History of Crawford and Richland counties, Wisconsin, Part 82

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 82
USA > Wisconsin > Crawford County > History of Crawford and Richland counties, Wisconsin > Part 82

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).

Charles A., son of Henry H. and Eliza S. Bailey, was born Feb. 28, 1848. He was mar- ried, March 27, 1872, to Annie M. Whiteside, step-daughter of John D. Harp, of Cassville, Grant Co., Wis. Ilis wife died April 6, 1875. To them were given two children-Harry, born Aug. 13, 1874, and Glendon, born March 29,1875. At the time of his wife's death, Mr. Bailey was a clerk in a dry goods establishment, at Prairie du Chien, and at present is engaged in farming in Grant Co,, Wis. Ara W. was married Jannary 14, 1880, to Hannah J. Ladd, daughter of Lemuel Ladd, of Grant Co., Wis., where he resides at present.

Thomas Marsden, owner of the Bridgeport stone quarry, is the son of Thomas Marsden, Sr., who began developing the quarry in 1863, for the purpose of obtaining stone for the capi- itol at Madison. The land on which the quarry is located was originally owned H. L. Donsman. It changed hands a number of times before.

571

HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY.

coming into the possession of Thomas Marsden Sr., (1868,) who had been connected with the working of the same, since 1863. A descrip- tion of the quarry will be found elsewhere in this work.

Thomas Marsden, Sr., was born in Lancashire, England, in 1812. He emigrated to New York in 1849, and was engaged in the marble and lime- stone trade at Albany, N. Y., for some time, in fact, during the greater part of his life, he was connected with quarrying and stone-cutting He married, in England, Isabella Morrow. He died here April 20, 1874. There are three sur- viving sons-Thomas, JJames, who resides at Barraboo, Wis., and William, of Tombstone, Arizona Territory.

Thomas Marsden, Jr., was born at Liverpool, England, in Oct., 1848. He enlisted in 1861, when but thirteen years of age, in the 3d regi- ment, New York Volunteer Infantry, and served until the elose of the war; he participated in the battle of Big Bethel, one of the early bat- tles of the war, and served under Maj-Gen. Butler for a considerable length of time. Hle participated in Gen. Grant's Virginia campaign; was in Butler's unsuccessful attack on Fort Fisher, and subsequently Gen. Terry's suecess- ful attack on that confederate stronghold. In the storming of Fort Fisher by the forces In- der Gen. Terry, his regiment, the 3d New York, lost every officer, commissioned and non-com- missioned, and a private commanded what was left of the regiment, at the end of the fight. After the close of the war, he engaged in the business of marble and stone-cutting. He worked at various places-Rock Island, Duluth, LaCrosse, etc. He succeeded his father in the ownership of the quarry. His wife was Catha- rine Donahue. They have four children- Thomas, Mary Isabella, Winefred C. and Charles A.

Andrew J. Beesecker, was born in Monroe Co., Penn., Oct. 17, 1831, and was the son of a farm- er. While young he attended school in winters and worked on the farm during the other sea-

sons. In his twentieth year, July 4, 1851, he mar- ried Elizabeth Postens, born in the same coun- ty, Oct. 1, 1882. They made their home in that county and followed farming until 1865, in which year they came to Crawford Co, Wis., and bought a farm on section 6, town 7, range 5 west. His farm contains 188 acres, and was occupied by him, since his residence in town, until 1882, when he rented it and bought the Bridgeport ho- tel property and is now doing a successful bus- iness as hotel keeper. Mr. and Mrs. Beesecker have had ten children, eight now living. Al- fred, born Sept. 27, 1852; Ellen J., wife of D. Valmer, born Jnne 23, 1854; Rachel A., wife of M. Feely,born Jan 1, 1856; Mary C., born Oct. 27, 1860; Susan, wife of Chas. Bean, born Jan.27,1863, Sarah, born Jan. 22, 1866; Amanda, born Nov. 3, 1868; and Lewis, born Aug. 23, 1872. The two deceased children are Reuben, born Jan. 25, 1858; died in Pennsylvania, June 28, 1871, and Elizabeth, born April 8, 1871, and died June 28, 1871.

