Rock Town

Rock Town

Township 2, north of Range 12 east. This town is situated on both sides of Rock River, which divides it into two nearly equal portions. That part upon the East side of the river is nearly all prairie, but that upon the West side is mostly timber, some of it being Very good, though the greater part being " oak openings." The soil of the entire town is of excellent quality. It is well watered, especially that part West of the river. Springs and "running brooks," of New England memory, are abundant.. Bass, or Afton creek, enters the town towards its North-west comer and empties itself into Rock River at Afton, not far fi'om its South-easi; corner. Along its margin are extensive meadows of unrivalled luxuriance, affording abundance of that great " Western Staple," " Marsh Hay." For variety and richness of soil, good water, and a plentiful supply; timber properly disposed, and prairie just as it should be, and every other desirable accompaniment to an agricultural town, this town is inferior to none in Rock County, or in the State of Wisconsin. It was oi'ganized in 1842, and contained only its standard limits; six miles square, and was the only town in the County which at that time comprised only its legitimate territory, and ' consequently obtaiifed the " sobriquet" of the "little town of Rock." As to its " ancient history," little is known, but from the "remains" of its fortifications it is judged to have been once the theatre of war, and the " play gi-ound" of the hero ; and subsequently to have been no less the favorite dwelling place of the Horticulturist, the farmer and mechanic, as the "remains" of gardens and fields, tmd specimens of mechanical skill unmistakably indicate; and that this town sustained a vastly larger population in " olden times" than at present, no

The Pottawatamies, Wiimebagos, ahd other tribes of Indians, long had made their home amid its gardens and shady groves, beside its purling brooks and bubbling springs^ beside its noble river, and no where did the hunter find his game more plenty ; for beast and bird, as well as man^ seek their home where nature in her kindest mood, showers most profiisely her be^ -quests to all.

Black Hawk and his wanior band were last to leave, from which period the history of the white man commences. On the 15th day of Nov., 1836, Mr. John Inmau, Thomas Holmes, William Holmes, Joshua Holmes, George S'oUmer and Milo Jones, started from Milwaukee with an Ox team and Wagon containing provisions and farming tools. On the 18th day of the same month, they arrived at what was subsequently , known as the town of Rock, at the point on Rock river opposite the " big rock" on section number one ; there they camped in their wagon until they built a log cabin, and com^ menced keeping house. This was the first settlement of the town, and in fact, the first in the eountyi Mr. Inman and Mr. Holmes had visited the previously, in July.

Arriving at so late a peiiod in "the season, with but little provisions for winter, and no preparations for keeping their team, the first business after erecting the houSe, was to prepare for wiilter. Some went in pursuit of game, Vhile the others went to work to procure forage for the oxen. The grounds Upon the opposite side of the river, which are now nearly covered with water, and which were known as the " Newbury bottoms," presented an " inviting field " for cutting hay. Availing themselves of the hint, they cut and put up, on the very last days of Nov., a number of tons of fine green hay. The " hunt " proving rather successful, they felt quite well stocked with provisions and forage.

On the 18th day of Dec, this little colony was augmented by the arrival of Mr. Samuel St. John and wife - -Mrs. St. John being the first white woman in the county. On the 15th of January, 1836, Dr. James Heath and wife, from the State of Vermont, moved into the already " overflowing " cabin. Here, in a room scarcely sixteen feet square, wintered a family of some ten or a dozen grown up persons. Under any ordinary circumstances, the inconveniences attending such a state of things would seem unbearable ; but they enjoyed the winter much. The excitement always attending any great enterprizes, causes " mountains to dwindle to mole hills," and one is so inspired with hope and life and energy, that he becomes blind to everything except the anticipation of the " wonderful future." There is a trite saying that " no house is wide enough for two families" ; but here we have, dwelling in a Yery narroto house quite a nvmber of families, aiid that, too, upon the most friendly and agi-eeable terms. These met as friends, and parted as such; and we presume that ties were formed there much more enduring than those under ordinary circumstances. During the winter their oxen ' died. In putting up the hay, it being late in the fall and but little " sunshine " in which to make it, they supplied the deficiency by apjslying salt pretty freely ; the cattle eating " salt hay '' became thirsty, and drinking too much water, was supposed to cause the death of the oxen.

In the month of September, 1836, Mr. Hiram Brown and family arrived at the " cabin " ; others having moved out, made room for him. Dr. James Heath built a house 16 by 16, one and a half miles down the river, on Sec. 2, at East Wisconsin City in the spring, where he opened a store and tavern, which were the first in town. Here the " customer " was served, the " travelers and boarders " lodged, while the family and servants found ample room besides. Travelers were laid upon tiers of shelves up the sides of the house like dry goods, while " commoners " took the floor. Business increasing, and the Doctor thinking his house too small for the accommodation of his store and tavern, entered into partnership with Mr. Sexton, (now of SextonvUle,) and removed his goods into another house, which had been erected about eighty rods from the " tavern,'' which afforded more room for the replenished stock of the new fii-m. During this year, (1836,) John Inman & Co. started the first stage. It made its regular trips from Racine to " East Wiscofisin City" during the summer; Dr. Heath keeping the " Stage House." Any person curious in such matters can now be shown that identical " tavern " ; the augur holes into which the pins were put to sustain the " traveler's shelves," and also the " remains " of Heath & Sexton's store, by calling about one half mile west from the Institute of the Blind. True, the landlord will not be there to greet them, n6r will they see, probably, the stages from Racine unloading their passengers, nor the impatient customeiB inquiring for " dry goods and gi-oceries," but they will see the house, empty though it be, and the oak trees, which stood there as faithful sentinels, will now be seen keeping their vigils and sighing over the ruins and desolations of Wisconsin City. While speaking of the commercial interests of this town, we would not forget to mention a store opened by Thomas Holmes, and kept for some time in the house now owned by Judge Bailey, near the " ferry."

