Poynette Village (part 1 of 2)

Poynette Village

In the year 1847, Mr. Palmer, ambitiously intent on developing the resources of the place, and informing the outside world of its existence, applied to the Government for an established mail route through here, and also submitted to the Legislature a memorial praying for ferry accommodations on the Wisconsin River. Both petitions were granted. A charter was obtained for Chester Matson for a ferry on Section 1. This was indispensable, on account of a much-needed road from Madison to Baraboo, by way of Lodi.

The post oiBce was established, and I. H. Palmer appointed Postmaster, his commission dating April 17, 1848, the office being opened in July following. Until he obtained a mailbag, Mr. Palmer carried the mail from Clark's Corners in his hat, delivering the same at the residence of those for whom it was intended. The second quarter, E. C. Tuller was employed to carry the mail, Mr. Palmer agreeing to make up the amount of his wages over postage received during the time he was employed. The total receipts of the office for the first quarter was $1.62 ; second quarter, $3,24 ; third quarter, $6.59. In April, 1849, Mr. Palmer resigned the office, and James 0. Eaton appointed, and held the office until 1853, when H. M. Ayer was appointed, and held the office during the administrations of Pierce and Buchanan. On the election of Abraham Lincoln for the first term, a meeting was called by the Republican Town Committee of Lodi, to be held January 26, 1861, to express their choice for Postmaster. The meeting was accordingly held, and, on the first formal ballot, James 0. Eaton received seventynine votes and William Merryman forty-eight. Mr. Eaton was accordingly recommended and duly commissioned. He held the office until 1867, and, having received an appointment in another and more lucrative position, he could not attend to the business of the office, and Robert Travis succeeded him, and continued till January, 1875, when H. R. Eaton was appointed. In 1868, the office was made a money-order office. The first order drawn was October 28, 1868, Duke W. Rogers, of Okee, remitter, and Joshua W. Rogers, payee, of Williamsport, for the sum of $50. Mr. Rogers also drew the second order, in favor of the same party, and for the sum of $45. The first order paid was December 21, 1868, to John B. Dwinnell, and drawn by Simeon Wood, Tomah, Wis. From October 28, 1868, to October 28, 1869, were issued 618 orders, amounting to $16,135.28, for which fees were paid amounting to $101.80. Amount of orders paid for the same period. $2,124.40. In 1879, were issued 2,661 orders, amounting to $35,175.74, on which fees were paid of $295.92. Number of order paid during the same time, 308, amounting to $5,016.92.

On the 25th day of June, 1848, the first plat of the village of Lodi was recorded in the office of the Register of Deeds, at Portage City, by T. H. Palmer, consisting of a part of the southeast quarter of Section 27. Various additions were afterward made, consisting of two by Mr. Palmer, three by James McCloud and one by John Foote. Inducements were held out by the original owner of the village plat to secure the settlement now of representatives of the various trades. A building was commenced by him in the fall designed for a store, and in November of that year, James 0. Eaton came out, looked at the location, and an offer was made to him to open a stock of general merchandise in the building then being erected. Mr. Eaton told the proprietor that he would let him know within two weeks whether he would accept his offer. The time having expired without his receiving any information from Eaton, the building was let to Thomas & Pinney, a couple of young men then doing business at Hanchetville, Dane County. It was the fault of the mails that Palmer did not hear from Eaton, as the latter had sent a letter notifying him that he accepted his offer and would be there in a few days with a stock of goods. In coming to this place, Eaton passed through Hanchetville and there learned that Thomas & Pinney expected to occupy the building he supposed was intended for him. Mr, Pinney, learning Eaton's intention, a race was improvised by the two for Lodi, but the old proverb was here exemplified, " The more haste the less speed," and both got lost on a snow-covered prairie and were compelled to hire a cutter and ride into the village together. On referring the matter to Palmer, he decided the last contract was binding ; that Thomas & Pinney were entitled to the house. As an inducement to Eaton to locate he offered him a choice of any unoccupied lot, which offer was accepted, and on Monday morning (it being Saturday night when they arrived), the building was commenced, and by Saturday night following it was completed and occupied by the owner. The formal opening of the store occurred Monday, December 18, 1848, but goods were sold the Saturday previous.

It must not be thought that Lodi could thrive without its village blacksmith-shop, therefore on Main street, on land given for that purpose, Reuben Ring built his shop in 1848. This Ring was a bachelor, and it would appear from tradition was an object of some solicitude from the fair matrons and maidens in the vicinity. Says an early writer: '' The Smith with an endless name, although he had outgrown the verdancy of youth, failed to profit by the lessons of wisdom years should have taught him. He stole - stole the heart of, alas(s) I - Sophronia Bunker, and we suppose she stole likewise, for the two were fettered in the bonds of matrimony, being the first couple united in the village, thereby establishing a precedent which others were not slow to follow, for you know ' One sheep goes over the pasture wall, and others follow after.' They got married. Yea, and they were serenaded also. But how shall we describe that ' charivari ' - that majestic inauguration of holiday occasions - where the combination of musical instruments displayed an uniqueness of design inimitable by ancient or modern Jubal ; where swine, upon a slight pinch, gave protracting squeals, long, deep and dire, evincing a total lack of sympathy in the joyousness of the occasion ; while poultry, cats, cow-bells, and rustic fiddles came on in the double chorus with a stupendous volume of sound, worthy to be a prelude to the Boston jubilee. Here I will say it was not at the wedding just referred to that - the bridegroom treated the guests to small pieces of stick cinnamon each, though such an exhibition of generosity did actually once occur at a bridal scene. Ah, well, that was the day of small things, which we are recommended not to despise. And, doubtless, the delicate bark from that tree, whose aroma lades the breeze that blows soft o'er Ceylon's isle, was more acceptable to the uneducated tastes of that company than to ' Measure their cups of ale, draining the oaken pail.' "

The first " Knight of the Awl " to open his shop in the place was Mandras Randall, who, in 1848, made known to all the people around, that he would attend to their soles, or, in other words, he would manufacture, of as good leather as could be obtained, boots and shoes for all who would give him their order. He was succeeded by Mr. O'Hara, who was drowned in the millpond in the village. Having no friend or rela,tive in the vicinity, he was buried by the authorities here.

W. E. Carthari was the first M. D. to advertise his ability ''to cure all the ills that flesh is heir to," but it appears, from the records of that early day, the people were too perverse to get sick for the purpose of aifording employment to a doctor, however great his skill. With hope deferred, he waited till his heart grew sick, and he left for more unhealthy parts. Says the writer already quoted : " In his wake, at brief intervals, one by one, came a whole faculty of medical men - Ingalls, Warren, Lake, Heath and others, men whose pill boxes, we'll venture, contained no atomized, homoeopathic dose, to tickle the epicurean taste, but the concentrated, double-refined extract of marah, under the effects of which, the repentent patient assents unqualified to the theological dogma, ' In the gall of bitterness and bonds of iniquity,' for you remember the fogyish, foregone conclusion, almost invariably acted upon in those days, ' I think the patient will do well to take a dose of calomel.' However, the grateful survived, with a few exceptions, the visits of these wandering stars ; these Israelites in the wilderness, longing for the flesh-pots of Egypt."

"It is appointed unto man once to die," and death is ever nigh, ready to snatch a victim here and there. On the 17th day of July, 1849, Herbert Edward, son of J. 0. and M. M. Eaton, was called away, and he was laid in the cold and silent tomb - the first death in the village.

The first celebration of Independence Day was held Saturday, July 3, 1852 ; the Fourth occurring upon Sunday. The day was ushered in by the firing of cannon. The oflicers of the day were Isaac H. Palmer, President ; G. M. Bartholemew and John Sloan, Vice Presidents ; John Ingalls, Marshal ; E. D. Steel, Reader of the Declaration of Independence ; Rev. I. N. Lewis, Orator; Rev. E. S. Bunce, Chaplain. "At 1 o'clock, a dinner was served by J. 0. Eaton, near his hotel. Everything passed off in a highly satisfactory manner, without an accident to mar the occasion; but not so on the 4th of July following. Albert Eells, son of Joseph Eells, had charge of the cannon, which exploding, he was struck by a fragment and instantly killed.

The first lawyer in the village was L. A. Ellis, who, in 1854, came and remained two years. He was succeeded by R. Lindsay, who came to the village in 1858. For twenty-two years, Mr. Lindsay has occupied the same premises for an office, the same first occupied by Mr. Ellis.

