History of Grant County, Wisconsin, preceded by a history of Wisconsin, Part 115

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 115

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an important factor in the sumn of events in Potosi, the Hon. J. W. Seaton, says: "He was a man of athletic build, of fine form, and though advanced in years and broken in health at the time I knew him, the indomitable energy of his nature was unquenched, and would show itself in the strong sententious language that expressed the independence of his thoughts and the energy of that will which laughed at the difficulties that subdue and conquer weaker minds. Of his early life and personal history previous to his entrance to the mines, I am uninformed. He was among the very first that reached 'Snake Hollow,' as the Potosi mines were then called, and, by a lucky turn in Fortune's wheel, he was one of the first she smiled upon, and the place where she opened up her glittering treasures to his wondering gaze is still known as 'St. John's cave." It is said to have turned out a million of mineral, but that is a ' big pile,' and some allowance must be made for the authority of the story and the number of times it has been told. At all events it proved a valuable lode, and has been profitably worked down to a recent date. Its site is near the summit of the bluff opposite the place where the Catholic Church now stands. On the opposite side of the road, he built what was known as an 'ash furnace,' and did his own smelting. He was soon enabled to purchase real estate and other valuable property, and was long esteemed for his great generosity, kindness and manly traits of character. The Methodist preachers, who follow in the wake of civilization, soon found him out, and they never lacked for their favorite dish-yellow-legged chicken-while his roost was full. They taught him, too, their favorite texts, 'God loveth the cheerful giver,' 'Cast your bread upon the water,' etc., and St. John was the man ever ready to practice all good precepts. Through his instrumentality the Methodist Episcopal Church at Van Buren was built, and the quarterly dues of the local preachers and Elders were promptly met; and all went smoothly on till there came a crisis in the monetary affairs of the State Bank of Illinois. This, with other reverses of fortune, crushed the old man with its accumulated weight of trouble, and he never rose again. I have often listened to his sad story, which he would repeat with thrilling effect, and wondered at the mysterious Providence that could thus cast him off. He felt keenly the loss of the property that once gave him influence and position, but more keenly the cold shoulder and averted looks of those whom he had once befriended. Poverty, with all its depri- vations, he could endure, but the neglect of those who should have given him succor in the hour of need, galled his high spirit and made him curse the race of man. He was warm and genial in his friendships, but bitter in his hates and scathing in his imprecations. For years the shadow of his once strong frame might have been seen moving slowly and sadly about our streets-a wronged and ruined man-emaciated by disease and only awaiting the end he knew was drawing nigh.

' One morn I missed him on the 'custom'd hill, Nor up the lawn nor at the wood was he.'

" St. John was at rest. The spirit of a good and just man had returned to God who gave it." That year 1832, Whitaker and his wife lived in a cabin he built on the present Lewis farm. There was then no Potosi; the only objective point to speculators and the "spring run " was Oceola, some miles distant from Snake Hollow. During that and subsequent years the number and prominence of arrivals was both limited and of a pro forma character; among the first were Ruel Morrill and Sam Druen, already mentioned, and some others unknown to the pres- ent generation. In the spring of 1835, the miners began to flock in with regularity and charming frequency to those who were ambitious for their aid and muscular prowess. Among these were Joe Wooley, Bob Templeton, W. T. Ennor, Bill Clark, Myron Harper (who became one of the first merchants in the settlement, and kept a store on the present site of Joe Schneider's residence in Potosi), John Lyons and family, David Gillispie and family, William Woods, Theodore Barber, (now of Lancaster), William Gary, S. B. Chase.

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David Goodrich and some few others who located at what subsequently became Van Buren. which then for the first time put in its appearance as the rival of Osceola. The latter had received as accessions during 1832-33, Elisha Brock, Tarleton T. Brock, Judge J. P. Cox, Peleg Hull, Mrs. Floyd, Terrence Coyle, Peter Coyle, etc. The latter was a noted character in his day, and founded the first store, which followed Van Buren in the direction of Potosi. He also arose to the dignity of a Justice of the Peace, and upon one occasion his court was honored by the presence of two distinguished barristers, the Hon. William Hull and Judge Lord. The defendant let fall some observation which suggested a lack of respect to His Honor, when the latter pulled his nose and afterward greased it with a burning candle, remarking that he would teach him to respect the court. Coyle was a keen, shrewd and intelligent man. He subsequently went to the Missouri mines, and died at Neosho.

