History of Iowa County, Wisconsin, Part 109

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

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The name of Jesse W. Shull is especially commemorated by the village which he founded in La Fayette County, which was named for him. He was also one of the leading spirits of the early days throughout this section, and figures extensively in the early history of the lead region. The others mentioned are remembered principally as having been the leading men in this section of the country up to 1830. There were many other miners, but none who wielded so wide an influence.

One of the settlers mentioned, Milton B. Parsons, is still living on the Van Matre survey, the last man of the first hardy adventurers, who came here-then a boy, now a hale old man, the oldest settler in the county. Having resided here permanently for more than fifty-three years, he has witnessed the gradual growth and expansion of the country from a wilderness to its present high state of development; and, being gifted with a remarkably accurate memory, he speaks of "ye olden time " and describes the men and occurrences with a realistic vividness at once highly entertaining and instructive.

THE FIRST FORT AND DODGE'S INDIAN RECEPTION.

Almost immediately after the advent of Gen. Dodge and the others of his party, the work of erecting a somewhat comfortable abode was begun, the work being shared in common by all, from the servants of the General-four negro slaves-to the best in the camp. The dwelling erected is described as having been part dug-out and part log, an affair built in the most prim- itive manner-next to the Indian tepee. It stood on what is now known as Lot -, and, in con- nection with a block-house constructed soon after, was surrounded by a stockade, which inclosed a plat of ground seventy-five or eighty feet square. This may properly be denominated a fort, and was undoubtedly the first one erected in this part of Wisconsin. There is nothing left now

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HISTORY OF IOWA COUNTY.

on the spot where this first fortification stood, to even suggest the fact of its former existence, and, withal, there are not now a dozen men living who have a personal remembrance of the affair or its situation, for, by 1832, it had been destroyed.

It is narrated that soon after the arrival of Gen. Dodge, the band of Indians alluded to, learning who he was, assembled with their fire-arms, and, at his first approach, fired a salute. The General proceeded to lay down the law, in a very deliberate and firm manner, informing the reds that, if they conducted themselves properly, they would receive kind treatment at his hands and from the remainder of the whites, otherwise they should have all the trouble and fight that they might invite. By pursuing this discreet and humane policy, tempered by the determination not to suffer any abuse, very satisfactory results were secured, as, subsequent to that time, the whites and Indians in this vicinity lived on very amicable terms, with but few unimportant exceptions. It is said of the General that, although an ardent Indian fighter and hater, he nevertheless would always share his last morsel with them when they were on friendly terms, thus securing their admiration, and very many times submission to what the Indians were wont to deem an infraction of their rights.

FIRST CLAIMS AND OTHER NOTABLE EVENTS.

The first claim was made by Ezra Lamb and Mr. Plum, near the spring in the north part of the village. This mining claim, or, more properly, according to the mining term, " dig- gings," proved highly productive at the first, being sheet lead, and, indeed, this field has not been exhausted yet, as illustrated by the fact that mining has been pursued here profitably by various parties, at different intervals, almost up to date.

The first log cabins, or rather huts, in the place, were erected in close proximity to those " diggings " by the first claimants.

As soon as Gen. Dodge came, he made as extensive a claim as the mining rules would allow, directly on the site of the business portion of the village. The right of the claim was disputed by the man Morehead, already mentioned, who professed to have discovered mineral here before the General came, and, therefore, claimed priority of rights. However just Morehead's claim may have been, the General was not the man to relinquish what he considered was his by right, and therefore the upshot of the matter will be readily surmised that, in spite of all protestations upon the part of the tinker, he was summarily ejected.

During the fall of 1827, several other mining claims were made in this section. The more prominent were one made by Daniel Moore, James McRaney, James Sayles, Charles Gal- loway and Jacob Hunter, in company ; one by George Medary, John Turney and Charles Whistler, in company, and one by Charles Gaines and James Wooley, in company. It is not pretended that there were not others here at that time, but those mentioned were especially noticeable. The Medary, Turney and Whistler mine lay a short distance to the northwest of the court house, within what are now the village limits. The location is now occupied by building and residence lots.

