Oregon Village

Oregon Village

Madison Royal Arch CJiapter, No. 4- - The dispensation of this Chapter was dated August 8, 1850, and was issued by the Grand Royal Arch Chapter of Wisconsin, at its first session, held in the city of Madison, August 7, 1850. The Chapter was not opened, however, until the 24th day of January, 1851, when it was formally opened by M. E. Comp. Dwight F. Lawton, Grand High Priest of the Royal Craft in Wisconsin.

The charter members were Augustus A. Bird, N. Bishop Eddy, David Holt, Jr., John Catlin, Alexander Smith, Reuben Smith, Lyman Crossman, Ebenezer Olewett and Henry W. Yager. Comp. David Holt, Jr., is supposed to be the only charter member still living.

The Chapter was opened in the old Argus building, then occupied by Madison Lodge, and since that time its meetings have been in the rooms occupied by Madison Lodge No. 5.

The dispensation and charter to Madison Chapter were the first issued for a new Chapter by the Grand Chapter after its organization, and therefore dates back to the early days of Royal Arch Masonry in this State. Madison Chapter now numbers one hundred and thirteen members.

Hiram Lodge, No. 50, of Madison, was organized under dispensation February 22, A. L. 6864, with Julius T. Clark, W. M.; John N. Jones, S. W.; John Wright, J. W.

The charter was issued June 19, A. L. 5854, by the Grand Lodge, in session at Janesville, June 14, A. L. 5854, with Julius T. Clark, W. M.: John Warren Hunt, S. W.; Elisha W. Keyes, J. W. The charter was signed by H. M. Billings, Deputy Grand Master ; Gabriel Bouck, Grand Senior Warden ; and R. D. Pulford, Grand Junior Warden ; attested by William R. Smith, Grand Secretary. The charter members of the lodge were J. B. Bowen, J. R. Baltzell, Beriah Brown, Alex T. Gray, John W. Hunt, James Halpin, Elisha W. Keyes, JuUus T. Clark, Asher N. Corss, Jonathan Davis, Ezra H. Gleason, David Holt, John N. Jones, A. Menges, V. W. Roth, A. S. Wood, D. M. Seaver, John Wright, Charles Weed. Of the charter members, eight have died, five are still residents of Madison, and the remainder have become residents of other States.

The first petitioners for the degrees were Lucius Fairchild, Alex L. Collins, George H. Farnham, Charles R. Gleason, Joseph Keyes and J. K. Proudfit. The elective officers are the Worshipful Master, Senior and Junior Wardens, Treasurer, Secretary and three Trustees, who are elected annually, by ballot, at the second communication in December. The Deacons, Stewards and Tiler are appointed by the Worshipful Master.

The names of the brethren who have filled ^the principal offices since the organization, to- > gether with the years thereof, are as follows :

The lodge-room is situated in the third story of Dr. J. E. Baker's elegant stone block, on the corner of Pinckney street and Washington avenue, the lodge occupying the entire storv. The furniture and fixtures of the lodge cost, originally, about $5,000. The lodge is entirely free from debt, and is in a flourishing condition. The stated communications are held on the first and third Mondays in each month. Visiting brethren are always cordially welcomed into their gatherings.

Qoncordia Lodge, No. 83, was organized in February, 1857, and their first meeting was held April 1, of that year. The charter members were D. Hastreiter, F. Sauthoff, J. G. Ott, E. Doerschlag, A. P. Doerschlag; Casper Mayer, Peter Tschudi, M. Kohner, W. T. Backer, S. Sickles, W. Voight and A. Menges. The first officers were Dominick Hastreiter, W. M., William F. Baker, S. W. ; Marcus Kohner, J. W. Meet the first and third Wednesdays in each month at, their hall, on Main street. Have twenty-one members. The present officers are, Geo. H. Nickerman, W. M. ; C. Spangenberg, S. W. ; J. A. Ising, J. W. ; Jacob Seiler, Secretary ; Aug. Sauthoff, Treasurer.

The Robert Macoy CommcCndery, No. 3, Knights Templar, was founded at Madison, on the 2d of February, 1859; and at their first regular meeting, held by authority of dispensation, the following officers were appointed: John Warren Hunt, Eminent Commander; Henry S. Baird, Generalissimo ; William H. Karn, Captain General.

Masonic Benefit Association was organized June 1, 1875, for the purpose of aifording to every Master Mason an opportunity to provide, to some extent, for the protection of his family in case of death, by the following-named gentlemen: Alden S. Sanborn, Robert Wootton,

Chandler P. Chapman, S. H. Carpenter, Fred SauthoflF, Samuel Klauber, J. F. Bruce, L. S. Brown John C. Lander, David H. Wright, Edward Lazier, Robert Hastreiter, John M. Sumner, Edwin' Sumner, ToUof A. Nelson, H. M. Lewis, S. B. W. Brown, John George Ott, Frank A. Stoltze John Lamont, E. W. Keyes, Jerome D. Clark, George Raymer, A. M. Daggett, W. R Tav'lor John Corscot, H. H. Giles, George R. Cook, Jacob Seiler, J. H. Rider, S. Cadwallader, J. B. Norton, A. S. McDill, W. J.- Smith, Walter Deards, Charles E. Bross, B. R. {yowdrv T. D. Kanouse, A. Cheney, George B. Burrows, Samuel Goodlad, C. W. Netherwood, A. B. Kingsley and Francis Fisher. The first officers elected were Alden S. Sanborn, President - Samuel Klauber, Vice President ; Chandler P. Chapman, Treasurer, and Robert Wootton, Secretary, and they still hold the offices to which they were first elected. The first Directors were composed of the following-named gentlemen : Alden S. Sanborn, A. B. Kingsley, Samuel <JoodIad, H. H. Giles, Charles W. Netherwood, T. D. Kanouse, George B. Burrows, George Raymer, Chandler P. Chapman, Jacob Seiler, Samuel Klauber, W. J. Smith, Robert Wootton, J. B. Norton and Fred Sauthofi". The Board of Directors has the management and control of the business of the association, and meets every month at the Journal office, in the city of Madison. This association, at the present time, has 1,250 members, and is in a flourishing condition. Recently a second class of this society has been formed, with the same officers, and substantially the same laws.

Insurance

The Madison Mutual Insurance Company. - The work of this company extended itself far beyond the limits of Dane, but the office has always been in Madison, and its managers mainly residents of the county. So, too, Dane County has received a large proportion of the disbursements, and realized the advantages of a well-conducted home company.

This was a pioneer company, and really inaugurated the mutual system in Wisconson. For a quarter of a century it enjoyed prosperity. It issued over 160,000 policies. Its specialty was farm and homestead insurance, and for years it carried a large proportion of this class of risks in the State. The primary ideas were cheap insurance to the members, to retain at home, as far as practicable, the large amounts'paid for premiums, and ultimately make it a strong financial institution.

Its first accessible record declares, that, pursuant to a notice, the Directors of the Madison Mutual Insurance Company met at the court house, in Madison, Friday evening, April 5, 1851. N. B. Eddy was appointed Chairman, and William N. Seymour Secretary, of the meeting. On motion of Dr. Ward, the Chairman was requested to read the charter of the company, which was done, after which they proceeded to the election of officers, which resulted in the choice of the following: For President, Simeon Mills ; Vice President, N. B. Eddy ; Secretary, B. F. Hopiins; Treasurer, L. J. Farwell; Executive Committee, Simeon Mills, William C. Wells, David Atwood, A. J. Ward and N. W. Dean. The following-named Directors were present, qualified, and took the oath of office prescribed in the charter : L. J. Farwell, B. F. Hopkins, A. J. Ward, William N. Seymour, David Atwood, F. G. Tibbitts, Simeon Mills, William Welch, N. W. Dean and N. B. Eddy.

Simeon Mills remained President until June 15, 1854, when he was succeeded by N. W. Uean. Mr. Hopkins continued to discharge the duties of Secretary until January, 1857, when Uavid Atwood assumed the desk. Its managers have been men occupying high positions, and Identified with public affairs throughout its history, and its membership has included at one time and another nearly all the prominent men of the State. D. J. Powers succeeded Mr. Dean, as iTesident, in 1861, and was followed by J. W. Boyd, in 1862, who filled the position until k^ '" 1870, by Mr. Atwood, who closed the executive line, after a continuous connection "With the company from its organization in 1851. atta^ ^""'^"^ Worthington succeeded Mr. Atwood as Secretary in 1861, and the company

Worthington was very devoted to the Madison Mutual, and continued in the discharge of iiig duties until forced by failing health to resign in 1874. B. E. Hutchinson siicceeded him aa Secretary, and remained in this position to the end. As general agent or adjuster, Mr. Hutchinson had been with the company from the spring of 1870, and, as a member of the last Board of Directors, saw the fulfillment of its final obligations and honorable retirement.

