History of Iowa County, Wisconsin, Part 106

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

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In September, 1849, Rev. R. P. Lawton became the preacher in charge. During this- year, what is known as the " old " parsonage was built in the rear of the present church edifice. Rev. Lawton was followed by J. M. Snow, in 1850, and he was succeeded in 1851 by Rev. A. Brunson. Rev. John Nolan took charge in 1853, and remained until October of 1854, when he was succeeded by Rev. Washington Wilcox. He was followed in 1856 by Rev. Henry Wood; in 1858, by Rev. James Lawson ; in 1859, by P. S. Mather ; in 1860. by Rev. Nelson Green ; in 1861, by Rev. J. Knibbs. In the fall of 1863. Rev. W. B. Hazelton relieved Rev. Knibbs, and, in turn, was relieved by Enoch Tasker, in the fall of 1865. He remained but one year, and was followed by Rev. James Lawson, in September, 1866. During the pastorate of Rev. Lawson, this society made rapid strides toward its present admirable condition. Early in the year 1866, the subject of a new church was first agitated, but nothing was accomplished until April 15. 1867, when the committee appointed for the purpose, announced that they had purchased from the Common Council of the city, what was known as the " brick schoolhouse lot," the consideration being $1,000. This much being accomplished, the congregation awoke to the necessities of the hour, and subscription papers were circulated. large amounts were freely given, and all bid fair for a splendid success. A committee consist- ing of Edward Hosking, James Spensley and Rev. J. M. Lawson was appointed to superintend the erection of the edifice according to the plans submitted by a Chicago architect employed for the purpose. Forthwith the foundation was built, and corner-stone laid and the work pro- gressed rather slowly until it was finally completed and dedicated in 1871, the total cost being $32,000. This church is built of durable and attractive white sandstone, and with its elegant style and interior finish renders it the handsomest, most commodious and expensive church building in Iowa County.

In 1868, Rev. D. W. Couch relieved Rev. Lawson, and remained until October, 1871, when he was succeeded by Rev. I. E. Springer. Rev. J. B. Reynolds took charge in 1873, and was relieved in 1874 by Rev. C. Bushby. He remained as preacher in charge until 1876, when Rev. Mr. Benson became Pastor. He was relieved in 1878 by Rev. M. B. Balch, who was succeeded in the fall of 1880 by the present efficient Pastor, Rev. J. S. Thompson.

The church property on the corner opposite the present structure, was sold to John Spens- ley, and the old rock church was converted into a carpenter-shop, and was burned down in March, 1880. During the fall of 1880, the old parsonage was sold, and the present parsonage located opposite the public square, purchased.

The Sabbath school of this society is now in a flourishing condition, having a membership of over two hundred, with twenty two classes and a good corps of teachers.

The church society is in a healthy and prosperous condition, its members aggregating two hundred and fifty in good standing. When the large indebtedness of the past, and the present.

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HISTORY OF IOWA COUNTY.

financial condition of the Methodist Episcopal Church are considered, our admiration of the suc- cessful efforts of its energetic members is excited, and we cannot but wish them the brilliant success in this moral vineyard which they so richly deserve.

Trinity Church .- This society and church, of the Episcopal denomination, is one of the first organized in the State. The first service was held here about 1836, by Bishop Kemper, the year after his consecration in that capacity. In a letter written July 3, 1837, by Rev. R. F. Cadle to the General Board of Supervisors at New York, he says : " I spent several days at Mineral Point : this place is said to contain 600 or 800 inhabitants, and there is a consider- able population in the adjoining country. Several persons expressed their wishes to me for the appointment of a missionary. There are several Episcopalians in the village, and the number of persons disposed to attend publie worship is large." From this statement, it will be seen that there was then no society here, nor, indeed, were they in the habit of having services at all. Under date of September 28, 1838, Mr. Cadle again writes : "On Thursday. July 26, Bishop Kemper preached, after the reading of prayers by the Rev. Mr. Gear," then familiarly known through this section of the State as Father Gear ; the present Governor of Iowa is his son. Mr. Cadle adds : "Sunday, September 2, I preached in the court house."

In the summer of 1839, the preliminary steps were taken toward erecting a church, as appears from the following notice, taken from the Miners' Journal of June 11, 1839 :

"The Rev. Mr. Weed will preach at the court house Sunday next, at 10 o'clock A. M. and at 3 o'clock P. M., on the corner-stone of the new church."

In this connection, it may be well to state that this structure progressed no farther toward completion than the construction of the foundation, owing to the fact that the party who held the building fund appropriated it to other and baser uses.

