Madison City (part 9 of 20)

During the summer, the State authorities erected a coal vault and room for the steam boilers and apparatus for heating the Capitol. The vault was 68 feet long, 50 feet wide and 12 feet deep, one third for the boilers and engine room, and the remainder for storing coal, and will hold 1,400 tons. The walls were of stone, covered with brick arches between iron girders, and covered with sod, with proper openings for venti¬ lation and light. This is a fine improvement, and does away with the unseemly coal yard in the park. Neat walks were also opened in the park, and laid with a cement of asphalt. The iron fence around the Capitol grounds was completed, and the whole graded and put in good condition. The fence is now completed at a total cost of $37,912.37, which includes the sum of $7,500 for curbing and walk outside the fence, and large flagging stones in front of each of the gates, and $847.25 for the large ornamental figures on the gate posts.

In the year 1867, the State had expended some $8,000 in sinking an artesian well. After attaining a depth of 1,000 feet, the work was abandoned and closed up, in the belief that a flowing well could not be obtained. In 1873, the Legislature made an appropriation for improving the Capitol grounds, and, among other things, $5,000 for supplying the Capitol with wa¬ ter. This was made in contemplation of the erection of a steam pump and boiler house on the shores of Lake Monona, and forcing the water through pipes from there to the Capitol.

Gov. Washburn, being of the opinion that a supply of wa¬ ter could be procured from said well, caused some experiments to be made, which satisfied him of an abundant supply of water from the same, he caused a shaft to be sunk to the depth of the water standing in the pipe of the well, being about 60 feet from the surface, and at the bottom of it set up a power¬ ful steam pump, connected the same with the boilers in the vault, and at a largely diminished cost, obtained an unlimited supply of the purest water.

"Prof. I. A. Lapham - Dear Sir: - Herewith please find re¬ sults of an analysis of the water of the artesian well in Madi¬ son, which I made at your request. One gallon of it contains the following salts:

Chloride of sodium, - Sulphate of soda, Bi-carbonate of soda, Bi-carbonate of lime, Bi-carbonate of magnesia, Bi-carbonate of iron, Silicia,

" The analysis shows the same small amount of salts, the ab¬ sence of sulphate of lime and of organic matter, and the slight excess of alkali characteristics of those waters which are rec¬ ommended for their medicinal properties in the k Bethesda 1 of Waukesha, or the 1 Siloam' of Milwaukee, or numerous others.- In regard to purity and brightness, it is certainly not their in¬ ferior. Respectfully yours, Gustavus Bode,

The water from this well has proved very beneficial in many diseases, and some days there are large gatherings of people at the pump, in the morning, carrying the water to their homes for medicinal purposes. A charter for a company to lease the water of the State, for bottling and supptying the outside de¬ mand for it, is now pending in the Legislature.

At the spring election, 1873, Judge Orsamus Cole received 1,180 votes for Associate Judge of the Supreme Court, and Col. George E. Bryant 1,171 for the office of County Judge. For the office of Mayor, J. C. McKenney received 504 votes, and

J. C. Gregory* 962, who was elected by 458 majority. For Treasurer, Wm. Farrell received 791 votes, and Charles G. Mayers, 671. Mr. Farrell's majority, 120. Aldermen - 1st ward, Geo. W. Bunker and J. Heeran; 2d ward, C.P. Chap¬ man and Andrew Daubner; 3d ward, H. Kleuter and Dar¬ win Clark; 4th ward, A. Sexton and Thos. Dean.

The only addition made, is an arched recess for the organ, in the rear of the pulpit. The greatest change made is in the windows; the plain, square sashed windows, with blinds, hav¬ ing been replaced by arched windows, the principal part of each large pane, ground glass, a colored border in vine-work surrounding. There are excellent seats, mainly of ash, left the natural color of the wood, with a rail on top and heavy scroll and panel work at the end of walnut. The pulpit is a neat little affair of black walnut, with ash panels. The choir is of black walnut. The wainscoting is of alternate strips of wal¬ nut and ash. The halls and ceiling have been delicately tinted almost white, and the windows and cornice very tastefully frescoed. The exterior of the church has had a new coat of white paint put on it and looks very fresh and pure.

The wood-work does credit to Messrs. Sorenson & Frederickson ; the painting, to Mr. Pollard, and the frescoing to Mr. Egge. The Church deserves great credit for so greatly improving their place of worship.

* Hon. Jared C. Gregory, a son of Ebenezer Gregory, was born in the town of Butternuts, Otsego county, N. Y., January 13, 1823; studied law at Unadilla and Cooperstown, N. Y., where he practised his profession. He was candidate for Congress in the 19th (New York) Congressional District, in 1856, but was defeated by Oliver A. Morse. Mr. Gregory re¬ moved to Wisconsin in 1858, and settled at Madison, where he has since made his residence. He was elected Mayor in the spring of 1873.

The new organ, built by the Marshall Brothers and Clarke of Milwaukee, price $3,600, is a large and very fine instrument. Its base is heavily cased in black walnut. Its ]5ipes stand alone in the recess, and are painted chiefly with two shades of blue, and with drab, with stripes and markings of red and gilt. It has two manuals, CC to A, 58 notes, with pedal, CCC to F, 30 notes.

The instrument is a great improvement on any we have seen built by this firm, and is deserving of high praise. It is very powerful, well balanced, its voicing exceedingly good, its quality of tone excellent, and, indeed, little is left to be desired.

Rev. L. Y. Hays, of Ottawa, Ill., having received an unani¬ mous call to the pastorate, was installed to that office on June 12. Appropriate exercises were held, and addresses made by Rev. C. L. Thompson, of Chicago; Rev. Matthew A. Fox, of Oregon, Wis.; Rev. Mr. Khott, of Lodi; and Rev. G. F. Huhtihg, of Kilbourn City.

The dwelling house located on the corner of Wisconsin Av¬ enue and Clymer street, was moved off in the month of June of this year, to make room for a more moderh structure to be erected by Glen. D. Atwood for a private residence. This house was one of the old landmarks of the city, and has not been without its historic incidents. Gen. Atwood in an editorial in the State Journal of June 10, says: u It was erected in 1842 by Peter H. Yah Bergeh, Esq., through whose energy many of the finest buildings in Madison were constructed. His last effort in building, we believe was the erection of what is now the Opera House block. In the early years of this house, a se¬ lect school was taught in it by J. R. Brigham, Esq., now of Milwaukee. On graduating from College, Mr. B., returned to his home in Madison, and issued a notice for a select school in this house, and hither the then children, now men and women, some of whom have become distinguished in the land, repaired and received instruction in the rudiments of an education. The school was a success, and we are happy to know that the young teacher has also proved a success in the world. He now ranks among Milwaukee's most enterprising, intelligent and prosperous citizens.

The house was then used as a dwelling; with frequent changes of occupants, for many years. On our first arrival in the place, Abram Ogdem, Esq, resided there. He was a brother of Hon. Wi. B. Ogdeh, of Chicago, whose name is world wide. At that time Mr. O.'s family were all around him. The writer well remem¬ bers that one of the first calls he made in Madison was at this house, where he spent a pleasant evening with the young ladies of Mr. Ogdem's family, now Mrs. J. D. Welch and Mrs. S. BBartlett. Since then, it has been occupied by Mrs. Jesse A, Clark, William Welch, Dr. Gray, Dr. Rudd, Alfred Earl, Wm. I. Gordoh, Geo. Caproh, and perhaps others, as a private residence.

In the winter of 1853, the house became specially noted, as " Monks' Hall." Under this title its reputation was extensive. Our neighbor of the Democrat a few days ago, spoke of it as the political headquarters of the " Forty Thieves." This was not wholly correct. That thieves existed there during the- winter, we are not disposed to deny; but they were not wholly of any political party, iyir were they wholly of that set known in the State as the Forty Thieves." W e think there were at least forty of them, and their conduct was no better than that of the regular forty, but we would not willingly charge all the sins of " Monk's Hall," during the winter of 1853 to the parties known as the "Forty Thieves." Added to their other sins, this would be too much. It was perhaps the first great railroad session of the Legislature of Wisconsin. The "Rock River Valley Union Railroad Company," which had a blooming existence at that time, and which has figured somewhat extensively in foreign countries since, was asking legislation, and this old house be¬ came the headquarters of that organization under the euphoni¬ ous name of " Monk's Hall." It was here that members were taken in and done for; they were fed here, and they took liquid beverages in the same place; rates were fixed with various ap¬ pliances, and nights were often made hideous. But we will not attempt to give a detailed history of that winter at " Monk's Hall. Most of the prominent actors in the scenes of that time have gone to their long home; and we willingly throw the veil of oblivion over many of their deeds during this eventful win¬ ter, and trust the after lives of the individuals engaged in the work of that sess ion at Monk's Hall, have good enough in them to compensate for the evils of that time. The operations of that winter in this building, may he insignificant compared with those that have since occurred in matters pertaining to railroads, hut in the then innocent condition of our people, be¬ fore railroads had reached our place, the scenes of that winter were deemed especially hard.

The old house is gone, and mechanics have already com¬ menced the construction of a new one on the same lot, which it is hoped will be better suited to the location and the age in which we live, than was the old one, whose history we have briefly given."

