History of Crawford and Richland counties, Wisconsin, Part 105

Author: Butterfield, Consul Willshire, 1824-1899. [from old catalog]; Union publishing company, Springfield, Ill., pub. [from old catalog]
Publication date: 1884
Publisher: Springfield, Ill., Union publishing company
Number of Pages: 1298

USA > Wisconsin > Richland County > History of Crawford and Richland counties, Wisconsin > Part 105
USA > Wisconsin > Crawford County > History of Crawford and Richland counties, Wisconsin > Part 105

Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).

here. The cost of the church building was about $4,000.

The first Roman Catholic services in the town of Utica were conducted by the Rev. L. Galthier, of Prairie du Chien, at the house of Patrick Finnigan, on section 22, town 11, range 5 west, in April, 1855 Between thirty and forty families comprise the congregation. Rev. Gal- thier held services occasionally for a number of years. A German priest whose name is not remembered, also came occasionally. Another priest, Father Seife, held services a few times. In the spring of 1857, a log church was erected, and the first pastor mentioned was the first to conduet services in this church. He was an earnest, energetic priest, and was well known throughout this section of country. The first pastor who was settled over the people here was the Rev. O'Connor, who was pastor for about four years. He was followed by Rev. Patrick Murphy, who remained two or three years. Father Montagne, who came about 1879, was pastor during the building of the present church edifice, which was built the following year. This is a frame building on section 22, town 10, range 5 west. Cost, about 825,000. Then came Rev. Michael Ileiss who was sucy ceeded by the Rev. Constantine De Druste.

The next priest was Father B. Degoey. Then came Father Collins from Seneca, who held services about six months, followed by Rev. John Collins, Then came Rev. J. J. Burns and Rev. J. B. A. Conroy, who was suc- ceeded by the present pastor, Rev. Gabriel Momo.

CEMETERIES.

There are three burying grounds in the town of Utica. One of these is situated on section 25, on the farm of William McAuley. Another is located at Towerville, and the third, on sec- tions 35 and 36, town 10, range 5 west, on the farms of Messrs. Stearns and Willet. The land constituting the first mentioned was deed- ed by Mr. MeAuley to the school district in which he lived. The first burials there were a

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HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY.

child of Mr. McAuley's named Allen Hess, and a German whose name is unknown, who was looking up a location; he was taken sick at the house of Mr. MeAuley and there died. These interments both occurred in 1856.

The cemetery at Towerville was first used by the Tower family and afterward used by the public in general. The first burials here date to about the same time as those in the cemetery just mentioned. These two cemeteries in 1884 were being used but little, except by those who already had friends buried there.

The principal burying place of the town was first used in 1870. This ground was deeded by Messrs. Stearns and Willet, to the Utica and Seneca Cemetery Association. The first buri- als within these grounds were removals from the cemetery on section 25. In addition to these places of burial, there were Church ceme- teries in connection with both the Catholic and Lutheran Churches; also several private burial places.

VILLAGE OF MT. STERLING.

This village takes its name from the mound so called in honor of the first settler, Mr. Sterling. This mound is situated just east of and adjacent to the place, which is located on section 26, town 10, range 5 west. The land upon which the village is platted, was entered by William T. Sterling, in the name of his wife, Eliza Ster- ling, in 1855. The land was sold by its original owner to Truman Folsom, in 1856; it was again transferred to P. S. Newcomb, and from him to Cyrus Bennett, by whom the village was laid out in 1858. The only building on the land contained in the plat, at the time it was laid out, was a shanty owned and occupied by Mr. Newcomband his family. Mr. Folsom, already mentioned, erected the first building in which he lived, and also kept a small stock of goods, and consequently must be given a place as the first merchant of the place.

A man named Swift was the earliest black- smith of the village.

In the autumn of 1868, A. E. Mills erected a wagon and blacksmith shop. He employed George Shop and A. B. Williams as wagon makers.

The first shoemaker was A. C. B. Vaughan, who was postmaster of the place in 1883.

