1812," another force of about five hundred and fifty men, under the command of Col. Win, McKay, of the British army, consisting of Regulars, Canadians and Indians, passed down the river for the purpose of reducing the fort at Prairie du Chien, and after a desperate resistance on the part of the American troops stationed there, the fort was compelled to surrender. This was in 1811.

In the Black Hawk war, Mazomanie was the theater of one of the most decisive battles of the campaign, known as the " Battle of Wisconsin Heights." The Indians having left the Four Lakes, retreated towards the Wisconsin, and the troops under Gen. Henry and Cols. Dodge and Ewing, numbering about six hundred men, having struck their trail, pursued them, until at five o'clock p. m. on the 21st day of July, 1832, they overtook them in a ravine, about three miles south of the present site of Sauk city. The battle was commenced by the Indians trying to gain possession of the bluffs or heights (located on section 21 in this township) for a better position, but were defeated in their designs, and driven with great loss into the marshes and low grounds, and during the following night they crossed the river. The troops remained during the following day scouring the country for the enemy, and preparing litters for the wounded, camping at night on the farm now owned by J. V. Cairns, on section 15. The next morning the}' returned to the fort at Blue Mounds.

Society.'' Charles Wilson, the agent of this society, accompanied by Joshua Rhodes and Alfred Senier, were the first settlers. They arrived at this place on Christmas day, in 1843, and for shelter and protection against the inclemencies of this season of the year, took possession of an old, deserted Indian wigwam. They were soon after joined by John Holmes and James Ray. They at once commenced the erection of log houses for the accommodation of emigrants that were expected the following season, under the supervision of Mr. Wilson, upon whom devolved the duty of purchasing and locating the lands of the society, dividing them into farms of the proper size, and making such improvements as its rules required.

In the spring of 1844, they commenced breaking up the soil and putting in crops; five acres to each farm of eighty acres was to be prepared in this manner, and a log house erected thereon 14 by 20 feet, and one and a half stories in height.

In the latter part of June of the same year, the first of the expected emigrants arrived, among whom were George Robbins, John and Wm. Wrigglesworth, Francis Wilson. Robert North, John Royston, Wm. Thompson, Christopher Bennett, John Kerr, Charles Reeve, Robert Leach, John Linley and Robert Liman, with their families. Wm. Summerville was also among the number, and was the first to sicken and die, and the first to be buried in the cemetery, on the grounds now occupied for that purpose.

It may no.t be uninteresting to give a short account of the society, under whose auspices these first settlements were made. The " British Temperance Emigration Society " was organized in Liverpool, in 1842, with branches in many of the important cities and towns in England. The officers of which were Lawrence Hey- worth, Robert Gorst, Charles Wilson, Charles Reeve and George Cutler. Each member paid one shilling per week per share, and a share costing £25, when full paid, entitled the holder to a farm of eighty acres, to be selected by the agent of the society. When a sufficient amount of funds would accumulate, they were sent to the agent here for the purchase of lands from the government; an election would then be had for the purpose of selecting members to emigrate and occupy the farms. Those that were thus selected would immediately prepare for emigration. But should any member desire, he could sell his right to another member, taking his chances at the next election. Each member, upon his arrival, would be conducted to the farm selected for him and which would be conveyed to him in legal form upon the full payment of his share. The lands of the society extended from Mill Creek, in Iowa county, through Mazomanie, Berry, Springfield and Westport, and about seventy families settled in the vicinity under its auspices. After a year or two, however, there began to be complaints, and a great deal of discontent was manifested among its members; so much so, that soon after, the society was entirely broken up.

The first marriage that occurred among the settlers was that of Robert Leach to Miss Emma Reeve, daughter of Charles Reeve, Esq. They were married on the 25th day of September, 18-14, by Wm. Welch, Esq., then a magistrate residing in Madison. Melville Wrigglesworth was the first male child born in the settlement; this event occurring in the fall of 184-1. He was the son of John and Elizabeth Wriggles worth, and lived to reach manhood, but his health, always feeble, gave out, and he died some years since. The first physician of the settlement was W. B. Bishop, who came from Liverpool in 1816, where he had practiced medicine for forty years. He was not strictly a resident of the township, hut lived a few rods across the line in Iowa county. Charles Wilson, who came in 1844, Avas the first lawyer, and William Powell, a few years after, commenced the practice of law. His sign may now he seen on the little office adjoining his residence on Hudson street, although his health will not permit of active work in his profession.

The first school house, a log building, was built in 1849, on the "school section;1' these lands were soon after sold, but the owner would not sell any portion for the school house to remain upon, nor would he allow it to be removed; but on one pleasant, moonlight night, it took a " change of venue, '" and stood next morning on lands owned by Henry" Howarth, on section 15. The first public school was taught here by Mrs. Mary Williams, in the same year. This school house was also used for many years as a place of worship. Services were usually conducted by lay brethren of the Primitive Methodist church, residing in the town. Every fourth Sabbath they were conducted by circuit preachers from Mineral Point who, although having to travel winter and summer, over rough roads and through all kinds of weather, a distance of forty-five miles, were ever faithful and punctual in the discharge of their laborious duties. George Cutler, then a local preacher, also conducted services here, and in 1850, organized a small independent society, called the United Methodists, which organization was maintained for about ten years. Upon a division of the town into school districts, this school house became the property of " District No. 2," now comprising the entire village and a large portion of the town, the first officers of which were Henry Howarth, John Kerr and T. S. North. Further reference will be made to this district in treating of the growth and business statistics of the village.

" School District No. 3 " is located in the eastern portion of the town; has a fine frame school house sufficiently large to accommodate the number of pupils in attendance. The present officers are Thos. H. Ward. Walter A. Johnson and Lewis Blynn.

There are at the present time three joint school districts, in addition to the districts mentioned, and the entire amount now expended for educational purposes, is about |3,500.

In concluding this sketch of the early pioneers of the settlement, it will not be out of place to notice some of the privations and hardships necessarily endured in their efforts to make for themselves homes in the distant wilderness. As will be inferred from the manner in which they secured their homesteads, being by weekly installments of about twenty-five cents, they were generally men of limited means, understood but little of agriculture - having principally been mechanics, tradesmen and professional men in their native land - and in opening up and improving their farms the strictest economy was required to procure the necessaries of life. When short of provisions it was the usual custom to borrow from each other until such times as the larder could again be replenished. In some instances resort was had to the coffee mill to grind " flour " enough for bread. One such mill, owned by Dr. Wallace, of Iowa county, and brought by him from " the old country," was kept running for days together for this purpose. In one instance a settler by the name of Joseph Rogerson " backed " fifty pounds of flour from " Badger State mills " on Sugar river. Francis Wilson, during the summer of 1814, accompanied by another settler, went to the old " Hickox mill " in Iowa county for flour, a distance of eighteen miles. They took two yoke of oxen, and, after an absence of four days, returned with only one hundred pounds; this amount, when divided among the entire settlers, furnished a very small allowance for each family. Only by waiting for the toll from grists brought to the mill during tbeir stay were they enabled to procure even this small amount. For a long time this was the nearest flour mill, and settlers were obliged to make two, and sometimes three, trips before getting their grists. At one time, while this mill was being repaired, Mr. Wrigglesworth and Reuben Royston started in search of some other mill, and were gone over a week before they could find one to grind their wheat.

The manner of threshing and cleaning wheat in those days was somewhat primitive; they would clear off a large space of ground, put on about four yoke of oxen and tramp it out; the cleaning was performed by throwing the grain in the air and allowing the wind to blow out the chaff.

In 1848, there began to be a surplus of wheat, a portion of which was traded off for groceries and other necessaries. About this time they commenced hauling to Milwaukee. The manner of making trips, to this city was, for three or four farmers to start together, each having not less than two pair of oxen - horses then being almost unknown in the settlement - they would take their supplies from home and, camping out nights, would cook their provisions by the heat of their camp fires. Thirty bushels was considered a fair load, for which they obtained from forty to fifty cents per bushel. On their return they would sometimes load up with salt or merchandise for Madison and other places, as they could find the opportunity. The round trip was usually made in about two weeks. Many times, from delays caused by bad weather and roads, or some accident to team or wagon, their expenses would use up nearly the entire proceeds of their wheat.

The settlers procured what few necessaries they required or could afford, from Sauk City - a town of "one stores;1' from Dover, in Iowa county; from Pokerville (West Blue Mounds), twelve miles distant, or from Madison, a distance of twenty-three miles. When any one went to the latter place, he would procure such necessaries as were required by his neighbors, and would also get the entire mail for the settlement.

The times were very hard for several years after the first settlements, and very little money was to be had. Fifty cents per day was considered a good price for a day's work; usually paid for in flour, meat or other provisions. The usual price paid for harvest help was one bushel of wheat per day.

The early settlers had but little dealings with the Indians, although for many years they were passing up and down the Wisconsin for the purpose of hunting and trapping, and occasionally would camp in the near vicinity. They were always friendly and peaceably disposed. In 1851, a procession of from six to seven hundred of the following tribes, Chippewas, Pottawattamies, Winnebagoes, Stockbridges and Hurons, passed along, marshaled by the United States authorities, with a band of music and several banners of the stars and stripes floating to the breeze. They were being conducted to their several reservations west of the Mississippi, but before their arrival at their respective destinations, it was found that at least one-half of their numbers were missing, they having dropped off in the night time, preferring their Wisconsin homes to the comparatively unknown territory to which they were being removed.

