History of Dane County, Wisconsin, Part 133

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 133

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 town has been represented in the Legislature by R. W. Davison, in its early history, and J. M. Flint in later years.

The inhabitants of the town are chiefly Americans, Germans and Norwegians.

The population of the town, in 1870, was 1,275. The present population is 1,139.

TOWN OF DANE.

When the territory now constituting the town of Dane was brought under a town govern- ment by an act of the Territorial Legislature, approved February 2, 1846, it was a part of the town of Madison. Afterward, by an act approved February 11, 1847, its territory, along with that now constituting the town of Roxbury, was formed into a town called Clarkson. By an act of the State Legislature, approved March 11, 1848, the name was changed to Dane. On March 21, 1849, Township 9 north, of Range 8 east, was erected into a separate town by the same name; so called from the post office of that name then existing within its limits. The first election for town officers was held on the first Tuesday in April of that year, at the house of William Dunlap. At this election the following among other officers were elected : Daniel C. Miller, Chairman ; James R. Waterbury, Alfred Newman, Supervisors; Alfred Newman, Clerk ; Sperry Tinker, Treasurer ; John Miller, Freedom Simons, John Otto, Assessors.

Patrick Malone and Freedom Simons were the first settlers of the town of Dane, the date of their settlement being 1845. Mr. Malone died of cholera in 1850. Among other early settlers of the town were John M. Babcock, Miller Blachly, Elan Blachly, Bell Blachly, A. J. Luce, William Dunlap, Mr. Bell, Daniel Miller, Edward Tillotson, Jacob Myers, J. R. Waterbury, George O. Babcock, James Steele, Robert Steele, Samuel Riddle, Amos Petti- bone, William Rapp, Peter Rapp, Joshua E. Abbott, Marvin Simons, G. Rungue, James

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Strangeway, Josiah Fitch, Alfred Newman, Nathaniel Martin, John Millerand W. G. Winters.

The first school was held in the Luse neighborhood in 1847, Miss Sarah Blachly being the teacher.

The first birth in the town was that of a daughter of Patrick Malone, in 1846. The first male child was Elijah, son of Marvin and Abigail Simons.

On the 24th day of October, 1840, Miller Blachly died, being the first death of an adult in the town.

The first religious services held here were at the house of Freedom Simons, in 1845, Elder Conrad, a Baptist minister, officiating.

Rev. Mr. Blachly was Pastor of the first Congregational Church, organized in 1848. In 1875, a German Catholic Church was erected. The town has five school districts and eight joint districts.

The town of Dane is situated in the northwestern part of the county, on its northern boundary, from which it is separated from the town of Lodi, in Columbia County. The town is watered in the northern part by Spring Creek, which has its rise in the central part, flowing northerly through Lodi, and thence to its outlet in the Wisconsin River. The northern portion of the town is much broken, and has numerous bold, and somewhat precipitous, bluffs, and also considerable marsh land, on and near Spring Creek. The east half of the town is generally undulating prairie, with a few groves of oak openings and a large marsh on Sections 34 and 35, in the southern part, which extends into the adjoining town of Springfield, on the south. The land is generally prairie loam and produces good crops.

Dane Station is situated on the Chicago & North-Western Railroad, and has several busi- ness houses and a population of about 150.

About one-half of the population of the town are Germans-Americans, Norwegians, Scotch and Irish making up the balance.

The town of Dane has but one post office: Dane Station Post Office, situated on Sections 13 and 24, on the line of the Chicago & North-Western Railway. The Chicago & North-Western Railway, Madison Division, enters the town on Section 36, runs northwest, leaving the town on Section 2, northwest corner.

The population of the town in 1870 was 1,043; the population now is 1,158.

THE TOWN OF DUNN.