Lodi in 185^2. - Rev. J. N. Lewis, a pioneer missionary of the Presbyterian Church, who located here in the spring of 1852, thus speaks of Lodi and vicinity : " Here are groves of all sizes, free of bushes, bearing a striking resemblance to orchards, and, in spite of our knowledge to the contrary, deluding us, for the moment, that they are really such, are scattered everywhere in the valleys, on the hillsides and on the summits. The admirer of nature will here find that she has arrayed herself in superlative attractions, as on some bright, summer day, he looks over this landscape from the hills, or rides through these valleys - not a line or course in all the bounding surface is jagged, while the waving grain and flowery hues of the prairies, and the herds of cattle grazing thereon, remind him of the happy valley of Rasselas. The town of Lodi lies principally in this basin, and embosomed among the hills at the intersection of the main valleys, on a small stream, is the recent and thriving little village of the same name - a retired spot, and but little known, because the thoroughfare from the capital westward at present, pass north and south of it. We could wish, on many accounts, that it might remain so (though we are threatened with a railroad soon), since the beauty of its location, the abundance of water power, and the fertility of the surrounding country, will command a growth sufficiently rapid for its moral healthfulness, and let it be forever small, rather than be crowded with such a population as the rapidly growing villages of the West are often composed of. Better it is for a place to start with a good moral influence, and to secure a good moral reputation, than to have a reputation for mere business and money-making. We can afford to spare the loose and low population, which might otherwise be crowded in here, and we hope soon that the sight of church steeples, and the sound of the Sabbath bell, which summon the good to the temple of God, will warn and scare away whatever of moral trash which has found its way to this quiet retreat. A period of four years has, despite of its retired situation, built up a cluster of about thirty dwelling-houses, several stores, a tavern, two good flouring-mills, which are crowded beyond their capacity with custom work from the vicinity, a saw-mill and mechanics of all kinds. Much water-power remains still unemployed. We have three organized churches - Presbyterian, Baptist and Methodist, and preaching every Sabbath in a large and convenient place of worship, by clergymen of each of these denominations, an excellent school, a temperance organization, which now, indeed, needs resuscitation, and more energy, though its friends are numerous. We hope that, without any feelings of selfishness, or any bias from any self-interest, we may recommend this place to persons who are intending to remove to this State. The population is mostly free from the foreign element found in almost every town elsewhere - the country is so much settled by native-born Americans, that doubtless this will always be its character. Society is of the Eastern tone, and we trust we have among us enough of the salt of the earth, to give controlling influence to it, and shape it to permanent morality. As to secular advantages, they are not lacking. Cultivated farms can be purchased at $8 or $6 per acre. A large (juantity of land in the hands of speculators, eager to get rid of it, supplied well with wood and water, can be bought for $4 or $5 per acre, farms well adapted for raising grain or stock. We are well situated in respect to markets, having always, in fact, the choice of four or five. Being near the Wisconsin River, we can send our produce to the pineries on the same stream at the north, or by the Mississippi to Minnesota, or to Galena and St. Louis on the south, or by way of Portage, through the canal to Green Bay ; or by railroad, nearly completed, both from Milwaukee and Chicago to Madison ; we can have intercourse summer and winter with the seaboard. During the past winter, the Rock River Railroad Company have surveyed a route from Janesville, through Madison and this place, to Baraboo, beyond the Wisconsin River, with the intention of extending it to Minnesota.'.'

As the village grew in size and importance, the necessity for its incorporation under the general laws of the State became apparent, in order that such improvements might be made as would best advance its interests, improvements that the town would not consider. A preliminary meeting, to take into consideration the subject of incorporation, was held at Eaton's Hall, Saturday, April 13, 1872. Addison Eaton was made Chairman of the meeting, and H. M. Ayer, Secretary. It was voted that a charter be applied for under Chapter 188, of the General Laws of 1872, and that all of Section 27 be embraced in the limits of the village. H. M. Ayer and C. Bacon were appointed a committee to take the census of the section, and E. W. Gardner, R. Lindsay, and J. M. Bartholomew, to draft the application and present it to the court, and also to made a map of the area embraced in the application. L. F. Wanner was appointed to see to the printing of the proper notices, and that the census returns and map be filed in the office of the Town Clerk for inspection. As the result of the census, it was found there were G47 inhabitants residing on the section mentioned.

The application of the citizens of the village was favorably considered by the court, and on the 20th day of July. 1872, the first election was held, resulting in the choice of Horatio N. Cowen, President ; E. Andrews, Alexander Woods, James McCloud, H. C. Bradley, William Dunlap and Leonard F. Wanner, Trustees ; Carlos Bacon, Clerk ; J. M. Pruyn, Treasurer ; H. M. Ayer. Police Justice. Other elections have annuallv been held, resulting as follows :

The religious and moral influences of the village have always kept pace with its growth. The Methodists were the pioneer laborers in the field, followed closely by the Baptists and Presbyterians. The Universalists were the last to form an organization.

Methodist Episcopal. - Rev. L. Harvey had in 1845 a conference appointment to travel, west, southwest and northwest of Madison, about thirty miles out, and seeing, in the post office of that city, some Methodist church papers directed to Rev. H. Maynard and the Bartholomews, he inquired where they could be found. The Postmaster told him the course to take as best he could, and the missionary started to hunt them up, and, as remarked by Father Maynard, he found them waiting for him. This was late in the fall of that year. A class was immediately formed, according to the rules of the Methodist Episcopal Church, consisting of G. M. Bartholomew, Leader ; Catherine Bartholomew, M. C. Bartholomew, Mary Bartholomew, Christiana Bartholomew, Henry Maynard, Catherine Maynard, Harriet E. Maynard ; in all eight. Preaching was had once in two weeks in the log cabins of the Bartholomews, or Mr. Maynard, until the log schoolhouse was built on Section 27 in the spring of 1846, which became their regular place of worship. Says the Rev. H. Maynard, in a local paper in 1879 : -* These meetings were generally attended with the Divine presence, spiritual and profitable, with some revivals and additions to the church. As others came and settled in the valley, they came and worshiped with us, in the little log schoolhouse, with one heart and one mind. Mrs. J. N. Lewis says the first time she attended service in this valley she rode on an ox sled, with a family, to that little log house. Every church in Lodi to-day may thank God for the influence that went out from that little log house. There was an unusual proportion of the settlers that were church-going people, hence the influence of Christianity prevailed over opposing influences. The ministers that have been appointed to labor for the Methodist Church in this place from 1845 to 1880 inclusive are : Rev. L. Harvey, about ten months ; W. Smith, one year ; S. Tasker, one year ; assistant preacher, Mr. Adams, six months when he sickened and died, when H. Maynard finished the year ; S. P. Walden, one year ; James Holmes, six months M. Wooley, finishing the year ; E. Bunco, two years ; Nelson Butler, two years; James Wells, one year ; Mr. Cochran, two years ; S. Dodge, two years ; J. B. Bachman, two years ; S. Delap, one year ; J. S. Hurd, two years ; J. D. Searles, two years ; B. C. Hammond, one year ; J. B. Bachman, one year ; J. T. Prior, two years ; E. Tasker, two years ; F. M. Fullerton,. one year; W.-H. Kellogg, two years ; J. C. Aspinwall, two years ; R. Burnip, two years ; J. D. Brothers, who received his appointment in the fall of 1879. The most of these ministers are yet in the regular work, a few of them are worn out by long, hard service, and are waiting with holy patience the Master's call to come up higher. A few of them have gone from labor to their reward ; they fought a good fight, received their discharge, and have gone to enjoy the faithful soldier's reward. Rev. Mr. Adams was a young preacher of good talents, deep piety, much zeal, and a good prospect for future usefulness in the church. He traveled this circuit some four months, sickened and died at Clark's Corners. He left a wife and two children. I was with him in his last sickness, preached his funeral sermon, and then we laid his remains beneath the sod to sleep until the resurrection morn." As the population increased and the log schoolhouse became too small, a house was obtained in the village of Lodi, which was of suflBcient size for some time.

In the year 18.55, the society built a large stone church at a cost of $4,500, which was dedicated June, 1857, N. E. Cobleigh, President of Appleton University preaching the dedicatory sermon.

In March, 1880, there were 146 members of the church. Its ofiicers at that time were Rev. Joseph D. Brothers, Pastor ; L. F. Wanner, R. Steele, A. S. Bowman, G. M. Bartholomew, John Wilkins, M. Cain, C. Goodall, N. G. Burlingame, Stewards ; J. M. Bartholomew, Recording Steward ; G. M. Bartholomew, C. Goodall, L. F. Wanner, W. M. Bartholomew, H. Phinney, L. J. Burlingame, M. Cain, A. S. Bowman, E. B. Wait, Trustees ; H. Phinney, L. J. Burlingame, Class Leaders.

Baptist. - A meeting was held at the house of H. M. Ayer, April 23, 1852, for the purpose of taking into consideration the organization of a Baptist church. Elder Joseph Bowman was chosen Moderator and H. M. Ayer, Clerk. It was resolved to organize, and Peter Van Ness, William G. Simons and Cyrus Hill was appointed a committee to prepare articles of faith and covenant, and present a name for the church when recognized. On Saturday, the 22d of May, those interested again assembled to hear the report of the committee, which report was adopted and the articles signed by Peter Van Ness, Cyrus Hill. William G. Simons, H. M. Aver, Freedom Simons, William Wait, Matthias Warner, Ira Polly, Emma ^'an Ness, Caroline L. Simons. Alraira Simons. Lucy Warner, Caroline Wait, Catherine Polly, James Cross, Laura Durkee, Betsy Hill. Peter Van Ness was elected Deacon. On Wednesday, the '26t\i of May, the Council, consisting of Elders Moses Rowley, Joseph Bowman. Peter Conrad and Charles Perry, convened at the appointed place and voted unanimously to extend to the brethren and sisters the liand of fellowship as a regular Baptist Church. Eider Conrad preached, and Elder Rowley extended the hand. On Thursday, June 3, 1852, the church was received into the Dane Association, then convened at Fall River. In January, 18o3, the church inviteil Elder Joseph Bowman to become its Pastor, which invitation he accepted, and the relation continued till December 28, 1861. During this time the church had no stated place of meeting of its own, but assembled in schoolhouses in the village and out districts. Its membership, too, was scattered over quite an extendeil territory, rendeiing it impracticable to keep up regular social and prayer meetings. Under the labors of Elder Bowman twenty were added by baptism ; by experience and letter, thirty-eight. After Mr. Bowman closed his work the church was without a pastor for two years and a half, in which time three were added by letter, three dismissed in the same way, and two died. Elder 0. 0. Stearns was then called to the pastorate, in which relation he continued for ten years, or until July, 1874. In February, 1863, a committee was appointed by the church to see how much could be raised for budding a house of worship. In January, 1865, a committee was appointed to select a site. In September the church voted to build, and appointed Deacons Van Ness ami King and William Simons a building committee. The enterprise was prosecuted vigorously till the house was erected and inclosed; when that was done, it was found the fund was about exhausted, and additional subscriptions had to be obtained. On the 13th of March, 1867, it was completed, furnished, and duly dedicated to the service of the living God. The entire cost of the building and furniture was ^4,500. Rev. H. C. Fuller was called to the pastorate December 13, 1874, and continued for two years, when the church was without a pastor until April, 1877. When Elder N. E. Chapin accepted a call and entered upon the work. A Sunday school was organized when the congregation took possession of their house of worship, and has been a great help to the church, a number of its scholars becoming members. The constituent members of the church were 17, and up to March, 1880, there have been added by bapti.«m, i>5; by letter, 43: experience, 20; a total of 175. The dismissions by letter, death and exclusion have been 'JO ; leaving a membership of 76. At this time, its oflScers are Rev. N. E. Chapin, Pastor ; Peter Van Ness, Freedom Simon.s, Deacons ; E. W. Gardner, Clerk ; E. Richmond, Treasurer ; F. Simons, Isaac ^'an Ness, E. W. Gardner, Trustees.

