History of Crawford and Richland counties, Wisconsin, Part 173

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 173
USA > Wisconsin > Crawford County > History of Crawford and Richland counties, Wisconsin > Part 173

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).

Thomas Andrews, usually called Capt. An- drews, was born near Quincy, Ill., in 1823. His parents were natives of Ireland but were reared in South Carolina. The father died and the mother married again, and in 1830 came to Wisconsin and settled near Mineral Point. Ilere Thomas followed mining until 1841, when he crossed the Wisconsin river and settled at the port which afterward took his name. Capt. Andrews served as pilot on the river and after- ward purchased the boat Wisconsin. He next built the Zouare, which he traded for the Minnehaha. He spent the most of his time upon the river until the time of his death, March 22, 1880. He was a man of but little education, and in after life often regretted the fact. Ile was a good citizen and was re- spected by all. On the 4th of June, 1848, he was

married to Charlotta Coumbe, a sister of John Coumbe. They reared three children-Mary, Christa and Elizabeth S.

EXCELSIOR.

The first man to cut brush for the purpose of improving in the vicinity of 'Excelsior was W. II. Ilaskins. In 1854 be purchased the south- west quarter of section 16, at which place Knapp's creek furnished an excellent water power, and here he erected a saw-mill. The place was named by W. Il. Coates on the same day on which the frame work of the grist mill was erected. A postoffice was es- tablished in 1857 and Knowlton & Coates kept a general store, but there was not much of an impetus given to the growth of the place until 1867, in which year the village was platted. Myron Whitcomb and Samuel Noble laid out four blocks on the southwest quarter of the southeast quarter of section 16, and C. C. Whit- comb and J. M. Craigo laid out eight blocks on the southeast quarter of section 17. C. C. Whitcomb subsequently made an addition of two blocks. The village is pleasantly situated on the west side of Knapp's creek, which fur- nished two excellent water privileges at this point. It is surrounded by a good farming country, and its growth, although not remarka- bly rapid, has been steady. In 1884 the village contained four general stores, one grocery store, one drug store, one grist mill, one saw- mill, one carding mill, one harness shop, one shoe shop, two blacksmith and wagon shops, one furniture store, postoffice, public school.one hotel, one millinery store, lodges of I. O. O. F., I. O. G. T., and G. A. R. and a Methodist Episcopal Church organization.

The first store at Excelsior was opened by Knowlton & Coates.

R. P. & W. Matthews opened a store in 1866 and closed out in 1868.

William McKitrick opened a store in Novem- ber, 1866. The year following he sold to llenry Henthorn, who closed out in 1869.

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HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY.

The first furniture dealer here was William Howell. He established business in 1881, and in 1882 was succeeded by John S. Mckinney.

The first blacksmith at Excelsior was Wil- liam Haskins, who opened a shop here in 1867. Henry Couey opened a shop in 1869. C. J. Moore opened a wagon and carriage shop here in 1879.

The first harness shop was opened by R. Buchanan, Jr., in 1870.

B. F. Washburn established a general mer- cantile business in September, 1870, T. P. Logan being his partner for about four months.

The general merchandise business of Logan & Coumbe was established by T. P. Logan and J. Robert Conmbe, in 1878. They are thorough business men and have a large trade.

J. J. Brown engaged in the general merchan- dise business in 1871.

In February, 1883, E. Dosh purchased the dry goods department of B. F. Washburn's store, and established business.

Dr. J. T. Coates was the first to open a store devoted exclusively to drugs. In February, 1882, he sold to D. M. & O. F. David. The firm is now David & Co.

B. F. Washburn opened a wagon shop in 1873 and employed men to run it. In 1876 he sold to Couey & Pearson. The shop is now owned by B. F. Washburn.

In 1878 a newspaper was started at this village by Ira D. Hurlburt. This paper was greenback in proclivities and was called The Excelsior Press. It was not a successful venture, and collapsed after running along for abont ten months' time. Mr. Hurlburt is now connected with the Prairie du Chien Union.

