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 129

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 129

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Monroe is situated a few miles south and west of the center of Green county. One line of railway passes through the city-the south- ern branch of the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul. It passes through from east to west, and fur- mishes excellent marketing and shipping facili- ties. The city is surrounded by some of the

finest and most productive l.agricultural and stock raising lands in the State, which is a guarantee of a permanent and ever increasing trade.

There are many fine and substantial brick and stone blocks to be seen upon the business thoroughfares, and a stroll through the city discloses many elegant and costly dwellings. There are a number of fine church edifices and and excellent buildings for educational pur- poses. In respect to religious and educational advantages, Monroe ranks among the best cities in the State of Wisconsin. An abundance of shade trees adorn the streets, which, in summer adds greatly to the beauty of the place. The location is exceedingly healthy, the inhabitants are possessed of a high degree of intelligence, and the society is of the most refined and de- sirable character.

THE BEGINNING.

The land upon which the city of Monroe has since been built, was entered from the United States government by Joseph Payne and Jarvis Rattan. Payne came here from the southern part of Illinois in 1832, and first settled in the territory, which now comprises the town of Clarno. His earlier movements are treated at length in the chapter upon the history of that town. About 1834, he made a claim on section 35, township 2, range 7, taking 160 acres. He piled up a lot of clap-boards upon the land to mark the claim, which. grew to be a "land mark " to the settlers in this region, remain- ing about two years. In the meantime he had begun improvements on the land, hiring a quasi- scout, named Bradley, to break some ground.

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HISTORY OF GREEN COUNTY.

During the year 1886 [or as some claim 1837] Payne erected a little log cabin which stood near the present site of Dr. Byers' residence. It was a small building, probably 16x16 feet in size, one story in height, constructed of logs, covered with shakes, and floored with punch- eons. A rude affair, yet in those days it was considered a very comfortable dwelling. Payne lived in the village until about 1842, then moved to the town of Cadiz, where he remained for some years, when having got in trouble through killing a man-an affair which is treated at length elsewhere in this volume-he fled the country. He finally drifted to California, where he died in 1881. Prior to his coming to the village, and during his residence in the town of Clarno, he had taken part in all the early trans- actions and inconveniences of pioneer life in that region ; participating in the Black Hawk War, and all of the scouting expeditions which took place during and growing out of that war.

Jarvis Rattan came here in 1836, from Illi- nois, and entered eighty acres of land adjoining Payne's claim, building a cabin near the "Town Spring." He was a single man, but kept house. He lived there for a few years, when he sold a part of his claim to Jacob Ly Brand. He after- ward married Miss Pierce and moved to a farm about two miles southeast of the city. lle re- mained there until 1844, when he removed to the town of Washington. He now lives in Cal- ifornia.

Jacob Ly Brand came here from Pennsylvania, in 1837, and purchased a third interest in the town of New Mexico, and some land of Joseph Payne.

Mr. Russell became interested here at about the same time as Mr. Ly Brand. He was a land speculator, from Rhode Island, and was repre- renting some large company. When the city of Monroe was platted, he donated eighty acres of land to the county, forty of which was to be used for educational purposes, and this, when platted, took the name of Russell's donation.

In 1835 Judge Jacob Andrick came from In- diana and entered land which he subsequently laid out as the village of New Mexico. Judge Andrick remained here for about twenty years, when he removed to Kansas. He is now dead.

In 1838, immediately after the organization of the county, there arose a contest for the county seat, which had the effect of preventing emigration while it lasted, and of inducing many who had come, to go away. Shortly be- fore the county was organized, Judge Andrick had laid ont his town, which he called New Mexico; but he neglected to have it recorded at the land office at Mineral Point. It was sup- posed that this town-New Mexico-would be the county seat of the proposed county, and in fact this was the only reason by which Judge Andrick was induced to plat the village. Mr. Payne besought Andrick to sell him an interest in it, which the judge refuscd to do. Payne then laid out a town, immediately north of An- drick's town, and north of the railroad track.