The discovery of the cave, it might be said indeed soon peopled the ridges and hollows with miners intent upon their search for the precious ore. Many were successful-fortunes were made and spent in a day's race with time-and the towns succeeding weeks gave birth to were. builded by the magic of the mines.

THE POSTMASTER.

In the fall of 1835, C. Kaltenbach, who has been Postmaster at Potosi continuously for forty-four years, came to the village with his wife, and settled permanently on the site of Hail's brewery. In the following winter, or early the succeeding spring, occurred the first death, that of a miner, whose name is forgotten, but who was buried at the mouth of the Hollow. That spring, the vicinity of Potosi for miles around was peopled with miners. Life was, at best, in those days, nothing if not rapid, eccentric, strange, of a capacity for unlimited results, if unlimited opportunities could be afforded. Men and women and youths, fresh from the kindly influence and sacred association of home, came in, wrestled for a brief season and were heard of no more, or went back to the Lares and Penates of their lives, armored and cuirassed for struggles with poverty and oppression.

FIRST BIRTH.

On December 20, 1835, Mary, a daughter, was born to C. and Louise Kaltenbach-the first birth in the future village. She grew to young ladyhood, when she became Mrs. Hyman Block, and going with her husband to St. Louis, still is a prosperous resident of that city.

EARLY LIFE IN THE MINES.

The spring of 1836 opened auspiciously, and brought with it many additions to the popu- lation of Van Buren and La Fayette, the rival of that municipality. James F. Chapman and his family came in that season, as also did Brayton Bushee, with his family. The former took possession of the log house erected by Peleg Hull, while the latter secured quarters at another home equally hospitable. Among the others who came this year were George Maderie, Simp- son and Tyre Oldham, John and Ira Dodson, all of whom united their fortunes with those of the village of Van Buren. In addition to these, Andrew J. Green, Anthony G. Street, a " sport," James Threlfeld, Patrick McKenny, Thomas Mudd, Richard Wilmers, William Casey, Alexan- der Walker, Alexander Polkenhorn, Owen Mclaughlin and others identified themselves with other portions of the vicinage. Long Range and other very prominent leads were discovered that year, and life bore its most cheerful colors. The old Bell tavern was elevated into prominence this year, being built by Mrs. Fulton, and conducted by a man named Kibbe, a shiftless character, who abandoned his wife and "slid off" to escape others to whom he had confessed obligations. It was a story and a half log, containing a " big" fire-place, and sur- mounted by a " big " bell that discoursed most eloquently. These were the beginning of flush times in the mines, and these flush times were not infrequently the causes of wild lives of dissi- pation, and many from them descended to want and woe and death.

This fact is illustrated by the fate of Thomas Moore and Walter Watsons, who were part- ners, bachelors, and at one time the owners of lodes that yielded them hundreds of thousands of

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HISTORY OF GRANT COUNTY.

dollars ; their successors millions. They were the occupants of a cabin at the head of the Hol- low, relates an observer of their ways, wherein upon one day Thomas Moore was found in his straw bunk stretched in the arms of death. A deal table, a chair, and the garments worn by deceased, hanging by his side, bespoke at once the poverty and wants of the aged friends. A little company of associates gathered at the cabin, upon a Sabbath Day in early spring, a few brief words closed the ceremonies at the grave, and his poor companion returned to his cheerless cabin, where after spending a few days in mourning for " Master Moore," he two wearied of his lonely life, and laying down upon his pallet of straw a generous spirit, but one who had been afforded generous opportunities, fled to the mansions of rest.

In 1837, Osceola was practically dead, and Van Buren and La Fayette left to battle each other alone. The arrivals were the most numerous of any that had succeeded the foundings of corporate existence in this vicinity. Work was carried on with gratifying results in the mines, but improvements were not of a character correspondingly felicitous. W. A. Coons, John Van Dyke, Joseph Hall and others were among the prominent arrivals. John R. Coons established the firm afterward known as Coons, Wooley & Co., at La Fayette ; Cook & Brenneman opened a store at the same place, as also did Brayton Bushee and Millechop & Co .; David T. Ander- son and H. C. Green pleaded law ; C. D. Crockwell, M. D., and Allen Hill, M. D., mixed pills, and the daily lives of men of influence and men of brawn were made up of cock-fighting, horse- racing, dog-baiting and hunting ducks. This continued through the season or until the panic of that year became an established fact, and dissipated the remembrance of days that were gone in pleasure, and profitless. The next year the largest and most elegant commercial establishments that had been raised up to that time were built in La Fayette, which was at this period the land- ing-place for steamboats upon which the lead from neighboring mines was shipped to market. Van Buren, however, had the post office. These houses included stores by Bushee, Coons, Wooley & Co., Millichops & Co., Snaer & Long's Hotel, Mr. Craigs store-house, Coons' dwell- ing and other places of note which have long since yielded to the inevitable. Big lodes were discovered, too, that year, and during the winter dealers ran out of whisky.