In 1870 C. C. Whitcomb erceted a dwelling, which he afterwards enlarged and opened it to the public as the Excelsior Hotel. This was the first regular hotel in the village, although this was not upon the village plat. Mr. Whit comb was landlord for some time, then leased the property. In 1883 L. E. Atkinson was land- lord.

The first school in the village of Excelsior was taught by Elder Harvey in the winter of 1867-8, in C. C. Whitcomb's hall. William Durren was the teacher. The following sum- mer the first school house in the village was erected. Annie Fay was the first teacher in this house.

In 1880 the people of Excelsior, needing more school room, erected a two-story school honse at a cost of over $1,000, and have since employed two teachers. The first principal was Prof. Keys. He was succeeded in turn by Profs. Clark, Jacobs and Huff.

The postoffice at Excelsior was established in 1857, with D. C. Stewart as the first postmaster. Mail was received once each week from Orion. Mr. Stewart was in turn succeeded by William Coates, II. F. Coates, George Powell, Daniel Noble, R. P. Matthews, L J. Harvey, B. F. Washburn and T. P. Logan. The latter is the present postmaster. The office became a money order office in August, 1882. The first order was drawn Aug. 9, 1882, by Robert Buch- anan, Jr., in favor of Benjamin Young & Son, of Milwaukee, for $20. The first order paid was to S. M. Buchanan. During the year end- ing Ang. 1, 1883, there were 234 orders issued and thirty-nine were paid. The income of the office was about $200. Mail is received three times each week from Muscoda, and onee a week from Sugar Grove.

In 1854 W. H. Haskins purchased the south- west quarter of the southwest quarter of sec- tion 16, at which point Knapp's creek furnishes an excellent water power. Here Mr. Haskins creeted a saw-mill, equipping it with an old- fashioned sash saw. He sold the property to Rouse & Chapman, and they sold to Knowlton & Coates. In 1856 and 1857 these gentlemen erected a grist-mill, and on the day the frame was raised Mr. Coates suggested "Excelsior" as the name by which the place should be known in the future. In 1864 Myron Whiteomb and Samuel Noble purchased the property and operated the same until 1871, when Mr. Whit-

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IIISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY.

comb sold his interest to W. G. Moshier, who, in January, 1873, became sole proprietor. In November, 1881, Mr. Moshier sold to A. M. Stratton, who improved the property so as to make it the best in this part of the county. The saw-mill is also owned and operated by Mr. Stratton. The old sash saw has been super- seded by a rotary saw, and the machinery is in good order. The grist-mill has two run of stone, and is run as a custom and merchant mill.

Richwood Lodge, No. 276, I. O. O. F., was organized March 5, 1878, with the following officers and charter members: James Lewis, N. G .; James Bachtenkircher, V. G .; A. Il. Avery, secretary; Levi Persinger, treasurer; II. F. Coates and W. B. Grass. The following members have served as noble grands: James Lewis, A. H. Avery, James Bachtenkircher, B. F. Washburn, R. Buchanan, Jr., J. C. Thorp, H. F. Coates, W. M. Buchanan and G. W. Buchanan. Those who have served as vice- grands are : James Bachtenkircher, B. F. Washburn, R. Buchanan, Jr., J. C. Thorp, II. F. Coates, E. J. Langdon, II. C. Kyger and G. W. Buchanan. The secretaries have been: A. Il. Avery, B. F. Washburn, R. Buchanan, Jr., J. C. Thorp, W. M. Buchanan, J. T. Coates, Il. C. Kyger, G. W. Buchanan and J. Brown. The treasurers have been: Levi Persinger and Robert Buchanan, Sr. The total membership of the lodge from its organization to Nov. 1, 1883, was sixty-one. The present membership is about forty-five. The lodge meets every Saturday night and is in good working condi- tion.

