Mineral Point Town (part 2 of 3)

"It cannot be shown by any record, that a tract of land five le.agues square, or any less in ({uantity, was ever ollicially located or reserved, as provided for in the treaty at Fort Howard, in 1816; but, iinilcr the orders of the Superintendent of the Lead-Mine District of the Upper Mississippi, surveys were made for licensed smelters, covering a half-section of timbered land each. It appears that no record was kept of such surveys ; yet, in every instance where a lease was granted a survey was made, and, as timber was necessary for smelting purposes, these surveys were always made in groves where plenty of wood could be obtained. It may be assumed, that, ahhi'Ugh there was no record kept, as the surveys were made under the direction of the President, and had metes and bounils regularly established, they must necessarily be considered as a p.irt of the reserve under the treaty : yet, that position would not affect the miners' claims seriously, for in r>o instance was the mineral smelted taken from the timbered surveys ; it was t;iken from the adjoining prairie lands, which were undoubtedly the property of the Indians. So 'vell was this understood by the miners and smelters that, at a very early day, they refused to p:iy rent for tiic lead dug and smelteil from the Indian lamls. The consequence was, in the spring of 182.5, troops were ordered from Fort Armstrong (Rock Island) to force the payment of the rent. Against this military exaction the smelters strongly protested.

" Up to the year 182.'), the country east of the Mississippi, lying between the Rock and Wisconsin Rivers, and extending north to Lake Winnebago, was claimed conjointly by the Ottawas, Chippewas, Winnebagoesand Pottawatomies of the Illinois. The Winnebagoes, it will be remembered, were not parties to the treaty of 1816, at Fort Howard, and they were the actual occupants of the land around Fever River, and who resisted the landing of Col. Johnson. Previous to his arrival, Van Matre, Shull and others, who were licensed as Indian traders, also mined and smelted in the country. They were tolerated in this because they were married to Indian women, not because they had any recognized right to do so, conferred by the Government. But, after the arrival of Johnson, all who were smelting in the country were compelled to take out licenses and pay rent to the Government.

" At the treaty concluded at Prairie du Chien, on the 19th day of August, 1825, known as the ' Treaty of Limits,' the seventh and ninth articles divided the mining country on the east of the Mississippi between the Chippewas, Winnebagoes, Ottawas, and the Chippewas and Pottawatomies of the Illinois, and, by the tenth article of the treaty, the United States solemnly establishes and recognizes the boundaries.

" In the summer of 1827. the Winnebago chief. Red Bird, attacked some keel-boats on the Mississippi, above Prairie du Chien, and killed some of the hands.*

" Previous to that time no attempt had been made by the miners to cross the boundary line established in 182.5,* but then a military expedition was sent against the Winnebagoes to capture Red Bird. The miners who accompanied the expedition discovered numerous indications of mineral, and in the fall of 1827 a number of them prospected in the country, and a valuable discovery of mineral deposit was found near Dodgeville (in Iowa County). During the following year other mines were discovered.

" The miners purchased the right to mine here from the Indians, and, therefore, when called upon by the Superintendent of the lead mines, refused to pay rent to the Government. The consequence was, troops were ordered out from Fort Crawford (Prairie du Chien), to remove the miners from the AVinnebago country. To avoid this issue, the miners finally consented to take out leases and pay rent to the Government, and did, therefore, actually pay two duties for the privilege of mining - one to the Indians to keep them quiet, and one to the Government to prevent expulsion.

" The Winnebagoes never consented to the reservation with the other tribes who made the treaties of 1804 and 1816, although they were, as shown, part owners of the country; neither can any evidence be adduced showing that the reservation provided for in the treatv of 1816, was ever located, except in the matter of timber survcys'befqre mentioned. * « *

" When the first leases were granted, in 1822, the Fever River mines were fully 300 miles beyond the border settlements, and the Mississippi was the only thoroughfare into the country, and keel boats the only means of transportation. The consequence was that the necessary implements for mining purposes, as well as the necessaries of life, were taken to the mines at an enormous expense. For years the prosperity of the mines was retarded because the Government discountenanced any attempts at agriculture ; the agents assuming that the fencing of farms would consume timber needed for smelting purposes. At first the ore was smelted in log furnaces, and thereby a heavy loss was sustained. For two seasons the mining and smelting operations were suspended, and great sacrifices were made by the miners in defending the country against the Indians. The miners, at a great loss in the expenditure of time and labor and money, and though suffering the worst dangers and deprivations that are to be met with on the frontier, opened this portion of the country to a permanent settlement. The expenditures of Col. Johnson alone amounted to §10,000."

Those Who Mined Prior, To 1830 Political History Of The District

The legislative actions by which the mining district has been geographically changed, may be briefly and appropriately stated here, at the risk of repeating certain statements given in the general history which opens this volume.

The ordinance of 1787 provided that not less than three, nor more than five, States were to be erected out of the territory northwest of the Ohio River. Three States were to include the whole territory, and these States were to be bounded on the north by the British Possessions ; but Congress reserved the right, if it should be found e.xpedicnt, to form two more States of that part of the territory which lies north of an east'-and-west line drawn through the southern extremity of Lake Michigan.

It is not necessary to trace the various changes of territorial, jurisdiction to which Illinois, and especially its northwestern portion, was subjected, until the admission of the State into the Union in 1818. During all that time this section of the country was inhabited onlv bv Indians, and this whole region was claimed by them. In 1804, the Sacs and Foxes, then a" powerful tribe, by a treaty made at St. Louis with Gen. Harrison, then Governor of the Territory of Indiana, ceded to the United States all their lands lying east of the Mississippi ; but Black Hawk and other chiefs who were not present at St. Louis, refused to be bound by it. All the territory north of the line drawn west from the southern extremity of Lake Michigan to the

Mississippi was in the undisputed possession of the native tribes, when the State of Illinois was erected, in 1818, except a tract about five leagues square on tlie Mississippi, of which Fever River was about the center, which, by treaty with various tribes in ISIO, the United States Government had reserved, ostensibly for a military post, but really to control the lead mines. The Government had had knowledge for many years of the existence of lead mines here, but their location was not known, and it was thought that all would be included within the limits of the reservation. The Government designed to own and hold exclusive control of tliese mines.

In Januar}', 181S, the Territorial Legislature of Illinois, assembled at Kaskaskia, petitioned Congress for the admission of the Territory as a sovereign State, with a population of 40,000.

The petition was sent to Nathaniel Pope, the Territorial Delegate, by whom it was promptly presented, and it was referred to the proper committee, which instructed Mr. Pope to prepare and report a bill in accordance witii its prayer. The bill, as drawn in accoidaiice with these instructions, did not embrace tlie present area of Illinois, and, when it was reported to Congress, certain amendments proposed by Mr. Pope were reported with it. It was generally supposed that the line established by the ordinance of 1787, namely, the line drawn through the southern part of Lake Michigan, west to the Mississippi, was to be the northern boundary of the new State. But this, if adopted, would have left the port of Chicago in the Territory of Michigan, as well as all the territory now embraced within the limits of fourteen rich and populous counties in Northern Illinois. A critical examination of the ordinance, however, convinced Mr. Pope that Congress had the power, and could rightfully extend the northern boundary of the State as far beyond the line provided in 1787 as it pleased. The principal amendments proposed by Mr. Pope, therefore, were, first, that the northern boundary of the new State should be extended to the parallel of 42 deg. 30 min. north latitude - this would give a good harbor on Lake Michigan ; and secondly, more important than the boundary line, to apply the 3 per cent fund arising from the sale of public lands to educational purposes, instead of making roads, as had been the case in Ohio and Indiana. These amendments were adopted without serious opposition, and Illinois was declared an independent State.

