History of Crawford and Richland counties, Wisconsin, Part 143

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 143
USA > Wisconsin > Crawford County > History of Crawford and Richland counties, Wisconsin > Part 143

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).

Archibald Benjamin, a native of the State of New York, came here from the southern part of the county and entered the northwest quarter and the northeast quarter of the southwest quarter of section 28. He remained here five or six years and then removed to Richland Center, and engaged in trade. A few years la- ter he went to Sparta, Wis., where he died.

John Purcell came to Richland county from Indiana, and located for a time at Orion, « here lie followed his trade, blacksmithing. In the spring of 1855 he came to Dayton and entered land on section 32. He lived there until 1883, when he sold out and removed to Missouri.

Peter Fall was a native of Virginia. He set- tled on section 13, where he cleared a portion of his land and worked at blacksmithing, re- maining several years.

Benjamin B. Norris was a native of Ohio. Ile settled on the north half of the southeast quarter of section 14. He was a cabinet maker, and erected a shop in which he manufactured chairs, tables and other articles of household furniture. In 1860 he sold out to remove to the northeast quarter of section 14. When the war broke out he enlisted and died in the service. His widow still occupies the old homestead.

Jacob Dix settled on section 11, where he im- proved a farm. He is now dead and the family are scattered.

Jacob Berger, Martin Shumaker, Charles Hurless, Valentine Groh, Jolin and Henry Wolf and Christian Tappy were Germans. Mr. Berger was a cabinet maker, and had been in the United States, since his twelfth year. Ile entered land on section 15, where he still lives. Mr Shumaker first settled on section 23, but now lives on section 18. Mr. Hurless settled on section 5, where he still lives. Mr. Groh lo- cated on section 21, and now lives on section 7. The Wolf brothers settled on section 22. The

remaining one now lives on section 16. John sold out a few years ago and moved to Dakota, settling in Turner county, where he has since died. Mr. Tappy settled on section 10, where he- still lives.

C. C. Nevil was a native of Pennsylvania. He settled on section 10, and is still a resident of the town.

Andrew J. Campbell was a native of Indi- ana. He entered land on sections 12 and 13, which place remained his home until 1881. He now lives in the town of Richland.

George Marsh settled on section 11. His home is now in Minnesota.

A. Durnford was a native of England. He located on section 1, where he improved a farm and lived for many years. He is still a resident of the county.

Levi Leslie first settled on section 6. He lived in several parts of the town for a number of years and finally settled in Marshall, where he died.

Martin Smith was a native of Ohio. He set- tled on the northwest quarter of the northeast quarter of section 20. He is now living in Ne- braska.

G W. Oglevie came here from the southern part of the county and settled on section 22. He was a miller by trade and worked on differ- ent mills in the county. He remained here a few years, then moved away and is now dead.

Henry McNelly was a practicing physician- the first to locate in the town. He settled on section 28. He sold his land a few years later.

Joel Berry settled on section 23 and improved a farm which he occupied for several years. He is now in Kansas.

Jacob Reed was a native of Pennsylvania. He settled on section 10. He sold out several years later and moved away.

ORGANIZATION.

Prior to its organization the territory now comprising the town of Dayton was annexed to the civil town of Eagle. In 1857 Dryton was organized. The first election was held on

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HISTORY OF RICHILAND COUNTY.

the 7th of April of that year, at the house of Henry McNelly. Archibald Benjamin and John II. Rizer were chosen inspectors, and J. S. Robinson and Alfred Durnford, clerks of the election The town officers elected at this time were as follows: Supervisors, G. W. Oglevie, chairman, Lorenzo Woodman and L. L. Leslie; town clerk, James S. Robinson; superintendent of schools, Archibald Benjamin; treasurer, Edmund Davis; assessor, C. C. Walker; justices of the peace, Lorenzo Woodman, Collins P. Pratt, John Noble and Lyman Wood; consta- bles, EIward F. Wait, Martin Smith, J. Wood and S. Gravatt.