The territory included within the present limits of the town of Dunn is Township 6 north, of Range 10 east, of the United States survey. This township was one of the three which originally constituted the town of Rome. By an act of the Territorial Legislature, approved March 11, 1848, Rome became extinct, and its territory was erected into a separate town, called Dunn. It was the intention to have called the town Dover, but the name was so poorly written that it was mistaken for Dunn. The first town meeting for the town of Dunn was held at the resi- dence of A. W. Wetherby, April 4, 1848, when the following, among other officers, were chosen : R. T. Rawson, Chairman ; William Freeman and Eli Root, Supervisors ; W. M. Colladay, Clerk ; A. W. Wetherby, Treasurer ; Calvin Farnsworth, Assessor. There were twenty-three votes cast.

The first election on record for the town of Rome, when it comprised what is now Oregon, Fitchburg and Dunn, was held at the house of William Quivey, April 7, 1846, and. the follow- ing officers, among others, were elected : Reuben Boyce, Chairman ; William Quivey and William Freeman, Supervisors ; J. W. Scovill, Clerk ; W. H. Fox, Treasurer; H. Johnson, Adolphus Simonds and Eli Root, Assessors.

In 1847, the successful ticket was as follows : J. H. Rogers, Chairman ; William Freeman and John Patterson, Supervisors ; W. M. Colladay, Clerk; Alvah W. Wetherby, Treasurer; Eli Root and William Freeman, Assessors.

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HISTORY OF DANE COUNTY.

The surface of the town is undulating in character, and is made up chiefly of prairie and meadow land, diversified by oak openings. The soil of Dunn is a rich, black clay loam, inter- mingled with limestone marl, with sandy subsoil in some localities. There are many pre-historic mounds and relics of Indian inhabitancy found, especially around the lakes.

The town is very well supplied with water, there being two small lakes entirely within the town, and two partly within it, besides several small streams, which run through it. The waters of Lake Kegonsa occupy about four square miles in the southeast part, and Lake Waubesa about three square miles in the north part. The two small lakes are located, one, called Mud Lake, in the northeast part, and one in the southwest part, called Hook Lake. The latter is a some- what stagnant body of surface water, covering several hundred square acres.

The Yahara is the principal stream. It flows through the northeast part of the town, con- necting Lake Kegonsa and Lake Waubesa. The stream widens on Section 10, forming Mud Lake. Door Creek rises in the town of Cottage Grove and flows through the northeast part of Dunn, emptying into Lake Kegonsa. There are four more small streams, two of which rise in the town of Fitchburg and flow easterly, emptying into Lake Wanbesa. The other two rise in the northwest part, one flowing northwest and emptying into the Yahara, and the other flowing in the same direction and emptying into Lake Kegonsa.

The population of the town is made up of various nationalities. In 1870, it was 1,172; at present it is 1,139. Churches and schools are well maintained here, and the town's people are generally in a thriving condition. The Prairie du Chien Division of the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railroad passes through the northeast corner of the town.

The first white settler, in what is now the town of Dunn, was a Frenchman, named Oliver Emell. He resided here at least as early as July, 1836. He had a Winnebago woman for a wife, and had several children. When the Winnebago Indians left the country he moved away with them.

The first white American settlers were Alvah Wetherby and family. They came in 1843, and located on Section 21. Mr. Wetherby remained in the town until 1858, when he emigrated to California.

The next settlers in the town came in 1844. They were Dr. Levi Pritchard, A. Witcomb, the Dexter brothers, the Root brothers, O. B. Moore, William M. Colladay and Richard Palmer. They located in various parts of the town. Within five years after the first settlement, there were twenty-five families in the town.

The first public school was taught by Miss Amanda Soule, at the residence of Asa Dexter. Nearly the whole township then belonged to the district. There are now six schoolhonses in the town.

The first religions service was held at the residence of Mrs. Slater, in 1847, and conducted by Rev. William Fox, a Methodist.

The village of McFarland was laid ont in 1856, and named after W. H. McFarland. The Milwaukee & Prairie Du Chien Railroad Company had previously built a depot, about one and a quarter miles south of the present site, but, not having land enough, and being asked exorbi- tant prices for adjacent lands, they moved the depot to where it now stands.

In 1856, Eugene Eighmy came down to this station and commenced buying wheat, board- ing in Madison during the time.

