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 91

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 91

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657

CHAPTER XXVIII.

TOWN AND VILLAGE OF ALBANY.

The town of Albany is one of the eastern tier of Green county's subdivisions, comprising congressional township 3 north, range 9 east, except 320 acres of section 6, which has been annexed to Brooklyn. To the north of Albany lies the town of Brooklyn; its east line forms the Rock county boundary; and to the west and south are the towns of Mount Pleasant and De- catur, respectively. The surface is diversified. In the southwestern portion of the town the surface is made up of a gently undulating prai- rie. Along Sugar river-which stream crosses the town from north to south-a good deal of sand is found. In the northeastern part of the town the soil is a rich dark loam, underneath which is a subsoil of clay. Originally there was a good deal of timber covering this terri- tory, much of which still remains.

The town of Albany is reported as having 22,412 acres of land, assessed at $15 per acre. The total value of real and personal property is assessed at $490,650. The population of the town in 1880 was 1,133. The principal farm products grown in the town during the year 1882 were as follows: 1,640 bushels of wheat; 89,250 bushels of corn; 84,810 bushels of oats; 1,070 bushels of rye; 6,755 bushels of potatoes; 4,000 bushels of apples; 15 bushels of clover seed; 65 bushels of timothy seed; 2,200 pounds of tobacco; 47,070 pounds of butter. The principal products growing in the town at the time of making the annual assessment in 1883 were as follows: 88 acres wheat; 3,308 acres corn; 2,811 acres oats; 5 acres barley; 78 acres rye; 96 acres potatoes; 130 acres apple orchard;

3,050 bearing trees; 5 acres tobacco; 2,273 acres grass; 2,850 acres growing timber. There were 635 milch cows, valued at $15,695. The live stock in the town was divided as follows: 585 horses, average value $50.70, total $29,290; 1,602 head cattle, average value $14.13, total $22,695; 2 mules, average value $35, total $70; 6,065 sheep and lambs, average value $1.63, total $9,935; 1,620 swine, average value $3.69, total $5,990.

EARLY SETTLEMENT.

The first settler within the limits now com- prising the town of Albany was James Camp- bell, a native of the State of Pennsylvania. As early as 1839 he came here and made a claim of the northeast quarter of section 32, and during that year he commenced improvements and hired some breaking done. During the winter of 1839-40 Mr. Campbell erected the first cabin in the town, locating it in the timber land on the southwest quarter of section 30. He had come here for the purpose of getting out rails with which to fence the land. He was accom- panied by John Sutherland, who cnt and split the rails while Campbell teamed them to his land. At that time they were both single men, and kept "bachelor's hall" for about six weeks in their little log cabin. In 1840 Campbell put in his first crop. Late in the fall of the same year, he was married, and the following spring they settled upon the farm. This family were the only settlers in the town until 1842. The Campbell family receives such elaborate atten- tion in the general chapters, that it is unneces- sary to mention them further in this connection.

658

HISTORY OF GREEN COUNTY.

Hiram Brown, a native of Massachusetts, came here in March, 1842, and entered the southeast quarter of section 22, and later, land on sec- tions 23 and 26. He improved a large farm and lived here until 1874, when he sold out and removed to Nebraska, settling in Harlan county, where he still lives. He was an enterprising, well educated and informed man, and was promi- nently identified with all public moves in this region during his residence in Green county. At an early day he was admitted to the bar and was one of the first justices of the peace for the town of Albany.

John Broughton, a native of the State of New York, came here in 1842 and entered land on section 36, where he still lives.

John Broughton, one of the earliest settlers of the town of Albany, was born in the town of Hoosic, Rensselaer Co., N. Y., and was there reared to agricultural pursuits, receiving his education in the district schools. When a young man he engaged with a carpenter and joiner to learn the trade, after which he be- came a contractor and builder. In 1841 he came to the Territory of Wisconsin, and lo- cated in Racine county, where he bought a farm. In June, 1842, he came to Green county and en- tered 120 acres of land on section 36, township 3 north, range 9 east now known as the town of Albany. At the same time he contracted with a party to build him a log cabin 15x20 feet, to be covered with shakes, the contract price be- ing $10. Ile then returned to Racine county, where he lived until August, then moved here with his family and moved into the log cabin, which they occupied for about a year, then built a small frame house, in which they lived until 1864, when he built the commodious frame house he now ocenpies. He has also erected a frame barn 36x73 feet, with a stone basement. He has made desirable and useful improvo- ments, among which are shade and ornamental trees, and an orchard composed of a good va- riety of fruits. He is now the owner of 710 acres of land in one body, the greater part of

