History of Grant County, Wisconsin, preceded by a history of Wisconsin, Part 112

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 112

Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).

In 1844, the prominent arrivals included Louis Rood, George Babcock and Alden Adams. the latter being the founder and landlord of the Empire House at a subsequent date. Dr. Brid-

737

HISTORY OF GRANT COUNTY.

den, the first physician to settle in the village, came this year, and built a house in the lower town. James A. Jones, now a resident of Lancaster, was enrolled among the citizens of Hazel Green, in 1844. A man named Rand was also enumerated on the census list, and became a resident of lower town, when he built a residence near that of Dr. Bridden. Peter Brown and Robert Frazer (the latter the inventor of Frazer's axle grease), erected the building on Main street, now occupied by Hon. H. D. York, and opened a store for the sale of miscellanies within its walls. In addition to these, a large number of Cornish miners arrived from England, and settled upon the branch, where they labored until the discovery of gold on the Pacific Coast. when they joined in the tide of emigration which tended in that direction. From 1844 until 1855, the mines are represented to have been more vigorously worked and productive of greater yields than at any time before or since. As a result, money was plenty, times flourishing, and gambling and drinking universal. A schoolhouse was built in 1844, a one-story frame, on East Main street, where it stood until blown down in the tornado of 1876. At the house of John Hinch occasional services were had by the Catholics, and this was the only attempt made to cultivate the religious element up to that period, although the Rev. S. Barnes, who came in 1843, and resided in a house adjoining Gribble's store, made efforts to obtain a hearing at long intervals. Sometimes an itinerant would pass this way and tarry for a season ; but it was not until two years later that an edifice, especially dedicated to the worship of God, was provided. Upon one occasion, a colporteur of the Mormon faith made his appearance in the village, and, being unable to obtain other quarters, took possession of the "Light House " bar-room, and began an exhortation, using one of the tables ordinarily devoted to poker and " old sledge " as a pulpit. There was quite a company present at the time engaged in their favorite amusement. many of whom abandoned their games and became listeners. The congregation, improvised from this crowd in the pursuit of fortune, included, among others, Col. Streeter, a huge Mississippi " sport," probably "Patch Eye John, Bloody Kentuck and Bullet Neck Green," a trinity of adventurers, who had been thus designated in the mines, all of whom not only paid the most respectful attention themselves, but enforced a proper degree of decorum among the motley crowd, while the Mormon expatiated upon the faith professed by Joseph Smith and his followers. After the benediction had been pronounced, Col. Streeter observed that the laborer was worthy of his hire, and proceeded to take up a collection. Those present generally responded, and the Colonel handed the Mormon the results, with the suggestion that " it was a bigger Jack pot than had been staked during the day."

An old settler and prominent citizen, who first landed in Hazel Green in these flush times, arrived on Sunday, and was impressed by what he saw that the place was the residence of very many men bad as the emigrant from Bitter Creek, whose exploits have become the subject of a poetic fiction. After procuring a boarding-house, he relates, he sauntered down town, intent on seeing the sights, and brought up opposite the "Light House," but just as he was decided upon entering, his progress was embargoed by the forcible exit of a "Bloody Kentuck," minus one sleeve of an overcoat, which garment was, with . its wearer, in a condition of almost hopeless destruction. It appears that him of the euphonious nomenclature had been detected while en- deavoring to cheat at cards, and ejected from the house without regard for comfort or elegance.

While there was a promiscuous crowd, composed of nearly all nationalities and nearly every feature of character, collected at Hazel Green as elsewhere in the mines, there seems to have been less of crime than one would suppose. There was considerable trouble among those who lived by their wits, but the pistol was hardly ever resorted to, and bloodshed was limited to that following a knock-down, drag-out affair, such as are indigenous to every newly-settled region where men are often measured by their excesses rather than the absence of them.

