Monroe City (part 3 of 3)

The first postoflice in this vicinity was established in 1838, under the name of "New Mexico." It was kept on the site of that village, now included in the southern part of the city, by A. J. Haughton. A few years later the office was merged into the Monroe postoflice and removed to the site of Monroe. Succeeding Mr. Haughton as postmaster, in turn, came Judge Andrick, Jacob Ly Brand, Demas Beach Charles Hart, John Walworth, C. S. Foster Alfred Goddard, Edmund Bartlett, D. W. Ball Z. H. Howe, Mrs. Howe, D. W. Ball, H. Med berry, D. W. Ball and John S. Ball. The lat ter is present postmaster, and makes one of the most accommodating and eflScient oflScers in the State. Tiie oflice is well equipped and furnished. It is located on the southeast corner of the court house square.

John S. Hall, the present postmaster of Monroe, was born in Jefferson Co., Ohio, July 25, 1844, and came with his parents to Green county in 1849. He was educated in the common schools and at Point Bluff Academy, and also took a course at Bryant & Stratton's Business College. In September, 1866, he was married to Ellen M. Bloom, a daughter of J. S. Bloom, of Monroe. They have been blessed with three children - William H., Edith K. and Carrie M. Mr. Ball is a member of the Methodist Ciiurch, where the family worship. He is a strong supporter of the temperance cause.

Monrok Firb Depautment

a fire department in Monroe is found in the records of the village council, under the date of April 14, 1858. At this time the village board passed a resolution authorizing the organization of the German Hook and Ladder Company, to be composed of John Linder, Conrad Ott, J. A. Gleissner, Henry Schneider, Joseph Felber and thirty others.

In 1859 a fire company was organized, which continued in existence some years. In 1861 the secretary of the company ordered an engine from L. Button & Son. The engine came, but the fire company could not pay, and the village would not pay for it, so in 1865 it was returned to the manufacturers. It was used two or three times while here. The early records of the company - if any were kept - cannot now be found. From the records in the hands of the city clerk, it is learned that the following named have served as chief engineer: W. W. Wright, N. Churchill, E. Ruegger and J. S. Harper. The following, at an early day, served as fire wardens: Anton Miller, Abraham Kobb, S. W. Abbott and W. W. Wright.

The first organization was not permanent and for a number of years Monroe was without a very efficient fire organization, but on the 23d of February, 1870, the organization was effected of the present Monroe fire department, and it has since continued in existence, growing in efficiency.

The records in the hands of the secretary of the lire department, so far as relates to the meetings, date from 1873. The rtigular meeting of that year was held on the 4th of September, at which time the following officers were elected: Chief engineer, Norman Chui-chill; treasurer, Anton Miller; secretary, Fred Wettengel; trustees, C. E. Adams, A. Buliler and C. D. Corson.

At the annual meeting of the department, held on Aug. 5, 1874, the following officers were elected for the ensuing year: Chief engineer) Norman ('hurohill; treasurer, Anton

The next annual meeting was held on the 15th of September, 1875, when officers for the ensuing year were elected, as follows: Chief engineer,N. Churchill; treasurer, Anton Miller; secretary, W. S. Bloom; trustees, Edward Ruegger, C. E. Adams and C. D. Corson. At this meeting the following resolution was passed, and the trustees were appointed a committee to present it to the village board, at its next session:

In view of the fact that your fire department has maintained its organization under discouraging circumstances, for the past six years, performing, in the meantime, a vast amount of hard service, for which they have received nothing,as compensation ;therefore,in justice to ourselves and for the welfare of our departmentjWe ask that the sum of thirty cents per hour, be paid each member of the fire department for actual service rendered in the extinguishment of fires; each member so paid to be required to furnish a certificate of actual service, signed by the chief engineer and secretary."

At about this time, the State law relating to the city council electing the chief of fire departments went into effect. The custom has since been, for the department to recommend the person whom they desired for chief, and have the city council confirm it. At a special meeting, held June 6, 1877, it was voted that Edward Ruegger be recommended to the council for the position of chief.

