History of Crawford and Richland counties, Wisconsin, Part 162

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 162
USA > Wisconsin > Crawford County > History of Crawford and Richland counties, Wisconsin > Part 162

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).

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HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY.

clearing and putting out fruit trees, and other- wise improving. He has been successful as a farmer, lias purchased adjoining land, and now has 320 acres, of which 125 are cleared. Ile has erected a frame barn and a commodious stone house. He was married June 4, 1854, to Eliza Rees, who was born in Caermarthen, South Wales, Dec. 13, 1831. Nine children have been born to them-John, Lillian, Edward, Mary, Wil- liam, Thomas, Frank, George and Laura Eva. The older four children were born in England. Mr. Mainwaring is a man of intelligence, well edu- cated, and well informed upon all subjects.

William Henry Dawson, the present post- master of Orion, was a pioneer of the town of Eagle, where he settled in the woods in Sep- tember, 1849, entering the northeast quarter of section 26. He was born in Switzerland Co., Ind., June 19, 1825. When he was four years of age his parents emigrated to Indiana and set- tled in Clinton county, where they were among the pioneers. Here his father purchased a tract of heavy timber land from the Government, with the intention of clearing a farm, but in one month after his arrival there he sickened and died, leaving a widow with five small ehil- dren to maintain. She proved equal to the emergency, and, with the aid of her children, raised corn, wheat, oats and flax. The latter she spun and wove into cloth, selling what she did not need in her family. The subject of this sketch, as soon as he became old enough, assisted his mother in her laborious task. He took advantage of the time in winter by attend- ing a subscription school, and acquired an edu- cation sufficient for the duties that have fol- lowed. His mother died when he was eighteen years of age. After that time he was engaged in the manufacture and sale of tobacco until the fall of 1849. when he was married to Sarah, daughter of William and Charlotte Miller. One week after marriage they started for their new home in Wisconsin with a pair of horses and wagon, taking with them household goods and provisions. They camped out by the way,

and after arriving at their destination, lived in their wagon until a log cabin could be built. That being completed, he immediately com- menced clearing a farm. The following winter, provisions being scarce, he took a job of chop- ping and splitting rails, and split 2,000 for $10 and paid the whole sum for one-half of a hog, the whole hog weighing 200 pounds, obtained at Avoca, or the site where Avoca now stands. In July, 1861, he enlisted in the 11th regiment, Wisconsin Volunteers, company D, and was mustered into the service as second lieutenant; went south and served nine months, then, on account of disability caused by an at- tack of pleurisy, he resigned and returned home and resumed farming. In 1865 he came to Orion, bought a small stock of drugs and commenced mercantile business. The follow- ing year he was appointed postmaster, and has held the office since that time. In 1873 he bought a store building 24x40 feet and two stories high, and having an ell 18x24 feet. The ell is used for a dwelling. Ile has greatly increased his stock of goods, and now keeps a stock of general merchandise. He still owns his farm in Eagle, which he rents. Mrs. Sarah Dawson was born in Kentneky, March 24, 1823, and died Jan. 13, 1880. Hle was again married in June, 1881, to Sarah Rebecca, danghter of Peter and Margaret Bobb.

Henry Emshoff, an early settler of Richland county, is a native of Germany, born in Hano- ver, June 26, 1826. He was sent to school until he was fourteen years old, then was engaged in tilling the soil of his native land until the year 1852. when he emigrated to America, coming directly to Waukesha Co., Wis. Here he hired out to work upon a farm, and remained till 1854. In August of that year he started with his hard earned money to seek a home for him- self, and coming to Richland county, purchased timber land on section 14, in that part of the town of Buena Vista now known as Ithaca. He then returned to Waukesha county, and was married on the 19th of August to Mary Handel,

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HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY.

