History of Crawford and Richland counties, Wisconsin, Part 148

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 148
USA > Wisconsin > Crawford County > History of Crawford and Richland counties, Wisconsin > Part 148

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).

blacksmith and wagon trade until 1882, sinee which time he has devoted his time to the pa- trons of the Viola House. This hotel is conven- iently arranged, neatly furnished, and enjoys a fair patronage from the best class of travelers. Mr. Guess was married May 12, 1870, to Mary E., daughter of Isaac and Savilla Phifer, and a native of Indiana. They are the parents of three children-Georgie, Harry and an infant.

William Bender, who, with his brother, was the first permanent settler in the town of Forest, was born in Somerset Co., Penn. in 1824. Hle received a common school education, and at the age of thirty emigrated to Wisconsin and set- tled in Richland county, town of Forest, section 20. Ile and his brother, Daniel, built the first building in the town, which was a log house of small dimensions, and constituted the dwelling place for both families. Mr. Bender entered a farm of eighty acres, on section 20, where he now lives. He now owns 280 acres. He was married in 1848 to Mary Barnett, who was born in Somerset Co, Penn., in 1828. They have two children-Ephraim and Henry. The Jatter is now married to Rachel Taylor. Mr. Bender was a member of the 11th Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry. He enlisted in 1865 and was discharged the same year. Mr. Bender's mother, Susan Bender, was born in 1795, and is now living in Forest. The family have ex- perienced all the hardships and privations of pioneer life.

Daniel Bender, one of the pioneer settlers of the town of Forest, was born in the year 1$13, in Somerset Co., Penn., where he resided until 1842. In that year he was married to Sarah Barnt, who died in 1851, leaving three chil- dren-Hiram, William andSarah. Mr. Bender, believing it "not good for man to be alone," married again, in 1852, Elizabeth Wisner, who died in 1853, leaving one child-Mary J. His third wife was Margaret Reel. Her death or- curred in May, 1851, and was the first death in the town of Forest. Ile was married to his present wife, Mary A. Fall, in 1855. Their union

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HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY.

has been blessed with five children, three of whom are now living-Samuel, John and Eliza- beth. Hiram is now married to Minnie Wood. Sarah is the wife of John Morrow, and Mary J. of David Anstin. Mr. Bender, on coming to Forest, entered 240 aeres of land on sections 32 and 33, where he now lives. He now has 230 acres besides giving three of his children farms of eighty acres each. He has been chairman of the town board three years. He came from Ad- ams Co., Ind., coming by team to Sturgis, Mich., then by rail to Vernon, Ill., thence by team to Muscoda, then crossed the river to Orion where he rented a house until he could build a log house on his land, and which was the first in the town. In about six weeks he moved into it, and commenced pioneer life. They lived here about four years then built a hewed log house and lived in it about three years ; then built the commodious frame structure in which he now lives. Mr. Bender commenced pioneer life under difficulties. His wife died soon after his arrival, and he had considerable siekness in the family. He persevered, however. He could not get away, so went to work and has lived to see the county settled and developed. Mr. Bender adheres to the principles of the repub- lican party, and votes with that organization. Mrs. Bender is a member of the United Breth- ren Church.

Salma Rogers, a pioneer settler in the town of Forest, was born in Wyoming Co., N. Y., in 1825, where his younger days were spent. He obtained his education in the common school, and in his youth, learned the joiner's trade. In 1854, he, in company with Cyrus D. and Hart- well S. Turner, emigrated to the town of Forest. He entered forty acres of land on section 19, where he now lives. His place now contains 165 acres. Mr. Rogers was united in marriage in 1847 with Mary J. Turner, who died Jan. 26, 1848, leaving one child-Mary A., now the wife of George Bews. They reside at the Black Hills, Dak. Mr. Rogers again married, in 1849, Ilarriet M. Brownell, who was born in Monroe

Co., N. Y., in 1828. Four children have been born to them-Frank E., Calvin N., Lilly B. and Orla A. The latter died Nov. 3, 1879. Frank E. is married to Bell Moody. They have one child-Nellie. Calvin married Elizabeth Syverson. They have one child-Homer. Mr. Rogers enlisted in 1861 in the 12th Wisconsin Infantry, company I, and was commissioned 2d lieutenant July 30, 1863. He held the office of town treasurer in 1865-6, and has been justice of the peace three years. Ile is now engaged in contracting, building and millwrighting.