The town was first called Gorstville; this was subsequently changed to Pleasant Valley, then to Farmersville, and then to Black Earth. The southern portion, being the south half of town eight, still retains this name, but the northern portion was set off in 1858, under the name of Mazomanie, a name given to it by the first proprietors of the village, signifying, in the Indian language,. '"' The iron that walks,'1 or " Walking iron," and should be written with one capital, not as a compound word, as is sometimes done.

The first officers for the new town of Mazomanie were: Supervisors - John Greening, chairman, James Craney, Philip Wagner; town clerk - Wm. L. Freeman; treasurer - S. E. Waterhouse; assessor - James Hayes; town superintendent - Dr. E. D. Bishop; justices - John Greening, Barney Campbell, John Huntington, Thomas S. North; constables - Joseph Bennett, Wm. Brink.

The present officers are : Supervisors - Luther Clark, chairman, Joseph Bennett, H. B. Catlin; to/rn clerk - H. Z. Moulton; treasurer - B. R. Cowdery; assessor - Ed. Pratt; justices - George Cutler, S. Moulton, H. Z. Moulton; constable - John AVilcox.

The population of the township at the present time is about eighteen hundred. The value of real and personal property of the town and village for the year 1877, as appears from the assessment roll of the town, is $457,000.

Village. - While the Milwaukee and Mississippi railroad was in process of construction through our state, and the line was being surveyed through this town, the directors of the road noticed that a fine location presented itself for a village, north and west of the bluff on section 16. They observed that by maintaining a proper grade in building their road, a fine water power could be developed by making the grade serve the purpose of confining the waters of Black Earth Creek upon one side for a distance of about three-fourths of a mile, and determined to take advantage of the circumstances thus presented, to lay the foundation of a thriving village.

According!}', after purchasing a portion of the northwest quarter of said section 16, Messrs. E. H. Brodhead, Eliphalet Cramer, Anson Eldred and Moses Scott, as proprietors, joined with Abram Ogden, a previous owner, laid out what is known as the original plat of the village. This was in the early part of the year 1855. During the same year, John Hudson and William Robinson platted a portion of section 9, under the respective titles of Hudson's, Robinson's and University additions, and, subsequently, Henry Walker and Alfred Senier platted portions of sections 8 and 16, under the respective names of Walker's and Senier's additions. The proprietors of Prairie addition were A. W. Curtis, John Catlin and Edward Barber.

During this year the first buildings were erected, and before the close of the season, quite a village presented itself to the gaze of those old settlers who had toiled and endured so much, and with a near prospect of a railroad upon which they could send away their surplus produce, and through its influence, could once more enjoy the benefits of social intercourse with the outside world, began to feel that they were indeed ' u about to receive that for which they had so long wrought."

The first arrivals were D. W. Bronson and family, David and W. H. Whitney. Mr. Bronson and the Whitne3;s immediately commenced work on the first store building erected in the village, the entire party living in the meantime in a shanty situated in the rear of the site upon which the " Carlisle House " now stands.

The first store was opened by S. Holbrook and John Martin, followed soon after by that of S. E. Waterhouse and D. W. Bronson. George Butler built and opened the first hotel under the name of the " American House/' This was the first frame building erected in

Soon after, the ".Mazomanie Hotel,'1 now known as the " Freeman House," was built by H. A. Cowdery. The first blacksmith shop was established by John and Joseph Wilson.

Among those that came here in 1855, not already mentioned, were Saulsbury Bros., Mr. Parsons, John Robinson, C. D. Haven, Gr. T. Whitney, Allen and Angus Macdonald, W. U. Hover, L. D. Brooks, A. S. Sanborn, William Allen, and S. H. Vedder.

G. T. Whitney was the first postmaster, but the business of the postoffice was transacted by Messrs. Bronson and Waterhouse. He was appointed under the administration of Franklin Pierce, and was succeeded by William L. Freeman. D. W. Bronson, the present postmaster, was appointed in 1861, and has held the office ever since.

In June, 1856, the railroad first reached this village, and gave at once a fresh impetus to its growth and prosperity. The first passenger cars arrived, and the first time-table was established on the 7th of that month, and on the 10th there was a rousing " Railroad Celebration " in honor of the event, said to be among the greatest gatherings ever had in Mazomanie. People were here from the surrounding country for a great distance, and it was no doubt a day of general rejoicing.

The depot, a very fine structure, was built the preceding year. This building, however, was destroyed by fire and rebuilt in 1857. A large and commodious eating house was built adjoining the depot, and for several years, trains stopped for refreshments at Mazomanie in place of Madison. In 1862, the building was taken down and removed, thus becoming one of the institutions of the past.

John B. Stickney was the first depot agent, and is now the oldest acting station agent in the state of Wisconsin. He came on the advent of the cars, and has ever since retained the position, which fact is sufficient evidence that he has the confidence, not only of the managers of the road, but of the community of which he has so long been a prominent and active member.

Manufacturing Interests. - In 1857, Lynch & Walker, of Milwaukee, became the owners of the water power before referred to, and erected thereon a large and commodious flouring mill. A few years after this the mill was purchased by William Thompson, who became a permanent resident of the place, and for many years transacted a large and profitable milling business, giving employment to a great number of operatives. Mr. T. spent large sums of money in improvements on the mill. He was an active business man and a good citizen; generous, open hearted, and took great interest in all public improvements. The mill is now operated by Messrs. E. Sanderson & Co., of Milwaukee - under the charge of J. T. Vought - who have made extensive alterations and improvements-, involving an outlay of about $15,000. Considering the strength and permanency of its water power, its close proximity to the railroad, its capacity for work and thorough state of repair, and its ready access to the markets and to the large grain growing districts of Iowa and Minnesota, it must be placed among the very best flouring mills of the state.

The frame flouring mill, now standing on section 8, was moved to its present location in 1861, by John Cropper and Ch. L. Jacobi, and was operated by Mr. Cropper until 1876, when he sold his interest to Robert Patterson. This is a much smaller mill, and is intended prin-

The next important business enterprise established in the place was the manufacture of fanning mills, and out of its introduction important branches of industry have been built up, in giving employment to a great number of mechanics, and support to many families. In 1860, John Warren, Nathaniel and Stillman Moultou, built a large three story brick and stone building for this purpose, with steam power and machinery for planing, matching, sawing, etc. A large business was established, which steadily increased from year to year; but on the 2d day of May, 1865, a great calamity befel them, in the loss by fire of their building and entire stock, prepared during the preceding winter ready for " setting up " into mills. N. Moulton having withdrawn in 1863, the loss fell upon the other members of the firm, and was very severe, there being no insurance. A circumstance worthy of note in this connection is the fact that the machine shop of N. T. Davies, situated on the exact location, was destroyed by fire on the lOthday of May, 1877, exactly twelve years after.

George and N. T. Davies, the successors of J. Warren & Co., rebuilt the premises and made extensive additions and improvements, both in buildings and machinery, including the establishment of a foundry and machine shop. N. T. Davies, now the sole proprietor, is doing a large business in the manufacture of fanning mills, wagons, milk safes and other farm machinery, having with commendable pluck and perseverance rebuilt the portion recently destroyed by fire.

John Parman and Charles J. Trager are each the owner and proprietor of a large establishment for the manufacture of wagons and carriages; and for strength, durability, style and finish, their work will compare favorably, if not excel, that of any other establishments of their kind in the country. As evidence of this fact, they are receiving orders not only from the city of Milwaukee, but from places in the northwest and southwest portions of our state, as well as from Iowa and Minnesota.

The Mazomanie cheese factory, owned and operated by Messrs. Humphrey & Sherwin, ranks among the important business enterprises of the town. This factory was built early in 1875, and under the efficient management of Mr. Daniel Humphrey, with Theo. J. Elmer as cheese maker, has been very successful, thus proving the wisdom of the merchants and business men who contributed so liberally to its establishment.

John Darlington is the manufacturer and patentee of a washing machine called the " Darlington Washer," which is said to be an excellent machine.

Churches. - The First Congregational Society was organized at the log school house before mentioned, in 1853, by Rev. David M. Jones, of Arena. Through his labors a church was erected in 1855, of which he was the first pastor. Subsequently this church building became the property of the Evangelical Association, by whom it was used until 1871, when it became private property. In 1871 the society built a very fine frame church on Hudson street, under the labors of the Rev. M. M. Martin, who is the present pastor.

The First Baptist Society of Mazomanie and Black Earth was organized April 11, 1857, with Rev. Moses Rowley its first pastor. For many years they occupied the seminary. In 1865, the society was reorganized as the First Baptist Society of Mazomanie. In 1866, under the labors of Rev. Moses Pickett, they built a large frame church on Hudson street, and services are now conducted therein by Rev. Joseph Bowman, of Lodi.

In 1847, the Primitive Methodist Society was organized by Rev. George Stevens, a local preacher, and services held in private dwelling-houses. In 1850, the society was reorganized by Rev. James Alderson, and attached to the Mineral Point circuit, and in 1857, they built a small frame church. Although this society is small, they have never failed in keeping up regular services. The present year (1877) they have erected a fine parsonage near the church. The present pastor is Rev. John Ralph.

