History of Crawford and Richland counties, Wisconsin, Part 163

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 163
USA > Wisconsin > Crawford County > History of Crawford and Richland counties, Wisconsin > Part 163

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).

tain their visitors and guests. They were peo- ple of considerably high culture, and their good cheer, together with the violin, which Mr. Bacon handled with some skill, made their cabin a pleasant resting place for the weary traveler upon the way from the mill to the river. The Pine river men of that day will bear them in remembrance with much pleasure, and no doubt often think of them, when tak- ing a retrospect of their lives, Mr. Bacon and his wife, however, being unaccustomed to front- ier life, became restless, and finally after a stay of about four years he sold out their claim to Robert Akan, and returned to their native State and Richland county knew them no more.

Elisha Bovee was the second settler in the town. A sketch of his life appears elsewhere in this volume.

A Mr. Mederis was apparently the next set- tler in the town, he having located on section 8, near the spring on the west side of Pine river, about 1849. His cabin stood about a mile and a half north of what is now the busi- ness portion of the village of Richland Center. He had a wife and several children, and here he resided with them for about two years, when he, too, became dissatisfied and moved on west- ward.

In 1850 William Farlin and his wife made a settlement in the town of Richland, but in what

In 1850 James Blundell, Richard McMahan and Luman Thompson also located claims in the town, and in May, 1851, John Waddell set-

then the only highway to the settlements on the Wisconsin river. They were the only set- tlers between the Rockbridge mills and Ash creek, and they seemed always glad to enter- tled upon the northeast quarter of section 5.

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HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY.

The latter gentlemen had come into the county the previous year, 1850, in October, but had stopped temporarily, at or near the site of the present village of Richland City. Ile relates that his only earthly possessions when he landed in this "neck of woods" was "seven children, a cow and calf, two pigs, a dog and twenty-five cents in silver." Ilowever he settled himself down and proceeded to hew out for himself an abiding place. He was a native of West Vir- ginia, where he was born Feb. 23, 1811, but from a child of three years of age was raised in the State of Ohio. Ilis endeavors toward providing himself and family with a home were crowned with success, and he yet lives upon the land on which he first located on his entrance into the town, a monument of the sturdy avant coureur of civilization, the western pioneer, who, with his ax in his hand and backed with no wealth but royal good health and indomitable courage, plunges into the western wilds and there conquers out the family roof tree and form the refuge and stay of his old age. After Mr. Waddell, the settle- ments were so numerous that it would be im- possible to individualize.

During the fall of 1851 James Cass built a saw-mill on the site of the present one owned by W. J. Bowen, on section 4. A little settle- ment sprung up around, and in the early part of the year 1854 a postoffice was established here, the first within the limits of the town, and called Florence, and of which Mr. Cass was the first postmaster.

The population having by this time increased to such a number as to warrant such action, the board of supervisors of the county, by a reso- lution passed Nov. 15, 1852, ordered that the town of Richland be set off and organized as a separate township and election precinct. In accordance with this, the first election for town- ship officers was held April 22, 1853, from which date may be dated the organization of the town. The officers elected at this time were : Asa G. Sheldon, chairman, David Bovec and Ira An-

drews, supervisors; John McManus, town clerk; Cornelius McCarthy, town treasurer ; Hascal Haseltine, town superintendent of schools.

The election board was composed of the fol- lowing gentlemen: Ira Andrews, John Wad- dell and Durfee Bovee.

After the announcement of the result of the election and the people had had time to settle after the ardnous duties of election day, the new town officers came together, and among other ordinances passed, was one on ways and means, levying a tax of seven mills on the dollar, to be devoted to road purposes ; this was the first act of the new board and was passed by them at their very first meeting. In May, 1853, the town board, feeling the need of controlling the sale of intoxicating liquors, granted a license to S. II. Austin, of Richland Center, allowing him to deal in the ardent spirts, but not permit- ting any other to do so within the town limits.

The first saw-mill erected in the town is believed to be that one erected by James Cass, in 1851, as no record exists of any prior to that date.

Among the first thing to be established by our forefathers, when planting their infant colonies in these western wilds, was the school house, and, as early as the summer of 1851, an institution of learning was opened in a room in the dwelling house of Mr. Blundell, on what is now known as the Elisha Bovee farm. This school was taught by Margaret Gillam, now Mrs. William H. Joslin, of Richland Center, and was the first in the town.