Adam A. Wiltrout was born in Somerset Co., Penn., in 1840, where he lived until 1847, when his parents moved to Clinton Co., Ind. His mother died there the next spring, at which place he remained until 1854, when the family emigrated again to Richland Co., Wis., and were among the first settlers in the town of Bloom. His father lives in Green Co., Iowa, and Adam now resides in the town of Forest, and owns forty acres of land on section 16. IIe was married to Mercy E. Clark, of Allamakee Co., Iowa, July 4, 1871, by Ira B. Brunson, of Prairie du Chien, Wis. They have five chil- dren-Rosa R., James G., Charles W., Bertha B. and Ioła R. Mr. Wiltrout enlisted in 1861 in the 14th Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry, com- pany K ; was promoted to corporal the 1st day of July, 1865. He participated in the following battles : Shiloh, April 7, 1862; Iuka, Sept. 19, 1862 ; Corinth, Oct. 3, 1862; siege of Vicks- burg, 1863; Big Shanty, June 10, 1864; Baker's Ridge, to the left of Kenesaw mountain, June 17, 1864 ; near Atlanta, July 22, 1864; Ezra Church, July 28, 1864; Jonesboro, Aug. 30, 1864; Lovejoy station, Sept. 2, 1864; siege of Savannah, in December, 1864; Sherman's march through the Carolinas; battle at Fort Pocataligo, Salkehatehic swamp, Orangeburg, Columbia, Che- raw, battle at Mill Creek Bend and other skir- mishes. From 1871 to 1875 he was a resident of Allamakee Co., Iowa; removed to Victory, Ver- non Co., Wis., in 1875; removed from Victory to

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HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY.

Richland county; is officer of the day in Jerry Turner Post, No. 85, department of Wisconsin.

Isaac R. Lawton was born in 1829 in Catta- raugus Co., N. Y., where he lived until 1845, when he moved to Waukesha Co., Wis., and re- mained two years, then to Jefferson county where he lived until 1850. He then went to northern Minnesota and worked in the pincries of that region about four years, then removed to Vernon county where he remained one year. He came from there to the town of Forest, end entered 200 acres of land on section 6. He now owns 160 aeres. Mr. Lawton was married Sept. 25, 1855, to Malissa Southworth, who was born in 1831, in Cattaraugus Co., N. Y. They have three children-Wallace A., James W. and May. Wallace is now married to Lizzie Reed and they have two children. James mar- ried Sarah Sanbert. Mr. Lawton was a mem- ber of the 46th Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry, serving as corporal of company H. He enlisted in 1865 and was discharged the same year.

Jonathan Turner was born in Erie Co., N. Y., anl resided in the western portion of the State until 1860. He received an academic education and engaged in teaching school and merchandising in his native State until he moved to Forest, Richland Co., Wis., and pur- chased forty acres of land in the town of Lib- erty, Vernon county. He now owns thirty acres of lan fin Liberty, also a house and an aere of land in the village of Viola. Mr. Turner has been engaged in farming most of the time sinee coming to Forest. lle was married to Phobe Welker, daughter of John and Cath- arine Welker. They have two children- Una E. and Nora H., both living with their parents. Mr. Turner was a member of the 46th Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry having enlisted in 1865 and was discharged the same year. Mr. Turner was chairman of the board of supervisors of the town of Forest for two years and elerk seventeen years. His mother, Lany Turner, was born in 1786, in Ilerkimer Co., N. Y., and came to Forest in 1860. She died in

Dane county at the advanced age of ninety- three years.

R. A. Tubbs, one of Forest's prominent farm- ers, was born in Oncida Co., N. Y., in 1816, where he grew to manhood and obtained a com- mon school education, which he has greatly in- creased by industry and perseverance. In 1837 he moved to Kane Co., Ill., where he engaged in farming and blacksmithing twenty years. He then went to Jefferson Co., Wis., and fol- lowed the business of manufacturing wagons six years. Ile next removed to Richland conn- ty and settled in the town of Forest, where he purchased eighty acres of land on seetion 6, which he has since increased to 160 acres. Mr. Tubbs was married in 1840, in Oneida Co., N. Y., to Rachel Force, who was born in 1815. They are the parents of four children-Mercena M., Mary E., Richard A. and Clara. Mary is now the widow of J. F. Kelly, living at De- corah, Iowa. Mercena is the wife of W. P. Cliff. Richard is married to Mary A. Slayback, and Clara to W. H. Tenney Mr. Tubbs has been town treasurer four years, a member of the town board four years, and justice of the peace seven years. During his residence in Illinois he held the position of town clerk and other local offices.

