History of Crawford and Richland counties, Wisconsin, Part 87

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 87
USA > Wisconsin > Crawford County > History of Crawford and Richland counties, Wisconsin > Part 87

Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).

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HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY.

Henry Eitsert resides on section 9, town 10, range 5, west, where he settled in 1860, pur- chasing his farm of Herman Hulce, who entered the land June 25, 1855. He is the son of Mich- ael Eitsert, who was born in Saxony, Oct. 6, 1794; came to the United States with his fami- ly in 1844, first to New Orleans; thence to St. Louis; thence to Belleville, III , where he resid- ed for a period of seven years; thence to Free- port, Ill., removing to Prairie du Chien in April, 1855. In October of that year he entered a farm in the town of Freeman, section 15, town 10, range 5 west. He resided here till April, 1866, when he returned to Prairie du Chien, and died Feb. 8, 1879. He was twice married; his first wife died in Illinois, his second is still liv- ing in this county. Henry Eitsert was born in Prussia, in 1835. He came to this country with his father, with whom he also came to Prairie du Chien in 1855. In 1857, he purchased a farm on Sugar creek, in this town, where he resided till he settled where he now lives. He married Marion C., daughter of Herman Hulce, the latter of whom was born in Delaware Co., N. Y., in 1811. He removed to Platteville, Grant Co., Wis., July 4, 1854. Ilis wife was Mary J. Thompson, a native of Scotland. As previously stated, he entered the farm which Mr. Eitsert owns in 1855. He die l here Nov. 6, 1872. His wife died May 11, 1865. Mr. and Mrs. Eitsert have three children; all natives of this town-Mary C, born in 1862; Francis Henry, born in 1866; Albert N., born in 1871. They have lost four children; their first born died Nov. 15, 1861; their third child died Sept. 18, 1864; their fifth child, born May 30, 1868, died Dec. 2, 1870; another child was born April 9, and died May 20, of the same year. Mr. Eitsert's farm contains 320 acres. He is one of the most successful farmers in the town of Freeman.

Tosten T. Sime, chairman of the town board of Freeman for 1883, is the son of Andrew Sime, who settled on the farm which Tosten now owns, on section 16, town 10, range 5 west,

in 1861, purchasing the farm of J. H. Jewell. Andrew Sime was a native of Norway, born in 1830; came to the United States at the age of twenty-seven years, and died here in the fall of 1864. He came to Crawford from Dane Co., Wis. His wife, also a native of Norway, re- sides at the homestead with her son. Tosten L. Sime was born in Norway in 1855, and came to this county with his parents. The family contained five children of whom Tosten T. was the eldest. He was elected a member of the town board for 1882, and owing to the serious illness of the chairman for that year, was ap- pointed to that position and at the following election was elected chairman for 1883. Mr. Sime is a young man of ability and intelligence. He made a competent executive officer, al.d possesses the confidence and respect of all.

Veranus E. Akin resides on section 23, town 11 north of range 6 west, where he settled in 1861. He was born in Dartmonth, Mass., in 1821, and when seventeen years of age went to sea, and followed a sailors life for twenty-three years. He was first engaged in the whaling trade, but sailed for many years in a merchantman. He made three trips around the world, twice sailing eastward and once westward. In 1859, he en- tered a tract of land in the town of Freeman, and two years later severed his connection with his vessel, and settled down to a farmer's life. He subsequently purchased an "eighty" of Lewis Ehrle, and his entire farm now comprises 122 acres. During the late war, he enlisted in Sep- tember, 1864, in the 42d Regiment Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry, and served till the rebel- lion was crushed Mr Aikin has been thrice married. His first wife was Marinda Bourne, to whom he was married in 1849. She died in 1856, leaving one daughter, Fannie, now the wife of William Bates, of Kansas. His second wife was Juliette Defield. They were married in 1861, and Mrs. Akin departed this life in 1881. His third and present wife was Maggie Seymour, a native of New York, to whom he was united in 1882.

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HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY.

Peter Bartholomew, proprietor of a livery stable at De Soto, is a native of Ohio, born in 1837. In 1848 he moved with his parents to Highland, Io va Co., Wis. In 1861 he eame to De Soto, Vernon county. In 1862 he enlis- ted in the 25th Wisconsin Infantry, and served three years, after which he returned to De Soto, where he has since resided.