The mine owned by Gaines & Wooley was located about one-fourth of a mile north of the present court house site, in a region which has since reveled in the non-euphonious title of Dirty Hollow, as distinguished from localities making greater pretensions to natural charms, and, probably, cleanliness. But, as cannot be denied (the name to the contrary notwithstanding), the regions of Dirty Hollow have from time almost immemorial been peopled with an industrious, intelligent and thriving class of citizens.

Two furnaces were built during the fall of 1827, one by Gen. Dodge, which stood a little northeast of the old fort, across the ravine, and one by the enterprising firm of Lamb & Plum, directly east of that again. Trusting to the veracity of cotemporary parties, a large amount of smelting was done during that season, thus indicating that the mining operations being carried on there must have been quite extensive.

Two Notable Events .- Two events of considerable prominence occurred during 1827. which deserve special mention. We revert to the advent of the first white woman probably in

Mr. Rewey

REWEY.

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HISTORY OF IOWA COUNTY.

the county, and the first death which occurred here. Tradition speaks of this woman as having been the only one here up to 1828; her name was Eliza Van Sickle, sister to the Martin Van Sickle mentioned, who was an Indian trader, and the first one known to have brought any mer- chandise to the place. Whether Miss Eliza was particularly distinguished, as having been the cynosure of all the male eyes, and the arbiter of the chivalric emotions of the sturdy miners, as manifested by personal encounters for the ascendency in her esteem and good graces, does not appear ; suffice it to say she was the first woman, and must have enjoyed a degree of distinction, in harmony with what is generally known of miners and their tendencies, as expressed in their devotion to the acquisition of money to be squandered in extravagant indulgence.

The first death was that of one of the General's colored servants, who thus at last secured his liberty beyond the peradventure of human restraint. Mention is made of his obtaining his liberty, in this connection, because the black men were slaves who had followed the fortunes of their master into the wilderness, under the promise of being granted their liberty at an early date, and besides, from their attachment to the General, whom, it is said, they served with an absolute and almost unvarying pleasure.

ITEMS OF 1828 AND 1829.

In 1828, the influx of settlers was very large, and what had, during 1827, been but a col- lection of miserable log huts, commonly denominated a mining camp, rapidly assumed the pro- portions of a village. In its character as a growing hamlet, the place had been, by general acclamation, dubbed Dodgeville, in honor of the General who was the prime mover in all local enterprises. The location had already been laid off into convenient lots by Gen. Dodge and his coajutors, and was the scene of general activity in the way of building, mining and trade. If, in subsequent years, the development of the place had been as rapid as it then was, propor- tionally, we should now have to record the growth of a place much larger than any inland city of the United States. It was then the principal business center for the entire surrounding coun- try, within an area of forty or fifty miles, and bade fair to maintain this advance above all other competitors. However, as seen, fortune soon ceased to shower her favors, and to the ut- ter discomfiture of the thriving little burg.

The First Stores .- In the spring of 1828, among the many others who came here, was the firm known as Quail & Armstrong, who opened the first store in the county, an establish- ment stocked with the various articles necessary to the existence and well being of a mining camp. The prices of merchandise, including red-eye, was exorbitant in the extreme. Flour, groceries, and in fact everything, cost almost fabulous prices, owing to the distance that had to be traversed with teams before the goods could be obtained.

Soon after the arrival, or, rather, opening, of the above firm, three other stores were estab- lished here, in adjoining shanties. One by William Henry (he who did business in this place and Mineral Point during the remainder of his life), and others by William Phelps and James Coates & Co. These were rival institutions, and, undoubtedly, were as earnest in their opposi- tion and struggle for patronage as our most ambitious modern institutions ; but we do not hear that they failed through advertising, or in the effort to excel in attractive business style, which now often occurs throughout the country. Two of the above firms kept stimulating beverages, and, very likely, did a profitable business in that direction, for the fatigues of the day were usually supplemented in the evening by the revelry, and indulgence, incident to all mining camps, and, of course, the principal ingredient necessary to a "royally good time " was the " enthusing ardent."

