History of Green County, Wisconsin. Together with sketches of its towns and villages, educational, civil, military and political history; portraits of prominent persons, and biographies of representative citizens, Part 106

Author: Union publishing company, Springfield, Ill., pub. [from old catalog]
Publication date: 1884
Publisher: Springfield, Ill., Union publishing company
Number of Pages: 1168

USA > Wisconsin > Green County > History of Green County, Wisconsin. Together with sketches of its towns and villages, educational, civil, military and political history; portraits of prominent persons, and biographies of representative citizens > Part 106

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O. J. White and William Bowen came from Illinois and settled on section 30. Mr. Bowen remained here until 1855, when he went to Rich- land county, where he died in 1858. Mr. White still resides upon the old homestead.

William Baird selected land in what was then called "Richland Timber." IIe lived there for several years and then removed to the town of Sylvester, where he still lives.

The Wells family all settled near together in Richland Timber. Mathew, the old gentleman, died many years ago. William died in Iowa, to which State he removed at an early day. Peter Wells now lives in Monroe.

James Kelly was a single man. He remained here until a short time before the war, when he went to Minnesota where he died.

Joseph Kelly settled with his family on sec- tions 3 and 4, where he lived for a number of years.

Judge Andrick came from Indiana, and se- lected land adjoining the present site of Monroe, on the south. Ile brought his family in 1836. He remained here for about twenty years, when he went to Kansas. He is now dead.

Late in the fall of 1835 William Blunt, Jacob Stair, Mr. Draper and John Owen came.

William Blunt was a native of Ohio. He came here from Illinois, with his family, and settled in Richland Timber. He remained here for about twenty-five years, when he went to Missouri. He returned a few years later and met his death in Clarno, as the result of an acci- dent. Mr. Blunt was a Campbellite preacher, and in early days frequently held services in his neighborhood. Before the war broke out he was a bitter democrat; but while taking a trip

through Texas he made a speech or delivered a sermon, which displeased some of his hearers, and he was taken in hand by the crowd and brutally whipped. It was a long time before he recovered from the injuries inflicted by the beating. This changed his politics, and when the war broke out he was very anxious to go into the service and get "some revenge on the south- erners." It was with difficulty that he succeeded in being mustered in as he was too old; but hair dye and lively actions accomplished his object, and he went south with one of the regiments of Wisconsin volunteers. Whether he succeeded in getting the "necessary revenge" is a matter of conjecture. He was honorably discharged, unharmed.

Jacob Stair located on section 34. He was a Virginian, but came here from Indiana. He married here and remained until the time of his death, which occurred shortly after the close of the war.

Mr. Draper came from Illinois, and located upon a farm on section 2, where he died a few years later.

John Owen did not become an actual settler. He came from near Dubuque, and only remained a short time.

Joab Enos, an "eastern man" was another of the settlers who came in 1835. He settled in the Richland Timber, and lived there for several years; then moved to the town of Monroe, and a number of years later, started for California; bnt died on the road.

A man named Brandenberg, came from Ohio in 1835, and for a short time, worked for James Hawthorn, devoting considerable time to hunt- ing deer and bees. He was a single man but was earnestly searching for a wife. He pro- posed to each of the Deniston girls-the only marriageable ladies in the town-and upon be- ing refused, married an Indian squaw. Heonly remained in this vicinity about one year, and then left the country.

Father Asa Ballinger, a Methodist preacher, and a Kentuckian, came here in 1836, and

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HISTORY OF GREEN COUNTY.

bought land in the towns of Clarno and Cadiz, and also some adjoining in the State of Illinois. In 1837 he came with his family. There was a beautiful spring on his land in Illinois, and he built a log cabin convenient to that. He held services in the neighborhood, and soon became popular, both as a citizen and preacher. About 1859 he sold out and moved to Winslow, Ill., where he has since died.

In March, 1836, T. S. Bowen came from New York, and located on section 33. His family arrived in May. Mr. Bowen made this his home until the time of his death in 1883, and his widow still occupies the old homestead.

The Chilton family came from Sangamon Co .. Ill., early in the spring of 1836, and also found homes in this town. The father, Wil- liam, bought the claim of Joseph Paine. His wife and son, James, died here, and he finally removed to Missouri, where he died. The other son, Gus, removed from here to Illinois, where he died.

