History of Crawford and Richland counties, Wisconsin, Part 167

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 167
USA > Wisconsin > Crawford County > History of Crawford and Richland counties, Wisconsin > Part 167


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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GOOD TEMPLARS.


A lodge of this order was instituted at Rich- land Center, in February, 1857, by George Jar- vis, of Richland City, acting as deputy for the district, assisted by Mr. Hawley of Madison. Dr. O. II. Wood was installed as worthy chief templar, and Mrs. Wood as worthy vice templar. The names of the charter members, so far as we have been able to obtain, are as fol- lows: Mrs. Eliza James, Alonzo G. James, Mrs. Sarah A. Miner, Amos Nudd, Mrs. L. A. Nudd, Caleb Waggoner, G. 11. James, Mrs. Eliza James, C. W. Huntington, B. R. Hlowland, Wil- liam Wilson, Ira S. Hazeltine, Augusta Hazel- tine, George Young, Mrs. Nancy Waggoner and A. IL. Bush. This lodge ran until in 1862 or 1863 and was known as Excelsior Lodge, No. 36, I. O. G. T., it then gently expired and the town


was without an organization of the order until the organization of the present one, known as Fidelity Lodge, No. 237, I. O. G. T., and which was instituted in accordance with a charter, dated Jan. 23, 1877, with the following charter members: George Jarvis, Susan Smith. Eliza A. James, Josie C. Downs, Mrs. M. H. Shurt- leff, Frank E. Smith, Maggie W. Lybrand, Emma Liek, Stephen J. Smith, Kate G. Downs, O. W. Gibbs, G. N. Mickel, Emma Tuttle, Charles F. James, Mary L. Bundy, F. H. Tuttle, Sarah Jarvis, A. G. James, Michael Murphy, W. S. Sweet, C. Waggoner, C. F. Walker, L. E. James, Rosa E. James, Jane Weigley, A. B. Weigley, Rosa E. Ronse, E. 11. Burnham, Ella L. Pease, R. C. Lybrand, Fannie Jarvis, Ed- ward Gibbs and W. J. MeKay. The first officers chosen were: George Jarvis, W. C. T .; Maggie W. Lybrand, W. V. T .; O. W. Gibbs, P. W. C. T .; F. Il. Tuttle, W. F. S .; Kate G. Downs, W. S .; Michael Murphy, W. A. S .; Eliza James, W. T .; W. J. McKay, W. C .; G. W. Mickel, W. M .; Mary L. Bundy, W. D. M .; Emma Lick, W. I. G .; Charles F. James, W. O. G .: Susan E. Smith, W. R. 11. S .; Emma Tuttle, W. L. II. S. The lodge holds its meeting each week, in what is known as Templars' Hall, which is oc- cupied, in common, by all the temperance or- ganizations. There is a large membership and good attendance, and no doubt helps materially in the good temperance work done in the town.


There is also a juvenile lodge of temperance known as Star of Hope Temple, No. 71, which was organized March 15, 1575, and meets in the same hall as the other temperance organiza- tions. P. II. Fay was instrumental in its insti- tution, and remains at present the superintend- ent. Quite a lively interest is taken by the children, in the work, and under the head of "good of the order." much pleasant amusement is brought out.


A new lodge of good templars was organized early in May, 1543, at the Pine River church, which, although not in the town of Richland Center, lies but about two miles from it, and


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HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY.


in this township. It was named Pacific Lodge, No. 256. Meetings are held every Saturday eve- ning and a pleasant time had. The following is a list of the officers: Edwin Glasier, W. C. T .; Mrs. William Starkey, W. V. T .; John Glasier, W. S .; Arthur Glasier, W. F. S .; Robert Clem- ents, W. T .; R. Davis, W. C .; Ella Davis, W. M .; Elmer Davis, W. G .; Maud Miller, W. S .; Mrs. Phil Miller, W. A. S .; Mrs. R. Clements, W. D. M .; Ellen Cook, W. R. H. S .; Libbie Wilkins, W. L. H. S .; James Davis, lodge deputy.