These important changes in the original bill, says Mr. Ford in his History of Illinois, " were proposed and carried through both houses of Congress by Mr. Pope on his own responsibility. The Territorial Legislature had not petitioned for them - no one had suggested them, but they met tlie general approval of the people." The change of the boundary line, however, suggested to Mr. Pope - from the fact that the boundary as defined by the ordinance of 1787. would have loft Illinois without a harbor on Lake Michigan - did not meet the unqualified approval of the people in the northwestern part of the new State. For many years the northern boundary of the State was not definitely known, and the settlers in the northern tier of counties did not know whether they were in Illinois or Michigan Territory. Under the provisions of the ordinance of 1787, Wisconsin at one time laid claim to a portion of Northern Illinois, " including," says Mr. Ford, writing in 1847, '-fourteen counties embracing the richest and most populous part of the State." October 27, 1827, nine years after the admission of the State, Dr. Horatio Xewhall, who had then recently arrived at the Fever River Settlement, wrote to his brother as follows : " It is uncertain whether I am in the boundary of Illinois or Michigan, but direct your letters to Fever River, 111., and they will come safely." In October, 1828, a petition was sent to Congress from the people of that part of Illinois lying north of the line established by the ordinance of 1787, and that part of the Territory of Micliigan west of Lake Michigan, and comprehending the mining district known as the Fever River Lead Mines, praying for the formation of a new Territory. A bill had been introduced at the previous session of Congress for the establishment of a new Territory north of the State of Illinois, to be called "Huron Territory," upon which report had been made, in part, favorable to the wishes of the petitioners, but they asked for the re establishment of the line as ordained by Congress in 1787. They declared " that the people iniiabiting the territory northwest of the Ohio had a riglit t" expect that the country lying north of an east-and-wesi line passing through the southernmost end of Lake Michigan, to the Mississippi River, and between said lake, the Mississippi and the Canada line, would rk.maix together " as a Territory and State. They claimed that this was a part of the compact, unchangeably granted by the people of the original States to the people who should inhabit the "territory northwest of the Ohio." 'They declared that the change of the chartered limits, when Illinois was made a State, was open invasion of their rights in a body when they were unrepresented in either territory ; that " an unrepresented people, without their knowledge or consent, have been transferred from one sovereignty to another." They urged that the present " division of the miners by an ideal line, separating into different governments individuals intimately connected in similar pursuits, is embarrassing." They asked for "even handed justice," and the restoration of their "chartered limits." The Miners' Journal of October 25, 1828, which contains the full text of the petition, .says : '- We do not fully agree with the memorialists in petitioning Congress again to dispose of that tract of country which has once been granted to Illinois ; but we think that it would be for the .ntercst of the miners to be erected, together with the adjoining county above, into a separate Territory. And we firmly believe, too, that Congress departed from the clear and express terms of their own ordinance passed in the year 1787, when they granted to the State of Illinois nearly a degree and a half of latitude of the chartered lumits of this country. Whether Congress will annex this tract to the new Territory, we much doubt, but we believe the ultimate decision of the United States Court will be, that the northern boundary line of the State of Illinois shall commence at the southernmost end of Lake Michigan." The petition was unavailing, and the northern line of Illinois remains unchanged, but the agitation of the subject by the people of this region continued. In 1840, the people of the counties north of the ordinance line sent delegates to a convention held at Rockford to take action in relation to the annexation of the tract north of that line to Wisconsin Territory, and it is said the scheme then discussed embraced an eflbrt to make Galena the capital of the Territory. Resolutions were adopted requesting the Senators and Representatives in Congress for Illinois to exert their influence in favor of the project. The labors of the convention produced no results ; but, until the admission of Wisconsin as a State, there was a strong feeling among the people of Northwestern Illinois that they rightfully belonged to Wisconsin, and there was a strong desire to be restored to their chartered limits. Perhaps the heavy debt with which Illinois was burdened at that time may have had some influence in causing the feeling.

St. Clair County, organized April 28, 1809, included the whole territory of Illinois and Wisconsin, to the line of Upper Canada, north of Randolph County, these two being the only counties in the territory.

Madison County was erected from the St. Clair, September 14, 1812, and comprised all the territory north of the second township line south, to the line of Upper Canada. County seat, Edwardsville.

Bond County was organized out of part of Madison, January 4, 1817, and extended in a stri[ abou- thirty miles wide on each side of the Third Principal Meridian to the northern boundary of the territory.

Pike County was erected January 31, 1821, from Madison, Bond and other counties, and embraced all the territory north of the Illinois River and its South Fork, now Kankakee River. This was the first county erected by the State of Illinois, which embraceil the present territory of the lead region. A Gazetteer of Illinois and Wisconsin, published about 1822, says that the county " included a part of the lands appropriated by Congress for the payment of military bounties. The lands constituting that tract, are included within the peninsula of the Illinois and Mississippi, and extend on the meridian line passing through the mouth of the Illinois, 162 miles north. Pike County will no doubt be divided into several counties ; some of which will become very wealthy and important. It is probable that the section about Fort Clark (now Peoria), will be most thickly settled. On the Mississippi River, above Rock River, lead ore is found in abundance. Pike County contains between 700 and 800 inhabitants. It is attached to the first judicial circuit, sends one member to the House of

Representatives, and, with Greene, one to the Senate. The county seat is Colesgrove. a post town. It was laid out in 1821. and is situated in Township 11 south, in Range 2 west of the Fourth Principal Meridian. Very little improvement has yet been made in this place or the vicinity. The situation is high and healthy, and it bids fair to become a place of some importance." This is all that is known of the town of Colesgrove, the county seat of all this region in 1S21.

Fulton County was formed from Pike, January 28, 1823, and included all the territory north of the base line, and west of the Fourth Principal Meridian, which had been in Pike.

Peoria County was created from Fulton, January 13, 182.'). and, with some exceptions, included the same territory that comprised Fulton. The county seat was Fort Clark, now Peoria, and the first election of which record exists, within the mining district, was in Fever River precinct of Peoria County, August 7, 1826. The election was held at the house of James Smith. This was the trading-post then recently located by Amos Farrar and occupied by Smith as a tavern ; a double log-cabin that stood on the west bank of the river about half way between the foot of Pcrrv and the foot of Franklin streets. Galena. Water street now passes over its site.

1 licreby certify that N'elieniiah Bales. T. W. ShuU and Andrew Chmo, judges, and B. Gibson and .Joseph Hardy, clerks of tlie election, were severally sworn before me as the law directs, previous to entering upon the duties of their respective offices.

History Of The Lead Kegiok

There is a tax-list of 1826 on file at Peoria, containing two hundred and four names of men in the Fever River settlement, but the Deputy Collector who undertook to collect the taxes reported that the settlers openly defied him, and refused to pay a cent. This recalcitrant condition grew out of the uncertainty of to whom allegiance was due, as described in the foregoing pages. The people of the region from the first days to the present have been noted for their law-abiding character, with this exceptional exhibition of feeling.

The narrative of the political creation of the counties of Grant, Iowa and La Fayette, is pursued in the works devoted to those several counties by the Western Historical Company, and need not be detailed at this point.

His first visit to the lead mines was in August, 1828. He settled in Monticello, in the vicinity of the Galena lead mines in the following month. Capt. Bcnj. Funk, Thos. Wiley and R. H. Magoon band a band-mill at what is now Wiley's Grove, then called Funk's Grove, in Monticello. After seeing the mill in .successful operation, Mr. Magoon went to the Blue Mounds, and, after a brief sojourn, entered into co-partnership with Esau Johnson and Henry Starr for the purpose of smelting. The enterprise proved a success. About December, 1829, he disposed of his interest in the business and returned to the Grove, now part of La Fayette Countv, but then erroneously accredited to Jo Daviess County, 111. He re-engaged in the smelting business, having erected a furnace, which was completed about May 1, 1830. He subsetjuently made the discovery that he was nearly one mile within the boundaries of Michigan Territory. The United States Surveyors denominated his place of residence " Magoon's Grove," in deference to the proprietor. This likewise proving a successful year of smelting, he broke up twenty-five acres of prairie land, wiiich he seeded down with forage supplies. In the early part of 1831, all the mineral in view was smelted, as Mr. Magoon, in anticipation of increased prices, was paying a higher rate per ton than others believed they could afford. This anticipation proved faithful, for, on the arrival of steamboats, lead advanced in figure. With the profit thus realized by his shrewdness, he invested in a stock of general merchandise, such as always finds ready sale in a miner's camp. In 1831, he fenced in a hundred acres of arable land, and extendeil his operations in ore to the absorption of his whole capital and $8,000 borrowed from Robert Graham, of Galena.

The winter of 1831-32 was marked by Indian inroads, which, coupled with authenticated reports, presaged a bloody influx of the Sac and Fox tribes in the ensuing spring. These rumors were still further corroborated in May, 1832, by information that the BritisJi bands of Sac and Fox Indians had crossed the Upper Jlississippi River, ascending Rock River, with the intention of effecting a union with the Pottawatomies, and inaugurating warfare against the whole race of whites. Fully aroused by the threatening aspect of aftairs, every settlement of miners and farmers began to erect forts for their mutual protection. Every other business was abandoned, as of secondary consideration, until these improvements were fully achieved. When Funk's Fort was completed, R. H. Magoon was elected Captain, a position which he resigned in a few days, for the express purpose of joining a mounted corps, a branch of the service which he considered more eft'ective in waging war with a fleet-footed foe. Benjamin Funk was elected to fill the vacancy. Moving in such hazardous times, and at no moment confident of his own safety, he called upon Mr. Robert Graham and deeded to that gentleman his entire estate as coll acral for the loan of §8,000. The transfer was reluctantly accepted by the capitalist, who vainly essayed to dissuade R. H. Magoon from his purpose.

This business satisfactorily accomplished, he removed his wife and three-months-old son to a place of safety in Galena. Then, arming himself, he joined an expedition under command oi Col. Dodge that was setting out to reclaim and inter the bodies of St. Vrain and others, who had fallen in an encounter at Plum River. Parts of four companies composed the force, with a few independent volunteers who were starting forth to war on their own account. The first halt was made at Fetter's, a point nine miles from Gratiot. Before alighting, Col. Dotlge strongly impressed on the rugged yeomen the necessity that existed for unanimity of action, and urged them to study discipline. The troop was then formed into a hollow square, and, on receiving orders to " Dismount,'" each man removed his saddle and laid it on the ground where he, dismounted, and turned his horse out to graze. The orders were, that if an alarm was sounded during the night, each man should spring up in his place, and thus be formed in hollow square, to repel an attack.

