History of Crawford and Richland counties, Wisconsin, Part 137

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 137
USA > Wisconsin > Crawford County > History of Crawford and Richland counties, Wisconsin > Part 137

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).

THE INDEPENDENT,

This paper was started by J. Walworth, in the spring of 1872, using the press and material formerly in the Sentinel office. The first issue of the Independent was dated March 15, 1872. It was a seven column folio with patent insides. J. Walworth was editor and M. F. Satterlee and Frank Johnson, publishers. Mr. Johnson was local editor. The terms of subscription for the new paper fixed $1.50 per year, if not paid in advance; $1.25 per year when paid in advance.

The following extract from the salutatory, which Mr. Walworth presented in his first issue of the Sentinel, contains the outlined policy of the paper:

"Honestly dissenting from the practical policy of the present (Grant's) administration, we take our humble position with the many thousands of as good, intelligent and patriotic Republicans as ever held an office, or cast a vote for Gen. Grant, who are now in favor of a reform of the government, a change in its policy, economy in its expenses and honesty in its officials, and are ready, all over the country to fall into line and labor arduously for the good of the whole country, instead of a mere party."

Mr. Walworth continued the publication of the paper for several years, the Sentinel becom- ing an influential and prominent organ. He finally gave Chas. B. Walworth a one-half in- terest in the office and the material and fixtures

were moved to Boscobel and used in the estab- lishment of the Dial, at that place.

TIIE RICHLAND UNION DEMOCRAT.

This newspaper was established at Richland Center in January, 1884, by Flickner & Cook. The first issue made its appearance Jan. 4, 1884, as a six column quarto, being neatly printed and well filled with local and general news. The name of Levi H. Cook appears as editor and P. Flickner as publisher. In presenting their paper to the public, addressing the "eiti- zens of Richland Center and the county at large," the editor says:

"We present you this day with the first issue of the Richland Union Democrat, a forty-eight column newspaper, which we propose to pub- lish hereafter every Friday afternoon.

"In presenting this paper to the public, we will say: it will be the endeavor of the Demo- crat to keep its readers posted on all points of general interest of the day; also, to advocate such measures as may tend to the advancement and upbuilding of the place, and to promote the welfare and prosperity of its citizens and the county at large.

"Politically the Democrat will be what its mast head indicates-a straight-out-and-out demo- eratie journal-an exponent of pure democracy. Believing the best interests of the country de- mand & change in the political management of the governmental ship, it will labor to obtain this end, and defend the party and its rights with all the ability it possesses; yet while it so labors, it desires the existence of friendship's bonds and the unity of peace.

"Its local department will contain a variety of news from the surrounding townships, as well as items of home interest.

"For the benefit of our farming patrons we will publish a complete market report which will be corrected weekly before going to press. In a word, no pains will be spared to make the Democrat a first-class local paper. Our adver- tising columns are open to all, we reserving the

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HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY

right to rejeet what we may consider 'objec- tional matter.'

"In conclusion we will say we have come to stay, and with this understanding shall expect all who are interested in the enterprise to come to the front at once and subscribe, especially all true democrats who have the cause at heart and wish to see that party once more in the as- cendeney. We need a change, the people de- mand it, and are bound to have it if all will do their duty. We expect to do ours, but in these days of improvement the old 'one horse power' is all out of use, and nothing but a united effort, a 'long pull, a strong pull and a pull altogether,' is going to accomplish the end in view.

"Again we say, we are here to stay, our outfit is our own, is paid for, and with the aid and support that we shall naturally expect, will en- deavor to keep the same from under the sher- iff's hammer.

"We shall aim to place our paper on a high moral basis, and in so doing it will not be un- likely that occasionally we may publish that which may appear to some objectionable, while to others it would be just the right thing in the right place. Being honest in our convictions, whatever we do will be done with an eye single to the best interests of the party in the soon coming campaign.

"In matters of difference of opinion as regards party polity, we generously and courteously grant that privilege, and shall expect the same with the same generosity and forbearance.

"With the encouragement alredy manifested we ought to swell our list to 800 or 1000 by the first of April."

At the masthead appears the significant sen- tence: "Bring again to the field the daring alacrity of Jackson." The Union Democrat has a well equipped office; having a Prouty power press with a capacity of taking 800 impressions an hour ; excellent job presses and latest styles of type. The Union Democrat starts out under

able management and with very flattering prospects for the future.

