History of Dane County, Wisconsin, Part 127

Author: Butterfield, Consul Willshire, 1824-1899; Western Historical Co., Chicago, pub
Publication date: 1880
Publisher: Chicago : Western Historical Company
Number of Pages: 1304

USA > Wisconsin > Dane County > History of Dane County, Wisconsin > Part 127

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).

The Legislature of the State, at its annual session held in the winter of 1867-68, passed an. act incorporating the village, designating the south half of Section 5, the north half of Section 8, and the west half of the northwest quarter of Section 9, in Township 5 north, Range 11 east, as comprising its limits, and constituting the inhabitants then dwelling in the territory described, or who might thereafter dwell therein, as a body corporate, by the name of " the President and Trustees of the Village of Stoughton," with all the rights and privileges granted to such bodies. The officers of the corporation consist of five Trustees, one Clerk, one Police Justice, one Assessor, one Treasurer, and one Constable, who is an ex-officio Marshal, Street Commissioner and Health Commissioner. The first election under the charter was held on the first Tuesday of April, 1868, since which time annual elections have been held, resulting as follows :

1868-Trustees : James Norris, President ; Matthew Morrison, Matthew Johnson, J. C. Chidester, H. J. Everest ; Clerk, Frank Allen ; Marshal and Street Commissioner, A. E. Nott ; Treasurer, A. C. Croft ; Poundmaster, N. Washburn.

1869-Trustees: F. A. Turner, President ; R. R. Walker, M. Weisenberg, J. C. Chidister, John Daws ; Frank Allen, Clerk ; H. A. Hoverson, Police Justice ; A. C. Croft, Treasurer; G. W. Warren, Street Commissioner.

843

HISTORY OF DANE COUNTY.

1870-Frank A. Turner, President ; James Norris,.J. H. Warren, S. H. Severson, Andrew Nelson, Trustees ; A. P. Lusk, Clerk ; Hans A. Hoverson, Police Justice; E. Sawyer, Street Commissioner; A. C. Croft, Treasurer.

1871-Thomas Beattie, President ; William H. Miller, S. H. Severson, Jacob Wettleson, F. A. Buckman, Trustees ; A. P. Lusk, Clerk ; A. E. Nott, Marshal ; H. A. Hoverson, Police Justice ; A. T. Higbee, Poundmaster ; A. C. Croft, Treasurer ; A. E. Nott, Street Com- missioner.

1872-W. H. Miller,* President; A. A. Flint, George Matthews, Knud Olson, Jacob Wettleson, Trustees ; H. M. Billings, Clerk ; H. A. Hoverson, Assessor ; J. O. Cold, Consta- ble and Street Commissioner ; A. T. Higbee, Poundmaster ; A. C. Croft, Treasurer.

1873-Jacob Wettleson, President ; R. S. Allen, T. G. Mandt, E. E. Warren, H. G. Venoss, Trustees ; H. M. Billings, t Clerk ; T. C. Lund, Police Justice; A. T. Higbee, Pound- master ; Knud Olson, Treasurer ; W. O. Wettleson, Street Commissioner.

1874-Thomas Beattie, President ; T. G. Mandt, H. G. Venoss, Nelson Greenbank, J. C. Chidester, Trustees ; F. E. Parkinson, Clerk; H. J. Rhodes, Poundmaster ; Jens Naset, Treasurer.

1875-Thomas Beattie, President; T: G. Mandt, Nelson .Greenbank, E. E. Warren, H. J. Everest, Trustees; F. E. Parkinson,¿ Clerk ; Solomon Thayer, Poundmaster ; W. O. Wettle- son, Street Commissioner.

1876-N. Greenbank, President ; K. Olson, E. E. Warren, C. Rasmussen, J. S. Hutson, Trustees ; T. C. Lund, Clerk ; J. C. Chandler, Supervisor ; Jens J. Naset, Treasurer ; H. A. Hoverson, Assessor ; J. M. Hibbard, Police Justice ; N. Swager, Marshal.

