History of Crawford and Richland counties, Wisconsin, Part 161

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 161
USA > Wisconsin > Crawford County > History of Crawford and Richland counties, Wisconsin > Part 161

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).

VILLAGE OF ORION.

The first settlers on the plat of the village were John R. Smith and his son-in-law, Thomas Mathews; the former a native of Kentucky, the latter, of Tennessee. They came from Grant county in October, 1842, and claimed fraction No. 6, town 8, range 1 west; and frac- tion No. 5, town 8, range 1 east, entering the land a few years later. After they had entered the land they sold a half interest to Orrin E. Barber, and they laid out the plat of the village

of Richmond, now Orion. It was then located on fraction No. 5, town 8, range 1 east, and contained fourteen blocks of eight lots each. About one year later Mr. Barber sold his in- terest to Smith & Mathews, and shortly after- wards Thomas Mathews purchased his partner's interest and became sole proprietor. In the fall of 1842, Smith & Mathews started a ferry. The first boat was a platform on two canoes, and for some time the only business the ferry liad was the transportation of hunters. When it was necessary to convey a team across the river, the horses were made to swim and the wagon was loaded on the boat.

In 1843 they built a flat boat, and a number of years later, when travel increased, a more expensive boat was built by Mr. Mathews, which was rim by horse power. Ile continued to operate the ferry until the bridge was built, in 1870.

The first man to sell goods on the site of the village was Ephraim Dyer, who kept a small stock of groceries, notions and whisky; the lat- ter being a staple article in those days. Mr. Dyer had in 1849 erected a one story frame building for the purpose-the first store build- ing in the village. He remained in trade about one year, when he sold his building and moved a small portion of his goods to Highland, Iowa county.

Molbry Ripley and Dr. D. L. Downs pur- chased the Dyer building. They made an ad- dition to it and put in a large stock of general merchandise, including groceries, dry-goods, hardware, crockery, glassware, drugs, and, in fact, everything in general use in this region at that time. They continued in business for a number of years. Dr. Downs now resides in Richland Center, and is probate judge of Rich- land county. Mr. Ripley after leaving Orion engaged in trade at Boaz and died there.

The first building erected on the village plat was put up by Smith & Mathews in October, 1842. It was a log building about 16x18 feet

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HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY.

in size and stood on fraction No. 6. Main street is now located over the site.

The first frame 'dwelling lionse in the village was erected by Thomas J. Dayton in 1847-8. He opened the first hotel in the village and kept it for a number of years. The building is still standing, having been greatly improved by additions, and has been run as a hotel the most of the time since its erection. Jefferson Miller is the present proprietor.

The first blacksmith was John Nipple, who opened a shop in 1844. Thomas Mathews furnished him with a shop and the necessary tools. A few years later Nipple died and was succeeded by Thomas Pahner, who continued in business about two years, then sold out. Since that time there have been various parties here in this line, but at present the village is without a blacksmith.

About 1854 William Roush started a tin shop. He remained in business until the war broke out, when he enlisted, and later settled in Iowa.

The first school in the village was taught by Mary Melanthon (now Mrs. Joseph Elliott) in a log building erected for the purpose. The see- ond school was taught by Levi Houts in the same building.

The first religious services in the village were held at the house of Thomas Mathews, as early as 1845. The first preacher was Moses Darnell, a Baptist clergyman from Grant county. Ile preached here but a few times and was followed by a Methodist preacher from Pedlar's Creek. The first organization was effected by the Methodists.

The inhabitants of Orion were at first sup- plied with mail from Muscoda until 1851, a messenger being employed to carry the mail and leave the same at Downs' & Ripley's store. In 1851 the postoffice was established with MI. Ripley as postmaster. The following have served as postmaster since that time: Messrs. Roush, Byrd, Sims, Miller, Clinginsmith and Dawson. The latter is the present postmaster.

The village was first named Richmond, but when application for the establishment of a postoffice was made it was found that there was another postoffice of that name in the State, and the name of Orion, which was suggested by Judge A. B Slaughter, was adopted.

PERSONAL.

While the following personal sketches are not made up entirely of pioneers of this county, you will find among them some of the oldest settlers in the county.