In the fall of 1839, the Rev. Benjamin Eaton was appointed resident missionary at Mineral Point. On Sunday, December 8 of the above year, immediately after morning service, a meet- ing of the congregation was held for the purpose of effecting a regular church organization and electing parish officers. William H. Banks was called to the chair, and J. S. Bawden was appointed Secretary. The object of the meeting was then stated by M. M. Strong. On motion, Messrs. M. M. Strong, William R. Smith and Henry Hamilton were appointed a committee to draft a constitution and by-laws for the future guidance of the church. On motion, John Milton, J. S. Bawden and Rev. Benjamin Eaton were appointed a committee to collect funds with which to erect a church. The vestry elected were as follows: William R. Smith, M. M. Strong, Henry Dodge, John Milton, William H. Banks, J. S. Bawden, William Henry, Charles Bracken, Charles F. Legate, Robert W. Carson, Henry Hamilton and Nicholas Uren.

At an adjourned meeting, held Wednesday, December 11. 1839, the Committee on Consti- tution reported a set of rules which were accepted, and the following special officers were elected : Henry Hamilton and Wm. R. Smith, Church Wardens ; Charles F. Legate and M. M. Strong, Trustees ; John Milton, Treasurer ; and James S. Bawden, Clerk. At this meeting, a motion of thanks to Bishop Kemper for his zeal in establishing the church was adopted. Very soon after that, the church was incorporated, and, in order to promote the interests of the society, M. M. Strong donated the whole of Block No. 22 of his addition to the city of Mineral Point, to be used for church grounds, as it now remains. A number of lots adjacent were also given, which were afterward sold for parish uses. At that time, the parishioners went vigorously to work, making arrangements to erect a church, but, before they began, Rev. Eaton resigned and went to Galveston, Texas. This had the effect to discourage the people, and, for the time being, the project was abandoned. It is said of Mr. Eaton that he was a man of fine attain- ments, and so exceptionally eloquent as a pulpit orator, that the entire community flocked to his services.

After Mr. Eaton's departure, the organization relapsed, and, although occasional services were held by different parties, there is no record of any resident minister until September 15, 1845, when the Rev. Ebenezer Williams became Rector and the church was revived. Schuyler Pulford, M. D., and Thomas Riddell were elected Church Wardens. and M. M. Strong, R. W.

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HISTORY OF IOWA COUNTY.

Lansing, A. W. Parris, John Milton, Richard Bawden, G. W. Cobb, William R. Smith and John Odgers were chosen Vestrymen.

At this time, it was resolved by the vestry to erect a church costing about $5,000, and a committee was appointed to circulate a subscription list and solicit funds. The first day $860 were subscribed. A building committee was also appointed, and, suitable plans having been ob- tained, the present building was commenced, and the work continued until its completion. The church is 35x45 feet in area ; basement walls, five feet in height, one of stone, and the su- perstructure walls, about sixteen feet in height, are of brick. It is neatly finished and furnished, but shows the marks of age.

The Rev. E. Williams continued with the parish until November 17, 1849, when he ra- signed. On the 10th of December following, the Rev. James De Pni was invited by the Vestry to take charge of the church, and accepted. He remained Rector until January 3, 1851. when he resigned, and, on the 21st of April of the above year, the Rev. Josiah Phelps, of Delphi, Ind., was called to the charge.

During the rectorship of Mr. Phelps, the church was fully completed, and, in August of 1855, it was consecrated by Bishop Kemper, assisted by the clergy of the Diocese of Wis- .

consin.

The Rev. Mr. Phelps resigned on the 4th of April, 1859, and on the 23d of June follow- ing, the Rev. Gardner M. Skinner was elected Rector. He remained until September 13, 1862, and then resigned. After this there was no regular minister until July 27, 1863, when the Rev. Louis P. Tschiffely was chosen Rector. Mr. Tschiffely officiated until July 19, 1864. Subsequent to his departure, several ministers were called, but no one was secured until March 14, 1865, when the Rev. Lyman Phelps was called, and, responding, was installed Rector.

During Mr. Phelps' rectorate, the rectory was built, and the parish school organized, and schoolhouse erected. The rectory, which is an elegant and substantial structure, Gothic in style, was completed at a cost of $8,000. The material used in the construction of the walls, being the brown sandstone of this country. The school-building was erected in 1869, at a cost of $3,000. This is a plain but commodious one-story frame building ; is well lighted and ven- tilated, and capable of seating 150 pupils. Mrs. Phelps, the minister's wife, was the first teacher here, and continued in charge until her death, which occurred in 1872. Mrs. Phelps is remem- bered as one of earth's loveliest daughters, a woman who, by her Christian spirit and assidnous labors, endeared herself to all classes of people. Her death proved so great a blow to her hus- band that he never recovered from the shock, but gradually failed until his health compelled him to resign on April 10, 1874.