Presbyterian. - In June, 1852, a small band of Christian men and women gathered in a small room on Columbus street, for the purpose of forming a Presbyterian or Congregational church, according to the voice of the majority, whichever way it might be. As a majority were Presbyterians, it was thought best to have the church of the same form, the Congregationalists cordially acquiescing and supporting the organization. It was put in connection with the Wisconsin Convention, a union of the Congregationalists and Presbyterian Church for united work, in which connection it continued six years, when it was transferred to the Presbytery of Columbus, since which time its relation has been with the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church. The organization was consummated by signing the articles of covenant, ten persons affixing their names : James 0. Eaton and wife. A. P. Smith and wife, Robert Mann and wife, Mrs. Partridge, Mrs. Strangeway, Mrs. J. N. Lewis and Miss Eliza Steele. At the first communion, Mrs. I. H. Palmer was received on profession, and at the next Mrs. Crowley, by letter. A. P. Smith and Robert Mann were chosen Elders. The Rev. J. N. Lewis, in a quarter-centennial sermon, delivered in June, 1877, remarked that " there seemed to have been a marked Providence in the commencement of this church, as indeed its whole history to this hour reveals the faithful hand of God in blessing and guiding us. With much reluctance, and after much urging by the Secretary of the Home Missionary Society, the first Presbyterian minister to

Lodi consented to take a letter of introduction to James 0. Eaton, residing here. From descriptions given, the place was pictured in his mind as a gloomy hamlet, where two cross-roads met, with merely a tavern on one side and ahlacksmith-shop on the other, in a dingy dell, with a soil of the hardest white clay, covered with the scrubbiest of scrub-oaks, much like Petroleum V. Nasby's 'Confederit Corners,' abating the whisky and politics of Deacon Pogram. But what a surprise to behold, instead, the most enchanting landscape, these broad valleys of the greenest prairie, these bold bluffs, these symmetrically rounded hills, with groves in groups scattered on their tops and sloping sides, the music of the mills and the crystal streams, all presenting a view more lovely then, even in its wild state, than since the hand of civilization has despoiled it of half its original beauty."

The first Presbyterian sermon was preached here on the 19th of October, 1851. There was no church or society to decide about accepting or rejecting the service of the preacher, no trustees to pledge adequate support. The only support that could be relied on was the pledge of a small sum from the Secretary of the Home Missionary Society. In December following, the missionary, the Rev. J. N. Lewis, arrived with his family. Says Mr. Lewis, in the sermon referred to : " The next day after our arrival, while moving the goods to the new home, what gloomy thoughts - more gloomy than the gloomiest of winter days. What was he doing here? "Was this faith or folly, prudence or presumption, to engage in such an undertaking ? Where was the food to come from, unless, like Elijah's, it was brought by the ravens ? With such forebodings, the table was spread and occupied for the evening meal, when there was a knock at the door, when a present for the frying-pan next morning was handed in, from good mother Eells over the way. Soon another knock, and a bundle of clothing from Brother Rosenkrans, of Columbus, desiring to divide the contents of a missionary -box he had just received. Truly, it was felt at the table that the ravens were already on the wing. The next day the message had gone beforehand to Judge Palmer's miller, ' take no toll from the missionary ; ' and soon from another, ' come for a bag of oats.' From that day, all anxiety in regard to support was dismissed. In the course of six years, the feeble band of ten was increased to thirty-nine, subsequently six more were added."

Early in August, 1857, the Rev. G. B. Riley, from Horseheads, N. Y., commenced his labors in the place. Not having a church edifice, and being able to obtain the schoolhouse for only a portion of the time, he preached much in the school districts adjoining. A church building was commenced, and the basement finished for occupancy. Mr. Riley labored with the congregation six years, during which time seventy-six communicants were received. After an interregnum of nearly a year, the Rev. Daniel A. Bassett, from Illinois, was invited, and began services in August, 1864. He was a man devoted to his work, a good preacher, and during his two years' stay there were two interesting revivals, and forty-six members were received. The next Pastor was the Rev. Warren Mayo, from Danby, N. Y., a man of the stature and stateliness of Saul, King of Israel. In his ministry continual additions were made to the church, in all seventy-five. He was succeeded, in 1872, by the Rev. J. W. Knott, who had a very successful pastorate of seven years, during which time large additions were made to the church, 112 being added at one time, the result of an extensive revival. Mr. Knott was succeeded, in October, 1879, by the Rev. H. L. Brown. The church very early adopted the plan of a rotary eldership. In March, 1880, its Elders were William Dunlap, J. B. Dwinnell, Addison Eaton, P. H. Gunnison and E. H. Irwin. Its Trustees at the same time were J. 0. Eaton, Danford Pratt, A. Arries, Thomas Albiston and E. Andrews.

Andrews. A church, in connection with the parish, was organized September 2, 1875, with the following membership : David Hesselgrave, Hannah Hesselgrave, Frank Terrill, Frederick Perry, .John Foote, William B. Chrisler, Elizabeth Chrisler, J. A. Wieting, R. N. Bartholomew, H. L. Bancroft, C. A. Martin, Mrs. C. A. Martin, Mr. Curtiss and wife, Abbie Curtiss, Mary S. Bradley, Jane A. Perry, Albert Lovering, Jane Lovering, Julia A. Bradley, John W. Foote, Laura R. Foote, Emily B. Foote, Florence M. Foote, A. Terrill, Jacob Chrisler, Mary H. Chrisler, Josephine Cawthorn, Carlton Cawthorn, Emma Cawthorn, Mattie E. Bartholomew. The first minister to preach Universalism in Lodi was Rev. M. G. Todd, through whose instrumentality a good work was wrought. He was succeeded by Kev. B. F. Rogers, in 1872, during whose pastorate the parish was organized. For the year 1873, the parish had no minister, but in 1874, Rev. Mr. Todd once jmore became its minister, and by him the church was instituted. The church edifice is of brick, and is finished in handsome style. Its erection was commenced April -3, 1873, and dedicated January 15, 1878, the sermon of dedication being preached by Rev. M. G. Todd. The cost of the building was .$4,000. A successful Sunday school, of fifty members, has been in operation for some years. Rev. A. C. Barry, D. D., was the successor of Mr. Todd and has met with fair success in his labors.

Schools. - The first settlement in the village of Lodi was made in the spring of 1846, and in the summer a log house was erected on Section 27, and school taught therein by Miss Mary Yockey. This house served until 1851, when a frame building was erected on the same section, the district being No. 1. John Foote taught the first winter term in 1848-49. The school districts of the town remained as organized by the Town Superintendent of Schools until 18l34. On the 17th day of September of that year, the Supervisors of the town, by order, attached the territory of Districts Nos. 2 and 6 to District No. 1. On the 8th day of October, 1864, by order of the Board, District No. 7 was also attached. On the 5th day of November, 1877, the portion of Joint District No. 3, lying within the town of Lodi, was attached, making tlie Union District composed of Nos. 1, 2, 6, 7, and a part of No. 3. The first school meeting of the consolidated districts was held September 26, 1864. At this meeting, H. M. Ayer was elected Director for three years; John B. Dwinnell, Treasurer, for two years; W. M. Bartholomew, Clerk, for one year. A special school meeting was held October 8, 1864, when the District Board was authorized to move one or more of the schoolhouses in the district as will best subserve the interest of the whole district. The object of uniting these school districts was to form a union school of high grade. Previous to this time. Prof. A. G. Riley had been teaching a select high school in the village, and had awakened considerable interest in a higher education than was then being taught by the common schools of the town. At the same time the State Superintendent of Public Schools, in his annual report, had placed the village in rather an unenviable light in comparison with Kilbourn City, Pardeeville, Wyocena, Cambria, Fall River, and Poynette, which aroused the pride of the citizens of Lodi, and steps were at once taken to remedy the matter. On the suggestion of the Superintendent the consolidation was effected. Prof Riley expressed himself ready to abandon his school if the change was made. He was chosen the first Principal of the Union School, which was opened Mondav, November 14, 1864.

At the annual meeting, August 28, 1865, the sum of $375 was appropriated and the Board instructed to purchase for a new school building, and to sell all real estate not then used for school purposes. At the annual meeting, August 27, 1866, it was voted to raise $60, to pay rent for the basement of the Methodist Episcopal Church, which was being used for the high school. It was also voted to purchase a lot of E. B. Wait for $150 ; one of J. B. Dwinnell for $127 ; and two of William Dunlap for $275. These purchases were authorized and made with a view of erecting a new school building. In furtherance of this idea, at the annual meeting, held August 26, 1807, there was appropriated $50, to pay for plan and specifications of the new house. A committee was also appointed to secure the passage of a private law to enable the district to issue its bonds for the purpose of erecting the building. The Legislature acceded to the request of the will of the district, as expressed in their meeting, and passed an enabling act.

At the annual meeting, held July 13, 1868, the district resolved that a new schoolhouse was needed, and voted to issue district bonds for $10,000, according to the special act of the Legislature, to apply on the building. The District Board, at the same time, were appointed a building committee.