Peter Flickner, senior member of the firm of Flickner & Cook, was born in New Jersey, in 1819. His parents, Jacob and Ilannah (Young) Flick- ner, were of German descent. Ilis father, in early life, was a weaver, but in later days fol- lowed farming. Peter Flickner remained in New Jersey until about thirty-one years of age, when he came to Wisconsin in what is now Walworth county. There he went into the wagon-making business, remaining for two years, after which he returned to New Jersey, and spent a couple of years there. While on his return west, on April 5, 1855, he was married to Mary Young, at Xenia, Ohio. Upon his re- arrival in Wisconsin he settled at Delton, Sauk county, and again engaged in the manufac- ture of wagons. Delton has remained his home most of the time since. Mr. Flickner is an educated man, affable and pleasant, and pos- sesses the elements to make him popular among all with whom he comes in contact.

Levi H. Cook, junior member of the firm of Flickner & Cook, and editor of the Union Dem- ocrat, was born near Oconomowoc, Wis, on the 6th of July, 1849. Ilis parents were Martin S. and Mary E. (Remington) Cook; his father being a carpenter and mechanic by trade. When Levi II. was three years of age his par- ents removed to Iowa and settled at Volga City. There they remained until 1861, when they re- turned to Wisconsin and located at Horicon, Dodge county. The father there enlisted in company C, 20th regiment, Wisconsin Infantry, and went into the service as sergeant. The family remained at Horicon until the father's return in 1865. At this time the mother died, and Levi II. left home, going to Leroy, Wis., where for three years he was engaged at doing chores and attending school. After that time he went to Fond du Lac City, where he was engaged in the paper mills, and remained until twenty. two years of age. While there he was married to

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HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY.

Sarah M. Hubbard, of Oakfield, Wis. After leaving Fond du Lac, he was engaged in the ministry for the Advent Christian Church. In 1880 he located at Delton, Sauk county, and followed his profession until 1882, when he es- tablished the Mirror Lake Echo, a newspaper at that place, and conducted that paper for one year. In January, 1884, in company with Mr. Flickner, he established the Union Democrat, as stated, and is now a settled resident of Rich- land Center. Mr. and Mrs. Cook are the par-

ents of three children-Morton R., Fred L. and Alva W.

LONE ROCK PILOT.

A paper of this name was established at Lone Rock, in the year 1875 by M. F. Satterlee, being printed in the office of the Richland County Republican, and circulated at Lone Rock. Its publication was continued abont one year.

With the exception of the Pilot, all the pa- pers that have ever been published in the coun- ty, were published at Richland Center.

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HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY.

CHAPTER XIX.

TOWN OF AKAN.

The town of Akan is one of the western tier of Richland county's towns, the second from the south, embracing congressional township 10 north, of range 2 west. It is bounded on the north by the town of Sylvan; on the east by Dayton ; on the south by Richwood ; and on the west by Crawford county. The surface of the town is well watered by Mill and Knapp's creeks, and their numerous tribu- taries. The valleys are very fertile and in many cases the ridges furnish excellent farming land. Wherever an enterprising farmer has taken hold and cleared land, a good and profitable farm has rewarded him. As yet there is con- siderable unimproved land in the town, which will probably in the near future be cleared and brought under cultivation.

EARLY SETTLEMENT.

The first settlement within the limits now comprising the town of Akan was effected in the spring of 1851 by Martin Munson, Ole Johnson and John Torgerson, a party of Norwegians, who came from Dodgeville. Martin Munson entered land on sections 26 and 27, where he erected a log cabin and commenced improve- ments. This was then on what might be called the extreme frontier, and many travelers on their way westward were entertained in Munson's little log cabin. Mr. Munson was an industri- ous and thrifty man and accumulated considera- ble property. He remained here until the time of his death, and his widow now lives on see- tion 27.

| there on the 18th of March, 1855. His widow married Christian Jacobson and still resides in the town.

John Torgerson remained but a short time and then returned to Dodgeville. Two years later he came back and entered the southeast quarter of the southeast quarter of section 33, where he still lives.

Nels Hanson, who also came with this party, settled in the town of Richwood where he still lives.

B. C. Hallin, a native of Ireland, came here in 1852 and entered land on sections 17 and 18, but did not settle here until 1854. He now lives in the town of Richland.

