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 121

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 121

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The soil of the town is mostly an excellent black loam, with a slight tendency to clayey- ness, yet with but little sand. There is some native timber in the west and northeast portions of the town, and the balance is made up of a beautifully undulating prairie. This is a magnificent farming country, and the fine dwell- ing and farm buildings abundantly testify to the intelligence and thrift of the class who make up Jefferson. In the timber the soil is of a lighter nature than on the prairie, yet all is unusually well adapted to the production of all cereals common to this latitude, as well as to indigenous and exotic grasses. The principal farm products of the town of Jefferson grown during the year 1882, were as follows : 1,353 bushels of wheat; 48,585 bushels of corn; 78,248 bushels of oats; 386 bushels of barley; 3,109 bushels of rye; 4,456 bushels of potatoes; 3,580 bushels of apples; 34 bushels of clover

seed; 81 bushels timothy seed; 2,461 tons of hay; 39,267 pounds of butter. The principal farm products growing in the town at the time of making the assessment in 1883, were as fol- lows : 95 acres wheat; 3,343 acres corn; 2,042 acres oats; 13 acres barley; 168 acres rye; 52 acres potatoes; 106 acres apple orchards; 3,440 bearing trees; 4,043 acres grass; 1,312 acres growing timber. In 1883 there were 637 milch cows in the town valued at $19,110. There were 637 head of horses, average value $69.56; total $44,310; 3,244 head of cattle, average value $19.28; total $62,571; 9 mules, average value $104.44, total $940; 3,343 sheep, average value $2, total $6,694; 2,749 swine, average value $5.26, total $15,465.

EARLY SETTLEMENT.

According to the report, and to the best in- formation that can be obtained, J. H. and David C. Bridge and J. E. Clark entered the first land within the present limits of the town of Jeffer- son. They came from Preble Co., Ohio, in the fall of 1835. Mr. Clark brought his family. driving through two teams, and stopped during the winter of 1835-6 near Dodgeville. Here he was located when the Bridge brothers ar- rived. In October, 1835, they all came here and selected their land, then went to the land office at Mineral Point to enter the same. Da- vid Bridge took land on section 32, as did Mr. Clark. After entering the land David C. Bridge returned to Ohio, and moved his family out in the fall of 1836, having erected a cabin the pre- vious spring. He lived upon the land for a number of years, then removed to section 30, where he lived until the time of his death,

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HISTORY OF GREEN COUNTY.

which occurred in February, 1882. His widow and one son now reside in Monroe. Two of the children still live in the town-Mrs. Elizabeth Starr and Jacob V. Bridge; the latter resides on section 29.

J. H. Bridge took land on section 30, and after entering the land he remained until the spring of 1836, helping his brother build his cabin, and cutting 5,000 rails, and then he started for Ohio again. He remained there un- til the fall of 1840, when he moved to this town and settled upon the land he had taken. He lived in the town of Jefferson until 1870, when he removed to Monroe; but two years later he returned to his farm, and remained three years, when he again located at Monroe, where he still lives.

J. E. Clark came to the town of Jefferson in the fall of 1835, settling on the southwest quar- ter of section 32. He was born in Fayette Co., Penn., Jan. 29, 1795. When he was six months old his parents removed to Preble Co., Ohio, where he remained until he came to Green county, which has since been his home. Ile was married in Preble county to Mary P. Voor- hies, who was born July 13, 1799, and died in 1864. Her father was a soldier of the Indian War, in which he served as ensign, and was wounded in the shoulder by a bullet, which he carried until his death. Mr. Clark's father, Stephanas, died in Fountain Co., Ind. J. E. Clark has eight children living, all of whom are married. He is the only one now living of the three judges of election for the location of the county seat of Green county. He was also formerly justice of the peace. The first relig- ious services ever held by the Baptists in the town of Jefferson were at his house in 1836. Mr. Clark's parents were of English descent, and his wife's of Dutch. The latter resided in New Jersey, where they settled about 200 years ago.