In 1845, the Empire House was built. Ezra Dorman put up a store, and John Gribble. who came in 1840, a residence, both in Lower Town. Lewis Rood laid out the north end of the village into lots, and called it "Rood's Addition." He also erected two houses in that portion of the town, both of which still stand, owned by John Triganza. About this time, the Richards Brothers erected the stone house in the lower portion of the village, which was blown

738

HISTORY OF GRANT COUNTY.

down during the tornado of 1876, burying an entire family beneath the ruins. School was still carried on in the frame house erected the previous year and occupied on Sundays by the Method- ists, the Presbyterians, under the care of a Rev. Mr. Lewis, worshiping in the Empire House, and the Catholics still celebrating mass at the house of Mr. Hinch. The following year, the Catholics and Presbyterians began the building of church edifices, and John Edwards completed the first brick residence in the village or vicinity. It was located on his farm at the edge of the village, and still stands a monument to the enterprise of its founder. Building this year is said to have been quite general, the improvements being made up of stores and residences. Daniel Brewster opened a store opposite the "Light House" and built a residence on the site now occu- pied with the dwelling of Mrs. Allison ; the Rev. Robert Langley built where Roberts' wagon- shop now is ; William Warner, the present residence of Dr. J. L. Jenckes. The Wisconsin House, opposite the Empire, was put up in 1846; it, too, still stands, the private residence for many years of the late Jefferson Crawford, and now in possession of his heirs.

In 1847, the old stone store razeed in the tornado was built by John Edwards, and, until its destruction, was the abiding place of Masonic and other secret orders. Nearly all the resi- dences which were erected in Rood's Addition went up about this time, and Lewisburg, a town of great ambition, but slender prospects, was beginning to come into notice. This projected municipality was surveyed and platted in 1846 by Henry C. Wiltse, on the Curtis farm, a mile north of Hazel Green, and named after Lewis Curtis, who will be remembered as an arrival here in 1827. It was thought that the enterprise might, in time, either neutralize the influence and importance of Hazel Green, or become a valuable addition to that place. Lots were laid out, streets designated and named, and other improvements proposed, but they were never real- ized, nor were the ambitions of its founders ; the village that was to be failed to attract visitors ; investments were never made; plans in embryo were never born, and the undertaking fell through, the land being once more utilized for agricultural rather than speculative purposes.

Notwithstanding the Mexican war excitement influenced many residents of Hazel Green, including, among others, Amon Miller, James Kilgore, John Zenssler, Thomas Sheridan, Thomas Hitchcock, Orville Cottle, and a number whose names have been forgotten, to enlist, the growth of the village was not retarded, and improvements were continued, so that in 1849, when the California fever broke out all over the country, and raged with epidemic violence in the " lead mines," Hazel Green was decidedly flourishing, pretentious in appearance, and comparatively populous. With the announcement of the existence of wealth across the continent, the bone and sinew of this section lent a willing ear to the reports, and, having realized a confirmation of what they heard, girded up their portables and joined the army of miners which crossed the plains, and became pioneers in the new El Dorado. The force which was recruited in Hazel Green included Joseph Harris, J. S. Williams, James Wells, James Blight, Thomas Edwards, Joseph Johns, James Johns, Peter Skinner, Bennett Andrew, James Gleason and others. All of these mentioned succeeded in their object and returned independent.

THE VILLAGE IN 1850.

In 1850, the village contained a population estimated at 600; there were eight stores within its corporate limits, four hotels, four churches, one school, and other evidences of enlight- enment and enterprise. From the beginning of this decade until 1853, the town is represented as being "dead." The levies made upon its population had affected that class of citizens who contribute to the cultivation of systems and education of classes as agencies for the development and promotion of latent wealth. These departures limited the town's prosperity, retarded its growth, and unquestionably resolving it into a comparatively quiescent corporation. The first era in the life of the town, it may be said, was closed in 1850, and, for three years, the pros- pects of a revival were far from enticing, but at the expiration of that period, combinations and circumstances conspired to give a new lease of life, and the last stage of prosperity, it is said, was decidedly more gratifying than the first. Those who had gone to California returned with substantial results of their labors, and became ambitious to excel in agricultural pursuits, as

MUSCODA.

