History of Grant County, Wisconsin, preceded by a history of Wisconsin, Part 110

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

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The weekly yield is three hundred and fifty pigs of lead, which are consigned to Chicago, and the value of the investment, with improvements and appurtenances, is estimated at $5,000.

Rickard's Machine Shop .- Located at the east end of Mineral street, where it is conducted by John and David Rickard, the manufacture embracing machinery and the line of articles usual to the business. The firm began operation about 1860, on Furnace, near Mineral street, under- the name of Rickard & Son, when they engaged in jobbing, the building of engines, saw machines, fan blowers, turning lathes, etc., and there continued until 1874. In that year, the name of the firm was changed to the present style, and the foundry was removed to its present locality. When running to its full capacity, the firm employs four hands, at a weekly compensation of about $60, and does business annually estimated at $2,500. Lately it has been engaged in the manufact- ure of the Gratiot Patent Heater, invented by a resident of Platteville, and designed to draw the moisture of wheat from the kernel to the surface, rendering the flour less liable to deterioration, and enhancing the value of the bran. The firm turn out an average of fifteen of these machines weekly.

The Platteville Brick Yard .- Located in the northeast part of the city, where it was established by W. & J. Grindell during the summer of 1874, who have since conducted the busi- ness. At the time designated, these gentlemen leased three acres of ground and began the manufacture of brick of the ordinary and superior grades. So great grew the demand for their product that they were obliged to increase their facilities with succeeding seasons, until the bus- iness has grown to be one of the larger and more prominent in the city and vicinity. The sea- son properly begins on the 1st of May, and closes about the 1st of October. During that. period, a total of not less than three-quarters of a million of brick are molded, seasoned, burned and made ready for market, requiring the services of sixteen men, at a weekly compen- sation of $150, and producing an annual net return of $2,500. The yard is supplied with the most improved machinery employed, and every care is taken to make the article offered for sale, particularly the pressed qualities, of an order that shall procure an extended patronage. The custom of the firm is principally to be found in Platteville, but the ensuing season facilities will be completed for influencing a more extended trade. The investment represents a valuation of $4,500.

Platteville Butter Tub Manufactory-Was established by A. Potter in March, 1870, at its present location on Elm street, between Main and Pine, where he employed six hands, and placed 24,000 tubs on the market annually. Since that date, rival manufactories have been opened in various parts of the West, dividing the trade and diminishing the volume of business. disposed of by Mr. Potter. At present he employs but two hands, and his custom is princi- pally made up of buyers resident in Grant County.

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HISTORY OF GRANT COUNTY.

The Platteville Brewery-Was first built by Dennis Centliver about 1868, who maintained the ownership of the property until 1871, when it came into the possession of John Kemler through foreclosure proceedings. Almost as soon as title had been vested in the purchaser, and in September of the same year, the premises were destroyed by fire, entailing serious loss. In 1872, the building proper was rebuilt. It is of stone, fifty-six feet square, two stories high, and supplied with every convenience required for the preparation of malt liquors. Attached to the main building is a one-story stone ice-house 26x56, and within the brewery property a two- story and basement barn 20x30, also a brick dwelling of the same dimensions, two stories high, the improvements thus made costing in the aggregate $25,000.

In the fall of 1875, the premises were sold to Richard Briscoe and H. F. Rehmsted, who managed the enterprise until 1878. During that year, Briscoe failed to execute certain provi- sions contained in the bill of sale, when Mr. Kemler was placed in charge as Receiver, and ulti- mately resumed the ownership of a moiety in the property, which is valued at about $20,000.

When run to its full capacity, eight men are employed, at a monthly compensation of $350. At present the establishment turns out 1,600 barrels of beer per annum.

ELEVATORS.

P. C. Hawley & Co., Elevator-Also located opposite the depot of the Milwaukee & St. Paul Road depot was erected in 1870 by G. Hawley, and first operated by the firm of Hawley & Benedict. At the expiration of two years the firm name was changed to Hawley, Benedict & Co. This firm maintained possession one year, and were succeeded by Hawley & Shepherd, and they in turn by Hawley & Miles. In 1879, A. C. & H. G. Hawley became the owners, and have since conducted the business under the firm name above cited. Their consignments are not less than 150 car loads of grain per annum ; also handling salt, hides, pelts, etc.

The firm does a large business, and operates the elevators at Lancaster, Fennimore and Liv- ingston in addition to those at Platteville.

Moore's Elevator-Opposite the depot of the Milwaukee & St. Paul Railway was erected by S. Moore in 1870, and is constantly occupied. The building is of frame, 40x50, three stories high, with a capacity for 15,000 bushels of grain, and cost $4,000. At present it is occupied by Thomas Shepherd, lessee, whose business aggregates $20,000 annually.