William Wright Post, No. 51, of the Grand Army of the Republic, at Excelsior, was organ- ized Oct. 27, 1882 ; but previous to this time there was a meeting held for the purpose of tak- ing steps to secure the organization of a post at this place. The following named were pres- ent at this meeting: Malon W. Lewis, com- pany G, 19th Wisconsin Volunteers; E. W. Pear- son, company B, 25th Wisconsin Volunteers; J.

WV. Garner, company G, 57th Indiana Volun- teers ; Ira T. Dilley, company K, 12th Wiscon- sin Volunteers; Craton Kincannon, company B, 49th Wisconsin Volunteers; II. S. Brown, com- pany II, 11th Wisconsin Volunteers; A. Bren- naman, company K, 3d Wisconsin Volunteers ; Alex. B. Faith, company HI, 44th Wisconsin Volunteers; W. J. Owens, company F, 44th Wisconsin Volunteers ; Edward Ilaskins, com- pany A, 59th Wisconsin Volunteers; Henry Gray, 4th Wisconsin Battery ; Thomas Davis, company G, 33d Wisconsin Volunteers; W. S. Dyer, company A, 116th Ohio Volunteers ; Thomas Elliott, company B, 49th Wisconsin Volunteers. The following names appear upon the charter: B. F. Washburn, A. M. Stratton, C. J. Moore, Samuel Yeager, William E. Mor- gan, D. G. Watters, II. S Brown, Edward Smith, David Clark, A. B. Shannon, Lewis Craigo, William Gulliford, Edward Dosch and Alonzo Packer. The first officers were: C. J. Moore, commander; Lewis Craigo, senior vice commander; Edward Smith, junior vice com- mander; Edward Dosch, adjutant; II. S. Brown, surgeon; A. Shannon, chaplain; A. M. Strat- ton, quartermaster; William Morgan, officer of the day; William Gulliford, officer of the guard ; David Clark, quartermaster-sergeant ; Alonzo Packer, sergeant-major. The post in November, 1883, had a membership of fifty- three, and held its meetings on the first and third Saturday evenings of each month. Wil- liam Wright, the gallant young soldier in whose honor the post was named, was a son of T. J. Wright, and was born in the State of Ohio. le came with his parents to Richland county and assisted in tilling the soil. When the Civil War broke out he enlisted in company B, 25th regiment, Wisconsin Volunteer In- fantry, and served until mustered out of service. Returning home, he attended school at Sexton- ville. Ile united in marriage with Mary Barnes, and was subsequently engaged in farming until his death. Mr. Wright was a whole souled, good hearted fellow, surrounded by a large cir-

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HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY.

cle of friends. Ilis name was chosen as the name of Post No. 51, at the suggestion of Edward Dosch, who was his "chum" in early life.

The Excelsior Cornet Band was organized Ang. 25, 1881. The following are the members thereof: C. S. Hamilton, E flat and leader ; George Hamilton, 2d E flat ; Myron Noble, B flat; Oscar David, alto ; Myron Brown, alto; Homer Winton, baritone ; Ilarry Ellsworth, tuba; J. Pierson, tenor drum; Velours Coates, bass drum.

The Pioneer Silver Cornet Band, of Sand Prairie, was organized Oct. 21, 1879, and is a live institution. The roster is as follows: J. S. Clark, E flat and leader ; Lnther Appleby, 2d E flat; V. Hubanks, Ist B flat and musical director; W. R. Gamer, Ist alto; Peter Eaton, 2d alto and treasurer; L. Brown, tenor; A. IIn- banks, baritone; J. M. Appleby, E flat bass and secretary; Theodore Kincannon, tenor drum ; C. Atkinson, bass drum.

BIOGRAPHICAL.

In giving biographical sketches of the early settlers and prominent citizens of Richland county, we find none more deserving of special mention than the following well known citizens of Richwood:

C. C. Whitcomb, son of Myron Whitcomb, was born in Jo Daviess Co., Ill., Oct. 3, 1843. When only a year old, he came with his parents to the town of Richwood, Richland county. Ilis carly life was spent in assisting his father to till the soil, and afterwards in learning the trades of carpenter and wheelwright. He was consid- ered a good mechanic. In 1863 he enlisted in the United States service and served in the quartermaster's department until May 1, 1864, at which date he was discharged, on account of sickness. Returning home, he, in partnership with J. M. Craigo, purchased the southeast quarter of section 17, a portion of which they af- terwards laid out in town lots, that now constitute the site of Excelsior. They were also engaged in merchandising from 1867 to 1868. Mr.