The line of march was resumed in the morning, and, later in the day, the bodies of St. Vrain and three companions were found and properly buried. One of St. Vrain's number, a Mr. llawley, was not found. Tlie march was continued on to Dixon's Ferry, on Rock River, where Mr. Magoon was assigned as Second Lieutenant of Capt. Clark's company of mounted volunteers, and in that capacity assisted, with an escort of twenty-five men, to conduct Gen. Brady to Ottawa. Col. Dodge was in command. The journey and return trip was accomplished in immunity.

The camping-place selected was the very spot where St. Vrain and his men encamped the night before tlicy met their fate. At Kcllogg's Grove they encountered Capt. A. W. Snyder and his company, from St. Clair, 111. Capt. Snyder reported that tliey had a brush witli the Indians several hours previous, and, despite the assistance afforded by Gen. Samuel Whiteside, a portion of his command was sadly demoralized at a sight of the Indians. At the close of the conflict, it was found that eeveral of the Illinois men were killed, whereas their foes escaped almost unscathed.

Before arriving at Gratiot's Grove, a halt was made to graze the horses. No provisions were visible for the bodily support of the soldiers. Thoy were placed in a quandary fur a time, not knowing how to remedy the omission. In the vicinity was Fetter's deserted house, and, while wandering around tlie premises, one of the men descried a huge, rusty iron kettle. Summoning assistance, the kettle was cleaned out and filled with mustard greens, from which they expected to sup sumptuously. Alas for the hopes of men I When the mess was boiled, it proved unpalatable and nauseating. Arriving at Gratiot's Grove, Col. Dodge informed the volunteers that they had covered two hundred miles in five days, thus averaging forty miles a day. May, 1882, was occupied in general skirmishing and guerrilla warfare, which permitted the utilization of Col. Dodge's 200 mounted men. The united strength of the Sacs, Foxes. Win nebagoes and Pottawatomies, was 600 warriors, a force that could have annihilated the gallant miners had they met in a pitched battle. When the mounted men were dispatched to Ottawa, Black Hawk, who had been reconnoitering the white men's position, realized the serious error committed, and instructed Little Priest to make a descent on Fort Hamilton.

Little Priest and his war party invaded Spr.fford's farm and killed four out of six men entrenched in an open cornfield. One of the men. named Spencer, eflocted his escape by concealing himself during the fight. The other iurtunate was a Mr. Million, whose fleetness enabled him to outstrip his pursuers, and brini: the awful tidings to Fort Hamilton. The information was thence disseminated by couriers among the different forts. On the 15th of June. Apple, a resident of the fort, was found dead within half a mile of the fort, bearing unmistakable signs of a murderous attack by the Indians. The exigency of the occasion demanded immediate and energetic action. A pursuing pnrty was organized. Little Priest attempted evasive tactics, but, being hotly pressed, was compelled to ambush himself where the ground inequalities gave liim the vantage. The whites charged valiantly in a sweeping fire, that inspired each man co greater action. The position was captured, and every Indian ruthlessly slain, with the same degree of mercy that they had meted out to their white victims. Not a soul escaped to narrate i:i the wigwam the desperate struggle. About June 20, word was received by Capt. Clark that the fort at Blue Mounds was besieged. To "boot and saddle"' was quickly sounded, and all .iviilable mountel men were mvrched to the threatened locality. A halt was made at Porter's Grove, six miles west of Blue Mounds, and on consultation the march was continued throuirh the iiiglit. Nearing the objective point, die mutilated body of Lieut. George Force was found, the remains were carefully collected, and, with a blanket for a shroud, laid in a grave on the open prairie. A parade was held on the ridge, and, in the unanimous opinion of the people of the fort, the Sacs were far the more numerous. The march south was continued to Willow Springs, where they camped were driven for the night. During the night the startling intelligence was received that a large party had appeared from the direction of Pecatonica, and were marching toward Apple River Fort, on the site of the present town of Elizabeth. Capt. Clark instantly ordered the company to saddle, a feat that involved nearly an hour's time, owing to the dense darkness prevailing. Tliey set out upon a forced march, and had proceeded seven miles beyond White Oak Springs, when overtaken by an express messenger, who related the capture of Apple River Fort. lie alleged that when approaching the fort that morning, and when within j/lain sight, he had seen two hundred red demons charging on the fort. The fire was active and i:)cessant for a time, and then ceased altogether. Despairing of the fote of the garrison, he 1 :id hastened to convey the information to Capt. Clark, whom he bad expected to meet at White I ),ik Springs. Capt. Clark and Lieut. Magoon, after a hasty consultation, concluded to re-enforee White Oak Springs, and to notify the commanders of Fort Gratiot and Fort Funk to maintain a vigilant guard, and forward any fresh intelligence of the aborigines' movements. The mounted company clamored loudly to be brought face to face with Black Hawk and his braves, so as to wreak on them a terrible and sanguinary vengeance. Capt. Clark departed to ;.larm the habitues of Fort Gratiot of their danger, leavint? Lieut. Majroon in charge. That ollicer caused every man to test his rifle, wipe it out and reload for fresh service. These movements were only completed when two men, attached to Funk's Fort, arrived, saying that the Indians were marching on that place, and when last observed were within three miles and still approaching. Supported by eleven volunteers, Lieut. Magoon made all haste toward the Fort, >vhich he reached without adventure. No Indians were in sight, and, on prosecuting inquiry, it was rendered obvious that a foe only existed in the excited imaginations of the Orderly Sergeant, who, mistaking a scouting party from a neighboring post for Indians, sounded a premature alarm. In the morning, great relief was experienced on learning that Apple River Fort was intact, Capt. Stone having effectually scattered the enemy, who beat a precipitate retreat toward the east. An order was received from Col. Dodge, in the afternoon, directing that a messenger should be dispatched to Kellogg's Grove to inform them there that the trail of a large war party was visible two miles north of his station, and warning them to maintain a strict guard in the absence of volunteers. Capt. Funk and Jacob Duval bore the dispatch to its destination. Maj. Dement, of Kellogg's Grove, sent out scouts in the morning. They quickly returned with a cry of " Indians." General excitement prevailed ; every one in the camp was astir. All semblance of order was lost, and Maj. Dement vainly strove to organize his battalion out of this disturbed rabble. They all sallied forth regardless of order, some on horseback, and others, too eager for the fray to catch their horses, on foot. Unopposed they advanced until Black Hawk and his sterling warriors emerged from cover, uttered their war whoop, and charged on the disorderly mob. The whites retreated in overwhelming disorder, in many instances the infantry being trod under foot by their own cavalry. Maj. Dement exerted himself to the utmost of his ability to restore a semblance of order, but his praiseworthy efforts were unavailing. The troops fell back on the houses, wherein they sought shelter from the well-directed missiles of Black Hawk's sharpshooters. M;ij. Dement, irritated at defeat, remained outside the protecting walls, and angrily strode up and down the path. Not until a well- directed bullet from the enemy passed through his hat was Maj. Dement induced to seek shelter at the importunities of his friends. The Indians continued tiring on the house until finally, tired of this amusement, they crossed the prairie to the east, and disappeared in the Yellow Creek timber. The damage inflicted by this visitation was the loss of fifty horses, shot dead or crippled.

The following evening, Capt. Clark was handed a dispatch from Col. Dodge, ordering him to proceed to Fort Hamilton, and, after drawing ten days' rations, join the regiment then preparing to march on Black Hawk. Xo rations were visible at Fort Hamilton, and, weary and hungry, the mining regiment had to make the best of its way to headquarters, where no remedy existed for their complaints. A brace of tough plow oxen were killed for their benefit, but this " bull beef" could not be masticated by the strongest man. Capt. James A. Stephenson was elected Lieutenant Colonel, and, the plans of the campaign having been matured, the i-oute of march was taken up. Progress was extremely slow, owing to the numerous marshes which intersected their path having to be bridged to enable the passage of artillery. So tardy was the march that Black Hawk defiantly boasted that " he could go before the white beard (Gen. Atkinson) and raise corn." Half famished, and driven to the verge of desperation by hunger, the miners petitioned Lieut. Col. Stephenson to permit them to advance to Fort Winnebago to obtain supplies. The request was complied with, under the express stipulation that the mounted company should return by the same route. Alexander and Henry's brigade and Col. Dodge's regiment were included in this order. Arriving at the fort, Clark's company enjoyed their first meal for ten days. On proposing to return to the main body, much rebellious discussion was aroused, as the men, one and all, were opposed to the snail-like progress of the regular army, preferring to march to the head-waters of Kock River, in hopes of overtaking and chastising the Indian chief Col. Dodge, although expressing doubts of their ability to master Black Hawk, freely promised to accompany them. After reflection, Gen. Henry promised to cast his lot with the mining regiment in pursuit of Black Hawk.