At the annual meeting held on the 11th of September, 1878, the following officers were elected: Chief engineer, Edward Ruegger; treasurer, Anton Miller; secretary, W. S. Bloom; trustees, George Churchill, one year; Charles D. Corson, two years; Fred Wettergel.

In October, 1879, the following officers were chosen: Chief engineer, J. S. Harper; secretary, R. Kohli; treasurer, Charles Corson; trustee, N. Churchill.

At the annual meeting, held on the 21st of October, 1881, the following officers were chosen: Chief engineer, J. 8. Harper; secretary, J. H. Foster; treasurer, C. D. Corson; trustee, F, Wettengel.

At a meeting held in July, 1883, it was voted to change the time of holding the annual meeting, to the second Wednesday in May, each year. It was further provided that the officers hold over until May, 1884.

In June, 1883, a set of uniforms were purchased by the department at a cost of about $5 each. The uniform consists of a belt cap, and shirt.

The statutes of Wisconsin provide that all insurance agents in the State who insure prop, erty in any incorporated village or city, shall pay to the fire department two per cent, of all the premiums received for the insurance of property. Article viii of the constitution of the Monroe fire department provides that "the funds accorded to the department under the statute * * shall be held as a relief fynd, and shall not be paid out for any purpose except for relief of members of the department." It is further provided, that "no member shall be entitled to draw relief from the funds of the department except for injuries received while in actual service as a fireman, and under the direction of the department. That the amount of relief furnished to any member for injuries received, shall be determined by a two-thirds vote of all tlie members present - the amount not to exceed $10 per week to any member.'' In case of death resulting from injuries received by any member, it is provided that their families shall be cared for in like manner, and $30 be paid to defray funeral expenses. This fund has continued to accummulate, as the department has only paid $100 for relief, and there is not a salaried officer in the department. In September, 1882, the time of the last report, the fund amounted to $1,361. "71.

The first engine used for the extinguishment of fire here was a Button hand engine, purchased by the village in 1870. On the 19th of February, 1883, the present steam fire engine was purchased from the La France Steam. Fire Engine Company, of Elmira, N. Y., at a cost of $3,000. A hose cart was purchased at the same time for about $125. The department now has 1,500 of hose which cost nearly $1 per foot. The water supply in the city is not very good. The reservoir on Spring square, and a cistern at the court house, are the principal places of resort in times of fire.

The engine house is located on Spring square. It was put up a number of years ago by the village. All the meetings of the department and companies are held here. In March, 1884, the contract for building a new engine house was let to Wash. Hill, of Monroe. It is to be about 60x35 feet in size, two stories high, to cost in the neighborhood of $3,000 and to be located near the site of the present engine house.

Engine Company, No. 1

This company has about sixty members. The officers of the company serving the year preceding May, 1884, were as follows: N. B. Treat, foi'eman; John Connery, first assistant foreman; .1. H. Foster, second assistant foreman; A. F. Lichtenwalder, secretary; F. P. Treat, treasurer; Warren Babbitt, Stewart. This company holds its meetings on the secojid Thursday in each month. The following is a list of the members of (his company as it stood in March, 1884: Norman Churchill, Charles Churchill, Robert Miller^ Charles Robertson, C. D. Carson, A. M.

Hook And Ladder Company, No. 1

This company has thirty-three members. It holds its regular meetings the first Friday in each month. The officers of the company in 1883-4 were as follows: Fred Berge, foreman; Daniel German, assistant foreman; A. Schmidt, secretary; Jacob Hefty, treasurer; Jacob Geiger, janitor; R. Fuellemann, ladder section foreman; Peter Yost, hook section foreman. This company in March, 1884, was composed of the following members: Edward Ruegger, Louis Schuetze, Samuel Schuler, Sr., G. Leuenberger, Jacob Schuler, Jacob Hefty, A. Weimann, Daniel German, Gottlieb German, John Weissmiller, Jacob Dick, Charles Frei, R. Fuellemann, Adam Schmidt, Fred Berge, M. Klasey, Rudolf Burry, Henry Dick, John Steinraan, Jacob Tschudy, William Selzer, Henry Angelberger, B. Buerke, Jacob Geiger, George Weimann, Samuel Schuler, Jr., John G. Hofer, William Ilirsig, G. Schild, D. Norder, Richard Maurer, Peter Yost and Jacob lorde.