One of the finest improvements of the city for the year 1873, was the High School Building , which was completed and pre¬ pared for occupation for the term commencing January 5, 1874. We are indebted to the " State Journal " for the follow¬ ing description:

"For the benefit of non-resident readers, it may he well to say that it is located on Wisconsin avenue, on the site of the old building, and is built of W aterloo brick, resting on a high stone basement. It more nearly approaches the Italian style of architecture than any other, with a Chinese-like tower, four¬ teen feet square, the top of the staff above the belfry being 114 feet from the ground.

" Gr. P. Rahdall & Co., of Chicago, are the architects. The contract was let to James Livsey, who did the mason work, and H. N. Moultom was sub-contractor, and did the carpenter work. The total contract price was $20,000, but it was found necessary to excavate a little farther than was at first intended, so as to get through clay into gravel, which added a few hun¬ dred dollars to the original estimate. Mr. Livsey's bill amounted to something over $8,000, and Mr. Moulton's to

" The main building is 63 by 44, with a wing 35 by 36, and is two stories high with a basement. The basement is 9 feet 6 inches from floor to ceiling, the first story 13 feet 4 inches and the second stor}^ 14 feet 6 inches.

" The main entrance, on Wisconsin avenue, up a flight of nine stone steps, is into a vestibule, 12 by 18 feet. This opens to the left, into the office and Superintendent's room, 16 b}^ 23, in the east wing. At the end of the vestibule is the main hall, 11 by 28 feet. To the left is the lunch room, 15 by 23, in the wing. This is for those who bring their dinners. From the end of the hall is the two covered walks, for boys and girls, to the well arranged and ventilated brick building in the rear, 18 by 28. To the right of the main hall is a long hall, 5 feet wide, leading to the vestibule and door on Johnson street, and on each side of this wing is a school room 24-4 by 35 feet, each prepared to seat 40 pupils, and each having a dressing room 5 by 25 feet.

u From the main hall are stairs leading to the upper corridor, 11 by 13. To the right from this corridor is a door into the wing. This is one of the pleasantest rooms in the building, 23-10 by 33 feet with desks for 45, and from it is a door leading into a dressing room 11 by 20, located over the vestibule. There is also a door from the corridor to this room. To the left of the corridor is a door into the High School room, in the main building, on Wisconsin avenue. It is 33 by 41 feet, and will seat 90 pupils. The building will now seat 221 students. From this room and the corridor are doors to the boys' dressingroom, 10x27 ; the library, 14x27, and the recitation room, 15x27. The library is to be used as a recitation room for the present.

u The building is wainscoted, the school rooms 3 feet from floor, the corridor 5, and the dressing rooms 7 feet. The walls in the school room are prepared for chalk some distance above the wainscoting, by a green preparation of prepared slate. The windows have weights and inside blinds; the floors are double, narrow pine, and the upper one is u deafened." The work is admirably finished, and was grained in oak by Mr. Pol¬ lard of this city. The building is heated by three large and three small Boynton furnaces. They are yoked together in pairs, the large one on the off side, as is usual with oxen. In moderate weather the small ones work alone; in colder weather the large ones work alone, and in very cold weather they all work together. They were put in admirably under the super¬ vision of Mr. Cammack, of the firm of M. Joachim & Co., of this city. The ventilation is on the improved Ruttan system, the foul air passing through a perforated base board and to the foul air shaft, 6 feet square and 62 feet high. This is an ad¬ mirable arrangement for health and comfort, and too much praise cannot be bestowed on the Board for introducing it.

u The basement is roomy and well arranged for taking fresh cold air for the furnace, storing coal and managing the heating apparatus ; in fact from the bell in the tower to the brick of the basement floor, it is convenient and complete, an educational temple which some of the great men of the future will remem¬ ber with delight, we hope.

" The following is a list of members of the Board of Education: J. H. Carpenter, President; W. T. Leitch^ E. Burdick, Alex. Kerr, Robt. Wootton, Jas. Conklin, J. C. Gregory and J. C. Ford.

From the annual report of the Board of Education for the year 1873, we learn the whole number of school children be¬ tween 4 and 20, was 1,842 males, 1,955 females; total 3,798; number of pupils in all schools enrolled, 1,183; Receipts, $37,785.41; of which $25,000 was from loan from school land commissioners; and expenditures $34,760.62, of which amount $17,072.43 was for building High School; $12,105.22 for teacher's wages, and the remainder for fuel, janitors, repairs, etc. The whole number of teachers employed, 25. Samuel Shaw, Su¬ perintendent.

" Any one living or visiting here, who has " kept his eyes open," must have noticed that there has been considerable building going on during the past year in our beautiful city, including some substantial business blocks and handsome resi¬ dences; but few we apprehend, realize, what the figures below show, that over $300,000 has been expended in building im¬ provements in the Capital City during the past year. The buildings erected too, like most of those constructed within the last few years, in substantial material, good workmanship and beauty of design, will compare favorably with those of any city of its size in the State. We submit a list of the principal buildings during the past season, for which we are mainly in¬ debted to Mr. W. T. Fish, of the firm of Fish & Stephens, one of our principal contractors and builders:

First Ward

The new Congregational Church, built of Madison stone, from the quarries of Messrs. Fish & Stephens, is nearly completed at a cost, including furnishing of about - - - $40,000

Second Ward

The flouring mill and brewery so recently destroyed by fire, have been, by the energy of the respective proprietors Messrs. Robbins & Thornton and Mr. John Rodermtjnd, entirely replaced by new and substantial structures and machinery, at

The solid cut-stone walls of the new Methodist Church on Wiscon¬ sin avenue, are nearly up to the auditorium floor, and have cost thus far about ...... 10,000

Mr. J. H. Stewart has made additions and alterations to his purchase of the late residence ot D. R. Garrison, Esq., to the amount of - - - - - 8,000

Third Ward Fourth Ward

Messrs. Daggett, Fred Mohr, Christophers & Co, have united in erecting a substantial brick block, 66 feet front, by about 85 feet deep, on Main street, costing some - - 16,000

The residence of Gen. David Atwood, a model of convenience, enclosed and ready for plastering, to be finished July 1, 1874, and will cost from $12,000 to 15, 000

Opposite the county offices, on Fairchild street, near the court house, is Chandler P. Chapman's building for abstract office and fire-proof vaults, costing - - - - 3, 800

State Work

In addition to the above, the work of building the coal vaults, re¬ moving the boilers and finishing the basement of the capitol building, as well as other improvements in and about the State building and grounds, have furnished employment to many, and have cost about - $35,000

At the Hospital for the Insane has been added a new stone building for an ice house, also one for a carpenter shop, cos¬ ing about ------ 7, 000

Minor Buildings

Many smaller buildings have also been completed during the year, and many Valuable and costly improvements to other properties have been made, among which we refer to the changing of the fronts of the old Fairchild block and the transmogrification of the old Argvs office into a steam ba¬ kery, together costing some thousands. A considerable num¬ ber of small cottages have been built. All these minor im¬ provements would probably aggregate - - - 50,000

In the month of November, Mrs. Laura A. Richards, of this place, formerly of Sparta, Wis., presented to the Congre¬ gational Church a hell from the foundry of Meheely & Kim¬ berly, of Troy, N. Y., of 2,043 pounds weight, being some 800 pounds heavier than any other bell in the city, and costing over $1,000. Its rich, deep tones were heard for the first time on the 22d of November, and were greatly admired.

From Braihard's City Director, for 1873, the following business statistics have been taken: Dealers in agricultural im¬ plements, 7 firms; attorneys, 23 firms; banking institutions, 8; blacksmiths, 10; booksellers and stationers, 4; boot and shoe dealers, 8 firms; breweries, 5; contractors and builders, 6; car¬ riage and wagon manufactories, 6; tobacco and cigars, 7; clothers, 10; druggists, 6; dry goods, 13; fruits and confectionery, 7; furniture, 5; gentlemen's furnishing, 5; grocers, 30; hardware, 3; harness makers, 8; furriers and hatters, 3; hotels, 16; livery stables, 4; lumber dealers, 4; meat markets, 8; millinery, 5; music dealers, 4; house painters, 5; photographers, 4; physi¬ cians, 15; printing and publishing, 8 ; real estate dealers, 4; in¬ surance agencies, 10; saloons, 25; jewelry stores, 7, and a large variety of the usual occupations now found in every place, not above enumerated.

On the 19th of October, 1873, the 1 Farwell Mills,' which, at the date of their erection, were hardly surpassed in the north¬ west, were a smoking ruin, hiding the body of one of the em¬ ployes in the debris. The enterprising proprietors, Messrs. Robbihs & Thorhtoh, immediately took the preliminary steps toward putting up a new mill. On the 17th of November the work of erection begun, and on the 21st of February, 1874, with all its complicated machinery, it had progressed so far that the feed stone begun grinding, and soon after was in the full tide of successful operation.

Externally, the mill is four square, the same size as the old mill, without the disused wing, and is four stories high, with unspliced timbers, 50 feet long on a side; 4 by 6 joists and tim¬ bers, 46 feet long, also unspliced, perpendicularly. It is set up feet higher than the old mill. The sides are covered with matched boarding, sheathing paper and clap boarding, thus making the building very warm, and painted a pearl color, with dark drab trimmings. The roof is flat, thoroughly tinned. It has also an observatory commanding an extensive view. One hundred and fifty thousand feet of timber were used on the mill.

Lake Mendota furnishes the motive power, as it pours over four turbine wheels, each self-supporting, one of which is 65 inches in diameter; a second, 56 inches; a third, 66 inches, and the other 60 inches. There are five run of stone of the best French burr. Within, the mill throughout is supplied with all the modern improvements found advantageous in mak¬ ing the very best quality of flour, and furnished with the most perfectly adjusted and easily controlled machinery, which runs without jar and almost without noise.