a native of Wurtemburg, Germany, born Dec. 7, 1836. They started for Richland county im- mediately, traveling by rail to Hanover, Ill., where they procured a team and finished their journey. Ile moved into a vacant log house, in which they lived till spring, then upon his own land he erected a booth, in which they lived while he built a log babin. He cleared a por- tion of his land and lived there until 1865, when he sold ont and purchased land on sections 14 and 15, town of Orion, where he has since lived. As a farmer he has been very successful. On his arrival here, his sole capital consisted of good health and willing hands. He now owns 400 acres of land, 150 acres of which are under cultivation, also a large stock of cattle, horses, sheep and hogs. He has built two frame barns and a neat frame honse, and made other im- provements, and is one of the most extensive farmers in the town of Orion. Mr. and Mrs. Emshoff have six children-John H., William C., Emily L., Charles G., Henry A. and Matilda M. Mr. Emshoff is a member of the town board, and has been twice re-elected. Their son, John H., is the present town assessor. He was born in the town of Ithaca Dec. 11, 1857. His younger days were spent in assisting his father upon the farm and in attending school. lle was married in 1880 to Etta, daughter of Hezekiah and Sallie (Marsh) Jones, and settled at that time on his present farm on section 11. He has built a good frame house and has a pleasant home. They have one child.

William A. Hitchcock, son of Jason and Polly (Hurd) Hitchcock, was born in Boone Co., Ind., July 14, 1844. When he was but six years old his father died. He came to Richland county, with his mother, in 1853, and here grew to man- hood. He lived with his grandparents, with the exception of one year, until 1860, when he went to Texas and was there engaged in railroading and blacksmithing till 1866. In that year he was married to Zizina Edwards, who was born on Galveston island Oct. 2, 1846, and returned to Orion with his bride. They lived upon his

grandfather's place one year, then removed to his mother's farm on section 8, where he built a blacksmith shop and worked at the trade, and helped to carry on the farm. In 1874 he set- tled on his grandfather's place and has since made that his home. His farm is well improved and he has a good frame house and barn. Mr. and Mrs. Hitchcock are the parents of four children-Nellie M., Myron L., Georgia E. and Jason W.

James Lewis, an early settler of Orion, was born in Preble Co., Ohio, May 9, 1820. His father was a native of Delaware and his mother of Kentucky. They were pioneers in Preble county. Here the subject of our sketch grew to manhood taking advantage of such opportunity as afforded in those days to acquire an education. His mother died when he was but fourteen years of age. Four years later his father married again and removed to Indiana, but he still re- mained in Preble county and was their joined in marriage to Anna E. Nelson. She was born in Salem Co., N. J., March 14, 1824, but for sev- eral years lived in Philadelphia. They removed to Illinois and settled in Mason county where they remained until 1854, then came to Richland county and bought land on section 7, town 9, range 1 east, now known as the town of Orion. Game was at that time quite plenty and included deer and bear. He was quite a hunter and killed many deer. One morning his two sons, John and Joseph, went out to look for the oxen and run across seven bears, one of which took after them. Their father had told them that a bear could not climb a small tree and so they made for a sapling and both made quick time in climbing it. The bear came to the tree and gnawed the bark. The children called aloud for assistance but did not attract attention for some time as danger was not apprehended; but as their cries continued their mother called the dogs and started. At the approach of the dogs the bears left, the mother running up in season to see them in their retreat. The chil- dren then came down from their lofty retreat

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HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY.

more scared than hurt. Mr. Lewis has since cleared a good farm, erected a good set of buildings and now has a comfortable home. Mr. and Mrs. Lewis are the parents of three children -- John M., Joseph W. and Sarah E.

Hezekiah Jones, one of the well known early settlers of the town of Orion, came here in the fall of 1854 and purchased land on section 10 of Carlos Joslin and his son William H. At this time there were two log cabins and a small clearing, which constituted the entire improve- ment. Since that time a great change has been wrought, a large farm has been eleared, a com- modious frame house erected, a large frame barn built, and at this time Mr. Jones has one of the best improved farms in the town. Ile is a na- tive of Kentucky, born in Harrison county, Sept. 26, 1815. When he was eighteen years old his parents emigrated to Indiana and loca- ted in Boone county, where in faet his pioneer life began. llis father had purchased eighty acres of timber land on which they settled, but only remained there a short time when he purchased 160 acres near by and moved on to it. Ile made his home with his parents until of age, when he was married to Sallie Marsh, a native of Harrison Co., Ky. Her parents were also early settlers in Boone county. They set- tled on the land his father had first purchased. In 1849 he sold this farm and purchased im- proved land, consisting of eighty acres, upon which they made their home until 1854, when he sold out and started west with five horses and two wagons containing their household goods. They camped out on the way, and after three weeks on the road arrived in Richland county. They stopped with Robert Ilurd a few days and then moved into a log cabin which was their home for a number of years. Mr. and Mrs. Jones are the parents of thirteen ehil- dren, eight of whom are now living-Eliza J., Lonisa A., Lorinda M., Martha E., Mary E., Me- lissa A., William Jasper and Jonathan P. Mr. Jones is not a politician in any sense, but votes

the republican ticket when, in his judgment, good men are nominated.