Richland Temple of Honor, No. 192, was or- ganized Aug. 3, 1878, with the following char- ter members: H. St. John, S. Sherman, F. E. Smith, M. L. Sherman, W. II. Waters, R. J. Wilson, C. Waggoner, J. M. Waggoner, Frank Walworth, W. W. Welton, A. B. Weigley, J. II. Weigley, E. A. Weigley, C. Weigley, Sidney Arnold, Samuel Arnold, Seth Butler, George W. Barry, Daniel Barry, F. W. Burnham, A. A. Bulard, George Clark, D. O. Chandler, C. Cul- ver, E. M. Chandler, W. HI. Cholerton, Victor Clark. H. A. Cnlver, H. W. Eastland, W. M. Fogo, O. W. Gibbs, E. T. Gibbs, J. W. Gibbons, II. Gaston, M. Healy, A. S. Hayes, S. C. Ilyatt, A. Hyatt J. H. Iloughton, M. D. Hankins, R. R. Hamilton, Henry Lewis, George Jarvis, R. C. Lybrand, M. Lovering, F. P. Lawrence, J. W. Lybrand, J. W. Liek, E. H. Liseum, G. R. Mitchell, J. L. MeKee, Oliver G. Munson, A. W. Maly, Fred McCormick, D. G. Pease, Philip Rolfe, E. Rolfe, W. Rouse, L. B. Smith, S. J. Smith, J. W. Smith and C. Speidel. This organization is in quite a flourishing condition, and it is but just to say, that, to the work of the order is due the present state of prohibition of the sale of intoxicating liquors in the village. A large membership gathers in the hall of meet- ing. The present officers are: Oliver G. Mnn- son, W. C. T .; A. J. Kinney, W. V. T .; O. W. Gibbs, W. R .; George M. Clark, W. A. S .; N. H. Dillingham, W. F. R .; Charles Speidel, W. T .; Aaron Sharp, W. U .; O. H. Northrup, W. D. U .; M. Lovering, W. G .; S. Porter, W. S.


MILITIA.


During the latter days of the great civil war between the States, a strong effort was made to organize a company of what was then termed "home guards," probably because they stayed at home, and Ang. 26, 1864, a company was formed and organized, under the high-sounding and euphonions name of " Richland County Union Badgers." About sixty-four were en- rolled in the organization. E. H. Liscum was elected captain, and George Jarvis and J. M. Mc Murtrey first and second lieutenants. From all that we can gather this company did not prosper very well, and Capt. Liscum resigning, Elam Bailey was elected in his stead. After a little time, however, the organization gave up the ghost and there has been no attempt to revive it as yet


WOMEN'S CLUB.


This association was organized in June, 1882, by the ladies of Richland Center. The object of the society is, as laid down by the constitu- tution, "to suggest and develop plans for social, intellectual, industrial, educational and philan- thropic interests, to the end that we may have better homes, better health, better charities, better laws, better service for humanity and God." At the date of the organization the fol- lowing officers were elected : Mrs. Julia A. Bowen, president ; Mrs. G. N. Matteson, Mrs. M. MeMurtrey and Mrs. Georgia James, vice presidents ; Mrs. Laura James, corresponding secretary ; Mrs. Victoria Layton, recording sec- retary. Saturday June 2, 1883, the first annual anniversary meeting and appropriate exer- cises were held in the Baptist church. The pro- gramme for the occasion was as follows :


Prayer-Rev. J. D. Toll.


Address of Welcome -Julia A. Bowen.


Letters of Greeting-Read by Members.


Essay, Woman in the Home-Lucy Pier.


Select Reading, "How the Women went Irom Dover"- Mrs. H. B. Allen.


Woman in Journalism-Jennie Lamberson.


Song-"New America." Seleet Reading, Hagar in the Wilderness"-Mary Vedder. Ilygiene-Amelia Smith.


Woman's Work for Woman-Ada Lamsou.


f. S.Clark


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HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY.


Recitation, "Saving Mother"-Vira Pease. Woman in Politics-P 11. Fay.


Woman in Temperance-Emma Pilling.


Song.


"Woman before the Law-H. A. Eastland.


Justice-Laura James.


Queries and Answers-Eva James.


Woman in the Pulpit-S. B. Loomis.


Comparative Merits of Collegiate and Business Education- Maria Fowler, Victoria Layton, Profs. Smith and Sweet. Going to 'Lection- Lillie Wood.


Song.


The interest in the club has continually in- creased and many members say that they " should not know what to do without the club."


SOCIETY OF THE SIXTH WISCONSIN BATTERY.


Among the associations of the county, that of the 6th Wisconsin Battery must not be forgot- ten. This society was organized in its present shape Oct. 3, 1876, when the "boys of the bat- tery held a re-union at Spring Green.


GRAND ARMY OF THE REPUBLIC.