741

HISTORY OF GRANT COUNTY.

they had succeeded in mining. As a consequence, investments were made in lands in the vicinity of the village, and some of the most productive farms of to-day- were first opened at that time. In addition to this, discoveries made of new mines, and prospective enterprises contemplated by corporations at the East, gave an impetus to that industry. Among these was the American Mining Company, which had been largely engaged in operating in the vicinity of Sinsinawa Mound. Early in 1853, the company commissioned its Western representative, William War- ner, to investigate the mineral resources of Hazel Green Township, and if the same were found to be as it was believed they were, the company designed entering upon a lease of about 1,500 acres belonging to Jefferson Crawford and Abigail Curtis, erect two engines, each of 250 horse- power, and thoroughly drain the lands, preparatory to mining to an extent not previously thought of. Mr. Warner, accordingly, visited Hazel Green, accompanied by James G. Perci- val, the poet, author and geologist, and began the discharge of his duties, Mr. Percival being employed to demonstrate certain theories upon mining. After several months' devotion to the subject, Dr. Percival closed his labors with an able and elaborate report, favorable to deep mining, and to the use of machinery to be operated in the drainage of mineral lands in this locality. This paper is said to have been a most valuable contribution to science, and of great practical utility to the mining interests of the State.

DR. JAMES G. PERCIVAL.

The occasion is here taken to relate briefly of Dr. Percival's residence in Hazel Green, whose death in the hospitable home of Dr. Jenckes, with whom he resided, elicited very general and extended notices from the press of this country and Europe. At the bar, in the pulpit and amid the walks of philosophy and science, tributes were paid to his genius, his virtues and his literary fame.

Previous to the labors of Mr. Percival for the American Mining Company, the Legislature of Wisconsin adopted a law providing for the geological and mineralogical survey of the State, at an annual expense of not more than $2,500, and to commence in the lead mining district. Under this law Edward Daniels was appointed State Geologist by Gov. Farwell, and began the discharge of the trust while Mr. Percival was investigating for the mining company. Upon the completion of his labors, many of those interested in mining felt anxious that the State geo- logical survey should be conducted by that gentleman, believing that if made by one so compe- tent and so eminent in his profession it would be of great practical benefit to the public. A request to this effect was therefore preferred to Gov. Barstow by the prominent citizens and land-owners of the State, and Dr. Percival was appointed, and entered upon the discharge of his duties August 12, 1854.

An acquaintance, admirer and friend of the dead poet, speaking of his life and habits at this period, says : "He entered upon his new field of labor in the mines with much zeal and pleas- ure, which seemed to increase with the prosecution of his researches, whether viewing the rocky bluff of a stream or examining the debris from some mineral range, with the view of deducing some facts connected with industrial science for the benefit of mining. His ardor and earnest- ness in the discharge of his duties were intense, and hardly ever until the fading hours admon- ished him the day for toil was ended would he turn his steps homeward. This unflagging devo- tion to the love of work and the consequent exposure therefrom probably was the leading cause of his last illness. However eccentric or forbidding Dr. Percival appeared to outside observers, in the private social circle he was full of cheer and mirth, his utterances often sparkling with wit and wisdom.

" There were occasional intervals of a few days that an unpleasant restraint seemed to rest upon him-probably produced by ill-health-at other times his intellectual powers would, apparently, exercise free scope in the domain of thought, then (if he felt communicative) to sit in his presence and 'drink at the fountain' was an inspiring pleasure that few men have ever been able to impart. The true and beautiful were real existences with him. Nothing short of a clear and correct knowledge of everything worthy of investigation would satisfy him.

742

HISTORY OF GRANT COUNTY.

" Whether botanizing a flower or placing a piece of rock in its proper geological order, the utmost care and accuracy was exercised. Neither was his intellectual greatness and power con- fined to geology and poetry, but embraced a variety of subjects. We relate the following inci- dent as an illustration : During the earlier years of Thomas H. Benton's Senatorial career, while addressing the Senate upon a measure of importance, he eloquently portrayed the future of his country, predicting that at no very remote time a railroad would span the Continent, built as a necessity for the wants of the millions yet to people the vast area west of the Mississippi. Upon reading that speech, Percival (at his home in New Haven) opened a drawer and took there- from a previously written article upon the feasibility of a highway across the Rocky Mountains, and the duty of the Government to construct it, expressing the strongest conviction that the topography of the country was feasible for a railroad that would erelong be needed to facilitate the commerce of the country. He at once forwarded the document to the Missouri Senator, who, after reading it, arose in the Senate and paid Percival a handsome compliment, at the same time asking permission to have it read to the Senate, which was granted ; but in those days even Senators deemed such projects Utopian, visionary.

" Percival's knowledge of the geography and topography of the country was characterized by the same thoroughness that entered into other fields of study and research.