On the 1st day of March, 1869, the contract for the new schoolhouse was awarded to James McCloud, of Lodi, for $9,475, and the district bonds for that amount were sold to Mr. Mc- Cloud at their par value. The house was finished and occupied for the term commencing in November, 1869. It was arranged for four departments on the first floor, and one on the second floor, with two recitation-rooms. Its seating capacity was 340. About 2 o'clock on the morning of March 29, 1878, an alarm of fire was raised, and it was discovered the schoolhouse was in flames. In the absence of water and a machine with which to throw it, it was evident nothing could be done to save the building, and it was with feelings of sadness that teachers, pupils and citizens had to witness its destruction. It was insured for $7,000, which amount was paid in due time by the insurance companies.

On the 25th of May, 1878, the District Board was authorized to contract for a new schoolhouse with the lowest responsible resident bidder, at a cost not to exceed $6,800, exclusive of furnishing. The same day, a contract wiis made with James McCloud, the contractor of the old building, for the sum mentioned. The plans and specifications for the new house were furnished by D. R. Jones, architect, of Madison. The house was completed and occupied December 12, 1878. It is a large two-story cream-colored brick, with three schoolrooms below and three above.

The first Principal, employed November, 1864, was A. G. Riley, who remained four years, the second was E. B. Everdell, one year; third, J. C. Yocum, five years; fourth, A. A. Miller, two years ; D. 0. Hibbard, one year ; W. E. Todd, three years. The assistants, in the various departments, from 1864 to 1879 inclusive, have been Elraira Duncan, Martha Lewis, Sarah Bartholomew, Carrie R. Tabor, Julia Bartholomew, Martha Van Ness, Leora M. Evans, Miss Wright, F. Johnson, Jennie E. Little, Tillie M. Riddle, Jennie Sprague, M. C. Buchanan, Sarah Dunlap, Laura Luse, Mr. Aldrich, Alice Welch, Emma Curtis, Michael Clinton, Minnie Waldo, Maggie Ferguson, M. J. Owen, Annie Blachley, Ada Simons, Mr. E. H. Phillips, Misses Fanny Pettit, Hattie A. Salisbury, Ida Merryman, Libbie Batty, Mr. Webber, E. M. Gun^ nison, Alice Randall, Rose Newell, Emma Salisbury, Tillie Knutesen, Hattie C. Hall, Mary L. Aspinwall, Elsina Wiswall, Rose Knutesen, M. A. Owen, A. R. Luse, Emma Foote, Minnie Ayer, Alice Coapman, Mattie Buchanan, Lizzie Dwinnell, Lottie Lattimer and Marion Miles.

Graduates of the High School. - Since the organization of the graded-school system, up to-and including the year 1879, there have graduated twenty-nine young gentlemen and ladies, as follows : Annie Irwin, Minnie L. Ayer. Eva Bartholomew, Florence M. Foote, Ida Merryman, Millie Maynard, Rose M. Knuteson, Lewis E. Walker, James I. Bartholomew, Lizzie I. Dwinnell, Tillie J. Knuteson, Herbert Goodall, James P. Wilson, Eva Goodall, Adell Bartholomew, Henry Early, Silas Overton, Harry Irwin, Bert Palmer, Miles Fenno, D. W. Simons, Nora Knuteson, Elma Simons, Mary L. Overton, George B. Gardner, Ben Wait, Frank 'E oote, Robert Wilson, George Dwinnell.

Temperance

The principles of temperance, as held and taught in early days, found a genial soil whereon to take deep root, among the settlers of Lodi. Among its advocates were the names of John Slown, Aaron Chalfant, I. B. Tabor, the Bartholomews, Simonses, Maynards, J. 0. Eaton, I. H. Palmer, E. C. Tuller, Dr. John Ingals, John Foote, with their families. In the summer or fall of 1849, an organization was formed, called the Lodi Temperance Society. The first meetings were held in the old log schoolhouse, afterward in the hall of Lodi Hotel. J. 0. Eaton was chosen Secretary, John Slown or G. M.Bartholomew, President. The obligation bound its members to abstain from the use of, or trafiic in, alcoholic liquors, except for medicinal, mechanical or sacramental purposes. It was similar to the obligation of the Wash'^ ingtonian Society, at that time quite popular in some parts of the country.

Perseverance Lodge, No. ^72, I. 0. G. T. - This lodge was organized May 10, 1865, by Miss M. Emery, State Organizer, with about twenty charter members. Its first officers were : J. O. Eaton, W. C. T. ; Mrs. E. S. Lewis, W. V. T. : E. B. Meeteer, W. S. ; Mary E. Eaton, W. A. S. ; James Chapin, W. F. S. ; Minnie Chapin, W. T. ; Oscar Dunlap, W. M. ; Mattie Luse, W. D. M. ; Mrs. H. L. Meeteer, W. 1. G. ; George Eaton, W. 0. G. ; Mrs. Schemmerhorn, R. H. S. ; Mrs. Lindsay, L. H. S. The first year, ending May, 1865, there were 185 initiated, including the charter members. The second year, 78 ; third year, 21 : fourth year, 27 ; fifth year, 15. The sixth year was a very dark one for the lodge, there being no meetings held between May 24 and September 6, 1870. On the evening of the 6th, a meeting was held and officers elected. Mattie Lewis was elected W. C. T. ; Sarah Luse, W. V. T. ; Laura Foote, W. S.; Carrie Tabor, W. F. S. ; Maggie Wells, W. M.; Frank Luse, W. T. ; M. Blachley, I. G. ; John W. Foote, 0. G. : Warren Mayo, Chap. During the remainder of the quarter, the meetings were very poorly attended, and it was a question whether to strive longer to keep up the lodge or surrender the charter ; but a few determined ones resolved they would never surrender, but would adopt for their motto '' Perseverance," the name of the lodge, and press forward. The lodge accordingly elected Frank Luse, W. C. T. ; Sarah Dunlap, \V. V. T. ; Maggie Wells, W. S. ; Mattie Tabor, T. : S. K. Luse, W. F. S. ; L. E. Walker, W. M.'; M. Blachley, I. G. ; Sarah Luse, 0. G. ; Mrs. Adeline Chalfant, Chap. The officers were not installed and regular meetings were held only once in two weeks, using the old pass-word, until December 6, when the G. W. C. T. sent R. B. Rowland, a Grand Lodge Deputy, to visit and re-organize. After a few words of cheer, followed by remarks from Frank Luse, W. M. Dunlap, H. M. Ayer, Laura Foote, Sarah Dunlap, Delia Luse and others, the members were re-obligated, and the lodge declared re-oi'ganized. Weekly meetings were again commenced, and twelve initiated during the remaining part of the year, and a number re-instated. The seventh year, ending May, 1872, there were fifteen initiated, but the lodge was in rather a weak condition, and attendance small.

The eighth year, ending May, 1873, the lodge seemed to take a new start; the hall of E. Knuteson was rented, fitted up, and fifty-two members initiated, and many old ones re-instated. The attendance was good, and a general interest manifested in the cause. The ninth year, the lodge was in a flourishing condition, though some trouble was experienced in dealing with members violating their pledge ; forty-five initiated during the year. The tenth year prosperity continued with the lodge ; nineteen initiated. Eleventh year, thirteen initiations ; attendance not quite so good on account of the organization of a division of the Sons of Temperance, which was quite prosperous that year. Twelfth year, only nine initiations ; thirteenth year, thirty-six ; fourteenth year, twenty-six. For the fourteen years, ending May, 1879, the total initiations were 55o, some of whom were initiated twice, but probably 500 different persons were connected with the order during that time. For initiations and dues, over $2,500 were received, the greater part of which was paid out for the incidental expenses of the lodge, but about $500 went to the Grand Lodge. Quite an amount was spent to further the cause of temperance in other ways than through the lodge, such as in the purchase and distribution of tracts and in aiding weak lodges. Those that have held the position of Lodge Deputy were J. 0. Eaton, H. W. Cass, Charles E. Eaton, H. M. Ayer, L. P. Hindes, John W. Foote, L. R. Luse, W. M. Dunlap, W. H. Slightman. At the first meeting in February, 1880, were installed Morgan L. Boyce, W. C. T. ; E. A. Cannon, W. V. T. ; Douglas Ayer, W. R. S. ; Mollie Woods, W. A. S. ; Fayette Cannon. W. F.S. : Miss Early, W. T. ; H. M. Ayer, W. C. ; William H. Slightman, W. M. : Josie Brothers, W. A. M. ; Eva Moran, W. I. G. ; Chris. O'Degard, W. S.

Osseo Council. No. ^4, Ancient Order of Mendotas, was organized May 1, 1878. Its first officers and charter members were W. A. Bartholomew, Sachem ; Eva Bartholomew, Queen ; E. Seville, Prophet; Mrs. J. W. Watson, Priestess; W. H. F. Barnes, Writer; Mrs. W. A. Bartholomew, Treasurer, M. D. Fenno, Guide ; Rose Knutesen, 0. Henricks, Queen's Guard ; Anna Watson, Temptress ; L. F. Twitchell, White Eao;le ; P. Hanson, E. Knutesen, W. M. Bartholomew, W. H. Buchanan, R. Burnip, E. Sloggy, S. Stewart, J. W. Watson, David Anderson, J. F. Crouk, J. M. Bartholomew, J. S. Bartholomew, Emma Seville, Neddie Crouk, Victoria Babcock, Dell Bartholomew, Mrs. P. Kehl, Edward Lindsay, W. P. Van Ness, Mrs. P. Watson, Ada Knutesen. The council has had a prosperous existence, meeting every Friday night, in the hall over the store of E. Knutesen. The membership has steadily increased, until in April, 1880, it had a membership of 100, its officers being at that time, W. H. F. Barnes, Sachem; Eva Bartholomew. Queen; H. H. Harris, Prophet; Ida Springer, Priestess; H. C. Lindsay, Writer: Hattie Gardner, Treasurer; Emma Knapp, Financial Writer; Samuel J. Wilson, Guide: Alida Buchanan, Guard of Tent; Sylvester Brown, Queen's Guard; Dell Bartholomew, Temptress ; David Anderson, White Eagle ; J. F. Bartholomew, Lodge Deputy.