which is in a good state of cultivation. He was married in 1838, to Amanda Griffin. She was also a native of Rensselaer county. They have eight children-John A., Russell, now practicing physician in Brodhead ; Albert L., Delilah, William, Hannah Mary, Eugene and Harriet E. Mr. Broughton has been prominent in town affairs, and held offices of trust and honor. He has assessed the town a number of times, has served as chairman of the board and been justice of the peace. He is a public spirited man and has the respect and confidence of the community in which he lives. Politic- ally Mr. Broughton adheres to the democratic party.

John Warner, a native of Germany, came here from Rensselaer Co., N. Y., in 1842. He entered the east half of the southeast quarter of section 36, and erected a frame house. In 1844 he sold to Jeremiah Brewer and moved to Rock county. He afterward started for Cali- fornia and was massacred by the Indians while crossing the plains.

John Snell, a German, also came in 1842 and "claimed" the northeast quarter of section 36. In 1843 he sold his claim and removed to the town of Sylvester, where he and his family were found by C. Meinert, in 1845, in very poor circumstances. The whole family were sick in bed, the fire was out and the water in the tea- kettle was frozen. Martin Sutherland and Mr. Meinert removed the family to Mr. Sutherland's house for better treatment.

Lathrop Abbott came in 1842 and settled on section 26. He fenced forty acres of the land and made other improvements. In 1850 he sold to Abel Peckham and moved west.

S. L. Eldred, another native of the Empire State, came here in 1843 and entered land on section 36, which he still occupies.

Rev. Stephen Leonard Eldred was born in the town of Petersburg, Rensselaer Co., N. Y., July 29, 1815, where his younger days were spent in school and on the farm. He made his home with his parents until November, 1836, at which

659

HISTORY OF GREEN COUNTY.

time he was married to Roxanna Broughton, who was born in the town of Hoosic, Rensse- laer Co., N. Y., in February, 1818, and rented a farm in the town of Petersburg and there en- gaged in farming until 1843. On the 4th of January of that year, he started overland for Wisconsin with a team of horses, a wagen and a sled. Wherever there was plenty of snow, he loaded the wagon on to the sled, and when wheeling was the best, loaded the sled on the wagon, thus accommodating himself to all con- ditions of travel. They reached their destina- tion in Green county February 8. He entered land on section 36, township 3 north, range 9 east, now known as the town of Albany. He erected a small frame house, drawing the lum- ber from Milwaukee. The family occupied this house a few years, when he erected another frame house in which they lived until 1879, when he built the more commodious house they now occupy. He also built a frame barn 40x60 feet, with a stone basement. He united with the United Brethren Church in 1853, soon afterward commenced preaching and continued in active service until 1874, and has since been engaged in preaching a considerable part of the time, traveling to various parts of the country and carrying the good tidings of great joy. In 1867 he left the farm in charge of his son and moved to Brodhead, where he lived until 1874, when he returned. He has made large addi- tions to his landed estate, and now owns 680 acres. Mr. and Mrs. Eldred are the parents of seven children-Hannah, Fernando C. now an Episcopal clergyman, now in Pierce Co., Nebraska ; Stephen R., Mary R., Sarah L., Alonzo HI. and Henry E. Mr. Eldred was one of the first justices of the peace in the town of Albany. Mr. Eldred was originally a Jackson democrat, but has long voted with the republi- can party.

Stephen R. Eldred, son of Stephen L. and Roxanna Eldred, was born July 31, 1843, in the town of Albany, and was the first male child born in the town. He grew to manhood on his

father's farm, receiving his education in the dis- trict school. Ile was married Dec. 25, 1863, to Mary J. Douw, daughter of Cornelius Douw. She was born at Johnstown, in Rock county. They settled on the old homestead and lived there until 1875, when he located on his present farm on the north half of section 22. The farm contains 360 acres, upon which he has good im- provements. Mr. and Mrs. Eldred have three children-Alfred L., Ina M. and Lillie J.

Joshua Whitcomb, one of the first settlers of Green county, was born in the town of Lisbon, Grafton Co., N. II., Jan. 17, 1797. He was joined in marriage to Hannah Clement. In 1836 they came to Green county and located five miles southwest of where Monroe now stands, and re- mained there until 1842, then moved to township 3 north, of range 9 east, now known as the town of Albany, and entered land on section 33. Mrs. Whitcomb died Dec. 4, 1874.