An incident of the campaign will serve to illustrate some of the difficulties the miners had id submit to. Prior to marching up the Rock River country, two barrels of flour were served out to each company. By design or oversight the two barrels served to Clark's corps were musty and sour. Col. Dodge refused to replace them with flour of palatable quality. On being acquainted with the refusal, Lieut. Magoon selected a file of his best men, and, marching to the staff quarters, deliberately bore off the precious goods. This peremptory course, becoming known to the officers of the staff, caused some comment, but, beyond a feeble demur, no action was taken. Having thus secured rations, the line of march was taken up. On the second day, about 4 o'clock in the afternoon, it began to rain, and maintained a constant downpour until midnight. Tents were unknown luxuries to these hardy pioneers, who camped down in the grass with saddles for pillows and the weeping heavens for covering. As might have been expected, in the morning the men arose, dripping wet, and resumed their ordinary duties. In course of time, the miners arrived at the rapids near Whitewater, below Iloricon Lake, and, after crossing to the east side, a halt was called. During that halt, Lieut. Magoon became acquainted with Abraham Lincoln. The place where the troops halted was in an open grove of sugar-trees, with a thick undergrowth of red raspberry bushes. In riding along tlie border of this patch, the Lieutenant came to an opening, where he could see a dwarfish Indian slowly walking around a very tall, lean white man. As the Lieutenant halted to observe tlic ludicrous appearance of the pair, tiie wliite man noticed the actions of the Indian, and remarked to his visitor, I wonder what the little Indian wants ? " Lieut. Magoon replied, '" I suppose he is taking your altitude ; see how he cocks up his eye as he goes round." Further conversation led to an oxchanKC of names, the future President of the United States giving his cognomen as " Abraham Lincoln, of Springfield. III." Referring to this informal introduction. Lieut. Magoon says: "Tiicy met frequently after the war, and often spoke of our first acquaintance, and of the little Indian cocking up one eye at him."

From this grove tliey marcheil up Rock River a few miles, then recrossed and bivouacked for the nigiit. Shortly after, an express arrived in camp from Gen. Atkinson, reporting that

Histoky Of The Lead Kegion

Black Hawk's trail had been discovered below where we first crossed Rock River. The track was retraced, and the pursuit became exciting. On all sides in the vicinity of the trail, the Indians had dug spikenard, which vouched for their being famine stricken. Subsequent developments rendered safe the conjecture that no white army could have been kept banded together under a similar train of adverse circumstances. After several days of close pursuit, the scouts reported, at about G o'clock in the evening, that the enemy's rear was in view, a short distance in front. The soldiers were in a timber thicket on the north side of Second Lake, northeast of Madison, on the raarjrin of a creek, the banks of which were thick set with brush. It was resolved to camp for the night and devote the whole of the ensuing day to routing and demoralizing Black Hawk's forces. The camp was early astir, breakfast was gulped hurriedly, and accouterments donned so as to be prepared at a moment's notice. The morning wore away without any command being issued, and the impatience of the men manifested itself in murmuring at the protracted delay. At 9 o'clock, orders were issued to mount. The order of march was Ewing's battalion in the lead, the mounted miners, and then Gen. Henry's regiment. They crossed the ci'eok, and were marching over the present site of Madison, when a gunshot was heard on the banks of the lake, to the left. In a few minutes the shot was explained by the appearance of the regimental surgeon bearing in his hand a trophy in the shape of afresh Indian scalp, reeking with blood. He had surprised the Indian trying to draw a bead on some ducks, and had popped him on the spot. Seeing the Indian fall, he rushed from cover, and, gaining possession of his tomahawk and scalping-knife, began to rend the scalp from the head. The pain partially revived the victim, who muttered some words in his native guttural, which elicited from the surgeon the following : " If you don't like being scalped with a dull knife, why didn't you keep a better one ? " He then dispatched the Indian and returned to camp.

The army continued the march on the trail which followed around the south side of the upper lake. They liad camped on the southwest side of the lake, and their cold camp-fires showed they had several hours' move of the soldiers. Hitherto the march had been conducted at a walking pace, and now it was altered to a quick trot. After passing over a distance of four miles, a solitary Indian was discovered ahead on the trail. Col. Dodge ordered ten men from Capt. Clark's detachment to advance and kill him. With cocked rifles, the detail advanced. Learning of their presence and his prospective fiite, the Indian stoically retreated to a tree, where he steadied his rifle, and, after taking deliberate aim. fired. Clark's men replied with a volley, which they followed up with a bayonet charge. The Indian seized the nearest bayonet in his naked hands and attempted to wrest it from the soldier, who, by a powerful eff'ort threw the Indian, face down, on the ground. With great agility he recovered his position, and again seizing the bayonet. He was forced to release his grasp, and the weapon <lesccnded with such force as to penetrate through the body and pin it to the ground. The hapless Indian struggled to release himself, but the brutal volunteer sprang on the body, and, with merciless ferocity, extracted the bayonet and inflicted seven additional thrusts through the body. A parcel enveloped in the folds of an antiquated blanket composed a portion of the Indian's equipment, but no man had the temerity to investigate the contents, fearing contagion or vermin. In the next fall, a hunter named Rowan visited the scene, and, prompted by curiosity, opened the package, which displayed to his astonished gaze the gold watch owned by Lieut. Force at the time of his death at Blue Mounds. The Indian's rifle had been charged with six rifle balls, the entire number lodging in the thigh of a soldier named Isam Hardin. Two hours subsequently a view was had of thirty mounted Indians, about eighty rods to the left. One of Henry's regiments was detached to follow them, while the main body continued on the trail. This troop of mounted Indians were making in a southerly direction, w^hile the others were continuing due west. Fearing a decoy, Henry's regiment was re-callcd, and the whole army descended into a valley opening toward the Wisconsin River. The march was continued cautiously, the scouts maintaining a lead of thirty rods. As the army defiled down the valley, the width increased and the bank on the right dwindled in proportions until equalized with the surrounding surface. At this natural outlet, the alarm was communicated from the scouts, who shouted, "Here they come, thick as bees."

Col. Dodge, in a cool tone, ordered his forces to "dismount and form line." The order was executed in a trice. The next coinniund was, " Advance to the top of tliat eminence.' From the elevated range a good view could be obtained. Here the scouts were retreating down the valley, vigorously applying whip and spurs, to escape a score of Indians in pursuit. Capt. Clark opened column to admit the pass-age of the scouts, and then, forming line, presented a solid front to the foe, which had approached within six rods. A volley was fired, and one Indian bit the dust. The Galena company, with a well-directed fire, demoralized the enemy, who fled in dismay to a safe position behind a ridge forty rods distant. Col. Dodge ordered his men not to expose themselves or to expend a single shot witliout a sure target. The only wounded was Capt. Parkinson, Second Lieutenant, who received a bullet in the thigh. An inspection of arms followed, when the rifles were cleaned and priming renewed. Col. Dodge then ordered tlie charge, and the force advanced with eager rapidity, without encountering any obstacles. On arriving at the brow of the bluff", they were saluted by a volley, which passed over their heads. On the return fire six Indians fell, and the remainder retreated at the top of their speed. In the meantime, another party of Indians had outflanked Capt. Clark, who. by a welldirected charge, coupled with the skillful maneuvering of his company, averted a disaster and routed his opponents. They fled for a swamp of tall grass cane, which aff"orded them suitable shelter and covered their retreat to the opposite bank, where they emergod and disappeared in the woods. Owing to the late hour, it was deemed advisable to postpone the chase and recuperate for the night in camp. When another day was heralded in, the enemy had disappeare<l. having, during the night, beat a hasty retreat across the Wisconsin River, without removing their lodges. A short journey brought into sight Black Hawk's camp on the west side of the Wisconsin River, .about half a mile off". His camp was much larger than the camp of the military, and in the struggle of the preceding day the whites must have been greatly outnumbered. It was then decided to return to Blue ^tounds. To facilitate the transportation of the three wounded soldiers - Isam Ilardin. Robert McGee and Enoch Xevill - litters were prepared from the materials of a tent presented by Maj. W. L. D. Ewing to Capt. Clark's company. The loss was one killed and eight wounded. The return journey to Blue Mounds was tedious, owing to general ignorance of the topography of the country. To gain a rest rendered necessary by a month of incessant toil, day and night, the miners removed to White Oak Springs. Here the first information of the battle of Bad Axe, which occurred August 22, was received. This pleasant news was rapidly succeeded by an invitation for an Indian treaty at Rock Island, where a general peace was concluded. Tiie war being terminated, the diff'erent military divisions were (lischargeil, with the exception of Capt. Clark's and Capt. Gentry's companies, which were held in reserve. When the treaty of Rock Island was concluded, the miners were notified of their discharge from the Federal service, the Government having no further need for their services. By an infamous arrangement of the commanding officer of the forces, Col. Dodge, the two mining companies known respectively as Capt. Clark's and Capt. Gentry's men, were forced to assume the expenses of tlicir own corps during the campaign. The sum of over §4,000 was accordingly ilcducted from the pay of the men by the Paymaster, acting under orders from Col. Dodge. Having been involved in war for five months, ending in the Fall of 1832, Lieut. Magoon returned to commercial life, as, during his absence, his financial affairs had suffered. To add to his misfortunes, Robert Graham, his heaviest creditor, succumbed to the cholera, and the estate reverted to an administrator, who was inflexible in his demands. The years 1833, 1834 and 1835 were highly profitable, and successful to such a degree that he speedily regained his iodcpendent rank in finance.