The business of the company did not assume large proportions until 1860, for it appears from the statement of 1859 that the whole number of policies issued to that date was 3,620 - premiums, 119,849.50. The assessments of 1836 and 1838 yielded $6,625.07 ; losses and expenses had amounted to $16,248.23, and, after payment of agents, there remained in the treasury only $268.23. It reached its zenith in 1867, when its cash premiums were $178 - 599.36, issuing during that year 14,703 policies, and, at its close, having at risk $60,669,373, which arose in 1870 to $64,580,600. Probably the final retirement of the company is largely due to this latter fact, for, with the great shrinkage in values and business prostration occurring about this time, the losses grew out of all proportion. Its experience is pointed to by those inimical to mutual insurance as another instance of weakness in time of disaster. Its assets were mainly premium notes, and assessments upon these curtailed its business rapidly. It had always maintained a good record for liberality and fair dealing, and its losses have been promptly paid.

In 1877, the Madison Mutual was changed to the Madison Fire Insurance Company, and to its other assets were added $100,000 of guaranty capital. This seems to have come when rates were so low and competition so sharp as to be unavailing, and therefore, in thfr spring of 1880, the risks were all re-insured in the Westchester Insurance Company of New York, and the Madison Fire Insurance Company retired from business, having made good its^ oft-repeated assurance that "no policy would be issued that could not be taken care of."

The company was authorized to commence business with a subscribed capital of $100,000, of which at least $25,000 was to be paid up in cash. It began operations in June, 1871, and has gradually increased its capital stock, which now is $200,000, and its assets, December 31, 1879, nearly $290,000.

The first Board of Directors consisted of the following gentlemen : Halle Steensland, Mona Anderson, Charles B. Solberg, 0. B. Daley, John A. Johnson, Peter C. Peterson, K. 0. Heimdall, George Wilson, H. Peterson, Peter Johnson, K. J. Fleischer, Ole Thompson, Z. Saveland, 0. Torrison and Matthew Johnson.

Mons Anderson was elected President, J. A. Johnson, Vice President, and Halle Steensland, Secretary and Treasurer. Mr. Anderson held the office of President for a few years, after which John A. Johnson was elected, and is yet President. Mr. Steensland still holds thfr secretaryship and treasurership.

The "Hekla" has, from a small beginning, steadily advanced in strength and popularity both at home and abroad. Its reputation for fair dealing with its patrons is firmly established, and deserves continued success.

Hope Lodge, No. 17, was instituted in the village (now city) of Madison, on the evening of June 15, 1847, by Past Grand A. B. South worth, of Potosi Lodge, No. 3, then D. D. G. M. of this district, with the following Past Grands as charter members : Charles Holt, C. B. Chapman, John Y. Smith, William Welch and Noah Clemmons. The first officers were 0. B. Chapman^N. G.; J. Y. Smith, V. G.; Noah Clemmons, R. S.; William Welch, P. S.

The Lodge was organized in the old Argus office, corner of Main and Webster streets, and has since occupied, as places of meeting, the old Patriot office, fourth story of Ogden's Block, and third story of Madison Mutual Insurance Company's building, respectively, and its hall i*- now in the fourth^ story of Brown's Block, where it holds regular meetings on Friday evening of each week. The following are the present officers of the Lodge : N. G., F. C. Billings; V.

Madison Encampment, No. 8. - Madison Encampment, No. 8, I. 0. 0. F., was instituted at the village (now city) of Madison, Thursday evening, March 3, 1853, by Charles C. Cheney, Esq. of Janesville, Grand Patriarch of Wisconsin, with the following as charter members: Edward Ilsley, David H. Wright, James Halpin, Eri S. Oakley, Hiram Nye, J. B. Colton and C. B. Chapman. The first officers of the Encampment were: C. P., D. H. Wright; H. P.,

The Encampment meets on the second and fourth Wednesdays of each month, in Odd Fellows' Hall, Brown's Block, corner Pinckney street and Washington avenue.

E. Willis, Emma F. Miner, Martha A. Bowerman, Theresa M. Hoyt, Rachel Hudson, Virtue C. Lewis, Bethiah Bennett, Diana A. Oakley, Eliza Longstafif.

Benevolent And Other Societies

The Turn- Verein was organized February 24, 1855, by the following gentlemen : F,red Sauthoif, Charles Hinrichs, Casper Zwiky, H. Lacher, A. Huchting, F. Huchting, J. Reis, Ed Gisselman, H. Schroeder, L. Boeder, John Maurer, J. G. Ott, F. Fischer, D. Maul and C. Hinrichs. The present officers are : Charles Wedelstedt, President ; Gotlieb Schmidt, Secretary; Carl Miller, Treasurer. The society is in a flourishing condition. It has 130 members, who meet on the first and third Mondays of each month in their hall on Butler street.

This organization has a fine building; it was erected in 1863; its dimensions are 56x122 feet, and its cost, including the stage and theater paraphernalia, about ?20,000. The Turners are strictly a German society, and their object is social intercourse, and teaching the youth morals as well as gymnastics.

Madison Grove Lodge, No. 4, U. A. 0. B., was instituted January 22, 1859, with the following charter members : C. Stein, G. Drohman, H. Neider, R. Kamlah, J. Maurer, M. Bauman, M. Kirst, P. Knoefel, H. Repp, H. Hess. The present officers are : C. Figge, N. A.; G. Bark- y. A.; W. SauthofiP, R. Secretary; L. Keesler, P. Secretary; H. Maisch, Treasurer.

Th** j'^'y*^'^ members in good standing, and are in a flourishing condition. Meetings every ihuisday evening in their hall on State street, in Meyer's Block.

Madison Relief Association, No. 2. - This society was organized December 19, 1866, subsequent to the disbanding of the Madison Fire Company No. 2. The old constitution of that company was revised and adopted, by which the general fund might be added to the sick fund. In case of sickness, a weekly payment of $5 to be paid the members, and, when necessary, a night watch of two men. In case of death of a member, $25, and of the wife $15. Monthly dues 25 cents. At the postponed meeting held January 15, 1867, the following ofiScers were elected for the ensuing year: President, C. W. Heyl ; Vice President, Richard Baus; Corresponding Secretary, W. Schuckart ; Financial Secretary, A. F. Kayser ; Treasurer, George Soelch ; Trustee, three years, M. Hinrichs ; Trustee, two years, George Armbrecht ; Trustee, one year, Ed Gunkel ; Steward, A. F. Kropf.

At the annual meeting held January 7, 1868, the following officers were elected for the ensuing year : President, Richard Baus ; Vice President, J. A. Steinle ; Recording Secretary, W. Schuckart ; Financial Secretary, John Koerber ; Treasurer, George Soelch ; Trustee for three years, E. Gunckel ; Steward, B. H. Nienaber.

At the annual meeting held January 5, 1869, the following officers were elected for the ensuing year : President, Richard Baus ; Vice President, J. A. Steinle ; Recording Secretary, W. Schuckart ; Financial Secretary, John Koerber ; Treasurer, George Soelch ; Trustee for three years, George Armbrecht ; Steward, B; H. Nienaber.

At the annual meeting held January 4, 1870, the following officers were elected for the ensuing year : President, C. W. Heyl ; Vice President, H. Beerbaum ; Recording Secretary, L. Kessler ; Financial Secretary, John Bieler ; Treasurer, George Soelch ; Trustee three years, M. Hinrichs ; Steward, B. H. Nienaber. Initiation fee was placed at $10.

At the annual meeting held January 3, 1871, the following [officers were elected for th^ year : President, C. W. Heyl ; Vice President, Joseph Hausmann; Recording Secretary) John Bieler ; Financial Secretary, William Holtzhausen ; Treasurer, George Soelch ; Trustee for three years, Richard Baus. By resolution, the meetings were changed to quarterly instead of monthly.

At the annual meeting held January 2, 1872, the following officers were elected for the ensuing year: President, C. W. Heyl; Vice President, B. H. Nienaber; Recording Secretary, A. F. Kayser ; Financial Secretary, John B. Heim ; Treasurer, George Soelch, Trustee three years, George Armbrecht.

At the annual meeting held January 7, 1873, the following officers were elected for the ensuing year : President, 0. W. Heyl ; Vice President, Joseph Hausmann ; Recording Secretary, A. F. Kayser ; Financial Secretary, John B. Heim ; Treasurer, George Soelch ; Trustee three years, M. Hinrichs.

At the annual meeting held January 6, 1874, the following officers were elected for the ensuing year : President, Richard Baus ; Vice President, H. Beerbaum; Recording Secretary, A. F. Kayser ; Financial Secretary, John B. Heim ; Treasurer, George Soelch ; Trustee three years, John Bieler.

A.t the annual meeting held January 5, 1875, the following officers were elected for the ensuing year : President, Richard Baus ; Vice President, H. Beerbaum ; Recording Secretary, A. F. Kayser ; Financial Secretary, John B. Heim ; Treasurer, George Soelch ; Trustee three years, George Armbrecht.

The cash capital having reached the sum of $2,500, the constitution was revised so as to read that the monthly dues are to be abolished, and, in case it would fair below that amount, monthly dues shall be collected again. Up to the present day, no monthly dues have been collected, the interest on the capital having paid all expenses. Initiation fee was fixed at $50.