Record Of Fires

In this connection is presented a brief record of the fires that have occurred in the city since the organization of the present Monroe Fire

Department. The dry details, as far as possible, are omitted, and the estimates of loss and insurance have been verified by the records of the department and memory of those who were interested in many of the fires or suffered loss.

The first fire after the organization of the department, was that of Jacob Steinman's barn which occurred on the l7ih of May, 1870. The department turned out in full force, but upon the arrival of the engine there was no water to be had. So the only thing the foreman could do was to work with the hooks and ladders and buckets, to keep the fire from spreading to adjoining buildings. The loss on the barn was 8150; no insurance.

On the 19th of January, 1871, the Center school house burned. The department turned out, but no water could be got in the neighborhood and the building burned to the ground. Loss $7,000; no insurance.

On the 18th of October, 1871, an alarm of fire was given at about 2 o'clock in the morning. The building known as Treat & Durst's block was all ablaze; but owing to the dryness of the material of the buildings the de|)artmeiit could do nothing to stop liie fire. So they devoted their attention to the surrounding buildings and confined the fire within those limits. The firemen worked four hours. Loss $22,000; insurance, 15,000.

Sept. 15, 1871, A. J. High's dwelling house burned. The department turned out and located the engine at the court house cistern. After putting out all their hose they could not reach the burning building. Loss $1,500; insurance, 61,200.

On the 18th of November, 1871, the dwelling house of Joseph Cross, in the southern portion of the town, burned. The department turned out, but owing to the great distance and the muddy roads, the firemen got there too late to do any good; besides the fact that there was no water to be had. Loss $500; insurance, $400.

Feb. 10, 1872, an alarm was sounded at about 2 o'clock, A. M., the American House, owned by Robert B. Allensworth, being on fire. The department turned out in full force, and the engine was set so as to dra^w from two different cisterns. The firemen worked steadily for four hours, when the fire was put out and the house partially saved. Loss $3,000; insurance, $6,000.

Oi) the 25th of the same month, Ihe dwelling house owned V)y Mrs. M. Buhler, and occupied by Warren Biibbitt, was discovered to be on fire and the alarm was given at about 1 o'clock, A. M. The department turned out, but upon their arrival at the fire no water could be found at which to set the engine. The fire caught the house of Fred Scliriener, which was within four feet of Mrs. Buliler's, and both houses were burned to the ground. Loss about $1,500; insurance, $iOO.

On the 13th of April, 1872, the dwelling house owned and occupied by Samuel Copeland near the fair grounds, caught fire, and the alarm was given at about 9 o'clock, a. m. The department arrived in time to save the building, the roof'and upper story being partially destroyed. Loss $200; insurance, $500.

On the same day another fire alarm sounded, the county barn at the jail being on fire. The fire was put out, however, before the engine arrived.

On the 6th of June, 1872, the dwelling house of A. Krebley caugbt fire, but before it got any headway the engine arrived and it was put out. Loss $50; no insurance.

On the 22d of June, 1872, the buildings of the Monroe Manufacturing Company took fire, and the alarm was given at about 6:30 o'clock, p. m. The department turned out in full force, but owing t.o a scarcity of water they could not work to good advantage. They saved the greater portion of the valuable machinery and kept the fire within limits. It was at one time feared that the fire would reach the south side of the square. Several members of the department were severely hurt by falling timbers. Loss $35,000; insurance, $10,000.

At 1 o'clock, a. m., July 7, 1872, the house of I. C. Solomon took fire and the alarm was sounded. The department turned out and arrived in time to save the house from total destruction. Loss $400; insurance, $800.

On the 5th of October, 1873, the empty dwelling house owned by William Gorham, took fire, and the alarm was given at about 2 o'clock a. m. The department turned out, but upon their arrival no water could be found for the engine ; so they worked with buckets to keep the fire from spreading to other buildings. Loss $600; in surance, $500.