The postoffice at Mt. Sterling was estab- lisbed in 1851. William T. Sterling was ap- pointed first postmaster. He was succeeded by the following in their proper order: C. C. Bennett, Truman Folsom, James II. Jewell, Dr. Frederick Corfe, Aaron Cook and A. C. B. Vanghan, who received his appointment in 1879, and is still (1884) in office.

CHURCHES.

There were three Church organizations within the village in 1884-Methodist Episcopal, Con- gregational and Universalist. The first two mentioned have buildings and mantain regular services.

The first services of the Congregational Church held at Mt. Sterling were conducted by the Rev. John Sherwin in 1863. Mr. Sherwin was at that time State agent of the Congrega- tional Church in Wisconsin. Ile at that time organized a society, which was called the First Congregational Church at Mt. Sterling.

Those who united with the society at that time were: Mrs. Mary Radeliffe, Joel Robb, his wife, Mrs. Jane Robb, John M. Gay, Mrs. Sarah Gay, Priscilla Gay, Isaac Rounds, Mrs. Lucy A. Rounds, Thomas Allen and his wife, Mrs. Williams and Mrs. Lydia Sherwood.

First officers were: John M. Gay and Joel Bobb, deacons; John M. Gay, clerk.

The first pastor was the Rev. L. D. Radcliffe. He preached for the society about three years. He was a man well liked and of fair ability. He is now living in Pennsylvania. He was suc- ceeded by the present pastor, Rev. Peter Valen- tine.

The church edifice was erected in 1863. It is a frame building, and cost about $2,000. Since its completion, $100 have been expended in improvements. The society at present is

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HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY.

not a large one, many members having died and others removed. Marcus Nickerson is the present deacon, the pastor officiating as clerk. Present members, fifteen.

Rov. Peter Valentine has been pastor of the Church since Nov. 1, 1868. Ile is a native of Lancashire, England, where he was born in 1810. Ile began preaching when twenty-seven years of age as an Independent Methodist preacher, which he continued till 1842, when he came to the United States. Preached in Penn- sylvania several years before coming to this State. Was ordained as a Congregational min- ister in 1864, in the town of Wheatland, Ver- non county, by the Rev. John Sherwin. His wife, Alice Pollit, was also a native of England. They have two children, a son and a daughter.

Probably the first Methodist service held in the town of Utica, was conducted by the Rev. C. A. Wirech, in 1854, at the house of Ezekiel Tainter, but whether there was a class formed in the town as early as that date, is not certain, though it is highly probable that such was the case, as there were several Methodist families living in the town at that time.

The circuit which included this town at the time, consisted of a large area of territory, and Services were held infrequently for a number of years. The second preacher on the circuit was the Rev. John Knibbs, in 1856.

The following is furnished by Rev. John Knibbs :

"I was sent in September, 1856, to the mis- sion which included the town of Utica; I found the country new and rough, and the peo- ple few and far between. I can hardly remem- ber where I preached first, but I think it was at the double log tavern of William McAnley, who I believe still resides at Mt. Sterling. If I remember aright, my first class was formed at Bro. Ezekiel Tainter's, or " Uncle Zeke," as he was generally known ; whether a class was then formerly organized or whether, like Topsy, it "grew " I cannot now remember. We had

several good Methodist members in that region, who came principally from Ohio.

"Among them were Mr. and Mrs. Wilbur, Mr. and Mrs. Tallman, Mr. Roger's family, and two brothers named Peck. There were several others whose names I do not remember. The minister appointed by the conference to succeed me, was brother T. C. Clendenning, now of Rock River Conference, but I have long since lost sight of our Church in that region of the county.