In 1883 a town house was erected on the northeast quarter of the northeast quarter of section 21, which cost $400.

At the annual town meeting held at the Day- ton Corners' school house April 3, 1883, the fol- lowing town officers were elected: Supervisors, C. A. Burghagen, chairman, John Akan, W. Flamme; clerk, W. II. Miller; treasurer, Tom J. Hallin; assessor, John Bowen; justices, J. M. Adair, J. Vanderpool and Henry Bannister; con- stables, W. Smart, Noah McKy and Joe Brogan.

THE VILLAGE OF BOAZ.

This is the only village within the limits of the town of Dayton. It is located on sections 19 and 20, on Mill creek. The village is sur- rounded by an excellent agricultural and dairy- ing country, and enjoys a good trade.

The village was platted in the winter of 1857-8 by R. and J. T. Barnes. The first store on the village site was started in 1857 by R. Barnes and M. Ripley. In 1861 Mr. Barnes purchased the store, and ran it until the time of his death in 1871. Ile was succeeded by J. W. Briggs and W. M. Barnes.

The first blacksmith shop at Boaz was opened in 1857 by Conrad Kierns, who remained about ten years. Ile was then succeeded by Stephen Bailey.

George Il. Starr was the first harness maker to locate in the village. He established his shop in October, 1870, and is still in trade.

The first wagon maker in the village was Peter Kierns, who occupied the same building as his brother, Conrad.

The next wagon shop was established by W. J. Woodruff and E. S. Fessenden. They sold to Jerome Cross.

The first hotel at Boaz was opened by Lewis Berry in 1870. Charles Pierce was the second landlord.

The Boaz House was erected in 1859 by M. Ripley, who occupied it for a number of years as a store and dwelling. In 1874 the property was purchased by George II. Starr, and in con- nection with his harness shop he ran this as the Starr Hotel. In 1876 he was succeeded as land- lord by D. J. Conklin. Then, in succession, came Ira Campbell, James Sheffield and W. M. Bevier.

The postoffice at Boaz was established in 1858 with M. Ripley as postmaster. The va- rious postmasters have been as follows : M. Ripley, J T. Barnes, John Ewers, J. T. Barnes, J. W. Briggs and F. O. Smith. Mr. Smith, the present postmaster, was appointed in 1881.

The first school in Boaz was a subscription school, taught in a building owned by Reason and James T. Barnes. In 1857 a log school house was erected, in which John Dunstan was the first teacher.

In 1883 a school house was created at a cost of $1,400 It is a fine two s'ory building, 28x78 feet. Kittie Delaney has the honor of being the first teacher in this house.

The Boaz mills is the most important estab- lishment in the town. The land upon which the mills are located was entered, in 1854, by Rea- son Barnes and his son James T. In 1855 they commenced the erection of a saw-mill which was ready for operation in September, 1556. It was furnish with an "up and down saw." In 1857 M. Ripley became a partner and in 1858 they added a grist-mill. In 1861 Mr. Ripley withdrew. In March, 1869, the mill was de- stroyed by fire, but was at once rebuilt. The saw mill has been furnished with circular saws

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HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY.

and machinery for the manufacture of wagon stock. The flonr mill has two run of buhrs and all other machinery for making first-class flonr. It is run as a enstom and merchant mill, and has a liberal patronage. The power is derived from Mill creek, which at this point furnishes eight feet head of water. In 1871 Reason Barnes died, and the firm changed to Barnes Bros. & Co., en personnel, J. T. and W. M. Barnes and J. W. Briggs. In 1874 J. W Briggs withdrew and the firm became Barnes Brothers. Thus it continued until 1883 when W. M. Barnes be- came sole proprietor.

The following is a directory of the business of Boaz as it stood in January, 1884 :

General merchandise, Briggs & Kepler, and Smith & Shaffer.

Mills, William Barnes.

Ilotel, W. M. Bevier.

Millinery, Mrs. Henry Heidbrink.

Supervising Architect, James T. Barnes.