On the 15th of February, 1873, the old Monroe House, owned by Harris Poole took fire, and the alarm was given. The department turned out and extinguished the fire before any damage was done.

On the 6th of March, 1873, the furniture factory of Anton Miller took fire, and the alarm was given. The fireman turned out in full force and worked hard, succeeding in putting out the fire before the entire property was destroyed. Loss $2,000; no insurance.

On June 7, 1873, an alarm was sounded at 2:30 o'clock a. m., the house of David Ressigen being on fire. The department turned out, but were unable to render any assistance on account of the distance and lack of water. The house burned to the ground. Loss, $1,000; insurance, $1,200.

Sept. 10, 1873, the dwelling house of Mrs. Burtis took fire, and the department turned out before any serious damage was done. Loss, $150; insured.

discovered that it was a house owned by Robert B. Allensworth, and as they saw they could not reach it in time, and no water was to be had, they turned back. Loss, $1,000 ; insurance, 11,500.

Aug. 7, 1874, the barn of J. B. Dunlap caught fire at about 4 o'clock a. m. The department turned out; but when they arrived the barn was all in flames, and no water could be got at; so they worked with hooks and buckets, and kept adjoining buildings from taking fire. A span of ponies burned with the barn. Loss, $800; no insurance.

On the 27th of December, 1875, an alarm of fire was sounded at 12:30 o'clock a. m. The brewery of Jacob Hefty was on fire. The weather being very cold, the members could not get more than one stream upon the fire. They work for seven hours, steadily, and finally succeeded in putting it out. Loss, $12,000; insurance, $5,000.

An alarm of fire was given at 9 o'clock a. m., March 2, 1876, and the Commercial House barn was discovered to be on fire. The department turned out and worked hard. There was great danger that the hotel and other buildings would be burned, but the members succeeded in keeping it confined to the barn. A few days before the department was called out for the same barn, but the fire was put out before they arrived.

June 6, 1877, the house of .Fames Fitzgibbons, near the depot, caught fire. The department turned out and extinguished the fire after a damage of $250 had been done.

June 29, 1877, an alarm of fire was sounded, it being the mill of Rood & Co. It was totally destroyed. The department turned out, but there being no water near by, they did what they could to save lumber and other buildings in the vicinity. Loss $5,000 ; no insurance.

On the 22dof May, 1879, fire was discovered at 1 1 o'clock p. M., in the Empire block at the southwest corner of the square. The department was soon at work, but did not succeed in stopping the fire until seven buildings were destroyed.

May 20, 1881, an alarm of fire was given, and the department turned out and extinguished a fire upon a building owned by Peter Wells, on Farmer's street. The building was partially burned.

An alarm was sounded on the 22d of November, 1881. This time it was a building owned by E. R. Copeland, near the northwest corner of the square. The department soon put out the fire. Loss $112.

Aug. 8, 1882, the department turned out in answer to an alarm, and put out a fire in the rear end of the basement of McKee's block, occupied by Mr. Klebl), with a saloon.

Revs. Harcourt and Ash. Meetings were held in an early day at the house of Elijah Austin and Enoch Evans, in the town of Clarno. Shorty after the school house was built on the present site of the city of Monroe, a class was formed there. In January, 1842, Jacob Ly Brand deeded to the trustees, a lot situated on Washington street, in consideration that they build a church there. The following named were the trustees at that time : Rev. Robert De Lap, Asa Brown, Elijah Austin, Enoch Evans and Joseph Wardle. The church was built. It was a plain frame structure, and the first church building erected in the city. In 1858 it was remodeled, and was used until 1869, when the present building was erected at a cost of $17,000. It is a handsome building of Milwaukee brick. The names of the differfiit pastors who have served here are as follows : Allen Dudgeon, Butler Drew, Wilson Williams, McGinley Swetland, Wirrich Sj^ringer, Tasker Burton, Crandall Aspenwall, Wilson Palmer, Kellogg Bushby, Evans Irish and Searles Deite, the present pastor.