The annual city election took place on the 7th of Aprils 1874. There was but little of the activity and enthusiasm sometimes shown. For the office of Mayor, Hon. H. H. Giles* Republican candidate, received 505 votes, and S. U. Pihhey,* the Democratic and Liberal candidate, 1,015, who was elected by a majority of 510. Gottleib Grimm received 942 votes for Treasurer, against Richard Lyhch, who received 585 votes.

* Hon. Silas U. Pinney is a son of J. C. Pinney, a native of Becketr Berkshire county, Mass. He was born at Rockdale, Crawford county, Pa., March 3, 1833, to which place his parents had removed in 1815, and, in 1846, to Dane county, Wis. Was admitted to the bar in February, 1854, and has ever since practiced his profession in this city. Mr. Pinney was' City Attorney in 1858 ; a member of the City Council in 1865, and elected' Mayor at the spring election of 1874.

Thomas C. Bourke, Geo. A. Masom, Johm G. Ott and L. D. Stome were elected Supervisors. The Aldermen elected were: 1st ward, Geo. Memhard and Thos. Haydem; 2d ward, T. B. Worthimgtom and W. K. B arhey; 3d ward, Darwim Clark and F. M. Dorm; 4th ward, P. L. Spoomer, Jr., and M. P. Walsh. For Municipal Judge, A. B. Braley| received an unanimous vote - 1,489.

Mr. Pimmey, the Mayor elect, in his message on taking the office, gave the following statistics: the receipts of the past year were, $112,720; the expenditures, $85,037; leaving a bal¬ ance on hand of $27,684. The bonded debt of the city amounts to $230,000, of which $50,000 is capital extension, the rest mostly compromise bonds.

Alderman Bumker was elected President of the Council, and Johm Corscot unanimously elected City Clerk. The Mayor nominated the following officers, who were unanimously con¬ firmed: Chief of Police, Amdrew Bishop. Ward Policemen: T. C. Bourke, 1st; H. A. Dyke, 2d; W. A. Bradley, 3d, and Johm L. Lewis, 4th.

The City Council elected the following officers: Street Super¬ intendent, Amdrew Bishop; City Attorney, Chas. K. Temmey; City Surveyor, James Quirk; Janitor, Johm Joy; Poundmaster, Ezra Squires;. Member of Board of Education, C. P. Chapmam.

| Arthur B. Braley was born in Wyoming county, N. Y., February n, 1822; came to Wisconsin in 1835, settled at Delavan, and was admitted to the practice of law in 1848, by Judge Dunn, then Territorial Judge. He practiced his profession, fin 1849, at Johnstown, Rock county; came to Madison in 1853, an<^ was a Pai*tner of Judge S. H. Roys. In 1869, he re¬ moved to Waukesha, but subsequently returned to Madison. He has held the office of Police Justice for the years 1856 to 1861, inclusive, and in 1872 ..and 1873, anc^ Municipal Judge, 1874. In 1868, he was City Attorney.

In the month of April a new iron bridge was set np across the Yahara, to take the place of the one consumed by fire in October, 1873. The new bridge is known as the Perry & Al¬ len Eureka Wrought Iron Bridge, and was manufactured by O. B. Olmstead & Co., of Beloit. This bridge is a single span, of eighty feet, and the floor is sixteen feet wide in the clear; its ends rest upon two buttresses of solid masonry. It is com¬ posed mainly of eight lower straining cords - four on a side - each of which is one and a half inches in diameter, supported by two arches, each of which consists of eight arch cords, of one and a half inches in diameter; the arches and straining cords being connected and braced by a vast number of iron rods. All the iron used in the structure is wrought, except the massive .shoes which confine the ends of the arches and straining cords, and the clamps confining the arch cords where they break joints.

In the latter part of the month of March, a chime of nine bells was received from the foundry of Octavous Jones, Troy, N. Y., for Grace church, and on the first of April were hung in place. The largest, " The Bishop's Bell," or tenor bell, and one known as the seventh was purchased bj^ general subscrip¬ tion. The others are individual gifts, the donors indicated by the subscriptions, except the eighth , which was the gift of Mrs. Waterman.

ers for chiming, and can be played either on the key of E flat, from one to eight of the scale, or, by substituting the flat sev¬ enth D flat for the seventh (D natural), in the key of A. flat, from five to five of the scale. All tunes to be played on the chimes will be transposed into one or the other of these keys.

We are indebted to the Rector of the church, Rev. Join* Wilkinson, for the following schedule of the chime, with key, weight and inscription of the several bells in their order.

Schedule

No. 1. - Key E flat. Weight, 2,531 lbs. The Bishops' Bell. In memory of the Rt. Rev. Jackson Kemper, D. D. and the Rt. Rev. Wm. Edmond Armitage, S. T. D, first Bishops of Wisconsin. " They rest from their labors, and their works do follow them."

No. 3. - Key G-. Weight, 1, 364 lbs. The gift of Mrs. Amelia Curtiss Ful¬ ler, who entered into rest, A. D. 1872. " Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord."

No. 5. - Key B flat. Weight, 819 lbs. The Children's Bell. To the glory and praise of the Holy Child Jesus, " and the children crying in the Temple, Hosanna to the son of David."

No. 6. - Key C. Weight, 669 lbs. In memory of Mrs. Emma Fuller Stevens, who died A. D. 1870. " I know that my Redeemer liveth." No. 7. - Key D flat. Weight, 604 lbs. In loving memory of William, John and James Sullivan. "Numbered with Thy Saints, in glory everlasting." M. A. S.

"The new Congregational church - Rev. C. H. Richards, pastor - the construction of which has been watched with in¬ terest, not only by the members of the society for whom it has been built, but by the community generally, was dedicated on the 3d day of May. The event was the most important one in the history of the Congregational church of Madison, the pio¬ neer church of the capital, having been organized in 1840, and whose chapel, built in 1858, has long been much too small for the uses of the Society. The following facts in regard to this edifice, which is one of the most beautiful and commodious in the State, and an ornament to the city, in which every public spirited citizen will take a pride, will be of interest.

" The church is built of gray cut stone, in the shape of a Greek cross, with the arms of equal length. It was designed by G. P. Randall, of Chicago, and is similar to the beautiful structure built by the same architect for the Union Park Church in Chicago. Its construction has been under the su¬ perintendence of Mr. D. R. Jones, architect of this city. The cornerstone was laid June 13, 1872, and the walls were nearly finished at the end of that year. In 1873, the exterior of the building was completed, and most of the work in the interior of the main audience room, but the finishing touches were not given to it till within the last few weeks. The basement is not finished, and will not be at present. The length of each axis of the church is about 80 feet, and it is adorned with a steeple 180 feet high. It is intended ultimately to put a front on the old chapel which adjoins the new church, and opens into it, harmonizing with the main edifice, and making all one.

In the audience room - to which there are two entrances, in front and rear - the seats are arranged in semicircles, about the the pulpit, with five aisles, and a graceful gallery encircles the entire room, that portion of it in the rear of the pulpit being occupied by the organ and choir. There are 152 pews in the auditorium, with siittings for 650 on the floor, and 350 in the gallery, leaving ample space for the accommodation of two or three hundred more with extra seats. Ample arrangements have been made for the perfect ventilation of this audience room, both in summer and winter. " a consummation devoutly to be wished " by all church-goers. It is heated with Boynton furnaces, of such power and capacity as to make it seem certain that the Ruttan ventilation will be thoroughly secured.

" Of those engaged in the erection of this church, we may men¬ tion Fish& Stephens, as the builders of the mason work; Sor¬ enson & Frederickson, as having done the carpenter work;

Bishop & Murray, as the plasterers; and Pollard & Egge, as the painters, all of this city. The beautiful stained glass win¬ dows were made by Misch Brothers, of Chicago ; and the taste¬ ful frescoing was done by Schubert & Koehig, of the same city, with an artistic skill that has elsewhere won them a repu¬ tation as being among the best workmen in this department in the northwest.

" The carpets are a rich dark red ingrain, and the cushions of the harmonious tint of ' ponso 1 ; this portion of the fur¬ nishing having been energetically carried forward by the ladies of the Society, many of whom have labored indefatigably in the good cause, and the upholstery has been under the skilful direction of W. B. Barckham, of this city.

"The splendid bell that summons the worshippers to the house, the gift of Mr. L. A. Richards, was cast by Meheeley & Kimberly of Troy, and weighs 2,045 pounds.

" The organ, one of the largest and finest in the State, was built by Marshall Brothers' Organ Manufacturing Company of Milwaukee, and has three manuals of keys, two octaves of pedals, and 36 stops.

At the dedicatory services held on the 3d day May, after the delivery of the sermon by Rev. J. S. Bihgham, D. D., of Dubuque, Iowa, the President of the Board of Trustees, F. J. Lamb, Esq., read a statement of the financial condition of the Society, as follows:

" There has been raised and paid on this outlay, from the general subscription list, $24,300. There has been paid by specific donations (including sundry items specified in the list of contributions elsewhere, and also the bell by Mrs. S. M. Richards, $1,000, and the chairs by J. B. Boweh, $150, not specified), $1,320.

"There has thus been paid in all, $25,620; leaving unpaid, $23,046.47. Of this, a permanent loan of $10,000, is made of the Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company, and there is owing to the builders, $7,013.47; for the organ, $5,000; to Timothy Browh, $1,033.

