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 84

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 84

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

The Gazette, when first started in Green county, was an eight column quarto. The editor, in his first editorial, emphatically declares that he is "in favor of free trade; or, what is the same thing, a tariff for revenue only." In 1883 the paper was cut down to a six column quarto and the name changed to the Monroe Gazette. It is ably conducted.

J. W. Odell

was born in Montreal, Canada, Aug. 27, 1848. He came to Wisconsin in 1852 and settled in Evansville, Rock county. He remained there until 1859, when he removed to Jefferson, Jef- ferson Co., Wis. He lived there until June, 1872. He served a regular apprenticeship in the Jefferson Bunner from 1862 to 1865. Mr. Odell occupied the position of baggage-master at that city in the employ of the Chicago & Northwestern Railway Company for four years prior to June 1, 1872, at which time he went on the road as brakeman, moving to Janesville, Wis. He continued in this employment for eight months, then took a job as fireman, which position he filled until March 13, 1876, at which time he severed his connection with the rail- road company by mutual consent and moved down to Grant Park, Kankakee Co., Ill., a small place fifty miles south of Chicago on the C. & E. I. Railroad, where he first started a paper called the Grant Park News, a small sheet 12x16 inches. The first issue was on July 4, 1876. This paper he continued in that small form un- til Aug. 11, 1877, when he enlarged it to a four

column quarto and published that until June 1, 1879, when he went to Jefferson, Wis., and com- menced publishing the Independent. This pa- per he published to July 24, 1881, when he moved the office to Monroe and commenced the publication of the Guzette, a democratic organ, mention of which has just been made.

GREEN COUNTY HERALD.

The Green County Herald, a German paper published at Monroe, Green Co., Wis., was es- tablished by R. Loewenbach Sept. 15, 1877. It is published every Wednesday, has four pages, size 26x40 inches, and is independent in politics. R. Loewenbach, of Monroe, was born Oct. 9, 1853, in the city of Milwaukee. IIe received an academic education and is by profession a printer, being engaged in his father's printing office. In 1877 he came to Monroe, and for the last seven years has been proprietor and pub- lisher of the German paper, the Green County Herald, which position he holds up to this date (1884).

THIE JUDEAN.

On the 13th day of July, 1877, was issued No. 1 of Vol, I of the Judean at Juda, by the "Ju- dean Publishing Company." It was an exceed- ingly diminutive sheet of four pages with only two columns to the page. "It is not the inten- tion," say those who started the paper, "of those who have it in charge, we may safely say, to make it a money making institution, but merely to collect and diffuse throughout the community such items of news as may be of general interest to the public." However, in the third issue is found among other matters of an editorial character, the following: "The observing ones who look over this number of the Judeun will notice that it contains at the head of this column a small but important line reading thus: 'Terms, fifty cents a year.' " The circulation was thirty-six.

During the latter part of February, 1878, "some indefatigable worker in the lower depths of arch-deviltry" notified the postoffice depart- ment at Washington that the Judeun was only

606

HISTORY OF GREEN COUNTY.

"an advertising dodge," and thereupon the Ju- dean Publishing Company were notified that their paper could no longer pass through the mails at paper rates. The result was the dis- continuance of the Judeun under that name and the establishing of a newspaper that could not be in any way considered as "an advertising dodge." "This is the last issue," say the pub- lishers, March 31, 1878, "of our paper under its present form. Next week we shall not print a paper, but shall prepare for the publication the week following of a larger sheet (eight pages of four columns each). The subscription price will be $1 per annum." So, on the 3d day of April, 1878, No. 1, Vol. I was begun of THE LATEST NEWS.

This paper was published by J. B. Stair and HI. C. Witmer. "We herewith present," say the editors in their salutatory, "our readers with the first number of the Latest News. We shall not urge you who have not already done so, to subscribe for it, but every one may by this feel himself especially and personally invited to favor us with their name and $1 for a year's subscription."

On the 19th of July, 1879, Mr. Stair retired from the paper and Mr. Witmer became (and still is) the sole editor and proprietor. "Having assumed," says the editor, "the responsibility of continuing the News, our name appears at the head of this columu. We take charge of it feeling as though we would not continue it long, not being equal to the situation" -- but the paper "still lives" and is in a flourishing condi- tion, having a large circulation, and an exten- sive advertising patronage. It is edited with much ability.