Whitcomb then purchased his partner's inter- est, and closed ont the merchandise in 1869, to Thomas Andrews. In 1874 he built the Excel- sior House, and kept hotel until June, 1882, then leased the property. Ile afterwards traveled in the west for about a year. He was married Dec. 25, 1868, to Mahala Engert. They had two children, both of whom died in infancy. Mr. and Mrs. Whitcomb live in Excelsior at the present time.

Peter Kinder deserves particular mention among the pioneers of Richland county, for no man was more beloved and respected than he. His home was ever a welcome retreat for the weary stranger, and many a settler has had oc- easion to thank him for kindly service in time of need. Strong and resolute himself, he seemed to impart those characteristics to persons with whom he came in contact, not only giving them encouragement by words of cheer, but without money or charge, assisting them in eutting roads, building cabins, securing food and attending to their every want. It may be truly said of him that he was entirely free from selfish motives in these acts of kindness. He came here at a time when some more selfish persons took ad- vantage of the situation to assist themselves, when an opportunity offered, and might have made money through the misfortunes of others; but any such action was entirely foreign to his nature, and his life was one of unbounded lib- crality and kindness, extending not only among his neighbors and friends, but to all whom he might render assistance, in times of poverty, danger or affliction. He was a native of Ken- tucky, born near Louisville, Feb. 7, 1799. His father was a farmer, but he commenced active life as an engineer on boats, on the lower Mis- sissippi river. Ile was married to Mrs. Sarah (Parker) Hartwell, a native of Cincinnati, Ohio, and then followed farming in his native State, whence he removed to Indiana, and one year later, to Jo Daviess Co., III., where he was en- gaged in mining until 1845, in the spring of which year, with his family, consisting of wife

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HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY.

and two children, he came to Richland county and purchased a claim on section 26, Richwood town, and was here engaged in farming until the time of his death, which occurred Feb. 7, 1873. Peter Kinder was twice married, first, to a Miss Meek, who died leaving five children. His second wife died in June, 1875, leaving two children-Julia, now Mrs. J. W. Jones, and Sol- omon, who was born in Jo Daviess Co., 11., Nov. 17, 1844, but as his parents came to this county in 1845, he may be called a Wisconsin boy. He lived with his parents until their death and now may be found at the old homestead. He was married Dec. 10, 1863, to Mary E. Elder, a daughter of Frank Elder. They have had six children-William, Lissie, Alice and Ida, now living; Mary J. and Ora deceased.

Myron Whitcomb, in 1844, came to the county and soon selected land on sections 26 and 35, which was claimed by another man whom he had to pay $150 to release his claim. In Jan- mary, 1845, he brought his family, wife and three children. His personal property consist- ed of an old horse, an old cow, an old sow and three pigs and twenty-five cents in cash; thus he started his pioneer life. Ile was a good shot with a rifle, and in tramping over the hills he became well acquainted with the country, so that he proved a valuable assistant to newcom- ers who wished to enter land. The first year he raised five acres of corn, a few potatoes and a small amount of other catables. He gave his principal attention to farming and as he was industrious and economical, he soon found him- self in moderate circumstances. But this re- quired toil and he was obliged to withstand numerous privations. June 12, 1852, he raised his barn, which was the first frame barn erected in the county. From .1864 to 1870 he owned a half interest in the Excelsior mills and is now one of the well-to-do farmers of the county. Mr. Whitcomb was born in Onondaga Co., N. Y., Ang. 30, 1817. At eighteen years of age he bid his parents good by and for several years traveled in various parts of the United States. | in 1855, aged twenty-two; Andrew I. died in

