Stark Town

Stark Town

Stark is bounded on the north by the town of Whitestown, on the east by Union, on the south by Richland county, and on the west by the town of Webster. Its territory comprises township 13, range 2 west. The Kickapoo river flows through the town, entering its domain on section 3, and leaves from section 31, into the town of Webster. This stream furnishes a good water power on section 20, which is well utilized. The Kickapoo has several small tributaries taking their rise in different parts of the town. Among these are Jug creek and Weister creek. The former comes in from the town of Union and unites on section 3 ; the latter enters from Whitestown and makes a confluence with the main stream on section 9. Bear creek also flows from Union town and empties into the river proper on section 29, where another fine water power is obtainable. Otter creek, another little creek, flows from the town of Webster and joins the river on section 29. These streams ar^ spring brooks, of the purest water and are perfectly clear ; many of them contain fish. While the topography of this town, in common with that of the entire county is quite broken and hilly, yet it is as good a farming section as Vernon county affords.

Eaelt Sbttlement

Ihe earliest settlement in the town of Stark was made in 1853, by the following : Chauncy W. I.awton, who came from Kickapoo Center and settled on section 20.

Among the few that came in during 1854, was P. Orrison, who entered land on section 20, for Lis father, and on section 17 for himself. lie remained on his land about ten years and moved into the town of Webster, where he purchased a mill. In 1884 he resided at Viroqua.

Jesse Orrison, father of P. Orrison, came in 1854, from Perry Co., Ohio, and located on section 20, where he remained till the time of his death in 1862 ; his wife died in 1880.

Emery Lockie, a native of Virginia, settled in the town, on the northeast quarter of section 36, in 1854, where he resided until 1857, and removed to Missouri, where he was afterward killed by his son, who led a band of Confederate guerillas.

John B. Lease came in from Greene county, in 1855, and located on the northwest quarter of section 36, where he lived till 1877, when he sold out and moved to Turner Co., D. T.

Benjamin Bahr and Adam Bryan, also settled in 1855, the former on section --', and the latter on section 3, where they improved their lands and remained till 1875, when they sold and in 1884, were' living in Laporte, Iowa.

Thomas De Jean came from New York to Waukesha county, but soon removed to section 29, Stark town. He arrived some time during the spring or summer of 1855 ; having entered land, however, in 1853. He erected a saw-mill and a little later built a grist-mill. He died in 1877 ; his wife still lives on the homestead.

George Walts was another settler of 1855 ; he settled on section 2, where he cleared up a farm. He remained there until 1861, when he sold and went to Michigan. In 1884 he was living at Laporte, Iowa, where he was engaged in the mercantile business.

Elliot Benson, a native of Massachusetts, came from Greene Co., Wis., in 1855, and settled on section 35, where he remained until 1879, when he sold and moved west.

David Simons, of Ohio, settled on the northwest quarter of section 26, in 1855. He remained five or six years and moved to Nebraska, and in 1884, was living in Oregon.

Among the settlers of 1856 were : Joseph R. Bean, E. Potter, Joseph Parker and Johu Barge. Joseph R. Bean came from Virginia, to Jo Daviess Co., III., and in 1856, came to the southeast quarter of section 24, Stark town. Afterward he moved to Union town, where he died in 1868.

E. Potter removed from Vermont to Grant Co.,VVis., and from there to this county, in 1856. He located on section 24, where he was still living in 1884.

George and William White, who were natives of England, settled on the northeast quarter of section 26, where they made some improvements. In the fall of 1857 they went to the Black river region. George was a Morman preacher, and said to have been a very able man.

Samuel W. Gray, a native of New York State, came from Grant Co., Wis., in the fall of 1857, and settled on the northeast quarter of section 26, where he was still living in 1884.

Early Evbnts

One of the earliest marriages in the town was Henry Malier and Mary Bahr, in tlie winter of 1855-6. They were married at Viroqua ; and their home was on section 2, where he died a number of years ago. His widowmarried again and lives at Laporte, Iowa.

Oscar, son of E. and Lydia (Smith) Dalton, was one of the first children, if not the first born in the town. His birth occurred June 20, 1855.

Organic

The town of Stark was set off from the town of Union in November,] 858, and the first election for town officers held at the house of Morrison Wilson, in April, 1859. No records are preserved of thefirst few town meetings, hence the first officers are here, necessarily omitted. The following were the officers of 1883: Troy Evans, chairman of the board of supervisors; I I). Nixon, assessor; James Calhers, treasure!'; W. H. Norris, clerk.

In 1884 the town of Stark contained seven school houses which were located in districts known as Nos. 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5, joint district Nos. 8, and 10.

In district No. 1 the first school was upon the subscription jilan and was taught in 1860, by Mrs. Jesse Orrison, in her son's house. In 1861 a log school building was erected on tlie line of sections 16 and 17. Laura Evans was the first teacher employed in this building. This building was burned in 1864, and sdiool was then lield in a house which belonged to Payton Orrison. In 18(i6 a frame building was erected on the southeast quarter of section 17. Lizzie Stimble was the first to teach in tliis new building.

District No. 2 was provided with a school house in 18-57, which was located on tlie soutlieast quarter of section 5. This was a log building. Mary Clausen was the first teacher. A new house was built in 1874, on the southwest quarter of section 5, in which Belle Robinson taught the first term of school.

The first school house in district No. 3 was built in 1857; this was a log house located on the northwest quarter of section 30. Matilda Shell taught the first term of school. After ward a frame house was Ijiiilt, whicii stood on the northwest quarter of the southeast quarter of section 29. Mrs. Ingram taught the first school in this building.

