USA > Wisconsin > Richland County > History of Crawford and Richland counties, Wisconsin > Part 116
USA > Wisconsin > Crawford County > History of Crawford and Richland counties, Wisconsin > Part 116
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G. W. Putnam
747-218
J. T. Barnes.
529
County Clerk.
W. II. Pier
1536- 280
S. J. llyattt
1256
County Treasurer.
J. T, Walker
1551 - 341
D. G. Pease.
1210
Register of Deeds.
David Sommers
1616- 447
Barney C. Hallin
1169
Clerk of Court.
Michael Murphy
1650-523
E. W. Wulfing
112%
Sheriff.
R, D. Robinson
1492- 200
J. L. R. McCollins
1292
Prosecuting Attorney.
James Lewis
1685- 617
11. Haseltine
1068
Surveyor.
James Appleby
1698- 622
D). llardenburg
1076
Coroner.
G. Jarvis
1675- 559
R. Akan
1116
JUDICIAL ELECTION, APRIL 1, 1873. County Judge.
II. W. Fries
1448- 725
723
A. L. Wilson
Seattering
1
ELECTION, NOVEMBER, 4, 1873
Governor.
C. C. Washburn
1148- 82
W. R. Taylor ..
1000
Lieutenant-Governor.
R. H. Baker.
1147- 88
Peter Doyle
1059
State Senator.
George Krouskop.
1174-155
F. G. Miller
1019
Assemblyman.
(District No. 1.)
Josiah McCaskey
787
Senttering.
J. B. MeGrew
824- 788
38
J. R. Doolittle
820
HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY.
( District No. 2.)
P. M. Smith
461- 10
J. S. Ellsworth. 451
ELECTION, NOVEMBER 1874.
Congress.
11. 8. Magoon
1524- 418
Charles F. Thompson 1106
Scattering ..
57
Assemblyman. (District No. 1.)
Norman L. James
776-117
Vincent Harter.
659
(District No. 2.)
B. F. Washburn
669- 603
Opposition
69
County Clerk.
Jesse G. Burnell
1454- 165
Samuel Noble.
1289
Scattering
Register of Deeds.
D. B. Sommers
1565- 445
J. D. Funston
1120
Clerk of Court.
Michael Murphy
1479-367
S. N. Doolittle
1172
Sheriff.
W. C. S. Barron
1503- 439
Samuel Noble
1569
P. R. Long
1065
Prosecuting Attorney.
James Lewis
1389- 77
Oscar Black
1319
County Surveyor.
James Appleby
1635-619
Hascal Haseltino
1016
Coroner.
George Jarvis.
1499- 385
John Walworth
1114
JUDICIAL ELECTION, APRIL 6, 1875.
Chief Justice Supreme Court,
E. G. Ryan ...
1391
ELECTION NOVEMBER 2, 1875.
Governor.
11. Ludington
1522- 390
R. W. Taylor.
1132
Lieutenant Governor.
H. L. Eaton.
1545-447
Charles D. Parker
1098
State Senator.
D. L. Downs
1492- 338
H. W. Fries
1154
Assemblymen. (District No. 1.)
Josephy Moody
726
L. R. McCollins
737- 11
Scattering .
(District No. 2.)
HI. II. Hoyt
603- 92
J. T. Barnes.
511
A. S. Ripley
52
School Superintendent.
David Parsons
1551-556
-
JUDICIAL ELECTON, APRIL 4, 1876.
Judge of Circuit Court.
W. E. Carter
1421- 89
M. M. Cothren
1332
M. M. Strong
56
Scattering
ELECTION, NOVEMBER 7, 1876.
President.
R. B. Hayes, (Rep.) ..
2038- 447
Samuel J. Tilden, (Dem.).
1591
Peter Cooper, (Greenback)
31
Congress.
G. C. Hazleton
2028- 408
Philo A. Orton.
1622
Assemblyman.
(District No. 1.)
J. L. R. McCollum.
953-
S. B Loomis
945
(District No. 2.)