N. H. Virgin &. Son, Elevators-At the west end of Main street, opposite the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railway depot, was erected in 1870 to supply a growing demand for accommodations incident to the transportation of grain and other commodities. It is of frame, 36x48, and forty feet high ; cost $5,000; and possesses a capacity for 15,000 bushels of grain. The value of business annually transacted is quoted at $25,000.

RELIGIOUS.

Platteville M. E. Church .- According to all accounts, there could have been no appoint- ment or circuit that would have reached Platteville prior to 1827. In the fall of 1828, John Dew was sent from the Illinois Conference to Galena. But how far into the surrounding coun- try he extended his services there is no means of determining. In 1829, the Galena mission was in the care of the Rev. Benjamin Stephenson ; in 1830 and 1831, under that of the Rev. Smith L. Robinson, and, in 1832, under that of the Rev. John L. Mitchell. For these four years Peter Cartwright was the Presiding Elder. but never visited this part of his district.

It is believed, however, that in the spring of 1832, Maj. J. H. Rountree and wife and W. B. Vineyard and wife met in the log cabin which stood at the lower end of Maj. Rountree's grounds, and organized the first Methodist class established in Platteville Township. The name of the Pastor who addressed this limited assemblage during the spring was Rev. Smith L. Robin- son ; but, upon the breaking-out of the Black Hawk war, services were suspended, and this Pastor who had been assigned to duty in the lead mines returned whence he came. At that time the Indiana Conference embraced Indiana, Illinois, Iowa, Michigan and Minnesota Territory, and the circuit riders assigned to duty in this section supplied the lead mines on both sides of the

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HISTORY OF GRANT COUNTY.

Mississippi River. Early in the fall of 1832, the Rev. John T. Mitchell, was sent to fill the ap- pointment made vacant by the retirement of the Pastor referred to, and services were held at occasional intervals in the log hut, and so continued for some months. He was returned the following year, accompanied by the Rev. Barton Randall, and meetings were resumed.

When the log schoolhouse and church, erected on Section 16, was completed, services were held there, the Rountree, Coleman, Snowden, Vineyard, Waller, Orn and Hugill families, etc., constituting the congregation, presided over by the Revs. Hooper Crews, Lorenzo Bevans, James Mitchell, J. Hadley and other divines. During the winter of 1836-37, the village made rapid strides in wealth and population, the congregation increased in membership, and the necessity of a more commodious house of worship became imperative. In response to these demands, a house, which had been erected for residence purposes near the present site of the Congregational Church. was secured and adapted to religious uses. In the spring of the latter year, the Pastor succeeded in raising a fund of $1,200, designed for the erection of an edifice to be known as the Methodist Church, and work on the same was commenced in May or June. By September, it was com- pleted, and, before the close of fall, its dedication celebrated, the Rev. Wellington Wigley preach- ing the sermon. The church was of frame, of architectural proportions, 30x40 in dimensions, with a seating capacity of three hundred. The basement was devoted to educational purposes, and- also formed the location of the first academy in Wisconsin. For upward of ten years, the Word of God was preached in this building, which sheltered all who applied during its existence as a church. To-day it is an adjunct, a property-room, to the brick block on Main street, occu, pied in part by Sanford & Chase. Its original cost was $2,600. Along in 1845, the society began the erection of a brick church at the corner of Main and Chestnut streets. The building of this house of worship, as also its arrangement and accommodations, was conducted under the supervision of the Rev. Samuel Mitchell, and was complete in all its details. In dimensions, it is 40x50, one story high, decorated with a handsome and lofty steeple, in which a " curfew bell" rang out its notes of warning on each recurring Sabbath and feast day; chimes for the quick and a requiem for the dead of the growing town. During its life of thirty years many were en- rolled as members, of whom the world was not worthy, many who might otherwise have been strewn with the wrecks of men who have been driven upon the rocks. In 1877, the question of erecting a new edifice was again mooted, and decided in the affirmative. The Rev. G. W. Case,

