Monroe City (part 2 of 3)

Isaac Chamness, formerly of Indiana, was born April 5, 1820. He is a son of William and Margaret (Henshaw) Chamness, natives of North Carolina. His father, now ninety-one years old, is living in Randolph county, and his mother is dead and buried in that county. His early life was spent upon a farm in Indiana, where he continued to live until 1843. Oct. 5, 1837, he was married to Mary Willman, a native of Wayne county. They remained in Randolph county until 1843, then came to Green county, arriving on the 3d day of October. He bought eighty acres on section 32, of what is now the town of Monroe, where he lived for thirteen years, then moved to section 33, having bought from Charles Foster the DeLap farm, containing 108 acres. They have had four children - Louise M., now married to Cyrus Dye and living in Monroe; Abigail M., married to Andrew

Hawthorn and living in Clarno; William M., now dead and buried in Hawthorn cemetery; and Mary E., married to Stephen Potter, and living in Chippewa Falls, Wis. "Mr. and Mrs. Chamness are members of the M. E. Chixrch. Upon their arrival in the county they had two children and |3. They made a start under many difficulties, but have been successful.

T. J. Bragg is a native of this county, born in Monroe June 13, 1846. His father. T. J. Bragg, Sr., is a Virginian, and his mother, Emily J. (Nobles) Bragg, is a native of Kentucky. Mr. Bragg, of this sketch, in 1875, took a prospecting tour through Missouri, Nebraska and Dakota, and returned, convinced that Green county was not an undesirable dwelling place, and has since remained here. He owns a farm of 150 acres, located on section 12, of the town of Monroe, and makes stock raising a specialty. He was married Aug. 29, 1867, to Martha Lindsley, a native of Tazewell Co., 111., and daughter of Oliver and Priscilla (Coffin) Lindsley, both of whom are deceased and buried in Missouri. He was a resident of the village of Monroe for the last two years of his life in this State. He formerly lived in the town of S\'lvester, where lie was eiigiged in making wagons for over twenty years. From there he came to Monroe. Mr. and Mrs. Bragg have four children - Lora T., AUie V , Irvie M. and Chessa D. Mr. Bragg is politically a democrat.

Rev. DeLap was the first preacher in the county. He entered land on section 34, which is now occupied by Nicholas Cornelius. Mr. DeLap was a resident of this town for several years, when he removed to Richland county, where he has since died. His son, R. H. DeLap, is one of the prominent physicians of that county, and is located at Viola.

lived on that place several years, when he went to Missouri, where he has since died. He served several terms on the county board during his residence here.

John Walling came from Missouri and located on the southeast quarter of section 23. He was a carpenter by trade, and erected a large frame house, which was opened as a hotel or tavern, and was the first of the kind in the limits of the town. He rented the building to Joseph Paine, and later sold it to Joseph Kelly. He returned to Missouri in 1844 or 1845.

Tlie Bailey brothers were from Illinois. They located on sections 20 and 29. They lived there about two years, then removed to the town of Adams. They have since died.

J. Austin came in 1838 and settled on section 34, and erected a log house. In 1840 he erected the first brick house in the town, in which he made his home until the time of his death.

Samuel Truax, who had been a resident of the county for some time previous, settled in this town in 1842. He has been successful in business ventures, and now lives a retired life in Brodhead.

Asa Richardson came from New York in 1841, and settled in this town. He was a speculator, and was for a time president of the Bank of Monroe, and of the Monroe First National Bank. He now resides in Lawrence, Kansas.

The town was organized at a meeting held in the court house April 3, 1849. The following officers were elected: D. S. Sutherland, chairman, Hiram Rust and Andrew B. Cunningham, side board; Horace Poyer, town clerk; George Kuykendall, assessor; Jesse Chandler, treasurer; John W. Stewart, James Moss, J. B. Stevens and A. B. Cunningham, justices of the peace; J. C. Richardson, superintendent of schools; C. Martin, W. H. Foster and (^^Jaleb Morse, constables.

The present officers are as follows: R. D Gorham, chairman, John Faiser and D. S. Young, side board; J. D. Eley, town clerk; John Gibbons, assessor; Henry Keller, treasurer; Samuel Johns, justice of the peace; and Emery Winslow, constable.

The first deaths occurring in the town were those of two men named Carr and Barto. Carr was a miner, and was eating eggs on a wager, when he ate so many they killed him. Barto was an Italian jewelry peddler.

Cheese Factories

The one on section 11 is owned by Jacob Kundert. It was built in the summer of 187Y. He also owns one on section 18. These are large factories, making as high as 500 pounds of cheese per day for six months during the summer, in both. Mr. Kundert buys the milk and hires a practical cheese maker. The kinds of cheese made are Swiss and Limburger. The patrons get the whey, which they carry back t*^ their farms for fattening hogs.

Rudolph Benkert owns a cheese factory on section 4, which he erected in 1883. The first year he made 18,000 pounds of cheese. It is kept neat, is very convenient, and is well patronized.

Union Cemetery, on section 17, is used as a general burying ground. The cemetery was laid out prior to 1849, that being the date of the first burial. Mrs. Halloway was the first per son buried there. The site was given by Henry Eley and Mr. Halloway.

Snyder Cemetery is situated on the southeast quarter of the southeast quarter of section 4, and consists of one acre. The land was donated by John Snyder, in 1861. The first burial was a Mr. Forsyth.

school houses. Tlie former was situated on section 33, and the later on section 21. They were both built of logs, and were in use several years.

Religious

In 1842 a United Brethren Church was organized at the house of Isaac Chamness, on section 32, with the following members: Isaac Chamness and wife, Edward Church and wife, and William Millman and wife. This class was organized by Rev. James Davis. In 1843 Rev. Riley Corray, a local preacher, made a discourse occasionally. Rev. Davis was succeeded by John Mast, and he in turn by Elder Graves, Dallerhide, Cretsinger, Conager, Scott, Knox and Terrell. The class met in j^rivate houses until a school house was built in the neighborhood when they met in that. After a few years the class was discontinued, many of the members moving away.

The M. E. Church is located on the northeast quarter of section 21. The land (one acre) was donated by H. P. Williams. He also gave $200 towards building the church, and S. J. Truax gave $600. The rest of the money was subscribed by the citizens.

Educational

This town, like the remainder of the county, is well provided with schools. In some districts the buildings are above the average. There are six whole districts, three joint and one union.

District No. 4 has a log school house on section 17, that is greatly in contrast with the other school buildings of the town. Thirtythree scholars are taught in this school at the present time - 1884.

The school building in district No. 5 is located on section 21, and is the finest school house in the county, outside of the villages. It seats sixty pupils, and is provided with outline maps, penmanship charts, etc. In 1884 there were thirty-six scholars in attendance.

District No. 7 is joint with the town of Sylvester, the building being located in that town. It is a frame house, and has nine scholars from this town.

Twenty-two scholars are sent from this town to the city of Monroe, it being a union school. James Keen is a native of Buckinghamshire, England, forty-five miles distant from London. He was born in January, 1811. His parents, James and Elizabeth (Bull) Keen, are deceased, and buried in England. Mr. Keen, Sr., was a boot and shoemaker. The subject of this sketch came to America in 1843, stopping in July of that year, in Ogle Co., 111. In October of the same year, he came to Green county and located in the town of Adams, where he lived twenty-three years. He owned a farm of 400 acres in that town, which he sold and removed to the place he now occupies, on section 36, of the town of Monroe. Here he first purchased 123^ acres, but has sold a part of this, and now owns sixty-five acres. He was married Aug. 28, 1845, to Hannah Sperry, a native of Ohio, and daughter of Wallace and Sarah (Watkins) Sperry, both of whom are dead, and buried in Vermilion Co., 111. Mr. and Mrs. Keen have seven children living - James and John, who reside in Lincoln Co., Dak.; Elon S., in Hutchison Co., Dak.; Robert, at home with his parents; Foster and Daniel living in Hutchison Co., Dak., and Mary A, at home. Sarah is dead, and buried at Monroe. Mr. and Mrs. Keen are members of the M. E. Church. Politically he is a republican.

Peter Chandler came to the county in 1844, and first stopped in the town of York, where he remained four months, then went to Monroe and worked at wagon making, which occupation he followed until 1856, when he removed on section 26, where he owned eighty acres of land. He was married Sept. 7, 1843, to Eliza Weslcott, a native of Saratoga Co., N. Y., and daughter of John and Eunice Westcott, both of whom are dead, and buried in Monroe. Peter Chandler was born in Oxford Co., Maine, in 1805, and is a son of Joseph Chandler. His parents are deceased, and buried in Maine. Mr. Chandler removed from Maine, to Genesee Co., N. Y., and came from thence to Green county. Mr. and Mrs, Chandler hadthree children born to them, all of whom are deceased, and buried in Monroe cemetery. Peter Chandler died May 8, 1884, and is buried in Monroe cemetery.

William H. Kinnison came to Green county in 1846, and settled then in the town of Cadiz, on a farm, where he remained two years, then removed to Clarno and lived two years upon the farm of William Bowens. He then removed to Monroe and lived upon Peter Wells' place two years. In 1851 he bought 120 acres on section 16. He sold forty acres of this land and afterwards bought ten acres. Mr. Kinnison is a son of Lawrence and Mary Kinnison, born April 18, 1817, in Pike Co., Ohio. At the age of eighteen years he left Ohio and went to Warren Co., Ind., where he remained ten years, then came to Green county. He was married Feb. 27, 1844, to Margaret J. Keller, a native of Tennessee. She died Nov. 19, 1864. Their children are - John W., deceased; Jacob, deceased; Nancy J., Daniel W., William, Joshua, Mary E. and Elijah, deceased. Mr. Kinnison was again married Jan. 22, 1865, to Mrs. Mary E. Smith, formerly Mary E. Ellis. By this marriage there are four children - Emma F., Jesse R , Marsena and Edward L. Mrs. Kinnison is a member of the M. E, Church.