Elihu Bailey
932- 118
David Matter
814
County Clerk.
Jesse G. Bunell
2123- 590
Jonathan Turner
County Treasurer.
11. L. Burnham
2102- 533
Register of Deeds.
Reuben Sutton
2024-381
Fred Mathews
1643
Clerk of Court.
Michael Murphy
1981- 343
M. J. Connolly
1638
Sheriff.
G. II. Mattison.
2084- 521
M. H. B. Cunningham
1563
Prosecuting Attorney,
Eugene Wulfing.
2027- 500
S. H. Doolittle
County Surveyor.
James Appleby
2058-473
P. E. Brewer
1585
Coroner.
W. M. Fogo
2003- 420
D. M. Lovering
1583
JUDICIAL ELECTION, APRIL 3, 1877.
Justice of Supreme Court.
William P. Lyon.
3023-3023
County Judge.
II. W. Fries
1700- 381
W. C. S. Barron
1319
ELECTION, NOVEMBER 6 1877.
Governor.
W. E. Smith
1201-472
James A. Mallory
Edward P. Allis.
705
Lieutenant-Governor
James W. Bingham
1196- 462
R. E. Davis.
734
M. G. IJardeuberg ...
9,5
E. II. Benton
704
3
1533
821
HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY.
State Senator.
Archibald Campbell.
1111- 226
J. L. R. MeCollum 885
HI. C. Cutter 630
Scattering.
4
Assemblyman. (Distriet No. 1.)
J. M. Thomas
652- 288
J. Hoover.
364
Albert Misslieb .
471
(Distriet No. 2.)
P. M. Smith.
519-164
T. C. Clark
355
J. T. Coatos
252
School Superintendent.
D. D. Parsons
1225- 568
D. Hardenberg
657
W. T. Sharp
JUDICIAL ELECTION, APRIL 10, 1878.
Justice Supreme Court (full term).
Ilarlow Orton ...
1424
Justice Supreme Court (short term.)
D. Taylor.
142%
ELECTION. NONEMBER 5, 1878. Congress.
George C. Hazleton
1664-224
Owen King.
1440
Assemblyman. (District No. 1.)
J. M. Thomas
883- 68
S. M. MeCorkle.
(District No. 2.)
Elihu Bailey
731- 124
L. M. Thorp.
607
Seattering
5
County Clerk
Peter Sweeney
County Treasurer.
H. L. Burnham
1671-263
Israel Janney
1408
Register of Deeds.
Reuben Sutton
1678~285
B. C. Hallin
1393
Clerk of Court.
Homer J. Clark
1706- 324
1382
Scattering
3
Sheriff.
Daniel S. Noble.
1625- 186
1439
Seattering
1
County Clerk.
George W. Putnam
2280-642
T. J. Ellsworth
1648
Seattering
County Treasurer.
Irvin Gribble
2287- 630
D. Hardenberg
1399
Coroner.
John II. Carswell
1644- 358
1286
M Lovering. 145
JUDICIAL ELECTION, APRIL 1, 1879.
Associate Justice Supreme Court.
M. M. Cothren
1506- 161
Orsamus Cole
1345
ELECTION, NOVEMBER, 1879. Governor.
W. E. Smith
1713-1133
James G. Jenkins
580
Reuben May
428
Scattering
Lieutenant-Governor.
James M. Bingham
1709-1139
George H. King
570
William M. Utley
437
Seattering .
5
State Senator.
J. B. MeGrew
1740-1111
Robert Wilson.
529
George J. Carswell
431
Seattering
4
Assemblyman. (Distriet No. 1.)
William H. Joslin
957- 493
William Smensebloss
78
H. W. Fries.
464
(Distriet No. 2.)
J. H. Case
747-513
D. Morrison
206
Jay Briggs
234
Scattering
2
School Superintendent.
D. D. Parsons
1640- 644
H. W. Glazier.
996
ELECTION, NOVEMBER 2, 1880.