Capt. John Smith was born in Kentucky, about 1790, and there grew to man's estate. While yet a young man he moved to Illinois. He there enlisted in the Black Hawk War and served as captain. Ile was married to Eliza- beth Holliday, who was also a native of Ken- tucky. lle worked at his trade, which was that of millwright, in Illinois until 1838, when he moved to Wisconsin and located in Iowa conn- ty, and there engaged in the lead mines, re- maining there until 1841, then removed to Grant county, and settled in Muscoda, where he worked at his trade. He was employed on the first mill ever erected in Richland county, on Mill creek, to which county he came in 1842, remaining here till the time of his death, which occurred in 1851. He left a wife and two chil- dren-Catharine, the wife of Thomas Mathews, and Benjamin M., who now lives in the town of Forest. Mrs. Smith afterwards married K. J. Darnall, and died in the town of Forest.

Thomas Mathews, son-in-law of J. R. Smith, and with him the pioneer settler of Orion, was born in Tennessee May 7, 1814. When he was three years of age, his parents moved to Illinois and settled in Montgomery county, where they remained but a short time, then removed to Morgan county, and thence to MeDon- ongh county. Thus, as will be seen, his younger days were spent in a new country, where the opportunities for acquiring an educa- tion were very limited, yet such as there were he improved, and, being naturally studious, improved his evenings, which he spent at home,

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HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY.

and in that way acquired sufficient knowledge for practical purposes. He lived with his parents until 1836, then came to Wisconsin and worked in the lead mines in that part of Iowa now known as La Fayette county. He remained there two years, then to Platteville, Grant coun- ty, and engaged in mining one year, and from there to the Pickatonica diggings, Iowa county. In the year 1840 he was married to Catharine Smith, and moved to Muscoda. In company with J. R. Smith he took a contract to build a dam across Mill creek for Parish Mill. They continued to live at Muscoda till 1842, moving from there to Richland county, settling on the site of the present village of Orion, and built the first log cabin in the town. Their cabin, though an humble one, was where strangers ever found the ' latch string out," and many pro- cured food and shelter there. Mr. Mathews has been engaged in various enterprises. Among others he has kept a hotel for several years. Ile was the first white man to go up Pine river in a canoe as far as the natural bridge. He also, in company with J. R. Smith, cut the first road from the Wisconsin river to that place.

William Dooley was one of the first explorers of the Pine river valley. . This was in the spring of 1845 and he was engaged at Galena by one Coles, to come to Richland county and assist in building a mill. At this time he was but eighteen years old, and was thus starting out in life, full of vim and energy and bent on se- curing if possible a fortune, or at least a com- petence. He was promised $18 per month for his services, and faithfully performed his part for one year, when to his dismay he found him- self cheated out of every dollar so honestly earned. This was discouraging for a beginning, but with characteristic pluck he commenced work in the woods getting out lumber and raft- ing down the river. By this sort of persever- ance and with commendable economy under adverse circumstances, he succeeded in accu- mulating enough money, so that in 1848 he was

able financially to enter some land, and at once sought a location, making selection on sec- tion 32, town 9, range 1 east, now known as * town of Orion. He continued at work in the lumber regions until 1852. When Mr. Dooley first landed in this section of country, it was in- deed a wilderness, inhabited by Indians and wild beasts of the forest. A man's life was not always considered safe, particularly when offense had been given the "noble red man." On one occasion the Indians concluded to go to Muscoda, and stealing a "dugout" at Orion, crossed the river. The whites followed to the town and got into a quarrel with them which resulted in the killing of two Indians and wounding three others. The shooting was done by the MeLoud boys from Richland Center. Mr. Dooley received information immediately con- cerning this unfortunate occurrence, and well knowing the nature of the Indian, was troubled as to the best course to pursue. Every settler except Dooley and Petty left their homes and went to Muscoda, remaining four or five days. These two parties, not knowing what moment a return might be made, or what time the In- dians might proceed to wreak vengeance by de- stroying life and burning property, bringing desolation and disaster to the settlement, were not in a desirable situation, yet they "held the fort," and came out all right. In 1849 the Swinehart's, Hazeltine's, Ilesler's, Hawkins and Waters brothers came, which made quite an addition to the settlement, making life more safe and pleasant. Mr. Dooley was married Jne 9, 1852, to Sarah, daughter of James and Lucinda (Calhoun) Laws, and settling on his land, devoted his time to clearing and farming. The same season he purchased more land ad- joining, located on section 5, town 8, range 1 east, which had been previously entered by John Nipple. He now has a large, well improved farm, a commodious frame house, a large frame barn, and is in the full enjoyment of a nice home, honestly and fairly gained. He was born in Madison Co., Ky., May 9, 1827. When he

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HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY.

was six years old his parents removed to Mis- souri, where he remained until his eighteenth year, when he went to Galena and spent two months in mining, then came to this county as before stated. Mr. Dooley is a man much re- spected by the community, and his reputation for honesty and integrity is second to none. Mr. and Mrs. Dooley are the parents of eight children-William Henry, Lucinda, Mary Ella, Adella A., Eldred S., Ida A., Lu Etta and Gil- bert E. Mary Ella is now the wife of Patrick Fay, a teacher in the schools at Richland Center. All the other children are still living at home.

