History of Crawford and Richland counties, Wisconsin, Part 176

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 176
USA > Wisconsin > Crawford County > History of Crawford and Richland counties, Wisconsin > Part 176

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).

In September, 1851, Abel P'. Hyde of York State came from Dane county and first settled on section 24 of the town of Marshall. Two years afterward he removed to Richland Cen- ter and remained until 1855 when he made his first settlement in Rockbridge on section 21. Ilis home is now on section 10.

The same year (1855) Morris Freeman, for- merly of llerkimer Co., N. Y., came here from Waukesha county and settled on section 3. Ile died in the village of Rockbridge in 1879. In

1854 another settler came in who made a settle- ment on the southeast quarter of section 8, where he still lives. Ilis name is Samuel Marshall and he is a native of Jefferson Co., Ohio.

Daniel Hlinemon came from Dane county in 1855 and located on section 28. Ile now lives in Sauk county.

Henry Leatherberry, from Jefferson Co., Ohio, came in 1854, and located on section 20, where he lived two years. He then moved to Henri- etta, where he had bought land on section 8. He died there on the 19th day of December, 1882.

Daniel and James Snow, natives of New York State, and Jefferson county, came here from Dodge county in 1857 and settled on see- tion 1, where Daniel still lives. James moved to the village in 1868, where he keeps a hotel, and is at present agent for the Singer Sewing Machine Company. About this time others came in from various sections of the country, but enough has been given to show the general character of the early settlement.

ORGANIC.

The town of Rockbridge was first organized in the spring of 1851. The first meeting was held at the village in a building owned by Orrin Hazeltine. At that time the following officers were elected: Jules Preston, Asa Shel- don and Amasa Haskins, supervisors; A. E. Decker, clerk; Julius Preston, Amasa Haskins and Orrin Hazeltine, justices of the peace; Robert Hawkins, assessor. The amount of tax raised from the levy of this year was $20. Illustrative of the difference between an elec- tion held then and now, in point of number of votes cast, a complete list of all persons voting at the election held in September, 1853, is here given. This was two years after the organiza- tion of the town, and while it comprised a larger extent of territory than now: George W. Hancock, Samuel Ilaloway, John Pool, Reuben Hancock, Jolin Marshall, John Jeffrey, Alexander Sires, Francis M. Stewart, Moses

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HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY,

Laws, Daniel Haskins, Alonzo E. Decker, Seth Butler, Abner Aiken and Orrin Hazeltine.

The town assumed its present boundaries in 1856. The annual town meeting was held at the house of Alden Hazeltine, April 21, 1856, and the following officers were elected: J. S. Seott, chairman, Daniel Hineman and Samuel Marshall, side supervisors; J. R. Fullington, justice of the peace; Gaylord Freeman, super- intendent of schools; Hiram Austin, treasurer; Hiram Freeman, town clerk; Hiram Tadder, assessor; Joel P. Tadder and M. A. Davis, con- stables; Hiram Tadder, sealer of weights and measures.

At the annual town meeting held at the town hall April 3, 1883, the following officers were elected: Harvey Fogo, town clerk; James Washburn, chairman, Samuel Hendricks and D. W. Huntington, supervisors; George Hines, assessor; Augustus Hoskins, Noble Lieurame and James Washburn, justices of the peace; H. W. Cate and George Collins, constables; L. N. Her- rington, treasurer.

EDUCATIONAL.

The schools of this town may be called in fair condition. Some improvements could be made to advantage, yet no person can complain that an opportunity is not here afforded for obtain- ing a good education. There has been some school quarrels and unpleasant dissensions, but as a rule, the "department of learning" has re- ceived its share of attention. As early as 1853 a school district was organized in the western part of the town, and a school taught by Jane Ilazeltine in a house that was built by Zenas Saterlee, on the southwest quarter of section 20. Two or three years later, a school house was built on the northeast quarter of seetion 29. In this house John Lewis was the first teacher. There seemed to be considerable dissension among the citizens of this district, and in a short time the school building was burned; another was soon erected, but was not allowed to stand, and soon afterward wentup in smoke. The terri- tory included in this district is now attached to

other districts. A history is here given of the different school districts, so far as reliable in- formation could be obtained.

In No. 1 the first school was taught by Adelia Hazeltine and Persis Hazeltine, in a slab shanty, on the village plat, in 1853. This was a subscrip- tion school. The only scholars in the district were the children of Orrin and Alden Hazeltine and Jacob Halloway. The teachers took turns, keeping the school one week each at a time. School was taught in private houses until 1856, when a frame house was built, in which Sarah J. Smith was the first teacher. The present school building was erected in 1879, and in it Delia Knapp was the first teacher. The school at this time, (1884), is under the management of Laura Jenkins.

