History of Grant County, Wisconsin, preceded by a history of Wisconsin, Part 107

Author: Butterfield, Consul Willshire, 1824-1899
Publication date: 1881
Publisher: [Chicago : Western Historical Co.?]
Number of Pages: 1050

USA > Wisconsin > Grant County > History of Grant County, Wisconsin, preceded by a history of Wisconsin > Part 107

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The scholastic year is divided into three terms, the first beginning on the first Tuesday of September and continuing sixteen weeks, the second term commencing on the first Tuesday in January and lasting twelve weeks, and the third commencing on the second Tuesday in April and expiring in June.

The present class consists of 475 students, and the value of the school property is quoted at $65,000.

THE POST OFFICE.

On March 10, 1829, William T. Barry, Postmaster General of the United States, appointed Maj. Rountree Postmaster at Platteville, and on October 10, of the same year, opened the office in a house within the grounds then and since occupied by this gentleman for residence purposes. There were no mail carriers in those days, and it was only when the Postmaster, or some of his servants visited Galena, that letters were obtained and transported to their addressed in Platte- ville and vicinity. In 1831, the mail was carried from Galena to Prairie du Chien, in a wagon

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HISTORY OF GRANT COUNTY.

via Platteville, twice each week, and was succeeded in 1832 by mail from Platteville to Mineral Point at stated periods. This continued until 1870, when the advent of railroads placed Platte- ville in more immediate and frequent communication with the outside world.

In 1835, the office was removed from the residence of Maj. Rountree to his store, corner of Third and Main streets, the Major discharging the duties of his position until 1838, when he was elected to the Territorial Council and resigned, to be succeeded by N. W. Kendall, who located the office in his store on Grocery street. He was followed by Sylvester Gridley, who was appointed about 1841, and had the office in his store, where Hodges' Bank now is. Thomas Eastman was the next recipient of executive confidence, serving the public in premises near the present site of Wright's drug store until about 1849. At that time, Dr. James Russell accepted the trust, in a building near Sickles' cigar store. Dr. G. W. Eastman was the next incumbent. The office under his administration being where Hooper's drug store now is, and whence H. Hulburt, Dr. Eastman's successor, removed it to Rountree's Block, corner of Main and Bonson streets. In 1857 Maj. Rountree was appointed, remaining in office until 1861, when he was relieved by James Kelly, who in turn yielded precedence to B. F. Wyne in 1865. That gen- tleman is still in charge. During the earlier portion of his terin of office he occupied the present site of Sickles' cigar store, but in 1879 he moved it to the corner of Main and Third streets, where it still remains, in the first brick building erected in Platteville, and on the same corner to which it had been moved from Maj. Rountree's residence forty-four years previous.

THE PRESS.

Grant County Witness .- The history of journalism in Grant County found expression first in Platteville, at which point the publication of the Northern Badger was commenced on Friday July 30, 1840. The paper was a folio of twenty colums, printed in brevier and con- taining a large amount of general information. For many seasons previous, the absence of a newspaper had been noted. It was a matter of surprise that a section of the country with soil, climate, mineral wealth, and other features of excellence rarely paralleled should have so long remained without a press to make known its advantages and sustain its interests. Thomas East- man, the editor and publisher, designed it to be a concise review of passing events. The politi- cal complexion of the paper would take the hue of all parties, and the useful and agreeable would be so united as to insure for it a welcome reception in the family circle. The first num- bers contained Congressional and Legislative proceedings ; news from different portions of the country and county ; a brief epitome of local intelligence, including the announcements that Dr. A. Hill, of La Fayette, Thomas P. Burnett, Dr. Crockwell, Miles Hollingsworth, Cyrus K. Lord and Samuel Lewis were candidates for the Territorial Legislature ; Darius Bainbridge, Stewart McKee, of Platte Mills, Robert Langley, of Van Buren, and Norman McLeod for County Commissioners ; Ira W. Brunson for the office of Collector of taxes, and William Mc- Auley for the office of Treasurer. Under the caption of "The Broken Head," the Badger is " happy to hear from high authority that William Rogers is entirely out of danger, and able to walk out; he could even attend to his labors, but his medical attendant deems labor too early as yet. The legal proceedings, however, are going on, and should the person aggrieved think proper to prosecute the action, in the name of the people, or try a civil suit for damages, the case must come before a jury. If we might offer a word of advice, we would say, keep the case out of court. We have understood, however, that a gentleman of great legal ability has been spoken of as likely to be retained for the defense. Should the case take such a direction, it is probable that our young but highly gifted townsman, B. C. Eastman, will have an opportunity of entering the forensic arena with a veteran adversary in a highly interesting suit. That he will be retained in the pending trial, we infer from the very deep impression he has made on the public mind by his efforts in the preliminary investigation before the Justice's Court." The local department also contained an editorial brevity on 'Our Southern Boundary," a notice of "Dr. Burhaus' lectures on the Science of Phrenology," the Illinois election returns, Indiana and Missouri election news, and other notes and comments of great interest and moment to