MURDERS.

In addition to these experiences two murders occurred. James Short was murdered by a man named Gardner, and his body thrown over the bluff where it was discovered weeks after by Crows, secured and buried. The murderer was apprehended at Jacksonville, Ill., three year after, and hanged for the murder of one Miles, confessing on the scaffold that he had " crooked " Jimmy Short. The other murder was that of Jim Crow and caused the most intense excitement.

POTOSI RECEIVES ITS NAME.

Cabins were accumulating at Van Buren, La Fayette, and at the head of the hollow since known as Potosi. In 1839, a meeting was held at the former place to procure the consolidation of these three places, and the concentration of business at one of them. The convention is repre- sented as having been largely attended, and the question lucidly discussed. But after a free and frequent canvass of the situation, the head of the hollow bore off the palm of victory, and was named Potosi. Another authority insists that this is all unworthy of belief or reputation. He states that the town of Potosi followed the moves made by miners toward Dutch Hollow, and one of the first to appreciate the necessity for change was Owen Mclaughlin, in whose saloon Jim Crow danced his final bar.

Immigration in 1839 was immense, coming chiefly from Missouri and Illinois. Among these were S. E. Lewis, J. D. Merrit, William Hewitt, Robert Porter, Henry Webster, William McDaniel, Ezra Hall, Hiram Hallowell, Isaac Martin, William Hosmer, William Kinney, Alfred Kinney, with their families ; Samuel Yenawine, Thomas Harrison, Thomas Smith, Myron Pat- terson, C. C. Drake, Cornelius Kennedy, a Revolutionary soldier and the first pedagogue in the village ; Briar Davis, Charles Davis, Newton Morris and some others. The improvements included storehouses by J. F. Chapman and S. E. Lewis ; a dwelling by J. D. Merritt. The

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HISTORY OF GRANT COUNTY.

Methodist Church, etc., and the village began to bear the appearance of life and activity it soon after bore for a period of nearly ten years.

In 1840, after it became evident that the movement made to establish Potosi would not fail of accomplishment, buildings went up rapidly, and improvements were projected and concluded by way of intimating carnestness in the cause with few delays. Woods & Massey opened a store in the building adjoining that in which Jim Crow was shot, and the succeeding year Langworthy & Massey erected a frame building for commercial purposes, which is still standing. In 1841, brick was substituted in some cases for frame in Potosi, when Solon M. Langworthy built a resi- dence of that material, now owned and occupied by George Kinney.

During that year the present Banfil House was commenced by Cox & Groshong, but its completion was delayed until 1842, when it was in part occupied by Buchanan's saloon, and, in part, by the boarding-house of James Hudson. At this period there were two stores remaining in La Fayette, those of Brayton Bushee and D. A. Mckenzie, and that of George Maderie in Van Buren, the balance of the commercial world having located at Potosi and represented by Langworthy & Massey, S. E. Lewis & Co., Lawther & Dyer, I. G. Ury and Mr. Brenneman. The improvements in both the former places ceased, while those in Potosi continued though with less frequency than during the year previous. In 1841, James White, who came to the region in 1836, erected a stone house for blacksmithing purposes, which was this year, i. e., 1842, re- modeled and made a residence of. John Simplot built a brick house on Main street, now used as a harness-shop, and some other building was commenced and completed in 1843, when the Wisconsin House, now the residence of the Hon. J. W. Seaton, the brick building now used as the post office was erected by Henderson & Bell, and Dr. Hewett's brick dwelling, were added to the architectural features of the village.

A DUEL.