Mr. Phelps was succeeded by the Rev. A. F. Samuels, who remained with the church un- til the 1st of May. 1875. He was followed by the present able and eloquent Rector, the Rev. A. W. Seabrase, who, in response to a unanimous call of the Vestry, took charge of the parish August 29, 1875, a position which he has thus far held agreeably to himself and acceptably and beneficially to his people.

Of the original Vestrymen, M. M. Strong is the only survivor. Of the church Wardens, Dr. R. D. Pulford has served the longest, he having officiated in that capacity since 1846. In reading the list of early Vestrymen, one finds the names of some of the leading men in the State twenty-five to fifty years ago. Thus it may be said that this is not only one of the oldest churches established in the State, but it was started by the pioneer Bishop of the West, and in- cluded some of the ablest men in the Northwest.

At present, the church is in a flourishing condition, the regular attendance being large, the Sunday school being well supported, and the church property being unincumbered. That this condition of things may long maintain is to be devotedly desired.

St. Paul's Catholic Church .- To properly trace the history of this denomination, the his- torian must necessarily go back to the pioneer days of Iowa County, when the excitement of the lead region was at its zenith, and when the morals of the people were notorious for their laxity. About the years 1836 to 1840, the village of Mineral Point was a fine picture of a

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HISTORY OF IOWA COUNTY.

Western mining town. The community was composed of all classes, creeds and nationalities, and, from possessing all the concomitants of the Western frontier, it afforded a rich field for mis- sionary labor.

Among the settlers were Catholics of nearly every nationality, but principally Irishmen, who, being accustomed to mining either in Ireland or England, sought fortune and a congenial pursuit in the mines of Wisconsin. Although, during the earliest phase of development of the diggings, there were Catholics in this village or its vicinity, yet several years elapsed from the opening of the mines before they were organized into a congregation.

Wisconsin, in the early days, belonged to the diocese of Detroit, but the southwestern part of the State was generally attended by priests belonging to the diocese of Dubuque. for the reason that it was in close proximity to the latter place. Dubuque was erected into a diocese in 1837, seven years prior to the appointment of a Bishop to Milwaukee ; consequently it naturally followed that this section of Wisconsin fell ad interim to the spiritual charge of the Bishop of the diocese and his clergy.

The first Catholic Priest to visit Mineral Point was Rev. Father Mazzuchelli, an Italian clergyman of the Dubuque Diocese, who visited most of the Catholic settlements between this place and the Mississippi River. He subsequently became Pastor of Benton, La Fayette County, where he built a church and eventually founded the Third Order of St. Dominic, whose sisters are at present located at Sinsinawa Mound, Grant County. This order is now in a flourishing condition, having over one hundred and fifty sisters, a large young ladies' academy, besides hav- ing charge of many and important schools in Wisconsin. Illinois and Minnesota.

The first time the holy sacrifice of the mass was celebrated in Mineral Point dates back to the year 1839, the officiator being Rev. Father Mazzuchelli. This service was held in an old log shanty situated near the present German Catholic Church, at that time owned by an English- woman, Mrs. Uren, but occupied by an Irish Catholic, James Smith. Mass was afterward cele- brated in the residence of the same Mr. Smith, located in the rear of the present city hall. Shortly after, a new house of larger dimensions, erected on the hill near the present Second Ward Schoolhouse by Mr. Crawford, was rented by the Catholics for church purposes. This building

they occupied about a year. when the Rev. Father Mazzuchelli built a church. Owing to his numerous missions in this part of the State, the pious Mazzuchelli visited his newly organized congregation in Mineral Point very irregularly, thus giving the Catholics of this vicinity but few opportunities of hearing mass and approaching the holy sacraments of the church. On these visits, he was the guest of George W. Jones, a Protestant, but whose wife was a practical Cath- olic. Here he was most hospitably and respectfully entertained.

The Catholics were thus attended at intervals until 1841, when Rev. Mazzuchelli ceased visiting them, and Mineral Point fell to the charge of Rev. James Causse, a French priest, sta- tioned then at Potosi, Wis. He said mass in James Smith's house, and new house of Mr. Crawford. This was the first time this congregation received regular attendance and was recog- nized as a mission, having mass once a month. The Catholics were thus administered to for one or two years previous to the erection of any building by the society for church purposes.