William J. Waggoner became a resident of Viola, Riehland Co., Wis, in October, 1875. Ile was born in Springfield, Jefferson Co., Ohio, Oet 7, 1839. He is the oldest of four living brothers. His parents removed to Richland Center on July 2, 1854, being the eighth family to locate at that place. lle mowed the first path through the hazel brush from the old hotel, east of what is now Bailey's corner, on the principal business street of the little city; and later, a path on the same street up to what has so long been the home of the Waggoner family. He grew up and remained a citizen of that town until 1875, when, with his wife, Alice, daughter of Capt. Il. L. Turner, of Viola, and their son, George, and daughters, Lillie and Rosa, he removed to Viola, as before stated,

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HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY.

and engaged in farming, milling and merchan- dising. While in Richland Center, he was for eighteen months one of the proprietors and editors of the Richland County Observer. Buy- ing a one-third interest in the paper, he en- tered the office, laid off his hat and coat, and in eight months was editor, foreman and press- man of the establishment. He served as town clerk in 1864, and district school clerk in 1874-5; also as county superintendent of schools from 1872 to 1875. He was town clerk of For- est in 1876, and elected justice of the peace in 1880. His wife dying that fall, adding sorrow to his already manifold cares, he felt con- strained to resign this expression of confidence and respect. Being of a studions nature, he became an expert mathematician, excelled by few, if any, as a ready and correct accountant. He commenced teaching school at the age of seventeen, and during the succeeding eight years was engaged in teaching, studying and attending school, thereby gaining a thoroughly practical business education and a well disci- plined, active business mind. He has been en- gaged in the mercantile business during his residence in Viola, and four years ago added to his business the Forest grist mills. He is a lover of agriculture, and his horses, Durham cattle and sheep are not excelled in the county. Mr. Waggoner was married to Mrs. M. E. Scott, of Richmond, Ohio, in 1883. He has held the office of village postmaster since February, 1876.

Cleophus Pepin was born in Canada East in 1841, and emigrated to the United States in 1857. He first settled at Chain of Rocks, Mo., where he remained until 1861, when he enlisted in the State militia, and was discharged in 1864. He returned home and resumed his former oc- eupation, which was that of blacksmithing. He remained one year, then started on a trip,

going from place to place, working at his trade, finally coming to Viola in 1878, where he has since remained, still employed at his trade. Mr. Pepin was married in 1880 to Catharine Short. They have three children-Ada M., Clara and Cleophus. Mr. Pepin owns a house and lot and his shop in the village of Viola.

Amadeus Muhler, Jr., was born in Beaver Co., Penn., in 1850, where he resided one year. Ilis parents then moved to Grant Co., Wis. In 1879 he and his brother, John G., purchased ten acres of land and a flouring mill in the town of Forest, on section 2, at a cost of $800, which property they have greatly improved, having now two run of buhrs and a capacity of 100 bushels per day. Mr. Muhler was a single man until his marriage in 1880 with Mrs. Sarge.

His brother, George Muhler, was born in Grant Co., Wis., in 1854, where he remained until 1879, then came with his brother Amadeus to the town of Forest, and with him purchased their mill property. They are the sons of Amadeus G. Muhler, Sr., who lives in Grant Co., Wis. In addition to their flouring mill, they are the owners of a saw-mill, which has a capacity of 3,000 fect per day. They are now doing a thriving business.

Isaac G. B. Ott was born in Clay Co., Ind., in 1835, and lived there till 1848, when he moved to Vermillion county, of the same State. He lived there till 1881, then came to Richland county, town of Forest, and purchased 160 acres of land on section 26, where he now lives. Mr. Ott was a member of the 43d regiment, Indiana Volunteer Infantry; he enlisted in 1861, and was discharged in 1862 on account of disability. lle took part in the hattles of New Madrid and Pilot Grove. He was married in 1869 to Jane Strain, of Vermillion Co., Ind.

HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY.

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CHAPTER XXV.

TOWN OF IIENRIETTA.

Henrietta is one of the northern tier of Rich- land county's subdivisions, and embraces con- gressional township 12 north, range 1 east. It is bounded on the north by Vernon county; on the east by the town of Westford; on the south by Rockbridge; and on the west by Bloom. The surface of the town is well watered by Pine river and its tributaries, of he returned to his farm and remained until

which the principal is Melancthon creek. There are many fine farms in the town. The inhabitants as a class are intelligent and enter- prising and are making permanent improve- ments. A large number of the farmers in the town devote a great share of their time and energy to raising stock-improved stock, both horned cattle and sheep receiving much atten- tion. The population of the town is mixed, including American English, Bohemian and Irish. The greater part of Melancthon creek valley is settled by people of the latter named nationality.

EARLY SETTLEMENT.

The first permanent settlement in the town of Henrietta was made in 1853 by William Garfield, a native of Vermont, who came here from Waukesha, in March, of that year, and entered the north half of the north west quarter of section 35. Hle lived here until the time of his death.

