History of Grant County, Wisconsin, Part 100

Author: Butterfield, Consul Willshire, 1824-1899
Publication date: 1881
Publisher: Chicago : Western Historical Co.
Number of Pages: 1044

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Goodhue was succeeded in the proprietorship of the Herald by J. L. Marsh, who, being of a conservative, quiet temperament, trimmed his sails more carefully to the different winds, and so managed to keep his craft afloat and with provisions enough to carry the crew so long as they remained aboard. He remained at the helm until June 19, 1851, when he was succeeded by the firm of Cover & Shrader. The retiring editor afterward founded the Independent Ameri- can, at Platteville, and, after numerous newspaper adventures, settled in Sheboygan, Wis., hav- ing first purchased the Sheboygan Herald, which he continued to edit many years. Mr. Marsh is at present Postmaster in Sheboygan. When the new firm came into power, the subscription list numbered 261 names, but, owing to "certain unpopular sentiments held by the editor," the list fell to forty names in a short time; but others rallied to the support of the paper, and, two years later, the Herald had 600 subscribers. The firm of Cover & Shrader continued as pub- lishers of the Grant County Herald until January 1, 1853. At that date, Mr. Shrader retired from the partnership, his place being filled by Mr. Goldsmith. The Herald now began to make rapid strides toward the golden shores of prosperity. The editors were fully alive to the needs

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HISTORY OF GRANT COUNTY.

of the county, and, by ably written and timely articles, aimed to attract a goodly share of the western tide of immigration into this southwestern corner of the State. Speaking of their aims and purposes in this and other lines of thought, the Herald of July 3, 1854, says : "Our pur- poses from the first have been just three ; no more, no less. To tell our readers what they ought to be told ; to tell them what they want to be told; and, thirdly, to make money. We care little for party measures or professions, since the thing professed ever fails of success however warm and numerous its advocates. We are tired of professions-men we have confi- dence in ; therefore, we shall be the advocate of men, since good men rarely ever profess much, but act out what they believe right, regardless of party or party favors. 'Men, not measures is our political rule of faith, and if men generally adhered to it, we'll be bound their will be oftener respected in the legislative halls and councils." As the firm became later on inter- ested in other ventures, the editorship devolved more and more upon Mr. J. C. Cover, and hardly could the mantle of responsibility have fallen on better shoulders. Under his hand, the Herald became the exponent of the most advanced ideas of political thought. In fact, J. C. Cover, J. Allen Barber and Judge Mills are charged with " having made Grant Gounty radical in politics." Certainly the first-named of the triumvirate did his share, and history shows that the other triumvirs were not behind in the good work. In 1859, Mr. Goldsmith withdrew from the partnership, leaving Mr. Cover as sole proprietor. The Herald had already increased in strength until it was "a power in the land and" a welcome visitor to the numerous homes in Grant County, many of which had been established through the means of articles setting forth the beauties and wealth of this southwestern portion of the State. At the beginning of the new volume in the above year, the editor gave forth another article of editorial faith, by giving notice that, " we shall not intentionally, nor for bad motives, advocate a wrong, even though such wrong be popular and sanctioned by party, church or friends." In the stormy days just preceding and during the opening of the war, the position of the Herald could not be mistaken. Its clear, ringing editorials, gave signs of the true metal underneath, as its editor worked night and day, by pen, tongue and example, to uphold the Nation, in those dark days of uncertainty. It was the Herald that chronicled the names of Grant's representatives as they came pouring forth to do battle for the Union. It was the Herald that, through the forethought and kindness of its ruling spirit, reached them far down in Dixie, bringing tidings of friends and home, and it was the Herald that bore, only too often, the tale of woe to the suffering and stricken parents, sisters and brothers, of the news of the son and brother's martyrdom on the altar of his country. To those that came back, the old familiar journal was more a necessity than ever. What wonder then that its subscription lists assumed plethoric proportions, or that its interest was not bounded by mere county lines, but reached out even into the whole State.