In 183G, Lieut. Magoon opened a large store of dry goods and groceries in the village of White Oak Springs. One mile east of the village, he long operated an ash furnace for smelting slag as well as mineral. His store in MonticcUo and his furnaces thei'e he also operated at a remunerative profit. He sold out his store in White Oak Springs in 1837, closed his ash furnace, near by, in 1840. and closed his store and furnaces in Monticello in 1842. Continued to reside on his large farm in Monticello, which he adorned with extensive improvements till

Lieut. Richard H. Magoon, we here state, was a man of greatest energy and integrity in business ; repeatedly, from 1829 to 1836, rode on horseback from his furnaces in Wisconsin, four hundred miles, to St. Louis, through storm and cold, swimming rivers, the saddle at night his pillow, and often the sky his only covering. His grave is in the cemetery at Darlington. He

I'ncle Sam's Donation - First Sukveys and Entries - The Public Square Imbroolio - Mineral Point Before '33 - Who was the First Settler':* - The First Notable Events - The Black Hawk War - A Celebrated Tavern - The Old Jail and Other Notes.

Mineral Point of to-day necessarily enjoys a place in the annals of Wisconsin as distinctive as it is prominent, with relation to the first settlement of the State not only, but in consideration of the various mineral resources of this locality, from which the name was derived, and which were the primary forces that attracted the first white men hither, and that still constitute a large part of the wealth of this community.

The city lies nearly midway between Galena and the Wisconsin River, it being thirty-five indes north from the former, and about thirty miles south from the latter. It is also fifty-five miles southwest from Madison, the capital of the State, and 180 miles northwest from Chicago, the inland metropolis of the United States, with which it is connected by direct railroad communication. The city, which is built on the summits and in the intervening valleys of several hills ;ind ridges, is situated in the very heart of the lead, copper and zinc mining district of Wisconsin, of which it has been the acknowledged center for the last forty or fifty years.

The ground where the city stands, and for miles adjacent, is the depository of rich and extensive lodes of precious mineral deposits, from which, more especially in years gone by, have been derived large revenues. In reality, until within a comparatively short period, the source of income to the inhabitants was pre-eminently that obtained from the mines. But at the present time agricultural pursuits obtain principally throughout the county, although there is some prospecting and mining being done, but not on an extensive scale.

In point of beauty of location, very few places in the State can boast of more attractive and picturesque surroundings than environ Mineral Point of to-day. The chief elevation in the city is sufficiently high to afford an extended view in nearly every direction, and from which may be scanned at will stretches of scenery of unusual loveliness and variety. The place exhibits the effects of age, and, in the irregularity of its streets and alleys, shows the nature of its first settlement, which was evidently without plan or forethought. Very few of the squatters who were the first comers thought of or cared for the future of the place or country, and, therefore, built their cabins and commenced digging on the grounds hap-hazard, or on whatever spot suited them best. Eventually, when the lands came into market, the surveys were made in accordance with this state of affairs and the lay of the country ; and, as a consequence, the city is cut up by streets and narrow alleys into all sorts of shapes. To the eye of an admirer of the old and unique, this very want of uniformity is highly pleasing, as the novelty of appearance that invests nearly everything here is radically different from that of the ordinary modern village or city, and consequently possesses a charm peculiarly its own.

On High and Commerce streets, the business thoroughfares, there are a large number of as handsome and substantial stone and brick blocks as can be found anywhere in the West, and, in the retired parts of the town, may be seen very many elegant residences, surrounded by beautifully shaded grounds, the abodes of wealth, and emblematic, in their general aspect, of the cultivated and refined tastes of their owners.

The inhabitants embrace several nationalities, among which the English and Germans predominate. It is very apparent that they are divided into various social and religious clicjues, to a remarkable extent, as might be expected in a place over half a century old ; but, as is usually the case, not in such a manner as to promote the general interests of the community to the full- est extent. However, the general tone of society is exceedingly good ; in fact, in the moral attributes, far above the average. Their churches are numerous and well patronized, and the schools are as good and well sustained as any in the State.

In manufactures and commerce, more especially the latter, a very extensive business is being done for an inland town, which, according to general statistics, has been very uniform for the past ten or fifteen years, and generally profitable.

Mineral Point, in connection with a few other places in the Northwest that sprang into existence at a very early date, was in its infancy, an especial favorite or protege of " Uncle Sam," and received such attentions or bequests as would make the hearts of any people glad. That this place became the object of such consideration, in the shape of a large gift of land, or the proceeds of the sale of a large tract of land, seems singular ; particularly in consideration of the fact that the country was found to be so rich in mineral products as to attract large numbers of adventurers hither, long before anything like a village had sprung up. and who, it may be added, were very often substantially rewarded for attempting fickle fortune by indulging in a miner's sanguine hopes, and opening mineral claims in the wilderness.

But, as is often said, "one cannot have too much of a good thing," and that Mineral Point was so lucky as to come into possession of a small part of the public domain without price is only a matter for congratulation. Likewise, if that august representative of the people before mentioned, should take as beneficent an interest in towns generally, as was manifested here, or is exerted for the benefit of "poor and needy " railroad corporations (never too little, often too much), there would doubtless be many a happier community than can be often found in this State or elsewhere.

It appears that the early miners had claims scattered here and there about the " Point," staked out to suit their fancy, on an area of about eighty acres, now within the corporate limits of the city. This portion of country was surveyed by Charles Bracken as early as 1835. for the settlers or miners, without reference to Government authority, for the purpose of placing limits or boundaries for future claimants to be guided b}'. At that time, this land was not in the market, having been reserved by the Government officials as mining lands. Therefore, those who were here then were simply tenants at will, commonly called squatters, and not until 1837 was a foot of land entered in the village. But, previous to that time, an act was passed by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States, published July 2, 1836, making^ especial provisions for the survey and sale of the lands at Fort Madison, Burlington, Bellevue, Dubuque, Peru and Mineral Point.

The bill provided that the land where these places stand should be laid off, under the direction of the Surveyor General, into lots, streets and avenues, in comformity with the lay of the claims generally, and according to the just rights of the settlers. Not more than 640 acres could be thus appropriated for any place, and the inner town lots could not exceed one-half acre in size, and the outer lots were limited to four acres. A plat of the survey was to be returned to the Secretary of the Treasury, and. within six months, the lots were to be sold at auction to the highest bidder, under the direction of the President, as he should think fit ; provided, " that no lot shall be sold for less than $:')."

The lots were to be set off into three classes, according to their relative value on account of situation and eligibility for business purposes, without regard to improvements that had been made thereon.

Those who were occupants of or claimants to the lots, previous to the act, could, for themselves or through their representatives, make purchase of their claims at the rate of §10, $20 and $40 per forty acres, according to the relative value of the land, but none of the persons aforesaid could enter more than an acre. An appropriation of $3,000 was made to defray the expenses of the survey. In connection with the above, an especial provision was made in the act, donating a piece of land to the town, to be held forever as a oubllc square.

An amendment to the act of July 2, 1836, was passed and approved March 3, 1837, by which a Board of three Commissioners, two of whom constituted a quorum, were to be appointed by the President, at a salary of $6 per day for service, to attend to or perform the duties formerly assigned to the Surveyor of the Territory, as they could not interfere with what had already been done. They were required to take oaths for the faithful and impartial performance of their duties, and were authorized to hear and reduce to writing the evidence given in support of claims, and to administer oaths and determine as to the validity of said claims. They were to place on file all certificates of pre-emptors and pay for them to the Receiver of Public Moneys, from whom they received a receipt, entitling the purchaser to a patent from the Government, as in the case of the sale of other public lands. After the Board of Commissioners had determined upon all cases of pre-emption, the lots not taken were to be sold as at first provided, after advertising the same for three months in three public newspapers. After all contingent expenses incident to the survey and sale of the land had been paid, the balance remaining was to be remitted to the Receiver, who, in turn, was to pay the same to the Trustees of the different interested towns, to be expended by them in the erection of public buildings, and making street improvements, etc.

First Surveys And Entries

The first Government survey of the land was made by Garrett F. Vliet, in 1836, as appears in a note on a certified copy of a plat or map of the survey, which dates back to September .5, 1837 - whether of the original survey alone, or of tliat and the one made in 1837, in connection, does not appear. Subsequent to this, in the spring and summer of 1839, another survey of land was made for the Mineral Point District, as the survey of Garrett F. Vliet covered but a small portion of the tract allotted to the village by the United States Government. The last survey, which was made by 0. C. Harrison, covered all of the remaining territory allowed to the village, and this, inclu<ling the Vliet survey, is described as follows : " The south half of the northeast quarter of Section 31 ; the southeast quarter of the northwest quarter of Section 31 ; and the southeast quarter of Section 31, of Town 5, Range 3 ; and the west half of the northwest quarter of Section 5, Town 4, Range 3 ; and the east half of the northeast quarter of Section 6 ; the east half of the northwest quarter of Section 6 ; and the northwest quarter of the northwest quarter of Section 6, Town 4, Range 3." The Commissioners appointed by the President to attend to the sale of the land, were Geo. Cubbage, Wra. W. Carrell and M. M. McCarber.

The first entry of land pursuant to the above, was made by J. F. O'Niell, on the 5th day of September, 1837 - on the day that the transcript or copy of the Vliet survey was received here. The lots entered were !'7, 98 and 110, on one of which O'Niel had already built a house. This house is yet standing, a memento of the past, and is one of the oldest houses in the city. The settlers were so anxious and alert to prove up on their claims, that, by the 30th of September, after the first lots liad been entered, eighty-two persons had made their claims good. No other entries were made of lots in the village subsequent to this, until after C. C. Harrison's survey had been made.