L. P. Clark is a native of Preble Co., Ohio. When two years old, he came with his parents, to Green county, where he has since resided upon

the same farm, which is the old homestead form- erly owned by his father, J. E. Clark. He was married July 3, 1856, to Mrs. Sylbey Elliott, of Winnebago, Ill. They have two children liv- ing-Alma R., now the wife of Claude Hunt, living near Linn Grove; and Myron E. Mr. Clark owns 140 acres of land. He is a member of the republican party and was, at one time, postmaster at Jefferson. He and his family are Church members.

James Riley, a native of Maryland, came from Indiana to this town in 1836, and entered land on sections 11, 12, 1 and 2. He returned to Indiana, and in the spring of 1837, came back here with his family. He brought with him six head of oxen, two wagons, household goods, stock, etc. They lived in a tent until they could build a log cabin. The roof of said cabin was covered with bark and the floor made of bass- wood bark. He afterwards erected a double log cabin, 16x32 feet in size, one and a half stories high, with a shingle roof, in which he lived until his death, which occurred in 1864.

In the spring of 1836, Daniel Harcourt and John Chryst arrived. Daniel Harcourt came from Indiana with his family and settled upon land about a mile and a half north of the Bridge and Clark settlement. He remained there for a a number of years when he removed west. John Chryst also came from Indiana, in which State he was born. He stopped the first year near Monroe. He settled with his family-which was quite large-upon a place in the northwest- ern part of the town, where he lived until the time of his death. His widow is dead. Some of the children are still residents of the county.

Ezra B. Gillett came from Ohio in the winter of 1835-6, and entered in the timber land on section 31. He also entered land on section 25 in Clarno, where he erected a cabin. In the summer of 1836 he sold his place to John Bridge and in a few years removed to Illinois.

John Bridge, father of J. H. and David, came in the fall of 1836, with his family and settled on section 29. Ile lived there until the fall of

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HISTORY OF GREEN COUNTY.

1854 when he went back to Ohio, where he died in March, 1855.

In 1837, Jehu Chadwick located in this town. He is now dead.

M. Albin also came at the same time as did John Bridge, in the fall of 1836. He was a na- tive of Virginia, but came here from Ohio. He was a single man at the time, but shortly after he came here, he was married to Deborah Ann Bridge. They lived in the town until about 1853, when they removed to Douglas Co., Kan- sas, where they still live.

Jeremiah Bridge, a native of Ohio, came from Dodgeville in the spring of 1836, and set- tled with his family on section 20. He lived here until the time of his death, and his widow and one son, Josephus, still live in the town.

Jotham Scudder came from Ohio in 1838. He settled near the present site of Juda. He had a family of three children. He lived there until the time of his death.

John Kane came from Indiana with a very large family about 1839, and settled near Rich- land creek, on section 19. He lived there fifteen years when he went to Missouri, and it is re- ported that he is dead. None of his family are now living in the county. He was a wheel- wright by trade, and also a cabinet maker. In an early day he threw a dam across Richland creek, and made a business of manufacturing household furniture. He put up a little shop, put in a turning lathe, and with the power which the creek furnished, he made much of the homely, though sensible furniture that was used in early days. He made a great many chairs, putting in raw-hide bottoms. This little shop he operated for a number of years, and to-day, in many of the little cabins, and in many of the garrets of the ele- gant dwellings that have in many instances superceded the log cabins of former days, may be found some of "Kane's old raw-hide bottom chairs," which are saved as mementos of pioneer life and its attendant disadvantages.

Joseph Forbes came from Indiana at the same time, being a brother-in-law of Mr. Kane. He settled near Kane's place and remained for ten or twelve years, when he left.

William Rittenhouse came in 1840 and set- tled on section 7, where he resided a number of years. He met his death by falling from a wagon. Two years previous to his death, his wife fell from the same wagon and was killed. The same team was also hitched to the wagon. He was a man prominent in town and county affairs, having been clerk of the court and register of deeds. Some of his children still reside in the county.

