Wyoming Town

Wyoming Town

Rev. Solomon ChaflFee was succeeded by Rev. Zachariah Eddy, who was in turn replaced in 1856 by the Rev. D. C. Lyon. Mr. Lyon resigned the pastorate August 5, 1851, and was followed by Rev. David T. Noyes, who served one year, and was succeeded by the Rev. Charles Boynton. The resignation of Rev. Boynton was accepted January 30, 1860, and April 1, 1860, Rev. H. H. Benson took charge of the church. September 20, 1863, Mr. Benson resigned, and February 18, 1864, Rev. Goodnow was employed for three months. July 25, 1864, Rev. E. B. Miner, of Baraboo, assumed his labors among the flock, and January 11, 1867, he was succeeded by Rev. W. H. Bernard, who served as Pastor until April, 1869. Rev. A. S. Yale accepted a call to this charge July 5, 1869, and served until October, 1871, when Rev. G. W. Evans entered upon the duties as Pastor. December 10, 1874, was the date of the acceptance the call by Rev. A. S. Reed who resigned April 1, 1877, and was succeeded in February, 1878, by Rev. J. Emery Fisher. In September, 1878, Mr. Fisher resigned, and November 9, 1878, Rev. Louis H. Jenkins, the present Pastor, entered upon his duties. In 1878, the church edifice was raised, and a stone basement constructed with room 33 feet square. The church proper is 36x56 feet, and has long since taken its place among the principal church edifices in Mineral Point. The Elders of the church are T. J. Campbell, John Clowney and Neil Mc- Vicker ; Trustees, T. J. Campbell, John Clowney, Neil McVicker, George Keuheuan, Robert Hughes, John Ghundman ; Clerk, T. J. Campbell ; Treasurer, Neil McVicker. In 1847, a united conference of the Presbyterian and Congregational denominations was held at the Presbyterian Church in Mineral Point, the Revs. D. Clary, of Beloit, and J. J. White, of Milwaukee, preached. The conference was convened October 11. 1847, by selecting Rev. A. L. Chapin, of Milwaukee, Moderator, and Rev. C. Warner, of Elk Horn, Clerk. Various subjects were discussed during the conference, which lasted a week, and some interesting statistics relating to the mission in Wisconsin Territory were presented by Rev. Stephen Peet. Revs. A. L. Chapin and J. J. Miter, of Milwaukee, spoke on the same subject ; Rev. L. H. Loss, of Beloit, and Mr. George F. McGoun, formerly Principal of Platteville Academy spoke on education. The proceedings of the convention created kindly and harmonious feeling, and the different delegates departed for their homes with pleasant recollections of their generous reception at Mineral Point.

St. Mary's German Catholic Society. - This parish was originally a part of what is termed the " Irish congregation," but the church edifice becoming too small, and the German element desiring a pastor of their own nationality, in 1870, organized the St. Mary's congregation. During the same year, the church property, consisting of three acres, was purchased of John Bracken, the consideration being $2,000. The society immediately proceeded to the erection of a church and presbytery. Both buildings were completed and taken possession of August 1, 1870. The church and residence were erected at a cost of $10,000. In the fall of 1871, the parish school, a large two-story edifice, with accommodation for one hundred and fifty scholars, was erected at a cost of $2,0(30. There are eno;a";ed here as teachers, three Sisters of the Dominican order, of Racine, Wis. The first Pastor of this congregation was Rev. Franz X. Weinhard, who served from 1870 to 1878. In October, 1878, Rev. George Weidlich took charge of the parish, and continued until April, 1879. Rev. Joseph Huber, the present incumbent, became pastor May 1, 1879. Connected with this congregation is the parish cemetery, consisting of four acres of land, located one mile from the city, on the Dodgeville road. This cemetery was established in 1873. The first person buried here was Sister Seraphine. The total number buried here since its establishment, aggregates ninety. St. Joseph's Benevolent Society, composed of members of St. Mary's German Catholic congregation, was organized March 19, l871. The first ofiicers were, Peter Freiden, President ; Joseph Ellingen, Vice President ; Matt Schmitt, Secretary ; Edward Ellingen, Treasurer. The society now numbers fifty-three members, with the following officers : John Jeuck, President ; John Amberg, Vice President ; Phillip Wiedenfeller, Secretary ; Peter Freiden, Treasurer.