Ralph Copper has been a resident of Craw- ford county since 1853 (when he located in Utica town), and a citizen of the town of Free- man since 1862. His farm is located on section 31, town 11, north of range 5 west, and was first entered by a man named Sweeny, father- in-law of Henry Sifrit, both of whom were early settlers of Freeman town. Mr. Coppers brother, Charles, came several years later, re- sided here for a time, then removed to Des Moines, Iowa, where he died. His two cousins, Joseph and Abel Copper, were well known early settlers of Freeman town. Another cousin, George Copper, came with our subject, and set- tled at Ferryville, where he lived till his de- cease. Ralph Copper was born in 1814, in Bea- ver Co., Penn., where his mother died shortly after. Ile removed with his father, Ralph Cop- per, Sr., to Licking Co., Ohio, where the father resided till his death. Mr. Copper then went to Van Wert Co., Ohio, and from thence to Crawford county in 1856. He entered a traet of government land in the town of Utica, where he resided until his removal to the town of Freeman. He married Mary Ann Williams, a native of Crawford Co., Penn., born in 182 !. She is the only one of her father's family, that became a resident of this county. Nine chil- dren have been given to the these parrents, seven living-Diana, wife of D. N. Ames; Oscar B .; Mandane, wife of John Valentine, a resi dent of Wadena Co., Minn .; Anna, wife of E. G. Lees; Emma, wife of Lysander Rounds; Al- ice and Ralph W. The deceased children are Mareus T. C., who was a member of company D., 31st regiment, Wisconsin Volunteer Infan- try, and died at Murfeesboro; and Mary, wife

of H. H. Lewis. Mr. Copper is a gentleman of genial tastes, and his hospitality is noted far and wide. He has served many years in different official positions; was justice of the peace, in the towns of Utica and Freeman, for fifteen years; town clerk of Freeman for two years; chairman of town board, and member of coun- ty board of supervisors three years, and for the past six years has been deputy sheriff of Craw- ford county.

Mrs. Jane MeDonald resides on section 24, near De Soto. She purchased the farm of 160 acres on which she resides, of George Coffin. It was entered by his father, Peleg Coffin. Mrs. Mc Donald is the widow of William MeDonald, and a daughter of Alexander Young, of this town. Mr. MeDonald was a native of the north of Ireland, where he was born in 1833. Hle fol- lowed the sea as a sailor, from his boyhood till 1862, when he located in Wisconsin. IIe came to De Soto the same year, and afterward settled on a farm in the town of Genoa, Vernon county, where he resided till his decease, which occurred Oct. 18, 1881. Mrs. MeDonald was born in the north of Ireland, Dec. 31, 1845. She has six children-Jane, Willie, Maggie, Alexander, John and Mary. She also lost two children. Mrs. MeDonald's farm, which she purchased for a homestead since the death of her husband, contains 160 acres. It is a valuable farm, with good improvements.

John H. Tower is a representative citizen of one of the best known families in the north- ern part of Crawford county. His father, John H. Tower, Sr., was born in the town of Iling- ham, Mass., in 1793; his ancestors were of En- glish nativity, and among the earlier settlers of New England. John H. early learned the trade of a shoemaker, in the meantime acquir- ing a good English education. When twenty years of age, he went to Albany, N. Y., and for three years was employed as a school teaeh- er in the near vicinity of that city. During the War of 1812, he volunteered his services in the Plattsburgh expedition, but before he reached

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HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY.

the field the battle had been fought, and he re- turned to his school. The district authorities on school matters were not in sympathy with the American cause and refused him further em- ployment. In consequence of this unforeseen circumstance, he returned to Massachusetts, and at North Brookfield resnmed work at his trade. He there married Phebe Poland, an aunt of the eminent Judge Luke Poland, of Vermont, and subsequently removed to Underhill, Chit- tenden Co., Vt., where he was engaged in the mercantile pursuits until the fall of 1853. The year previous, one of his sons, J. P., had gone ont to Wisconsin, and laid claim to a tract of land in what is now Utica, Crawford county. He settled on this land, and in 1853 was joined by his father and brothers, John H. and Thomas, and their families. John H. Sr., entered land in 1854, and with the assistance of his two sons, John HI. and Thomas, laid out and platted the village of Towerville. This was in the spring of 1855. Previous to this, they had erected a grist mill, on what was then the most modern plan, and it was started Dec. 15, 1854. John II. Sr., died in April, 1856, and his loving and faith- ful wife departed this life at Towerville, in 1860.

