History of Crawford and Richland counties, Wisconsin, Part 138

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 138
USA > Wisconsin > Crawford County > History of Crawford and Richland counties, Wisconsin > Part 138

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).

BIOGRAPHICAL.

The following personal sketches will show who are the wide-awake, energetic citizens of this town, and of whom too much cannot be said:

John Turgasen became a pioneer of 1853, and, although then possessed of no means, has been very industrious, economical, and exhibited such excellent management, that he is now consid- ered one of the wealthiest farmers of Richland county. He was born in Norway, Jan. 21, 1824. Like the greater portion of his countrymen, he passed his earlier life on the farm and at school. In 1849 he emigrated to America, landing at the port of New York. He started for Wiscon-

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HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY.

sin, going up the Hudson river to Albany, thence by the Erie canal to Buffalo, where he took a lake steamer for Milwaukee. From thence he went to Dane Co., Wis., and three weeks later to Dodgeville, where he obtained employment in the mines and at the smelting furnaces. In 1851 he came to Richland county, but did not then effect a settlement. He returned to Dodge- ville, where he remained two years. He then removed his family to Richland county, and entered land on section 32, of town 10 north, of range 2 west. Ile has never removed from his first settlement, but during the years that have elapsed, has added little by little to his posses- sions and has been blessed beyond his earlier ex- pectations. He has a beautiful home, and his family are surrounded by all the comforts of life. Mr. Turgasen was married, in 1849, to Annie Frederick, who died in May, 1857, leav- ing two children-Thomas L. and Anton M. His second and present wife was Helena Han- son, to whom he was married in 1858. Mrs. Turgasen is a very estimable lady, and highly respected by her large circle of acquaintances.

Lewis Dobbs, son of William and Mary (Helms) Dobbs, pioneers of the town of Akan, was born in Lafayette Co., Wis., March 14, 1850, and was five years old when he came to Richland county with his parents. Here he grew to manhood, assisting his father upon the farm and attending the district school. He was married in May, 1876, to Lucina, daughter of .James and Eliza (Peters) McWilliams. She was born in Ohio. Soon after marriage they settled on their present farm on Knapp's creek, on sections 7 and 18. They have three children -Nettie, Ole and George.

John Kelly, an early settler of Akan, was born in the parish of Egles, county of Tipper- ary, Ireland, in 1821, where he was reared to agricultural pursuits. In 1848 he left his na- tive land and came to America, landed at New York, and from there went to Fort Washington. a point ten miles distant, where he obtained

employment on a railroad, then in process of construction. He continued working there eight months, then went to Ohio and engaged in farming a short time, then to Bedford, and worked on the Pittsburg & Cleveland railroad two years, thence to Akron where he was en :- ployed on the Clinton extension two years. He next purchased two pairs of horses and en- gaged in teaming at Hudson, three months. He then came to Wisconsin and was first em- ployed in railroading near Waukesha. He con- tinued in that business until 1856. By this time he had saved enough of his bard earnings to purchase a home. He came to Richland county in the fall of that year and bought eighty acres of timber land on section 18. He constructed a rude shelter of poles, and covered it with "shakes." Then commenced cutting logs with: which to build a more permanent abode, into which they moved when completed. He brought two horses, a colt and seven head of horned cattle with him. The following winter being a very severe one, his horses, and all but two of his cattle perished, leaving him without a team. During the winter he had cleared some land, and the following season he chopped in seed and raised a crop of corn and gar- den vegetables which served to keep the wolf from the door during the following winter. For such provisions as he was obliged to buy, he had to go to Orion and Muscoda, and could hire them brought as far as Excelsior; the re- mainder of the distance, he packed them on his back. In spite of all these hardships he kept up courage, and worked away and his good judgment and industry combined have made him successful in life. He is now the owner of 240 acres, about 150 of which are under cul- tivation. A neat and commodious frame house has taken the place of the log cabin of pioneer time. He is engaged in raising grain and stock. He now keeps from thirty to forty head of cut- tle and 150 sheep, besides other stock. Mr. Kelly was married in 1850 to Sarah Monohan, also a native of Tipperary, Ireland. They have

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seven children-Timothy, Bridget, Sarah, Maria, William, John and Francis.