District No. 4, more commonly known as "Jug Creek School," had its first term of school in a log house built by a few of the neighbors, on the southwest quarter of section 2. The first school was held in the winter of 1857-8. This house served a few years, when a hewed log house was erected on the old site, in which Anson W. DeJean taughtthe first school. In 1876 a frame house was built and furnished after the more modern style. This building was located on the northwest quarter of section 11. Thomas Smith taught first in this building.

The first school house in district No. 5 was erected in 1859; it was a log building located on the southwest quarter of section 24. Cornelius Weeden was the first teacher in this house. In 1866 another log building took the place of the one of pioneer days; this was situated on the southeast quarter of section 23.

Joint district No. 8 had its first school building erected in 1858 - a log house located on tlie northwest quarter of section 35. Harriet E. Cox was the finst teacher. In 1881 a frame house was erected near the site of the old one. Jacob Potts was the first teacher in the new building.

taughtthe first school. In 1874 another building was provided, which was located on the north bank of the river, near the center of section 20. Kate West was the first teacher.

Religious Societies

Religous services were held in the log school house on section 2 as soon as it was completed, by the Evangelical Association. A class was formed with about twenty members, among whom were: George Walsh and wife, John Barger and wife, Adam Bryan wife and two daughters, Joseph Fulmer and wife and Francis Lawton and wife. Adam Bryan was chosen the first class leader. Rev. Sater was among the first ministers. He was killed in the Indian massacre in Minnesota in 1862. This society mat at the log school house until within a few years, but now meet at Rockton.

In 1867 the first Methodist Episcopal meetings were held in the school house on section 17. Rev. C. N. Cunningham was the first preacher. He organized a class in the winter of 1867-68 with about eighteen members, among whom were: Samuel Smith and wife, Dempster Seeley and wife, Irving Nixon and wife, William H. Bacon wife and daughter, Lizzie Stiinble, Adelia Farnhara, Mr. and Mrs. Peter Barton, .John Dyer, Emma Dyer, Cynthia Moore and Mary M. Miller. Irving C. Nixon was chosen class leader. This class continued to worship in the school house till 1871, when a church building was erected on the southeast quarter of the southwest quarter of section 20. This goes by the name of Star Chapel. A sabbath school was formed in connection with this class in 1868. I. C. Nixon was the first superintendent. The school in 1884 had an average attendance of about thirty-five scholars.

Another Methodist Episcopal class was formed in 1875 by Rev. Bradley at the new school house on Jug creek. John Barge and wife, Adam Bryan and wife;Mrs. G. W. Wiseman and John Barge were among the members of this class, and Mr. Barge was chosen class leader.

The United Brethren formed a class in the hewed log school house on section 2, just prior to the Rebellion. Rev. Himes was the first preacher The class numbered about twentyfive. In 1884 Rev. Alderman was pastor for this denomination.

There was Baptist services conducted at the house of John B. Lease, in 1857, by John Crandall, a Baptist clergyman, who organized a society of this denomination, which was known as Bethel Church. They built a church in 1877 on section 28, in which Kev. SI iter was the first to preach. In 1884 the society held no regular services on account of numerous removals.

This town has two cemeteries within its borders, both on the same section. One on the northwest quarter of section 20 and the other on the southeast quarter of section 20.

The Village Of Stab

Star is the proper name for this village ; however, outside of a radius of ten miles it is known .'is "Seeleyburg," after Dempster Seeley. R. S. Moore, county surveyor of Vernon county, platted this village in 1867, for C. W. Lawton. It is on the northwest quarter of the southeast quarter of section 20.

C. W. Lawton built the first house in the place, in 1859, on the north side of the river ; but in 1861, he moved it across the river to where the village now stands. Mr. Lawton also built the first store in 186:^.

A. W. Sprague, from Rhode Island, erected a building and opened up a store, which he operated for six months, then returned to Rhode Island. His store was sold for a school house. In 1874 Joseph Cowan and II. H. Wyatt formed a partnershij) and rented the Sprague building, which I)emi)ster Seeley bought of the school district. This store was burned out and Mr. Seeley erected another building on the same spot and Mr. Wyatt run a general store there for four months, when this building was burned and Mr. Wyatt moved to Viroqua. Mr. Seeley again rebuilt and II. C. Millard opened up a stock of goods and continued two years, being succeeded Vjy Obadiah Driskal, who lost his stock hy fire in 1883.

Dempster Seeley erected a saw mill on the east branch of the Kickapoo river in 1863. This was a frame building, 25x50 feet, and employed a circular saw. In 1870 he added a shingle and planing mill, and in 1879 the whole was destroyed by fire. He again put up a building, 50x90 feet, in which is operated a shingle mill, planing mill, turning lathe and rotary saw mill.

Thomas DeJean built a saw mill on the east l)ank of the East Kickapoo river, in 18."i7. A log and brush dam was thrown across the stream, which gave him a fall of seven feet. In 1863 he sold a half interest to his son, Anson W. In 1865 they put in a rotary saw, an I in 1873 quit the lumber business and built a small grist mill, furnished with three run of stone. After Thomas DeJean's death the mill was operated by his son, Anson W.

A postoffice was established in 1859 and Thomas DeJean made postmaster. He kept the office at his house on section 29. In 1861 C. W. Lawton became postmaster and moved the office to his house on section 20. He was still holding the office in 1884, having had charge of it continuously, except one year when Anson DeJean held it. Robert Parker is now deputy and keeps the office at his store.

Biographical

There is no class of citizens so richly deserving of praise, respect and esteem as the pioneer settlers ; and too often even this is denied them. It is the aim of the historian of this chapter to give a few lines to the honored pioneers and their descendants, due them on account of being instrumental in "clearing up" and developing this new and beautiful soil.

