White Oak Springs Town (part 3 of 3)

Second. - Without such written p3rmil, no miner shall dig or mine ; he shall forfeit his discovery and all- mineral he digs, and be prosecuted as a trespasser.

Third. - Any miner who gives false testimony in any dispute or arbitration, or before any magistrate, or who i" convicted of stealing ore or any other thing, setting fire to the prairie or woods, cutting timber where it is pi-ohibited, shall forfeit hii permit to mine or dig, and no smelter shall purchase his ore or give him any employment.

Fourth. - When going to dig, two or more miners must work in company. They are permitted to stake off three hundred yards square, lines to be north and south and east and west.

Seventh. - When a dispute shall arise respecting the right to ground, the matter shall be arbitrated among miners or smelters. On their failing to settle it, a reference shall be made to the agent, whose decision shall be final.

Eighth. - No person is permitted to build a cabin, cultivate land, cut timber or settle in any manner without written permission of the agent.

Math. - Whenever surveys of discovery are required, they will be surveyed twenty rods by forty, running to cardinal points, the length to correspond with the course of the lead, and the discoverer will be entitled to a certificate of survey.

Tenth. - No miner shall hold two discoveries at the same time, nor shall any miner be permitted to go on other ground until his lead is dug out or sold, nor until he abandons it and renders up his certificate of survey.

Eleventh. - All miners must report to the agent the name of the smelter to whom they deliver their mineral, and the amount they deliver in each quarter.

Twelfth. - No certificate of survey shall be sold or transferred to any other than a miner who has a written permit, or to a smelter who has a license ; and no survey or other diggings shall remain unwrought for more than eight days in succession, on penalty of forfeiture.

Fourteenth. - Any miner who shall disobey or go contrary to any of these regulations shall forfeit his permit to dig or mine ; and should he attempt to cut timber, mine, farm, cultivate land or build cabins without written permission from the agent, he will be prosecuted as a trespasser on United States land.

Form Of Permit To Miners

rightfully occupied. He is not to set fire to the prairie grass or woods, and must deliver his mineral to a licensed smelter, and comply with all regulations.

General Regulations

Smelters and lessees will have their ground on Fever River off two hundred yards in front on the river, and four hundred in depth, running in right lines prependicular to the river.

No timber to be cut within one hundred yards of Fever River bank, from one mile above its mouth to and one mile above ih.e, point where January's cabins are situated. M. Thomas,

Persons desirous of taking a lease are notified that bonds in the penalty $5,000, with two sureties, are required, when a lease for three hundred and twenty acres, as usual, will be granted, provided the ground is not occupied. Blank bonds may be had of the agent, who will make the survey when the bonds are given.

Regulations For Smelters

This agreement, made and entered into this day of , 1825, between Lieut. M. Thomas, Superintendent of the United States Lead Mines, and , lead smelter,

Third. - (The record was so made). To smelt with a If^g furnace or furnaces at all times, when one hundred thousand pounds of ore (or more) are on hand at any one furnace.

Seventh. - To keep books which shall contain an accurate and true account of all lead ore, ashes or zane purchased or dug, of all smelted, and of the amount of lead manufactured or purchased, from whom purchases were made, and from whence the ore was dug; said books to be open for inspection by the United States Agent of Mines, and a monthly transcript of the contents to be furnished to him, to be verified on oath if required.

Eighth. - To clean, or cause to be cleaned, all lead ore previous to smelting it, and to weigh a charge of the log furnace when required, and the lead made from such charges.

Ninth. - To pay to the United States a tax of one-tenih of all lead manufactured from ore, ashes or zane, to be paid monthly, in clean, pure lead, to be delivered at the United States warehouse (near the mines), free of expense.

History Of The Lead Kegion

Tenth. - To build a strong log warehouse, twenty by sixteen feet, one story high, the logs to be squared so as not fo admit of a bar of lead being passed between them ; to have a strong door, with a good and sufficient lock ; to have a log ceiling in the usual manner ; said warehouse to be located ac such place as the agent for mines shall direct to be built free of expense to the United States. '

Eleventh. - Not to employ in any manner whatever any miner, lessee or smelter y^ho has forfeited h.\s permit to dia his lease or license, on written notice to that effect being given by the agent.

Twelfth. - k non-compliance or neglect of performance of any one of the foregoing articles to constitute a forfeiture of this license, and of the bond given for the faithful performance thereof; and on proof being offered to the agent of the United States that such forfeiture has been incurred, his written notice to the smelter shall be sufficient to suspend the stipulations aforesaid.

Thirteenth. - No sale, transfer or shipment of lead is to be made by said smelter, until all arrears or tax which are due are paid, nor any removal of lead from the place of manufacture, without the consent of the agent of the United

It is distinctly understood that the bond given for the performance of the stipulation in this license, is to be in full force and virtue until all arrearages of rent or tax are paid to the agent of the United States, and a written settlement is made with him, on which a certificate that no such arrearages exist shall be given, when the bond shall be null and void.

'-John S. Miller, a blacksmith, has permission to occupy and cultivate United States land. He will comply with all regulations for the cutting of timber, etc. Twenty acres. Dated May 16, 1825.

The first recorded survey of mineral land was of five acres of mineral land (a discovery lot), two acres in length by one-quarter of an acre in breadth, lying and being on what is known as " January Patch Diggings," founded by "beginning at a stake on the north side of a rocky bluif," running to stakes in mounds to the place of beginning. This was a survey for Patrick Dugan and Barney Handley, dated Fever River, May 28, 1825, and signed Charles Smith, Acting Sub-Agent U. S. Lead Mines.

There is also recorded, June 21, 1825, a survey of 320 acres of mineral land on Apple River, for David Gr. Bates, the original field notes being taken July 2, 1823, signed John Anderson, Major U. S. Topographical Engineers, on Ordnance duty.

A copy of a bill of lading of May, 1825, shows that lead was transported from the Fever River to St. Louis for forty cents per hundred pounds.

According to the regulations, all disputes between the miners were settled by the U. S. Agent. The earliest account of these of which record now exists, is a " Record of Proceedings in the case of Dugan & Welsh and David Mitchell." Joseph Miller and Ebenezer Orne were witnesses for Dugan & Welsh ; and Joseph Hardy, Stephen Thrasher and William H. Smith for Mr. Mitchell. There were no lawyers to complicate matters. The witnesses stated what they knew in few words, and the case was summed up and adjudicated by Lieut. Thomas, who gave one-half the mineral dug on the disputed claim to Mitchell, " and it is considered that the other half is an ample compensation to Dugan & Welsh for the labor they bestowed on digging it. Their conduct was violent and quarrelsome, which will be utterly discountenanced at these mines. Mr. Charles Smith, Acting Sub-agent, will see this settlement carried into effect." Signed, M. Thomas, Lieutenant U. S. Army, Superintendent of Lead Mines, and dated May 21, 1825.

In the record of the proceedings in the case of Joseph Hardy vs. Ray, Orne & Smith, on the same day, Israel Mitchell testified that Col. Anderson stated that " Mr. Hardy was the oldest applicant for survey on the river."

The following extract from reports made by Charles Smith to his superior officers, are valuable as showing the exact state of affairs at that time :

June 11, 1825. - Hardy and Jackson are running an ash furnace ; Meeker is smelting in his log furnace ; Van Matre's ash furnace will be in operation to-day. Perfect harmony exists among the diggers. The regulations appear to give universal satisfaction. Every man appreciates the protection which they afford, and the security they give to their operations presents a stimulus to enterprise, and prevents encroachments upon the rights of others. The difficulty of borrowing or hiring a horse when wanted, has rendered necessary the purchase of one. I have

June 11, 1825. - I have just visited a discovery made by C. Armstrong and I. Thorn, about three-quarters of a mile south of the Cave Diggings. They dug twenty or thirty feet before they struck mineral. Two thousand pounds were taken out in three hours - six thousand pounds, at least, are in view on the west side of the diggings, and I struck mineral over one-half of the bottom. The hole is about five feet in diameter.

Lead was low, and Smith already begins to find that the miners appreciate the situation. The following extracts are significant, and indicate that the miners were not quite satisfied with the reign of Thomas, and were expecting a change. They were not delivering mineral to the licensed smelters with much alacrity :

July 4, 1825. - The diggers generally are keeping back their mineral, some with the expectation of raising the price, and others in the belief that licenses will be obtained by smelters from below. I understand that Meeker offers $18, an increase of 50 cents on the former price.

July 22, 1825. - Smith reported that in his opinion some regulation is necessary to enable the smelters to keep their furnaces in operation. The diggers are deluded with an expectation that mineral will rise, and, as they are generally able to hold on, they refuse to make deliveries.

