Platteville City (part 2 of 10)

According to announcement, the school opened on Tuesday, October 9, 1866, the exercises being attended by a large number of ladies and gentlemen of Platteville and the surrounding country, old students of the academy and others. The ceremonies were opened with prayer by the Rev. Mr. Mather, after which Prof. C. H. Allen was then introduced, and made a few earnest remarks on the responsibility he had assumed as Principal, and his hopes for the success of his labors. Hon. J. L. Pickard followed in an address full of feeling, and abounding in practical observations. At the conclusion of his remarks, occurred a most pleasing and gratifying episode. A covered stand was brought forward, and Mr. W. E. Carter, addressing Hon. Hanmer Robbins, presented him with an elegant set of silver service, consisting of a coffee urn, castor and cake basket, as a slight testimonial of the appreciation of citizens for his services in procuring the location of the Normal School at Platteville.

The recipient returned thanks in an appropriate speech, in which he complimented the people of Platteville upon their labors in the same behalf, without which he could have accomplished nothing.

After the singing of the doxology by the Glee Club, and benediction by the Rev. Mr. Pond, the meeting was adjourned until evening, when the exercises concluded with a re-union supper.

The regular course was commenced on the following .day, under the administration of Prof. Charles H. Allen as Principal, assisted by Jacob Wernli, George M. Guernsey, Professor of Mathematics; Fanny S. Joslyn, Instructor in History, Geography and Physiology; Esther M. Sprague, Prineipal of the Model Department, with Henry Triganowan, Janitor.

During this term, 60 pupils were enrolled in the Normal Department ; 14, in the Preparatory Class, and 38 in the Model School ; and, during the year first following, there were in attendance, for some part of the year, 219 students, exclusive of the Model School.

This unexpectedly large attendance necessitated the increase of accommodations, and, before the dawn of 1867, a new wing of dimensions sufficiently commodious to supply the existing demands was commenced. Its completion, however, was delayed until 1868, when the finishing touches were added, and the whole turned over to the school authorities. The cost of the improvement was $20,000, and the dedication occurred on the 10th of September, 1868, at which an address was delivered by State Superintendent Craig, followed with speeches by the Hon. J. H. Rountree, the Hon. Hanmer Robbins, the Rev. Messrs. Parmelee and Pond, Mr. J. C. Cover, Prof. Allen, and Gen. Grant. At that time, the buildings consisted of one main stone -edifice, three stories high, fronting forty feet to the south, and seventy feet to the north ; west of this was a building, also of stone, two stories high and 40x60, connected with the main building by a stone corridor 32x40, and three stories high. They were of a blue limestone, based well, substantially built, well lighted and ventilated, and thoroughly heated.

The course prescribed by the board is designed to meet the wants of those teachers, who, possessing the necessary scholastic acquirements, yet feel the need of professional training. It consists of a rapid review of the various subjects taught in common schools, with lectures upon the best methods of teaching the same ; upon the organization, classification and government of schools ; and upon the school law. The elementary course is to fit students to become teachers in the common schools of the State, and consists of a thorough drill in the studies pursued, experimental lectures on methods of instruction and practice in the Model School. The advanced course is designed to fit teachers for the higher departments of graded schools in the State.

These ideas were embodied in the course begun at Platteville, and, in June, 1869, that school graduated its first class, the first of a Normal school in Wisconsin, and was composed of Lewis Funk, Melvin Grigsby, Andrew J. Hutton, Richard H. Jones, James Roit, Edward H.

Sprague, Ella Marshall and Alvena E. Schroeder. The school remained under the care of Prof. Allen until July, 1870, when he resigned, and Edwin A. Charlton became his successor, and -changes were made in the other departments, as also in the courses of study adopted in 1868. This latter was further altered at the annual meeting in July, 1874, when two courses of study were decided upon to be known as the '"Elementary Course," requiring two years to complete, and the "Advanced Course," requiring four years to complete.

In 1873, it again became necessary to increase the accommodation facilities, and a two-story stone addition 26x40, occupying the west front of the corridor, was completed and occupied. This improvement was made at a cost of $2,200.

From the inauguration of the system, the character of the common schools has been elevated and improved in every particular, to which the influence of the Normal School may be made to reach. The course of study pursued by Normal pupils makes them acquainted with the subject of school economy, and, to some extent, qualifies them to suggest and make such improvements in «ohool appliances as may increase the possibilities of effective work. In short, the Normal School has become an educational center, from which is disseminated information bearing upon the conditions that make a good school possible. In addition to improving the school accommodations, it gives more stability to the profession of teaching, and, in every way, contributes to the means of education available to the student in a degree both gratifying and liberal.

As is known, the Platteville Normal School is accessible to candidates from all parts of the State. Each Assembly District in the State is entitled to eight representatives, and, in case vacancies exist in the representation to which each Assembly District is entitled, such vacancy may be filled by the President and Board of Regents. The candidate is nominated by the County or City Superintendent, must be of sound bodily health and of good moral character, and sustain a satisfactory examination in the branches required by law for a third-grade certificate. These preliminaries being complied with he becomes a student, and, upon the completion of the prescribed course, is entitled to a diploma and the privileges of teaching.

The Normal School at Platteville is to-day considered one of the most valuable adjuncts to the science of education to be found in the West. Improvements are constantly projected and completed, and, at the opening of the fall term, a kindergarten will have been provided, for which an addition to the Main street front was finished during the summer, at a cost of $20,000. The corps of teachers embraces among the most accomplished and experienced, the discipline is superior, and all things combine to render it all that is claimed.

Since the organization, 684 ladies and 574 gentlemen have been enrolled in the Normal Department; 959 ladies and 1,036 gentlemen in the Training Department; and a total of 172 of both sexes have graduated.

Prof. Charlton remained as Principal until 1879, when he was succeeded by D. McGregor, who has since directed its affairs. The school is divided into six departments : Kindergarten, Primary, Intermediate, Grammar, Preparatory and Normal, requiring a regular force of thirteen teachers and an expenditure of about $14,000 for its support.

The scholastic year is divided into three ' terms, the first beginning on the first Tuesday of September and continuing sixteen weeks, the second term commencing on the first Tuesday in January and lasting twelve weeks, and the third commencing on the second Tuesday in April and expiring in June.

The Post Office

On March 10, 1829, William T. Barry, Postmaster General of the United States, appointed Rountree Postmaster at Platteville, and on October 10, of the same year, opened the office '" * liouse within the grounds then and since occupied by this gentleman for residence purposes, ihere were no mail carriers in those days, and it was only when the Postmaster, or some of his servants visited Galena, that letters were obtained and transported to their addressed in Platteville and vicinity. In 1831, the mail was carried from Galena to Prairie du Chien, in a wagon via Platteville, twice each week, and was succeeded in 1832 by mail from Platteville to Mineral Point at stated periods. This continued until 1870, when the advent of railroads placed Platteville in more immediate and frequent communication with the outside world.

In 1835, theoflBce was removed from the residence of Maj. Rountree to his store, corner of Third and Main streets, the Major discharging the duties of his position until 1838, when he was elected to the Territorial Council and resigned, to be succeeded by N. W. Kendall, who located the oiSce in his store on Grocery street. He was followed by Sylvester Gridley, who was appointed about 1841, and had the oflBce in his store, where Hodges' Bank now is. Thomas Eastman was the next recipient of executive confidence, serving the public in premises near the present site of Wright's drug store until about 1849. At that time. Dr. James Russell accepted the trust, in a building near Sickles' cigar store. Dr. G-. W. Eastman was the next incumbent. The office under his administration being where Hooper's drug store now is, and whence H. Hulburt, Dr. Eastman's successor, removed it to Rountree's Block, corner of Main and Bonson streets. In 1857 Maj. Rountree was appointed, remaining in office until 1861, when he was relieved by James Kelly, who in turn yielded precedence to B. F. Wyne in 1865. That gentleman is still in charge. During the earlier portion of his term of office he occupied the present site of Sickles' cigar store, but in 1879 he moved it to the corner of Main and Third streets, where it still remains, in the first brick building erected in Platteville, and on the same corner to which it had been moved from Maj. Rountree's residence forty-four years previous.