Chauncey W. Lawton came to Vernon county in 1854, and entered land on section 1, town 11, range 3 west, Kickapoo town. He built a log cabin and cleared about twelve acres of land. In 18.58 he traded that for a place in town 13, range 3. He then came to Stark town and rented a farm on section 29, for one year. He then traded his farm in Kickapoo town for one on section 20, Stark town, and built a h"nse on the north bank of the river, which he moved, in 18U0, to the south baiik. In 1805 he built the large frame house in wiiich lie now lives. In 1867 he platted the village of Star Mr. Lawton was born June 27, 1825, in Great Valley, Cattaraugus Co., N. Y., where he grew to manhood, receiving a liberal education in the district and high school. When nineteen years of age, he entered the office of Aiigel & Fox with whom he studied law two years. In 1846 he came to Wisconsin, locating in Waukesha, where he remained one year, then returned to New York State, remaining until 1854, at which time he came to Vernon county, as before stated. He continued his study of law in this county, and, in 1859, was admitted to the bar at Viroqua. .Mr. Lawton has been twice married. His first wife, to whom he was married Sept. 2, 185', was Mirian F.Dyer. Three children blessed tins union - Clarence, Alice and Ulysses. Mrs. Lawton died March 21, 1871. He again married, Aug. 3, 1872, Jemima Dowell, a native of Scotland. They have three children - Caroline, William and Alexander. Mr. Lawton was appointed postmaster of the Star office, in 1861, and holds the office at the present time. He has been prominent in county and town affairs. He has served as county commissioner, and for several years has held the office of justice of the peace. Mr. Lawton was a soldier in the Union army during the late war, and was with Sherman during that memorable march to the sea.

Eli McVey, an early explorer of the Kickapoo valley, was born in Morgan Co., Ohio, Dec. 7, 1832, and there he spent his younger days, in school, and on the farm. In 1854 he came to

Wisconsin, and visited Vernon county. In the winter he engaged in lumbering in the Kickapoo pineries, and in the summer in rafting lumber down the river, being thus occupied for three successive summers, after which he engaged in breaking prairie. In October, 1861, he enlisted in company I, 12th Wisconsin Volunteers, and went south. He took part in tlie siege of Vicksburg, and was with Sherman on his march to the sea ; also, participated in the many battles and skirmishes in that memorable campaign. He was discharged in August, 1865, and returning to Vernon county, purchased wild land on section 3, Stark town, and engaged in farming. He has since built the frame house in which he lives, and a frame barn 30x40 feet. In 1878 he purchased eighty acres of land on section 33, Whitestown town, and has since improved a part of that. Mr. McVey was married, in 1867, to Caroline Bryan, by whom he has had four children - Sherman, Agnes, Ella and William.

Hiram, son of Jesse and Mary (Gheen) Orrison, pioneer of Vernon county, was born in Muskingum Co.. Ohio, April 18,1834. When he was quite young,his parents removed to Perry county, where he grewto manhood. He was but twenty years of age when his parents came to Bad Ax county. He made his home with them in Stark, and went to Franklin in 1858, and there bought a tract of land. He made some improvements on the land and lived there two years ; then sold. He was married in 1863, to Mary Parr, and bought a farm in the town of Webster, and lived there until 1866, when he came to Stark and bought the farm he now occupies on section 7. They have four children - Sarah Almeda, John A., Minnie C. and Francis W.

John H. Anderson, an early explorer of the Kickapoo valley, and a pioneer settler of Stark town, is a native of Scotland, born in Glasgow, Nov. 14, 1826. When fourteen years of age he left home and went to sea; sailed two years before the mast and then came to the United States, .stopping first in Maine and spending some time in Portland; thence to Biddeford and other places. In Saco he was employed for one 3-ear in a brick yard. He then vi.sited New Haven, New York and Philadelpliia, and spent a winter in Lancaster, Penn., where he was employed teaming. Fi'om there he went to Washington county, where he remained till the fall of l'-!49, then went to Adams Co., 111., spending the winter near Qiiincy, being employed in chopping wood. In the spring of 18.50 lie came to Wisconsin, spending the summer at Spring Green Prairie, Sauk county. In the fall he visited Richland county, and was employed in getting out lumber to build the Hazellon saw mill, the first one in that county- Late that fall he went to Mork in the pineiies, and from that time until 1>!55 was employed in getting out lumber and rafting it down theKickapoo river. While S(i doing he became acquainted with the localities and also with the few settlers along the river. He settled in ISo.t on section 20, town 1.3, range 2 west, now known as Stark town, Vernon county. He built a cabin on the west bank of the east fork of the Kickapoo river, and there lived a single man for five years. Mr. Anderson was married Feb. 7, 1860, to Lucy McHeury, One child blessed this union - Nancy Elizabetli. At the time of his marriage lie owned a farm house on the brow of the hill, which he now makes his home. For the past few years his health has not been good, and not being able to farm has turned his attention to bees and has started an apiary. His wife was the daughter of William and Elizabeth (Wallace) McIIenry, born in Ohio. Her parents settled in Webster in 18.t7. Her father died in 1SG5; her mother in 188-2.

Philip Aumock was burn in Perry Co., Ohio, .June 17, 1827, and was reared on a farm till fifteen years of age. He then learned the carpenter trade, and was married on the 29th day of January, 1840, to Eleanor Duseiiberry, also a native of Perry Co., Ohio. Soon after marriage Mr. Aumock engiged in the cabinet business, which he followe<l until the fall of 1855: then with a team of two horses and wagon, loaded up his family and started for tlie west, and after thirty-two day's travel landed in Bad Ax (now Vernon) Co., Wis., and pre-empted the north one-half of the northwest quarter of section 17, town 13 north, of range 2 west. He built a log cabin in which he lived until 1867, then erected a frame house, in which he now lives. He also built a good frame barn in 1870, and has cleared up quite a large farm. He has worked a good deal of his time at his trade, and is now the owner of ttiO acres of land, don't owe one cent in the world, and is well and comfortably situated. At the time of Rebellion he enlisted in the 4.3d Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry, and served his country until the war closed. He then returned home. His first wife died shortly after his arrival home, of nervous prostration brought on by his absence. About the 1st of February, 1866. he went back to Ohio, and on the 4th day of March was married to Mrs. Mary Ann Essington, and brought licr home with liim, and they are now living happily together. He had a family of nine childred, all of which are dead except four. Two of them are married and two are single. Mary E. married Perry A. Brown; John Wesley married Mary A. Thomas; George Washington and Hannah R. are still single. The boys own a good farm each and are out of debt.