William Elder, a Virginian, was an early set- tler in the southern part of Richland county. Hle made a business of showing the pioneers land, and did a great deal toward the settling up of this region. In 1855 he settled on section 3, in the town of Akan. IFe resided in the town for a few years, then went to Crawford county and later removed to Dakota territory where he died. He was with the government surveyors when they surveyed the town of Akan and was noted as a great hunter and an extra good marksman.

David Woodruff came here in 1854 and set- tled on the southeast quarter of section 3. In 1878 he sold out and moved to Dakota. Hle now lives in Otter Tail Co., Minn.

James Brady, a native of Ireland, came in 1854 and settled just over the line in Crawford county. In 1861 he purchased land on section

Ole Johnson entered the northwest quarter of the northwest quarter of section 35. Ile died | 19, this town, where he has since resided.

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HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY.

Lewis Deitder, a native of Germany, came here in 1854 and settled on section 25, where he still lives. He was accompanied by his father and three brothers. For a time they al lived together, the father and one of the brothers dying here. The rest are still residents of the county.

George Hall, an Irishman, and a veteran of the Mexican War, came here in 1853 and en- tered 160 acres on sections 19 and 20. He re- mained about two years, then sold out and left. The locality in which he settled has since been called Hall's bottom.

William Anderson, a native of Indiana, came in 1854 and settled on the southwest quarter of section 30. He remained about three years and then returned to Indiana.

A Scotchman named Penny came in 1854 and settled on the northwest quarter of section 27. Ile improved a farm and remainel for several years, when he went to Minnesota.

William Smith, an Englishman, came at the same time and located on section 21. He went to Minnesota with Penny.

Samuel Yager was an early settler in the town of Eagle. In 1854 he came to Akan and located on the southwest quarter of section 21. He was a veteran of the Mexican War. ]Ie was a cabinet maker by trade and put up a shop, in which he manufactured chairs, bed- steads, etc. When the war broke out, he enlist- ed and served until its close. Having ruined his health in the service, soon after his return he sold out and removed to Excelsior, where he still lives.

Joseph Dunson came in 1854 and settled on section 23, where he cleared a farm and lived for some years. He afterwards removed to Richwood, where he died.

Horace Waite, from Ohio, came here in 1855 and settled on the northwest quarter of section 3. He cleared a small tract of land and remained here about three years, when he sold out and went to Orion, where he engaged in the mercan-

tile trade. During war times he went to Cana- da. He now lives at Muscoda.

Esee Spreig came from Illinois in the fall of 1854, and settled on the northeast quarter of section 4. Four or five years later he sold out and returned to Illinois.

Zenas W. Bevier, a native of New York State, came here in 1855, from Rock Co., Wis. He entered 120 acres of land on section 2, and lived here until the time of his death.

Frank Morningstar, a German, came here in the fall of 1855, and settled on section 2. He cleared a good farm and made this his home until he died.

Mathew Ryan, an Irishman, also came in 1855. Ile settled on section 3.

Jefferson Smith came here from Illinois in 1855, and settled on the northeast quarter of section 6. Ile cleared a small tract of land and remained here about twelve years. when he re- moved to Richwood. He is now dead.

Julius Jenks also came from Illinois during the same year. He settled on the northeast quarter of section 8, where he remained for some years and then went to the mountains.

William Percy came in 1855 and claimed the northeast quarter of section 9. He afterwards sold his claim and left the country after a short stop.

Jacob Lawrence purchased Percy's claim and improved it. He lived here until 1875, when he sold out and removed to the town of Eagle. IIe is now in the mercantile trade at Eagle Cor- ners.

John Chitwood, a native of Tennessee, came from Indiana in 1855 and settled on the northeast quarter of section 5, where he lived until the time of his death. Ile raised fifteen children, and the widow and a number of children are still living in the county.

Patrick Hines, a native of Ireland, came in 1855 and settled on section 30, where he still lives.

William Dobbs, a native of Tennessee, came here from Lafayette Co., Wis., in the spring of

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HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY.

1855, and entered 360 acres of land on sections 5, 6, 7 and 8. Ile lived here for a number of years, and then went to the Black river coun- try. lle afterwards returned and settled in Richwood, where he died in 1876. Two of his sons are still living in the town.

Henry Bailey, a native of Rhode Island, came in 1855 and settled on section 7. lle now lives in Nebraska. Two of his sons are still residents of this town.

David Clancy, a native of Ireland, came in 1855 and entered land on section 15 where he still lives.