" To meet this, there is available on original subscription, $3,500; on organ subscription, $1,320, making a total of $4,821, and leaving to be provided for at. once, $18,225.47.

" After reading this statement an effort was made to porvide for the liquidation of the debt, which was very successful, and it was announced at the close of the appeal, that more than $20,000 had been assumed and pledged - more than enough to meet the whole debt.1'*

Reference has been made to the elegant dwelling of Genr David Atwood on lot 4, block 85, corner of Wisconsin avenue and Clymer street. The following is an account of the building and its internal arrangements:

French or Mansard roof, thus giving a complete third story. In rear, is a wing, 29 by 26 feet, one story high, with French roof. The front door opens into a vestibule and hall, 9 feet wide, which extends back thirty feet. Opening from it to the left is a double parlor, 16 by 29 feet; to the right, the sitting room is entered, being 16 by 15 feet, with a large bay window; adjoining that, with double doors between, is a library room, and adjoining that, is a large bed room with bath room and clothes press attached. From the end of the hall, the dining room is entered, the size of which is 14 by 26 feet. These rooms occupy the first story in the main part, which is 12 feet in the clear. In the wing is the kitchen, with the necessary pantries, etc. The cellar extends under the whole building, and under the kitchen part, a room is finished for a laundry. The second floor of the main part, is divided into six chambers, a hall and bathing room, with closets for each room. In the third story, a hall extends the length of the house, with rooms on either side. The second story of wing is divided into three bed rooms, and a store room, with closet for each. The rooms on the first and second floors are supplied with hot and cold water. Drainage from all parts of the house into the lake, is secured. Four rooms - the parlor, dining room, library and bed room - have fire places with grates. The mantels were furnished by Abij ah Abbott, Esq. The house is built of light colored brick, made at Waterloo, and presents a fine appear¬ ance. It is thoroughly finished from top to bottom, and style and convenience, there are but few if any, superior to it, in the city. All the contractors have performed their work promptly and well; and Mr. Atwood and family moved into their new residence in July, 1874.

The Rev. Mr. Hays of the Presbyterian church, on Sunday, May 4, preached his first anniversary sermon, and gave the following statistics : received as members on profession of faith 34, by letter 17, total 57. Contributed to foreign missions $250, home missions $185, education $109, church erection, $102, relief fund $89, sustentation $33, publication $29, freedmen $27, total $1,077; also, for congregational expenses, includ¬ ing part for repairs, $8,868.

Of late years, Madison has been visited in the summer sea¬ son by tourists from southern cities, who find it a desirable and pleasant location to spend their annual vacation. Few lo¬ calities possess the advantages of Madison in natural beauty of scenery. Volumes could be filled with descriptive letters writ¬ ten by the most distinguished literary men of the country, and published in various magazines and newspapers, setting forth the charms of our city. Some of these articles we have before alluded to.

The opening of the Chicago and Northwestern Railroad, northwest of Madison, has opened up to tourists the romantic scenery of the Devil's Lake and Baraboo Bluffs; and, although this section is not strictly included in our history, a short no¬ tice of these points, we think, will be acceptable to the reader. We quote from Maj. H. A. Tenney's account:

"The bluffs of the Wisconsin at the point where the Bara¬ boo river embouches into the valley, are 600 feet in height. In the midst of this enormous rocky stratum, is a deep fissure or gorge, depressed over 400 feet from the surface, hemmed in by mighty precipices, which constitute the basin of a body of wa¬ ter about a mile and a half in length b}r a half mile in breadth, known as the Devil's Lake. It reposes like a dew drop in its mighty casket, and from its profound depths reflects the dark shadows of the beetling crags that environ it. The level of the waters is 190 feet above the Wisconsin river, and it is sup¬ posed that the bottom reaches below that of the river. There is not in the west a sample of as bold, ragged and striking scenery, or one more pleasing to the tourist. The country about has been the former seat of intense igneous action, and it is generally supposed that the cavity was created by the sinking of the bottom through volcanic* agency. This is not, probably correct, but no explanation of the origin of this strange lake has ever been vouchsafed, at least no satisfactory one. A two hours' ride on the cars from Madison will land the visitor directly on the shore, and a small steamer will give him every opportunity for exploration. The whole section is wild

A history of Madison and the Four Lake Country would not he complete without referring to the " Great Cave of Dane County.1'* We are indebted to Maj. H. A. Tenney for the fol¬ lowing description:

"About 11 miles distant, and a little southwest of Madison r 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 or lake covering about four thousand acres, whose waters have long since departed, and whose drainage is directly into the face of a bluff. This inlet, a quarter of a cen¬ tury ago, was penetrated to a depth of nearly two thousand feet, and yet has never been fully explored, or its mysteriousdepths examined by mortal eye. It is about five hundred feet above the level of the four Lakes, and the ppenings 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 any where enter or make a part of that stream. All indications, indeed, point to the certainty that it is an entrance to that 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 ex¬ plorers always halted from fatigue or lack of adequate prepara¬ tion to proceed, and not because the way was not open; and 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 prob¬ ably 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 colossal 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 currents. 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 obstacle to progress; but the present diffi¬ culty 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 be, by 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 by 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 nu¬ merous indications, both exterior and interior. It is proved by the sound of voices when large parties are exploring the nu¬ merous ramifications; by variations in level; and more particu¬ larly 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. Once 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, leav¬ ing 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 band 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 escapes 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 were 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 rains, or the sudden melting of great and heavy bodies of snow. No rain-fall from May to November has ever been known large enough to send any water into the opening, nor does any enter during the months of winter.

" It is greatly to be regretted that drift-wood and other ma¬ terial have been allowed access, and to accumulate in such quantities as to preclude thorough explorations. Fossil re¬ mains of the mastodon, the mammoth and the elephant, as well as of other extinct species, have been found in deep fissures in various parts of the lead region; and there is every reason to suspect their existence here. These cavities originated from a common cause, and have a natural relation to each other. Sci¬ ence had much to anticipate from the revelations of this vast subterranean tunnel. Its buried chambers, of curious form and magnificent proportions would have been the delight of future generations, if rendered accessible. Possibly the entrance rub¬ bish of the lowest cavity may yet be removed, and by that means the upper chambers be cleansed and restored. In any event, the spot will be visited by the curious, as it is unlike any other cavern in the country, and the only one whose entrance is at its source, and not the mouth. The darkness that hides its interior secrets covers a great mystery."

In closing up our histor}^, we would only say that we have endeavored simply, but faithfully to portray Madison as it was and has become. Thirty-seven years have wrought many changes. A few of those who came here at the beginning of the settlement of the town still remain. Our good friend Mrs.

Peck resides at Baraboo, of which place she was also the first settler. Gren. Simeon Mills, Darwin Clark, Esq., and Mrs. Prosper B. Bird still reside here. Of the other settlers of 1837-38, a number are residents of other Wisconsin towns. Few realize the privations of those who came here as pioneers to subdue the country to the wants of civilization. They per¬ formed their work patiently and well, and we live to reap the fruit of their labors.

The future is before us. Ours may never be a city remarka¬ ble for mammoth proportions, manufactures and the busy life that characterizes a metropolis, but in all that makes it a de¬ lightful place of residence, with its unsurpassed advantages of beauty and healthfulness of location, educational, literary and other privileges, we are assured that its fame will not, cannot grow less, but that steady progress is before it, and that Madi¬ son will ever maintain a proud place among the growing and prosperous cities of our 'State and of the West.

Madison City Offices S.

1 Resigned November 14, 1861. 2 Elected Nevember 14, 1861. 3 Resigned February 24, 1862. Vacancy unfilled until charter election, April 1, 1862.

Appendix

Dane county, so named in honor of Nathan Dane, of Massachusetts,, who drafted the celebrated ordinance of 1787 for the government of the Northwestern Territory, is situated midway between Lake Michigan and the Mississippi river; its southern boundary being twenty-four miles north of the south line of the state. It is bounded on the north by Col¬ umbia and Sauk counties, on the east by Dodge and Jefferson, on the south by Rock and Green, and on the'west and northwest by Iowa and the Wisconsin river. Its extent is forty-two miles from east to west and thirty-five miles from north to south, containing one thousand two hun¬ dred and thirty-five miles, or 709,400 acres of land.

The county was organized into a separate government in 1839, when it contained about 300 inhabitants. The United States' census, taken in- 1870, makes the number 53,109, being a gain, since 1860, of 9,187.

There are thirty-nine towns in the county. Six of them are largely settled by Norwegians and six by Germans, and the American and Euro¬ pean nationalities are more or less represented in all of the towns.

The county is well watered by lakes and streams, and the soil is gen¬ erally fertile; in some parts extensive prairies prevailing, and in othersundulating and hilly land. Timber is plentifully interspersed through¬ out the county. The public land in the county is all taken up and the unimproved land remaining can only be obtained from speculators and others.

There are churches of all denominations throughout the county, also public and private schools. The Milwaukee and St. Paul railroad runs through it westwardly ; the Chicago and Northwestern runs through it going northwest, the Milwaukee <tnd Watertown runs west as far as Mad¬ ison, where it connects with the main Milwaukee and St. Paul line, and the Portage and Madison road runs south as far as Madison, and efforts are being made to extend the same southwestwardly so as to reach the coal beds of Illinois.