John II. Rizer, a pioneer settler of Dayton, was born in Pittsburg, Penn., Feb. 10, 1830. Ilis father was an edge tool maker in that city. In 1835 the family moved to Maryland and lived four years; thence to Tippecanoe Co., Ind., where his father purchased land and en- gaged in farming. Four years later his father died, leaving a wife and six children, the youngest an infant of six months. Six months after the father's death the mother died and the children became scattered. At the age of sixteen the subject of this sketch engaged with a tinner in Lafayette, Ind, to learn the trade. He served three years, then worked on a farm in Tippecanoe Co., Ind. He was married March 23, 1852, to Mary E. Berry, born in Warren Co., Ohio, Nov. 2, 1827. He then rented a farm in the same county until 1854. In that year they started for Wisconsin with an ox team, taking their household goods and provisions with them, and camping at night by the roadside. After traveling seventeen days they arrived in Richland county. He entered land on section 20, of town 10, range 1 west, now known as Dayton, camping in the woods till they built a log cabin. In 1860 he, like many others, became excited with the so-called gold fever and started for Pike's Peak, where he was engaged in mining and prospecting a few months. He then returned to Richland county and purchased timber land on section 12, town of Akan, where he claimed a farm and built a good frame house. In 1882 he bought a farm on section 11, moved there and engaged in the dairy business, which was a new departure in that town. His example has since been fol- lowed by some of his neighbors. In 1882 he milked nineteen cows; in 1883 twenty-five. His farm now contains 302 acres, 180 of which are tillage and pasture land. It is well supplied with good water from a never failing spring, and being good grazing land is well adapted for a dairy farm. Mr. and Mrs. Rizer have

three children living-Marquis D., Lorena and Clara, also an adopted son, Willie. Mr. Rizer is of a genial, pleasant disposition and gener- ally popular in the neighborhood in which he resides.

James Brady was a pioneer of Crawford county, where he settled in 1854. Hle is a na- tive of Ireland, born in the parish of Kilshere, county Meath, in August, 1826. Here his younger days were spent on the farm, and in the subscription school, where he received a liberal education. In 1850 he bid adien to his native land and sailed for America. Hle landed at New York and engaged at work in the ma- chine shops of the Empire Stone Dressing Company, and remained there until 1854, when he came to Crawford county as before stated. Ile came on the cars to Madison, thence by stage to Highland, then started on foot to seek a home. He crossed the Wisconsin river at Port Andrew, on the 4th of July. He entered land on section 24, town 10, range 3 west, now known as the town of Clayton. He then re- turned to Madison and remained until October, when he hired a team to convey him to his western home. He thus had transportation as far as Martin Munson's in the town of Akan, at that time, the end of the road. He then pro- cured an ox team and proceeded on his way. lle camped on Knapp's creek while he built a log cabin, moving into it as soon as possible, and commenced clearing, and the following year he planted four acres of corn, and in the fallsowed four aeres of wheat on ground that never had been plowed. He worked his land without any team until 1857, when he bought a yoke of steers. Hle lived on this farm until 1861, then purchased land in Akan, on section 19, with some improvements, and lived on it until 1874, when he created a frame house 20x30 feet, and two stories high. In 1882 he made an addition 20x30 feet, with a stone basement under the whole. Ile also has a frame barn 30x10 feet, with a stone basement. He now has 260 acres of land, 140 of which is cleared

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HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY.

and farmed. He is largely engaged in raising grain and stock. He has always taken a lively interest in town and county affairs. He has served as town clerk six years, as treasurer six years, and as chairman of the board five years. IIe has also been postmaster of Brady's office since it was established in 1868. He has been twice married, first in 1853, to Ann Torney, who was born in county Meath, Ireland. She died in 1861, leaving two children-Katie and Mary. Ilis second wife to whom he was married in 1867 was Mary J. Hagerty, she was born in Honsdale, Penn. They have had nine children -Teresa J., James, Thomas F., Martha J., Mar- garet, Rosanna, John J., Louisa and Edward. The latter died in infancy. His second wife died July 28, 1883, and was buried in St. Phil- lips' churchyard, in Crawford county.

C. E. Closson, the present assessor of the town of Akan, is a native of Sweden, born June 9, 1822. He attended school as soon as old enough, until fifteen years of age, then engaged to learn the trade of dyer, at which he worked until 1849, then came to America, landed at New York, and immediately started for Chicago, going up the Hudson river by steamboat, thence on Erie canal to Buffalo; thence by steamboat to Chicago, where he remained two and one- half years, then went to Kane Co., Ill., and re- mained until 1855, when he started with an ox team, accompanied by his family, for Wiscon- sin. They took household goods and provisions with them, camping out in true emigrant style. After three weeks of travel they arrived in Crawford county. He entered land on section 3, of town 9, range S west, now known as the town of Scott. The family lived with a neigh- bor until he could build a log cabin. He con- tinued clearing land and farming until 1862. Hle enlisted in August of that year in company G, 33d Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry, and went south, served until after the elose of the war, and was then discharged with the regi- ment. Among the battles in which he partici- pated are Nashville and siege of Vicksburg.