At the annual meeting held January 5, 1876, the following: officers were elected for the ensuing year : President, Richard Baus ; Vice President, H. Beerbaum ; Recording Secretary, A. F. Kayser; Financial Secretary, John B. Heim; Treasurer, George Soelch ; -Trustee three years, M. Hinrichs.

At the annual meeting held January 2, 1877, the following officers were elected for the ensuing year: President, Richard Baus; Vice President, H. Beerbaum; Recording Secretary, A F. Kayser ; Financial Secretary, Jotn B. Heim ; Treasurer, George Soelch ; Trustee three

At the annual meeting held January 8, 1878, the following officers were elected for the ensuing year : President, J. A. Steinle : Vice President, L. Mildbrand ; Recording Secretary, A. F. Kayser ; Financial Secretary, John B. Heim ; Treasurer, George Soelch ; Trustee three years, George Armbrecht.

At the annual meeting held January 7, 1879, the following officers were elected for the ensuing year: President, J. A. Steinle; Vice President, L. Mildbrand; Recording Secretary, John B. Heim ; Financial Secretary, H. Jungman ; Treasurer, George Soelch ; Trustee three years, Martin Heinrichs.

At the annual meeting held January 6, 1880, the following officers were elected for the ensuing year : President, Philipp Schoen ; Vice President, J. F. Genal ; Recording Secretary, John B. Heim ; Financial Secretary, Henry Jungman ; Treasurer, George Soelch ; Trustee three years, John Bieler.

Life members of the association are as follows : George Armbrecht, William Lamp, Daniel Kessler, W. A. Oppell, Otto Hinrichs, Edo Hinrichs, Martin Hinrichs, Henry H. Hinrichs, J. A. Steinle, Ch. Foster, William Holtzhausen, Louis Kessler, C. W. Heyl, Philipp Schoen, Joseph Hausmann, Henry Jungmann, A. F. Kropf, Ch. Niebuhr, Aug. Heitmann, John Bieler, John Kessenich, John Helmus, Michael Zwang, Mathew Boehmer, A. F. Kayser, B. Goldenberger, Fr. Schmidt, Oh. Barnard, A. Conrad, William Heidkamp, Theo. Dresen, A. Giesberber, F. Zehnppenning, George Soelch, B. H. Nienaber, B. Boelsing, Ambrose Lang, J. F. Genal, William Albert, A. Klosse, Peter Weber, John Koerber, William Steckelberger, William Krueger, John Hoevler, John B. Heim, William Scheibel, Gustav Barckhan, L. Mildbrand, William Veerhausen, Jur. Lamp.

The association is composed of some of the best and leading men of the city, who have been honored by its citizens with offices of trust, of various kinds, and, as a rule (it is have been of the healthy kind. During its existence as a Fire Company and Aid Society, it has only lost about ten members, five since it was organized into an aid society. Its capital has been invested carefully, and the accumulating interest is sufficient to carry all the expenses. No monthly dues having been paid since 1874, showing it to be one of the best and healthiest aid societies in the State. Its initiation is placed at $50.

Thfi lAederhranz. - This society was organized November 24, 1876, with about twenty members. The officers elected were : Phillip Heinkel, President ; Miss Hedwigstein, Secretary ; John Rankin, Treasurer. Herman Pfund was chosen leader at first, but in a short time was succeeded by Louis Joachim, the present leader.

Their meetings were held the first year in the Turners' Hall, which was furnished free to aid them in getting started. At the expiration of that time, they had their present commodious hall and anterooms in Herforth's block, prepared for them, and immediately took possession. Ihe society at first gave public entertainments, but these have been discontinued, their meetings being now of a private character. There are now thirty or forty members ; the hall is well wnished, and the society has a good piano and various other properties to the value of $500. the society is in a flourishing condition. The present officers are : Mr. Charles Pressentine, Resident ; Miss Lizzie Schwab, Vice President ; Mrs. E. Baas, Treasurer ; Mr. William Glenz, secretary; Miss Annie Ott, Librarian ; George Neckerman, Stephen Bass and Louis Joachim, w Raphael's Benevolent Society. - This society was organized in February, 1869. Upon the application of John Melvine, M. J. Cantwell, John Reynolds, James Conklin and James Kelly, tae society was incorporated by act of Legislature, dated March 3, 1870. The society is conocted under the auspices of the Catholic Church, to which all its members must belong.

" They shall attend to their religious duties in a body on the first Sunday in August in each year ; they shall be citizens of the United States, or have declared their intentions to become such - they shall be exempt from all infirmities which would prevent them from gaining a livelihood - they shall be of good moral character and of temperate habits ; they shall not be less than eighteen years of age, nor more than sixty ; and shall pay an admission fee, in proportion to the ages, as follows : Eighteen to twenty-five years, $3 ; over twenty-five and under thirty, $4 ; over thirty and under thirty-five, $5 ; over thirty- five and under forty, $6 ; over forty and under forty -five, $7 ; over forty-five and under fifty, $8 ; over fifty and under fifty-five, $9 ; over fiftyfive and under sixty, $10."

Section 2, of this charter, says : "The object of this society is to afford relief to its members in sickness and distress, and to contribute means for defraying burial expenses of its deceased members ; also to extend such aid as its resources will admit to those who are not members of this society and are in distress."

Madison Literary Society. - Madison, almost from its infancy, in common with other villages and cities, has had, at different times, various social and aesthetic societies, instituted for the purpose of affording diversion and information. In the fall of 1877, Miss Ella A. Giles, desiring to see established in the city a literary society, called in the assistance of a few friends for that purpose ; the result was the organization of the Madison Literary Society.

The first meeting for the purpose of organizing this society was held in the agricultural rooms of the capitol October 1, 1877. Joseph Hobbins was chosen Chairman, and C. N. Gregory Secretary. General preliminaries were discussed, and a committee, consisting of Joseph Hobbins, William F. Allen, Mrs. S. Fairchild Dean and Miss Ella A. Giles, was appointed to perfect plans and draft a constitution. The meeting then adjourned to convene again October 8 following. At that meeting the society was fully organized, a constitution being adopted, and officers elected, as follows: Joseph Hobbins, President; John Bascom and Mrs. S. L. Sheldon, Vice Presidents; Miss Ella A. Giles, Secretary, and C. N. Gregory, Treasurer. The society then adjourned to meet thenceforth on the first Monday evening of each month.

On Monday evening, November 5, 1877, the first regular literary meeting was held. iThe exercises on that occasion consisted of the President's inaugural address and music, concluding with conversation and a collection. The conversational method of discussion is still pursued as a portion of each evening's exercise, it being the object of the society to make the meetings pleasant as well as profitable - social as well as literary.

The most noticeable features in the constitution are, that " the members shall be people of acknowledged literary taste," and " the number shall be limited to fifty." The society began with thirty members, but within four months it had reached the number fixed by its constitution as the maximum to be admitted.

Officers of the Literary Club, elected October 8,1877: President - Joseph Hobbins; Vice Presidents - John Bascom and Mrs. S. L. Sheldon; Secretary - Miss Ella A. Giles; Treasurer - Charles N. Gregory.

Elected October 7, 1878: President - Joseph Hobbins ; Vice Presidents - John Bascom and Mrs. S. L. Sheldon; Secretary - Miss Ella A. Giles; Treasurer - R. B. Anderson.

Madison Free Library

The Madison Free Library was organized under Chapter 80 of the laws of 1872 (now part of Chapter 41, Revised Statutes), and an ordinance of the city of Madison passed and approved November 21, 1874, Madison having the honor to be the 'first city in the State to establish a free library under the statute.

The Board of Directors first met on the 9th day of January, 1875, and elected the following officers to continue in office until July, 1876 : J. C. Ford, President ; H. M. Lewis, Vice President ; W. F. Allen, Secretary. , .

On March 16, 1875, rules and regulations for the government of the library and readingrooms were adopted, and on the 30th of March Miss V. C. Bobbins was elected Librarian.

On the 31st of May, 1875, the library was formally opened by a public meeting, which was addressed by J. C. Ford, President of the Board of Directors ; S. U. Pinney, Mayor of the city ; John Bascom, President of the State University ; Edward Searing, Superintendent of Public Instruction ; and by J. D. Butler.

At the time of its organization, the free library was the recipient in trust of the library and books of the Madison Institute, consisting of 3,170 volumes.

July 10, 1876, H. M. Lewis was elected President of the Board of Directors ; George P. Delaplaine, Vice President; W. F. Allen, Secretary; and Miss V. C. Bobbins, Librarian.

During the year ending July 1, 1877, the board caused a catalogue of the library to be prepared, under the superintendence of the Librarian, at an expense of $400 for preparing and printing.

July 9, 1877, the following officers were elected for the ensuing year : President, H. M. Lewis; Vice President, A. B, Braley ; Secretary, William F. Allen; Librarian, Miss Jennie M. Field, Miss Bobbins declining a re-election.

