History of Iowa County, Wisconsin, Part 103

Author:
Publication date: 1881
Publisher: Chicago, Western Historical Company
Number of Pages: 958

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Woman's Aid .- During the war times, it must not be supposed that the women of the "Point" were idle ; not so. In all times of public peril, as has been demonstrated thousands of times, women have ever proved noble helpers, and. by their smiles, prayers and tears, as well as more substantial efforts, have made men fairly invincible.

Early in the struggle, a ladies' aid society was formed here that embraced and cemented to- gether in the ties of love and devotion a majority of the women of all classes; and such an amount of useful work was done in providing home comforts for the soldiers as cannot be fully estimated. Only those who were benefited thereby can fairly appreciate and praise their noble efforts.

One of the notable events connected with the aid society was a grand picnie given on the 2d of September, 1862. The people poured in from the country in all directions to present their offerings of edibles and clothing, and a general good time prevailed. William R. Smith addressed the meeting, after which two companies of soldiers were dined in a most sumptuous manner. Many other occurrenees of a similar nature transpired. but this will sufficiently illus- trate the character and usefulness of the aid society, as well as the enthusiasm which actuated the women of this locality.

OLD SETTLERS' RE-UNION CELEBRATION.

On July 4, 1861, one of the mnost noteworthy and long-to-be-remembered celebrations ever given in the State was gotten up here in honor of the veterans of 1832. Arrangements were made on a magnificent scale by the managers of the fete, to provide agreeable entertainment for any or all of the pioneers of the lead mines region of Southwestern Wisconsin that might choose to come. A preliminary meeting was held on the 8th of June of that year at the court house, and a committee of thirteen, with M. M. Strong, as Chairman, was selected to decide upon a plan of operations ; then the meeting adjourned until a report could be made by the committee.

The meeting re-assembled at 73 o'clock. Hon. M. M. Strong, from the committee of thirteen, submitted the following report, which was accepted, and the committee discharged :

That Hon. John H. Rountree be appointed President of the Day.

That thirty-four Vice Presidents be appointed as follows, viz .:

Charles Dunu, John W. Blackstone, L. M. Strong, Henry M. Billings, John Lindsey, Joseph White, John B. Terry, John Z. Saxton, F. C. Kirkpatrick, Allen Worden, Nelson Dewey, L. W. Joiner, George Schellinger, Dennis

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HISTORY OF IOWA COUNTY.

Murphy, Ebenezer Brigham, James Noble, John Vanmeter, J. H. Earnest, P. B. Simpson, F. Mckenna, B. F. Thomas, Merideth Evans, Stephen O. Paine, 1. Allen Barber, William R. Smith, James Chenoweth, F. Z. llicks, G. M. Ashmore, W. E. Rowe, Patrick O'Doud, William March, Jefferson Crawford, John Clayton, Elliott C. Hugins.

That John Bracken be appointed Chief Marshal, with power to appoint such assistants as he may think necessary.

That the following-named committees be appointed, of three persons on each committee, the chairman of each of which acting together shall constitute a committee of arrangements, with full power to conduct all the details of the celebration : to which each of the committees shall report, viz .:

1. Committee on ground and arrangement thereof-John Clowney, John Milton and Edward Prideaux.

2. Invitation and printing-William T. Henry, George Messersmith and George W. Bliss.

3. Orator, Reader and Chaplain-MI. M. Cothren, John Herron and Samuel Hoskins.

4. Music and Artillery-L. S. Burton, Samuel Jenkins and G. D. Wilber.

5. Dinner-John II. Vivian, Henry P. George and C. H. Cox.

6. Toasts-J. II. Clary, James A. Slye and A. R. Bushnell.

7. Finance-L. H. Whittlesey, Henry Koop and Joseph Lean.

And that the chairman of each committee be authorized to act in the absence of his colleagues.

That the committee on invitation, etc., extend a special invitation to all the officers and soldiers of the Sauk war, to unite in a body in the celebration of the day, and to join in the procession on horseback, and that all proper facilities be provided for a re-union of the remnant of those frontier defenders of our State.

That M. M. Strong, MI. M. Cothren, Joel C. Squires and Nathan Olmstead be appointed a committee to visit the citizens of Platteville, and request them to relinquish their contemplated celebration and to unite with us in a general celebration by the citizens of the lead mines, of the approaching national anniversary, and that the same committec be authorized to request the citizens of any other locality in the mining district, which may contemplate a similar celebration, to unite with us in one common patriotic and joyous exhibition of devotion to the flag and cause of our country.