During the winter of 1856-7 the first school house was built in district No. 3. It was located on the southwest of the northwest quarter of section 27. Gaylord Freeman was the first teacher. The district continued to use this builing until 1872, when a frame house was erected on the old site, in which Jemima Me- Namar was the first teacher. This position is now held by Maggie Welsh,

In district No. 4 there was a log school house built in 1858, located on the northeast quarter of section 17, and that winter the first school was taught by William H. Lawrence. This build- ing was in use until 1883, when a neat frame house was erected near the old site, in which John D. Fogo first taught a term of school.

In distriet No. 5 the first school was taught by Phebe Skinner in 1857, in a log house belong- ing to Peter Waggoner. It was located on the northwest quarter of seetion 32. Two terms were taught in this building. In 1858 a log school house was built on the northwest of the northwest of section 32, which was in use until 1882, when a frame house was built on the south- west of the northwest of section 32. Mary Ken- nedy was the first teacher there. The present teacher is Mamie Foley.

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HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY.

In distriet No. 7 the first school was taught by Wilson Saterlee, in a house belonging to Elihu Pease, in the town of Henrietta. This was in 1857. About 1859 a commodious building was erected on the northwest quarter of section 5, on the town line, but in Rockbridge town. In that house Joel Judkins was the first teacher.

In district No. 9 the first school was taught in a log house belonging to Bronson Greaves, in the northeast corner of section 22. This was in the winter of 1859-60, and the teacher was Lucy Smith. She is now the wife of James Snow. In 1860 a log house was built on the same quarter, and within its walls, Amy MeMurtry first kept school. In 1881 a large frame house was built on the old site, in which Abbie Joslyn was the first teacher. In distriet No. 10 the first school was taught by Lucy Snow, in a log house be- longing to J. S. Scott, located on the northeast quarter of section 2, in 1866. That same fall a school house was built on the northwest of the northeast quarter of section 2. Luey Snow was the first teacher in the house. Bridget Kennedy is now employed as instructor in this district.

In district No. 11 the first school was taught in a log house belonging to Nathan Schoonover, in the winter of 1868-69, by Jemima MeNamar. In the fall of 1869 a log school house was built on the northeast quarter of section 34, in which Florence Washburn taught the first school. In 1883 a frame house was greeted on the north- west quarter of section 34, at a cost of $460.

RELIGIOUS.

The actual first time when a religious service of any character was held in this town cannot be determined. If the first party of settlers who went up Pine river in 1845 ever held any religious meeting, they have not left a record of it. Prayer meetings were occasionally held years afterward in different places, but the pioneers of Rockbridge were without Church privileges for many years, and many of its in- habitants of the present day go outside the boundary lines of the town to attend Church.

A Methodist Episcopal class was organized at the house of Henry Leatherberry on section 20, in 1854, by Rev. Buck. Henry Leatherberry and wife, John Poole and wife, John Waddel and wife, Elizabeth and Margaret Leatherberry were among the members. Henry Leatherberry was class leader. Meetings were held in pri- vate houses until the school house was built. The society continued in existence a few years when some of the members moving away, it disbanded or "died out." In 1856 the first re- ligions service in the village of Rockbridge was held in a slab shanty. The exereises were conducted by Rev. Ilughart, a Methodist divine. Ministers of different denominations preached there from time to time, but no organization was effected until 1879 when a Methodist Epis- copal class was formed by Elder J. T. Bryan. The following were among the members: Ly- man Hazeltine and wife and R. L. White and wife. The society has not flourished and meet- ings are held only occasionally. During the winter of 1857-8, Rev. Timby, a preacher of the Methodist Episcopal Church, hekt a relig- ious meeting in the school house on the north- west quarter of section 29, and organized a class. Seth Butler and wife, John Waddle and wife, Israel Janney and wife, Mrs. John Poole. James Cofran and wife, and Solomon Pruner and wife were among the members. Solomon Pruner was the class leader. The were sup- plied by preachers from Richland Center, but. during the war the organization became very nearly, if not quite, extinct.

POSTOFFICES.

Janney's postoffice was established in 1870, and Israel Janney was the first postmaster. tle kept the office abont one year, when upon his resignation Angus Smith received the ap- pointment, and kept it at his residence on sec- tion 19 about three years, when at his request it was discontinued. It was on the route from Richland Center to Viroqua and mail was re- ceived three times each week.

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HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY.