Pastor in charge, Maj. J. H. Rountree and Capt. John Grindell were appointed a building committee, and empowered to procure plans and contract for the same. In pursuance of such authority the committee visited Oregon, Ill., and after a thorough investigation into the merits of designs submitted, decided to adopt that of a church there located, the plans being altered to conform to improvements suggested by those immediately interested in securing a house of wor- ship in all particulars appropriate. The old house was demolished, the congregation meanwhile (until the lecture-room was completed) attending services holden in the stone schoolhouse, and, in July, 1877, the corner-stone of the new edifice was laid, the Rev. Messrs. Benson and Knox officiating. That fall the lecture-room was prepared for divine service, and the building roofed. In the winter and through the ensuing summer, work was carried on in the auditorium so that a completion was reached in the fall of 1878, and, on Thanksgiving Day of that year, the dedica- tion was had, the Rev. Dr. Hatfield, of Chicago, preaching the sermon. The building is of brick, with a frontage of sixty feet on Main street, and ninety feet on Chestnut street. It is in the Queen Anne style of architecture, with two towers, one of which is about seventy and the other about one hundred and forty feet from the pavement to the final end. The walls of the audito- rium are wainscotted in alternate panels of white and gray, the ceilings painted in artistic designs, and handsomely decorated. The woodwork is appropriately finished in a manner both neat and plain, and the capacity of the church is estimated at one thousand. The building is practically fire-proof, every precaution having been taken in the plans to avoid liability to conflagrations ; is lighted by gas manufactured on the premises, and heated by furnace, which renders the temper- ature equable and pleasant. In one of the towers is located a clock manufactured by the Ameri- can Clock Company, at a cost of $1,025; and the structure, built with a view to strength, beauty,

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HISTORY OF GRANT COUNTY.

convenience and perfect adaptation to the purposes intended, will be a monument to the taste and liberality of the congregation in the generations to come. The interior is lighted by six memorial windows as follows : One at the southern front to the memory of Mrs. Mary Grace Rountree, by the family of the lady ; two at the eastern front, one being a token of affection to the Rev. Samuel Mitchell and wife Eleanor, contributed by J. H. Rountree, J. S. and the Rev. J. F. Mitchell, of Ohio, and John T. Hancock, of Dubuque; the other to Frederick V. Holman and wife, the donation of James Holman, son of decedents ; a memorial to Mr. and Mrs. David Cook, also to Mrs. Hannah Howdell and Mr. and Mrs. John McMurty. The two latter fronting to the west.

The following is an imperfect list of the Presiding Elders and ministers who have officiated on the Platteville Circuit since 1840 : H. W. Reid, Presiding Elder ; Pastor to be supplied ; 1841-H. W. Reid, Presiding Elder ; Solomon Stebbins ; 1842-B. F. Kavanaugh, Presiding Elder ; Charles N. Wayar, Rufus J. Harvey ; 1843-B. F. Kavanaugh, Presiding Elder ; no supply stated; 1844-B. F. Kavanaugh, Presiding Elder ; J. G. Whitford ; 1845-Henry Sum- mer, Presiding Elder ; N. P. Heath ; 1846-47-Henry Summer, Presiding Elder.

In 1848, the Wisconsin Conference was organized, and in 1852 the Platteville District. Henry Summer was Presiding Elder, and in 1849 Henry Yocum succeeded, remaining in posi- tion during 1850 and 1851 ; 1853-Samuel C. Thomas, Presiding Elder ; W. Wilcox ; 1854- Samuel C. Thomas, Presiding Elder ; to be supplied ; 1855-Eli C. Jones, Presiding Elder ; J. M. Stagg; 1856-57-Eli C. Jones, Presiding Elder ; James Lawson ; 1858-Eli C. Jones, Presiding Elder ; Enoch Tasker ; 1859-61-W. Wilcox, Presiding Elder ; E. Tasker, J. Aspenwall, Edwin Buck; 1862-65-J. C. Aspenwall, Presiding Elder; Edwin Buck, James Lawson ; 1866-69-Enoch Tasker, Presiding Elder ; P. S. Mather, John Knibbs; 1870-73- William Haw, Presiding Elder ; John Knibbs, W. H. Palmer ; 1874-77-P. S. Mather, Pre- siding Elder ; A. D. Dexter, G. W. Case ; 1878-80-William Hamilton, Presiding Elder : G. W. Case, Henry Goodsell.

The present congregation is stated at about 200, and the value of church property at $16,000.

Primitive Methodist Church-Was organized in Platteville, as near as can be determined, during the year 1847, through the efforts and earnestness of the Rev. Mr. Lazembee, a pious member of the church, aided by the following, who constituted the original society in Platte- ville : John Trenary, Henry Snowden and family, Mark Waters and wife, John Chapman, Mrs. Verran, John Clayton, Mrs. Mary Bronson and a limited number possibly, at present forgotten. Services at first were attended at Shullsburg, and it was not until the building of a church edi- fice, located then, as now, near the corner of Cedar and Second streets, was completed, that the same were established in this city. Between 1850 and 1860, the society increased rapidly in numbers, and compelled the enlargement of the premises, which are now about thirty-five feet square, built of brick, one story high, and capable of comfortably accommodating a congregation of 200 worshipers. The society at present embraces about 100 members, owns property, includ- ing a parsonage, estimated to be worth $2,000 ; and has supported the following Pastors : The Revs. Frederick Dobson, John Sharpe, Charles Dawson, Charles Doughty, George Wells, Henry Lees, Christopher Hendra, Joseph Hewett, John Harrington and James Arnold, the present officiant.