July 22, 1825. - Lieut. Low is herewith twenty-five men, arrived on the 11th instant; he is encamped near the agency's establishment for a few days, and occupies the finished cabin, with my permission, until he can select a suitable site for building barracks.

Lieut. Low came here Avith his men to build barracks and remain to enforce the regulations and the collection of the lead rent, as well as to compel the miners to deliver their mineral to the licensed smelters, whether they desired to do so or not. Lieut. Low selected as a suitable site for barracks a point on the west side of Fever River, at about one and one-half miles below the agency establishment, cleared the ground, erected a flagstaff, but before the barracks were commenced the order was countermanded, and Low left with his command. The point is still known as " Low's Point." Tholozan & Detandabaratz afterward had their smelting establishment on the east side of the river, about half a mile below Low's Point, or half way down the "Long Reach."

It is to be inferred that the orders of Lieut. Thomas were not always obeyed with the promptness desired by military officers. The following is selected from a large number of similar orders on record at that time, because Mr. Meeker was one of the prominent men at the mines, as well as to show that then,[^as in later days, such men sometimes took their own time :

Sir - By an order of Lieut. Thomas, of the 18th of May, 1825, you were required to erect the warehouse stipulated in your license as a smelter (at the place on Fever River where it will be designated to you), without delay, as it was required immediately. You have since, by consent, commenced the erection of a cabin in lieu of the storehouse, and made considerable progress in that building. You are now required to erect a storeliouse (agreeably to the stipulation in your license), from the foundation, on such ground as will be designated to you, or to complete the cabin, at your election. Should the order not be complied with within a reasonable time, the fact will be reported to the Principal Agent, and such measures adopted in the meantime as will be justified by the Twelfth Article of your license. By order, Charles Smith, U. S. A.

Notice is hereby given to all the diggers of lead ore upon the public land in the vicinity of Fever River, Small- Pox and Apple Creeks, that they must forthwith deliver to the licensed smelters all the mineral they have dug ; and in future, the smelters, when guaranteeing the tax to the United States, will take measures to have the ore delivered at such times as may be convenient - at leyst. once every month. A refusal on the part of any digger to comply with this order (which is in accordance with the true intent and meaning of the regulations) will cause his permit to dig to be forfeited, and the ore already obtained will be taken possession of by the agent, for the use of the United States. (Signed) M. Thomas, Lieutenant U. S. Arimj, Superintendent of Lead Mines.

Sir - Unless immediate provision be made for the hauling and smelting of mineral at the diggings, as well as for a satisfactory settlement thereof, notice will be given to diggers to deliver their mineral to licensed smelters, without regard to existing guarantees. It is necessary that the order of the 5th of September should be immediately complied with. I am, sir, Charles Smith, U. S. Lead Mines, Fever River.

The first recorded return of lead mineral received and on hand at the furnaces of M. Meeker and Bates & Van Matre, the only licensed smelters at that date, from April 3 to May 31, 1825, shows that Meeker received from sundry persons 30,312 pounds, and Bates & Van Matre> 25,601 pounds. Total number of diggers who have permits, 69. June 30, the number of diggers had increased to 89 ; July 31, 96. In August, the number of diggers permitted was 105. Five smelters reported in August, viz.; Meeker, Bates & Van Matre, Hardy, Jackson and N. Bates. At the end of September, there were 127 diggers, and the five smelters had manufactured during the month 154,323 pounds of lead.

The number of diggers at the end of December is reported at 151, but the aggregate amount of lead manufactured was only 2,792 pounds. January 31, 1826, the name of Gibson appears in the list of smelters; diggers number 163; 29,185 pounds of lead manufactured, but the amount of mineral at the diggings was estimated at 425,000 pounds.

In April, 1826, the number of diggers was 287 ; amount of mineral at the diggings, 900,- 000 pounds ; lead manufactured, 78,528 pounds. May shows a rapid increase of the number of diggers - 350. Mineral at the diggings accumulates, but only 6,927 pounds of lead are reported as manufactured by licensed smelters. In June, the first return of Gratiot appears - 406 diggers; 173,479 pounds of lead. In July, 1826, Comstock's name appears among the licensed smelters - 411 diggers; 140,781 pounds of lead, and 1,400,000 pounds of mineral at the diggings. October, 1826 - Diggers, 548 ; smelters, 7 ; 269,405 pounds of lead ; 1,500,- 000 pounds of mineral at the diggings. This is the last report to be found.

Although this region was then heavily timbered, it seems that lessees and smelters were favored by the Government, and farmers and villagers had to go to the islands for their wood, as is shown by the following :

Those persons who have received permission to occupy land in the vicinity of Fever River are hereby informed that all timber for fuel, fencing or building, must be obtained from the islands in the Mississippi, and from no other place in this vicinity, as the timber elsevsrhere is reserved for the purposes of smelters and lessees.

The following document will be interesting now, when people can own their land. Then, and for a long time afterward, the only title to land was by permit. All the people were tenants-at-will of the United States, liable to be ejected from their homes at any time, at the caprice of one man. It is proper to add that, in 1826, the people of the mines petitioned Congress for more permanent titles, but no attention was paid to their request :

It having been requested from the United States Agent for Lead Mines to grant us permission to build and inclose in a small quantity of ground for our convenience, it has been granted upon the following conditions, viz.:

That we will not claim any right, title or interest in the said lands (other than as tenants, at the will of said agent, or such other agent as may be appointed for the superintendence of the mines) ; and we hereby bind and obligate ourselves to quit said premises upon one month's notice to that effect being given by said agent - it being understood that those persons who have licenses or leases are not included in this arrangement, but are to occupy agreeably to their contract". No transfer of said ground or improvement will be made without the consent of the agent, and will be subject to the aforesaid regulations.

A large number of names are attached to this register, among whom are many of the leading settlers. The first name is R. W. Chandler. James Harris and Jonathan Browder, first Commissioners of Jo Daviess County, are among the first signatures. James Foley, Samuel Lawrence, George W. Britton, T. H January, Thomas Ray, William H. Johnson, N. Bates, Thomas Hymer, J. P. B. Gratiot, Samuel C. Muir, A. P. Vanmcter, Amos Farrar, J. VV, Shull, F. Dent, B. Gibson, James Jones, Elijah Ferguson, Isaac Swan, David M. Robinson, E. F. Townsend, H. H. Gear and R. H. Champion are among the signers of this unique- document.

A report from Charles Smith, dated July 25, 1826, says : " I have surveyed the upper street in the town, and staked off" the lots fifty feet, forty-one in number. There is a great itch- ing for privileges, and a superabundant measure of independence. Complaints about right ground, and tfiis, that and the other right, are accumulating every day, both from diggers anu settlers, and God knows what and when will be the end of all things. The dead and the living both conspire to cause me a great deal of trouble. I am no prophet, but I will be mad enough to predict that not man^/ months will elapse without the necessity of the intervention of military force (the only force that can be recognized in this county) to protect the interest of the mines, and to encourage their development. Every day adds proof of their immense importance, and justifies the employment of every possible means for their protection and support. The competition among smelters may, I dare say will, have a tendency eventually to injure the mines by producing a°reaction upon themselves, and exciting a rebellious spirit among the miners."

Mr.^Smith's allusion to the dead and living is explained by the fact that in earlier days the people buried their dead in various places along the bench where Bench street, Galena, is now. These remains had to be removed, of course, when the town was laid out, and caused the goodnatured Smith a deal of trouble. His gloomy predictions, happily, were not fulfilled.

Thomas McKnight succeeded Charles Smith as resident sub-agent, and remained until Lieut. Thomas was succeeded by Capt. Legate in 1829. Charles Smith died at Galena March 3, 1829.

Mr. McKnight arrived at Fever River as sub-agent November 15, 1826. His first report is dated November 28, 1826, in which he says: "I arrived here on the 15th inst., but did not receive the Government pap.n-s until the 20th, in consequence of having a little house to repair for an office. Mr. Dent, the bearer, leaves here to-morrow morning. I am told that there is a great quantity of mineral lying, and will lie all winter, unsmelted. There is a great scarcity of corn for feeding teams. A great many of the teamsters are sending their teams down to the settlements to winter."

The " little house " referred to by Mr. McKnight is still standing on the west side of Main street, Galena, about one hundred and fifty feet north of the corner of Spring street, on Lot 3. The stone " Government house," built for a warehouse in which to store lead in 1829, by Harvey Mann and others, is still standing a little farther north, on Lot 6.