The Press

Grant County Witness. - The history of journalism in Grant County found expression first in Platteville, at which point the publication of the Northern Badger was commenced on Friday July 30, 1840. The paper was a folio of twenty colums, printed in brevier and containing a large amount of general information. For many seasons previous, the absence of a newspaper had been noted. It was a matter of surprise that a section of the country with soil, climate, mineral wealth, and other features of excellence rarely paralleled should have so long remained without a press to make known its advantages and sustain its interests. Thomas Eastman, the editor and publisher, designed it to be a concise review of passing events. The political complexion of the paper would take the hue of all parties, and the useful and agreeablewould be so united as to insure for it a welcome reception in the family circle. The first numbers contained Congressional and Legislative proceedings ; news from different portions of the country and county ; a brief epitome of local intelligence, including the announcements that Dr. A. Hill, of La Fayette, Thomas P. Burnett, Dr. Crockwell, Miles Hollingsworth, Gyrus K. Lord and Samuel Lewis were candidates for the Territorial Legislature ; Darius Bainbridge, Stewart McKee, of Platte Mills, Robert Langley, of Van Buren, and Norman McLeod for County Commissioners ; Ira W. Brunson for the office of Collector of taxes, and William Mc- Auley for the office of Treasurer. Under the caption of " The Broken Head," the Badger is " happy to hear from high authority that William Rogers is entirely out of danger, and able to walk out ; he could even attend to his labors, but his medical attendant deems labor too early as yet. The legal proceedings, however, are going on, and should the person aggrieved think proper to prosecute the action, in the name of the people, or try a civil suit for damages, the case must come before a jury. If we might offer a word of advice, we would say, keep the case out of court. We have understood, however, that a gentleman of great legal ability has been spoken of as likely to be retained for the defense. Should the case take such a direction, it is probable that our young but highly gifted townsman, B. C. Eastman, will have an opportunity of entering the forensic arena with a veteran adversary in a highly interesting suit. That he will be retained in the pending trial, we infer from the very deep impression he has made on the public mind by his efforts in the preliminary investigation before the Justice's Court." The local department also contained an editorial brevity on ' Our Southern Boundary," a notice of "Dr. Burhaus' lectures on the Science of Phrenology," the Illinois election returns, Indiana and Missouri election news, and other notes and comments of great interest and moment to readers of those days. The advertisements comprehended the Sheriff's exponas, by Harvey Pepper, Sheriff; B. Roulette, lime dealer; Miss Longsden, pianoforte teacher ; S. McKee, lumber dealer ; J. Reynard, tailor ; Ben C. Eastman, attorney at law ; W. G. Spencer, boot and shoe maker ; one or two guardians' notices, and the markets. The miscellanies were made up of a dolorous poem in iambics, under the title " Requiem." and beginning, " I see thee still," running through four verses ; " Washington's Ancestors ; Aaron Burr; Steam Navigation ; A Brave Soldier and Shin-Plasters." The fourth page was also devoted to advertising the prospectuses of the Northern Badger, the Philadelphia Saturday Courier and Brother Jonathan, "the largest and most beautiful newspaper in America," in addition to the arrival of the mails in Platteville, and New York prices current.

Such, imperfectly, is a description of the first newspaper published in Grant County. It was conceived and brought forth in Platteville, where its infancy was rocked, and where it grew in strength and character under the influences of encouragement and genial surroundings. According to all accounts, for the records are missing, it had run the gantlet of a cheerful experience, had put off its swaddling clothes, and become garbed in apparel, mechanically speaking, of the latest and most improved design, when it sickened, and before the remedies usually provided upon occasions of a similarly critical period could produce an effect, stiffened in death. But as the ''form " of the journalistic infant lay at its home in the village of Platteville, where it had begun life with such bright promises for the future, its senses closed to the world whence it was passing. A new dispensation, metaphorically speaking, opened the door of the apartment, and, gliding to its bedside, pressed its lips upon the pallid brow, over which the death damp was gathering, and as silently passed out to take up the stick " and " rule " of its predecessor, and furnish the world and all that therein is with news and notes, under the name of the Independent American and General Advertiser. This was commenced as the indirect successor to the Badger, early in the year 1845. J. L. Marsh, at present a member of the Fourth Estate at Sheboygan, directing its policy, molding its education, furnishing its mental and substantial resources, and doing all things needful for its advancement and independence. The Wisconsin Whig, however, was the immediate successor to the Badger, lasting but a short time, and was followed by the Wisconsin Register, equally short lived.

In appearance, the American and Advertiser, typographically speaking, was a decided improvement over that of the Badger. The print was clear, the paper of a superior quality, and very much that had been wanting in the latter was supplied. Every policy that could in any way contribute to the welfare of the Northwest or development of its resources was advocated by Mr. Marsh, and a system of internal improvements for more accessible communication with other portions of the country was urged upon the attention of his readers. The enterprise and spirit of Plattevillians was commended, and such allocutions as the editor promulgated, designed for the encouragement of those who, by their labors and examples, sought to build up the town and its vicinage, thereby promoting the growth and importance of the communities contiguous thereto, fell not upon stony ground. About this time, the system of telegraphy, which has since so universally obtained, was just coming into experimental use, and this, too, was availed of to add to the quantity of information furnished. Mr. Marsh conducted the paper alone until January 14, 1848, when E. F. Bayley became associated, and the firm was afterward known as " Marsh & Bayley." This arrangement created, no change was observed from the course previously pursued. Every exertion was made to render the American worthy of patronage, which was as liberally extended as under the former regime. These gentlemen remained in charge until 1849, when the paper suspended, and so continued until September 13, 1851, when J. L. Marsh resumed its publication, in outward appearance entirely changed, but the same in principle as when he first launched his journalistic bark upon the tide of time - independent.

Typographically, the new issue was a superior specimen of mechanical art, and from his office, in the third story of Moore & Hodges' block, the editor was accustomed to commune with his constituency in a manner both frank and dignified. On the 17th of September, 1852, was commenced the seventh volume of the journal, still under the editorship of J. L. Marsh, and with increased facilities for consulting the wants of advertisers and subscribers. This and the succeeding volume were edited by Mr. Marsh, but with the opening of the ninth volume, Harlon M. Page greets the reader as editor, and Page & Chatterton, proprietors. Under their administration, the Independent American, while not presuming to rival cotemporary dailies, in the extent and variety of foreign and general intelligence, furnished to its readers, in a condensed form, a summary of the world's news. To this was added, for the benefit o^ farmers and business men, an accurate report of the markets and matters of interest to the commercial and agricultural communities from whom its support was obtained. In politics, the paper remained independent. The firm of Page & Chatterton remained as the published owners of the paper until January 11, 1856, when H. M. Page succeeded to the partnership, and discharged the duties incident thereto, in conjunction with those of editor. This move, it appears, had been for some time in contemplation prior to its being consummated. The expenses of publishing a paper in those days were heavy, and the tight times which are known to have existed about this time greatly augmented an outlay that was disproportioned to the income. These considerations prompted the centering of the responsibilities, which were undertaken by Mr. Page, who promised to maintain the standard of excellence which had been attained as the result of the efforts of himself and Mr. Chatterton. Mr. Page remained in the harness, so to speak, until October 30, 1857, enduring many trials, experiencing few triumphs, when he laid down the editorial pen, and in a few plain words, expressed his reasons for suspending the further publication of the American. A period of nearly two years elapsed before further effort was made to establish a weekly journal in Platteville, but on the 26th of May, 1859, the Q-rant County TFiiwess was issued, and has since been attended with a success reasonably gratifying. The venture was first undertaken by Israel Sanderson, who announced his reasons for starting a paper, and the character that the same would bear before the public. It would bear testimony of occurring facts ; labor to advance the principles set forth in the National and State Republican platforms ; protest against the authority of Congress to give legal existence to slavery in the Territories ; maintain the doctrine asserted by the Supreme Court of Wisconsin on the question of State Rights, and advocate the right and reprove the wrong wherever seen. The paper waa a seven-column folio, neat in its make-up, containing choice selections of miscellaneous reading, crisp editorials, brief and to the point localisms, and a large number of advertisements. The first eight numbers of the Witness were issued from Lancaster, but on July 14, following its establishment, the oflSce was removed to Platteville, as the prospect of self-supporting was considered more gratifying at the latter point than at Lancaster. A year's experience established the truth of this conclusion. By hard labor and close attention to business, a corresponding liberality on the part of the public was begot, and the fact that a paper could be sustained in Platteville was settled beyond a peradventure. For upward of three years, Mr. Sanderson realized this experience.

At the expiration of that period, or on May 8, 1862, he entered into an arrangement with George K. Shaw and Daniel E. Bockius, of Galena, who assumed the management himself, acting as assistant publisher, rendering, as occasion required, such assistance as was deemed necessary. The firm was afterward known as " Shaw & Bockius." During the period when Mr. Sanderson catered to the intellectual appetite of his readers, the Witness never failed weekly to visit the homes of subscribers, bringing entertainment and instruction. This, too, at times when business interests had been subjected to great hardships, and suffered therefrom. But the paper passed successfully through these crises, and at the date of its transfer was yielding fair profits to its publishers. Under such auspices, and with such advantages, did Messrs. Shaw & Bockius commence the race with cotemporaries. It was at the most excitmg period of the war, but the policy of these gentlemen was such as to commend their efforts to a generous patronage, which was continued during their joint and several management of the enterprise. The partnerhip lasted until November 5, 1863, when the name of Daniel E. Bockius disappeared from the editorial page. On the 31st of December of the same year, Mr.

Shaw sold out his interest to F. S. Houghawont, who assumed charge on the following day, and began its publication after completing a number of improvements, etc. His lease of authority, however, was short-lived, for with the issue of April 7, 1864, Mr. Houghawont closed his connection with the Witness, which reverted to George K. Shaw, from whom the former obtained title in December previous. The new lease of life obtained under the tutorship of Mr. Shaw was both prolonged and mutually beneficial. For upward of five years he had control of its editorial columns, making the paper a respectable and flourishing institution, especially during the gloomy years of the war, and when business stagnation held out no inducements to persevere in the walks of professional life. Mr. Shaw did persevere, however ; and by his efforts contributed to swell the population and recsources of the county until February 28, 1867. At that date, a sale of the Witness was effected to M. P. Rindlaub, for three years previous editor of the Herald, at Lancaster ; an experienced newspaper man, a practical printer and a gentlemaa fully appreciating the expectations borne of the successions. For some time prior to his assuming control, the Witness had abandoned its independent policy, and came out Republican in politics of the strictest sect. The innovation thus established was adopted by Mr. Rindlaub^ and in his views of the situation as set forth in the editorial columns, the syllabus of his predecessor was intensified rather than diminished. In the campaign of 1868, he supported Gran-t for President, and contributed in a marked degree toward the molding of public opinion in that direction in Grant County- In the winter of 1871-72, Mr. Rindlaub enlarged the Witness to its present size, procured a new dress, and completed other improvements, which have been annually added to from time to time, as the necessity occurred, until to-day the paper, which began with so little pretension nearly twenty- five years ago, ranks second to no journal in the State in its influence and character ; not alone as the formulator of public opinion and the conservator of public morality, but also as a dignified witness of passing events and the unprejudiced advocate of equal rights to all men.