MONTICELLO ITEMS.

The Monticello Items was published for a brief period, in Monticello, Green county, be- ginning in 1874, by Messrs. Stair & Lane, who were both editors and proprietors. The paper was neutral in politics. It continued about one year. Although a small sheet, it had quite a local circulation; however, it did not pay, and,

as already explained, was soon discontinued. Its editors were both young men-medical students.

Henry Clayton Witmer,

was born in Rock Grove, Stephenson Co., Ill., son of David and Catharine Witmer. He was two years old when the family moved to Juda, Wis. When he became old enough, he went to the village school, also in later years assisted his father in a drug store till the spring of 1873, when he went to Monroe to clerk in a dry goods store. After staying there fifteen months, he again returned to Juda, and re-entered the vil- lage school. In the beginning of 1876 he went to R. C. Spencer's Business College, Milwaukee, from which institution he graduated in May, re- turned home, and after his father died in June of the same year he assumed his business, which consisted in making loans and the business that would necessarily be connected. He also settled his father's estate. He was appointed notary public when he was twenty-one, also chosen a member of the school board. In partnership with Dr. J. B. Stair, a village phy- sician, he started a small newspaper called the Judean, in July, 1877, but the paper was en- larged and called the Latest News, in March, 1878. Ilis partner retiring in March, 1879, Mr. Witmer assumed the responsibility of editor and publisher alone. In the spring of 1882, in company with four business men of Monroe, he helped to start "The Citizens' Bank," of Mon- roe, of which he was chosen vice-president. During his stay in Juda, he took quite an in- terest in keeping up the life and growth of the village. He was one of the foremost in building its Town Hall. His habits are strictly temper- ate. He belongs to no Church; in politics is a republican. He is a bicyclist-no further com- ment.

Joseph M. Witmer, born of the same parents in Juda, Wis., Aug. 27, 1858, went to the village school until the fall of 1874, when he went to school in Monroe, and in the fall of 1875 went

607

HISTORY OF GREEN COUNTY.

to the State University at Madison, entering the preparatory department; remained at Madison three years, and in the spring, of 1878 passed examinations at Cincinnati for admission to Howard University; entered the class of 1882 at Howard, but did not like the change, so re- turned home; returned to Howard College, how- ever, in the fall of 1879, and joined the class of 1883, with which he graduated. He started in business with his brother in the fall of 1883. Witmer Brothers' business is mostly an out- growth of M. H. C. Witmer's business, and al- though it has been quite extensive, amounting to $500,000 a year, it nevertheless will be closed up in the fall of 1884, owing to a removal of the two members of the firm to Los Angeles, Cal. David Witmer

born in Londonderry township, Lebanon Co., Penn., Oct. 1, 1813, is a son of John and Han- nah Witmer, both natives of Lebanon Co., Penn. The family is of Swiss descent, some five or six generations since. The subject of this sketch lived at home with his parents on the farm until he was about eighteen years of age, when he went to Palmyra, a post village not far distant, to enter the mercantile busi- ness as a clerk in a dry goods store. In speak- ing of his financial start in life in later years, he was heard to remark that he clerked for $2 per month the first year, and at the end of the year was $36 in debt. How long he remained at Palmyra as a clerk is not definitely known by the writer; but it must have been about 1837 or thereabout that he went to Aaronsburg, Cen- ter Co., Penn., to engage in a like capacity in a dry goods store belonging to his uncle. At this time he also used to buy cattle in Ohio for his uncle and ship them east. Having saved a little money, he resolved in the spring of 1842 to take a trip to the west, and together with a friend he purchased lands where now stands the city of Burlington, Iowa. But at that time Burlington consisted of but a few houses and the prospect of its great growth