One of the chief acts performed by any civilized community, is the providing of a suitableand permanent place for the interment of its dead ; but, when a country is new and sparsely settled, and deaths few, very little attention is given to the subject, almost any sightly burialplace being considered good enough. In the early history of Mineral Point, about the year 18.30(?), one of the many miners here at that time was wont to remark that when he died, he desired to be buried beneath the "big tree" on the hill. This land-mark was on the grounds now fenced in and known as the City burying-ground.

According to the request of the miner, he was buried beneath the "big tree," and thus was established the first burying-ground in Mineral Point. This being a sightly place for a cemetery, others were buried here, and so close to the big tree were the graves located that it soon died from injuries received while digging the graves.

This ground is in what is known as " Irvin and others' " addition to Mineral Point, and not being a legalized burying-ground, was, in the first place, surveyed and platted into village lots, streets and alleys.

After the village had negotiated for years, in 1856, William T. Henry, then Clerk, purchased the land for the city, which has since controlled it. This cemetery is located in the heart of the city, on an elevated ground overlooking the business portion of the village, and in the summer time, the graves, walks and avenues are tastefully ornamented with flowers and shrubbery, forming a very attractive and picturesque sight.

St. Paul's Catholic Cemetery. - Up to 1850, the Catholic congregation had no graveyard proper. The dead were buried in the church lot adjoining the Priest's house. When the clmrch property was donated, it was located some distance from the vill(\ge ; but, in 1851, the growth of the village having been rapid, residences were being built in close proximity to the church, consequently it became necessary to procure other burial-grounds. With a view to the accomplishment of this idea, Father Cousse called a meeting of the congregation July 6, 1851. Eventually, Father Causse was enabled to purchase a piece of land, about one acre, formerly owned by Rev. Jouannault, a short distance south, on the Galena road. The first burials here were the remains of those disinterred and removed from the old burial ground at the church.

In September, 1852, the new cemetery was fenced in, and has since been carefully guarded. This cemetery, conveniently located on the Galena road, in the limits of the city, is still used for burial purposes, and the numerous mounds and tombstones give evidence that the hand of death has not been still.

Graceland Cemetery. - Not quite a mile from the business center of the city is located a handsome plat of ground, consisting of 10 acres, laid and surveyed by Moses Strong, Jr., in 1875, for a burial-ground. The Graceland Cemetery, as it is called, is beautifully and conveniently located, and there are few spots in the city that could be so readily adorned and beautified by the hand of man. The little groves of evergreens strewn about in elegant profusion, combined with the symmetrical walks, avenues and drives, form a picture equaled by but few such places in this community, and one which in the near future will compare favorably with the finest cemeteries in Southwestern Wisconsin.

The burial-ground was purchased and is owned by the " Graceland Cemetery Association," which was organized March 17, 1874. with forty charter members ; consisting of persons from the different Protestant congregations in the city. The organization was eff'ected by the election of the following ofiicers and Trustees : Moses M. Strong, President ; J. H. Vivian, Treasurer ; T. S. Ansley, Secretary. Trustees - James Hutchison, Joseph Gundry, Methodist Episcopal Church ; T. J. Campbell, John Clowney, Presbyterian Church ; P. Allen, Sr., James Toay, Primitive Methodist Church ; J. H. Vivian, Moses M. Strong, R. D. Pulford, Episcopal Church. The ground was purchased by the association May 24, 1875, from Mr. Cooper, the consideration being $1,500. The cemetery is located on the northwest quarter of northeast quarter of Section 1, Town 4, Range 2 east.

