Mifflin Town (part 3 of 3)

When Dubuque located on the west sliore, it is said that a man named D'Bois also located on the east bank, nearly opposite the Frenchman's trading and mining post, probably a short distance below the Dunlcith of to-day. But so little is known of this man that his residence is traditionary. The period between 1788 and 1811 is one of vague and uncertain historic character in this region. It is said that traces of white occupants at a very early period were discovered on the Sinsinawa by the " first " settlers of Jo Daviess County, who were miners. It would be strange, indeed, with the knowledge of the immense deposits of lead and the abundance of game in this region, as well as the mining operations of Dubuque, so near at hand, if no adventurers or traders ever visited the Riviere au Feve, or ventured among the Sacs and Foxes east of the Mississippi ; especially since the success of Dubuque in gaining a grant could not be kept a matter of absolute secrecy. Roving traders and agents of the American Fur Company - that corporation which has left its tracks everywhere throughout the Northw^est - must surely have been cognizant of the rich stores of peltry annually obtained along the Wisconsin and its many tributaries, and engaged in competition with the miner and trader on the west side. But thus for no record of occupation or irregular traffic has been discovered. The first evidence of occupation of Jo Daviess County after D'Bois, and prior to 1819-20, is the testimony of Capt. D. S. Harris, of Galena, tin old" steamboat Captain who ran upon the Mississippi at a very early day, and who furnished the information hereinafter given, as late as 1878.

A Missing Island

Capt. Harris says tliat, in 1811. George E. Jackson, a Missouri miner, had a rude log furnace and smelted lead on an island then existing in the Mississippi, but which has since dis.

Histoky Of The Lead Eegion

appeared. The island was on the east side of the main channel, a short distance below Dunleith, nearlj' opposite the mouth of the Catfish Creek. Jackson floated his lead to St. Louis by flatboat, and experienced much trouble with the Indians. lie was joined in 1812-1-3 by John S. Miller, but soon after the island was abandoned. Jackson went to Missouri, and Miller went down the river and built the first cabin and blacksmith-shop on the site of Hannibal, Mo. It is said that in 1818, Miller, in company with George W. Ash and another man, ascendeil the Mississippi with a boat load of merchandise as far as Dubuque's mines, trading with the Indians. It is believed he penetrated to the site of Galena, and spent some time on Fever River, in this region.

The first permanent settlement by white men on the east shore, within the lead district, of which any reliable knowledge remains, dates from 1820, on what is now Galena River. In 1823, Miller and Jackson again visited this spot.

In 1808, when the United States purchased the province of Louisiana from Napoleon, of France, the existence of lead mines in this region was well known. In 1807, Congress enacted that these mines should be reserved from sale and held in fee simple, under the exclusive control of the Government. Leases of three to five years were issued to various individuals to work them as tenants of the United States, but, until about 1823, most of the work was done in Missouri, and the operations ap])ear to have been carried on without much system. Miners throughout all the lead-mining districts paid but slight attention to Congressional enactments. Lessees were not properly supported in their rights, and, of course, became constantly involved in disputes with claimants and trespassers, which often proved ruinous to their undertakings.

The veteran Capt. Harris says that, unquestionably, Julien Dubuque operated on both sides of the Mississippi, and mined on Apple River, near the present village of Elizabeth, worked the old Buck and Hog leads, near Fever River, the Cave Diggings, in what is now Vinegar Hill Township, and others, as early as 1805, and very probably at a still earlier date. The Indians were on very friendly terms with Dubuque, and, when they reported a discovery to him, he sent his assistants, Canadian Frenchmen and half-breeds, to prove them, and, in some cases, to work them. All over this region, when Capt. Harris came to Fever River, a lad of fifteen, in 1823, traces of old mining operations existed, which were evidently not the work of the Indians. At what was called the Allenwrath Diggings, at Ottawa, about two miles from the present city of Galena, a heavy sledge-hammer was found under the ashes of one of those pilraitive furnaces, in 1826. This furnace had been worked long before the date generally assigned to the first white settlement in this region. This ancient hammer, weighing from fifteen to twenty pounds, was - and probably still is - preserved by Mr. Houghton, a well-known editor of the Northwest. The Indians never used such an implement, and it was unquestionably left by some of Dubuque's miners where it was found in 1826.

All these important considerations, in connection with the fact that the Mississippi River was the great highway of the pioneers of that day; that Prairie du Chien was a thriving French village, and had been a French military post as early as 1755, long before Dubuque located above the mouth of Catfish Creek; that a military and trading post existed at Fort Armstrong (Rock Island) previous to the later " first settlements" on the east side of the Mississippi, now Daviess County, lead almost irresistibly to the conclusion that " La Pointe " was well known to the earlier Indian traders, and that the lead-mining region around Riviere au Feve had been visited and occupied, temporarily at least, by white men. for many years prior to 1819-20. But by whom ? History is silent, and those hardy pioneers have left no footprints on the shifting sands of time.