"You ask for some account of my experience while traveling the circuit in the stormy winter of 1856-7. Well, it was a very chilling experi- ence to say the least. I began my mission work in September, and had traversed the county quite thoroughly before winter set in. I had ten preaching places, besides several classes to visit. On the 22d of December, 1856, I started from Prairie du Chien, and preached at Bridge- port in the afternoon . of that day. In the evening I went to Stukeville. During the night a hard snow storm came on and I was shut in with no entertainment for myself or horse. So in the morning I started for the house of J. F. Has- kins, in Haney valley, but the storm increased and a crust an inch thick formed on the snow. My horse's legs were cut and bleeding and he refused to go further, so I left him and under- took to find a house on foot ; but the intense cold and darkness confused me and I wandered about during five days and four nights, at the end of which time I was nearly exhausted. On the fifth day I found Eagle Points saw-mill, Mr. Ralph Smith, proprietor. There I was re- ecived and most kindly cared for. On the eighth day, mortification having begun, my left foot was amputated, and I was taken the same day to Prairie du Chien and kindly cared for by Mr. Alonzo Pelton, Drs. Benedict and Mason, and many others. Dr. Benedict after- ward said that if my system had contained a particle of alchohol, I would not have survived the first night of my exposure. Many at that time lost their lives who were exposed but one

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HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY.

night to the intense cold. This part of my cx- perience I have ever cherished as a valuable temperance lesson."

The Rev. T. C. Clendenning, who succeeded Rev. John Knibbs, was assisted on the circuit by the Rev. Isaac E. Springer.

The church building at Mt. Sterling, a frame structure, was the first Methodist church in the town. As late as 1867 Mount Sterling was in Batavia circuit. In 1868 it belonged to Seneca and Brookville circuit. There is no record of this church to be found extending back further than 1870, at which time the Rev. MeKay was the pastor, who removed in 1872, and was succeeded by Rev. O. Burnett, who re- moved in 1874; then came Rev. Thomas Crouch, who removed in 1875 and was succeeded by Rev. Robert Smith, who remained two years. E. F. Bunce was appointed in 1877 but did not accept the appointment, when L. L. Wooley was appointed as supply, and Isaac C. F. Nu- zem, preacher in charge, who remained till 1878 and was succeeded by William McMillan who remained one year. Rev. John Avery was ap- pointed in 1880 and served two years. Rev. Edward McGinley was appointed in 1882, and was succeeded by Rev. James Barnett, in 1883.

In February, 1881, Rev. I. Eberhart delivered a course of lectures at Mt. Sterling on univer- salism. Services were held here occasionally thereafter, but no organization was effected till the spring of 1883, when a society was formed and the organization called the First Universalist Church of Mount Sterling. The society contains about thirty members.

The Rev. S. N. Cushett has preached for the society, and the Rev. A. Vedder is the present pastor.

SOCIETIES.

In 1883 there were two secret societies in the village-a Good Templars' Lodge, whose char- ter dates Feb. 27, 1878, and the Patrons of Husbandry, which was organized July 8, 1874. BUSINESS HISTORY.

Truman Folsom sold the first goods in the village, and was soon succeeded by J. H. Jewell,

who remained in business a number of years. He kept a general stock and built him up a fine trade from the surrounding country. Prior to 1865 the firm was known as Jewell & Case, and during that year they were succeeded by Cook & MeAuley, who in turn were followed by Cook & llaggerty. In 1868 this firm was changed to J. A. Haggerty, and three years later, to Haggerty & Co. The next change was in 1880, when N. Grant became proprietor, and a year later the firm was styled N. Grant & Co. In 1882 the firm became J. Smethurst.

Brightman & Stearns commenced a general merchandising business in 1866, and closed out about three years later. This firm was sue- ceeded in 1881 by Bennett & Haggerty, who were still in trade in 1884.

A drug business was first established at Mt. Sterling in 1860, by Dr. Fred. Corfe and E. Packard. During the Rebellion, these gentlemen both served in the Union army, and their business discontinued till the return of Dr. Corfe, when another drug house was opened under the firm name of Corfe & Sherwood ; the firm later became Corfe & Packard, the latter being a brother of the first mentioned Packard. It was again Corfe & Sherwood ; then Corfe alone, who was succeeded in 1881 by W. A, Sherwood, who is still (1884) in business.

The pioneer hotel of the village was kept by Lorenzo B. Layton, who began keeping what is known as the Sherwood House. He afterward built the Layton House, which he operated till his death, which occurred in 1883.