During the year ending July 1, 1878, the Common Council of the city of Madison assigned for the use of the library and reading-rooms, the present commodious and pleasant rooms in the city hall, which were well, substantially and handsomely repaired and fitted for the purposes of the library at a cost of $781.36, under the direction of a committee of the Board of Directors, consisting of George P. Delaplaine, J. C. Ford and J. J. Suhr.

July 8, 1878, the same officers were re-elected, with the exception that Mrs, Laura H. Fettling was chosen Librarian in place of Miss Field, declining a re-election.

During the year, the duties of the Librarian having largely increased, she was authorized to employ an assistant for certain hours of the week. Upon the completion of the present rooms used by the library, and oh the 1st day of January, 1879, the Board of Directors were enabled to open a reading-room in connection with the library, and placed it temporarily under charge of the Librarian, then for the first time putting into operation and life all the departments contemplated by the statute and ordinance under which the free library was organized. At the annual meeting of the Board of Directors, held on the 14th day of July, 1879, the same officers were elected for the ensuing year, and Miss Ella A. Giles was elected Librarian, Mrs. Fettling, declining a re-election, and Miss Minnie Oakley was chosen Superintendent of readingroom and Assistant Librarian.

The Board of Directors first chosen were W. F. Allen, F. H. Firmin, J. J. Suhr, J. K. Baltzell, G. P. Delaplaine, A. Sexton, A. B. Braley, J. C. Ford and H. M. Lewis. The board still remains the same, excepting that Miss Genevieve Mills was elected to Mr. Ford's place in July, 1880, serving until September following, when she resigned, and C. N. Gregory was appointed in her place.

At the present time there are over 9,000 volumes in 'the library The reading-room is well mrnished and lighted, and the tables are supplied with four quarterlies, one bi-monthly, ten monthhes, three semi-monthlies, and four weekly periodicals.

Caledonia Club And St. Andrew'S Society

1874 f ^''^'' ^°°^^^^ °^ Scotchmen in the city was the Caledonia Club, organized March 26, '*, for the purpose of perpetuating the athletic games of Scotland, and for the care of indigent bootch families. The officers elected were Alexander Findlay, Chief; Angus McDonald, ^metlam; William J. Park, Secretary; W. T. Leitch, Treasurer.

During the existence of that society, several gatherings were held, and suitable prizes were offered to the best athletes, which were warmly contested for by others as well as members of the club.

In 1876, St. Andrew's Society was formed, the Caledonia Club being merged into that organization. The officers chosen were W. T. Leitch, President ; Samuel Shaw, Vice President ; W. J. Paark, Secretary ; Walter Waddell, Treasurer. This, like all other St. Andrew's Societies, holds to benevolent purposes, together with the commemorating of literary and historical events of a national character. Only Scotchmen are admitted to membership.

Gas Works

On the 17th of January, 1855, an act of the Legislature was approved incorporating the Madison Gas Light and Coke Company - L. J. Farwell, Simeon Mills, Julius P. Atwood, Francis G. Tibbitts, David Atwood, Henry Parkins, Samuel Marshall, N. W. Dean, B. F. Hopkins, Levi B. Vilas and David J. Powers being the incorporators, and who were constituted the first Board of Directors. The Directors, at their first meeting, elected J. P. Atwood, President, B. F. Hopkins, Secretary, and L. J. Farwell, Treasurer. At the same meeting, held January 20, a contract was entered into with H. Parkins & Co. to erect the necessary buildings for the sum of $35,000. The work was faithfully performed, and on the 10th of July a celebration was had in the village, at which time 2,000 to 2,500 persons attended in front of the capitol. Speeches were made by M. H. Orton, W. N. Seymour, J. W. Johnson, 0. Abbot, A. A. Bird and L. B. Vilas, all of whom are now dead but William N. Seymour.

The gas works were located on the low ground northeast of the capitol, on Lots 1, 2, 3 and 4, of Block 131. This enterprise, in the hands of the company, did not succeed as well as had been anticipated. The works were subsequently leased by the company to B. F. Hopkins, under whose energetic and skillful management the gas was soon conducted through the principal streets of the town, and within two years there were over five miles of pipe laid, and the enterprise became a decided success.

Mr. Hopkins continued at the head of the company until the time of his death, January 1, 1870. The administrators of his estate operated the works about a year longer, when they sold out to " The Madison City Gaslight and Coke Company," which was organized Jaftuary, 1871, with the following officers : M. E. Fuller, President ; Timothy Brown, Secretary and Treasurer. Directors - M. E. Fuller, H. H. Giles, C. L. Williams, B. J. Stevens, S. D. Hastings, W. F. Vilas and Timothy Brown.

These gentlemen conducted the affairs of the company until the annual meeting of January, 1880, during which time the works have been materially enlarged in capacity and improved by larger and extended street mains, additional buildings, and improved apparatus, all of the most permanent character.

At the meeting in January, 1880, the present officers were elected, and are as follows : M. E. Fuller, President ; Andrew Proudfit, Vice President ; F. G. Brown, Secretary and Treasurer ; Mr. Timothy Brown, former Secretary and Treasurer, having died November 15, 1879.

The first person to introduce steam as a propelling power upon the Madison lakes was I. B. Brown. He had a small boat, but it did not " pay." The next steamer was one run by Mr. Griffin to accommodate the guests of the Lakeside House. In 1864 - July 21 - Francis Barnes launched upon the waters of Lake Monona a steamer - the " Scutanawbequon " - twenty-eight feet in length, eleven feet wide and drawing eighteen inches of water. This may be said to have been the pioneer of the Madison pleasure-boats. The success of this boat induced Barnes to build a new one in 1866, fifty feet long, eleven and a half feet wide, capable of carrying fifteen tons and eighty persons. The boat was made at Whitewater, and was launched on Lake Monona on the 17th day of April. Barnes purchased Wood's Point, sometimes called Strawberry or Squaw Point, on Lake Monona, across from the city of Madison, and gave it the name of " Win- neauah "built a dance-room, with refreshment rooms, a bowling alley, and fitted up the grounds with svf'incs, tables and seats, making it a pleasant spot for picnics. It is still a favorite place of resort for^pleasure-seekers. Barnes has but one boat now running, although five have, sooner or later, been placed on the lake by him. Winnequah is a favorite place for " campers-out " during the hot month.

The first stpamer built for Lake Mendota, was " The City of Madison." It had two engines and was fifty-six feet long, thirteen feet beam, with a cabin 16x12 feet. It was built by E. & M. Hinrichs, and was strongly constructed. It was designed to run to the Hospital for the Insane, Picnic Point, and other points on the lake. It was launched May 15, 1867. It was run by the Hinrichs Brothers about four years. They then sold it to Casper Mayer, who ' ran it one summer. Then it was sold to Esco Brothers, who ran it two summers - one on Lake Mendota and the other on Lake Monona, It was then taken to Kilbourn City.

A small steamer from Lake Monona was the next one to float upon the bosom of Lake Mendota, but its career was brief, and it was sold to a party who had it transported to Devil's Lake.

The Steam Tacht ^'Mendota." - In 1875, E. H. Freeman, whose home was in Boston, while spending a short time in Madison, hunting and fishing, was so struck with the beauty of the city and ite surrounding lakes that he resolved to return the next spring and build a steam yacht, such as is used on Eastern waters, for a public pleasure boat.

Mr. Freeman, having had many years' experience on salt water (as will be seen by a sketch of his life in another part of this work), was peculiarly fitted for this enterprise. He had also a large experience in steamboating, also in building and fitting out a number of different steamships. The following winter he engaged the services of D. J. Lawler, the celebrated naval and marine architect. He got out the entire frame, and sent his foreman with it to Madison. The frame was set up here, and the boat finished under the supervision of Ed McLeod, Mr. Lawler's foreman, and the result is certainly a credit to them all. The machinery was designed by Mr. Freeman and is of about double the power ordinarily used in boats of her size. This, combined with her fine model, enables her to successfully contend with the fiercest storms'. Several attempts had previously been made to make a pleasure steamer on Lake Mendota successful, but the boats were not suitable, and therefore failed in the one principal element of safety. This steam yacht is very fast, and has never, in four seasons, missed a trip on account of the weather. She is sixty-five feet long on water-line, twelve feet beam, and is about fifty tons' burden. She was launched in the spring of 1877, and christened " Mendota," thus localizing the name of the boat and lake together. She will carry 150 passengers or more.

is a boat-shed, 120x25 feet, where a number of row and fishing boats are kept; also various kinds of fishing tackle and baiti together with hunting canoes, etc. Some very fine boats have been built in this shop, notably several of solid red cedar, and many others with red cedar trimmings and gratings. In front of the boat-house is a well-laid-out park of nearly two acres, studded with shade trees and flowering shrubs.

. Among those from abroad who have enjoyed a trip around Mendota in this beautiful steamer, are President Hayes and wife. Gen. Myers (Old Probs) and a large party of noted people; Postmaster General Key, Don Cameron and party ; Gen. Sherman, daughter and party ; Gov. Wiltz, of Louisiana, and party ; Gen. Grant and son Fred, and many others.

On the 1st day of November, 1880, Warren H. Freeman purchased the entire interest of iis brother, E. H. Freeman, in the " Mendota," and all the other property of his in Madison, connected with the boating business.