The valuation of the taxable property in the county in 1872, as calcu¬ lated by the State Board, was $24,393,808. In 1870 there were 20,69& horses ; 38,420 neat cattle, and 343 mules and asses ; 65,351 sheep and lambs ; 122,812 swine ; 8,443 wagons, carriages and sleighs ; 1,296 watches -r 451 pianos and melodeons; 1,250 shares of bank stock in the county.

which with the value of merchants' and manufacturers' stock, $728,277, and other personal property, $1,804,004, gave a total value of $5,092,979. There were also 760,575 acres of wild and improved land, which with city and village lots made a total real estate value of $15,475,032.

From the 395,703 acres of improved lands in the county in 1870, there were produced respectively of wheat, 2,730,130 bus.; rye, 18,398 bus.; corn, 931,264 bus.; oats, 1,465,759 bus.; barley, 148,003 bus.; potatoes, 345,852 bus. Also, 74,369 tons of hay; and respectively of wool, 251,947 pounds; butter, 1,229,226 pounds; cheese, 37,938 pounds; hops, 51,915 pounds. The estimated value of all this farm production, including bet¬ terments and additions to stock is $5,483,047, and of the manufactures produced $1,121,563. In 1870, the public debt of the county was $175,000, and the yearly total tax levy $287,072. The cost of paupers for the year was $6,000, and 20 criminals were convicted. There were 222 libraries in the county, containing 106,700 volumes. There were 75 church organi¬ zations, meeting in 61 edifices, with a seating capacity of 22,250, and a value of $165,200. The number of newspapers was eight, with a circula¬ tion of 19,170. In the year ending August 31, 1873, there were 20,530 school children in the county, between the ages of 4 years and 20 years, and the total value of the school property was $229,540.

The foregoing brief exhibit of the agricultural, manufacturing and social progress and condition of Dane county, gives substantial evidence on which to predicate the continuance of a prosperous career for it and its people ; and as it is the largest and best county in Wisconsin, all that its people need for their continued success and comfort, is to keep as they have done, in the van of enterprise and material and social devel¬ opment.

Albion

The town of Albion received its name at the suggestion of Isaac Brown, in honor of his former place of residence in Orleans county, New York. F. Sweet, the first white inhabitant, came from Oneida county, New York, and settled on section 23, in August, 1841. In Septern her, 1841, Burr and Omen Andersen, from Norway, settled on sec¬ tion 2, and within a few weeks, Samuel F. Stewart, from Massachu¬ setts, settled on section 14. These four families were the only residents until September, 1842, when Jesse Saunders and D. J. Green settled on section 22, on what has since been called Saunder's Creek, where the village of Albion now stands.

These two families were the first " Seventh day " people in the town. They were followed by others in the early part of the next year, among whom were Solomon Head, Adin Burdick, James Weed and Hiram Bentley. On the 22d of June, 1843, they organized a Seventh day Bap¬ tist Church, which now has over three hundred members. The first pas¬ tor was Rev. O. P. Hull.

Among the early settlers in the more northern part of the town were the Marsdens, Clarks, Wildmans, Halls, Slaters, Busseys, and oth¬ ers, from England, who soon organized a Primitive Methodist Church, with Rev. Marsden as first minister.

Jesse Saunders opened the first store. D. J. Green, the first hotel. The first school was built by the Seventh day people, voluntary contribu¬ tions, in 1843 or 1844. Their church was built in 1861. A Methodist Episcopal Church was built about 1868. A new Primitive Methodist Church is now being built. Albion Academy and Normal Institute was founded in 1854. Its chief work is the qualification of teachers for com¬ mon schools. Annual attendance of students from 250 to 300. There are three large brick buildings with grounds containing twelve acres of land. The corporate property is valued at $50,000. The courses of instruction embraces Classics, Mathematics, Metaphysics, Natural Sci¬ ences, Normal Course, Yocal and Instrumental Music, Elocution, Book¬ keeping and Spelling. Hon. C. R. Head, president ol board of trustees.

* The author of this volume is indebted to Harrison & Warner, publishers of the "Dane County Atlas," for much valuable information contained in these notes.

The township lies in the southeast corner of Dane county. It is well watered, and the lands generally are of an excellent quality. Rice lake is about six miles long, north and south, and takes a part of sections 12 and 13 ; and the western part of Lake Koshkonong covers a part of sec¬ tions 25 and 36.

Berry

The Township of Berry is situated in the northwestern portion of the county, and was formerly a part of Springfield. It is known as township 8, north of range 7, east.

In 1852, a town meeting was held at the school house in District No. 1, Jas. Bowman was elected Chairman; O. Kerl and E. Ellis, Supervi¬ sors; Jno. Gray, Town Clerk; John Medd, Treasurer; A. Ptjddleford, Assessor; John Wightman, Thos. Barber, John Savill and George Stevens, Justices of the Peace. Among the early settlers were, Mr. Wightman, Mr. Crowther, A. Skinner, J. Bonham and F. Anhalt.

The surface of the country is generally hilly, except in the western part, between Halfway Prairie Creek and Spring Creek. The soil on the bottom lands is dark loam, and on the high lands clay. The timber is principally white oak. Indian Lake lies in sections 2 and 11. A large part of the inhabitants are Germans, or of German descent.

Blooming Grove

The Town of Blooming Grove lies in the central part of the county, adjoining Madison on the east, of which it was part, until set off by the County Board in 1850. It is known as township 7, north of range 10, east. A large part of section 8, the north half of section 17, and a part of section 20, are covered by Lake Monona; also a large part of sections 28 and 33 by Lake Waubesa.

Superintendent of Schools and Justice of the Peace. The first marriage was that of Albert Barker to Alida J. Lansing, in 1850, performed by Rev. J. Q- Kanouse. There are (1874) 11 school districts in the town.

The Milwaukee and St. Paul Railroad enters the town on the south line, from the east, on section 34, and passes through sections 33, 29 and 30, where it proceeds west, through Madison. The Watertown division of the same road passes through sections 6 and 5, east.

Black Earth

The Township of Black Earth lies in the northwestern part of the county, and formerly included within its limits the Township of Mazomanie. It is known as township 8, north of range 6 east, and is com¬ posed of eighteen sections of land - one-half the usual number. It derives its name from the creek that passes through it.

At a town meeting held April 5, 1854, Levi E. Thompson was elected' Chairman; H M. Warner and E. L. Pound, Supervisors; A. H. Hol¬ brook, Town Clerk; Jas. Hayes, Assessor; Thos. Davis, Treasurer,

The surface of the country is generally broken, but there are some excellent bottom lands on the streams. The Milwaukee and St. Paul Railroad follows the valley of the creek, entering the town on the east line, on section 36, and passing out at the northwest corner of section 22 on the north line of the town. There are a large number of Norwegians settled in this town.

The village of Black Earth is one of considerable business, and is situated on section 26. It contains a grist mill, Congregational and Methodist churches, hotel, town hall, a newspaper office and a number of stores and shops. It was incorporated in 1857, which act was after¬ wards repealed. Population in 1870, 966.

Blue Mounds

This is one of the oldest settled towns in Dane county - the first settler being Col. Ebenezer Brigham, an account of whom will be found in the former part of this volume. He first settled here in 1828, before the territorial organization. The town was organized in April, 1848. There are five school houses and four churches - two Lutheran, one Presbyte¬ rian and one Methodist. The town is well watered by small streams, and abounds in beautiful scenery. The East Blue Mounds is in the northwest part and occupies section 5 and portions of 4 and 6. It is the highest point in the southwestern part of the State and rises to an altitude of 1,931 feet above the sea and 1,072.5 above the lakes at Madison. From the summit, a grand panorama is spread out; objects many miles distant are distinctly visible, as are the lead regions of Illinois, Iowa and Wisconsin. Mineral shafts abound all about the Mounds filled with ores of lead, zinc, copper, pyrites, spars, and the ordinary varieties of matrix that inclose this class of mineral treasures.

The postoffices are West Blue Mounds, in Iowa county, near the west line of Dane county; East Blue Mounds, corner of sections 10, 11, 14 and 15 ; Mt. Horeb, on section 12.

Bristol

The township of Bristol is located in the northeastern part of the county, and was formerly a part of Sun Prairie, known by government survey as town 9, north of range 11, east. It is well watered by Waterloo creek and its branches in the eastern part. The surface is undulating, soil rich and fertile and considerable marsh or hay land.

It was organized as a separate town in 1848, the first town meeting being held at the house of George C. Smith. W. W. Patrick was elected first Supervisor.

Burke

The township of Burke lies in the northeastern quarter of the county, adjoining the city of Madison in a northeast direction, and known as town 8, north, range 10 east. It is watered in the northern part by Token Creek. This is an excellent township of land, the surface about equally divided between prairie and timber. The soil is rich and productive. The town has the advantage of two lines of railroads passing through it, the Madison & Portage Railroad, which enters on the southwest corner from the south and runs northerly from Madison through the western part, passing into Columbia county; and the Milwaukee & St. Paul Railroad which enters on the south line in section 33, and runs north¬ easterly into the town of Sun Prairie.

The town was first settled about 1841-2. Among the early residents were Horace Lawrence, Adam^Smith, and George H. Spalding. E. Grover located in 1844. It was formerly a part of Windsor.

The village of Token Creek, in section 3, lies on the stream of that name on the north line of the town, on the site of an old Indian encamp, ment.