William H. Morris was born in Augusta Co., Va., July 30, 1797. When six years old he went with his parents to Springfield, Clark Co., Ohio. In 1829 he went to Tippecanoe Co., Ind., where he remained until 1844. He kept a store at Dayton, Ind., and was by trade a wheelwright, shoemaker and carpenter. He left Indiana in 1844, and came to Jefferson, Green county, then went to Spring Grove, and in 1846 removed to section 17, of the town of Monroe, where he died. He was married Aug. 24, 1820, to Mary Killgore, who is still living at the advanced age of eighty-one years. She retains her faculties to a remarkable degree, being able to read and sew without glasses. She resides in Monroe with her son and daughter, and is the owner of a farm of 130 acres. Mr. Morris was a Universalist, and Mrs. Morris is a Presbyterian. They were the parents of eight children, six of whom are living - Harvey P., M.K., Terressa J., Elizabeth A., John S. and Minerva M. M. K. and Minerva M, reside at the homestead, where the former owns 100 acres.

John S. Morris resides upon section 20, in Monroe, where he owns forty acres. He was married Dec. 25, 1860, to Sarah L. Orr, a native of Cedar Co., Iowa. They have three children - Mary A., married to Mather Carter, of Jefferson; John W. and Zoe A.

H. P. Morris, son of William H. Morris, was born July 6, 1822, in Clark Co., Ohio. He lived with his parents until Dec. 24, 1848, when he was married to Maria S. Kennedy, a native of Jefferson Co., Ky. She was born in 1823, and died June 20, 1867, and is buried in Union Cemetery. Tliey had seven children, six of whom are living - Lenora, John E., Ellen, .Tames W., Theo- derick and George M. John E. is married to Lucy Sparrow, and living in Darlington, Lafayette county, where he is engaged in farming. He has 100 acres of land five miles east of Darlington. James W. is living in Fayette, Lafayette county, engaged in the drug business. Mr. Morris entered eighty acres of the farm where he now lives, in 1848. He now owns 120 acres on sections 17 and 18.

John Eley removed from Ohio to Green county, in 1849. He was born in Washington Co.jPenn., March 16, 1809. His parents, John and Ellen (Mosher) Eley, are deceased. The former is buried in Monroe, the latter in Ohio. The subject of this sketch remained in Pennsylvania till 1828, when the family removed to Ohio, where he lived until the date of his coming to this county. He settled on sections 21 and 22, and lived there until the time of his death, March 5, 1882. Mr. Eley was a man who took a great interest in agricultural societies and improved methods of farming. He was an enterprising and useful citizen, and highly esteemed in the neighborhood. He was married in March, 1830, to Elizabeth Parks, a native of Beaver Co., Penn. Nine children were born to them - James, who died in Ohio; William, Angeline, Leamon, who also died in Ohio; Joseph, Sarah, Harriet, Melissa and John D. The last named was born in Green county, May 2, 1851, at the place where he now lives. He obtained his education in the .schools of Monroe, for a time, attending a select school taught by a Mr. Green. He was married May 21, 1882, to Addie Whipple, daughter of Henry Whipple, who lives near the city of Monroe. The old homestead contains 110 acres. He is a member of the republican party, and now holds the office of town clerk of Monroe. Pie has not been able to walk without the use of crutches since he was a year and a half old, having lost the use of his limbs from an attack of scarlet fever. Nevertheless, he chose farming as a means of gaining a livelihood, endeavoring to fight life's battles manfully

Conrad Elmer, a native of Switzerland, was born in the canton of Glarus, March 1, 1842. His father, Jehu Elmer, now lives in Sylvester. His mother, Fanny (Marty) Elmer, is deceased. In 1850, Conrad came to Green county with his parents, who settled in the town of Washington, where they lived six years, then moved to Mount Pleasant. They afterwards removed to Sylvester. He was married in Sylvester, Nov. 23, 1866, to Lisetta Wenger, a native of Switzerland. After marriage they lived eight months with his parents. He purchased a farm of 120 acres, which he soon after sold, and with two brothers, bought 300 acres of land in Sylvester, where they engaged in farming in partnership, two years. They then dissolved partnership, and Conrad Elmer lived upon the place three years, after which he sold out and bought a farm on section 1 1 , of the town of Monroe, where he now owns 200 acres of fine land, one of the finest places in the town of Monroe. Mr. and Mrs. Elmer have two children - John A. and Fanny E. They are connected veith the German Evangelical Church. Mr. Elmer was a member of the 3l8t Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry, company B, and served his country three years. He took part in Sherman's noted campaign, and marched from Atlanta to the sea, and to Washington. He is a republican, politically.

William J. West, son of William and Ann (Phillips) West, is a native of Warwickshire, England, born Jan. 8, 1839. He came to America in 1851, with his mother, (his father having died in England) and settled at Wilmington, Del., where they lived until the spring of 1853, then went to Warren Co., Ohio. The following fall they came to Green county and located at Monroe, where they purchased 160 acres of land of William Cheney. He sold this land, and enlisted Sept. 10, 1862, in company H, of the 3d Wisconsin Cavalry, and was in the service three years. He was mustered in at Madison, and out at St. Louis, June 19, 1865. He returned home and resumed farming in Monroe. He bought the farm where he now lives, in 1874. It con- tains forty acres, located in the southwest quarter of section 20. Mr. West was married Feb. 22, 1864, to Annie E. Morris, daughter of W. H. Morris. They have one child - Irena E., born Oct. 9, 1878. Mr. West belongs to the Democratic party.

Henry Whipple came to Green county in 1853, and settled in Brooklyn, on sections 31 and 32, where he bought eighty acres, to which he afterwards added ten acres, and resided there fourteen years. He then went to Mount Pleasant and purchased 100 acres and remained two years, then removed to Monroe, vvhere he is now living. He owns eighty-five acres, and is engaged in farming. He was married in Brooklyn, Jan. 8, 1854, to Mary N. Hazen, a native of Ohio, and daughter of Reuben and Dorcas (Warrener) Hai^en. They are the parents of three children - Ira, Eva L. and Lilly A. Ira is married and living in Kansas. Lilly A. is married to John Eley, of Monroe. Eva L is living at home, witii her parents.

Rice D. Gorham is a native of this county, born in the town of York April 11, 1854, and is a son of William C and Elvira Mason (Chaffee) (-Jorham, both of whom are now living in the town of Sylvester. He received his education in the schools of Monroe and the select school of William C. Green (also of Monroe). When eighteen years old he began teaching school. He taught in the towns of Jordan, Brooklyn and Sylvester. He was married Dec. 31, 1874, to Emma C. Bragg, a daughter of T. J. Bragg, one of the earliest residents of the county. In 1876 he commenced farming upon the west half of section 25, town of Monroe. Five years later, in 1881, he purchased the east half and moved on to it. He now owns all of the northeast quarter of section 25 ; also twelve acres of timber in the town of Sylvester. He is engaged in raising stock, furnishing milk for factory use, and also making a specialty of raising fine blooded horses. In 1874, he was with Sutherland & Sherman, when they were drowned.

being in the water with them when they went down. Mr. Gorham is at present (1884) chairman of the board of supervisors of the town of Monroe, a member of the I. O. O. F., a member of the Royal Arcanian, and one of the first members of the Monroe City Guards.

William R. Nally it a son of Bennett M. and America (La Force) Nally, born June 21, 1844, in Pike Co., Mo. When about four years of age, his parents removed to New Diggings, Lafayette Co., Wis., where his father followed mining. They remained there about six years, then removed to Warren, 111., where they lived on a farm about three years, thence to Cadiz Center, Green Co , Wis., where they purchased a farm, thence to Cherokee Co., Kansas. His father died in that county in 1881, and is buried there. His mother is also buried in Cherokee county, she dying in 1876. From Kansas, the subject of our sketch removed to this county, locating east of Monroe, and followed farming one year in the town of Clarno. He purchased his present place on section 21, of E. T. Deal, in 1879. He has 280 acres of good land. In 1863, he enlisted in company K, 16th Wi'sconsin Volunteer Infantry, serving eighteen months. He participated in the battle of Atlanta, Ga., and others of minor importance, and was with Sherman on his march to the sea. He was mustered out at Prairie du Chien. On the 28th of December, 1870, he was united in marriage M'ith Maria Way, daughter of Jacob and Lydia (Perigo) Way. The result of this union was four children - Willie, George, Harry and Freddie. Mr. Nally is a member of theL O. O. F.

Thomas Cotherman was born in Union Co., Penn., July 4, 1833. He is a son of Daniel and Catharine (Frederick) Cotherman, who had seventeen children of their own and two adopted children, eleven boys and six girls. The subject of the sketch was the twelfth child. The parents are now deceased and buried in Union Co., Penn. Thomas Cotherman came to

Green county in 1855, and at first worked at the carpenter trade, which he had learned previously. He helped to build many buildings in the county. He now owns eighty acres on sections 1 and 2, of the town of Monroe. He was married Dec. 11, 1859, to Susan Ball, a native of Ohio. Seven children have been born to them - Frank T., Lillie B., Susie, Lulu, Mary, Ernest and Myrtle. Frank T., is an engineer.

A. M. Dye removed to this county in 1855, and settled upon section 32, of the town of Monroe, where he purchased eighty acres, and has since resided, with the exception of two years that he spent in the village of Monroe, during which time he was engaged in clerking. He was born in Troy, Miami Co., Ohio, April 2, 1824, and was brouglit up on a farm. His parents, Archibald and Margaret (Meredith) Dye, are dead and buried in Tippecanoe Co., Ind., where they removed in 1829. A. M. Dye, of this sketch, lived in Tippecanoe county until 1855. He was there engaged upon a farm, except four years in a dry goods store. He purchased his farm in Green county of Isaac Chamness. It consisted of timber land, which he has cleared, and brought to a good state, of cultivation. During his residence in the village of Monroe, he purchased a house and lot, which he sold when he returned to the farm. He was married April, 20, 1848, to Elizabeth Taylor, daughter of Richard Taylor, of Tippecanoe Co., Ind. Ten children were born to them, of whom three are now living - Archibald T., who is married to Mary Martin, and living in Monroe; Emma Retta, wife of James F. Morton, living in Clarno; and Frank, who lives with his j^arents. Two children are buried in Lafayette cemetery, and five in Hawthorn cemetery in Clarno.