Abram Miller, an early settler of Orion, be- gan his pioneer life in infancy. When he was but one year old his parents moved to Marion Co., Ind., where they were among the pioneers. Ilere his early life was spent, and as soon as large enough, he assisted his father in clearing a farm. Helived with his parents until 1854 when he came to Wisconsin to seek a home, and purchased land on section 10, town 9, range 1 east, now in the town of Orion. He com- menced immediately to fell timber preparatory to clearing a farm. lle was unmarried at the time, but in 1856 he was married to Lonisa A., daughter of Hezekiah and Sallie (Marsh) Jones. Ile enlisted in 1862 in the 25th Wisconsin, company B, and went to the front, participating in many important battles. He was with Sher- man in his "march to the sea," and through the the Carolinas to Washington. He was twice wounded at the battle of Atlanta, on the 220 of July, 1864,and was honorably discharged with the regiment. June 7, 1865, when he returned to his home and resumed his work at farming. An humble log cabin was their home until 1871. when he built the commodious frame house now occupied by the family. He has been largely engaged in raising grain and stock. In 1883 he engaged largely in raising poultry, building a henery at a cost of $500 and enc'osing a yard of four aeres. Mr. and Mrs Miller have four children-Martha J., Mary E., Elizabeth A. and Emma L. Mr. Miller always has been identified with the re- publican party.

Simon S. Blake, an early settler in the town of Orion, is a native of the Keystone State, hav- ing been born in that part of Bedford now known as Blair county. Until he was fourteen years old, his time was spent in school and on the farm. He then engaged with a merchant tailor to learn the trade, here he served three months, then part of the time went to school and part of the time worked with his brother at

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HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY.

the blacksmith business until about seventeen, then enlisted in the service of the United States for the Mexican war. His parents was opposed to this and as their consent could not be obtained he was sent back. He then engaged with his cousin to learn the trade of ax-making and was thus enployed until twenty-one years old, when he engaged in teaching. In the fall of 1852 he went to Ohio and spent the winter in Ironton and vielnity, then went to Arkansas and engaged in the lumbering business for seven months, and then returned to Pennsylvania, and taught a four months term of school during the winter. In the spring of 1854 he came to Richland county and entered 120 acres of land on sections 17 and 18 of the town of Orion, and went to the village of Orion where he engaged as clerk in a store. He was married Jan. 18, 1855, to Mary Ambrose. She was born in Westmoreland Co., Penn. He left the store in the fall of 1855, teaching a three months school at Pleasant Hill, town of Eagle. The following spring they set- tled on his land and commeneed to clear a farmi. He early paid attention to fruit culture and now has a fine apple orchard, consisting of Tolman sweets, Golden russetts, Snow apples and Red Astrachan. ITis farm is pleasantly lo- cated on Oak Ridge, and is will improved. Ile was a soldier in the Union army, having enlisted Aug. 20, 1862, in the 25th Wisconsin, company B, and going south spent his time in different places until May, 1864, when they joined Sher- man at Resaca, Ga., and fought their way on to Atlanta. He was severely wounded at Decatur, Ga., the 22d of July 1864, was sent to the field hospital and later to the Har- vey hospital at Madison. lle was discharged March 20, 1865, and returned home. He has been elected to offices of trust and honor, at different times; has been chairman of the board, justice of the peace and was once elected assessor but refused to serve. He was United States census enumerator for the town of Orion in 1880.

John Miller settled in Richland county in 1854. He took a homestead on section 31, town