Thomas Nugent was born in Ireland, March 12, 1859. In 1864 his father, with the family, came to America. They lived in Poughkeepsie, N Y , about one year. In 1865 they came to Crawford county, settling in Eastman, where he has made a farm and now resides. His father had ten children, five boys and five girls: Eliza, Thomas, Mary, Ann, John, William Barney, Ellen, Bridget, Maggy and James. Thomas Nugent was married in Seneca by the Catholic priest, Rev. J. J. Burns, to Mary Lit- ner, April 23, 1883. Mr. Nugent is now conduct- ing an orderly saloon in Bridgeport village, and is a good citizen.

Jacob Strayer was born in Crawford Co., Penn., in 1823. In 1855 he moved to La Fay- ette Co., Wis .; and in 1858 to Grant county. In 1865 he came to Crawford county, settling in Bridgeport and engaged in work on the bridge which crosses the Wisconsin at that place. In 1879 he purchased a lot of three and a quarter acres of William Snell, on section 9, where he now resides. Mr. Strayer married in Pennsylva-

572

HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY.

nia, Sarah Lindsey. She died in Crawford county, in 1873. He subsequently married Su- san (Mitchell) Miles, a native of Vermont. She has seven children by her first husband, two sons and five daughters. Mr. Strayer has three children by his former marriage-George, John II. and Mary E. He is republican in politics and a strong temperance man, believing in total abstinence. By occupation Mr. S. is a mechanic and repairs all kinds of farm imple- ments in the wood line.

Fred E. Collins is in the employ of the C. M. & St. P. R. R, as agent at Bridgeport station. Ile has held his present position since October 1881. Mr Collins has been a resident of Crawford county, since 1868. He learned telegraphy in the railroad company's office at Prairie du Chien. 'Mr. Collins is a very energetic, capable young man, and popular with those doing busi- ness through the station in his charge.

Lewis Kenyon resides on section 1, town 6, range 6 west. He purchased his farm of E. B. Richardson. A portion of this farm, 1213 acres, was entered by Hiram Delap in 1841, and the remainder by E. W. Pelton, in 1853. The first improvements on the farm were made by Mr. Pelton. About nineteen transfers have been made of the whole or a part of this place, since the entry by Mr. Delap.

Mr. Kenyon was born in Clayton Co., Iowa, in 1849. He removed to Minnesota with his parents when a child, where the family re- sided 12 years. They came to Prairie du Chien in 1868. The first farm owned by Mr. Kenyon was also on sec. 1, which he purchased of his father, and sold to the present owner, Frank Garrow. He married Lovina Garrow, a daugh- ter of John Garrow; her mother is now Mrs. j Daniel Thompson, of this town. Mr. and Mrs. Kenyon have two children, Herbert Edgar and Myrtle May.

573

HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY.

CHAPTER XXVIII

TOWN OF CLAYTON.

Clayton is bounded on the north by the towns of Kickapoo and Franklin, in Vernon county; on the east by the towns of Syloan and Aiken, of Richland county; on the south by the towns of Haney and Scott, in Crawford county; and on the west by the towns of Utica and Seneca, in the last, mentioned county.

This town contains a portion of four con- gressional townships, one half of township 11, in range 3 west; also six sections in township 11, in range 4 west; and sixteen full sections and five fractional sections, in township 10, in range 4 west.

The surface of Clayton is very broken. The valleys are well supplied with springs which gush forth in all their crystal purity, giving an abundant supply of water for both stock and domestic purposes. Upon the ridges there have been improved some very good farms. llere the sub-soil is clay and is well adapted to the growing of corn, wheat and oats. In the valleys the soil is of a black loam, made from the decay of vegetable matter, a portion of which has been washed from the higher and more uneven lands. Wheat does not do well on this land as it grows too rank and is apt to lodge before it ripens.