The present officers of the town were elected April 3, 1883, and are as follows: B. C. Hallin, R. A. Ross and W. B. Brown, supervisors; Kirk W. Eastland, clerk; Samuel C. Hyatt, treasurer; J. L. McKee, assessor; John Wal- worth and Richard Davis, justices of the peace; J. W. Liek, W. F. Fogo and Charles Hole, con- stables; Jesse G. Bunell, sealer of weights and measures.

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HISTORY OF RICIILAND COUNTY.

DISCIPLE CHURCHI.

In about 1855 Elder Searholt, of Reedsburg, Sauk county, organized a society at what was then known as the log school house, near Wil- liam HI. Miller's residence. The first regular pastor of this society was Rev. Gray, and the following named were among the first mem- bers: James Snyder and family, W. H. Miller and family, Mrs. Marks and family, Campbell Miller and family and Thomas Snyder and wife. Rev. Gray was in turn succeeded by Revs. Martin, Colton, Hamilton, Hurd and Kidd, who is the present pastor. The society held its meetings at school houses until they erected their present church edifice, located on section 27. It is a wooden structure, 30x45 feet in size, and cost $1,200. The society has been prosperous, and at one time its membership was nearly 100. The present membership is about seventy-five. There is also a good Sabbath school kept up by the society.

There is a cemetery located near the church. The ground occupied by it was donated for burial purposes by Hiram Welton. The first body interred here was Hiram Welton, who do- nated the land.

BOWEN'S MILLS.

These mills comprise one of the most impor- tant of Richland county's industrial enterprises. The mills are located on section 4, the power being derived from Pine river. The property was first purchased by R. C. Field, but a man named Dart had a claim on the same. Neither of these men, however, made any improvements. In the fall of 1851 the property was purchased by James M. Cass and George Pound. They improved the water power and in 1853 had a saw-mill in operation. Mr. Cass then became sole proprietor, and in 1854 sold to William J. Bowen for $3,100, which amount was paid in gold. Mr. Bowen soon associated himself with his brother, F. P. Bowen, and in 1855 the sash saw was taken out and a rotary saw put in. This was the first saw of this kind in the county. They also added a feed mill. In 1858

F. P. Bowen withdrew from the business, but in 1867 re-purchased a half interest, and they then erected the flour mill. It is a wooden structure, 30x50 feet in size, two and a half stories high. and basement. Three run of stone have been placed in the mill, and it does cus- tom work. In 1872 W. J. Bowen again became sole proprietor, and has since operated the mill alone.

RICHLAND CENTER.

This is the shire town of Richland county. It is situated not far from the center of the county, on section> 16 and 21, in the town of Richland, on the cast bank of Pine river, The Richland center branch of the Chicago, Mil- waukee & St. Paul railway connects the village with centers of commerce and affords excellent marketing facilities. The town is surrounded by some of the finest and most productive agri- cultural and stock raising lands in the southern part of the State, which is a guarantee of a perma- nent and ever-increasing trade. By all who have ever visited the place it is remarked as being an extraordinary business point, the streets being always crowded and the merchants ever busy. Besides other advantages, the Pine river, on the banks of which the town rests, furnishes a most excellent water power, which although improved to a considerable extent, has not been fully utilized. There are many substantial brick buildings to be seen upon the main thor- oughfares, and the village site is dotted with many elegant dwellings, many of them costly and of considerable architectural pretensions. There are several neat church edifices, and a sufficient number of buildings for educational purposes, and county business. An abundance of shade trees adorn the streets and with the natural groves, in which each residence is em- lowered, add greatly to the beauty of the place. The location is exceedingly healthy, and the society is of the most refined and desirable character.

THE BEGINNING.

During the month of July, 1849, Ira S. Ha- zeltine and his father, Orrin Hazeltine, arrived

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HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY.