The Methodist Episcopal Society was organized November 7, 1856, with a membership of eighteen. Rev. Robert Rowbotham was the first regular pastor. The church now owned by this society - the largest and most commodious church building in the village - was erected under the labors of the Rev. J. D. Searles. The corner-stone was laid by Gen. Fallows, with due formality, in June, 1885, and in September, 1867, it was dedicated. Bishop Simpson preached the dedicatory sermon; Dr. Raymond, of Evanston College, assisted in the services. The present pastor is Rev. E. T. Briggs.

Luke's Mission (Episcopal) was organized January 8, 1868, and Rev. J. B. Pradt called as missionary. For about two years, services were held in the Town Hall. In December, 1869, they held their first service in St. Luke's Church, a fine brick edifice erected principally through the liberality of William Thompson and Richard Black. The present missionary in charge is Rev. Henry M. Green.

Services were usually held at the residence of different members, until 1864, when they purchased the church building formerly owned by the Congregational Society. This they occupied until 1874, when they found, from the growth of the society, that they needed more room. They built a very pretty and substanial stone church on Hudson Street, which was dedicated on the 29th of October of the same year, by Bishop Jacob Escher. Rev. Peter Held is the present pastor.

Catholic. - In 1856, this church erected a frame edifice of which Father Stroker was the first regular priest. In the year 1863, finding their church building too small for the congregation, a new building was erected under the labors of Father McGinty. They now have a fine frame edifice, with a dwelling near for the residence of the priest. Father Mazeaud is the present priest.

Secret Societies. - A dispensation was granted December 5, 1857, for the organization of a Masonic lodge, and on the 9th day of June of the following year, a charter was granted to Crescent Lodge, No. 97, A. F. & A. M.; with Alden S. Sanborn, its first master, and John B. Stickney, its first secretary. The membership of this lodge has increased gradually until it now numbers sixty-eight members. Illustrative of changes constantly going on in society is the fact that upwards of one hundred and fifty names have been enrolled as members of this Lodge since its organization.

The most serious drawback that this society has encountered was, in the loss of their lodge-room and entire furniture and records, destroyed by fire, May 2, 1865. They had bought and paid for the third story of the building erected by J. Warren & Co. This gave them a large and commodious hall, and was well fur- nislied. Tlie last payment on the hall was made but a few weeks previous to the fire. They now hold their meetings in the third storv of Turck's block. B. R. Cowderyis the present master, and H. Z. Moultoii, secretary.

Good Templars. - Mazomanie Lodge, No. 65, I. 0. Gr. T. (afterwards changed to No. 14), was instituted January 15, 1858, with William Robinson, W. C. T., and John Howarth, W. R. S. This lodge has met with varying success since its organization. Like all other institutions having for their object the advancement of moral and social reform, it has its seasons of depression as well as ot prosperity ; but there is little question that this order, aside from its direct effect upon individuals, has exerted a great influence in building up a health}' temperance sentiment in the community. The membership of this lodge is about one hundred and thirty. Samuel Murrish is its present W. C. T., and T. F. Stair its present W. R. S. They have a hall in Turck's block, and meet on Friday evening of each week.

Mendotas. - Montezuma Council, No. 8, I. 0. M., was organized February 22, 1876. This is a social order, having temperance as one of its prominent objects. The membership is seventy-eight. The present officers are L. C. Oulmann, Sachem, and W. Y. Ridell, Writer They meet in Good Templar's hall every Monday eve ning.

The Patrons of Husbandry, No. 318, was organized January 10, 1871, and meet on Saturday evenings in u Blitz" hall. Their membership is forty-six. Present officers are Henry Powell, Master, and 0. B. Haseltine, Secretary.

Public Schools. - Mazomanie has for many years been justly celebrated for the efficiency of her public school, which has been the principal means of attracting many families to our place for the educational ad- vantages it offered. This is mainly attributable to the liberality of its citizens in providing suitable buildings, and in the employment of teachers of undoubted capabilities as principals, among whom may be mentioned Lyman Hutchinson, N. E. Goldthwaite, W. A. De La Matyr, M. E. Wadsworth, L. D. Harvey and Miss Inez C. Childs, all of whom have materially contributed to its success. The present principal is Charles F. Harding, of Springfield in this county.

In 1857, a frame school house was built to take the place of the log house before referred to, of ample size, as was supposed, to accommodate the increase of pupils consequent upon the growth of the village; but it was bandy finished, before a portion had to be sent to the seminary building. In 1861, was commenced the erection of a brick edifice, 50 by 50 feet, two stories in height. This was occupied the following year, when the school was first organized under the. graded system. In 1868, an addition was built, 30 by 50 feet, of the same height, making a building 50 by 80 feet, which was arranged for five departments. In 1876, however, it was again found necessary to occupy the former building, now known as the Town Hall, and to establish a primary school near the Wisconsin river.

In 1876, a free high school was established in the district, receiving state aid as provided by law. The grade, however, was already sufficient to enable pupils to enter the freshman class at the State University without further preparation; as an instance, at the last commencement, the following pupils passing direct from our school, graduated from this institution, namely : Misses Alice Stickney, Florence E. Mitchell, Hattie M. Hover, Tillie Reul, and Mr. W. A. Hover.

in attendance the past year. Number of teachers employed, eight; cost of instruction, about $3,000 annually. Value of -school building and site is over §10,000. The site contains eight lots, and is one of the prettiest locations for the purpose to be found. Good sidewalks are provided not only about the building and across the grounds, but reach to nearly all portions of the village, except on the higher grounds where they are not so much needed.

The present officers of the district are, Jonathan Jones, J. C. Cowdery and H. Z. Moulton, the latter having served in the capacity of clerk without interruption since 1862.

The place is supplied with excellent hotels, all of which are well kept, and sufficiently large and roomy for the accommodation of the traveling public, who may feel assured of receiving the utmost attention from the genial proprietors. The " Carlisle House,1' kept by James Carlisle, is the largest; next in size and pretensions is the " Freeman House," kept by Theo. Freeman, while the " Commercial Hotel " is under the charge of John Westhauser, proprietor. Mr. N. Kirch has recently erected large and commodious buildings, and, in connection with other business, proposes to provide for the entertainment of the traveling public.

The Weekly Sickle, a newspaper published by D. W. Bronson & Son, with S. E. Bronson as editor, is among the important enterprises of the place, and is of great value and convenience to the citizens and business men. The first issue was dated March 9, 1874, and the circulation has increased gradually until it now numbers five hundred subscribers.

The village of Mazomanie is what may be termed a " railroad town," as it was directly through its influence that the place was first started, and through its business employment is given to a great number of persons. The construction train of the western division of the railway from Milwauke to Prairie du Chien makes its headquarters here. The train is under the charge of E. J. Whitney, conductor, with Frank Robinson as engineer, Mr. R. having held this position since 1865. This station ranks the fifth on the line (Pra. du C. division) as to amount of business. There is. paid out to its different employees not less than 8'2,000 monthly, giving direct support to about fifty families, and indirectly adding largely to the general business interests of the town.

The Fire Department of Mazomanie is well deserving of attention in this sketch. It has been organized and worked up under exceeding difficulties, and several 3rears have elapsed since its first conception, but through the persistent efforts of a few of her citizens - among whom may with propriety be mentioned the names of C. J. Trager, T. W. Wilson and R. Black - and the liberality of the business men of the place, it has now a well organized fire company, with an " A 1 " hand power engine, hose cart and hook and ladder outfit, including truck, ladders, buckets, etc., costing upwards of twelve hundred dollars. The present officers are, C. J. Trager, foreman; J. A. J. Shower, first assistant, andT. T.Huntington, second assistant.

The population of the village is now about twelve hundred, mostly of American and English extraction. Of the foreign element, the German largely predominates, although the " Emerald Isle " furnishes a large representation. And while it is but slowly increasing in wealth and population, there seems to be an air of

The resources of the place are much the same as contribute to the support of nearly all of our western towns, being principally from grain growing districts around, making this a common center, although the peculiar adaptation of the surrounding country to grazing purposes will, at no distant future, make of it one of the most important dairying districts in the southern portion of the state. Even now it is estimated that more butter and eggs are shipped from this station than any other 011 the road west of Milwaukee.

Location" and Scenery. - A sketch of Mazomanie would be incomplete that did not refer to its advantages as a place of residence, for such as desire a more quiet and retired life than the city affords, and yet enjoy most of its conveniences. The village is pleasantly located on both sides of Black Earth creek, where it opens out into the valley of the Wisconsin. South of the railroad, which passes through the place, a little south of the center, is a sharp rise of ground for a few rods, where we find a large plateau, where are many beautiful locations for residences not yet occupied. Still south of this, and adjoining the village, is a range of very pretty bluffs, skirted with forests of oak, making a fine background, and giving to the sceneiy a very picturesque appearance.