James Bachtenkircher, a native of Ohio, came to this county from Indiana in 1855, and located in the town of Sylvan. In 1878 he moved into the town of Akan, and is still a resident.

Squire Shaffer, a native of Ohio, came here in 1856 and settled on the southwest quarter of section 1, where he still lives.

F. A. Harsha, a Kentuckian, came here from Iowa county in 1856, and settled on section 36, where he still lives.

John Kelly, a native of Ireland, came here from Madison in 1856 and settled on section 18, where he still lives.

William Core, a native of New Jersey, came here from Orion in 1856, and purchased land on section 24. lle was the first settler in the lo- cality known as Core Hollow, it being named after him.

EDUCATIONAL.

The first school in district No. I was taught, in 1856, by Martha A. Funson, at the residence of Zenas W. Bevier. In 1857 a temporary log school house was erected by the district, in which Sarah Wood was the first teacher. In 1868 this building was destroyed by fire, and the present house was erected upon the site.

The first school house in distriet No. 2 was erected in 1860, of hewn logs. The first term of school was taught by Charity Williams, on the subscription plan. She "boarded round." This school house was used until 1881, when

the district erected a frame building on the northeast quarter of section 9, about forty rods west of the site of the old building. Nettie Harris was the first teacher in the new house.

The first school in district No. 3 was taught by George Watson, in the winter of 1856-7, in a house belonging to William Dobbs. A few years later a log school house was erected on the southwest quarter of section 5. In 1869 the present school house was erected on the south- east quarter of section 6, of hewn logs. Cor- delia Daggett was the first teacher in this building.

The first school house in district No. 4 was built in 1859, of logs, and covered with shakes. It was located on the southeast quarter of sec- tion 18. J. J. Brown was the first teacher. This building was used until 1880, when the present school house was erected near the old site. Alice HIallin was the first teacher in this house.

The first school in district No. 5 was taught in a house belonging to D. F. Coates, which was located on the southwest quarter of section 22. Mary Ann Fay and T. J. Ellsworth were among the first teachers in the district. The first school house erected was a log one, which was located on D. F. Coates' land. The pres- ent school house is located on the southwest quarter of section 15.

The school house in district No. 6 was erect- ed in 1861. It is of logs, located on the north- west quarter of section 24. Amelia Van Alstine was the first teacher in this house. Belle Glass is the present teacher.

The first school in district No. 7 was taught by Annie Humbert, in D. D. Evans' house on section 36. In 1866 a log school house was erected on the northwest quarter of section 36. This house was used but a few years when a neat frame building was erected on the same site.

The first school in district No. 8 was taught by Susanna Bolton, in a little log school house located on the southeast quarter of section 33.

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HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY.

The school house is now located on the south west quarter of section 27.

The first school house in district No. 9 was a log one erected on the northeast quarter of sec- tion 31, during the war. Maria Maroney was the first teacher. The first school house was destroyed by fire a few years after its erection, and the present frame house was built on the old site.

RELIGIOUS.

At an early day the Methodists held services in the northeastern part of the town, and a class was organized that flourished for several years. Prominent among the members were David Woodruff and wife, Mrs. Polly Crothers, Mrs. Esther Barnes, and Elijah Austin and wife. Rev. Prince was the first preacher, and after him Revs. Hafus, Walker and Elihu Bailey at different times officiated. The class only re- mained in existence for a few years, and then, as some of the members moved away, it was dropped.

The United Brethren organized at the school house shortly after the discontinuance of the Methodist class. Most of its members had be- longed to the M. E. class. Rev. Potts was the first minister for the United Brethren class. Among the ministers who have filled the pulpit since are Revs Young, Wright, Snell and Has- kins. This class was continued for several years.

In 1873 the Christians organized a church in the school house of district No. 3, under the management of Revs. Jacob Felton and Lewis limes. Among the first members of this church were Albert S. Bailey and wife, Mrs. Amanda Ross, Michael McMillan and wife, Isaac Fergu- son, William Fosnow and wife, John Beaman and Wilson Slayback and wife. John Beaman was elected the first class leader. This class met at the school house for about two years, and then merged with the Harmony Church. Revs. Himes, Felton and Pucket were among the pastors of the church. A Sabbath school was organized at the same time as this church, with

John Beaman as superintendent. It met weekly and had a good attendance.

AKAN POSTOFFICE.