Garret R. Patton, of Pennsylvania, came in the fall of 1845, and located. He now lives near Juda.

Rev. G. R. Patton was born in Strausburg, Susquehanna Co., Penn., March 13, 1811, and brought up in Fayette Co., Penn. His father was from Delaware and his mother from New Jersey. The former was quite a prominent man, and was principal justice of the peace for thirty years, having an extensive practice, and his decisions were seldom appealed. He served with honor to himself, and satisfaction to his constituency. The grandfather of the subject of this sketch was a Baptist minister, and preached for fifty consecutive years. Mr. Pat- ton is of Scotch-German extraction. In 1845 he came to this county and settled in the town of Jefferson, taking a homestead on the road between Juda and Monroe. He afterward sold this place and removed to section 2, where he had purchased 175 acres of land where he now lives. Since twenty-seven years old Mr. Pat- ton has been a preacher of the gospel. His third sermon was preached in the same church in which he continued to preach until his advent in this county. Since then he has preached in the same church. He has been three times married, and his first two wives are buried in Juda cemetery. His present wife was Lydia Roderick, from Pennsylvania. By his first wife he had eight children, five of whom

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HISTORY OF GREEN COUNTY.

are now living -- Daniel J., Rebecca J., James A., Ann E. and Garrett J. By the second mar- riage there was one child-Arthur R. By his present wife there are seven children-Victor E., now at school in Beaver Dam; Grant E., Thurlow J., Dow D., Edith E. and Cecil D. Rev. Patton first came to Green county in 1834, worked in the mining regions at Mineral Point one summer, returning home in the fall, coming again in 1845, and making a permanent settle- ment. As a preacher of the gospel, Rev. Pat- ton deserves special mention, as he has been the means of doing much good. He has probably married more people, and officiated at a greater number of funerals than any other person in Green county. It is said he has mar- ried over 600 couple and attended over 600 funerals. He is widely and favorably known, having the respect and esteem of all who know him. He preached his first sermon in Green county, Oct. 4, 1845. He was licensed as a Baptist preaeber, to preach in Pennsylvania Jan. 13, 1839, and ordained March 25, 1841, by Revs. S. Sigfried, E. Miles, Isaac Wynn, J. W. B. Tisdale and Milton Sutton, and was baptized by Rev. William Schedwick.

Andrew Roderick, a native of Pennsylvania, came from Virginia in 1846, and settled on sec- tion 5. He has since died. Several of his chil- dren are still residents of the county.

EVENTS OF IMPORTANCE.

The first sod turned in the town was thrown over by J. E. Clark, on his place, on section 32, in the spring of 1836.

The Bridges did some breaking stortly after- ward and all raised erops that year.

The first death in the town was that of Anna Bridge, wife of Jeremiah Bridge. She died previous to 1840, and was buried on the State line.

The first birth in the town was a son of J. F. Clark, which occurred Nov. 19, 1836. Ile now lives in Gage Co., Neb.

The first school in the town was tanght by

Thomas J. Stewart, a native of Virginia. It was established in the winter of 1840-41, and was a subscription school. It was held in a log cabin erected by Jehu Chadwick. Scholars at- tended from Sylvester and Spring Grove, as as well from Jefferson.

Hiram Dunwiddie's mark for cattle was un- der bit in left ear, and under slit in right ear. Recorded June 6, 1850.

David C. Bridge's mark for stock was a smooth crop of right ear. Recorded June 19, 1851.

Bradley Chefan's ear mark for his cattle was a swallow fork in right ear. Recorded July 28, 1853.

The first election in this town was held April 3, 1849, at the house of Abraham Sanburn, lo- cated on the southwest quarter of section 22. John Barry was moderator, and George Eley, clerk. Jeremiah Bridge, chairman, Garret R. Patton and William, Berry, judges, and E. J. Blackford, clerk.