Buck Creek postoffice was first established the same year and P. M. Clark appointed postmaster. The office was kept at his house on section 22. It was on the route from Richland Center to West Lima and mail was received every day. Two years later it was discontinned. In March, 1881, it was re-established with Mrs. Ann Clark, widow of P. M. Clark, as postmistress. She has the office at her store on section 22. There is a tri-weekly mail.

ITEMS OF INTEREST.

An early birth in this town was a son (Daniel) to Amasa and Jane (Murdoek) Haskins, born in January, 1850. He is now married and lives in Buena Vista.

Reuben Hancock was among the first to die, which event occurred in July, 1854. He was buried on his farm on the northeast quarter of section 7.

The first steam saw-mill in the county was put up in this town by J. J Shumaker & Co., in 1856, and was located on the northwest quarter of section 29. It had a number of saws, and lathes, fence pickets and lumber were manfae- tured. In 1857 Israel Janney purchased this mill, and sold it in 1863 to John Walworth, who two or three years later moved it to Richland Center, where it was afterward destroyed by fire.

The first wedding united the destinies of Wallace Joslyn and Emeline, daughter of Lu- man and Mary Thompson. This occurred in May, 1851, in the village of Rockbridge.

In 1854 a grist-mill was built by Alden Hazel- tine, on the west side of the river near the natu- ral bridge. The power was derived from the west branch of Pine river. A dam was built at the mouth of the tunnel, and a head of ten feet was thus obtained. It was furnished with one set of buhrs for grinding eorn and cracking wheat. The people came to this mill for many miles around and it did a flourishing business.

VILLAGE OF ROCKBRIDGE.

This is the only village in the town and was laid out by Ira Hazeltine in June, 1851. It is

located on the northwest quarter of section 10. The saw-mill and the first frame house were al- ready built. The postoffice was established here in 1855, and D. E. Pease was the first postmaster. He kept the office in his store. He was succeeded by Alden Hazeltine, who held the office until the time of his death, when his son Lyman, the present incumbent, was commis- sioned. When first established it was on the route from Richland Center to Fancy Creek, and was earried horseback. At this time (1884) it is on the route from Richland Center to West Lima and has a daily mail. There is also a mail to Hillsborough three times each week.

Dester E. & D. G. Pease opened the first store in 1855; they kept a general stock and had a good trade. They continued in business three or four years, and then moved their goods to Richland Center. The village was then withouta store for some years. M. H. B. Cun- ningham engaged in trade here in April, 1867, first keeping store in a building owned by D. G. Pease. In 1870 he put up a building 22x40 feet.

The first blacksmith was Abner Aiken, and his shop was built with poles, and his anvil placed upon a stump. He was engaged at work in the saw-mill and did not do much work in the shop. That business is now represented by George Collins and Orson Devoc.

The traveling public were for years enter- tained by Alden Hazeltine at his private resi- denee. Ira Campbell opened the first hotel in 1876 and called it the Rockbridge House. In 1877 he sold to T. J. Smith who was landlord until 1879, when he left and the property fell into the hands of a party in Kansas. In 1880 Stephen Smith bought the property.

BIOGRAPHICAL.

Israel Janney, one of Richland county's pio- neers, was born in Loudonn Co., Va., Oet. 17, 1820. When he was but four years of age, his parents moved to Logan Co., Ohio, and there purchased 250 acres of land. They lived there but three or four years, and returned

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HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY.

to Virginia, where they lived until 1830. They then moved to Detroit, Mich., and there his father died in 1833. His mother, with her eight children, returned to Ohio and settled upon the land which his father had previously pur- chased. Here the subject of this sketch grew to manhood. Taking advantage of the facilities then offered, he acquired a fair education. lle was united in marriage on the 3d of December, 1840, to Elizabeth Miller, who was born at Fort McCarty, Hardin Co., Ohio, May 20, 1824. Ile then settled on land which he had inherited from his father's estate in Logan county. He lived there till 1846, and then came to Richland county, which was then an almost unexplored wilderness, inhabited by Indians and wild beasts. He located in township 9, range 2 east, now known as Buena Vista. Ile first made a claim on a quarter of section 32 or 33, of town 9 north, of range 2 east, now ocenpied by the cemetery, and to the west of the Matte- son and Button farms, built a log house, broke and fenced abont twenty-five acres. In the fall of 1848 he sold this claim and entered 160 acres on section 17, of the same town, built a log house, 18x22 feet, cleared forty-five acres, and three years later built a frame house and lived in it until 1854. That year he was appointed by the governor as register of deeds, to fill a vacancy caused by the death of Charles McCorkle, and moved to Richland Center. That fall he was elected to that position and afterward re-elected. In 1856 he was elected a delegate to the repub- lican convention at Madison, the first ever held in the State. In 1857 be purchased a farm on section 29, town of Rockbridge. There was a saw mill upon this land, which he purchased and engaged in the lumber business as well as in farming. In 1860 he went to Colorado for his health, and engaged in mining, remaining there until 1867, making frequent visits during the time to his home in Rockbridge. In 1875 he entered the employ of A. II. Kronskop at Richland Center, selling goods for one year, then went to West Lima and remained one year,