United Brethren In Christ

Early in 1883 a series of meetings were held by Rev. D. R. Glover, assisted by George Little, an evangelist from Pennsylvania. Many were converted and a class organized of about fifty members, with Moses Witham, class leader; Elias Walters, Laura Eley and Mrs. Agnes Corson, stewards; Elias Walters, William Ault, E. Woodle, D. A. Duncan and Levi Duncan, trustees. The class was increased to some extent since its organization. They met for worship in the Congregational church. Rev. D. R. Glover is still pastor. A union Sabbath school is held with the Congregationalists.

The German Evangelical Reformed Church

The church building of this denomination was erected in 18G9. The building comn)ittee was Albert Albright and Peter Lichtenwalner; the treasurer, Robert Shaw. This church was organized by Rev. Donmeyer. The first preacher was Rev. John Bloom. The original members of the society were: E, Albright, Robert Shaw, Mary Shaw, Joseph LichtoTiwalner, Peter and Sarah Lichtenwalner, and Benjamin Neaz - five male and two female members. This little band erected the church. The building is 36x40 feet in size, and cost $2,200. Rev. Bloom was succeeded in turn by Rev. Hammon, who remained four years; then Rev. Reese, two years; Rev. Rupley, two years, and Rev. Grosscup, the present pastor. Services are held every Sunday. The society started under very discouraging circumstances, but by perseverance they have succeeded and are now in a flourishing condition. The Sabbath school was organized about thirty years ago.

German Catholic Church

The first members of this Church were Mr. Esser, Jacob Meyers and Andrew Wyraan. The church building was erected in 1859 or 1860, at a cost of $1,000. Father Obermiller was priest at the time the church was built. x\mong the prominent workers in this Church at that time were: .Toseph Gleissner, Andrew VVyman, George Reinhart, Stephen Sickinger, Frank Frey, George Sickinger, Joseph Shaver, Henry Wilbers and Jacob Kimpster. There are now about twenty families members of this Church. Rev. II. O'Brien was born in Oneida Co., N. Y., in 1844. His parents were natives of Ireland and emigrated to America in 1841. When sixteen years old he was sent to St. Francis Seminary, near Milwaukee, where he remained eight years. In 1868 he Was ordained and sent to Watertown, Wis., where he remained a short time and went to Elba, thence to a station near Milwaukee. In the fall of 1883 he came to Monroe, where he has since resided. Father O'Brien is a man of more than ordinaiy ability, and of fine address.

The first mission from which the jiresent Church grew, was established late in the decade between 1830 and 1S40. Father J. Colton, who was tlifu stationed at Shullsburg, came through this ooanty for a number of yearB> holding services. In 1860 a church building was erected and the organization was made permanent. Father R. F. Sullivan was stationed here at the time, and remained six years. He was succeeded by William O'Conuell, who remained one year; then in succession came Thomas Murphy one year; J. Casey three years; Michael Wenker, one year; E. M. McGinnity, until 1880; Rev. Wrynn, until September, 1883, and Father H. O. Brunn, the present pastor. Father Baunn also has charge of the mission in the town of Adams. Among the first and prominent workers in this Church were the following, with their families, some were living in Adams and others in Monroe: Patrick Sheehy, C. Dillon, John Gettings, Patrick Sheau, Roger Getting, Michael Crotty, Martin Mullen, John Michaels, Peter O'Donnell, Daniel Flynn, Edward Burry, Morgan and Moses O'- Brien, John Murphy, Patrick Murphy, John McMiinus, Thomas Coyan, Patrick Masterson, Thomas Maley, Patrick Maley, John and Richard McGraw, Michael McCogg, T. Riley, Walter Dunlavey and James Riley. The church building, as stated, was erected in 1860. It is 40x50 feet in size and cost $3,000. In ISVO the building was enlarged to 40x90 feet. A neat parsonage has been erected at a cost of $1,800. The church is in a good condition, the membership numbering 120 families. In the town of Adams, there are seventy-five families. The present oflicers are: William Hogan, R. Gettings, Michael Heme, Patrick Shean, John Gibbons and William McCurry. There is a Sunday school in connection, which is in a flourishing condition.