The W. H. Bennett Post of the Grand Army of the Republic was organized on the 26th of May, 1882, N. B. Hood, of Henry Dillon Post No. 24, assisted by comrades of the same post officiating. The following named were the first officers and charter members: D. G. James. commander; Irvin Gribble, senior vice com- mander; B. C. Hallin, junior vice commander: George Jarvis, O. D .; Christian Berger, quar- termaster; A. J. Kinney, O. G .: H. J. Wall, surgeon; John Walworth, chaplain; J. G. Bun- nell, adjutant; M. L. Sherman, sergeant major; Lewis Henry, Q. M. S .; Thomas B. Adams, Frank Hapgood, N. L. James, A. Lillybridge, J. W. Leik, Ira Monroe, O. H. Northrup, G. W. Putnam, A. S. Ripley, D. L. Downs and A. Ilyatt. The following named have been mus- tered in since the organization: John Cassady, A. W. Robinson, Edwin Berry, M. Gorman, Henry l'auls, Lee MeMurtrey, Hiram Freeman, Chris. Burwitz, Joseph Miller, E. Morris, John Akan, John Flamme, Lewis Miller, W H. Waters, E. Dunston, D. Chismore, J. W. Web- ley, Anthony Braneman, Abram Miller, Jacob Marsh, S. C. Hyatt, Henry Sigrist, Isaac B. Reeve, J. W. Smith, Henry A. Culver, George


W. Miller, T. M. McCarthy, W. 11. Joslin, Frank Patch and O. Klingler. In 1883 the officers of the post were: D. G. James, commander; C'his. Berger, senior vice commander; B. C. HIallin, junior vice commander; George Jarvis, O. D .; John Walworth, chaplain; H. J. Wall, surgeon; Irvin Gribble, Q. M .; M. L. Sherman, adjutant; T. B. Adams, O. G .; J. W. Smith, S. M .: Lewis Henry, Q. M. S. The post now has a membership of fifty-four and is in good con- dition. Meetings are held on the second and fourth Thursdays of each month.


Henry Bennett was born Oct. 25, 1837, in the town and county of Medina, Ohio. He came with his parents in 1846 to the territory of Wisconsin, and settled in Dane county. He removed to Jefferson county in 1852 and to Richland county in 1855. In 1861 he enlisted in company HI, 5th Wisconsin, as a private, from which he was promoted to the 25th for gallantry in action at the battle of Williams- burg, Va,, and in MeClellan's calamitous engage- ments in front of Richmond in 1862. His frankness, geniality and companionable quali- ties are well known by all his comrades and the citizens of Richland county. Mr. Bennett was one among many others who gave up his life in a southern prison that his country might be saved. It was in honor of this brave man and the kindly recollection of days gone by, that the G. A. R. Post of Richland Center was named. The name of no comrade will be long- er remembered by the boys of the post than that of W. II. Bennett.


MASONIC.


Richland Lodge, No. 66, A. F. & A. M., was organized under a dispensation ; and the first lodge met at the house of D. B. Priest on the 97th of March, 1856. There were present : D. B. Priest, W. M .; James II. Miner, S. W .; L. D. Gage, J. W .; Phineas Janney, S. D .; John Hazle, I. D .; William Short, treasurer; William Akan, secretary and David Barrett, tyler. The lodge was granted a charter on the 12th of June, 1856, and on the Ist of July, the first officers were installed by D. L. Downs, D. D. G M .; as


71


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HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY.


follows : D. B. Priest, W. M .; James H. Mi- ner, S. W., and L. D. Gage, J. W. On the 14th of August, 1856, the lodge elected the following officers : William Short, treasurer; G. W. Hawkins, secretary ; John Hazle, S. D .; Wii- liam Akan, J. D .; George Young, tyler, and W. F. Crawford and John Lawrence, stewards. Since the organization of the lodge the follow- ing named have served as master. D. B. Priest, L. D. Gage, James H. Miner, R. C. Hawkins, D. B. Priest, D. L. Downs, James H. Miner, D. L. Downs, W. J. Bowen, D. L. Downs, James II. Miner, G. L. Laws, D. L. Downs, G. L. Laws, D. L. Downs, W. C. S. Bickford, N. L. James, W. C. S. Barron and Jesse G. Bunnell. The lodge now has a mem- bership of about sixty-five, and meets on the first and third Thursdays in each month. In 1883 the officers were : Jesse G. Bunnell, W. M .; H. B. Allen, S. W .; F. W. Burnham, J. W., W. H. Pier, treasurer; R. Sutton, secretary ; W. C. S. Barron, S. D .; B. F. Brimer, J. D .; John Wal- worth, chaplain, and Ira Monroe, tyler.