Later in the same year Alexander Sires and two sons, William and Alexander, came from Indiana. They settled on the southwest quar- ter of section 39. Mr. Sires laid out the village of Siresville. He died here in 1869.

William Joslyn, a native of Michigan, came here in 1853, and lived for about one year on section 27, where he was engaged in making shingles. In 1854 he entered land on the south- east quarter of section 7, and remained there until elected sheriff of the county in 1859, when he moved to Richland Center. In 1861 1868, when he removed to the town of Rich- land.

Jonas Lockwood, a native of Vermont, came in the fall of 1853 and settled on section 27, where he lived until the time of his death.

Carlos Joslyn, a native of Vermont, came in 1854 and located on section 7. He now lives with his son-in-law, Latimore Renick.

Henry Simpson, a native of England, came in 1854 and entered land on section 36. He erected a house, cleared a farm and made this his home until the time of his death in 1862. His widow married again and now lives in Sauk county. Ilis son Joseph still occupies the old homestead.

R. M. De Lap came from Illinois in 1854 and settled near Siresville. He remained there about two years when his cabin burned and he removed to Grant county. When the war broke out he enlisted and died in the service.

Quinton Nicks, a Tennesecan, came from Illinois in 1853, and settled on section 31. He was a half owner in the village plat of Wood- stock. He has always been engaged in farm- ing and still lives adjoining the village.

Demas Wherry, a native of Pennsylvania, came here in 1851 and entered land on section

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HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY.

31. After entering his land he returned to In- diana where he remained until the fall of 1854, when he came and settled. He now lives on section 32.

William Collins, a native of Indiana, came from California in 1854 and entered land on sections 8, 17, 18 and 28. Ile built a log house on section 17 and during the summer kept bachelor's hall. In the fall of that year he married and settled on section 28, where he lived until the spring of 1855, when he sold out and returned to section 17. In 1856 he re- moved to Orion, and when the war broke out he enlisted and died in the service. His widow still lives in the county.

A. J. Slater, a native of New York, came here in 1854 and entered land on section 18. In 1857 he sold to Perry Brown and after liv- ing in different portions of the town for some time he removed to Minnesota.

Jabez Smith came from Illinois in 1854 and settled on section 26, where he improved a farm. In 1860 he removed to Green county.

Edward Pinick came here from the town of Marshall in 1854 and settled on section 6, where he laid out the village of Yuba. In 1869 he sold out and removed to Pottawatomie Co., Kan., where he still lives.

Heman B. Miller in 1854 came from Ohio, and settled on the northwest quarter of sec- tion 20. He made some improvement and lived here until 1869, when he sold out and re- moved to the town of Richland. He afterward went to Nebraska, but is now in Ohio.

Amos Carpenter, a native of New York, came in 1854 and made his home with A. J. Slater. Ile was a physician, the first to locate in the town. In 1856 he removed to Vernon county, where he still lives.

James Ghormley, a native of Indiana, came in 1854 and settled on section 34. He erected a flour and saw mill and lived here until 1882, when he sold out and returned to Indiana, where he died a few months later.

Michael Gormley, a native of Indiana, and father of Jimes, came at the same time and entered land on section 26, where he cleared a farm and lived for several years. Hle owned an interest in the mills in company with his son. He died in 1878.

Andrew Hughert came from Indiana in 1854 and settled on the southeast quarter of section 26. Ile lived there until 1873, when he re- moved to Richland Center, where he died.

In 1854 Milton Satterlee came from Illinois. He is now a resident of Woodstock. Mr. Sat- terlee has been quite a prominent man in the history of this town, holding many positions of trust, among which are clerk of the circuit court and register of deeds.

George Norman, a native of England, came from Jefferson county, in 1855, and located on section 20. He now resides on section 17. Four of his sons are well-to-do farmers in the town.

Henry Bristol came from Ohio in 1855 and settled on section 17. Two or three years later he sold out and went to Richland Center. His son, Samnel, located on section 18, where he lived a short time, then sold and moved away.

James Williams, from Ohio, came in 1855 and located on section 8. When the war broke out he enlisted, and contracted disease in the service from the effects of which he died at home shortly after his discharge. The family removed to Kansas.

A Mr. Rigby came in 1855 and located on the northeast quarter of section 6. He lived there a short time, when he sold out and moved away.

In the fall of 1855 William Richardson, a native of Ohio, came and entered land on sec- tion 21. He settled on the land in the fall of 1858 and still makes this his home.

Carlisle Tillow, a native of Ilerkimer Co., N. Y., came in 1855 and settled on section 34, where he cleared a farm and lived until the time of his death in 1870.