Ber Correspondent - A German weekly issued on Thursdays, and enjoying a rapidly increasing prosperity. In the fall of 1879, Herman Melster, an enterprising and ambitious journalist, previous to that date connected with the Herald and Seebote, of Milwaukee, conceived the idea of establishing a German paper in Wisconsin, outside the territory tributary to Milwaukee, as the source of all that is good, true and beautiful in knowledge and art. He canvassed the State with care, and finally 'deciding upon Platteville as a point furnishing the most available advantages for the establishment of a German paper, located here and, on October 19 of that year, in conjunction with Ferdinand Remshogue, issued the first number of Der Correspondent. The paper was then, and still is, a folio of eight columns to the page, well printed, attractively made up, and presenting all the features of excellence necessary to success. The partnership continued until December 18, 1880, when it was dissolved, Mr. Remshogue retiring, since which period Mr. Melster has conducted the enterprise without assistance, and is succeeding beyond his most sanguine expectations.

The Correspondent is the only paper printed in the tongue of the "Faderland" in Southwestern Wisconsin, and is steadily becoming a power in the community as the formulator of public opinion and conservator of the sentiment of equal and exact justice to all men. Politically, It )s independent, strictly so, without preference for or prejudice toward either of the contesting parties, and, while this is strictly true, the pronralgation of an opinion through the columns ci the Correspondent, from its office on Grocery street, has not been altogether unproductive of results in the politics of the city.

I- Bodges' Bank - Organized in 1846 by I. Hodges and L. McCarn, who commenced business in premises on Main street now occupied by the store of D. Wilson. The firm remained here until the spring of 1870, when the building was materially damaged by fire, and they removed to the building at present used as the post office, corner of Main and Third

Streets. The same fall, they erected the commodious brick building on the opposite corner of the same thoroughfares, where the business has since been carried on. In March, 1873, Mr. McCarn died, when the firm was re-organized with I. Hodges and 0. S. Griswold ; this continued until January 1, 1880, when Mr. Griswold retired, since which date Mr. Hodges has operated alone.

W. S. Northrop ^ Co. - Composed of W. S. Northrop and George W. Eastman, bankers and dealers in exchange, Government securities, etc.; was organized April 1, 1880, and are engaged in a large and rapidly increasing business, amounting to $1,500,000 per year, principally with the farmers of the township and merchants in the city of Platteville.

Secret Societies

Melody Lodge, No. '2, A., F. ^ A. M. - The second lodge of Masons established in the present State of Wisconsin was organized on the 15th of February, 1843, with the following members and oflficers: John Bevans ; B. T. Kavanaugh, W. M.; Hugh R. Colter, S. W.; W. C. Fillebrown, J. W.; Servis W. Link, Secretary; J. H. Rountree, ^^asurer; Rufus Spaulding, S. D.; John W. Wiley, J. D., and David Rich, Tiler.

The organization was completed, and for nearly a year the lodge worked under a dispensation granted by the Grand Lodge of the State of Missouri. Meetings were convened at first in the hall of the old academy building, but this was only for a short time. The same year, a log building erected by Samuel Moore and brother, on the east side of the public square, was purchased and reconstructed so as to serve the purposes of a Masonic temple. The building still stands, occupying the southwest corner of Block 44, at the corner of Mineral and Bonson streets.

Almost from the start, the lodge prospered; in point of membership and influence, it was rapidly becoming a power in the community, as also of the craft. As a result, the "temple" improvised out of the unpretentious log cabin became of too contracted dimensions and limited resources, and in the winter of 1846, the question of constructing a hall was agitated. This agitation was continuous and earnest, culminating in a decision to erect a building that has since been utilized as the meeting-place for both Masons and Odd Fellows. Samuel Moore, W. G. Spencer and Joel C. Squires were appointed a building committee ; a lot was selected at the corner of Court and Pine streets, contracts were concluded with H. R. Beebe, and the cornerstone was laid with impressive and appropriate ceremonies about June 24, 1846. ' From this time forward, work was diligently prosecuted under the superintendence of Samuel Moore, and during the same year the building was completed and dedicated.

It is of brick, 24x40, the hall being 24x32, handsomely finished and ornamented, costing a total of $2,200. The upper floor has been used by the Masons, while the first story has been appropriated to the occupation of Odd Fellows, a German Society and other fraternities.

The Lodge worked under the dispensation and charter obtained from the Grand Lodge of Missouri, until January 17, 1844, when it was re- organized, and a charter issued by the Grand Lodge of Wisconsin, with the following officers: Benjamin C. Eastman, W. M.; Lewis W. Link, S. W., and Bennett Atwood, J. W., under the jurisdiction of which it has since worked.

The present membership is about ninety-one, making a total of 308 persons admitted to the lodge, either by initiation or otherwise since its organization. The value of lodge property is quoted at $4,000, and the present ofiicers are Duncan McGregor, W. M.; W. B. Wyne, S. W.; J. B. McCoy, J. W.; J. H. Evans, Treasurer; A. L. Brown, Secretary; J. McGranahan, S. D.; A. 0. Hawley, J D.; I. M. Gear, Tiler.

Washington Chapter, No. £, R. A. M. - On or about the 14th of August, 1844, a dispensation was received from the General Grand Chapter of the United States, directed to B. T. Kavanaugh, Moses Meeker, Marcus Wainwright, Ephraim F. Ogden, Thomas C. Legate, William R. Smith, Eleazer Smith, Hugh R. Colter and Charles Knight. The dispensation was to con- tinue in force for a brief period, and under its authority B. F. Kavanaugh became High Priest, Moses Meeker, King, with Marcus Wainwright, Scribe.

On September 13, 1844, the Greneral Grand Chapter of the United States issued a charter, and, on February 13, 1850, delegates from Milwaukee Chapter, No. 1, Washington Chapter, No. 2, and Southport Chapter, No. 8, convened at Madison for the purpose of organizing a Grand Chapter of Wisconsin, authority for the same having been granted by the Grand Chapter of the United States.

A session of several weeks was held in completing arrangements. The meetings of the chapter, from its organization in the first instance to the present time, have been held in Masonic Hall, at Platteville, on the second Tuesday of each month.

The chapter is at present in a highly prosperous condition, having a membership of seventyfive of the craft and the following officers : John Grindell, High Priest ; J. H. Evans, King ; and H. H. Virgin, Scribe.

Lilly of the Mound Lodge, I. 0. 0. F. - One of the oldest lodges in the Northwest, and the sixth in order .of precedence in the State, was incorporated January 6, 1846, under a dispensation granted by the Grand Lodge of the United States to the following petitioners : Edward Symmes, J. L. Marsh, A. M. Holliday, J. W. Basye, H. L. Bevans and A. S. Bennett. The lodge was instituted by John G. Potts, and all the above-named gentlemen, constituent members, are deceased, except J. L. Marsh, of Sheboygan. Meetings were convened in the lower story of Masonic Hall, corner of Court House and Pine streets, where, during the period the lodge was working under the dispensation, forty-eignt candidates were admitted to membership, and the following served as pioneer officers: J. W. Basye, N. G.; E. Symmes, V. G.; A. M. Holliday, R. S.; J. L. Marsh, P. S.; I. Hodges, Treas.

On the 1st of February, 1848, a charter was granted by the Grand Lodge of the State, to R. Chapman, N. H. Virgin, R. Milton, John N. Jones, A. M. Holliday and Noah Hutchins, with the following officers : N. H. Virgin, N. G.; A. M. Holliday, V. G.; J. N. Jones, R. S.; Robert Milton, P. S., and N. Hutchins, Treas. The society remained in the Masonic Hall until 1858, when it procured accommodations in the third story of James Kellogg's building, corner of Main and Pine streets, which were fitted up and furnished at a cost of $1,800, and have since been occupied.

The present membership is stated as numbering fifty-five of the craft ; the value of lodge property at $1,200; and the officers to be William Grindell, N. G.; J. L. Nye, V. G.; Philip Eden, R. S.; H. J. Traber, P. S.; and Charles G. Marshall, Treas. Meetings are held weekly, on Friday evenings.

The present membership is twenty, and the encampment has a capital of say $200 ; with the following officers : H. H. Wright, C. P. ; William Grindell, H. P. ; T. D. Bass, S. W. ; Joseph Weston, Scribe ; and C. G. Marshall, Treasurer.

"he lodge now has thirty-seven members, with the following officers, and meets every Thurs- % evening in lower Masonic Hall, corner of Pine and Court House streets : Edward Frederick, ^- M. W. ; H. J. Traber, M. W. ; J. T. Davidson, Overseer ; Stephen Alger, Foreman ; W. <^owduroy. Financier ; A. J. Buss, Recorder ; and John H. Parnell, Guide.

Othbk Societies

The Young Men's Library Association. - A society for social and intellectual improvement composed of the young men and older residents of the city of Platteville, was organized early in the year 1868, and has attained a liberal growth and prosperity. By an act of the Legislature approved February 22, of the same year, A. J. McCarn, John E. Gurley, Richard Carter, Charles H. Allen, A. W. Bell, W. H. Bebee, George B. Carter, J. H. Evans, M. P. Rinlaab, George W. Eastman, Frank A. Hawley, Fay R. Chase, and W. E. Carter, were declared to be a body corporate under the title above designated, with the privileges and immunities appertaining thereto. Immediately upon the passage of the act of incorporation, the association duly organized by the election of W. E. Carter as President, A. J. McCarn, Treasurer, and J. H. Jones, Secretary ; 110 shares of stock were disposed of and paid for, a library room was established at the residence of E. W. Thomas ; Miss Thomas was appointed Librarian and the collation of books and articles of interest to the literary inclined commenced. This labor has been prosecuted with such vigor and so advantageously that at present the associa,tion control a total of 1,300 volumes, the selections embracing the choicest productions of the best authors of fiction, history, philosophy, poetry and the arts, in addition to standard authorities and reference books on these subjects. In addition to these advantages the association has recently provided an annual course of lectures on various subjects, and by this and other means been enabled to contribute to the education and edification of an appreciative and intelligent constituency. The labors of the members have not been without results, as is evidenced by the support extended their efforts and the society promises to fully realize the most sanguine expectations of its founders.