Evangelical, Or German Methodist

The first meetings of the Evangelical Association were held in 1859, at the old school house, by Rev. Jacob Sill, then stationed at New Glarus. The Church was organized in 1860, by Rev. Andi'L-as Tarnutzer, with seven members, as follows: John J. Ruegger and wife, John Staller and wife, Catharine Shindler, Mary Glohr and Henry Becker. The pastors have been as follows: Revs. Andreas Tarnutzer, who was stationed at New Glarus; Tenohard Von Wald, resident pastor, remained two years; J. G. Esslinger, two years; W. F. Schnider, one year; C. F. Finger, two years; William Hudster, two years; J. M. Hammeter, two years; Leonard Buchler, three years; J. C. Brendel, two years; Henry Uphoff, three years; Peter Held, two years; C. Grum and A. Lahr, the present pastor, who has been here two years. The first trustees were J. J. Reugger,Ulrich Losli and J. Bowman. The first church building was erected in 1859, by John Staller and Henry Schindler, at a cost of $200, and was known as the "Staller church.'' In 1863 a new church building was erected, 32x48 feet in size, at a cost of $1,400, which is still used. The old church was moved back and used as a parsonage. At present the church is in a good condition, numbering about ninety members. There is a Sabbath school in connection, which has about seventy members. The present trustees of the church are: Herman G. Gloege, Henry Babler and Frederick Cramer. The Sunday school has a library containing 250 volumes. The oflicers are as follows: Herman Gloege, superintendent; Frederick Kramer, assistant; Henry Babler, secretary; Jacob Frantschy, treasurer; ' William Bauman, librarian. There are fifteen teachers.

First Congregational Church

Rev. Charles A. Boardman, late pastor of the Presbyterian Church, in Youngstown, Ohio, in connection with the Presbytery of Trumbull, having arrived at Monroe, Oct. 26, 1854, with the design of spending the remainder of his days under the care of his daughter, Mrs. Orinda S. McEwen, began to preach in Monroe, on Sabbath, Oct. 29, 1854. A remnant of a Presbyterian Church, with two resident elders and a few members - -the whole in a state of disintegration - was found in Monroe; but there was no church edifice belonging to either the Presbyterian or Congregational denomination in the town. A church building occupied by the Christians and one belonging to the Methodists, were the only houses for public worship then in tlie village. By the labors of Deacon Robert Love, who resided here but a few months, the seminary building was obtained as a place for worship, and a small audience regularly assembled on the Sabbath. It was soon decided by a majority of the members that Congregationalism was preferred. Mr. Boardman continued to preach, and after a few weeks the formation of a Congregational Church began to be talked of. and at length, on Sabbath, Dec. 17, 1854, a notice was published from the pulpit, calling a meeting on the following Thursday, of all those interested in the formation of a Congregational Society. This agitation culminated on the 28th of December, 1854, in the organization of a society and the adoption of a constitution. The first members were as follows: Robert Love, Martha M. Love, Benjamin I. and Abigail Tenny, Charles C. and Elizabeth Righter, John H. and Mary Bloom, Thomas Dumars, Ared White, Mrs. Sarah B. Morse, Mrs. Orinda Mc- Ewen, Homer Boardman, George W. Tenny and Thomas M. Dunbar. On March 3, 1855, Benjamin I. Tenny and Robert Love were elected deacons. Rev. Boardman supplied the pulpit until July, 1858, when he was succeeded by Rev. D. H. Blake, of the Union Theological Seminary, New York. On the 19th of December, 1858, Rev. S. E. Miner, became pastor. Since that 1,ime, the following named have filled the pulpit /or the society: Revs. E. Morris, J. B. Fairbanks, George B. Rowley, of Camden, N. Y.; H. A. Miner, of Menasha, Norman McLeod, A. J. Bailey and T. A. Gardner. Services were held in the seminary building, then in the court house, until the erection of their church edifice, in 1860. Death and removals have reduced the membership greatly.

