History of Crawford and Richland counties, Wisconsin, Part 144

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 144
USA > Wisconsin > Crawford County > History of Crawford and Richland counties, Wisconsin > Part 144

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).

in trade. Ile now has a general stock of dry goods, clothing, gents furnishing goods, boots, shoes, groceries and drugs. Mr. Smith was born in Chautauqua Co., N. Y., in 1852. His father, William J. Smith, came to Wiscon- sin in 1856, accompanied by W. II. Stewart, and both brought their families with them. They intended to make a hunting expedition and return after a time. They killed thirty deer the first winter. Being pleased with the country, Mr. Smith coneluded to locate perma- nently and entered land on section 34, town of Sylvan, where he was engaged in farming until his death, in 1873. Mrs. Smith still resides at the homestead. They had two sons-Frank (). and Fred Mr. Smith was a Mason and a mem- ber of the I. O. O. F. lle was town treasurer ten years, but took little interest in politics. The subject of our sketch was educated in the county and taught school eighteen terms; after which he engaged in trade at Boaz, as before stated. In 1876 he was married to Flora E. Barnes, daughter of J. T. Barnes. They have two children-Lora C. and Leathy. He is a re- publican in polities ; is a member of the I. O. O. F. and a notary public. Mr. Smith bas been postmaster at Boaz sinee 1881.

Jacob Van Pool was born in Franklin Co., Penn., in 1887. He is the son of Anthony Van Pool, who is a native of Maryland, born in 1790. In June, 1844, the family moved to Steubenville, Ohio. The subject of this sketeh resided with his parents until 1853, after which he traveled considerably through the southern States, and in 1855 settled at Freeport, III., where he worked at the carpenter and painter's trades. In 1856 he moved to Wisconsin, located near Richland Center, and there en- gaged in farming and working at the carpen- ter's trade. On Ang. 14, 1862, he enlisted, at Richland Center, in the 25th Wisconsin, com- pany B. He participated in the memorable campaign against the Sioux Indians, leaving St. Paul, Minn., in September, 1862, and return- ing to Winona, in December of same year, hav-

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HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY.

ing made the trip almost entirely on foot. Ile also served with the regiment at Cape Gira- deau, Lake Providence, Cypress Bend, siege of Vicksburg, Athens, etc. He was mustered out of service af Washington, June 7, 1865. Ile was married in February, 1860, to Annie Bolen- baugh. Seven children were born to them, four of whom are now living-J. A. W., E. E., Il. II. and P. J Mr. Van Pool moved to Crawford Co., Kan., in 1867, where he resided until 18:5, when he returned to Richland county and has since remained. Mr. Van Pool has a farm of 136 acres on section 29, town of Dayton. In polities he is liberal, and in his re- lig.ous views, is an Armenian.

Samuel Harlan is a prominent member of the Methodist Episcopal denomination of the town of Dayton, and has been a resident here since 1860. He was born in Columbiana Co., Ohio, Aug. 6, 1825, and was reared to manhood among rural scenes. He attended the district schools in his younger days, and received as good an education as they then afforded. On Dec. 5, 1863, he was joined in marriage to Elizabeth Totten, who died April 22, 1855. Soon after his wife's death, he went to Jay Co., Ind., and was there married, March 18, 1856, to Phebe Stanley, also a native of Columbiana Co., Ohio, born Aug. 25, 1827, and taken by her parents to Indiana when quite young. After marriage Mr. Harlan remained in Jay county but a short time, and then returned to Columbiana Co., Ohio, where he lived one and a half years. Again settling in Jay Co., Ind., he bought eighty acres of land in Bear Creek, and re- mamed there until 1860, when on account of poor health, he came to Richland county, and bought a farm on the north half of the south- east quarter of section 14, where he has since resided. Soon after coming to the town of Dayton, he became a class leader in the M. E Church, and has served in that position almost continuously to the present time. Himself and wife have three children-James W., Heury F. and Phebe Emily.

E. S. Garner, M. D., is a son of Edom and Rebecca (Langley) Garner. He was born July 30, 1854, and came with his parents to Richland county in 1864. The family settled near Port Andrew, where the subject of this sketch worked upon the farm and attended the district schools. In the fall of 1878 he entered the College of Physicians and Surgeons at Keokuk, Iowa, and graduated in the spring of 1881. The July fol- lowing he located at Boaz, and commenced the practice of his profession. lle was married Feb. 21, 1877, to Carrie Kyle, and they have three children-Howard L., Albert C. and Car- rie 1. Dr. Garner is a member of the South- western Medical Association.

