History of Grant County, Wisconsin, Part 118

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

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. During the summer of 1869, No. 1 Engine House was erected. On the first floor of this structure, Engine No. 1 and the hook and ladder trucks-each in separate apartments-find lodgment. The upper story is used as a city hall, while the basement serves for the purpose of a city " bastile."

Rough and Ready, No. 2 .- In accordance with a call issued by G. W. Cowan and J. W. Watson, a meeting was held September 8, 1870, for the organization of a second engine com- pany. Eighteen names were attached to the company's rolls, the officers being : Foreman, G.

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HISTORY OF GRANT COUNTY.

W. Cowan ; First Assistant Foreman, J. W. Watson ; Second Assistant Foreman, A. M. McKinney ; Treasurer, Austin Dexter ; Secretary, John Classon. The name chosen for the company was " Rough and Ready Engine Company, No. 2." October 30, 1876, a hose com- pany was organized from the members of the organization, A. M. Mckinney being elected Capiain and John Ricks, Assistant. The present officers are : Foreman, Thomas Crinklow ; First Assistant Foreman, Charles Ricks ; Second Assistant Foreman, T. Cliff ; Secretary, S. Bartholomew. No. 2's engine house was erected in the fall of 1870, soon after the organization of the company, upon Lot 4, of Block 30, being just north of Mr. Cowan's machine shop. In 1879, it was removed to its present location on Superior street.

The department was formally organized as such under an ordinance passed in January, 1874, creating and regulating this branch of the city government. Mr. G. W. Cowan was elected the first Chief Engineer under this ordinance, serving two years, when he was followed by Gustave Meyer, who served a few months, when he was elected Mayor, and T. N. Hubbell was elected to fill the vacancy. He was re-elected, serving until 1879, when he took the Mayor's chair, and was succeeded by T. M. Wells, the present Chief.

Although residing in comparatively a small city, the fire department of Boscobel have ample facilities for proving their efficiency and the metal of which they were made. The result has been most satisfactory, but few towns in the State being possessed of a better organized or more willing band of fire-fighters.

In April. 1858, the inhabitants of the then growing village first formed the acquaintance of the red destroyer, who made his first visitation upon Barnett's Hotel, standing on the present site of the Carrier House. The work was thorough, the house proving a total loss. The next fire of any importance was the burning of the house of Mr. Frank Lewis, in 1863.

The village then had a rest from any disastrous blazes until 1868, when, ere the year had come to an end, three fires had told the inhabitants that they were yet at the mercy of the destroyer. By the first of these, the Catlin House, together with its barns, was burned. At this fire, the old No. 2 engine was used for the first time. A few months later, Ziegelmair & Biederman's brewery burned to the ground.

These fires were succeeded by the conflagration of Jannary, 1869, mentioned in another place, which resulted in the organization of an efficient fire department. The next great fire came with the burning of the depot August 30, 1870, when, besides this building, Palmer's ware- house, with a large amount of grain, was licked up by the flames. Several other buildings nar- rowly escaped destruction, being saved only through the strenuous exertions of the department.

From this date, although often called out by small blazes, and once to quell the flames at Ziegelmair's brewery, the city was visited by no very damaging fire until July 7, 1877, when McSpaden's elevator took fire, and, despite all exertions of the firemen, burned to the ground. September 22 of the same year, the Heim stave factory went up in smoke.

The following year, "Thompson's Corner," Oak street and Wisconsin avenue, was visited by the touch of the fire fiend, and two buildings. with their contents, totally destroyed. During 1880, a large barn and contents, belonging to Parker, Hilderbrand & Co., was consumed. The last ravages of the fire fiend showed themselves January .7, 1881, when the Central House, located in the center of the city, caught fire from causes unknown, and before the fire was under control the house had been completely gutted. Owing to the severe cold weather, the water froze in the couplings and rendered the engines, after a short time, perfectly useless. This closes. the list of conflagrations up to the present time.

The fire department, at present, consists of about 100 men ; they having, vide the last report of the Chief Engineer, 1,000 feet of hose, for which they have two hose carts. Two engines, both hand, and a hook and ladder truck, well supplied with saving appurtenances, com- plete the outfit.

WISCONSIN RIVER BRIDGE.