then returned to his farm. He has cleared a large portion of his land, built a neat frame house and barn, and now, in this comfortable home, enjoys the fruits of his labor. Mr. and Mrs. Janney were the parents of thirteen chil- dren, nine of whom are now living-Lot T., Mary J., Jacob, Sophia M., Elibabeth, John F., Israel M., Abial K. and Josephine. Isaac M. was born Oct. 15, 1843, and died Jan. 15, 1844, in Ohio; William II. was born Feb. 15, 1845, and died June 18, 1849; George K. was born Ang. 17, 1852, and died July 14, 1853; Oscar was born May 21, 1854, and died Oct. 12, 1855. Both Mr. Janney and his wife united with the Methodist Episcopal Church in their younger days, but at the present time are mem- bers of the Church of United Brethren at Pleas- ant Valley.

Their son, John F., was born in Richland Center, Feb. 3, 1857, and received his edneation in the district schools of Rockbridge, except one year at Richland Center. He was mar- ried in December, 1879, to Eva, daughter of William and Mary (Thompson) Francis. They have one child-Wilford. He settled at the time of his marriage upon his present farm on section 29.

Orin Hazeltine, a native of Vermont, came here in 1850 from Dane county. He, in com- pany with his son Ira, bought the northwest quarter of section 10. In October they moved here, starting from Black Earth with three ox teams, loaded with goods. They came by way of Sextonville, cutting a road up the east side of the river to their new home. The company consisted of Orin Hazeltine and his son, Allen, Dexter Carlton and two strangers, one named Talbot, who afterward lived on section 32. Mr. Hazeltine built the first frame house in the town in 1851. It was built of slabs which were stood on end with the flat side in.

A. P. Hyde, one of the pioneers of Richland county, was born in the town and country of Ot- sego, N. Y., and there attained his majority and was brought up on a farm. In 1845 he came to

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HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY.

Wisconsin and located in Lafayette town, Walworth county, where he was married in 1846 to Elvira Singletery. In 1848 he went to Dane county, purchased forty acres of land, and remained there until 1851, when, during the month of September, he came to Richland county, and settled in what is now the town of Marshall. He has been considerable of a rover and has lived in a number of places within and without the county since that time. In 1860 he went to Pike's Peak and engaged in mining a few months, then returned to Rockbridge. In 1882 he went to Dakota and made a claim in Miner county, remained one year, sold out, and again returned. Ilis wife was a native of Graf- ton, Worcester Co., Mass. She died, leaving three children - Ellen Lucinda, Charles and Ira. His second wife, to whom he was married Nov. 7, 1853, was Sarah Dary, a native of Virginia. They have one child-Delila. Ile is a verit- able pioneer, is well known as a hunter and a good shot, and even now is fond of the rifle. Hle has been prominent in town affairs and has filled many important offices. His pres- ent home is on section 10.

M. II. B. Cunningham, a merchant at Rock- bridge, was born in Huntingdon Co., Penn., April 11, 1842. When he was but an infant his parents removed to Illinois, and lived in Adams county four years, then came to Wisconsin, and lived in Potosi, Grant county, five years, and in Wingville, eighteen months, then moved to Iowa county, where his father purchased a farm. Ilere the subject of this sketch grew up, making his home with his parents until nineteen years old. Then in December, 1861, he enlisted in the 18th Wisconsin, company B, and imme- diately went to the front. Ile was engaged in the battle of Shiloh, and taken prisoner. He was confined in the prisons at Tuscaloosa, Mo- bile, Montgomery and Macon, Ga. He was paroled from Libby prison after a confinement of six months, and thirteen days. He joined the regiment in April, 1863, in Louisiana. Among the more important battles in which he

participated the following are mentioned: Ray- mond, Miss., Jackson, Miss., Champion Hills and siege of Vicksburg. During this siege his reg- iment went to Mechanicsburg and participated in the battle there. After the fall of Vicks- burg he was detailed to do guard duty at the depot two months. The regiment then went to Dixon's Station to repair the railroad; thence west to Chattanooga, taking part in the battle of Missionary Ridge and Allatoona Pass; joined Sherman at Atlanta, and was with him on his march to the sea. He was relieved from duty at Savannah in March, 1865, after having served three months more than his time. Ile returned to Madison and was there discharged. He then went to Blanchardville, Lafayette county, and worked at farming a few months, then opened a restaurant in Blanchardville, remaining there until 1867, when he came to Roekbridge, as before stated, where he has since conducted a successful mercantile trade. In 1883 he bought a steam saw-mill, which he put up at Rockbridge, and has been engaged in the lumber trade. He has been twice married. The first time, in 1865, to HIannah Cline. They had six children, four living-William, John, Frank and Fred. Two daughters died in 1877. Mrs. Cunningham died Oct. 24, 1877. Ilis second wife was Lnela Lieurance. They have one child-Bernie.