launched it for the purpose of establishing a ferry at his placo, but subsequently it was taken up the river to " Hunie's ferry," and there used as a ferryboat.

In Juno, 1836, the iii'st steamboat from the Mississippi made the passage up Rock river. This was an " event " to the settlers along the river, and availing themselves of the opportunity of a steamboat ride, it was found by the time she arrived at Wisconsin City her decks were pretty well crowded with passengers ; but " rounding to " at East Wisconsin City, she took on Dr. Heath and family, and other gentlemen stopping with him, and made her way up the river. It was thought by many that her engines had not sufScient power to overcome the " St. George Rapids,'' and that it would be best not to attempt their passage, but a majority thinking otherwise, it was determined to make the attempt. The boat succeeded admirably, and went on beyond the present site of , Janesville, where it spent some time, and then returned to the Mississippi. In 1839 there was another steamboat trip. On this occasion, the boat tpo^ on passengers at the different "points," and pushed her v/ay up as far as Jefferson. In 1840 there was a small steamer built at Jefferson, which, after plying on the river for a short time, in July, 1841, wgnt down to the "father of waters." Again in 1844 a steam boat 130 feet in length, from St. Louis, passed up the Rock to Jefferson, stopping at various towns along its banks - taking on and discharging passengers at the several villages - many of the inhabitants improving this, their last opportunity of steam boat riding excursions on Rock River.

Thus closed forever, probably, the steam boat navigation of Rook R-iver. Mill-dams and bridges, the sure appendages of progress and improvement, haye so obstructed the stream that it is quite doubtful if its navigation is ever resumed. Dr. Heath, although a tavern keeper, merchant, and farmer, w!is by profession a physician - -and a man, too, skilled in his calling - and in addition to his vjiried and multiplied duties, he was often called upon to administer to the relief of the sick. Being palled upon one very dark night ia the spring of the year, to visit a patient upon the west side of the ri\'er, ho supposing that he could " ford," mounted his horse and plunged into the "surging waters." Soon, his horse was swimming with the current, and by some means the Doctor lost his balance and found himself " afloat " upon the river. His cries for help soon brought his wife to the bank, who was unable to render any assistance, except by encouraging him to try to hold out till help could be procured. Thus matters stood, the Dr. floating down tho river, his wife tearing herself through brushwood and water holes along tho b^uk to keep up with her husband, for nearly two miles, when help was procured and the Doctor rescued, though very much exhausted and chilled, and greatly to the relief of his almost distracted wife. His saddfe-ba^ with the medicine, followed suit in the melee, but held up, near the mouth of Sears' Creek, where they were found some years afterwards, riflfed of their contents, no doubt, by the fishes.

Not far from the time of the Doctor's accident, there was a irian drownetl at Holmes' Ferry, by the name of Connad. This was probably the first death in town.

From this time settlements steadily^^increased until nearly the entire township was in the hands of an industrious and intelligent population. In Nov.

1836, Mr. Rich'd Inman arrived with his family and entered the land upon which he now lives, in Sec. 2V. Mr. Clauson settled on the " Youngs' Farm " in

1837. The farm formerly known as the Delano farm and now as the Eatheram farm, was settled by Jeremiah Roberts in 1 837. The faiin upon which the village of Afton is situated was settled in 1837 by Hiram Brown. - In the year 1838 the first settlements were made on the west side of the river, by Rufns and Ira Washburn, and J. P. Sears. The same year the farm of Maj. Inman was settled by Mr. Fox. G. W. Brittain, Esq., settled in town in 1838. Brestol made first claim upon D. W. Inmans' farm in 1838. In

' 1841, Israel Inman, John Daugherty, and Mr. Burt arrived. In the year 1 840 Col. Ezekiel Clapp, and Prosper A. Pierce, from the State of Vermont, settled on Sec. 2, where the latter now resides. Col. Clapp now lives in Spring Valley of this county. A large part of their purchase is now included within the city limits. About this time Mr. Elijah Noursc settled near " that first log cabin," where he still resides. ,