David Mayfield and wife, on the 20th day of June, 1845, located on the southeast quarter of the southeast quarter of section 3, town 9 north, range 1 east. They had just removed from Platteville. The only neighbors they had on Ash creek at this time were William Thomp- son and family, but they had chosen this as their future home, and concluded to make the best of it. It being late in the season when they ar- rived in the county, they could not raise any crop but potatoes, but this was a very important crop to the pioneers, as it furnished them a goodly portion of their winter supply of food. In the fall of 1845 Green Mayfield and family, a brother of David Mayfield, arrived from Platteville and settled where he now resides but there was no further increase in the settlement until 1847 when the Joslin family arrived. MIr. Mayfield continued farming until 1883, when as he found himself advancing into old age he sold his farm of 164 acres for $2,500, removed to Rich- land Center and retired from active life. David Mayfield was born near Nashville, Tenn, in August 1807. In 1811 the family removed to Indiana and one year later to Ilinois where the mother died in 1818. The subject of this sketch then came to Wisconsin, and followed mining until 1834 then engaged in farming at Platteville. In 1837 he married Martha Arterbury, she died in 1841. ITe subsequently married Almira Woods and by this union five children have been born,

two now living-Rosa, now the wife of August Larson and Delia Mayfield, now in Nevada.

Green Mayfield a representative man and early settler of Richland county began his pioneer life in infancy, his parents having emi- grated to Illinois while he was quite young and when that was a new country. Here they re- mairied but five years when they again took a journey westward locating in that part of the territory of Michigan since embraced in the State of Wisconsin and in Grant county, where- he grew to manhood. In 1832 when he was four- teen years old he enlisted in the service of the United States and served through the Black Hawk War, returned to his home at the close of that confliet and engaged in mining. He was joined in marriage with Maria Keister Aug. 9, 1841. She was born in Posey Co., Ind., Nov. 9, 1823. They settled near Pedlar's ereck and engaged in mining a few months, then moved to Bee town at which point he followed the same business, his wife assisting. Mining here not proving a remunerative enterprise they soon moved and settled on a claim he had pre- viously made near Platteville. Here they were unfortunate in that both were attacked with fever and ague, and it took all their earnings to pay the doctor's bills, and he at last sold out to close up. In July, 1846, he came to Richland county in company with his brother David, be- ing pleased with this section of the country he concluded to make a settlement and returned for his wife. The great trouble with him was a lack of money, and he hardly knew which way to turn to make necessary arrangments, finally he went to a merchant with whom he was acquainted in Platteville told him he was going to Richland county and wanted enough sup- plies to last him until fall when he would pay him with venison and honey. The merchant knowing him to be an honest man provided him with the necessaries of life and they started for a new home in Richland county, using his brother's team to move a few household goods, their only possessions. Arriving at the

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ferry kept by Mr. Mathews he told him he did not have any money to pay his way over, "Never mind" said Mathews, "I will put emigrants across for nothing for we want this country settled." They then made their way to his brother David's where they spent the summer. He made a claim on sec- tion 4, did not immediately move to it; but made their home with this brother until the fol- lowing March, when having erected a small log cabin they moved into it on their own place. Meanwhile he had been successful in his hunt- ing expeditions, and had paid up his store bill, but as yet had no money with which to enter his land; therefore he continued hunting, killed large numbers of deer and bear, and for them found a ready market at Platteville, the saddles of venison bringing two dollars and a half and the pelts from fifty cents to one dollar. 1Ie tanned and dressed deer skins with which he made clothing throughout-coat, pants, cap and moccasins. Many incidents of thrilling inter- est are remembered in connection with the early experience here of Mr. and Mrs. Mayfield. Starting out one day for the purpose of killing a deer, his dogs started a large bear which ran up a hill the canines in close pursuit. When on the summit the dogs caught and furiously at- tacked "old bruin," and in the fight both bear and dogs came rolling down the hill together. At the bottom foothold was again secured and the bear and dogs seemed bent on getting away. Finally they drew near where Mayfield was standing, and one of the dogs caught the bear by the ear, when he raised up embraced the dog and began to hug as only a bear can. Fi- nally they fell to the ground, when Mr. May- field approached and with a knife, having a blade twelve inches long, stabbed the bear on the opposite side, when he released his hold and started away with the knife in his side. The gun was empty and there was no other way than to use a club, which weapon was used with good effect, and securing the knife cut his throat putting an end to his existence. This is