Meetings are held annually on the fourth Monday in January, and the present officers are : J. V. HoUman, President; E. J. Buck and D. McGregor, Vice Presidents; 0. F. Griswold, Treasurer and W. B. Wyne, Secretary, with F. A. Chase, M. Sickle, H. J. Traber and W. S. Northrop, Board of Directors.

The Young Men's Catholic Association of Platteville - An association of recent date, composed of the younger members of St. Mary's Church, with the object of promoting literary tastes, Christian virtues and total abstinence from intoxicating drinks. It was organized April 3, 1881, with a membership of fifty, and the following officers, who are still serving, elected r J. C. Cleary, President ; J. V. Gardner, Vice President ; John J. Barden, Secretary, and E. Schlater, Treasurer, with the Rev. W. G. Miller as Spiritual Director.

Meetings are held alternate Sabbath evenings in the rooms of the Reform Club, the exercises consisting of debates, essays and brochures of a literary character.

The Platteville Reform Chub. - On the 29th of July, 1877, a movement in behalf of temperance reform was inaugurated at the Congregational Church in Platteville, under the management of Jacob H. Hoffstiller, of Sterling, 111., and H. W. Rowell, of Rockford, in the same State, both zealous agitators in the cause and reformed inebriates. From this sprang the present club, which was organized August 7 following, at a meeting held for that purpose, at which a committee consisting of W. H. Deffenbacher, J. D. Alford, Silas W. Traber, William Jones and Silas W. Streeter was appointed, by whom a constitution and by-laws were prepared, and the same adopted at a subsequent meeting, when the following officers were elected : A. L. Brown, President ; Charles Potter, Vice President ; J. H. Robertson, Secretary ; B. A. Jacobs, Treasurer, and J. W. Smelker, Chaplain ; George B. Carter, Bryon O'Neil and William Martin, Executive Committee ; G. D. Streeter, E. J. Bentley and R. J. Huntington, Grievance Committee.

At present, the membership of the club is stated at 200. Meetings are convened weeklyf and the following are the officers : A. L. Brown, President ; L. J. Washburn, Vice President; J. A. Calason, Secretary ; J. P. Sampson, Treasurer, and S. Haw, Chaplain ; James Dyer, John Cavanaugh and William Cox, Executive Committee.

Platteville Loan and Building Association. - An association, for the purpose of affording members an opportunity for the safe investment of their savings, facilitate the acquisition of homes, and for other purposes specified in the charter. It was incorporated under the laws of Wisconsin in May, 1876, by Alexander Butler, H. J. Traber, Hanmer Bobbins, W. H. Beebe and A. W. Bell. The officers elected at the first meeting were Hanmer Bobbins, President ; E. F. Newton, Vice President; C. W. Hill, Secretary, and H. J. Traber, Treasurer. To become a member ownership of stock is necessary, paid for in monthly installments, and thus far 500 shares have been issued.

At present, the association possesses a membership of 200 ; controls $16,000 invested in first mortgages on real estate, and has $536 in cash.

Meetings are convened annually on the third Wednesday in May for the election of officers, and monthly on the third Wednesday for the transaction of routine business.

Legal Benevolent Society. - An association of Germans organized in March, 1867, as the name would indicate, for benevolent purposes, by Conrad Sender, Hans Spalth, Henry C. Miller, Ernst Johnson, Christian Fosz, Christian Peterson and Henry Fosz. The initiation fee was placed at $8, and the annual dues at $6. Members receive $4 per week during sickness, and upon their death in addition to $40 for funeral expenses, the widow was paid $4 per month for herself, and $1 each for children under fourteen years of age for the same length of time. But these regulations have since been changed, the widow or family of deceased now receiving 1500 in lieu of monthly allowances. At first the society held meetings in a hall in Bountree's building on Main street ; but of late years their convocations have assembled in the Masonic Hall. The charter officers were Hans Spalth, Baron ; Ernst Johnson, Vice Baron ; Conrad Sander, Treasurer, and Henry C. Miller, Secretary. The present officers are Conrad Sander, Baron ; Christain Fosz, Vice President ; Jacob Karman, Treasurer, and Henry Meilhopf,

Laflin ^ Rand Powder Company. - The manufacture of gunpowder was commenced in a primitive way during the reign of Edward III, of England, about 1345, but not thoroughly established until the reign of Queen Elizabeth, when the improved art was brought from Flanders by Evelyns. Some authors contend, however, that Bartholobus Schwartz discovered this explosive in the year 1320, and that it was used by the Venetians during a war with the Genoese in the years immediately succeeding. George Evelyn, grandfather of the celebrated Sir John, had mills at Long Dulton, near Kingston, in Surrey, and at Leigh Place, near Godstone, in the same county, and these seem to have been the first of any importance in the British kingdom.

The manufacture of gunpowder in the United States is nearly as old as the Constitution, and is chiefly confined to the Northern and Middle States. In the fall of 1848, F. A. Stowell and E. H. Stowell, accompanied by D. Marble, wandered West from the " stern and rock-bound coast" of Maine, in search of fortune and its inseparable companion happiness, believed to be hidden with the fountain of youth among the hills and vales, landscaped on the hither side of the AUeghenies. They visited Platteville, and after examining the advantages of a position with a view to that end, decided to locate a powder-mill. After some negotiation, the property formerly known as " Griffith's saw-mill," on the Little Platte, about one and a half miles northwest oi the present city, was purchased as a site, upon which buildings were erected, and the mill fe>rly put in operation during the summer of 1849. The improvements completed by these gentlemen were, from all accounts, of rather limited capacity, sufficient, however, to perform the work necessary, and nothing beyond the daily routine is supposed to have occurred until the summer of the year following. One day in July, J. B. Marble, who was employed in the packing-house, contracted an engagement with Dr. Hayes and the Misses Vineyard for an afternoon's ride, and proceeded to the mills for the purpose of concluding some work upon which he had been employed prior to his accepting the invitation. The day is represented to have been the exact counterpart of a day in April. The sun shone brilliantly at times ; at times obscured by clouds from which a passing shower would be distilled, lasting but an instant, when they would once more open as the gates of paradise, amid which the god of day, smiling through tears, was revealed, and causing the foliage of trees that lined the village streets to sparkle in regal magnificence. Suddenly, and without any premonitory sign, a dull, smothered, as it were halfsuppressed report, like the mutterings of distant thunder, was heard, and the residents, for miles around, instinctively knew that an accident had happened at the mills. A multitude of citizens hurried to the scene, and realized the truth of their apprehensions in the destruction of the packing-house, the debris of which was scattered far and wide, as also were the remains of the unfortunate victim, who was within the walls of the structure, when the accident occurred. A few fragments of his mutilated anatomy were gathered together and decently interred ; the premises were rebuilt, and business resumed by the surviving partners. They remained in charge until the fall of 1854 ; neither accident nor incident happening during that period to disturb the usual current of events ; when E. Bayley purchased a half-interest in the venture, the success of which had by this time become assured. He retained the control of his moiety until the following spring, when a sale was affected, and the firm was known as Stowell, Turck & Co., being composed of E. and F. Stowell, and Solomon and John Turck. Some years later, Dwight Laflin, S. H. Laflin, P. Laflin and Solomon A. Smith purchased control ; and, in January, 1867, the Lafiin k Smith Powder Company succeeded to the ownership. This continued until 1869, when the Smith Powder Company and the Laflin Powder Company consolidated, and the establishment has since been conducted as the Laflin & Rand Powder Company, being composed of the Laflin brothers, A. T. Rand, Sol A. Smith, Jr., the Smith heirs, and S. and J. Turck, with A. T. Rand, as President ; Edward Greene, Secretary and Treasurer ; and E. F. Newton, Superintendent.

The company now own a tract of 175 acres, of low, seemingly unreclaimed land, rather thickly overgrown with trees and tangled vines, one of those neglected spots where everything has so long been permitted to have its own way that even a bold cultivation might well pause before it in despair. A rank vegetation overspreads the valley, for the place is a valley of awful possibilities, in savage exuberance, defiant almost of human efforts to accomplish its subjugation. Trees innumerable cluster along the banks of the Little Platte, which creeps its way sluggishly to the Father of Waters. Occasional oaks and sycamores display their superiority, while here and there green foliage of a cedar or pine crowds its way upward into the sunlight, rejoicing in its privilege and in its thrift. Bushes flourish in impenetrable masses underneath, while overhead vines are interlaced and clamber from tree to tree in vigorous luxuriance, reveling in the enjoyment of weaving their fantastic draperies undisturbed. Scattered about the valley with an air of carelessness, as it were, but really with an eye to security, are the buildings wherein the destructive combustible is "incorporated, pressed, corned, dried," and made ready for market. The buildings are low, unpretentious structures, built as cheaply as comports with durability and convenience, partially of brick and partially of frame, and bearing the impress of the business for which they have been erected in the sooty stains traced upon their sides. At a distance from these are the furnaces for the manufacture of coal ; near by is the superintendent's office, past whicTi a roadway meanders to the river, over the hills, out into the sunlight, to the city. Near the banks of the river stands the engine house, and equi-distant between the cylinder mills is a stone building where the steam is distributed to run the machinery, dry the powder, and for other purposes. Taken altogether, the place, if failing to present an altogether forsaken appearance, would hardly be selected as the scene of a picnic or hustings.