In 1842, Mr. Van Antwerp. In 1841 J. F. AVillard bought Mr. Warren's claim in Sec. 10, where he now resides. The Messrs. Antisdells Corastocks and Newtons came about the years 1843-44. In 1850 a colony from Rensselaer Co. New York, settled in the N. W. part of the town. - Among them were Col. Z. P. Burdick and M. L. Burdick, his brotherr - Adam Hayner, A. P. Hayner, Israel Smith, and subsequently Mr. J. P. J. Hayner, which has added not a little to our agricultural reputation as a town, they pursuing the " Eastern mode " of farming, which contrasts vei-y favorably with our loose Wisconsin method. The fir^t "breaking ' done in town or in the county, was on the N. W. qr. of Sec. 11, upon the farm of J. F. Willard, by Mr. John Inman, in' the spring of 1836. It wa<? " cropped " with buckwheat, and produced a fair yield. He \vas COUijJfelled to go to Rockford to get his plow sharpened, it taking-two days to make the trip. The first house erected on the west side of the river' was by Mr. Ira Washburn, near the present residence of R. Washburn, Esq., in I83S. Tlio first wedding in towutook plaee at the house of Richard Inirsan, March SO,

Supervisors - Geo. W. Brittain, Ch'n; James Hedth, J. P. Sears; Iw Washbilrn, Town Clerk; Rufus Washbura, Assessor; Richard S^ Inman. Treasurer; J. Wesley Inman, Collector ; Clark Classen, Prosper A. Pierce, William Youngs, Commissioners of Highway; Ira F. Washburn, Geo. W; Brittain,' John Inman, Com. of Common Schools ; Richard 8. Inman, Sealer of Weights and Measures.

Cities And Plotted Towks

If the opinion of speculators, and large real estate operators from the East, is entitled to consideration and I'espect, the town of Rock stsinds number owe, if not inore, in regard to superioi' locations and natural advantages for building up Cities and towns ; for surely no town in the county has figured so largely in this depstrtment as this. " Its Corner and water lots" have mado no smaU figure in "Wall Street"; its lithographed city plats have been honored with a Conspicuous place in all the great land agency offices of the country. At one time this town could boast of as tnany as four laid out platted recorded towris, viz : Wisconsin city, Koshkonong city, Rockport, and Monterey, and subsequently the town of Afton has been added.

Rockport was laid out by Thomas Holmes in Dec. 1835, the first surveyed town in the county. Wisconsin City, by John Inman, Breese and Shepherd, in 1836. City of Khoshkonong, in the summer of 1836, by Kenzio Hunter and Booby. Monterey, by Ira Miltimore, in 1850. By an act of the Legislature of Wisconsin, approved by Gov. Farwell, March 19, 1853, the city of Janesville was incorporated, and by that charter, sections one and two of the town of Rock were incoi-porated into the city limits. Consequently Monterey and Rockport are now a part of the tenitory belonging to Janesville; and, with sections one and two, pass from the town of Rock many of the localities where the scenes herein described transpired.

The village ot Aftoti is situated upon the Beloit & Madison R. R., near the junction of Bass or Afton creek, with the Rock river. It was laid out in July 1854, by S; A. Hudson, John Pi Hoyt, and N. W. Tripp, proprietorSi The location is dry and admirably adapted to the building of a town; Two years ago there was scarcely an inhabitant upon the site ; now it probably contains 200 inhabitants, including those in its immediate vicinity. - *

Here for the present the stages from Janesville intersect with the R. R., and take the passengers to that city, and soon the place will be in direct connection, by rail with Janesville, making the point one of no ordinary importance iu respect to its Railroad facilities, Bass creek affords a good water power for a Saw mill and other machinery, while the Rock River is available to its whole extent, as a water power, under a head and fall of seven feet. A company is formed for the imp7X)vement of this power known as the " Afton Manufacturing Company," who intend to commence operations as soon as the details of their arrangements can be perfected. Afton is 6 miles from Janesville and 1 from Beloit. It has a R. R. Depot, 2 PubUc Houses, 2 Store Houses, 4 Stores and Groceries, 2 Shoe Shops, 2 Blacksmiths Shops, 5 Carpenters, 1 Post Office, C. Pulker, P. M. It has now about 50 buildings with a prospect of a large increase the coming season. It is in contem^ plation to erect a church soon, which with educational and other privileges will make Afton a desirable place to locate.

Churches And Eeligious Privileges

The inhabitants of the towns adjoining Janesville, and especially those parts contiguous to it; have united with the people there, and established churches; and genemlly attend worship at that place. This fact will explain to those unacquainted, the apparent want of church privileges in those, as seen from their " history." The town of Rock, however, aside from the facilities offered by Janesville and Beloit, for church worship, has had two regular church oi^anizations for some years. In 1846, the Episcopal Methodist had an organization of a small class, at Mr. Youngs', which has been supplied with preaching more or less up to the present time, and with some success. In 1850, the Baptist denomination organized a church in Mr. Antisdel's neighborhood, now Afton. This church has had a regular supply of pulpit services to the present, with very great success, embracing now a large number of communicants; and anticipate building a church edifice the coming summer.