Here occurs a list of persons in whose favor the Superintendent has notified his acceptance of bonds for leases. The list was evidently made and entered of record in November or December, 1826, and entries of dates of surveys made subsequently : John P. B. Gratiot, survey made ; John Cottle, survey made ; Ira Cottle, survey made; George Collier, survey made ; Jesse W. ShuU, survey made ; M. C. Comstock, survey made January 22, 1827 ; John Barrel, survey made January 22, 1827 ; William Henry, survey made January 22, 1827 ; P. Hogan, survey not made; - Bouthillier, survey not made ; - Tholozan, survey not made ; Charles St. Vrain, survey made April 5, 1827 ; David G. Bates (Cave), survey not made ; John P. B. Gratiot (section timber land), survey made.

The first mention of the "town of Galena" occurs December 27, 1826, in a permit to Patrick Gray and Thomas Drum to occupy Lot No. 25, in the town of Galena, fifty feet fronting on Hill or Second street, running back to the bluff; but this permit is dated " Fever River."

January 23, 1827, a permit was granted to Gray and Drum to enclose fifty feet on First (or Front) street, north of Davis, for the purpose of building a bake-shop thereon. There may have been, probably were, other permits to persons desiring to occupy '' town lots " prior to the above, but these are the first that appear of record. The future city of Galena was laid off and evidently named in 1826, as these records show, but permits of the Superintendent were the only titles the people could have to their lots, improvements and homes, and these they must vacate and abandon on thirty days' notice. The IJnited States still retained ownership.

May 12 to 15, 1827, various permits were signed by " Wash Wheelwright, Light Artillery," probably acting in Mr. McKnight's absence. Historians have given, although with questionable authority, as one of the causes of the " Winnebago war," which occurred in 1827, the fact that the Indians were dissatisfied because the miners were encroaching on their territory and digging mineral on the north side of the "ridge," which they considered the boundary of

In 1838, a grocery store was opened by Horace Bebee and David Webster. It stood near the present Exchange Hotel. This was the first store in the village or town.

In 1839, B. W. Tuttle opened a store in a part of the old house already mentioned. Very soon after, a post office was established here, and he was appointed Postmaster, the mail being brought once a week by Jesse Miller, of Wiota. The office is now kept by S. W. Lamont.

In 1845 and 1846, the ague and bilious fever prevailed here to such an extent that nearly every one was affected. There were scarcely enough well ones to care for the sick, and several of the people died.

In the fall of 1856, the Mineral Point Railroad reached the town, and the first iron horse made its way through the country, supplying an easy and much-needed conveyance to market for the products of the country. The village people were promised a depot at the time the railroad should arrive, but were disappointed, and probably would not have had anything more than a platform stopping-place for several years, had not Thomas Cox built a warehouse and depot at the present railroad crossing near the village, very soon after the road came. This was followed, almost immediately, by another warehouse, built near the same place by B. W. Tuttle. The railroad company, for reasons best known to themselves, built a depot at Shultz Ford. This move was resented by the Gratiot people as being contrary to the agreement made with them, and several of the citizens clubbed together and sued the company. The suit resulted in a compromise, by the townspeople paying $1,000 and the railroad company erecting the present depot, which stands about one-quarter of a mile north of the village.

The Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railroad Company's new line from Monroe to ShuUsbuig will pass directly through the village, opening up better facilities for transportation, and probably enhancing the value of property. Work on this line was begun in 1880, although the first survey was made over the same territory over twenty-six years ago.

There are two churches in the village, a Catholic and M. E. Church. The Catholic Church, a fine edifice and handsomely situated, was builc in 1869-70. The Methodist Church, a commodious structure, is of later date.

Gratiot has had its various societies, as debating clubs. Good Templars and singing classes, but the only institution of this character which remains at present is the Philharmonic Society, which includes the best local musical talent.

The business element of the place is now in a thriving condition generally, and is represented by several prosperous firms. Yet, in times past, there have been failures, and the breaking-up of firms by disastrous fires, several of which have occurred here. There are now two hotels, the Exchange and the Rodolf House. The first, which is the successor to the old Bebee House, being a part of the same, and occupying the original site, is now conducted by H. N. Bragg. The Rodolf House, erected in 1843 by Hiram Tuttle, is now conducted by Mr. Baker. There are three general dry -goods and grocery stores, conducted respectively by G. F. West, S. W. Leraont and Collins & Doyle. One bank, a branch of one of the Darlington banks, managed by Mr. Gallagher ; one drug store, John Marriott, proprietor ; one hardware store and tinshop, by Charles Freeman ; three blacksmith-shops, by J. A. Kelly, L. 0. Amondson and H. Kinney"; two harness-shops, R. D. Middleton and R. Buche ; two butcher-shops, J. Flannegan and the Black Brothers;' two wagon-shops, L. 0. Amondson and J. Elster ; two shoeshops, Hans 0. Nuss and P. Burke, and one livery, Mr. Cone, proprietor. There is a very good schoolhouse, erected in 1867, as successor to the first one built in the town. There are three warehouses at the depot, two of them owned by J. S. Gallager, and one by Nelson Bowers. There is also a lumber-yard at this point, owned by C. W. Lemont.

Of the business men who have operated at Gratiot at different times are mentioned Paul Chandler, Mr. Brewster, S. Ellsworth, the Gates Brothers, Mr. Collins, A. Valley, Davenport & Easley, George Packard, Frank, John and Moses Campbell, H. Berner, E. Slothower, Tom

Village Of Riverside

This village, located at Shultz Ford, on Section 4, was surveyed in 1856, by Charles Temple, for J. J. Ross, and here the first depot, already mentioned, was built, in 1857. It now stands disused. The first business done here was the selling of whisky by N. Barrington, in 1857. He was drowned soon after beginning his traffic, and his place was then taken by A. V. Conyne, now of Warren, 111., who developed a considerable trade in general goods. After him» Werden & Stevens, G. Perry, Henry Berner, Henry Webb, C. Pickett and others did mercantile business. There is now no store in the place. G. Parkinson erected a hotel here in 1859^ which was first kept by La Grand Winton. After passing through various hands, it was recently closed. The business of the place is now represented by a blacksmith-shop, Mr. Bryant, a wagon-shop, Tully & Doran, and a shoe-shop, by Peter Falston. There are several houses in the hamlet. Just over the Pecatonica from Riverside stands the grist-mill of the same name. This mill, which is three stories in height and of frame structure, was completed in 1868, by Gen. Warden. The foundation was laid some time before, but, owing to litigation, the work was delayed. The mill, which is now the property of John Dixon, has two runs of stone and excellent machinery, and bears the reputation of doing first-class work.

Town Of Wayne

The town of Wayne was an election precinct connected with Gratiot until it was erected into a town, by the action of the County Commissioners, on the 3d day of January, 1849. The name given was selected by the inhabitants, in honor of " Mad " Anthony Wayne, of Revolutionary fame.

The first town meeting was held at the house of Amos Eastman April 3, 1849, when the following officers, among others, were elected : Russell Baldwin, Chairman ; A. G. Pinney and William Hoover, Supervisors ; W. K. Underbill, Clerk ; S. Young, Assessor, and F. A. Underbill, Treasurer.

This township, for several years, was known as the "Lost Township," as the original Government survey was lost in being transmitted to the United States Land Office. In 1835, it was re-surveyed, and, in 1836, the first land was entered. There was also one section overlooked or lost from the last survey, which was not open for entry until five years later.

The surface of the town in the northwestern part is generally rough, and, in some places, quite broken. In the southeast portion, it is smoother, although rolling in contour.

The soil of the low lands is usually a rich, black loam, with a sub-soil of sand predominating, especially so close to the river beds. The uplands are usually of a heavy, reddish clay loam and limestone marl. The hills are usually stony, and hard to till. The inhabitants in the valleys have to dig about twenty feet to get good water, while those living on the highest points have to go from eighty to a hundred feet.

Wayne is splendidly watered by the Pecatonica, which flows from west to east, on an irregular course, through the north part of the town, and Spafford's Branch and its numerous tributaries, which flow northerly, through the southern and central parts, the main stream emptying into the Pecatonica. There are also several other small streams in the town, which are tributary to the Pecatonica. The two main streams furnish excellent water-powers, which have been employed at different times, but not to a great extent.

There is enough timber in the town to supply the needs of the inhabitants and to spare, of the usual varieties to be found in this section of the county. The present growth is somewhat small, probably on account of the large timber having been cut down, to supply the needs of the first comers.

The present population is a mixture of several nationalities. They are principally Germans, Norwegians, English and Americans, the latter preponderating, and representing largely sons and daughters of the New England and Eastern States. The social, intellectual and moral status is uniformly good, as is attested by the hearty support extended to a large number ot schools and several churches.

The products of the town are chiefly agricultural. Good stone is easily obtained for building purposes, and mineral has been frequently found, but not in paying quantities thus far.