A magnificent view of the place and of the surrounding country may be had from the " school section " bluff on the southeast, which rises abruptly to the height of about three hundred feet above the level of the Wisconsin river. From this elevation the observer may look down upon the village, nestled among the maples and elms, with which every street is lined, and which have become the pride of its citizens. Glancing to the northward, he will see the Wisconsin skirting the bluffs on the opposite side, many of which her currents have hewn squarely down to the waters edge; towards the northeast, he sees in the distance, across an alternating landscape of forest and field, the prairies of Sauk county, dotted here and there with farm-houses, and extending back to the Baraboo bluffs. On the east and southeast, Black Earth creek and her tributaries may be seen winding their serpentine courses through pleasant vallej's and rich meadows, with the constantly varying scenery of forest, bluff, and cultivated field. On the south, at a distance of twelve miles, he distinctly sees the lofty summits of the Blue Mounds, towering like sentinels above the intervening elevations of land, while turning to the westward, the view opens upon a magnificent perspective of the broad valley of the Wisconsin, which may be seen for a distance of forty miles, an almost unbroken landscape of field and meadow, diversified with constantly receding patches of forest, while at intervals in the distance the abrupt faces of the bluffs upon either side of the river seem to approach each other, until at nearly the utmost range of vision they appear to meet, thus closing up the further view of the course of this magnificent river, on its way, through narrow defiles and shifting sands, to join the Father of Waters on his course to the Gulf of Mexico.

Although this village is not noted for its magnificent edifices, yet she has many pretty residences, public buildings, and places of business, no less than thirty of which are substantial, first-class brick and stone buildings. It has been the pride of her citizens to not only supply the lack of a natural growth of forest trees, by planting out large quantities of the rapidly growing maple and elm on the streets, and with various kinds of evergreens and deciduous trees of different species, in private yards and grounds, but in beautifying them with flowers and shrubs, and adorning their dwellings with choice pictures and rare curiosities, as well as in providing for the literary and musical culture and entertainment of the household.

Society. - A noticeable feature in the social elements of which Mazomanie is composed is, that while it boasts of as good society as is furnished by any town of its size and pretensions, there is but little inclination to divide into "sets," as is too often the case, but with remarkable unanimity, her citizens are disposed to treat each other with the consideration to which they are entitled, Avithout regard to "worldly wealth or honors/' In societies and other organizations, a certain degree of exclusiveness is necessarily required.

In summing up the many desirable features possessed by Mazomanie, we must not overlook that of health, which is paramount to all other considerations in selecting a place for permanent location. It has long been known as one of the most healthful places in the country, as has often been remarked by those who have been acquainted with it for many years. Adding to this its beauty of location, its business capacities and resources, its convenience to leading places of the northwest, such as Milwaukee, Chicago, the capital of the state, etc, ready access to all points in Iowa and Minnesota, its society, churches and schools, make it one of the most desirable places of residence to be found among the smaller towns of the state.

Towns Adjacent Eyansville, Eock Co

The township of Union, of which the village of Evansville is at the present time the principal and leading market town, was first settled in the fall of 1839. The first settlers were Ohas. McMillan, Samuel Lewis, Stephen Jones, Erastus Quivey, John Khinehart and Boyd Phelps. In the spring of 1840, there was a large immigration from the east and south to this part of the state, and among those making their homes in this town were Rev. John Griffith, Hiram Griffith, John A. Griffith, Ira Jones, Jacob "West, John T. Baker, J. W. Haseltine, Levi Leonard, David Johnson, Daniel Johnson, John Cook, John Adams, "Washington Higday and John Sale, and the population was further increased by a large immigration in the fall of the same year.

The first school house in the settlement was built in 1841, about a mile and a half west of the present site of Evansville, and the first teacher, Miss Mary Jane True. The next was built at or near the now village of Union, between Janesville and Madison, where the first post office was established. The third school house in the town was built on the present site of Evansville, and was built of logs, and used both as church and school house, and the first teacher our now worthy citizen, Levi Leonard. The first settler on the land now embraced in the village plat was Amos Kirkpatriek, in 1842. About the same time Wilbur Potter settled here and built a chair factory, and then Henry and Lewis Spencer, whose residence is still here, they having built the first frame dwellings in the town. In the summer of 1S45, J. M. Evans, from Laporte, Indiana, settled here and commenced the practice of medicine.

Up to 1848, the principal centers of business for the whole country between Janesville and Madison w7ere at the village of Union, a post town on the territorial road three miles north of the present site of Evansville, or Cooksville, on the Badfish creek, four miles northeast of Union, and in that year William "Winston and C. R. Bent built and filled the first store in the place, which up to this date had neither name nor post office, the citizens having to go to Union for their mail. Upon the establishing of a j>ost office in 1849, the name of Evansville was chosen. In 1855, the ground was surveyed and platted, and the name of the post office was selected as the future name of the village, from which time to the present the growth of the place has been steady and healthy. In 1863, the Beloit and Madison railroad was completed, which gave the place a new impetus, and in 1865, Evansville became a chartered village, officered by a president and board of trustees, clerk and treasurer, and under the healthy working of our charter and good management of its officers, our streets have been improved, sidewalks made and repaired, shade trees planted, until we now have as handsome and thrifty a village as there is in the west, and what with its water and steam power in the hands of our enterprising business men, bids fair for a prosperous future.

To the person seeking a pleasant home, or as a place of summer resort, there is no place in the west that offers better inducements than Evansville. Society is of the best, manifesting refinement, intelligence and good taste; not only in the well kept and nicely graded streets, good sidewalks, and the beautiful gardens and pleasant homes, with the absence of any saloons for the sale of intoxicating drinks, but with the prevailing influences of Christian privileges and blessings, is every thing that goes to make a home pleasant and desirable. The village is located in one of the best farming and grazing sections of Wisconsin, and is skirted on the north by a beautiful grove of oak timber, while in every other direction farms and farm houses abound in beautifying effect. The country, when in its natural state, was about one-half timber and the rest prairie; but since the stumps have been removed on the timber farms, and artificial groves planted on the prairie, a person unacquainted with the locality in former times would hardly distinguish the difference; with good roads, and pleasant drives in every direction, the seeker after pleasure or

In the first settlement of this town, the religious and moral tone of the people had much to do in the forming and regulating society, and in after years, through this influence, the sale of intoxicating drinks publicly, has always been prohibited; so that up to the present time, no license has ever been granted to a liquor saloon. The first church was organized in the summer of 1840 by the Episcopal Methodists, with a membership of twenty-seven ; and the first church edifice was erected by them in 1846-47, being a plain but comfortable frame building. In the year 1866, the old church was sold to give place for a business block, and a new and more commodious one (built of white brick) was erected. The membership now numbers about 178, and the present pastor is the Rev. J. D. Cole.

The next church organization was the Freewill Baptist, in 1854, with a membership of 30, and the same year they erected a very neat frame church edifice, and furnished it with the first church bell. They have increased until they now number about 67 members. Their present pastor is the Rev. B. F. Mc- Kenney.

The next church was organized by the Congregationalists in the same year, 1854, with a membership of eleven, and in 1857 they erected a very neat red brick church edifice. Their numbers have increased, so that they have now a membership of sev

Towns Adjacent Evansville

The regular Baptists next organized a church in 1856, with thirty-four members, and reorganized in 1867, and in this rear they erected a very commodious white brick church edifice, and furnished it with a bell. Their numbers have increased to seventy-one. The Tier. C. N. Lathrop is their present pastor.

The Episcopalians next organized a society in 1869, with a membership of twenty-five, and in 1870, they erected a very neat frame edifice, and furnished it with the best bell in the place. Their numbers have increased to forty-six members, and their present rector is the Rev. Henry Green.

The early settlers were not unmindful of the necessity of providing for the education of their children, knowing well that the prosperity of our country and its civil liberties depended on the education of the rising generation. Our common schools under the township organization were in a flourishing condition, but the rapid growth of our village demanded higher branches of education; consequently an organization was formed for the purpose of erecting a seminary of learning, August 10, 1855, and a charter was obtained the winter following; at the same time a select or high school was commenced in the Methodist Episcopal Church building, it being the most suitable place for a high school, under the supervision of R. O. Kellogg, and was continued under the supervision of competent teachers till the spring of 1859, when D.

Y. Kilgore opened a school in the seminary building, and continued prosperously under the patronage of the different Christian denominations until the spring of 1874. In 1S6S-9 the citizens of Evansville, in accordance with the state laws, organized and built a large graded school building, and opened under the supervision of S. S. Gard. Of the many graduates from the Evansville Seminary, quite a number have arisen to eminence and distinction, among which we might mention the Rev. W. H. Spencer, now of Haverhill, Mass.; Rev. Mr. Marshall, now a missionarv at the East Indies; J. ~\Y. Sale, now district attorney of Rock county; B. W. Jones, ex-disfcrict attorney of Dane county; L. 13. Sale, attorney, Green Bay; Hon. R. E. Pettigrew, Sioux Falls, Dakota; Geo. R. Mitchell, M. D., Richland Center; D. B. Bennett, M. D., Colorado. The graded school, as now changed to a high school, seemed to supersede the necessity of the seminary, as has been the case with many of the institutions of this kind, it only being a step from this to the State University. The high school department is now under the supervision of A. R. Sprague, principal, with an able assistant, and also four graded departments with an able corps of teachers, which are now in a very prosperous and flourishing condition.

Among the business enterprises of the place, the foundry and machine shop of A. S. Baker & Co. deserves special mention. The company started in business in April, 1873; commencing at first in a small way, but procuring the best of machinery, their busines has been steadily on the increase until at the present time they are doing a flourishing business, employing ten or twelve men, and have a reputation of doing first class work, having in the past year manufactured 1,800 iron pumps, 100 windmills, besides doing a large amount of jobbing work and repairing. Also the manufactory of Lehman Brothers, wholesale and retail manufacturers and dealers in household furniture, commenced business in August, 1870; they too, commencing small and enlarging as the wants of the trade demanded, until they have built up a business that is an honor to the place, and doing a business at the present time amounting to over twenty thousand dollars a year. Both the above mentioned factories use steam for power.

