History of Crawford and Richland counties, Wisconsin, Part 175

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 175
USA > Wisconsin > Crawford County > History of Crawford and Richland counties, Wisconsin > Part 175

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).

1234

HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY.

where he engaged in farming. In 1864 he came to Wisconsin and became a resident of Rich- land county, settling on section 8, of Richwood, where he accumulated 400 acres of land. Mr. Buchanan is a republican in politics; has served as chairman four years, and treasurer two years, of his town. He was a member of the fra- ternity of Odd Fellows over forty years, always taking an active interest in the work of the society. Ile was married in 1838. Ilis wife, formerly Mary Shannon, was a native of the north of Ireland. They reared nine chil- dren-Willian M., Mary A., Robert Jr., Sarah J., James T., Samuel M., John, George W. and Edward H.

Robert Buchanan, Jr., the first man to en- gage in the harness trade in Excelsior, was born in Brooklyn, N. Y., Sept. 6, 1843. IIe resided with his parents until 1862, when he enlisted in company C, 95th Illinois. He was wounded at the battle of Vicksburg by a piece of shell striking him on the forhead, and also one year later at the battle of Yellow Bayou, where he received a gun-shot wound in the right arm. He served, however, until the regiment was mustered out of service. After the war he learned the harness maker's trade, and in 1869 established business at Excelsior. He was united in marriage in 1873 with Belle Hawkins. Their children are-Ella B., Frank and Albert. Mr. Buchanan is a member of the I. O. O. F., A. O. U. W. and I. O. G. T.

Samuel Noble arrived in the town of Rich- wood May 23, 1864, and soon afterwards pur- chased property of Stephen Knowlton, located on section 16, where he settled on the 16th day of July following. He also purchased a one- half interest in the Excelsior mills, which property he held until January, 1873, when he gave attention to farming and dealing in real estate. He served as town treasurer ten years, but takes little interest in politics, aside from casting his vote according to his own judgment. Mr. Noble is a native of Ohio, born Nov. 2, 1830. Ilis parents were natives of the same

State, his grandfather having settled in Wash- ington county in 1798. Ile was married in 1861 to Miranda Ackley, and followed farming until he came to Wisconsin. They have three chil- dren-Myron, Rebecca and Maria.

The first physician to locate at Excelsior was Dr. O. Ross. He was born in Lawrence Co., Penn., March 17, 1834. His father was a farmer and civil engineer. In 1837 the family moved into the State of Ohio, when, at the age of tif- teen, the subject of this sketch commenced the study of medicine. During the winter of 1851-2 he attended school at Hiram, with James A. Garfield as school-mate. In 1856 he graduated at the Ohio State Medical School at Cincinnati, and in 1857 commenced practice in Hancock county of said State, but on account of poor health he afterwards located on a farm, and for two years dealt in live stock. In 1860 he re- sumed practice in Van Wert county, from whence, in 1864, he came to Excelsior, where he has since continned to reside, with the excep- tion of one year, which he spent in the State of Missouri. Dr. Ross has had a large practice, in which he has treated a large number of cases of small pox, and is able to say that he never lost a patient by that disease, so much dreaded. The date of his marriage is 1853, in which year he chose as his companion for life Amanda Agin, and by this union nine children were born, six of whom are now living-Ransford, Milissa, Charlie, Levi B., Isaac M. and Emery HI. Po- litically, Dr. Ross is a democrat, and has fre- quently stumped his district for other persons, but has never sought office himself. He is an active temperance worker, being a member of the I. O. G. T.

Edward Smith, the only man engaged in gen- eral merchandising at Port Andrew, in 1883, is a son of William and Matilda Smith, and was born in Jo Daviess Co., Ill., June 23, 1845. llis father owned property in Port Andrew, where the family resided a portion of the time, and the remainder in Illinois. In 1858 the father died, and his mother afterward married T. J. Ilow-

1235

HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY

land, and now resides in the town of Richwood. In 1864 Edward Smith enlisted in company F, 33d Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry, and served until July 17, 1865. He afterward dealt in live stock and followed farming until he engaged in merchandising at Port Andrew. Ile has been twice married, March 22, 1866, to Matilda Elder, who died leaving two children-Ann Nettie and Edward. Jan. 18, 1874, Maria Toney became his wife. They have four children-William T., George C., Fred C. and EHla M. He is a member of the G. A. R.