Ashford Trickle came during the same year, and located in Clarno. He still owns a farm here but now lives in Monroe.

Joshua Whitcomb came from Ohio in 1836 and bought the Blackmore claim. He now lives in the town of Albany.

Julius and Seth Austin, and Rev. Robert De Lap were also settlers of 1836. The Aus- tin's settled west of the city limits. One of them died a few years ago ; the other as early as 1852 removed to Minnesota, where he still lives.

Robert De Lap was a Methodist Episcopal preacher. Ile located near the Austin's and remained in this vicinity for a number of years, when he removed to Richland county, where he died in 1883.

Adam Starr came in the spring of 1836, with his family, and bought the Owen claim. There he and his wife died. One son, Solomon, still lives in the town.

John Cameron, and his brother-in-law, A. DeHaven, came in 1836. The latter entered

government land on section 33, and then re- turned to Ohio, leaving Mr. Cameron, who en- tered land near by. Mr. DeHaven came back in the spring of 1839 and settled upon the land he had selected. Here he lived until 1882, when he moved to Monroe. He still owns the farm. Mr. Cameron yet resides on section 33.

For a number of years the settlement of the town progressed slowly, but a good and indus- trious elass of people came and so this fact, that the development was measured, has proved benficial. Among others who came in prior to 1845 are the following: Hezekiah Blunt, George Adams, Samuel Raymer, Robert Trickle, Abner, Samuel and Jeff Drake, Joseph Smith, William Brown and Henson Irion.

William McDowell came here from Ports- mouth, Ohio, about 1839 and settled on section 30, where he still lives.

FIRST EVENTS.

The first birth in the town of Clarno was a girl, born to Mr. and Mrs. Nicholas Hale, in the fall of 1833, at the residence of Andrew Clarno. The girl is now in Texas.

The first death in the town was that of Mrs. Jacob Stair, in the spring of 1836, of consump- tion.

The first marriage in the town, as well as the first in Green county, was that of Josiah R. Blackmore, to Nancy Wallace. The ceremony was performed at the residence of the bride's parents, in June, 1834.

The second marriage, in which residents of Clarno were interested, was that of James Hawthorn to Massey Boyls. The ceremony was performed by Rev. Mr. Harcourt, a Meth- odist preacher, at the residence of the bride's parents, in the town of Cadiz. In those days it was fashionable to "put the bridegroom to bed," and in this case that part of the ceremony was performed by O. H. P. Clarno and O. J. White. They undressed Mr. Hawthorn and tucked him in bed beside Mrs. Hawthorn amid a good deal of sport on their side and blushes

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HISTORY OF GREEN COUNTY.

and stammers on the part of the bride and groom.

The second wedding to occur within the limits of the town of Clarno, was that of Craw- ford Million to a young lady who was stopping at Mr. Deniston's. The ceremony was per- formed in 1838, at the residence of J. W. Deniston.

The first religious services in the town were held at the house of Mathew Wells, by Rev. Robert De Lap, a Methodist preacher. The first camp meetings in Green county were held at the same place.

The first school in the town was taught by a Mr. Jones, during the winter of 1837-8, in a building that had been erected for the purpose, on section 30. This building was a primitive affair. It was of logs 16x18 feet in size. In the side a hole was cut which was covered with one pane of glass. This served as a window.

The first grain in the town was raised by Andrew Clarno, in 1833. Seed wheat was pur- chased at Galena for $3 per bushel, and ten acres was sown, which yielded thirty-five bushels per acre. This was what was then called "vel- vet wheat." In those days such a yield as this was not considered remarkable. In 1843-following a winter in which there was an average of three feet of snow covering the ground-O. J. White raised forty five bushels of wheat per acre, and many of the early settlers report similar yields.

Andrew Clarno also raised the first corn in the town. They "deadened " the trees and chopped seed into about two acres.

The first blacksmith was Calvin Hale, who opened a shop on section 9, in 1837. He im- proved land there and remained five or six years, when he sold and moved to the timber, where he died a few years later.

Abner Van Sant made the first fanning mill manufactured in Green county. In 1-838 [or 1839] a man named Bean settled on the Denis- ton place. He was a good mechanic and made a business of manufacturing fanning mills, which he used to peddle through the country.