It must be considered as reasonably certain, as previously stated, that the lead-mining district, now lying in Jo Daviess County, [11., and in Grant. Iowa and La Fayette Counties, Wis., was more or less occupied by Dubuque's men before any permanent settlements were made in the territory. Dubuque, by his wonderful magnetic power, had obtained great influence among the Indians, then occupying this entire region. They believed him to be ahnost eqaal to the Great Spirit, and they foavcd him nearly as much. They implicitly obeyed him, and it is not a mere chimera to presume that they reported to him the existence of leads on the east as well as on the west side of the Father of Waters ; and it is reasonable to suppose, when such reports were made to him, that he verified them by actual observations made by himself or his men. From the remembrances of the oldest residents of this region, now surviving, and the traces of mining done by whites long before any permanent settlements were made, it seems more than probable that Dubuque and his men were the first whites who occupied the Fever River leadmining district, in common with the aboriginal inliabitants.

It must also be considered certain that " LaPointe" was familiar to them as a trading-post, long previous to actual white settlement. The total absence of records leaves the subject enshrouded in a darkness that is relieved only by tradition. The locality here designated as " La Pointe " is that also known as '" The Portage," near the present city of Galena.

In February, 1810, Nicholas Boilvin, then agent for the Winnebagoes at Prairie du Chien, passed through this region on foot from Rock Island, with Indians for guides, and by them was shown a lead mine, which, from his memoranda, written in the French language, was near Fever River, and was probably what was afterward known to the early settlers as the Old Buck Lead.

In 1810, Henry Shreeve is said to have worked his way up to Fever River, and there obtained a small cargo of lead, which he floated back to the towns on the Lower Mississippi.

The following extract from Moses M. Strong's forthcoming "History of Wisconsin," confirms the fact of early-time navigation and intercourse between the lead region and St. Louis :

"In the period between 181.') and 1820. Capt. John Shaw made eight trips, in a tradingboat, from St. Louis to Prairie du Chien. and visited the lead mines where the city of Galena now is, and where the Indians smelted the lead in rude furnaces of their own construction ; and at one time Mr. Sliawcarriedaway seventy tons, which they had produced from the ores obtained by themselves, in their primitive modes.

In 1816, by a treaty made at St. Louis with various tribes to settle the disputes that had arisen under the treaty of 1804, by which the Sacs and Foxes had ceded to the United States all the lands lying between the Illinois and Wisconsin Rivers, cast of the Mississippi, all the lands north of a line running west from the southern extremity of Lake Michigan to the Mississippi, were relinquisheil to the Indians, exce]it a tract five leagues square on the Mississippi River, to be designated by the President of the United States. These reservations were intended to be sufficient to embrace the lead mines known to be worked by the squaws and presumed to be valuable, although their location was not known to the Government, and probably the undefined character of the reservation is thus accounted for.

Davenport At Fever River

In 1816, the late Col. George Davenport, agent of the American Fur Company, trading with the Sacs and Foxes, occupied the trading-post at the Portage, on Fever River, and lived there, but how long is not now known. He soon after left that point an<l went to Rock Island. The post was afterward occupied by Amos Farrar, of the firm of Davenport. Farrar & Farnham. agents of the American Fur Company. Tiiis important f ict in the early history of this district is given on the authority of William H. Snyder, of Galena, who had the statement direct from Col. Davenport in 1835.

Previous to 1819, the Sacs and Poxes, both noted as warlike and dangerous tribes, had killed several traders who had attempted to traffie among them. It was currently reported that a trader met his death at their hands, at Sinsinawa, in 18U3.

CERTIFIED STATEMENT OF THE PRINCIPAL FARM PRODUCTS GROWN IN THE COUNTY OF IOWA, FOR THE YEAR 1879, AS COMPILED BY THE COUNTY CLERK, AUGUST, 1880