That the committee on dinner be instructed to make arrangements for the entertainment of 4,000 people.

John It. Vivian having declined to aet as chairman of the committee on dinner, his place was supplied by the appointment of Richard L. Read.

On motion, two names were added to the committee on dinner as follows : Joseph l'rideaux and Christopher Wagner.

M. M. Strong offered the following resolution, which was unanimously adopted :

Resolved, That the committee of arrangements have full power to perform all duties which are not specifically delegated to other persons.

On motion of Luther HI. Whittlesey, the report of the committee was adopted.

On motion, the meeting adjourned sine die.

GEORGE W. BLISS, JOHN HERRON, Secretaries.

JOHN BRACKEN, Chairman.

The following is the more important portion of the note of invitation sent to hundreds of the pioneers and representative men throughout the State in accordance with the foregoing res- olutions :

The undersigned now have the pleasure of inviting you to unite with the other pioneers of Wisconsin, who are expected to be present on the occasion referred to. Although nothing could be more appropriate to such an oc- casion, than a meeting of the survivors of those who defended the Wisconsin frontier against Indian invasion and hostile savage warfare, to unite with those who are enjoying the blessings of the liberty and peace acquired by those pioneers ; yet this feature of our celebration is designed more expressly to furnish a fitting and convenient occasion for those early settlers who still survive, to gratify a wish, which many of them have often expressed, of meeting each other once more, and interchanging congratulations, sentiments aod reminiscences, as well as to give them an opportunity if they think proper of forming an efficient orginizition, by which a re-union of their members miny hereafter be held at such times and places as they shall think proper.

For these purposes you are expressly invited to be present.

WILLIAM T. HENRY, GEORGE W. BLISS, GEORGE MESSERSMITH,

Committee.

The celebration proved to be a most memorable affair. But large numbers of those who participated in the festivities of the occasion, are now no more, and, within a few years, the old veterans now remaining who were there, to whom these lines will revive the occurrences and scenes of the day, will soon join their comrades.

VARIOUS ITEMS.

During the early part of the war times, owing to some inexplicable reason, the people were every little while disturbed by the advent of mad dogs, but fortunately no one was ever bitten.

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HISTORY OF IOWA COUNTY.

The newspapers of that time frequently speak of the bad condition of the streets, and one party says : " If any poor person wants to get a small capital to commence business, he can do so by taking a walk daily on High street, for he will be in danger of breaking his limbs con- stantly by loose boards or slipping down, and can make the place pay him damages therefor." In subsequent years, this prediction was realized by the city having, in the case of Mrs. Pri- deaux, to pay large damages for a fractured limb.

Shinplaster Currency .- One of the prominent features of the times during the early part of the war, was the local serip, or pasteboard shinplaster currency, which was for a time about the only small circulating medium to be had. Every business man drew upon himself to his own order, and issued ad libitum, until finally the shinplaster material became too thick to thrive, or, in other words, a perfect nuisance, and accordingly the District Attorney was obliged to issue a notice that, after the 15th of January, 1863. he would indict any one found using them, except to collect from those who issued the stuff. Thus perished the shinplasters.

When the locating of the Hospital for the Insane was before the public, in 1870, the City Council authorized Dr. George Wilson to go to Madison and offer one hundred and sixty aeres of land to the Commissioners as a location for the asylum, the same to be situated conveniently near to Mineral Point. Thus it will be seen that the inhabitants are not wanting in publie spirit or benevolence. Although the asylum was not located here. principally because this was an isolated point, yet the generosity of the donation was none the less creditable to the people. The tide of events since 1865 has been very uniform in flow, being neither sensational in charac- ter or apathetic and tending to decline. The financial condition of affairs has been good, while the various improvements in all directions have been substantial rather than showy and super- ficial. From gencral estimates, it appears that the best building period was during the ten years from 1865 to 1875, during which time the finest, most elegant and costly business blocks and residences were erected. Many of these, in style and character, will compare well with those of more favored localities.

OLD SETTLERS STILL LIVING.