John E. Surrem was born near Christiana, Norway. He emigrated with his parents to America in 1868. They landed at New York city, immediately came west, and stopped at Muscoda, Wis., some years. At the age of nine- teen the subject of the sketch commenced learning the blacksmith trade. He served two and a half years and then opened a shop for himself in the village of Boaz, where he is now doing an extensive business at blacksmithing and repairing. Mr. Surrem casts his vote with the republican party, and is a Lutheran in his religious views. His father, Nels J. Surrem, was born near Christiana, Norway, in 1828, where he lived until he came to America in 1868. llis wife was Elizabeth Rudzer, and they were married in 1857. They now reside in this county.

Jay W. Briggs, of the firm of Briggs & Kep- ler, merchants at Boaz, was the son of I. Oscar and Mary (Frink) Briggs. He was born in Sauk county, in October, 1847. In 1851 his parents came to Richland county and settled at Sextonville. Here his father died one year later. The subject of our sketch made his home here with his mother, receiving his edu- cation in the Sexconville school. When he was fifteen years of age he engaged as clerk in A. II. Kronskop's store, remanuing with him one and one-half years; then he engaged as clerk for

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HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY.

McCorkle & Thomas two years. Then he went to Richland Center and clerked for A. H. Krous- kop six months. He then went to the home farm at Sextonville and tried farming one season, then returned to Richland Center and engaged with Baker & Pease as clerk. In 1873 he came to Boaz and engaged in the mercantile business in company with William Barnes buying the store of the late R. Barnes. He also bought a one-fourth interest in the flouring mill fourteen months later. He sold his interest in the mill while Barnes sold his interest in the store to A. II. Kronskop. The firm of Briggs & Krouskop continued in business about six months when Mr. Briggs sold to his partner and engaged to clerk for him in his store at Richland Center. At the same time he had started a small store in company with F. O. Smith. He remained with Krouskop one year, then returned to Boaz, and engaged in the store with Mr. Smith. In 1882 they dissolved partnership and he con- tinued alone until January, 1884, when he sold one-half interest to William F. Kepler, his present partner. They are doing an extensive business and carry a stock valued at $6,000. He was joined in marriage May 2, 1872, to Em- ma, daughter of Henry W. and Margaret ( Wolf) Fries. Four children blessed this union-Ada Belle, Lelia Louise, Jennie Laura and Fay.

William M. Barnes, proprietor of Boaz mills, is a native of Indiana, born in Tippecanoe county in 1834. In 1849 in company with his

parents he came to Richland county and settled at Richmond, as it was then called, now Orion. Here he engaged with an older brother to learn the trade of carpenter and joiner. Hefollowed that trade nutil 1861. During that year he en- listed in the 5th Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry. He was mustered into the service on the 28th of June and served in Smith's division, Army of the Potomac. IIe participated in the battle of Williamsburg and many other minor engage- ments. He was discharged on account of disa- bility at Philadelphia, in October, 1862, and returned home. Ile was joined in marriage Nov. 1, 1863, to Ida M. Fries, daughter of Judge Fries, of Richland Center. He continued to work at his trade until 1873 when he engaged in mercantile trade at Boaz, and at the same time bought a one-fourth interest in the mill and fourteen months later bought another one- fourth interest in the mill and at the same time sold his interest in the store. He continued to operate the mill in company with his brother until January, 1882, when he bought the other one-half interest, making him sole proprietor. The flour mill has a capacity of 100 bushels per day. The saw-mill a capacity to saw 5,000 feet of lumber per day. These mills do a flourishing business. Mr. and Mrs. Barnes are the parents of six children-Grace, Lee, Carl, Minnie, Guy and Scott. In politics Mr. Barnes is a demo- crat of the conservative order. In religion he . favors the United Brethren Church.

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HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY.

CHAPTER XXIII.

TOWN OF EAGLE.