The German Methodist Church-Was organized in the year 1848, under the pastorship of the Rev. H. Whithorne. During the following year, a frame edifice for public worship was erected near the corner of Cedar and Second streets, at a cost of $500, the lot having been donated by Maj. Rountree. In 1862, the premises were sold to the Christian denomination for $500, and a new church built at the corner of Furnace and House streets, costing $3,300, exclusive of the price of the lot, for which L. Coates was paid $500, where services have since been held. The constituent members were John Spink, Rebecca Spink, A. H. Spink, Meta Spink, John F. Nehls, E. F. Nehls, Nicholas Nehls, Anna Nehls and Henning Nehls, Minnie Wellers, Dietrich Boldt and Helena Boldt, Henning Rige, Nicholas Niehaus and some others.

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HISTORY OF GRANT COUNTY.

The present congregation numbers 126 communicants. The church property is valued at $6,000, and the following pastors have officiated : The Revs. John Braener, F. Hemz, L. Kunz, Henry Voshall, C. Schuler, John L. Schaefer, R. Fregenbaum, F. Rinder, Charles Weinreich, E. Felzner, P. Hellwey, F. Fischer, C. Hess, F. Schmidt, J. Schmidt and C. C. Miller.

The Platteville Free Methodist Church-Originally a part of the Mount Valley Confer- ence, was organized as a separate charge in June, 1871, by the Rev. Lewis Bailey, assisted by the Rev. G. C. Caffee, who were the founders of the society in Platteville. The pioneer mem- bers included William Hart and wife, Mrs. Lininger, Lizzie Capels, John Capels and some few others, whose names have either been omitted on the roll of membership, or are forgotten by those identified with the primary efforts undertaken by those mentioned to secure the establish- ment of the sect in this vicinity. At first services were held in the usual place of resort for congregations without local habitations-the schoolhouse-and were there conducted for the period of about one year. In 1872, however, means were provided for the purpose, and a com- modious frame church edifice was erected on Cedar street, between Hickory and Chestnut streets, which has since been occupied. It contains accommodations for 300 worshipers, and cost, furnished, a total of $1,000. Since the date when the society first manifested its presence in Platteville, it has increased by annual accessions until to-day. The congregation numbers 150 communicants, with church property valued at not less than $1,000, and is considered as in a gratifying and flourishing condition. The following Pastors have officiated since the society was organized : The Revs. C. E. Coffee, C. E. Harroun, James Scott, John Murray, E. Z. Thwing, L. Whitney and D. M. Sinclair, at present in charge.

Trinity Episcopal Church .- For some years prior to 1862, the limited number of Episco- palians residing in Platteville and the vicinity were dependent upon services at Lancaster and other points, or upon the offices of transient ministers of that faith. This unsatisfactory condi- tion of affairs lasted without interruption or variation until the year above indicated, when the Rev. L. C. Millette visited Platteville, where he established a mission and laid the foundations of the present prosperous parish. At that time there were but two adult communicants of the faith in the village-George R. Laughton, who has lived to see the charge of which he was in part the custodian appreciate from small beginnings, in wealth and influence, and Miss Wilhel- mina Hooper, who long since took on the pale seal of the master of mortality and became pre- cious dust beneath the turf. These three Christians were the nucleus about which gathered a congregation measured in numbers, but not in ardor or diligence, assembling weekly in school- houses and the residences of members of the flock for worship and communion. This continued for about one year, when the rock schoolhouse was secured for their occupation, and members convened there until the church at the corner of Chestnut and Market streets was taken posses- sion of. The initiatory steps looking to the erection of this edifice were taken as early as 1863 by Mr. H. Kimball, whose endeavors to procure subscriptions in that behalf within the parish not proving satisfactory, went East and raised the necessary funds. In the same year, the Rev. Mr. Millette yielded possession of the charge to the Rev. C. H. Rice, who remained until No- vember, 1864, subsequent to which date the congregation was, in a measure, limited in its regu- lar services, owing to the inability to secure a permanent incumbent. In 1865, the building of the church was commenced and prosecuted without delay until its completion was accomplished in 1868. The Rev. Frances Moore succeeded to the vacancy created by the resignation of the Rev. Mr. Rice, and exercised a large degree of influence in building up the church and promot- ing the cause in which he labored. Up to 1867, a debt of $12,000 prevented the consecration of the church. This debt, however, was liquidated on Easter Sunday of that year, and in August following the services of consecration were formally celebrated, the Rt. Rev. William E. Armitage preaching the dedicatory sermon. Soon after, the church was again left without a Rector, and no settled services were enjoyed until June 24, 1868, when the Rev. S. W. Frisbe accepted a call and took charge of the parish, which was finally organized and admitted into union with Convention under his administration.