James Campbell, who was Payne's surveyor, used to tell the story that, while they were sur- veying, Mr. Payne stopped work to make a last effort to purchase a share in New Mexico, and that he remarked on his return from his fruit- less visit to Andrick: "New Mexico isn't re- corded, and if that old fool won't let any one else have half the county seat, he shan't have any part of it himself." The act of the Burlington legislature, which made this a county, also lo- cated the county seat at New Mexico, referring, of course, to Judge Andrick's town. As soon as this act was passed, Mr. Payne named his town New Mexico, and hastened to the land of- fice at Mineral Point. A few miles behind him rode Judge Andrick, pursuing him, "compared to which," as Miss Bingham, in her History of Green County, says, "the most rapid movements of the Indians who followed him in 1832, and of the sheriff who sought him in 1844, were as the crawling of a snail." Mr. Payne reached Mineral Point before Judge Andrick, and got his New Mexico on record first, which made it

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the county seat by law. But moved by a peti- tion which was presented by Mr. Sutherland, the member from Green county, thetlegislature at its next session repealed this law and ap- pointed three commissioners to select a county seat. These commissioners, after looking the county over, selected a place which they called Roscoe, about two miles northeast of the pres- ent city of Monroe. This place was not accept- able to the people of the county. It was then represented to the legislature that the selection of Roscoe as the county seat was improperly secured. However, the former act was repealed and it was decided that the question of county seat should be decided by a vote of the people. In the meantime it was undertaken to dig a well in Mr. Payne's town, but after digging about forty feet, those interested in it became discouraged and gave up the attempt. The be- lief became general then that the county seat must be at some place where water could be more easily obtained, and Messrs. Payne, Ly Brand and Russell offered to give the county 120 acres of land near the spring. Mr. Russell subsequently gave another forty acres for the benefit of a county seminary. Mr. Andrick had also abandoned the hope of making his town the county seat and united with others in claim- ing the honor for a site, which was situated a short distance south of Roscoe. At the election in May, 1839, the point at issue seems to have been not as much the comparative merits of the sites under consideration, as the comparative popularity of the men who had selected them, and the tickets of one party were marked: "For Andrick, Wilcoxon and Sutherland," while those of the other party read: "For Payne, Ly Brand and Russell." The vote was a tie. A second election was held in June, and, although there were cast six votes more than at the other election, the result was a second tie. This re- sult, it was said, was inadvertently brought about by Mr. Ly Brand. On election day cach party knew how many voters it had in town, and

knew, too, that Mr. Ly Brand's side had one more man than the other. To make assurance doubly sure Ly Brand sent into the country for another voter, paying his messenger $2.50 for the trip. The man, whose name was Elias Lut- trell, came, but much to Mr. Ly Brand's sur- prise, he voted with the opposition. A third election was held in August. Andrick and Sutherland were now the champions of a site which was almost in the geographical centre of the county, but as votes were cast for the men rather than for the places, it was probable that the election would result like the others, in a tie, when Mr. Ly Brand, taking advantage of the great popularity of a peculiar kind of hat, braided by Mrs. Rust, offered to give one of them to a young man named Porter if he would induce some miners at Sugar River Diggings to come to the polls. The offer was accepted, and the votes thus gained located the county seat. The selection of a name for the town was left to Dr. Harcourt, one of the county commissioners, and he chose the name of Monroe.

In the meantime the growth of Monroe and New Mexico had begun, and signs of business life were visible. The two places were so near together that they will be treated almost as one.

The first business place opened was on the site of New Mexico. It was the establishment of O. C. Smith and Mr. Binninger, and was run by O. C. Smith. This was started in 1837. They erected a little hewn log building, 18x20 feet in size, which stood just east and south of the railroad bridge of to-day. They kept a gen- eral assortment of goods, making the sale of whisky a specialty, and ran for about two years, when they closed out their business. Smith re- mained in Monroe until the time of his death. Binninger removed to California.

A short time after Smith & Binninger got into running order, Jacob Lybrand established a store on the west side of what is now Lincoln Park. He erected the first frame building on

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HISTORY OF GREEN COUNTY.

the site, and ran the store-which, for those days, was an unusually good one- for a number of years. He was afterwards associated in partnership with J. W. Rogers. Mr. Ly Brand died in Minnesota.

In 1836 Payne, Benninger & Smith put up quite an extensive building just north of the railroad bridge. It was two stories high, about 26x36 feet, with a wing. Payne opened the building as a tavern, keeping a good stock of whisky. He ran the hotel for a few years, after which it was run by various parties. Part of the old building now forms a portion of the planing mill.

John Hart, an Englishman, came here with his family in 1840, and opened a stock of goods in a building which stood a little east and south of the railroad bridge. He soon after moved his building to the north side of the square, where he remained for a time, and then went to Milwaukee.

From the time that Monroe permanently se- cured the county seat, business began drifting to that place from Milwaukee.