First Taverns and Mechanies .- In 1828, two taverns, or boarding-houses, were opened here as a matter of public necessity as much as for private gain. The proprietors were, re- spectively, Mr. Wentworth aud Mr. Chapman, both of whom had families; the former a wife and three grown-up girls, and the latter a wife and one girl. These, including Mrs. McRaney, were a majority of the female population of 1828.

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HISTORY OF IOWA COUNTY.

During this year, a blacksmith shop was started here, this being the first one in the county. The shop was owned by a man by the name of Chatsey, who was assisted by one Manlove, who, it is said, would bruise a piece of iron or the best man in camp with almost equal readiness and celerity.

Dr. Jnstine, the first dispenser of pills and powders, blisters and hot bricks, came here in 1828, not, however, to apply the principles of Esculapins and Galen, but rather to try his luck where the inviting herb called Masonic weed, led to something beside medical research.

Two Noted Characters .- In early times, the two characters most sought after and admired for their special qualities and attainments, were a quack doctor and frontier fiddler, named Pre- vat, and a stray concert singer denominated Ben Higby. The names of these worthies, devotees at the shrine of Apollo, have survived the oblivion which time provides for all ordinary mortals, and they are still remembered in virtue of the pleasure afforded by them to the hard-worked miners, who knew but little of, and perhaps cared less about, æsthetic enjoyments.

First Mail Carrier .- The first mail was brought here in 1828 or 1829, by the Government mail carrier. Joseph Cleary, a half-breed, who occasionally passed through the place on his way from Green Bay to Prairie du Chien ; but at that time there was no post office, nor, indeed, for several years after. In 1830, the snow fell to an unusual depth, and Cleary, in order to make his regular trip, was obliged to resort to snow-shoes, on which, during the dead of winter. he marched over the snow-clad wastes and through the trackless forests, thus performing his duty with the utmost faithfulness, at the imminent risk of losing his life.

TROUBLES OF 1828-29.

The year 1828 is reverted to by many of the old miners as being the time when every one seemed to be making money, and as the year when the Government sent in its officials demand- ing lead rents from the miners. This demand was repudiated by Gov. Dodge, who refused to pay, on account of the authorities having no legal right to make such exactions, the right to mine having been purchased by the Indians. Many of the miners submitted to the imposition, while others packed up their tools and left for parts unknown, determined not to be coerced into submitting to such an unjust proceeding. From that time on, the population began to decrease, and, where one went away grumbling, two more were almost sure to follow.

During the summer of 1828, the bloody flux prevailed among the miners almost to the extent of an epidemic. The cause was the poor quality of food generally used and the excessive heat. This may have contributed largely to driving the miners away, for there was no special abatement of the disorder until the cold weather set in, after which, in a comparatively brief time, the camp was restored to its wonted health and accustomed cheerfulness.

The winter of 1828 was severe, and, at the last, a terrible scarcity of provisions prevailed. Flour sold readily at from $14 to $20 per barrel, and all other articles of consumption at similar rates.

During the season of 1829, the emigration continued, and, as fast as the miners left, their cabins were torn down, so that by 1830, there were only two or three families left in the place, and scarcely any houses save those occupied by them. Gen. Dodge moved south three or four miles to a point since known as Dodge's place or grove, and where Fort Union was built in 1832. The rest of the inhabitants scattered, going here and there, thus dissolving the place even more rapidly than it had been formed. The families living here at this time, were a man by the name of MeBride, who had succeeded one of the first merchants, and who also kept a sort of stopping-place for travelers. A man by the name of Jenkins who kept " grocery." and a family by the name of Nichols. At the time of the Black Hawk war the last persons left, and thus ended the first era or mushroom age of Dodgeville.

AFTER THE BLACK HAWK WAR.

For many years after the Indian war of 1832, Dodgeville failed to recover her former activity, and then gave little promise of its present flattering condition. The attractions of its

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HISTORY OF IOWA COUNTY.

productive mines and its healthful and beautiful location were not sufficient inducements to turn the tide of immigration from other promising portions of the county. The towns of Linden, Mifflin, Mineral Point and Highland were then the objective points, and in those districts the popu- lation increased rapidly for several years. Dodgeville, however, was not destined to remain in this comatose condition long, for soon its mines were again opened up, and its valuable agricult- ural surroundings were being developed by the hardy pioneers, with their wealth of bone and sinew, who had directed their footsteps to the village of destiny, and the future which so short a time before seemed to be wrapped in utter darkness again revived under the sun of pros- perity.