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HISTORY OF GRANT COUNTY.

From this last-named date the career of Trinity has been such as to gratify its constituency and commend its labors. The services have been continuous and uninterrupted and the congre- gation increasing and select. The church edifice is an architectural ornament to the city, and attracts admiration for its symmetry, absence of ornamentation and appropriate furnishings. It is of brick, fashioned after old gothic styles, 40x70, one story high, surmounted by a hand- somely proportioned steeple, and cost, complete, not less than $15,000. It possesses a seating capacity of 250, and enjoys a weekly attendance of nearly that number. In 1871, the congre- gation erected a parsonage costing $1,800, and with the church property represents a present valuation of $12,000.

The following Rectors have served since the Rev. S. W. Frisbe retired : The Rev. James S. McGowan, from July, 1869, to July, 1873; C. A. Canfield, from February 23, 1874, to July, 1876 ; and Samuel D. Pulford (the present incumbent) from November 7, 1876.

The Congregational Church of Platteville. - This is one of the oldest religious orgainza- tions in ths State, having been established over forty years ago. It was organized under the Presbyterian form of government, August 17, 1839, and consisted of nine members. During that year, the congregation was without stated preaching and destitute of any convenient place of worship. In August, 1840, the Rev. Solomon Chaffee began supplying the pulpit alternate Sabbaths with the Mineral Point Presbyterian Church. About the same time, the Rev. James Gallaher, a well-known evangelist, labored for a short time with the church, and under his administration about thirty were added to the membership. During the autumn and winter of 1840-41, arrangements were made for the erection of a building to serve as a place of worship, and also as an academy. A school was at once opened in the second story, the first story being occupied as a place of worship. The Rev. A. M. Dixon succeeded the Rev. Mr. Chaffee, and supplied the pulpit from the close of the latter's labors until November, 1842, when the Rev. E. G. Bradford accepted an invitation to labor with the church. His labors ceased early in 1844. In the summer of that year, the Rev. J. D. Stevens was installed as Pastor, and con- tinued his labors for nearly three years. During this year, arrangements of a preliminary char- acter were completed for the erection of a permanent church edifice. The two lots upon which the present house stands were purchased, and, in 1845, the second home of the church was com- menced. This was so far completed as to be dedicated to the worship of God December 20, 1846. In the summer of 1847, the Rev. John Lewis accepted a call of the church, and, on September 1, commenced his long and successful pastorate. In July, 1849 (the way having been prepared by a special act of the State Legislature), the church, by a unanimous vote, changed its name and form of government from Presbyterian to Congregational. Three seasons of very general revivals-in the years 1849, 1851 and 1855-were enjoyed, and contributed largely to the growth of the church and success of the cause-this, too, notwithstanding the ministry of Mr. Lewis was interrupted by ill health. So pronounced did this become, that, in October, 1858, he felt obliged to resign his pastorate, which the church declined to accept, but consented to a recess of one year, hoping that at the expiration of that period he would be able to resume his labors. During his absence, the pulpit was supplied by the Rev. D. W. Pickard. The Pas- tor's health continued to decline, and, in 1860, he again tendered his resignation, which, with great regret, was accepted by the church. Five months later, he died, sending from his death- bed this last message to his people : "Remember the words that I spoke unto you while I was yet with you." During 1860, the Rev. Charles Jones occupied the pulpit, occasional supplies only being obtained until October, 1861, when a call was extended to the Rev. J. E. Pond, who accepted, and began his labors in December following. In 1868, the second church building was taken down and the present commodious, symmetrical, durable and handsomely finished church of brick was completed, after plans prepared by George Nettleton, of Janesville, at a cost of $11,000. This house was dedicated July 19, 1869, the Rev. Dr. Whiting, of Dubuque, preaching the dedicatory sermon from Exodus, xxv, 3: "Let them make me a sanctuary, that I may dwell among them." At the close of the sermon, the debt was taken in hand, and in less than an hour's time, through the efforts of the Pastor and others, was liquidated. In the after-

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History of Grant County, Wisconsin, preceded by a history of Wisconsin, Part 110

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