Wagon shop, Jerome Cross.

Blacksmiths, John Surrum and Frank Cos- grove.

Shoemakers, Alonzo Burnell and E. W. Bell. Butcher, Lewis Cook.

Restaurant, William Howell.

Harness shop, G. H. Starr.

Physician, E. S. Garner.

In an early day preachers of different denom- inations paid frequent visits to Boaz. Among the number was Rev. Todd, a Presbyterian, from Sextonville. He did not organize a church here.

Elder Knapp, a Methodist preacher from Buena Vista, organized a class at the school house at an early day. He was well liked here, and the class flourished under his charge. Members moved away, however, and it was finally discontinued.

' At the present time there is only one reli- gions organization at Boaz, the German Lu- theran. This society was probably organized ax early as 1858. Rev, Wachtel was one of the first preachers. The society met to worship in dif-

ferent private houses until 1871, when they erected a church edifice. The society now numbers abont thirty members. The present pastor is Rev. William Endeward, of Muscoda.

The Dayton Lodge, No. 213, of the I. O. O. F., was organized Oct. 12, 1872, the charter bear- ing the date of Dec. 5, 1872. The following were the charter members of the lodge : David D. Woodruff, William J. Woodruff, Hiram Gardiner, Timothy W. Woodruff, Harlow (). Walker and J. G. Barnes. The first officers were: David D. Woodruff, N. G .; W. J. Wood- ruff, V. G. ; J. T. Barnes, treasurer ; Il. O. Walker, recording secretary. The following named have served as noble grand of the lodge: D. D. Woodruff, W. J. Woodruff, J. T. Barnes, J. A. Sheffield, E. Davis, E. S. Fessenden, W. J. Woodruff, J. A. Sheffield, J. W. Briggs, E. S. Fessenden, Jay W. Briggs, J. A. Sheffield, F. O. Smith, Frank Cosgrove, D. W. Core, F. M. Shafer and C. M. C. Bailey. The vice-grands of the lodge have been as follows : W. ... Woodruff, J. T. Barnes, J. A. Sheffield, E. Davis, G. H. Starr, D. W. Manchester, H. B. Wood, S. Shafer, C. II. Pierce, W. J. Woodruff, J. J. Shafer, F. O. Smith, Frank Cosgrove, D. W. Core, F. Shafer, C. M. C. Bailey and M. G. Berry, The secretaries have been as follows : H. O. Walker, J. T. Barnes, C. H. Pierce E. S. Fessenden, J. A. Sheffield, Jay W. Briggs, M. G. Berry and L. D. Bailey. The treasurers of the lodge have been : J. T. Barnes, E. Davis, G. II. Starr and H. B. Wood. The lodge is now in good working order, has a membership of forty, and meets every Saturday evening.

VILLAGE OE DAYTON CORNERS.

In 1857 Lorenzo Woodman and James Hafus, laid out some lots and blocks on the southwest- ern part of section 14, and the northwestern part of section 23, to which they gave the name of Dayton Corners. During the same year a post- office was established here under the name of Ripley Postoffice, with Lorenzo Woodman as postmaster. Mr. Woodman served until the time of his death, and then C. C. Walker be-

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IIISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY.

came postmaster. He was succeeded by James Hafus and the office was finally discontinued after an existence of about two years.

At an early day Peter Fall opened a black- smith shop on the southeast corner of the north- west quarter of section 13. During the war he sold out and moved away. He did general re- pair work, mostly sharpening plows and grub hoes His son Samuel opened a shop soon after the old gentleman had sold out, on the north- east quarter of section 13, and remained for several years.

Edward Bassett came to Dayton Corners in 1857, and bought a lot of Lorenzo Woodman on the southwest quarter of section 14. Ile erected a frame building 20x30 feet in size, and put in a stoek of general merchandise. He re- mained in trade about four years, when he closed ont and moved to Ohio.