Number Of Bushels

In June, 1851, a number of citizens, resident in Mineral Point and surrounding districts, organized the pioneer agricultural society of this county. The officers were H. L. Leffingwell, President; Henry M. Billings, Levi Sterling, P. O'Dowd, John Hand, F. J. Dunn and George Goldthorp, Vice Presidents ; William R. Smith, Secretary ; Samuel Crawford, Treasurer. The new association held its inaugural fair in October of the same year. C. C. Washburn and Francis J. Dunn delivered addresses on that occasion, and the exhibition was characterized as an unqualified success. However that may be, the October meeting was the first and last gathering under the above auspices. Individual exertion revived the defunct society in June, 18.5(3, when, at a "mass convention " in Dodgeville, re-organization was effected. H. M. Billings, John Ellwood and Joseph Mortell were appointed to report and draft a constitution. In the interim the following officers were elected: Hon. H. M. Billings, President; Samuel Hendy, Levi Sterling and L. W. Joiner, Vice Presidents; George Messersmith, Recording Secretary; L. H. D. Crane, Corresponding Secretary ; Phillip Eddy, Treasurer. The committee on a constitution reported, and, in accordance with their report, the appended names of Representatives were added to the Executive Committee; John James, Waidvvick ; John Baker, Linden; (Jaleb Sylvester, Mifflin ; David McFarland, Highland ; Watkin Watkins, Dodgeville ; Jo.seph Roberts, Ridgeway; W. A. Brisbane, Arena; 0. F. Savage, Wyoming; David Bigelow, Clyde; Asa Patterson, Pulaski, Thomas Berry, Mineral Point.

An inclosure of five acres contiguous to the town hall, was prepared for the reception of live stock, and the adjoining town hall was utilized for a display of treasures selected from the kingdoms of art, manufactures and agriculture. The premium list aggregated $138.75. President Billings delivered the opening oration. The fair was held on October 1, 1856. In the ensuing year, none but members were allowed to exhibit, but as each exhibitor could qualify on payment of $1, the objection provided a profitable income to the society. The dates of this exhibit were September 10 and IT, 1857. The rate of admission was limited to one dime. The fairs of 1858 and 185!) occupied the original location. The latter exhibition was painfully marked by a regrettable accident, which resulted in the death of a Miss Wells, who, by the collapse of a revolving swing, sustained fatal injuries. During 1859, the society purchased twenty acres of land of Col. Tuomiis Stephens for a fair ground. Four acre? were sold, and the money thus provided was expended in the construction of fences and suitable buildings. Here the fair has been held up to date. Hon. H. M. Billing^ held the oflSce of President up to 1862, when he Was succeeded by L. W. Joiner.

1864 - President, James Toay ; Vice Presidents, John Ellwood, James McFarland, John Adams; Secretary, J. A. Slye ; Treasurer, Samuel Hoskins. Fair held October 13, 14 and 15; receipts, $834.62 ; disbursements, $617.64.

1867 - President, .John Ellwood ; Vice Presidents, Robert Wilson, A. J. Slye, R. Arundell; Secretary, Henry Dunstan; Treasurer, Samuel Hoskins. Fair held October 2 and 3; receipts, $1,518.05; disbursements, $1,518.05.

Early Voting Points

The following is a synopsis of the voting precincts established in the county of Iowa, previous to the erection of the various towns, according to the act of the Wisconsin Legislature approved :

The first precincts or elective districts were Mineral Point, Doilgeville, Diamond Grove, Blue River, now the town of Highland, Porter's Grove, now the town of Ridgeway, and Old Helena.

To define just how much territory was included separately in those districts, is not necessary, and is scarcely possible. Suffice to say, the people of the nortii part of the county voted either at Helena or at Porter's Grove; those of the west and southwest parts either at Blue River or Diamond Grove, in what is now the town of Linden : those of the south and southeast parts, at Mineral Point ; those of the east part, at Porter's Grove, and those of the center at Dodgeville. The first recorde<l election was held at the above points on the 7th day of May, 18:i8, when 500 votes were cast, all told. Subsequently the Helena precinct was discontinued. Porter's Grove, Dodgeville and Blue River then becoming tiie only polling places available for the voters of the north part of the county. However, from 1838 until 1846, there were but few voters in that section of the county to require a voting point.

In 1844, Diamond Grove, which include<l what are now the towns of Linden and Mifflin, was changed to Peddler's Creek Precinct. During the same year, the territory now known as Waldwick and Moscow Towns, was also constituted a precinct called Yellow Stone. In 1845, the precinct of Peddler's Creek was divided, that part which is now Mifflin being erected into a precinct entitled Dallas. In 1846, a precinct called Rcevesville was set off in the northeast part of the county, the present town of Arena, and one called Percussion, now the town of Wyoming. That section of the county now known as Pulaski, was constituted a precinct called Wisconsin, in 1848, and at the same time the precinct of Otter Creek wa.s erected, what is nowknown as the town of Clyde. The precinct of Mineral Point was erected in 1836, and was first called Pecatonica, atul then constituted the chief polling place in the county.