This postoffice was established in 1856, with Zenas W. Bevier as postmaster. The office was kept at his house on the northeast quarter of section 2, and was on the mail route from Muscoda to Viroqua. Mr. Bevier was postmas- ter until the time of his death in 1861. D. D. Woodruff was then appointed postmaster and the office was removed across the line to the town of Sylvan. He was succeeded by Perry Dayton, and then in order came Mrs. Zenas Bevier, Mrs William Smith, Edgar Harvey and William M. Bevier, who was the last postmas- ter. He resigned in 1877 and the office was discontinued.

BRADY'S POSTOFFICE.

This postoffice was established in 1868. James Brady was appointed first postmaster and has kept the office ever since at his residence on section 19. At first the office was on the route from Richland Center to De Soto, and mail was received once each week. At present it is on the mail route from Muscoda to Sugar Grove, and mail is received once a week from each way.

SAW MILLS.

In 1856 Isaac Miles erected a saw-mill on sec- tion 30. A dam was thrown across Knapp's creek and the mill was equipped with an up and down saw. He ran the mill for a few years and then sold to A. Wright, of Muscoda, Grant county, who rented the mill to different parties. Anthony Tracy is the present owner of the property, but the dam has gone out and the mill is no longer in use. This mill was not a success,

About 1853 a man named Barnes settled on the southwest quarter of section 12. He here erected a saw-mill, deriving the power from Mill creek. It was furnished with an up and down saw. It was a small affair, and was only run for a few years. The old frame is still

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HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY.

standing, a monument to an unsuccessful enter- prise.

During the war, William Osborne erected a flouring mill on the west branch of Mill creek, being aided in the enterprise by the citizens in the neighborhood. This was shortly after the Boaz mill had been burned, and Rodolf's was the nearest mill for this neighborhood. Mr. Osborne built a dam of brush and dirt, which set the water back and sent it through a race, which carried it to a spring under the bluffs. The outlet of the spring formed the tail race. A small frame building, boarded up and down with pine lumber was erected and one run of bnhrs was put in. The mill did a good busi- ness until the mill at Boaz was rebuilt, soon after which Osborne traded the property to Edgar Harvey, of Richwood, for a farm. Mr. Harvey operated the mill for a time, and then disposed of it. Since that time it has changed hands frequently, and has not been running constantly. The present proprietor is William McRobbins, who has repaired the building and refurnished the mill. It still has one run of buhrs and the necessary machinery for doing good work. A saw-mill equipped with a rotary saw has recently been attached.

STORES.

At an early day, J. J. Brown, a school teacher, opened a store on section 7. Hle purchased his stock of goods of Pease & Baker, at Riehland Center. His means were limited, and for a time he worked under disadvantages. He did a credit business, often trusting parties whom other merchants refused; but he was a shrewd business man and a good collector, and made money rapidly. In a short time he removed to Excelsior and opened a store there. He is still in trade there, and is one of the most substan- tial merchants in the county.

James Brady opened a store at his home, and for about ten years kept a general stock of goods and did a good business. At the end of

this period he closed out, and has since devoted his time to farming.

ORGANIC.

The town of Akan was created by the county board of supervisors at the November session, 1855. It was organized at a town meeting held at the house of Martin Munson, April 1, 1856. The inspectors of the election were Zenas W. Bevier, Henry Miller and Julius C. Jenks. George Barnes was clerk. The following were the first town officers elected: Supervisors, Zenas W. Bevier, chairman, Rawley Crothers and Votany Butman; clerk, G. R Barnes; super- intendent of schools, Zenas W. Bevier; treasu- rer, William Anderson; justices of the peace, William Anderson and G. R. Barnes; consta- bles, William Elder and Joseph Dunson; asses- sor, William Elder. There were twenty-eight votes polled at this election.

At the annual town meeting held at the Cen- ter school house April 3, 1883 there were 114 votes polled, and the following officers were elected: Supervisors, James Bachtenkircher, chairman; John Huffman, Levi Pierce; clerk, A. M. Turgasen; treasurer, George Armstrong (appointed); assessor, C. E. Clarson; justices, James Bachtenkircher, J. L. Puckitt, A. D. Dennison and F. M. Shafer; constables, G. W. Hartman, Tim Kelly and W. H. Helm; health officer, Robert Webb.

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History of Crawford and Richland counties, Wisconsin, Part 137

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