The first school at Dayton Corners was taught in 1857 by Eliza Bevier, in a house owned by C. C. Walker. During the summer of the same year a school house was erected in that village, which was used until 1881, when a frame house was built on section 15.

The Dayton Corner's Methodist Episcopal Church started with the organization of a class in 1856 at the house of Lorenzo Woodman, by Rev. John Walker, who was then located at Sextonville. Among the members of the class at its organization were the following: Lorenzo Woodman and wife; Simeon Gravatt and wife; Joseph Wheaton and wife, and Joel Berry and wife. Lorenzo Woodman was the first class leader.

A United Brethren class was organized at an carly day at the house of Peter Fall, on section 13. The class met for worship at the residence of Mr Fall for a number of years. At present there is an organization that has a partially completed church edifice on section 23. Thomas Ewing is class Icader.

BIOGRAPHICAL.

Francis M., son of Uriah and Christiana (Barnes) Patch, early settlers of Richland

county, was born in Licking Co., Ohio, in De- cember, 1837. He came to Richland county with his parents at the age of fifteen. He was united in marriage in March, 1863, to Esther Thompson. They had one son-James F., born May 21, 1864. In 1864, Mr. Patch enlisted in the 8th Illinois Cavalry, company H, and joined the regiment at Washington a few weeks later. Ile served until the close of the war, and was dis- charged with his regiment at St. Louis in 1865. lle then returned to Dayton and purchased land on section 2, which he has improved, and where he still lives. The death of his wife occurred while he was in the army. His second wife, to whom he was married Jan. 1, 1866, was Char- lotte B. (Ladd) Harris, widow of Abraham Harris. Two children have blessed this union- Francis R. and Henry T. B.

Rev. Abraham Harris, (deceased), son of John and Mary (Short) Harris, was born in Der- onshire, England, in August, 1832. le came to America with his parents. He was united in marriage to Charlotte B. Ladd, March 27, 1852. She was a native of Orange Co., Vt., and was born March 18, 1832. Soon after their marriage they united with the Baptist Church. His early education had been sadly neglected and he learned to read after his marriage. In 1855 they came to Richland county, town of Marshall, and located on section 28. At the organization of the Church of the United Brethren, both he and his wife became members, and he was soon after licensed as a preacher of that denomina- tion, and devoted his time entirely to the Church. HIc had charge of Churches in Richland, Sank, Vernon and Crawford counties. His death occurred Oct. 17, 1862. Hle left a widow and six children to mourn his loss. One of the children has since died. The five remaining are-Mary E., Martha J., J. Freeman, Sarah M. and Eldora J. Mrs. Harris is now the wife of Francis M. Patch and resides in Dayton.

Capt. Roswell K. Hamilton was born in Mad- ison Co., N. Y., in 1826, and is the son of Tilley and Sarah (Orcut) Hamilton. He resided in

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HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY.

his native State until twenty-one years old, then, in company with a brother, came to Rock Co., Wis., where he worked upon a farm. In 1854 he came to Richland county, and in 1855 settled at Richland Center, where he served as town treasurer. In September, 1861, he en- listed in company F, of the 2d Wisconsin Cav- alry, went into camp in December, at Camp Washburn, Milwaukee, and was mustered into service in January, 1862. His regiment first went to Camp Benton, Mo., thence to Jefferson City, from there to Springfield, and about the Ist of June started for Helena, Ark., where the regiment brigaded with the 5th and 11th Kan- sas regiments. He received a wound in the hand at Augusta, Ark. From Augusta they moved to Helena, Ark., and December, 1862, was at the taking of the Arkansas Post. In February, 1863, they removed to Memphis, and scouted in the southern part of Tennessee and northern part of Mississippi. In June, 1863, they moved to Snyder's Bluff, near Vicksburg, where they were placed between Grant's and Johnson's armies, and after the surrender of Vicksburg, followed Johnson's army to Meridian, after which they fell back to Vicks- burg, and went into winter quarters at Red River. On July 1, 1864, they made a raid on Jackson, Miss., had seven days' fight, and were driven back, the confederate forces numbering 5,000 men, while the union forces had barely 2,500 men. They fell back to Black river, obtained reinforcements, with which they forced the ene- my to retire. In December, 1864, they made a raid on Vaughir Station, Miss., destroyed a railroad bridge across Black river, and fell back to Yazoo C'ity. On the 4th of December, while reconnoitering, they were overpowered by the enemy and driven baek, during which time Capt. Hamilton was injured by the falling of his horse; thence from Yazoo to Vicksburg; thence to Memphis, where on Feb. 6, 1865, Capt. Hamilton was mustered ont of service, his time having expired, and his injury unfit- ting him for further military duty. In 1881 he