The Kickapoo river which washes a greater portion of the western border of the town, runs through a sandy soil, well adapted to small grain and corn culture. This valley, however, requires much more fertilizing than does the ridges and other valleys of the towns. The timber of Clayton is principally oak, maple, with some ash, elm and basswood. The oak,,

however, is the species upon which the farmer and business man depend. There are large amounts of railroad ties cut and sent to market from out these forests. This town is also noted for the large number of hoop poles which are cut and shipped to various markets.

This town, not unlike the other portions of Crawford county, is well supplied with never failing streams, which make it a desirable place for stock business. The main water course is the Kickapoo river, which enters Clayton on the northern line near the northeast corner of sec- tion 19, in township 11, of range 3 west, run- ning in a south westerly course through sections 19 and 30, in township 11, range 3 west and through sections 25, 35 and 36 of the same township, in range 4 west; also through sections 2 and 11, of township 10, range 4 west, leaving the town from section 34.

Soldier's Grove creek takes its rise on section 4, in township 10, of range 3 west, and passes through sections 31 and 32, emptying into the Kickapoo river, on section 20, in township 11, of range 3 west.

Janes creek heads on section 23, in township 11, of range 4 west and passes through sections 23 and 24, uniting with the Kickapoo river on section 30, in township 11, of range 4 west.

Trout Run has its source on section 26, pass- ing through sections 27, 28, 21, 20, 29 and unites with the Kickapoo river on section 30, in town- 11, of range 3 west.

Smith creek takes its rise on section 6, of township 11, in range 3 west and passes through sections 1 and 11, of township 10, in range +

574

HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY.

west, forming a junction with the Kickapoo river on section 11.

Bear creek has source on section 8, of town- ship 10, in range 3 west, passing through sec- tions 17, 18 and 7 of township 10, in range 3 west, and sections 12 and 11, in township 10, of range 4 west.

Little Sand creek heads on section 26, town- ship 10, range 3, and unites with the Kickapoo river on section 24, township 10, range 4 west-

Big Sand creek heads on section 20, township 10, range 3 west, and passes through sections 20 and 19, of township 10, range 3 west, and seetions 25, 26, 36, 35, leaving the town from section 34, township 10, range 4 west. The eastern portion of the town of Clayton is well supplied with never failing cold spring brooks, which are utilized for various purposes.

FIRST SETTLEMENT.

The first to effect settlement in this part of Crawford county, was Simeon Tyler, who came in 1850. lle was a native of New York; he "squatted" on section 98, town 10, range 4 west, where O. P. Rounds was living in 1883. The next to locate was a Mr. Marsten, who "squatted" on section 19, town 11, range 3, west in 1852. Elias Bell came the same year, and located in the south part of the town. Another settler of 1852, was L. B. Smith.

During 1853, among the number who came in for settlement, were J. E. Campbell, who in 1884 wasliving at Prarie du Chien; John Jones who settled on section 30, town 11, range 4 west; John Janes, who entered eighty aeres on section 11, town 11, range 4 west; Benjamin Hill took up a claim in the fall of 1852, or spring of 1853, on section 19. Other settlers of 1853 were Christopher Christopherson, who settled on sec- tion 2, town 10, range 4 west. Thomas Hoo- verson on section 35, town 11, range 4 west. Andrew Bottlerson on section 2, town 10, range 4 west.

In 1854, David Smith located on section 11, town 10, range 4 west, He died in 1866. Among others who came that year, were the

following: Joseph Martin, who settled on see- tion 11, town 10, range 3, west, who moved to Dakota in 1875; Robert Welch, John Murphy, Mathew Ryan, Henry Murphy, Morris Murphy, David Mook, David Black, J. Glover, Peter Hoffman, David Underwood, Marwood Hound- sell and B. Davenport.