Among the many improvements which Boscobel views with a just pride, none occupy so prominent a place in the minds of the city's inhabitants as the bridge spanning the Wisconsin

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HISTORY OF GRANT COUNTY.

opposite this city and connecting the trade of that adjoining section with the commercial inter- ests of this place. The situation of Boscobel upon the extreme northern edge of the county, and lying adjacent to a large and growing section of country in Crawford County, forced upon Boscobel's citizens at an early date the necessity of providing a ready means of crossing the river. in order to attract trade from that direction. The war-trumpet had hardly ceased to sound before plans were on foot looking to a consummation of this object. In 1868, a long roadway leading across what is known as "the slew" was built, consisting of earthwork and piling. A good avenue was thus furnished to the river, the crossing of which was effected by means of a ferry. This, however, was seen to be but an imperfect solution of the problem. Constant agitation soon brought the minds of the tax-payers to a feeling that nothing but a bridge would suffice. In 1871, a commissioner was appointed to confer with towns on the other side of the river to see what could be done, but nothing seems to have come of the conference. The stubborn fact was finally forced upon the then village that if a bridge was to be built, Bos- cobel would have to build it. In order, however, to build the wished-for bridge, it was necessary to have money, and to raise this most effectually and easily, bonds were necessary. Only cities could assume bonded indebtedness, hence Boscobel must become a city. Accordingly, in 1873, the appropriate charter was granted by the Legislature, and at the same time an act was passed granting the new city authority to build a bridge across the Wisconsin and providing for the issuing of bonds. in payment of the same. Bonds were afterward issued to the amount of $30,000, and the con- tract for a good substantial structure across the river let to a Mr. Pertell, of Milwaukee, for the sum of $22,000, work being soon after commenced. This was a heavy debt for a city of some- thing over 1,000 inhabitants to assume, but true grit and business shrewdness were back of the movement. Not only was the contract price absorbed in the erection, but extras to the amount of between $3,000 and $4,000 were allowed. The cost of the original "dump" had been $12,000, making the total cost of the structure and avenues nearly $38,000. The bonds in payment for the bridge were for five, ten and fifteen years. The five-year bonds were promptly met and accruing interest paid as soon as due. The revenues, which became from the first an important feature, furnished each year a respectable sum to be used in payment of interest or bonds.

The Dial of April 10, 1874, speaking of the completion of the structure, says: "The new bridge across the Wisconsin River at this place is now completed, although the time allowed in the contract has some time yet to run. It is 700 feet in length, and is supported by close piling covered with plank and filled with rock. Huge ice-breakers protect it from damage in the spring. Near the north end is the draw, which is 150 feet in length. Its capacity is 78,000 pounds to the moving foot, though to break it would require six times that weight. The lumber used on this bridge is from Green Bay, while the iron is from Pittsburgh. The total cost of the structure is $26,000 in city bonds, issued through the First National Bank of this city. In re- gard to toll, we copy a section of the law authorizing the city of Boscobel to bridge the Wis- consin River :

"SECTION 4. All funds arising from tolls or from the use of said bridge shall be paid over to the Treasurer of the city of Boscobel, at least once in each month, and shall be kept by him separate and apart from all other funds, and shall not be paid out except upon orders drawn upon that specific fund. The funds arising from the toll or the use of such bridge, after paying for the care and maintenance thereof. shall be applied as follows : First, to pay the interest upon said city bonds, and thereafter to redeem said bonds as fast as said funds will allow."

The bridge is 655 feet in length, comprising draw 150 feet, covered bridge 405 feet, and approaches 100 feet. During 1879-80, much of the piling across " the slew" was replaced with earth and a substantial bridge put in over this stagnant arm of the river, leaving this portion of the work 477 feet in length. The "dump" proper is 2,025 feet in length, making all told 4, 157 feet as the total length of the bridge and approaches. These last improvements cost the city about $6,500, making the whole cost foot up in the neighborhood of $45,000, exclusive of in- terest paid on the bridge bonds, which in itself amounts to no inconsiderable sum. The result in a business point of view has been eminently satisfactory.

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HISTORY OF GRANT COUNTY.

ARTESIAN WELL.