President.
James A. Garfield (republican)
2260- 625
Winfield S. Hancock (demoerat).
1635
James B. Weaver (greenback) ...
151
Neal Dow (probibition).
Congress.
George C. Hazelton
2285- 557
M. M. Cothren
1728
Assembly man. (Distriet No. I.)
B. M Jarvis
1152- 272
William MeCorkle
880
(District No. 2.)
John H. Case.
1081- 211
F. G. Rodolf
870
Henry Dillon
Prosecuting Attorney.
E. C. Wulfing
1527- 24
H. A. Eastland
1503
Scattering
Surveyor.
James Appleby
1659-260
Levi Houts
1657
Register of Deeds.
W. II. Rennick
2304-666
Seattering
G. L. Sprangler
1638
3
815
Jesse G. Bunell.
1729- 379
1350
Martin Shields
L. G. Thomas.
822
HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY.
Clerk of Court.
George E. Bennett.
2288- 624
C. F. Leach 1664
Scattering
2
Sheriff.
Harry Busby
2407- 865
John Shaffer
1542
Scattering
Prosecuting Attorney.
Kirk W. Eastland
2307- 685
S. H. Doolittle
1632
Surveyor
James Appleby
2347- 759
P. E. Brewer
1588
Coroner.
D. O. Chandler ...
2273- 617
James Snyder
1656
JUDICIAL ELECTION, APRIL 5, 1881.
Chief Justice Supreme Court.
Orsanıns Cole
1826-1826
Associate Justice.
John B. Cassoday
1824 -- 1824
D. L. Downs
1824-1318
L. G. Thomas.
506
Scattering . . ELECTION, NOVEMBER, 8, 1881. Governor.
Jeremiah M. Rusk.
1383- 697
N. D. Fratt.
686
T. D. Kauouse. 185
E. P. Allis
226
Scattering
Lieutenant-Governor.
S. S. Fifield
1397- 704
W. A. Anderson 693
I. S. Clapp 165
D. Giddings
228
State Senator.
W. C. Meffert.
1329- 206
J. L. R. McCollum
1123
Assemblyman. (District No. 1.)
James Washburn
744- 93
R. L. Telfair
651
(District No. 2.)
639- 249
JUDICIAL ELECTION, APRIL 4, 1882.
Judge of Circuit Court.
George Clementson
1676-366
M. M. Cothren
1810
ELECTION, NOVEMBER 7, 1882.
Congress.
Cyrus M. Butt ..
Gilbert M. Woodward
B. F. Parker.
R. May.
Assemblyman.
C. G. Thomas
1844- 436
Joseph L. DeHart ..
1406
S. Stofer
181
P. H. Fay
5
County Clerk.
Homer J. Clark
1827- 458
H. C. Kyger
1396
W. H. Stewart
214
Scattering
16
County Treasurer.
Irvin Gribble
1843- 278
Israel Janncy
1565
Register of Decds.
Renben Sutton
1857- 531
M. J. Covley.
1326
M. L. Sherman
235
3
Scattering
Clerk of Court.
George E. Bennett
1857- 494
John Keane.
1363
A. L. lIolcomb
202
Sheriff.
A. D. Lane
1796
George Fogo.
1341
D. O. Chandler
279
Scattering .
Prosecuting Attorney. .
Michael Murphy
1739 -- 240
S. H. Doolittle.
1499
Scattering
7
County Surveyor.
James Appleby.
2164- 938
A. D. Dennison.
1226
Coroner.
Norman L. James
1736- 111
M. Lovering
1625
390
D. P. Wise
28
George H. Tate.
J. W. Jones
County Judge.
823
HISTORY OF RICHILAND COUNTY.
CHAPTER VII.
NATIONAL, STATE AND COUNTY REPRESENTATION.