The gunpowder manufactured by this company contains 75 per cent of niter, 14 per cent of charcoal and 11 per cent of brimstone, and the preparation and mixing of these ingredients' require a knowledge, judgment and caution almost equal to that employed in the presentation of an intricate chancery plea. The charcoal is distilled from willow and what is known as the " Quaking Aspen," which is readily obtained in the vicinity, stripped of its bark and corded up to undergo a process of seasoning. This requires several months, and the supply constantly on hand can be easily measured. When the seasoning is concluded, immense quantities of it are taken to the furnaces and stacked within the retorts, each 12x14, constructed of brick, with apertures in the side, through which the steam and smoke escape. The fires are then lighted.

and the mass is left to burn slowly until it is sufficiently baked, when the drafts are closed and sealed, and the "grist" remains until it is required at the mills.

The refinery is of frame, 20x30, containing the constituent parts of powder, i. e., charcoal, niter and brimstone, and is also used for weighing the same and tempering the saltpeter. This latter, as is well known, is peculiarly susceptible to moisture, and until this dampness is eliminated, the essential feature of gunpowder cannot be ground, or incorporated with the charcoal and sulphur. To overcome such an immeasurable impediment, an adjoining building is supplied with a furnace, upon which rests a huge iron pan 6x12, capable of accommodating one thousand pounds of niter. In this the latter is placed, where it is stirred and manipulated for a certain length of time, when every particle of saltpeter is cleansed and dried ready for weighing. These preliminaries having been disposed of, the component parts are carefully weighed in canvas bags, placed on a car, which moves noiselessly over a narrow-guage railroad track to the cylinder rooms, distant fully a quarter of a mile from the furnaces and refinery.

The cylinder mills are two in number, each one-story frames, 20x30, and are really the most dangerous points that can be encountered by a visitor to the works. Each of these mills contain ten cylinders 2|x7, and containing sufficient power in the composition for the destruction of a city. In these cylinders the incorporation or thorough pulverization and mixture of the ingredients is accomplished. The manner of doing this is as follows : Each of the cylinders is charged with four hundred pounds of the composition and set in motion, revolving at the rate of fourteen revolutions per minute, and running from forty to fifty hours. The composition is crushed by means of two hundred and fifty pounds of copper bullets, which, falling from side to side with the composition at each revolution of the cylinder, resolves it into dust fine as flour. By the old process of "crushing," wheels were employed, and two hours only were occupied in its incorporation. But if left ten minutes longer than long enough, the rollers, instead of traveling over the mass as they should, were apt to push it along in front until at last the iron roller would strike the iron bed, when there is a noise and the mill "went up." The process in use by the Laflin & Rand Company avoids this imminent danger ; and, while, as the Superintendent observed, danger at the works was measured by the proximity of objects and the curious to the cylinder mills, the same is by no means as unavoidable as formerly. When the composition has been ground up and thoroughly incorporated as described, it is removed from the cylinders and placed in tubs preparatory to removal to the pressing rooms, distant about one thousand feet. Cars are the means of conveyance employed, not only here, but in communication with the graining, drying and packing departments. The powder, when taken, from the cylinders, is exceedingly fine, of a uniform dark-gray color, and free from glittering particles of sulphur, or specks of any sort.

The pressing room is also of frame, of dimensions similar to the cylinder mills, furnished with an hydrostatic press of great strength and power. Here the crushed powder is pressed into cakes in the following manner : The operator takes a copper sheet about two feet square and a piece of canvas of the same size, a quantity of powder about an inch in depth, shaped and measured by a wooden frame, is laid upon the canvas, then another canvas and another copper, and so on, the process being repeated until a mountain of powder sandwiches at least three feet m height is produced, when the operator, finishing with a copper sheet, pushes the frame upon which this pile rests carefully until it stands directly beneath a screw of the hydrostatic press which is set in motion, and so continues until resistance of the mass beneath exceeds the power brought to bear upon it, when the press becomes motionless ; in a few moments, however, the settling of the powder relieves the pressure, when the power again becomes preponderant, and the screw makes another turn or two with a slow, grinding, painful sound, suggestive of the instruments torture the Inquisition gave birth to. This alternation of rest and motion continues for about two oours, when, every particle of resistance having been crushed out, the power is relieved by reversing the motion of the press and sliding the frame back to its first position. The copper sheet is raised Irom the top, the canvas stripped away, and the first layer of powder taken out in a thin, solid cake, echnically known as press-cake. The operation of pressing preserves the powder and prevents its deterioration. The power of gunpowder, assert works on the subject, depends upon the rapid evolution of certain gases from it while in course of combustion, and the effort of these gases to escape from the gun-chamber where they are combined is what carries the ball to its mark ; the more rapid the combustion, the greater evolution of gas at a given instant, and millcake powder burns as much more rapidly than pressed powder as shavings do than a block of wood. From the press-room the cake is taken to the graining house.

The graining house is at the usual distance from the remaining buildings, and is suppUed with ten cylinders with a capacity of twenty-five kegs of powder each. Upon the cake reaching this department, it is subjected to a grinding process, being run through cog-wheels supplied for that purpose, which, with the cylinders, are propelled by water-power. From between these cog-wheels, the powder falls upon a horizontal wire screen, to which a constant lateral motion is imparted, so that the finer particles are shaken through upon an apron which carries them in one direction, while the coarser ones remaining upon the screen are thrown off and submitted to another crushing process. They are then placed in the cylinders, which are revolved in a moderately swift manner, resulting in a certain degree of polish to the powder, the abrasion of the sharp corners and edges of the grains fitting it for closer packing, and more direct contact when fired. It is then run through a separator to size and graduate the grain, placed in barrels and wheeled to the drying room on the extreme point of the semi-circle in the form of which the buildings are ranged.

The drying room is of brick, 20x40, where the powder receives its finishing touches, and from the excessive heat necessary to that end, the explosive does not seem half as dangerous a substance, after all, as most people think. Here it is arranged in wooden trays, with pasteboard bottoms, ranged in layers eight or ten feet high, and for seventy hours undergoes a seasoning process, through the agency of hot air generated by a furnace located some yards distant. By this means the last particle of moisture is eliminated, the saltpeter and sulphur are reduced to fusion, and the grain is protected from attracting moisture, even in a very humid atmosphere. In addition, the strength of the combustible is increased and its energy improved. When the drying is completed, 'the powder is run into kegs, labeled, conveyed to the magazine, a mile off, in covered wagons, where it is kept in stock, as a marketable commodity.

Accidents. - In so critical an enterprise, a description of which, imperfect though it may be, is submitted, the public will appreciate the fact that accidents are not altogether unavoidable. That they have not been more numerous and disastrous, is due almost entirely to the care taken and diligence exercised for their prevention. The workmen are men of experience and judgment, and not only their comfort but their safety demands the caution characteristic of their service. For example, every particle of powder must be removed from their person and clothing before running the chance of ordinary life at home, and every one of them takes a thorough bath, and changes every article of clothing, before leaving the mills at night. Their working clothes never leave the mills at all, and their home-clothes never come any further than the wash-house. Their shoes are without iron pegs, the " tools " used are selected because of their safety, and all things combine to render the hazardous undertaking as devoid of danger as possible. Yet in spite of these attempts at prevention, accidents have occurred.

The first has already been noticed, and the second occurred on the night of Monday, November 7, 1870. This occurred in the cylinder mill. Materials for about 200 kegs of powder were in the cylinders, and with the exception of the water-wheel and a portion of the flume, not a vestige of the building or machinery was left. The charred fragments were thrown in every direction, and many of the copper balls in the cylinders were found a mile away. In one of workshops a clock was hanging against the side of the building, secured by an iron strip. The explosion caused it to tilt forward, and stop at the hour the explosion is supposed to have occurred - a quarter past 10. The damage sustained was estimated at $5,000. There was no loss of life. _

On Friday morning, February 8, 1877, the coining mill blew up instantly, killing Mr. John Stout, who was therein at work. At the time there was in the neighborhood of 260 kegs of powder in the department, a great deal of it, however, in cakes and slightly damp. No one knows how the powder ignited, as there was no fire about the building. E. F. Newton, Superintendent of the works, and David Griffin, foreman of the mills, were on the ground, but cannot account for the calamity. They first saw a light flash through the windows and cracks of the mill, followed by a succession of explosions, a few seconds later. The sides of the building were blown out, the roof distributed around promiscuously, but, strange to say, the machinery remained standing just as it belonged, and continued operations until the water gate was shut down. The body of Mr. Stout was found outside of the mill, partly lying in the water, with every particle of clothing stripped from him, except his stockings and boots. His hair was singed off, his ears shriveled up, and the general appearance of the body as though it had been roasted. Loss to building and materials quoted at $3,000.

On November 8, 1877, the press mill blew up, and James N. McGranahan, who was washing in the bath house, narrowly escaped death by plunging into the mill-race. As it was, however, he sustained serious injuries, but recovered and resumed labors at the mill. The loss to the company by this explosion was $2,000.