In the summer of 1840 a building intended for a temporary court house was erected where the United States house is now located. The contract was let to A. J. Sutherland and James Campbell. Before its completion, in the fall, however, it was consumed by fire.

About 1843 the first tavern was put up by John Walling. It stood on the north side, two lots from the west corner. It was an extensive building for those days, being two stories high, and containing a number of rooms. It was opened as a tavern by the proprietor. He was succeeded by Joseph Payne, and the latter by J. Kelly as landlord. It was then closed for a time, and subsequently opened by Thomas Gil- lette, after whom came Willard Payne. The building was finally moved away. This tavern, while it was open to the public, was the favorite place of resort for all this region, and almost every evening, in pioneer days, the bar room

was the scene of a rehearsal of all the events that had transpired, and an exchange of news and gossip.

In 1844 Jacob Ly Brand moved his building to the south side of what now forms the court honse square, and kept his store there for a number of years. He then erected a building on the north side and moved his goods there.

At about the same time, in 1844, Charles Hart started a store on the corner where the bank now stands. He ran there for a few years, then sold out his stock of goods and removed to Rockton, Ill.

In 1846, while Ly Brand's store was still run- ning, A. Ludlow opened. a store. Prior to this time he had been driving a peddler's wagon through this region, supplying the settlers and stores with goods, all the way from Chicago to Madison. In 1846 he opened a store, using one of the buildings that had been moved to the north side. Mr. Ludlow continued in trade here for a few years, and then rented a build- ing which N. Cornelius had erected on the east side of the square. It was about 22x30 feet in size, and two stories in height, with a basement. In this building Mr. Ludlow carried on the largest part of the business done in Mouroe. In 1848 Mr. Ludlow erected a three story brick building, the first building of that material used for business purposes in the village. For a time he was associated with Benjamin Cheno- with. He finally sold to George Hoffman.

In 1849 Milton Kelly came here from Penn- sylvania and started a store in a building which had been erected for him by Frank Emerson. It was a fair building, 20x30 feet in size, a story and a half in height, and stood on the east side a little above the center of the block. Mr. Kelly ran a store here for about four or five years. Thus the improvement went on. At the outset the growth of the city met with a severe baekset in the financial panic which began in 1837, and continued for several years. Business of all kinds was stagnated, and the most enterprising men became hopeless and de-

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spondent. During these years, but little was accomplished, and nothing of importance in the way of business development was done. But as the latter part of the decade between 1840 and 1850 was speeding by business picked up; set- tlers began to arrive, and from 1850 to 1857 marked progress was made. Then came the financial crash of 1857-8, and again business was almost paralyzed. Immediately succeed- ing this came the outbreak of the Rebellion, accompanied by the demand for money and men. Times were very hard for Monroe in those days, the darkest days in its history. After the close of the war the prospects began to brighten. New faces began to be seen; busi- ness revived and the people, too, seemed to have regained some of the business energy and enterprise of olden times. Reinforcements came in from the eastern States and across the water, and Monroe and Green county, took a marked forward step. Since that time the growth has been sure and steady, save the brief interruption caused by the financial panic of 1873. Magnificent blocks have been built; elegant dwellings erected; fine schools and Churches established and sustained, and all the concomitants of a healthy, thriving business city have sought their way here until Monroe city of to-day has become the pride of Green county.

PLAT OF NEW MEXICO.

On the 28th of October, 1836, the town of New Mexico was surveyed by Abner Van Sant, for Joseph Payne, Jacob Binninger and Owen C. Smith. It was platted on section 2, township 11 north, range 7, and contained twenty blocks, one of which was left for a public square. The papers were acknowledged before Robert Dough- erty, a justice of the peace of Mineral Point.

On the 7th of April, 1839, Jarvis Rattan made an addition to New Mexico. It laid directly north of the original plat, and extended to what was afterward platted as Ly Brand's donation (Monroe). The addition was just the size of

the plat, proper of New Mexico. It was sur- veyed by Abner Van Sant.

On the 26th of March, 1856, Jacob and John H. Andrick, James Bintliff and F. H. West made an addition to New Mexico, which laid sonth of the original plat. It was sworn to be- fore J. B. Galusha.

PLAT OF THE CITY OF MONROE.