Mr. Patridge, who afterward became nation- ally known in connection with the affair of the capture of Jeff Davis, settled in 1854 or 1855 on section 32, town 11, range 3 west. In 1884, he was living in Iowa. Richard Brannan came the same time locating on section 30, town 11, range 3 west. George and Samuel Briggs also located in 1854, on section 30, town 11, range 3, west. George A. Smith was another who set- tled in 1854, he claimed 160 acres from parts of sections 20, 29, and 30 of town 11, range 3 west. In 1884 he was a merchant, doing business at Soldier's Grove. C. W. Baker was another pio- neer of the town, 'coming in 1854. Ile pur- chased the "squatter's claims" taken up by Mr. Marsten.

In 1856, Joseph Brightman came in and en- tered eighty acres of land on section 31, town, 11, range 3 west, where the village of Soldier's Grove now stands.

Nathaniel Woodard came the same year and entered 320 acres on section 35, town 11, range 3 west. . During that year Samuel Clark claimed forty acres on section 29, town 11, range 3, west.

William Bounds came in at about the same time and entered 80 acres of land on section 3', town 11, range 3 west; also Robert Briggs who claimed land on section 24, town 11, range 4, west, came the same season. Other settlers of 1856 were: George W. Barlow, who took land on section 1, town 10, range 4; Ralph Barker who settled on section 22, of the same town and range; C. P. Bennett, section 31, town 11, range 4; Dennis Bell, who took 120 acres on section 34, town 10, range 4, west.

The following year, 1857, came S. S. Brown, who entered eighty acres ou section 27, town 10,

575

HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY.

range 4 west; Joseph and Isaac Evans came the same year and entered a farm together on section 14, town 10, range 4.

During 1858, the settlement commenced in earnest and the tide of emigration has rapidly increased until now (1884) the larger part of the land that is tillable is already occupied and improved by an industrious class of people, a large per cent. of which are of Irish descent, with some Norwegians, and a few Americans who came from the State of New York

FIRST EVENTS.

Simeon Tyler, the first settler of the town, erected the first house, without any one to aid him. It was a log building 10x14 feet, on sec- tion 28, in town 10, of range 4, west.

Joseph Brightman, who, in 1884, is still a resident of the town, erected in 1856, the first frame house and barn, where Soldier's Grove is is now situated.

Weddings were not common in the early settlement of this town. The good people witnessed no such event until the latter part of 1859, when Samuel Mitchell and Miss Ida Smith were united in marriage, by Joseph Evans, who was then a justice of the peace.

The first birth was that of Benjamin Hill, Jr., which occured in the summer of 1852.

The deaths were not numerous, although occuring early in the settlement of the town, the first being Simeon Tyler, the first settler who died in 1853. His wife followed him to the grave, in about two weeks. The death and burial of James Brannan is of historical im- portance enough to be given in this connection. Ile died in 1856, in the northern part of the tawn, near the banks of the Kickapoo river. His remains were taken up the river in a canoe and the mourners and friends followed in skiffs and other boats, making a funeral cortege of three boats, which meandered their way around up this remarkably crooked stream to Readstown in Vernon county, where the body was interred.

The first mill within the town was a water saw mill, erected in 1856, by Joseph Bright- man, near the present location of Soldier's Grove. In 1884, A. Peterson owned this mill power and another mill upon it.

The earliest religious services held in the town of Clayton were held at the house of Da- vid Smith in 1856.

The first school was taught by Miss Frank Carter, in the barn of J. H. Brightman. After teaching the school two weeks, she was compell- ed to resign on account of sickness, when Mary Brightman-afterwards Mrs. M. R. Tate-nn- dertook to finish the term,being at the time but thirteen years of age.

The first Fourth of July celebration was held at Bell Centre, in 1856, and was attended by most of the people of the town

The first cemetery in Clayton, was the one known as the "Yankee Town Cemetery." This was laid ont in 1861, and the first burial therein, was Mrs. Sarah Bennett, wife of C P. Bennett.