Probably the first mill for grinding corn and buckwheat was put up by James Riley the first winter after he settled here. He made the buhrs from stone he picked up. He fitted one of them to the hollow log, and then placed the other one on top of that one. He had it set up in one side of his house at first. It was oper- ated by a shaft from the edge of the top stone to the ceiling. It required two men to run the mill, and had a capacity of turning out two bushels of buckwheat per hour.

RELIGIOUS.

At an early day the inhabitants near Juda attended religious services in the town of Syl- vester, at the house of Thomas Wardle. Rev. William Stillwell was the preacher. People of all denominations attended these meetings.

In 1840, Henry Howe, a minister of the Christian (better known as Compbellite) Church, held meetings at the house of James Riley. Among the members of this organization were: James Riley and wife, Isaiah Kline and wife,

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HISTORY OF GREEN COUNTY.

and two sons, John Kline and wife, Eli Kline and wife, and Christopher Meinert. James Riley was the first deacon. Meetings were held once a month, people coming from long distances, and many of them with ox teams. Elder Howe preached here about three years, when a man named Gleason, a street preacher from Canada, came along and offered his services free of charge. Elder Howe accordingly withdrew. Mr. Gleason prcached to the small band of Chris- tians but a few times when he suddenly scourged the congregation for not paying him for preach- ing. That was the last time he preached for them, and it was in fact the end of the organi- zation, for it left them without a preacher.

The first religious services held in the south- eastern part of the town, was at the house of David Bridge, in 1840. Elder Henry Howe was the preacher. He organized a congrega- tion, among whom were the following members: Ilenry Johnson and wife, J. II. Bridge and wife, David Bridge, Jeremiah Bridge, Adam Starr and wife, J. E. Clark and wife, Mrs. Deborah Bridge and two daughters, Nancy and Deborah Ann. J. H. Bridge was the first deacon. The congregation met for worship in. privaie houses, until a school house was erected in the neigh- borhood. A large portion of the members have moved away, and regular services have not been held for a number of years.

The Richland M. E. church, located on sec- tion 5, was erected in the fall of 1873. The church grounds, containing half an acre, were donated by Seth Austin. At the time the church was built there about twenty members. This grew from a class which was organized many years ago at the school house. The first minister was Elder Walker. The present pastor is Elder Kellogg, The present trustces are: A. II. Woodle, Samuel Catherman, Lewis Roub, L. Steveson, William Baird and Seth Anstin.

The English Lutheran Church, of Twin Grove, was organized in Twin Grove school house, Feb.

15, 1874, by Rev. G. J. Donmeyer, of the Evan- gelical Lutheran synod of northern Illinois. The following named persons signed the consti- tution adopted: E. L. Walker, David Holmes, John Rodocker, Joseph Emrich, Samuel D. Benage, May Holmes, Phyana Benage, Eva Holmes, Ann Rodocker, John Ohl, Lydia A. Ohl, James Holmes, Isabell Holmes, Annie Fries, Mary C. Holmes and Elizabeth Emrich. The following officers were elected: E. L. Walker, elder; John Ohl and Samuel D. Benage, deacons. Rev. J. A. Beidler was selected as first pastor,and commenced his labors in April of the same year. He served the congregation until 1876. From 1876 until 1880 it was served by Rev. J. M. Rees, of the Iowa synod. From 1880 until 1881 by Rev. D. E. Rupley, of the Allegany synod. From 1881 until 1884 by Rev. D. P. Grosscup, of the Iowa synod. In 1876 the con- gregation built a neat house of worship in the village of Twin Grove. It is a frame building, 34x50 feet, costing $2,775.71, including bell. It was dedicated Jan. 21, 1877, by Rev. Prof. D. L. Tressler, Ph. D., President of Carthage Col- lege, Carthage, Ill. In the same year a house and lot in the village of Twin Grove were pur- chased by the congregation, assisted by three other congregations, for the use of the Church as a parsonage. It was secured for $250. It has since been improved in buildings and other repairs at an additional expense of $150. The present membership of the congregation is forty. The following are the officers: William Stevenson, elder; Samnel Holmes and Leander Stevenson, deacons.