Benevolent Orders

Lodi Valley Lodge, No 99, A., F. tf- A. M. - This lodge was organized under dispensation June 3, 1857, with Rufus W. Reed, W. M. ; William N. Baker, S. W. ; John W. Fisher, J. W. ; A. G. Hadder, Secretary ; Darius Kingsley, Treasurer : E. W. Kingsley, S. D. ; A. Hartson, J. D. ; W. B. Partridge, Tiler. On the expiration of the year, a charter was granted, bearing date June 9, A. D. 1858, and of Masonry 5,858. The first place of meeting was in Partridge's hall, where they met for six years, when the place was changed to Way's hall, which Was occupied until January 11, 1867. At this date, they moved into their new hall, erected for their use by J. 0. Eaton. A public installation was held in the Presbyterian Church, and a supper prepared at the hall, by the ladies of the members of the order. In January, 1880, the membership of the lodge was sixty-two, at which time were elected and installed E. Andrews, W. M. ; J. E. Park, S. W. ; J. G. Patterson, J. W. ; A. Eaton, Treasurer ; J. S. Gardner, Secretary ; W. B. Pratt, S. D. ; William Cross, J. D. ; John Collins and Jacob Chrisler, Stewards; J. E. Mandeville, Tiler. Trustees - P. Perry, W. L. Wells, J. E. Parke. In twenty-three years, 157 persons were initiated into the lodge.

Cemetery

In June, 1855, James 0. Eaton purchased of James McCloud one and a half acres of ground lying southwest of the village, and had it surveyed and platted and gave it the name of Mount Pleasant Cemetery. The first laid to rest therein was a young man named George Palmer, and the next was his sister, Mrs. Reuel Noyes. The ground was consecrated for burial purposes in August, 1856. In September, 186':5, Mr. Eaton purchased another acre and a half, which he likewise had laid out in lots, which were speedily disposed of. J. T. Hidden, June, 1871, also made an addition thereto, his plat conforming to that of Mr. Eaton. In twenty-five years this "city of the dead" has gradually increased its numbers, each year adding one or more. Beautiful headstones and monuments mark the spot where the loved ones lie. Among the most attractive stones within this hallowed spot, is that of the soldiers' monument erected in 1868, and commemorating the death of the sons of Lodi, who fell in battle during the war of the rebellion. The inscription placed upon it is as follows : " To the memory of our brave volunteers, who gave their lives in defense of the Union, in the great rebellion of 1861. Dulce et decorum est pro p atria

Fires. - The village has never experienced any very extensive conflagrations, but from time to time a small fire has broken out, entailing individual loss. The most extensive fire was that of the schoolhouse, March 28, 1878 (an account of which has already been given) incurring a loss of $12,000. The first fire was the dwelling-house of A. Hartson, February, 1857 ; loss $150. Other fires are summed up as follows : J. 0. Eaton, store building, March, 1859 ; loss, $1,000 ; Richard Lindsay, dwelling, August, 1869, $700 ; Dr. N. P. Bunnell, dwelling, October, 1873, $1,000; J. M. Bartholomew, dwelling, April 30, 1875, $500 ; S. M. Goodall, dwelling, 1876, $600 ; John Gavin, dwelling, 1877, $150 : school building, March 28, 1878, $12,000 ; R. R. Lloyd, dwelling, 1879, $600; .J. R. Collins, April 12, 1880, $300. The last was one long to be remembered, resulting in the death of three prominent men in the village. About 4 o'clock in the afternoon of the day mentioned, an alarm of fire startled the people of the village, who soon saw flames issuing from a small frame building a story and a half high, owned by Joseph R. Collins, and situated near the railroad. The fire was first discovered by a little girl of ten or twelve years of age, who was alone in the house at the time. She promptly gave an alarm, and the village bell was rung, arousing the inhabitants to an intense pitch of excitement, as a high wind was blowing at the time. There being no fire department in the village, the people could do nothing to check the flames, and devoted their energies to getting out the furniture and household goods, nearly all of which were removed before the building appeared to be in a dangerous condition. The bottom part of a bookcase remained in the house, however, and John T. Hidden, John Rathbun and Henry Harris rushed in after it, in spite of the protestations of their friends and neighbors, who all expressed fears that the building would fall, and tried hard to dissuade the men from the rash attempt.

They had hardly disappeared through the door of the burning building, when to the horror of the crowd, the chimney toppled and fell, carrying the roof and ceiling down with it on the heads of the devoted men inside. After a few moments of thrilling suspense, which seemed like hours to the almost crazed people outside, Mr. Hidden was seen, crawling out of the building on his hands and knees, with his hair and clothing nearly all burned ofi", and his face and body so badly charred that he was almost unrecognizable. He stood erect when free from the building, and called aloud for the people to throw water on him. A wagon was procured, and, aided by kind hands, the unfortunate man was conveyed to his home, and medical aid summoned. Drs. McKibbe and Irving were promptly on hand, and did everything possible to alleviate his sufferings.

As soon as the fire had burned down -suflSciently to allow one to approach it, measures were taken to rescue the bodies of the other two victims of the fire fiend. Persistent effort was rewarded by the discovery of flie remains of Rathburn and Harris, so badly charred that they were unrecognizable, except by trinkets about them and articles found in the remnants of their clothing.

The bodies were removed to Eaton's Hall, where Justice H. M. Ayer summoned a jury and held an inquest - a verdict of " accidental death " being returned.

Mr. Harris was buried on Wednesday morning, at 10 o'clock, by Osseo Council of the Ancient Order of Mendotas, of which he was a member. The members of the council met at their hall, whence, most of them attired in black, and all wearing a white arrow with a black crape bow across the middle, led by the Sachem and Queen carrying arrows uplifted and crossed above their heads in front. These were followed by the Prophet and Priestess, the former of the two being appointed for the occasion, the rightful incumbent of that office being the occupant of the coffin and the hearse. The Prophet's arrow was draped entirely in black crape, while the others, and the spear also, carried by the White Eagle, were only partially draped. The procession proceeded to the Methodist Church, where the services were conducted by Rev. Messrs Chapin and Brothers, and Rev. Dr. Barry, Mr. Brothers preaching the sermon.

The burial service of the M. E. Church was read, and the members of the Council passed around the grave, each depositing a sprig of evergreen therein.

Mr. Rathbun's funeral was conducted at 2 o'clock P. M., under the auspices of Lodi Valley Lodge, F. & A. M., of which he was a member. The services were held at the Presbyterian Church, and were conducted by the same ministers as in the morning at the Methodist Episcopal Church, Dr. Barry preaching the sermon.

Both the victims of this fire were men of steady, exemplary habits, and had acquired and retained the respect and good will of the people in a great degree, having long been residents of the village. Both leave widows to mourn their loss, and Mr. Rathbun leaves also a little girl fatherless.

Mr. Hidden lingered on until Wednesday evening about 8 o'clock, when he. too, passed away. His death was hard and his struggles great. His strength was such it seemed he could not die, and the death agonies were long and protracted. He was surrounded at the last by his family and Masonic friends, who ministered tenderly to his wants, and did all that could be done for his comfort with full hearts and willing hands.

Mr. Hidden was a man of great energy, promptness and decision of character. With him to think was to act, and whatever he believed right and expedient he was not backward in doing. He was honest and plain-spoken to all. If, like all men, he had his faults, they were largely overbalanced by the promptings and kind impulses of a large and generous heart. His sympathies were easily touched by a tale of woe, and many a poor, homeless wanderer has been indebted to his kindness for shelter and food, and " the blessings of him who was ready to perish " have frequently been due to him, whether given or not. In short, he was a large-hearted, generous, whole-souled man, and as such he will be mourned by this entire community.

The funeral took place at 2 o'clock P. M., 'on Thursday, when, for the third time since the Sunday morning previous, the Masonic Fraternity of Lodi were called out to perform the burial rites for brother Masons.

The services were conducted by the same clergymen as were Rathbun's, the day before, the Rev. M. G. Todd, of Columbus, who had arrived in town that morning, also taking a part in the sad ceremony.

The Masonic sei'vices were conducted at the grave in the usual impressive manner, and were participated in by quite a large number of Masons from Baraboo, and other towns in this and adjoining counties. The funeral procession was one of the largest and most imposing ever seen in Lodi.

Miscellaneous

Briggs House - When Judge Palmer laid out the village of Lodi, he began to consider the propriety of having a hotel started, as an inducement to travelers to call and view the fine location of the place and its vicinity. By the offer of a couple of lots, he induced Freedom Simons to undertake the work. In the winter of 1848, Mr. Simons commenced the building of what he intended as the L part, which was a story and a half, 16x24, and a leanto, 12x24, one story high. This he partially finished in time to occupy it, January, 1849. In the spring and summer, he put up a two-story front, 24x38, but left it in an unfinished condition and in the fall of that year sold to Samuel Ring, who at once rented it to William B. Partridge. In the summer of 1850, James O. Eaton rented the house for two years, from the 1st of September. The house was yet unfinished, but was completed by Mr. Eaton, who erected a handsome sign, in the shape of a triangle, a form used by the Sons of Temperance for their badges and seal. The sign bore the inscription, " Lodi Hotel - J.O.Eaton." The house was well furnished for the times, and enjoyed a good reputation. On the expiration of Mr. Eaton's lease, the house was purchased by L. D. Barnes, who took possession and began the duties of host. The house next passed into the hands of George W. Lay, who was succeeded in order by Sydney Burlingame, Benjamin Colton, Daniel Mills, Daniel O'Herron and Stephen Lyon. The last named, probably to perpetuate his own name, changed the name to the " Lyon House," which name it bore while occupied by his successor, George T. Simons, who purchased the house, October, 1865, and who continued its proprietorship and management for four years, when it was sold to William Williams, the name, "Lyon House," still being retained. Mr. Williams, in a short time, sold to Alexander Woods, who moved back the entire house, and erected in front a large three-story building, which was certainly a credit to the place. The business not proving satisfactory to him, he sold to Mrs. Briggs, of Chicago. During his administration the house was known as the "Woods House." When Mrs. Briggs came into possession, she changed its name to , the "Briggs House," which name it still retained when it passed into the hands of George T. Simons, for the second time, in the fall of 1878. When Mr. Simons took possession, the upper part of the house was in an unfinished condition. He at once proceeded to finish the building, and furnished it in a style equal to any first-class house in the State. With well-furnished rooms, an excellent table, and the wants of every patron being fully met, the " Briggs House " soon obtained an excellent reputation, and has been a haven of rest to commercial and other travelers.