J. W. Garner was born in Delaware Co., Ind., Jan. 10, 1840. In April, 1861, he enlisted in company D, 6th Indiana regiment, and served three months, after which he re-enlisted in the 57th Indiana, with which he served until Jan- uary, 1866. Mr. Garner participated in thirty- seven hard fought battles, and was never wounded, but of the 109 in company D, in which he first enlisted, only nine lived to return home. He was taken prisoner at Johnson- ville, Tenn. He was a brave soldier, and his record one of which he may be justly proud. Returning home, on the Ist day of January, 1866, he was married to Mary Endicotte. Ile then came to Wisconsin, and has since followed Farming in Richland county. His residence is on section 33, Richwood, where he owns 160 acres. Mr. and Mrs. Garner are the parents of the following named children-Nora, Laura, Becca, Emma, who died in infancy; Gertie, Lnella and Carrie. Mr. Garner is a republican, politically, and a member of the G. A. R.

B. F. Washburn, in the month of March, 1869, purchased six lots on block 7, and Sept. 12, 1870, he established a general mercantile business. He had a partner for a few months, after which he continued alone. Mr. Wash- burn was born in Lake Co., Ill., Oct. 15, 1842. Ilis father bore the same name and was a native of the State of Vermont. He was a farmer by occupation, and when the Civil War broke out he enlisted in company C, 20th Wisconsin. He

was wounded at the battle of Prairie Grove so as to cause death soon afterwards. His mother, Elizabeth (Ruth) Washburn, was a native of Pennsylvania. After the death of her hus- band she came to Richland county, and became the wife of Dempsey Field. The subject of this sketch came with bis parents to Grant ('o., Wis .. in 1857. Hle resided on the farm until seventeen years of age, then went to Minnesota and clerked at Mazeppa for two years. lle then returned to Grant county, where, in 1864, he enlisted in company I, 17th Wisconsin, and served until mustered out of service. Return- ing to Grant county in August, 1865, he united in marriage with Miss M. J. Ilawkins. He was there engaged in farming until he came to Ex- celsior. Mr. Washburn is a thorough business man and the largest real estate owner in the town of Richwood. He is a strict republican in polities, served as postmaster at Excelsior for several years, and in 1875 represented his distriet in the Assembly. Ile is a member of the I. O. O. F., the I. O. G. T., and the G. A. R. C. J. Moore, commander of Wilham Wright Post, No. 51, is a native of Erie Co., N. Y., born July 30, 1840. His early life was spent on a farm, during which time he received a good common school education, and afterward taught school. He enlisted in 1862 in the 27th Now York Independent Battery, and served nearly three years. Returning to his native State, he resumed teaebing school and also read law, but his health failing, he was obliged to abandon his studies. In 1869 he went to Indiana, and two years later came to Wisconsin. He at first lived in Grant county and there, in 1877, he was married to Sophrona Sabins. He then came to Riebland county, located in Excelsior, and has since followed the trade of carriage and wagon-maker. Mr. Moore is a believer in the Christian religion, and was formerly a mem- ber of the Baptist Church. He is a republican in politics and a member of the fraternity of Good Templars. In 1883 he was elected a justice of the peace.

1236

HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY.

O. F. David was born in Grant county, Nov. 26, 1858. His parents were Isaac F. and Cicelia (Rewark) David. His early life was spent on his father's farm and attending district schools. When sixteen years of age he en- tered the high school department at Muscoda, where he took a four years' course. He then followed civil engineering in Dakota two years, after which, in February, 1882, with his brother,

D. M. David, as partner, he established a drug business at Excelsior, the firm name being D. M. & O. F. David, which, in July, 1883, was changed to David & Co. Mr. David is a mem- ber of the fraternity of Odd Fellows, and is well qualified for the business in which he is en- gaged. Nov. 24, 1883, he was united in matri- mony with Maria Noble. She is a daughter of Samuel Noble.

HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY.

1237

CHAPTER XXXI.

TOWN OF ROCKBRIDGE.