In the months of July and August of 1833, the population did not exceed fifty persons, and the rude log cabins, the gange of pioneer civilization, numbered not more than a half a dozen. There were then in this locality not more than four women to exert their refining influence over the uncouth and uncultivated stalwarts of the frontier. Two of these ladies were the wives of Thomas Jenkins and James Campbell, subsequently prominently known in this Territory as men of ability, strict integrity and high moral qualities.

Improvements were naturally in a state of incipieney, as the embellishments of the home surroundings were lost sight of in the pursuit of the hidden treasures of the earth. The poorly constructed log cabins which were but a grade higher than the primitive sod hut and " dug out," each formed the abode of six, seven and sometimes ten of the miners, who cared for little but a shelter and a place where they might prepare a bed of straw and indulge in dreams of " strikes," "leads " and " rich diggings" of the morrow. Mechanics in those days were almost unknown, and the cabins were built regardless of symmetry or even comfort ; they were, in the language of an early settler, " thrown together." In relation to the cabins of early times, a pioneer of 1833 says : " I have often lain awake nights, and through the roof counted the stars above, and it was no unusual occurrence after a snow-storm to get up in the morning and find two inches of the ' beautiful' upon the floor of the cabin." These cabins possessed the old-fashioned fire-place with huge chimney, and the modern cord-wood and buck-saw were frowned upon with contempt. Huge logs of oaks, with which the country then abounded, of proper length, were placed on the fire-place and left to burn at will. But notwithstanding the many inconveniences with which the inhabitants had to contend, they were happy, contented and neighborly, and their generous hospitality would put to blush the hypocrasy of modern times.

In 1833, the settlement of Dodgeville was located in the immediate vicinity of Strattman's shop on Iowa street, though at that time, streets were unknown. Settlers would locate a claim and build a cabin wherever it best suited them, but generally near some flowing spring of cold water. The population then consisted principally of English and Americans, the Welsh not having made their appearance in this locality until some years later.

TRADE RESUMED.

It was during 1833 that the real foundation was laid for the present large and prosperous mercantile business of Dodgeville. Early in the spring. a man by the name of Geon opened a small store in the log building erected for this purpose on the site now occupied by Strattman's old shop, a short distance from the main thoroughfare now known as Iowa street. Here he kept a small stock of goods-sugar, calico, whisky, etc. For several months he continued a success- ful business, and then retired to other fields early in 1834.

The stock of a merchant in pioneer days was not, of course, more than large enough to supply the immediate demands of his patrons ; consequently, the greater portion of the miners' supplies were brought from Galena, then the principal trading-point in the lead region. A rep- resentative of each of two or three families in the neighborhood would procure ox teams in the fall of the year, and proceed to Galena for the winter's supplies ; and again, in the spring, the trips wonll be repeated. These trips usually required a week, and what, with flour often at $20 per barrel, and other supplies as high in proportion, the necessary expenses, going and return- ing, rendered a handsome sum of money desirable and even necessary.

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HISTORY OF IOWA COUNTY.

The Indians, though quiet and peaceable, were numerous in the vicinity, and the whites benefited by their presence, receiving from them venison, game and fish in exchange for flour and provisions. In this manner. the old feud existing between the Indians and white settlers gradually disappeared, until mutual courtesies were the order of the day.

The year 1833 brought but few to the future village, among the number being William Bartle and son, J. E. Bartle-the latter being still alive. Early in 1834, William James and family arrived in Dodgeville. Mr. James, subsequently familiarly known as " Squire," engaged in mining. Capt. Henry came here in the spring of this year and started a store in the build- ing then lately vacated by Mr. Geon. The first post office in Dodgeville was then established, and Capt. Henry appointed first Postmaster, the mails being received and distributed at his store. Shortly after, Capt. Henry retired from merchandising here, and was succeeded by Henry Dodge, son of the Governor. Eventually, Mr. Dodge, imbued with the ambitious spirit of the age, erected a hewed-log building, then considered the height of civilized improvement, on the site of Stratt- man's shop, a little nearer to the street than the buildings erected a few years previous.