The first settlers, although immersed in business and cares, were not unmindful of the importance of providing for the education of their children. - The first school taught in town, the firat also in the county, was kept in a little log cabin, which is now standing on the bank of the river in front of the present residence of Judge Bailey. The school was taught by the Hon. Hiram Brown, at present a resident of Monroe, Green Co. The first school house built in tQwn was that known as tho " Rad school house" on section 1 , near D. W. Cobb's. , Subsequent to ,1846, there had been built additional two small log school hmiaes; one, in Mr. Washburn's district, the other in Mr. Gomstopk's diistrict, but the, town was divided into somo six or seven school dis.triots, where scliooU had baon kopt in private houses, &c. At present there are eight good permanent school houses ; 2 of brick, one of stone, and the bg,Vine6 well finished wooden structures. In all of them, good ,sQhQols are -kept summer and winter.

This town is largely supplied with Railroad facilities, even with those already built, aud in, or about to be in operation. Four distinct independent lines cross the territory of the town. First the Beloit and Madi.3on, now iu operation, which passes through diagonally from South-east to Northwest, with a depot established, afibrding accommodation to all the South-west portion of the town. Second, the Chicago, St. Paul & Fond du Lac, R. R. passing through the North-eastern portion ; and third, th3 Southern Wisconsin passing through the North-western portion, intersecting ^the Beloit and Madison but a short distance from the west line of the town, where will be depots and considerable of a town, of which Hon. J. L. V. Thomas, and C . F. Chipman, Esq., are proprietors. Another road from Afton to Janesville, on the west side of the river, will soon be built. Fifth; the Fulton, Janesville, and Beloit Railroad company have a charter up the valley of Rook River, from Beloit, intersecting the M. & M. R. R. near Edgerton. This road connecting with a contemplated road, chartered by the Illinois Legislature, from Mendot?,, in that state, to Beloit, is thoai__ht to be a feajible enterprise and probably will be built soon.

Situated as the town of Rock is, in regard to R. R. accommodations of its own - ^and those afforded by its proximity to the flourishing towns of Janesville and Beloit, one cannot fail to appreciate at a glance its superior position.

Population

On the organization of the city of Janesville, in 1853, sections 1 and 2, including the village of Monterey, the only village then in the town, were severed from Rock, and constituted a part of the city. The population of the entire township in 1850 was 553, in 1855 the population, not including that portion included in Janesville, was 1041, showing a greater increase than any other town in the county during the same period.

Educational Statistics

The town is divided into 10 school districts, and lias 8 school houses. It Las 354: scholars over 4 and under 20 years of age, and receives the present year from the State School Fund $260,82.

Kumber Op Farms

Hon. J. F. Willard, resides in this town. ' He represented his Assembly district in the Legislature in 1849. Israel Inmap, Jr., Esq., who was one of the delegates from Rock Co., to form the first State Constitution, resided in this town. He died on the plains on his way to California. G.

Source changes here: from The History of Rock County, Wisconsin; Its Early Settlement, Growth, Development, Resources, Etc., by Wesern Historical Company, Chicago, Pub, published 1879; 3,928 words in this source stream.

Rock Town

By an act of the Territorial Legislature, approved March 8, 1839, all of " the country included within the boundary of Rock County " was " set off" into a separate town by the name of Rock. Its boundaries, therefore, were co-extensive with the present limits of the county ; but

SIMON ANTISDEL, farmer. Sees. 28, 29 and 31 ; P. 0. Afton ; born in 1820 in Springfield, Otsego Co., N. Y. ; came to Wisconsin in 1844 and settled on Rock River, one mile north of Afton ; removed to his present farm of 285 acres in 1874. Married Miss Elvira J. Somers in 1849 ; they have three children - Emma J., born in 1855, Orley D., born in 1858, and Hosea F., born in 1862. Mr. A is a member of Bock River Grange No. 36, and was elected Chairman of the town about 1862, and assisted in securing the full quota of troops from Rook. He is Independent in politics, and a member of the Baptist Church. Bree(Js Jerseys for dairy purposes ; owns full-blooded bull of Judge Mills' herd, Beloit, also Messenger and Bertram horses, Merino sheep and Poland hogs; raises corn and hay, and makes a specialty of dairying; has 70 head of cattle, 11 head of horses, 140 sheep and 40 or 50 hogs.

WILrlilAM B. RAINES, farmer. Sees. 10, 11 and 3 ; P. 0. JanesviUe ; born in 1830 in Northamptonshire, Eng. ; came to America in 1849 ; to Wisconsin in 1866 and settled on the farm he now owns, which consists of 250 aorei^. Married Miss Elizabeth Simon, of Oneida Co., N. Y., in 1852 ; they have five children - William A., Mary, Charles, Prank and Oscar. He is a Master Mason in good standing and a member of St. George's Benevolent Society ; is liberal in politics and religion. He is breeding Durham cattle, Norman horses, Poland-China hogs and Cotswold sheep, which he keeps constantly in stock.

BBNJAMIIV BliEASDALE, farmer, Sec. 7 ; P. 0. Janesville; born in Leeds, Eng., in 1829; son of Robert Bleasdale, who came to America with his family in 1845 and settled on Sec. 7, where Benjamin now owns 200 acres. He married Miss Fannie Burton, of Rock Co., in 1 8(3-1: ; they have, one son - Freddie B., born in 1867. Mr. B. is a member of Center Grange and the Temple of Honor. Fie was elected Supervisor in 1876 and 1877 ; is a Republican. Raises Durham grades, Poland hogs, and has seventy sheep of the Cotswold breed.