10, range 1 east, in the present town of Riel- land. Here he cleared a farm and resided till 1874, when he sold out and moved to section 5, now Orion. He is a native of Germany, born in Mecklenburg Swerin, and was reared to agri- cultural pursuits. He came to America in 1847 and located in Waukesha county, where he re- mained till 1854, when he came to Richland county, as before stated. He has been twice married. His first wife was Helena Bonsash, who died in 1874 leaving three children-Mary, Lewis and Sarah. Their son, Lewis, now owns and occupies a farm in Ash creek valley, sec- tion 6, town of Orion. He purchased the land in 1866. It was then heavily timbered, but he has now the greater part of it cleared and in a good state of cultivation .. He built a large frame house which, with all its contents was burned in 1877. He then built another, two and a half story frame house, which is probably the largest house in the town. The family moved into this house July 4, 1878, and dedi- cated it with a party on that day. He was born in Mecklenburg Swein, April 18, 1841, and came to America with his parents, with whom he made his home until 1861. In August of that year he enlisted in the 6th Wisconsin Battery, and went south. He participated in the following en- gagements: Corinth, Jackson, Champion Hills, Vicksburg, Missionary Ridge and Lookout Moun- tain. After serving three years and one month he returned home and resumed farming. He was joined in marriage in 1867 to Catharine, only daughter of John Henry and Eva Dem- mer. He first purchased land on section 31, of the town of Richland, but did not improve it as he soon sold it and bought his present farm, which is one of the best on Ash creek. Mr. and Mrs. Miller are the parents of seven living children-Mary A. E., George F., Dora E., Clara H., William H., Ella M. and Jacob W.

Frederick C. Schmidt (deceased), was one of the pioneer settlers of Orion. Ile came here in 1854 and purchased land on section 16, and commenced clearing a farm, but his life was

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HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY.

spared only a few years and he died on the 19th of April, 1860. He was a German by birth and was reared to agricultural pursuits. In his youth he learned the milling trade, which he followed for some years. He was married Feb. 13, 1835, to Christina Kruger. Fom children have blessed this union-Frederick C., August, Annie and Emily. Mrs. Schmidt occupied the homestead a few years, then moved to Rich- land Center where she bought property, and lived till the time of her death, May 28, 1883.

John Henry Demmer, a pioneer of Ohio, was born in Germany in May, 1808. When a young man he learned the trade of ship builder, in which business he was engaged until 1848, when he left his native country and came to the United States. He first located in Milwaukee where he was employed as carpenter and joiner. In 1853 he came to Richland county and pur- chased a claim of Alanson Hurd on section 3. entered the land and immediately began clear- ing. lle has since devoted the greater part of his time to his farm, working occasionally at his trade. He was married in 1833 to Eva Eu- gleman. She died in 1870 leaving five children -Ilerman, Frederick, Catharine, John and Jacob. Their oldest son, Herman, was bom Nov. 14, 1835, and came to America with his parents and continued to live with them till 1861. That year he was joined in marriage to Annie, daughter of Frederick and Christiana Schmidt. He enlisted in September, 1861, in the 6th Wisconsin Battery, and served three years and one month. He participated in the following engagements: Corinth, Raymond, Jackson, Champion Hills, Vicksburg, Missionary Ridge and Lookout Mountain. After his discharge he returned home and settled on section 17, where he had purchased a tract of timber land. He cleared a farm and built a log house, which he weather-boarded and painted, giving it the ap- pearance of a frame house. In 1882 he rented this farm and moved to his wife's parent's home on section 16, the place formerly owned by Frederick C. Schmidt. Here ho erected a fine

frame house. Mr. and Mrs. Demmer are the parents of five children-Emma, Henry, Frank A., Mary and Ada. Mr. Demmer has held the office of treasurer in his school district since 1867.

Philip Daniel Berger, one of the early set- thers of Orion, was born in West Baden, Ger- many, Aug. 24, 1815. He was united in mar- riage with Catharine Elizabeth Miller, in the Year 1828. In 1848 they emigrated to America, and first settled in Wyoming Co., N. Y., and bought a farm in the town of Bennington, where they remained two years and then de- cided to remove farther west, so he sold his farm and came to Wisconsin, locating on Rock prairie, in Rock county. In 1855 he decided to make another change, and coming to Orion purchased land on section 10. On this place there was a log cabin, constructed after the most approved back woods fashion. The roof was covered with "shakes" fastened on with poles and withes, no nails being used. He cleared a farm and built a more substantial dwelling, and made this his home until his death, which oc- eurred in 1871. Mrs. Berger died in 1867. They left seven children-William, Phebe, Christian, Sophia, Henry, Mary and Margaret. William was born in West Baden, June 14, 1829. Hle came to America with his parents and made his home with them until 1860. In that year he was married to Euphemia Laing, a native of Scotland, and settled on land that he had pre- vionsly purchased and where he has since re- sided. He has good frame buildings, including house, barn and granary. Christian also was born in West Baden, May 22, 1899. He was sent to school in Germany four years, and at nine years of age came to America with his parents, with whom he lived till 1861, when he enlisted September 9th, in the 6th Wisconsin Battery, which was stationed at Racine until February, 1862, when it moved south. Among the more im- portant engagements in which he participated are the following: Riddle's Shop, Champion Ilills, siege of Corinth and Vicksburg. At the siege