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HISTORY OF GRANT COUNTY.

readers of those days. The advertisements comprehended the Sheriff's "venditioni exponas, by Harvey Pepper, Sheriff ; B. Roulette, lime dealer; Miss Longsden, pianoforte teacher ; S. McKee, lumber dealer ; J. Reynard, tailor ; Ben C. Eastman, attorney at law ; W. G. Spencer, boot and shoe maker ; one or two guardians' notices, and the markets. The miscellanies were made up of a dolorous poem in iambics, under the title "Requiem," and beginning, "I see thee still," running through four verses ; " Washington's Ancestors ; Aaron Burr; Steam Navi- gation ; A Brave Soldier and Shin-Plasters." The fourth page was also devoted to advertising the prospectuses of the Northern Badger, the Philadelphia Saturday Courier and Brother Jonathan, " the largest and most beautiful newspaper in America," in addition to the arrival of the mails in Platteville, and New York prices current.

Such, imperfectly, is a description of the first newspaper published in Grant County. It was conceived and brought forth in Platteville, where its infancy was rocked, and where it grew in strength and character under the influences of encouragement and genial surroundings. According to all accounts, for the records are missing, it had run the gantlet of a cheerful experience, had put off its swaddling clothes, and become garbed in apparel, mechanically speak- ing, of the latest and most improved design, when it sickened, and before the remedies usually provided upon occasions of a similarly critical period could produce an effect, stiffened in death. But as the "form " of the journalistic infant lay at its home in the village of Platteville, where it had begun life with such bright promises for the future, its senses closed to the world whence it was passing. A new dispensation, metaphorically speaking, opened the door of the apartment, and, gliding to its bedside, pressed its lips upon the pallid brow, over which the death damp was gathering, and as silently passed out to take up the " stick " and " rule " of its predecessor, and furnish the world and all that therein is with news and notes, under the name of the Independent American and General Advertiser. This was commenced as the indirect successor to the Badger, early in the year 1845. J. L. Marsh, at present a member of the Fourth Estate at Sheboygan, directing its policy, molding its education, furnishing its mental and substantial resources, and doing all things needful for its advancement and independence. The Wisconsin Whig, however, was the immediate successor to the Badger, lasting but a short time, and was followed by the Wisconsin Register, equally short lived.

In appearance, the American and Advertiser, typographically speaking, was a decided improvement over that of the Badger. The print was clear, the paper of a superior quality, and very much that had been wanting in the latter was supplied. Every policy that could in any way contribute to the welfare of the Northwest or development of its resources was advocat- ed by Mr. Marsh, and a system of internal improvements for more accessible communication with other portions of the country was urged upon the attention of his readers. The enter- prise and spirit of Plattevillians was commended, and such allocutions as the editor promulgated, . designed for the encouragement of those who, by their labors and examples, sought to build up the town and its vicinage, thereby promoting the growth and importance of the communities con- tiguous thereto, fell not upon stony ground. About this time, the system of telegraphy, which has since so universally obtained, was just coming into experimental use, and this, too, was availed of to add to the quantity of information furnished. Mr. Marsh conducted the paper alone until January 14, 1848, when E. F. Bayley became associated, and the firm was afterward known as " Marsh & Bayley." This arrangement created, no change was observed from the course previously pursued. Every exertion was made to render the American worthy of pat- ronage, which was as liberally extended as under the former regime. These gentlemen remained in charge until 1849, when the paper suspended, and so continued until September 13, 1851, when J. L. Marsh resumed its publication, in outward appearance entirely changed, but the same in principle as when he first launched his journalistic bark upon the tide of time-inde- pendent.