On Monday evening, September 16, 1878, the most serious explosion of any that had previously been experienced, occurred. It was so loud and startling that many citizens of Platteville thought it had occurred on their own premises. They were not long in determining the cause, for soon a dense black cloud of smoke rose up over the powder mills. Hundreds of citizens, and also many from the surrounding country, flocked to the scene of the explosion. The dry and packing house, containing 900 kegs or about 22,500 pounds of powder was found to be a total wreck ; scarcely a stone or a piece of timber of which it was constructed, including the foundation, was to be found on the place where it had stood. All the buildings belonging to the company were more or less injured, and the wash-house, house for drying lumber, keg factory, coining mill, old keg factory, old sorting room and store room were completely destroyed. One of the cylinder mills was considerably damaged, also the press and saltpeter houses. The coining mill, standing at least 200 yards from the dry-house, was nearly as badly damaged as it was at the time it exploded, and Mr. Stout was killed. The wash-house stood about 300 feet from the dry-house, and was knocked to pieces. Here is where Mr. James McGranahan, the same who was so badly injured when the press exploded the previous winter, was at this time. He was stripped, taking his usual bath after his day's work. His cries were heard, and those who happened to be in the vicinity rushed to his rescue. He was so completely buried in the debris that it was with difficulty he was taken out. He was very badly cut upon the head and shoulders, and sustained bad wounds on the thigh. Daniel Schaffer, in company with some other workmen, were at work near the coining mill. While the building was all knocked to pieces none of them were injured. Mr. Tappes was with his team near the charcoal towers. The horses were stunned so that they fell down and the wagon was upset. Jacob Kramer was in the old store house, and is somewhat injured about the shoulder. Henry Dobson, the engineer, was in his house just across the Platte, about 200 yards from the dry-house. His wife had just awakened him to eat his supper, previous to taking his place at the engine for the night, and he was seated at the table when the explosion took place. He was thrown completely out of the chair to the floor. His wife was in the next room and she was thrown to the floor. The house was badly riddled, the windows being all blown out and the plastering knocked from the walls and ceiling. One large rock, weighing about one hundred pounds, was thrown so that it entered the side of the house, just below the window, and, striking the floor, bounding so that it wen out at the other side oif the house near the ceiling, and dropping about fifty feet from the house, ihe bedstead was broken, and the chair which had been vacated a moment before by Mrs. Dobson was shivered to pieces. George Dobson was in a building a few rods from his father's residence painting kegs. The side of the building was blown out, and the paint-keg tipped over on nim, completely covering the side of his face. The trees for several hundred yards were stripped 01 their leaves, and one tree which stood more than one hundred yards from the building was Wown up. Daniel Schafl"er lived in the large white house on the hill, not more than 400 yards from the scene of the explosion, and the windows and doors were nearly all blown out. Some of the furniture was moved and much of the plastering iinocked off. A number of window panes were broken in Mr. Oolman's house, also in Mr. Gollmer's house. The chimney on B. A. Jacob's house, nearly half a mile from the mills, was knocked down. A telegram was received the same evening from Warren, forty miles distant, inquiring whether the powder mills had not exploded, the shock, no doubt, being heard and felt at that place. The cause of the explosion is not known. Mr. Smith, who works in the packing house, had left it just an hour before, and stated that everything was all right when he left.

The loss to the property was $10,000. Just previous to the explosion, J. L. Rewey, in company with Mr. Frank Newton, the superintendent (to whom the writer hereby tenders his acknowledgments for courtesy and a safe conduct), had been inspecting the works and were resting at the oflSce. "There," observed Mr. Newton, "you've seen all there is to a powdermill except an explosion, but if you desire one I've only to know it to ring up the curtain." Before Mr. Rewey was able to respond, the explosion occurred, but, aside from a severe shock, he escaped injury.

The investment is regarded as representing a valuation of $25,000. A superintendent and sixteen men are necessary to the proper conduct of the mills, requiring an expenditure of $1,000 per month for wages alone, and forty thousand pounds of powder are turned out in the same period.

The present oflScers are : Solomon Turck, President ; A. W. Higgins, Secretary ; Edward Greene, Treasurer; R. H. Collier, manager of this department, and E. F. Newton, superintendent. The company have also works at Kingston, Newbury and Schaghticoke, New York ; Wayne, N. J., and at Pottsville, Scran ton and Carbondale, Penn.

Alexander Butler's Carriage and Wagon Factory - Is located at the corner of Pine and Third streets, and an establishment wielding an important influence in the prosperity of the city. Prior to 1850, a mechanic named Mahaifey carried on a wagon-maker and repair shop in a small frame building near the site of the present brick structure. How long he had been there at the date of which mention is made, or the extent of business transacted by him, is not only not of record, but beyond the memory of the proverbial oldest inhabitant. Along in 1851 or 1852, Calvin Russell purchased Mahaifey's investment and good will and succeeded to the business. During his ownership, he erected the frame building now occupied as a paint-shop, opposite the brick structure, employed eight hands and worked up a prosperous trade, his manufacture, it is said, consisting of two hundred vehicles annually. In 1863, Alexander Butler, who had been for some years in the employ of Mr. Russell, purchased his employer's interest, and has since managed the enterprise. After six years of diligent enterprise, Mr. Butler found the premises transferred to him as too small to accommodate the demands of his increasing business, and, in August, 1869, he contracted for the edifice, which at present is devoted to the manufacture of stock. It is of^ brick, forty feet square, two stories high, and furnished with machinery and appliances adapted to the line of business carried on within its limits. It cost a total of $3,000, and fully meets the requirements its erection was intended to provide. Mr. Butler is largely engaged in manufacturing running gear of all descriptions, as also in repairing, and when running to its full capacity his manufactory requires the services of ten hands, turns out 175 vehicles annually and does business to the amount of $25,000 per year.

Hawley '^ Son Carriage Factory. - The present flourishing business conducted by these gentlemen originated with the senior partner nearly forty years ago, when, as a member of the firm of Lane & Hawley, he began the business of framing wagons and sleighs on Main street, in the village of Plattevillc, where P. D. Hendershot's harness-shop now is. As can readily be imagined, elegance of design and finish in those days yielded precedence to strength and durability, and the fact that settlers and miners, as also those who " teamed " over the unbroken prairies or almost impassable roads, realized their demands in that behalf, is to be found in the success which is said to have attended their efforts. The firm continued in existence until the spring of 1847, when P. B. McEntire purchased the interest of Mr. Lane, and was substituted in his stead in the management of the concern. When the negotiations in this behalf were concluded as cited, the improvements of the firm, which have since their erection supplied every demand, were contracted for, and in the following year became a part and parcel of improvements then made in the growing and prosperous village. The main building is of brick, 24x30 feet two stories high, and, with the additions made in 1859-69, presents an appearance both attractive and convenient. In 1855, Mr. Hawley acquired title to McEntire's moiety by purchase, and for twelve years carried on the business solus. In 1867, F. A. Hawley was admitted to an interest, the facilities for manufacture were increased, and business appreciated proportionately- The latter is still a partner in the enterprise, and, in 1871, took charge of a branch house established during that year at McGregor, Iowa, at an expense of $12,000. The manufacture of the firm embraces every description of wheeled conveyance, from a light trotting wagon to a mineral "float," and when operated to its full limit furnishes employment to thirty-three hands, and enjoys a trade represented as worth $30,000 per annum, in all sections of this portion of the State.

Genesee Mill was built in the spring of 1857, by N. H. Virgin, and is located on the Little Platte, two miles from the city, by the road hence to Lancaster. Joseph Teasdale was associated with Mr. Virgin in the undertaking, and the premises were of the same dimensions, capacity and power, as the mill on Rountree's Branch, save that it was supplied with three runs of stone. In 1864, Julius Augustine purchased the interest of Mr. Virgin in the premises for $7,500, conducting it until 1869, during which interim he became sole owner. In the latter year, he sold to Stephen Carhart for f 10,000, who run the mill a year, when it passed into the control of Burley Jacobs. That gentleman completed some improvements, and managed the concern until 1879, when it was sold under foreclosure proceedings, J. C. HoUoway being the vendee. Since this transfer, the establishment has been operated at intervals, but is now idle, and is for sale.

Virgin's Flour Mills - Located on the road from Plattcville to Galena, and in sight of the former city, were established in the fall of 1838 by the organization of a firm for that purpose, composed of J. H. Rountree, N. H. Virgin and Neeley Gray. Previous to that year, the inhabitants of the country comprehended within the limits of Platteville Township and the territory contiguous thereto were, in a large measure, dependent upon the product of a mill of limited capacity, at a distance of seven miles from Platteville settlement, operated by Stewart McKee. In the spring of 1839, Rountree, Virgin & Gray began the building of their mill with materials hewed out in the woods the previous winter. But slow progress was made during the summer and fall, and work probably suspended during the winter. At all events, the structure was not completed until the spring of 1840, and operations were postponed until fall, it being late in September before they began grinding corn. The building then was of frame, 36x40, three stories high, and supplied with two runs of stone driven by an overshot water-wheel. The capacity was 150 bushels every twenty-four hours. In 1843, Mr. Rountree withdrew, and the firm became Virgin & Gray, and so continued until 1849, when Mr. Gray retired and Mr. Virgm succeeded to the entire ownership. The old mill served the purposes for which it was erected for nearly a quarter of a century, or until 1863, when it was razed and the present edifice erected in its stead. It is of the same dimensions, power and capacity as its predecessor, owned and operated by N. H. Virgin, and cost, with improvements made upon the original design, a matter of $10,000. The mill is worked continuously, requiring the services of two men, with an extended trade throughout Platteville and adjacent townships, and is valued at $25,000.