Erastus Hulbart was born in Onondago Co., York State, June 18, 1803. He was married there Jan. 20, 1825, to Laura Webster, born Feb. 4, 1806. IIe came to Green county in 1839. He first entered land in township 2 north, range 8 cast. He improved a portion of the land and lived in that township four years, then moved to township 2 north, range 9 east, and entered land on section 5, and on section 32, township 3, range 9 east. Ile cleared a farm here of about 200 acres, and lived here nntil 1865. That year he went to Iowa to visit his sons who were living there. IIe died there, December 11, of that. year. His remains were brought back to Green county and interred in the Gap Church Cemetery. His wife died Sept. 6, 1863. Six children, that were born to them, grew to man and womanhood-John, Lydia, Iliram, Judson, Webster and Lorrain. Webster was a soldier in the late war, and died in the service.

Harry M. Purington came to the Territory of Wisconsin, in 1847, and settled in what is now the town of Albany, where he still resides.

660

HISTORY OF GREEN COUNTY.

Christopher Meinert came to this county in 1841. He was born in Pickaway Co., Ohio, July 13, 1818. His father was German, who came to this country when a young man, and located in New York city, where he found em- ployment in a sugar refinery in which he worked until he had laid by enough money to buy a team. He then engaged in draying, and was also employed as night watchman. While ·liv- ing here, he made the acquaintance of Catha- rine Wonderly, to whom he was married. She was born in Germany and came with her par- ents to America, when quite young. In 1812 Mr. and Mrs. Meinert emigrated to Ohio and settled in Pickaway county, where they rented land and lived nine years, then removed to Indiana and located in Vermilion county, where he remained until the time of his death. The subject of this sketch grew to manhood in that county, and was married to Elizabeth Fra- zier, also a native of Pickaway Co., Ohio. In the fall of 1841, concluding to emigrate to Wisconsin, he started with a pair of horses and a wagon which contained his family, and house- hold goods. They camped out upon the way, thus making an inexpensive trip. On his arrival in Green county he had $6.50, which with his team, comprised the sum total of his worldly wealth. He spent the first winter with a brother, and in the spring rented a piece of land of him, near Monroe, on which he erected a log cabin. In 1842 he raised a crop, also some flax which his wife spun and wove into cloth. In 1843 he came to township 3, range 9 cast, now known as Albany, and took a claim on section 30, on the center of which he erected a log cabin. The following winter he entered forty acres of land, and some time later, purchased eighty acres more and moved his log cabin to the south line of the one-fourth section. In 1850 he built a frame addition to his cabin in which he lived until 1861, when he erected the brick house he now occupies. Ilis farm now contains 240 acres, the greater part of which is improved. He has engaged in raising grain

and stock, paying particular attention to sheep, and usually keeping a flock of 300. Mrs. Mein- ert died in 1851, leaving four children,-Martha, Eli, Mary and Sarah. Martha, the eldest, was born in April, 1840, and died in Idaho Territory, April 7, 1878. Eli and Mary now live at Sal- mon City, Idaho. Mr. Meinert was again married in November,1851, to Mrs. Abigail Dora Mead, widow of Amos Mead. They have five children,-Statirah, Garet H., Irad C., Frances M. and Dora. Mr. Meinert was the first treasurer of the town of Albany, and has also served as supervisor. Originally Mr. Mein- ert was a whig, but is now a "national green- backer."

James Spencer came at about the same time, and entered land on the southeast quarter of section 23. He was a "New Yorker." Hc remained here but a short time when he sold to Jeremiah Corliss and left the country. Mr. Corliss was also a native of the State of New York. He improved the farm and made this his home until the time of his death.

In the winter of 1843-4 Thomas McVee came and entered the northwest quarter of section 28. He erected a log cabin near where the parsonage now stands, thus becoming the first settler on the present site of the village of Al- bany. He remained there until the time of his death, which occurred late in 1846. This was the first death in the town. His widow died some years later.