The Steamboat Bay State. - This boat was built in the spring of 1876; is fifty feet long, with ten and a half feet beam, and draws twenty-two inches of water. It carries ten tons burden ; has a double hull, filled and lined with pitch ; side wheels and first-class machinery, manufactured at Fitchburg, Mass. It is a stanch little steamer, and plies between the city of Madison and Ton-ya-watha and Scheut'zen Park. Its city landings are at the foot of Carroll street and North- Western depot. The boat makes connections with all daily trains. It was built and is owned by Bernard Blackmer.

Madison House. - John Catlin says : " I again visited Madison [he had been there in February], in March [1837], where I found Mr. Eben Peck drawing logs to erect a house, which was partially completed in April, and in May he removed into it. This was the first house built in Madison that any one lived in. Mr. Peck kept on adding to it until it was capacious enough to entertain comfortably the travelers and first settlers who visited Madison, and it was then a great accommodation." This, the first public inn, was called the " Madison House." Its first landlady was Mrs. Peck. In June, 1838, the house was vacated by the Pecks, and R. L. Ream took possession as landlord, and " ran " it as a public house about two years, when it was turned into a dwelling.

Madison Hotel. - In the winter and spring of 1838, the Madison Hotel was built on Block 104, and kept the first year by Charles H. Bird. The original building was a small, unpretending structure, to which additions were made until it covered considerable ground. On the first of June, 1838, the first session of the Territorial Supreme Court met and organized there - Charles Dunn, of La Fayette County, Chief Justice. In December of the same year, the Territorial Legislature convened, and Gov. Dodge and the leading members of that body took rooms at the Madison Hotel. Charles H. Bird was succeeded by W. W. Wyman, and after him A. A. Bird, the proprietor, took the hotel and kept it about four years. During this period of time, powerful efforts were made, at each session of the Legislature, to remove the capital from Madison ; and it was at this hotel that the friends of Madison made their headquarters. Bird standing the expense of looking after the wavering members', being chief in concocting schemes to defeat the removal. Any friend of Madison from abroad could obtain from Bird board, champagne and liis last cent.

Bird was succeeded by Jesse A. Clark, who purchased the property, and, after keeping the house a short time, leased it to E. Quivey, who built an addition ; and again, after him, his lessor, Clark, kept the house until the 31st of December, 1845, when he sold to Chester Bushnell and William Welch. Bushnell sold to J. D. Welch, who, with his brother, kept the house some time, when William Welch leased his interest to H. W. Yager. Soon after P. H. Van Bergen purchased J. D. Welch's interest, and with the other Welch kept the house until 1848, when it was leased for one year to Charles Weed. He was succeeded by William Van Bergen, brother of P. H. Van Bergen. He kept the house until 1849, when P. H. Van Bergen again took the property ; and, finally, in 1853, in October, purchased the half-interest of W. Welch, imi became sole proprietor. He soon after sold to B. F. Perry. After that time it was occupied by numerous tenants. A gentleman by the name of Slater changed the name of the hotel to that of his own ; and then again it was occupied by a gentleman of the name of Osborn, who gave his own cognomen to the establishment. But the old building finally went down as the *' Madison Hotel." At 12 o'clock, March 17, 1863, it was burned to the ground.

Ammean Hotel. - The American Hotel was erected by James Morrison and A. A. Bird, on the corner of Pinckney street and Washington avenue, in 1838. The avenue wing of the building was originally a store located on King street. The Pinckney street, or northwest wing, was added about 1851. The building was destroyed by fire September 5, 1868. The ground upon which it was located was for a number of years in litigation. It was sold afterward, and the building known as the Park Savings Bank erected. ^

National Hotel. - The "National " was erected in 1841, on the corner of Main street and Washington avenue, the present site of the "Vilas House," by Zenas H. Bird. It was a two- «tory frame building. It had a succession of landlords until 1852, when it was purchased by E. B. Dean, Jr., and removed to Clymer street, to be used as a dwelling-house.

The Lake House. - This house was built on Lot 1, Block 270, by Carman & Barker. It was commenced in 1843, and finished and opened by them as a hotel in 1844. It was a twostory wood building, with basement kitchen and dining room. It had during its day many different occupants and owners, and at difierent times has been known as the Grover House, the Meredith House, and perhaps by some other names. It was finally destroyed by fire, while kept by Mr. Phillips, and bearing its original name.

Kentucky House - The Kentucky House, subsequently known as the City fiotel, was commenced in the fall of 1843, and completed in 1845, and was situated on the corner of King and Webster streets, on Lot 9, Block 107. It was 30x45 feet, with an ell of thirty feet for diningroom and kitchen, two stories high, and would accommodate fifty or sixty persons. It was built by William M. Rasdall (who came in the spring of 1 842). The house had a variety of landlords ; a Mr. McCord stayed a year and a half. He was succeeded by Mr. Rasdall, who continued it till 1849, when he went to California. He was followed by two Mr. Otts, by Penrith, Dewey, Carter, Van Wie and Cutter. On Mr. Rasdall's return, he kept it three years and seven months, when he was succeeded by ScoUans & Tiernay. The building was destroyed bv fire December 14, 1865. s ^ .

(Mty Hotel. - A one-story framed dwelling, put up on the southeast corner of Main and Pinckney streets, set back from Main street, and built by A. P. Field, Secretary of the Territory, was subsequently altered to a hotel, known as the City Hotel, kept by A. A. Bird ; also as a store, by S. F. Honn, J. H. Lewis and others. The house was finally taken down, and the Fairohild Block built in its place.

The Park Hotel. - :At the session of the State Legislature, held in 1870, a vigorous efibrt was made by the citizens of Milwaukee to remove the seat of government from Madison to Milwaukee. Similar efforts had been made from the very first session of the Territorial Legislature in 1836. On the 19th of February (1870), a bill was introduced for this purpose, and referred to the Oommittee on State Afiairs, which was reported back unfavorably. In the report, the committee referred to the want of hotel accommodations for the large number of persons visiting the capital during the sessions of the Legislature, but saw no good reasons, after the State had t^^9a ** '" ^^^^^ ^^ amount in the erection of the present building, to make a change. On he 28th of February, a memorial was received from the citizens of Milwaukee, making a formal naer to the State, and free occupancy of the extensive and costly buildings now in process of rection for the county court house, to be constructed in their interior arrangements under the supervision of the State; the property occupying the whole of Block 71 in the city of Milwaukee. -To this memorial the Board of Supervisors assented.

clause, when a motion was made that th^ bill be indefinitely postponed, which motion prevailed the vote being fifty-five in the aflBrmative and thirty-one in the negative.

Soon after the adjournment of the Legislature, a meeting was called of the prominent citizens of the city to organize the " Park Hotel Company," which was chartered by an act of the Lesialature, approved March 18. Several meetings were held, and propositions made for a site for the proposed building. The lots on the southeast corner of the State park, corner of Carroll and Main streets, were purchased of N. W. Dean, the company organized, and stock subscribed to an amount sufficient to erect the building. The work was commenced, and continued during the winter, and the house made ready for occupancy in 1871.

The location of the hotel is directly opposite the south corner of the park. The ground upon which it stands is several feet higher than that upon which the capitol is located, and is the only point commanding a view of both Lakes Mendota and Monona. Its size is 120 feet upon Carroll street, fronting the park, and 100 feet upon Main street. It is built of Milwaukee pressed brick, with trimmings of the bestof Madison stone ; is four stories high; with Mansard roof of fine finish. On nearly the entire front on Carroll street is a broad two-story verandah. This front is to the northeast, where, the sun only strikes it for a few hours in the morning ; it thus renders it a pleasant place for recreation in warm weather. Upon Main street, also, a balcony runs along a portion of the building, supported with light columns or pillars. The exterior of the building presents a pleasing appearance. In the interior there is no attempt at show, but a neatness of design and execution has been attained that is quite marked.

Much attention has been bestowed upon the plan of the house, with a view to its convenience. The lower, and of course the best, story is not devoted to stores or other business uses, but the entrance to the office of the hotel is upon the corner of the first story. This room is large and presents an inviting appearance to the weary traveler as he enters it ; and, to add to the attractions of the first entrance, there are two gentlemen's parlors adjoining the office, to be used for writing, or for conversational purposes. The dining-rooms, large and elegant, are also upon the first floor.

In the second story are the ladies' parlors, and numerous suits of rooms designed for families, fitted up with all modern conveniencies. This arrangement prevails throughout the house. All the rooms are pleasant and conveniently arranged, and the views from the most of them are of great beauty. On the one side is had a glimpse of the lake, with a fine landscape in the distance ; on the other, the park, and some of the best business streets in the city. It is doubtful whether any other hotel in Wisconsin can produce so many rooms from which such varied views are obtained as from the Park Hotel.

No expense has been spared to make the furnishing correspond fully with the elegance of the building itself, 'and, at the same time, afford substantial comfort to the guests. The hotel is heated by the most approved steam apparatus ; and water, both hot and cold, is distributed through every part of the house ; and, for protection against fire, hose attachments are provided on each floor.