Wayne is in some respects quite noted as historic ground, although it was not generally settled at so early a date as the neighboring towns. One reason for this was the fact of its having come into market later than the balance of the county. The first claim, it is said, was made by two men in company, named Spafford and Spencer. They moved here certainly as early as 1830, for they had a largtt improvement made before the Black Hawk war. The claim was located near the junction of Spafford's Branch and the Pecatonica, on Section 10. If there were any other claimants here before the war mentioned, who made improvements on their land, it is not known, and in all probability there were no others. One of the incidents especially notable, in connection with the history of this town and of the county, occurred at the Spafford place. It is familiarly known as the Wayne Massacre of 1832, and which was the only very serious Indian affair that transpired in the county during the war. It appears, as nearly as can be ascertained, that on the 14th day of June, 1832, five persons, three besides Spafford and Spencer, named Searls, Mcllwayne and Bennett Million, a boy of seventeen, were, while working on the Spafford farm, attacked by Indians. Spafford, Searls and Mcllwaine were instantly killed, but young Million and Spencer escaped. Million jumped into the river, and, by swimming and diving, managed to find refuge in the timber. The Indians chased him several miles, perforating his hat and clothes with bullets, but he finally reached Fort Hamilton in safety, although nearly dead with exhaustion. Spencer did not jump into the river, as he could not swim, but skulked along the banks. An Indian, mounted on one of the plow horses of the party gave chase, but Spencer shot him before he was overtaken. He reached the woods, where he wandered for several hours before he came in sight of the fort. When lo ! what should he see but a lot of Indians surrounding it. Frightened at their appearance, and thinking that the fort was captured, he retreated to the forest, where he remained concealed for several days, until found by some person, who conducted him to the fort, but fright, starvation and exposure during that time, did a fearful work, making a physical and mental wreck of him, and turning his hair perfectly white. The spot where the massacre occurred is one of the most lovely and desirable in the. town. Very soon after the close of the Indian war, the settlers began to come in, although slowly.

One of the earliest comers was John Armstrong, familiarly called "Devil John," who, it is said, first made his appearance in this locality in 1829 or 1830. He was a large, powerful fellow, fierce and impetuous, and noted far and wide as a terrible fighter, one who could, in backwoods parlance, " whip his weight in wildcats." He did not live here many years, being a miner, and of roving disposition.

Another pioneer was Alexander Higginbothom, who laid a claim in the north part of town some time before the war. Higginbothom was one of the party with Felix St. Vrain, when William Hale and Aaron Hawley were killed by the Indians in Jo Daviess County, 111., but, owing to the fleetness of a little mare which he rode, Higginbothom effected his escape. In after years, it is related of him, he cared for and petted the mare as though she had been a child, and when the old gentleman was deep in his cups (being fond of the ardent), he would stand and hug her, and tell her by the hour how she had preserved his life, and that she should want for nothing on earth while she lived.

In 1835 and 1836, H. R. Hunter, James Anthony, Miles McKnight, William King, J. and C. Hoffman and C. J. Hale settled in the town. William King was one of the first surveyors in the county. His descendants have at this time a small map of the town drawn by him with pen and ink, which has marked out the location of several of the first settlers. The Hoff- mans and McKnight were enterprising business men, and did considerable toward promoting the interests of the town. C. J. Hale still lives in the town, was in the country during the Indian war, and lost his father at that time, as mentioned in Gratiot. Of Mr. Hunter there is no record, save that he was an esteemed citizen.

In 1837 and 1838, Ezra Wescott, Josh Brown, A. G. Pinney, Daniel Sanford and James McMetery became residents of the town. Mr. Pinney, who still lives here, was the first merchant in this section, having opened a store near the northeast line of the township the first year he came.

During the next five years, the influx of settlers was rapid : William K. Underbill, E. Gray, A. Eastman, Anson Andrews, W. J. Hoover, F. A. Underbill, T. Parsons, Thomas Bean, E. Chapman, Ole and Peter Iverson, Peter Davidson, Arne Anderson and James Thorpe.

There are now living here A. G. Pinney, C. J. Hale, W. W. Hale, W. K. Underbill, D. Eastman, Moroni and John Parsons, Ole Iverson, A. Eastman, James Thorpe, Nelson La Due, B. F. Watson, Mr. Jeffreys and many others.

The first deaths were those already described. Some time after the massacre, the bodies were found, one of them with the head severed from the body, and the others terribly mutilated. They received decent burial.

The first marriage was that of James McKnight and Caltra Million, in 1835, Mr. McKnight first came here from the Wiota diggings, and built a cabin. He brought his bride to the new home.

The first born white child was Anthony, a son of Mr. McKnight, born about a year after the marriage. None of the family are now living here.

A school was first taught in Wayne in 1840, by E. I. Wescott, in the old log schoolhouse of Section 4. From this small beginning, the town has gradually increased its educational facili-, ties until at present there are seven whole and two joint school districts in the town, and seven schoolhouses, the most of which are very good buildings.

Religious services were first held at the house of William King, on Section 5, in 1841, a Methodist itinerant preacher by the name of Whitford officiating. Whitford afterward accidentally shot his wife, in the town of Fayette.

The post office was established in town about twenty-five years ago. The first Postmaster was G. M. Hobbs. The mail pouch was his pocket or hat, and the office was kept at his residence on Section 22, near the center of the town. The name of the office was Wayne, at first, but it was soon changed to Spaffbrd.

One of the early enterprises engaged in was the running of a ferry-boat over the Pecatonica. near the mouth of Spaff"ord branch, before 1840, by J. Hoff"man and J. McKnight. This ferry, which was operated by poles, was the only method of crossing the stream available in the town for several years, unless it was to ford the river. A large quantity of lead was lost here at one time, which still reposes at the bottom of the stream, awaiting the eff'orts of some enterprising person to resurrect it.

A blacksmith-shop, built of logs, was erected in town in the spring of 1841, by James McKnight, who did the welding and sharpening for the pioneers. Previous to this time, they had to go to Wiota or Gratiot to get their work done.

A saw-mill was built on the Pecatonica, Section 1, as early as 1848, by Samuel Young and Joseph Payne. This mill continued to do work until 1861, when it was abandoned.

The first grist-mill was what was known as a tub-stone corn-cracker, started by John Hoover, at a very early day, on Spaffbrd's Branch. This institution was not in operation a great many years, but while it did run it desiccated many a bushel of corn, supplying meal for man and beast.

A man by the name of Hurlbut started a saw-mill and corn-cracker combined, on the Pecatonica, Section 4, in 1855. This mill was not operated more than five years. The Spaffbrd mill, located on Spaffbrd's Branch, Section 15, was built about twenty-five years ago, by Miles McKnight, and first employed as a saw-mill. Some ten years afterward, it passed into the hands of G. and J. Hartsough, who converted it into a carding-mill. A few years later, it was purchased by William Tobias, who changed it into a flour-mill, putting in two runs of stone. It is now owned by J. Beard and J. McMullen,

M. B. Chilton, in the spring of 1841, built a distillery near the northwest corner of the town, and almost on the line between this and Gratiot. The structure was of logs, and supplied with machinery and fixtures for the manufacture of sour mash, as rude and simple in design and construction as that which is now used by the Scotch Highlanders, or the Southern moonshiners. The still was not in operation over five years, for the price of whisky, about 1845, went down to 12| cents per gallon, and consequently the business died. At that time, whisky was a very common beverage, and always figured largely at the raisings.

A village was laid out by J. P. Dickson on Sections 10 and 11, and on the 23d of August, 18o8, the survey made by Robert Patton, was duly acknowledged and recorded. The village was named Wayne. Two buildings were erected on the plat, one of which was occupied for a time as a millinery-shop. That was the first of Wayne, but not the last, for eventually there was a heavy law-suit about the division of the property among several owners. Probably there will be a village there yet ; for at last, almost as if in compensation for the former disappointment, a road is being built through the north part of town, over the course formerlv pursued, and which will soon be completed and in operation.

In the way of manufactories, there is a cheese factory, and creamery, and sorghum evaporator now in the town. The former, which stands on Section 22, was built about six years ago by F. W. Crosby and J. Nelson. There is one cheese vat and three churns which are kept constantly in use during the busy season. The evaporator was brought into town one year ago by E. Craig. At one time, there were two others in town, one owned by Bordon & Sons, and one by J. H. Nelson

There has been a Good Templars' society in the town, but at present there is none, and no other secular organization exists, except a Grange, which has been in operation six or seven years.

During the winter of 1875, the farmers of Wayne and Gratiot united and formed a fire insurance company to be called the " Farmers' Mutual Fire Insurance Company of Wayne and Gratiot." A. G. Pinney was the first President, S. W. Usher, Secretary, and B. F. Watson, Treasurer. The company is in a thriving condition.