one among the many similar adventures of this pioneer. In the course of a few years he had accumulated money enough to enter his land, when he devoted more time to clearing a farm. In August, 1862, he enlisted and joined com- pany B, 25th Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry, and served until the close of the war. The principal battle in which he was engaged was at Kinston, North Carolina. While he was in the service of his country, his wife, assisted by her two daughters and a small son carried on the farm raising good crops. He was discharged with the regiment in June, 1865, and returned home. His industrious family, had already planted the farm in corn, and in the fall he gathered 1,500 bushels. For some years he did not have a team of his own and used his brother's. At the present time we find him with a well stocked farm, comfortable frame house, large frame barn and 445 acres of land, besides other claims. He has always been en- terprising, and among the first and most influ- ential in establishing schools and Churches. Mr. and Mrs. Mayfield both joined the M. E. Church at the time of its organization in Orion. They are the parents of three children-Sarab !^^ M., now the wife of Jeff. Wilson, who lives in Crawford county; Maria A., now the wife of Joseph McMillen and Elijah G. The latter was born in the town of Orion, Jan. 16, 1853, and was married in 1875 to Dreatz Powells, and two years later settled on his present farm on section 9. They have three children-Cyrus L., Miles and one not named at this date.

Frederick Sherman (deceased) a pioneer of Richland county, is a native of Germany, and was born upon the banks of the Rhine, May 11, 1812. He was reared to agricultural pursuits, spending his younger days in school. On at- taining his majority he joined the army and served in the cavalry four years. He came to America in 1848; landed in New York and came directly to Milwaukee and was there mar- ried to Carolina Banner, who was also a native of Germany. He immediately started with his

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HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY.

bride for their new home. He purchased eighty acres of land and entered another eighty on section 9, town 9, range 1 east, now known as Orion. Here they endured the hardships of pioneer life, and lived to clear a good farm and build a comfortable frame house. His death occurred in March, 1879. Mrs. Sherman died in 1856, leaving three children, two of whom are now living-Louisa and Herman. He after- wards married Maria Rilling. She has one son-August. Herman was born in the town of Orion, April 30, 1852. TIe received a com- mon school edneation, and lived with his par- ents until 1870, when he enlisted in the 17th regiment, United States Infantry, and served on the frontier five years. He was in the cam- paign on the Big Horn river, in 1873. After his discharge from the service he returned home and resumed farming, and in 1876 was married to Leah Lewis, who was born in the town of Richland. Hle then settled upon his present farm, which is a portion of the old homestead. Ile has improved the place and built the frame house which they now occupy. They have one child-Jennie.

Henry Schuerman was born in Germany, upon the banks of the Rhine, March 22, 1818. Ilis younger days were spent in school, where he acquired a liberal education, after which he engaged in farming. He came to America in 1848, landed at New York and came directly to Richland county, thus becoming one of its pioneers. He entered a large traet of land there on sections 2 and 3, town 9, range 1, town of Orion. In the spring of 1849 he went to Watertown and was there married to Sabilla Jorris, also a native of Germany, and started immediately with his bride for his new home in the wilderness, where he had already com- meneed elearing. The nearest point at which they could obtain provisions was in Iowa county, and also the nearest mill. Ile was obliged to eross the river in going there, and sometimes the water would rise while he was upon the other side, and he would be obliged to | ing Richland county, he made a selection of land

wait several days before he could cross to re- turn home. At times the neighborhood would become short of breadstuff and they were obliged to grate eorn to make it into meal. Mr. Schuerman was an industrious man, and cleared a large farm. His pioneer log cabin, which was sixteen feet square, he remodeled by building an addition to it, and weather-boarding and painting it, so that it has the appearance of a frame house. It is probably the oldest build- ing used for a dwelling, in the county. He built a frame barn, 40x60 feet, with a stone basement, and planted an orchard, and was one of the few successful fruit growers in the connty. His death occurred April 26, 1877. Mr. and Mrs. Schuerman were the parents of six children-Katie, Annie, Eliza, Emma, George and Ilenry. Mrs. Schuerman and her two sons now live at the homestead.