moved to his farm on section 13, town of Day- ton, where he owns eighty acres. He was united in marriage in Rock Co., Wis., in 1849, to Eliza Rose. Two children blessed this un- ion-Ira J. and Albert S. Mrs. Hamilton died, and Capt. Hamilton was again married, June 4, 1865, to Mary Bailey. They are the parents of one son-D. Vance.

William Robinson, deceased, pioneer of Rich- land county, first settled near Sextonville in the year 1853. Ile bought eighty acres of land on section 4, town 9, range 2 east, now included in the town of Ithaca. He remained here but one year, then sold out and removed to town 10, range 1 west, now known as the town of Day- ton. He entered the southeast quarter of the northwest quarter of section 34, built a log house and leased a portion of the land. In 1866 he purchased unimproved land on section 26 of the same town. This was his home until the time of his death. He was a native of Ander- son Co., Ky, born July 5, 1805. When a young man he emigrated with his parents to Indiana, and located in Washington county. 'This was at that time a new county, and here his pioneer life began. He was joined in mar- riage in February, 1828, to Nancy Menangh. She was born in Shelby Co., Ky., Dec. 15, 1810. Soon after they removed to Carroll county, where he engaged in farming, but, like many others, the fever and ague troubled him, and after living there three years he removed to Kosciusko county. Here he purchased timber land, erected a comfortable log honse, and cleared a farm. In 1852 he visited Richland county in company with Dr. Sippy, made a short stay, then returned to his home and remained until the following spring, then sold his farm, packed up his goods and started overland, ac- companied by his family, and settled near Sex- tonville, as before stated. Mr. and Mrs. Robinson were the parents of eleven children, six of whom are now living- Eliza J., Elizabeth, James HI., Francis M., Erasmus P. and Samuel Edwin. The youngest son now occupies the

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HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY.

homestead. James H. and Francis M. pur- chased 172 acres of timber land on section 35. They have ninety acres of it cleared and im- proved, and it is one of the best farms in the town. They have erected a large frame house, and other necessary farm buildings. Their mother makes her home with them. Mr. and Mrs. Robinson both joined the Presbyterian Church soon after marriage. As there was no Church of that denomination in Dayton, he joined the United Brethren Class, and was a member of Otterbein Church at the time of his death, which occurred in the spring of 1875.

Henry Robinson, deceased, an early settler of the town of Dayton, was born in Anderson Co, Ky., in September, 1805. He was joined in marriage to Sarah Farmer. In 1829, in com- pany with his brother William and some others, he emigrated to Indiana and settled in Tippe- canoe county, near the line of Clinton county, and was one of the pioneers in that section of the country. He remained there about ton years, then removed to Kosciusko county; he was also an early settler there. Ile then pur- chased timber land, eleared a farm, and made that his home until the fall of 1854, when he sold out and started for Wisconsin, traveling overland, bringing his family and household goods along. After three weeks travel he ar- rived at the home of his brother William, at Pleasant Hill, in the town of Eagle, and there spent the winter. In the spring of 1855 he re- moved to Dayton and entered land on section 28, as before stated, remaining here until 1871, then sold and moved to Boone Co., Neb, where he died two years later. His wife died in 1876. They were the parents of eleven children, six of whom are now living.