Opportunities for worship in early times were very limited, there being few men who were wilUng to devote their lives to following the pioneers into the wilderness for the sake of doing good, but those who did this work were usually sincere and worthy servants of their great Master. There are now several churches in town which are regularly supplied with ministers. The first one erected in town was the Calvinistic Church, located in the western part. Very soon after the close of the late rebellion, the Baptist stone church, situated on the south corner of Section 22 was completed. This is a substantially built and commodious house of worship, and is a credit to the spirit and enterprise of fifteen years ago. The Baptist ministers in town are the Rev. Mr. Parkins and Elder Eastman.

The Asbury Methodist Episcopal Church, located on Section 13, a frame building erected in 1873, was the first church of that denomination built in the town. Nelson La Due, near whose dwelling the church stands, was largely instrumental in promoting the building. There is also another Methodist Church situated on the southeast corner of Section 29, which was erected in 1874, and which is known as Zion's Church. The Methodist Churches are connected with the State-Line Circuit of the Mineral Point District, from which they are supplied, having no resident minister. Mr. Jefi"reys was one of the early local preachers.

At this time, the mercantile and mechanical business of the town is represented by one store, opened at what is known as Spafford Village in 1873, by L. W. Heindel, Postmaster, four blacksmith-shops, and one wagon-shop, located in different portions of the town.

George Nobles and A. G. Bebee will be remembered as having been two of the first storekeepers in the town, and old Mr, Brown, who gave all his property to the American Bible Society, will not soon be forgotten. Neither will E. I. Wescott, one of the representative men in culture and goodness of heart in the county,

Town Of Elk Grove

The town of Elk Grove is bounded on the north by the towns of Belmont and Kendall, on the east by the towns of Kendall and Center, on the south by Benton and Shullsburg, and west by the town of Benton and county of Grant. It comprises the north half of Township 2, Range 1 ; the south half of Township 3, Range 1, and west half of Township 2, Range 2, east of the Fourth Principal Meridian. The town takes its name from a beautiful and valuable growth of heavy timber extending for miles through its center, in former times much frequented by game of all descriptions. It is a rich agricultural town, containing scarcely a tract of refuse land, and is well watered.

On account of these advantages. Elk Grove, especially the western portion, is said to have been settled and cultivated when the balance, or nearly all, was yet Government land. The township is eminently a farming region, though mineral has been discovered in several localities, particularly at the Strawberry Diggings, from which large quantities of ore have been raised from time to time.

At the former farm of Capt. Justus De Seelhorst, now occupied in part by Luke McNett, in the midst of a beautiful and romantic section of the country, stood Fort De Seelhorst, which became the headquarters of Capt, Cornelius DeLong's company during the Black Hawk war, as also the place of refuge for the endangered settlers.

The town is well watered by Fever River and its branches, and the eastern portion by small tributaries to the Pecatonica. The surface is gently rolling, with but few rocky points, and these are valuable as quarry deposits for building purposes.

The first settler in the town of Elk Grove was a Frenchman, who had located on Section 7 some time previous to 1827, this being the date of the arrival and settlement of a Mr, Collette and James C. Wright, who found the former and family here at that time, Mr, Collette and Mr, Wright located on the south half of the northeast quarter of Section 7, Immediately after locating his claim, Mr, Collette erected a log furnace for smelting, on the Fever or Galena River, with a double furnace, where he continued to reduce the mineral found on his and adjacent claims until 1835, when, the mineral having become exhausted, the smelting works wtre abandoned.

While Collette was preparing his smelting works for operation, James C, Wright had built what at that time was considered a large double house, of oak logs, for the purpose of boarding the men connected with the smelting works. Mr, Collette had also erected a dwelling-house of logs, nicely hewn inside and out, the lumber used in the construction of the building being brought from St, Louis. The shingles covering both houses were of black walnut, found in the woods which at that time bore the name of " CoUette's Grove," At this beautiful and romantic section of the country was located a fort, called Fort De Seelhorst.

During the. Black Hawk war, from May 12 to August 20, 1832, the company of volunteers commanded by Capt. Cornelius DeLong made this their headquarters. The fort consisted of one acre of ground inclosed by split wooden pickets. Inside the pickets were two block-houses, in which the settlers sought refuge every night. The inclosure also contained the residence of Mr, Collette.

In 1832, impending Indian troubles, which culminated in the Black Hawk war, retarded immigration into the lead mines, and Elk Grove, with the remainder of La Fayette County, was affected thereby. Though the presence of an armed force in that town was not a matter of fact, it was thought to be there, and every precaution was taken by the settlers to guard against surprise and attack. As already stated, a fort was constructed of logs, in which a company was stationed, and hither miners, farmers and inhabitants generally, within a circuit of several miles, "focused" for protection. The fort stood opposite the present residence of Luke McNett, and was commanded either by Capt. De Long or Col. J. H. Gentry, there being some doubt as to the personality of the eommandante, though Capt. De Long enlisted and directed the maneuvers of the company therein domiciled. During the apprehension of Indian visitation from May until October, 1832, a sleepless vigilance was maintained, but the savages wisely and humanely consented to avoid entailing trouble upon the inhabitants of this vicinity, who vv^ere permitted to enjoy life and the peace of mind which accompanies constant fear of attack.

The fort was never assailed by the Indians, who would have unquestionably been treated to a warm reception by the trusty garrison. On the site of the old fort, in 1836, a brewery was built jointly by Henry Rablin and Thomas Bray. The building was made of hewn logs and rough rock, and was partially destroyed by fire April 1, 1848. The burned portion was rebuilt in stone. The barley required for malting was crushed beneath a roller turned by a primitive onehorse power. The product of the brewery easily sold for an eagle a barrel. Rablin & Bray continued here until 1850, when the brewery was rented to different parties, who continued to manufacture the Teutonic beverage until 1856, when the business was abandoned. The first farm cultivated in Elk Grove, was that of Mr. Collette, comprising the south half of the northeast quarter of Section 7, which was entered in 1835, and is now owned and occupied by Luke McNett. Justus De Seelhorst located in Elk Grove, in 1828 ; was followed by Capt. Leslie, who purchased the Collette estate in 1833. This year was also the date of the arrival of Nathan Goodell, who built the old log tavern on the present site of Elk Grove Village, in the fall of 1835. At this tavern was held the first religious service in the town, by Rev. Kent, of Galena, who visited Elk Grove twice a year to guide the spiritual destinies of the isolated flock. Henry and Horace Curtis located on Section 7, on the farm now owned and occupied by John Moore and John Cooper, in the spring of 1829. Among the other early settlers may be mentioned T. C. Legate, William I. Madden, Alexander Willard, David J. Seeley, Charles Dunn, James Wiswell, Henry C. Barretto, James Hanly, Mr. Holman, Mr. Shattuck, John Rollins, John McBride and Charles Good, who located where he now resides.

In 1835, the land sale occurred at Mineral Point, and the number of arrivals increased annually thence to 1840, all who were able to do so securing tracts in the timber. Among those were Lorenzo McNett, who became the occupant of the Leslie homestead; Charles Brownell, Joseph and Benjamin White, John Carthew, John D. Martin, founder of the village of Elk Grove ; Henry Rablin, who established the first brewery in the county, this in 1836, and conducting the same for many years. The enterprise went down in the wreck of 1857. 0. M. Richards came about this time also, as did William Brownell, who made a claim at the Strawberry, whither he was followed a year or more later by his brother George Brownell, Dr. Hodges, John Rablin and many others.

The first marriage is said to have taken place in 1836, when Henry Curtis was united to Miss Rouse, a young lady of Galena. The first birth occurred in 1835, being Appolonia Leslie, who died a year later, and was remembered as the first death.

Lorenzo McNett arrived in Elk Grove in the fall of 1835, having come from New York State overland with a team of horses and wagon, being seven weeks on the road. He is now one of the oldest settlers living in the town, is hale and hearty, and gives promise of many years of usefulness.

The first two-horse wagon used in the town of Elk Grove was brought here by Edward Leslie, and the first buggy the town could boast of was brought from New York, in 1846, by Lorenzo McNett. A grocery and general provision store was established in Elk Grove about 1830, by Mr. Collette at his claim, here also, and, at the same time, the first post office was established, and Mr. Collette appointed Postmaster, the office being kept in his store. Mr. Collette was succeeded by Justus De Seelhorst, who was followed by Edward Leslie. The mails were received from what was called the Galena & Mineral Point Mail Route, Dr. Philleo, of Galena, being proprietor of the stage line that carried the mails.

C. Wright, there being not more than a half a dozen scholars, with Miss Mary Warner as teacher. The salary w;)S paid by subscription. About 1843, the first district school was built on Section 7, and is yet used for school purposes. The house built by the first settler in this town is still standing, located on Section 7, and is now occupied by Emanuel Whitham.