March 5, 1867, John Cover was associated with Mr. Cover. Sr. as assistant editor of the Herald, and in June of the same year the proprietor gave evidence of his willingness to keep abreast of the march of modern improvements and demands, by increasing the Herald to an eight-column folio, and putting in a power press, which gave increased facilities for expedi- tious printing and handling of the steadily increasing issue. No further changes were made until December 29, 1868, when notice was given, editorially, that henceforth the business por- tion of the Herald would be transferred to John Cover, who, on January 1, would lease the paper for an indefinite period ; the editorial columns remaining in charge of Mr. J. C. Cover. July 27, 1869, the former assumed editorial, as well as business control of the paper. Upon as- suming control, the new editor says : "No changes will be made in the aims and politics of the Herald. It will be our aim to publish an useful paper, in which the sentiments are radical and progressive, not only in politics but in all things-a paper devoted to the public interests and general good." In the previous issue the retiring editor, Mr. J. C. Cover, had severed the editorial link which, for the past few months, served to bind him to that journal, which he could with right claim as the child of his own intellectuality, the offspring of his active brain. In his valedictory, Mr. Cover referred to the past as follows : "With the present number of the Herald closes our editorial connection thronwith fan the sant annaihles fawall time Tuning

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HISTORY OF GRANT COUNTY.

our connection with the Herald, nearly half our life, as its editor and proprietor, we have aimed less to please the public than to benefit the people. We have not been a neutral editor upon any public issue. * * * * In resigning the place, we feel that we have not disgraced it by pandering to any man or faction, nor catered to wealth or power.

* ** * As to our past action in political party affairs, we have from necessity acted in a positive and commanding manner. In these matters we have aimed at the best for the people, very often in such view opposing our own choice, and acting in opposition to our own interest. We have erred at times, but in all such cases have endeavored subsequently to more than undo injuries. We are still indebted to some persons for errors, and shall not rest well till such debts are paid with interest.

" Long years we felt that upon the abolition of slavery, and the establishment of the per- fect political freedom and equality of all men, there would follow but little else to excite our anxiety in politics. Our ntmost editorial abilities were bent and exhausted in that great object, and now the country is a free country. All parties cannot henceforth fail to be true to democ- racy and equality, not from choice perhaps, but because they cannot help it. * * It may be our lot to again, sometime, resume the charge we now surrender, but this is not the intention. In our future life, abroad and at home, and however employed, our old readers will be much of the time present in mind."

Mr. Cover had been appointed during the spring of 1869, Consul to Fayal, in the Azore Is- lands, and after some delay, sailed for his new post of duty in December of that year. He was suffering from poor health at the time of his departure, but it was hoped that the genial climate of these Islands would recruit the enfeebled frame. Such proved not to be the case. Mr. Cover sailed in June of 1872, by the packet ship plying between these Islands and the United States. for home, but died en route on the 4th of July.

After the death of Mr. J. C. Cover, the Herald passed into the hands of his son John- Cover, who had taken charge of the paper as heretofore stated in 1869. He continued as sole editor and publisher until December, 1876, when a partnership was formed with Edward Pol- lock, which lasted until December, 1877, when Mr. Cover withdrew, leaving Mr. Pollock as proprietor. He continued in this capacity until January 1, 1881, when the Herald passed into the hands of its present proprietors, Messrs. Cover & Farquharson, under whose careful manip- ulation the journal is fast assuming its old-time popularity and influence. Mr. Cover is a Lan- caster boy, son of the former proprietor of the paper. He received a collegiate education at the State University was employed for a long time as stenographic reporter for the Fifth Judicial Dis- trict, and later as Private Secretary to Senator Cameron, at Washington. . He brings to his work a mind fresh and active, besides being well versed in the wants and needs of journalism through association as assistant editor of journals in Wisconsin and the Far West. Capt. Farquharson, or " Cap. Ferg," a sobriquet which has almost become a household word in Southwestern Wis- consin, is a printer by trade, having served his time at "the case " at a time when memory runneth not back thereto, and at the breaking-out of the rebellion was employed as foreman on the Herald. Dropping the composing stick, he seized the musket and marched to the defense of his imperiled country. Having been associated with a military organization previous to the war he was elected Captain of his company, which formed Company Cof the Twenty-fifth Regiment Wisconsin Volunteers, serving with honor throughout the war, and only returning when the peace dove flashed her snowy wings over the land. He located at Boscobel, where he soon after purchased the Boscobel Dial, then a staggering sheet of limited circulation. Under his skillful management this journal was brought up to its present stable and influential position. As a job printer, "Cap. Ferg" stands without a peer in the State, and under his eye the Herald job rooms are becoming rapidly noted for the excellence of the work turned out therefrom. The Herald, under its present management, is again, as in former times, radical in politics, always to be found in the front rank, fighting for freedom and equality of all classes, whatever their race or color. Among the many characteristics of the Herald, none were more prominent in its younger days than its moving proclivities. Franklin has said that " seven removes are as bad

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HISTORY OF GRANT COUNTY.

as a fire," yet in its thirty-eight years of existence this paper has almost reached the Frank- linian limit, though each time has come up fresher and more smiling than ever.