The first entry was made on the Harrison survey on the 19th of July, 1839, by Andrew Crowgay, who purchased Lot 130. The only other entries during this year were made before the 30th of August, and were, witli but few exceptions, in favor of assigns who had secured the interests of dift'erent claimants. The legal provision made for assignees in the Government grant afforded an excellent opportunity for speculators to make investments in claim assignments, and then prove upon them, paying at the regular Government rates already described. This would probably have been rendered impossible, had it not been for the interim between September 30, 1837, and July 19, 1839, during which time a large number of persons who were justly entitled to receive patents at the nominal prices provided for regular claimants, left the country. Subsequent to 1839, entries made by as.signs were made gradually less frequent, until they almost entirely disappeared from the entry book. In 1839, forty-three individuals made entries, representing the claims of eighty four persons. Ten entries were made during 1840 ; then occurs an interval of five years before any more were made. After this time, the entries of land in the city were very frequent until the entire number of surplus lots left from the sales of 1837 and 1839 had been disposed of.

Public Square I.Mbroglio

In September, 1837, July, 1840, and December, 1844, the officers of the Land Office, either through ignorance or intention, granted patents to Robert Dougherty, D. W. Jones and the county of Iowa for the Mineral Point public square, contrary to the express stipulations of the first land grant act. The square was divided into three parcels, that part upon which the old court house stands being assigned to the county of Iowa, and the remainder being divided between Dougherty and Jones, who at once proceeded to dispose of the property. The error of this proceeding was doubtless known to many, and also the means by which it was brought about in favor of the parties mentioned ; but, as they had patents from the Government, granted in due form, it was generally thought that nothing could be done to rectify the difficulty ; and, furthermore, as the land was being disposed of for town scrip or almost anything available, and, as it was especially desirous for building purposes, there were more who stood ready to purchase than to condemn the public square gobble.

Nothing came of this matter until many years after, when the right of a public square had not only ceased to be mooted, but a majority of the people had forgotten (if they ever knew) that there had been such a thing reserved to the place. But they were doomed at last to be rudely shaken from their repose and contentment, for, when the county seat was removed from Mineral Point to Dodgeville, in July, 1860, the county claimed an indemnity for their interest in the court house and the ground where it stands. This claim was repudiated by the authorities of the village almost immediately after it was made, upon the ground that they had contributed ^1,500 toward the erection of the court house, and, besides that, the land belonged to them beyond peradventure. The county authorities then brought suit for ejectment, and the war' began in earnest. The case was finally tried in April, 1867, at the county seat of La Fayette County, in order to secure an unbiased and equitable decision in the premises. The attorneys employed for the defense were M. M. Cothran, W. T. Henry and Judge Dunn ; P. A. Osborne being employed by the county. The result was in favor of Mineral Point, as it was shown by the defense in the evidence adduced, that the county, nor any individual had no right whatever to the public square, as it was the exclusive property of the village, separate and independent of a patent, which could not take precedence of a special act that went into effect before the patent was granted ; and said patent might have been secured through an oversight at the land office or through the collusion of the district land office and other parties.

The village and county eventually compromised such difference as it was conceded existed between them in the possession of the court house, by the payment of §1,500 by the village. And thus the matter was fully and finally settled, and the city left in the undisputed possession of its ancient domain. The square, which is numbered as Block 53. is at present occupied by the public buildings, and a large number of the best business houses in the city and a few private dwellings.

Mineral Point Before 1832

Very many events of deep interest connected with the early settlement and growth of this locality, must necessarily be irretrievably lost to history and the knowledge of men, owing to time's all-pervading and omnipotent sway, against which, unhappily for civilization, there is no perfect safeguard. Yet, fortunately for this place, there still remains enough of accurate and positive information, embraced in the memories of early residents and visitors (scanty though they be), together with the reminiscences of "ye ancient pioneer " who still haunts the scenes of his youthful efforts, to give a faithful reflex of the past.

But, when viewed by the vision of to-day, which can only feebly scan its lineaments, that past appears almost unreal, so great are the changes that have been wrought during the h:ilfcentury. However, it can be no exaggeration to say, in the words of the Roman slave, applied here, that anything that belongs to humanity is not foreign " to Mineral Point.

As early as 1827, certainly, it was known among the miners of Galena that there was lead ore to be found in abundance in Iowa County ; but that they then discovered mineral at the '' Point" does not seem so certain, although it is An established fact that large numbers of explorers were wandering over the country during that year, in search of the mystic Masonic weed, and must have dug here as well as elsewhere. Besides, the trail through Gratiot's Grove, Shullsburg and New Diggings to Sugar River, led diroctly through this part of the country, and, according to the majority of accounts, directly over the site of the city. That route was the most desirable, on account of Jerusalem Spring (as subsequently called) being one of the best points for obtaining good water. Whether this was first an Indian trail or not. is immaterial to the narrative, but in all probability it was. as it is a well-known fact that the Indians (as afterward ascertained), had been smelting lead near here, no one knows for how long a time before the discoveries by white men in 1827. The principal point where the Indians smelted in this vicinity was on the northeast corner of Section 31, at a place now known as the old Irish Diggings, where there are yet relics of their primitive furnace.

As to whom, by right, belongs the distinction of having settled here first, according to the data already mentioned, it is not easy to decide, as several conflicting statements have been made by reliable parties, some of whom were on the ground at the time, and who are now living, and can have had no possible motive for deception. In like measure, there are conflicting views as to who first discovered mineral at the "Point." These differences of opinion can only be accounted for on the hypothesis that some have remembered imperfectly, or. if not defective in memory, they were not very observing of the movements of those who surrounded them - which was especially necessary, in order to be able to speak accurately of matters at a time when nearly all of those who came here were living in a transitory state, coming and going constantly.

It appears, from the general statements made, that mineral was not discovered here, nr. at least, was not known to have been discovered, until after several parties had built cabins. That thiscould have been thecase, seems hardly probable, as at that time mining was the chief object with those who came here and located, and, if there had been no decree of certainty, thev would hardly have been tempted to remain. Furthermore, many of those who were engaged in exploring, employed help, and invested considerable money, owing to the positive knowledge, which was extant, that mineral had been found here, or in the vicinity, in paying quantities. With regard to this matter, some say that the first explorations were made here entirely on the strength of the stories current among the traders, and did not result in a discovery being made at this place until 1S28, while others aver that mineral was known to abound here, among the regular miners, for some time previous, although no professed discovery had been made. However, in conclusion, it can only be said, that, so far as certain knowledge extends, the latter opinion can scarcely be maintained, although it be the true one.

Who Was The Fiust Skitler .'

The following representations concerning the early settlement, we present without comment, as they are suffiuienth' explicit: Says Peter Parkinson. Jr., of La Fayette County : "Myfather, D. M. Parkinson, and myself, removed to Mineral Point early in the spring of 182il. for the purpose of starting a hotel at that place. When we arrived there, we found two cabins already built and occupied. The first was erected in the summer or fall of 1827, by a Calvinistic Baptist minister named William Roberts, and an associate, one Solomon Francis. The other cabin or hut was owned by a German by the name of Cliristopher Law. and stood on land now thi> property of Mr. Coade. My father then erected a comfortable log house, where James James' harness-shop now stands. This dwelling, to the best of ray recollection, was the third building there, and the first public house, either at the 'Point' or in the county." The first dwelling spoken of stood in the sequestered vale of Jerusalem, near the spring of the same name, wliicli bursts forth here, and which for many years was the village watering-place, or fountain. The spring received its name through the devotional lays of Elder Roberts; wlio used to make the hills and valleys resound witli the song of "Jerusalem, my happy home." One of the first streets, or, rather, patiis, in the village, .which have since become streets, traversed the valley of Jerusalem. The old spring, that perhaps witnessed the meeting of many a modern Jacob and Rebecca, has fallen a victim to Time's inevitable changes, and has been superseded by a pump, that common contrivance of to-day. Thus is invailed "the grace of a day that is dead," the type of the past.

In a memorandum made by Francis Henry, now in the possession of William T. Henry, he says: "Squire Hoard came to Mineral Point on the 12th day of June, 1828, and built the first cabin on the ground where Abner Nichols' tavern stood," which is now occupied by a livery stable. " The ne.xt house," Mr. Henry continues. " was built by a man by the name of Tucker, and stood where Lanyon's tin-shop now stands." "These and other notes were obtained," William T. Henry observes, "several years ago, for the purpose of preparing an historical lecture or discourse," and. being derived from good authorities, at a time when a large number of the old settlers were living, are undoubtedly entitled to due consideration.

"In July, 1828," says Edward Bouchard, who still lives here, "I camped at Mineral Point one night while on my way to Sugar River, where I afterward took up my abode. At that time, I saw no one at the Point, except three men, who were erecting a log cabin. I remember only the names of twd of them, Messrs. Blackstone and McMurrish. I am quite certain that there were no other persons living at the Point then, for, so far as I am aware, mineral had not then been discovered here, and consequently nearly all of the miners, like myself, were inclined to go where they were well assured lead had been found, rather than to spend their time in prospecting. But, after all, the most of the people were coming and going from place to place constantly, trying to find better diggings or locations, so you could hardly tell how long your next-door neighbors were going to stop, and, in fact, it might be said that sometimes you hardly knew who the}' were."