The first church built in the town was erected in 1848, by the Congregationalists, on the north half of the southeast quarter of Section 7, the Rev. Warner being the first preacher. This church, subsequently used by the Methodists, is still standing, though no service has been held in it but once since 1870.

Elk Grove was an election precinct with only a portion of its present territory before the division of Iowa County. The first election for town officers was held in 1849, at the old tavern built in 1835, by Nathan Goodell, when were elected Joseph White, Chairman ; John

D. Martin, Edward Leslie, Supervisors; Clerk, Charles Brownell. J. De Seelhorst was appointed Assessor by the board, in place of John Dunn, Jr., who refused to serve. The officers for the following year, 1850, were Edward Leslie (Chairman), Henry B. Phillips, Charles Good, Supervisors ; Clerk, Horace Curtis ; Treasurer and Assessor, J. De Seelhorst.

Between 1840 and 1850, many who adventured into the town cast their several lots in that portion of Elk Grove wherein mining was carried on, though it does not appear than with more than ordinary success. These included Henry and John Bunt, Richard Good, Mr. Gorham, etc. John Jones settled above the grove; Thomas Good near Belmont, and a few who engaged in farming at other points without "blazing" the highway of life as pursued by them to guide the pursuit of after years. The Mexican war possessed no attractions for the husbandmen or public then resident in the town, as far as can be ascertained, no one having engaged in that struggle from this vicinity. Not so, however, two years later, when the "rush" to the gold mines of the Pacific drained all portions of the county of much of its enterprise, nerve and individuality. The quota from Elk Grove was made up of such men as David Seeley, John Dunn, Mr. Gorham, and that type of residents of which they were a fair index. Gorham and Seeley, with many of their compatriots, reached the hospitable "summer land," but many sought by a different route the realization of prayers and hopes in the dim land of dreams. In 1861, the town furnished money and troops as these sinews of war were demanded, and contributed by the aid thus furnished to " perpetuate the union of States."

The history of the town for the past twenty years has been free from accidents or incidents to any appreciable extent that have aided to increase its resources, multiply its obligations or diminish its attractions. It maintains its well-earned reputation for fertility of soil, independence, thrift and character of its inhabitants, and as affi)rding a full equivalent to him who shall diligently and earnestly search for the reward of industrious endeavor.

In the town of Elk Grove, in 1865, there were eight schoolhouses, valued at $2,100, requiring the services of eight teachers, the number of children in the town of school age being 388. Male teachers received salaries of $38.50 ; female, $26.40 During the year there was received or school purposes $1,444.44, and $1,532.48 was disbursed. In 1880, there were eigb.t schoolhouses, valued at $3,584, requiring the services of eight teachers, who educated 308 children of school age. Average salaries paid to male teachers. $32.60 ; female, $24.25. Total amount received during the year for school purposes, $2,607.95. Of this amount $1,560.08 was raised by taxation. During 1880, $2,042.39 was paid out for school purposes. In 1862, the equalized value of the town was $210,512 ; 1880, $385,491. The population of Elk Grove, in 1850, was 624, to wit, 319 males and 305 females ; in 1855, it amounted to 958, to wit, 535 males and 421 females, making an increase of 334 in five years.

Village Of Elk Gkove

Early in the fifties, the ambition of the inhabitants to establish a village within the limits of their beautiful town found frequent expression, and the subject was generally canvassed by all interested. Various available points were suggested, but no definite conclusions were reached in the premises for several years. An attempt was finally made to secure a donation of lands contiguous to the old Collette place, which was thought, on account of its location, to be a favorable site, but, the owner declining to ex-appropriate his property for the purposes mentioned, this was abandoned, and the plan bade fair to fall through. While the decision was yet in futuro, J. D. Martin adopted the suggestion, which had become common property, and decided to lay out the northeast corner of the southeast quarter of Section 5, Township 2, Range 1 east, for village purposes, and on the 20th of August, 1857, the same was surveyed by Thomas Brown and the present village planned by Mr. Martin.

At first, it was supposed that a place of some importance would result from this enterprise on the part of Mr. Martin, and improvements of a substantial and elaborate character were projected. But the exit of flush times, which was made, as will be remembered, during the year in which the village was born, carried with them the hopes and ambitions of its founders, and to-day a Methodist Church, a stone hotel, store and less than a half-dozen private residences tell the story of " what might have been " had not the panic, the war and other adverse circumstances successfully intervened to prevent.

The Methodist Church was erected in 1854, under the pastorate of the Rev. Mr. Jones, at a time when the families of William Cundy, J. D. Martin, John Curkert and Justus De Seelhorst constituted the congregation. It cost $1,000, and will seat an audience of two hundred. At present, the church is included in the Belmont Circuit. The Pastor is the Rev. William Cook, and the congregation numbers seventy-five worshipers.

The Post Office

was first established in 1858, in the Rock Tavern, with J. D. Martin as Postmaster. He was followed by John Amger, William Cundy, who died in office, and was succeeded by the widow, who gave place to Justus C. Curkett, and he in turn to John Kempthorne, the present incumbent. The mail facilities, though limited, meet the public demand.

Town Of Seymour

When by act of Legislature La Fayette County was divided into towns, the original town of Seymour formed a part of Centre, now Darlington. In 186'J, fifteen sections of the western part of Centre were surveyed and organized into a town, and named Seymour, in honor of Gov. Seymour, of New York.

1869, when the following officers were chosen : William Hess, Chairman ; Joseph Dougherty, William Ward, Supervisor ; Clerk, John McCabe ; Treasurer, Jacob Heffle.

1871 - Jacob Heffle, Chairman, James Urnison, James McWilliams ; Clerk, James W. Trestrail; Treasurer, Francis Gough; Assessor, Rufus S. Crippen. During the years 1869 and

1870, the subject of attaching to Seymour parts of the towns of Elk Grove and Kendall was agitated and strongly advocated by the citizens of Seymour, but opposed by the citizens of Elk Grove and Kendall. No definite action was taken, however, until during the legislative session of 1871, when a bill was enacted authorizing the Board of County Commissioners to take such parts of other towns as would be necessary to enlarge Seymour to a town of thirty-six sections. In 1872, fifteen sections from the eastern part of Elk Grove and six sections from the southern pare of Kendall were attached to Seymour, making the town six miles square.

The first meeting of the newly organized town was held at the schoolhouse at Wardsville, April, 1872, where 209 votes were cast, and the following officers chosen : John O'Neill, Chairman ; Shane Morgan, James Robson, Supervisors ; Clerk, William Hess ; Treasurer, Francis Gough ; Assessor, James Morgan.

The town of Seymour now comprises Townships 2 and 3 north. Range 2 east of the Fourth Principal Meridian, and is bounded on the north by Kendall, on the east by Darlington, on the south by Shullsburg, on the west by New Diggings and Elk Grove, and is divided into fifteen road districts and eleven school districts. This town is especially adapted to agricultural pursuits, there being 23,040 acres of land in the town, and not to exceed 200 acres of which is woodland. The surface is a beautiful rolling prairie, with no great depressions and few slight elevations.

The traveler passing through Seymour, over its well-kept roads, can form but a vague idea of the intrinsic worth of the town for stock-raising and farming purposes. On nearly every farm in the town may be found miniature natural springs, bubbling forth from mother earth, only to form a narrow stream, which, flowing through its winding course over the surfaces of the prairie, renders fertile this beautiful expanse of territory.

The numerous elegant and commodious residences to be found in this town stand as monuments to the industry and integrity of its inhabitants. The four large churches of different denominations form sufficient evidence that the hopes and desires of the people are not altogether on the fleeting things of this world. The number of schoolhouses, with accommodations for 300 children, and the degree to which the important subject of education is fostered here, is a sure index to the intelligence and liberality of the people. The robust and hardy constitutions of the adults, and the rosy cheeks and bright eyes of the urchins, indicate a salubrious and healthful climate.

The inhabitants of Seymour are principally of Irish nationality or descent, though there are some English and Germans, with a few Americans scattered through the town.

The first settler within the present limits of Seymour was Daniel Sullivan, who came here in 183-3 and located on Section 30, on the farm now owned by Philip Lakey, and occupied by George Stonebreaker. On this farm, Mr. Sullivan built a log house, the first erected in the town. John Ryan came soon after Mr. Sullivan, in 1833, and located on Section 29, on the farm now occupied by his son, William Ryan, and Charles Boyle. Other early settlers were Henry Marsh, Shane Morgan, Bryan O'Neill, John O'Neill, Andrew O'Neill, Daniel O'Neill and Mary O'Neill.