The town of Eagle embraces nearly all of lent mill privilege on what is now called Mill congressional township 9 north, range 1 west. creek. They made no improvements except to ent four poles and lay them "elaim fashion." They did not attend to their claim close enough and it was jumped in 1841 by Thomas J. Par- It is bounded on the north by the town of Day- ton, on the east by Orion, on the west by Rich- wood, and on the south by the Wisconsin river. This is about the finest agricultural town in. rish. Richland county. While some portions of it In 1841 Hardin Moore, a native of Kentucky, came here from Grant county and made a claim of the southwest quarter of section 34. He was a single man; did not enter his land, but erect- ed a log cabin and made a little elearing. A few years later he sold his claim, and boarded with Mathew Alexander for a time. Ile was a natural mechanic, and would often shoe horses for the settlers. He receives attention in the general chapters of this volume. are upon the rich bottoms of the Wisconsin river, much of it is broken and hilly; bluffs, in- terspersed with rich lowlands and valleys; the home of luxuriant grasses and golden grain. The surface of the town is well watered by Eagle creek and its numerous tributaries, mak- ing this an excellent stock raising region. Many of the farmers devote a good deal of atten- tion to this branch, and the result is highly gratifying. The only village in the town is Eagle Corners.

EARLY SETTLEMENT.

The first permanent settler in the territory now comprising the town of Eagle was Mathew Alexander, a native of Kentucky. He had been a sailor on the great lakes, and came from that region to this county in 1840. He entered lots 1 and 2, on seetion 33, and lot 4, on section 34, where he made some improvements, and re- mained until 1852, when he sold out and re- moved to Brownsville, Minn. The greater portion of the time which he spent here he was engaged in lumbering and rafting.

It is believed that the first claim in the town of Eagle was made, in 1839, by Robert Boyd and Monroe Fleming. During this year they came from Iowa county and claimed the south- west quarter of seetion 26, covering the excel-

Thomas Palmer and his sons, Loreman and William, came here in 1848. The father en- tered the east half of the northwest quarter of section 32, where he lived until the time of his death. Loreman entered the east half of the northwest quarter of section 32, and lived there until he died. William entered the east half of the northeast quarter of section 32. He lived there for some years; then sold out and removed to Missouri; but returned after a short stop, and has since died.

George Goff, a native of Virginia, came from Missouri in 1848, and settled in the town of Orion. In 1853 he settled on the southeast quarter of section 26, where he died Jan. 4, 1858. His widow died in December, 1863. They were both buried in the Orion cemetery. Thomas Goff, a son, came with his parents and lived for a time in the town of Orion. In 1855

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HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY.

he entered the southwest quarter of section 15, in the town of Eagle, and made this his home until the time of his death.

Stephen Tinnell, a native of Kentucky, came here from Highland, in 1849, and claimed the northwest quarter of section 33. He remained here about three years and then removed to Missouri.

William Pickering, with his brother John, natives of England, came from Racine county in 1849 and entered 320 acres on sections 8 and 9. William located here in 1853 and is still a resident.

William Cooper, a native of Pennsylvania, came here from Indiana in 1849 and entered the east half of the northwest quarter of section 11. In the spring of 1850 he settled on section 26. He now lives on section 28.

Cyrus McGill, a native of Virginia, came here in 1849 and located on section 25. Ile lived there until after the war, when he removed to Kansas.

The first move toward a settlement in what is known as Hoosier Hollow was made in 1849, when William Miller, George D. Sharp and Preston Say came from Indiana and located here. Miller entered three quarter sections of land on sections 13 and 23; Sharp entered 160 acres on sections 14, 21 and 22; and Say selected 160 acres on sections 23 and 24. Miller and Sharp both erected log cabins, after which the party returned to Indiana for their families. In September, 1849, they again came, accompanied by their families. Mr. Miller settled on the southeast quarter of section 23. Ilis son John, with his family, came at this time and settled on section 13, afterwards removing to section 23. Sharp located on the southeast quarter of section 14, where his widow still resides. In October, 1849, James and Andrew Miller, brothers of William, came to Richland county and located in the town of Orion. James was a bachelor. Ile bought land on section 29, which is now owned by Henry Hurless. He did not improve the land, selling out a few 1

years later. Until the death of his sister he remained in Orion, after which he made his home with William until he died. Andrew owned land on sections 29 and 30, now known as the Kite farm. He died in Orion and his widow now makes her home with her sister, Mrs. Abraham Beard.

William Robinson came with the Miller brothers to assist in moving their goods. Ile entered land on section 24, but did not settle at that time, returning to Indiana. In 1851 be came back and settled on his land.

Mrs. Sarah Perrin, a native of Kentucky, came here at the same time and bought land on sec- tion 25. She is now the wife of J. D. Fazel.

In 1850, George Slater, Abraham Beard and Joseph Hays came here from Indiana. Slater first settled on section 23; but a few years later moved to section 34. Beard settled on section 23, and made this his home until the time of his death. Hays settled on section 13. A few years later his wife died, and for some time he lived with his son-in-law; after which be re- turned to Indiana and died at the home of his SOD.