In the fall, two shanties were built, one by Ole Anton, who moved here from Stoughton and commenced selling " wet groceries," mostly whisky, the other by George Fleming, who started the first store.

N. Kimball was the first blacksmith. Lewis Anderson, Jonas Johnson and B. S. Johnson, the first carpenters, came soon after.

In 1857, or 1858, Mr. Rugg started a wagon-shop.

The first birth was a child of Mr. Rugg's, and the first death Mrs. Hawman.

There are now about two hundred inhabitants in the village.

There is one church edifice at McFarland, erected in 1873, by the Norwegian Lutherans.

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HISTORY OF DANE COUNTY.

The congregation was organized in 1857. There is also a Methodist Episcopal Society, which holds services at Hoffman's Hall, and in the schoolhouse of District No. 4.

TOWN OF BLACK EARTH.

On the 2d day of August, 1848, the State Legislature erected into a new town, Townships 8 of Ranges 6 and 7, to which they gave the name of Farmersville. By an act passed February 1, 1851, the name of the town was changed to Black Earth. The year previous to this, Township 8 of Range 7 was taken off from Farmersville and erected into a new town, by the name of Berry. By an act approved May 17, 1858, " the south half of Township No. 8 north, of Range No. 1+ east, being from No. 19, to Section No. 36, both inclusive, shall be organized unto and consti- tute the township [town] of Ray." But the name was afterward changed to Black Earth.

This town lies on the western county line, which separates it from the town of Arena, in Iowa County. It is only one-half of a township. The town is watered by the river which gives it its name, which enters the town on the southern boundary, on Section 35, and, passing through the central part, leaves it on Section 22. The valley of the Black Earth is one of the richest in the county as well as in the State. It is a deep, black, loamy soil, producing large crops of all the staple productions that grow in the State. A considerable portion of the town is uneven, with some high ridges, in which limestone is procured of good quality for ordinary pur- poses. Section 24 is mostly marsh land, the remainder of the town being oak openings, with . little if any prairie.

The Prairie Du Chien Division of the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railroad passes through the town, entering at Section 36 and passing through the village of Black Earth, leaves the town at Section 22, entering into Mazomanie.

The first permanent settlement made in the town was by Solomon Hayden and Charles Turk, in the spring of 1843, Mr. Hayden erecting the first house within the present town lim- its. It was a rude affair, such as is common to all new countries, but it was a home, and " Be it ever so humble, there's no place like home." The next settler was Henry Wilson, who came in October, 1843, of whom the story is often told, that he spent his first winter in a haystack. Arriving here as winter was coming on, he set about building a temporary abiding-place. When completed, it was more a wigwam than anything else, being built of such loose materials as could readily be found, and covered with the dry grass of the marshes, close at hand. Here he win- tered his family, cooking in the open air, and getting along with inconveniences as only pio- neers can. Among other early settlers, were Alfred Skinner, John Mann, William Cooler, Samuel Charlesworth, John Wells, George Wilson, William Russell, Henry Charlesworth, Mr. Plummer, John Mills, Orin B. Haseltine and Charles Coffenberry.

Joseph Haddam and Miss Lawrence were united in marriage in the year 1850, being the first in the town. Being the first, they were greeted with an old-fashioned charivari, of which men who are now in the prime of life, but who were then boys, have a vivid recollection.

The first birth in the town was John Wilson, son of Henry Wilson, who was born Febru- ary 23, 1844.

It did not take many years for the sturdy pioneers of this town to erect a schoolhouse, the first of which was of logs, and built in the year 1848. The first teacher therein was Eliza Ann Dunlap, who agreed to teach "readin', ritin' and 'rithmetic " to all who should attend, for the small sum of $1.75 per week, boarding herself.

Religious services were first held in the houses of John Mann and Solomon Hayden, and the first regularly ordained minister to " break the bread of life " to these " famishing multi- tudes in the wilderness," was Rev. Mr. Bennett, of the Methodist Episcopal Church, who was placed upon a newly formed circuit, embracing Black Earth, in 1844.