The hotel was opened in the year 1871 by Mark H. Irish, formerly of the Queen's Hotel, Toronto, and by him successfully conducted until the expiration of his lease of five years, when A. H. West, of Detroit, Mich., secured the next lease of the hotel, which had in this short time attained a reputation second to none in the West, and managed it until his sudden death, in August, 1879.

Dr. William' Jacobs, who had, in 1876, purchased the building from the company, then bought the furniture and placed the hotel under the control of P. B. Parsons, formerly proprietor of the Vilas House, by whom it has since been conducted with marked success.

Tonyawatha Spring Hotel. - This rural summer resort was erected in 1879, by the owner of the " Park," as an adjunct to the same. It occupies a commanding* site upon the east shore of Lake Monona, directly opposite and in view of the city. .

Surrounding it is a magnificent grove of native forest trees, and in proximity to it a nne, large spring of the purest water, called Tonyawatha (Healing Waters). The hotel is well furnished in every department ; has baths and all conveniences, and will accommodate 100 guests. There is a telephone communication with the city ; and, through the season, a steamboat connects with the resort every hour during the day and evening.

The Vilas Souse was erected by a joint-stock company, consisting of L. G. . Farwell, L, B Vilas, Gr. C. Fairchild, Simeon Mills, E. B. Dean and others, and was commenced in the year 1852, and opened for business in the latter part of 1853 under the name of "Capital House " and continued thus until 1865, when L. B. Vilas purchased the entire interest of th» other stockholders, and changed the name to " Vilas House."

The house is built of cream-colored cut-stone, five stories high, with the modern improvements. It is located in the very business center of the city ; nearest the capitol and all places of amusement. It fronts on one side upon the beautiful park surrounding the State House, and on the other, upon Monona Avenue, leading by a few steps to Lake Monona, and aifording a fine view of that beautiful sheet of water.

The Capital House was erected by William M. Rasdall, on the site of the old Kentucky House, in 1866. It was 85xT8 feet, and capable of accommodating 100 guests. The house was opened January 1, 1867, with Beverly Jefferson as landlord. Some years later, Mr. Rasdall sold the property to Miller & Borchsenius, who in turn sold to George W. Mason, and he to Mr. Spaulding, the present owner. The Capital House is excellently conducted, and receives a large share of patronage. It is under the management of L. M. Breesee.

There are a number of other hotels in Madiscyj, all places of entertainment which do credit to the city. Among these may be mentioned the American House, East Madison House, Farmers' Exchange, Fess Hotel, Chris Gaieger, Germania House, Hauck's Hotel, Lake City House, Madison House, Mansion House, Nolden's Hotel, Thomas O'Niel, Railway HousCj, Thompson's Botel, Trierer Hof, William Tell House and Wisconsin House.

City Hall

The city hall was erected in 1857. The size of the building is 50x100 feet, three stories high, with a front on Mifflin and Wisconsin avenues. Donnell & Kutzbock, were the architects. The first story above the basement is occupied by the Madison Free Library, the S. U. Pinney Supply Hose Company and the Governor's Guard military company. The second floor containsthe rooms of the Municipal Court, City Clerk, Council Chamber, City Surveyor and City Treasurer. The third floor is a lecture-room.

The Madison Gruard - the first Wisconsin company in the war of 1861. - In making upthe records of the war, who was first, who was bravest, who wg,s greatest, will in the end be settled by posterity. The following correspondence shows the first company that was tendered and accepted in Wisconsin for the war :

Capt. Bryant To Gov. Randall

J "^Tethe honor to report to the commander-in-chief of the militia of Wisconsin, the following reaolulion, inlrodaced by Lieutenant Plunkett, this day adopted by my command ; sonO '"'/'"''- That Capt. George E. Bryant be instructed to tender to Governor Randall the services of the Madi-

A rt 'i'" "*" '''^''^ services may be required for the preservation of the American Union." 1 P'?''?' you the services of my company at any and all times when you may require them for the preservation of our State and of our American Union .7^4 V

It was, howAvnr z^ . °f/?ffret that the account of the Madison Guards was not inserted in a previous article - the one on the great rebellious. '' "raiifeil by the printer loo late to appear where it properly belongs - En.

Notes Op Subsequent Proceedings

Captain - George E. Bryant, farmer, lives near Madison, Wis. ; he became a Colonel and a First Lieutenant - William H. Plunkett ; became Major Seventeenth Wisconsin. Second Lieutenant - William H. Miller ; was Major Second Cavalry. First Sergeant - M. J. ; was Lieutenant Twelfth Wisconsin. Second Sergeant - Charles Keynolds ; was -Captain Twelfth Wisconsin. Third Sergeant - Joseph P. Spencer. Fourth Sergeant - Daniel Eder, killed near Vicksburg. Fifth Sergeant - William Buckley. First Corporal - F. B. Huchting; first man wounded from Wisconsin. Second Corporal - N. Camberger; entered Tegular army. Third Corporal^S. A. Nash ; entered regular army. Fourth Corporal - W. W. Day ; became a Lieutenant in the Eleventh Wisconsin.

The Madison Guard was organized in February, 1857, John Willans being its first Captain. Capt. Willans removed from Madison early in January, 1858, and was succeeded by John A. Byrne. Capt. Byrne, some six months after his election, resigned, making some magnanimous donations to the company, but did nOt cease to be. one of its most active and efficient members. Samuel Crawford, Associate Judge of the Supreme Court, then a private in the company, was chosen to fill the vacancy occasioned by the resignation of Capt. Byrne. At the next election of company officers, in 1859, George E. Bryant was unanimously chosen Captain, and remained in command of the company until its campaigns were ended. Capt. Bryant is a graduate ot Norwich Military University.

The Madison Guard has always been known as an Irish organization. Early in January, 1861, when it was expected there would be trouble at the inauguration of the President-elect, it promptly tendered its services to the Government, determined that the constitutionally elected

President would be inaugurated only in Washington. The threats, then made by the rebels to nrevent the President from being inaugurated were not carried into effect, and the services of the company were not required until the stars and stripes were torn from the place where they belonged at Fort Sumter. Then the tender of their services were accepted, when its ranks were immediately filled - Americans, Germans, Scandinavians and Irishmen all joining to fight for the preservation of our glorious Union.

The Madison Guard became the color company of the First Wisconsin Regiment, and the color bearer, F. B. Huchtings, was the first man wounded from Wisconsin. Falling, he gave the colors to Corporal W. W. Day, who carried them in victory.

Q-ovemor's Cruard. - On the 1st of March, 1875, sixty-five citizens of Madison, Dane Co., Wis., petitioned George E. Bryant, County Judge, for authority to organize a company of State militia under the laws of Wisconsin. William Helm was designated by the said court to organize the company, which was perfected on the 24th of March, 1875, by the election of August Bartsch, Captain ; John Stock, First Lieutenant ; Phillip Heinkel, Second Lieutenant ; Will- Azm Helm, Treasurer ; John B. Heim, Secretary.

The company was named the " Governor's Guard," and made rapid progress under theabove officers in drilling and the manual of arms, but received a serious loss in their Captain, August Bartsch, who died of quick consumption, August 17, 18'( 5. On the 6th of September following, Lieut. Stock was promoted Captain, Lieut. Heinkel First Lieutenant, and First Sergt. John Heyl commissioned Second Lieutenant. The oflBcers' roster so constituted lasted until March, 1878, when Capt. Stock resigned on account of removal from the city, and the company remained under the charge of its First Lieutenant until the following October 16, when Phillip Heinkel was promoted to the Captaincy, Lieut. Heyl to First Lieutenant, and George Nickerman to Second Lieutenant to date.

In regard to Secretary and Treasurer, Mr. Heim served but a short time in 1875, when- August Ramthun was elected, and served the company for three years in that capacity. Since that time, Louis Joachim has very ably filled the secretaryship. Mr. Helm, having from the first refused to accept an ofiBcer's commission, for want of time, has served as Treasurer anci Quartermaster during the five years of the company's existence, having been annually reelected.

The annual report of the Treasurer, April, 1880, showed a very prosperous condition of the company financially, and passing a good muster, by the Adjutant General.

The company has just received and paid for a new uniform, costing $1,400, in all respectscomplyiijg with specifications contained in General Order No. 5, describing the new uniform adopted by the State of Wisconsin as the Wisconsin National Guard uniform.