The First National Bank of Evansville was established in November, 1874, and continued as such till January, 1875 ; it then changed to the state system, under the name of the Bank, of Evansville, with a paid up capital of $25,000, and the stock is now owned by L. T. Pullen and J. C. Sharp, who are its officers; and the average deposits amount to about $50,000, which shows the prosperity of the business men here, as well as the confidence they have in the bank. In the dry goods and grocery department are five well filled stores. The firm of N. Winston & Sons commenced business in 1855, under the firm name of J. Winston & Sons; although there have been some changes, the present senior partner has been a continuous member during the whole time, and is now doing a large and profitable business. Smith & Eager commenced business in the building now occupied by them, in 1868, and have had an extensive trade, and at present are classed among our successful business men. Winston & Woodbury are successors of J. Winston & Son, established in 1863. Some changes have been made, but the present R. Winston has been a continuous member of the firm from the start; it is an old reliable house. Evansville Mercantile Association do a dry goods, groceries and general mercantile business; said association was established in 1874, under the auspices of the Patrons of Husbandry. The association has the past year built a large and commodious store, with a fine hall above for the use of the Evansville Grange. They are having an extensive trade, and must be doing a satisfactory business; their present agent and business manager is T. C. Richardson. Pullen & Wilder commenced business in 1874; although they are both young men, they are not young in business, having both been raised to handle the tape; they have already built up a large and prosperous trade, and, in the end, must win. Our business in the groceries and confectionery goods are represented by three well stocked stores. Ransom Griffin commenced business in 1871; Richardson Brothers commenced in 1874, and Bevier & Hall in 1876 ; all doing a good business in their line. There are two well filled drug stores in the place where can always be found drugs, paints, oils, window glass, and everything usually found in first-class drug stores. The old pioneer drug store is run by Doctors Dewitt Griswold and J. M. Evans - the other by ('. M. Smith, M. I). The hardware trade of the place is now controlled by Snashall & Mygatt, an enterprising firm ; they carry a large stock of the best goods. F. A. Baker, practical tinner, keeps a large stock of tinware on sale. Two clothing stores, E. Robinson, established in 1870, and Spencer & Pullen, in 1876; both doing a o-ood business. The retail trade of boots and shoes is in the hands of Geo. E. Shaw and C. K. Lanclon, two well filled stores. Two boot and shoe shops, one run by Plaisted & Bargewell, the other by Chas. Clifford. Three milliners' stores, one by Mrs. Gunn, one by Mrs. Morrow, and the other by Misses Gilman & Spencer. Evan svi lie has long been noted for its harness manufacture, and there are at the present time four harness shops; E. W. Stearns, established in 1855, E. Blakeley in IS'!!. EL Monshau in 1870, and George Taggart in 1877. In each and all can be found the goods usually kept in first-class harness shops. Blakeley and Stearns carry on carriage trimming in connection with their business. In butchers' meats we are bountifully supplied; three first-class markets - Campbell & Springer, established in 1871, Joslin & Budlong in 1875, and Hay ward Brother in 1876. We have two well stocked lumber yards - one by Fifield & Co. (K. F. Randolph, agent), established in 1864, the other by R, Winston & Co., 1S73 - both doing- a good business. Have an extensive country, as well as village trade. Four wagon and carriage shops - John II. Winston, established in 1861; John Evans, 1870; Allen & Holman, 1876, and Baker & Garfield, 1876. Three blacksmith shops - Baker & Garfield, Allen & Holman, and Clifford & Gratasinger. Baker A: (Tarfield also carry on the manufacture of plows, in connection with their other business. There is one well filled -jewelery store, with a large stock for the size of the place, owned and run by C. B. Morse, practical workman. The best goods for sale, and the best work done.

The mechanics and artisans of the place are second to no other. Our list of carpenters and joiners comprises the well known names of 1ST. Libby, Win. Libby, Daniel Doolittle, Wm. H. Morgan, L. Walker, A. Snashall, A. Hoskins and William Wilcox. Masons and plasterers, D. B. Huckins, T. F. Shurrum and James Brown. House and carriage painters, M. E. Hanover, Chas. Pows and Geo Backenstose.

The best index to the intelligence of any people can be found at the post office, and printing office. As the room allotted will not admit of a detailed statement of the business of our office, we will mention the business for one quarter, ending December 31, 1876, of the Evansville post office: established here in 1866, by I. A. Hoxie, its present owner and editor. For ten long years it has covered up our faults, exalted our virtues, received our abuse, and not unfrequently abused us in return, and yet it still lives.

The morals of the place can be judged by the large number of ministers, and but one lawyer. Of ministers, we have Reverends E. Robinson, 0. H. Wilder, C. N. Lathrop, J. W. Harris, B. F. McKinney, Henry Green and J. D. Cole. The law has been expounded to us for the last twenty-two years by the Hon. D. L. Mills, who pleads our causes, makes our conveyances, and, in addition, does a large amount of insurance business, he having always rej)resented some of the best companies in the United States. Of physicians, we have Doctors J. M. Evans, M. C. Smith, E. W. Beebe, and A. IT. Robinson, dentist and surgeon. Among the institutions that should have been mentioned, but was almost forgotten, is that of West & Potter, dealers in chromos, engravings, stereoscopic views, cords, tassels, picture frames, school books, stationery, and news depot, rooms at the post office.

Strangers stopping here can find two good hotels, and take their choice. The Spencer House is located in the center of the business portion of town, and is kept by Col. Beebe. The Evansville House, kept by Daniel "Wadsworth", near the depot. Both no license houses, as there never has been a license to sell intoxicating drinks granted, since the first organization of the town, and if the morals of its inhabitants can be kept up to the present standard, there never will be.

Lake Koshkonong By An Old Settler

Lake Ivoshkonong- is principally situated in Jefferson county, Wisconsin, but its southwest end touches Dane county, and its southern part, Rock county. Its main length is about nine miles, in the direction of northeast and southwest; its broadest part about four miles. Its shape is somewhat irregular, and it has its bays and promontories, and which are known as Buffalo and Bingham's bays, and Lee's, Taylor's and Bingham's "points." Rock river enters the lake at the northeast end, at Blackhawk Island, and leaves it at the southwest end, at Newville. On the northwest side, Koshkonong creek and Alpeter's creek, and on the southeast side, Otter creek, add to the volume of its water, as also do innumerable springs all around and in many places even in the lake, which is rather a shallow sheet of water, with mostly muddy bottom.

What is called " Blackhawk Island " is an island only at high water, and is formed by having the Rock river on the east, and the lake on the south and west side, being connected with the main land only by a narrow strip of low land on the north.

The land surrounding the lake consists to a great extent of low and very extensive marshes, on which thousand of tons of hay are annually cut; but limestone bluffs exist in many places all around the lake, viz.: at C. Lee's, R. Bingham's, Taylor's point, ]STewville, E. Bingham's, and the place of Mr. Langhoff.

plant, known to botanists as Vallisneria spiralis, growing in it in the greatest abundance, used to be a great favorite place for ducks, and especially the furfamed Canvassback {Aythya vallisneria), which, with the Bedhead, is particularly fond of the Vallisneria spiralis. Geese, cormorants and white pelicans were also very numerous, and fifty to one hundred of those latter birds could be seen at one time in the latter part of April or first of May.

In the marshes and on the shores were a great variety of waders, viz.: the great blue heron, the large white heron, the snowy heron, the night heron, and the least heron, six species of the plover family and Wilson's Phalarope, the most beautiful of all our waders, was in abundance. Of the snipe family, twenty species, besides curlews and godwits. Three species of rails, and gallinules and coats, very plenty. But owing to a continued sporting kept up every spring and fall for years, the birds have either greatly diminished in number or found other places where they are less disturbed, as now-a-days but few visit the lake compared with what they did only ten years ago. Ducks, even such as shelldrakes, whistlers and butterballs, bring something in the markets of the large cities, and hence they must be killed and sold for the little they bring. Coots are yet numerous, though not so numerous as formerly; but though they don't sell as well as shelldrakes and butterballs, yet, if nothing else can be had, the fun of shooting them is all the same.

As for the fish in the lake, the time is past when twenty-eight to thirty-five pound pickerels can be found, or twenty-five pound catfish. Bullheads and perch, sunfish, garpikes and dogfish are common yet; but the pike, pickerel, bass, redhorse, sucker and catfish are not near as plentiful as formerly. Perhaps the dams across the Rock river, below the lake, are too powerful hindrances for the fish of the Mississippi river to go up to our waters to spawn; if so, we are effectually prevented from ever having shad successfully planted in this part of Rock river.

Having been more interested in the ornithology and botany of the lake and its vicinity than in the archaeology, I am not able to j>'ive such information in regard to the latter as I should wish, and will only mention a few facts that have come under my observation, mostly on the west side of the lake, where I have lived nearly 34 years, facts proving that this lake and vicinity have been a great resort of the Indians.

On the land of Mr. R. Bingham are patches of ground where yet can be seen what is supposed to be cornhills worked by the Indians. While plowing or hoeing, Indian arrows, stone implements and pieces of pottery are frequently found; these relics are especially numerous on the farms of Mr. R. Bingham and Mr. Charles Lee, who has an extensive and interesting collection, picked up on his farms.