There are still living here a large number of those whose faces have been familiar on the streets of Mineral Point for forty years or more, and some who have been here for nearly a half- century. The most of them have been active participants in the every-day scenes of the past. and to them the city is to-day largely indebted for its solid wealth and prosperity. They have lived to see the " Point " realize nearly all that they could have anticipated for it in general growth. Everything has changed since they were young men ; the ancient insignia, which onee fluttered bravely to the tune of " bread and beans " has lost its prestige, only to give place to the emblems of a higher civilization and the ameliorating influences of modern labor and enter- prise. In brief. they have lived to see Mineral Point, developed and redeemed from its early and wanton condition, stand forth the peer of any place of equal size in the State, and where they can live happily and contentedly during the remainder of their lives, realiz- ing the fullest compensation which time can afford to well-directed and conscientious effort. Of those who came here and located in 1832, but one remain-James James. Of those who were here in 1834, there are William T. Henry, Joseph Jones and William Rablin. In 1836 and 1837 : Thomas Prish, James Smith, Mrs. Thomas, Mr. Charles F. Legate and Moses M. Strong. From 1838 to 1840 : M. M. Smith, John Clowney, J. Trevillion, Joseph Reed, Thomas Davey, George Priestly, John J. Ross, Dr. R. D. Pulford, John Tramell, James Huteh- inson, Robert Whitney, P. O'Dowd and William A. Pierce. From 1840 to 1842: William Lanyon, James Toay, James James, George Wilkinson, Chris Strike, - Millen, Phillip Allen, James and Henry Martin. By 1846 there were Ed and Joseph Prideaux, G. W. Cobb. John Hales, J. Gundry, J. Gray, John Hoard, Dr. J. H. Vivien and T. S. and A. C. Ansley.

WILLIAM T. HENRY'S GEOLOGICAL COLLECTION.

A sketch of Mineral Point, in connection with the history of the county, could hardly be considered as fair and impartial, in taking into consideration what has been done here, if men-

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HISTORY OF IOWA COUNTY.

tion was not made of the geological collection of W. T. Henry. This collection, the work of years of labor, skill and study, is beyond a doubt, one of the most remarkable, as well as inter- esting, to be found either in this State or in the Union.

To give a detailed account of the work done, or a description of the thousands of rare and beautiful specimens garnered here, would be impossible to any one but the owner. There are treasures of the earth, obtained from all quarters of the globe, as well as a wonderful variety of specimens of rocks and ores indigenous to this locality, arranged either in charming contrast or in classes, according to the taste of the owner. Rare bits of metal and rock from Europe, Great Britain, South America, Asia and Africa, may be seen lying side by side in beautiful natural rivalry with the most valuable and curious productions of this continent.

One can scarcely form a sufficiently generous estimate of the time, means and patience re- quired to accomplish such magnificent results. Only a very superior degrec of intelligence, coupled with ample means and an all-absorbing love of Nature's works, could enable any one to achieve so much in a few short years, as Mr. Henry can show for his labors ; and. withal, this work has been done by a business man, at odd times, during the pursuit of his regular vocation as a lawyer and banker.

In conclusion, we can only suggest to any one who has the time and opportunity, to go and visit his treasure-room ; to see is to appreciate ; no words that we can use will do justice to the subject, or sufficiently praise the merit of this truly superb collection, and the unpretentious ability of the man who has the pleasure of owning it, as well as knowing that he is indebted to himself alone for obtaining it.

ZINC WORKS.

A scheme for utilizing the immense quantities of dry-bone and black-jack to be found here was first conceived by Robert George, of Mineral Point, before 1860. He, in com- pany with T. J. Campbell, erected a small dry-bone furnace in 1860, rather as an experiment than with any certainty of ultimate success. Contrary to the predictions and expectations of many, the attempt demonstrated to perfection that zinc ore could be handled here to advantage, but as the parties were not large capitalists, nothing of marked importance toward the promotion of this industry was done until 1863 or 1864, when the firm of Phelps, Dodge & Co. purchased the interest of Messrs. George & Campbell, retaining the former as Superintendent. This com- pany, being possessed of ample quantities of the needful, at once proceeded to erect furnaces and the various requisite apparatus for manufacturing zine upon a very extensive scale. A large number of buildings were constructed, including the Superintendent's house, and, within a year, the works were operating under full headway, and doing an immense business. These works not only did smelting, but they eventually embraced the making of oxide, which proved very profit- able. The company operated here for about five years, and employed, during the greater part of the time, 150 hands per diem, doing a mammoth business. They constructed a side-track from the works, which were about one-half mile south of the city, to the main track, and, in various ways, made large improvements ; but finally, after the expenditure of the enormous sum of $300,000, they were compelled to abandon the business, owing to the cost of transporting coal from Illinois, and in consequence of various difficulties with the Mineral Point Railroad Company, from whom they were unable to obtain the necessary accommodations. The cessation of this industry proved a sad blow to the interests of this locality, as it not only furnished em- ployment to large numbers of people, but the mineral resources, in black-jack and dry-bone, are so comparatively inexhaustible that the work could have gone on with profit, both to em- ployers and the employed, for an unlimited period. Even at the time the works were closed they were making $100 per day above expenses, but a spirit of resentment took possession of the company, which induced them to sacrifice personal interests rather than to submit to what by them was deemed injustice on the part of the railroad.