Adam Bryan, one of the early settlers of Stark town, was born in Forks, Lycoming Co., Penn., June 11, 1817. His father was a clothier by trade, and was also engaged in the lumber business and in farming. Adam's early days were spent in school, in assisting his father on the farm and in the saw mill. The first school which he attended, was nine miles distant from his home. When twent3--one years of age, he entered a woolen mill and tiiere learned to manufacture woolen goods. He was married Slarch 2, 1843, to Mary Barge, born in Lycoming county, Aug. 3, 1825. He continued to work in the woolen factory until 1848, when he engaged in the lumber business, which he followed until 1851, when he started west to seek a home. He located in Illinois, purchasing a farm in Jo Daviess county. In May, 1854, he came to Wisconsin. Taking the cars to Warren, he there procured a team, took the overland route to Vernon county. He stopped but a short time then returned to Illinois, remaining until May, 1855. He then came to Vernon county, entering land on section 3, town 1-3, range 2, now known as Stark town, then returned to Illinois for his family. In June, the family started for their new home, George Walsh and family accompanying them. After taking the cars to Warren, 111., they started with ox teams. In many places they had to cut a road. Arriving on his land, he moved into a lumberman's log cabin and lived there three years, then built a hewed log house, to which he has since made a frame addition and in which he now lives. Mr. and Mrs. Bryan have had six children - Caroline, born March 16, 1848, was married to Eli McVey, and died Jan. 1, 1876; Alexander J., now in Sioux Falls, Dak., engaged in farming; George H., a grain dealer at Viroqua; Albert T., a physician in Eagan, Dak.; Aaron R., an attorney at law, in Sioux City; and Henrietta. Mr. Bryan united with the Methodist Episcopal Church, when a young man, but failing in his efforts to organize a class in Stark, he united with the German Evangelical and later with the United Brethren. Thomas De Jean, one of the pioneers of Stark town, was born in Chautauqua Co., N. Y., in 1806, and there grew to manhood. He was a natural mechanic, and when a young man, he went to Pennsylvania and there worked in a saw mill for nine years. He then moved to Ohio, locating in Mauraee City, where he was an early settler. While there he took contracts for building warehouses and docks on the canal, and later, engaged in farming. In 1841 he came to Wisconsin, locating at New Berlin, Waukesha county. After remaining there cue year he went to Genesee, same county, bought land and built a saw mill, also running a blacksmith shop and plow factory. In 1855 he sold out there and came to Vernon county, settling on section 29, town 13, range 2, now known as Staik town. Two years later, he built a saw mill, in 1873 a grist mill, and also engaged in farming. He erected a large frame house and made this his home until his death, wliich occurred February, 1877. He was very enterprising and took a prominent part in town affairs. He was elected town assessor in 1856, and later, held other offices. Mr. De Jean married Polly Butterfield, also a native of Chautauqua Co., N. Y. She is still living on the old homestead. There were three children, two of whom are now living - Anson W., the eldest, is now living near, and owns an interest in the flouring mill; Alfred H., is also living near, on a farm; Ann C, who became the wife of William Sanbers, in the year 1861, and resided in this and an adjoining county, until 1879, removed with her hu.sband and four children, to Roseburg, Oregon, where she died the year following.

Anson W. De Jean was born in Maumee City, Ohio, Feb. 25, 1838. His younger days were spent in school and assisting his father in the mill and on the farm. He was employed for a while as teacher in the public schools of Vernon county. He was married in 1862 to Juliet Potter, born in Collin's Center, Erie Co., N. Y. He then settled on section 29, on land wliich his father bad entered for him in 1855. In 1863 he erected a building on section 29, and engaged in mercantile business, which he has followed ever since. In 1864 he bought an interest in his father's saw-mill, and in 1873 was associated with him in the building of a flour mill, which Anson W. now operates. He has been engaged for some years in farming, and at one time owned 1,100 acres of land in this county. He now owns but 320 acres in Vernon county, and a quarter section in Murray Co., Minn. Mr. and Mrs. De Jean had but one child - Charles, who clerks in his father's store. Mr, De Jean has taken a prominent part in town and county affairs, and has filled offices of trust the greater part of his time since lie attained the age of twenty-one years. His first, and all his voting has been done in the town in which he now lives.

John Barge settled in Vernon county, in 1856. He is a native of Germany, born in Wurteraburg, Oct. 15, 1819. He was but eighteen months old when his parents left their native land fo]- America. They first settled in Mifflinsberg, Penn., where they lived eight years, then moved to Cherry town, Lycoming county, where John grew to manhood. He was there married, in 1849, to Elizabeth Melhine, born in Brier Creek, Penn. They resided in that part of Lycoming, now known as Sullivan county, until 1856, at which time they came to Vernon county, making a settlement on Jug creek. Mr. Barge entered the northwest quarter of section 12, and immediately commenced the cultivation of a farm. He built a log house in which he lived several years, then erected a frame residence, which was burned, Feb. 8, 1881, with about half its contents. He then erected another frame house. Mr. and Mrs. Barge were blessed with seven children - Mary C, Francis E., George W., Adlett, Caroline E. and John F. The youngest child, Hardwell Lincoln, di( d when nine years and four months old. Mrs. Barge died Sept. 27, 1871. Mr and Mrs. Barge are both members of the Church, and took active steps to .secure a Church organization, which was effected soon after their settlement here.