1877-Knud Olson, President ; H. J. Everest, J. C. Chidester, J. S. Hutson, T. G. Mandt, James Norris, Supervisors ; T. C. Lund, Clerk; H. A. Hoverson, Assessor; Jens J. Naset, Treasurer ; W. D. Potter, Police Justice ; Nels Thompson, Marshal and Street Commissioner.

1878-T. G. Mandt, President ; Thomas Lormer, N. Jensen, L. D. Clark, Carl Rasmus- son, Trustees ; L. K. Luse, Clerk ; James Norris, Superviser ; George Burnett, Treasurer; H. A. Hoverson, Assessor ; W. D. Potter, Police Justice ; J. O. Cold, Marshal.

1879-F. A. Turner, President ; Matthew Johnson, J. C. Chidester, Knud Olson, James Norris, Trustees; T. C. Lund, Clerk ; Thomas Beattie, Supervisor ; J. G. Baker, Treasurer ; H. A. Hoverson, Assessor; O. F. Tipple, Police Justice; W. O. Wettleson, Marshal.

1880-T. G. Mandt, President ; K. Olson, M. Johnson, H. M .; Tusler, D. L. Rothe, Trust- ees ; Charles Davis, Clerk ; L. K. Luse, Supervisor ; J. G. Baker, Treasurer; H. A. Hover- on, Assessor ; J. M. Clancy, Police Justice ; J. C. Chidester, Marshal.

The first ordinance passed by the board was for the purpose of restraining animals from running at large ; the second to restrain drunkards. The next step was to provide sidewalks for the village. License was granted this year for the sale of intoxicating liquors, for the sum of $60 per year for the retailer and $40 for the wholesale dealer.

License, for the sale of intoxicating liquors, has been granted each year by the village board. In 1872, on the proposition to grant the same for the ensuing year, the board was a tie, two of the members voting for and two against license. The casting vote was-then with the President, W. H. Miller, who voted no, and then immediately handed in his resignation as a member of the board. Thomas Beattie was elected to fill the vacancy, and was also elected by the board as President. The question again coming up, Mr. Beattie gave the casting vote in favor.

A Reminiscence .- A writer in the Stoughton Courier, in 1876, had this to say of the place : "Less than thirty-five years ago, the voice of civilization, culture, education and refinement could not be heard where now are busy streets, bounded with neat places of business, art and progress on either side. The beautiful elevations where then the untutored savage walked with princely mien and pitched his tent, clad in native simplicity, caring for naught save present phy-

· Resigned, and Thomas Beattie slected to fill vacancy ; also elected by board its President.

t Resigned, and F. E. Parkinson appointed to fill the vacancy.

# Besigned, and T. C. Lund appointed.

844

HISTORY OF DANE COUNTY.

sical want, are now locations of churches, schools and houses of refinement. The Indian trail has given place to the iron rail, that bears to our seaboards the product of industry and toil, and the wild screech of the juvenile savage is succeeded by the merry song of the boy that ' can't tell a lie,' but may be President. Twenty-five years ago, the pride of our then new town con- sisted in a grist and saw mill, two hotels of small degree, two stores, a blacksmith-shop, and about a dozen dwellings, accommodating less than a hundred souls. Everybody knew all about his neighbors and his neighbors' business, and confidently predicted a future of prosperity to the village that was their beau ideal, but hard times and scenes of adversity came hand-in- hand with those of prosperity. A new brick flouring-mill was erected, only to tumble down over a quick- sand foundation, and all the people were in sackcloth. The iron horse furnished glad music to business men who loaded her trains, only to be followed by losses in business, and her stores, increased from two to a dozen, were nearly all closed in the 'hard times of '57,' by ruthless creditors. But the motto of the little town was 'onward.' In all her adversity she never fal- tered, but made the most of her misfortunes. Now she boasts of iron bridges instead of sunken ones of wood ; of improved streets, walks and residences ; of an excellent and popular mill; of the celebrated ' Stoughton Wagon Works,' including a foundry, that has done so much in adding to the growth, population and prosperity of the village, and of numerous other works of manu- facture and enterprise, all in a most prosperous condition, notwithstanding all the talk about ' hard and soft money.' A fine two-story schoolhouse and seven churches, are proof that our people have not been asleep as to the wants of educational or spiritual improvement, and the civic and social relations among our inhabitants are eminently harmonious. Three good hotels now furnish desirable accommodations to strangers and the traveling public, and Stoughton, with its river and lake inducements to the sporting man, has become a desirable locality to recuper- ate the overworn energies of sedentary life. A commodious and well-shaded park for public. celebrations, with a racing track in good order, is a recent feature of improvement in the town."