Diamond Grove, well known as an early smelting point, still retains the name, probably given on account of the shape of the clump of timber. Peddlers Creek was the original name of the village of Linden, and received the appellation from a peddler having first discovered mineral there. Dallas was the name of a small hamlet in the town of Mifflin, now extinct. Blue River, the name of a stream in the west part of the county. Dodgeville, so called after Gov. Dodge, who was one of the very first to locate in that section. Porter's Grove, so designated from a grove named after the first settler at that point. Helena, the name given in honor of some lady, by one of the early founders, to the first laid-out village in the county. Percussion, so styled, owing to the appearance of a rock which stands in the town of Wyoming, and which resembles a percussion furnace. Otter Creek, after the principal stream that traverses the town of Clyde. Yellow Stone, the name of a hamlet in the north part of what is now La Fayette County. Reevesville and Arena, the former after the name of the manager of the British Emigration Society, Charles Reeves, the latter meaning a sandy place.

The Press

The Miners' Free Press. - Early in the spring of 1838, Henry B. Welsh and Henry Plowman, having made up their minds to come West and establish a newspaper somewhere, met and consulted friends fioin Wisconsin, and were induced, from their representation of the then very sparsely settled Territory of Wisconsin, to wend their way to the "lead mines," of which Mineral Point was the emporium, and leading town in the Territory. On their way West, these pioneer printers stopped at Cincinnati, Ohio, and, having purchased type and press, loaded them on a steamboat bound for Galena, 111., the distributing center for all freight, and the receiving point for all mineral. From Galena, the press and type were hauled to Mineral Point by ox teams. After surmounting many difficulties, an " office " was leased, wherein the printing establishment was erected, with a corner table set off" for an editorial sanctum. With frontier energy, the proprietors manfully discarde<l their coats, and, in shirt sleeves, exerted themselves toward reducing the inchoate group of machinery to working order. This was ultimately accomplished, and, on July 24, 1838, the first number of the Miners' Free Press startled the mining regions by discussing, in a terse, masterly style, the local topics of paramount importance. In the absence of files to guide us, it is fair to presume that the subject of Government lands was not overlooked. This paper met with mediocre support from the constituents whose cause it championed. Messrs. Welsh and Plowman continued the publication for upward of two years, with wavering success, when they disposed of the business to John Delaney. Delaney, after an ephemeral e.xistence of two months, relinquished the control and recommitted the establishment and the paper to its original owners. On this transfer, the name was changed to the Mineral Point Free Press, and the paper was regularly issued under the auspices of Messrs. Welsh and Plowman. Two years subsequently, C. C. Brett purchased the printing office, and, disliking the lengthy nomenclature of the journal, altered the head-line to read Mineral Point Democrat. He continued the publication during the summer of 1845, and then sold out to Beriah Brown, who removed the outfit to Madison, where it became part of the Madison Democrat establishment. Such is the history of the first newspaper founded in the Wisconsin mineral district. The tribulations and vicissitudes of the editor were multifarious and of a character common to frontier settlements. When grievances were to be redressed, or a fancied insult avenged, the editor's finer feelings were appealed to through the significant agency of a horse pistol or a murderous-looking rifle. The editor was not always to be intimidated by this display of persuasive force, and frequently he would dispute the dictate, and, with a celerity acquired by experience, bring his shooting-irons on a range with the head of his adversary. An incident illustrating the bellicose disposition of such persons is recounted in the general history of Mineral Point. The encounter in question occurred between Henry B. Welsh and Charles Bracken, editor of a cotemporary journal.

The Wisconsin {now Mineral Point) Tribune. - A weekly quarto, of Whig antecedents, but Republican at present, of the stalwart type ; issued on Thursdays at Mineral Point City, and enjoying a reputable prestige as also a generous support. The Tribime owes its birth and subsequent education and experience, so to speak, for many years, to tlie enterprise and public spirit of George W. Bliss, a pioneer typo at Mineral Point, whose ambition seems to have been to establish an organ and contribute to the development of the Territory. This was undertiiken, and the sequel of its inquisition proves that the judgment of Mr. Bliss was predicated upon substantial premises. The first number was issued on Friday, September 4, 1847, and, with a few exceptional suspensions caused by the occurrence of events that could not be avoided, its publication has been continuous and uninterrupted. Quoting from the salutatory : The name chosen for the paper was sufficiently indicative of its editor's purpose to support the cause of the people and of the enlarged ami comprehensive views which should obtain in the discussion of the various topics and questions of public concernment which legitimately engross the columns of a free and independent press. The aim would be to advance the best interests of society, to aid the prosperity of all classes by laboring to disseminate sound principles, to uphold wise measures; promote the cause of popular education, and encourage the useful arts. The interests of the miner, the farmer, the mechanic and the laborer, would be faithfully protected and encouraged. " The greatest good to the greatest number " would be, in short, the polar star that would guide and govern the editor in his labors. The endeavor would be made to render the Tribune worthy of support, and to make this portion of the State the seat of a dense as well as a thrifty population. In politics, the paper would support the principles of the Whig party, illustrated by Washington, Jefferson and Madison, as they lie at the foundation of public prosperity, believing this, it would faithfully labor to diffuse them, seeking alone the good of those who differ from the editor, and cherishing for them only feelings of respect and good will. Reason and argument alone would be employed to make proselytes, and opponents would be treated with courtesy and candor, and victories sought to be achieved by the dissemination of light and knowledge.