DAVID H. BONSTEEL., farmer, Sec. 4; P. 0. Janesville; born in Rensselaer Co., N. Y., in 1818 ; came to Wisconsin in 1860, and to his present location in 1878. Married Miss Eliza Agan ; they have three children - Delilah, William H. and Alice A. The family attend the M. E. Church at Janesville. Mr. B. raises Durham grade cattle, Poland-China hogs, besides horses, corn, wheat, oats, etc, Mr. B. removed to the State of Illinois from New York in 1857.

WlIililAM H. CAMPBEIili, farmer, Sec. 9 ; P. 0. Janesville ; born in Boston in 1830 ; came to Wisconsin in 1874 and settled on the farm he now owns of forty acres. Married Miss Elizabeth Murray in 1856 ; they have two children - George M. and William H. Mr. Campbell enlisted in the 1st Mass. V. I. in 1861 ; fought in the battle of Bull Run and was discharged the same year on account of disability. Re-enlisted in 1862 in the 17th Mass. V. I.; was engaged in battles of Kingston, Whitehall, Goldsboro, Washington, Newbern and other battles in North Carolina. Mr. Campbell is a Republican. He raises Durham grades and the usual crops.

MICHAELi COIiE, farmer, P. 0. Afton ; born in Northampton Co., Peun., in 1824; came to Wisconsin in 1852, locating on Sec. 10 ; sold his farm in 1870, and came to Afton after a trip east to Pennsylvania, and one west through Iowa and Missouri. He married Miss Mary Clapper, of Sharon, Wis., in 1854 ; they have four children - Janie, George, Henry and Lillie. Mr. Cole was a War Democrat, and is a member of the M. E. Church, Shopiere.

BElVJAJfllN P. CROSSMAW, farmer. Sec. 34; P. 0. Afton; born in Lake Co., III., in 1847 ; son of Warren and Susan Crossman ; came to Wisconsin in 1848, with his parent.', and settled on the farm he now owns, of 120 acres. Married Miss Alice P. Crisman, of the town of Rock, Nov. 22, 1876 ; they have one son, Warren, born Oct. 11, 1877. Mr. C. is a RepuWican, and a member of Rock River Grange. The family are members of the Baptist Church, Afton. He raises the usual stock and crojis of his county. Was elected Treasurer of the town of Rock in 1875.

GEORGE W. CROSSMAIV, farmer, Sec. 34; P. 0. Afton; born Nov. 29, 1831, in Oneida Co., N. Y.; came to Wisconsin with his father, Warren Crossman, in 1848 ; setiled at Beloit; lived one year; moved to the farm of Warren Crossman ; in 1853, George purchased eighty acres on the north half of the southeast quarter of Sec. 34, where he has made a pleasant home ; he owns 138 acres. Married Miss Philena C. Baldwin, of Beloit; they have two children - Geo. A., born Nov. 2, 1854; Charlie, born Oct. 9, 1864. Mr. C. is a member of Rock River Grange, and a member with his family, of Afton Baptist Church. He was elected Supervisor in 1876 and 1877. He raises the usual crops nf the county, and has this ] ear planted one acre of tobacco, and one acre of amber cane. Mr. C. and sons are Republicans to the core.

EVAJr EVAIVS, farmer. Sec. 36 ; P.O. Wirt; born Feb. 15, 1827; a native of Wales; came to New York in 1832 ; removed to Wisconsin in 1857, and settled in Janesville, where he lived eighteen years. He served ten years as Town Treasurer, four years as Town Clerk, and one year as Justice of the Peace. Removed to Rock in 1877. Married Miss Arvilla M. Mills, of Adams, Jefferson Co., N. Y.; they have two children - Flora A., born Jan. 26, 1853, and Chas. L., Dec. 12, 1866. Mr. E. raises good graded cattle, Poland-China hogs, horses (Norman and Clyde grades), wheat, corn, oats, etc.

FRANCIS FOBES, farmer, Sees. 10 and 11 ; P. 0. Janesville; born Feb. 27, 1827, in the town of Wayne, Ashtabula Co., Ohio, son of Simon and Sylvia Pobes, among the first settlers in that county; an uncle of Mr. Fobes was the first settler in Ashtabula Co. Francis F. came to Wisconsin in 1865. Married Miss Fidelia, daughter of Caleb Hopkins, of Ashtabula Co. in 1856; they have two children - Lillie L. and Dwight H. Mr. F. is a Master Mason in good standing, in Janesville Lodge, No. 55, also a member of Janesville Lodge, No. 90, I. 0. 0. F., and Rock River Grange, No, 36. He has a farm of sixty aares, on which he raises good stock, and the usual products of Rook Co. Members of the Afton Baptist Church; Republican.