This territory comprises township 11 north, and range 1 east, and is bounded on the north by Henrietta, on the east by Willow, on the south by Richland, and on the west by Marshall. Like all towns in this section of the county, the surface is much broken, and hills, rocks and ab- rupt breaks are quite common. The scenery is varied and interesting. Among the more prominent natural features of interest is the rock bridge spanning the Pine river, an account of which appears in the general history of this work. Immense ledges of rock, forming some- times a perpendicular wall of great height, rise abruptly from the highway; beautiful springs of pure, limpid water gush from the hills, and, playfully leaping from terrace to terrace, fur- nish ever-flowing streams, gratifying to both man and beast. The people of the town have, with characteristic benevolence, provided water- ing troughs near the roads and easily accessible, through which this sparkling water flows, af- fording an opportunity for the weary or heated horse to slake his thirst and the traveler to re- fresh himself. So abundant are these never- failing fountains that hardly a quarter section of land is without its unstinted supply. The soil is variable from a dark loam to a light sand in a small part of the town, but in most places there is a mixture of the proper consis- tency to furnish most excellent farming lands, so that agriculture is the main pursuit. How- ever, the farmers in many instances are ad- ding little by little each year to their herds, and in a short time the stock industry will be the leading feature among agricultur-

ists. In this respect Rockbridge already compares favorably with other towns, and a glance at the report of the County Agricultural Society will show a goodly number of pre- miums awarded Rockbridge citizens for superior stock. Formerly this town was abundantly supplied with a heavy growth of most excellent timber, but her forests have been reduced by the woodman's ax until good timber is becom- ing valuable. It is settled by a thrifty class of people, mostly American, a few of whom are of Scotch descent.

EARLY SETTLEMENT.

This is the oldest settled town in the north- ern part of the county, the first move in that direction having been made by Samuel Swine- hart in 1844, when he made a claim on the pres- ent site of the village of Rockbridge and built a cabin of poles. Ile sold this claim to Harry Coles, a resident of Galena, Ill. In the spring of 1845 he (Coles) hired some men at Galena to come to this place and build a saw-mill. The names of the men were: William Dooley, James Baxter, David Pettie and Mr. McCann, all single men, and David Currie, with his wife and two children. He was a cripple, and expected to board the men. The single men started with one team and wagon, and Mr. Currie and family with another. They drove to Muscoda, and crossed the river to the present site of the town of Orion. The following day, accompanied by Capt. Smith and Thomas Matthews, they started to cut a road to Rockbridge. They attempted to follow a ridge, thinking it would prove a con- tinuous elevation, but in this they were disap-

1238

HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY.

pointed, and had proceeded but a few miles when they found themselves on the point of a bluff, where they camped for the night. In the morning Coles, with two or three others, started out to find a passage, but as none could be found they took the back trail, following the road they had cut the day before back to the river. They then concluded to leave the teams and make the trip by water, and accordingly embarked in canoes, as they were called, but, more properly speaking, they were "dug-outs." They thus proceeded up the Wisconsin river to the mouth of the Pine, thence up that stream to their des- tination. It took them a week to make the trip. Near the month of Rock creek the banks of the river had evidently been ent away, present- ing the appearance of a ford, and upon in- quiry they ascertained from the Indians that at that place the troops crossed when in pursuit of Black Hawk. The first thing done after their arrival was to build an addition to the Swine- hart cabin, then work commenced on the mill. . Capt. Smith and Thomas Matthews were em- ployed to get out timbers for the frame, and a team being a necessity, the first road np the river to the natural bridge was cut. It was on the west side, and winding around the bluffs and swamps, was much longer than the present one. The mill was not completed for nearly a year, and soon after Coles sold to Moore & Akan. He then went away and his where- abouts were unknown. It is supposed that he went to the Mexican War. He was a dissipated man of ill-repute, and was generally considered a rascal. The men whom he hired by the month never received pay, and from some of them he borrowed money which he failed to return. Mr. Currie was determined to have his pay and sent a sheriff from Jo Daviess Co., Ill., to levy on property, starting himself on horseback to attend the sale and bid on the property. He was met at the Pine river ford by a band of "bullies" who would not let him cross, and as no one attended the sale it was not «ffeeted, and the men to this day remain unpaid.