Joseph O. Parker, one of the pioneers of Stark town, is a native of Kentucky. He was born in that part of Franklin, now embraced in Anderson, ciiiuity, March 11,1811. When he was nineteen years of age, he removed with his parents tn Illinois, and settled in Edgar county. He made his home with his jiarents there until 18.'i2. He was married the .3d of November, of tliai year, to Permelia Clark, who was born in Pulaski Co., Ky., in December, ISU. He bought a farm in Edgar county and remained there until 1856, when he sold out and started for Wisconsin with two o.xen and one iiorse team. They were twenty-four days on the road ; bringing their cooking utensils they camped out on the way. Arriving at Bad A.v ( now Vernon ) county, he entered land on section 35, of town 13 north, of range 2 west, now known as Stark, and lived in a log cabin until after the war, when he built the frame house in which he now lives. Mr. and Mrs. Parker were the parents of ten children, nine of which are now living - Archibald, Harriet, James F., Jemima, Rebecca, Mary, David, Sarah and Stephen. Their oldest daughter, Mahala, died in Hlinois, at the age of sixteen.

E . Potter, one of the early settlers of Stark town, is a native of the Empire State, born in Washington county. Sept 10, 1811, where he grew to manhood. When twenty-one years of age he started west, locating in Erie Co., N. Y., where he was married, in 1840, to Mary A. Stone. He bought a tract of timber land in Erie county, built a frame house and cleared a farm, remaining there until 1855. In the fall of that year he started for Wisconsin, locating in Grant county and remaining one year, when not being satisfied with the location, he came with a team to Vernon county, bringing a year's provisions with him. He bought land on section 24, town 13, range 2 west, and erected a l"g cabin. Mrs. Potter painted the door red, and it was known as the house with the red door, and was the stopping place, for many years, of travelers No one hungry and tired was ever turned away from their door. The family lived in this cabin until 1871, when Mr. Potter built the frame house in which they now live. Mrs. Potter was born in Chenango Co., N. y., in December, 1819. When she was very young her parents moved to the western part of that State, in Erie county. It was here that JMrs. Potter began her pioneer life. Mr. and Mrs. Potter have four children - James, Jubette, Allison and Mary.

Samuel Gray, an early settler of Stark town, is a native of New York State, born in Erie county, Feb. 1, 1830. When twelve years of age he engaged on the New York and Erie canal, which occupation he followed until twenty-one years of age. He was married in the fall of 1850 to Elizabeth Stone, born in Chenango Co., N. Y. He engaged in farming, for one season, in Cattaraugus county, and, in 1852, started west to seek a home, settling in Grant Co., Wis. He there entered land, built a log house, and made other improvements. In 1857 he sold out and came to Vernon county, buying land on section 26, town 13, range 2 west. Here he built a hewed log house, and has since made it his home. Mr. and Mrs. Gray have had six children - Emertt, Leroy, Lucy, James, Frank and Elva.

Timothy McGrath was one of the early settlers of Stark town. He came here from Madison, in 1857, making the journey with an ox team, and being eight days on the road, locating the west half of section 16, which he had bought two years previous, built a log house and immediately commenced to make improvements, and made this his home until his death which occurred in 1868. He was a native of Ireland. His wife, whose maiden name was Ellen Quinn, was also a native of Ireland. They emigrated to America in 1847, settling in Milwaukee, and living there until 1855, when they moved to Madison, remaining until 1857, when, as before stated, they came to Stark. Mrs. McGrath died on the old homestead, Feb. 25, 1883. They left two children - John and Timothy W.

John McGrath was born in Milwaukee, Feb. 27, 1849. He was married in January, 1874, to Annie Gallagher, daughter of John and Bridget Gallagher, who settled in Clinton in 1855. Two children have blessed this union - John E. and Ellen. Mr. McGrath now occupies the homestead. He has built a neat frame house, and is engaged in stock and grain raising.

school supplemented by two years at the normal school at Whitewater. He taught several terms of school in this county, and is now studying law in an office in Minneapolis.

John Small, Sr., a settler of 1858, was born in the District of Columbia, July 31, 1786, and grew to manhood in the Nation's capital. In 1812 he enlisted in the 14th regiment, United States Volunteers, and served under Gen. Scott through that war, after which he located in Turkey Foot township, Somerset Co., Penn lie was there married March '16, 1817, to Olivet Skinner, who was born in that township, April 3, 1794. Remaining there until 1820 they removed to Perry Co., Ohio, and a short time after he purchased timber land and partly cleared a farm. In 1828 he sold out there and moved to Athens Co., Ohio, and bought a farm, which he sold three years later, returning to Perry county and buying land in Salt Lick township where he remained until 1858. He then came to Vernon county, settling on land that he had entered in 1856, situated on section 18, town 13, range 2 west. He cleared a farm and lived here until his death, in 1873. His wife died April 19, 1867.

John Small, Jr., son of John and Olivet (Skinner) Small, was born in Monroe township, July 22,1824. He was married in 1853 to Mary Paxton, also born in Salt Lick township. After receiving a f.iir education, he engaged in teaching in Perry county. In 1855 he started west to .«eek a home, settling in Rossville, Allamakee Co., Iowa. He bought town property and engaged in teaching and later clerked in a store and also ran an engine in a saw and grist mill. He remained there until 1859, when he sold out and came to Stark town, settling on land that he had previously entered on sections 10 and 15. He built a log house on section 10, living there until 1872, when he built the frame house in which he now lives. He has also built a large log stable, granary, etc. Since living here Mr. Small has not devoted all his time to his farm, having taught school and also worked at the carpenter trade. Mr. and Mrs. Small have three children - William, Isadora and Isabella. Isadora is the wife of John Teel and lives in Stark town. Isabella is the wife of Stephen F. Adams and lives in Webster.