Jeremiah Lewis came to this county in the spring of 1856, settling at that time in the town of Washington, upon the northeast quarter of section 36, where he lived seven years. He then traded his farm in that town for a farm near Round Grove, and ten acres on section 27,

Monroe, where he purchased thirty acres more and has since resided. He has sold twenty acres of this place to Daniel Young. Mr. Lewis is engaged in farming and raising fruit and vegetables, to supply the markets of Monroe. He was born in Saratogo Co., N. Y., in the town of Greenfield, Aug. 16, 1821. His father, Stephen Lewis, is dead and buried in Greenfield. His mother is still living in that town. In 1855 Mr. Lewis removed to Dundee, Kane Co., 111., coming from there to Green county. He was married Nov. 28, 1846, to Margaret Anderson, a native of Canada. They have four children - Mary R., now married to Anton Miller and living in Dakota; Lena, the wife of Dr. James M Potter, of Dallas Co., Iowa; Emily J., the wife of Daniel W. Ward, also of Dallas Co., Iowa; and Anna, who is unmarried and living in Madison. She is an assistant at the insane asylum. Mrs. Lewis is a member of the Presbyterian Church. Mr. Lewis is, politically, a republican, and is a member of the I. 0. O. F.

Clark E. Bushnell was born June 18, 1825, in Madison Co., N. Y. His parents are deceased. His mother died when he was a child, and at her death requested that he (Clark) be given to her eldest brother. Her wish was complied with and he lived in the same vicinity until eighteen years old, then, in 1844, he came to Wisconsin, and located in Waukesha county. He was married Dec. 26, 1847, to Margaret Morgan, a native of western New York, and daughter of Anson and Susan (Osgood) Morgan, who were residents of this county, but are now deceased. Mr. and Mrs, Bushnell came to Green county in 1856, and have resided here since then, with the exception of one year (1861), when they lived in Iowa. On their return from Iowa, he purchased a farm of 120 acres on section 9. He enlisted in January, 1865, in company A, of the 46th Wisconsin Infantry, serving until the fall of that year, when he was mustered out at Nashville, Tenn. The children of Mr. and Mrs. Bushnell are - Amelia A., wife of D. S. Sutherland, of St. Croix Co., Wis.; Ellen J., Homer

W., deceased; Anson M., living in St. Croix county; Lettie E., Clark, Jr., living in St. Croix county; Alonzo D., also living in that county; Margaret L. and Edgar W. Mr. Bushnell is a republican and a popular citizen.

Samuel Johns, a prominent farmer of the town of Monroe, was born in Belmont Co., Ohio, May 3, 1832. He is a son of Richard and Betsy (Carleton) Johns. Samuel's history is merged in that of his father until he went for himself to Beaver Co., Penn., where he engaged in the hydraulic business, putting up machinery. In 1856 he came to this county bringing a drove of horses which he sold, and has since been extensively engaged in the horse business. During the war he bought horses for the government. Mr. Johns has traveled a great deal, especially in the west. In the spring of 1866 he went to Helena, Montana, and stayed one year, thence to Idaho, where he engaged in mercantile trade until 1867, then returned to Helena and remained until 1868, speculating. He was in Salt Lake City for a time and had a large and varied experience throughout the whole western country. In 1869 he run the mail route betweeu Monroe and Darlington six months. He then removed to the town of Mount Pleasant, thence back to Monroe, frequently changing his place of abode, until settling down on his place, a short distance northwest from Monroe. He was married Feb. 21, 1870, to Mary A. Whitesett, a native of Illinois, and a daughter of Jefferson and Betsy (Loc^- hart) Whitesett. They have three children - Lettie L., Clyde C. and Willie I. Mrs. Johns is a member of the M. E. Church.

Richard Johns, the father of the subject of the above sketch, was born in the State of Pennsylvania, July 29, 1805. His father, Nathan Johns, was from Maryland, as was the mother, Rachel (Jones) Johns. From Pennsylvania Mr. Johns moved in 1810, to Columbiana Co., Ohio, where they remained until 1849, then again removed to Pennsylvania, thence back to

Ohio, thence again to Pennsylvania, and continued in the east until they removed to Rock county. The next move brought them to this county, first settling at Juda, in 1861, where they purchased a farm. In 1866 they removed to Monroe, where the family remained three years, then removed to the town of Mount Pleasant. Afterwards he sold this property and purchased a farm on section 28, where they now live. Richard Johns was married Jan, 5, 1828, to Betsy Carleton, from Chester Co., Penn. They had ten children - Beulah A., Samuel, Susanna, Caleb C, Henry, Phebe A., Maurice R., who died in the army, Rebecca, Lavina E. and Spencer M.

Edward Underwood was born in Leicestershire, England, Aug. 13, 1831, and is a son of Josiah and Elizabeth LTnderwood. In 1857 he left England and came directly to Green county. He was married Feb. 25, 1857, in England, to Mary Underwood, daughter of Adam and Maria (Denshaw) Underwood, who are still living in England. On his arrival here, Mr. Underwood settled in the village of Monroe, and rented a small house for one and one-half years, then purchased a small house and three acres of land on the west side of the village of Monroe. He afterwards sold his house and land and rented a farm near the residence of N. Cornelius. March 22, 1870, he bought sixty acres on section 16, of the town of Monroe, where he has resided since. Mr. Underwood's brother, Josiah, came to this country in 1858. He enlisted in the 3d regiment Wisconsin Volunteers, company C, and died in the service at Baltimore. Mr. Underwood is a republican, and strongly in favor of temperance. He is a firm believer in the Christian religion, although not a member of any Church. In doctrine he is a firm believer in God's eternal election. Divine predestination, effectual calling, full and free justification through the imputed righteousness of Christ, the definite atonement by his blood-sheddings, the final perseverance of the elect only to glory through the wisdom, power,

John Gibbons is a native of Ireland, born in count}^ Gal way, June 18, 1844. He came totlie United Slates with his parents, Richard and Ellen (Joyce) Gibbons, who settled in Madison Co., N. Y., where they remained six years. In February, 1857, they came tQ Green county and located at Mount Pleasant, living there also six years. They then removed to the town of Adams, and one year later to Jordan, where they still reside. John Gibbons was married Feb. 7, 1875, to Margaret A. Knight, a native of Ohio, and daughter of Owen and Ann (Conway) Knight, residents of Adams. Four children have blessed this union - Edward, deceased; Mary E., Grace A. and Richard O. Mr. Gibbons owned a farm of eighty acres in Jordan, which he sold to liis father, previous to his removal to Monroe. He came here in 1876, and now owns 200 acres on section 3, where he resides, and sixty-two and a half acres on sections 16 and 9. Mr. Gibbons is a democrat in politics, and holds the office of town assessor, and has been a member of the town board. The family are connected with the the Catholic Church.

Joseph Keen has resided in this county since 1857. He was born in England, forty miles northwest of the city of London, Oct. 25, 1831, and is the son of John and Mary (Luck) Keen, who are still living in England. Joseph was reared on a farm, and worked two or three years in London. On coming to America he came directly to Monroe, Green county, where his uncle, James Keen, resided, with whom he remained one and a half years. He was then married, Dec. 2, 1859, to Rebecca Eley, a daughter of Henry and Elizabeth (Bennett) Eley. The former is dead, and buried in Junction cemetery. Th« latter lives with her daughter in Monroe. Mr, Keen worked his uncle's place three years, then removed to Sylvester, and worked the farm of Samuel Swan three years. He then purchased his present farm, which now contains 160 acres of fine land. He carries on mixed farming. He is a member of the M. E. Church, treasurer of the school district, and a useful and respected member of society. Mr. and Mrs. Keen have seven children - Emily L., Mary E., Avis C, Alvin J., Cora A., Eunice and Alma.

H. P. Williams, a native of Sullivan Co., N. Y., was born Nov. 27, 1811. He is a son of Thomas and Maria (Quick) Williams, both of whom are now dead, and buried in Pennsylvania. He came to that State with his parents in 1831, where he lived until 1856, when he removed to Stephenson Co., 111., and lived one year, and in 1857 came to Green county and bought the John Bailey farm, on sections 20 and 21, of 120 acres. He was married in Jefferson Co., Penn., Nov. 10, 1836, to Elizabeth Morris. She died in Pennsylvania, Oct. 19, 1841. He was again married June 24, 1845. His second wife died Feb. 18, 1880, Her name was Dorcas Steers. They had ten children - Joseph M., John M., Robert H., Hiram P., Thomas O., Mary E , Kate, Ida J., Samuel T. and Nettie O, John M. is married to Hariett Eley, now living in Pottawottamie Co., Iowa; Robert H. was married to Emma J. Corey (deceased); H. P., Jr., was married to Mary Morton, and is now living in Jo Daviess Co., III.; Thomas O. is married to Lona Stanard, and is now living in Floyd Co., Iowa; Elizabeth was married to J. A. Ellwood, now living in Montgomery Co., Iowa; Ida is married to J. J. Zumbremen, now living in Montgomery Co., Iowa, Mr, Williams is a member of the M. E. Church, and a democrat; has never sought the emoluments of office, but has been clerk of the school board for twenty-five or thirty years in Pennsylvania and Wisconsin, always serving gratis.

Martin Geigle, a native of Switzerland, was born in June, 1821. His father was Mathias Geigle, now deceased and buried in Switzerland. In 1854, Martin Geigle came to America and worked one year at Columbus, Ohio, at the mason's trade, which he had learned in Switzer- land. He then came to Wisconsin, and located at Madison, where he worked at his trade five years, after wliich he came to Green county and bought a farm of eighty acres. He now owns 377 acres and is extensively engaged in stock raising. He was married in 1855, while at Madison, to Dora Baumgartner, a native of Switzerland. They have nine living children - Mathias, Henry, Annie, Martin, Jacob, Frank, John, Samuel and Dora, Mathias is married and living in Monroe. Annie is married to Gustavus Norder, of the town of Sylvester. The family are members of the Gospel Church. Politically Mr. Geigle is republican.