Soon after its beginning, the Herald establishment was moved into the frame structure first used as a court house, about where the bank building now stands. From there it was moved to the upper story of Pepper's building. In May, 1850, the the office was again moved into "a new building first used by P. J. Adams as a carpenter-shop " adjoining the court house square. With the issue of May 8, 1851, the paper suspended publication for a short time owing to the proprietor having to vacate his present premises, and the non-completion of the new office. This was completed in time for issuing the paper May 29, after an interval of three weeks. The new office was in the rear of Dwight T. Parker's store, and within a few feet of its former loca- tion. There it remained until September, 1852, when a new removal was made to an office "on the sunny side of the street and opposite to nowhere." This appeared to be the last upheaval. Finally, however, upon the erection of the Ryland Block, on the corner of Maple and Madison street, large and commodious office rooms were offered in the second story of this building, which were accepted, and here the Herald seems located "for good and for aye " after its numerous wanderings.

Grant County Democrat .- The lack of any medium through which to promulgate Demo- cratic principles and party policy, and the large number of that line of faith living within the confines of Grant County, led to the establishment of the Grant County Democrat, early in 1870, by Messrs. R. B. Rice and Bishop. The Democrat office was in the third story of the Crabtree Block, now the Horstmann House. The existence of this journal extended over but a brief period when its life was squelched, and it succumbed to the inevitable and gave up the ghost. The press and material served afterward as the foundation of the Advocate, started a few years later.

Grant County Advocate .- This journal first saw the light in May, 1873, and was then known as the West Grant Advocate, being published at Bloomington. C. N. Holford was the founder. A year later, J. J. Clifton was associated with him in the publication, and, in October of the same year, the place of publication was removed to Lancaster and the name of the paper changed to the Grant County Advocate. Hitherto it had remained neutral on all political ques- tions, but it now came out conservatively Democratic, the first number being published at the new location October 14. The publishers at this time were C. N. Holford and P. Bartley. Jan- uary 20, 1875, A. Reifstick was associated with the above named, and a company formed under the name of the " Advocate Publishing Company." The Advocate was published under this management until the following May, when, with the issue of May 19, C. N. Holford and his erstwhile partner, Bartley, withdrew, and the publication was continued under the proprietor- ship of Mr. A. Reifstick. The paper, under this management, continued a brief but brilliant career. It was continued under the Democratic banner until 1876, when a " flop " was made to the Republican side. This move estranged, as a matter of course, those of its former political faitb, while its orthodoxy was viewed with suspicion and distrust by those whom it would have secured. Under these disastrous circumstances the Advocate struggled for awhile, when it closed its checkered career January 1, 1877. A half-sheet was issued from another office for one week afterward, but it was the post mortem throes of the dying spirit, and the conviction was unwill- ingly forced upon even the mind of its indomitable editor that the Advocate was no more.

Grant County Argus .- Previous to the final throes of dissolution that closed the carecr of the Advocate, C. N. Holford, who, since the dissolution of the Advocate Printing Company, had served as foreman of that journal, withdrew from that position and started, in 1876, in the second story of the building now occupied by Mr. Jones as a drug store, the Grant County Argus. In politics it inclined to the Greenback theories, which were at that time arousing the attention of the country. In 1878, the Argus was purchased by Messrs. Reifstick & Martin. This partnership did not last very long, and Mr. Reifstick withdrew. Under the editorship of Mr. Martin the publication was continued until the first of 1880, when the press and material were transferred to Prairie du Chien when its ochlin.

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HISTORY OF GRANT COUNTY.

SCHOOLS.