In 1844, John Shober erected a mill on sec- tion 24, near the town line. He put up a frame building, put in an old fashioned "up and down saw," and run the machinery with horse power. For several years he operated the mill, and then sold to Fritz & Beekman; Charles Timms finally purchased the property, and now runs it with steam power.

Charles Timms, a native of Prussia, was born near Doelitz, Oct. 15, 1845. He is a son of Christ and Mary (Maltzke) Timms. His mother is now living in Nebraska, and his father is dead and was buried in Prussia. The early life of Charles was spent upon a farm, that being the occupation of his father. At the age of sixteen years he coneluded to learn the miller's trade, and was engaged in a saw and grist mill until twenty years old, when he came to America. He first stopped in New York, where he was occupied in running a steam saw mill, thence he came to Juda, in this county, worked on a farm three months, and then re- moved to Waukesha county, where he ran a grist mill one year. He then hired out to Messrs. Fritz & Beckman to run their saw mill, where he has since been engaged. He thor- oughly understands the business, and has suc- ceeded in changing this mill from an old style inferior machine to one of the best of its size in the country. Mr. Timms was married Oct. 17, 1872, to Augusta Fritz. They have had six children, three of whom are now living-Lydia II., Mary M. and Hattie A. Mr. Timms owns 140 acres of land where he lives, upon which is a saw mill and cheese factory. He has been a successful business man, and is now in the en- joyment of a competency.

THE BLACK HAWK WAR.

In the spring of 1832 there was only one cabin within the present limits of the town of Clarno. This had been erected by-or at least for-Andrew Clarno. It was at that time occu- pied by Joseph Paine, Hugh Wallace and Jo- siah Blackmore, as well as the Clarno family. Early in the summer of 1832 the news was re-

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HISTORY OF GREEN COUNTY.

ceived that the red men were coming. The news raised the greatest excitement among the little band of pioneers, and a "council of war" was at once called. After talking the matter over it was decided that the best plan was to flee. It was understood that the Indians were coming with their war paint, and were murder- ing and burning everything that came in their path. Joseph Paine and Hugh Wallace went to Willow Springs, while the Clarno party fled to Wiota. Upon the same day that they left the Indians arrived and burned the cabins. They came from the Rock river country, swim- ming the Pecatonica river. Previous to this there had been some trouble between the In- dian tribes and the whites, and also among the Indians themselves. The friendly and hostile red men were distinguished by the fact that usually the friendly ones wore a rag or cloth tied about their foreheads. As near as the lit- tle band of Clarno pioneers could learn, the depredations through this region and the de- struction of their homes was the work of those Indians whom they had supposed were friendly. It was supposed that the Winnebagoes were re- sponsible for it, and the excitement was intense all through this country, as will be seen by the fact that the settlers in township 1, range 7, all fled from twenty-five to fifty miles to escape the impending danger. In the fall they all re- turned, having spent the summer at the fort. At least that is where the Clarno party re- mained, while the others may have scouted through this region more or less. Mr. Clarno and his son, O. H. P., or "Perry," were on sol- dier duty most of the summer, guarding the fort; and Perry, notwithstanding the fact that he was only fourteen years of age, was drafted twice. Upon the return of the party in the fall of 1832, they found where there had been a large Indian encampment on section 19. There had been a large spot cleared, and it seemed as though when the Indians had crossed the Peca- tonica they had scattered, and then found their way to this spot, which is secluded. They had

cut a considerable portion of the brush and thrown it back for breastworks. Although much discouraged at finding their former home in ruins, they at once rebuilt, and set about mak- ing permanent improvements. The Black Hawk War did not cease, but this was the ex- tent to which Clarno was affected by it.

RELIGIOUS.

The first religious services in the town of Clarno were held at the house of Matthew Wells in the fall of 1835, by Rev. D. Harcourt, a local Methodist preacher, who had located here. He gathered the settlers together and his meetings were attended by many from "clear across the timber."