An opinion, which, at the present time prevails largely among the old residents of Mineral Point, perhaps more generally than any other, is that John Hood and wife were the first permanent settlers here. Mrs. Hood lived until 1879, and always maintained that they were the first permanent residents. They came here in the spring or summer of 1828, according to the best accounts, from Missouri. Their first shelter was a hut made of poles and covered with bark, in which they lived until a sod house could be erected that would afford them better protection. This cabin was l()xl2 feet on the ground, and afforded them a dwelling-place for some time, .\lthough others may have been here and erected cabins previous to this, as stated, nevertheless it does not appear, from the evidence given, that there was what might be termed a permanent home made here before they came, simply because the " better-half " of a home had not made her appearance in the wilderness up to that date. However, Mrs. Hood was not long the only woman in the town, for Elder Roberts' family and others not known came during the season, some of whom remained permanently. One evidence particularly in favor of Mrs. Hood as the first woman here that deserves mention, is that she was acknowledged to have been entitled to the grant of land from the Government for the first woman in this portion of the country. Whether she ever received this or not, is not known. Mr. Hood labored at mining for others for a time, together with prospecting for himself, until finally he struck a rich lead, which he worked until his death, in 1844. During the Black Hawk war, he was a Lieutenant under Gen. Dodge. At that time, Mrs. Hood is said to have been as valuable as a man in connection with the garrison at this place, as she was a dead shot with a rifle, and did not hesitate to expose herself outside of the fort whenever it was necessary. After the war, she established a boarding-house - the first of the kind ever presided over by a woman in this section.

The First Notable Events

Early in the summer of 1828, Nat Morris came to the Point, and, soon after, he and two other brother adventurers, Messrs. Tucker and Warfield, it is said, discovered the first lead on Mineral Point hill, directly east of the city. The news spread like wild-fire, and, consequently, during the following season, the influx of miners and settlers was quite numerous, and several cabins were erected on either side of what is now Commerce street, and around Jerusalem Spring. Of those who came some time in August of that year, R. C. Hoard and John Long, who was also one of the first arrivals, erected a furnace about two miles east of the Point. This was the first furnace erected by white men in this vicinity, altliough within the season one or two others were built. In this connection, perhaps it will not come amiss to make special mention of Mr. Hoard, better known as Col. Hoard, as he was one of the best-known and most influential of the first comers. He is described as having; been a man of strong mind and sterling qualities, true to his friends, and brave to defend the interests of the Commonwealth, as well as his own. He participated in the Black Hawk war, as did nearly every one of the pioneers, and served with distinction.

In the summer and fall of 1828, the first stock of merchandise was brought into the place by Erastus Wright, and a man by the name of Guiard, whether as assistant or part owner, is not known. The store building was a common log house. This was no ordinary enterprise for those early days, taking a lot of goods out into a comparatively unknown country, for the accommodation of miners. After the opening of a store. Mineral Point began to assume a local dignity and importance as a sort of commercial center for the surrounding country.

By some, it is thought that during this year (1828), the first Fourth of July was celebrated here, but this is an error, as at that time there certainly were but few persons located here, and those were doubtless composed as largely of foreigners as of Americans, or those who would care to celebrate. The first and real patriotic demonstration occurred in 1829, when there were quite a large number of people here to enter into such a fete with national spirit and zest.

In 1828. a physician located here in the person of Dr. Mannegan, and the following year Dr. Justine came. Although these were undoubtedly the first physicians to locate, they were not the first to come here, a Dr. Loofborrow, from Gratiot's Grove, being the first. What may have been the practice especially followed by those sons of Esculapius is not known ; in all probability, it was either " corn or calomel" - in other words, botanic corn-sweats and allopathic calomel drencliings ; but in those days the man who depended solely on his saddle-bags for bread and butter was apt to go lightly fed, no matter how good iiis practice or how great his skill.

In 182U, John D. Ansley, one of the noted first-comers, located at the Point and opened a, supply store, the second in the place, and, during the same year, the Dragoon Captain, John F. O'Neil, began business here. He afterward became famous upon all occasions where local military demonstrations were indulged in. J. B. Terry, one of the exceptionally noted men of early days, was another of the very first persons at the Point.

During that year, several events occurred, always notable in the annals of any community. On November 29, 1829, John Ti eophilus Lawson Hood, son of John Hood and wife, was born in the sod cabin already mentioned, he being the first white child born at Mineral Point. t

Some time during this year, Elder Roberts, who was a religious enthusiast, resolved to promote the moral interests of the place by erecting a building for the purpose of holding religious services, and in which a school might be kept. It stood at the head of Jerusalem Valley, probably near the present residence of M. M. Strong, and is described as having been quite commodious for those times. The seats were puncheon benches after the usual fashion of stools, holes being bored in each end of the stick, and pegs driven in for legs. As for the upper surface of these seats, freedom from splinters would very likely have met with a frown, and a cushion or other covering would have been deemed a frightful innovation. From that time on, for several years, this rude structure was the general meeting-house and schoolhouse of the little settlement, and doubtless served as useful a purpose at that time as would a more pretentious edifice. The first religious service was probably lield before this time, by Elder Roberts, in iiis cabin or in the open air, where full liberty could be enjoyed. During this year, as elsewhere stated, the first school was taught by Mrs. Marker.

In 1829, the first important social event was consummated at the "Point," in the marriage of Miss Lovey Roberts, a daughter of Elder Roberts, to a stalwart young pioneer by the name of Joshua Brown. Whether they received and delighted their guests by passing around nutritious corn-bread and such other delicacies as the time, country and season afforded, or whether they were interrupted in the enjoyment of liymeneal bliss by the music of the festive pan and horn, remains a mystery; suffice it to say, they were the first joined in wedlock.

While speaking of the general and marked events, the advent of the first lawyer must not be forgotten. When a country gets to such a stage of development that a full-fledged and professional son of law and order is required to officiate between the good and the bad in business life, then there is prosperity abounding in the land beyond peradventure. The first of the legal fraternity to open an office here was Mr. Burnett, who came in 1829. During the above year the first Justice of the Peace was appointed, Robert Dougherty receiving the honor. Thus we find the means for justice established in conjunction with the coming of the first expounder of the law.

The first mechanics here were two blacksmiths named Duncan & Parker, who had a blacksmith-shop, certainly as early as 18-30, and very likely as early as 1829. Previous to the coming of these blacksmiths, the miners were either obliged to trudge ofi" or send away to get their tools sharpened, or they had to manage for themselves as best they could. James James, who still lives here, bought out the above firm in 1832, and was for many years the leading mechanic. The first good carpenter or house-builder, was a man by the name of Anderson, who came here in 1834.

Says D. N. Parkinson, in a memoir of 1829 : " Mineral Point was then the great center of attraction to all miners. Some of the largest leads were then struck and extensively worked, and quite a number of mining and smelting establishments were erected there and in that vicinity. * * * Business was of the most animated character; the town grew up with great rapidity, and every thing wore the most pleasing and encouraging aspect."

However, this prosperity, it appears from general accounts, was of but short duration, for, in the fall and winter of that year the inhabiUints experienced, in common with the entire leadraining region, very rigorous times. So hard were they that at one time the prospect was fair for a general migration to lands where more and better food could be obtained. Provisions were so high, and lead so low (see general history) that all, without distinction, were compelled to subsist upon the most meager fare. The growth of the place during the two ensuing years, owing to the depression in the lead market, was very slow, there being no real stimulant to immigration.

Of those who certainly came in previous to 1832, who have not been named, and who subsequently remained, we are enabled to mention J. H. Gentry, R. H. Kirkpatrick, Abner Nichols, the noted boniface; William Sublitt, R. S. Black, Levi Sterling, A. W. Comfort, John McNair, Dr. Ed McSherry, Ben Salter. John Milton, M. G. Fitch, II. R. Hunter, Edward James, Lord Blaney (the poet), William S. Hamilton, Thomas McKnight, R. W. Gray, ^. B. Thrasher, Mark and Stephen Terrill.

As is generally known, the seat of justice of Iowa County was established first at Mineral Point, by a convention held here in 1829. In 1830, the first steps were taken by the public authorities to subserve the ends of justice, by providing what was eventually known as the magisterial "coop," a small building, which was purchased from a man by the name of J. B. Cole, for $50. The name was probably given on account of a humorous episode in connection with the official duties of Robert Daugherty, which at that time were extremely onerous, and were doubtless somewhat irregularly performed. Papers were issued for the arrest of some one for stealing, or a similar misdemeanor. These were deposited in a barrel in the coop or jail, and left to be used the next day; but lol in the morning, when the jail was unlocked, the needed deposit was gone, some one having run an arm through a crack between the logs and taken it out of its receptacle. As a matter of course, there was a stay in the proceedings, enabling the criminal to escape, as the prosecuting party was not promptly on hand. Such incidents in early times were not rare, as nearly all legal business was conducted mm souci.