Hehewed the first stick of timber for the capitol building of the State of Texas. In 1840, in Tippecanoe Co., Ind., he united in marriage with Margaret Ann Carson. He then followed farming one year in Jo Daviess Co., Ill., then came to Iowa Co., Wis., from whence he came to this county. In 1870 he visited his native State, which he had left thirty-six years pre- vious. He is a democrat in politics and has served as township treasurer. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity, and a man who does strictly as he agrees. lle is not a large man, but well developed, strong and very active. Ile was one of the appraisers of the school lands in the county. Mr. and Mr. Whitcomb have nine children -Margaret A., Charles. C., Alonzo L., Rebecca, familiarly called Doll, Sarah E., De- lia A., John M., George W. and William G.

William M. Kincannon was one of the early pioneers of Richland Co., Wis. He was born in Washington Co., Va., in the year 1800. When eleven years old his parents moved to Tennessee, where he learned the tanner's trade. He was united in marriage to Lucy B. Col- linsworth of Knoxville, Tenn. He then moy- ed to Alabama where he was engaged in the tanning business four years. He then moved to Frankfort, Ill., where he was engaged at his trade for eleven years. He removed from there to Alton, where he engaged in coal mining sev- eral years. He removed from Alton to Lafay- ette Co., Wis., in 1841, and followed mining for lead till 1847. Hle removed to the town of Richwood, Richland Co., Wis., where he in- tended to ereet a tan yard, but finding the bark of an inferior quality, he abandoned the pro- jeet and engaged in farming till the time of his death, which occurred Nov. 27, 1857. Mrs. Kincannon was born in Tennessee, in 1803, and in 1884 resided in Richwood town. They reared ten sons-George C., who preceded his father to Richland one year, went to California in 1849, and died in Placerville, Cal., in 1850; one son died when three years old; Lonis C. died

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HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY.

1858; James C., M. Crayton, Marion M. and the twins are still living, with the exception of James, in Wisconsin. William K. went to California in 1852, came back to Wisconsin in 1856, returned to California in 1857, was last heard from in Idaho in 1864. The Kincannon boy's grandfather's were both in the Revolu- tionary War.

Marion M. Kincannon was born in Alton, Ill., in 1839, and came with his parents to Richland county, in 1847, and has since resided in the town of Richwood. Ile is a farmer by occu- tion. In 1870 he was married to Ellen Stelle. They have five children-Calvin, George C., Manie, Archibald and William. In 1865 Mr. Kincannon enlisted in company B, 49th Wiscon- sin, and served until June 24, when he was dis- charged on account of sickness. He is a musi- cian and often plays for dancing.

Joseph Elliott, a representative and promi- nent citizen of Richland county, was born in Sangamon Co., Ill., Nov. 1, 1829. In 1835 he removed to Lancaster, Grant Co., Wis. He came with his parents, Thomas and Sarah Elliott, to Richland county, in 1848, where he has since resided. In 1851 he was married to Mary Mulamphy. In 1859 he engaged in general merchandising at Port Andrews, which he contin- ned until 1874, then settled on his farm, which contained 240 acres. His improvements are the best in the town. His residence is large and convenient, and surrounded by a natural grove of oak. Ile is engaged mainly in stock farming. Heis a democrat in politics, but takes no interest farther than to vote. He would make a good public officer, but never places himself in the way of anything of that charac- ter. Of the eleven children, seven are still living-Jennie, Caddie, Adelia, Kansar, Gilbert A., Alice and Charles Elden. Mr. Elliott is a man who has the respect of his fellow-men to a remarkable degree. His reputation for hon- esty and integrity are undisputed and he has many friends.

Randolph Elliott was born in western Ten nessee, Sept. 14, 1827. Ife came with his par- ents, in 1836, to Wisconsin, and in 1848 was married in Grant county, to Moramie Sperry. Then he came to Richland county, and settled on what is called Sand Prairie. In 1850 he removed to Crawford county and lived in the town of Scott twelve years. Returning to Richland county, he resided in the town of Richwood until 1874, then with his family emi- grated to California and remained three years, then again returned to this town. The children are-William D., Ella, Mary Etta, Joseph W., Francis M., Gilmour W. and Reuben F., who was born in California in 1874.