Enoch South is a native of Pennsylvania, born Dec. 3, 1832. He was brought up on a farm. His parents are both deceased. In 1860 he came to Green county and settled with his parents on the old homestead. Aug. 16, 1862, he enlisted in company G, 22d Wisconsin. He was mustered in at Racine, served about thirtyfour months and was mustered out at Washington. He participated in many battles, and suffered much from ill health, consequent upon a sun stroke. Dec. 27, 1867, he was married to Lide Shultz a native of Pennsylvania. They have no children of their own. Mr. and Mrs. South are members of the M. E. Church. He now owns eighty acres on section 33, which he purchased of Mr. La Monte, in 1883. Politically he is a republican.

Rudolph Zimmerman came with his parents to Green county, from canton Glarus, Switzerland, in 1861, and settled at New Glarus, where they remained until 1863. In that year they removed Jefferson and lived three years, thence to Jordan, living there also three years, thence to Monroe City, remaining one year; then returned returned to Jefferson, and lived there until they removed to the city of Monroe. Rudolph worked for T. J. Bragg one year, then remained with his parents till 1876. He was born in the canton of Glarus, Switzerland, Jan. 16, 1856. On leaving home he hired out to G. O. Stearns, to work upon his fartn, and continued with him till 1884, when he rented Mr. Stearns' farm. He was married Jan. 16, 1881, to Fanny Zimmerman, who was born in this county. Her parents were natives of Switzerland. Mr. and Mrs. Rudolph Zimmermann have one child - Erwin G., born Oct. 7, 1882. They are connected with the Evangelical Church, and he is a member of the republican party.

John Bleiler is a native of Baden, Germany, born July 17, 1826. He is a son of George and Anna Bleiler, both of whom are dead, and buried in Baden. George Bleiler was a wagon-maker by trade, which business he followed in Baden. John, the subject of this sketch, was also a wagon-maker. He came to America, Nov. 1, 1848, locating in Duncansville, Blair Co., Penn., where he worked at his trade until 1854. From Pennsylvania he removed to South Prairie, Boone Co., 111., where he owned a farm containing eighty-three acres. He remained there ten years. He then sold out and came to Green county, 1864. He settled on section 4, in the town of Monroe, purchasing at that time the north half of that section. He now owns 120 acres more, on sections 4 and 15. He keeps good stock and raises considerable for market. He was married in Pennsylvania, to Catharine Myers, a native of Baden, and daughter of George and Mary Myers, both of whom are dead. The former is buried in Illinois, the latter, in Baden. Mr. and Mrs. Bleiler have had eleven children, eight of who are living - Anna M., wife of Jacob Cincer, of Monroe; Sarah C, wife of Herman Kreiger; Elizabeth, wife of William Velter, living in Minnesota; Lena, wife of Philip Huber, living in Illinois; George, William, Louise and John J. Mr. and Mrs. Bleiler are members of the German Evangelical Church, and he is a justice of tlie peace. He has a well improved farm and is clashed among the best farmers of the county.

Taylor Wickersham is a native of Pennsylvania, born Dec. 5, 1805. He went to Ohio in 1833, and remained there seven years, thence to Indiana, and lived three years, tbence to

Pennsylvania and remained until 1854, then came to this county, bought a saw mill and 136 acres of land, which he sold in 1864, and removed to his present place on section 20, wliere he now owns eighty-five acres. Susan K. Kimble became his wife April 23, 1833, and died Dec. 26, 1882, leaving four children - Minerva, Gideon, Meriba and David C. Gideon, a son of the subject of this sketch, has always lived at home, except in 1859, when he took a western trip to Colorado, New Mexico, and other places, and in 1864 when he enlisted in the army, in company 11, 38th regiment, Wisconsin Infantry. He was mustered in at Madison, and served about one year, when he was taken sick and returned to Washington, thence home, since which time he has engaged in farming, running a threshing machine, and carpentering. He was married Dec. 22, 1867, to Theressa DuMars, a native of Pennsylvania, but for a long time a resident of this county. They have five children - Mary A., Taylor E., Myrtis G., Thomas T. and Earl P.

Daniel Clark, son of D. W. and Elizabeth (Lucas) Clark, was born in Ohio, March 10, 1826. When nine years of age he removed with his parents to Illinois, and afterwards came to this county. His father owned a farm on section 24, of the town of Monroe. Daniel remained with his parents till 1857, when he was married to Mary Tome, who died, and he was again married to Julia Phillips, from whom he was separated, and he was again married to Christina Beattie, a native of Scotland. Hy these unions there were ten children,' six of whom were by the last marriage - William, Charles C, David B., Mamie J., Guy E. and Agnes. Mr. Clark's father is deceased and buried in Monroe. His mother lives in the city ofiMonroe. Mr. Clark served nine months in the War of the Rebellion. He now owns 120 acres of land on section 14, where he resides.

Gottlieb Pellen was born in Switzerland, Sept. 3, 1S50. In 1806 he emigrated to America with liis parents, and settled first in tlie town of

Washington, where he engaged in farming for a few years. In 1874 he came to Monroe, where he has since resided. In 1876 he was married to Elizabeth Tordi, who was also a native of Svvitzerland, by whom he has two children - M. Alice and M. Annie. Mr. and Mrs. Pellen are members of the Lutheran Church.

Jacob Kundert is a native of Glarus, Switzerland, born on the 8th of March, 1830. He was reared on a farm. Before coming to America he worked in a cotton factory five years. He emigrated to this country in 1854, locating in New Glarus, where he lived about fifteen years. On the 12th of September, 1862, he enlisted in company K, 9th Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry. He was in the battles of Prairie Grove and Red River expedition. After serving about three years, he returned to New Glarus, and soon after purchased a farm in the towns of .Jordan and Monroe. He lived on his farm in the west part of the town of Monroe, until 1883, when he removed to his present place on section 12. Mr. Kundert is one of the heaviest land-owners in the county, owning 1,100 acres. He is extensively engaged in raising stock and making cheese. He has 140 milch cows of his own, and makes Swiss cheese a specialty. When he came to America he was in debt $100, but by hard labor and perseverance he has accumulated a considerable fortune. He was married May J 6, 1851, to Barbara Kundert, also a native of canton Glarus, Switzerland, where they were married. They have raised quite a large family - Jacob, deceased; Jacob, living; Sarah, Barbara, Abraham, Ruday, Lena, Anna, buried in New Glarus; Henry, "^i^homas, Frederick, buried in Union cemetery, Monroe; Frederick, living; Anna and John. Mr. and Mrs. Kundert and family are members of the Lutheran Church. In politics he is an independent.

W. F. Hint/.tnaii settled in .Jiida, in the town of .Jefferson, in the spring of 1868. He engaged in farming two years, then followed mercantile life for nine years, in Jnda and Brod- head, selling dry goods. In 1879 he removed to his present home on section 23, town of Monroe, where he owns 150 acres of land, and is engaged in stock raising. He was born in Prussia, twenty-four miles east of Berlin, Aug. 31, 1848, and is the son of David and Mary (Heis) Hintzman. His father, David Hintzraan, is dead, and buried in Juda cemetery. His mother is living with her daughter, Mrs. Buer, in Juda. He attended school in his native country until fourteen years old, then worked three years learning the gardener's trade, after which he worked three years in Stettin, as practical gardner. He was married Sept. 18, 1870, to Christina Caplin, who was born near Stettin, in Prussia. She was a daughter of Michael and Dorotha (Hartwig) Caplin. She died Feb. 25, 1882, leaving seven children - Mary E., Emma V., Ida J., Clara H., Arthur W. and Anna C. and Lena (twins). Ella E. is deceased. Mr. Hintzraan was again married to Rosa Knipshnild July 17, 1882. She is daughter of Adam Knipshnild, who was formerly a wagon maker in Monroe. One child has blessed this union - Edward S. Mr. and Mrs. Hintzman are members of the Evangelical Church at Monroe. He is a republican in politics.

Emanuel Dettwiler was born in Langenbruck, Baselland, Switzerland, Oct. 13, 1836, and is a son of Henry and Anna Dettwiler. He came to America in 1864 and located in Tioga Co., Penn., where he remained one year, then went to Delaware Co., Ohio, remaining there, also, one year. He then returned to Switzerland on a visit. On his return to this country, he came to Green county and engaged in farming one summer, then rented a farm for two years of John Jennie. He was married Oct. 24, 1867, to Rosena Marty, a native of Switzerland, the marriage ceremony being performed by the Rev. Mr. Hagermaji, a Lutheran minister. He next rented a farm in what is known as "Dutch Hollow," for one year, after which he bought 120 acres on section 13. He also owns ten acres of titrtber on sectioti 19. He removed to this place in 1869, since which it has been his residence. Mr. and Mrs- Dettwiler have nine children - Henry W., Emma E. and Annie M. (twins), John J., Ida R., Frederick M., Otto E., Jocum and Ernest E. Mr. Dettwiler is independent in politics, and in religion he is, with his family, a Lutheran. He has a desirable home and is an industrious and thrifty farmer.

Rudolph Benkert is a native of Bern, Switzerland, born May 22, 1841. He is a son of John and Magdaline (Murrer) Benkert, who now reside in the town of Jefferson. He came to America in 1851 and settled in Oneida Co., N. Y., where he lived until 1867, when he removed to Monroe, Wis., and lived with his parents until 1871. He then purchased a farm on section 9. In 1881 he sold out and removed to section 4, where he purchased 150 acres of land. On the l7th of February, 1871, he was married to Catharine Zimmerman, daughter of Jacob Zimmerman, who resides in the town Washington. The result of this union was six childi'en - Frederick, Charles, Emma, Ida, Rudolph, Jr. and Robert. Mr. Benkert is a practical cheese maker, having worked at that business in Switzerland, and now owns a factory on his farm. In September, 1863, he enlisted in company C, 1st New York Mounted Rifles. He was mustered in at Albany, and out at City Point. He served to the close of the war, participating in the battles of Williamsburg and Cold Harbor. His regiment did scouting and guard duty most of the time. For six months he acted as dispatch carrier. He was wounded in each arm in a cavalry charge at Bontack, Va., and while on duty was only sick two weeks during enlistment. They are members of the Lutheran Church. He is a republican, politically.