Since the departure of Messrs. Phelps. Dodge & Co., there has been no zinc smelting done here. The machinery of value was disposed of for a very trifling sum, compared to the cost. To illustrate, the lots, buildings and some of the machinery were sold to William Lanyon for

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HISTORY OF IOWA COUNTY.

$2,300. Nothing is now left of this extensive establishment but the Superintendent's dwelling. Previous to the starting of the furnaces, dry-bone was used to pave the streets with, being con- sidered of no particular value; and, for some time after, that and black-jack could be obtained for hauling it away from the lead and copper smelting furnaces. But eventually, while the zinc furnaces were running, it came up to $5 a ton. While that price was ruling for the raw ma- terial, the manufactured article sold for $270 per ton. Now the raw material sells at $20 per ton, and the manufactured at $80 per ton, showing how enormous the first profits were, and how unfavorable must have been the conditions which caused the cessation of zinc-smelting at this point.

While the Phelps, Dodge & Co. works were in operation, one F. E. Matheson was work- ing in this locality as a common miner, but after they stopped, he, knowing that there was a great deal of money in the business, if properly conducted, determined to make a strike. Soon after he, in company with a Mr. Hageler, succeeded in interesting the Baring Brothers, English bankers, who furnished the necessary funds to establish the business on a safe footing. The place selected for operations was La Salle, Ill., it being far less expensive to transport the zinc to the coal than the coal to the zinc. This company now has a monopoly of the entire bus- iness of the country, and is the most extensive manufacturing concern of the kind in the world, and the largest part of the material used, it is estimated, is obtained from the mines in Iowa County.

POST OFFICE.

The first mails were brought here and distributed by different parties, but, doubtless, during the first years of the settlement, the arrival of letters were few and far between. The nearest office was at Galena until about 1834, when an office was established here, and John D. Ans- ley was appointed Postmaster. It is said, that previous to his appointment, his store was a sort of a mail carrier's headquarters, so it naturally followed that he would be the first appointed in the place. The office was then kept at the foot of Fountain street, on Com- merce street.

On the 9th of August, 1836, Mr. Ansley was deposed, and William Henry was appointed in his place, by Postmaster General Amos Kendall. During the time that Mr. Henry held the office, it was kept in a log house which stood on Lot 43 of Vliet's Survey, near Jerusalem Spring.

After the inauguration of William Henry Harrison as President, in 1840, Mr. Henry was removed in favor of J. T. Lathrop, the landlord of the old Franklin House, which stood just west of the United States Hotel, and where the post office was then kept.

Mr. Lathrop was succeeded, in 1845, after the inauguration of James K. Polk, by Henry Plowman, now of Chicago, then editor of the Miners' Free Press. The post office was then kept in a wing of his private dwelling, on the corner of Chestnut street and the Jail alley.

With the election of President Taylor, another change was effected, Joseph Smith being appointed. The office was kept in Mr. Smith's book and confectionery store, in a building since burned, which stood on Lot 49 of Vliet's Survey.

Again, upon the election and installation of Franklin Pierce, the post office was transferred to another party, Stephen Thomas, now of La Crosse, Wis., being the happy recipient of the Presi- dential favor. Mr. Thomas held the office until the Republican administration was ushered in in 1861. During his time, the office was kept in the Miller building, on High street, Lot 47, Vliet's Survey.

The next Postmaster was John Hollingshead, who kept the office in the east half of the old "Root House," formerly used for county offices, now occupied by the law and banking firm of Henry & Smith, and which stands on the public square. He was succeeded by Phillip Law- rence, who continued the office in the bank building until he removed to the present post office quarters.