With this brief but forcible exposition of news and principles, the journalistic bark was committed to the sea, with the pleasing hope that its sails would -'belly" with propitious breezes, and be speedily wafted to the liaven of a liberal constituency. Mr. Bliss surely comprehended the duty of an editor and the objects of a newspaper - to enunciate and promulgate thoughts as immortal as love, pure as the morning's dew ; thoughts that should cheer human endeavor, console iiuman sorrow, exalt human life, and cause the heart of a people to beat with patriotic exultation. He seems to have been alive to the elevating influence of the press. He realized its power as deep, strong, abiding. The soldier fights for his native land, but the editor touches that land with the charm that makes it worth fighting for, and fires the warrior's heart with the fierce energy that makes his blow invincible. The statesman enlarges and orders liberty in the State, but the editor fosters the love of liberty in the citizen's heart ; the inventor multiplies the facilities of life, but the editor makes life better worth living for. Conscious of these advantages and obligations, Mr. Bliss began the venture in a field as yet comparatively uncultivated ; and among tiie trees and flowers where birds caroled, children played, lovers whis])ered, and the various streams of human life flowed by, he laid the pedestal to what has proven his monument, lo I these many years. Tlie paper was, in those days, a folio of twenty-four columns, printed in brevier and nonpareil. The first page was devoted to an article on river and harbor improvements, poetry and story-telling. The second page contained foreign news from various sources, editorials, selections, and the Whig ticket, which is here reproduced, as follows : For Delegate to Congress. John Tweedy ; 0. C. Lockhart. for the Council ; Charles Pole, C. C. Rynerson and L. C. McKenney, for Representatives; Francis C. Kirkpatrick, Albert A. Camp and John H. Suddith, for County Commissioners ; Charles L. Stephenson, for County Treasurer; S. Forrest Seabury, for Commissioners' Clerk; Edwin B. Carson, Register of Deeds; William B. Foster,. Collector ; F. A. Hill, Surveyor; Ezra A. Hall, Thomas Riddle and John Wasley, School Commissioners; Edward Combe, Nicholas Code and James J. Bayse, Assessors, and William Thomas, Coroner. The third page contained additional selections, a limited number of "ads," and the "hotch-potch" usual to similar enterprises, while the fourth page was utilized to the appropriation ot more poetry and story-telling. The paper was issued to subscribers at $2..')0 per annum, and in appearance commended itself to the encouragement sought. Its office was located on High street, in a two-story frame building, still standing, and now owned by J. F. Miller, at present occupied as a photograph gallery, a shoe-store and other briiiichcs of business. The succeeding numbers e(|ualed reasonable expectations, and met the promises of the editor, so that, when the yellow leaves of autumn began to fall tliickly. the youthful charge had put off its swaddling clothes, freed itself from the care of a nurse, and was able to walk alone, and thenceforward this treasure, laid up in Mineral Point, has never been corrupted by the moth and rust of failure. In its labors, the paper aimed to conserve public morality, further the causes of education, temperance and religion; agitate improvements, not alone in the village and county, but also in the State and nation, and, by the efforts made, to urge the adoption of all means necessary to the attainment of such ends, contributed very largely to the success which followed many undertakings. At this time, the .Mexican war was in progress, and the Tribune supported its prosecution in emphatic utterances. The hope was expressed that it might be brought to a speedy close, but not by a refusal of the Whig majority in Congress to vote men and money for its continuance. With regard to the education of the people, the paper insisted that adecjuate means for that purpose must be raised. The Territory of Wisconsin, with a population of 200,000, was about to seek admission into the confederacy ; her inexhaustible mines were yielding abundant returns ; religious and benevolent institutions were supported, without the aid of compulsory laws, and the education of the youth, into whose hands the affairs of this vast republic would shortly be intrusted, must be instructed in such branches as would (|ualify them to discharge the important duties thereto attaching. The building of railroads, to afford easier access to the ambitious world, only waiting for the means of conveyance to become residents of the county and Territory, were also elaborated in the Tribune. It was a subject that should call forth united action, and the necessity for a communii-ation of this kind between the mining region and the lakes was imperative. Adopting this view of the situation, the building of a road from Mineral Point eastwardly was agitated and advocated until the work became an accomplished fact. Upon the subject of temperance, Mr. Bliss defined the status of the Tribune in terms utterly devoid of ambiguity. The trust was indulged that the eflort in progress to dethrone King Alcohol might be attended with success, and that not only those who used ardent spirits to excess, but those who profess to use it in moderation, might be induced to abandon the practice, and further, that those who dealt in the article for the sake of profit, might be constrained to forsake the business and resort to a more honorable means of obtaining a livelihood. The friends of temperance were continually admonished to make united efl'orts in advancing the cause and urging all classes to shun the dramshop as a viper that stingeth unto death. The first volume was closed with a balance to the credit side of the establishment. Success had been the weekly accompaniment of the Tribune, and this, too, notwithstanding that its editor had opposed the political opinions of many of the citizens of the county. These manifestations of friendship served to encourage the editor in his daily walks, and inspire him to renewed exertions in behalf of the trust committed to his care. New type was piircha.sed with which to print the initial and succeeding numbers of Volume II, improved mat'hinory procured, and the equipments of the composing room so increased as to make the office one of the most complete in the State.