The first orchard set out was by C. W. Baker, in 1856, who, in 1884, was still spared to eat of the fruit of his own planting and culture.

The first election in Clayton was held on the 7th day of April, 1857, at the house of David Smith, who then resided on section 1, of town 11, in range 4, west.

ORGANIC.

Clayton was organized in the spring of 1857, and the first town meeting for the election of officers was held at David Smith's, April 7, of that year, when the following were elected: Peter Hoffman, chairman; David Smith and D. Bell, side board; G. Morgan, clerk; Peter lloff- man, treasurer; Isaac Evans, assessor. The number of votes polled at the election were for- ty-two.

The officers for 1883, were: A. Peterson chairman; C. P. Sessman and John Severson, side board; C. W. Baker, treasurer; N. O. Pet- erson, clerk; William Barney, assessor; J. Il. Brightman, John L. Stowell, justices of the peace; Daniel Ryan, Eben Hartly, Stephen S.

576

HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY.

Brown, constables. Mr. Ryan failing to serve, Peter Nelson was appointed to fill his place.

EDUCATIONAL.

Much interest has always been manifested in school matters in Clayton, and its educational ad- vantages have been fully up to the other towns of the county. In 1884, there were fifteen school buildings within the towns. The school population at this time was 855, the value placed on all school property at that date was $2955. The following gives the number of pupils in each district Jan. 1, 1884: No 1, 55; No. 2, 29; No. 3, 30; No. 4, 126; No. 5, 85; No. 6, 40; No. 7, 75; No. 8, 50; No. 10, 38; No. 12, 62; No 13, 36; No. 14, 63; No. 15, 59; joint district No. 9, 15; joint district No. 11, 59.

POST OFFICES.

In 1884, the town of Clayton contained five postoffices, established and located as follows: Knapp Creek, on section 12, of township 10, range 3, was established in 1869. The first postmaster was Daniel Adney, who was still serving in 1884.

North Clayton is located on section 34, it was established about 1870.

St. Phillips is located on section 16; this was established after the civil war.

Yankeetown postoffice is on section 1, estab- about 1858.

Soldier's Grove was made a postoffice in 1866. The first postmaster was Joseph H. Brightman, who was followed by Samuel Hutchins, and he by Atly Peterson, who is now (1884) still in of- fice.

RELIGIOUS.

There are now (1884) four religious organiza- tions within the town of Clayton-the Catholic, Methodist, Disciples and United Brethren. The former had occasional services at a very early day. A house of worship was built in 1869, on section 22, township 10, range 3, west.

A society of the United Brethren sect was formed just after the rebellion closed; a log house was erected in which to worship, which * was situated on section 26, township 11, range

3, west. This church bears the name "Mt. Zion." Rev. John Day, of the town of Scott, was the minister in charge in 1888.

About 1858, a Methodist Episcopal class was organized by Rev. Brakman, with David Gan- der as its leader. In 1884, that class numbered about thirty; they were then holding service once in two weeks at the school house at Sol- dier's Grove. The pastor stationed at Mt. Sterling had charge of the work.

ST. PHILIP'S PARISH.

No organization as a parish existed prior to 1873, Previous to that period the spiritual wants of the faithful, who now constitute this parish, were attended to by visiting friends from different sections of the surrounding coun- try. The first priest who visited this section was Father Gaultier. He lived in Prairie du Chien, and was accustomed to make excursions, at regular intervals, through the different parts of Crawford county that required the services of a Catholic priest, he being the only one, at that time, in the county. His first visit was on July 6, 1857. The journeys were made, for the most part, on foot, and with great difficulty, through the dense woods and over the rough hills of Clayton town. Father Gaultier continued to visit Clayton for about two years, until 1859, and died a few years later in Prairie du Chien. His successor was Father O'Conor During his attendance the little log church, begun un- der Father Gaultier near the site of the present structure, was finished. Father O'Coner resided at Rising Sun and paid his first visit to St. Philips in October, 1859. Towards the end of 1862 he was succeeded by Father Murphy, who also resided at Rising Sun. Under his admin- istration nothing of importance took place. HIe was a great favorite with his people, and was a successful instrument in the conversion of a great many who entered the fold of the Catho- lic church during his attendance. A modest monument in St. Patrick's cemetery, at Seneca, will point out to many, to whom his kind feat- ures were familiar, the spot where he is buried.