In this chapter it is the design to trace the history of each of the county offices from the organization of the county to the present day, and also to mention the name of every citizen of Richland who has served the Nation, State or county in an official capacity. As far as pos- sible, sketches are given of the various gentle- men. There has been much difficulty con- nected with obtaining material for biographic- al sketches of those who have died or moved from the county since their . official services were performed. Where the mention of men who were prominent in their day, is short, it is because of the meagre material to be secured. CONGRESSIONAL.
Upon its organization, Richland county be- came a part of the Second congressional dis- triet. Orsa mus Cole was elected to represent this district in November, 1849, and served in the Thirty-first Congress. Mr. Cole is the present chief justice of the supreme court of Wis- consin.
Benjamin C. Eastman succeeded Mr. Cole as congressman from the Second district and served in the Thirty-second and Thirty-third Congresses, or from 1851 to 1855.
Cadwallader C. Washburn next represented the Second district, and served in the Thirty- fourth, Thirty-fifth and Thirty-sixth Congresses, from 1855 to 1861. He afterwards became gov- ernor of Wisconsin.
In November, 1860, Luther Hanchett was elected to succeed Gov. Washburn. He died Nov. 24, 1862, and Walter MeIndoe was elected to fill out the balance of the term. At this
time Wisconsin had three representatives in Congress.
By the census of 1860, it was found that Wisconsin was entitled to six representatives in the National House, and upon the State being re-districted, Richland county became a part of the Third congressional district. Amasa Cobb, of Mineral Point, first represented the new Third district. He was elected in 1864, and re-elected in 1866 and 1868, serving in the Thirty-eight, Thirty-ninth and Fortieth and Forty-first Congresses.
J. Allen Barber succeeded Amasa Cobb, as congressman from the Third district, being elected in November, 1870, and re-elected two years later.
In November, 1864, HI. S. Magoon was elected congressman from this district, and served in the Forty-fourth Congress.
In November, 1876, George C. Hazelton, of Boscobel, Grant county, was elected to repre- sont the Third congressional district, and being twice re-elected, served six years or in the Forty-fifth, Forty-sixth and Forty-seventh Congresses.
In November, 1882, Gilbert M. Woodward, of La Crosse, was elected congressman from this district, and is the present incumbent of the oflice.
RICIILAND COUNTY IN THE LEGISLATURE.
Richland county first appears as being repre- sented in the Legislature at the third session of that body, which convened Jan. 9, 1850, and adjourned Feb. 11, 1850. At this time this county was associated with Crawford and other
.
824
HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY.
counties, as the third senatorial district, and was represented by James Fisher, of Prairie du Chien. In the Assembly, Richland associa- ted with Iowa county and was represented by Moses M. Strong, of Mineral Point. Mr. Strong was elected speaker of the House. lle was considered at that time one of the finest lawyers in the west.
The fourth session of the Legislature con- vened Jannary 8, and adjourned March 18, 1851. At this time, Richland, with other conn- ties, was represented in the Senate by Levi Sterling, of Mineral Point. Charles G. Rodolf, of Highland, served Richland county in the Assembly. Mr. Rodolf was for many years identified with the development of Richland county, and is often noticed in this volume. He now lives at Muscoda.
The fifth session convened January 14, and ad- journed April 9, 1852. Levi Sterling, of Min- eral Point, was still in the Senate. Luman M. Strong, of Highland, represented the county in the Assembly.
The Legislature convened for its sixth ses- sion on the 12th of January, 1853, and ad- journed April 4, 1853, until the 6th of June following, for the purpose that the Senate might sit as a court of impeachment and the Assem- bly be present to prosecute the trial of. Levi Hubbell, judge of the second judicial cirenit, against whom articles of impeachment had been exhibited, charging him with acts of cor- rupt conduct and malfeasance in office. For this purpose the Legislature again convened on the 6th of June, and adjourned finally on July 13, 1853. Levi Sterling, of Mineral Point, in this Legislature, represented the district of which Richland county formed a part. In the Assembly the county was served by Henry Con- ner, then, as now, of Port Andrew.