About this time an exciting and fatal duel was fought by residents of Potosi, which is briefly referred to here because of its local significance. One evening in the month of February, 1845, Charles Latimer, an Englishman of brilliant but erratic character, was seated in Clark & Wood's saloon in a condition of inebriety, which found expression in a song the sentiment of which was that the "lion was the king of beasts," whether haired or feathered. The saloon was filled with the usual number of customers at the time, many of whom were admirers of the " noble bird," who took immediate umbrage at the affront offered. Col. White, a Kentuckian by birth, and a man of accomplished education and manners, demanded an apology which was refused, when the Colonel challenged Latimer, who accepted, the terms being rifles at a hundred yards, on the Mis- sissippi, opposite Weld's Landing, at 6 o'clock on the following morning. The meeting was had as arranged, Latimer attended by Deacon Kaltenback, and White by a Kentuckian named Glouster, but as the principals were placed, Sam Morris, an acting Constable, James F. Chap- man, Justice of the Peace, and Maj. John R. Coons, accompanied by others, appeared upon the scene and negotiated a settlement without an exchange of shots. The party returned to Potosi, where Latimer drank himself into a condition of mind where revenge became the predominant motive. The succeeding morning, he appeared on the street with two revolvers, one only of which was loaded, and perceiving Glouster, the friend of Col. White, opened fire. The weapon happened to be the one that was loaded only with powder, and Glouster demanded a " square deal," alleging he was unarmed. "Go and arm yourself then," replied Latimer, "for, by God, one of us must die." This the prospective victim did, and returned to discover his intended murderer whittling a stick with his bowie knife. Latimer rushed upon Glouster, who retreated until his further progress was stayed, when he warned the Englishman to halt, and failing, fired upon him when the latter fell dead in the arms of Samuel Wilson, his friend, who had during the morning made unsuccessful efforts to dissuade him from his purpose.

Glouster surrendered himself to the authorities, was tried and acquitted on the ground that he acted in self-defense, and removed to Chicago, where he subsequently died.

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HISTORY OF GRANT COUNTY.

INCORPORATION OF THE VILLAGE.

During 1845, Potosi became an incorporated village. At that time it contained three churches -Catholic, Methodist and Presbyterian-the two latter of brick, the former of frame, well sustained schools, St. Mathew's Female Seminary, under the direction of the Sisters of Charity of the Blessed Virgin ; a male academy, in connection with the Catholic Church, under the direction of James Ryan, formerly Professor of Mathematics at St. Vincent's Academy, Cape Girardeau, 2 lawyers, 3 magistrates, 3 physicians, 2 drug stores, 8 dry goods stores, 3 taverns, 1 watchmaker, 2 saddlers, 1 stove merchant, 1 fanning-mill maker, 1 chairmaker, 4 cabinet-maker's shops, 2 wagon-makers' shops, 2 bakers, 2 copper and tinsmiths, 2 milliners and dressmakers, 1 tan-yard, 2 tailors, 3 blacksmiths, 2 butchers, 1 dentist, 25 joiners, 12 masons, 1 confectionery, 6 groceries, a Masonic Lodge and Odd Fellows' Lodge, 1 painter, 1 livery stable, 2 brick-yards, 1 barber and 4 lead furnaces. The population was estimated at about 1,300, including 292 children between the ages of four and sixteen years, and a total vote of -100.

THE EARLY MINING INTERESTS.

The furnaces were run night and day, and were begun as early as 1834, when Willis St. Jolin established à " log contrivance " in the hollow opposite the cave. This was followed by the furnace erected by Wooly, Ham & Spensley, on Rigsby's Branch. The same firm built the first blast furnace on the site of that erected at this time on Rigsby's Branch in 1837, which, in 1845, was owned and operated by Petty, Lightfoot & Pallisier. The French furnace erected by Francis Cholvin, in 1839, and the Snowden furnace, were also worked at the time mentioned.

At this time, the prominent residents in the village included the Hons. William Hull, T. J. Emmerson and C. K. Lord, Dr. G. N. Bicknell and family, Edwin Bicknell and family, Miss Emeline Fisher, subsequently prominently identified with educational interests, Dr. Ben- nett Armstrong, D. A. McKinzey, Samuel Wilson, Samuel Vance, William Lightfoot, T. and J. Pallisier, Joel Peddler, Martin Ennor, William McCulloch, L. D. Lewis, Thomas J. Kerling, A. B. Southworth, John P. Lewis, Levi Brown, Celestine Kaltenbach, James Wolfolk, Allen Wolfolk, John Swale, C. Smith, T. D. Connor, C. G. Hanscomb, T. W. Lakin, John Sweeney, Connors Sweeney, with many others.