Town Hall .- For several years the question of building a town hall was agitated, but it was not until the year 1869 that a vote was reached authorizing the construction of a hall. At the annual town meeting of that year it was voted to raise the sum of $1,500, one-third annually, for that purpose. A committee was appointed, who at once advertised for plans and

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proposals for building. The contract was awarded to Charles Saunders, and at the annual meet- ing in 1870, the committee reported their work finished, and turned over to the town a large two-story frame building, erected at a cost of $2,073.68, which, together with the lots, made a total of $2,673.68. The lower story is used for town purposes, while the upper is rented for concerts, theaters, and other purposes.

VILLAGE OF BLACK EARTH.

Under the direction of Orin B. Haseltine and James T. Peck, the original village plat was made in August, 1850. It was composed of six blocks, comprising the southeast quarter of the southeast quarter of Section 26, Township 8 north, of Range 6 east. David B. Jarvis was the surveyor. The village took its name from a creek which passed through it. In 1857, it was incorporated, with George High as President. An addition was made to the original plat by Hall & McEwen, May, 1854, and also by Mears & Remington and Webb & Warner, Decem- ber, 1855; Charles F. Goodman, March, 1856.

The first house built in this village was by Jared G. Peck, and was used by him as a hotel for some years. . The grist-mill was built shortly after, of which mention is made elsewhere. Curtis W. Carlton was the next to improve the place in the erection of a store building: and opening a stock of goods of the miscellaneous order. Elias Pound was Mr. Carlton's successor, while High & Barber established themselves in opposition in the same line of trade. The first to blister, bleed, and dose with calomel was Dr. Thornhill, while Esquire. Thompson attended to all legal matters to the entire satisfaction of one side and the utter. disgust of the other in every suit at law. Ole Oleson and Sever Severson, Norwegians, built the first wagons, and Jared G. Peck attended to all the jobs of house building.

Previous to laying out the village, Mr. Haseltine built a small saw-mill on the creek, a short distance west of where the original plat was surveyed. This mill has continued to do service to the present time, passing into the hands of E. H. Sackett, in the spring of 1853. Mr. Sackett removed the mill and dam about twelve rods below its original location, which was all the change that was made.

Grist-Mill .- The next move was for the erection of a grist-mill. This mill was erected in 1850 by John B. Sweat, and sold by him to John Wall, who in April, 1868, deeded it to J. E. Stanford, D. D. Logan, and Samuel Goodlad. The firm name of Stanford, Logan & Co. was adopted by the partners, and as such still continues. The mill has three run of stone, two of which are used for wheat and one for feed. The firm have invested from time to time a considerable sum of money in improvements, and have kept abreast of the times. Two grades of flour are manufactured-the "Sunbeam," a first grade family flour, and the "Minnesota Patent," a brand which has attained a good reputation. During the first year of the present firm's business, they shipped 4,000 barrels of flour, which was about two-thirds of their manu- facture that year, the remainder being custom work. At present the custom work is about two- thirds of the business ; the remainder being for the general trade. The towns of Springfield, Cross Plains, Springdale, Berry, Roxbury and others, are tributary to it. The junior member of the firm, Mr. Goodlad, has charge of the business interests of the mill. He is a practical miller of thirty years' experience in this immediate vicinity.

Post Office .- Shortly after platting the village, a petition was presented to the Post Office Department, at Washington, for the establishment of an office at this point, which petition was favorably received and acted upon, and Orin B. Haseltine was made Postmaster. Mr. Hasel- tine held the office some years, and was succeeded by C. W. Carlton, and he in turn by Elias Pound, who remained in possession until 1856, when Thomas Barber was appointed. In 1860, D. D. Carpenter received the appointment, but only held the office about one year, when Lewis Lord was appointed and acted until 1865, then Myron C. Burnett was commissioned, and is the present Postmaster. In 1868 the office was authorized to issue money orders and pay all orders. drawn upon it. The first order drawn was under date of July 1, of that year, by Jesse Walker, in favor of Charles Mansur, Weston, Vt., for the sum of $35. The first week there were orders

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HISTORY OF DANE COUNTY.

drawn to the amount of $365.96. For the six months ending December 31, 1878, the total amount of orders drawn was $3,884.34, on which $29.65 commission was paid. For the year ending December 31, 1879, it amounted to $14,923.33, showing a healthy increase. The com- mission received on the latter amount was $124. The first order drawn on this office was by Mary Roudolt, Madison, Wis., in favor of Vincent Loidolt, for the sum of $20. The order was drawn July 2, 1878, and paid July 10, 1878.