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HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY.

of Corinth he was severely wounded in the knee and spent nearly six months in the hos- pital. He rejoined the regiment at Memphis. He was again wounded at Vicksburg, and in consequence suffered the amputation of his left arm and the thumb of his right hand. He was honorably discharged on the 29th of Angust, 1863, and returned home. In 1865 he was married to Elizabeth Brewer, a native of High- gate, Vt. Although nnable to perform any manual labor, Mr. Berger has carefully and successfully managed the farm, and now has one of the finest improved places in the county. It is the homestead where his father first set- tled. He has built a nice frame house and a large frame barn. They have one child-Letha Annie. Christian Berger politically belongs to the democratic party.

John Flamme came to Orion in 1857. He purchased a tract of land on section 3, upon which there was a small clearing and a rude log cabin. Since that time he has cleared a large farm and erected a neat stone house and now has a comfortable home. Ile is a native of Prussia, born Feb. 3, 1823. 1Ie attended school until he was twelve years old, and was then apprenticed to a blacksmith to learn the trade; after serving three years he worked as journeyman till 1852, when he left the old country and came to America, and first located in Naperville, Ill., where he worked at his trade till 1857, when he came to Richland county. Ile was married in 1844 to Elizabeth Rassmiller. They have five children living-Henry, Gertie, Daniel, Mary and Eliza. Henry was born in Prussia, March 4, 1849. While a boy he at- tended the district school and assisted his

father in clearing his farm. When a young man he learned the carpenter trade, living with his parents until 1872, when he went to Ne- braska, and worked at his trade for two years, then returned to Richland county. lle was joined in marriage June 12, 1878, to Bertha Groth, and settled on the farm where he still resides, on section 2. From that time until 1883 he divided his time between the farm and his trade. Since that date he has devoted his whole time to the farm. Mr. and Mrs. Flamme have two children-Charles and Lydia Amelia.

Christian Burwitz is a native of Germany, born in Mecklenburg Swerin, May 20, 1829. He spent the time until the age of fourteen in at- tending school, and then assisted his father in herding his large flocks of cattle and sheep, which he continued to do until the year 1857, when he left his native home and came to America, landed at New York and came directly to Wisconsin and engaged in farming in Waukesha county for two years. He then moved to Milwaukee and bought stock two years, then returned to Waukesha and resumed farming. In March, 1865, he enlisted in com- pany I, 48th Wisconsin Volunteers and went sonth. He was discharged in February, 1866, returned home and remained in Wau- kesha until the following April, when he came to Richland county. Ile was married in 1858 to Mary Niles, also a native of Mecklen- burg. They have one child-Richard. Mr. Burwitz's farm is pleasantly located in Ash creek valley. Ile has comfortable buildings and altogether a pleasant home.

HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY

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CHAPTER XXIX.

TOWN OF RICHLAND.

The town of Richland is all of that territory comprised within the limits of congressional township 10 north, of range i east, and is the second from the east line of the county, in the second tier from the south. Like the greater part of the county, the general physical features are high bluffs and wide valleys; the central part of the town being a beautiful long flat vale, lying on both sides of the Pine river. The extreme fertility of this and the contigu- ous valleys, early induced settlers to locate within its limits. The first man who made a settlement within its boundaries was a Mr. Bacon, who located his farm on the northeast quarter of section 20. Here he erected his primitive cabin, built of logs from the giants of the forest, who had waved their leafy arms in the face of the storms of centuries, and that had stood in serried ranks around the site of his humble abode. This cabin stood on the west side of the Pine river, near a spring of water, about a half mile southwest of the pres- ent court house. This was in the summer of 1848.

Mr. Bacon and his wife were from Massa- chusetts or New Hampshire, and were seem- ingly out of their element in the new country, among the hills and forests of Richland county. During their stay, some four years, their cabin was the stopping place of those hardy pioneers and emigrants passing up and down the river, part is not now accessible.

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History of Crawford and Richland counties, Wisconsin, Part 162

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