This was aggravating and discouraging. The men had worked hard, and some of them even Sundays. They were, at the time of going into the woods, entire strangers, but soon became fast friends. Provisions would often run quite low, and then all would start out in search of game, which fortunately was abundant, and many deer and bear were killed and devoured by the little colony. Honey was plenty, but of milk and butter there was none. The first cow of the country was still in the future. In the spring of 1846 David Pettie was taken sick. One of the party went to Highland in Iowa for a phy sician, but he came too late, and Pettie was soon dead. A consultation was held to deter- mine what should be done with his body. It was thought by them that this country would never be settled by white people, that as soon as the timber was stripped off the land would be left to the Indians, and it would be bar- barous to bury him in such a place, so his body was taken down the river and interred on land adjoining the town site of Orion. At this time the Winnebago Indians were numerous in this section and made frequent visits to the camp. Like most Indians they were fond of whisky and ready to trade anything in their possession for "fire-water." This man Cole once traded with a squaw giving two pints of whisky for a good heavy Mackinaw blanket. She had a tineup holding a pint, which he filled and passed to her, which she drank at once, taking away the other pint for a reserve, when she might again be thirsty. They never visited the camp_ with- ont going to the natural bridge for worship, as that was regarded by them as a work of the Great Spirit.

In 1849 Orrin Hazeltine and his son Ira came here from Waukesha county. They were na- tives of Vermont, and purchased the mill prop- erty and some land in this vicinity. Here Orrin made his home until the time of his death. Ira now lives in the State of Missouri. It is frequently difficult to obtain satisfactory information concerning the early settlement of

1239

IHISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY.

a town. There is often a difference of opinion as to dates and events. As good a history of Rockbridge's early settlement as could be ob- tained in addition to that already given, is here presented, and the dates are mentioned when- ever there is a good degree of certainty as to their correctness.

Francis M. Stewart was an early settler. Ile lived at Rockbridge a while and then settled on the southwest quarter of section 8. In 1854 he sold out and afterward lived in different parts of the county.

Isaac Talbot arrived in 1851, and located on section 32. Ile made his home here until after the breaking out of the war, when he enlisted and died in the service.

W. K. Smith came from Kentucky in 1854, and bought the northeast quarter of the north- west quarter of section 30. He also enlisted and died in the army.

Thomas Gray and his son Daniel came as early as 1853, and settled on the southeast quarter of section 6, where they remained until the breaking out of the "Great American Con- flict," when the old gentleman went to Minne- sota, and Daniel, who was by profession a clergyman, returned east.

In 1850, Seth Butler, a native of New York, came here and made a selection on the north- east quarter of section 19. He remained about two years.

Buddington Kinyon, a native of Rhode Island, was first seen here in 1855. He settled on see- tion 6, and still lives within the boundaries of that territory.

Donald Smith, a native of Scotland, came in 1854 and purchased land on section 18, and made it his home until the time of his death. His family still occupy the homestead.

Zenas and Ossian Satterlee were originally from Ohio, but came here from Illinois in 1851. Zonas entered land on section 20, where he made some improvements and remained about two years, then returned to Hlinois Ossian en- tered land on section 18, and lived here until

1854, when he sold to Donald Smith and went to Henrietta. The season that he made this move, J. Il. Little came and entered the west half of the northwest quarter of section 6, where he improved a farm and remained until about the close of the war, then removed to the town of Marshall. He now lives in the town of Bloom.

The year following, Hugh Booher came, and settled on the northeast quarter of section 8. In 1860 he went to Pike's Peak and spent the summer. He then returned and soon after re- moved to Green county.

In 1854 James Coffin arrived and made settle- ment on the northeast of the southeast quarter of section 17. Ile remained until war times, then removed to section 16, and a few years later to "Steamboat Hollow," where he died in 1882.

Lyman Creed was an early settler, and made selection on the south half of the southwest quarter of section 30. Ile now lives in the town of Richland. The same season, section 31 received a settler by the name of Thomas Castello, who yet occupies the same place.

In 1855 Jonathan R. Fullington, a native of Vermont, entered land on section 3, which he sold one year later to Morris Freeman and took up his abode on section 1, where he now lives.

Robert Monteith came from Richland Center about the same time and located on section 3. lle remained but a few years, then sold out and went north.

In 1854 another Vermonter made his appear- ance, by name of Samuel Coleburn. He selected a home on the northeast of the southeast quar- ter of section 9. He was noted for telling re- markably large stories. He remained a number of years, and at last accounts was in Iowa.

J. L. Spears was from New York, and came here during the fall of 1855, settling in the vil- lage of Rockbridge and later on section 10.

Amasa Hoskins was a prominent carly settler, and came here as early as 1850, from Illinois. lIe located on the northwest quarter of seetion

1240

HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY.