The Richland English Lutheran Church con- gregation was organized in February, 1859, by Rev. Ephraim Miller, of the Evangelical Lutheran synod of northern Illinois. Twenty- one members were enrolled at a meeting held in Richland school house town of Jefferson, for the purpose of organization. The following is the list taken from the Church book: Samuel L. Roub, Mrs. S. L. Ronb, George Bloom,

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HISTORY OF GREEN COUNTY.

Mrs. George Bloom, Isaiah Deal, Mrs. Isaiah Deal, Levi Deal, Mrs. L. Deal, Samuel Cather- man, Mrs. S. Catherman, Solomon Deal, Mrs. S. Deal, Jeremiah Hutzel, Mrs. J. Hutzel, Michael Bloom, Mrs. M. Bloom, J. K. Bloom, Mrs. M. M. Bloom, Aquilla Deal and Amanda Hill. The following officers of the Church were chosen at this meeting: Isaiah Deal and S. L. Roub, elders; George Bloom and Levi Deal, deacons. Rev. E. Miller served the congregation as pastor from date of organization until 1861. Rev. A. A. Trimper, from 1861 until 1862. Rev. Charles Anderson from 1862 until 1863. Rev. J. K. Bloom from 1864 until 1866. Rev. S. Cook from 1866 until 1872. Rev. J. L. Hammond from 1872 until 1875. G. M. Packer, an applicant for licensure supplied the congre- gation from the close of 1875 until the middle of 1876. Rev. J. M. Rees served the congrega- tion as regular pastor from 1876 until 1880. Rev. D. E. Rupley from 1880 until 1881. Rev. D. P. Grosscup from 1881 until 1884. Precious revivals were held in the years 1862, 1865 and 1873. A lot of two acres, on section 6, was deeded to the Church, for building purposes, in the year 1873, for the consideration of $160. Upon this lot, in 1874, a church building of 200 sittings was built, costing $2,750. It was dedi- cated by Revs. P. G. Bell and W. H. Schoch, of the synod of northern Illinois. In 1876 the congregation united with the Twin Grove pas- torate and contributed to the purchase of a par- sonage to be located at the latter place. The officers at present are: Rev. D. P. Grosseup, pastor; William Lore and Samnel Catherman, elders; Solomon Deal and James Holmes, dea- cons The present membership is twenty.

The Spring Grove Lutheran Church was or- ganized Oct. 1, 1866, by Rev. S. Cook, of the synod of northern Illinois. Six persons signed the constitution, viz: Josiah Adelman, Jesse Schoch, David Holmes, Rebecca Adelman, Elizabeth Schoch and Mary Holmes. The officers elected were: David Holmes, elder; Jesse Schoch, deacon. Rev. S. Cook remained

as pastor from 1866 until 1872. Rev. J. A. Beidler served the congregation from 1874 until 1876. Rev. James M. Rees from 1876 until 1880. Rev. D. E. Rupley from 1880 until 1881. Rev. D. P. Grosseup from 1882 until 1884. From the first of the organization, the congregation had held divine services in a church building of 150 sittings, which had been erected by the people of the community as a church for all denominations. Since 1880 no roll of Church membership "has been pre- served.