Christiana

The township of Christiana lies in the southeast part of the county, adjoining the county of Jefferson, known also as town 6 north, of range 12 east. It is well watered in the north by Mud creek, and the central and eastern part, by Koshkonong creek and tributaries. Koshkonong prairie lies between Mud creek and the first named stream.

The town was first organized May 6, 1847. Among the early settlers were A. O. Amundson, M. Mayhew, J. Peterson and S. H. Coon. The first school house wTas built on section 9. The first church was of the Lutheran denomination and was located on section 27. The first preacher was a Mr. Dietrichson. Some portions of the town are some¬ what broken, the whole about equally divided between prairie and timber - There are two villages in the town: Cambridge, on section 12, and Clin' ton, on section 24, both on the Koshkonong creek, the latter has a grist mill. Utica post office is on section 19.

Cottage Grove

The township of Cottage Grove lies east of the town of Blooming Grove, about nine miles east of Madison, and known as town 7 north, of range 11 east.

The town was first settled in 1837 by Amos Harris, who located on section 9. Amos Beecher, William Wells and H. Cattine, on section 7. The town received its name from a burr-oak grove in the midst of which a public house was built, and where the post office was kept. The town was organized April 6, 1847. Henry L. Bush was elected Chair¬ man, and F. A. Mitchell Town Clerk. There seems to have been no Treasurer elected ; at least, the records do not show it. A Presbyterian Church was early organized under the care of Rev. George Kanouse. Subsequently, a Methodist Church was organized, and both congregations now have commodious meeting-houses. The first school house was built on section 7. There are now nine school districts, in which schools are kept from six to nine months each year. The surface of the country is rolling, some parts being rugged and hilly. The town contains about 7,000 acres of marsh land, which yields excellent hay and pasturage. There are Indian relics and mounds on the lands of Albert Gaston on section 4.

Cross Plains

The township of Cross Plains is located in the western part of Dane county, and is known in the government survey as township 7 north, range 7 east.

It is watered in the northeast quarter by Black Earth creek, and Sugar river on the southern sections. About two-thirds of the town is prairie land. The Milwaukee and St. Paul Railroad enters the town on the east side, on section 12, and passes out northwesterly in section 5.

The town was first permanently settled in 1840, by Edward Hughes and John Campbell. They were soon followed by John W. Thomas, Berry Haney, Thos. Arland and S. Bell. A Mr. Steel was living in the town in 1837, engaged in hunting and trapping, but did not remain.

The town was organized in 1847, with Ripha Warden, Supervisor: Wm. Howery, Assessor; Berry Haney, Clerk. School districts were organized the same year, and schools soon after.

In the south part of the town is an elevation known as Pine 'Bluffs. This is a body of rock, on the top of which grows a clump of pine trees. There are also some high bluffs in the northern part of the town.

The villages of Foxville and Christina, are on sections three and four on the railroad. Cross Plains post office is on section 2. Pine Bluff post office at the junction of sections 21, 22, 27 and 28. Population, 1870, 1,506.

Dane

The township of Dane is situated on the northern line of the town, east of Roxbury, known as township 9 north, of range 8 east. The north¬ western part is watered by Spring Creek. Some portions are rough and bluffy.

The Chicago and Northwestern Railroad passes through the town north andsouth in an irregular line. The village of Dane is a way station on section 13. Brereton is a post office on section 30.

The town was first settled by Freedom Simons, who arrived in 1842. The next year, J. Lewis, L. Blatchley, Gr. W. Bell, William Dunlap, and others, from Ohio, located in the west part of the town, and this sec¬ tion was called the Ohio settlement. About the same time, Clark Bab¬ cock, J. Babcock, - Pettibone, D. Hawley and John Otto came in.

Dane and Roxbury formerly composed one township. The records of Dane date back to 1848. It took its name from the county. The soil is good, about two-thirds prairie, the balance oak openings. The people were engaged exclusively in farming, up to the advent of the Northwest¬ ern Railroad, in 1871 ; since which time the village of Dane has sprung up, and is a point of considerable business.

The old Indian trail from Four Lakes to Sauk Prairie ran, in a nearly direct line, through the town from the southeast to the northwest corner.

The town is very well watered by Koshkonong creek, which enters the town on the west line, runs easterly and empties into what is known as Krogh's Mill Po?id} a large body of water which covers a portion of six sections of land. Mud creek enters the town on the south line, and run¬ ning north empties into this pond - large enough in area to be called a lake. Goose Lake lies in the northeast comer on sections 1, 2, 11 and 12. Norah P. O. is on section 29.

The first settlers in the town arrived 1841-42 ; among them were David R. Hyer, B. Ingraham, Colben Oleson, and Stork Oleson. Mr. IIyer located on section 9 ; he was the first postmaster of Deerfield postoffice, established in 1843, and held the office for eleven years. During this time he kept hotel, and bought and kept on hand supplies for the stages running from Madison to Milwaukee and Janesville to Columbus.

The first annual town meeting was held at Mr Hyer's house April 3, 1849. At this meeting, Allen E. Adsit was elected Chairman of Board of Supervisors ; Emery Sampson and George R. Fryer, Supervisors ; H. L. Foster, Town Clerk ; Benjamin Potter, Treasurer, and Martin W. Adsit, Assessor.

Dunkirk

The Yahara or Cat Fish runs through the town, entering on the north line on section 4, and passes out on the south line on section 35. On this stream are good water powers. The village of Stoughton is located on sections 5 an 8 on this stream, and is also a station on the Milwaukee and St. Paul Railroad, and is a- place of much business. It contains a hotel, three stores, flouring mill, plough factory, Baptist and Episcopal churches, a large wagon factory, a number of mechanical shops and many hand¬ some residences. Dunkirk village is a small settlement on section 21. The Milwaukee and St. Paul Railroad passes through the central part of the town, entering on the east line on section 25, and running northwest¬ erly, passes out on the north line, on section 5.

The Township of Dunn is situated in the southeast quarter of the county, and is township 6 north, range 10 east. Lake Waubesa, or Sec¬ ond Lake, covers portions of sections 4, 5, 8 and 9, on the northwest part ; Lake Kegonsa, or First Lake, on the eastern side, also takes a portion of sections 13, 23, all of 24, 25 and 26 ; Hook Lake, in the southwest part, on sections 28, 29 and 32; Mud Lake on section 10.

A large number of the settlers are Norwegians. The town of Dunn was so named by mistake. The inhabitants petitioned to have it called Door, but the Town Clerk mistook the word and called it Dunn. The early settlers were A. Weatherby, A. Whitcomb, E. Root, William: Root, H. Prichard, William Calladay and O. B. Moore. The town was organized in 1848. There are eight schools and one church. Indian relics abound on almost every hill. Mounds, in the shape ot animals,, birds and fishes are numerous.

The Milwaukee and St. Paul Railroad passes through the northeast corner. On section 3 is the village of MacFarland, a station on the rail¬ road.

The Township of Fitchburg, formerly known as Greenfield, is situated in the south central part of the county, known as town 6 north, of range 9 east.

The north tier of sections is watered by a small stream which has its rise in nine springs in section 3, and Penora creek, on the eastern side, on which is located the village of Lake View.

Stoner's Prairie is the name of a post office on a prairie of that name on section 30. At that place, John Stoner, of Madison, made improve¬ ments as early as 1838. Oak Hall Post Office is a small settlement on section 33. The Chicago and Northwestern Railroad passes through the town, entering on the south line on section 35, passing northerly out at section 2, into the town of Madison. Syene is a station and post office on the railroad, on section 11.

The first settlers were, Wm. Quivey, Jos. Vroman, P. Pritchard, R. W. Salisbury, W. True, Geo. W. Fox, Wm. H. Fox, Geo. Keenan and John Keenan. Wm. Quivey's log cabin was hotel, Post Office and town house for a long time. The Fox settlement was a well known locality before towns were established in the county.

At the town meeting held April 4, 1854, S. W. Field was elected" Chairman; Isaac Eaton and M. Grady, Supervisors; R. C. Bennet, Town Clerk ; P. S. Nott, Treasurer ; C. Postle, Assessor.

The township of Madison includes all that portion of township 7 north, of range 9 east, except the city of Madison, and is situated near the center of the county. Almost the whole of the northern part is covered by the waters of Lake Mendota, and a portion of the eastern part by Lake Monona. Lake Wingra occupies the larger part of section 27 and parts of sections 26 and 28. The town is traversed by the Milwaukee and St. Paul Railroad, which enters it from the south at section 36, passes north¬ westerly and westerly through the city and town to section 18, where it passes into Iowa county. The Chicago and Northwestern Railroad enters on the south line on section 35, runs northerly across Lake Monona, and northeasterly through the city into Columbia county.

The township of Mazomanie is situated in the northwest corner of Dane county, and is composed of sections one to eighteen, inclusive of township 8 north, of range 6 east, and fractional part of township No. 9, lying south and east of the Wisconsin river. The northern half of this township is marsh or meadow land, very rich and productive. The southern half is watered by Black Earth creek and its tributaries.

The village of Mazomanie is a thriving place of business ; located on sections 9 and 16, and is a station of the Milwaukee & St. Paul Railroad, which road passes through sections 16, 17 and 18, in the southwest part of the town. It contains two grist mills, an Episcopal, Baptist, Roman Catholic, Primitive Methodist and Congregational Churches; a good school house, 4 public houses, 2 nurseries, a brewery, and a number of stores and shops.