James Moore came to Stark in 1800, and is numbered among the early settlers of that town. He is a native of Ohio, born in Muskingum county, Oct. 28, 1889, and was there raised to agricultural pursuits and received his education in the public schools. He was joined in marriage in March, 1860, to Annie Lytle, who was also a native of Muskingum county. The same year he brought his bride to Vernon county and settled in Stark town as before stated. He bought a tract of wild land on section 17, and erected a cabin of poles. They lived in this liumble abode two years and then he built a liewtd I04 house. He enlisted in October, 1864, ill the 1 itli regiment, Wisconsin Volunteers, :uid went south to join Sherman's army at Marietta. He served until the close ol the war and was discharged in June, 1865, anf returned home and resumed farming. He weather-boarded and painted his log house aiu' lived in that until 18S1, when he built a commodious frame house, in which he now lives. In 1875 he built a frame barn .30x4-1 feet in siz( and is engaged in raising grain and stock. Mr. and Mrs. Moore have been blessed with four children - John, Leslie, Anson and Elmer. Anson was born in September, 1807, and died April 22, 1888.

Paul Bates was born in Hanover town, Plvmouth Co., Mass., March 22, 1S34. His younger days were spent in school. When seventeen years of age, he engaged to learn the boot and shoe trade, at which he continued to work uuiil nineteen years of age, when ho came to Wisconsin with his parents. He lived at home until 1863, when lie was married to Mary J.oberts, :i native of New York State. He then settled on iiis present farn\ on section 1, Stark town. He has not devoted his entire time to farming, being engaged part of tlie time in lunibcriug

Dempster Seely, proprietor of the saw-mill at Seelysburg, was born in Westmoreland town, Oneida Co., N. Y., March 25, 1S20. He received his early education in the district schools, which was supplemented by a short term at the high school, in Hampton village. He stayed with his parents until 1840, when he came west to seek a home. He located in Waukesha Co., Wis., buying land and remaining there until 1843. He then returned to New York State, where he was married Aug. 16, 1S43, to Maryett Blodgett. Returning to Waukesha county with his bride, he remained until February, 1844, when he sold out and removed to Jefferson county, being an early settler there. He purchased land in Jefferson town and built a saw mill on Bark river. In 1849 Mr. Seely built another saw mill on Duck creek. He was engaged in the lumber business and running these two mills until 1803, when he sold and Clinic to Vernon county, purchasing a water power on the east fork of the Kickapoo, on section 20, town 13, range 2, known as Stark. In live months' time he had erected a frame hou.se, built a large barn and had a saw mill running. He has since that time been extensively engaged in lumber business and farming. Mr. Seely has bad contracts for the erection of quite a number of buildings and bns built most of the bridges across the Kickapoo river in this section. Mrs. Seely was born in Madison town, Madison Co., N. Y., April 18, 1812. AVhen she was about one year old her parents moved to that part of the Holland purchase now known as Chautauqua county, where they were early settlers. She was educated for a teacher and taught some years in the public schools. Mr. and Mrs. Seely have two children - Charles M. and Alice L Charles is married to Emma J. Harorden, born in Boston, Mass. They are blessed with two children - Harry L. and Charles Ernest. Alice is tlie wife of Edgar

Irvin C. Nixon settled in Stark town in 1864. His land is on sections 28 and 29. When he bought the land it was quite heavily timbered, but he has cleared a good part of it and has it under a good state of cultivation. He first built a log house on section 29, but has since built a neat frame house on the same section i which he now occupies as a residence. He was born Aug. 2, 1825, in Belmont Co., Ohio. When fourteen years of age his parents moved to Morgan county, in the same State, living there two years, then removing to Washington county. He was married Jan. 1, 1850, to Sarah A., daughter of Samuel and Leahvina (Van Clief) Smith. They remained in Washington county, where he owned a farm, until 1864, when he sold his farm and came to Stark. They have had four children, three of whom are living - Edgar T., Irvin D. and Ross K. Irvin is town assessor. Mr. Nixon has been a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church since 1854 and was the first class leader of the Stark Chapel class.

William Bacon came to Stark town in 1865 and purchased a farm of William Evans on section 17, which he has since made his home. He is a native of Ohio, born in Washington county. May 31, 1819, where he was raised to agricultural pursuits. He was married, in 1844, to Mary A., daughter of Samuel and Leahvina (Van Clief) Smith. He purchased land in Washington county and made that his home until coming to Stark town in 1865. Mr. and Mrs. Bacon have one child - Laurana^who makes her home with her parents. The family are members of the Star Chapel Methodist Episcopal Church.

Samuel Smith, superintendent of Star Chapel Sabbath school, was born in Luzerne Co., Peiin., Oct. 6, 1800. In 1814 his parents moved to Ohio, locating in Delaware county, where tliey were early settlers. His father bought timber land and Samuel assisted .him io clearing a farm. They lived there seven years, when his father sold out and moved to Washington county. Samuel made his home there with his parents until 1823. He was married in that year to Leahvina Van Clief, born in Washington county in 1804. Mr. Smith bought the Van Clief farm in Waterford, Washington Co., Ohio., which was one of the first farms opened in Washington county. He remained there until

1865, when he sold out and came to Vernon county, settling in Stark town, where some of his children were living. He bought a farm on section 17, Stark town, living there until 1872, when he sold and moved to Stark, where be bonglit a house and lot. He has since completed the house and now makes that his home. In 1874 he purchased a farm on section 32. He rented this farm until 1881, when he sold it. Mrs. Smith died in 1865, leaving him five children - Mary A., now the wife of William C Dacon ; Sarah, the wife of. I. C. Nixon ; Jesse, Angeline, wife of Henry Hank ; Leahvina, wife of Charles Miller. He married in November,

1866, Sophia Ileaston, who was born in Richmond, Va. When quite young her parents moved to Ohio, settling in Columbus, where she lived until 1865, then came to Vernon county. Mr. Smith united with the Methodist Episcopal Church in 1850. Soon after he was elected superintendent of the Sabbath school. He is said to be the oldest Sabbath school superintendent in the world. His health is remarkably good ; he is not in the least hard of hearing, and has never worn glasses.