The following volume, which practically began the renewed lease of life made to the paper on October 12, 1849, gave evidence that its success during the previous year had been even more pronounced than the most enthusiastic friend could have hoped for. The paper was enlarged in dimensions, one column was added to each page, and the remunerative "ad," which has been ([uoted as " limited," was materially increased by large additions. This was continued during the ensuing years, though Mr. Bliss doubtless experienced more than a pilgrim's trials in his endeavor to edit and publish a weekly chronicle of current events, such as was put forth in that day, without assistance. This labor became onerous in time, and, in spite of his attention to business, observes one familiar with the situation, began to evidence its effect to the public. During the latter half of 1851, the editor, realizing the necessities of the occasion, decided to secure the services of an assistant, and succeeded in obtaining Josiah B. Chaney for that position. He became a partner January 1, 1852, and did the mechanical work on the paper while such partnership existed. The effects of this association became apparent in the improved appearance of the paper as a medium for advertising, as also in its columns devoted to the acquisition of news. A new dress was awarded the "sheet," and leaded nonpareil was required and substituted for brevier, so valuable had "space " become. The partnership indicated remained in esse until September 30, 1854, when it was dissolved, Mr. Chaney surrendering his title to Mr. Bliss and retiring from the assistant management of the concern. As early as 1853, the editor began to exhibit evidences of a change in his political fiiith in the support of principles which have since crystallized into those of the Republican party. In the canvass of 1854, the issue presented by Mr. Bliss was the extension of slavery into the Territories. To the candidates of the Democracy as men, the paper made no opposition, but "principles before friendship " should be the watchword of every friend of freedom, and, as such, the paper could not approve the Nebraska measures of Pierce and Douglas. When the result was announced, the JRepublicans were congratulated upon a triumph of the principles for which they had contended. With the close of 1854, the price of the paper was reduced 20 per cent, and on December 6, 1854, the ofEce was removed to the third story of Milton's stone building, corner of High and Chestnut streets, in connection with which Mr. Bliss established a reading-room that was supplied with papers, magazines, etc., from all parts of the country, to which the public was afforded access and cordially welcomed to the perusal. During 1855, a temporary suspension of the weekly issue occurred, but, as the number containing the causes which compelled this hiatus is missing, the same are reserved to the opinions of readers. On Tuesday morning, December 18, of that year, however, the publication was resumed in a new dress and appearance, metaphorically speaking, decidedly chic. The editor embraced the occasion to assure the public that the Tribune was no joint concern, nor the offspring of any political organization. Yet its continuance was dependent upon such support as would be extended by the Republican party. If sustained, the paper would be regularly issued ; if not, some more favorable opening would be sought, and the Republicans of Iowa County would have to look to some other source for an organ. Mr. Bliss assured the subscribers and his political aids that, while he was willing to be economical, he was unable to live and labor on wind, and it remained for them to decide as to whether or not the " Tribune should be sustained." The "subscribers and political aids" heedeil this suggestion, and evidenced their disinclination to look elsewhere for "an organ " by yiefdirfg a support to that provided by Mr. Bliss, who was thereby spared the calamity of failure. In the campaign of 1856, the Republican platform was accepted by the Tribune because it was broad as the Declaration of Independence, yet sufficiently definite to be understood by all. Though sustaining defeat, the editor was by no means discouraged, but, buckling on the armor of faith, contemplated future successes. In December, 1857, the ofiice was once more removed, this time to the third floor of Thomas' Block, on High street, where the Tribune was conducted until its base of operations was changed, two years later, to premises opposite Whittlesey's Bank. In January, 1858, Edward U. Bliss became a partner in the publication of the paper. He was a son of the proprietor, a practical printer, and, by his labors and experience, contributed materially to rendering the sheet an acceptable family paper. In the discharge of their duties, they furnished a paper worthy of patronage ; not professing to be perfect, they nevertiieless so disposed of their ability in a professional sense as to merit encouragement, and, when weighed in the balance of public opinion, if not in all degrees equaling the standard of human perfection, tliey were ever regarded as men who would cheerfully yield when convinced that they were on the wrong road or in the wrong pew. During their administration, which -extended into Volume XXII, the Tribune was made tlie faithful and vigilant exponent of the best interests of the people, morally, educationally and commercially, and also as the dis.-erainator of news. Through its columns, the public was made familiar with the happenings at home and with the affairs of other lands. Politically, the paper was Republican of the most radical ntiil aggressive school, regarding the leading exponents of that party as " supporters of a cause worthy the alliance of angels and the Christian world." In short, to express it euphoniously, tliey "had it bad." On January 0, 1869, the paper attained its twenty-first birthday and was presented to its patrons in an enlarged form and with satisfactory improvements. The enlargement increased the amount of reading matter seven columns, or one full page of the old size, and, in its general appearance and make-up. all things seemed to combine to render the Tribune a cheerful and acceptable companion. The firm was known as Bliss & Son until June 2, 18*39, when it ceased, and was succeeded by that of Bennett & Teasdale. On that day, the senior editor issued his valedictory, and retired from the duties of his office after a service of nearly twenty-two years. The new managers, William H. Bennett and John B. Teasdale, assumed charge at once, fully conscious of the responsibilities they had laden themselves with, but hoping, by a consistent course in all things, courtesy to all parties, untiring industry and proper management, to secure the confidence and support of the community. During 1869, the "folio" was abandoned and the " quarto make-up " adopted. Having done thus much toward giving their subscribers a first-class local organ, the publishers sought from the former an indication that their eflbrts had not been vain. This was accomplished through repeated reminders in that behalf, by a thorough canvass of the county, and by other means the journalist, ambitious of substantial recognition, knows so well how to employ. In October, 1869, the ofl!ice was again removed to its present location, and in March, 1871, Mr. Bennett became sole owner of the enterprise, remaining as such, until January 1, 1881, when his brother, B. J. Bennett, entered as partner. The Tribune is now in the thirty-fifth year of its experience. It has not grown rapidly, but steadily, and, by faithful endeavor to fill the station allotted it and merit public indorsement, has conquered a success where similar undertakings have failed. William H. Bennett, the leading spirit of the paper, through his editorial career, has rendered the Tribune, politically speaking, one of the most influential periodicals in Southern Wisconsin. Being an enthusiastic Republican politician, he has held various positions in the State, offices not the least of which was that of Deputy Collector of Internal Revenue, to which he was appointed in 1873, and held it four years. In 1878, he was appointed to a lucrative position in the State Land Office, where he is still occupied. G. W. Bliss, the founder, subsequent to his abandonment of the editorial tripod, became a member of the Legislature of Wisconsin from Mineral Point, in which capacity he served his constituency satisfactorily. In November, 1870, he removed to Neosho, Mo., where he died a few years since. The old W;vshington press on which the Tribune was first printed is said to be among the articles of interest in the rooms of the Historical Society at Madison. The paper to-day enjoys a circulation of eight hundred, and represents a valuation estimated at $3,500.