at Sextonville, and on horseback continued their journey to Rockbridge. The country was then unsettled and entirely roadless ; but by the use of a small pocket compass they found their destination. Here they found a saw-mill which had been erected on the northwest quarter of section 10. This quarter section was the only land that had been entered within the limits now comprising the town of Rockbridge. The Hazeltines purchased the saw-mill, and then leaving their horses at the mill, by means of a slab raft they floated down Pine river in search of water powers. They soon arrived at the point just west of the present site of Richland Center. They were well pleased with the water privilege at this place, and also the prairie near by, and decided that this would be an excellent place for the site of a future city. In October, 1849, Orrin Hazeltine brought his family from Black Earth, and Ira S. brought bis family from Waukesha ; both families set- tling at Rockbridge. They were accompanied by Luman Thompson and Henry Smith, with their families ; the "men folks" intending to work at the mill. In the spring of 1850 Ira S. Hazeltine, leaving his father at the mill, took his wife and babe and visited friends in the eastern part of the State. Sometime during the same year Ira, in company with two brothers, went to view the water power they had discov- ered in the present town of Richland. They viewed the place from the hill side west of the present mills, and after Ira had portrayed the beauties of the small prairie, the value of the water power, and other natural advantages, and the probability that at no far distant day a flour- ishing village could here be built, which, from the fact that it was near the geographical center of the county, would become the county seat, he requested his brothers to purchase the land from the government. But his brothers re- plied : "Ira, you are so fanatical; this country is so rough that it cannot be settled, and there can never be a town at this point." "Well," answered Ira, "If you are afraid, I will take it

up and play it alone." Accordingly I. S. Hazel- tine soon afterward purchased of the govern- ment a quarter section of land at this point. Fu June, 1851, he employed R. C. Field to survey the land into lots and blocks.

Thus were the initial steps toward the found- ing of Richland Center made. In 1853, School- craft's addition to the village was laid out, em- bracing all of section 16. Ira S. Hazeltine made an addition in 1856. Orrin Hazeltine made an addition later, embracing all that por- tion of the village lying south of the court house square.

Prior to the platting of the village a "session law" had been passed defining the boundaries and authorizing the organization of Richland county, and providing further that at the gen- eral election held in November, 1851, the votes of the people should determine the location of the county seat. At this time the county busi- ness was being transacted at Richmond, now Orion. There were four voting precinets in the county-Richmond, Riehland City, Rich- wood and Rockbridge. The number of votes polled at Riehland City on the county seat question was 108; of which 103 were in favor of Richland Center and five scattering. At Richwood there were forty-eight votes polled, twenty-four being for Richland Center and twenty-four for Richmond; at Rockbridge six- teen votes were polled, all being in favor of Richland Center. The number of votes cast at Richmond is unknown; but it is claimed that in the whole county Richland Center received a majority of forty-eight votes. But here arose a difficulty. The session law provided that the place receiving a majority of the votes should be declared the county seat; but it did not state who should canvass the votes. However, John Rutan, clerk of the board of supervisors, by virtne of his office, called to his assistance two justices of the peace as canvassers, choosing A. B. Slaughter, of Richmond and O. L. Britton, who resided near Sextonville. These gentle- men met, and after receiving the returns from

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HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY.

the various precincts, canvassed the vote and made the following report :

"We have received the election returns of the different precinets-Richmond, Richland City, Richwood and Rockbridge-and they are so informal, both in form and substance, that we cannot ascertain the true will of the people, and we hereby declare that there was no elec- tion held pursuant to law."

Such a report as this, as will be readily seen, did not please Mr. Hazeltine, so he requested John Rutan to get the returns from A. B Slaughter and bring them to his residence, which he did. Mr. Hazeltine copied the ro- turns and report of the board of canvassers in full, and had John Price, chairman, and John Rutan, clerk of the board of supervisors, certi- fy that his copies were true and correct copies of the originals. Mr. Hazeltine then went to Madison and left his certified copies with William A. Barstow, secretary of State. These were presented to the State board of can- vassers, with a request that they make a state- ment of the result, which they did. This state- ment was presented to the Legislature, and an act was passed, entitled "An act to declare the county seat of Richland county." That became a law and Richland Center became the county seat. But the county supervisors, four in num- ber, were divided in their opinion and only two could be persuaded to meet at Richland Center. As three was necessary for a quorum, no busi- ness could be transacted until a constable was sent after a third supervisor. After some delay, however, they all met and after viewing the lo- cation expressed themselves as highly pleased, and said the place had been misrepresented to them as a frog pond.

Before going to Madison, Mr. Hazeltine had made the proposition to the people that on con- dition that the county seat was located at Rich- land Center, he would deed to the county twen- ty-four village lots; twelve to be selected by the county and the remainder by himself. The county selected block 14, and the east half

of block 13. Mr. Hazeltine selected for the county twelve lots west of the mill pond. He also agreed to furnish a building for a court house for five years, and let the county have the use of the hotel, in compliance with his proposition.

Thus the county seat question was settled, and, although for a time some show of bitter feeling and envy was apparent, this has all died out long, long years ago, and to-day, all concede that the location could not have been better.

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT.