The McKe.e Mills - An old landmark which flourished when the genial climate, fertile sou, virgin forests, lovely streams and majestic hills of Grant County first furnished a rich and varied feast to the enterprising settler who came to avail himself of such privileges. In 1833, otewart McKee, an energetic Irishman, visited the present city of Platteville, designing to locate a mill site and establish a residence. His trade was that of a millwright, in which capacity he was employed by the Gratiots and others of St. Louis and vicinity. Immediately prior to his advent into Grant County, he erected a mill at Shoal Creek, 111., for the Rev. Sanjuel

Mitchell, father-in-law of Maj. Rountree, and upon his arrival in Platteville was aided by that gentleman in selecting a mill site on the Little Platte, at a point in what is now Harrison Township, about five miles southwest of the city. This being accomplished, McKee " put his shoulder to the wheel," and, before the season of winter had come with its mantle of spotless white, erected a saw-mill of limited dimensions and measured capacity, and began operations. At the time of which mention is made, settlers who had fled before the advance of Black Hawk into the wilderness, and emigrants who were attracted hither by the promise held out in the lead mines, as also in the waste of prairie lands, began to " come in," and McKee was kept constantly busy in supplying the demand for lumber from all portions of the Territory. The frame " shanty " and cabin, the " chinks" of which were filled with "mother earth," have long since given place to the luxurious farmhouse or the elegant villa, from a design by architects of national repute ; the people who gave them birth alone remain. They have won the heritage they to-day enjoy, and cultivating it with industry and wisdom, yet find time to legislate for the common weal and protect the common interests. The men of the type of McKee, who first settled in what crystallized into Grant County, are familiar to posterity as examples of virtue and ambition worthy of emulation. Men who, in war and peace, have been prominent, who have attained distinction in the camp and council, and whose reputations, too universal for appropriation by county or State, have long since become national.

In 1834, the existence of McKee's mill had been disseminated to the furtherest inhabited point of Iowa Territory, and his services were employed day and night to supply the wants of miners, farmers, builders and all others who began or contemplated improvements. Among the works that this mill furnished material for was the old capitol building at Belmont, the first frame building erected in Platteville, and those which followed in its wake. In 1836, Mr. McKee increased the capacity of the mill and supplied it with a "corn-cracker," and added the manufacture of "grits" and corn meal to that of lumber. About this time, he leased the property for one year to Adams & Co., which firm did an immense business, but, at the expiration of that period, resumed control and maintained the same until 1858.

During his early residence, the health of Mrs. McKee was precarious, and she returned to St. Louis to die. Prior to 1840, he married the Widow Deselhorst, of Elk Grove, but, it is reported, separated from her, and in after years made another matrimonial venture with happier results.

In 1 868, or thereabouts, he discontinued his connection with the mill, which he disposed of to George Marshall, and returned to St. Louis, but subsequently removed on to a farm near Belleville, 111., where he died, it is believed, ten years ago. His family, as editors, army officers, in other lines of life, have acquired a reputation throughout the West, and the name in Grant County will ever be associated with the old mill on the Little Platte.

The last one to operate the undertaking is believed to have been a man named Zimmers, -as lessee. But this was many years ago. Since then, the mill has gone on its pilgrimage to oblivion. Those who founded and supported it - very many of them, indeed - with tired lids and weary frames, have floated calmly out on the ocean of rest. The youth of to-day, standing in the Louvre, can gaze upon the Venus of Milo with feelings of rapture, but the old settler looks back on the old mill as the wanderer recurs to pleasant pastures and sweet waters, and while they live, that pilgrimage will never reach its destination. The ruins still survive the hand of Time, being located on lands owned by R. Wilmers, in Section 24, and, though covered with the growth of rank vegetation and rapidly obscuring from sight, will always be remembered and referred to as "an old landmark " worthy of a better fate.

Bass' Mill is located on the Little Platte, about three miles from the city in a southwesterly direction, where it was built by N. W. Bass in the fall of 1847. It is of frame, 30x40, two and one-half stories high, and was erected at a cost estimated at $4,500. In the day of its building, mills that would furnish the luxury of bolted flour to consumers were limited in number throughout this portion of the State. McKee's corn-cracker on the Platte further south still afibrded accommodations, but the Bass mill was, comparatively speaking, a "new dispensa- tion" to farmers and producers in Grant County. The machinery, which has since been -exchanged for that more modern, was brought from New Orleans, and was cumbersome, inelegant and imperfect, though the culmination of mechanical skill for the times in which it was constructed.

Mr. Bass operated the mills for many years, and the two runs of stone with which the premises are equipped furnished the immediate necessity, at least, with their supplies of flour and meal. In time, it came into the possession of Henry Pearce, who directed its interests for a season, when the mill was returned to its founder, who still owns it, though the same is rented and operated by F, C. Folts. During the fall of 1880, the old machinery was removed and that of the latest and most improved pattern substituted and other changes completed, which have enhanced the value of the property.

J. Oheever's Mill. - Located on the old Potosi road, though within the limits of the city of Platteville, was commenced by Mr. Cheever, in September, 1859, and completed during the following May. Originally it was 32x18 and two stories high, but in 1865, an addition 14x32, and in 1866, a further addition 8x82 was completed, making the improvements commodious and convenient, and costing, altogether, between $3,000 and $4,000.

As first furnished, the mill was supplied with two runs of stone, but at present, its capacity in that connection is reduced one-half, and will now grind fifty bushels of wheat or corn daily. In April, 1881, the premises which include the mill proper and forty-three acres of ground were sold to H. B. Phillips, of Independence, Iowa, for $2,000, since which date, the vendee has operated them.

Platteville Woolen Mills. - This property, which is located at some distance from the city, was originally owned by Fairchild & Davis, and was, with a saw-mill, burned early in the sixties, and re-erected in 1865, by N. W. Bass, who has been a resident of Grant County since 1865, and owns 378 acres of ground in connection with the mill.

The premises are of frame, supported by a stone foundation, and are supplied with every requirement of the business. The manufacture includes all grades of woolens, blankets, flannels, etc., and disposes of his product through agents in the surrounding country. Eight hands are employed in the manufacture at weekly wages of not less than $100 ; his annual sales aggregate $25,000, and the investment represents a valuation of $15,000.

Snowden'g Foundry and Machine Shop - Located on Second street, between Rountree and Cedar streets, where it was erected in 1849, by R. & G. Snowden, and is claimed as the pioneer foundry of this portion of the Northwest, there being nothing of the kind at Dubuque, and but one of extremely limited resources then carried on at Galena. There was need of such an establishment in Platteville at the time, and this need was supplied by the Snowden Brothers in the building of their business headquarters. The premises are of brick, 25x36, one story high, and, though apparently of measured capacities, has been found equal to every requirement. The business comprehends the building of steam engines, water-wheels, both turbine and overshot, mining and other pumps, patterns, mill, house and general building castings, etc., and furnishes employment to five hands when worked to its exfreme limit. The trade now is confined to Grant and adjoining counties, being principally of a local character, but notwithstanding, this is valued at $12,000. In former times and before mechanical enterprises found expression in neighboring towns and cities, the " Snowden Foundry " was known from Milwaukee to bt. Paul, and its capacity taxed to the utmost, but since then, new dispensations have come in and taken root, its business, as stated, is of a local nature.

R. Straw ^ Co., Furnace. - One of the oldest furnaces in the county is located on the Uubuque road, in the southwestern portion of the city, and is in constant operation. It was nrst built in the spring of 1838, by Leonard Coates and James Vineyard, who were prominently Identified with the early settlement of Platteville, and closely allied with the several improveraents in the present city each successive season gave birth to. The furnace was 20x40 in dimensions, supplied with one shaft and capable of smelting two " shifts " of mineral per day.

It was constantly resorted to by miners, and its fires, like those in the temple of Vesta, were never permitted to become extinguished - that is, precious seldom. Coates & Vineyard carried on the business of smelting at this furnace for about four years, when they disposed of their respective interests to O'Hara & Hopper, for a consideration of |4,000, and relinquished the pursuit of wealth by that route. The vendees took possession and conducted operations until say, 1846, at the expiration of which period they in turn sold to Leonard Coates, Robert Chapman and Henry Snowden, the latter, however, never becoming actively interested. These gentlemen made some radical improvements in the building, and increased its capacity by the erection of a second shaft, at a cost of $1,500. The new firm, with these increased facilities for the convenience of miners and the public, attracted a large patronage, and in the four years during which they had charge, did an immense business. In 1848, Mr. Coates assumed entire ownership and charge of the venture, which he ran until 1851, when the title to the premises became vested in Straw, Spensley & Staley, who paid $1,800 for the privilege. Later the junior partner met his death by accident, and Straw & Spensley succeeded to his interest, becoming sole owners, so remaining up to the present time.

The furnace, is at present operated, possesses a capacity for two shifts, or sixty pigs of lead, each weighing seventy-two pounds, and requires the services of two men to conduct successfully.

The weekly yield is three hundred and fifty pigs of lead, which are consigned to Chicago, and the value of the investment, with improvements and appurtenances, is estimated at $5,000.

Richard! s Machine Shop. - Located at the east end of Mineral street, where it is conducted by John and David Rickard, the manufacture embracing machinery and the line of articles usual to the business. The firm began operation about 1860, on Furnace, near Mineral street, under the name of Rickard & Son, when they engaged in jobbing, the building of engines, saw machines, fan blowers, turning lathes, etc., and there continued until 1874. In that year, the name of the firm was changed to the present style, and the foundry was removed to its present locality. When running to its full capacity, the firm employs four hands, at a weekly compensation of about. $60, and does business annually estimated at $2,500. Lately it has been engaged in the manufacture of the Gratiot Patent Heater, invented by a resident of Platteville, and designed to draw the moisture of wheat from the kernel to the surface, rendering the flour less liable to deterioration, and enhancing the value of the bran. The firm turn out an average of fifteen of these machinea weekly.