Typographically, the new issue was a superior specimen of mechanical art, and from his office, in the third story of Moore & Hodges' block, the editor was accustomed to commune with his constituency in a manner both frank and dignified. On the 17th of September, 1852, was

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commenced the seventh volume of the journal, still under the editorship of J. L. Marsh, and with increased facilities for consulting the wants of advertisers and subscribers. This and the succeeding volume were edited by Mr. Marsh, but with the opening of the ninth volume, Har- lon M. Page greets the reader as editor, and Page & Chatterton, proprietors. Under their administration, the Independent American, while not presuming to rival cotemporary dailies, in the extent and variety of foreign and general intelligence, furnished to its readers, in a con- densed form, a summary of the world's news. To this was added, for the benefit of farmers and business men, an accurate report of the markets and matters of interest to the commercial and agricultural communities from whom its support was obtained. In politics, the paper re- mained independent. The firm of Page & Chatterton remained as the published owners of the paper until January 11, 1856, when H. M. Page succeeded to the partnership, and discharged the duties incident thereto, in conjunction with those of editor. This move, it appears, had been for some time in contemplation prior to its being consummated. The expenses of publish- ing a paper in those days were heavy, and the tight times which are known to have existed about this time greatly augmented an outlay that was disproportioned to the income. These consid- erations prompted the centering of the responsibilities, which were undertaken by Mr. Page. who promised to maintain the standard of excellence which had been attained as the result of the efforts of himself and Mr. Chatterton. Mr. Page remained in the harness, so to speak, until October 30, 1857, enduring many trials, experiencing few triumphs, when he laid down the editorial pen, and in a few plain words, expressed his reasons for suspending the further publi- cation of the American. A period of nearly two years elapsed before further effort was made to establish a weekly journal in Platteville, but on the 26th of May, 1859, the Grant County Witness was issued, and has since been attended with a success reasonably gratifying. The venture was first undertaken by Israel Sanderson, who announced his reasons for starting a paper, and the character that the same would bear before the public. It would bear testimony of occurring facts ; labor to advance the principles set forth in the National and State Repub- lican platforms ; protest against the authority of Congress to give legal existence to slavery in the Territories ; maintain the doctrine asserted by the Supreme Court of Wisconsin on the question of State Rights, and advocate the right and reprove the wrong wherever seen. The paper was a seven-column folio, neat in its make-up, containing choice selections of miscellaneous reading, crisp editorials, brief and to the point localisms, and a large number of advertisements. The first eight numbers of the Witness were issued from Lancaster, but on July 14, following its es- tablishment, the office was removed to Platteville, as the prospect of self-supporting was consid- ered more gratifying at the latter point than at Lancaster. A year's experience established the truth of this conclusion. By hard labor and close attention to business, a corresponding liber- ality on the part of the public was begot, and the fact that a paper could be sustained in Platte- ville was settled beyond a peradventure. For upward of three years, Mr. Sanderson realized this experience.

At the expiration of that period, or on May 8, 1862, he entered into an arrangement with George K. Shaw and Daniel E. Bockius, of Galena, who assumed the management himself, acting as assistant publisher, rendering, as occasion required, such assistance as was deemed necessary. The firm was afterward known as "Shaw & Bockius." During the period when Mr. Sanderson catered to the intellectual appetite of his readers, the Witness never failed weekly to visit the homes of subscribers, bringing entertainment and instruction. This, too, at times when business interests had been subjected to great hardships, and suffered therefrom. But the paper passed successfully through these crises, and at the date of its transfer was yield- ing fair profits to its publishers. Under such auspices, and with such advantages, did Messrs. Shaw & Bockius commence the race with cotemporaries. It was at the most exciting period of the war, but the policy of these gentlemen was such as to commend their efforts to a generous patronage, which was continued during their joint and several management of the enterprise. The partnerhip lasted until November 5, 1863, when the name of Daniel E. Bockius disappeared from the editorial page. On the 31st of December of the same year, Mr.