John H. Tower, Jr., was born at Underhill, Vt., in March, 1819. He was reared in the mercantile trade, and his present success is due in a great measure to the valuable business training he received in his father's store. He married Jane Woodruff, a native of Fairfield, Vt., born in August 1822. After coming to Crawford county, he was associated with his father in the erection of the grist mill, but about the time of its completion disposed of his interest, and engaged in mercantile pursuits. He continued

in trade until 1860, when he was elected sheriff, and served two years. In 1866, he came to the town of Freeman, and purchased the grist mill on section 27, town 11, north of range 6 west, which he still owns. Since coming to Freeman town, he has served as town clerk thirteen years, chairman of the town board, one year, justice of the peace ten years, and is highly es- teemed as an upright, honest citizen. Ile has two sons-Cornelius P. and William H. The former is part owner and miller in the aforesaid grist mill, and the latter is a farmer of this town.

William Davis was born in Knox Co., Ind., in 1826. When twenty-five years of age he went to Stillwater, Minn., for three years, and in 1854 went to Vernon Co., Wis., entering land on section 4, town 11, range 5 west, in Sterling town, which he improved and on which he re- sided until 1872. He then came to Crawford county, settling on land which he purchased of Mrs. Joanna T. Wightman, situated on section 16, town 10, range 6 west, Freeman town. Mr. Davis enlisted in February, 1862, in the 19th Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry, serving until the close of the war. Ile participated in many of the most important battles, including But- ler's operations in the vicinity of Richmond, siege of Petersburg, etc. He married Martha A. Heavrin, a native of Kentucky. Mr. and Mrs. Davis have had seven children, six of whom are living-Mary A., William N., George G., Alice E., Charles F. and Edwin A. Mr. Davis has been a justice of the peace of Free- man town for several years. lle also filled the office of town treasurer in the town of Sterling for three terms.

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HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY.

CHAPTER XXXI.

TOWN OF HANEY.

The town of Haney comprises congressional township 9, of range 14 west, and is bounded, on the north, by the towns of Clayton and Utica; on the east, by the town of Scott; on the sonth, by the towns of Marietta and Eastman; and on the west, by the town of Seneca.

The surface of this town is the most broken of any in the county. The Kickapoo river en- ters the town on the northwest quarter of see- tion 3, and takes a winding, southwesterly course to the southwest quarter of section 20, then southeast to the middle of section 34, from which section it leaves the town.

"Hull's Branch," is the second stream in size; this enters the town on section 6, and flow: nearly east for two miles, then bears south and enters the Kickapoo on the section line between sections 9 and 10.

Crow Hollow creek enters the town on the northeast corner of section 12, and flows nearly west, uniting with the Kickapoo river on see- tion 10.

Shaw Valley creek, the fourth stream in size in the town of Haney, rises on section 24, flows southwest into the Kickapoo river, on seetion 34. There is also a spring creek in the town, which has two branches.

The town was originally well supplied with timber; all varieties of woods being represented except pine and hemlock. The saw mills of modern times have consumed much of this tim- ber, leaving but the second growth. Railroad ties are cut and run down the Kickapoo river in great numbers, which also lessens the supply of valuable timber within the town.

The soil within the valleys is very rich, pro- ducing an abundant erop of corn, grass and oats, while the ridges are better fitted for wheat, rye, etc.

FIRST SETTLERS.

The first settler of this town was John Haney, who, in 1844, located in what has since been styled Haney Valley. Mr. Haney entered 160 acres of land; but it appears that it was not in his name, but in the name of one Houghton, of Galena, Ills. Mr. Haney enclosed a few acres and cultivated it, but seemingly did not intend to become a permanent settler. He was of a speculative turn of mind; he brought a few goods with him for the purpose of trading with the Indians. In 1849 he left his settlement, crossed the Mississippi river and founded the city of Lansing, Iowa, where he resided till his death. Some of his family are yet (1884) resi- dents of that place.

The land entered by Mr. Haney for Mr. Houghton, passed from the hands of the latter into the possession of J. F. Haskins.

A Frenchman named Lesserd located about 1847 on the west half of the northwest quarter of section 33. He built a house, which was the second dwelling creeted in the town, Haney's being the first. Lesserd and his wife remained there a short time, when their house was burned. He rebuilt, and then sold out to James Mullaney, and moved to Prairie du Chien, where he died.

The next settlers, and indeed the first per- manent ones, were James Il. Kast and James Mullaney. The former settled on section 12,

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HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY.

in the spring of 1851, and the latter entered land the same year on section 33.

In the fall of 1851, Peter M. Webb, Thomas Spencer and Quinton Nicks located in what is known now as the town of Haney. Mr. Webb died April 9, 1860. In 1884 his son still resided in the county, but his widow was in Kansas. Spencer and Nicks settled on section 11. Spen- cer died where he settled, Aug. 29, 1859. Nicks sold his claim to Spencer and removed to Rich- land county, and from there moved west.