Indian mounds of different sizes and shapes were numerous on the west side of the lake, but many of them are now leveled by the plows. Of the large mound " at the foot of the lake" lately opened and investigated, and where interesting relics were found, I can say nothing, as I have never visited the place. At Busseyville, near the creek, there used to grow a very large oak which, thirty-four years ago, and at that time considered old, had a very plain and good figure of a mud turtle cut on the side, towards the creek, and on the hill north of it, were several mounds, some of which had the shape of mud turtles. These mounds are now leveled, and the land cultivated.

About thirty years ago, while botanizing near the lake, I found tobacco (nicotiana rustica li/i) growing in a wild state among the grass on Mr. It. Bingham's land, and I understood that tobacco was found growing even on the other side of the lake at about the same time. This was at a time when the first settlers never had heard of raising tobacco in the state. Since which there is scarcely a farmer for miles around that is not engaged in raising tobacco.

In 1844r, there was a steamboat going through the lake, said to have come up from St. Louis. The new settlers hailed this occurrence with great pleasure and hopes, expecting to have a communication by water opened with the cities on the Mississippi river, and bavins: no railroad nearer than Buffalo, IN". Y., and sixty to seventy miles to haul their grain to Milwaukee, it is no wonder that they considered the coming up of this steamboat as a Godsend. The idea never occurred to them that this big Rock river, on which with their own eyes they had seen a steamboat from St. Louis, ever could be, by any authority, pronounced an unnavio-able stream, and dams allowed to be built across it.

There is, after all, a steamboat on the lake now, built and moored at Taylor's point, where there is also a good hotel for visitors, but this boat will probably have to confine its trips between Taylor's point, Fort Atkinson and Newville, or to making excursions around the lake.

The town of Brooklyn is situated ill the northeast corner of Green county, and borders on the towns of Rutland and Oregon in Dane county. In the northeast part of the town there is some very good land, partly of burr oak opening and good prairie, with some fine groves of timber, while on the east side of the town there are a few sections of good prairie land. The balance of the town is oak openings, much of it quite high and rolling, and not of the best quality.

The first land bought for actual settlement was by the writer, on the 26th day of December, 1839, on the north half of section three, and which he still occupies. The first house in the town was built by W. W. McLaughlin in the fall of 1812, on the south half of section three, and who occupied the same farm up to the time of his death, April 2, 1877. The names of the early settlers of the town are J. W. Haseltine, W. W. McLaughlin, Charles Sutherland, Elder John Sawin and his three sons, Alvin, Ethan and Lorenzo, Stephen Smith and three sons, Jonathan, Charles and Emery, Leonard and Ezra Doolittle, Amos D. and William Kirpatrick, Sylvester Gray, C. D. AY. and Arab Leonard, Jeremiah Anderson and son Amos (the father now occupying the {'arm first selected, aged eighty-two), Nelson J. and Franklin Patterson, William B. Patterson, William R, Smith, Sr., and William R. Smith, Jr., and John Pace. Henry Montgomery and his three sons, Cyrus A., Tracy and John, were early settlers in the town. Cyrus A.

Of the above list of persons, those who have died are W. W. McLaughlin, John Sawin, Stephen Smith, Win. Kirkpatrick, Sylvester Gray, Amos Anderson, Wm. R. Smith, Sr., and John Pace. Others have moved away, so that few of the very early settlers remain.

Alonzo Melvin with a large family settled on a farm on section one, about the year 1850. Five sons of the family enlisted in the army of the late war of the rebellion, and suffered terribly by disease and death. Shepard and Taylor died suddenly of disease contracted while in the army. Fordice R. was shot through the wrists and disabled for life. He holds the office of treasurer of Green county, and has done so for three terms or six years, ending January 1, 1877, and as such has proved himself an honest and capable officer. Oliver was also brought home from the army terribly diseased, but has finally recovered and is now a resident of the town. Austin A. was the only one of the five Avho came back unharmed. Alonzo, the father, died two years since, full of years, honored and respected by all who knew him, one of nature's noble, honest men.

The town was organized and the first town meeting held in the house of Nelson J. Patterson, on the 7th day of April, 1819, the writer acting as clerk and making the first election returns from the town to Monroe, the county seat. The following officers were elected : Chairman of fin- Town Board - Amos D. Kirkpatrick. Toicn Clerk - 0. P. Stowell. Assessor - - W. W. McLaughlin. Treasurer - Martin Flood. Superintendent of Schools - G. G. Godfrey.

Names that have been prominent among the town officers are W. W. McLaughlin, who was chairman of the town board many years, and assessed the town twelve or thirteen times, and lias twice been a meinbei of the legislature. Amos D. Kirkpatrick was chairman several years, also a member of the legislature once 01 twice. C. D. VV. Leonard has also beeu chairman many times, and twice a member of the legislature from the north assembly district in Green county. Town clerks have been, 0. P. Stowell, James McCoy, for eleven "successive years, J. W. Haseltine, Ed. Netherwoocl, M. F. Ross, and others.

The town is well provided with school houses and has two Methodist churches, one in Attica and one in Brooklyn. At an early clay the village of Attica was laid out on Sugar river, in the southwest corner of the town, and at one time contained a flouring and saw mill, a carding machine, a fulling and cloth dressing machine, and also distillery. The village is situated on Sugar river, and has an excellent water power, but now has only a good flouring mill, owned by Joseph Bartlett.

The village of Brooklyn is situated in the northeast corner of the town, on the railroad, midway between Evansville and Oregon, six miles from either. It contains four stores, a cheese factory, a good lumber yard, a livery stable, two hotels, a postoffice, two blacksmith shops, two harness shops, and does a large produce and stock business, conducted by E. J. Andrew & Sons.

B. S. Axtell is the oldest merchant and is postmaster. He commenced business here soon after the railroad was built, and does a safe business. L. J. Wilder keeps a good store and is an excellent business man. The Marvin brothers manage the hardware, and honest Charles S. Gray runs the " Grange Store." E. J. Andrew & Sons have an elevator with large storage capacity, and conduct a good business in produce and stock. They maintain an excellent market, and are ever ready to deal honorably with their customers.

Towns Adjacent Brooklyn

Tliey have done much to make Brooklyn a good market for a large section of country. Lovejoy & Richards sell the lumber. Frank Lane does a lively livery business. Conradson, in wood and iron is " a workman that need not be ashamed." Melvins & Blair own the cheese factory, and have a reputation for making good cheese. J. A. Leonard, blacksmith; W. A. Morrow, harness maker; J. R. Richards, harness maker; E. H. Graves, railroad agent; E. D. King, confectionery and restaurant; D. H. Glidden, hotel; Miss Mattie Wallace and Mrs. Addie Murray, milliners.

Location. - The town joins the town of Dane, in Dane county, on the north, and is situated in the southwest part of Columbia county. It is formed of township No. 10 north, of range 8 east, according to government survey, except sections 0, 7, 18, 19, 30 and 31, which form the west tier of sections of said township, and belong to the town of West Point. The territory of which the town is formed was at first a part of Brown county, then of Portage county, and in 1816, when Columbia county was organized, it was made a part of the last named county. The town of Lodi was organized in 1319, previous to which time the territory described as town 10, ranges 7, 8 and the west half of range 9, constituted, for voting purposes, a precinct called " Pleasant Valley precinct." As at first organized, the town embraced all the territory belonging to said precinct. The name of the town was suggested by Judge Palmer.

In the year 1850, the town of West Point was taken from the western part of said territory, embracing all of township 10, range 7 (the same being made fractional by the course of the Wisconsin river), also the west tier and a half of sections in township 10, range 8.

In the year 1855, the town of Arlington was formed on the east of Lodi, taking therefrom the west half of town 10, range 9, except the west tier of sections in said west half, which west tier of sections remained a part of Lodi, until the year 1871, when the county board of supervisors of Columbia county, to whom the matter had

Towns Adjacent Lodi

At the time of the organization of Arlington, the half tipj- of sections on the west, which had been made a part of West Point, was returned to Lodi.

Soil. - The soil is mostly what is called " openings;" a small part is prairie. The surface is quite undulating, sometimes rising into bluffs of considerable height. The soil is fertile, especially along the streams, except in the northern and northeastern parts, where it degenerates into sand, and is nearly worthless. The town is watered by one of the finest and most reliable streams in the state. About four miles southwest of the village, in the town of Dane, jrou find a marsh, nearly circular, covering from a section and a half to two sections of land. Around this marsh, in almost every direction, the land rises, and in some places to great heights. At the foot of these hills and about the borders of this marsh crop out springs innumerable, which, uniting in a single stream, flow in a northeasterly direction and form the west branch of Spring creek. Some of these springs are very small, while others are ten or twelve feet in diameter, from which wells up the purest water.

This stream enters Lodi on the south line of section 33, and continues its northeasterly course through sections 33 and 34, and into section 27, where it receives, from the southeast, a tributary of the same character, which is called the east branch of Spring creek. At this point the stream takes a northwesterly course and flows out of the town through the west line of section S, into the town of West Point. About half a mile from the west line of Lodi, it receives a large tributary, known as Rowan's creek; thence, flowing oat on about a mile and a half, it discharges its waters into the Wisconsin river, opposite the village of Merrimac, in Sank county.