Public Schools .- From the little old schoolhouse on the west side of the river, as a begin- ning, there is now a fine three-story brick building, standing on an eminence east of the river, and commanding one of the finest views to be found in this section. This building was formally opened in December, 1862, with prayer by Rev. Robert Sewell, an address by the State Super- intendent, Hon. J. L. Pickard, and remarks by County Superintendent Barlow and others, interspersed with band music and choir singing. For fifteen years this building met the require- ments of the village, but in 1877 an addition was built, by which three more rooms were added. The graded system was adopted at an early day, and, on the passage of the law, in 1875, a free high school was established. At present, the value of the school building and grounds is estimated at $10,000. In the district are 404 children of school age, 380 of whom were enrolled the past year in the various departments. Since 1866, the following named have been employed as teachers : W. M. Lawrence, Nellie French, Adele Duncan, Miss O. M. Caprell, F. E. Parkinson, Mary E. Vedder, Maria E. Lawton, George Brenseau, Nellie Belden, Nellie Parkinson, Miss H. E. Main, C. H. Faulks, Miss L. Campbell, Miss A. S. Powers, George W. Currier, H. L. Alden, L. D. Roberts, Miss Marilla Douglas, Miss M. Stebbins, Annie Wyman, Carrie Pierpont, Mary Gantt, Annie Sewell, Mrs. C. L. Hubbs, J. S. Maxon, Mrs. J. S. Maxon, A. R. Ames.

Lecture Association .- In the fall of 1877, an association was formed, composed of a num- ber of the leading citizens of the place, for the purpose of securing a course of lectures during the winter months. Among those taking a special interest in the matter were George W. Cur- rier, L. D. Clark, O. M. Turner, T. W. Evans, A. A. Flint, W. H. Leedle, H. M. Tusler, A. H. Isham, J. S. Hutson, W. D. Potter, A. T. Higbee, C. E. Parrish, C. J. Melaas, G. W. Wood, H. W. Hale and H. J. Nichols. George W. Currier was made President of the associa- tion.

Post Office .- A post office was established here in 1848, with Forest Henry as Postmaster. He was soon after succeeded by Thomas Howland, who continued until 1853, when E. Beards- ley was appointed. On account of his intention to support John C. Fremont for the Presidency

845

HISTORY OF DANE COUNTY.

in 1856, he resigned the office, and Emerson F. Giles received the appointment. Mr. Giles soon after hoisted a Fremont flag, and was in consequence removed, Squire Sibley taking the office, which he held until his death. John R. Boyce was then appointed, and held the office until 1865, when A. C. Croft was commissioned, and held the office until February 20, 1875, when he resigned and removed to Minnesota, where he engaged in the publication of the Rock County Herald. J. M. Hibbard, who had been assistant under Mr. Croft for nearly six years, was now commissioned as Postmaster, which position he yet holds. He is assisted in his office by Miss Mira Warren, who discharges the duties of assistant in a manner to win the praise of the patrons of the office. At the time Postmaster Hibbard took control of the office, there were 175 call boxes, and 10 lock boxes. There are now 460 call boxes, and 56 lock boxes. Stoughton was designated as a money-order office on July 1, 1869. The first order was issued to Michael Campbell for the sum of $50. The first order paid by this office was to Mrs. Isabel Edwards.

Stoughton Fair Association .- Pursuant to a call, a meeting was held in the village hall, Tuesday evening, September 30, 1879, for the purpose of forming an association under the above name. After the matter was thoroughly discussed and signing articles of agreement by those desirous of becoming identified with the enterprise, S. H. Severson was elected Presi- dent; William E. Collady, Hiram Baker, Oliver Johnson, J. M. Hoffman, Edward Fellows, George Nearson, Ole Everson, Vice Presidents ; C. E. Parrish, Secretary ; George Dow, Treas- urer. The officers were made an Executive Committee, and empowered to select grounds, erect buildings and arrange for holding fairs.