PATRICK GAGAIV, farmer and nurseryman. Sec. 1 ; P. 0. Janesville. He grows hardy fruit, shade and ornamental trees and shrubs, and all kinds of small fruits ; makes a specialty of Wilson's Albany strawberry, Doolittle Black Cap raspberry and Lawton blackberry ; he deals in all kinds of evergreens, especially of the Norway spruce ; he has the Concord and Delaware grape, and is fruiting others, also ; his experience of twenty-three years in the business leads him to regard the Golden Russet, Talman

Sweet, Willow Twig and Snow apple as desirable for winter use; his fall varieties include St. Lawrence, Fall Stripe and Winesap ; he considers Dutchess of Oldenburg, Red Astrachan and Yellow Harvest the leading summer varieties, though he has all other varieties of apples ; he also has Early Richmond cherry ; Transcendent and Hyslop crab ; Cherry, White and Red Dutch currants ; Houghton seedling gooseberry. In ornamental shrubs, he has Honeysuckle, Flowering Almond, Snowball and many others. Mr. G. came to Rock Co. in 1853. Married Margaret Calahan, daughter of John and Katherine Calahan, in 1852, they have eleven children - Mary J., Agnes, Esther, John, Henry, Ella, Theresa, William, Anna. Frank and Monica. His family attends St. Patrick's Church, Janesville.

H. H. GUERXSEY, farmer and insurance agent, Sec. 11; P. 0. Janesville; born July 5, 1842, in Grafton Co., N. H.; removed to Rook Co. in 1843, with his parents, and settled in Janesville. Married Miss Sophia N. Hoisington, November, 1866 ; they have four children - Clarence C, Ardelle, Harry S. and Elfred. Mr. G. and father began the insurance business in 1866 ; Mr. G. is one of the oldest insurance men in Rock Co.; has acted for the Continental and North German, of Hamburg, during the past three years. He enlisted in the 22d W. V. I., August, 1862, and served two years ; promoted to a captaincy in the 14th U. S. Colored Volunteers, and served till April, 1866 ; he was engaged in battles of Dalton, Ga.; Pulaski, Tenn.; Decatur, Ala., and in the decisive battle of Nashville, besides many other engagements and skirmishes. His farm contains forty acres, where he has located one of the most pleasant homes in Rock Co.

EBENEZEB HATHOR^f, farmer. Sec. 9 ; P. 0. Janesville; born in Cheshire Co., N. H., in 1816 ; married Miss Mary Williams in 1843, and came to Wisconsi i in 1850; settled in Plymouth, in 1863, on the farm he now owns of forty ucres. Mrs. H. died in 1856, leaving two sons - Charles C. and Henry W. Mr. Hathorn married Miss Orpha P. Dean, of Mahoning Co., Ohio, in 1858; they have one daughter - Rosie Belle. Mr. H. has served as Supervisor and Justice of the Peace in the town- of Plymouth. Mr. Hathorn is Republican in politics and liberal in religion. Mrs. Hathorn is a member of the Disciples' Church, of Center.

TRUMAN L. HOLLII^iTER, farmer, Sec. 26 ; P. 0. Janesville; born Dec. 24, 1819, in Cattaraugus Co., N. Y. ; removed to Wisconsin in 1846, and settled in Janesville; lived in the town of La Prairie four years ; removed to his present home in 1851. Married Miss Mary Comstock, of Janesville ; they have four children - Frankie A., Libbie F., Ella M. and Emma I. He is a member of Afton Grange; was elected Chairman in 1862 and 1863 ; has sarved as Town Clerk, Justice of the Peace, Supervisor and Assessor. He owns 106 acres five miles south of Janesville, on which he raises a good grade stock of Cattle, Merino and Leicester sheep, Poland hogs, and the ordinary products of Wisconsin.

HENRY KAYIiER, farmer, Sec. 24 ; P. 0. Jan -sville ; removed to Wisconsin in 1855; settled in Rock Co. in 1864. Married Miss Fannie E. Shields, daughter of James Shields, of Rock Co. Mr. K. enlisted in 1865, in the U. S. Government service, and served six months; was born Dec. 2, 1846, and is a member of the Lutheran Church. His family attend the Court Street M. E. Church of Janesville. He raises a good grade of cattle, Poland-Chioa and Berkshire hogs, besides the usual farm produce of the section, and has had a very successful experience in farming. They have four children - Susie, James H.. George E. and William F.

G-EORGrE J. KELIiOGG, farmer and nurseryman. Sec. 12; P. 0. Janesville; born in Onondaga Co., N. Y., March 20, 1828 ; removed to Wisconsin with his father, Austin Kellogg, in 1835. George Kellogg lived in Kenosha Co. until 1849, when he went to California and remained three years; returned to Janesville in 1852, and settled on his present homestead, where he has since been in the nursery business. In 1854, he married Miss Frances, daughter of D. M. Piatt, of Clinton, Wis. Mrs. K. died in November, 1859, leaving one son - Oro, born Aug. 6, 1855. Mr. K. married Miss Emily, daughter of Samuel Lewis, of Lake Mills, Wis., Nov. 5, 1861. They have four children - Gertrude A., Leonard L., Edith A. and Marcus S. He owns seventy-one and one-half acres of land. His experience of twenty-five years in the nursery business enables him to meet the wants of the people of the West in the line of hardy fruit trees of all kinds, which he makes a specialty. He raises evergreen, shade and ornamental trees; gives special attention to the growing of strawberries, of which he has about forty varieties. His estimated crop of strawberries for 1S79 is .300 bushels, besides raspberries, blackberries, currants cherries and grapes, of which he has the Worden Seedling. Rogers Hybrids, Concord and Delaware. Mr. Kellogg has been a member of the M. E. Church since 1841, and united with the First M. E. Church in Janesville in 1852. He is a member of La Prairie Grange ; also a Good Templar.