The first class was formed at the same place, in 1836, by Rev. James McKane, from Ogle Co., Ill. Among the members at the time of organi- zation were: Matthew Wells, Sarah Maria Blunt, Jane Wells, wife of Peter Wells, and William Baird. All these had been members in the eastern States. Rev. DeLap was the first resi- dent pastor after Dr. Harcourt. He came here in 1837. This was then a part of the Rock River Conference. In 1838, Rev. T. W. Pope was sent here. Then came Rev. McKane. Among others who preached for the class were: Revs. Pillsbury, James Ash and Charles Mc- Clure. For several years services were held at Matthew Wells' house, and then the house of Daniel Harcourt was used. Finally the class was merged into the Monroe organization.

In 1858, a Reform Church was organized which was afterward united with the Evangeli- cal Lutheran Church. Among the Reform min- isters who preached here were: Revs. John Hay- man, who served seven years; Henry Knepper, six years; C. G. Hulhorst, two years; and F. W. Strunk, six years. Rev. Grosscup is the present pastor.

'The Salem English Evangelical Lutheran Church of Shueyville, town of Clarno, was or- ganized in 1868, by Rev. J. K. Bloom, of the Synod of Northern Illinois. He took charge as pastor in 1869. The following is the list of

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HISTORY OF GREEN COUNTY

charter members and first officers: Zachariah

Lichtenwalner, Sarah Lichtenwalner, Joseph Albright, Robert Shaw, Mary Shaw, Peter

Lichtenwalner, Benjamin Neese. Robert Shaw, Sr., elder; Joseph S. Lichtenwalner, deacon. Rev. Bloom resigned the congregation in 1870.

took charge April 16, 1871, and served four He was succeeded by Rev. J. L. Hammond, who

years, resigning Sept. 26, 1875. Rev. James M. Rees took charge Nov. 21, 1876, and resigned April 1, 1880. Rev. D. E. Rupley took charge April 1, 1880, and resigned July 1, 1881. Rev. D. P. Grosscup, of the Synod of Iowa, took charge Aug. 1, 1881, and resigned April 1, 1884. The church building was erected

in 1869 by the joint contributions of the Luth-

costing both parties $2,500. It is a frame build- eran and German Reformed congregations,

ing 38x48 feet in size. It was dedicated in December, 1869, by Revs. J. K. Bloom and G. J. Donmeyer of the Lutheran Church, and Rev. Henry Knepper of the Reformed Church. One acre of ground was donated to the church by Albert Albright of the Reformed congregation. The present officers are: Joseph S. Lichten- walner, elder; Emanuel Painter, deacon. The present membership is nineteen. Beneficial revivals were enjoyed in 1869, and also in 1870. METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH.

There was occasional preaching in the old log school house as early as 1849. In 1859 Rev. J. C. Brainerd sometimes occupied the frame school house known as Enterprise, a name first given in ridicule to the former log house in the same neighborhood. In 1861 Rev. J. C. Brain- erd preached in the Thorpe school house, and formed a class there, with John DeLong leader, and members as follows: Axa DeLong, Fran- ces DeLong, Harrison King, Nancy King, George Clingman, Susan Clingman, Annie E. McDowell, Sarah A. Thorpe, Frances II. Simp- son, Ephraim Miller, Catharine Clarno and Harriet Iseminiger. This organization was dis- continued in 1862, and names transferred to Shueyville, with Alpheus De Haven leader. In

February, 1867, a class was formed at Honey creek, Enterprise school house, by Rev. J. J.

Walker, minister, and Eli Chapin, leader, and the following members: Sarah Chapin, Susan M. Chapin, P. Jane Chapin, M. A. Chapin, E. J. Chapin, M. J. Chapin, Samuel Drake, E. Drake and A. E. Anderson. In 1877 a new

school house was built, and it was voted at the

school meeting that the house should not be used excepting for school purposes. Accord- ingly, this little band of worshippers, feeling the need of religious instruction for their chil- dren, resolved to erect a little church, which was done the same year-in the fall of 1877.

It was dedicated sometime in January, 1878, by Rev. D. W. Couch, presiding elder. The plan given by Rev. W. H. Kellogg, minister at that

time-size 34x36, and eighteen feet high-cost $1,500. Three-fourths of an acre of land was given by S. Drake, as long as used for church purposes. Rev. J. J. Clifton first occupied the new building, and remained two years. Then Rev. A. L. Tull remained two years as pastor, followed by Rev. P. E Knox, who staid eigh- teen months and then removed to Faulk Co., D. T., to build him a home, and is there becoming identified with the early settlers of that part of God's vineyard as a minister, farmer, father of the State, county official, etc. Rev. E. T. Briggs filled the vacancy until fall, when Rev. W. H. Kellogg was appointed to take charge of the Monroe circuit. There has been but one revival held in the church. This was by Rev. P. E.