The town was organized in 1855. The first settlers came from Liver¬ pool, England, in the fall of 1843. A Mr. Charles Wilson, Agent for the British Temperance Emigration Society, purchased a quantity of land, a portion of which was occupied by the members of the society. The' names of the settlers were J. Rhodes, J. Ray, J. Homes, G. Robbins,,

Howarth's," or the " old log school house." The first church was .erected on section 16. It was called the First Congregational Church, and its pastor was the Rev. D. Jones, of Dover, Iowa County, Wisconsin. The first school teacher was Mary Hayes, who resided on section 15. The first marriage that occurred in the town was that of Mr. Leach and Miss Reeve.

Mr. Wm. Thompson, after coming to Wisconsin, returned to England for his family. On their way back to Wisconsin, his wife gave birth to a and they named it in honor of the vessel in which they were travel¬ ing, Patrick Henry Thompson.

Medina

The Township of Medina is situated in the northeastern part of Dane the eastern side divides it from the county of Jefferson. It is known as township 8 north, range 12 east.

The Milwaukee and St. Paul Railroad passes across the town, entering on the east side on section 12, passing out on section 6. Deanville is a village and station on section 8. The village of Marshall is located on Waterloo creek, on sections 10 and 15.

The town was first settled about 1846. It derived its name from Me¬ dina, Ohio, the former residence of most of the settlers, among whom were Chas. Lum, S. Muzzy, Martin King and Asa Crass. The first town meeting was held April 4, 1848, when Chas. Lum was elected Chair¬ man, and Urbane Parsons Town Clerk. In 1847 there was no school house, meeting house, or any other public building, except an inferior tavern. In the fall of 1848 a brick school house was built, which answered the purpose of school house, town house and meeting house, for nineteen years. In 1866 an academy was built, costing six thousand dollars. In 1869 the Baptist and Methodist societies each built a meet¬ ing house. In 1871 a town hall was erected, so the town is now pretty well provided with public buildings.

On the site of the present village of Marshall, Zenas H. Bird, a brother of Col. Bird, put up the frame for a large building, with the view of establishing a tavern at that locality; but other routes of travel began to be opened, and Mr. Bird, regarding the prospect as unpromis¬ ing, abandoned the premises. Left to the action of storms and weather, the building, in the course of two or three years, fell to the ground, and hence the place was named " Bird's Ruins." Bird sold to Doulass, Douglass to Hanchett, when the place was called Hanchettville. Han¬ chett laid out a large territory, and named it Howard City. The prop¬ erty was sold on a mortgage, and bought by Samuel Marshall, from whom it derives it present name.

The Township of Middleton lies near the central part of the county, adjoining Madison on the west, and known as township 7 north, of range 8 east. This is one of the early settled towns in Dane county. It is watered on the northeast by Pheasant Branch, and on section 1 is the small village of that name. On section 9 is a large expansion of water known as Mud lake, from which a small stream runs westward into Black Earth creek.

The Milwaukee and St. Paul Railroad crosses the town, entering from the east on section 13, passing out at section 7. Middleton Station, a place of considerable business, is located on section 11. It contains a steam planing mill, an elevator, four public houses, distillery, a few stores and shops. East Middleton postoffice is on section 27, Middleton postoffice on section 30.

The town was originally a part of the town of Madison. It was organ¬ ized as a separate town in 1848. The first Supervisor was Thos. P. Whittlesey. f

The* early settlers were Wallace Rowan, Michel St. Cyr and Col. Wm. B. Slaughter, a more particular account of whom will be found in the former part of this volume. Rowan early located as an Indian trader, at the head of Fourth lake, and was there at the outbreak of the Black Hawk War, in 1832.

He was succeeded as a trader by Michel St. Cyr. Whisky and tobacco -constituted his stock in trade. But this trade v.us not sufficient for a livelihood, and he cultivated about eight acres of ground, raising corn, oats, potatoes, and a few vegetables. His cabin was a small ' affair, but he entertained the few traders that passed through the country. This was on the site of the City of the Four Lakes. Col. Wm. B. Slaughter entered the land in 1835, and conveyed an undivided one-half to Judge Doty, December 20th, in that year, with a view of having a town laid out there, and eventually securing the Territorial Capital at that point. It was surveyed and plotted in 1836. But Col. Slaughter being absent at the time of the session of the legislature at Belmont, Madison was the successful competitor for the interesting prize at stake, and the City of

The soil is excellent, and farm products generally are raised in large quantities. There is a large pond or lake situated on section 9. Popu¬ lation, 1870, town 1,589, station 286.

The township of Montrose lies in the southwestern part of the county, on the southern border, known as township 5 north, range 8 east. The town is well watered by Sugar river and its tributaries. The soil is rich and productive. The village of Paoli lies on sections 3 and 10, on Sugar river. Belleville is a small settlement on section 34.

The town of Montrose wa3 first settled in 1841, by Joseph Kendricks and George McFadden and families, Elam Elder, then single, and Benjamin Crocker and family.

The town was organized in 1847. Daniel M. Holt was elected first supervisor. The election was held at Mr. McFadden's house. The first white child born in the town was in the family of Mr. Hendricks. The town received its name at the suggestion of Mr. McFadden, after a town in Pennsylvania.

The township of Oregon lies on the southern boundary of the county, in the central part, known on the surveys as township 5 north, range 9 east. It is one of the early settled towns. It is watered in the southwest part by tributaries of Sugar river.

The Chicago and Northwestern railroad passed through the town, entering on the south line, on section 36, passes out on the north line on section 2.

The village of Oregon is a station of the road on section 12, and is a place of considerable business. It has a Presbyterian and a Methodist church, three stores, lumber yard, broom factory, hotel, and a number of mechanical shops.

The town was organized in 1847. It was first settled in 1842-3. Among the earliest settlers were C. P. Moseley, from Connecticut ; A. Kierstead, from New Jersey; R. Rooney, from Virginia; Robert Thompson, from Scotland; Joseph G. Fox, from Ireland; R. Boice and Wm. Root.

The first town meeting was held in the house of L. S. Pratt. A Con¬ gregational church was organized in April, 1845, by Rev. S. Miner and Rev. S. Peet, with twelve members. In November, 1846, it became Presbyterian under the ministry of Rev. M. A. Fox, its present pastor.

Perry

The town is well watered by small streams, the head waters of the East Peckatonica river. Perry post office is on sections 8 and 17. Forward post office on section 28.

The town was named in honor of Commodore Perry, of Lake Erie fame. It was first settled in the spring of 1846, by John Brown, a native of Indiana, who settled on section 27. John Hobart and Anton Kellar, from Germany, came later in the year, and located on sections 3 and 10. The next year, Shute Rudy and John Sears, from Kentucky; John Eastman, from Ohio, and S. H. Campbell settled mostly along the southern border. In February, 1848, B. F. Denson, a native of Nortli Carolina, moved in and settled on section 34. During this summer, sev¬ eral Norwegians moved in, prominent among whom were Hans Johnson, on section 20 ; Lars Halverson, on section 17 ; T. Thompson, on section 17, and Ole O. Barken, on section 4. The last named bought out a Nor¬ wegian who had come the year before. The above-mentioned individ¬ uals may rightfully be considered the pioneers of the town, but of these only Barren and Johnson still remain.

The first church was built on section 8, in 1851, belonging to the Nor¬ wegians, of the Lutheran denomination. It was twenty feet square, built of logs, and is still doing service as a church, having been repaired and modified. It served as a school house till the fall of 1852, when the first school house was built. This was located a quarter of a mile east of where Daley's store now stands. O. B. Daley opened the first retail store in 1853.

As a separate organization, Perry dates back to April 4, 1851 - it being a part of Primrose up to that time. After the year 1848, the settlers were mostly German and Norwegians, apparently crowding out the Ameri¬ cans ; among the last to leave were Mr. Denson and Mr. Campbell.

Primrose

The township of Primrose lies on the southern border of the county, in the southwest quarter, adjoining Perry on the east, of "which it was formerly a part, known also as township No. 5, north of range 7 east.

of the county. Primrose post office is on section 21. The village of Mount Vernon lies part in section 3, and part in the town of Springdale, a small settlement.

The town was first settled in 1345. R. Speaks located on section 19; A. Speaks, on section 8; Christian Hendrixon came the next year and settled on section 25. The town was organized in 1845. The first offi¬ cers were : David Thomas, Chairman ; Samuel Nassinger and Free¬ man Fisher, Supervisors ; and Robert Harrington, Clerk. The first school house, called " Primrose school house," was erected in 1847, on section 17. G-. Jackson was the first teacher. Rev. A. Price, of the Lutheran Church, was the first pastor. A mill was built on section 7 in 1858, being the first in the town. Primrose had the honor of sending a member to the Legislature in 1868 - Hon. Gunnif Tollefson.

On section 24 is a hill 200 feet high, 100 rods long and 15 rods wide at the top, called Mt. Julia. Among the natural curiosities is the " Devil's- Chimney," on section 11. This is a solid body of rock 50 feet high, 25- feet diameter at the base, and 50 feet at the top. In 1850, a man by the name of Joel Britz climbed to the top, and placed a flag there. He is the first and only man that ever accomplished the feat of ascending the so-called chimney. The flag staff still stands there. Names of visitors from all parts of the United States are engraved on the rock.

Pleasant Springs

The Milwaukee and St. Paul Railroad enters the town on the south lineon section 32, runs northerly, passes out on the west line of section 7. The town is watered in the northwest by Big Door Creek and Catfish Creek in the southwestern part. The town is settled largely by Nor- , wegians.