$$ELDE]V E. OTIS, farmer and dairyman. Sec. 15; P. 0. Janesville; born in 1828, in Middlesex Co., Conn.; came to Wisconsin in 1854, and settled in Harmony, Rock Co.; removed to his present location in 1866. Married Miss Mary, daughter of John Cargill, of Sufi'olk Co., N. Y., in 1849 ; they have seven children - Minnie, George, Lillian (Charles died in 1864), Jesse, Frank and Hattie. He has 170 acres devoted to oats, corn, wheat and rye, besides his dairy business, which he has followed during the past ten years, and he now has forty or more cows. Mr. 0. is a member of Janesville City Lodge, No. 90, I. 0. 0. F. He and family attend the First Congregational Church of Janesville.

ABRAM PHELPS, farmer. Sees. 8 and 9 ; P. 0. Janesville; born in 1811 in Berkshire Co., Mass. Married Miss Marietta Moore, of Monroe Co., Mich., in 1838; had two sons - Milton M. and Franklin W. ; both enlisted in the Union army; Franklin died of disease contracted in the service, in 1863 ; Milton was shot through the lung at the second battle of Bull Run, while serving as Fir's! Lieutenant in the Tenth Pennsylvania Vols., but recovered. Abram Phelps and family are members of the Court street M. E. Church. He is Republican in politics. Raises Durham grade of cattle, Norman grade of horses, Poland and Berkshire hogs, also the usual crops of his county ; owner of 202 acres of land, and located in Rock Co. in 1866.

AUBROSE C. POWERS, farmer. Sees. 2, 15 and 21 ; P.O. Afton ; born in 1845, near Toronto, Canada ; came to Wisconsin with his parents, Samuel and Maria Powers, in 1848, and settled in Newark, where Ambrose remained about twenty-four years, and where he married Miss Mary Connor in 1872; they have one daughter - Agnes May, bora Aug. 13, 1874. Mr. P. was elected Town Clerk of the town of Rock, in 1879. He owns fifty acres of land, and raises the usual stock and crops of his county.

PHILIP PALMER, farmer and miller, Sec. 27; P.O. Afton; born Oct. 29, 1814, in Wayne Co., N. Y. ; came to Wisconsin in 1857 ; lived in Walworth Co. three years, and moved to Rock' Co. in 1860. Married Miss Lucinda, daughter of William and Anna Potter, of Wayne Co., N. Y., in 1836. They have six children - Evaline A., Caroline E. (died in 1842), Garafelia A., Harriet E. (died in 1849), Hiram P. and George H. He owns 110 acres six miles south of Janesville, where he raises a good grade of stock, etc. He was elected a Justice of the Peace in 1875 ; was a member and one of the organizers of Rock River Grange. He and familv are members of the Baptist Church in Afton.

GEORGE M. PIERCE, farmer. Sec. 12; P. O. Janesville; born in Lawrence Co., Vt., June 1, 1828 ; son of P. A. and Maria Pierce ; removed to Bock Co., in October, 1840, when there were only two houses on the site of Janesville ; located on 160 acres, part of which is now the site of the State Asylum for the blind. The Pierce brothers have increased the farm to 300 acres. Mr. P. went to California in 1849, and returned in 1860, when he married Miss Ann Comstock, of Rock, and settled on the farm he now owns ; he raises Durham cattle, Poland-China hogs, and Norman and Morgan horses, and keeps them constantly in stock. Mr. P. is a F. & A. Master Mason; members of All Souls' Church, Janesville. Has served as Collector and Assessor of Rock frpm 1861 to 1863. Have three children - Ida M., born Oct. 6, 1861 ; Fred, Aug. 12, 1865 ; Pearl, May 10, 1868. '

JAMES RATHERAM, farmer, mason and carpenter, Sec. 22; P. 0. Janesville; born in Canterbury, England, in 1825 ; came to the United States in 1828 ot 1830, and to Wisconsin in 1842, and went to Pennsylvania in 1843 ; returned to Janesville in 1847 ; settled on his present homestead in 1857. He and his partner built the residence of A. Palmer, the McKey's Block and the old Baptist Church in Janesville; his farm contains 124 acres, on which he raises the usual products of the county ; he is, besides, a very successful breeder of good horses. Liberal in politics and religion.

GEORGE SHAW, farmer. Sees. 31 and 32; P. 0. Afton and Beloit ; born in 1822, near Longford, Ireland ; came to America and to Beloit in 1849, and settled on the farm he now owns of 576 acres in towns of Rock and Beloit Married Miss Catharine Loney in 1851 ; they have seven children - Charles L., Alexander, William, Jane, George, Ann and Kittle. Himself and wife are members of the Grange. Has a herd of Durham grade catttle, also Norman, Clyde and English horses, thirteen in all ; 100 Leicester sheep, Poland and Chester White hogs. Republican.