John G. Faeser, a native of Baden, was born May 20, 1836. His father, John A. Faeser, died while crossing the ocean in 1853. His mother died in 1871, in Jordan. John A. Faeser was a contractor and builder of stone work, and his son, John G., of this sketch, learned the same tiade, which he followed four years in Westmoreland Co., Penn., where he, with his mother and sister, settled on their arrival in America. In 1857 they came to Green county and settled in the town of Jordan, where he purchased 100 acres of land, afterwards forty acres, and still later 220 acres, making in all 360 acres. In 1876 he moved into Monroe, where he remained three months. He then traded one farm in Jordan for city property in Monroe and forty-six acres in Clarno, which he sold and bought his present farm in 1880. It contains 117 acres, located in Monroe. He was married Dec. 31, 1862, to Anna E. Uitiger, a native of Switzerland, but at the time of marriage a resident of Monroe. They have had eight children, five of whom are living - John A., Anna, Frederick R,, Elizabeth and Lene. Three children are buried with their grandmother in Jordan. Mr. and Mrs. Faeser are members of the Evangelical Church in Monroe. He casts his vote with the republican party.

Rock Co., Wis., July 6, 1848. His parents are botii dead, and buried in Gap Church cemetery, in Decatur. His father was an active Christian and deeply interested in Church work. He (Mr. Whitcomb, Sr.) and his wife were among the first members of the Monticello Gap Church. R. C. Whitcomb, when one year old, went with his parents to Mount Pleasant, where he was reared upon a farm, and remained upon the same place until 1879. He was married June 8, 1874, to Margaretta Fitch, daughter of Benjamin and Sarah (Smith) Fitch, of Ohio. Mr. Fitch was formerly overseer of the poor farm at Mount Pleasant, but now resides in Mahaska Co., Iowa. Mr, Whitcomb is the present overseer of the poor farm, a position that he has held since 1879. Mrs. Whitcomb, before her marriage, taught school at Mount Pleasant, in this county, and in Oskaloosa, Iowa, They have two children - Eva G., born July 7, 1882, and Walter J., born Nov. 15, 1883. Mr. and Mrs. Whitcomb are members of the Baptist Church at the Gap, in the town of Decatur. He is a republican.

This beautiful and enterprising city had its origin almost half a century ago, when the beautiful and fertile region of southern Wisconsin was just beginning to attract the attention of those in search of homes, and the surroundings were as free and wild almost as the time when the stars of the morning sang anthems of joy at nature's dawn. The changes from the primitive to the developed state have been constant and rapid. It has been comparatively, one continuous change from the moment of its projection until Monroe of to-day stands forth as one of the most beautiful^ as well as most important business cities of the State. While there may have been nothing really remarkable in the development of the past, or nothing peculiarly striking in the present, still there is much that cannot fail to interest and fascinate not only those who have been closely connected and identified with the city in all the various changes that have occurred from year to year, but the general reader as well. Endowed with many natural advantages, aided by the strength of enterprising husbandry. Green county has assumed a high position among the best and wealthiest of her sister counties throughout the State, and Monroe, the first town within her borders, has kept pace with the improvement and advancements.

Monroe is situated a few miles south and west of the center of Green county. One line of railway passes through the city - the southern branch of the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul. It passes through from east to west, and furnishes excellent marketing and shipping facili finest and most productive*|^agricultural and stock raising lands in the State, which is a guarantee of a permanent and ever increasing trade.

There are many fine and substantial brick and stone blocks to be seen upon the business thoroughfares, and a stroll through the city discloses many elegant and costly dwellings. There are a number of tine church edifices and and excellent buildings for educational purposes. In respect to religious and educational advantages, Monroe ranks among the best cities in the State of Wisconsin, An abundance of shade trees adorn the streets, which, in summer adds greatly to the beauty of the place. The location is exceedingly healthy, tiie inhabitants are possessed of a high degree of intelligence, and the society is of tiie most refined and desirable character.

The Beginning

The land upon which the city of Monroe has since been built, was entered from the United States government by Joseph Payne and Jarvis Rattan. Payne came here from the southern part of Illinois in 1832, and first settled in the territory, which now comprises the town of Clarno. His earlier movements are treated at length in the chapter upon the history of that town. About 1834, he made a claim on section 35, township 2, range V, taking 160 acres. He piled up a lot of clap-boards upon the land to mark the claim, which, grew to be a "land mark" to the settlers in this region, remaining about two years. In the meantime he had begun improvements on the land, hiring a quasities. The city is surrounded by some of the scout, named Bradley, to break some ground.

During the year 188ti [or as some claim 1837] Payne erected a little log cabin which stood near the present site of Dr. Byers' residence. It was a small building, probably 16x16 feet in size, one story in height, constructed of logs, covered with shakes, and floored with puncheons. A rude affair, yet in those days it was considered a very comfortable dwelling. Payne lived in the village until about 1842, then moved to the town of Cadiz, where he remained for some years, when having got in trouble through killing a man - an affair which is treated at length elsewhere in this volume - he fled the country. He finally drifted to California, where he died in 1881. Prior to his coming to the village, and during his residence in the town of Clarno, he had taken part in all the early transactions and inconveniences of pioneer life in that region ; participating in the Black Hawk War, and all of the scouting expeditions which took place during and growing out of that war.

Jarvis Rattan came here in 1836, from Illinois, and entered eighty acres of land adjoining Payne's claim, building a cabin near the ''Town Spring." He was a single man, but kept house. He lived there for a few years, when he sold a part of his claim to Jacob Ly Brand. He afterward married Miss Pierce and moved to a farm about two miles southeast of the city, lie remained there until 1844, when he removed to the town of Washington. He now lives in California.

Jacob Ly Brand came here from Pennsylvania, in 1837, and purchased a third interest in the town of New Mexico, and some land of Joseph Payne.

Mr. Russell became interested here at about the same time as Mr. Ly Brand. He was a land speculator, fr<nn Rhode Island, and was representing some large company. When the city ol Monroe was platted, he donated eighty acres of land to the county, forty of which was to be used for educational purposes, and this, when platted, look tlie name of Russell's donation.

In 1835 Judge Jacob Andrick came from Indiana and entered land which he subsequently laid out as the village of Is'ew iMexico. Judge Andrick remained here for about twenty years, when lie removed to Kansas. He is now dead.

In IS38, immediately after the organization of the County, there arose a contest for the county seat, which had the effect of preventing emigration while it lasted, and of inducing many who had come, to go away. Shortly before the county was organized. Judge Andrick had laid out his town, which he called New Mexico; but he neglected to have it recorded at the land office at Mineral Point. It was supposed that this town - New Mexico - would be the county seat of the proposed county, and in fact this was the only reason by which Judge Andrick was induced to plat the village. Mr. Payne besought Andrick to sell him an interest in it, which the judge refused to do. Payne then laid out a town, immediately north of An- <1 rick's town, and north of the railroad track.

James Campbell, who was Payne's surveyor, used to tell the story that, while they were surveying, Mr. Payne stopped work to make a last effort to purchase a share in New Mexico, and that he remarked on his return from his fruitless visit to Andrick: "New Mexico isn't recorded, and if that old fool won't let any one else have half the county seat, he shan't have any part of it himself." The act of the Burlington legislature, which made this a county, also located the county seat at New Mexico, referring, of course, to Judge Andrick's town. As soon as this act was passed, Mr. Payne named his town New Mexico, and hastened to the land office at Mineral Point. A few miles behind hira rode Judge Andrick, pursuing him, "compared to which," as Miss Bingham, in her History of Green County, says, "the most rapid movements of the Indians who followed him in 1832, and of the sheriff who sought him in 1844, were as the crawling of a -snail." Mr. Payne reached Mineral Point before Judge Andrick, and got his New Mexico on record firi^t, which made it the county seat by law. But moved by a petition which was presented by Mr. Sutlierland, the member from Green county, thd^legislatnre ' at its next session repealed this law and appointed three commissioners to select a comity seat. These commissioners, after looking the county over, selected a place which they called Roscoe, about two miles northeast of the present city of Monroe. This place was not acceptable to the people of the county. It was then represented to the legislature that the selection of Roscoe as the county seat was improperly secured. However, the former act was repealed and it was decided that the question of county seat should be decided by a vote of the people. In the meantime it was undertaken to dig a well in Mr. Payne's town, but after digging about forty feet, those interested in it became discouraged and gave up the attempt. The belief became general then that the county seat must be at some place where water could be more easily obtained, and Messrs. Payne, Ly Brand and Russell offered to give the county 120 acres of land near the spring. Mr. Russell subsequently gave another forty acres for the benefit of a county seminary. Mr. Andrick had also abandoned the hope of making his town the county seat and united with others in claiming the honor for a site, which was situated a short distance south of Roscoe. At the election in May, 1839, the point at issue seems to have been not as much the comparative merits of the sites under consideration, as the comparative popularity of the men who had selected them, and the tickets of one party were marked: "For Andrick, Wilcoxon and Sutherland," while those of the other party read: "For Payne, Ly Brand and Russell." The vote was a tie. A second election was held in June, and, although there were cast six votes more than at the other election, the result was a second tie. This result, it was said, was inadvertently brought about by Mr. Ly Brand. On election day each party k»iew how many voters it had in town, and knew, too, that Mr. Ly Brand's side had one more man than the other. To make assurance doubly sure Ly Brand sent into the country for another voter, paying his messenger $2.50 for the trip. T'he man, whose name was Elias Luttrell, came, but much to Mr. Ly Brand's surprise, he voted with the opposition. A third election was heid in August. Andrick and Sutherland were now the champions of a site which was almost in the geographical centre of the county, but as votes were cast for the men rather than for the places, it was probable that the election would result like the others, in a tie, when Mr. Ly Brand, taking advantage of the great popularity of a peculiar kind of hat, braided by Mrs. Rust, offered to give one of them to a young man named Porter if he would induce some miners at Sugar River Diggings to come to the polls. The offer was accepted, and the votes thus gained located the county seat. The selection of a name for the town was left to Dr. Harcourt, one of the county commissioners, and he chose the name of Monroe.