The value of this stream to the town can hardly be estimated. It determined the first point of settlement, and fixed the location of the village, and of the railroad. It furnishes one of the best water powers in southern Wisconsin. This pure spring water cannot be surpassed for the propogation and raising of fish. The east branch only as yet has been used in fish culture.

which McCloud's are by far the most extensive. From the last named gentleman the following information concerning his doings in fish culture has been derived: He has in his park, of about two acres, six ponds stocked with fish, which are all doing well. Within this park are about a dozen springs, out of which gushes the purest spring water, which maintains almost an even temperature throughout the year. In April, 1875, he made two ponds, in one of which he put 1,000 youngbrook trout or fry, and in the other, 5,000 fry of the Atlantic salmon. In the fall of the same year, he made four more ponds, one of which he stocked with brook trout one year old, one with black and white bass; and with the bass he also put in four sturgeon, which appear to do well. One pond he stocked with catfish. In November, 1875, he put into his hatching house 10,000 spawn of the California salmon, which hatched out during the winter. The bass, catfish and two years old trout spawned last spring.

Three ponds are now filled with young fish which are growing rapidly. The writer of this chapter visited these ponds last week and saw the fish fed. It is a sight worth many miles' travel. A thousand speckled trout, from six to ten inches long, within a space of about twenty feet square, leaping and gliding over each other and out of the water for their food (water clear as crystal), turning up their beautiful sides in the sunlight, would strengthen the weak eyes of an old fisherman.

This stream is unfailing. When all the water powers for miles around have given out, parties can here get their grinding done. They have come here, in time of drought, even from beyond Madison, and " blessed is the man" who can get Lodi flour.

Early Settlement. - In the month of April, 1845, two brothers, M. C. Bartholomew and G. M. Bartholomew, came from McLean county, Illinois, and settled on section 22, in this town. In May following came Rev. H. Maynard, a Methodist minister, and planted himself on section 21. In the fall of the same year came James McCloud, and stuck his stakes on section 27 and built his preemption house, which was a log house, near his present residence. This has been his home ever since, though in the spring of 1816 he was employed in running lumber on the Wisconsin river. On the last of October in this year came W. Gr. Simons and settled on section 33, where he still resides. These were all the settlers who came that year.

In 1846, came I. H. Palmer and settled on section 27, and in the spring of that year built his house, and during the year built a saw mill on the west branch of Spring creek. The building is still standing at the east end of Andrews' mill dam, and near the law office of R. Lindsay, Esq. In the same year came Adam Bowman, Nathan Bowman, Joseph Brown and Jacob Hurley, all of whom settled upon section 26; Aaron Chalfant and Johnson Sowards, on section 21; Amos and Jehu Strowd, on sections 25 and 36, and John Chance, on section 19. In 1847, came T. S. Wells and settled on section 9; Nathaniel Goodall, upon section 26, and Peter Froland, upon sections 25 and 36. Others came in this year, and from this time the settlement progressed rapidly.

Indians. - When the first settlers came in 1815, they found ahout two hundred Indians encamped on the creek, near where the village now stands. These were mostly Winnehagoes; a few were Brothertowns. During that season they were very peaceable and friendly. In the fall of that year they all disappeared. In the year 1817, they came back, to the number of about eighty, with their chief, and camped on the creek below where the Bartholomews had settled. They soon began to show their natural propensities, and the property of the settlers occasionally disappeared. One of the settlers, Gr. M. Bartholomew, returning to his home from an absence, found the Indians had stolen a part of his hogs. He went to the chief and complained. The chief " denied the soft impeachment,1' but the complainant insisted, and resolutely told Mr. Chief that he could have till the next morning when the sun was " so high," telling him how high by pointing, to be off. The chief promised to be off at once, and to go to the " Milwaukee Woods." Thereupon Bartholomew roused the settlers, to the number of 20 to 25, and the next morning, when the sun was "so high" tlurv appeared at the spot "with horse and gun," but the Indians had left. Fearing they might camp again near enough to enable them to' continue their depredations, our cavalry followed their trail, and found them just striking their tents on Rowan's creek, in what is now the town of Dekorra, near the old tavern stand of James Wilson. As the settlers approached the camping ground, they were discovered by two hunters who were apparently going out to bring in some game, either tame or wild, and the hunters seeing the fearful array, and doubtless fearing " more to follow,11 wheeled on their ponies, and rapidly returned. The pursuers halted, and Bartholomew went forward to the camping ground (their tents were not yet raised), and inquired of the chief if this were " Mil waukee Woods.11 The chief answered "No;11 whereupon he was informed that he could have just five minutes in which to take his departure. At the expiration of the time named, the red skins were on the move. The pursuers followed at a respectful and effective distance as far as what is now the village of Po3Tnette, and then returned to their homes. The Indians never reappeared nor made further trouble.

The first dwelling erected in town was a shanty by M. C. Bartholomew, in building which, he was assisted by two Brothertown Indians. This stood on section 22, near the spot where the barn of W. M. Bartholomew now stands.

The second house was that of Rev. H. Maynard, on section 21, near the present residence of Jonas Narracong, and the third house was that of Gr. M. Bartholomew, on section 22, near the house now owned by Miller Warren.

Mills. The first mill erected in town was the saw mill by I. II. Palmer, as before stated; the next was a grist mill just below the junction of the two branches of Spring creek, on section 27, by Samuel Ring, in 1848, since owned by Freedom Simons, Adam Schoneberger, James H. Hill, and now owned and lately improved by Peter Kehl. Next, in 1849, came the grist mill of I. H. Palmer on the west branch of Spring creek, for a long time owned and run by him, and now owned and run by E. Andrews.

In the same year, 1853, Dunlap & Blatchley erected a building on section 17, intended for a pail factory, which in 1858 was converted into a flouring mill, and for several years was run as such by various parties. It was burned in 1874, and has not been rebuilt.

In or about the year 1855, Samuel Ring built a saw mill on section 8, at a point since known as Okee; this he afterwards sold to T. S. Wells, who added a feed mill, owned and run the mills for some time, and sold out to John Brownrig, who, in 1875, erected a large grist mill, and carding mill at the same place, which he still owns and runs. E. Andrews is now preparing to build a new flouring mill on section 27.

The early settlers of this town were a sagacious and remarkably enterprising class of men. They saw that this water power, and the shape of the country surrounding it, pointed to the valley of Spring creek as a business center, and that about the junction of these two branches of the creek, must be collected large manufacturing and business interests. They, accordingly, took off their coats and went resolutely and hopefully at the work of building up a town.

I. H. Palmer, who has long been known in all the country round as Judge Palmer, he having been, in early times, county judge for a very large district about here, felt impressed with the idea that this place was related to the whole world, and in order to grow, the people must know what was going on abroad, and they must have " the papers." Therefore he applied to the government for a post office. The government, not knowing the promise of the location as well as the set- tiers, and regarding it as a small affair in an out of the way place, denied the application. Judge Palmer, nothing daunted, then proposed to the government, that if a post office could be located here, government should be at no expense for a year, either for the office or for carrying the mail. The nearest post office was Clark's Corners, in the town of Springfield, Dane county, a distance of nine miles, and the the mail must be brought from that point. The government accepted the proposition, and the Judge was appointed the first post master of Lodi, in July, 1848. Until April, 1849, he carried and brought, or caused to be carried and brought, and distributed the mail to' and from Clark's Corners. The receipts of the office for the first quarter were $2.28. Unlike most offices, though it had a name, it had no local habitation, or rather, it had a portable habitation, being carried about in the judge's hat.

As in the late war the military service became efficient when headquarters were in Gen. Grant's saddle, so in this young town the mail service was efficient when its headquarters were in Judge Palmer's hat, for it appeared that when the year had expired, the Government found that Lodi was something, or was going to be, and, in 1849, established a mail route here, with James 0. Eaton as P. M. He held the office till 1853, when H. M. Ayer was appointed. James 0. Eaton succeeded him in 1861. In 1867, Robert Travis succeeded Eaton, and held the office till January, 1875, when H. R. Eaton, the present incumbent, was appointed.

It is said that when Judge Palmer kept the postoffice in his hat, sometimes a sudden gust of wind would come, blow his hat off and scatter the mail. So it appears this town had its news literally " borne on the wings of the wind."

population and of becoming a good business point, in the summer of 1848, Judge Palmer platted a part of section 27 as a village, to which he afterwards made two additions. James McCloud has also made three additions, and John Foote, one. The village was called Lodi, and incorporated in 1872, embracing section 27, and naught else.

Village Officees

1876. E. W. Gardner, president; E. Andrews, J. 0. Eaton, G. E. McKeebe, Wm. Goldspohn, Thos. Albiston, Peter Kehl, trustees; J. M. Bartholomew, clerk; John Yule, treasurer; Addison Eaton. supt. of schools; Alfred Clements, constable; S. S. Dunning-, justice of the peace; II. M. Ayer, police justice.