Desiring to reach a spot from which a constant supply of living, sparkling water could be safely counted on at all times, an association was organized to attempt the consummation of this wish through the means of an artesian well. The organization took on the semblance of a stock company, with shares at $10 each. In 1876, work was commenced, and carried forward during this year and the succeeding one, when, at a depth of nearly 1,000 feet, a flinty rock was struck that put a stop to further operations, water, at the close of the work, coming to within fourteen feet of the surface. In 1881, the stockholders turned the ground over to the city, upon the condition that it should be devoted to park purposes.

SCHOOLS.

The original and earliest seat of educational interests in this section was a log building standing near Bull's saw-mill, and, in fact, forming one of the mill annexes, serving as a school- room during the day, and a lodging place at night. The ruler best remembered in this little kingdom was a female pedagogue, by name Lucinda Beaudine. The educational advantages offered were of the most limited kind, owing to numerous causes, prominent among which were the somnolent qualities developed by the lady. These qualities were the result of too much of what was known in olden times as " sparkin'." Girls, it is explained by one of the early attendants at this pioneer school, were scarce in those times, and Lucinda was, as a consequence, in great demand, first with one of the country beaux and then another. Midnight vigils and early rising are certain in time to produce a greater or less degree of somnolence, and the present was no exception to the rule. Therefore, while Miss Beaudine slumbered, 'her young pupils availed themselves of the opportunity afforded, and indulged their propensities for immoderate bathing or other congenial pursuits. until the sharp rat-a-tat on the door-casing told that a spirit of wakefulness obtained in the school-room, when a resumption of duties would follow. How long this school was continued is not known, probably only for a short time, as early in 1851, a small frame building, originally intended for a dwelling-house, standing near the present resi- dence of Mr. Bachmann, was made to do duty as a seat of learning under the rule of Mrs. Ed Rogers, who, in consequence of certain difficulties with Mr. Rogers, had separated from him, and took up the role of teacher to provide the necessities of life. If the tales told of the different modes by which this " pedagoguess " enforced dicipline in her little realm are true, her rule ought, in the interests of humanity, to have been a short one.

The school was, however, soon after transferred to an old log structure, standing on a hill near Dennis' Mill, which also had been built for a dwelling ; but, at the time at which we have arrived, was used promiscuously as a schoolhouse and church. Upon its vacancy by the educa- tional and religious interests, the building was diverted to its original purpose, and occupied by Jacob Ostrander as a residence. The first building erected for the sole purpose of being used for school purposes was a log structure put up in 1852 or 1853, still remembered by those who came in at an early date, and standing near the present cemetery gates, as one authority has it, or included within the outer limits of the fair ground, according to the evidence of another. While the exact spot hallowed by its presence may not be exactly ascertainable, it is sufficient for present purposes that the building was there, and takes rank as the first regularly built schoolhouse in this section. Here Mrs. Richards, Miss Ann Partlow, Mr. John Dougherty and others held rule until the erection of other buildings in the village better adapted for the use intended.

The first school building to be erected in the present city was the one familiarly known as the " Belfry School," which was put up in 1858 or 1859. The first " wielder of the birch " in this structure was a Mr. Glazier, followed by Major Frank. A few years after, the front portion of the present " High School " building was erected, which formed the entire school establish- ment until 1867, when the old Methodist Church was purchased, at a cost of $800, and used as a primary schoolhouse. In 1876 and 1877, other additions were made to the building by ex- tending the high school building to double its original length and erecting a small frame struct-

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ure, similar in size to the original primary building. And the buildings, as thus remodeled and added to, form the present school buildings of the district.

Boscobel town and city are included in one district, which also takes in a slice from the northern portion of the town of Marion. The amount raised annually for school purposes ap- proximates $3,000. The school is graded into seven departments, namely, First, Second and Third Primary ; First and Second Intermediate, Grammar grades and High School. The grades below the high school have each one teacher. The high school is under the immediate charge of the Principal, who has one assistant. This higher branch was established under the high school law of 1875, Prof. John Brindley being the first Principal. The first class grad- uated the following year, the graduating exercises being held in Ruka's Hall, June 22, 1876. The class numbered eight, and the following programme was presented : Music. Prayer by Dr. Stoddart. Essay, " Sunshine and Shadow," Laura B. Pepper. Essay, " Electricity," Kate M. Sarles. Music. Essay, " Mental Culture," Alice A. Simpkins. Oration, "The Men we Need," Herbert L. Partridge. Essay, " Tears," Alice Carrier. Music. Essay, " Past, Pres- ent and Future," Lillian A. Limbocker. Essay, " Deeds not Words," Jennie Chandler. Ora- tion, "Young America," Fred Carley. Music. Presentation of Diplomas. Benediction. The number of pupils in attendance in all departments was, a few years ago, as high 700, but, from various causes, this number has been greatly scaled down since that time. The schools are under the charge of a School Board consisting of three members, those at present serving in that capacity being T. J. Brooks, Director; G. W. Parker, Treasurer ; T. Kronshage, Clerk. The graduating class for 1881 consisted of six, this being the third class which has been grad- uated since the organization of the High School Department.