Rev. Robert S. Mockett was born in Kent count_v, England, June 11, 1810. When eighteen years of age he joined the Methodist Episcopal Church, and while yet a young man was engaged in the ministry. He did not devote his whole time to preaching, however, being also engaged in the boot and shoo trade. In 1850 he came to America, spending one year in New York city, after which he went to Milwaukee, Wis. He there engaged in the boot and shoe trade, preaching occasionally until

1867, when he came to Vernon county and purchased a farm in Webster, engaging in farming and preaching. He occupied his farm until 1882, when he bought a house and lot in Star, to which he moved. Mr. Mockett now has charge of the Liberty Pole circuit, having five appointments. He has been twice married. His first wife was Mary Hobbs, to whom iie was married in 1832, and by whom he had four children, two of whom are living - Richard H. and John H. Their first child, Eliza, died when four years of age. Their other daughter, also named Eliza, wife of Edwin Ellis, of Jonesville, died in ISTS, leaving two children. Mrs. Mockett died .March 9, 1881. Mr. Mockett m.Tiried, March 25, 1882, Almira A. Whiteman, of Warren, N. H., widow of Jonathan Harnden, of Wilmington, Mass.

Amos Carpenter, M. D., settled in Stark town in 1868. He i.^ the. only practicing physician in the town. He belongs to the eclectic school of medicine, and has been successful in hi^ practice. In 1883 he put up a building am opened a drug store. He has a labratory con nected and extracts medicines from native lierbs. He is a native of New York, born ii Herkimer county, near where II ion now stands in 1822. At twenty-two years of age he entered the office of John W. Hersett, M. D., at German Flats, Herkimer county, and studied medicine with him one year. He then went to Lockport, N. Y., and studied with Drs. Samuel T. Teel and Herman D. Hall. In 1849 he commenced practice at Lockport and remained there until l^'Sl, when he started west, and slojjped at Richland, 111., one year; then went to Monticello and practiced there until 18.54, when lie came to Richland Center, Wis. He si)ent two years in Richland Center, then came to Bad Ax county and spent tlie winter in Clinton. In 1857 he went to Bloomingdale, and there assisted in laying out the town. He remained there two years, then went to Avalanclio and practiced there two years. In the spring of 1801 he went to Iliclilaiid Centre; bought a house and lot with the intention of settling there, but changed his mind, and three months later he removed to Ironton, in Sauk county, where he remained three years, .then went to Iowa, and stopped in Horton, Bremer county, through the winter, then went to Bradford, Chickasaw county, and remained there until 1868, when he came here, as before stated. He has been three times married. His first wife, to whom he was married in 1845, was Louisa Freeman, who bore him two children. The oldest one, Cyrus, went to the war and died in the service. The younger, John Wesley, now lives in New York. Mrs. Carpenter died in 1849, and he was again married in 1852, to Susan Slater. She died in 1854, leaving one child that died soon after. His third wife was Elizabeth Leatherberry. Six children blessed this union - -Lavina, Jasper, Cadwell, Loretta, Matt and Etta. He has filled offices of trust in the town, and was chairman of the board for several years.

Col. George W. Shattuck was born in Switzerland Co., Ind., Aug. 28, 1835. When two years of age his parents moved to Lawrence Co., Ohio, where he grew to manhood. His early education was received at the district school, supplemented by two years at Ewington Academy. He then engaged in teaching. Col. Shattuck was a gallant soldier during the War of the Rebellion. He first enlisted on the 4th of July, 1861, in a company of ninety day men, called the 1st Ohio Independent Cavalry. He was discharged at the expiration of his term of service and returned home. He again enlisted Nov. U, 1861, in company H, 6lli Ohio Cavalry, being mustered in as second lieutenant. He was for a time on Gen. Sigel's staff, alsoser\ed with Gen. Sheridan, participating in the many battles of that army, and being lionorably discharged at the close of the war. lie was twice wounded; the first time at Lodd's farm, where be received a gun-shot wound in the foot; the second time at the battle of Dinwiddie court house, where be was severely wounded. He now diawe a pension of ten dollars a month. For gallant service and meritorious conduct he was promoted to captain, then to major, and afterwards to colonel. After his discharge he returned to Ohio and engaged in farming until 1S70, when he was appointed railroad agent at Centre Station, Lawrence Co., Ohio. He remained there until

1872, when he came to Stark town, purchased land on section 24, and engaged in stock and grain raising. He was married Nov. 3, 1861, to Eliza Little, who bore him five children-George, Sarah, Judith, Mary .and Richard. On July 4,

1873, while the family were drivingto Rockton, they were overtaken by a storm, and Mrs. Shattuck was injured by a falling tree, from the effects of which she died seventeen days later.