The first school taught in the town was built in 1852, on Section 29, John Casey being employed as teacher. Previous to the erection of this schoolhouse, the children of Seymour attended the schools at Shullsburg and Mill Seat Bend. The town now has seven schoolhouses, which, with their sites, are valued at $3,500. There are in the town 247 children who attend schools, requiring the services of seven teachers, whose salaries average $36 per month. The total amount received for school purposes in the town for 1880 will aggregate $2,015.59.

Owing to a close proximity to post offices in other towns, Seymour never had one established within its limits. The majority of the citizens receive their mail from Shullsburg.

Prominent among the churches of Seymour, stands the "Lady of Hope" Catholic Church, located on Section 15. This church, 40x60 feet, was erected in 1869, at a cost of $6,000, the congregation at that time numbering but twenty-five families. In 1871, adjoining the church, the Pastor's residence was built, at a cost of $1,000. Connected with the church is a cemetery, consisting of four acres, laid out into avenues and walks, which, with its numerous evergreen trees, renders this the most beautiful burying-ground in the town. Owing to the beauty of the location, the taste displayed in the arrangement of the grounds and the decorations of the edifice, the Catholic Church of Seymour forms by far the most attractive feature of the whole town. The different Pastors have been Revs. Father McGinty, Father Kensley, Father Yargager, Father De Becca, Father Meyers and the present Pastor, Father Welbes. The congregation now numbers forty families.

Town Of Wiota

On the 12th day of January, 1849, the County Commissioners ordered that the whole of Township 2, Range 5, and Sections 1, 2, 11, 12, 13, 14, 23, 24, 25 and 26, of Township 2, Range 4, should constitute a town to be called Wiota. A few years after. Sections 33, 34, 35 and 36, of Township 3, Range 4, and Sections 3, 4, 9, 10, 15, 16, 21, 22, 27, 28 and parts of 17 and 20, of Town 2, Range 4, were added to the territory constituting Wiota, making this the largest town in the county. Precinct elections were held here as early as at any point in the county. The first town meeting for the purpose of organizing the town and electing the officers was held at the house of H. C. Blodgett, in the village of Wiota, on the second Tuesday of April, 1849. The officers chosen were : George Schellenger, Chairman ; James Van Matre. J. L. Lovelace, Supervisors ; L. S. Hyde, Clerk ; Daniel Letters, Assessor ; J. Lutter, Treas- urer ; G. L. Way, Superintendent of Schools, and William Coble, Justice of the Peace. There were 119 votes cast, and |170 were appropriated for town purposes, 5 mills on the dollar for schools, and 1| mills on the dollar for roads and bridges.

The surface of this town is rather uneven generally, but not so rough as to retard cultivation very much. In different parts, there are portions quite broken, as might be expected in a section of country so highly charged with valuable mineral deposits as abound in this town.

The soil is usually of a highly fertile nature, consisting for the most part of a rich, black loam, which endures well the effects of long years of tilling and production, and for which characteristic this section of country is prominently noted. There is a little sand in and near the beds of the streams, as is usually the case throughout the county.

The town is well timbered, but the timber is not so large as in former years. The various kinds indigenous to this part of the State, as walnut, hickory, maple, elm, butternut, ash, poplar, hackberry and varieties of oak, are scattered over the town in profusion. When the town waa first settled, the people were prohibited from cutting down the timber, as Uncle Sam then expected that the country would be used solely for mining purposes.

The water supply in this town is uniformly good. The Peeatonica River flows through the eastern part. Into this empties the Whiteside Creek and several other small tributaries, which flow from different directions to the east and west of that stream. There are also several other small creeks in different portions of the town, flowing in various directions.

The population is varied. In the southwest part, the people are principally Irish, while in the southeast portion they are mostly Norwegians. In the northwest part, the English predominate, and in the northeast portion and throughout the town, Americans, Germans and other nationalities are scattered. The people are in a generally prosperous condition, and up to the average standard of excellence in intelligence and morals. There are several churches and good schools in the town, which receive a liberal support. The products are at the present confined to agriculture, there having been no mining done here for two or three years past.

Wiota is an eminently historical locality, not only in connection with the annals of thi& county, but with the entire Northwest, and the mineral-yielding regions of Wisconsin, for here one of the earliest settlements in the State was made, and immense amounts of ore extracted in early days, and in subsequent years. The first white comers to locate here were W. S. Hamilton, Elias Shook and William Haws. These persons were professional miners, and had previously worked at Galena, Dodgeville and other points adjacent to this section of country. They arrived in the spring of 1828, and immediately commenced prospecting for mineral, which they soon found in great paying quantities. As the miners say, " they struck it big." Mr. Hamilton, who was the general business manager of their affairs, went to Galena immediately after and obtained a permit to survey and lay off a mineral claim, this being necessary, as the Government had not yet surveyed the land. This claim included nearly, if not quite, a thousand acres of the best mineral land in the town, where the village of Wiota now stands, on Sections 13, 18, 19 and 24. Very soon after their arrival, cabins and a log smelting furnace were erected, and the work of mining commenced. (The mining interest is spoken of in another chapter.)

During the summer of the above year, Anthony Miller. Daniel Miller, Robert Paxton, George Schellenger, William Hale and family, James Woods, and quite a number of others, principally transient people, came into the town. Anthony Miller, who was then a young man yet in his teens, drove the first team of bullocks into the town for the Hamilton party. Mr. Miller has lived here since that time, and witnessed all the varied changes which fifty-two years have wrought since the country was a wilderness, the home of wild animals and the aborigines. Yet his form is erect and his step elastic, and, if nature deals as kindly with him in the future as she has in the past, he will live to see many new developments in this country. He is one of the oldest of the very first settlers now living in the county or State, and, having an excellent memory, can furnish reminiscences of border experiences of great interest to the historian. Robert Paxon ia still living, also, having spent the best of his life in mining. William Hale was killed near

Kellogg's Grove, in Jo Daviess County, on the 14th day of June, 1832, by the Indians, while accompanying a party bearing dispatches. Mr. Schellenger died here several years ago, leaving his wife, who is one of the oldest settlers, and who was the teacher of the first school at Mineral Point and Gratiot's Grove.

The first women in the town were the wife and six daughters of William Hale ; but they did not long remain sole mistresses of the field, for, within two or three years, there were a large number of women and children here. In 1829 and 1830, the number of fresh arrivals was very large. Of those who became permanent settlers are mentioned William Burrette and family, George Castle and family, Ezra Lamb and family, Robert Campbell, B. Million and family, James McKnight, Henry Apple, Isaac Wall, Peter Sanford and J. Sayles ; a few others came in previous to this, but their names are not known.

As soon as the rumor of the Indian troubles reached the inhabitants of the Wiota Diggings, a fort was commenced, but, before it was completed, the Indians - if they had felt so disposed - could have killed or put to flight the entire community. The fort was erected a half-mile south of the village, on Section 24, near the east section line. It stood but a short distance from the old furnace. An area about forty feet square was inclosed by a ditch and pickets or palisades, and next on the west side of this stood the block-house, a building 16x24 feet in dimensions. Nothing now remains to mark the spot, and nothing to guide the archaeologist of the future in his researches, except the spring from which water was obtained, which still gushes forth from Mother Earth about one hundred and fifty yards southeast from the site of the fort. The garrison was, as nearly as can be ascertained, as follows : W. S. Hamilton, Captain ; Daniel Miller, First Lieutenant ; Anthony Miller, Second Lieutenant ; T. Bradly, First Sergeant. General members - J. McClure, George Cummins, Stephen Eldred, Washington and C. J. Hale, J. Searles, Mr. Spafford, J. McKnight, James Mcllwaine, John Skinner, A. Floyd, C. and B. Million, Mr. Myers, Mr. Campton, J. Sayles, Robert Kirkendall, George Harrison, A. Higginbotham, J. Biggs, Samuel Bird, Henry Apple and Mr. Spencer. Probably there were a few others, also.

The fort was not attacked during the war, but four of the members were killed. The death of three of them, Searles, Spafford and Mcllwaine, is described in the Wayne town history. The other was Henry Apple, a German, after whom Apple River was named. On the 16th day of June, two days after the death of the last-mentioned parties, Appel started out, against the remonstrances of his comrades, to visit his farm. About half a mile northeast from the fort, he was waylaid by the Indians, killed and scalped. The same day Gen. Dodge, who had but just arrived from Fort Defiance with twenty-nine men, who were going in search of the Spafford party, started after the Indians. They followed them east and overtook them at the banks of the Pecatonica, where they had taken refuge in a swamp or slough, at what is called Horseshoe Bend, on Section 14. The Indians, fourteen in number, were all killed, and four of the attacking party were either killed on the spot or mortally wounded. For several years after, the bones and skulls of the Indians were scattered about the spot where the fight occurred. This was the only bloodshed of that war which occurred in the town.