On the 24th of August, 1839, Jacob Ly Brand deeded to the county a traet of land described as the north half of the west half of the south- west quarter of section 35, township 2 north, range 7 east. This was to secure the location of the county seat at this place. This done, a committee was appointed by the citizens of the county to represent them in the matter, and at- tend to laying out the city. This committee consisted of James Hawthorn, John Chryst and Daniel Harcourt. The land was deeded to them and they accordingly secured the services of William Gravath, the district surveyor, in lay- ing it out into lots and blocks. This was done in December, 1839, the plat being recorded on the 23d of that month. This tract of land took the name of "Ly Brand's donation." It em- braces the present court house square, which lies directly in the center of the donation.

Russell's and Payne's donations were also deeded and laid out at the same time. Joseph Payne's donation was the same as that of Ly Brand, and laid just east and adjoining it. Rus- sell's donation embraced the same amount of land, and laid to the west of Ly Brand's. The streets of the city, as then laid out, were named as follows: Those running north and south, commencing at the east-Adams, Ly Brand, Green, Van Buren, Madison, Jefferson, Jackson, Monroe, Market, Clinton, Fulton and Franklin. Those running east and west, com- mencing at the north, were named: Payne, Rus sell, Washington and Racine. The streets were about sixty feet, and alleys twenty feet in width. The committee to whom the above lands were deeded, acknowledged the plat before James Riley, justice of the peace. The county com-

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missioners, William Bowen, James Riley and William Boyls, signed and acknowledged the certificates before Hiram Rust.

In April, 1848, Josiah V. Richardson surveyed Wadsworth Foster's addition to Monroe. It consisted of about five blocks, lying just south of Payne's donation.

In November, 1849, W. M. Tallman made an addition of about ten blocks to the city, lying just north of Ly Brand's donation. Mr. Rich- ardson was the surveyor.

Emerson & Moulton's was the next addition made to the city. It was made in May, 1854, by Francis Emerson and Salena Moulton; being surveyed by Samuel Spangler. It embraced a little over fifteen blocks, and laid just south of Russell's donation, and west of Rattan's addi- tion to New Mexico.

The first railroad addition to Monroe, was made on the 15th of November, 1854. It em- braced about five blocks and laid just north of where the track is now located.

In May, 1855, W. Foster made his second ad- dition to Monroe. It laid just east of Rattan's addition to New Mexico, and south of Foster's first addition to Monroe. It embraced about fourteen blocks.

On the 12th of February, 1856, Evans' addi- tion to Monroe was made by Enoch Evans, sur- veyed by George M. O'Brien. It laid just west of Russell's donation.

Bloom's addition was made by George Bloom in February, 1856. It laid just southeast of Evans' addition, and adjoining Russell's dona- tion.

On the 4th of July, 1856, Wescott's addition was made by E. and N. L. B. Wescott. It laid just west of the original plat.

Scott's addition to Monroe was surveyed on the 24th of June, 1856, by George M. O'Brien for Jane Scott. It laid west of Evans' addi- tion, and embraced about twelve whole blocks.

The second railroad addition was made in May, 1856. G. M. O'Brien was the surveyor.

Brodhead's addition was surveyed in Novem-

ber, 1856, by W. W. Card. The proprietors were: Edward II. Brodhead, B. Dunwiddie, A. Ludlow and John A. Bingham.

Julius Austin made an addition in April, 1856, which laid just west of Emerson & Moul- ton's addition.

Bartlett's addition was made by Edmund Bartlett, Jan. 1, 1857.

IV. M. Tallman made a second addition in August, 1857, of over twenty blocks. It lays in the northern part of the city.

April 14, 1857, Julius Austin made an addition to the western part of the city.

L. & P. D. Hurlbut made an addition April 17, 1857, west of the railroad additions. Moses O'Brien was the surveyor.

Francis Emerson and S. P. Condee made an addition April 18, 1857. It was surveyed by Moses O'Brien, and contained about two blocks.

Simon P. Condee made an addition June 5, 1857, of two blocks.

A. Ludlow's addition was made Nov. 20, 1856; surveyed by J. V. Richardson. It em- braced abont twenty blocks and laid just east of Payne's donation.

INCORPORATION.

During the winter of 1857-8 the question of incorporating Monroe as a village, under the provisions of the statute, was agitated, and it culminated in the spring of 1858 in the election of officers and organization as a village. The first election for village officers was held in April, when the following named were chosen: Trustees, John A. Bingham, George E. Dexter, Charles Leissing, Elisha Mosher and John W. Stewart. The first meeting of the board of trustees was held on April 14, 1858, when John WV. Stewart was elected president, and William W. Wright clerk of the board.