Jeremiah Brewer was an early settler in the town of Albany, having come here in 1844. He is a native of the Green Mountain State, born in Franklin county, Aug. 23, 1802. In 1819 he left home and went to: Rensselaer Co., N. Y., and engaged in farming in the town of Peters- burg. He was married there in July, 1834, to Mahala Croy. They remained in Petersburg until 1844, when he sold out and started over- land for the Territory of Wisconsin, coming with two teams, bringing family and household goods. They started in the month of May and did not arrive at their destination until August

661

HISTORY OF GREEN COUNTY.

having been detained in Ohio on account of the sickness of Mrs. Brewer. The family moved into the house that John Warner had partly built, and immediately commenced to clear a farm. He has since purchased other land until he now owns 430 acres. Mr. and Mrs. Brewer are the parents of four cildren-John W., Peter W., Hannah M., now the wife of M. S. Milks; and George W. Mr. Brewer was the first and only postmaster of Hoosic postoffice, established as early as 1849.

Daniel Smiley, one of the settlers of Green county in 1844, was born in the town of Ellery, Chautauqua Co., N. Y., June 19, 1812. His father, Joseph Smiley, was an early settler in that county, where he bought timber land from the Holland Company, and improved a farm. There the subject of this sketch grew to man- hood, assisting his father in clearing a farm and tilling the soil. He was married May 18, 1836, to Ellen Bemis, born in the same town Sept. 29, 1813. The following May he started west, leaving his bride with her parents. He was ac- companied by Marcus Fenton, and they started with a pair of horses and drove to Cleveland, Ohio, where they took a boat for Chicago, thence went to Racine, where he sold his team. He then proceeded to Rock county and selected land a short distance from the present eity of Janesville, now known as the Culver farm. He was joined the following winter by his wife. Her father, Charles Bemis, had accompanied her from New York, starting upon their journey in January with a sleigh, but fearing the snow would not remain long enough, they brought with them a wagon. At Freeport, Ill., they left the wagon, and made the entire journey from New York to Janesville on runners. Mr. Bemis stopped with them a short time and then re- turned to New York. Mr. Smiley made some improvement on the land and lived there until 1841, then came to this county, and located in the then flourishing village of Exeter. There they opened a boarding house, over which Mrs. Smiley presided, while he engaged in teaming.

They remained there until the spring of 1844, then came to Albany, While in Rock county he was appointed by the governor a justice of the peace, and was one of the first officers of that description in the county. He entered 160 acres of good land on sections 29 and 30, of township 3 north, range 9 east, now known as the town of Albany. He was an enterprising, en- ergetic man, and a great worker. He came here with but little means, but kept steadily at work and in a few years he was able to buy more land and erect large frame buildings for his extensive herds of stock. He managed the farm until 1874, when he gave it up to his sons, but still continues to make it his home. Mr. and Mrs. Smiley are the parents of six children -Lorinda, Sarah R., Charles B., Julia A., Florence E. and William. Mr. Smiley was for many years prominently identified with town affairs and has held many offices of trust in the town. The youngest son, William, now owns and occupies the homestead. He is largely en- gaged in raising cattle and sheep, paying special attention to the Merino breed, of which he has a large flock. In January, 1884, he, in company with others, bought two imported Percheron horses, paying for them $3,800. The farm is said to be one of the best in the county, and has many good improvements, among them two large barns, a large granary, and a wind- mill, which is utilized in pumping water, grind- ing corn, etc.

William Smiley was born Sept. 6, 1854. He grew to manhood on his father's farm, receiv- ing his education in the district schools. He was married Oct. 8, 1876, to Ida May, daugh- ter of Thomas and Mary Flint. They have three children-Arnold, Edna and one not named. William Smiley, like his father, possesses good executive ability and is a valuable citizen of the town in which he lives. He has been called upon to fill local offices of trust at differ- ent times, and has always discharged such du- ties with credit to himself and satisfaction to the people. Another son, and brother to Wil-

662

HISTORY OF GREEN COUNTY.

liam, named Charles B., was born in the town of Exeter, Green county, Oct. 25, 1843. Ile grew to manhood in the town of Albany, re- ceiving his education in the district school. He was married Jan. 14, 1869, to Anna E. Smith, who was born at Cape Vincent, State of New York, Dec. 13, 1846. Four children blessed this union-Nellie, Daniel, Anna and Weltha T. In 1873 he bought the Brown farm, located on sections 22, 23 and 24, town of Albany. In 1882 he sold that farm and purchased another near Janesville, Rock county, which he occupied until 1884. In February of that year he bought the Julius Hulburt farm, located on section 31, town of Albany, containing the north half of that section, with the exception of twenty acres. This is a fine farm, and thought by many to be the best in the county. The year previous his brother William had bought for him the farm adjoining on section 30, so that he now has 300 acres of choice land in a body, and in the neigh- borhood where he was brought up. His wife died at Janesville, July 25, 1882. Ilis mother now presides over his household.