Northwestern Hotel. - This house is located on Main Street, near the creek. The first part of the house was built at an early day, for the purpose of a woolen factory, but the outlook not being favorable, at that time, it was never put to the use for which it was intended. Its lower part was long used as a furniture-room, and its upper for the meetings of the Masonic Lodge, dances, etc. It finally passed into the hands of J. T. Hidden, who, in the fall of 1870, fitted it up for a hotel, after making very important additions thereto, enlarging it to more than double its original size. The house was well finished and has enjoyed a fair run of custom.

Excelsior Mill. - This was the first grist-mill erected in the village as well as in the town. Its erection was commenced in the fall of 1848, by Samuel Ring, just below the junction of the two branches of Spring Creek, on Section 27. It has since been owned by Freedom Simons, James (>. Eaton, Adam Schoneberger, James H. Hill, Otto Heinrichs and Peter Kehl. The mill has always borne an excellent reputation, the quality of the flour manufactured being equal to any in the State. The general run of the mill has been on custom work.

Lodi Mill. - This mill was erected in 1850, by Isaac H. Palmer. As first built, it had only one run of stone, another being added in 1857, at which time the mill was leased by Mr. Palmer, to A. Ambler, who ran it for five years, when Kibbey & Andrews rented and continued the business for eighteen months, when E. Andrews alone leased it. In March, 1870, Mr. Andrews purchased the\mill from Mr. Palmer, and in 1872, rebuilt and made same valuable improvements. In 1878, farther improvements were made, another run of stone added for the manufacture of the patent flour, and an elevator built. This mill has usually been crowded to its utmost capacity with custom work, its trade extending for many miles in every direction from Lodi.

Lodi Okeese Factory. - In February, 1873, John B. Dwinnell, John Foote and JH. C. Bradley had incorporated, under the general law, the Lodi Cheese Manufacturing Association, with capital stock of $2,000 divided into eighty shares of $25 each ; one-half only of which were issued and taken by about thirty persons. It was late in the season before the association was ready for work, but they made 30,000 pounds that year. J. B. Dwinnell was elected President; L. F. Warner, Secretary ; Thomas Albiston, Treasurer ; James A. Weiting, Superintendent of the manufactory. Average price realized for the season was 12i cents per pound. During the next six years, up to and including 1879, were made respectively, 70,000, 86,000, 114,000, 106,000, 132,000, and 96,000 pounds per year. For two years the association rented, but in 1875, it purchased necessary buildings, which they fitted up for their use with the best machinery to be obtained. The cheese has always brought the highest price in the market, bringing from one to two cents a pound more than market quotations at time of sale. In 1878, at the international fair, in New York, all the cheese placed on exhibition was sold at auction and the Lodi cheese brought a cent and a half per pound more than any other. The association make none but full cream cheese. For several years, the great bulk of their sales were made for shipment to Liverpool. Its officers elected for 1880 were Job Mills, President and Secretary ; Thomas Albiston, Treasurer.

Mineral Springs. - Lying within the village is a spring, the existence of which was well known at an early day, attention having been called to it because of the ferruginous deposits along the line of its flow, and also because of its strong styptic taste. Here all thought of it ended, and no attempt was made to ascertain its true character, or whether it was of medicinal value. Then Judge Palmer built his mill over it, and for many years it was hid from view. In the summer of 1878, while repairs were being made by the proprietor, Mr. Andrews, into whose hands it had passed, the effect of the water upon the workmen using it, led to an investigation. With a view of ascertaining what were the mineral contents of the spring, the services of Dr. Barry, of the village, were secured, who reported, as a partial analysis, that the constituents of the water were carbonic acid gas, oxide of iron, carbonate of magnesia, chloride of lime, and chloride of sodium ; the iron especially being present in large per cent. Quite a number of persons in the village began using the water, with marked effect. S. M. Blake, M. D., of the village, in a communication in the Lodi Valley News, under date of January 29, 1879, wrote as follows : " In the short time that I have had the opportunity to observe the effects upon the system, I do not hesitate to state that its effects are more immediately perceptible than any other with which I am personally acquainted, being diuretic, laxative, and, in many cases, positively cathartic. As a remedial agent in diseases of the kidney and bladder, of an inflammatory character, and in all cases of torpor of the portal circulation, or of liver complaint, I believe it to be a very efBcient remedy. This opinion is based upon the disinterested statements of those who have used it for the last few weeks, as well as upon the chemical analysis of Dr. A. C. Barry. We would also be led to look for decidedly tonic influences from its chalybeate character, but more extensive observation is needed to speak positively as to this effect.*" Of wellknown citizens who have used this water, I may be allowed to mention the names of Hon. Joel Pruyn and Rev. Father Maynard. For the last five years, he has been afllicted with chronic diseases of the kidney and bladder, compelled many times to seek aid from several different ' physicians, myself among the rest. He has also used the Bethesda water of Waukesha; but his present convictions are that the water from Andrews' spring ' beats us all ' in giving relief. Father Maynard, who is using it for the relief of coativeness and nervous debility, certifies to positively beneficial results." One gallon of the water was sent to Gustavus Bode, analytical chemist, of Milwaukee, for analysis, and he returned the following result :

Mr. Bode reported, also, the water contained almost all the salts as bicarbonates, and was in this respect, as well as the small sulphates contained therein, similar to the Waukesha waters. In comparing the analysis of these waters with that of Bethesda Springs, of Waukesha, it is found they contain sixteen times as much bicarbonate of iron, and nearly two grains less organic matter. Other chemists have analysed the water with like results. John H. Tesh & Co., of Milwaukee, writing to Mr. Andrews, said: "I think you can safely recommend your spring water for any and all things that the Waukesha waters are recommended for, for the analysis proves them identical."

Perils of the Ice. - Under date of December 2, 1876, the Columbus Democrat relates the following: "At noon on Friday of last week, the children at the district school, three miles north of the village of Lodi, while at play, went upon the newly formed ice upon the pond near the school premises. The ice gave way, and five of them fell into water seven feet deep, beneath which was a bottom of mud. The cry of alarm was raised, and fell upon the ears of Mr. John McCarton, the teacher, who proved to be a noble young man, as our correspondent declares him. He sprang to the rescue, pulled off his coat and leaped in. He was the fortunate instrument of saving two lives, one of the recovered being a little daughter of James Wilson, and the other a child of James Collins. The other three children clung so close to him in their wild afright that he was drawn under the water himself. Indeed, his own chance of escape was now very small, for he had become so nearly lifeless that he could not cling with his hands to the rope, which had, by this time, been cast to him, they had become so chilled ; but by seizing the rope with his teeth, his grasp was at length so tenacious that he was finally pulled out by that means. He was at once taken to the house of James Wilson, where he received every care, and has since recovered. Three children were drowned. One of them was a daughter of Mr. Dennis Maloney, and her age was thirteen. The other two were children of Mr. C. Flint, a a boy, aged eleven, and a daughter, aged fourteen. It is related that the brother gjt out once, and would have made good his escape but for his endeavors to rescue his sister. In so doing, he was pulled in again, and thus lost his own life in an unsuccessful attempt to save hers. The bodies of the drowned were dragged from the water on Friday evening, and taken to their homes for the last time. The funeral of Mr. Flint's son and daughter occurred at the Baptist Church, in Lodi, the Sunday following, and was very largely attended. The remains of Mr. Maloney's daughter were borne to the Catholic Church, at Rocky Run, on the same day, and Were also followed by a large procession."

Village Of Okee By Aketas Bailey

The first settler at Okee was Samuel Ring, who came and built the saw-mill in 1847. The mill passed through the hands of Z. Kipp, Blachley k Mathers, Blachley & Bailey, Bailey & Wells and T. S Wells. In 1858, T. S. Wells erected the present saw-mill on the east side of the creek and put in a planing-raill and circular saws in addition, devoting the .old mill to a mill for grinding feed. In 1869, Wells sold the mill power to John Brownrigg, uie present owner, who erected the present commodious grist-mill in 1875. Seth Bailey settled in Okee in 1854, becoming joint owner in the saw-mill with Dr. Miller Blachley, and platted the village of Okee in 1858. Mrs. T. S. Wells built the first house after the village was platted. James R. Wells and Rebecca Harmon were the first wedded couple; and a little child of this couple was the first to die. The first school taught was in the year 1849, by Miss Eunice Kirk, in a room of Reuben Ring's house, who received for the three months' service the sum of $6.

The first Postmaster appointed was Gideon Clark, April, 1858, E. W. Horton acting as Deputy; Gideon Clark not residing in the village. The following year, Isaac P. Cole started the first store and acted as Deputy Postmaster for nearly three years, when he sold his place and removed. John Durant, then keeping a few groceries and notions, was appointed Deputy Postmaster under Clark until January, 1862, when he received the appointment of Postmaster. The following year, he removed from the village, Aretas Bailey then took the office as Deputy Postmaster under John Durant until March, 1866, when he received the appointment as Postmaster, and is still the incumbent.