HAY SCALES COMPANY.


The following report of a meeting explains itself, and will be an interesting article to all who participated, as the fact of the existence of the Hay Scales company has almost been for- gotten :


" RICHLAND CENTER, July 28, 1860.


"The following stockholders of the hay seales met at W. H. Downs' store, according to the no- tice which had been given. R. C. Hawkins, F. P. Bowen, D. G. Pease, W. HI. Downs, J. L. McKee, HI. C. Priest, S. H. Austin, W. Ilill, A. B. Weigley, John Fitzgerald and J. W. and G. D. Lybrand. The meeting organized by the election of R. C. Hawkins as chairman, and W. H. Downs, secretary, pro. tem. It was voted that this association be called the 'Richland Center Scale Association." On motion it was voted that the officers of this association con- sist of one president, one secretary, one treas- urer, one weighmaster, and a board of directors composed of three members of the association.


Voted that we proceed to the election of offi- cers for the ensuing year, and after balloting, the following officers were declared elected : J. L. McKee, president ; George D. Lybrand, secretary; William Hill treasurer and weigh- master; II. C. Priest, John Fitzgerald and F. P. Bowen, directors.


"Voted that the scales be located on the north- west corner of William Hill's lot, with the beam facing the south, and the scales be placed far enough back from the sidewalk to place a gut- ter or sluice-way between the scales and side- walk. Mr. Ilill made a proposition to act as weighmaster as long as the scales remained where located, in consideration of one equal share. Ile to have an equal share of the divi- dends, if any, and share the losses if any. The proposition was accepted. Voted that the pres- ident appoint a committee of three to draft a constitution and by-laws. The president ap- pointed W. H. Downs, John Fitzgerald and G. D. Lybrand. Voted that the weighmaster be authorized to charge twelve and a half cents for each draft. Voted to adjourn to meet at William Hill's shop, Wednesday, Aug. 8, 1860."


R. C. HAWKINS, President, pro. tem. W. H. DowNs, Sec'y, pro tem."


PERSONAL SKETCHIES.


The subjects of the following personal sketches, are, for the larger portion, of those who came to the town and city of Richland at an early day, and have watched with tender care for many years the growth of their favor- ite town and city.


James J. Soule came to the county in June, 1848, and first stopped at Rockbridge, where he worked in a saw-mill. He also run lumber on the Pine river. About two years after settling in the county, in partnership with W. II. Jos. lin, he purchased of James Baxter a claim in town of Henrietta, and engaged in making shingles. Nov. 2, 1851, he married Fannie M. Thompson, daughter of Aaron B. and Lydia Thompson. On the 22d of the same mouth,


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HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY.


they went to Henrietta and made a settlement with the nearest neighbor three miles distant. Two weeks later, they were driven away by the Indians, and removed to Rockbridge, where they lived until the following spring. Then in company with another family, they moved back to Henrietta, and resided there till the fall of of 1852, then moved down Pine river. In 1855 they settled on Little Willow, and there lived for one year. Then removed to Yellow river, and a year later to Pine river valley, where the family has since resided. The farm is located on section 10, and consists of eighty acres. Mr. and Mrs. Soule are the parents of eight chil- dren- Harriet E, David F., Emma A., Louisa E., George W., Mary E., Luella and William F. Mr. Soule was born in La Fayette Co., Wis., Feb. 1, 1828. His parents were John L. and Hannah Soule. He resided in his native county and in Jo Daviess Co., III., previous to coming to Richland. Politically he is a democrat. Mrs. Soule was born in St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., and accompanied her father to Richland county in May, 1851.