Among the first official acts of the board, was the passage of the following: "It being credit- ably represented to this board that the small- pox now prevails in the family of Ulrich Kleb, a resident of Monroe; therefore, it is ordered that the said Ulrich Kleb remain closely within

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HISTORY OF GREEN COUNTY.

his dwelling, and that he cause each and every member of his family to remain closely within his dwelling until further order of this board." A penalty of $25 was imposed for the violation of this order, and Mr. Kleb was also instructed to post upon his door a sign printed in German and English, bearing the words "Small Pox Here," as a warning.

Another rule was passed at the same time, imposing fine of fifty cents upon each member of the board who should be tardy or absent, "unless a bona fide and satisfactory excuse be rendered.

A number of ordinances were passed by the first board, and the German Hook and Ladder Company was ordered organized.

The following is a list of the officers who have served since the incorporation of the vil- lage:

1859 .- Trustees, J. W. Stewart, presi- dent, F. F. West, Wadsworth Foster, Charles Leissing and B. Dunwiddie; assessor, John Knipschield; treasurer, George H. King; clerk, William W. Wright; marshal, Elisha Mosher; pound-master, William Bowers.

1860 .- Trustees, John W. Stewart, president, Charles Leissing, Wadsworth Foster, F. F. West and B. Dunwiddie; treasurer, George H. King; assessor, Chester Witter; clerk, W. W. Wright; marshal, Edmund Hill; street com- missioner, William Rean; pound-master, William Bowers; surveyor, F. F. West.

1861 .- Trustees, John W. Stewart, president, Wadsworth Foster, Charles Leissing, F. F. West and B. Dunwiddie; assessor, Josiah V. Richardson; treasurer, Samuel Chandler; clerk, W. W. Wright; surveyor, F. F. West; marshal, Edmund Hill; street commissioner, William Rean; pound-master, William Bowers; sexton, Patrick Collins.

1862 .- Trustees, John A. Bingham, presi- dent, Charles Leissing, E. T. Gardner, W. Fos- ter and B. Dunwiddie; assessor, J. V. Richard- son; treasurer, Samuel Chandler; clerk, W. W. Wright; marshal, William Bowers; street com-

missioner, William Rean; pound-master, William Bowers; sexton, Patrick Collins; chief engineer of the fire department, W. W. Wright; fire warden, Anton Miller.

1863 .- Trustees, B. Chenoweth, president, E. T. Gardner, W. Foster, J. B. Treat and B. Dunwiddie; treasurer, Samnel Chandler; as- sessor, Asa Richardson; clerk, W. W. Wright; marshal, Edmund Hill; street commissioner, William Rean; sexton, Patrick Collins; pound- master, George P. Hedge; chief engineer of fire department, W. W. Wright; fire warden, An- ton Miller.

1864 .- Trustees, Benjamin Chenoweth, presi- dent, E. T. Gardner, W. Foster, J. B. Treat and B. Dunwiddie; treasurer, Samuel Chandler; assessor, Asa Richardson; clerk, W. W. Wright; marshal, Edumund Hill; street commissioner, William Rean; sexton, Patrick Collins; pound- master, George P. Hedge; chief engineer, W. W. Wright; fire warden, Anton Miller.

1865-Trustees, Lauren Hurlbut, president, Benjamin Chenowith, J. B. Treat, E. E. Carr and D. W. Ball; treasurer, Samuel Chandler; assessor, William Gray; clerk and chief of fire department, W. W. Wright; marshal, J. Smith Smock; street commissioner, P. P. Pinney; pound-master, A. G. Manchester; sexton, Pat- rick Collins; fire warden, Abraham Kobb.

1866-Trustees, E. P. Treat, president, B. Chenowith, James VanDyke, Antone Miller and J. B. Galusha; assessor, William Gray; treas- urer, Samuel Chandler; clerk and chief of fire department, W. W. Wright; street commission- er, William Rean; pound master, A. G. Man- chester; sexton, Patrick Collins; fire wardens, Antone Miller and S. W. Abbott.

1867-Trustees, E. P. Treat, president, J. H. VanDyke, Samuel B. Mack, Barney Becker and Antone Miller; treasurer, Samuel Chandler; as- sessor, William Gray; clerk and chief of fire department, W. W. Wright; marshal, William Brown; fire wardens, S. W. Abbott and Antone Miller.

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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 129

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