The first and only schoolhouse was built in 1853. School was taught in that house the winter of 1853-54, by Miss Kate Bell, who received $12 for three months' service.

I. P. Cole started the first store, continued in business about three years. John Durant followed for two years with rather a limited stock. Samuel Woodley erected quite a large storeroom adapted to general merchandise, but occupied it only as a grocery store for a period of five or si.x years.

Miss C. M. Bailey commenced as a grocer in October, 1874, added dry goods in 1877, and is still in business. W. S. Stahl commenced business as a grocer in 1878, and is still in business.

The lumber business has been the leading business of Okee. As late as 1856, the sawmill had orders for long lumber from places as distant as Sun Prairie. The place has neVer had any saloons. In 1859, J. N. Fellows (in the height of the lumber trade) established a hotel, connecting a whisky bar, under a license from the Town Board of Lodi. A two years' trial compelled him to seek something diff'erent for a livelihood. A young man by the name of Ober shortly after came to the place with a keg of beer and opened to sell lunch and beer to those coming for lumber. Himself and wife drank the beer, and had not money enough to buy a second keg, so the business failed.

The fire record of the place is rather remarkable ; one dwelling, that of J. J. Ross, and an outhouse of Mrs. C. Scott, are the only losses sustained since the first settlement of the place.

The war record of Okee is remarkable. The village and a circuit of two miles furnished nineteen men for the army ; of these, two were killed in battle, two died from disease contracted in the service, and one, a starved prisoner, died of disease contracted before he reached his home after the close of the war. The remaining number all returned without serious mishaps, although most bear some marks of their devotion to their country.

History Of Columbia Couxty

Kilbourn City Temple, No. l^S, I. 0. Gr. T. - Connected with Evening Star Lodge is a degree temple, which was instituted June 20, 1867, which continued to work until August, 1875, when it ceased, and was re-organized April 7, 1877.

1855, and hastily prepared a house in which my family could live, and an office in which to print my paper ; and issued the first number of the Wisconsin Mirror, the 1st day of January,

1856. The day was very cold, for a peculiarly cold winter, and our office was very open. I wrote my editorials in the house, and picked up dry wood about where the village now is, and hired green wood cut when I could not get dry.

" The day on which we published the first number of the Mirror, the mercury was 17 degrees below zero, at noon. The office boys were obliged to heat planks to stand on, to keep their feet from freezing, and to keep a kettle of hot water to prevent their hands from freezing. There were several of the officers of the ' Wisconsin River Hydraulic Co.' and others, present, and when the first paper wa8 struck off", Mr. Noble, of Newport, now a resident of Kilbourn City, took it and put it up at auction, for my benefit, and Mr. Weaver, of Ohio, bid it off at $65, and immediately paid for it ! The next copy was sold to John B. Vleit, of Newport, for $10, and the third to a brother of J. B. Vleit, for $5. This, of course, was all done for my encouragement, but it was all kept a profound secret from me, till the sale began. It was to keep me ' printing in the woods ' till things thawed out, and it was a good way to do it.

" The present Kilbourn City was then covered with woods, and not a dwelling-house within a mile. Our provisions and other things for use in the house had to be brought from Newport, or other places abroad, and much of them were brought on my back, or on the backs of my boys. There was, that winter, a considerable quantity of game seen where Kilbourn City now is - deer, sometimes bear, rabbits, squirrels, partridges and quail. But the larger of these animals entirely disappeared on the appearance of the railroad, and considerable of the smaller ones. One winter, the northern bears got so hungry that they made us quite a long visit.

" The Dells of the Wisconsin River, when we came there, had scarcely been seen, except by raftsmen, and nothing was said about the canyons or gulches.

" The summer after we came there, we went frequently through the Dells in small boats, and to the canyons and gulches, in boats or on foot. But those canyons were so filled with brush and fallen logs that it was difficult to get through them. In 1856, I and the boy went to Cold Water Canyon, and it was so cold, in August, that I would not have our women try to go in. We afterward went to Witch's Gulch, not then named, and could not get through, because the water was so deep below the fall. Afterward I heard that some boys swam through ; and because they imagined they saw something on the high wall at the lower end that looked like a witch, they named it ' Witch's Gulch.' "

It remains to point out a few of the advantages of Kilbourn City, geographically, for pleasure-seekers. It is situated about midway between Chicago and St. Paul, being one hundred and ninety-three miles from Chicago, and two hundred and sixteen miles from St. Paul, and is in the immediate vicinity of the Dells, which have already been described. It is seventy-seven miles from Oconomowoc, fifty-seven miles from Madison, and sixty-two miles from Sparta. By the run of trains, one can leave Kilbourn in the morning, go to Sparta and fish for trout all day, and return in the evening ; or go to Oconomowoc and dine, and have some four or five hours' amusements on the lakes, and get back to supper at Kilbourn : or go over to Madison, arriving there at 10 A. M., and see the capital and public buildings, take a sail on the beautiful lakes by which it is environed, and return to Kilbourn to supper, the same night : or take a carriage and pair of horses and drive through to Baraboo and Devil's Lake, seventeen miles, and dine and "take in " all there is of scenery there, and back to Kilbourn the same night ; or take short runs out by trains to Mauston, Lisbon or Camp Douglas, and view the wonderful rock formations all along the line: or over to Delton, and take a sail on Mirror Lake, and back to Kilbourn.

Mirror Lake, located three and a half miles from Kilbourn City station, and four miles from the Dells, has hitherto been kept from public notice by the few lovers of good fishing and the beauties of nature, who were acquainted with its attractions. But its wonderful refiections, magnificent canyons, and entire diflerence from other places of interest, have at length disclosed its beauties to the tourist, and in 1879, a steamer was put upon its waters. Its proximity to '- Congress Hall," and the mineral springs, and the well-known healthy climate of Delton, where it is located - the average mortality being only two deaths per year, out of a population of about nine hundred - make it one of the most desirable resorts in the Northwest.

Lake Mason, the fisherman's paradise, is a spot comparatively unknown, though one of the finest of the numerous lakes scattered over Wisconsin. The lake proper is three miles in length, and two in breadth, with several large bayous. The lake is situated partly in Marquette County, and partly in Adams County, about ten miles north of east from Kilbourn City. The drive from Kilbourn City to the little city of Briggsville, so cozily nestled in the valley at the foot of the lake, is undoubtedly the finest drive for the tourist visiting the Dells. The fishing is among the finest in the West. The favorite sport is trolling for pickerel. The lake is filled with them, and the best time to troll is during the months of May, June, September and October. Pickerel have been caught here weighing as high as twenty-five pounds. Still-fishing for perch, rock bass, black bass, sunfish, and other varieties, is good at all seasons of the year, whenever the lake is clear from ice. In the spring and fall, large fiocks of ducks and geese tloat upon its bosom, and feed upon the wild rice that grows in wild luxuriance in the different arms of the lake. The lake is situated in a valley, where, in the springtime, the waters of the Fox, which (low into the great lakes, mingle with those of the Wisconsin, which enter the Mississippi.

As the traveler reaches the eastern edge of the plateau, about half-way between Kilbourn and Lake Mason, he beholds a landscape of green fields, and waving woods, and silver lakes, and distant hilltops, veiled in blue, that makes him think he has caught a glimpse of fairyland. Now all these attractions around Kilbourn City are in addition to the unique - the wonderful Dells!

Town of Otsego - Village of Otsego - Village of Rio - Village of Doylestown - Town OF Pacific - Town of Randolph - Town of Scott - Town of Springvale - Town of West Point - Town of Wyocena - Village of Wyocena - Village of Pabdeeville.

At a meeting of the County Commissioners, held in January, 1849, all of Township 11, Range 11, was organized into a town, to which was given the name of Otsego, and the house of Edward Williams designated as the place for holding the first election. The name Otsego was chosen by the early settlers in honor of Otsego, N. Y., from which place a number had emigrated.

Wayne B. Dyer was the first man to make a home in the town. He arrived here in May, 1844, and erected a log house upon Section 22. In this house he entertained the weary traveler for a number of years, and Dyer's Tavern became a famous institution. During the summer and fall several others came in, among whom were Ulac Wilson and " Old Hans," Cyrus Root, Stephen James, Samuel Gibson, E. Lynn, Horace Dodge and Mr. Pellet. In 1845 and 1846, a large number came in, among whom were Frank Folsom, Isaac W. Spaulding, J. W. Stewart, Abram Van Aermsm and Henry Ager.

In the fall of 1844, Horace Dodge returned East, where he was united in marriage with Miss Eliza Deck, being the first citizen of the town to be married. The first marriage occurring in the town was that of John Brown and Caroline Hughes, in the fall of 1847.

Mary Topliff, in the fall of 1848, taught the first school on Section 22. In the organization of the town into school districts, in the following year, this was made District No. I.

Elder Wood, of Wyocena, in the spring of 1847, came into the town, and at the house of Stephen James on Section 28, preached the first discourse. With the exception of about four years spent in the East, Elder Wood, who is a Baptist minister, in the spring of 1880 had completed thirty-four years of service in this section of country. In 1849, Rev. Hanson, a Methodist Episcopal minister, organized a class in the scboolhouse on Section 23, which was continued in that neighborhood until 1853, when a church was built on Section 3, where religious services were afterward held.