The Legislature convened for its seventh ses- sion Jan. 11, 1854, and adjourned April 3, 1854. Levi Sterling was still in the Senate from this district; Nathaniel Wheeler was the assembly- man. Mr. Wheeler was a Methodist preacher,
who at that time lived in the town of Buena Vista, where he was a very early settler. IIe remained there until just before the breaking out of the war, when he left the county. He is spoken of as having been a popular and influential man in those days.
The eighth session of the Legislature began on Jan. 10, 1855, and adjourned April 2, 1855. The district to which Richland county was attached, was represented in the Senate by Hon. Amasa Cobb, of Mineral Point, one of the most able lawyers in the State, and afterward a member of Congress. Hon. D. L. Downs, now of Richland Centre, represented this county in the Assembly.
The Legislature convened for its ninth ses- sion Jan. 9, 1856 ; took a recess from March 31, 1856, to September 3, and adjourned finally Oct. 14, 1856. Amasa Cobb still represented this district in the Senate. In the Assembly, Robert Akan served Richland county. Mr. Akan came from the eastern States and at a very early day settled with his family upon a farm a short distance northwest of Richland Centre. There he remained until 1875, when he sold his place for $5,000, and removed to Webster City, Iowa. He was a genial, pleasant fellow, and was well liked by his neighbors.
The tenth session of the Legislature convened Janauary 14, and adjourned March 9, 1856. L. W. Joiner, of Wyoming, represented the dis- triet, of which Richland county formed a part, in the Senate. Robert C. Field served Rich- land county in the Assembly, Mr. Field came to Richland City as carly as 1850, and located upon a farm about a mile north of that village. He remained there for about ten years, when he removed to Trempealean county in the north- ern part of the State, and represented that dis- triet in the Senate. He died there in 1876. He was a very active business man, and spent most of his time in trading and bartering. Ile would buy anything he saw, and sell anything he owned.
825
HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY.
The eleventh session of the Legislature con- vened January 13, and adjourned May 17, 1858. Lemnel W. Joiner, of Wyoming, still repre- sented this district in the Senate. In the As- sembly, Richland county was for the second time served by Charles G. Rodolf, of Orion.
The twelfth session convened January 12, and adjourned March 21, 1859. At this time, Charles G. Rodolf, of Orion, was in the Senate, and William Dixon, of Lone Rock, in the Assembly.
The thirteenth session of the Legislature con- vened Jan. 10, 1860, and adjourned April 2, 1860. C. G. Rodolf was still in the Senate. Jeremiah L. Jackson, of Viola, had succeeded William Dixon as assemblyman. Mr. Jackson still lives in the town of Forest.
The fourteenth session of the Legislature be- gan .January 9, and closed May 27, 1861. Lem- uel W. Joiner was senator from this district, and Elihu Bailey, of the town of Marshall, rep- resented Richland county in the Assembly.
The legislature convened for the fifteenth session, Jan. 8, 1862 and adjourned April 7, 1862. Re-convened June 3, and adjourned June 17, 1862. Met in extra session September 10, and adjourned Sept. 26, 1862. At this time Norman L. Cate, of Viroqua, repsesented the district in the Senate and Dr. LeRoy D. Gage, of Richland Centre, served the county in the Assembly.
The sixteenth session of the Legislature con- vened Jan. 14, 1863, and adjourned April 2, 1863. In this session William S. Purdy, of Viroqua, represented the district in the Senate, and John Walworth, of Richland Centre, rep- resented the county in the Assembly.
The seventeenth session of the Legislature began January 13, and closed April 4, 1864. In this session Hon. William Ketchum, of Rich- land City, represented the district in the Sen- ate. Ilon. John Walworth was again in the Assembly, having been re-elected.
Hon. William Ketchum was born at Jericho, Long Island, May 24, 1819. In 1851 he came |
west and located at Richland City, where for many years he was engaged in the lumber busi- ness. He served his two terms in the State Senate with honor to himself and to the entire satisfaction of his constituents. He was always relied upon for his integrity and uprightness in all his official acts. His home remained at Richland eity until the time of his death which occurred Sept. 14, 1879.