In the meantime the growth of Monroe and New Mexico had begun, and signs of business life were visible. The two places were so near together that they will be treated almost as one.

The first business place opened was on the site of New 3Iexico. It was the establishment of O. C. Smith and Mr. Binninger, and was run by O. C. Smith. This was started in 1837. They erected a little hewn log building, 18x20 feet in size, which stood just east and south of the railroad bridge of to-day. They kept a general assortment of goods, making the sale of whisky a specialty, and ran for about two years, when they closed out their business. Smith remained in Monroe until the time of his death. Binninger removed to California.

A short time after Smith & Binninger got into running order, Jacob Lybrand established a store on the west side of what is now Lincoln P.uk. He erected the first frame building on the site, and ran the store - which, for those days, was an unusually good one^for a number of years. He was afterwards associated in partnership with J. W. Rogers. Mr. LyRi:and died in Minnesota.

In 1836 Payne, Benninger & SniiLli put up quite an extensive building just north of the railroad bridge. It was two stories high, about 26x36 feet, with a wing. Payne opened the building as a tavern, keeping a good stock of whisky. He ran the hotel for a few years, after which it was run by various parties. Part of the old building now forms a portion of the planing mill.

John Hart, an Englishman, came here with his family in 1840, and opened a stock of goods in a building which stood a little east and south of the railroad bridge. He soon after moved his building to the north side of the square, where he remained for a time, and then went to Milwaukee.

In the summer of 1840 a building intended for a temporary court house was erected where the United States house is now located. The contract was let to A. J. Sutherland and James Campbell. Before its completion, in the fall, however, it was consumed by fire.

About 1843 the first tavern was put up by John Walling. It stood on the north side, two lots from the west corner. It was an extensive building for those days, being two stories high, and containing a number of rooms. It was opened as a tavern by the proprietor. He was succeeded by Joseph Payne, and the latter by J. Kelly as landlord. It was then closed for a time, and subsequently opened by Thomas Gillette, after whom came Willard Payne. The building was finally moved away. This tavern, while it was open to the public, was the favorite [)lace of resort for all this region, and almost every evening, in pioneer days, the bar room

In 1844 Jacob Ly Brand moved his building to the south side of what now forms the court house square, and kept his store there for a number of years. He then erected a building on the Tiortli side and moved his goods there.

At about the same time, in 1844, Charles Hart started a store on the corner where the bank now stands. He ran there for a few years, then sold out his stock of goods and removed to Rockton, HI.

In 1846, while Ly Brand's store was still running, A. Ludlow opened . a store. Prior to this time he had been driving a peddler's wagon through this region, suj)plying the settlers and stores with goods, all the way from Chicago to Madison. In 1846 he opened a store, using one of the buildings that had been moved to the north side. Mr. Ludlow continued in trade here for a few years, and then rented a building which N. Cornelius had erected on the east side of the square. It was about 22x30 feet in size, and two stories in height, with a basement. In this building Mr. Ludlow carried on the largest part of the business done in Monroe. In 1848 Mr. Ludlow erected a three story brick building, the first building of that material used for business purposes in the village. For a time he was associated with Benjamin Chenowith. He finally sold to George Hoffman.

In 1849 Milton Kelly came here from Pennsylvania and started a store in a building which had been erected for hira by Frank Emerson. It was a fair building, 20x30 feet in size, a story and a half in height, and stood on the east side a little above the center of the block. Mr. Kelly ran a store here for about four or five years. Thus the improvement went on. At the outset the growth of the city met with a severe backset in the financial panic which began in 1837, and continued for several years. Business of all kinds was stagnated, and the most enterprising men became hopeless and de.

spondont. During these years, but little was accomplished, and nothing of importance in the way of business development was done. But as the latter part of the decade between 1840 and 1850 was speeding by business picked up; settlers began to arrive, and from 1850 to 1857 marked progress was made. Then came the financial crash of 1857-8, and again business was almost paralyzed. Immediately succeeding this came the outbreak of the Rebellion, accompanied by the demand for money and men. Times were very hard for Monroe in those days, the darkest days in its history. After tiie close of the war the prospects began to brighten. New faces began to be seen; business revived and the people, too, seemed to have regained some of the business energy and enterpi-ise of olden times. Reinforcements came in from the eastern Slates and across the water, and Monroe and Green county, took a marked forward step. Since that time the growth has been sure and steady, save the brief interruption caused by the financial panic of 1873. Magnificent blocks have been built; elegant dwellings erected; fine schools and Churches established and sustained, and all the concomitants of a healthy, thriving business city have sought their way here until Monroe city of to-day has become the pride of Green county.

Plat Of New Mexico

On the 28th of October, 1836, the town of New Mexico was surveyed by Abner Van Sant, for Joseph Payne, Jacob Binninger and Owen C. Smith. It was platted on section 2, township 11 north, range 7, and contained twenty blocks, one of which was left for a public square. The papers were acknowledged before RobertDougherty, a justice of the peace of Mineral Point.

On the 7th of April, 1839, Jarvis Rattan made an addition to New Mexico. It laid directly north of the original plat, and extended to what was afterward platted as Ly Brand's donation (Monroe). The addition was just the size of

On the 26th of March, 1856, Jacob and John H. Andrick, James Bintliff and F. H. West made an addition to New Mexico, which laid south of the original plat. It was sworn to before J. B. Galusha.

Plat Op The City Op Monroe

On the 24tli of August, 1839, Jacob Ly Brand deeded to the county a tract of land described as the north half of the west half of the southwest quarter of section 35, township 2 north, range 7 east. This was to secure the location of the county seat at this place. This done, a committee was appointed by the citizens of the county to represent them in the matter, and attend to laying out the city. This committee consisted of James Hawthorn, John Chryst and Daniel Harcourt. The land was deeded to them and they accordingly secured the services of William Gravath, the district surveyor, in laying it out into lots and block^. This was done in December, 1839, the plat being recorded on the 23d of that month. This tract of land took the name of "Ly Brand's donation." It embraces the present court house square, which lies directly in the center of the donation.

Russell's and Payne's donations were also deeded and laid out at the same time. Joseph Payne's donation was the same as that of Ly Brand, and laid just east and adjoining it. Russell's donation embraced tlie same amount of land, and laid to the west of Ly Brand's. The streets of the city, as then laid out, were named as follows: Those running north and south, commencing at the east - Adams, Ly Brand, Green, Van Buren, Madison, Jefferson, Jackson, Monroe, Market, Clinton, Fulton and Franklin. Those running east and west, commencing at the north, were named: Payne, Rus sell, Washington and Racine. The streets were about sixty feet, and alleys twenty feet in width. The committee to whom the above lands were deeded, acknowledged the plat before James Riley, justice of the peace. The county com-

In April, 1848, Josiah V. Richardson surveyed Wadsworth Foster's addition to Monroe. It consisted of about five blocks, lying just south of Payne's donation.

In November, 1849, W. M. Tall man made an addition of about ten blocks to the city, lying just north of Ly Brand's donation. Mr. Richardson was the surveyor.

Emerson & Moulton's was the next addition made to the city. It was made in May, 1854, by Francis Emerson and Salena Moulton; being surveyed by Samuel Spangler. It embraced a little over fifteen blocks, and laid just south of Russell's donation, and west of Rattan's addition to New Mexico.

The first railroad addition to Monroe, was made on the 15th of November, 1854. It embraced about five blocks and laid just north of where the track is now located.

In May, 1855, W. Foster made his second addition to Monroe. It laid just east of Rattan's addition to New Mexico, and south of Foster's first addition to Monroe. It embraced about fourteen blocks.

On the 12th of February, 1856, Evans' addition to Monroe was made by Enoch Evans, surveyed by George M. O'Brien. It laid just west of Russell's donation.

Scott's addition to Monroe was surveyed on the 24th of June, 1856, by George M. O'Brien for Jane Scott. It laid west of Evans' addition, and embraced about twelve whole blocks.

Brodhead's addition was surveyed in November, 1856, by W. W. Card. The proprietors were: Edward H. Brodhead, B. Dunwiddie, A. Ludlow and John A. Bingham.

A. Ludlow's addition was made Nov. 20, 1856; surveyed by J. V. Richardson. It embraced about twenty blocks and laid just east of Payne's donation.

Incorporation

During the winter of 1857-8 the question of incorporating Monroe as a village, under the provisions of the statute, was agitated, and it culminated in the spring of 1858 in the election of officers and organization as a village. The first election for village officers was held in April, when the followijig named were chosen: Trustees, John A. Bingham, George E. Dexter, Charles Leissing, Elisha Mosher and John W. Stewart. The first meeting of the board of trustees was held on Aj)ril 14, 1858, when John W. Stewart was elected president, and William W. Wright clerk of the board.

Among ths first official acts of the board, was the passage of the following: "It being creditably represented to this board that the smallpox now prevails in the family of Ulrich Kleb, a resi<lent of Monroe; therefore, it is ordered that the said Ulrich Kleb remain closely within his dwelling, and that he cause each and every member of his family to remain closel J within his dwelling until further order of this board." A penalty of $25 was imposed for the violation of this order, and Mr. Kleb was also instructed to post upon his door a sign printed in German and English, bearing the words "Small Pox Here," as a warning.

Another I'ule was passed at the same time, imposing tine of fifty cents upon each member of the board who should be tardy or absent, "unless a bona fide and satisfactory excuse be rendered.