POST OFFICE.

The first official distributor of Uncle Sam's mail matter known to Boscobel was Mr. James M. Dickerson, who was duly commissioned as Postmaster in 1855, the office being established at his store, then situated near the present site of N. B. Miller's premises on Block 34. For the two years succeeding, Mr. Dickerson continued to act in this capacity. He was followed in 1857, by Mr. O. P. Knowlton. The latter was continued in the position of Postmaster during Buchanan's administration. May 1, 1861, Mr. J. M. Dickerson was again commissioned as Postmaster, the office then being located in the building now used by F. G. Eisfelder. He continued to fill the office from this time until his death, in November, 1875, in a manner that gave universal satisfaction. After the decease of Mr. Dickerson, Mrs. Dickerson was contin- ued as Postmistress, her commission bearing date from January, 1876. Early in 1880, the office passed into the hands of William E. De Lap, the present Postmaster, who was commis- sioned January 13 of that year.

This branch of governmental economy has, from the first, evinced a decidedly roving and unsettled propensity, that prevented it from remaining at rest any great period of time. Judg- ing from the list of places enumerated, it must be as free from moss as the "rolling stone " of the old proverb. Prominent among the sites occupied, besides those already enumerated, were MeSpaden's block, Ruka's building, the " Rock " building (now occupied by J. T. Shipley ), not to mention several other less prominent places. In March, 1881, the office was removed to the commodious and comfortable room in Bobel's block, where it is at present located.

BOSCOBEL PRESS.

The earliest record of a newspaper in Boscobel is in 1859. In December of that year, George W. Limbocher and A. J. Partridge established the Boscobel Democrat, as editors and proprietors. In politics, it advocated the principles of the party whose name it bore, although it was not " peculiarly a Democratic paper," but as the publishers said in their introductory : "We do not believe in little country papers dabbling in politics. The citizens of Grant County want a good, local paper, and such it will be our aim to make the Democrat." The prospectus of the Boscobel Democrat contained the following : " Five years ago, the place where Boscobel

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now stands, was but little better than a howling wilderness. At that time, there were but three houses within a circuit of three miles. The bear and deer ranged free. Now we have a number of taverns, stores and artisan shops of nearly every trade, which go to make up a prosperous and thriving village." The paper had a hard time of it until May, 1860, when it was an- nounced that it would be suspended temporarily, and resume publication at Lancaster. The proprietors changed their minds, however, and disposed of the materials in the office to Messrs. J. P. Hubbard and S. P. Dempsey who established the Boscobel Express. The Express was a six-column paper, Republican in politics. Adversity followed this enterprise, and within a year and one month, Mr. Hubbard retired from the concern, Mr. Horace Norton succeeding. the firm name then becoming Norton & Dempsey. In the issue of the Express for December 26, 1861, an announcement appeared that Mr. Dempsey had retired, and Mr. Norton would continue the paper. The last number of the Boscobel Express was published January 2, 1862. December 18, 1862, L. R. Train issued a four-column half sheet called the Boscobellian, and on December 27, 1862, appeared the National Broad Axe, by L. R. Train, a seven-column folio, Republican in politics and bearing as its platform "The Star Spangled Banner." Con- forming himself to the feeling of the times, the editor of the Broad Axe in his first issue said : " The Broad Axe will be a champion of law and order. The law of the hell-hounds of seces- sion is FORCE, which breeds disorder." This was issued as a specimen number, and from Jan- uary 8, 1863, the paper was issued regularly. In the following April, Mr. L. M. Andrews became associated in the Broad Axe, and the firm name was Train & Andrews, which firm con- tinued until March 10, 1864, when N. B. Moody purchased Andrews' interest. August 10, 1864, Mr. Train retired from the paper, and Mr. Moody assumed sole control of the same. On the 24th day of the same month, Mr. Moody enlisted, and, on leaving for the front, left the paper with S. S. Train, who attended to the business until December 21, 1865, when he be- came sole proprietor. From a lack support, the Broad Axe closed its existence May 31, 1866.