The first store was built in 1848, by I. II. Palmer, and occupied by James 0. Eaton, in December, of that year, which business was continued by said Eaton until 1S59. The second store was opened by Thomas & Pinney,

Towns Adjacent Lodt

December, 1848, who afterwards sold out to Samuel Ring. The third store was opened by L. D. Barnes, in the tall of 1850, who during the same year took in as a partner, James McCloud, who in various forms has continued in the business ever since. At present there are in business in the village of Lodi : General merchandise: Pruyn & Son, McCloud & Son, J. Seville, Eaton & Cowen and E. Knutesen. Drugs and medicines: Bartholomew and Wanner, and J. McCloud & Son. Hardware: E.B. Waite & Co., J. F. Collins & Bro. Harness: Chase & Harris and John Collins. Shoes: Chase & Co. Meat markets: J. M. Pruyn and C.Dearborn. Jeweler: Henry Haggard. Millinery: Mrs. Of. T. Simons, Mrs. Richards. Tailor: T. Watson. Livery: G. T. Simons, P.Watson. Furniture: C. Odell, M. Wickern. Blacksmiths: Chrisler & Co., S. Holdridge. A. Ferguson, Hans Kleber. Wagons : Quiggle & Terrill, John Buchanan, Henry Schlosser. Shoemakers: M. Cain, Ole Logan. Hotels: Briggs House, by P. Watson; Northwestern, by J. T. Hidden. Restaurants: S. H. Hinds, Thos. Sparks. Groceries and provisions: Otto H. Hinrichs. Baker: L. Buerger. Lumber: Vanderpool & Goldspohn, J. Mc- Cloud. Dairy supplies: Vaughan & Brookman. Flouring mills; E. Andrews, P. Kehl. Cheese factory: Lodi Valley Cheese Co. Lawyers: R. Lindsay, S. H. Watson. Printer: Peter Richards, publisher of Lodi Valley News. Physicians: E. Howard Irvin, G. E. McKeebe, S. M. Blake. Dentist: E. B. Meeteer. Card printer and barber: 0. F. Modler.

On section 8, and near the west line of the same, on Spring creek, in 1855, Messrs. Matthews and Blatchley platted a small village. It was surveyed by G. M. Bartholomew, and named by him Okee, that being the Indian name given to the creek near that point, which is now called Rowan's creek, from the name of Wallace

Over twenty years since, Lodi felt deeply the want of a market. Situated about midway between Portage and Madison, surrounded on three sides by a most excellent farming country, the land descending to the village in all directions except where Spring creek passes out, the weighty products gravitated to this point. But no one could buy them, because twenty miles lay between the village and a railroad. Hence, the proprietors of the town, the business men, and the population as well, looked in all directions for an iron road. After many schemes, which for a time gave hope, had failed, at last the Chicago and Northwestern Company were induced, by the very liberal offer of §40,000 from Lodi, with considerable sums from other towns on the line, to build their road between Chicago and St. Paul through this town and village. The road was opened in the month of August, 1871. Thereupon, Lodi became at once a market town, and it is said that more grain and stock of all kinds are shipped from here than from any other station on the road. Lodi is no longer out of the world.

Churches. - Methodist. The four settlers who came in 1815 were all Methodists; one of them a minister. In that year Rev. L. Harvey established a church, consisting of Rev. H. Majmard, his wife and daughter. M. C. Bartholomew, wife and daughter, and G. M. Bartholomew and wife - eight. Class leader, Gr. M. Bartholomew w. The ministers who have served this church their time and order of service, are as follows: AYm. Smith, one year: J. Tasker, preached one year; Adams, six months; Rev. H. Maynard finished the year; S. P. Walden. one year; Jas. Holmes, six months; removed by Presiding Elder, and Matthias Woodley, finished the }-ear; E. Bonce two years; Nelson Butler Cochran, two years;

The Baptist Church was organized May 26, 1852, by the following elders: Moses Rowley, of Sun Prairie; Joseph Bowman, of Perry; Peter Conrad, of Baraboo; and Charles Perry, of Springfield. Pastors, in their order, have been, Joseph Bowman, 0. 0. Stearns, H. C. Fuller, and X. E. Chapin, who is at present pastor. This church worshipped in a school house till 1867. In 1866, they built their present house of worship, at a cost of over §1,000 and dedicated it March 13, 186T. Its deacons, in their order, have been Peter YanNess, Alpheus King, William Grow and Freedom Simons. When formed, this church numbered seventeen members. It now numbers nearly one hundred.

The First Presbyterian Church was organized by Rev. John N. Lewis, June 20, 1852. The corporate members were James 0. Eaton, Mary M. Eaton, Augustus P. Smith, Ann Eliza Smith, Robert Mann, Harriet N. Mann, Esther S. Lewis, Eliza Steele, Sophia Partridge and Sarah Strangeway - ten. Its ministers have been Rev. John N. Lewis, stated supply 1852-1857; Rev. B. G. Riley, stated supply -1857-1863; Rev. D. A. Bassett, 1863-1866; Rev. Warren Mayo, pastor 1866-1872; Rev. J. W. Knott., pastor 1872, and present pastor. Church edifice built in 1857-1871, at a cost of §5,000. Present number of members, two hundred and forty-nine.

Cis Towns Adjacent Lodi

Schools. - The first school was taught in a house erected in 1846, on section 27. The building was a small log house; the school opened in the fall of that year, and was taught by Miss Mary Yockey. The next school house was a frame building erected in 1851, also on section 27. After this time the ordinary common school of the state was organized in different districts throughout the town and served the people till the year 1857. In this year five districts, in and about the village,. were consolidated, and a graded school established therefrom. A large and commodious brick building was erected therefor on one of the most commanding sites in the village, at a cost of $10,000; James McCloud, contractor. The first principal of said school, was A. Gr. Riley; second, L. B. Everdell; third, J. C. Yocum; fourth, A. A. Miller; sixth, the present principal, W. E. Todd.

Nearly all the people residing out of the village, and some within it, are engaged in farming. They are mostly American born. The adopted citizens are of almost all nationalities.

The buildings of the village are mostly of wood; a few are built of stone and some of brick. By far the most substantial and noticeable business structure is Eaton's block, which is built of stone, and towers above all. It is a fit testimonial of the enterprise of its projector and of his interest and confidence in the town to which he has given the best energies of his life.

Towns Adjacent Lodi. G49

market, with a population intelligent, enterprising and moral - as shown by its buildings, its schools and its churches - and surrounded by such a country, what shall hinder Lodi from making progress in the future equal to that made in the past?

The writer of this chapter is under great obligations for the information contained in it to Hon. G. M. Bartholomew, Hon. I. H. Palmer, J. 0. Eaton, R. Lindsay, Esq., James McCloud, W. M. Bartholomew, Freedom Simons and Rev. J. W. Knott.

The village of Edgerton is located on the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railway, 71 miles west from Milwaukee, li miles from Rock river, 26 -miles east of Madison, and one mile south of the south line of Daue county, in Town 1, Range 12, on the corners of sections 3 and 4 and 9 and 10. The town site was laid out in the summer of 1853, by Adin Burdick and L.H.Page. The same season H. S. Swift and Dr. C. R. Head also became interested in the town site. The depot was built the same season near the spot where the railroad crossed the Indian trail leading from old Fort Winnebago via Koshkonoug lake to Chicago, traces of which can now be seen near here. The first store was opened by P. F. Davis, who was soon followed by others, among whom were Stiles Hakes, H. H. Coleman, Charles Clark, S. S. Williams, H. S. Swift, C. C. Root and others. A postoffice was established in the fall, with 0. D. Peck as P. M.

The first freight shipped here by railroad was on November 25th, 1853. From this date, both freight and passenger traffic by railroad has been good and constantly increasing. For the past ten or twelve .years large amounts of leaf tobacco have been shipped from this station, this being the head of the tobacco growing region of Wisconsin; in fact more of this commodity has been bought and shipped from here than from all other points in the state combined. The average amount for several years past lias been something over ten thousand cases per year, requiring from two to five hundred thousand dollars each year to handle the crop thus marketed. This, together with the usual products of an ex- tensive and rich farming country, finds a good market here, and gives this place a high position among the inland business towns of Wisconsin. We have six large tobacco warehouses, which are receiving and handling the article daily, frequently employing quite an army of laborers at remunerative wages.

For grain we have two elevators, besides several small warehouses, and quite an extensive business in the live stock trade. The amount bought and shipped from here will compare favorably with many larger towns.

Our beople believe in liberal education, and we have a splendid graded school, managed by an able and competent board, who have spared no pains to obtain thorough and experienced teachers, who are doing a great and good work for the coming generation.

The best interests of the people hereabouts, and the tobacco interest in particular, are carefully watched and championed by the " Wisconsin Tobacco Reporter," a newspaper started here some three years ago by W. F. Tousley, which is well patronized by the public in this vicinity, as its long list of subscribers fully attests. Its present circulation is nearly six hundred. Great pains is taken by the proprietor to give all market reports relating to tobacco throughout the United States, and Wisconsin in particular.

Secret Societies. - A. F. and A. M.; regular communications of Fulton Lodge, No. 69, Free and Accepted Masons, meet in Masonic Hall; C. H. Dickinson, W.M., G. W. Price, Sec'y. 1. 0. 0. F. - Edgerton Lodge, No. 133, meet in their hall over Methodist church; Byron Long, N.G., G.W. Price, R.S. I.O.G.T. - Edgerton Union Lodge, No. 145, meet in Croft's Hall; W. D. Ames, W.C.T., II. H. Judd, W.R.S. P. of H. - Fulton Grange, No. 195, meet at Croft's Hall; R. T. Powell, Master, W. P. Bentley, Sec'y. T. of H. and T. - Guiding Star Temple, No. 109, meets at Croft's Hall; H. H. Judd,W.C.T., H. R. Gwalter, W.R.