Tjniversalist Church

In 1859 Rev. Jehabad Codding, a Universalist preacher came to Monroe and delivered a course of lectures in the court house. Mr. Codding is well remembered as being one of the most noted abolitionists in the county, and one who trained with such men as Garrison, Sumner, Phillips and Lovejoy. Sumner pronounced him to be one of the most brilliant orators in the United States. It was through his influence that the Universalists of Monroe were brought together. In 1860 a society was organized at the Christian church by Rev. Z. H. Howe. Among the early members were: J. B , N. B. and E. T. Treat, Norman Churchill and wife, Hiram Rust, C. S. Foster and wife, A. Ludlow and wife, J. A. Bingham, Asa and J. V. Richardson, and Peter and Jerry Chandler. Early in 1860 a stock company was formed to build a church, and ground was broken in March of that year. They were unable to pay, and before the building was finished it was sold on a mechanic's lien, but was bought in for the stockholders. A subscription was stai'ted, of which H. W. Whitney was the prime mover. The people subscribed liberally, and the debt was soon cleared up, and to-day, though small in numbers, the organization is strong financially. The building cost about $12,500, including a beautiful pipe organ of seventeen stops. The first services held in this house was the funeral of Oscar F. Pinney, captain of the 5th battery, Wisconsin Light Artillery, killed at the battle of Stone River in 1863. The first minister was Rev. L. Conger, who remained three years. He was succeeded by Rev. Butler, who remained between four and five years. Then came a Unitarian minister - Rev. Powell, who preached here two years. He was succeeded by Rev. Fisher, another Unitarian minister, who remained with them three years. At this time the building was in need of repairs, and for two or three years no services were held. The next to occupy the pulpit was Rev. L W. Brig, liam, who closed his engagement in April, 1884. The first trustees of this Church were H. W, ^V]litney, A. Ludlow and Norman Churchill. Before the completion of the building J. T. Dodge, C. S. Foster and L. Wolcott were also appointed trustees. The present trustees are Henry Ludlow, J. B. Treat and Norman Chur- chill. The lot on which the church stands was donated by Jacob LyBrand, one of the founders of the city of Moni'oe. This was the last piece of land Mr. LyBrand owned in the State of Wisconsin. The chiu'ch is built of brick and stone, in Romanesque style, low tower and circular openings. It was dedicated June 24, 1863. Rev. D. P. Livermore, of Chicago, preached the dedicatory sermon. The congregation at the present time is made up of about equal numbers of Universalists and Unitarians.

Seventh Dat Adventists

The first meeting of this denomination, in Monroe, was held in the court house in 1860, with William S. Ingraham as pastor. The class was organized in October, 1861, with twentyfive members. The first officers were as follows: George Adair, elder; Matthew Hackworth, deacon; and J. H. Franenfelder, clerk. They held services in the court house until 1864, when they purchased a church building of the New Lights or Christians. It was located on Washington street, one block west of the court house square. In 1869 they sold that building and erected a new one on Clinton street, south of the railroad. They now have forty-five members. The present officers are as follows: E. R. Gillett, elder; William Kerr, first deacon; A. C. Atwood, second deacon; and M. S. Gillett, clerk. The pastors who have succeeded each other in charge of this congregation are: William S. Ingraham, Isaac Sanborn, G. C. Tenny and William Sharp. The Sabbath school was organized in 1864 with M. Hackworth as superintendent. A. T. Atwood is the present superintendent.

Episcopal Church

Shortly after the war, three missionaries of the Episcopal faith, from Milwaukee, came to Monroe and held services in the court house. While the people of that denomination were of good cheer, a minister. Rev. Wright, came here from Janesville and organized a class at Temperance Hall. Among the first members were: John J. Cook and wife, Henry George and wife, Dr. Johnson and wife, and George King and wife. Services were held in Temperance Hall for about a year, when a frame church was erected. Many pastors have held forth, in this Church, but at the present time the pulpit is empty.