The first store opened on the village plat was by S. H. Austin. He opened a stock of general merchandise in 1854 and remained in the trade about ten years. He was a good business man and was very successful.

In the fall of 1854 Charles Nelson started the second general store in the village, and remained in trade about two years.

The third store was started by A. H. Holden in the summer of 1855.

In the fall of 1855 G. H. James opened a gen- eral store which he ran for several years.

In 1856 Short & Downs opened a general store. They soon dissolved partnership and Short carried on the business for a time ; then sold to August Smith. Mr. Short died shortly afterward.

The first business of any magnitude at Rich- lad Center was established by J. W. Lybrand and I. L. McKee. They opened up in May, 1857, with a stock of general merchandise val- ued at $4,500, which was soon increased to $6,000. In 1859 they commeneed dealing in ginseng, paying for the same with cash and goods. During the year 1859 they purchased upwards of 30,000 pounds. In 1860 Mr. Mckee withdrew from the firm and Mr. Lybrand was joined in trade by his son, G. D. Lybrand. In 1861 G. D. Lybrand withdrew and J. W. Ly- brand became sole proprietor. llis stock of goods was increased to upwards of $40,000, and he did quite a wholesale business, supplying

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HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY.

most of the country stores in the northern part of the county. Late in 1863 he sold to George and A. H. Krouskop. This firm carried on the business a few years when A. II. Krouskop sold to George Krouskop, but soon afterward pur- chased the business and carried it on alone for a number of years. Charles Craig is his present partner.

J. J. Shumaker started a mammoth store in 1857. lle had purchased the goods on eredit and after remaining to take charge of consider- able money he fled to Kansas.

The first hardware store was established in 1856. The business was carried on until 1868 when it was closed out.

The second hardware store was opened in 1862 by G. H. James & Co. The firm after- ward became James Brothers, and in Novem- ber, 1881, D. G. James became sole proprietor and still continues the business.

D. O. Chandler established business in 1867- and Strang & Doudna have been in the hard, ware business since 1878.

The first drug store in Richland Center was opened by L. D. Gage. In 1858 he was suc- ceeded by Dr. H. C. Priest who sold to Caleb Waggoner. In 1859 F. P. Bowen purchased the business and sold to D. L. Downs in 1861. In 1865 Mr. Bowen re-purchased a half interest and the business was carried on under the firm name of D. L. Downs & Co., until 1879 when F. P. Bowen became sole proprietor. In October, 1879, Mr. Bowen became associated with H. B. Allen, as partner, and in March, 1883, Mr. Allen became sole proprietor.

The drug business of Burnham & Burnham was established in 1874 by O. J. and W. A. Burnham. In October, 1881, W. A. Burnham withdrew from the business and in March, 1883, J. W. Burnham became a partner, since which time the firm has been Burnham & Burnham.

The drug business of I. A. Cleveland was es- tablished by him in May, 1881.

Dr. J. Brimer & Sons have been engaged in . the drug business since 1873.

The first millinery business was established by Mrs. D. Rice in 1856. The receipts for the first two weeks were just ten cents. But Mrs. Rice did not despair and her trade soon increased to such an extent that in 1867 her purchases amounted to $5,000. She continued in business until 1882.

The first wagon shop was opened in 1856 by O. H. Northrup, who put up the first wagon made at Richland Center.

Daniel Rice was the first man to export live stock from Richland Center. He commenced dealing in live stock in 1856, and continued for abont four years.

The abstract books of Richland county were commeneed in 1858 by L. D. Gage and A. Nudd. Mr. Gage afterward owned them alone until 1864 when he sold to Smith & Laws. In 1873 they were purchased by W. Il. Pier, who still owns them.

The first tannery was built in 1857 by Jedu- than Jones. Mr. Jones sold to other parties and it was operated about six years when it was destroyed by fire.

The second tannery at Richland Center was erected in 1860 by D. L. Downs and H. W. Fries. In 1862 Mr. Downs sold his interest to F. P. Bowen and subsequently HI. W. Fries be- came sole proprietor. In about 1867 Mr. Fries sold to his sons, A. S. and J. C. Fries, who operated the tannery until 1876, when it was destroyed by fire. In 1877 J. C. Fries re- built, and in 1882 he became associated with L. E. Brewer as partner. The firm is now Fries & Brewer, and their business is the largest of the kind in the county.