The Platteville Brick Yard. - Located in the northeast part of the city, where it was established by W. & J. Grindell during the summer of 1874, who have since conducted the business. At the time designated, these gentlemen leased three acres of ground and began the manufacture of brick of the ordinary and superior grades. So great grew the demand for their product that they were obliged to increase their facilities with succeeding seasons, until the business has grown to be one of the larger and more prominent in the city and vicinity. The season properly begins on the 1st of May, and closes about the Ist of October. During that period, a total of not less than three-quarters of a million of brick are molded, seasoned, burned and made ready for market, requiring the services of sixteen men, at a weekly compensation of $150, and producing an annual net return of $2,500. The yard is supplied with the most improved machinery employed, and every care is taken to make the article offered for sale, particularly the pressed qualities, of an order that shall procure an extended patronage. The custom of the firm is principally to be found in Platteville, but the ensuing season facilities will be completed for influencing a more extended trade. The investment represents a valuation of $4,500.

Platteville Butter Tub Manufactory - Was established by A. Potter in March, 1870, at its present location on Elm street, between Main and Pine, where he employed six hands, and placed 24,000 tubs on the market annually. Since that date, rival manufactories have been opened in various parts of the West, dividing the trade and diminishing the volume of busmesa disposed of by Mr. Potter. At present he employs but two hands, and his custom is principally made up of buyers resident in Grant County.

The PlatteviUe Brewery - Was first built by Dennis Centliver about 1868, who maintained the ownership of the property until 1871, when it came into the possession of John Kemler through ioreclosure proceedings. Almost as soon as title had been vested in the purchaser, and in September of the same year, the premises were destroyed by fire, entailing serious loss. In 1872, the building proper was rebuilt. It is of stone, fifty-six feet square, two stories high, and supplied with every convenience required for the preparation of malt liquors. Attached to the main building is a one-story stone ice-house 26x56, and within the brewery property a twostory and basement barn 20x30, also a brick dwelling of the same dimensions, two stories high, the improvements thus made costing in the aggregate $25,000.

In the fall of 1875, the premises were sold to Richard Briscoe and H. F. Rehmsted, who managed the enterprise until 1878. During that year, Briscoe failed to execute certain provisions contained in the bill of sale, when Mr. Kemler was placed in charge as Receiver, and ultimately resumed the ownership of a moiety in the property, which is valued at about $20,000.

When run to its full capacity, eight men are employed, at a monthly compensation of P50. At present the establishment turns out 1,600 barrels of beer per annum.

P. 0. Hawley ^ Co., Eletator - Also located opposite the depot of the Milwaukee & St. Paul Road depot was erected in 1870 by G. Hawley, and first operated by the firm of Hawley & Benedict. At the expiration of two years the firm name was changed to Hawley, Benedict & Co. This firm maintained possession one year, and were succeeded by Hawley & Shepherd, and they in turn by Hawley & Miles. In 1879, A. C. & H. G. Hawley became the owners, and have since conducted the business under the firm name above cited. Their consignments are not less than 150 car loads of grain per annum ; also handling salt, hides, pelts, etc.

Moore s Elevator - Opposite the depot of the Milwaukee & St. Paul Railway was erected by S. Moore in 1870, and is constantly occupied. The building is of frame, 40x50, three stories high, with a capacity for 15,000 bushels of grain, and cost $4,000. At present it is occupied by Thomas Shepherd, lessee, whose business aggregates $20,000 annually.

N. S. Virgin ^ Son, Elevators - At the west end of Main street, opposite the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railway depot, was erected in 1870 to supply a growing demand for accommodations incident to the transportation of grain and other commodities. It is of frame, 36x48, and forty feet high ; cost $5,000, and possesses a capacity for 15,000 bushels of grain. The value of business annually transacted is quoted at $25,000.

Religious

PlatteviUe M. E. Church. - According to all accounts, there could have been no appointment or circuit that would have reached PlatteviUe prior to 1827. In the fall of 1828, John Dew was sent from the Illinois Conference to Galena. But how far into the surrounding country he extended his services there is no means of determining. In 1829, the Galena mission was in the care of the Rev. Benjamin Stephenson ; in 1830 and 1831, under that of the Rev. Smith L. Robinson, and, in 1832, under that of the Rev. John L. Mitchell. For these four years Peter Cartwright was the Presiding Elder, but never visited this part of his district.

It is believed, however, that in the spring of 1832, Maj. J. H. Rountree and wife and W. B. Vineyard and wife met in the log cabin which stood at the lower end of Maj. Rountree's grounds, and organized the first Methodist class established in PlatteviUe Township. The name of the Pastor who addressed this limited assemblage during the spring was Rev. Smith L. Robinson; but, upon the breaking-out of the Black Hawk war, services were suspended, and this Pastor ^hohad been assigned to duty in the lead mines returned whence he came. At that time the tndiana Conference embraced Indiana, Illinois, Iowa, Michigan and Minnesota Territory, and tile circuit riders assigned to duty in this section supplied the lead mines on both sides of the

Mississippi River. Early in the fall of 1832, the Rev. John T. Mitchell, was sent to fill the appointment made vacant by the retirement of the Pastor referred to, and services were held at occasional intervals in the log hut, and so continued for some months. He was returned the following year, accompanied by the Rev. Barton Randall, and meetings were resumed.

When the log schoolhouse and church, erected on Section 16, was completed, services were held there, the Rountree, Coleman, Snowden, Vineyard, Waller, Orn and Hugill families, etc., constituting the congregation, presided over by the Revs. Hooper Crews, Lorenzo Bevans, Jamss Mitchell, J. Hadley and other divines. During the winter of 1836-37, the village made rapid strides in wealth and population, the congregation increased in membership, and the necessity of a more commodious house of worship became imperative. In response to these demands, a house, which had been erected for residence purposes near the present site of the Congregational Church, was secured and adapted to religious uses. In the spring of the latter year, the Pastor succeeded in raising a fund of $1,200, designed for the erection of an edifice to be known as the Methodist Church, and work on the same was commenced in May or June. By September, it was completed, and, before the close of fall, its dedication celebrated, the Rev. Wellington Wigley preaching the sermon. The church was of frame, of architectural proportions, 30x40 in dimensions, with a seating capacity of three hundred. The basement was devoted to educational purposes, and also formed the location of the first academy in Wisconsin. For upward of ten years, the Word of God was preached in this building, which sheltered all who applied during its existence as a church. To-day it is an adjunct, a property-room, to the brick block on Main street, occupied in part by Sanford k Chase. Its original cost was $2,600. Along in 1846, the society began the erection of a brick church at the corner of Main and Chestnut streets. The building of this house of worship, as also its arrangement and accommodations, was conducted under the supervision of the Rev. Samuel Mitchell, and was complete in all its details. In dimensions, it is 40x50, one story high, decorated with a handsome and lofty steeple, in which a " curfew bell " rang out its notes of warning on each recurring Sabbath and feast day; chimes for the quick and a requiem for the dead of the growing town. During its life of thirty years many were enrolled as members, of whom the world was not worthy, many who might otherwise have been strewn with the wrecks of men who have been driven upon the rocks. In 1877, the question of erecting a new edifice was again mooted, and decided in the affirmative. The Rev. G. W. Case, Pastor in charge, Maj. J. H. Rountree and Capt. John Grindell were appointed a building committee, and empowered to procure plans and contract for the same. In pursuance of such authority the committee visited Oregon, 111., and after a thorough investigation into the merits of designs submitted, decided to adopt that of a church there located, the plans being altered to eonform to improvements suggested by those immediately interested in securing a house of worship in all particulars appropriate. The old house was demolished, the congregation meanwhile (until the lecture-room was completed) attending services holden in the stone schoolhouse, and, in July, 1877, the corner-stone of the new edifice was laid, the Rev. Messrs. Benson and Knox officiating. That fall the lecture-room was prepared for divine service, and the building roofed. In the winter and through the ensuing summer, work was carried on in the auditorium so that a completion was reached in the fall of 1878, and, on Thanksgiving Day of that year, the dedication was had, the Rev. Dr. Hatfield, of Chicago, preaching the sermon. The building is of brick, with a frontage of sixty feet on Main street, and ninety feet on Chestnut street. It is in the Queen Anne style of architecture, with two towers, one of which is about seventy and the other about one hundred and forty feet from the pavement to the final end. The walls of the auditorium are wainscotted in alternate panels of white and gray, the ceilings painted in artistic designs, and handsomely decorated. The woodwork is appropriately finished in a manner both neat and plain, and the capacity of the church is estimated at one thousand. The building is practically fire-proof, every precaution having been taken in the plans to avoid liability to conflagrations; is lighted by gas manufactured on the premises, and heated by furnace, which renders the temperature equable and pleasant. In one of the towers is located a clock manufactured by the American Clock Company, at a cost of $1,025 ; and the structure, built with a view to strength, beauty, conrenience and perfect adaptation to the purposes intended, will be a monument to the taste and liberality of the congregation in the generations to come. The interior is lighted by six memorial windojfs as follows : One at the southern front to the memory of Mrs. Mary Grace Rountree, by the family of the lady ; two at the eastern front, one being a token of affection to the Rev. Samuel Mitchell and wife Eleanor, contributed by J. H. Rountree, J. S. and the Rev, J. F. Mitchell, of Ohio, and John T. Hancock, of Dubuque ; the other to Frederick V. Holman and wife, the donation of James Holman, son of decedents ; a memorial to Mr. and Mrs. David Cook, also to Mrs. Hannah Howdell and Mr. and Mrs. John McMurty. The two latter fronting to the west.