Turner's Park was secured by the officers of the association, and a series of monthly fairs determined upon. Saturday, October 24, 1879, was the day advertised for the first exhibition. Although it had been insufficiently advertised, a large gathering was in attendance, and a credita- ble amount of stock was placed upon exhibition. Six races took place, affording an exciting amusement. An auction sale of stock followed the regular exhibition.

The second fair was held Saturday, November 22, and was quite largely attended, consid- ering the lateness of the season. The streets were crowded with teams, and a large number witnessed the races at the driving park. A number of head of stock was on exhibition, and a number of sales made at the auction. John Patterson, of Pleasant Springs, created some atten- tion by driving two yoke of oxen hitched to a wagon. Mr. Patterson is a pioneer settler, and understands well how to wield the whip and shout " haw " and " gee."

No fairs were held during the winter months following. The third fair was held Monday, May 17, 1880. Over $100 were offered in purses and premiums. The village paper of May 22, said of this fair : "Shortly after sunrise on Monday morning, our ever lively village became the scene of unusual excitement. Our citizens were abroad at an early hour, and the star- spangled banner and Scandinavian flag were seen floating in the morning breeze. People from the surrounding country, clothed in holiday attire, began to arrive, and before 10 o'clock our streets were swarming with humanity, comprising all ages, sects and nationalities. The officers of the Fair Association were upon the ground by 9 o'clock, and the Secretary's books open for entries. The Stoughton Brass Band furnished the music for the occasion. Financially, the fair was a success, and sufficient funds were realized to pay up the associations indebtedness."

Stoughton Cornet Band .- This band was organized in 1854, and was composed of sixteen members-E. J. Leavitt, R. Bartell, John Daws, George Pellage, Theodore Colladav, Charles Dodge, John Dodge, James Brown, C. Beardsley, John Colladay, John Flanigan, R. Pritchard, C. Carr, George Colladay, S. Pitts and William Pitts. R. Bartell was chosen as leader, E. J. Leavitt instructor. Their advancement in musical science and skill was so great that in 1858, the band had the reputation of being one of the best in the State, and their services were gen- erally in request on public occasions far and near. On the breaking-out of the war, the band was re-organized and enlisted as the regimental band of the Eleventh Wisconsin. Those composing the company at that time were E. J. Leavitt, T. P. Camp, John Daws, G. H. Warren, E. Daws, Theodore Colladay, J. M. Daws, John Nicholas, Charles Dodge, John Dodge, James Brown,

846

HISTORY OF DANE COUNTY.

John Colladay, B. Ralph, R. Pritchard and George Colladay. At the expiration of eleven months they were discharged, when they came home, again re-organized and re-enlisted as head- quarter's band of Gen. Curtiss. As such they served during the remainder of the war, when they returned to their homes. The next move was to again perfect their organization, which was done, the following named composing the number : E. J. Leavitt, leader; T. P. Camp, John Daws, J. Wettleson, G. H. Warren, C. Isham, A. M. Isham, George Pellage, E. Daws, A. Nelson, A. E. Nott, Theodore Colladay, J. M. Daws, Clarence Sawyer, Seymour Stoughton. They now adopted the name of Leavitt's Cornet Band, electing John Daws, Presi- dent ; A. E. Nott, business manager. Again their services were in demand for political parties, celebrations and social parties. Mr. Leavitt continued as leader of the band until 1868, when he left the village. John Daws was then elected to fill the vacancy, continuing as such until 1876, when he retired and Chauncey Isham was elected. After Mr. Leavitt's with- drawal, the name Stoughton Cornet Band was again resumed. Mr. Isham served for about one year when he died.