In 1852 W. H. Bliss settled ou section 3, where he made a claim and lived about two years, when he entered land on section 4.

In September of the same year, 1852, J. N. Kast settled on section 12, where he entered for- ty acres of land. In 1884 he was an attorney at Bell Center.

In 1853 Peter Miller settled on section 10, where he remained till the time of his death in August, 1881. His oldest son, Charles, still owns and occupies the place.

James Wilkins settled the same season, on section 24. His son, Alexander Wilkins, set- tled the same time on the same section. The former died in Grant county a few years ago, and the latter at last accounts was living in Iowa.

Another settler of 1853 was William Shaw, who settled on section 26, on the farm after- ward owned by Anna Gibbs. Mr. Shaw re- turned to Indiana, from whence he came.

L. H. Alvord located on section 6, where he entered 360 acres of land. A few years later he moved to Kansas.

Peter Lansing, a Baptist minister, settled on section 13, in November, 1854. He came from Indiana; he at once entered 160 acres of land, upon which tract he lived for five or six years, when he moved over into Grant county. All speak of him as being an excellent man and a talented preacher.

Dr. Simon Alder came in at the same time Mr. Lansing did, and settled on section 24, where he entered eighty acres and lived there

till 1860, when he sold out and located at Peters- burg, where he lived a few years and then moved to Illinois. He practiced medicine dur- ing his stay in the town of Hancy.

In 1854 Nathan Kelley settled on section 13; he still lived in the town in 1884.

Thomas Coleman was also a pioneer of 1854; lie located on section 1, where he remained till the time of his death in 1861.

Another settler of 1854 was Martin Totten, who located on section 10. He finally returned to his native State, enlisted in the Union army, and was killed during the civil war.

Ferdinand Glathart, who came in the same year, settled on section 10; he. too returned to Indiana, enlisted, and was killed during the war.

Ira Lawrence located the same year, 1854, at Petersburg, where he built a large frame hotel, which was still standing and in a good condi- tion in 1884. After running this hotel several years he moved to Nebraska and there engaged in the same business.

Simeon Wilcox came in 1854, from Indiana and settled on section 10, at Petersburg, and a little later moved to the town of Freeman, where he died.

In 1855, came George W. Wood, C. D. Bell- ville, William Raymond, Merritt Thompson, Mr. Iceam, Alanson Taft, James J. Holden, Madi- son and James Alderman, Richard Reed, Mar- tin Reed, G. Cummings, Amos Alderman, II. A. Sturges, E. S. Barnum, George Root, James Dawling, and perhaps a few whose names have been forgotten.

Among the large number of settlers who located in 1856, were: William Brickner, W. D. C Lewis, William Shultz, George Smith, Frank Stowell, Truman B. Stowell, Henry Meyers and S. Chadwick.

FIRST EVENTS.

Mr. Haney built the first log house.

Peter Miller built the first frame house in the fall of 1854 at Petersburg.

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HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY.

The first child born within the limits of the town was Thomas, son of Peter and Jane Webb, born Feb. 28, 1852. He died in this town when about twenty years old.

The first marriage which occurred in the town of Haney was that of J. N. Kast and Elendar J. Webb, March 23, 1852. The mar- riage ceremony was performed by Rev. Doler- hide, a United Brethren preacher. Mrs. Kast died June 20, 1874.

The first death was that of Solomon Shook, a young man who came in from Illinois. He shot himself accidentally, Sept. 1, 1853. His remains were buried on section 11.

The first ground cultivated was that of John Haney's.

Henry Crow built the first mill, a saw-mill, on section 12, situated on Crow Valley creek.

The first school was tanght by Maria Wil- kins in the summer of 1853. She began the term at the residence of Thomas Spencer and completed the school in a school house erected that summer. James McAdam taught the fol- lowing winter. He was a soldier in the Civil War and was killed at Fort Donaldson in 1862.

The first religious services within the town were held by Rev. Dolerhide, a United Breth- ren minister, from Richland county. These services were held at the house of James H. Kast, on Christmas eve, 1851.

The first physician was G. Morgan, who came in about 1856; was here a number of years and then removed to Nebraska, where he finally died. lle was a native of the State of New York. He was a good doctor of the old school practice.

ORGANIC.

The first town meeting in the town of Haney was held April 5, 1859, at the house of George Root, on section 21. There were fifty-seven votes cast at this election, by which the follow- ing officers were elected:

Nathan Kelley, James II. Kast, Oliver Lang- don, supervisors; David Wion, clerk; Henry Crow, assessor and treasurer; J. L. Stowell,

town superintendent of schools; Oliver Lang- don, G. F. Bigelow and G. W. Wood, justices of the peace; C. D. Kast, Ira Miller and W. F. Harris, constables.