Lake Gity Guards. - The first steps toward organizing this company were taken very early in the spring of 1879, the principal movers in the matter being Frank Jones, Fred P. Smith and A. L. Burdick. At that time a vacancy occurred in the regular number of the State militia companies, and accordingly, in order to secure the position, this company organized very hastily, and was mustered in May 27 of the same year. William Hogbin was elected Captain ; Stanley Proudfit, First Lieutenant; and A. L. Burdick, Second Lieutenant. In July following, Capt. Hogbin resigned, and Chandler P. Chapman was elected to take his place. Capt. Chapman took charge of the company on the 3d of August, and then began in good earnest the work of onll and discipline, which had previously been very slack. The company made its first appearance at the State fair of 1879, about six or eight weeks after Capt. Chapman began drilling them ; MQin the exhibition drill did so well that they were very highly complimented by the Adjutant General, who said that he would have been satisfied with the exhibition if made by the oldest ""-rtffi"^ '" ^^ State. They first appeared in uniform at the inauguration of Gov. Smith, and with five other companies formed the escort of the Governor on that occasion. ., J?®^ uniform selected for the Lake City Guards was so much admired by the Executive

- f "" March 29, 1880, a general order was issued making it the standard uniform for all 'Mantry companies of the Wisconsin National Guard. It was as follows :

The commissioned officers have their uniform and insignia prescribed for officers of like rank in the United States army,'exceptjthat the officers of any separate company, battalion or regiment may wear the "forage" instead of the " full dress " cap, and epaulets in place of shoulderknots.

The enlisted men are furnished with full-dress coat, single-breasted, " National Guard " pattern, of dark-blue broadcloth, buttoning to the throat; standing collar, to hook in front at the bottom, and slope thence up and backward ; with collar, sleeve and skirt "slashes," and skirt facings of buff cloth ; collar seams and edges of " slashes " trimmed with narrow "sautache" gold braid ; three rows of " Wisconsin State, Pattern " buttons on breast, nine in each row ; three on each "skirt slash," two on waist seam at back, and one on each skirt at intersection of facings, all of " coat size ;" three " vest size " buttons on each sleeve " slash," and one at point of each " collar slash " - all as indicated in the designs filed in the office of the Quartermaster General.

The trousers are made of dark-blue cloth, with buff stripe, one inch wide, on outer seam. The cap, " Chasseur " pattern, of dark-blue cloth, as prescribed for officers of the United States army ; while the cap ornaments are the same as prescribed for infantry in the United States Army, substituting " State " buttons for fastening the chin straps, and adding a white ball pompon.

At the State fair of 1880, Gen. Grant highly complimented the young company on their perfect drill, especially in skirmish line, and subsequently the Army and Navy Journal said of them :

" The arrival of Gen. Grant to attend the State Fair at Madison, brought the two local companies into prominence as escort, and, in the case of the Lake City Guard at least, as exhibitors of great improvement in the school of the company.

" Capt. Chapman is an enthusiast, a careful student and a painstaking instructor. As a consequence, the Lake City Guard, in their street parade and escort duty on Tuesday, and their exhibition drill on Wednesday, made a most favorable impression. A noticeable feature in -their drill is the individual carriage of the officers and most of the rank and file - heads erect, shoulders square, and the step firm and free. Such movements as obliquings, either inhne or column, are well executed, the parallelism of the sets of fours being thoroughly observed, and no tendency to the half wheel so often detected in carelessly instructed commands. The manual of arms in marching was well executed, no ducking of the head in changing from right shoulder arms to support or carry, but a little more " snap " and emphasis in the execution of such motion would be an improvement." '

They are armed with the latest 45-caliber breech-loading Springfield rifles, and equipped with both service and dress accouterments. They have a drill-room, 44x100 ; armory, 50x20 ; and a club room, finely furnished, 20x28. There are now sixty-seven members.

The Veteran Club of the city of Madison was organized by the execution of articlea of association on the 20th day of May, 1879. Its objects are : " The mutual support of the memiDers, their families or kindred, in case of sickness, poverty, misfortune or death ; and further, of (encouraging and promoting the comradely feelings of veterans of the late war."

The present officers are: President, A. H. Hollister; Vice President, Robert Monteith. Secretary, Charles George Mayers ; Treasurer, Charles Kayser ; Marshal, Frank C. Billings.

List Of Membebs

Helm, Lewis C. Hobbins, William. Hogbin, William. HoUister, A. H. Holt, George W. Howe, John B. Jackson, J, A. Jefferson, B. Jones, A. B. Jones, W. W. Joyce, Patrick. Kayser, Charles. Kayser, A. F. Lewis, Herbert A, Lewis, Sever. Lindeman, E. G. Link, Joseph. Loclie, J. C.

Ancient Order Of United Workmen

Upon the death of a member, the lodge contributes $1 for each of those remaining, which sum is turned over to the Treasurer, who in turn hands the total to the Grand Treasurer. The last-mentioned oflScer then pays the amount of $2,000 to the relatives of the deceased.

This lodge has thirty-seven members in good standing, and meets on the second and fourth Thursdays of each month in Gill's Block, on Pinckney street.

The following is a list of the present officers : Frank Pecher, Senior P. M. W. ; Charles Wedelstedt, Junior P. M. W. ; Fred J. Moll, M. W. ; A. Nietert, G. F. ; H. Schuette, recorder; L. Joachim, Financier; A. Kentzler, Receiver; J. Guthlein, Overseer; Charles l-anz Guide; H. Laue, I. W. ; G. Speckner, 0. W.

Telegraphy

in n p^'***"*' Telegraph in Dane County. - The first electric telegraph line constructed "* County was in the year 1847, it being a continuation of the old Hotchkiss line from

Janesville, and was built on the old Government road. From Madison the line was extended westward to Mineral Point. A man by the name of Lee opened the first office in Madison remaining a few weeks, when Benjamin F. Hopkins assuined charge of the office, using an old-fashioned paper machine. Mr. Hopkins resigned the office, and a man by the name of Murray was in charge until 1859, when Charles E. Weller was appointed manager, continuing until the spring of 1863, when he was succeeded by Hon. Charles E. Bross, the present manager. After the completion of the Milwaukee & Prairie du Chien Railway, the line was transferred to the line of the road, and until 1864, there was but one line over which' all the business, both railroad and commercial, was transacted. In that year, a second wire was built froni' Milwaukee, since which time various lines- have been constructed, until they now number nine lines, with the immediate prospect of two more. Up to 1865, one operator alone was' employed, but at that time the business had increased so largely that Frank B. Parker, who had learned the art of telegraphy with Mr. Bross, was employed as an assistant, subsequently, Fred 1. Parker, a younger brother of Frank E., was employed. The business of the office has increased from barely enough to pay the manager, in 1847, until now it will average $25,000 per year. The present staff of the office is now constituted as follows : Charles E. Bross, manager ; Frank B. Parker, assistant manager ; Fred B. Parker, operator ; J. G. Hyland, operator ; Miss Irene J. Hills, operator ; with two messenger boys.

The Telephone in Dane County. - The first telephone in use in Dane County was on a line between Science Hall University and the University Regents' office in the Parl^ Bank Block, and was put in working order by Charles E. Bross, October 1, 1878. The Ist of Decem- ,ber the same year, Mr. Bross constructed a line for Mr. Andrew Kentzler between his livery i stable and the Park Hotel. In May, 1879, Mr. Bross and Frank E. Parker started the Bell Telephone Exchange of Madison, with thirty subscribers with five lines, six subscribers being on one line, the central office being in one of the front windows of the American Express office. The number of subscribers increased, but the system did not work perfectly, on account of defective bells and the confusion of so many subscribers on a single wire. In July, Robert Wootton bought out the interest of Frank E. Parker. In August, it was determined to change the system, building each subscriber a single wire, and putting in a magneto bell in place of the small elefctric bells, which was done and the central office moved in the top story of Gurnee's Block. In October, Mr. Bross purchased the interest of Mr. Wootton, and the 1st of August, 1880, removed the central office to the top story of the! Telegraph Block. Thpre Is now llO' subscribers to the system, which is working perfectly. The longest Hue connected with the office is the Insane Asylum, about seven miles in length. The force at the central office is as follows : Charles B. Bross, proprietor ; John G- Hyland, superintendent ; Willie Hyland, line repairer ; Miss Lizzie Hamilton, day operator ; Adolph Buser, night operator.

Wisconsin Telegraph Institute. - In the fall of 1880, seeing the want of a school for the instruction of young men and women in the delightful art of telegraphy, Chstries B. Bro^s and Frank B. Parker opened the Wisconsin Telegraph Institute in the Telegraph Block, in the city of Madison, which is doing a good work in disseminating the knowledge of the useful and faispinating art of telegraphy.

Sunny skies and a bracing atmosphere heralded the opening of the day, September 10, 1878, which was to see the arrival of Rutherford B. Hayes, President of the United States, and party in Madison, as the guests of the Wisconsin State Agricultural Society. Before daybreak, the country roads were blocked with teams, loaded down with living freight. The market place was a jam at 10 o'clock, the sidewalks were thronged, the windows and the housetops were gay with fluttering ribbons. It was evident that thousands considered it a gala day indeed.

Many of the stores and business establishments were tastefully decorated.- The most elaborate display, however, was at the Park Hotel. The parlors had been filled with plants, lasteand skill could do no more than was accomplished here. The outside of the building was not

By 9 o'clock, every street leading to the East Madison depot was densely thronged. At 10 o'clock, the regular train from Portage arrived with the Guppey Guards of that city and a train load of excursionists from along the route. As soon as the Guards had formed on the street and the train was unloaded, the President's special came rolling along. The cannon fired, the multitude cheered, the committee of reception boarded the three palace cars, and the members of the party were then escorted to carriages, the President and Mrs. Hayes and Gov. W. E. Smith and Mayor G. B. Smith occupying the first carriage.