Lawrence held office for five years, then, in 1873, Phillip Allen, who still holds the office, was appointed.

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HISTORY OF IOWA COUNTY.

In 1849, through the voluntary action of the Postmaster for a short time, the first daily mails were received at the "Point," but the Government not sustaining the action, they were dis- continued, to be resumed later.

MANUFACTURING. BANKS, ETC.

The manufacturing pursued in the place has been, during the passage of the years since 1850, quite varied, but many of the establishments that once flourished finely have ceased to operate. About the first manufacturing business of any considerable magnitude was a foundry and machine shop, started by William Lanyon in 1849. This establishment was operated until 1867.

In 1853, Thomas Jenkins and William Lanyon began the old water mill, which is located south of the railroad buildings, on the Mineral Point Branch. Before it was finished, William Langon sold out to John Roberts, who, with Mr. Jenkins, completed it. This mill is still doing a fair business. There is but one run of stone, yet the water-power is so poor that it has been necessary to introduce an engine of moderate power.

In 1856, the plow works of Lanyon & Win were started, but after operating two years, the business was discontinued.

In 1859, a tannery was established here by the firm of Smith & Dumford, near the depot. This business was not continued very long.

In 1860, William Lanyon, Sr., & Co. erected the large three-story building now used by William Lanyon, Jr., for a warehouse. This was put up expressly for a mill, and was fitted up in a very elaborate manner. A forty-horse-power engine was set up, and other machinery to match, so that 100 barrels of flour could be manufactured per diem. The mill was kept in operation for about two years ; then, owing to the influence which the war exerted upon the business, it was closed and the machinery sold.

A sash, door and blind factory was opened here in 1866, by Cobb & Pierce as owners. This establishment was kept in operation until about 1872, since which time work has been suspended.

Prominent among the manufacturing interests of Mineral Point, is the foundry and machine shop of J. Lanyon & Brother. This business was established in 1849, by J. Lanyon, Sr., and first located on Commerce street, near the present depot. In this location, Mr. Lanyon. Sr., continued the foundry business until 1867, when he erected the present shop on the corner of Fountain and Vine streets. During the latter year, he was succeeded in business by his two sons, John and Josiah, under the firm name of J. Lanyon & Brother. This firm has been engaged principally in the manufacture and repairing of mining and milling machinery. But in 1877, Messrs. Lanyon Brothers invented their valuable ore-crushers and stone-breakers, receiving patents therefor November 27, 1877, and since then their shops have been devoted to the manufacture of these machines exclusively. Soon after the issue of the patents, the merits of the ore-crushers and stone-breakers became known, and now numbers of these machines are in use in different parts of Nebraska, Missouri, Kansas, Colorado, Dakota and other States and Territories.

The large stone-breaker is used for breaking stone for railroad ballast : will receive a stone 16x22 inches, and reduce it to two inches in one operation. This machine will run at full capacity of eight-horse-power, and crush 200 tons per day ; weight, 14,000 pounds. The smaller size stone-breaker weighs 4,000 pounds, and will crush 100 tons in ten hours. The large-size ore crusher will receive a stone 7x14 inches, and reduce it to the fineness of sand in one oper- ation. This can be run with four-horse-power, and has a capacity for crushing 70 tons in ten hours ; weight, 11.000 pounds. The ore crusher number two weighs 8,000 pounds, and is suit- able for all kinds of mining and smelting works where fine crushing is required. It will crush 70 tons to the fineness of sand and fine gravel, and, by returning, it can be reduced to an even fineness. All parts of these machines that come in contact with the ore are made of chilled iron and steel ; and the machines are pronounced by competent judges, who have subjected them to severe tests, to be for the purposes intended, " the best in the world." Messrs. Lanyon &

So Alivian Ini.

MINERAL POINT.

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HISTORY OF IOWA COUNTY.

Brother have added new and improved machinery to their foundry and machine shop, for the purpose of carrying on more extensively the manufacture of their crushers and stone breakers, the demand for which is increasing constantly, and gives promise of developing into one of the leading industries of Wisconsin.

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History of Iowa County, Wisconsin, Part 103

Author: Publication date: 1881 Publisher: Chicago, Western Historical Company Number of Pages: 958

Author:
Publication date: 1881
Publisher: Chicago, Western Historical Company
Number of Pages: 958