George Fogo, son of John and Jane (Dreg- horn) Fogo, was born in Columbiana Co., Ohio, June 14, 1837 and came to Wisconsin with his parents in 1853, where he made his home until 1859. In March of that year he was married to Caroline, daughter of Harvey and Mary (E ving) Dilingham. He then settled on section 17, town of Rockbridge, and commenced to clear a farm. He has been successful, has purchased more land adjoining until now his farm contains 240 acres, about one half of which is cleared. Ile has built a frame house and stable,and is engag- ed in raising grain, sheep, horses and cattle. He has been prominent in town and county affairs, has been a member of the board, and filled

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HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY.

offices of trust in the town. Mr. and Mrs. Fogo have seven children-Harvey, John D., Etta, Ormsly F., Jennie, Alice and Georgia. Mr. Fogo is among the best class of Richland county citizens, is a good business man, and has de- servedly been successful in his undertakings.

Hiram Austin, one of the early settlers of Roekbridge, was born in Franklin, Vt., May 9, 1822, and there grew to manhood. When a young man he learned the trade of blacksmith, at which he worked in his native State until 1854, when he came west to seek a home. Ile came to Richland county and purchased land on sections 21 and 15, of township 11, range 1 east, now known as the town of Rockbridge, and · immediately commeneed to clear a farm, and made this his home until the time of his death, March 14, 1869. He was a natural mechanic, and could do almost any kind of work. A great part of the time here he worked as car- penter and joiner. Ile met his death by acci- dent. While teaming logs the chain broke and the logs were unloaded on him, crushing him in a frightful manner. He was conveyed to his home, and died a few hours later, surrounded by his family and friends. He was twice mar- ried. The first time, in 1842, to Laura Dassanse. She died March 3, 1849, leaving two children, -Herbert and Marietta. His second wife, to whom he was married Dec. 7, 1856, was Mary E., daughter of Michael and Catharine (Min nech) Statser. She was born in Washington Co., Va., April 12, 1831. When she was cigh- teen years of age her parents removed to Wis- consin and settled in lowa county, where she married, at twenty-one years of age, William Ethridge. Her husband died after having been married three weeks Eight children blessed the union of Mr. and Mrs. Austin, seven of whom are now living-Charles L., Edward E., Irvin, Douglas, Florence, Minnie and Hiram. Mrs. Austin's mother lives with her. She has been so unfortunate as to lose her eyesight. She is now seventy-six years of age, and enjoys good health.

George Benton, son of Joseph and Janet (Davidson) Benton, pioneers of Richland coun- ty, was born in Jefferson Co., Ohio, Oct. 25, 1841, and was twelve years old when his par- ents emigrated to Richland county, and settled in township 11, range 1 west, now known as Mar- shall. Here he grew to manhood, assisting his father in clearing land, and attending the pioneer schools. He enlisted in February, 1864, in the 11th Wisconsin, company D, and joined the regiment near New Orleans. For a time this regiment was detailed to guard railroads, after which they entered active service, partici- pating in many minor engagements and skir- mishes, The most important battle was Fort Blakely. He served until after the close of the war, and was discharged with the regiment in September, 1565, when he returned to his home. He remained on the homestead until 1870, when he came to Rockbridge and settled on a farm which he had purchased in 1867, located on section 16. He lived in a log house until 1879, when he built the commodious frame house which he now occupies. He has since pur- chased adjoining land, and his farm now con- tains 170 acres, 100 of which is cleared. Ile has been twice married. The first time, Feb. 22, 1866, to Mary E. Diekason, of Ohio. She died in April, 1867. His second wife was Keziah Robbins, to whom he was married Oct. 2, 1868. She was born in Carroll Co., Ohio, and has also been twice married. Her first husband was Hamilton Davis. They lived in Belmont Co., Ohio, where he died Oct. 14, 1867. Mr. and Mrs. Benton have an adopted daughter-Mary E.

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History of Crawford and Richland counties, Wisconsin, Part 176

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