Boscobel Argus .- Mr. C. Lahman commenced the publication of the Argus February 24, 1863. The sheet was a seven-column folio, Democratic in politics. The paper had a precarious career of about nine months, when like many others, it had to succumb to the inevitable. The Appeal was first published January 1, 1867, W. H. Bennett editor and proprietor. First started as a six-column folio, Republican in politics, and enlarged to seven columns January 29, 1868, with " patent insides." On October 24, 1868, Mr. Bennett retired from the Appeal, being succeeded by the Appeal Printing Company. In February, 1869, the name of the paper was changed to the Boscobel Journal, the Journal Printing Company publishers, and W. H. H. Beadle as editor. Beadle withdrew April 24, 1869, and was succeeded by Mr. T. W. Bishop, December 14, 1869, who continued the publication of the Journal until August, 1870, when the material of the office was purchased by R. B. Rice and T. W. Bishop and removed to Lancaster. Upon the suspension of the Journal, Boscobel was left without a newspaper until December 25, 1872, when the Boscobel Dial was issued by Messrs. Walworth & Son, C. B. Walworth publisher. The Dial was a seven-column folio, Republican in politics, published on the auxiliary plan. Walworth & Son continued the Dial until January 2, 1874, when Mr. C. Burton purchased the business and carried it on until September 10, 1875, when it passed into the hands of the present proprietor Capt. H. D. Farguharson. The Dial was enlarged to an eight-column folio, December 24, 1875.

CHURCHES.

Congregational Church .- This church was organized August 2, 1857, in the old Milwau- kee & Mississippi depot, through the efforts of Rev. A. A. Overton. The following persons were united by letter in its organization : Moses Rice, John Tyler, A. D. Allen, William Beals, Clarisa P. Rice, Myra A. Rice, Lucy M. Rice, Marcia Carley and Betsey Kellogg. At this meeting, Moses Rice was appointed as a delegate to the Congregational Convention of the State, The earlier meetings of the congregation were held at the depot. The church grew stronger with years, and August 5, 1860, notice having been previously given according to the statute of the State, the church met and elected the following persons as Trustees : Hezekiah Kellogg,

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for the term of three years; Job Leffley, for two years, and James Lucas for one year. The gentlemen forming the first Board of Trustees for the young society.

Up to the middle of the year 1863, the congregation were without a church home. With this fact in view, their Pastor, the Rev. Mr. Overton, assisted by some of the members, pro- ceeded with the work of soliciting subscriptions for the purpose of erecting a house of worship. So far, and with such success had their labors progressed, that by 1863, enough was in hand to warrant a commencement. The lots on which the church was afterward erected were donated to the society by Mr. John Mortimer. The church-the same with some enlargements is still standing-was first opened for public worship July 12, 1863, the sermon on this day being delivered by the Rev. D. Cleary, of Beloit. The new edifice was not dedicated until in Jan- uary, 1864, when the dedicatory sermon was by the Rev. Mr. Taylor, of Madison. From the founding of the church until this time, Rev. Mr. Overton had ministered to the spiritual wants of the congregation, devoting one-half of his time to Boscobel, and the remaining portion to Avoca. Mr. Overton was succeeded by Rev. Mr. Melvin. This Pastor was the first engaged exclusively by the church, whose growing needs demanded the whole time of a Pastor. Mr. Melvin remained one year, when he was succeeded by Rev. B. King, who took up his labors with the church in 1864, and continued as Pastor until 1866. For the year succeeding his departure, the congregation was without a spiritual guide. In 1867, the deficiency was sup- plied, and Rev. William Stoddart, Sr., commenced his labors with the congregation in the rela- tion of Pastor, a connection that remained unbroken during thirteen years.

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History of Grant County, Wisconsin, Part 118

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