Major W. Il. Joslin was born in Ypsilanti, Mich., on the 5th day of September, 1829. He came with his parents to Wisconsin, but did not come to Richland county until 1848, which was one year after the family had settled on Ash creek. In 1852 he married Margaret M. Gillan. She is a daughter of Charles and ('la- rinda Gillan, and was born in Illinois, but came with her parents to Wisconsin when two years of age. One year after marriage Mr. Joslin settled in the town of Henrietta, and engaged in farming until 1858, in which year he was elected county sheriff. He then removed to Richland Center and served the people one term, when he again resumed farming. He subse- quently spent one year in Colorado, but his family did not leave the county. In August, 1862, enthused with the patriotism for his coun- try, he raised a company of men of which he was chosen captain, and in September follow- ing, mustered into service as company B, of the 1


25th Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry. One year later Capt. Joslin was promoted to major, which rank he held until June, 1865, when he was mustered out of service and by brevet was given the rank of lieutenant-colonel. Return- ing from service he again engaged in farming, and in 1868 was elected county treasurer and served as such for two conseentive terms, then again returned to the farm, also followed mill- ing at Bowen's mills. In 1880 he represented his district in the Assembly, and since January, 1882, has been assistant superintendent of public property at Madison. But his family resides at Richland Center. Thus it can be seen that Major Joslin has been prominently connected with the interests of the county for a quarter of a century. Hle was a brave soldier, an effi- vient officer, a good citizen and has a host of friends. In polities he has acted with the re- publican party since its organization. He is a Royal Arch Mason, and a member of the G A. R. and a Knight Templar. The children are- Mary A., now the wife of John W. Bowen; Frank W., James G., Henry C. and Hattie C., twins. Susie B. and May.


Elisha Bovce, a minister in the United Breth- ren Church, was born in Boone Co., Ind., March 13, 1810, and was but nine years of age when his parents emigrated to Richland county. Here he grew to manhood, receiving his early education in the pioneer schools. At six- teen years of age he united with the United Brethren Church, and when eighteen years of age, commenced preaching. He remained at home with his parents until twenty years of age, assisting his father on the farm. In the meantime he was diligently pursuing his studies. When twenty-three years of age he was mar- ried to Victoria Potter. She was born near Toronto, Canada. When twenty years of age, with Elder Potts as his assistant, he associated on Rutland circuit in Dane, Green and Rock counties. In 1867 he and his wife entered Mil- ton College where they studied three years. He then went to Elroy as missionary to build up a


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HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY.


cause which was then in its infancy. His work there was in Monroe, Juneau and Vernon counties. He labored there three years; during that time the Elroy Seminary was established and Millard's Prairie church was also built. From Elroy Mr. and Mrs. Bovee entered West- ern College, in Iowa, and studied there one year. They returned to Richland county and he was appointed in charge of Richland Cir- cuit for three years. During this time there were about 500 conversions made and about 300 of this number joined the United Brethren Churches of this circuit. He was then elected presiding elder of the east district Wisconsin Conference. He had charge of Bird's Creek circuit one year. Since that time he has been engaged as an evangelist with marked success ; laboring in Illinois, Michigan and Wisconsin. In his work he has been ably assisted by his wife. She is a lady of great natural endowment and refinement, well educated, is a graduate of Western College and of the Northwestern Business College. She is well known as an expert in penmanship and can show some of the finest specimens of ornamental flourishes and pen portraits ever produced in Richland county. While at Elroy she was, for one year, in charge of the commercial department of that school, and has served as a private tutor a great deal of the time. She is at present president of the Woman's Missionary Society for the United Brethren Church for the State of Wisconsin.


William Schurman resides on section 36, and his real estate comprises 400 acres, with as good improvements as can be found in the county. He is engaged in dairying, and keeps about sixty cows. He manufactures creamery butter and Sap Sago. Mr. Schurman is a native of Germany, born in Duisburg on the river Rhine. In 1849 he married Caroline Weegmann, soon after emigrating to the United States and became one of the pio- neers of Richland county. He first resided on Ash creek, but his brother had entered a part of section 36, town of Richland, sometime


previous. Mr. Schurman also owns the only one -_ half share of Sextonville mills. It can truly be said that bis life has been a success. Mr. and Mrs. Schurman have reared six children, five of whom are now living. Their eldest son, Henry, was killed in the Sextonville mill when about twenty- five years old. The family are members of the Evangelical Association. Two daughters have married clergymen, and one son is preaching the gospel.


William Wulfing arrived in Richland county on the 25th day of May, 1849, and soon pur- chased the west half of the northwest quarter of section 16, town 9, range 1 east, of the 4th principal meridian. Here he erected a log cab- in and commenced pioneer life and continued tilling the soil with considerable success until 1876, when he rented his farm to his son, re- moved to Richland Center and has since given his attention to the office of justice of the peace. Ile is a democrat in politics, and while a resi- dent of Orion served as town treasurer nine years and several terms as justice of the peace. Mr. Wulfing was born near the river Rhine in Prussia, was bred to mercantile life, and April 16, 1844, married Constance Sigrist. In 1849 he emigrated to the United States and settled as above stated. Mr. and Mrs. Wulfing have reared twelve children, ten now living-Wil- liam, Eugene, Frank, Richard, George, Con- stance, now the wife of Charles lloole; Mary, now the wife of M L. Babb; Henrietta, now the wife of Clark Brown; Emily, now the wife of Norman Bennett, and Theodora.