John Thompson, a native of Ohio, came here from Indiana in 1850 and settled on section 22, where he died in 1854. His widow still lives on the old homestead.

Charles G. Rodolf, a native of Switzerland, came from Iowa county in 1850 and first located in Orion, where he engaged in the mercantile trade. In 1852 he came to the town of Eagle and bought the mill property on section 26. IIe now lives in Muscoda.

Josiah Newburn, a native of Pennsylvania came here in 1851 and settled on seetion 22 He lived there for several years, then removed to Nebraska. He died in Missouri in 1882.

Jeremiah B. Newburn, a native of Pennsyl- vania, came from Illinois in 1852 and entered the northeast quarter of section 33. The fol lowing year he settled there and is still a resi dent.

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HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY.

Josiah and Richard Willey, natives of Eng- land, came here in 1852 and settled on sections 17 and 20. They remained but a short time then returned to Grant county, where Richard died in 1883, and Josiah still lives.

Abraham Dillon, a native of Missouri, came here from Grant county in 1852 and entered land on sections 7 and 8. He still occupies the place.

Newton Wells, a native of Virginia, came here from Orion in 1854 and located on section 10, where he still lives.

Martin Smith came from Indiana during the same year and entered land. When the war broke out, he enlisted and died in the service. The family are now scattered.

Holliday Peters, a native of Indiana, came here in 1854 and entered land on section 4. He cleared a small tract of land, then sold out and returned to Indiana. A few years later he came back and settled on sections 27 and 28. Ile now lives in Knox Co., Neb.

James II. Robinson, a native of Indiana, came here in 1854 and settled on section 4. He was a single man at the time, but married soon after. He lived here a number of years, then sold out and removed to Nebraska, where he holds the office of postmaster of his town.

Hubert Matthews, a native of France, came here from Ohio in 1854 and entered land on section 13. In 1859 he settled on section 22. When the Rebellion broke out, he enlisted in the army and died in the service. His widow still occupies the old homestead.

James Willey, a native of England, came from Iowa county in 1854 and settled on sec- tions 17 and 20. lle has since lived on section 20.

Thomas Hardy, a native of Virginia, came from Indiana in 1855 and settled on section 16, where he lived until the time of his death.

James Lucas, a native of Ohio, came here from Indiana in 1855 and purchased 320 acres of land on sections 4 and 9. He settled on sec- tion 9, where he still lives.

Samuel B. Goff, a native of Pennsylvania, came from Indiana in 1855 and entered land on on section 6, where he lived until the time of his death.

In 1856 William Briggs, a native of Massa- chusetts, came from Illinois and bought the southwest quarter of section 3.

HISTORICAL EVENTS.

The first, birth in the town was that of Ro- sanna, daughter of Delila (Alling) Ilesler, born Feb. 19, 1847. She is now the wife of Albert Brenaman, and lives on Bird's creek.

Another early birth was that of Joseph, a son of Joel and Susanna (Bradbury) Doughhetce, born July 5, 1850. Ile is now living in Mis- souri.

The first child in the town born of Norwegian parents was Jennie, a daughter of George and Annie Shelbern born Jan. 4, 1854.

The first marriage in the town was that of Mark Bird to Lucinda Alexander, in 1848. They settled in Oregon, where she died and he still lives.

Another early marriage was that of Daniel Bird to Maria Alexander, in 1850. The cere- mony was performed by T. H. Doughhetce, justice of the peace, at the residence of the bride's parents on section 33. They settled in Oregon, where they were still living when last heard from.

The first death in the town-or one of the first, at least-was that of John Richardson, in 1850. Ile was attempting to cross the mill- pond about a mile north of the mill, in search of deer, and was caught in the brush and drowned. His body was recovered in a short time, and buried on section 27. He was a sin- gle man, and had come from Massachusetts. In company with a man named La Rue, he had a claim on section 27.

The first election in the town, and some claim in the county, was held at the house of Mathew Alexander, in the southeast quarter of section 33, in the fall of 1848. There were nineteen votes polled.

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HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY.

MONONGAHELA.

In 1844 (some claim 1845) the commission- ers. of Iowa county appointed James Murphy and two others to select a county seat of Rich- land county. They came and selected the northwest fractional quarter of section 2, town 8, range 1 west, now included in the town of Eagle, for the prospective seat of justice. About one year later Francis A. Hill surveyed a village here, laying out lots and blocks. It was named Monongahela. For a time Am- brose E. Parrish ran a saloon here, but every- thing connected with the village has long since passed away.

ORGANIC.