He was with Banks on his Red river expedition, and engaged in the battles of Pleasant Hill, Tupelo and Spanish Fort. While in the army he received a sunstroke, from the effects of which he has never fully recovered. Ile was promoted to rank of corporal in 1863, and to sergeant soon after. Upon returning, he re- sumed farming in Crawford county until 1866, then sold out and purchased his present farm on section 33, where he has since lived. He was married in 1848 to Martha Linsten, also a na- tive of Sweden, born Jan. 19, 1822. They have had six children, five of whom are now living-Frank, William, Lizzie, Maggie and Andrew. The first child, called Elizabeth, was born on the ocean, Sept. 22, 1849. She died in Chicago Sept. 22, 1850. Mr. Clos- son is educated in English as well as in Swede, and has held offices of trust in the town. Ile has been a member of the town board, and is now serving his fourth term as assessor, twelfth term as district treasurer, and has always per- formed the duties thus imposed upon him to the satisfaction of the people.

Robert Webb eame to the town of Akan in 1868, and purchased the northwest quarter of seetion 5, which was at that time timber land. He immediately began clearing, and now has seventy acres of cleared land, and one of the best farms in the town. The log cabin, in which the family lived eleven years, has been replaced by a good frame house. Ile was born in Oneida Co., N. Y., Sept. 5, 1825. When he was seven years old his parents moved to Ohio, and settled in Geauga county, where his father died two years later. At the age of sixteen he went to Cleveland, and was there employed by B. Ilarrington two years. Mr. Harrington was the possessor of a large library, to which the subject of this sketch had access, an oppor- tunity for improving his mind and advancing his education which he did not fail to take ad- vantage of. Ile returned to Geauga county and remained two years. He came to Wiscon- sin in 1845, and located in Rock county, pur-

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chased land in the town of Magnolia, improved a farm and lived there until 1853, when he sold, and moved to Green county. He purchased property in the village of Albany and opened a livery stable; also praetieed as a veterinary surgeon, in which he was successful. Ile dealt largely in horses and in real estate. In 1868 he sold his interests there and came to Akan. Mr. Webb is a man of intelligence, and is well informed. Hle served several years as special deputy sheriff of Green county, and as consta- ble of the village of Albany. IIe has served four years as justice of the peace in the town of Akan. He has been twice married, first to Lydia A. Dunbar, a native of Oneida Co., N. Y. She died March 7, 1864, leaving three children -Sarah J., Elizabeth A. and Charles S. He was again married Dec. 31, 1866, to Elizabeth Mackey, who was born in Union Co., Penn. By this union there are two children-William E. and Cora A.

James Bachtenkircher, an early settler in the town of Sylvan, was born in Claremont Co. Ohio, April 15, 1835. When he was eleven years old, his parents emigrated to Clinton Co .. Ind. ITis father was born in Germany, but was brought to America by his parents when only a year old. Ile grew to manhood's estate in the city of Philadelphia, receiving a good edu- eation in both English and German, and be- came a teacher by profession. The people in that part of Clinton county in which he settled were mostly of German descent, and he here en- gaged at his profession. The subjeet of this sketch received a liberal education, and re- mained with his parents until 1855. He then came to Richland county and located in the town of Sylvan. He did not, however, settle permanently, being at that time unmarried, but engaged in hunting and amusing himself gen- erally. He killed many deer and other smaller game. At the end of one year he returned to Indiana and engaged with a carpenter and joiner to learn the trade, with whom he served two years. lle then returned to Sylvan and