GEORGE SIMS, farmer, Sec. 28; P. 0. Afton; born in Connecticut in 1804; came to Wisconsin in 1863 from Minnesota, where he had lived nearly two years; located on his present farm in 1872 ; he owned the Afton store about seven years. Married Miss Hannah Cross, of JeiFerson Co.. N. Y., in 1828; they have six children - Pamelia, William, Charles, George C, Erwin W. and Lorenzo G. In 1843, Mr. Sims withdrew from the Methodist Episcopal Church on account of its proslavery tendencies. Mr. Sims is liberal in politics and religion, though he is a Republican. Charles, George and L. G. Sims are in Minnesota; B. W. Sims went to Nebraska in 1879. Mr. Sims owns 160 acres near Afton Post OflBce.

EDWARD SPEARS, farmer, Sec. 5 ; P. 0. Janesville; born in Shelburne, Vt., in 1807. came to Wisconsin in 1847 and settled on the farm he now owns of 120 acres; has since sold 40 acres' He was the architect and builder of his large and pleasant house, convenient barn and other outbuildings

Is a member of the Janesville Lodge of Odd Fellows, No. 14. Married Miss Marietta Brown in 1 833 ; they have two children - Byron and Adelaide, wife of Scott Smith. Byron Spears enlisted in the 3d Wis. V. C. and served three years.

HENRY TERWILLiIUER, farmer. Sec. 35 ; P. 0. Afton ; born in Luzerne Co., Penn., in 1818; came to Wisconsin in 1854, locating in the town of Rock; lived on his farm till 1878, when he sold it. Married Miss Mary A. Williams, of Monroe Co., Penn., in 1844 ; they have three children- Emma C., Elizabeth A. and Laura J. Mr. Terwilliger is Democratic in politics and liberal in religion.

JOHN TERWIIililGER, farmer. Sec. 35; P. O. Afton; born in Luzerne Co., Penn., in 1831 ; can»e to Wisconsin in 1853 and settled on his present location. Married Miss Mary Cohoe, daughter of William and Clinda Cohoe, of Beloit, in 1864 ; they have five children - William C, John, Clarence, Eddy and Freddy. Mr. T. is liberal in politics and religion. He is raising the usual crops of his county.

N. W. TRIPP, farmer and carpenter. Sec. 16; P. 0. Janesville; born in 1817 in Providence, Luzerne Co., Penn.; came to Wisconsin in 1847; worked at his trade about three years; in

1851, settled on the farm he now owns. Married Miss Margaret, daughter of Caleb Inman, of Rock Co. Mr. and Mrs. T. have one son - Henry L. E., born May 1, 1852. Mr. Tripp was elected Supervisor of the town in 1852 and has been twice re-elected, besides serving as Assessor, etc. He planned and supervised the building of the bridge at Afton, over the Rock, at an expense to the town of $2,280 and the labor of seven men for thirty days. The bridge bids fair to stand for a quarter of a century. He was the architect and builder of his large and pleasant house. Mr. and Mrs. Tripp attend the M. B. Church in Janesville. He has a flock of 175 good sheep ; raises cattle, horses, hogs, etc., and the usual crops of his section. Republican. /

WIIililAlI H. TRIPP, farmer, Sees. 4, 8 and 9 ; P. 0. Janesville ; born in Luzerne Co., Penn., in 1821 ; came to Wisconsin in 1851 and settled on the farm he now owns of 225 acres. Married Miss Delilah Thomas, of Wyoming Co., Penn., in 1844; they have two children - George B., born March 4,

1852, and Hattie H., born May 13, 1860. Mr. Tripp is a Mason ; has served as Chairman of the town of Rock' many years ; was elected to the Wisconsin Legislature in 1856, and has served as a member of the Board of Trustees for the Education of the Blind for the past twenty-two years ; he has one of the largest orchards in Rock Co., containing 1,500 trees; raises Durham grades, Norman horses, Poland hogs, and has this year eleven acres of tobacco and fifty-three acres of winter wheat, which looks extremely well. Mr, Tripp is a Republican. His son, Theodore F.., died in the army; he enlisted, 1862,in the 35th Regt. Wis, V. I.; died, July 13, 1865, of disease contracted in service.

ALIiEN B. WATERMAN, farmer. Sec. 28 ; P. 0. Afton ; born in Onondaga Co., N. Y., April 3, 1810 ; came to Wisconsin in 1858, and settled in Rock Township, Rock Co. Married Miss Mary A. Horton, of Cayuga Co. N. Y., in 1826 ; they have one son - -Charles M., born in Cayuga Co., N. Y., in 1828, who went to Nevada in 1873. Mr. Waterman is liberal in religion and a Democrat.

DANIEL. WITHINGTON, farmer. Sees. 15, 16 ; P. 0. Janesville; born in 1799, in Northumberland Co., Penn.; came to Wisconsin in 1848, and settled on the farm he now owns of 101 acres, Married Miss Temperance G-ray, and they have nine children - Elizabeth, Charles, John, Peter, Harriet, Sarah, Emma, George and Flora. His family attend the M. E. Church. Mr. Withington is a Democrat, He raises the usual crops of his section of Wisconsin - cattle, horses, hogs, etc.