Robert Parker, merchant at Star, engaged in business in November, 1882, keeping a small but neat stock of goods such as is generally found in a country store. He is also deputy postmaster. Mr. Parker is a native of New York State, born in Buffalo in 1845. When ten years of age his parents emigrated to Wisconsin, settling in Racine, where they remained three years, then went to Buffalo, Marquette county, where Robert grew to manhood. In August, 1862, he enlisted in company G, 32d Wisconsin Volunteers, serving until the close of the war, being discharged in June, 1865. He was with Sherman in his march to the sea and participated in tlie many battles of that memorable campaign. He was severely woujided Feb. n, 1865, at the battle of Binnaker's Bridge, S. C., and is now a pensioner. After his discharge he returned to Buffalo. In 1866 he was married to Elizabeth Fish, born in Hornellsville, N. Y. Four children have blessed this union - Estella, Minnie, Delia May and Eudora. Mr. Parker engaged in farming in Marquette county until 1874, wiien became to Stark town, Vernon county, purchased land on section 20, and engaged in farming. In 1882, as before stated, lie engaged in business in the village of Star.

Ezra 0. PeUon settled on his present farm in 187.5. It is located on section 32, in the Kickapoo valley. He was born July 16, 1832, in Cattaraugus Co., N Y. When nine ye.irs of age his parents emigrated to Wisconsin, locating in W^aukeslia county, making his home here until the breaking out of the war. He enlisted May 10, of that year, in company F, 5lh Wisconsin Volunteers, and went south. He participated in many skirmishes and a few battles, the most important of which were Balls Bluff and Williamsburg. He was discharged in 1863, on account of disability, and returned to Waukesha county. In 1874 he was engaged to carry the mail from North Prairie to Fort Atkinson, being thus employed for two years. He then came to Vernon county, and for three years engaged in farming. He went to Michigan, living there one year, then returned to Wisconsin and lived in Waukesha county until 1873. He then moved to Richland county, and after living there two years came to Stark town. Mr.' Pelton has been twice married. His first wife was Emily Thomas, born in Michigan. One child blessed this union - Francis David. His second wife was Mary Burr, born in Winstead, Conn.

Jonathan Starner, blacksmith, came to Stark town in 1875. He was born in May, 1832, in Wayne Co., Ohio, where he grew to manhood. When young he learned the blacksmith trade. At eighteen years of age he moved to Elkhart Co., Ind., engaging at the carpenter trad<> After remaining tliere one year and a half he moved to Huntingdon county, where he also remained a year and a half. In 1855 lie came to Wisconsin, settling first in Marshall (now Bloom) town, Richland county, where he had the year previous purchased land He remained here until 1870, working at the carpenter trade and also runtiing a gristmill. He then went to Forest, running a grist mill and blacksmith shop there until 1875, at which time he came to Stark, as before stated, and opened a blacksmith sho]) in the village of Star. One. year

\:\tvv lie purcliast'd land on tliu ninth bank of the river, whore he erected a dwelling house and shop, and has continned in business here since that time. ]\Ir. Starner was married in 185.3 to Myreni Slaley, born in Stark Co., Ohio. Five children liave blessed this union, two of which are livinji - Samuel J. and Sarah M.

Henry Millard, merchant, was born in Rushville, Ontario Co., N. Y., July 22, 1855. He was less than two years of age, when Lis parents came to Vernon county and settled in Ontario. His early education was received in the district school sup]ilemented by two years at tlie High School, at Sparta. In 1872 he entered Wayland Institute, graduating fr<m there in 1S74. He then went to Milwaukee and entered a printing office to learn the trade, remained there about a year and a half, then returned to Ontario. In 1876 he went to Viroqua and took charge of the mechanical department of the Vidette, a political paper. He continued there until the close of the campaign, after which he returned to Ontario, where he clerked in his father's store until 1879, when he engaged in trade at Star. In 1881 he put up a building on section 29, about one mile south of Star, and is now doing business at that place. He has a general store, keeping dry goods, groceries, boots and shoes, hardware, crockery and notions. Mr. Millard was married in January, 1881, to Loiiretla H. Carpenter. Two children bless this union - Mary E. and Oscar A.

J. Alanson Hard, one of the pioneers of Richland county, was born in Utica, Oneida Co., N. Y., April 21, 1815. When he was but two and a half years of age, his parents removed to the western part of the State, and settled in that part of the Holland i)urchasc, now known as Erie county. He remained there until twenty years of age, when he again pushed to the frontier, this time settling in Hoone Co., Ind. He was there married in 1841 to Jcrusha A. Springer. They remained in Boone county until 1848, and then started with ox teams on the 28th day of May, of that year, for. Wisconsin, bringing their household goods with them, and camping out on the journey. On the 24lh day ol June they arrived in Richland county, where the husband purchased land in town 9, range 1 east, nowknown as the town of Orion, built a log house and immediately commenced to make improvements. He was elected first clerk of the first school district organized in Richland county. He cleared a farm and remained there until 1870, when he came to Vernon county and bought a farm on section 3, of the town of Union. In 1874 his house was consumed by tire, and he built another. In 1880 he traded that farm for his present home on section 2, town of Stark. Mrs. Kurd was born in Cayuga Co., N. Y., in 1820. When five years of age her parents started west with teams, and settled in Erie county, remaining there until 1838, when they again started with teams, this time settling in Boone Co., Ind. She has made her way west from Cayuga county over-land with teams, and has reached her present home without crossing a railroad track. Levi Millison, a general merchant in Star, commenced business here in March, iss.'i. He is the son of George and Ann Millison, and was born in Mercer Co., Penn., in March, 1852. In 1855 his parents came to Wisconsin and settled in the town of Sylvan, Richland county, where his father died two years later. He lived with his mother for a short time after that, then went to live with Chauncy LaAvton, with whom he remained until 1861, when he started out for himself. He was employed by the farmers in this and Richland counties, and later tie ran an engine in a saw mill. During this time he had attended school and accjuired a fair business education. In i880 he engaged in mercantile trade at Bowen's mill, Richland county, and continued in trade there until 1883, when he came to Star, as before stated. He was joined in marriage, in 1872, to Mary, daughter of Jacob and Ann Dush, early settlers of Richland county. Four children iiave blessed this union - I<la, Nora, Eddie and Harry.