The Black Hawk War

In 1832, the little settlement was startled from its equanimity, and forced to turn attention to providing means for defense, by the Indian war of 1832, familiarly known as the Black Hawk war. During the three months of hostilities, nothing occurred here especially worthy of note, aside from what is mentioned in the general history of the events of that period, in which Iowa County figured extensively, this section of the State being the seat of the difficulty. The ground occupied by the old fort and stockade, on the corner of Fountain and Commerce streets, near where the principal part of the cabins then stood, has since been leveled down to a considerable extent, and utilized for various building purposes. The old block-house, or one of the blockhouses, stood for many years, a reminder of the perils of a frontier life, but at this time scarcely a stick or stone remains to suggest a thought of the past and its rough and bitter experiences. So rapidly does the current of passing events carry us on and away from the old to the new and ever-present occurrences, that yesterday soon becomes obsolete.

Immediately after the close of the war. the miners again resumed the pick and gad, and went on with their work as though nothing of great moment had occurred to disturb their serenity or abate their cheerfulness ; and scarcely had the sound of the rifle and war-whoop ceased before fresh arrivals of miners came pouring in from England and the South and East in unprecedented numbers; and, before the season was over, in almost every direction on the hills might be seen heaps of earth, marking the spots where sturdy adventurers were despoiling mother earth of her mineral resources or sinking their own. At this time, High street was covered with brush and miner's pits, there being scarcely a cabin in sight.

The principal business houses at this time were those already mentioned, besides two additional establislinients operated by Ben Salter and John Milton. There was also one good tavern kept by Abner Nichols and one or two other small affairs of similar pretensions, together with groceries and " tiger dens," those very necessary adjuncts to the perfection an<l good fellowship of a mining camp.

From 1832 to 1839 or 1840, the progress of the locality toward the ne plus ultra of excellence in the social and moral attributes inseparable from a community made up of miners, was as marked as was the constant influx of inhabitants. During the day, it was hard work, and during the night and Sundays, revelry marked the hours - revelry of such a character as can only be understood by those who have witnessed what is familiarly known in mining regions as "bucking the tiger." All was activity and excitement; money was plenty, and of care, apparently, there was none. All sorts and kinds of demonstrations were indulged in, and such wild and harum-scarum amusements as would make " each individual liair " of an ordinary civilian stand on end. To illustrate the style of celebrating on some occasions, a brief description is presented of one given in 1834 in honor of the battle of Bad-ax.

Probably there had not been any demonstration of a public character previous to this time of much magnitude, so it was determined by the entire community that they would indulge in a grand barbecue, with roast ox and everything on a magnificent scale. Uncle Ab Nichols was the presiding genius at the feast, than whom none better could have been found in the State, and Capt. John O'Neill was Marshal of the Day, and general master of ceremonies. A.t the proper hour, he, in company with a noble band of "'dragoons" arrayed in fan-tailed jackets of blue, with peaked hats on their heads, from which fluttered red feathers, and armed and accoutered with a nondescript collection of muskets, shot-guns, horse-pistols, old army sabers and the like ; mounted on "slim, slick and slender," long-eared and short-tailed nags, rode forth to meet Gen. Dodge, the principal figure of the occasion, and escorted him to the scene of operations. But who can adequately portray the scenes of the day ; there was speech-making by Gen. Dodge, D. M. Parkinson and many others ; then, feasting in the open air under a protection of boughs, erected on the banks of Mineral Point Branch, just opposite the end of High street, which concluded with a dance that was begun as soon as dinner was over and continued until the following day, when the fiddler was exhausted and they had to stop. During the day, the cannon which was being fired ceaselessly in honor and commemoration of almost everything to be thought of, was finally loaded nearly to the muzzle, and the grand e.xplode of the occasion took place, the engine of destruction being blown into pieces.

The crowd was immense for that time; yet that was nothing strange, for nearly everybody was present from within twenty-five to forty miles around. Those who were there, will never forget the occurrences of that day, for they probably never experienced the like before or since.

The first copper ore was discovered here as early as 1833, by William Kendall and James Nicarow, about a mile northeast of the city. During that or the following year, J. D. Ansley erected a copper or smelting furnace about three miles south of the city, near the line of the railroad, relics of which are yet to be seen. Within a few years after this time, the copper mining and smelting industry reached a considerable magnitude, but by 185.5 it had almost ceased, and has never since been resurrected ; yet, in all probability, within a few years, the work will be resumed to a large extent, for, beyond a peradventure, there is plenty of copper here still.

In 1834, the people were aflHicted with the cholera which raged here for a considerable time, but not to such a fearful extent as on subsequent occasions.

The first stone house was erected this year for Mr. Wasley. The next one was built in 1836, and was the beginning of the old Washington Hotel

In 183.5, the first manufacturing enterprise was begun in the place by John Phillips, who started a small brewery near Mineral Point mill, east of the end of High street. This establishment was continued for a good many years without a rival. As to the merit of the beer manufactured or the method employed, tradition is silent, but probably it was brewed in common kettles, and was an indescribable tonic. There are now two brewing establishments in the city doing an extensive business.

The people of Mineral Point during the winter of 1835 determined to have a sleigh ride, or rather, as it turned out it should be denominated, a snow ride. A thoroughly ripe and welldried bullock's hide was procured, and one of the few available nags of the place brought round and geared to it with ropes, the hair side being laid next to the ground. When everything was ready, a half-dozen or more of men and women embarked on the novel conveyance, and, according to all accounts, enjoyed a most delightful as well as novel time.

Says Stephen Taylor, who came here in 1835, the nucleus of the town was formed by the erection of a few small log cabins and huts built with square-cut sod, covered with poles, prairie grass and earth. These comfortable though temporary shelters were located in the vicinity of the intersections of what are now called Commerce and High streets, at the margin of the westerly ravine, and in view from the diggings on the " Point."

Females, in consequence of the dangers and privations of those primitive times, were as rare as snakes upon the Emerald Isle; therefore the bachelor miner, from necessity, often performed the domestic duties of cook and washerwoman. The preparation of meals was indicated by appending a rag to an upright pole, which, fluttering in the breeze, telegraphically conveyed the glad tidings to the men at work on the hill. Hence, this circumstance, at a very early date, gave the provincial sobriquet of " shake-rag," or " shake-rag under the hill."

It is stated that this appellation was conjured up in the fertile brain of " Uncle Ab Nichols," who was ever alive to any occurrence that furnished food for diversion. At that time, the best society of the place amused itself by inventing choice nicknames and perpetrating practical jokes, many of which the old settlers recount with the utmost gusto, thus living over and enjoying the experiences of the pioneer days.

The same writer goes on : " The continued prosperity of the mines, in a comparatively brief period increased the population of the village to several hundred, comprised, as usual in mineral regions, of representatives from every clime and country, and in such conglomeration, it is fair to suppose, of every stripe of character. This increase of population, including many of those expert in the ' profession,' warranted the establishment of numerous gambling saloons, or groceries, a refined name for groggeries and other similar place of dissipation and amusement, where the unwarv and those flushed with success in digcrin^ could be ' taken in and done for, or avail themselves of opportunities to voluntarily dispose of their accumulated means, either in drowning their sorrows in the bowl or ' fighting the tiger.' "

These congenial customs, peculiarly Western, were as firmly based as the laws of the Medes and Persians, and woe to those, from lands of steadier habits, who would endeavor to introduce ianovations adverse to the established policy of those days.

A Celebrated Tavern

The place in early times around which centered the greatest interest was Uncle Ab Nichols' tavern, called the "'Mansion House. " This hostelry was known far and wide as the best place in the lead-mining district to pass the night or to obtain a meal, and, as for the landlord, he was the embodiment of a perfect host ; one who always served his guests with the best he could get ; who never overcharged, and who never refused lodging or food to any one, whether they had money or not. No man ever lived in Mineral Point who was more universally liked.

The following selections from an article by S. M. Palmer, who visited the Point in 1836, will convey additional information regarding the place about that time:

" Mineral Point, or, as it was more generally called, 'Shake-Rag,' at the time of which I write, was indeed a most humble and unpretending village in appearance, and was rendered peculiarly so by the fact that its few scattered log huts or shanties were principally ranged along a deep gorge or ravine, at the foot of an elevated and most desirable town site, through which the principal street wound its sinuous way. At the evening hour, when the miners and workmen returned from their daily labor, there was in the street a throng of hale, hearty men, their faces, it is true, begrimed with dirt, but with cheerful, laughing countenances, imparting an air of general prosperity and happiness, which a further acquaintance with the place and its inhabitants fully confirmed." Speaking of Uncle Ab Nichols' tavern, which was then about the only good one in the place, he says :

'' The principal features of the house were a spacious dining-room, where all met on an equality at meal time around a bountifully filled table ; and, on the same floor, an equally capacious saloon, filled with beds, and alike free to all. Here the gentleman who first retired for the night could do so under the grateful delusion that he was to enjoy the comforts of a good bed alone. Yet, before morning, he would most likely find himself sharing his comforts with as many bed-fellows as could possibly crowd themselves alongside of him, some of them, probably, in a condition to render them entirely oblivious to the fact that they had 'turned in' without the usual formality of divesting themselves of hat, coat, pants or boots.''