The Iowa County Democrat (then National Democrat) was established in August, 1866, with John Herron and William H. Peck editors and proprietors. The paper was afterward owned and published by T. Scott Ansley for one year, and by W. H. Peck for a number of years. In November, 1874. the office was purchased from Mr. Peck by Albert Watkins and George Crawford. In May, 1877, Mr. Watkins sold his half-interest in the office to Robert M. Crawford, and George and Robert M. Crawford became proprietors, since which time the office has been owned and the paper published by them. The Democrat has a large and increasing circulation in Iowa County. It is independent in politics, neutral in religion, and its primary object is to furnish its readers with all the local news possible. The enterprise is valued at $4,000.

The Dodgeville Chronicle - Now and heretofore the only newspaper in the village is an outgrowth of the county-seat war. The people of Dodgeville, realizing that Mineral Point had the advantage of them in possessing organs to advocate their claims, commenced to agitate the matter. It came to pass that about this time, one Hoxie, a speculative genius, left Baraboo, Wis., with a printing press, type, etc., for Iowa. An unusual amount of rain had fallen that season, and the clayey roads of Iowa County were perfect quagmires. Proceeding as far as the farm of W. P. Ruggles, in Ridgeway, Hoxie became "stalled." Leaving his press in the lat.

ter gentleman's barn, he proceeded to Dodgeville to negotiate. Among others, Messrs. Samuel Hoskins, S. W. Reese, N. Arthur, Jacob Miller, Henry Madden and B. F. Thomas interested themselves. John T. Jones, the present County Judge, then a practical printer in Mineral Point, happened to visit Dodgeville, and was commissioned by them to call at the Ruggles farm, examine the press, and give an estimate of its value. This he did, and the result was the formation of a stock company, and the purchase of the press for the sum of $1,200 ; $50 shares were first issued, the shares afterward being divided into $25 each. Thirty or more of the wealthy men of the village subscribed ; the press was set up in the second story of the Farmers' and Miners' store building, and Francis J. Rowe, then on the Mineral Point Tribune, was employed as editor and business manager. Half the capital stock was donated to him, and the Iowa County Advocate, thus founded, made its appearance on August 19, 1858.