Another settler of 1844 in the town of Al- bany was A. S. Holmes. He still resides on sections 25 and 26, on the land he entered when he first came here.

Albert S. Holmes and Sarah A. Cass were one of the first couples married in the town of Al- bany. The ceremony was performed by Hiram Brown, justice of the peace, at the residence of S. L. Eldred, July 26, 1846. Mr. Holmes was born in Rensselaer Co., N. Y., Feb. 10, 1820. He was brought up on a farm, and in his youth learned the carpenter and joiner's trade. In 1844 he was engaged by James Eldred to come to Green county and build a house for him. Ile came with the expectation of returning, but. was so well pleased with the county that he concluded to settle here, and accordingly en- tered eighty acres of land on sections 25 and 26, and commenced housekeeping in the log cabin that Snell built on section 36, where he lived until the spring of 1847. Hle then removed to

his own land. IIe now owns 200 acres of land in one body, the greater part of which is im- proved. He has erected a large frame house and barn, and other farm buildings. In 1873 he went to Minnesota and purchased a farm in Mc Leod county, on which his son Ezra now lives. Mrs. Holmes was born in Rensselaer Co., N. Y. She was one of the first school teachers in Albany. They are the parents of four children -Ezra S., Mary F., Vivus C. and Lee G.

Thomas Pryce, a native of Wales, came in 1845 and entered the southwest quarter of sec- tion 22 and the north half of section 27. He made this his home until the time of his death. Three of his sons are still living in the town.

Thomas Pryce, Sr., was born in Montgomery- shire, Wales. When a young man he learned the stone masons trade at which he worked in his native land. He was married to Elizabeth Evans, also a native of Wales. Nine children blessed this union, six of whom are now living - Edward, Caroline, Thomas, Eliza, Richard and Evan. In 1845 he emigrated to America, coming in a sailing vessel and was about three months on the way. He landed at Quebec and then came immediately to Green county and entered land, which he afterwards divided among his children. He made his home here until his death in 1865. His wife had previous- ly died in 1847.

Edward, eldest son of Thomas and Elizabeth (Evans) Pryce, was born in Montgomeryshire, Wales, June 22, 1824 and there grew to man- hood, being brought up on a farm. He came to America with his parents, with whom he made his home until the time of his marriage, Sept. 9, 1848, to Elizabeth, daughter of Benjamin and Jane Swancutt, also a native of Wales. At that time he settled on his present farm on sections 26 and 27, and they lived in a log cabin until he built the stone house he now occupies. They had ten children-Emma, Mary J., Martha, John, William, Delena, Elizabeth, Benjamin, Cora B. and Gracie.

663

HISTORY OF GREEN COUNTY

Thomas Pryce, Jr., was born in Montgomery- shire, Wales, March 13, 1881, and was fourteen years old when his parents emigrated to America. Ile made his home with them until 1856. He was married in March of that year to Sarah Nichols a native of Canada. He then settled on his present farm on section 27. They lived there in a log house until 1883, when he built the commodious frame house they now occupy. They are the parents of three children .- Addie, Thomas and Lettie. The daughters are teachers in the public schools.

John Chase came in 1845. He was a native of Pennsylvania. Entering the southwest quar- ter of section 13, he began improvements, and still occupies the place.

John B. Chase was born in Erie Co., Penn., Feb. 18, 1823. He is a son of Ambrose Chase, a native of Rhode Island. When he was about nine years old, his parents emigrated to Ohio and settled in Ashtabula county, where they re- mained one year, then went to Erie Co., N. Y. John B. Chase resided in that county with his parents until he was twenty years old, then came to the Territory of Wisconsin and spent one year in farming and carpentering in Wal- worth county. He then went to Dane county and purchased a farm, just on the line, in Rock county, which he sold six months later and went to Rock county. In 1845 he came to Green county and entered the southwest quarter of section 13, township 3 north, range 9 east. In No- vember, 1852, he was united in marriage with Martha Baker, a native of Ohio. He has im- proved his land, and engaged in mixed farming, raising grain, stock and tobacco. He is some- thing of a speculator, and is generally engaged in some kind of trade. In 1863 he bought tobacco and shipped it to the eastern markets, and has engaged at different times in shipping poultry to Boston, making frequent trips to that city. In 1876 he took the agency for the sale of the Wanpon windmill in this and adjoining counties. The wife of Mr. Chase was the youngest daughter of Aaron and Anna Baker,

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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 91

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