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Shaw sold out his interest to F. S. Houghawont, who assumed charge on the following day, and began its publication after completing a number of improvements, etc. His lease of authority, however, was short-lived, for with the issue of April 7, 1864, Mr. Houghawont closed his connec- tion with the Witness, which reverted to George K. Shaw, from whom the former obtained title in December previous. The new lease of life obtained under the tutorship of Mr. Shaw was both prolonged and mutually beneficial. For upward of five years he had control of its editorial columns, making the paper a respectable and flourishing institution, especially during the gloomy years of the war, and when business stagnation held out no inducements to perse- vere in the walks of professional life. Mr. Shaw did persevere, however; and by his efforts contributed to swell the population and recsources of the county until February 28, 1867. At that date, a sale of the Witness was effected to M. P. Rindlaub, for three years previous editor of the Herald, at Lancaster ; an experienced newspaper man, a practical printer and a gentle- man fully appreciating the expectations borne of the successions. For some time prior to his assuming control, the Witness had abandoned its independent policy, and came out Republican in politics of the strictest sect. The innovation thus established was adopted by Mr. Rindlaub, and in his views of the situation as set forth in the editorial columns, the syllabus of his pred- ecessor was intensified rather than diminished. In the campaign of 1868, he supported Grant for President, and contributed in a marked degree toward the molding of public opinion in that direction in Grant County- In the winter of 1871-72, Mr. Rindlaub enlarged the Witness to its present size, procured a new dress, and completed other improvements, which have been annually added to from time to time, as the necessity occurred, until to-day the paper, which began with so little pretension nearly twenty-five years ago, ranks second to no journal in the State in its influence and character ; not alone as the formulator of public opinion and the conservator of public morality. but also as a dignified witness of passing events and the unpre- judiced advocate of equal rights to all men.

Der Correspondent-A German weekly issued on Thursdays, and enjoying a rapidly increasing prosperity. In the fall of 1879, Herman Melster, an enterprising and ambitious journalist, previous to that date connected with the Herald and Seebote, of Milwaukee, con- ceived the idea of establishing a German paper in Wisconsin, outside the territory tributary to Milwaukee, as the source of all that is good, true and beautiful in knowledge and art. He canvassed the State with care, and finally deciding upon Platteville as a point furnishing the most available advantages for the establishment of a German paper, located here and, on Octo- ber 19 of that year, in conjunction with Ferdinand Remshogue, issued the first number of Der Correspondent. The paper was then, and still is, a folio of eight columns to the page, well printed, attractively made up, and presenting all the features of excellence necessary to success.

The partnership continued until December 18, 1880, when it was dissolved, Mr. Rems- hogue retiring, since which period Mr. Melster has conducted the enterprise without assistance, and is succeeding beyond his most sanguine expectations.

The Correspondent is the only paper printed in the tongue of the "Faderland" in South- western Wisconsin, and is steadily becoming a power in the community as the formulator of pub- lic opinion and conservator of the sentiment of equal and exact justice to all men. Politically, it is independent, strictly so, without preference for or prejudice toward either of the contesting parties, and, while this is strictly true, the promulgation of an opinion through the columns of the Correspondent, from its office on Grocery street, has not been altogether unproductive of results in the politics of the city.

The present circulation is stated at 600, and the value of the enterprise at $1,000.

BANKS.

I. Hodges' Bank-Organized in 1846 by I. Hodges and L. McCarn, who commenced business in premises on Main street now occupied by the store of D. Wilson. The firm re- mained here until the spring of 1870, when the building was materially damaged by fire, and they removed to the building at present used as the post office, corner of Main and Third

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streets. The same fall, they erected the commodious brick building on the opposite corner of the same thoroughfares, where the business has since been carried on. In March, 1873, Mr. McCarn died, when the firm was re-organized with I. Hodges and O. S. Griswold ; this contin- ued until January 1, 1880, when Mr. Griswold retired, since which date Mr. Hodges has ope- rated alone.

The business is that of general banking and exchange, and aggregates $2,000,000 annu- ally.

W. S. Northrop & Co .- Composed of W. S. Northrop and George W. Eastman, bankers and dealers in exchange, Government securities, etc .; was organized April 1, 1880, and are en- gaged in a large and rapidly increasing business, amounting to $1,500,000 per year, principally with the farmers of the township and merchants in the city of Platteville.

SECRET SOCIETIES.

Melody Lodge, No. 2, A., F. g. A. M .- The second lodge of Masons established in the present State of Wisconsin was organized on the 15th of February, 1843, with the following members and officers: John Bevans ; B. T. Kavanaugh, W. M .; Hugh R. Colter, S. W .; W. C. Fillebrown, J. W .; Servis W. Link, Secretary; J. H. Rountree, Treasurer ; Rufus Spauld- ing, S. D .; John W. Wiley, J. D., and David Rich, Tiler.

The organization was completed, and for nearly a year the lodge worked under a dispen- sation granted by the Grand Lodge of the State of Missouri. Meetings were convened at first in the hall of the old academy building, but this was only for a short time. The same year, a log building erected by Samuel Moore and brother, on the east side of the public square, was purchased and reconstructed so as to serve the purposes of a Masonic temple. The building still stands, occupying the southwest corner of Block 44, at the corner of Mineral and Bonson streets.