In March, 1861, it was found necessary to establish 'another friendly paper here, in order to comply with the law re((uiring the publication of the local law - the notice to voters - in two papers of the county. The Iowa County Herald was then founded, and enough editions published to fulfill the requirements of the law. A number of copies are still in preservation on which a map of the county is rudely drafted. The map gives Dodgeville a location in closer proximity to the center of the county, while Mineral Point occupies a position on the extreme county confines. The paper was edited by Henry Madden and P. D. Wigginton. In September,

Chronicle. Dr. Cowan was a local preacher and the publisher of a monthly pamphlet in the interest of Primitive Methodism. Cowan owned at least half the stock, and, thinking himself master of the situation, decided to remove the paper to Mineral Point, and actually loaded part of the press on a wagon for that purpose, when a number of the stockholders, headed by Dr. Bishop and Nicholas Arthur, convinced him that it was wiser to return the press to the room where it was first set up. E. W. Corns, of Mazomanie, Wis., was the next editor, and he published the paper in the Casserly building, now a part of the Northey building, on Iowa street. In 1860, W. J. Wrigglesworth bought the paper, and published it until 1870, in the town hall. He then set up the press in what is now the telegraph office, over Reese's bank. At one time, W. L. Abbott was associated with Wrigglesworth. His interest was purchased by E. T. Wrigglesworth, the brothers continuing the publication for some time. In 1870, they compiled and published the first sectional map of Iowa County, and, later, dissolved partnership. On the 2d of January, 1874, A. S. Ilearn, of Cadiz, Ohio, reached Dodgeville, and, after carefully scrutinizing the business, purchased the establishment and took possession of the office as editor and proprietor, March 1, 1874. On the Isc of December following, he removed the office to the B. F. Thomas hall, where it was published until June 1, 1877, when the forms and material were removed to the present Chronicle office in the Jones & Owens block. On the 15th of June, Mr. Hearn published the first edition ever printed in Iowa County with a cylinder press. This is now in use in his office, while the press, rescued from the mud by Judge Jones twenty-two years ago, is now in an office in Niobrara, Neb. The Chronicle is a four-page eight-column weekly. Republican in politics, and is devoted to the interests of the entire county.

The Arena Star. - Unheralded by any flourish of trumpets, the Arena Star burst forth oa the horizon of county politics on June 26, 187*1. It came as a feeler of the popular mind, and at once met with a happy reception. W. H. Goodlad and Dr. Flower stood at the helm, both men of energy and business ability. A good advertising patronage was secured, and it became a quickly recognized fact that the Star was not destined for an ephemeral existence. The business cares of the two managers dictated the advisability of a change which occurred five months later. Then the stock and good will were surrendered to others, who after a month's experience, invoked the aid of greater capital by organizing the Star Company under the stock name of Meffert k Peavy. This step demonstrated beyond a doubt its expediency, as during the following six months, the advertising and subscription patronage expanded greatly. With the initial number of Volume II, Burnett & Son associated with the company as publishers with Messrs. Meffert & Peavy, editors. This organization remained unchanged until the con- elusion of the third volume, when a vacancy was created by the withdrawal of W. C. Meffert. VV. H. Jones replaced him on the editorial staff. At the close of Volume IV, Jones & Peavy bade adieu to their patrons and friends, and confided the interests of the Star and a constantly increasing patronage to J. T. Shumwav, at that time traveling agent of the Dodgeville Chronicle. The Star, which had hitherto maintained an aggressively independent stand in politics, was thenceforward to be a partisan organ of the National Greenback party, and was at once indorsed by the party as its county organ. After eighteen months of prosperous work, Mr. Shumway was borne to his final resting-place, and by the intervention of death the Star was deprived of its operative ability. At this critical juncture, D. H. Williams and E. J. Edwards constituted themselves foster guides, consequently no issue was lost. Eventually, the charge was intrusted to D. H. Williams, who made his bow to the people and assumed the duties of editor. Under his supervision, the Star has attained its largest circulation, and is now paying a regular dividend over and above all expenses. The paper has been returned to its former stand of political independence, and is the only free and untrammeled organ in the county.