Knox, and resulted in four conversions. Mem- bers in good standing March 31, 1884: Samuel Drake, Eliza Drake, Sarah Truman, William Truman, Kate McDowell, T. B. Wells, Amanda Wells, Garry Wells, Abbie Wells, Dora Wells, Sarah MeCammant, Minnie McCammant, Annie E. Anderson and Etta B. Anderson; Rev. W. H. Kellogg, minister; T. B. Wells, leader; S. Drake, T. J. Anderson and T. B. Wells, trus- tees; Rev. E. L. Eaton, Madison, Wis., elder; William Truman and A. A. E. Anderson, stew- ards. This little society has never been strong

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HISTORY OF GREEN COUNTY.

either financially or in membership, but in twenty-three years has kept about the same in numbers, and is to-day in a flourishing condi- tion.

TOWN ORGANIZATION.

The first town meeting in Clarno was held on the first Tuesday in April, 1849, at John Blunt's barn, on section 22. The following is a list of the first town officers-elected at this time: Supervisors, Thomas S. Bowen, chairman, O. J. White and William Boyls; clerk, J. H. Shuey; treasurer, J. HI. Blunt; assessor, Barnett Starr; superintendent of schools, William McDonald; justices of the peace, John W. Shuey, Henson Irion, George Adams and Hamilton C. Miller; constables, John M. Bryant, Elijah Otterman and O. H. P. Clarno.

Among others who have been prominent in town affairs and filled local offices at different times, are the following named: Alpheus De Haven, Hiram Tieknor, Jonathan Snyder, Jacob Mason, Israel Smith, John Fisher, E. P. Eddy, Alfred Wrisberg, Ashford Trickle, Joseph Cat- tips, John Walter, Samuel Raymer, Albert Al- bright, Peter Wells, Oliver Cessna, Edmond Stair, W. I. Hodges, Jacob Adams, J. H. Eaton, James Roberts, Absalom Huffman, Thomas Bowen, Simon Bartlett, Edward Reugger, Peter Gnagi, William Henthorn, Charles Adams, Jo- seph Kleckner, John Raymer and Benjamin Fair.

The Clarno "town house" is a brick structure, located on the southeast corner of section 16. It was erected in 1857, at a cost of abont $1,200. The building committee, which was formed in April, 1857, was composed of Alpheus De Haven, George Adams and Hiram Tieknor.

EDUCATIONAL.

In 1850 the territory now comprising the town of Clarno was divided into seven school districts In the superintendents report for that year, dis- triet No. 1, was not represented; but aside from that there were 237 scholars in the town. The following named were teachers at that time:

John D. Buchanan, M. O. Hoyt, John Andrick and Jabez Johnson.

In 1883 there were 511 scholars in the town. They were distributed among the different dis- triets as follows: No. 1, 61; No. 2, 44; No. 3, 33; No. 4, 23; No. 5, 66; No. 6, 60; No. 7, 29; No. 8, 75; No. 9, 28; No. 10, 87; No. 9, (joint) 5.

In 1884 there were eleven school districts in the town, with school houses located as follows: No. 1, on southeast quarter of section 2; No. 2, on southeast quarter of section 16; No. 3, on southwest quarter of section 27; No. 4, on north- west quarter of section 32; No. 5, on northwest quarter of section 20; No. 6, onsouthwest quar- ter of section 4; No. 7, house in Cadiz; No. 8, on northwest quarter of section 1; No. 9, on southeast quarter of section 26.

SHUEYVILLE POSTOFFICE.

The postoffice generally called Shney's Mill, was established in 1859. John H. Shuey was appointed postmaster and served two years, when he was succeeded by Alpheus De Haven, who kept the office until 1876, when he resigned and John Lockwood was appointed. Mr. Lock- wood held the office until 1883.