Almost from the start, the lodge prospered; in point of membership and influence, it was rapidly becoming a power in the community, as also of the craft. As a result, the " temple " improvised out of the unpretentious log cabin became of too contracted dimensions and limited resources, and in the winter of 1846, the question of constructing a hall was agitated. This agitation was continuous and earnest, culminating in a decision to erect a building that has since been utilized as the meeting-place for both Masons and Odd Fellows. Samuel Moore, W. G. Spencer and Joel C. Squires were appointed a building committee ; a lot was selected at the corner of Court and Pine streets, contracts were concluded with H. R. Beebe, and the corner- stone was laid with impressive and appropriate ceremonies about June 24, 1846. From this time forward, work was diligently prosecuted under the superintendence of Samuel Moore, and during the same year the building was completed and dedicated.

It is of brick, 24x40, the hall being 24x32, handsomely finished and ornamented, costing a total of $2,200. The upper floor has been used by the Masons, while the first story has been appropriated to the occupation of Odd Fellows, a German Society and other fraternities.

The Lodge worked under the dispensation and charter obtained from the Grand Lodge of Missouri, until January 17, 1844, when it was re-organized, and a charter issued by the Grand Lodge of Wisconsin, with the following officers: Benjamin C. Eastman, W. M .; Lewis W. Link, S. W., and Bennett Atwood, J. W., under the jurisdiction of which it has since worked.

The present membership is about ninety-one, making a total of 308 persons admitted to the lodge, either by initiation or otherwise since its organization. The value of lodge property is quoted at $4,000, and the present officers are Duncan McGregor, W. M .; W. B. Wyne, S. W .; J. B. McCoy, J. W .; J. H. Evans, Treasurer ; A. L. Brown, Secretary ; J. McGrana- han, S. D .; A. C. Hawley, J D .; I. M. Gear, Tiler.

Washington Chapter, No. 2, R. A. M .- On or about the 14th of August, 1844, a dispen- sation was received from the General Grand Chapter of the United States, directed to B. T. Kavanaugh, Moses Meeker, Marcus Wainwright, Ephraim F. Ogden, Thomas C. Legate, William R. Smith, Eleazer Smith, Hugh R. Colter and Charles Knight. The dispensation was to con-

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tinue in force for a brief period, and under its authority B. F. Kavanaugh became High Priest, Moses Meeker, King, with Marcus Wainwright, Scribe.

On September 13, 1844, the General Grand Chapter of the United States issued a charter, and, on February 13, 1850, delegates from Milwaukee Chapter, No. 1, Washington Chapter, No. 2, and Southport Chapter, No. 3, convened at Madison for the purpose of organizing a Grand Chapter of Wisconsin, authority for the same having been granted by the Grand Chapter of the United States.

A session of several weeks was held in completing arrangements. The meetings of the chapter, from its organization in the first instance to the present time, have been held in Masonic Hall, at Platteville, on the second Tuesday of each month.

The chapter is at present in a highly prosperous condition, having a membership of seventy- five of the craft and the following officers : John Grindell, High Priest; J. H. Evans, King ; and H. H. Virgin, Scribe.

Lilly of the Mound Lodge, I. O. O. F .- One of the oldest lodges in the Northwest, and the sixth in order of precedence in the State, was incorporated January 6, 1846, under a dis- pensation granted by the Grand Lodge of the United States to the following petitioners : Ed- ward Symmes, J. L. Marsh, A. M. Holliday, J. W. Basye, H. L. Bevans and A. S. Bennett. The lodge was instituted by John G. Potts, and all the above-named gentlemen, constituent members, are deceased, except J. L. Marsh, of Sheboygan. Meetings were convened in the lower story of Masonic Hall, corner of Court House and Pine streets, where, during the period the lodge was working under the dispensation, forty-eight candidates were admitted to member- ship, and the following served as pioneer officers : J. W. Basye, N. G .; E. Symmes, V. G .; A. M. Holliday, R. S .; J. L. Marsh, P. S .; I. Hodges, Treas.

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History of Grant County, Wisconsin, preceded by a history of Wisconsin, Part 107

Author: Butterfield, Consul Willshire, 1824-1899 Publication date: 1881 Publisher: [Chicago : Western Historical Co.?] Number of Pages: 1050

Author: Butterfield, Consul Willshire, 1824-1899
Publication date: 1881
Publisher: [Chicago : Western Historical Co.?]
Number of Pages: 1050