In 1839, the village was visited by an epidemic of malarial fever, which carried off a large number, and again, in 1852, by the cholera. This latter experience is said to have been botlı extensive and fatal beyond the epidemic of 1839, and many a man who had led desperate charges across the treacherous days of that year, went down in the contest of 1852. Fear inspired all, and, notwithstanding the constant presence of that foe to health and care and humanity, many survived the calamitous occurrence through the Samaritan agencies employed for its alleviation. Men and women went about, it is said, with their lives in hand, ready to offer help-the conso- lations of prayer-to aid convalescence or shun for the tomb one who had made a pillow of his trials, and laid down to that eternal rest.

During the epidemic not less than thirty lives were lost out of a materially diminished number by removals, to an extent readily appreciated when it is told that every one who was able to do so left Potosi during previous years for California, and when the epidemic threatened, those left behind sought safety elsewhere.

From 1845 to 1850, little if any building was done, and beyond the erection of the Hen- derson Block, a handsome three-story brick edifice, put up in 1847, or thereabouts, no improve- ments of other than a transitory character were undertaken. Yet business, it seemed, increased, and everything accessible to predicate an opinion upon lent to the conclusion that Potosi had but scarcely entered upon the first quarter of success. Commercial transactions involving millions annually lent themselves to promote a healthy growth ; mining, with appar- ently inexhaustible resources, was as popular as it seemed twenty years previous. The prom- ise of more than successful rivalship to Dubuque, on the western shore of the Father of Waters, was hourly being realized: Farming, too, contributed to swell the universal prosper-

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HISTORY OF GRANT COUNTY.

ity of the country, and the causes of education and morality had been substituted for the imperfect systems of law and order which had obtained in years gone by.

But while this outward semblance of the landscape was cheering, there was that behind the glitter and color of finish indicating the life of the village, so to speak, as a finished poem. Converted from a sort of wild life on the edge of a wilderness to a musical, rythmical arrange- ment, with apparently endless sources of variety, it was soon to become as a tale that is told, and . devoid of interest. The cause of this was due almost entirely to the California gold mines, which attracted the millions from the eastern confines of the Rocky Mountains, who toiled through sunshine and shadow, to attain their wish in other lands, and revel in pleasures of other climes. To very many, like the Prophet of old, the sight of the promised land was denied them. Many laid down and died as its limits were revealed to their excited and fevered gaze. Some few reached the El Dorado of their hopes, a very few were successful, and all were disappointed.

When the news reached Potosi of the existence of these rich deposits, it found a popula- tion made up of promiscuous nationalities and characteristics. The largest proportion of them had been identified with mining and mining interests almost from their birth, and with the announcement that hidden wealth accessible to the quality of skill which furnished a comforta- ole living here awaited their undertakings, a panic was created in the Potosi mines, the like of which cannot be conceived. Age forgot its crutch, labor its task, and all who were able to buckle on their sandals preparatory to flight thither did so, and left. After the first rush had spent its force, the village began a new lease of existence, and began once more to prosper. At this juncture, cheering accounts reached those left behind of the prosperity of those who had gone, and a second exodus occurred which completely paralyzed trade and business, from the effects of which recovery is not visible to-day.

Thence forward, Potosi lost the coign of vantage she had held for nearly twenty years. Dubuque observing the advantage that might accrue by the exercise of enterprise, undertook a manifestation of that element, and has since become what it was thought Potosi ultimately would be, previous to the California fever.

From 1855 to 1860, nothing was lacking to attract patronage to Snake Hollow, but with- out results. Then the war broke out, and a passing excitement usurped the place of complete quiescence, which existed. Potosi responded to such calls as were made upon her resources by the authorities, watched the chances of success, mourned defeat, rejoiced at victory, and wel- comed the return of those who went out to fight from her households. Then came silence once more. Last year an unusual activity was taken in business, and considerable enterprise was manifested by her citizens. A number of improvements were completed, and considerable building concluded, and the citizens and those who visit this vale of pleasure and quiet wherein the lines of Potosi's life are laid, contemplate a future for the village that is not without promise.

The incorporation of the village was repealed early during the fifties, and the Clerk's book has disappeared, hence no official record of the village could be obtained.

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History of Grant County, Wisconsin, preceded by a history of Wisconsin, Part 115

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