The first cabinet shop at Richland Center was opened in 1858, by William Wilson. After a time A. L. Wilson purchased an interest, and the firm was finally succeeded by William Ilill and A. L. Wilson. In 1884 there were three furniture stores and cabinet shops in Rich- land Center. Henry Toms established his busi- ness in 1865; August Larson in 1880; and the

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IHISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY.

business of Dove Brothers was started in 1881 by E. A. Dove and J. A. Logan.

Pratt Brothers, in 1878, established their busi- ness of house, sign and carriage painting, paper hanging, etc. They also keep for sale, paints, oils, glass and wall paper.

William H. Downs established an ashery in 1857-8, and operated it successfully for several years, manufacturing potash, etc.

D. E. and D. G. Pease established an ashery the following year, which they ran for several years.

The first brick made at Richland Center was from a kiln burned by D. Rice, Sept. 20, 1856, at Richland Center, and from this small beginning has grown quite a large industry. John Waddell burned the first kiln of brick in the town.

The first brick edifice erected in the village was likewise a production of Richland Center hands, having been built in that interesting village by Samuel Wright, for his own use and occupancy, in the fall of 1857. Hle and a party by the name of W. A. Mason, laid up the walls themselves, and otherwise furnished the house, which was a small tenement. In the following year another house was erected by Mr. White.

The first celebration of the national anni- versary, in Richland Center, was held July 4, 1854. The first unfurling to the breeze, in the valley, of our glorious "meteor flag," was at that date, and the first liberty pole erected in the Pine river valley was erected then that it could uphold the "banner of the free."

It has been said by one who helped to make that day's rejoicing a snecess, that "no fourth has seemed more grand since. A handful of people, comparatively, participated in the ob- servances of the day; but they were nearer to each other, than now."

Among others who have been prominently identified with the business interests of Rich- land Center are the following: Dr. D. L. Downs, D. E. Pease, J. W. Lybrand, D. G. Pease, G. H. James, M. C. Pease, W. II. Downs,

William Short, William Nelson, S. II. Austin, William Baker, N. H. Langdon, James Holden, A. II. Floten, J. Jones, N. W. Bailey, G. Hill, George Matteson, Mr. Spooner, A. L. and W. Il. Wilson, Daniel Rice, Dr. H. C. Priest, A. L. Dillingham, C. W. Huntington, A. G. James, J. J. Shumaker, Caleb Waggoner, James II. Waggoner, S. B. Patton, 11. and J. C. McFar- land, James Myres, August Smith, F. G. Rodolf, Charles Lawrence, J. M. Waggoner, W. A. Frank and W. S. Burnham.

BUSINESS DIRECTORY.

In 1884 the business interests of Richland Center were represented as follows:

General merchandise .- A. II. Krouskop & Co., Henry T. Bailey, Eichelberger & Lybrand, and M. C. Smith's, "Tom and Jerry store."

Dry goods and notions .- Mrs. V. L. Baker and A. B. Weigley.

Groceries .- R. N. McKay, HI. W. Eastland & Co., and Warren Ilandy.

IIardware .- D. G. James, D. O. Chandler and Strang & Doudna.

Drugs .- 11. B. Allen, Dr. Brimer & Sons, Burnham & Burnham and 1. A. Cleveland.

Jewelers .- Charles Speidel and A. Bullard.

Furniture .- Henry Toms, Dove Brothers and August Larson.

Newspapers .- Republican Observer, Fogo & Munson; Rustic, J. A. Smith; Union Democrat, Fliekner & Cook.

Bankers .- George Krouskop and W. II. Pier.

Abstracts .- W. II. Pier.

Boots and shoes .- J. L. Fogo, James Ban- nister and E J. Stiles.

Meat markets .- F. P. Bowen and Hare & Farkall.

Livery .- Frank Sanford and Obadiah Dris- call.

llarness .- D. G. James, John M. Shireman and Walworth & Sherman.

Bakery and restaurant .- Albert Herpel and John Boggs.

Marble dealers .- John Heeran and B. C. Hallin.

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HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY.

Tailor .- Thomas Brenden.

Photographer .- W. J. Hillman.

Millinery .-- Mrs F. C. Pennell & Co., Mrs. A. L. Wilson, Mrs. W. HI. Dosch and Mrs. James Martin.

IIotels .- Park Ilouse, S. J. Smith & Son; Central Ilouse, O. P. Peck.

Physicians .- Drs. Jacob Brimer, George Mitchell, H. J. Wall, F. P. Casey, B. F. Brim- mer, Moses Lovering and R. L. Telfair.

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History of Crawford and Richland counties, Wisconsin, Part 163

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