In 1842, four lots for a church site were donated-John F. ('Neil two lots, Thomas P. Burnet one, and Frank J. Dunne one lot. This and another lot bought recently is the present amount of church property immediately adjoining the church, upon which is located the church, priest's residence and sisters' school.

The first Catholic Church in Mineral Point was built in 1842, under the charge of Rev. James Causse. This was 40x20 feet, constructed of limestone and sand rock, then the most convenient and substantial material at hand. It is said that to this church numbers of the old settlers drove twenty-five and thirty miles with ox-teams, coming the day before and remaining two nights in town, and returning the third day. Those were the Christian spirits that laid the foundation of Catholicity in this section.

On September 24, 1846, J. M. Henni, then Bishop of Milwaukee, relieved Rev. Cousse, and placed Rev. Victor Jouanneault, a French priest, in charge of the Mineral Point mission,

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HISTORY OF IOWA COUNTY.

The prospects of this new Pastor were far from encouraging; the mission then included the ter- ritory now embraced by the counties of Iowa, Grant, La Fayette and Green. His first effort was to secure a residence; the one he erected during the first year of his pastorate is now occupied by the sisters. He was succeeded in August, 1849, by Rev. Michael McFaul, who continued until April, 1850. Rev. James Causse was then appointed his successor, and officiated as Pastor until 1855. The Catholic school was established under the pastorate of Rev. Jounanneault and taught by himself, and continued under Rev. Causse's administration. In 1851, Rev. William B. Dougherty was appointed to assist Rev. Causse in his duties, and remained until 1852. (He died in Kenosha in 1876.) He was succeeded as assistant by Rev. Arthur O'Connor in 1853 to 1854.

It is a remarkable fact that, during the cholera epidemic of 1849-50, not a single death occurred from this scourge among the Catholic congregation. This remarkable preservation is attributed to the intercession of the Blessed Virgin, under whose protection they had placed themselves.

The sacrament of confirmation was first administered to this congregation July 26, 1851, by Rev. J. M. Henni, Bishop of Milwaukee. January 21, 1851, the Hibernian Temperance Association was organized, and flourished for a few years only. During the year 1855, the first choir was established. In May, 1855, the corner-stone for a new church was laid, which was not completed, however, until in 1860. It was dedicated in June of that year. This church building is 40x80 feet, and is still occupied for church purposes. In January, 1856, Rev. James Cousse was succeeded by Rev. M. Kundig, who continued until March of the same year, when he was succeeded by Rev. M. P. Kenney. He was followed in May by Rev. James Mc- Gowan, who was succeeded in September by Rev. F. G. Bonduel, a French priest. He con- tinued until May, 1857, when Rev. Francis McGann took charge of the mission and continued here until his death, Sept. 18, 1870. During his administration, in the year 1868, the Do- minican Sisters of Sinsinawa Mound were procured and placed in charge of the Catholic school, which has since been carried on with flattering success by them. During the early part of the year 1870, the German element of the congregation withdrew and organized a society and erected their present church building.

After the death of Rev. James McGann, Rev. James O'Keefe, the present Pastor, was appointed his successor, and took charge October 1, 1870. During Father O'Keefe's pastorate, this congregation, guided by his superior judgment, extended experience and liberal education, have made many and valuable improvements in connection with the church, sisters' school, priest's residence and church property, and has long been one of the leading congregations of the county.

First Presbyterian Church .- This church was organized June 13, 1839, at Mineral Point, by the Rev. James E. Quaw, A. M., Bishop of the Reformed Dutch Church, and pioneer preacher of considerable note. The following were the constituent members : Curtis Beech, Sophia Beech, Elihu Hall, Sarah Hall, Calvin Frink, Lydia Frink, Mary E. Frink, Eliza A. Frink, George Hickcox, Catherine Kellogg, Joshua Kellogg. The first officers of the church were Curtis Beech, George W. Hickcox, Judah HIall, Elders ; Calvin Frink and Judah Hall, Deacons. The sacrament of the Lord's Supper was administered to the constituent members June 13, 1839. The Rev. James E. Quaw continued to preach for the newly established church until October, 1839, when he left for the East. The first sermons of this congregation were con- ducted at the residences of the members until the fall of 1839, when devotions were held in the court house, now city hall. From October, 1839, to July, 1840, the congregation was without a Pastor, though meetings were regularly held, the sermons being read by the different members of the church. During this interval, a regularly appointed Sabbath school was established, and weckły prayer meetings held. On July 15, 1840, a meeting of the congregation extended an invitation to the Rev. Solomon Chaffee, who accepted the call and commenced his labors on the third Sabbath of July. 1840. During the pastorate of Mr. Chaffee, the church which now adorns High street was erected and dedicated November, 1844. December 30, 1844,

WYOMING.