Some of Stoughton's Honored Dead .*- William H. Miller was born in Troy, Waldo Co., Me., February 29, 1816 At an early age, he was apprenticed to a tanner and shoemaker in Cornish, and, having mastered his trade, engaged in business there for himself. He was success- ful, but success was gained at the expense of his health, which broke down in 1850, through excessive and unremitting labor. In the following year, he removed to Wisconsin and settled on a farm in the town of Deerfield, this county. In 1868, he came to Stoughton, and again engaged in the boot and shoe business, but failing health led him to seek a milder climate. He there- fore removed to Florida, and opened a fruit farm near Bronson ; but it was too late ; his mala- dies prevailed, and on the 13th of April, 1879, he died. In politics, he was, from the organiza- tion of the party, a Republican, and aided much in building up and sustaining that party in his section of the county. Beside holding town offices, he represented his district in the Assemblies of 1863 and 1864. Being in Rhode Island at the time of the Dorr rebellion, he served the State as a soldier in that bloodless war. When war seemed imminent with Great Britain, pending the settlement of the northeastern boundary question, he promptly offered himself as a substitute for a friend who was drafted. In the early days of 1861, when told that a son had enlisted, he simply remarked, " He has only done his duty." He had been for many years a member of the Methodist Church, and gave time and liberally of his means for the advancement of the cause of Christ. He was thrice married, and at death left a wife and eight children to mourn his loss. Mr. Miller won the confidence and esteem of every one with whom he came in contact. He was faithful to every trust, quiet and unassuming, content to do the duties that came to his hands, being ambitious only to do good.

Nahum Parker immigrated to this State in 1845, and ten years later settled in Stoughton, where he died April 7, 1880. A local writer thus speaks of him: "Concerning his traits of character as a man and citizen, too much cannot be said in his praise. He was industrious, en- terprising, virtuous, refined, genial and generous, patriotic and magnanimous. He loved his country ; he gloried in his citizenship ; he esteemed it a great excellency of character to be a true patriot under this Government, in this land of freedom and free institutions. He was a very honest man in all his business transactions-his word was his bond. He believed that an . honest man was the noblest work of God; and as he believed, so he was in life, every inch of him an honest man. If ever a man lived who had a better reputation in this respect, I have no knowledge of him. His character for honesty was above suspicion. He paid his debts. He promised only to fulfill. All who sustained business relations with him found his word equal to gold. Like the sturdy, honest old hills of New England and his native State, you always knew where to find him. He was a model man in his social relations; he loved his home ; his family was dear to his heart ; he took great satisfaction in being at home, where his joys were centered, and in providing for his own household. He was a very patient man. I never saw a more pa- tient man in my life than he was in his last sickness ; and even when the time came that it was

* A biographical notice of the late Luke Stoughton is given in a previous chapter, in the article headed " Some of Dans County's Distinguished Dead,"-ED.

S. L. Sheldon,

MADISON.

849

HISTORY OF DANE COUNTY.

evident to his own mind that he was fast approaching the dark river, that the profoundest med- ical skill was inadequate to reach his case, he uttered no complaint, but wore the same patient cx- pression as before. He leaves a wife and two daughters and a large circle of friends to mourn his loss."

Among the pioneer preachers of Wisconsin, few were better known and none more uni- versally beloved than Rev. Robert Sewell, who for many years ministered to the little band of Congregationalists in this village. Robert Sewell was born August 8, 1798, in Halstead, En- gland. His father, Deacon Isaac Sewell, was a man of sterling Christian integrity and influence; by character and lineage a stanch Independent. He studied theology with Rev. R. Cope, D. D., and before his marriage was licensed to preach. It was his deliberate choice and joy to preach the Gospel of his loved Savior without compensation whenever he found opportunity.

A few years subsequent to his marriage, he removed to America, finding a temporary home in Canada. There he gathered a Congregational Church, whose urgent invitation to become their Pastor he felt it his duty to decline. He selected Madison, N. J., for his home, where, entering into business, he mainly resided till he removed West. In the summer of 1853, he removed to the vicinity of Fulton, Rock Co., Wis., and shortly commenced preaching with the Congregational Churches at Fulton and Cooksville. The following spring, he yielded to the urgent solicitations of friends that, under changed circumstances, he should consent to be or- dained and become Pastor to the Fulton Church. The church at Cooksville having later trans- ferred themselves to the village of Stoughton, he removed his residence thither in December, 1858. Here he continued to reside and preach up to the time of his death, excepting one interval, when he was ministering to a church he had gathered and organized at Brooklyn, twelve miles distant, and to which he continued to preach till he was unable to meet the exposure incident to the travel from his home.