Very soon after the close of the struggle, the settlers began pouring in, and within a few years the country around Wiota was largely taken up. Of the first arrivals, we have the names of Adam Collins, George Mathew, Henry Adam and John Helm, Mr. Clark, H. W. Barnes, Mr. Blackmore, Russell Baldwin, A. McConnell, James Woods, Robert Gray, G. Hawley, William Floyd, William Porter, Isaac Robinson, R. Short, L. Sargeant, G. W. Dobbs, Asom Riggs, Tom Mat, J. Riggs, J. Lease, Mr. Davis and Jesse Miller. There are but few of these parties now living either here or elsewhere.

Among the early settlers who are living here still, aside from those already spoken of, are C. Robinson, J. Reed, J. Lutter, 0. F. Schager, M. Dean, S. Johnson, M. Hansen, Horace Bebe, T. Nicholson, the Van Matre Brothers, M. J. and J. K. Hans Swanson, T. K. Robinson, George Stuart, James Kemp, Morgan, Tim and Richard Quinn, J. Purcell, J. H. Branum, H. Hulverson, Lars Munsen, N. Saterlee, William Fop, William Mayne, C. Osterday, J. J. Bridg- man, Samuel and William Sweeny, Nat Rogers, J. Mason, A. Anderson, J. Kern, Chris and Andrus Stree, M. Ericksen, E. Ingerbricksen, J. Million, the Pickett brothers, D. and E. Chris and J. Geirhart, Ole and A. 0. Rossing, W. Stevenson and S. Kelly.

The first nuptials in the town were celebrated in the fall of 1828, when Robert Campbell, who then lived at Gratiot's Grove, was married to Mahala Hale.

A miner's wife, while while stopping overnight, when on the way from Galena to Dodgeville, in 1828, was confined. The first child of resident parents was William, the son of Robert Campbell, born in the fall of 1829.

In the winter of 1831, the little son of Mr. Campbell died, this being the first death in the Wiota Diggings. The body was interred in what is now known as the old graveyard, which lies about a quarter of a mile southwest of Wiota Village.

A grocery and general provision store \^as opened here by Mr. Hamilton before 1832> which stood near the old furnace, south of the village. This establishment was continued for several years.

Mr. Day and Jesse Miller were the first mail carriers. Previous to the establishment of the office, the mail had been brought here once a week from Galena, 111., and distributed at Hamilton's store.

The first religious services were held at the cabin of William Hale, in 1830, by a Methodist itinerant, the Rev. Stevens. The Wiota Diggings were not considered in early days a very good field for ministerial effort. The miners, although not dishonest or unkindly disposed generally, were, nevertheless, unfavorably disposed toward the " preacher."

Mr. Carroll, one of the first comers, who lived on the farm now owned by the Van Matre brothers, had a grand harvesting-bee as early as 1831. People came from every direction for miles around - men and women. The men harvested eighty or ninety acres of grain before 3 o'clock, and the women made several quilts. They then went in for a good time, which lasted until the wee sma hours.

A regular smelting furnace was erected very early by W. S. Hamilton and a man by the name of Drum. It was operated according to a book on chemistry, which, it is related, the fireman could not read.

It is narrated that at one time a minister who was particularly odious for his extreme sanctity and want of virtue, was rotten-egged out of the place.

A school was first taught in the town in the winter of 1833, by George Cubbidge, in ye ancient temple of learning that stood about one mile east of the diggings. Now how great a change ; there are fourteen districts in or connected with the town, and the standard of education is of a high order.

One of the mechanical institutions, nearly indispensable in a new country, is the blacksmith-shop. This want was supplied for Wiota in 1830, by Robert Campbell, who first woke the morning echoes in the wilderness, and ushered in the evening with the ringing of his anvil, to the chorus of the miners' picks and shovels.

A tavern was first opened in the village by Russell Baldwin, soon after his coming in 1833. After that, at different times, there were several public houses in the villages.

Succeeding the close of the Black Hawk war, Messrs. Burrette & Gray built a saw-mill on Whiteside Creek, in the northeast part of the town ; this mill, which was the first in this section, was operated for a good many years. At this time, there was a grist-mill in the town, built twenty-five years previously by Mr. Williams, four miles northeast from Wiota Village, on the Whiteside Branch. It has passed through several hands, and is now owned by J. Sardison. It is built of stone, is two stories high, and is supplied with two runs of stone.

During the above year, a grand Fourth of July celebration was indulged in by the miners and settlers. The English element of the place at that time was pretty strong, and it was proposed by some of them that they should raise a red flag. At this, the Americans declared if they did they would not only pull it down, but that they would " knock down, drag and clean out " every one who participated in the affair. The flag was not raised, and peace prevailed with the exception of the belligerent demonstrations inseparable from a "glorious fourth."

There are at present four sorghum evaporators in the town, which did a thriving business during the past season. Those owned by the Winn and Bebee Brothers made about one thousand eight hundred gallons of sirup each, and the two owned by Messrs. Bridgman & Mason made about one thousand gallons each.

Wiota possesses four churches. The oldest and most substantial structure is the Methodist Episcopal stone church, which stands on the east half of Section 3, Range 4, and which was built nearly twenty-five years ago. The Union Church of Wiota was built in 1875. This is the "free-for-all " church of the town, there being no denominational control exercised over it. The United Brethren have a church located on Section 32, and the Lutherans have one, which is situated on Section 16. There is a large commonwealth cemetery lying on Section 13, controlled by the town.

The first village of the above name was laid out by W. S. Hamilton, in 1836, on the banks of the Pecatonica, on the southeast corner of Section 36. Seven or eight buildings were erected there, but the effort to create a village at that point would not work, and they were eventually moved to the diggings or torn down, there being no occupants for them.

The present village was platted for the Ridgeway Mining Company, successors to Hamilton & Co., by Nathan Corwith and John Slothower, on the 1st of July, 1858, Charles Temple being the surveyor. Previous to this, the lots were sold hocus-pocus, so to speak, and the survey and plat were made to conform to the old streets and lots as much as possible As a result, the place is as rambling and irregular in shape as an Indian village. The early history of the village was the history of the town as narrated. From 1840 to 1856, or until the Mineral Point Railroad came through the county, the village did a thriving business. There were seven stores at one time, and various mechanic shops, besides hotels. At the present time, there are two small stores kept by J. Lutter and B. F. Hahn, the latter being the Postmaster. There are three blacksmiths (P. Davidson, Charles Smith and E. Peterson); two shoe-shops (A. Field and A. 0. Skinrood), a brewery (P. Elder), and a hotel kept by William Mayne.

The mining district was, as stated, first owned by Hamilton, Shook &. Haws. They conducted the business in partnership for two or three years, when Hamilton bought out the other two, becoming sole owner. A short time after, Peter Van Bergan purchased an interest in the mines, but he did not retain it long. Then Russell Baldwin became interested with Hamilton, but he, like his predecessor, soon after abandoned the business, Hamilton again becoming the proprietor. In 1834, he became involved to such an extent that the property was taken for his debts, Henry Corwith, of Illinois, being the chief creditor. Anthony Miller was appointed Assignee, and entered the land from the Government. After this, a joint stock company was organized to operate the mines, called the Ridgeway Mining Company, Nat Dean and John Slothower being the local operatives. The company set up a seventy horse-power engine and force-pump on the grounds, and erected a saw-mill, and for a time did an immense business. The company ceased mining about 1870, and a few years subsequent the engine and machinery were sold. With the exception of a little digging done by private individuals, nothing has been attempted since that time.

The best-yielding points were what are known as the ridge veins and the large patch diggings. The mineral of the ridge ground was found in the crevices of the rocks, the mystio

Masonic weed being the miners' guide to the precious deposit. That of the patch diggings was found lying from four to six feet beneath the surface, entirely isolated from the rocks, and scattered about promiscuously. The most abundant yield in early times was from the patch, about 75 per cent of the material taken from this place being pure ore. The ancient windlass and bucket were the means employed to raise the mineral. At first, when at any point the shafts or mines were sunk so deep that the work was obstructed by water running in, a horsepump was employed to remove it, but in later years an engine was used for this purpose. The most remarkable mineral deposit ever discovered here, or anywhere in the mines of this district, was found by Robert and Samuel Paxton and M. Inman in 1830. After prospecting for some time at Mr. Hamilton's expense, they were at last rejoiced and rewarded by finding a solid mass of ore thirty feet in length by fifteen feet deep and four and a half feet wide, which yielded above a quarter of a million pounds of pure lead. As unexampled as this statement may seem, it is nevertheless true, for there are those living now who saw the phenomenon and can vouch for the accuracy of the statement. The price of mineral has fluctuated from $5 to $100 per one thousand pounds. There were never anything but log and ash smelting furnaces at this point.