Daniel Paul Grosscup, pastor of the English Lutheran Church of Twin Grove pastorate, Green Co., Wis, was born in Ashland Co., Ohio, Nov. 29, 1846. He was baptized in infancy in the Lutheran Church, and confirmed in the same Church at fourteen years of age. He was brought up on a farm, hence received only the training of a common district school until nine- teen years of age. During a part of this period, his father having enlisted as a soldier in the War for the Union, (42d Ohio Volunteer Infantry, Garfield's) he was deprived of regular attendance upon school; but upon his father's return at the close of the war, in 1864, he again returned to books; entering Ashland High School in 1866, boarding at his home and walk- ing three and one-half miles morning and even- ing. On reaching his majority in 1867, an in- heritance of $1,200 was at his command. He at once entered Wittenberg College, Spring- field, Ohio, Samuel Sprecher, D. D., president; graduating in the classical department in 1871, and in the theological department of the same institution in 1872. In 1873 he was commis- sioned by the Board of Home Missions of the Evangelical Lutheran Church, of the general synod of the United States, to open a mission for the Church in Iowa City, Iowa. A Church was built up rapidly. In 1875 he was married to Mary V. Schaeffer, third daughter of Rev. G. W. Schaeffer, pastor of the English Evan- gelical Lutheran Church, of Princeton, Iowa. In 1879 he was transferred by the Board of

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HISTORY OF GREEN COUNTY.

Home Missions to Knoxville, Iowa. In 1881 his health failing, and that of his family, he resigned the mission field; and expecting a healthier climate, accepted a call to the Twin Grove pastorate. He has not been deceived. His health is entirely restored, and his work for the Church continues.

TWIN GROVE CEMETERY ASSOCIATION.

Feb. 20, 1879, a meeting was held in the Lutheran church, and the above named associa- tion was organized. Three trustees were elected as follows: For one year, David Holmes; for two years, E. L. Walker; for three years, John Ohl. Annual meetings are held in February of each year. A half acre of land north of the village church has been purchased, at a cost of $50. Lots are to be sold at $10 per lot; and when these sales shall have covered the expense of the grounds, sums arising from subsequent sales, shall be appropriated to the improvement and adorning of the grounds.

The first burial was that of an infant child of Rev. James M. Rees, pastor of the Lutheran Church. Nine bodies have been buried.

The present trustees are: David Holmes, E. L. Walker and John Ohl. This cemetery is under the control of the Twin Grove English Lutheran Church.

Oak Hall Cemetery, which is located on sec- tion 5, embraces one acre of land. The ground was donated by Seth Austin and S. L. Roub.

CHEESE FACTORIES.

Joseph Bloomer has a cheese factory on see- tion 18, where he makes different grades of cheese. This was the first cheese factory es- tablished in this town.

The cheese factory on section 5, was erected in 1878, by M. T. Gapen, W. J. Chryst and J. S. Roub, who had formed a joint stock com- pany. The present owners are Messrs. M. T. Gapen, W. J. Chryst and William Hartwig. They have a good building and all the modern machinery and improvements for manufacturing Limberger and Swiss cheese. It is well patron- ized by the neighborhood. The firm also

devote a good deal of time to making brick cheese.

Timms' cheese factory is located on section 24. The building is 20x54 feet in size, two stories high, with basement. It receives the milk of about 200 cows. Charles Timms is the present proprietor.

The following is a list of men who have been prominent in town affairs:

J. Andrew, B. W. Ritchford, E. Hosier, H. Dunwiddie, S. W. Ball, J. Allen, Lewis Gapen, William Blackford, Joseph Wardle, Isaac Trembley, R. S. Stephens, Samuel Witner, Isaac Smiley, James Stevenson, II. Franken- barger, John Howard, William Coldron, John Barry, D. C. Bridge, George Eley, Howard Hunt, Alfred Barmore, G. W. Bridge, Francis Barnum, A. B. Wilt, W. W. Walkey, William Stephenson, S. M. Hanna, G. W. Bussy, D. J. Patton, John Bolander, V. B. S. Newman, J. J. Armstrong, Jacob Roderick, D. Witmer, Charles F. Fisher, James A. Patton, John A. Chamber, Joseph Musser, B. F. Carle, J. C. Andrews, M. S. Tadel, John Carter, G. M. Walker, H. K. White, J. M. Swartz, H. W. Fallett, J. H. Armstrong and Jasper Chryst.

VILLAGE OF JUDA.

The village of Juda is situated on sections 1 and 2. The land now included in this village was entered in 1837, by Jehu Chadwick and John Crawford.

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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 121

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