" It is a matter of fact, recorded in his biography, we think, that he wrote no poetry for a number of years previous to coming West. But the Muse had not departed-was only held in reserve-as the following incident will testify. While surveying the mining land near Sinsinawa. Mound for the American Mining Company, in the year 1853, Percival was lodging for the time at one of the early-built hotels in Fairplay in which the sleeping apartments were partitioned with boards with a narrow hall extending the entire length of the building. In those days the

boarders, mostly miners, were not governed by any rules of custom for time of repose, but were in the habit of wending their way up the stair-case and along the dark hall at all hours of night. The noise was quite annoying to the Doctor. Wishing in some way to enter his protest against such disorder and confusion, he took a pencil and slip of paper from his pocket, and, while waiting for breakfast, wrote a caustic poem in Greek, which, during the day he read to two or three of his friends, also its translation in English. While not very severe on the landlord, the house and boarders were neatly ' done up.' Another anecdote illustrating his character : After writing a preliminary report of his survey of the Hazel Green Lead Mines to the President of the American Mining Company, he submitted it through the general agent of said company, William Warner, Esq. Mr. W., who was a highly educated gentleman, suggested a change of a single word, substituting another that he deemed the better. Percival insisted upon the cor- rectness of the word as he had used it. Remonstrance proved unavailing. The definitions of words and their proper use in sentences were to him positive things, and, after writing an important document, he could not admit it contained mistakes.

" While prosecuting his researches he was taken ill, and what was at first thought to be a mild attack of intermittent, resulted, after many days, in defiance of medical skill, in his death. He died on the 2d of May, 1856, in the second story front room of Dr. Jenckes' residence, Hazel Green, surrounded by kind friends, who tenderly and affectionately ministered to his tem- poral wants, and closed his eyes forever at the dawn of the day, as the sun was just rising and threw a flood of golden light over the scene. He was buried on the following Sabbath in the village churchyard, where his grave can be seen to-day without 'storied urn' to detail the virtues of him who sleeps beneath the sod, the sleep of sanctified rest. But the memory of his worth, like moonbeams on the stormy sea, has doubtless lighted up many a darkened heart, and lent to the gloom surrounding a checkered life a beauty so sad, so sweet, that one would not, if he could, dispel the darkness which enshrouds it."

AN ERA OF PROSPERITY.

The effect of these undertakings was such that improvements in the village were frequent and of an expensive character. Faherty's Block, Crawford's Block, Dr. McBreen's and other

743

HISTORY OF GRANT COUNTY.

commodious and handsome residences which dot the village landscape to-day were put up during this era of prosperity and promise. Suddenly, it might be said, the mining company abandoned operations. Investments by that corporation elsewhere failing to realize compelled their sus- pension, and permanently prevented the consummation of their projects at Hazel Green. The result was that the promise held out to the village through their efforts was only in part fulfilled. The hope of becoming a city gradually began to fade, and until the panic of 1857 was resolved into complete disappointment. During the war, Hazel Green furnished her full quota, and until 1876 nothing occurred to disturb the serenity of this quiet hamlet, or inspire the residents with feelings of other than content that the lines of their lives had been cast in so pleasant a place.

VILLAGE ROSTER.

1869-J. M. Chandler, President ; Joseph Clementson, R. D. Roberts, Charles Schabacker, J. L. Crawford, B. Cornelison and William Allen, Trustees.

1870-Joseph Clementson, President; Conrad Genz, Henry Magor, W. R. Jackson, Josiah Thomas, James Johns and Jacob Steppee, Trustees.

1871-George Brodrick, President ; Solomon Hotteral, Matthew Thompson, J. H. Grib- ble, J. F. Walsh, John Kohl and Philip Sullivan, Trustees.

1872-George Brodrick, President ; Washington Nolond, William Allen, James Johns, J. F. Walsh, T. W. Summersides and Edward O'Neil, Trustees.

1873-George Brodrick, President ; T. W. Summersides, Edward O'Neil, Joseph Clem- entson, J. F. Walsh, Arthur Gribble and Horace Curtis, Trustees.

1874-George Brodrick, President ; Edward Thompson, Edward O'Neil, J. F. Walsh, Charles Schabacker, B. Cornelison and W. R. Jackson, Trustees.

1875-Joseph Clementson, President ; Edward Thompson, Edward O'Neil, Henry Magor, Conrad Genz, Charles Schabacker and J. R. Fisk, Trustees.