The association was organized under the laws of the State, governing " cemetery associations," and any person becoming a lot owner is entitled to membership in the society. Lots are sold for $25 each, and a deed given to each purchaser, subject to the rules of the association. A small portion of the grounds is laid out and known as the free burial-place, intended for paupers. Of the 708 lots contained in the cemetery, ninety have been sold. The first person buried here was Robert Robinson. Among the prominent men buried here maybe mentioned Moses Strong, Jr., who in 1877, at the age of thirty-one years, was drowned in the Flambeau River, while pursuing his avocation as Assistant State Geologist. The present officers of the association are Moses M. Strong, President ; J. H. Vivian, Treasurer ; T. S. Ansley, Secretary. Trustees - P. Allen, Sr., M. Strong, R. D. Pulford, James Toay, J. H. Vivian, John Spensley, James Hutchinson, John Clowney, Joseph Gundry. " .

Official Roster

1838-30. - Thomas McKnight, President; Abner Nichols, Cromwell Lloyd, Charles V. B. Burris and William Prideaux, Trustees ; D. W. Jones, Treasurer ; D. G. Fenlon, Clerk ; J. B. Latham and William Henry, Assessors, Collectors and Constables ; Edwai-d McSheney, Justice. Subsequently, John Phillips and William Henry were elected in place of Thomas McKnight and William Prideaux.

1844-45 - F. J. Dunn, Esq., President; Francis Vivian, William Bennett, G. B. Morrison and John Carter, Trustees ; J. B. Bowden, Clerk ; William Prideaux, Treasurer ; William Henry, Sr., Justice of the Peace.

1845-46 - F. J. Dunn, President; A. Nichols, Jabez Pierce, James James and Samuel Rich, Trustees ; J. S. Bowden, Clerk ; William Prideaux, Treasurer ; and subsequently John Bracken, Clerk.

1846-47 - -Parley Eaton, President ; Thomas Riddell, Cyrus Woodman, William Sublitt and David Ross, Trustees ; John Bracken, Clerk ; P. W. Thomas, Treasurer ; A. W. Comfort, Assessor.

1848-49 - Samuel Crawford, President; William Langon, A. Nancolas, S. Thomas and William J. Tilley, Trustees ; James Hutchman, Clerk; Richard Thomas, Treasurer; A. W. Comfort, Assessor.

1855-56 - Charles Temple, President ; Joseph Smith, Samuel Wheeler, John Bracken and Ed Prideaux, Trustees; Joseph Clary, Clerk; Ed Coad. Treasurer; J. A. Piatt, A.ssessor. On June 12, of this year, a special election was held to fill the vacancy of President; Dr. Harmon Van Dusen was elected.

1857 - 58 - Charles F. Legate, Mayor; John Bracken, William A. Pierce, Caspar Ehat, Joseph Munster, Barney Mcllhon and Alfred Jenkin, Aldermen ; Harmon Van Dusen, Superintendent of Schools : John Jenkins, Treasurer ; W. T. Henry and Samuel Jenkins, Assessors ; William T. Henry, Clerk ; Emory Healy, Marshal ; R. L. Reed and Earnest Weiser, Justices ; Theodore Inglis and Daniel Kober, Constables.

1858-59 - John Clawny, Mayor ; Francis Vivian, Caspar Ehat, William A. Pierce, Joseph Munster, Bernard Mcllhon and Edward Corrish, Aldermen; Herman Van Dusen, Superintendent of Schools ; John Jenkins, Treasurer ; William T. Henry, Assessor and Clerk ; E. S. Sprague and John Issey, Constables.

1859-60 - Henry Plowman, Mayor ; William A. Pierce, Edward Corrish, Francis Vivian, J. W. Dickerson, Caspar Ehat and Bernard Mcllhon, Aldermen; R. D. Pulford, Superintendent of Schools; John Jenkins, Treasurer; William Lanyon, Assessor; William T. Henry, Clerk; Ed Blanchard and Phillip Weidenfeller, Police Justices; I. P. Trammel and Earnest Weiser, Justices; Phillip Weidenfeller and John Ivey, Constables.

1871-72 - David W. Jones, Municipal Judge ; James Argall, David Jacka, Albert Sprattler, Charles Gillman, James Brewer and S. E. Sheppard, Aldermen ; William H. Peck, Superintendent of Public Schools; Thomas Jenkins, Treasurer; George Wilkinson, Assessor; W. H. Curry, Clerk ; Alexander Guigon, Street Commissioner; R. L. Reed and Samuel Thomas. Justices ; Samuel Hitchins and Hugh Connoughton, Constables ; H. Van Dusen and Samuel Jenkins, Supervisors.