was not promising. The taxes on the land being great and the tenant careless, the land was sold. In the year of 1846, in partnership with John Harper, now of Monroe, Wis., he bought out his uncle's store and the business was carried on under their names until 1852, when Mr. Harper retired. Selling out in the spring of 1855, he again went west, purchased lands upon which the southern portion of Juda now stands, and in the fall of the same year he moved to Rock Grove, Stephenson Co., Ill., where he purchased a half interest in a dry goods store. Ilere he remained till the spring of 1858, when he removed to Juda, Wis. Dur. ing the years 1858 and 1865, inclusive, he was busily engaged in the general merchandise business, principally in dry goods, also in grain. His business was quite extensive, amounting to $100,000 or upward a year. He built several large buildings and being one of the early settlers of Juda, he took a deep interest and contributed in no small degree to its growth and development. In 1865 he retired from active business and devoted most of his atten- tion to his lands in the vicinity of Juda, but in 1870 he again entered the mercantile busi- ness, having purchased a drug store in which he thought he might interest his two sons enough to keep them out of mischief. In the winter of 1875-6 he sold out again and the next spring he prepared to go east for the purpose of trying to regain his health and restore, if possible, his shattered consti- tution, but he became enfeebled and a severe attack of the palpitation of the heart coming upon him, he was obliged to take his bed, from which he never arose. He died June 25, 1876, and his body was buried in the Juda cemetery. Mr. Witmer was married, March 12, 1846, to Catharine Corman, of Miles township, Center Co., Penn., by Rev. William Yereck. They had seven children, three of whom died in in- fancy, leaving two daughters and two sons,

608

HISTORY OF GREEN COUNTY.

all grown-Mary Agnes, born August 12, 1848, now Mrs. Samuel Lewis, of Monroe; Anna Victoria, born Sept. 2, 1854; Henry Clay- ton, born Aug. 25, 1856; Joseph M. Witmer, born Aug. 27, 1858. Mr. Witmer's character- istics in brief are, straight-forward and careful in business transactions, successful, temperate, in- dustrions, benevolent, unassuming, generous, public spirited, friend of the people in general, especially of the poor, ardent republican, never aspired to office, but held quite a number, mostly township offices. Do not know that he belonged to any Church, yet took an interest in all religious societies, and generally ai ed them (financially).

THE BRODHEAD INDEPENDENT.

The Independent was established the first week in March, 1860, by a joint stock company of which I. F. Mack, one of the original pro. prietors of the village, was president. The stockholders failed to respond and the paper virtually was the property of Mr. Mack from the outset.

The entire outfit of the States Rights, which had been published at Monroe, was pur- chased at a low price and removed to Brodhead; and the first number of the new paper was issued. On the 1st of November, 1864, Mr. Mack made arrangements by which his son I. F. Mack, Jr., (now of the Sandusky, Ohio, Register) became proprietor, while he still re- tained the position of editor. This continued until Aug. 10, 1866, when the following notice appeared in the paper:

"TO THE PUBLIC.

"From this date this paper will be under the sole control, both in its editorial and business man. agement of myself. I. F. Mack, Sr., for the past five and a half years the editor, has withdrawn from the concern. I. F. MACK, JR.

August 9, 1866."

On the 31st of the same month, Mr. Mack felt called upon to publish the following notice:

"In answer to numerous inquiries, I wish it distinctly understood that no one whatever has

anything to do with the editorial or business control of the Independent save myself. No other person has any voice in the management of this journal, or one dollar's interest in it.

I. F. MACK, JR."

On Tuesday, Nov. 17, 1868, Mr. Mack an- nounced the sale of the paper in the following VALEDICTORY.

"With this issue of the Brodhead Independent, I cease to be its editor and publisher, having sold the office and newspaper establishment to D. W. Tyrrell and E. O. Kimberley.

"Four years ago I became the publisher and proprietor, and two years ago last August took upon myself its sole editorial management. When I entered the office, Nov. 1, 1864, the business had run down and the office was not paying its expenses. With what business tact I had, I proceeded to make it pay, which it did the first year about $1,100. Since the close of the first year, the business has steadily increased and it now pays as well as any country paper in the State. So much for the business.

"Believing in radical political principles, my efforts since becoming the editor have been di- rected to making the paper thoroughly radical. With what measure of success the files of the paper will show. Manhood suffrage, universal liberty, the right of royal men to rule where traitors had misruled, the honorable and just payment of the debts of the Nation, have been advocated in these columns without fear or favor. Whatever I have said on those and kin- dred subjects cannot be unsaid, nor would I un- write one word the editorial columns have con- tained for the past two and one-half years.

"In local matter I have attempted to deal justly with all men, and have never as a local editor knowingly injured the feelings of any man.

"Believing that literary honesty is the bright- est ornament of an editor's life, I have never to my knowledge failed to give proper credit for every line taken from an exchange, and have uniformly preferred to write as best I could

609

HISTORY OF GREEN COUNTY

rather than gain a fictitious reputation by steal- ing from my neighbors.