577

HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY.

The next to take charge of the congregation of St. Philip's, was Father Montague, in the be ginning of 1863. He it was who first projected the erection of a new church. The idea of a new house of worship seemed to give a new impetus to the religious affairs of the mission, and the zeal of the scattered flock was quick- ened, about this time, by a visit from the bishop of the newly erected diocese of La Crosse, Rt. Rev. Michael Heiss, now Archbishop of Mil- waukee. During his visit a committee of three prominent gentlemen of the congregation, Matthew Ryan, James Brady and Peter Kelly, all of Clayton, waited upon his lordship and in- terviewed him regarding the new undertaking and the further organization of a regular parish. The prelate sanctioned the project, promising, further, that he would send them a resident pastor provided they were able to give him the necessary support. With an enthusiasm worthy their desire they gave the required assurance, and never has the bishop or his honored suc- cessor had cause to regret his promise, and the hearty good will with which the entire congre- gation have from year to year made good the pledge of the zealous committee, testify to the spirit of unity that prevailed among the people and that the promise made to the bishop was not without foundation. Father Montague, during his short stay, prosecuted with no little enthusiasm the new undertaking, which was brought to a successful end in November 1870, under the wise direction of his successor, Father Beau, seconded by the energetic co-operation of the committee and people; the happy event was celebrated by a mission conducted by the Ben- edictine Fathers of Chicago. In August, 1872, the new church was dedicated by Bishop IIeiss, assisted by Fathers Vexweist and Bernard.

Father Beau, besides completing the church edifice, erected a very neat little pastor's resi- dence.

Heretofore, St. Philip's congregation received only the attendance of visiting priests. The last of these was Father Beau, who was succeed-

ed in February, 1872, by Rev. Father Wendelin Bernard, the first resident pastor. During his pastorate Father Bernard donated to the new church a number of utensils and sacred vessels required for divine service. He presided over the parish one year and was succeeded in Feb- ruary, 1873, by Rev. R. V. Steinburg. Father Steinberg was in turn succeeded by Rev. Patrick Walsh, in June, 1875, who was again succeeded by Rev. John Conroy, in May, 1876. Nothing of particular note occurred during the adminis- tration of the latter three gentlemen, the affairs of the parish running smoothly on, with satis- faction to all, as the result of a solid and thorough organization. Father Conroy died on Feb. 12, 1877, and is buried in the church- yard near the front entrance to the church. The prostrate forms of the worshipers at St. Philip's, on each succeeding Sunday at his grave, where they stop to offer a prayer, attest the high esteem and veneration which his noble and saintly qualities gained for him, and the tender affection of the people who thus piously regard his memory.

Father Conroy's successor was Rev. Bona- vintun De Gory. Father De Gory belonged to the order of Capuchin Friars, in his native country, Holland, but being in delicate health, was permitted, by his superiors, to come to this country over thirty years ago. His missionary labors extended throughout the State of Wis- consin, he having belonged successively to the dioceses of Milwaukee, Green Bay and La Crosse. He was possessed of a great zeal for the erection of churches and other buildings in the interest of religion and a facility for acquir- ing the necessary funds and other assistance, as well as the good will and co-operation of the people was always at his command, and insured success from the beginning. It is said that he created between forty and fifty churches in this State ; for, though old and longing for the peace of a quiet and retired life again, did his custo- mary zeal in this regard forsake not him while at St. Philips'. Understanding full well that

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 82

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