The first schoolhouse was built in 1845. In 1853 a larger frame building was erected, and in 1859 a two-story brick building was built in the place of the latter. Dr. S. L. Hooker and wife were first teachers in the new building.

Among those who have taught here were E. M. Walker, Mrs. Chaffee, L. De F. Park, Alice M. Post, Fanny Chapman, Mrs. C. M. Waid, Nellie Scheldt, Henry Brainard, Nettie Scheldt, Laura A. Luse, Lucy J. Stewart, N. A. De La Matyr, Gunda M. Erickson, Marietta Warner, Addie Ward, George Brousseau, Ellen L. Burnett, Hattie A. Campbell, Miss A. M. Downs, Sarah Partridge, H. C. Foulks, L. W. Gammons, Rosa M. Knutesen, L. A. Bowman, Miss E. Swain, Miss T. Knutesen, Miss M. Hart, Miss M. E. Barber, Fred B. Robinson, Miss Severson, A. E. Martin.

Valley House .- This was the second hotel erected in the village, and was built in 1853, by George W. Ranney, and transferred by him to Ephraim Pound, who sold it to Thomas Barber. He kept it until 1860, when it became the property of A. S. Johnson. Mr. Johnson ran it during the war, and then sold it to E. S. Parker, who in turn sold to A. B. Lange; it passed into the hands of George Zeller, its present proprietor, in 1873. The house is a large two- story frame, and is conveniently situated near the depot.

Fire Department .- Pursuant to call, a meeting was held in the town hall, on the evening of February 19, 1877, for the purpose of organizing a hook and ladder company. J. E. Ward was chosen temporary Chairman, and Clarence Burnett temporary Secretary. Officers were then elected, as follows : J. E. Ward, Foreman ; Peter Johnson, First Assistant ; D. A. Bar- ber, Second Assistant ; Clarence Burnett, Secretary ; D. D. Logan, Treasurer. At a subsequent meeting, constitution and by-laws were adopted, which were signed by the following named, con- stituting a full company of thirty men : D. D. Logan, John Muskat, Albert J. Fullerton, E. S. Kirst, J. H. Tifft, D. A. Barber, H. B. Parker, C. Burnett, C. Lange, Ferd Voss, R. Edmund Weisenborn, R. J. Collie, J. Guldemann, J. E. Bardsley, H. Kohl, W. W. Sackett, G. Madson, John A. Lee, A. H. Anderson, Peter Johnson, Albert Ferge, Ole O. Jordet, Halstin Peterson, G. D. Thatcher, G. L. Chaffee, W. Martin, R. Lutzow, Oloff C. Olson, F. J. Schanel, F. Hickstein. The company was also incorporated according to the laws of the State, and D. D. Logan, John Muskat and C. Burnett were elected Trustees. A uniform was adopted, consisting of red flannel shirt with blue collar and cuffs, belt, and blue cloth fatigue cap. There was pur- chased 1 sixteen-foot truck, 1 Babcock fire extinguisher ; 2 eighteen-foot, 2 sixteen-foot, 2 four- teen-foot, and 2 twelve-foot scaling ladders ; 2 four-foot roof ladders, 24 tin pails, 4 pike-poles, 1 hook, pole and ten feet of chain, 2 axes, 2 lanterns, 2 crowbars, 120 feet three-quarter inch rope, 1 brass speaking-trumpet, for which were paid $213. The men purchased their own uniforms, at a total cost of $110.