The procession was formed in the following order : Portage Military Band, Guppey Guards of Portage, Governor's Guard Band, carriages containing the Presidential party, flanked by the Governor's Guard, then citizens generally. The line of march was along Williamson, King and Main streets to the Park Hotel.

Upon the arrival of the procession at the hotel, the Presidential party, with Gov. Smith, Mayor Smith and leading citizens, ascended to the Main street veranda, which had been decorated for the purpose. The Governor, advancing to the I'ailing with the President, welcomed him and greeted the assembled citizens with a few well-chosen remarks. After the Governor's greeting, Mayor George B. Smith welcomed the President in behalf of the city. The President made his acknowledgment, as follows :

" Fellow Citizens : I appear before you at this time with no purpose of making an extended address. I desire merely, in a single word, to make my acknowledgments to the Governor of Wisconsin, to the Mayor of Madison, and to the people they represent, for this hearty welcome, and, on the suggestion of the gentlemen coniiected with the Agricultural Society, I wish to announce that there will be further speaking, in which I am expected to take part, at the fair grounds at 3 o'clock this afternoon."

In the afternoon, the Presidential party visited the State Fair Grounds. After President Fratt's welcoming address. President Hayes addressed the people. After the President, Attorney Gen. Devens, B. C. Yancy, of Georgia, and Gen. Albert G. Meyer, Chief Signal Officer of the United States, made a few remarks.

The Assembly Chamber was elegantly decorated for the reception in the evening, tendered hy the Governor and party. The attendance was large. At the close of the reception, the President and Mrs. Hayes, Gov. Smith and wife. Mayor Smith and wife, and ex-Gov. Ludington and wife, repaired to the residence of David Atwood, where refreshments were partaken of with the family of the latter.

After visiting the historical rooms the following morning, accompanied by Gov. Smith and C. W. Butterfield, the distinguished guests took a steamboat ride on the "Mendota" atound Fourth Lake. Over the beauties thereof they were enthusiastic. Mrs. Hayes then visited the ladies hall of the State University, the President and the rest of the party proceeding to the fair grounds. At 1 o'clock, the entire party left for Milwaukee.

In the spring of 1879, a very cordial invitation was extended to the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church, then in session at Saratoga Springs, N. Y., to hold its next annual meeting in Madison. Gov. Smith was exceedingly cordial in his courteous invitation, and, through A ki'* °^"^" ^' ^°3®%> ^^ Elder in the Presbyterian Church in Madison, a naember of the th K J ^''''^P'^'nce of the invitation was secured. On Wednesday evening. May 19, 1880, the body was welcomed to Wisconsin's capital by the Governor of the State and the officials of

31 'Vh ^®^^'°1^ opened on Thursday morning, May 20, and closed on Monday morning, May meeting of this assembly is perhaps the most memorable incident in the history of the Presbyterian Church in the United States. The body consisted of commissioners, clerical and lay, from 180 presbyteries, from almost every State and Territory of the Union, and from various foreign countries. The number of members was 550. In addition to this, the Woman's Home and Foreign Missionary Societies held sessions in the city, with 250 in attendance. The visitors probably numbered 400 more, making an aggregate of 1,200 strangers to be cared for - and yet, so perfect were the arrangements and so getierous the hospitality, that nothing seemed to be wanting to the comfort of the guests.

Madison Of To-Day

Druggists - A. A. Mayers, J. H. Clark, Dunning & Sumner, A. H. Hollister, 0. H. Naftz, A. A. Pardee & Brother, Charles Theiss, Wilson & Allman.

Restaurants - Charles Fizette, C. Herman, A. Kropf, M. Newrman, C. F. Sleightam & Bro., C. H. Steinmetz, Thomas Morgan (St. Julian), A. Cheney (St. Nicholas).

Wagons and Carriages - Nicholas Behrend, M. Boehmer, Davis & Phelps, S. Foren & Son,. William Farrell, C. Hanson, Heitkamp & Son, John Reiner, August Rosen, A. Schmidt.

Watches, Clocks and Jewelry - C. A. Belden, E. P. Copp, C. Gilbertson, David Holt, J. W. Hudson, C. Miller, R. G. Norton, A. Parker, C. Pressentin, G. Scott.

Crockery and Glassware - J. H. D. Baker, D. Bannon, F. Bartels, J. H. Clark, M. L. Daggett & Son, Simon Dames, R. L. Garlick, George W. Gilman, Mrs. C. Hill, Gec»:ge W. Huntley, L. Nelson, A. A. Mayers, Riley & Bowen, A. Sauthoff, Renter & Bauman.

" Madison, the capital city of Wisconsin, is located between two of the four lakes which characterize this beautiful valley, midway between Milwaukee, on the shore of Lake Michigan, and Prairie du Chien, on the Mississippi River, nearly 100 miles from each. ,

" Like ancient Rome, Madison is built on seven hills, and resembles her in other particulars. Rome had her Tiber, Madison has her Yahara ; Rome had her Mars Hill, in honor of the god of war ; Madison has her University Hill, dedicated to science, literature, and the arts of peace ; Rome had her gladiatorial exhibitions, in which the physical prevailed over the intellectual power; Madison has her commencements, in which superior intellectual digladiation bears off the palm of victory ; Rome had her legions for conquest ; Madison has her citizen soldiery for defense ; Rome had her chariot races, in which victory was the prize and the reward ; Madison has her drives, meandering to the hill-tops, and, gently descending, winding around the shores of the lakes, in which pleasure is the prize and health the reward ; Rome had her temples, dedicated to thirty thousand gods ; Madison has churches consecrated to the worship of the Living God ; the people of Rome belonged to the government ; the government of Madison belongs to the people ; the civilization of Rome was that of the head ; the civilization of Madison 18 that of the head and of the heart. If history repeats itself, it is with progress.

"Madison has a population of over 10,000 inhabitants ; enough to secure the advantages of the cities, and not enough to incur their evils. It is bounded on the north by Lake Mendota, a silvery sheet of limpid water, twenty miles in circumference, on which, from May until October, floats the stanch steam-yacht Mendota, for the accommodation of pleasure-seekers desiring to visit the Insane Asylum, Maple Bluff, or make a trip around the lake; on the south by Lake Monona, fifteen miles in circumference, of beautiful navigation for steam and sail and oar. From stations on the shore of Lake Monona, and within two blocks of the Capitol Park, the steamers Bay State and Scutanawbequon make frequent and regular trips to Tonyawatha, Winnequah and other points. At Nine Springs, three miles south of the city, is the State fish-hatching house, where are reared other varieties of fish than those contamed in the four lakes. The ciMsical scholar will be delighted to find here the naiads presiding over these fruitful waters, fl the disciples of Isaak Walton will reioice that the sources of their amusements have been multiplied.

is surrounded by a park of fourteen acres, with velvety turf, studded with oak, ash, elm, maple and evergreen pine. It is intersected with serpentine walks, laid with aaphaltum and bordered with umbrageous trees, almost impenetrable by star- or sunlight, forming promenades free from heat and dust.

" One mile distant, due west, is University Hill, of still greater eminence, upon which is built the State University. This hill commands a view of the city of Madison, the four lakes, with their marginal forests, and the rolling prairie beyond. As in the physical world there is no light without darkness, no sunshine without shade, there are in the world of mind no brilliant displays of genius or virtue, without occasional obscurity of intellect or depravity of heart. While on the southern shore of Lake Mendota there are temples dedicated to literature, science and art, filled with votaries, there is, on the opposite shore, an asylum, in whose inmates the light of mind and the love of glory are extinguished, wrecks of all that is godlike in man. That asylum is a sad monument of human calamity, as well as a noble monument of human philanthropy.

" Madison has few rivals as a place of summer resort ; for the invalid who seeks health without the aid of nostrums ; for the man of business who escapes temporarily from its corroding cares ; for the lover of nature in her varied aspects of hill, dale and lake, and prairie gemmed with flowers ; for the devotee to science, art and literature contained in her libraries ; and for the disciples of Isaak Walton, who, with silent and watchful care, beguile the finny tribe.

" Madison has her historical, law and literary libraries, of 80,000 volumes ; she is famous for her cabinet of minerals, for her pre-historic specimens, for her artesian well of mineral water. She is famous for her hotels, in which are found the juicy meats and vegetables of the farm, the venison of the forests, the grouse of the prairies, the ducks and fish of the lakes, the delicacies of the confectioner, and wine ripened by age, rivaling the old Falernian. ,,)

"Madison is famous for the purity of the air brought to her upon the wings of the wind from the Rocky Mountains and from polar ice, uncontaminated by epidemic disease. If a sultry breeze from the south should attempt to intrude upon her its hot and malarious breath, it would be lost in the nebulous mists of Lakes Mendota and Monona, guardian spirits, north and south of the beautiful city. Madison is especially famous for the ability, learning and taste of her women."