Durfee Bovee, to whom belongs the honor of being the first settler in the territory which now comprises the town of Richland, made his first visit here in 1848, and at that time entered eighty acres on the southeast quarter of section 34. He then returned to Boone Co., Ind., and in June, 1849, removed his family, wife and three children, to Wisconsin and took up their abode on the land which he had previously en- tered. It was covered with thick brush and timber and they had an extensive experience of


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HISTORY OF RICIILAND COUNTY.


pioneer life, before it was brought under culti- vation, but Mr. Bovee was equal to the emer- gency, and persevered, until he now owns 240 acres, and a comfortable residence with good surroundings. Mr. Bovee was born in Rensse- laer Co., N. Y., Feb. 27, 1812, and resided in his native State until 1836, when he emigrated to Indiana, when in 1837 he married Anna Duncan. Hle then followed farming in Boone county, un- til he came to this State. Mr. and Mrs. Bovee have reared five children, four of whom are now living-Elisha, Mary, now the wife of D. C. Wood; Samuel and David W. Their relig- ions connections are with the United Brethren Church.


Hon. Ira S. Haseltine was born July 13, 1821, at Andover, Windsor Co., Vt. Ilis ancestors were of English origin. He received a com- mon school and academic education. At the age of sixteen he removed with his parents to Wankesha Co., Wis. After one year upon his father's farm he taught school three years, then studied law in Milwaukee with D. J. A. Up- ham. He taught school in Natchez, Miss., be- came a public lecturer upon scientific and re- formatory subjects, and spent about ten years in this field of labor. He was married Jan. 1, 1846, to Augusta Thomas, in Waukesha Co., Wis. In 1850 he purchased land in Richland county where he surveyed and platted the vil- lage of Richland Center. In July, 1854, Mr. Haseltine was a delegate from Richland county to the first republican State convention held in the United States at Madison, Wis. In 1867 he was elected by the republican party to rep- resent the county in the assembly. In the win- ter of 1870 he went south and located upon a farm near Springfield, Greene Co., Mo. His home is now at Dorchester, Mo. In 1876 Mr. Ilaseltine was a candidate for Congress on the Peter Cooper ticket and made the first canvass of the sixth congressional convention as a greenbaeker. In 1880 he was made the nomi- nee of the greenback convention at Carthage on the 27th of May, and was elected to the 47th


Congress. In 1882 Mr. Haseltine was again a candidate for Congress and was defeated by Robert W. Fyan, democrat.


John Waddell was one of the first settlers in the northern part of Richland county, coming in 1850 to Richmond City, where he bought a lot and erected a small house and spent the first winter. In the spring of 1852 he moved to the site of his present farm on section 5, town of Richland, at that time an unbroken wilderness, built a log shanty, which he covered with bark, split puncheons for the floor, and furnished with home-made furniture. The bedstead was made of poles and a bed-cord manufactured out of bark. The first season he cleared a small tract of land and chopped in garden seeds, thus preparing for the winter. The first three or four years he had no team and his breaking was all done with a hoe, and the most of it by his wife and children, while he was away at work, earning money with which to pay for his land. His industry has been rewarded and he now has a good farm and a comfortable, well furnished frame house, and can spend the re- mainder of his life in ease and comfort. Mr. Waddell is a native of West Virginia, born in Pocahontas county, Feb. 20, 1811. When he was two years old his parents moved to Ohio and settled in Gallia county, which was at that time a new country. Thus the subject of this sketch became a pioneer in his infancy. He grew to manhood there and Sept. 26, 1833, was married to Sarah Hughes, She was born in Gallia Co., Ohio, Dec. 15, 1816. He had pre- vionsly purchased land in Perry township, of that county, and there he settled at the time of his marriage, where he remained three years, then traded for a farm in Raccoon township. In 1848 he sold his property in Ohio, came to Wisconsin and claimed government land on Sank prairie, Sauk county, where he lived one year, then went to Baraboo woods and made a claim and crected a house. One year later he traded this property for a small tract of land on Sauk prairie, built a house, which was




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