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HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY.

Cornelius MeCarthy, a native of Ireland, came to Richland county in 1852 and entered land near the present site of Richland Center. In 1855 he sold out and removed to Melanthon creek, entering land on section 23, in the town of Henrietta. In September, 1861, he enlisted in company D, 11th Wisconsin regiment and went to Arkansas. He was severely wounded in July, 1862, at the battle of Bayou Cache, and in the following September was dix- charged for disability and returned home. In 1864 he re-enlisted in company I, 42d Wiscon- sin regiment and served until the close of the war, after which he returned home. He died in September, 1879, leaving a widow and seven children. The widow and son, Cornelius J., still occupy the old homestead.

Jonathan Dillon, a native of Virginia, came from Ohio in 1855 and entered land on sections 5 and 8, where he still lives.

Starr Titus, a native of New York, came here at about the same time and selected land on section 15, where he lived until the time of his death in 1859. The family are scattered.

Among others who came in 1855 were: George Askins, a Mr. Robbins, Peter Ward and John Manning.

George Askins settled upon the northeast quarter of the northeast quarter of section 15. He was an old bachelor, and lived almost the life of a hermit until the time of his death in 1872.

Mr. Robbins located on section 21. He lived there but a few years; then sold out and left.

Peter Ward was a native of the Emerald Isle, and made his selection of land on section 26. When the war broke out he enlisted and died while in the service. His family removed to Green county.

John Manning was also an Irishman. He settled on section 10, where he cleared a farm and remained four or five years, then removed to Iowa county.

Jarvis Shipman came in 1856 and settled on section 6. He lived here a number of years, then removed to Trempeleau county.

Simon Harris, a native of Ohio, came in 1856 and settled on section 8, where he improved a farm. When the war broke out he enlisted in the 2d Cavalry; but after some time he con- tracted disease and was discharged for disabil- ity. Ile again enlisted and served until the close of the war. He afterward lost one eye, from the effects of disease contracted. In 1878 he sold his place and removed to Thayer Co., Neb.

Thomas Kinney, a native of Nova Scotia, came here in 1856 and located on section 22. He im- proved a farm and remained here about ten years, when he removed to Richland Center, where he has since died.

Others, who came in 1856 were: Charles Shields, Bronson Greaves, John Slaney, John Kennedy, Michael Doyle, John Whalen, John Welsh and James Kelly.

Charles Shields was a native of Ireland. Ile located on section 15, where he still lives.

Bronson Greaves was a native of the State of New York. He came here from Rockbridge and settled on section 17, where he lived until the time of his death. His family still occupy the old homestead.

John Slaney was a native of Ireland. Ile lo- cated on section 23, where he lived until the time of his death. His death was caused by an accident, a tree falling upon him while he was at work in the woods. The family still occupy the old homestead.

John Kennedy and his son, James, were na- tives of Ireland. The father located on section 22. Hle is dead, and the son now occupies the place.

Michael Doyle located on section 3. He re- mained but a few years, then removed to Chicago.

John Whalen settled on section 22, where some of the family still live.

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HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY.

John Welsh, was a native of Ireland and set- tled on section 23. He now lives in the town of Westford.

James Kelly was also a native of the Emerald Isle. He settled on section 10, where he still lives.

Among others who should be mentioned as early settlers of Henrietta are the following: Perry Brown, O. S. Welton, Henry Travers and Stephen McWilliams.

EDUCATIONAL.

The first school in district No. 3 was taught in 1854 in a log house on section 34 by Eliza A. Garfield, now the wife of Demas Wherry. The next school was taught by Daniel Garfield in a house belonging to Thomas Gillham, on section 27. In 1858 a frame school house was erected on the northeast corner of the north- west quarter of section 35, in which Eliza Gar- field was the first teacher. She finished a term here which had been commenced in a private house.

The first school house in district No. 4 was erected of logs, in 1857, on the northeast corner of section 22. Caroline Kinney, now the wife O. S. Welton, was the first teacher in this house. In 1875 a frame building was erected near the center of section 15, in which Thomas Conway taught the first term of school.

The first school house in district No. 5 was erected in 1856 on the northwest quarter of the southeast quarter of section 7. The neighbors turned out and made a "building bee" of the affair. They drew the logs, split puncheons for the floor and covered the building with shakes. Ann Andrews was the first teacher in this house. In 1865 a frame house was erected on the northeast corner of the southeast quar- ter of section 7, in which Emma Eastland taught the first school. Mattie Spyker is the present teacher.

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History of Crawford and Richland counties, Wisconsin, Part 148

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