"For many kind words from many kind friends, I am a thousand times grateful.

"For my successors I ask the hearty good will and generous support of all my old patrons and many new ones. My successors are well known to the people of this village and county. D. W. Tyrrell has been nearly four years the foreman of the office, is a thorough practical printer, a straight forward, honorable man, and a far better writer than the average of country editors. During all our intimate connection, for during all these years he has been a mem- ber of my family, we have had no unpleasant word. E. O. Kimberley was for years a resident here, learned the trade in the old Reporter office, and worked for me some months. Modest, unassuming but straight forward and prompt; Mr. Kimberley will bring to the business a deter- mination to make the paper better than it has been under my management. It need not be said that both these gentlemen are radical re- publicans, and will never fail to advocate the radical policy of the republican party. In their hands I feel safe in leaving the Independent, for the prosperity of which and political soundness of which I shall ever pray.

"I shall go into another paper not far distant, as soon as my business here is settled up.

"To the business men of Brodhead, and to the people of the town and country about, who have encouraged me in my business, with these last words as your editor, I bid you farewell.

I. F. MACK, Jr."

"Kimberley & Tyrrell's salutatory was pub- lished Nov. 27, 1868. The partnership lasted until December, 1869, when Mr. Kimberley took full charge and so continued until July, 1873, when he sold to Willis J. Stone and Charles M. Morse. On July 2, 1875, Mr. Morse published the following:

"NOTICE TO OUR PATRONS.

"With this issue of the Independent our labors cease as editor and proprietor. During our con

nection with this journal or nearly two years we have endeavored to do our duty and labor for the best interest of our village; but in look- ing baek we realize that errors have been made. We sincerely regret that it is thus, and trust that the people will 'forgive and forget.'

"To our many friends who have encouraged us both by liberal patronage and kind words we return our gratitude.

"Our successor E. O. Kimberley, formerly editor of the Independent needs no commendation from us. We bespeak for him a liberal patron- age.

"With these few words we close, bidding our friends farewell, and again thanking them for kindness in the past.

Most Respectfully,

CHARLES M. MORSE."

In taking charge of the Independent, Mr. Kimberley published an historical salutatory in these words:

SALUTATORY.

"After an absence of two years we return to our former charge, as proprietor of the Brod- head Independent. During the interval we note some very trying changes,-in the world at large, and more particularly in domestic life, applicable to ourself. In this will readily be seen the allusion to the sickness coming upon us and which well-nigh ended our days. Details of the same, herewith, would be superfluous, as all, perhaps, are cognizant of the fact. We were tenderly brought home after the critical time declared past, not to die, but to be nursed in convaleseency; and to-day we feel grateful for a degree of good health, such as was never our lot before to enjoy. To some, our return may seem strange, and others may regard it alike with ourself. Brodhead is and has been our home for many years past, and need we say it was with a view of being at home that prompted the change on our part. There are some very desirable features connected with city life, and there are other features of an unpleasant nature. The quiet of the country,

610

HISTORY OF GREEN COUNTY.

the never ending confusion of the city, and vice vers are contrasts of great magnitude, and a sudden change from one to the other seems strange indeed, and for a time almost beyond the powers of endurance. From country to city, our experiences, physically, as related, were anything but pleasant. Such a change from a two-years' sojourn in the city, we would very reluctantly anticipate.

"In 1857, we took up our abode in Brodhead, and since then have been a citizen a greater part of the time. Perhaps it may be truthfully said that we are favorably impressed with the place, hence our departure at different times and sub- sequent return. These occurrences have been frequent. Between ourself and the Independent we note the following: In the month of Febru- ary, 1861, a stock company, with I. F. Mack, Esq., president, and W. W. Shepard, (afterward killed at the battle of Pea Ridge), secretary, purchased the press and material of the States Rights, owned and published at our county seat, by F. Stout, Esq., and removed the same to Brodhead. Out of that material our hands set the first type on the Independent. These were the trying times of a Nation's uprising in armed conflict. Treason was asserting itself day by day, until the "first gun" was fired at Sumter.