The business of the village in December, 1883, was represented as follows: Haggerty & Bennett, general merchants; Smethurst & Case, general merchants; A. E. Mills, blacksmith; A. E. Spencer, wagon-maker; A. Sears, hotel; Sherwood & Son, Sherwood House; A. (. B. Vanghan, postmaster; Mrs. C. G. Green, mil- liner; W. A. Sherwood, drugs; C. B. Porter, physician.

VILLAGE OF TOWERVILLE.

This little hamlet is situated on the north- east quarter of the northeast quarter of section

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HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY.

4. The original owners of the plat were J. 11. Tower, Jr., and T. W. Tower. It was laid out by these gentlemen and their father, J. H. Tower, in July, 1854; the plat was surveyed by William MeAuley. A grist mill and two dwelling houses were erected that year by the proprietors of the village. In 1855 a store building was ereeted by J. H. Tower, Jr., who started the first store in the place; a blacksmith and cooper shop were Started the same year by G. J. Freeman. The grist mill was built on Tainter's creek, which flows hard by the village and furnishes a good supply of water for any ordinary mill power. This mill was owned and operated by J. H. Tower and his sons for about three years. It then passed into the hands of other parties, and finally became the property of Matthew Stunkard, now deceased. There lingers in and around this moss covered mill inch of historie interest, as it was the first mill in Crawford county, outside of Prairie du Chien.

A saw-mill was built in 1858 by J. P. Tower, about fifty rods below the grist mill. IIe owned and operated the mill till 1865, when it was abandoned. At this date, 1884, Mr. Tower lives in Diekinson, Co., Iowa.

A woolen factory was built by Edward Davis in 1859. The size of the factory was 30x50 feet, two stories in height. The machinery consisted of a custom carding machine, one broad and two narrow looms, and set of manu- facturing cards. Mr. Davis operated this mill for two or three years, when it was burned. Ile began re-building soon after the fire, and be- fore its completion he formed a partnership with Thomas W. Tower. The factory was finally completed; it contained a set of custom cards, set of manufacturing cards, and two jacks. The mill also had 480 spindles, two broad and three narrow looms. Mr. Davis sold his interest, before its completion, to George M. Wilber, and two years later Mr. Tower be- came sole proprietor, and for several years did a thriving business. He finally leased, or

rather sold conditionally, to Clark Lawton; but the flames again consumed it in 1873. It was again re-built by David K. Lester. In 1883 it was owned and worked by George C. Davis, who did custom work, such as carding and manufacturing yarns.

A postoffice was established at Towerville in 1856. John II. Tower was the first postmaster commissioned. He was succeeded by his broth- er, Thomas W. Tower. Archibald Sears came next, and was succeeded in 1883 by Mrs. A. E. llelgerson.

For about twenty years Towerville was con- sidered a place of much importance. Among the prominent men of the village in its palmy days were J. H. and T. W. Tower. The Tower family came here from Underhill, Vt., and were indeed men of much prominence in Crawford county at an early day. The father, J. Il. Tower, died in 1856. In 1883 J. H., Jr., was a resident of the town of Freeman, and Thomas WV. lived in Sumner, Bremer Co., Iowa, whither he removed in 1879. At the present date (1884) the business of the place is represented as follows :

Thomas llelgerson, general store ; George ('. Davis, woolen mill ; Mrs Katherine Stunkard, grist mill ; Amanda Helgerson, postmistress.

JOHNSTOWN.

In 1860 a mill dam was built on Tainter's creek, on seetion 9, in town 10, range 4 west, and the frame for a saw-mill got out ; but high water washed away the dam, and other losses were sustained, and the project thereby abau- doned. The parties thus interested were: John Mitchell, D. R. Wilkinson, John E. Howell, J. P. Mitchell and William Restler. A store was opened by the company composed of these gen- tlemen ; it was operated by William Restler for a time. Samuel Hutchins also run a store here for some time. This place took its name from John Mitchell, one of the above named com- pany. But owing to the abandonment of the mill projeet, business was altogether discon tinued.

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HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY.

About a half mile above, on the same stream -T'ainter's creek-is the grist mill of George M. Wilbur, which was built by him in 1876. It is a frame structure 26x56 feet ; has two run of stone, with an ample water power to drive all necessary machinery.

GAY'S MILL.