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HISTORY OF IOWA COUNTY.

Rev. Solomon Chaffee was succeeded by Rev. Zachariah Eddy, who was in turn replaced in 1856 by the Rev. D. C. Lyon. Mr. Lyon resigned the pastorate August 5, 1851, and was followed by Rev. David T. Noyes, who served one year, and was succeeded by the Rev. Charles Boynton. The resignation of Rev. Boynton was accepted January 30, 1860, and April 1, 1860, Rev. H. H. Benson took charge of the church. September 20, 1863, Mr. Benson resigned, and February 18, 1864, Rev. Goodnow was employed for three months. July 25, 1864, Rev. E. B. Miner, of Baraboo, assumed his labors among the flock, and January 11, 1867, he was succeeded by Rev. W. H. Bernard, who served as Pastor until April, 1869. Rev. A. S. Yale accepted a call to this charge July 5, 1869, and served until October, 1871, when Rev. G. W. Evans entered upon the duties as Pastor. December 10, 1874, was the date of the acceptance of the call by Rev. A. S. Reed who resigned April 1, 1877, and was succeeded in February, 1878, by Rev. J. Emery Fisher. In September, 1878, Mr. Fisher resigned, and November 9, 1878, Rev. Louis H. Jenkins, the present Pastor, entered upon his duties. In 1878, the church edifice was raised, and a stone basement constructed with room 33 feet square. The church proper is 36x56 feet, and has long since taken its place among the principal church edifices in Mineral Point. The Elders of the church are T. J. Campbell, John Clowney and Neil Mc- Vicker ; Trustees, T. J. Campbell, John Clowney, Neil McVicker, George Keuhenan, Robert Hughes, John Ghundman ; Clerk, T. J. Campbell ; Treasurer, Neil McVicker. In 1847, a united conference of the Presbyterian and Congregational denominations was held at the Pres- byterian Church in Mineral Point, the Revs. D. Clary, of Beloit, and J. J. White, of Milwan- kee, preached. The conference was convened October 11, 1847, by selecting Rev. A. L. Cha- pin, of Milwaukee, Moderator, and Rev. C. Warner, of Elk Horn, Clerk. Various subjects were discussed during the conference, which lasted a week, and some interesting statistics relating to the mission in Wisconsin Territory were presented by Rev. Stephen Peet. Revs. A. L. Chapin and J. J. Miter, of Milwaukee, spoke on the same subject ; Rev. L. H. Loss, of Beloit, and Mr. George F. McGoun, formerly Principal of Platteville Academy spoke on educa- tion. The proceedings of the convention created kindly and harmonious feeling, and the differ- ent delegates departed for their homes with pleasant recollections of their generous reception at Mineral Point.

St. Mary's German Catholic Society .- This parish was originally a part of what is termed the " Irish congregation," but the church edifice becoming too small, and the German element desiring a pastor of their own nationality, in 1870, organized the St. Mary's congregation. During the same year, the church property, consisting of three acres, was purchased of John Bracken, the consideration being $2,000. The society immediately proceeded to the crection of a church and presbytery. Both buildings were completed and taken possession of August 1, 1870. The church and residence were erected at a cost of $10,000. In the fall of 1871, the parish school, a large two-story edifice, with accommodation for one hundred and fifty scholars, was erected at a cost of $2,000. There are engaged here as teachers, three Sisters of the Dominican order, of Racine, Wis. The first Pastor of this congregation was Rev. Franz X. Weinhard, who served from 1870 to 1878. In October, 1878, Rev. George Weidlich took charge of the parish, and continued until April, 1879. Rev. Joseph IIuber, the present incum- bent, became pastor May 1, 1879. Connected with this congregation is the parish cemetery, consisting of four acres of land, located one mile from the city, on the Dodgeville road. This cemetery was established in 1873. The first person buried here was Sister Seraphine. The total number buried here since its establishment, aggregates ninety. St. Joseph's Benevolent Society, composed of members of St. Mary's German Catholic congregation, was organized March 19, 1871. The first officers were, Peter Freiden, President; Joseph Ellingen, Vice President ; Matt Schmitt, Secretary ; Edward Ellingen, Treasurer. The society now numbers fifty-three members, with the following officers : John Jeuck, President ; John Amberg, Vice President ; Phillip Wiedenfeller, Secretary ; Peter Freiden, Treasurer.

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History of Iowa County, Wisconsin, Part 106

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