The first school in Lancaster was started in 1841, the old cabin first occupied by G. M. Price as a store being used as the schoolhouse. The school was started by some of the early settlers, and was supported mainly hy voluntary contributions. The teacher was Miss Jane Ayers, then from Rockville, now Mrs. Trethuic, and for many years a resident of Lancaster. This first educational venture continued through the period of several terms. After its discontinuance, Francis Rigeaud opened a school in the northwest room of the court house, and a second school was taught in a building situated in Bushnell Hollow. Rigeaud was an old French soldier, and continued his embryo academy until the erection of the first schoolhouse in 1843. Under the laws, as then existing, the County Commissioners had power to lay off or subdivide their districts into school districts. This had been done in the district in which Lancaster was con- tained. The first attempts to furnish educational facilities for Lancaster youth had only shown the need for some regularly organized school, therefore, J. Allen Barber, Nelson Dewey and Daniel Banfill, as a School Board, proceeded with the erection of a schoolhouse for this district. The movement at first met with considerable opposition, and many were the volleys fired at the heads of the devoted trio. The building once completed, however, and its necessity being more generally recognized, the assailants were turned into admirers, and praise took the place of invec- tive. The name of the first monarch who mounted the rude throne in this institution of learn- ing has faded away into the mystic region of forgetfulness. Soon, however, the rule and rod passed into the hands of J. T. Mills, then a new-comer into the village. Having been educated at an institution of learning in Illinois and graduated under the eye of Dr. Edward Beecher, the new teacher was thought to be well enough versed in "readin', writin' and cipherin'," to undertake the task of bringing up the young Westerners in the educational way in which they should go. He was possessed, moreover, of something better than this, a qualification of which his patrons were unaware, namely, an understanding which could reach out beyond the narrow boundaries limited by set rules and render light the dark places, making easy the way by remov- ing the hideous hugbears and puzzling intricacies which heset education in early times. It was soon found that the young teacher was the right man in the right place. So well had he suc- ceed that he was unanimously chosen for a second term, and J. C. Cover was associated with him in the growing school. As tradition hath it, " Mills was to do the teaching and Cover the licking." Then for the first time the old system and the new met, and, as might have been for- seen (as never yet was one body known to travel in the same orbit simultaneously with another), the two systems gave forth a jarring sound which threatened annihilation of the whole educational plan. Each was a master of his system, and each thought his the best. Harmony was restored by an agreement that each should teach a week about, and, under this arrangement, those inter- ested had a chance to compare both systems, ending at length in a victory of the new fa th over the old. This building continued the seat of learning in Lancaster for many years, alternated with " select schools," which were started under first one teacher and then another. Lancaster be- came, in fact, divided into two hostile camps, one favoring the ordinary public school system as in vogue among the Eastern States, and the opposing hosts wishing the educational privileges transferred to an " academy " or " high school.

In 1852, the latter class proved their faith hy their works, and started a school in the Con- gregational Church, under the supervision of Mr. Demarist, who came well recommended as an educator. The Trustees of this institution were Daniel R. Burt, Nelson Dewey, J. Allen Bar- ber and J. T. Mills. This school continued with varying success under different teachers until the advent of Mr. Page, now Judge Page, of Austin, Minn., whose attempted assassination some time ago created such a furor throughout that and adjoining States. Under Mr. Page, the school reached the acme of its power and influence. The gentleman, while enforcing a strict discipline that reduced the pupil almost to a mere machine, moving at the command of its mas- ter, forced his scholars along the road of learning at a pace hitherto unknown in educational annals. So successful were his efforts that early in 1858 a meeting was held in the office of

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HISTORY OF GRANT COUNTY.

Barber & Lowry for the purpose of considering the proposition of building an academy. The decision was in the affirmative, stock was placed at $10 per share, and $1,200 were subscribed and one-quarter paid within a week. The building was to be 25x40 feet in size, two stories high, with accommodations for 125 scholars. Is was completed and opened in August, 1858, Mr. Page being the Principal. This gentleman soon after took his departure, owing to disagreements which arose between him and some of his principal patrons, and the " Institute " was continued until the completion of the present school building in 1870, when that, with its graded system, took the place of the former, and the " Institute " was discontinued. The building was trans- formed into a dwelling-house and remains standing, used for that purpose, on the corner of Oak and Monroe streets.

In the meantime, the advocates of the common-school system had not remained idle. The old schoolhouse in the north part of the village had been outgrown, and at a meeting of the citizens of the village, held at the schoolhouse October 24, 1854, it was determined, though not without some opposition, to build a new school building, the structure to be of brick, two stories high, 26x46 feet. The site selected was the present school lot in the south part of the village. The old schoolhouse, which had witnessed the' regimes of J. T. Mills, J. C. Cover, John G. Clark and other instructors of the young idea, when the salary amounted to the munificent sum of $10 per month, and the privilege of " boarding 'round," was condemned to be sold, and sold it was to ,a Mr. Palmer for $305, and by him converted into a dwelling-house; it was later on purchased by Judge McGonigal, and is still in use as a portion of the Judge's resi- dence.