29. He remained in the town several years and then removed to Iowa, and has since been re- ported dead.

Jules Preston, a native of York State, came the same year and settled on section 29, and re- mained two years. He was a very hospitable man, and travelers were always welcome. He sold this claim in 1852 to John Poole, and re- turned east.

In 1851 William Dary came from Illinois during the summer, and entered land on sections 28 and 29, where he cleared a farm and lived until war times, then he sold out and went to Sylvan, where he may now be found.

Daniel MeDonald came from Ohio in 1852 and entered the northwest quarter of section 19, then he returned to Ohio. In 1855 he came again and made settlement. He started with a pair of horses on the 15th day of October and arrived the 15th day of November. Meanwhile a neighbor had erected a log house for him, into which he moved and lived until 1880, then built his present frame honse.

Peter Waggoner, of Pennsylvania, came here from Ohio in 1854 and entered land on section 32, where he cleared a farm and lived a number of years. Ile died in Jannary, 1883.

Alden Hazeltine, formerly from Vermont, ar- rived in Rockbridge town in 1853, and entered the northwest quarter of section 15 and bought four lots in the town of Rockbridge. He made his home in the village until the time of his death, which occurred in February, 1883. ITis widow now lives in Richland Center.

In 1854 John S. Scott, formerly of Pennsyl- vania, came here from Dane county and entered land on section 2, town 11, range 1 east. Ile then returned to Dane county and spent the winter. In March, 1855, he returned with the intention of settling on his place, but could only get as far as Rockbridge, as there was neither road or bridges. He therefore bought lots in the village, built a small frame house, where he lived until 1862, when he made settle-

ment on his present farm, on the northeast quarter of section 2.

Samuel Holloway was quite an early settler, and died in April, 1855.

John Poole, a native of Pennsylvania, came in 1852 and located on section 29, where in 1857 he died. His widow is now the wife of Hiram Tadder, and lives on section 21.

From Vermont in 1854 came Hiram Austin, and purchased land on sections 15 and 22, where he lived until the time of his death, which oc- curred in 1869.

Henry Waggoner, of Ohio, came from West Virginia in 1855 and made selection on sec- tion 32 and cleared a farm He now resides on section 33.

During the fall of 1854 Richard L. White ar- rived from York State and entered land on sec- tion 3. Ile spent the winter in Avoca, and . made a settlement on his place in 1855, where he now lives.

In 1851 Jacob Dury, of Virginia, came from Illinois and located on the northeast quarter of section 29, where he lived about ten years, then sold and removed to Sylvan, where he has since died. His widow is again married and still lives in that town.

The year following came among others Nich- olas Pool, who was born in Ohio. He came direct from Illinois and bought land on section 29, town 11, range 1 east. He now lives on section 21.

The year previous (1851) also found Daniel Hoskins, a native of York State, on his way here from Ohio. Upon his arrival he stopped with his son Amasa. He is now dead.

George W. Hancock, a native of Pennsylva- nia, came here from Dane county quite early in 1850, and first lived on the southeast quarter of section 19. In 1852 he bought the northeast quarter of section 17, and cleared a part of the land. He continued to live there two years and then moved to the southeast quarter of sec- tion 8, where he lived a short time, then went to Vernon county where he has since died.

1241

HISTORY OF RICIILAND COUNTY.

Reuben, a son of George W. Hancock, came here from California during the fall of 1852. Ile was not married and at first made his home with his father. In a short time he took unto himself a wife and settled on the northeast quarter of section 17, and built a log house and erected 'the first frame barn in the town, and probably the first in the northern part of the county. This was in 1853. Ile died the year following and was buried on the farm. His widow is now the wife of George Fogo.

In November, 1851, German and Iliram Tad- der, natives of Vermont, came from Dane county. Hiram first settled on section 20, but now lives on section 21. German settled on the south- east quarter of section 17 where he cleared a small piece of ground, remained a short time and then sold out and bought land on section 28. lle enlisted in the army where he con- tracted a disease in consequence of which he drew a pension. In 1867 he sold his farm and removed to Richland Center, where he died some years later.

Zenas Saterlee, a native of Indiana, came from Illinois in 1851, and located on the southwest quarter of section 20. He en- tered the land, made some improvements, re- mained two or three years and then sold out and returned to Illinois. Zadok llawkins bought the farm and lived on it a few years, then purchased land on sections 29 and 32 which he occupied until 1875, when he died. The family are now scattered through various parts of the country.

Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.

History of Crawford and Richland counties, Wisconsin, Part 175

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