The first mill built in the town of Utica was a saw-mill; it was located on the Kickapoo river, on section 28, town 10, range 4 west. It was erected by James B. Gay about 1848. It was owned and operated by Mr. Gay till 1859; on the death of Mr. Gay in that year, it went into the possession of his legal heirs, and was run till about 1878, after which it was removed. This mill manufactured lumber from pine logs rafted down the Kickapoo river from the vast pine region above ; and also cut into lumber the various kinds of hard timber found in the vicinity. This point on the Kickapoo river has long been an important one for milling purposes. The excellent water power found here attracted the attention of the pioneers, and it was promptly utilized by Mr. Gay, who was one of the earliest lumbermen of this county.

In 1865 the present flouring mill at this point was erected by J. M. Gay, a brother of James B. Gay, and George M. Wilbur. Mr. Wilbur owned a half interest in the mill for about two years, when he sold out to Mr. Only, a son-in- law of Mr. Gay. The mill building is a frame "structure 30x40 feet, containing two run of stone, with six feet fall, and an abundant sup- ply of water at all seasons of the year. In 1885 the building was raised from a story and a half in height to three stories. The mill is now owned and operated by Thomas W. Gay and S. H. and J. A. Robb.

This mill has always done an extensive busi- ness, and is noted for the excellence of its work. The present proprietors are energetie business men. The business of the mill is annually in- creasing. Improvements are in contemplation and will soon be made, which will enlarge the

capacity of the mill, and give increased facilities for doing excellent work.

The term, "Gay's Mill," is used to designate Inite a settlement at this point. Mr. J. Steffy has a store here, and keeps a general stock of goods. There are also several societies and a Church organization with headquarters at this place. There is an organization of the Congrega- tional Church here dating from September, 1871. Rev. P. Valentine has officiated as pastor since its organization. The following are the names of those who united to form the society: N. A. Tallman and wife, C. R. Rounds and wife, T. W. Gay and wife, Mrs. F. G. Robb, Mrs. M. Hartwell, Mrs. S. E. Angier and Fannie D. Gay. The first officers were: C. R Round, sec- retary; N A. Tallman and T. W. Gay, deacons. The society at present consists of thirteen members.

Another organization is a Post of the G. A. R., known as O. D. Chapman Post, No. 80. It was organized April 25, 1883. The appli- cants for a charter were: N. A. Tallman, Ed- ward Gray, George R. Rounds, Theodore Hard- ing, Phillip II. Moon, A. H. Frank, J. S. Dud- ley, Cyrus W. Shafer, C. R. Young, G. R. Twin- ing, John Lowe, J. G. Richardson, Darius Welch, R. W. Abbey, Edwin Thompson, Charles R. Rounds, O. P. Rounds and O. D. Chapman. The officers of the lodge are: Edwin Thompson, P C .; Edward Gray, S. V. C .; N. Tallman, J. V. ( .; (. R. Rounds, A. D. J .; G. R. Twining, Q. M .; A. B. Parrington, surgeon; John Lowe, chaplain; A. H Turk, O. D .; G. R. Rounds, O. G .; Darius Welch, S. M .; John G. Richardson, Q. S .; Cyrus W. Shafer, C. B. Qnite a number have joined since the organization, and the post is in a flourishing condition. The time of meet- ing is the first and third Wednesday in each month, a' two p. M.

A Good Templars' lodge was organized a number of years since, with the following char- ter members: F. G. Robb, T. W. Gay, P. R. Gay, Rissie Hartwell, M. D. Hartwell, M. A. Tallman, S. E. Angier, Callie Hartwell, C. R.

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HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY.