The town of Pleasant Springs received its name from a large spring on the lands of Ole Evenson, on section 27. Among the early settlers K H. Roe, H. Severson, Robert McComb, P. S. Markham, John Sonderman, K. Kittelson, K. A. Jute, and K. A. Joitel. The first town meeting was held April 4,1848. The first church was built where the Lutheran church now stands, on section 14. The first sermon was preached by Pastor W. Dietrichson, under a large oak tree, on A. K. Jute's farm, September 2, 1844. The first school was taught in a private house. The first school house was built in section 25.

water excellent. Wheat corn, oats, and other cereals are produced in large quantities. There were a few Indian mounds on J. J. Williams'' land, section 19, hut they are now nearly all obliterated. Population 1870, 1,005.

Roxbury

The township of Roxbury lies in the northwestern corner of the county and includes all of township 9 north, of range 7 east, lying east and south of the Wisconsin river. Fish Lake covers a portion of sections 3 and 4. Crystal Lake, part of sections 1 and 2. Crane Lake is on sections 14 and 15.

Clifton village is a small settlement on section 6, at which place there is a bridge across the Wisconsin river. River P. O. is on section 7, where there is also a bridge. Alden's Corners is post office at junction of sections 26, 27, 34 and 35. The northwestern corner of the town is very rough and hilly, with some high bluffs. The Wisconsin river extends over two miles on the western side. There are many Germans settled in the town.

The town was originally a part of Dane. It was organized April 3r 1849. Burk Fairchilds was elected Chairman; Lorenzo Farr and Lorenzo D. Miller, Supervisors ; Jas. Crowder, Town Clerk ; Loren¬ zo Farr, Assessor; James Steel, Treasurer; Z. Bowers; J. Crowder, George Richards and B. Fairchilds, Justices of the Peace,

The Township of Rutland is situated on the south line of the county/ in the southeastern part, known as township 5 north, of range No. Iff east.

The town is watered by the Badfish creek and numerous tributaries. Bass lake lies in section 24. Island Lake on section 3, which covers tw° thirds of the section. There is an island near the middle of the lake cov¬ ered with rock-maple trees. No other trees of the kind are found in this section. The village of Rutland is in section 19.

The town was fi rst settled in 1842, by Joseph Prentiss and son, Joseph De Jean, Daniel Pond and S. D. Little. They located on the southwest corner of the town, on the old Madison and Janesville road, which was a stage route at that time. No other settlements were made until June, 1844, when Jonathan Lawrence and S. W. Graves came in and settled on section 28, then back in the wilderness. Late in tlm fall of the same year Jeremiah Douglass commenced a settlement on section 11. In 1845, quite a number of people from Vermont located in the south part of the town, which was called the Vermont settlement ; and a majority of those people remain in the town at the present day. The same year the Douglasses, Dannons, Casleys and others, from Maine, settled in the north part of the town. This was called the Maine settle¬ ment. About four hundred people came into the town that year, and afterwards the town was rapidly settled. The lands were all taken in a few years by actual settlers, and none by speculators.

The first town meeting was held in April, 1846. Jonathan Lawrence was elected Chairman, and S. W. Graves, Town Clerk. The town was named after the town of Rutland, in Vermont. At present there are eight school districts, with good school houses. There are three churches, be¬ longing to the Methodists, United Brethren and Free Will Baptists, re¬ spectively. The village of Brooklyn, in Green county, touches the south¬ west corner.

There is but very little prairie in the town ; it was originally burr-oak openings. There are but few natural curiosities. In opening limestone quarries, numbers of fossils have been found - some quite large and per¬ fect.

The town contains some remarkable remains of that ancient people who are supposed to have inhabited this country prior to its occupation by the Indian races - the most noteworthy of which are to be found on section 15. Here are three mounds, about fifty feet apart, and extending east and west. They are uniform in size, being about six feet in height above the surface of the adjacent land, and circular at the base, where they are nearly forty feet in diameter.

Commencing at the distance of fifty feet from the most eastern mound, and extending in an unvarying direction to the east, there is a long, low .ridge, or bank of earth, one hundred feet in length. The height of this ridge, above the surface of the ground on which it is situated, is four feet, and measures six feet through the base, north and south, a line drawn due east and west would divide the three mounds and ridge exactly in the centre. Being upon elevated land, the view from the site of these mounds would, were it not for the luxuriant young trees by which they are sur¬ rounded, be both beautiful and commanding.

In the summer of 1870 one of these mounds was partially explored by Mr. Chas. H. Lewis, a resident of the town, when a well-preserved hu¬ man skeleton was unearthed, together with a stone pipe of curious work-

These mounds and their contents are objects of great interest to the an¬ tiquarian, as they point to the stone age of Wisconsin, and tend to the elucidation of the great' problem in regard to that extinct and mysterious people, the mound builders of America.

The township of Springfield is situated in the northwestern quarter of the county, adjoining Middleton on the north; known as township 8- north, range 8 east.

The town was first settled in 1842, by Hawley Simons, who located on section 10; G. B. Slaughter, on section 36, and Geo. Johnson, on sec¬ tion 4. They all came from New York State. The town was organized in April, 1848. The first church was erected on section 7, in 1858, and known as St. Martin's Church. The first school house was called John¬ son's school house, and was located on section 12. The first physician in the town was Dr. Winson, who resided on section 36. Rev. N. Mar¬ tin, of the Baptist Church, was the first pastor. Eunice Johnson was the first white child - born September 4, 1845. The first marriage that occurred was that of Mr. Geo. Howard and Miss Sarah Murray, which took place in 1844.

The surface of the country is undulating, in some places hlufiy. Soil generally rich and fertile, the principal productions being wheat, corn and oats. No natural curiosities exist, though Indian relics have been found.

Sun Prairie

The township of Sun Prairie is situated in the northeastern quarter of the county, known as township 8 north, of range 11 east. The north¬ ern paat is prairie. The Milwaukee and St. Paul Railroad passes through the northern part. The village of Sun Prairie is situated on parts of sections 4 and 5, 7 and 9, and is a station on the road. It is a place of considerable business, and large quantities of grain are shipped east. The village was organized under the charter on the fourth Tuesday of March, 1868, when the following officers were elected : Wm. H. Angell, President of the board ; Chas. H. Bird, Wm. F. Hardwick and C. R.

Babcock, Board of Trustees; William Reeyes, Assessor; G. M. Smith, Clerk. It contains about 1,000 inhabitants, has Baptist, Methodist Epis¬ copal, R. Catholic and Congregational churches and a large school build¬ ing, about a dozen stores, two hotels, two lumber yards, and two livery stables; five doctors, one lawyer, and one dentist, and a number of shops.

Vermont

The township of Vermont is situated on the west line of the county, between the towns of Black Earth on the north, and Blue Mounds on the south, known as township 7 north, of range 9 east. It is well watered by numerous streams, the lands adjoining being rich and productive. As a whole the town is rough and hilly. There are no villages or post offices.

The town 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.

J. 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 Whalon Hasbrook, Isaac C. Steele and Jno. Cald¬ well. Aaron Dana, Clerk.

The first sermon was preached in the year 1849, by H. Maynard, of the Methodist Church. The first school district was organized in 1850 - Archibald Campbell the first teacher. A Roman Catholic church was built in 1859; a Norwegian Lutheran church in 1860.

Verona

The township of Verona is located in the southwestern quarter of the county, south of Middleton, and southwest of Madison, known as town¬ ship 6 north, of range 8 east.

It is watered by Sugar river and Badger Mill creek. The surface of the country is rolling, diversified by hills and valleys, with considerable prairie land.

The town was first settled by people from England. The first land was sold in 1840. Wm. A. Wheeler built the first mill on Badger creek. The first school house was built on Badger Prairie. Presbyterian was the first church organization ; A. Burns the first pastor. Margaret Stewart was the first white child born in the town; E. Collins among the first male children.

There is a cave of considerable extent in the northern part of the town, on section 5, an account of which may be found in chapter nine of this volume. Indian mounds and relics are found on section 18, and traces of an Indian village on section 33. Also, the remains of an ancient bakery on section 25.

The Dane County Poor House is located in this town, on section 14. It was opened for the reception of inmates in 1854. The number of persons admitted since that time is 597. Of that number 60 have died, 475 have been discharged, and 60 yet remain. The farm consists of 152 acres - 90 acres tillable land, 62 acres low land, and 60 acres of wood land. The building is constructed of brick, and is 40 x 60 feet in size. The farm and building cost $10,113.82. Other buildings have been erected, such as sheds, corn-cribs, barn, etc. The inmates are comfortabty pro¬ vided with clothing, bedding, good substantial food, and all necessaries of life usually furnished in such institutions for the support of the poor.

Vienna

The township of Vienna is situated on the north side of the county, the second township north of Madison, and known as township 9 north, of range 9 east.

The town derived its name from the town of Vienna in New York. Among the first settlers were Wm. G. Simonds, Louis Montander, S. Nicholson, Thos. Liday, David Robertson, A. A. Boyce and Willard Fisher.

It was organized April 16, 1849. A. A. Boyce was elected Chairman; Benj. Nesmith and Willard Fisher, Supervisors; Isaac Mann, Town Clerk; Thos. Lindsay, Assessor; Jabez Weston, Treasurer; Jonah Poyner, W. Fisher, A. A. Boyce, Hubbell Fuller, Justices of the Peace.