The eighteenth session of the Legislature convened Jan. 11, 1865, and adjourned April 10, 1865. William Ketchum was still in the Sen- ate. Henry L. Eaton, of Lone Rock; represen- ted Richland county in the Assembly. Mr. Eaton still lives in the town of Buena Vista.
The Legislature convened for its nineteenth session Jan 10, 1866, and adjourned April 12, 1866. At this time Richland county was asso- ciated with Crawford as a senatorial district and was represented in the upper house by Benja- min Bull, of Prairie du Chien. H. L. Eaton was still in the Assembly.
The twentieth session of the Legislature be- gan Jan. 9, 1867, and closed April 11, 1867. The Senatorial district remained the same as in the preceding year, and Mr. Bull was still in the Senate. In the Assembly, Ira S. Haseltine served Richland county.
The twenty-first session convened January 8, and adjourned March 6, 1868. William Ketchum, of Richland City, had been again elected to the Senate from this distriet. Capt. Warren C. S. Barron, then of Westford, but now of Richland Centre, had been elected to succeed Haseltine in the Assembly.
The twenty-second session of the Legislature convened January 13, and adjourned March 11, 1869. William Ketchum was still in the Senate. Joseph M. Thomas, of Lone Rock, served the county in the Assembly. Mr. Thomas is still a resident of the town of Buena Vista. .
The twenty-third session of the Legislature convened Jaunary 12, and adjourned March 17, 1870. At this time George Kronskop, of Rich- land Centre, was representing the district in
826
HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY.
the Senate ; and James H. Miner, of Richland Centre, served the county in the Assembly.
The twenty-fourth session began January 11, and adjourned March 25, 1871. George Krous- kop was still in the Senate. Elihu Bailey, of the town of Marshall, had again been elected to represent the county in the Assembly.
The twenty-fifth session of the Legislature began Jannary 10, and closed March 27, 1872. Henry L. Eaton, of Lone Rock, was Senator from this district. Richland county, according to the census taken in 1870, was entitled to two representatives in the Assembly. They were William Dixon, of Ithaca, and George W. Put- nam, of Ash Ridge. J. II. Waggoner, a former resident of Richland county, was chief clerk of the Assembly during this and the two follow- ing sessions.
The twenty-sixth session convened January 8, and adjourned March 20, 1873. Henry L. Eaton, of the town of Buena Vista, was still in the Senate. In the Assembly, Richland county was served by Norman L. James, of Richland Centre, and George W. Putnam, of Ash Ridge.
The Legislature convened for its twenty- seventh session January 14, and adjourned March 12, 1874. George Krouskop, of Rich- land Centre, had again been elected Senator. In the Assembly, Richland county's representa- tives were Joseph B. McGrew, of the town of Richland, and Phillip M. Smith, of Marshall.
The twenty-eighth session of the Legislature began January 13, and closed March 6, 1875. George Krouskop was still in the Senate. In the Assembly, Richland county was served by Norman L. James, of Richland Centre, and Benjamin F. Washburn, of the town of Rich- wood.
The Legislature convened Jan. 12, 1876, for the twenty-ninth session, and adjourned March 14, 1876. Daniel L. Downs, of Richland Cen- tre, had been elected to succeed George Krous- kop as State Senator. The assemblymen fiom
this county were J. L. R. McCollum, of Sexton- ville, and Henry H. Hoyt, of West Branch.
The thirtieth session began Jan. 10, 1877, and adjourned March 8, 1877. D. L. Downs was still in the Senate. In the Assembly, Richland county was served by J. L. R. McCollom, of Sextonville, and Elihu Bailey, of Mill Creek.
The thirty-first session of the Legislature be- gan January 9, and closed March 21, 1878. This Legislature met in extra session June 4, 1878, for the purpose of completing the revision of the statutes, and adjourned June 7, 1878. Ar- chibald Campbell, of Middleburg, was Senator, from Richland county. The assemblymen from Richland were Philip M. Smith, of Rich- land Centre, and Joseph M. Thomas, of Lone Rock.