From this time on, the population and business interests increased steadily, but not rapidly ; during the years 1835, 1836 and 1837, a number of emigrants found their way to the future village, and staked their claims, either in the present limits, or in the immediate vicinity. Among those who came during that and the two following years, we are enabled to mention Ed- ward Thomas, Benjamin Thomas, Samuel Hoskins, John Hoskins, William Jewell, Mr. Crocker, Crawford Young, " Bully " Carnes, John Casserly, Robert Black, John Eddy, Edward Jewell, William Fine, John Roberts, William Treloar, James Smitheran, Charles Bilkey, Richard Ham- mel. John Rogers, Mrs. Bishop, Mrs. Peters and James Bilkey. It is not claimed that this list is complete ; far from it; there were others who braved the hardships of a frontier life in Dodgeville during the period mentioned, but many soon after left for other and, seemingly, more promising parts, and are now almost forgotten by their associates of over forty years ago, while others have become lost in the rush of matter, the wreck of worlds and the crowds of hu- manity that have passed a brief existence on the stage of life, and long since caossed the mystic river.

THE " SUCKERS' " AND THEIR SUCCESSORS.

For many years after the early settlement, Dodgeville was frequented by those transitory beings familiarly known as "Suckers." They were miners from Illinois and Missouri who operated here during the summer and returned to their homes in the winter, thus acquiring the title. Their diggings were called "sucker holes." Subsequent to 1835, these "suckers." to a great extent, abandoned mining, and began teaming, hauling lead from the diggings to market in Galena, and returning with provisions and miners' supplies.

It was not until the first rays of light kissed the the eastern horizon, ushering in the year 1840, that settlers came here in other than small parties. During the succeeding five years, emigrants, principally from Cornwall, England, poured in in large numbers; a new impetus was then given the small village, and it began to assume flattering proportions. The locality was platted into alleys, streets and avenues, and the log huts of the early miners began to give place to commodious and substantial frame buildings. Merchants, mechanics and professional men took up their abode in Dodgeville, thus making substantial additions to the place and pav- ing the way for the generation that is now reaping the reward of their predecessors of nearly forty years ago.

The first frame building in the village was erected in 1836, on the site now occupied by B. Thomas & Co. The next one was built by Hoskins, Thomas & Co., in 1842; this was located in " Dirty Hollow," near the present Dodgeville Hotel, and has been lately occupied as a cooper's shop. During the succeeding years, numerous frame buildings and stores were erected in different parts of the town.

In 1845, the population of the village was estimated at three hundred ; and up to 1850 it had more than doubled.

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HISTORY OF IOWA COUNTY.

Among the first mechanies in the village were " Squire " and John Wilson, carpenters. who made their appearance here as early as 1834, and for many years did all the work in their line in the village. About this time, the old tavern was established in the neighborhood of Strattman's shop. Among the numerous proprietors of this frontier hotel were John Rablin, B. Ogburn and John Treloar.

In 1835, a Dr. Frost strayed to Dodgeville, but, as appears from the records of that early day, the people were too perverse to get siek for the purpose of affording employment to a doctor, however great his skill. With hope deferred, he waited till his heart grew sick, then left for more unhealthy parts. The care of the weak then devolved principally upon the medi- eal fraternity of Mineral Point, until the year 1848 brought the veteran and skillful physician, Dr. Burrall, who continued to practice here until his death, on the 9th of March, 1881.

In 1840, Oliver Wise and brother started a blacksmith-shop in " Dirty Hollow," on the site now occupied by Peter Spang's shop. They were succeeded by William Cornish, who sold to Jonathan Diekerson. Other blacksmith-shops were started by Jewell & Harris, in the lower part of the town ; Virgin & Jerdeau, near the site of the court house ; Mr. Oleson, near Or- ville Strong & Co.'s bank. John Lee and a man named Weeks, in company, started a shoe- shop very early, and for several years were without competition. They were followed by William Row, who opened a shop near Hoeking's Hotel, and James Jones, who started a small shop near the present post office.

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History of Iowa County, Wisconsin, Part 109

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