The new schoolhouse was built by Messrs. Sherman & Walker, and finished in the early part of 1856. It was 50x35 feet in size, two stories high, and intended to furnish accommoda- tion for 250 to 300 scholars. The upper and lower rooms were well lighted, desks well arranged, and in all respects what well-ordered school-rooms should be. The cost of building and plat was $3,000. This building was in turn outgrown, and in 1868, a larger and more imposing house was erected at a cost of about $15,000. It was already completed, and but a few days were to elapse before it was to be teeming with life. June 13, 1868, a terrible gale swept over Lancaster, and among the first fruits of its fury was the new schoolhouse, which was tumbled into a heap of ruins. The cause of its succumbing so' quickly to the gale was attributed, in a great measure, to defective construction. However, the damage had been done, and the only thing remaining was to remedy it as speedily and in the best manner possible. Opinion was divided as to the best course to pursue. The district was already encumbered with a heavy debt, the result of erecting the wrecked building, and under the circumstances many thought it best to purchase the old Congregational Church, then for sale, and fit it up for school purposes. The opponents of this way of thinking argued that it would be better to go on as they had begun, and erect a building which would be sufficient for many years to come, besides being an orna- ment to the town. At a meeting held for the purpose of deciding the question, the latter class was found to be in the majority. Contracts were accordingly let, after plans and specifications prepared by the building committee which had been appointed, and the present school building was the result. Its valuation, vide report of County Superintendent of 1880, is $20,800. The school combines both a graded and high school, the latter being erected at a school meeting held July, 1875. The high school proper employs the services of the Principal and one assistant. The graded department comprises four distinct grades-primary, second primary, intermediate and grammar grades. The whole number of teachers employed, including the Principal. is six. The present Principal is Prof. R. L. Reed, receiving a salary of $1,000 per annum. School matters are under the control of a school board of three members, one member being elected every year, and holding office for three years. The present board comprises Capt. A. R. Bush- nell, Moderator ; Mr. James A. Jones, Treasurer; and Mr. John P. Lewis, Clerk. In regard to school attendance, Lancaster Townshlp, according to the report quoted above, stands second in the county, Platteville ranking as first.

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HISTORY OF GRANT COUNTY.

RELIGIOUS.

Methodist Church .- The first religious services ever held within the present limits of Lan- caster, were undoubtedly held by itinerant preachers of this denomination. Judge J. T. Mills speaks of witnessing a service held in a cabin in Bushnell Hollow, northwest of town, the audience consisting of a half-dozen miners or wandering adventurers, the date being shortly after the platting of the village. This fugitive service may possibly have been followed by oth- ers, but the first notice of Methodism in a regular form in Lancaster, is found in the report of a Quarterly Conference held at Fennimore early in 1849, the church being at that time evidently connected with Fennimore. The first Quarterly Conference held in Lancaster was convened October 21, 1849, Rev. Elmore Yocum being the Presiding Elder, and Rev. Benjamin Close the preacher in charge. A resolution was moved and carried to build a parsonage at Lancaster; Benjamin Close, Benjamin E. Quincey and Martin Teal being appointed as a building committee. The first Board of Trustees elected comprised the following names: James Henderson, Charles W. Long, A. E. Kilby, Joseph Mckinney. This movement appears to have resulted in noth- ing, as in 1850, is found notice of another effort to go on with this building. Rev. Mr. Close remained until the fall of 1850, when he was succeeded by Rev. J. W. Putnam, who, however, left before his year was up, Rev. Henry Wood taking his place January 18, 1851, for a few months. During this winter, efforts were made to commence the erection of a church building, and successfully, as the new church was commenced and completed the same year, and Novem- ber 16, was dedicated to the worship of God. The house was 42x26 feet in size on the ground floor, and cost $800. At this time a debt of $400 still remained unpaid. Mr. Brooks, of Lawrence University, Appleton, Wis., was present on the occasion to take part in the services, and assumed the responsibility of lifting this load. The first collection made amounted to $50; another was immediately ordered, resulting in the raising of $350, or enough in addition to the first to pay the whole debt, leaving the church without any embarrassing load of this kind to carry. In addition to this amount, $100 of " Telegraph stock " was subscribed. This pioneer church stood on the corner of Maple and Adams streets, and was used by the congregation until the completion of their present church in 1877. It still remains in the old position, being used at present as a carriage repository.

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History of Grant County, Wisconsin, Part 100

Author: Butterfield, Consul Willshire, 1824-1899 Publication date: 1881 Publisher: Chicago : Western Historical Co. Number of Pages: 1044

Author: Butterfield, Consul Willshire, 1824-1899
Publication date: 1881
Publisher: Chicago : Western Historical Co.
Number of Pages: 1044