1862. - Trustees, John A. Bingham, president, Charles Leissing, E. T. Gardner, W. Foster and B. Dunwiddie; assessor, J. V. Richardson; treasui-er, Samuel Chandler; clerk, W. W. Wright; marshal, William Bowers; street commissioner, William Rean; pound-master, William Bowers; sexton, Patrick Collins; chief engineer of the fire department, W. W. Wright; fire warden, Anton Miller.

1863. - Trustees, B. Chenoweth, president, E. T. Gardner, W. Foster, J. B. Treat and B. Dunwiddie; treasurer, Samuel Chandler; assessor, Asa Richardson; clerk, W. W. Wright; marshal, Edmund Hill; street commissioner, William Rean; sexton, Patrick Collins; poundmaster, George P. Hedge; chief engineer of fire department, W. W. Wright; fire warden, Anton Miller.

1865 - Trustees, Lauren Hurlbut, president, Benjamin Chenowith, J. B. Treat, E. E. Carr and D. W. Ball; treasurer, Samuel Chandler; assessor, William Gray; clerk and chief of fire department, W. W. Wright; marshal, J. Smith Smock; street commissioner, P. P. Pinney; pound-master, A. G. Manchester; sexton, Patrick ('ollins; fire warden, Abraham Kobb.

1866 - Trustees, E. P. Treat, president, B. Chenowith, James VanDyke, Antone Miller and J. B. Galusha; assessor, William Gray; treasurer, Samuel Chandler; clerk and chief of fire department, W. W. Wright; street commissioner, William Rean; pound master, A. G. Manchester; sexton, Patrick Collins; fire wardens, Antone Miller and S. W. Abbott.

1867 - Trustees, E. P. Treat, president, J. H. VanDyke, Samuel B. Mack, Barney Becker and Antone Miller; treasurer, Samuel Chandler; assessor, William Gray; clerk and chief of fire department, W. W. Wright; marshal, William Brown; fire wardens, S. W. Abbott and Antone Miller.

1869 - Trustees, B. Dunwiddie, president, Andrew Buehler, George Goodrich, J. F. Pool and E. Mosher; treasurer, John Bolender; assessor, S. W. Abbott; clerk, Edmund Bartlett; chief engineer tire department, Norman Churchhill; sexton, Patrick Collins; street commissioner, John Strawser; marshal, W. H. Brown; pound-master, Moses Gregory; tire wardens, S. W. Abbott and W. W. Wright.

1872 - Trustees, J. K. Eilert, president, J. S. Smock, C. E. Adams, Henry Hoehn and N. B. Treat; assessor and treasurer, William Gray; marshal, Samuel Adams;sexton and pound-master, William Bowers; clerk, Edmund Bartlett.

E. Adams, Andrew Buehler, B. Johnson and George Spangler; assessor and treasurer, William Gray; clerk, Edmund Bartlett; street commissioner, John Strawser.

F. S. Parlin, E. P. Treat, L. Weber and B. Dunwiddie; treasurer, Nathaniel Treat; assessor, William Gray; justice ef the peace, S. W. Abbott; constable, P. P. Pinney; clerk, A. S. Douglas.

1876 - Trustees, William Brown, president, J. C. Barber, George Spangler, John Scannel and L. Weber; treasurer, L. Seltzer; assessor, William Gray; justice of the peace, L. Rote; clerk, A. S. Douglas.

1877 - Trustees, N. Churchill, president, J. H. Bridge, B. Chenoweth, P. Sheehan and J. K. Eilert; justice of the peace, S. W. Abbott; constable, Willard Payne; treasurer, L. Seltzer; assessor, L. Frankenberger; clerk, P. J. Clauson.

1879 - Trustees, L. B.Johnson, president, J. C. Barber, W. S. McCracken, A, Buehler and John Scannel; clerk, Lewis Rote; treasurer, Edward Ruegger; assessor, Thomas Emerson; justice of the peace, S. W. Abbott; constable, Daniel Ilawver.

Monroe was incorporated as a city by an act of the legislature, approved March 25, 1882. The act took effect from and after its passage. The incorporation was a surprise to many. The following is a list of eity officers for that year : W. Wright, mayor ; G. W. Galusha and Lewis Weber, aldermen in 1st ward. Mr. Weber resigned, and Dr. S. W. Abbott was appointed. George Spangler and John Carroll, aldermen in 2d ward ; William Bragg, treasurer ; A. S.

The following is a list of officers for 1883 : W. Wright, mayor ; J. B. Galusha and W. J. Miller, aldermen Ist ward ; J. P. Carroll and George Spangler, aldermen, 2d ward ; Thomas Emmerson, assessor ; A. S. Douglass, clerk ; John Salley, treasurer ; William Rean, street commissioner and marshal.

In 1884 the following gentlemen filled the local offices of this city : George Spangler, mayor; W. J. M iller and W. P. Bragg, aldermen, 1st ward; J. P. Carroll and Stephen Miller, aldermen in 2d ward ; Nelson Darling, treasurer ; Thomas Emmerson, assessor ; A. S. Douglass, clerk; William Rean, street commissioner and marshal.

"On reading and tiling the claim of William Rean for pay for one sheep killed by dogs, and on hearing the testimony of George Phillips' showing that said sheep could not have survived the injuries received by said dogs; and, it appearing that said Rean caused the said sheep to be slaughtered to save its life; and after having read the law on that subject, on diotion it was ordered that there is hereby appropriated out of the dog fund in the village treasury, the snm of $4 to be paid to said William Rean, as provided for by the statute in such cases made and provided."

Business Devblopment

The first stores have already been treated. As a rule they handled general stocks of merchandise, or a little of everything. In a few years, however, as trade increased and the business of Monroe began to assume city proportions, the " general merchandising " gradually separated, and the various stores handled one line exclusively. In 1884, the various lines of trade were represented in Monroe, by the following named firms and individuals.

Groceries and crockery - L. B. Johnson, Treat & Co., D. S. Young & Co., Glascott & Bragg, Roth & Weber, Studley & Lichtenwalner, Carroll Bros. Phifer, Shindler Bros, and Charles B. Churchill. The last named handles crockery exclusively.

Gents furnishing goods and merchant tailoring establishments - Hoehn & Weber, Peter Spahr, Randall, Gibbons & Co., A. Wettengill & Son, J. Cohn and Kneeland & Co.

Wagon, carriage^ and sleigh manufacturers - Monroe Manufacturing Company, P. Miller, Thomas Patterson, Fitzgibbons Bros., Andrew Buchler and Mr. Lantz.

The first bank in the city was established, in 1854, by John A. Bingham, and was known as Bingham's Exchange Bank. The following fall the firm became Ludlow, Bingham & Co., composed of A. Ludlow, J. A. Bingham and Asa

Richardson. In 1856 the company erected a building for banking purposes, during which year J. W. Stewart became interested in the business. His connection with the bank, however, was of short duration.

On the 1st of May, 1856, the bank of Monroe was organized under the State laws, with John A. Bingham, president; A. Ijudlow, vicepresident, and J. B. Galusha, cashier. In 1861 Richardson & Ludlow became sole proprietors.

On the 12th of January, 1864, the First National Bank was organized, and a few years later the Monroe Bank was merged into it. The first ofiicers of the National Bank were: John A. Bingham, president; B. Chenoweth, cashier; directors: G. W. Huffman, Joseph Perrine, John A. Bingham, B. Chenoweth and M. Marty. In June, 1865, Asa Richardson became president and J. B. Galusha, cashier. The directors were: A. Richardson, A. Ludlow, William Brown, G. W. Huffman and Joseph Perrine. Mr. Galusha has since held the position of cashier. In January, 1875, A. Ludlow was elected president and has since retained that position. The present officers are: A. Ludlow, president; Joseph B. Treat, vice-president; J.

B. Galusha, cashier, and Henry Ludlow, assistant cashier. The present condition of the bank is shown by the facts that it has a capital stock paid up of $100,000; surplus fund, $45,000; undivided profits, $3,970; individual deposits subject to check, $110,583; certificates of deposit, $132,947.17; total, $437,501.04. The bank is well equipped with fire and burglar proof safes.

The Citizens Bank, located on the south side of the square, was organized March 19, 1883, and opened on the 1st of April, 1883. The following were the first and are the present officers: Directors, J. Bolender, president; H.

C. Witmer, vice-president; Samuel Lewis, cashier, H. Durst and G. T. Hodges. The bank is a reliable and permanent institution, and does a large business.

This city has six establishments devoted to this branch of business. The first building erected for hotel purposes was the second frame house built in the place, and located in Mexico, near the present site of the railroad bridge. It was built in 1836, and being 26x86 feet, the main part two stories, was considered at that time a fine establishment, and "Our Hotel" was a source of pride to the embryo town, and frequent allusion was made to it, as a substantial improvement, sufficient to meet the wants of the people for a long time to come. In this building was held the first terra of circuit court, and it was used for A'arious purposes many years. This building now constitutes a part of the "Monroe Planing Mill." Boarding houses and small hotels were improvised and variously constructed from time to time, and after a brief existence were merged into other improvements, but during early days the "hotel par excellence" was the one mentioned. It was built by Joseph Payne, Smith and Binninger.

Another hotel of an early day was called the "Monroe House," and was built in 1843 by John Walling, but before entirely finishing it, he sold out to Joseph Payne. In the spring of 1845 it was transferred to Joseph Kelley, who built an addition and improved its appearance generally. In connection he erected a feed stable, and continued in the hotel business there for eleven years, when the property was sold to Willard Payne, and afterward gave way to more pretentious buildings, and was moved back from the north side of the square. It is now occupied partly as a dwelling house and partly as a store house.

Another was the American House, which was originally an old store building, reconstructed and opened by Edward Reynolds some time about 1845. It passed through various hands, and seemed at times to have a sort of precarious existence, having suffered much by fire and disaster. There was a livery stable in connection.

run by J. Campbell. The whole property is excellently located on the southwest corner of the public square, but the building is not in good condition. It was bought in 1862 by Joshua Trickle, who utilizes a portion of it for a saloon and billiard hall. The stable portion is used for a tin shop by Charles French, and the cellar for a pop factory by Louis Stoll.