Their son, William F., now resides on section 29. lle was born in Anderson Co., Ky., in Sep- tember, 1828. He was but one year old when his pioneer life began in Tippecanoe county, and but eleven years of age when his parents removed to Kosciusko county, where he grew to manhood. Ile was joined in marriage in

1851 to Eliza J. Robinson. She was born in Washington Co., Ind. Hle purchased timber land in Franklin town and cleared a portion of it, remaining there until 1854, when he came to Richland county. He purchased land on sec- tion 4 of the town of Eagle, and lived there until 1862, when he came to Dayton and pur- chased eighty aeres of land on section 29, in the portion of the town known as Fox Hollow. Ile has since that time purchased other land, and his farm now contains 180 acres. He has engaged in raising grain and stock. Mr. and Mrs. Robinson have three children living- James E., Alfred M. and Adello M.

Zenas W. Bevier, in 1855, settled in the town of Akan, where he was engaged in blacksmith- ing and farming until his death, which occurred in October, 1881. Mrs. Bevier now resides near Dell Rapids, Dak. She reared seven chil- dren-Henry, William M., Charles, Caroline, How Mrs. I. N. Neher; Norman, George and Euarcha. Mr. Bevier was a native of New York, where he learned his trade and in which he became a first-class workman. He was mar- ried to Mary Ann Austin, also of New York. About 1847 they came to Roek Co., Wis., from whence they came to this county. It was through his influence that the first postoffice was established at Akan, he receiving the ap- pointment of postmaster, which position he held until his death. He was a member of the Church of United Brethren. W. M. Bevier was born in Rock county, July 27, 1848, and came with the family to this county. He was brought up on a farm. In 1874 he was married to Sarah Shafer, daughter of S. Shafer. They left the State in March, 1877, and were absent four years, then returned and resided in Craw- ford county until March, 1883. At that date he purchased the Boaz House, of which he is now proprietor. Mr. and Mrs. Bevier have four children-Guy M., Ida May, Floyd Z. and Carrie B. In February, 1864, Mr. Bevier en- listed in company B, of the 36th Wisconsin, and served until July, 1865, when the regiment was

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HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY.

mustered out of service. He was wounded in the right arm at the battle of Coal Harbor. In polities he is a republican, and is a member of the I. O. O. F.

Jacob J. Miller was a pioneer settler of Richland county. He was born in Darke Co., Ohio, March 12, 1821, and there passed his earlier life. In 1846 he went to Indiana, and in 1850, in company with John Ewing, he started for the great northwest, and being pleased with the appearance of the land in what is now Richland county, resolved to make this his future home. Ife entered land on sec- tion 25, town 9 north, of range 1 east, now known as the town of Orion, upon which he erected a hewed log house, and cleared forty acres of land. Six years later (1856) he sold this land, and coming to town 10 north, of range 1 west, now called Dayton, purchased a traet of land on section 6, erected a log house and made various substantial improvements. He made that his home until his death, which occurred on Christmas day of 1863. Mr. Miller was married Feb. 16, 1853, to Angy E. Goff, daughter of George and Mary Goff. She was born Oet. 7, 1832, in Izzard Co., Ark. In 1833 her parents removed to Missouri, where they resided until the year 1859, then removed to Richland Co., Wis, crossed the Wisconsin river July 28, 1849, at the village of Orion, in the present town of Orion. They have had three children-G. M., born June 8, 1855; J. T., born Nov. 29, 1859; M. A., born June 25, 1862. The widow and family still occupy the old homestead. The sons have proven themselves industrious farmers and efficient managers; have cleared over fifty aeres of the farm, and erected a neat frame residence.

Frank O. Smith, in company with J. W. Briggs, in 1875, established a grocery business in the village of Boaz. The name of the firm being Briggs & Smith. In 1878 they added dry goods, clothing, boots and shoes and hard- ware. April 1, 1881, they dissolved partner- ship and Mr. Smith succeeded J. A. Sheffield

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History of Crawford and Richland counties, Wisconsin, Part 143

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