THE CLARNO GRANGE

was organized July 3, 1873, with the following officers:

T. H. Eaton, master; Peter Gnagi, overseer; F. M. Hannah, lecturer; Jacob Adams, treas- urer; Eli Chapen, chaplain; Charles Wetzles, secretary; William Hodges, steward; W. E. Connet, assistant steward; James Hawthorn, Jr., gate keeper; Mrs. Alvira Gnage, lady assistant steward; Miss Frank Eaton, Flora; Mrs. T. J. Anderson, Pomona; Miss Malissa Adams, ceres. The grange continued in operation for sev- eral years, and was a source of much pleasure and some profit, to its members. The member- ship was widely scattered, some having a long distance to travel, to attend the meeting of the grange. It was reported, at the last meeting of the grange, that a couple of families had moved into the town who were in very straitened circumstances. There was considerable money

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HISTORY OF GREEN COUNTY.

in the treasury. On motion it was voted that the furniture belonging to the grange be sold and the proceeds together with the money in the treasury be divided between the said fam- ilies, and on vote the grange surrendered its charter to the State grange, together with all the records.

BIOGRAPHICAL.

Among the old settlers and prominent citi- zens of the town of Clarno, are the following:

John Cameron came to this county April 9, 1837, from Cincinnati, and settled on section 33, the southwest quarter, where he owns 120 acres. He was born on the Alleghany mountains, Westmoreland Co., Penn., thirty-five miles northeast from Pittsburg, Dec. 6, 1807. He is a son of Daniel and Jane (Carney) Cameron. When three years old, he was taken by his parents to Cincinnati, where he lived until 1837, when he came here as before stated, and has since resided on the same farm. He was mar- ried May 10, 1832, to Elizabeth Tilson, of Ham- ilton county. She died in 1865, and was buried in Shueyville cemetery. He was again married April 24, 1872, to Malinda J. Dunmeyer, of Stephenson Co., Ill., daughter of George and Mary Grossmen, who are still living in Stephen- son county. Mr. Cameron is a democrat.

T. B. Wells, son of Peter and Jane (Bow- man) Wells, was born Jan. 22, 1841. He was born on the farm he now owns, in the town of Clarno, on section 22. He now owns 380 acres of land. He is principally engaged in stock raising, and has a good farm finely improved. IIe was married in 1861 to Amanda M. DeHav- en, a native of Illinois, and daughter of T. G. and Mary (Stair) Dellaven, who are living in the town of Clarno. Mr. and Mrs. Wells have seven children-Oren, Abbie J., Garry E., Birtram C., Dora E., Grant U., Treat L. and Prudie M. Two children died and were buried in Clarno. Mr. Wells is a republican and a successful business man. His mother and five children are buried in Monroe. His father and step-mother live in Monroe.

T. J. Millman came with his parents to Green county in 1844. He was born in Ran- dolph Co., Ind., Ang. 19, 1836, and is a son of Robert and Abigail (Adamson) Millman, both of whom are dead and buried in Hawthorn cemetery. Robert Millman, on coming to this county, took a claim on section 32, of the town of Monroe, on which he lived until his decease, in December, 1867. His wife died Oct. 5, 1876. They were of English-Scotch extraction. Mr. Millman, of this sketch, continued to reside in this county from 1844 nntil 1863, when he went to California for the benefit of his health, and remained until 1865. He clerked in a hotel one year, then worked in a saw mill a few months. He then returned and cared for his aged parents, who lived with him till their death. He next went to Nora Springs, Iowa, and remained three years, from 1868 to 1871, after which he returned to section 32. In 1880 he erected a handsome residence on section 5, lot 4, where he now resides. He owns 203 acres of fine land in one body, and is engaged in mixed farming. He was married in 1859 to Ella Hawthorn. They have three children-Mary A., Francis E. and Ellen M. Mr. and Mrs. Millman are mem- bers of the United Brethren Church. He is politically, a republican.

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History of Green County, Wisconsin. Together with sketches of its towns and villages, educational, civil, military and political history; portraits of prominent persons, and biographies of representative citizens, Part 106

Author: Union publishing company, Springfield, Ill., pub. [from old catalog] Publication date: 1884 Publisher: Springfield, Ill., Union publishing company Number of Pages: 1168

Author: Union publishing company, Springfield, Ill., pub. [from old catalog]
Publication date: 1884
Publisher: Springfield, Ill., Union publishing company
Number of Pages: 1168