The Legislature convened for its thirty-second session January 8, and adjourned March 5, 1879. The representatives from Richland county were the same in this as in the preceding ses- sion, except that J. M. Thomas, of Ithaca, had succeeded P. M. Smith, in the Assembly.
The thirty-third session of the Legislature be- gan in January, 1880, and closed in April, 1880. J. B. McGrew had been elected State Senator, and took his seat at the opening of the session. The assemblymen were William II. Joslin, of the town of Rockbridge, and J. H. Case, of the town of Eagle. Mr. Case now lives near Win- throp, Iowa.
The Legislature convened in January, 1881, for its thirty-fourth session, and adjourned April, 1881. Mr. McGrew was still in the Senate. B. M. Jarvis, of the town of Westford, and John H. Case, of the town of Eagle, served the county in the Assembly.
The thirty-fifth session of the Legislature began in January, and closed in March, 1882. This county at that time was associated with lowa county as a senatorial district, and was represented by W. C. Meffert, a harness-maker, who lived at Arena, in Iowa county. The as- semblymen from Richland county in this ses- sion were James Wasburn, of the town of Rock-
827
HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY.
bridge, and George H. Tate, of the town of Forest.
During the winter of 1852-3 an act was passed by the Legislature changing the terms of office of senators from two to four years, and assemblymen from one to tu o years. The number of assemblymen was lessened, and Richland county was only entitled to one representative in the lower house. It was also provided that thereafter sessions of the Legisla- ture should be held biennially. Senator Meffert held over from the former election. C. Thomas was elected assemblyman.
COUNTY CLERK.
John Rutan was the first county clerk for the county of Richland. He was elected at the or- ganization of the county, in April, 1850, and was re-elected in November of that year. Mr. Rutan was among the first settlers at Richland City, where he was elerking in a store when elected to the clerkship. Soon after the expi- ration of his term of office he left the county. Ile was a married man ; had a fair education, and in those days was considered a prominent man.
In November, 1852, Hascal Haseltine was elected county clerk and served one term. Mr. Haseltine was a native of Vermont, a member of the Haseltine family who settled at Rich- land Centre and founded that village. Hascal settled with his family upon what has since been platted as the Schoolcraft addition to Richland Centre. He remained in the county for a num- ber of years and finally removed to Missouri, where he still lives.
David Strickland, of Richland Centre, suc- ceeded Mr. Haseltine, being elected in Novem- ber, 1854. IFis deputy was Israel Janney, who . at that time was register of deeds.
In November, 1856, Charles D. Stewart was elected county clerk and served two years.
By the election in November, 1858, D. Glazier Pease, became county clerk, and made an ex- cellent officer. Mr Pease is still a resident of the town of Richland.
C. II. Smith succeeded Mr. Pease as county clerk, being elected in the fall of 1860. He served two years.
In November, 1862, G. L. Laws was elected clerk of court, and being re-elected in 1864 and 1866, served six years. Mr. Laws was a native of Illinois. At an early day, as early at least as 1850, he came to Wisconsin with his parents, and settled in Richland county, upon the Wis- consin river, at a point which took the name of "Law's Ferry." About 1860, Mr. Laws moved to Richland Centre and taught school here; when the war broke out he went into the ser- vice. At the battle of Williamsburg he lost a leg, and after partially recovering, in the hos- pital, he returned to his Richland county home, and was soon afterward elected county clerk. For some time he was associated with W. M. Fogo in the publication of a paper at Richland Centre, and was also a partner of C. II. Smith in the real estate and abstract business. He re- mained here until 1879, when he removed to Ne- braska. He is now register of the United States land office at McCook, in that State. Laws was a man of more than ordinary education and busi- ness ability, and while like all men he was unfor- tunate in some respeets, yet he is spoken of by all as having been a prominent man, and one who made many friends.
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