At the first annual parade and inspection, held the first Monday in June, 1877, Pro- tection Fire Company, No. 1, of Mazomanie, came up to the village and were duly welcomed. After parade and housing the machines, the companies marched to the town hall, where the ladies had prepared a sumptuous repast for the boys, who did full justice to the viands. In the evening, a social dance was participated in by over forty couples. At the annual meeting, held March 4, 1878, J. E. Bardsley was elected Foreman ; John Muskat, First Assistant; A. M. Partridge Second Assistant; C. Burnett, Secretary ; Ed Kirst, Treasurer. A building was erected during this year for the trucks, near the railroad, at a cost of $125. The second annual parade occurred the first Monday in June, and was'a successful affair. The town voted an appropriation of $200 toward purchasing a fire engine, the same to be taken out of the license fund, at the annual meeting in the spring of 1878, but, the amount

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HISTORY OF DANE COUNTY.

not being sufficient for the purpose, George Zellor offered to advance $200, taking a mort- gage on the same, which offer was accepted by the company and engine purchased.

At the annual meeting, held March 3, 1879, there were elected J. E. Bardsley, Foreman; Peter Johnson, First Assistant ; Fred. Voss, Second Assistant; D. A. Barber, Third Assistant ; C. Burnett, Secretary ; E. S. Kirsh, Treasurer. For 1880, were elected, March 1, J. E. Bards- ley, Foreman ; J. H. Tifft, First Assistant; J. W. Lester, Second Assistant ; D. A. Barber, Third Assistant ; C. Burnett, Secretary ; Chris. Lange, Treasurer.

Fires .- The first fire in the village was in the spring of 1858; the store building of Thomas C. Logan, together with its entire contents, was destroyed, causing a loss of $4,000 on stock, and $600 on building.

The second fire was a small dwelling.

On Tuesday evening, January 23, 1877, at about 8:30, a fire was discovered in the attic of the store building of Isaacson & Nordrum, the largest mercantile establishment in the village. The alarm was given, and in a very few minutes the street was filled with people ready to render assistance. It was at once decided, that, not having a regular organized company, and no means with which to cope with the fire, the building could not be saved, therefore steps were taken toward saving the stock. Every one worked with a will, and soon the three safes containing the firm's books and valuables, together with a portion of the goods, were deposited in the streets. In a short space of time the building was throwing out such an intense heat that it was impossible to remain longer in it, and the flames, leaping toward the sky, had created a strong draught of air, which was bearing cinders and burning fragments to the adjoining buildings, and attention must needs be given to the property endangered. The bright light of the flames was seen for miles around. Alarm reached Mazomanie, and Protection Company, No. 1, at once started to render assistance, but arrived too late to be of service. The loss of Isaacson & Nordrum was $16,000, on which there was an insurance of $11,800.

A few minutes after 3 o'clock, Sunday morning, April 11, 1880, the shrill cry of fire awoke those living in the heart of the village. Stanford & Logan's store, situated on the west side of Mill street, two blocks south of the depot, was found to be in flames, extending almost over the whole structure, a two-story building, 22x50 feet. The engine and hose cart were soon on the ground, and turned their attention to saving the buildings on either side of the one being burned. As soon as the surrounding buildings were made secure, a good stream of water was turned on the ruins of the store and an effort made to save the contents of the cellar. In this the firemen were successful. Nothing whatever was saved from the store above the cellar. The question of the origin of the fire was not solved until the building had fallen in, when there loomed up amid the burning timbers the Hall safe, with its door shattered to pieces. The work of the safe-tapper was plainly evident. A small hole was drilled between the com- bination lock and the knob by which the door was opened. This hole admitted the powder into the small space occupied by the lock bolts, a space large enough to hold a half-pound of powder. The explosion blew the outer plates of the door loose from the inner portion, and all the burglar had to do was to pry that part out, and it fell to the floor. The building belonged to Mrs. Sherman, and was a total loss. Stanford & Logan's loss was $7,500, with insurance on the same of $4,500 The upper floor was occupied by the Mendotas and Patrons of Husbandry, the former owning the furniture and having control of the hall. Loss of the Mendotas, $300; Patrons, $50.

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History of Dane County, Wisconsin, Part 133

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