Henry Sigrist was a pioneer of Richland county, coming here in 1848. He entered land on seetion 3, town 9, range I east, in what is now the town of Orion. He built a log cabin 16x32 feet in which he lived till 1862, when he built the frame house in which he lives at present. lle is a Prussian by birth, born Oct. 12, 1823. Ile attended school until fifteen years of age, when he engaged in a wholesale house to learn the business, serving two and a half years, at the end of which he received a certificate, showing him to be a proficient clerk. Hle then secured a situation in that capacity at a town 200 miles distant, where he was employed two years, then was employed upon a farm two years after which he entered an agricultural school, which was under control of the goverment. He studied there for two years. In 1848 he was married to Caroline Shulte, a native of Prussia, and immediately sailed for America, landed in New York and came directly to Milwaukee. Here Mrs. Sigrist was taken ill. lle took care of her until she was convalescent and then started forth in search of a suitable place to locate. On reach-

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and returned to Milwaukee for his wife who was sufficiently recovered to bear the journey, and they started for their new home in a wagon, and reached their destination at the end of five days. They have lived to witness a great change in the country. What was then a wilderness, is now a cultivated and prosperous neighborhood, occupied by an industrions and thrifty class of people. A good school house and church are close at hand. He at first built a log cab- in, 16x32 feet. Sept. 28, 1861, he en listed in the 6th Wisconsin Battery and the spring of 1862 went to the front. He took part in many of the most important engagements of the war. Among them were: Jackson, Cham- pion Hills, Port Gibson, siege of Vicksburg, Missionary Ridge, and Corinth. He was honor ably discharged at the expiration of the time for which he enlisted. During his absence his wife had the frame house, in which they now live, built. Mr. and Mrs. Sigrist are the parents of six children -Ilenry, Eugene, Emma, William, Ida and Bertha. Since coming to America Mr. Sigrist has learned the English language and by extensive reading in that, as well as his own language, is enabled to keep posted upon all subjects.

James Laws, for many years proprietor of the well known Laws' ferry, was born in North Carolina in 1801. When he was seventeen years old his parents removed to Illinois, and were early settlers in Richland Co., Ill. He was there married to Lucinda Calhoun, who was born in South Carolina and was a relative of John C. Calhoun. Her parents moved to Kentucky when she was about one year old, and a few years later to Indiana, thence to Illi- nois. In 1845 Mr. Laws moved to Wiseonsin and located in Iowa county, where he entered and improved land until 1849, when he traded it for the ferry he managed so long. His deatlı occurred in April, 1865, while in Illinois on a visit. His wife died three years later at the home of her daughter, Mrs. William Doo- ley. They were the parents of eleven children,

six now living-Sarah, Henrietta, Ida, Gilbert L., Lucetta and Caroline.

John Mainwaring, one of the pioneers of Richland county, was born in the town of Swan- sea, Glamorganshire, South Wales, May 28, 1821. Here he attended the public schools un- til he was fourteen years of age, when his parents moved to Edinburgh, Scotland, where he was sent to an advanced school for some time. His father, who was a stone mason by trade, and master of the art, was engaged upon the Edinburgh, New Haven and Leith railroad, then in process of construction, as superintend- ent of the mason work, and the subject of this sketch was called from school to assist his fa- ther in his work. Hle was employed there for two years, when his parents moved to Caermar- then, South Wales, where his father, by the death of an uncle, had fallen heir to property, consisting of a stock of marble, a shop and tools, his uncle having been a marble engraver. The father carried on the marble business for a while, then, having a call from a railroad company, left the business in charge of his son, who continued it till he was twenty-five years of age. He then joined his father, who had taken a contract to construct a piece of rail- road, which they completed in 1848. In the spring of 1849, in company with his father and brother Daniel, he left his native land and came to America, coming directly to Wiscon- sin and entering land on section 33, town 9, range 1 east, now the town of Orion. After remaining here two years, he returned to his native land and remained till 1861, being there employed as road master on the railroad that he helped to construct. In 1861 he started on his re- turn to his western home, crossing the Atlantic in the noted steamer, Great Eastern, and making the trip in nine days. He left England May 1 and arrived in Orion on the 15th. He lived upon his land on section 33 until 1865, when he sold it and purchased 160 acres on section 27, upon which were about twenty acres of cleared I land and a log cabin. He immediately began

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History of Crawford and Richland counties, Wisconsin, Part 161

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