Rounds, E. C. Dunham, Rosanna Dunham, O. P. Samson, N. A. Tallman, J. J. Collins, T. W. Samson, Belle Davis, E. F. Stearns, A. B. Sam- son, J. A. Neaville, W. II. Winn and S. P. Hart- well The charter was granted July 15, 1871. The lodge was organized by J. A. Neaville, of Grant county. First officers: I. A. Neaville, W. C. T .; R. R. Gay, W. V. T .; T. W. Gay, W. C .; E. F. Stearns, W. S. E. C .; S. E. Angier, W. F. S .; Rissie Hartwell, W. T. R. E. A .; N. Samson, W. M .; Belle Davis, W. B. M .; Callie Hartwell, W. I. G .; W. J. Collins, W. O. G .; Mrs. M. Hartwell, W. R. H. S .; F. G. Robb, W. L. II. S .; C. R. Rounds, P. W. C. T. This is one of the most prosperous Good Templars' lodges in the county. A commendable interest has always been manifested in the lodge.

Officers serving in 1883: M. H. Robb, W. C. T .; Rose B. Rounds, W. V. T .; Fannie Gay, P. W. C. T .; C. R. Rounds, W. C .; Jennie Robb, W. R S; Charles A Hoffman, W. A. S .; Cora Gay, W. F S .; Fred Twining, W. T; Joe Gay, W. N .; Carrie Robb, W. D. M .; Bert S. Girdler, W. G .; Mahlon Twining, W. S .; Ab- bie Lewis W. R II S .; Etta Shafer, W. L. H. S. There is also an orgaization of The Pat- rons of Husbandry, at this point for which a charter was granted in August, 1874.

VILLAGE OF RISING SUN.

This village is situated on section 22 town 11, range 5 west. The original owner of the site was T. H. Wilder. The place was never platted, but lots were sold by Mr. Wilder be- ginning about 1867, when men named Sink and McCullouch purchased lots, and erected thereon residences and a blacksmith shop. The village was named from the following incident: When Mr. Wilder first located there, it had been raining for two weeks, and the sun had not made its appearance during all that time; but the next day, the sun made its appearance, and from this the locality was named "Rising Sun." In 1868, a residence was built by John Demming, who used the basement as a saloon. Robert Herrick erected the first store, and sold

therein the first goods. Herriek did an exten- sive business till 1871, when he failed, well off, as it is generally believed, and removed to St. Helena, Neb. Thomas Jerman was in business here about one year; he is now in the drug business at Veroqua.

James Curran conducted a store from 1872 till 1875, with N. MeKie, of Viroqua, when he be- came a partner in the business. It was run in the firm name of MeKie & Co., till 1877, then N. MeKie became sole proprietor, who sold to Rogers in 1877, present proprietor.

John Demming and Guilord conducted busi- ness about one year in the firm name of Dem- ming & Guilord, who were succeeded by M A. Demming, who is still in business.

Michael Dolan engaged in business in 1878. and is still in business.

Truman HI Wilder kept the first hotel.

John Demming kept hotel for a number of years.

James Curran is the present hotel man.

Ove Larson, present blacksmith, came in 1877; has done a prosperous business.

The shoemaker of the place was Bent E. Eide; he came in 1874, left in 1878, and is now in Dakota.

The postoffice, Rising Sun, was established in the spring of 1852 or 1853, and T. H. Wilder was appointed postmaster. The following are the postmasters who have succeeded Wilder, in proper order: Neal Mines, Robert Herrick, Thomas Jerman, John O'Connor, James Curran, Henry Rogers who was suceceded by James Cur- ran, who was appointed the second time. Mr. Curran resigned Jan. 1. 1884, and Henry E. Rogers was appointed.

PROMINENT CITIZENS.

One of the prominent early settlers of Utica town is William MeAnley, whose settlement dates from 1854. Mr. MeAuley resides on sec- tion 25, town 10, range 3 west of the fourth principal meridian. He was born in 1809, in Wythe Co., Va. When twenty-two years of age he removed with his parents, Daniel and

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History of Crawford and Richland counties, Wisconsin, Part 105

Author: Butterfield, Consul Willshire, 1824-1899. [from old catalog]; Union publishing company, Springfield, Ill., pub. [from old catalog] Publication date: 1884 Publisher: Springfield, Ill., Union publishing company Number of Pages: 1298

Author: Butterfield, Consul Willshire, 1824-1899. [from old catalog]; Union publishing company, Springfield, Ill., pub. [from old catalog]
Publication date: 1884
Publisher: Springfield, Ill., Union publishing company
Number of Pages: 1298