The town of Eagle was organized in 1853. The first town meeting was held in April of that year, when the following named were elected officers: Supervisors, C. G. Rodolf, chairman, Josiah Newburn and Thomas E. Hesler; clerk, L. B. Palmer; treasurer, James Appleby; school superintendent, G. D. Sharp; justices of the peace, Thomas Palmer and Josiah Newburn; constable, William Sharp; assessor, L. B. Pal ner; overseers of highway, David D Miller and John Thompson.

At the annual election held at the Basswood school house, April 3, 1883, the following were chosen as town officers for the succeeding year: Supervisors, J. M. Craigo, chairman, Theodore 'Wheaton and William Hall; clerk, Horatio Cornwall; treasurer, Thomas Rummery; asses- sor, D. C. Doughhetee; justices, J. M. Craigo, Horatio Cornwall, Frank Ward and John Bo- vee; constables, H. M. Hardy and John Dillon.

EDUCATIONAL.

The first school house in district No. I was erected in 1856. It was built of hewn logs, and located on section 10. The first school was taught by Newton Wells, the term commencing Jan. 1, 1857. About 1848 the school house was burned and a temporary building was erected on the northeast quarter of section 9 which was used until 1876. At that time the present neat frame building was erected at a cost of

$450. Mary Hamilton was the first teacher in the present building. Lillie Wood was the teacher in 1883.

The first school house in district No. 2 was erected in 1857-a frame building on the north- west quarter of section 32. Harriet Hunger was the first teacher. In 1870 the building was sold and is now used as a stable. During the same year the present school house was erected on the southwest quarter of section 29, the site having been donated to the district by George Kite for a term of ninety-nine years. Olive Craigo is the present teacher. This is known as the Kite district.

No. 3 is known as the "Eagle Corner's dis- triet." The first school house in this district was a log one located on section 28, erected in 1858. Frances Prevett was the first teacher. The school house was afterwards moved to Eagle Corners and was in use until 1868, when a frame building was erected in which Alexan- der Breneman was the first to teach. Frank Giles is the present teacher.

The first school house in district No. 4 was erected on the northeast quarter of the south- east quarter of section 6, in 1858. Francis Gault was the first teacher. The old school house was used until 1882, when the present house was completed. Katie Dorgan was the first teacher in this building and Ida Allison is the present teacher. This is usually called the "Gault district."

The first school in district No. 5 was taught by L. M. Thorpe in a log building, crected by the neighborhood for the purpose, on section 23. The building was in use until after the war, when the present school building was erected on the south west quarter of the north- west quarter of section 24. Mary Edwards was the first teacher in the present building. This is generally known as the "Pleasant Hill school house."

The first school house in district No. 6 was erected on the southeast quarter of section 11, in 1857. Frances Prevett, now Mrs. James

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HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY.

Sharp, was the first teacher in this building. The present school house was ereeted in 1880. It is a neat frame building located on the south- west quarter of section 12. Martha Potts was the first teacher in this building.

The first school house in district No. 8 was ereeted in 1856 [or 1857] on the northwest quarter of section 35. John IIend- ricks was one of the first teachers in this house. This building was afterward removed to Rodolf's mill where it was used until 1880, when it was destroyed by fire, and the present house was erected near the old site. Miss I. Rhodes was the first teacher in this building, and Henry Brenaman, the present. 0

The first school in distriet No. 9 was taught by Wilson Crandall in the winter of 1861-2 in a vacant log house located on section 21. In 1862 a school house was erected on the north- east quarter of the northwest quarter of section 21. It was erected of Basswood logs, and it was from this fact that this locality took the name "Basswood." Enos Cornwall was the first teacher. The present school building was creeted in 1867, and Alexander Brenaman tanght the first school within its walls. Charles Cronwall is the present teacher.

MILLS.

In 1839 Robert Boyd and Monroe Fleming came here from Iowa county and made a claim of the southwest quarter of_section 26, includ- ing the excellent mill site on what is now called Mill creek. This was probably the first claim taken within the limits now comprising the town of Eagle. They made but little im- provements, and in 1841 the claim was jumped by Thomas J. Parrish. Boyd and Fleming were lumbermen and raftmen. Boyd afterward settled in Crawford county, where he laid out the village of Boydstown.

In 1841 and 1842, Thomas J. Parrish, in com- pany with a Mr. Estes, erected a saw-mill upon the site-the first in the county. An okl fash- ioned "up and down saw," together with one

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History of Crawford and Richland counties, Wisconsin, Part 144

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