In answer to a letter, Wayne B. Dyer writes : " In September, 1843, I settled on Fountain Prairie, on the farm known as the Baker farm (Section 34), and there built the first house in that town. Mr. Bushnell was then living in a small board shanty, where John Brown now lives. His house was built early in the winter, and John Brown built the next house on the Enos Grout farm. These three houses were all of Fountain Prairie until the next summer, except Smith Horton's, who built, during the winter, on the Hawkurst farm. Snow fell that year in October, and remained until about the 20th of February, when we had a thaw. The snow all went off, and the 10th of April plenty of feed for cattle. I have never seen grass as early since. In May, 1844, I sold out to E. J. Smith, and moved to the present village of Otsego, there being no settler between my place and Fort Winnebago. There I built the first house in that town, and I was the first settler there also. During the latter part of the summer and fall came several more settlers: Cyrus Root, Stephen James, Samuel Gibson, E. Lynn and others. My house, during the summer, was the stopping-place for people looking lor land ; also being visited by the Indians, who were sometimes troublesome. Once, during my absence, a drove of them came and undertook to make my wife and Mary Swift (now Mrs. John Swarthout) bring them water from the spring, which they refused to do. The women now became scared and left for the prairie where some men were at work, but before the men arrived the natives had left, and were never troublesome afterward. Snow fell about the middle of October, 1844, to a depth of six or eight inches, but soon left, and no sleighing that winter. The next summer people came into the country by hundreds, and my old log cabin became known far and wide. We were full all the while, and at one time had twenty-seven living in my house besides transient visitors. We then belonged to Portage County. In the winter of 1845-46, Columbia County was set off from Portage County, and the fall following elected county officers. T. C. Smith, Sherift"; Richard F. Veeder, Nathan Griffin and John D. McCall, County Commissioners ; Major Dickason, Register of Deeds; John Swarthout, Treasurer; Nelson Swarthout, Clerk of the Board. N. Swarthout not qualifying, I was appointed Clerk - said meeting of the Board being held at my house. When I asked the Board where I should locate my office, the answer was, ' Carry it in your hat.' So you see I carried the county seat one year. The Board finally settled on Low's tavern for the county seat until the next Board was elected, and there was held the first court for Columbia County - Judge Irvin presiding. Being then under Territorial government, the jury were all paid in specie before leaving. Some of them coming without a cent, with their dinner and supper in their pockets, and leaving with several dollars, felt ;is if they had drawn a prize. The whole expense of the county that year was less than one county official receives now. If that old Low tavern could speak, you could hear of some fine doings going on there of nights, when John Smith, with Capt. Low's old uniform on, with three or four pillows stuffed in for filling up, with sword buckled on, and the old Captain running up and down stairs to find out what was wanting ; and he had a cough so long his well had got low. Before this year, there were but three precincts for voting in the county - Fort Winnebago, Dekorra and Columbus. Four more were added at the first meeting of the Board - one at Lan^don's, near Cambria; one at Wyocena ; one at Lodi ; one at Dyer's, comprising Hampden and Otsego, known as Dyersburg ; and one at Lowville. The 9th day of June, 1847, there was a severe frost ; the ground was frozen and all early corn killed. I planted over the 17th of June, and by the 25th of August had as ripe sound corn as I ever raised, which was the most remarkable growth I ever saw. About the 15th of June came a hurricane across the prairie which blew down Thomas Swarthout's log house, and took John and his sisters about sixty rods into a. thicket. It also blew over H. Swift's house, where George Robinson's house now stands. The next year we became a State, and the judicial organization of our county commenced with the first court at Columbus, under Judge Larrabee. The first Norwegian settlers were Enlor Wilson and little Hans ; the first Welshman, Stephen James. Some of the first settlers in Otsego were so hard up that they had to live on roast corn and potatoes. Times were hardv as no one wanted to hire. The first winter they had to go into Illinois to get pork ; and no butter was to be had at any price. My own family never suffered for provisions. Always being fond of a dog and gun, I soon became a successful hunter, and always had plenty of venison, for deer were very plenty. Could sometimes see a hundred and fifty in a day. But those times are gone, and my rifle hangs up rusting."

The day of the hurricane, leaving his wife at the house of a friend, Mr. Dyer and his friend went to Columbus. Observing the storm coming on, they hastened home, and as it increased in fierceness, and they were hurrying on, the friend shouted to Dyer, " For God's sake, Dyer, can't you drive faster ? " "No," was shouted back. "Then," said he, "I'll go afoot." Out he sprang from the wagon and was soon left far behind. Their families, however, escaped all injury.

The old log tavern, although a home for any that came that way, had not been properly roofed, and during the first summer often let in more than a little dampness. It is related that on one occasion a traveler drove up during a storm, intending to ask for dinner. He found the light-hearted mistress seated in a large rocking chair, with skirts tucked up and a baby on each knee, while she held an umbrella over them to keep dry, and was rocking and singing, while the rain washed off the dinner dishes and covered the floor.

The habit of lost persons traveling in a circuit, was exemplified during the early years of Dyer's residence here. Mrs. Dyer had endured the toothache until she thought it impossible to longer stand it. Taking her horse and buggy, with her two little children, she drove over to Madison and had the tooth extracted. She reached there without trouble and in due time started for home ; driving all day, at sunset she reached tlie same house she had stopped at the the night before. Somewhat surprised, she put up for the night. The ne.xt morning, she started again only to repeat the previous day's experience, returning to the same house for the second time. She was now thoroughly frightened and began to think she never would reach home, but started with renewed courage on the third day, and was fortunate to reach home at night.

When Wayne B. Dyer "entertained man and beast," his old log tavern and log barn at Otsego was a famous resort for the early settlers for miles around as well as for travelers. That was the good old time when there was no whisky tariff, no illicit stills, no Government gangers, whisky but three cents a dririk, and when common drinking tumblers were used in dispensinothat commodity. Though Dyer kept a bar, he was strictly abstemious in regard to drink, althougli it was well known that he sometimes smoked. One day late in the fall, two well-known men went to Columbus from Springvale on foot. Returning, they had buffeted a driving storm all the way from Columbus to Otsego. Leg- weary and somewhat chilled, with several miles yet stretching between the latter place and their- cabin, one of them proposed to the other that they should revive themselves at Dyer's bar. The jug and the big tumblers were produced, filled* to the very brim and emptied without a grimace, while Dyer looked silently on, in astonishment or admiration ; the closest study of his face did not reveal which. A dime was thrown down, which was slipped into the till. Waiting a moment for his change, but not seeing it, tlie Springvale man remarked, "I thought whisky was three cents a drink ? " Dyer replied " It is three cents a drink, but I just now was wholesaling."

1850 - Orin Kincaid, Chairman ; Frank Folsom, Samuel Gibson, Supervisors ; John A. Byrne, Clerk ; Horace Dodge, Assessor ; Simpson Marsh, Treasurer ; Henry Ager, Superintendent of Schools.

1852 - Frank Folsom, Chairman ; William Chamberlain, Asa Thornton, Supervisors ; John A. Byrne, Clerk ; G. D. Mead, Treasurer ; Horace Dodge, Assessor ; J. D. Gano, Superintendent of Schools.

1866 - L. G. Lloyd, Chairman : Thornton Thompson, J. W. Stewart, Supervisors : E. AV. McNitt, Clerk : W. A. Pulver, Treasurer : A. W. Dodge, Assessor.

1867 - J. L. Burke, Chairman: John Bently, Samuel Sampson, Supervisors: Alexander Rogers, Clerk : W. A. Pulver, Treasurer ; F. A. Brewer, Assessor.

Village Of Otsego

Around the settlement of Wayne B. Dyer, grew up quite a village between the years 1846 to 1849. Being on the direct route between Milwaukee and Stevens Point, quite a number in search of a home were prevailed upon to stop [here. A post office was here established in December, 1847, Cyrus Root receiving the appointment of Postmaster. During the first year, the entire recepts of the office was only a trifle over $4. Mr. Root retained the office for eleven years, being succeeded by Norman Mead, who held it a little less than one year, resigning in favor of Mr. Palver. The latter gentleman continued in charge until the inauguration of Abraham Lincoln in 1861, when Edwin McNitt obtained the appointment. Mr. McNitt resigned in 186-3, in favor of .John Sickles. From that time until 1872, Mr. Sickles and Lewis Stevens filled the position. In 1872, VV. A. Pulver was appointed, serving until the fall of 1878, when Henry Root was commissioned.

Wayne B. Dyer built the first hotel in 1844. The building was of logs, but in time was displaced by a large frame house. Mr. Dyer disposed of the property in 1853, to Abijah Stevens, and the hotel was discontinued.

In 1848, John Boutwell built a large dwelling-house, and one year later converted the same into a tavern which he named the "Otsego House." His spelling of the word "house" was unique. His sign read "Otsego Hous." VVhen informed he should add "e " to the word, he replied, " Pshaw, you can't fool me ; that would make it read hous-y 't " The sign was put up as he spelled it, but travelers making so much sport of the spelling caused him to take it down and make the correction after a time. Mr. Boutwell only continued the house for one year, when he sold to Norman Mead, who ran it until 18.57, when Philemon Root purchased it. From that time to January, 1880, it has passed successively into the hands of W. A. Pulver, Solomon Mead, Lot Mead, Josiah Loomis, Archie McDougal, Mr. Willard, Mr. Robbins, Mr. Thompson, Mr. Bodie, Samuel Slifer and Fayette Ashley, the present owner.

In 18.'j4, Dennison Dunning erected a hotel known as the "Gothic House," and continued in charge until his death, which occurred in 1864. The widow then continued the business for about three years, when she was married to John Boutwell, who, as landlord, served his guests until 1873, wlien the business was abandoned.

The village attained a fair degree of prosperity before the completion of the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railroad, in 1864, which was located two miles north.

Village Of Rio

The village of Rio is situated in the extreme northwestern part of the town of Otsego, and was laid out in 1864, by N. B. Dunlap, who owned the largest part of the land on which the village has been built. In the month of November, 1864, Mr. Dunlap engaged A. Topliff, County Surveyor, to lay out and plat a portion of his land. This survey was completed and acknowledged November 4. Previous to the 8th day of May, 1868, Mr. Dunlap made three small additions to the village plat, and Mosher, Buchanan, Van Aernam and Scott also added to the same.