1876-Joseph Clementson, President ; John Looney, Edward Thompson, J. F. Eastman, Josiah Thomas and J. R. Fisk, Trustees.

1877-Mathew Thompson, President ; Ellis Wynne, James McBrien, Henry Magor, Will- iam R. Jackson, Christian Andrew and George Brodrick, Trustees.

1878-Mathew Thompson, President; Ellis Wynne, W. R. Jackson, John Gribble, James McBrien, Thomas Andrew and Philip Sullivan, Trustees.

1879-George Brodrick, President ; John Cox, W. R. Jackson, J. Johns, William Chand- ler, Richard Williams and C. Andrew, Trustees.

1880-George Brodrick, President ; Richard Williams, Jefferson Crawford, John Cox, William Harvey, James Gribble and Edward Thompson, Trustees.

1881-Re-organized under the statutes of 1880-Josiah Thomas, Police Justice ; Edward O'Neil, Justice of the Peace.

Clerks .- John Chandler, 1869-80.

Marshals .- William Chandler, 1869; T. W. Seals, 1870; William Chandler, 1871-74; Thomas Anthony, 1875 ; John Treganza, 1876 ; John Treganza, Jr., 1877-78 ; F. M. Chand- ler, 1879-80.

Treasurers .- Henry Magor, 1869 ; J. L. Crawford, 1870 ; Solomon Hatheral, 1871; T. W. Summersides, 1872-73; Edward O'Neil, 1874-75; Josiah Thomas, 1876; William R. Jackson, 1877-79; John Birkett, 1880.

Justices of the Peace .- J. F. Eastman, 1877; Josiah Thomas, 1881.

THE STORM CLOUD EUROCLYDON.

On the 10th of March, 1876, the village was visited by a tornado, one of the most terrific and destructive, both as to life and property, the annals of calamity record. It at least worked the most terrible havoc ever enacted by the elements in Grant County. Fire and water here have have never caused such fearful devastation. There is no place in Grant County where fire or water could so suddenly destroy life and property as the winds did on that Friday in the

744

HISTORY OF GRANT COUNTY.

village of Hazel Green. It is rare indeed that an earthquake or the eruption of a volcano so swiftly and so completely obliterates collective habitations of men. Great earthquakes usually give warning, and people can get out of their houses and away where they may not be crushed by falling rocks or timbers. One may flee from the flowing lava of a volcano, but before such a tornado one is ready to exclaim like the Psalmist concerning Deity, " Whither shall I go from thy spirit, or flee from thy presence ?" There is no place of escape and safety. We are accus- tomed to think of our homes and lives as safer than those of people who inhabit districts where earthquakes and volcanic fires are of frequent occurrence, but the visitor to such scenes as Hazel Green once presented, if he has to run the gantlet of some one of these destructive causes, will choose any of them in preference to the tornado. This much we have said by way of attempt to prepare the mind of the reader to realize the power of the wind to destroy. Every one knows that the wind can blow down fences or upset houses, but it is difficult for one to believe, who has never seen, that it can lift heavy timbers, large animals, and even large rocks, and carry them about as it does feathers. On a gusty day, when the streets are dry, we see the wind filling the air with dust, leaves and dry dirt, but one who has never seen cannot easily imagine that it will plow up a pasture until every foot of the ground is turned up and black as field fresh plowed, and spatters of soft mud from the size of a drop of rain up to the size of your hat are taken from all over its surface and dashed down in other places like rain and hail. This was done by the Hazel Green tornado before it reached the village. How it does is some- thing of a mystery. Such storms are whirls. They are the same as little whirlwinds we fre- quently see in summer, making traveling spirals of the road dust, and which have strength, perhaps, to carry your hat ; but the tornado compared with these is as the elephant to the ant. It performs marvelous little feats as well as great ones. It will take brittle sticks that with your hands you could not push through a card board without breaking, and drive them eight or ten inches into the hard earth. It will drive sticks and boards three to four feet into the ground where with an ax or mall you could not drive them a foot without battering them to chips. This, it does on the principle that will carry a tallow candle through a thick board when shot from a gun. But we must more particularly describe the Hazel Green tornado and its path.

Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.

History of Grant County, Wisconsin, preceded by a history of Wisconsin, Part 112

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