"We well remember the day when this dread- ful evidence of war came upon ns. A messen- ger came to the office in great haste with the intelligence, and with patriotic hearts and pa- triotie songs the "boys" of the office could not be induced to "stick" another type. (The man- agement, however, sneceeded in issuing their paper regularly.) After thirteen months of army life we returned home, and again to the Independent, then edited by I F. Mack, Jr. This was of short duration however, for we rallied the "blowers," and again douned the blue. After the wearisome marches attendant upon Sherman's campaign, and after peace was declared, we were permitted to again return to

Brodhead and confront a "case" in the Inde- pendent office. Very soon after we were a resi- dent of the very pleasant village of Monroe. Remaining there among good friends two years we returned to Brodhead, formed a co-partner- ship with D. W. Tyrrell, and purchased the Independent, of I. F. Mack, Jr., at a good round price. After a partnership of about eight months Mr. Tyrrell associated himself with Mr. Potter, then publisher of the Green County Re- publican, at Monroe. Being then left to our own responsibility we did the best we could. In July, 1873, we sold the office to Messrs. Stone & Morse, taking ourself to the great city of the northwest-Chicago. Two years have passed and again we are found in the Independent office, as proprietor, having effected the purchase on the 28th ultimo. What there may be for us in the dim and unknown future, we cannot of course prediet with any degree of safety. If our past history has wrought anything to our good, the patrons of the Independent shall reap the same at our hands as one week succeeds an- other, and as good health is spared us.

"Our promises will not be numerous. We will promise this much, that we will conduct the Independent to the best of our ability, and always to the best interests of its patrons and all interested in our beautiful village. Can we say more? If we know what morality is, onr paper shall be moral. If we know the meaning of discretion our paper shall be discreet. If we know what right is, our paper shall be as near the same as it lies in our power to make it. We shall not attempt to revolutionize local business inexcess of local capacity, but shall advocate the full use of that capacity to the best inter- ests.

"In polities, we shall not be "on the fence" but shall always advocate republicanism, and may be depended upon as republican; and the Independent, we are sure, while in our charge, will labor for the best interests of republicanismi at home and abroad.

611

HISTORY OF GREEN COUNTY.

"The firm of Titus & Kimberley, printers, Chicago, will continue, at 120 and 122 La Salle street. Under the excellent management of Mr. Titus, the business of that office will be correctly and judicionsly managed. Charles Titus, a brother, will represent our interest.

"While we shall be ever ready and anxious to accommodate our friends with any kind of ordi- nary job work, at this office yet there may be, possibly, some beyond our capacity. Anything of this kind will be forwarded to our city office, executed by the best of workmen, and returned promptly.

"The former proprietors, Messrs Stone & Morse have our best wishes for success. Mr. Stone will return to Chicago and engage in business. Mr. Morse, after two months more preparation, will present himself for examina- tion at the Naval Academy, Annapolis, Md. We sincerely trust that his efforts may be suc- cessful. In the event of his being admitted, we are sure he will advance rapidly, do himself credit and honor the State of Wisconsin.

"We now leave ourself with the good people of Brodhead, and surrounding country, and sin- cerely hope to merit their good will and patron- age. We want to find a friend in every one. Shall this be our good fortune?

E. O. KIMBERLEY."

Mr. Kimberley continued as publisher of the paper several years. In June, 1878, he made a trip to Dakota, from which he wrote some in- teresting letters. Returning home Ang. 23, 1878, he offered the office for sale. About a month later (September 19), he left for Sioux Falls to engage in business again, offering the office for sale, but announcing it would be kept up by his father and John E. Bartlett.

On the 14th of October, 1878, Burr Sprague bought the office, and four days thereafter Mr. Kimberley issued his

VALEDICTORY.

"The last issue of the Independent (October 11), closed our work upon its pages and in the office. On Monday of this week, Burr Sprague,

Esq., purchased the establishment, together with the subscriptions of the paper. Gay Sprague, a promising young man and a good printer, will superintend the mechanical depart- ment, and, as we are informed, will publish the paper. Burr Sprague is so well and favorably known to all that it is not necessary we should say any more of him. As for ourself, we have discharged our duties to suit ourself. If others have been suited, all right; if not, all right. The paper will remain republican. We hope the new helmsman will be liberally patronized by all classes of people. Sioux Falls, Dak., is to be our future home, and in one corner of a new paper will read, Kimberley & Morse. And now to all a fond farewell.

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

History of 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 84

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