worked at his trade two years. In 1860, in company with Michael Snyder, he started for Pike's Peak, traveling in a wagon drawn by a pair of oxen. At Council Bluffs they purchased a supply of provision for a year. After fifty- two days travel, they reached Central City, Col., where he worked at his trade until November. Ile then yoked his oxen and started on his return to Sylvan. Ile was united in marriage in the spring of 1861, with Sarah A., daughter of Hezekiah and Hannah (Sayers) Slaback, early settlers of the town of Sylvan. She was born in Tippecanoe Co., Ind. In 1862 he bought land on seetion 30, of Sylvan, and was engaged in farming during the summer and in teaching school in the winter. In 1864 he sold his farm and purchased land on section 29, where he lived until 1869. Then becoming excited by the so-called western fever, sold his land and removed to Kansas. He made a claim in Wil- son county and engaged in farming, also worked at his trade until 1872, when he returned to Richland county and rented land in the town of Akan, until 1877. He then purchased his pres- ent farm, which is located on seetion 8. Mr. and Mrs. Bachtenkircher have four children living-Dolphus, Fred, Frank and Nettie. Mr. Baehtenkireher is a man who possesses the con- fidenee and respect of the community. He has been, and is still prominent and influential in public affairs. Hle served as elerk, assessor and justice of the peace, in Sylvan, and has been justice of the peace in Akan, since his residence here, and is now chairman of the town board.

Edgar Ward, an early settler of the town of Sylvan, was born in the town of Underhill, Chit- tenden Co., Vt., Feb. 27, 1837. Ile was there reared to agricultural pursuits. At the age of seventeen he went to Woreoster, Mass., and spent two years in farming. He came to Wis- consin in 1855, and lived in Grant county till 1860; then came to Richland county and settled upon land on sections 19 and 30, of the town of Sylvan, which he had purchased the previous year. Upon this land was a small log cabin,

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HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY.

into which he moved his family, and imme- diately commenced clearing. In 1863 he had cleared fifteen acres. He enlisted in December of that year, in the 33d Wisconsin, company B, and served until the close of the war, when he was discharged with the regiment Sept. 29, 1865. He participated in the following battles: Tu- pelo, Nashville, Spanish Fort, and other minor engagements. At the time of his discharge he was afflicted with sore eyes, which continued to grow worse, and at times he was obliged to con- fine himself in a dark room, and finally lost his sight entirely, but has since partially recovered it. He continued to occupy his farm in Sylvan until 1880, when he sold out, with the intention of going west, but changing his mind, he pur-

chased his present farm, located on section 10, town of Akan. He has since bonght other land, and now owns 140 acres. In 1883 he built a frame barn 30x40 feet. He was married in 1860 to Amy Stevens, who was born in Pennsylvania, July 20, 1843, and died Aug. 15, 1863, leaving two children-Lincoln L. and Amy. Mr. Ward was again married in March, 1864, to Rosanna McCord, a native of Mercer Co., Penn., born June 14, 1833. She was formerly the wife of Madison Ward, who died in the United States service, Sept. 29, 1863, at New Orleans, leaving four children-Reuben, Laura, Susan and Ro- sanna. By the last union there are two children -Columbia and Edgar E.

HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY.

CHAPTER XX.

TOWN OF BLOOM.

The town of Bloom embraces congressional township 12 north, of range 1 west, and is in the northern tier of Richland county's civil sub- divisions. It is bounded on the north by Vernon county; on the cast by the town of Henrietta; on the south by Marshall and on the west by Forest. The surface of the town is broken and hilly. One main ridge extends through the western portion of the town from north to south, while on each side of this are smaller, or con- neeting ridges, exterding to the east and west. On the ridges the soil varies; in some places being a rich black loam, and again, a yellow clay; and all is very productive. In the valleys the soil is a rich dark loam. In seasons of high water the valleys are in places overflown, and farmers often lose a portion of their crops. The town is well watered, making it a desirable and profitable locality for stock raising. The most important stream is the West Branch of Pine river which rises on section 5. On its way through the eastern part of the town it is joined by six spring tributaries.

EARLY SETTLEMENT.

The first settlement within the limits now comprising the town of Bloom was made, in 1853, by Isaac McMahan, who, during that year, came and entered 120 aeres of land on section 23 Ile was followed, the same year, by Daniel Householder, who entered 320 acres of land on section 35. He owned this land until the time of his death in 1879. He was ninety-nine years of age.

Edward Morris came during the same year and entered eighty acres on section 26.

John Rogers came in the spring of 1853 and entered land on section 18. He improved the land during the following summer, and then returned to Indiana, where he died shortly af- terward.

Israel Cooper came at about the same time and entered 240 acres, a part of which was on section 26. He erected his house on that sec- tion.

In 1854 Reuben Selby came and entered 160 acres on section 36. He now lives in Kansas.

Thomas Siers came at about the same time ind entered 160 acres on section 25.