II. B. Ellsworth is a son of J. S. Ellsworth, and was born in Licking Co., Ohio, in 1850. When quite young he came to this county with his parents. Exhibiting considerable ingenuity, he run his father's mill several years, when he went to La Crosse and took charge of a saw in a mill which he run two years. In 1879 he leased Fa power on section 17, and built a mill in which he is running a carding machine, saw-mill and general woodwork. He is also the inventor of the combination Ellsworth clothes rack, crib and table. Mr. Ellsworth has been married three times. His first wife died leaving two children - Amy and Cora. His second wife left no children. His third wife was formerly Maggie Winton. They have two children- Verne and Carrol.

Alonzo Carson, deceased, became a resident of Wisconsin about 1845. Ile lived about two years on the south side of the river, then came .with his father to Richland county and purchased land, but soon returned to In- diana. In 1850 he came back to Wisconsin and settled on section 34, Richwood. In 1851 Eliza J. Armstrong became his wife. In 1855 he purchased a water-power on Knapp's creek and built a saw-mill which he operated about five years; he then leased the property. The mill was afterwards washed away by the floods, but Mr. Carson at once rebuilt and sold it to Mr.

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HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY.

Langdon. Ile then returned to his farm, but two years later moved to Boscobel, where he died in 1876. Mr. Carson was born in Ohio, Dec. 6, 1822. When five years old he moved with his parents, Lott and Margaret Carson, to Indiana, and resided in Tippecanoe county, from whence he came to Wisconsin. Mrs. Car- son was a daughter of John and Elizabeth Arm- strong. She was born in Muscoda, Grant Co., Wis., April 1, 1832, and came to Richland county in 1848. Mr. and Mrs. Carson were the parents of seven children-Carrie C., wife of Lysander Matthews; Maggie E, who died at the age of twenty-six years ; Sarah, the wife of Jolin Stoddard ; Rebecca I., George L., Addie M. and Hubert K. Soon after Mr. Carson's death, the family returned to the homestead, where they now reside. Mr. Carson was a good citizen, enterprising, honest in his deal- ings, and respected by his neighbors. IIe left his family in good circumstances.

Nels Ilanson was one of the first Norwe- gians to settle in the county, and as he has kept pace with the times, he is now one of the lead- ing and influential men among the people of his nationality. He came here in 1850, and pur- chased forty acres of land on section 2, Rich- wood, erected a log cabin and a small shop in which to work at blacksmithing. He was the first and only blacksmith who located in this vicinity for many years. lle was industrious and economical, and so was able, from time to time, to add aeres to his farm until he now has 220, with first-class improvements. His relig- ions connections are with the Lutheran Church. Ile donated land and it was through his efforts that a church of that denomination was erected. Mr. Hanson was born March 23, 1818. IIe learned his trade and followed the same in his own country until 1849, when he emigrated to the United States, leaving Norway June 9, and arriving in New York August 8. He immedi- ately came on to Wisconsin, arriving at High- land October 8. He united in marriage with

Carrie Larson. They have four children- Magnus, Nettie, Guss and Charles.

llenry Miller (deceased) was a native of Kentucky. He united in marriage with Mar- garet Sharp, and in 1828 removed to Tippecanoe Co., Ind. He was a farmer by occupation. He came to Richland county in 1851, becoming one of its pioneers. Ile settled ou section 26, where he died in 1860. Mrs. Miller died Oct. 10, 1883. They were the parents of seven children, four of whom are living-Mary Jane, wife of L. M. Thorp; Martha Ann, wife of Rev. J. J. Wright; Rebecca, wife of S. B. Marsh, and Andrew J. Mr. Miller was a con- sistent Christian, having been a member of the Presbyterian Church for thirty years. He was a charitable, industrious and honest man.

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History of Crawford and Richland counties, Wisconsin, Part 173

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