Christian Or Disciples Op Christ

The first Church of this denomination was organized in about 1848. Among the first members were: James L. Powell and family, George Eley, William Hodges and wife, James and John Ely, and Mr. Parks. The first preacher was Rev. Elijah Gleason, who held the first services at the house of William Hodges. The Church flourished and continued in existence until the breaking out of the war, when many of the families moved away, and the Church was broken up and the organization finally abandoned. In 1871 the members of this denomination again began meeting for worship. On the SOth of November, Rev. Charles W. Sherwood began preaching in the Universal ist house of worship. He continued to hold services irregularly until a Church was organized on the 2d of February, 1872. The charter members were as follows: William Monroe, George Eley, Emily J. Nance, Michael, Felix, Catharine H. and Elizabeth Bennett. The society rented the Baptist church at $1.50 per night and held services there, as the Church record says, "until the Baptists permitted the house to be locked against us, without notice; until our congregation met at the house on the evening of June 24, 1872, and found the house locked." After this services were held in the various churches until 1873 when a church was erected. The building committee was composed of John H. Bridge, William Hodges and William Monroe, and these gentlemen all contributed very liberally toward the erection of the edifice. The building was so nearly completed Sept. 7, 1873, that services were then held in it by Rev. C. W. Sherwood, aided by Rev. R. D. Cotton. The first officers elected were: Secretary,

Nathan A. Loofboiirow; trustees, John li. Bridge, Darius G. Nance and Natlian A. Loofbourow. Rev. C. W. Sherwood was succeeded as pastor in September, 1874, by Rev. D. R. Howe. The first full set of officers elected as shown by the records were as follows: Elders, John II. Jiridge and D. G. Nance; deacons, N. A. Loofbourow, Felix Bennett, Fletcher Buzick and J. B. Vandervoort; treasurer, Felix Bennett; secretary and clerk, J. T. McKibben. The pastors who have had charge of this congregation are Elders D, R. Howe, G. L. Brokaw and Norton. Elder Howe is the present pastor. The cost of the church was $2,600. They have a membership of 100. The present officers are: D. G. Manie, D. R. Howe and J. H.Armstrong, elders; L. U. Vanmatre, Felix Bennett and Grant Sutherland, deacons; and Joseph Mc- Kibben, clerk.

Civic Societies

A lodge of the Sons of Temperance was instituted on the 25th of April, 1848. The charter members were J. V. Richardson, Alfred Goddard, C. S. Fosier, John Walworth, S. P. Condee, Dr. J. C. Crawford, Charles Weaver, A. Ludlow, Fred. F. West, W. C Fillebrown, L. Hurlbut, William Tucker, Milton 11. Reed and F. Emmerson. The first officers were : J. C.Crawford, W. P.; F. F. West, W. A.; J. V. Richardson, R. S.; Charles S. Foster, A. R. S.; A. Ludlow. F. S.; Francis Emerson, 1.; Milton H. Reed, C; W. C. FiUebrow, A. C; S. P. Condee, O. S. S.; John Walworih, chaplain. The whole membership of this lodge during its existence was about 275. 'Ibis order was finally, in about 1858, merged into the Good Templars, and a few years later suspended.

O. F. Penney Post,No. 102,department of Wisconsin, G. A. R., was organized on the 20th of August, 1883, by chief mustering officer, L. O. Holmes, and comrades from W. H. Sargent Post, No. 20, E. Hoyt Post, No. 69, and W. W. Patton Post, No. 90. On motion of comrade S. C. Cheney, the following were selected as a committee to choose a name for the post : W. F. Boyd, Samuel Lewis and A. F. Glascott. The committee reported the name, O. F. Penney Post, No. 102, which was duly accepted. The first officers were as follows : S. C. Cheney, post commander ; S. E. Gardner, senior vice commander; W. J. Miller, junior vice commander ; J. C. Hall, surgeon ; Nelson Darling, officer of the day ; S. P. Shadel, chaplain; A. F. Glascott, quartermaster; C. IL Robinson, officer of the guard ; C. E. Tanberg, adjutant ; J. C. Baker, sergeant major, and M. P. Maine, quartermaster sergeant. The following comrades were mustered : F. W. Byrne, B. S. Kerr, Samuel Lewis, George O. Putzash, Joseph Wetzler and J. C. Smith.