Of these pioneer town officers the following were deceased prior to 1884:

Messrs. Langdon, Root, Bigelow, Crow, C. D. Kast, Harris and Wion. James H. Kast, Nathan Kelley and George Wood were still residents of the town at this date; the others having removed to various parts of the country.

The election of 1883 was held April 3, at Wood's Hall on section 11. There were 110 votes polled for the following officers:

J. N. Kast, Jefferson Buckmaster, C. R. Young, supervisors; Harrison Coleman, clerk; Alanson Taft, assessor; R. F. Haskins, treasurer; A. L. Stowell, James Alderman, S. Taft and John G. Richardson, justices of the peace; Ans- tin Alderman, R. Dowling and P. C. Kast, constables.

EDUCATIONAL.

In 1884 the town of Haney was divided into two full and eight joint school districts. Districts No. I and 5 are the full districts ; the former has thirty-one pupils of school age ; the school house is situated in Haney Valley, on section 20.

No. 5 has twenty-three pupils; the school building in this district is on section 27, in Shaw's Valley. Joint distriet No. 1, is provided with a building situated in the town of Clay- ton. The average attendance belonging to the town of Haney is three.

Joint district No. 3 has a building on section 30. This district is made from parts of Haney, Seneca and Eastman.

Joint district No. 4 is provided with a house on section Il of thetown of IIaney. Number of pupils, thirty-seven.

Joint district No. 7 is made of portions of Haney and Seneca. The school building in this district is in the town of Seneca. Number of pupils from the town of Haney, six.

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HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY.

Joint district No. 8 has a good sized frame house located on section 33, of the town of Ifaney. Number of pupils, seven.

Joint district No. 9 is furnished with a house situated on section 3. The number of pu- pils from the town of Haney is forty-four. This is what is known as the Bell Centre school. The building in this district is the best in the town.

Joint district No. 11 is provided with a school house on section 25. Number of pupils twenty- six.

Joint district No. 12 has a poor log building, situated on section 13. Number of pupils, twenty-seven.

RELIGIOUS.

The United Brethren wene the first denomi- nation to hold services of a religious character. They were still the most numerous sect in the town in 1884, at which time they kept their meetings up at the several school houses.

The next to hold services, were the Free Will Baptists, whose society has never been very large.

The Methodists are organized into quite a strong society. They hold services at Bell Centre and Haney Valley, alternately.

A church edifice is now (1884) being erected on section 25, this is to be a Union church, built by a general subscription, to be used by all de- nominations.

CEMETERIES.

There are three burying grounds in the town of Haney. One of these is located at Bell Cen- tre, on section 3. This was the first cemetery used in the town, it being established in 1854.

Another is situated in Shaw's Valley, on sec- tion 27. This also has been in use for many years. But little care is taken of these grounds, which remain unfenced and otherwise neg- lected.

The third place of burial is on section 25. This is of a later date, and receives more care.

The first interments made in the town, were in what is known as Crow Hollow. There are

also several private burying grounds within the town.

POSTOFFICES.

There are three postoffices in the town of Haney. The first established was called Bell Centre, which has its history in connection with the village of Bell Centre.

North Star postoffice was established in July, 1864. Anson T. Cook was the first postmaster and was still serving in that capacity in 1884. The office has always been kept at the residence of Mr. Cook, on section 34. It is on the route from Wauzeka to Readstown; mail is received three times a week.

Haney postoffice was established Sept. 26, 1882. Seymour Taft was appointed the first postmaster. His commission is dated, Aug. 29, 1883. It is a special office on the route from Wauzeka to Readstown; it is supplied from North Star postoffice.

MILLS.

The first mill erected in the town of Haney, was a saw-mill, begun by James H. Kast, on Crow Valley creek, at a point on section 12. This was sometime during 1853. Mr. Kast, aided by his brother Chancey, got out the frame and made considerable progress toward the erection of the mill, when on account of ill health, James H. Kast was obliged to stop work. It remained in an incompleted condition till 1855, when the property was sold to Henry Crow, who set about completing it. Several years later he built a grist mill, a mile or so below the saw-mill. This was operated sev- eral years and finally burned and another mill erected on the same site, by Buckmaster & Morse. In 1884 this was doing a good business; at this date it was owned and operated by Jesse Buckmaster.

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History of Crawford and Richland counties, Wisconsin, Part 87

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