Another hotel was known by the name of Spring Hotel, and was owned by Rudolph Greenwald, and was located near the present site of the Green County House.

The Green County House is a two story hiproofed building, containing twenty-nine rooms, and was erected in 1866 by Rudolph Greenwald, who was himself the proprietor for a number of years, when he sold out to Emanuel Weisrailler, who continued as landlord a number of years, when the property again changed hands and came into the possession of John Eisley, who ran the same a short time, and traded it to Mr. Freidley. Meanwhile the property had been encumbered, and soon after the latter transfer, fell into the hands of A. Ludlow, who leased it to Jacob and William Osborne, who together managed the affairs of the house for a season, or until Jacob took entire charge. At the expiration of their lease Mr. Ludlow made an arrangement with his brother, Calvin, who immediately assumed the duties of landlord, and continued in the business six years, or until 1882. On the 1st day of March, of that year, Fred Thomm became the owner, and is now the proprietor. The property is valued at $10,000. In connection with the house there is a feed stable, 32x100 feet, where fifty-four horses can be accommodated.

Fred Thomm, proprietor of the Green County House, was born in Switzerland, Dec. 25, 1843. When eight years old he came to America and located in the town of Washington, this county, on a farm, where he remained until 1864, when he went to St. Louis; thence to Illinois, and worked on the river, floating logs on rafts. He then, after a short time, returned to St. Louis and woi-ked in a butcher shop, and subsequently followed the same business in Milwaukee and Monroe. In February, 1868, he went to California, where he engaged in all kinds of work. He also visited Oregon and Washington Territory. In the fall of 18V1 he came to Monroe, and again engaged in the butcher business. In 1882 he bought the Green County House. April 15, 1871, he was married to Maldda Kafer, by whom he has three children - Mary, Freddie and Frankie. He is a member of the I. O. O. F. and A. O. U. W.

The Monroe House was built by Casper Oswald in 1865, and is located on Jackson street, near the public square. It is a two story frarne building, containing twenty-one rooms. Mr. Oswald ran the house for a time, and then rented it to Casper Baker, his brother in-law. At the expiration of Baker's lease, or before, the property was sold to Peter Zweifel, at a cost of about $4,000. With his brother he managed the house about four years, when it was rented to FredThomm and John Blum for one year, the rental agreed upon being $600, After that Mrs. Zweifel ran it until May, 1883, when Wittwer & Isely, the present proprietors, bought the property for $7,500, and manage the business themselves. They also have a feed stable for the accommodation of patrons, which will hold twenty-seven horses.

The City Hotel is on the corner of Racine and Jackson streets. A part of the building was erected in 1854, and used many years for a furniture shop. It was built and the business carried on by Antoine Miller, who, in 1879, concluded to keep hotel, and after making some improvements and additions, opened it to the public. It is a two story building, containing thirty rooms, and has in connection one of the largest stables in the city. This property is valued at $9,000.

business for a time and was succeeded by E. Reynolds. Robert Witter came next, and was succeeded by Mr. Lambert, followed in turn by E. Hill, E. Mosher and Ruegger & Schuetze. On the 7th of March, 1865, Louis Schuetze purchased the property and is still proprietor and landlord. He is the oldest hotel keeper in the city. The hotel building proper is 88x100 feet in size, two stories and a basement in height, and contains sixteen comfortable sleeping rooms Mr. Schuetze has two other buildings which he runs in connection with the house, making an addition of seventeen rooms. There are four stables in connection, furnishing a capacity for 100 horses.

Louis Schuetze, proj)rietor of the United States Hotel, at Monroe, was born in Prenzlan, Pi-ussia, Jan. 9, 1842. In 1855 he emigrated to America with his parents who located at Stevens Point, Wis,, and there he resided until Aug. 7, 1861, when he enlisted in the 9th Wisconsin Infantry, as private. He was subsequently promoted to the rank of 2d lieutenant. He participated in many engagements, and was aid-de-camp upon Gen. Steele's staff on the Red River expedition. In July, 1863, he was promoted to the rank of 1st lieutenant. In November of the same year he went to Little Rock, Ark. He was mustered out of service by reason of expiration of his term of enlistment, at Milwaukee, Dec, 7, 1864. Then he came to Mouroe and engaged in keeping hotel, which business he has since followed. He was married in Monroe, to Anna Spahr, Dec. 7, 1865, who died ten weeks after. He was again married to Caroline Miller, Oct. 26, 1867. By this union there are six children - George H., Albert J., William H., Louis G., Frederick W, and Alma, Mr, Schuetze is a member of the I. O. O. F., the G. A, R. and of the Turner society. Of the latter he has been an active and useful member. He has been in the hotel business nineteen years.

Noah Phelps, who occupied it as a residence. Some additions were subsequently made to the building, and it was then converted into a watercure establishment. In due course of time the property came into possession of Mr. Glessner, who enlarged the house and opened it as a hotel under the name of the Glessner House. It was run by Mr. Glessner for some years, and then sold to Oscar Warfield, who changed its name to that of the Warfield House. In the summer of 1883 it passed into the hands of its present proprietor, Benjamin Sutherland, who changed its name to the Sutherland House. It has a good run of patrons.

The Monroe Manufacturing Company was established in 1865, by J. B. Treat, Thomas Patterson, H. W. Whitney, L. T. Pullin and Edward Billings. H. W. Whitney was elected president and secretary, and Thomas Patterson general superintendent. They purchased land and buildings in the vicinity of Jefferson and Racine 'streets, and opened up a foundry and machine shop. They manufactured agricultural implements and wagons, and did general repairing. In 1873, they were burned out. A short time afterward a stock company was formed, with $40,000 capital. H. W. Whitney was elected president, and J. B. Treat, treasurer. Commodious buildings were erected, and furnished with the most improved patterns of modern machinery. Wagons, and all kinds of agricultural implements are manufactured. The present officers are as follows : J. B. Treat, president ; H. W. Wliitney, secretary; John Boland, treasurer, and Thomas Wirrich, general superintendent.

The first saw mill in this place was built in 1849 by Bingham & Hulburt. Before completion, however, Mr. Bingham sold out his interest to F. II. West, now of Milwaukee. The mill was then finished and operated for two years, when Hulburt sold out to West. Then Oscar Pinney purchased a one half interest, and the firm became West & Pinney. Pinney was captain inthe 5th Wisconsin Battery, Light Artillery, and was fatally wounded at the battle of Stone River, The mill was next owned by J. V. Roberts, who sold it to Jarvis Rattan, now of California, who laid out Rattan's addition to New Mexico, and will be remembered in connection with the early history of the place. He in turn sold to a Mr. Williams, who run the mill successfully, and engaged in buying black walnut logs and converting them into valuable lumber, for which he received a good price, the venture proving remunerative. Mr. Williams is now farming in California. The property was next purchased by J. T. Dodge, a railroad engineer, but finding his former business better than cutting logs, the mill was abandoned, and has not been in operation since 1880. The premises are now rented by the Planing Mill Company for a log yard.

Near the old saw mill, stands a mill of more recent date and greater capacity. It was built by Churchill, Dodge & Co., in 1874, and has been in operation continually since. J. T. Dodge originally owned a one half interest, but sold out to his brother, A. C. Dodge and Mr. Warrick, since which time it has been operated by Churchill, Warrick & Dodge. They cut annually about three quarters of a million feet of lumber, nearly all of which is used for the manufacture of cheese boxes, and in the manufacture of wagons. The latter class of lumber they sell to dealers, and the former is entirely used by themselves. In connection with this mill they have a factory, known as the Monroe Planing Mill Company Works, which is an industry of considerable importance. It was built in 1858 by N. Churchill, and by him operated until 1866. He then sold a one quarter interest to George Churchill and three quarters to J. T. Dodge. lie soon afterward bought back from Dodge a one quarter interest, which he still liolds. Tliis factory contains a full set of ma- cliinery for planing, making doors, sash, blinds, etc. A set of turning lathes with all needed improvements for a first-class shop, and furnishes employment for about fifteen men, doing a business of about $2,700 annually.

Another mill in the city is known as "Hulburt Saw Mill," which was moved here from Richland Timber in 1872, having previously been set up at Juda. It has always been owned and operated by C. D. Hulburt. It is running only about three months each year. Mr. Hulburt buys logs, and also does custom work. It is equipped with a good engine and a four and one half foot circular saw, and has a capacity of about 5,000 feet per day. Oak and black walnut are the principal logs cut, the former for wagon makers supplies, etc., and the latter for furniture, mainly chairs.

Grist Mill

In 1850 the people of Monroe and vicinity were extremely anxious to have in their midst a flouring mill, and to this end a public meeting was called for consultation, and to devise means for securing the same. Considerable enthusiasm was manifested, and a committee appointed to see what could be done, and $2,000 was raised by subscription for a bonus to any responsible party who would build a good mill. The work was undertaken at once by Isaac R. Moulton and Charles Fish, dry goods merchants, who erected the mill according to contract. It was .35x70 feet, including engine room on the ground, the main part being four stories high, having two run of buhrs, and costing them about $1 2,000, including machinery. About the time of completion they failed in business, having operated the mill but a short time. They sold out, and it was owned by various parties, among whom were Walworth, Moulton and Sutherland. When owned by O. I). Moulton, it was closed out under a mortgage, and again fell into the hands of Walworth, who sold it to (Miun-liil! tfc Bingham. These latter parties went to work with a will, and a determination to make it a aacccsS) and to commence '^cith expended over $10,000 in additions and improvements, adding machinery and increasing its capacity to 750 barrels per week. In 1861 Churchill sold his interest to his partner, Bingham, who continued to operate it, and ran it until the time of his death, in 18G6. After that time it was rented and managed by different parties until about 1875, when it was closed, and has not been in operation since. It belongs to the Bingham estate, and is now considered dead property.