187-3-74 - William T. Henry, Municipal Judge ; James Brewer, Charles Rau, S. E. Sheppard, Charles Gillraan, George Jenck and John Spensley, Aldermen ; William H. Curry, Superintendent of Schools ; Phillip Eden, Treasurer; George Wilkinson, Assessor; William H. Curry, Clerk ; Samuel Hitchins, Street Commissioner ; J. P. Traniel and Samuel Thomas, Justices; Edward Prideaux and Hugh Connoughton, Constables; H. Van Deusen and John James, Supervisors.

1875-76 - James Hutchison, Municipal Judge ; William Langon, James V. Mayhew, John Spensley, William H. Curry, George Jenck and M. W. Prater, Aldermen ; Thomas Priestly, Superintendent of Schools; Thomas Hankey, Treasurer; William J. Healey, Assessor; J. B. Teasdale, Clerk; James Taag, Street Commissioner; J. P. Tramel and Samuel Thomas, Justices ; Thomas Dunn and Hugh Connoughton, Constables ; Calvert Spensley and John H. Vivian, Supervisors.

1878-79 - Calvert Spensley, Municipal Judge ; A. B. Ferris, James D. James, Alfred Jenkins, Charles Gillman, T. S. Ansley and George Jenck, Aldermen ; James B. Moffit, Superintendent of Public Schools ; Nicholas Schmidt, Treasurer ; George Priestly, Assessor ; J. P. Tramel, Clerk ; Edward Brown, Street Commissioner ; Samuel Jacka and Hugh Connoughton, Constables; S. E. Sheppard and William N. Curry, Supervisors.

1879-80 - J. M. Smith, Municipal Judge; Hymen Joseph, Samuel Jenkins, A. B. Ferris, James D. James, Alfred Jenkins and Charles Gillman, Aldermen ; Herman Van Dasen, Superintendent of Schools; Nicholas Smith, Treasurer; George Priestly, Assessor; J. P. Tramel, Clerk ; Edward Brown, Street Commissioner ; J. P. Tramel and Samuel Thomas, Justices ; William J. Healy and A. C. Ansley, Constables ; Joseph Ganary and John H. Vivian, Supervisors.

1880 - J. M. Smith, Municipal Judge: -Joseph Prideau.^, Charles Gillman, Hymen Joseph, Samuel Jenkins, A. B. Ferris and James D. James, Aldermen ; Herman Van Dasen, Superintendent of Schools; Nicholas Smith, Treasurer; Michael Crawford, Assessor; J. P. Tramel, Clerk ; Edward Brawn, Street Commissioner; John Daniels and A. C. Ansley, Constables ; J. J. Ross and George Jenck, Supervisors.

Business Summary And Conclusion

We hear of no serious pecuniary difficulties existing while the panic of 1873 was convulsing the Eastern cities, so it may be safely inferred that the commercial atmosphere has been uniformly clear and prosperous. Business transactions of exceptional magnitude seldom, if ever, occur here to set the people agog with envy, and to cause useless and unprofitable agitation in commercial, manufacturing and mining circles; yet, those of every-day occurrence are sufficiently large and remunerative to provide a constant and observable gain. As a consequence, the city has come to be regarded as one of the most solidly wealthy in this county or in the State ; and had it not been for the railroad bond incubus, under which the place has labored and writhed for so many years, it is but fair to suppose that the community would to-day be in a still more prosperous condition. We have slowly traced the picture of the growing community from the first faint lines of civilization, up through the various gradations of color and shape, until at last the scene becomes comparatively complete in a large and happy family, enjoying the amenities and comforts of modern home life in completeness. The elements of disorder and inharmony characteristic of fifty years ago, have given place to law and order, and a serenity and peacefulness has long existed, which it is to be hoped, is but an earnest of the future success and development of this locality and people.

In conclusion, we have to say that many points of interest have necessarily been omitted for want of space, and to make room for those of greater importance, and that would clearly indicate the condition of the community. However, it has been our aim from the first to last to take a fair and impartial survey of everything, and to omit nothing of real and permanent value.