Isaac Pizer came in 1854 and bought land on section 26. He laid ont the village of Spring Valley and remained a few years when he re- moved to Cerro Gordo Co., Iowa. In 1872 he sold out and started for Oregon; but when three miles from Sacramento City, he fell from the cars and was instantly killed. llis wife went on to Oregon, married two years later, and now lives in California.

Thomas Borland came in 1854 and settled on section 2, where he still lives.

John Jewell came during the same year and located on section 1, where he still resides.

Josephus Downs came in 1854 and entered land on the northwest quarter of section 22. Hc was a lawyer. He remained here for several years,then moved to Dane county; but a few years later returned and died on the old home- stead.

James E. Kidd, a son-in-law of Mr. Downs, came at the same time and entered the south- east quarter of section 15. Ile improved the

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HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY.

farm and made this his home until the time of his death, which occurred in 1881.

James A. Jones came in 1854 and settled on seetion 25. He now resides on section 35.

J. M. Hurless came at about the same time and entered 160 acres of land on section 5. He now resides on section 6. His brother, Henry, came the preceding spring and entered 160 acres on section 19.

Samuel Downs came in 1855 and bought land on the northwest quarter of section 14. He now lives in Kansas.

James A. Sellers came in 1855 and located on section 26. Ile erected the first mill in the town of Bloom. It is located near Spring Val- ley and is still owned by him.

Jonathan Jewell came in 1855 and settled on the northwest quarter of section 15, where he still lives.

David Griffin came from Indiana in 1855 and entered 182 acres of land on section 18. He still lives on the same section. His father, Ralph Griffin, came in 1856 and settled on sec- tion 18.

Friend Morrison came in 1855 and bought land on section 6. He now lives at Wood- stock.

Nathan Ford, a native of New Jersey, came in 1855 and settled on the southeast quarter of section 10. lle died Jan. 15, 1884.

Joseph Pippen came at an early day and set- tled on section 30, where he lived for a number of years. He is now a resident of the town of Forest.

M. R. Griffin came in 1855 and entered 120 aeres of land on section 7. He has never been out of the county since.

N. M. Trubaugh came during the same year and entered 160 acres on section 21.

Jesse Harness at about the same time entered eighty acres on section t7.

John E. Snyder came in 1855 and located on section 27, where he bought 120 acres of land, which he still ocenpies.

In the fall of the same year Charles Peckham and his sons, Charles and Alexander, came and settled on seetion 26. William Peckham came at the same time and located on section 34.

William Pizer came in the spring of 1855 and entered 160 acres of land on section 26.

Joseph Householder came in 1855 and en- tered 160 acres of land on section 33.

The same year Henry De Hart and his two sons, J. L. and Daniel V., came. The father purchased land where the sons now reside.

Philip Almon came in 1856 and settled ou section 7. He is now dead.

David Todd came in 1856 and bought land on section 6. In 1879 he sold out and went to California.

During the year 1856, and from that time until the war broke out, the settlement of the town was quite rapid, a great many of the in- comers being from Ohio and Indiana.

FIRST THINGS.

The first house within the present limits of the town of Bloom was erected in 1853, by Isaac McMahan, on section 23.

The first school in the town was taught at the dwelling house of Isaac Pizer, in 1855, by Wil- liam Barrett. There were two schools taught in 1855, in Rev. Crandall's house, by Lucinda Rollins.

The first marriage in the town was that of John Miller to Anna Barts, in 1855. The cere- mony was performed by Henry Hurless, justice of the peace.

The first birth in the town was that of James, a son of John and Rhoda Crandall, in February, 1854

The first sermon in the town was preached by John Crandall, in 1854, at his residence.

TOWN ORGANIZATION.

The first town meeting was held at the resi- dence of Isaac Pizer, in April, 1856. The fol- lowing were the first officers elected : Jose- phus Dowus, chairman, Isaac Pizer and James E. Kidd, board of supervisors ; William Pizer, clerk; John H. Crandall, assessor ; Aaron Sut-

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HISTORY OF RICIILAND COUNTY.

ton, treasurer ; Josephus Downs and L. M. Stewart, justices of the peace.

The following is a list of the officers chosen in April, 1883 : Elijah Allbaugh, chairman, W. Dowell, Thomas Burt, supervisors; J. W. Ren- ick, clerk; Henry Hurless, treasurer ; Timothy Spry, assessor; William Dowell, J. T. Cook and Jeff M. Hankins, justices ; J. W. Allbaugh, A. T. Carter and William Jewell, constables.

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History of Crawford and Richland counties, Wisconsin, Part 138

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