Having just entered on a new year of home missionary labor with the Stoughton Church, and as keenly enjoying his ministerial labors as ever in his life, his vigor of mind and utterance unimpaired, he was attacked with a sickness that kept him out of the pulpit but one Sabbath. He was convalescing rapidly from it, when, on Wednesday evening, February 11, 1874, while sitting by his fireside with his family, he fell over into the arms of his wife and died instantly. God granted him his twofold wish. In that illness, He took away all lingering fear of death, and He suffered him to die " with the harness on." Up to the last, he delighted in all the min- istrations of the Sabbath, and gladly used for his Redeemer all the treasures that his constantly active mind had gathered from every quarter. Through his life, he sought the privilege rather than the fame of good deeds, the gain and use of knowledge instead of ics reputation and praise. The record of the many liberal things that his heart devised and his hands wrought is with the Master whom he loved and served. Doing good was his highest joy. This made his life a pow- erful demonstration of Christian love, and secured for him universal confidence and good-will. A. clear thinker, from the outset of his ministry till its close a student of the Greek and Hebrew Scriptures, as studious of God's revelations in his works as in his words, and ever impelled by the love of Christ and the love of souls, he gained great personal influence over his hearers. He was familiarly known as Father Sewell to almost every person in the village and sur- rounding country, and, in the absence of other ministers, he was often called upon to lay away to rest the departed of other flocks.

Manufactories .- The situation of Stoughton, its fine water-power, and access to the markets of the country, make it a good manufacturing point, which at present is being well developed. The first manufactory of importance was that of the

Stoughton Mills .- As already remarked, the first grist-mill erected in the place was by Luke Stoughton, in 1848, a small affair, which was afterward torn down on the completion of a better edifice by the same person. The second mill was undermined by the water-rats and fell-a perfect wreck. Mr. Stoughton then sold the. water-power to John C. Jenkins, who erected another and better mill a short distance below the first. After operating it a few years, Mr. Jenkins, in July, 1864, deeded it to Walker, Williams & Co., who, in April, 1867, sold to

850

HISTORY OF DANE COUNTY.

Norris & Beattie. In 1879, Mr. Beattie sold his interest to Mr. Dow, who, together with Mr. Norris, continues to run it under the firm name of Norris & Dow. As originally built, the mill had three run of stone; one run was afterward added by Walker, Williams & Co., and three more by Norris & Beattie. Of the seven run of stone, five are used for general manufacture, and two on custom work. For some years past, about 100 barrels per day have been mann- factured for the general trade. Ten men find employment in the mill. Three brands of flour are made-Minnesota Patent, Stoughton Straight and Extra. Six of the most improved water- wheels are in constant nse. Three of them are Leffel's, one Noyes' improved, one Houston's improved and one Stout, Mills & Temple's, of Dayton, Ohio. All of them are the improved turbine wheel. These six wheels run the complicated machinery of the mill. All the machinery and the last-mentioned water-wheel are furnished by Stout, Mills & Temple, of Dayton, Ohio, and consist of the best and most improved machinery now in nse. The bolting chest in use cost $2,500, the bolting cloth used in its construction being of silk manufactured in France. They import a large quantity of wheat from Minnesota, from which is manufactured a superior article of flour. Norris & Dow, erected, in 1877, near the depot, an elevator for the purpose of storing grain received from the West, and also to enable them to handle the grain purchased in this vicinity. They have also a Fairbank track-scale by the side of the elevator, with a weighing capacity of thirty tons. This enables them to ascertain the number of bushels of grain received, or the amount of flour, grain or other produce shipped.

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 Dane County, Wisconsin, Part 127

Author: Butterfield, Consul Willshire, 1824-1899; Western Historical Co., Chicago, pub Publication date: 1880 Publisher: Chicago : Western Historical Company Number of Pages: 1304

Author: Butterfield, Consul Willshire, 1824-1899; Western Historical Co., Chicago, pub
Publication date: 1880
Publisher: Chicago : Western Historical Company
Number of Pages: 1304