History of Iowa County, Wisconsin, Part 116

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

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1870-Thomas M. Jones, Chairman ; J. R. Davis and E. E. James, Supervisors ; Joseph E. Higgins, Clerk ; John S. Richards, Treasurer ; John Rowe, Assessor.

1871-Thomas M. Jones, Chairman ; Richard D. Davis and Charles Paull, Supervisors ; Joseph E. Higgins, Clerk ; John S. Richards, Treasurer ; John Rowe, Assessor.

1872-Charles Paull, Chairman ; R. D. Davis and Duncan Sillers, Supervisors; Joseph E. Higgins, Clerk ; John S. Richards, Treasurer ; John Rowe, Assessor.

1873-Charles Paull, Chairman ; R. D. Davis and Duncan Sillers, Supervisors ; Joseph E. Higgins, Clerk ; J. S. Richards, Treasurer ; Thomas Larsen, Assessor.

1874-Benjamin Elam, Chairman ; R. D. Davis and E. E. James, Supervisors ; J. E. Higgins, Clerk ; Henry Madden, Treasurer ; John Rowe, Assessor.

1875-Benjamin Elan, Chairman ; R. D. Davis and William H. Hocking, Supervisors ; J. E. Higgins, Clerk ; William Owens, Treasurer ; John Rowe, Assessor. Owing to the death of Mr. Higgins, J. Thomas Pryor, Jr., was appointed Clerk in March, 1876.

1876-Charles Paull, Chairman ; James Bennett and R. D. Davis, Supervisors ; J. Thomas Pryor, Jr., Clerk ; Robert C. Owens, Treasurer ; William B. Williams, Assessor. Mr. Pryor resigned January 1. 1877, Henry Sims succeeding him.

1877-Charles Paull, Chairman ; Duncan Sillers and Evan W. Williams, Supervisors : Henry Sims, Clerk ; Robert C. Owens, Treasurer ; William B. Williams, Assessor.

1878-Charles Paull, Chairman; Duncan Sillers and E. W. Williams, Supervisors ; Rich- ard Arundell, Clerk ; R. C. Owens, Treasurer ; William B. Williams, Assessor.

1879-Robert Wilson, Chairman ; Thomas B. Davis and James W. Smith, Supervisors ; Richard Arundell, Clerk ; Robert C. Owens, Treasurer ; Richard D. Davis, Assessor. To fill

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vacancy caused by the death of Richard Arundell, W. H. Thomas was appointed Clerk May 31, 1879.

1880-Robert Wilson, Chairman ; Thomas B. Davis and James W. Smith, Supervisors ; W. H. Thomas, Clerk ; William Mitchell, Treasurer ; Edward H. Edwards, Assessor.

TOWN OF ARENA.

There were no white residents in this section until more than twenty years after the first permanent settlements had been made in the county. To some, this may seem strange ; but when we consider that the pioneers of Iowa County were miners, attracted hither by the valuable dis- coveries of mineral, and who were intent only on developing the mines, regardless of all other pursuits, it is not surprising that they should have settled in mining regions, and ignored the valuable agricultural territory embraced by the town lines of Arena.

While the excitement of the lead region was at its zenith, and Dodgeville, Mineral Point, Linden, Mifflin, Highland and Ridgeway were inhabited by a cosmopolitan population, repre- senting all the concomitants of the mining frontier, Arena was peacefully slumbering on the banks of the Wisconsin in virgin beauty. Her hills and dales were then inhabited only by wild animals and their no less savage foes, who roved at will amid the primitive groves of oak, walnut and poplar, over the lands which were then awaiting the skill and industry of the husbandman to cultivate the waste places, and develop valuable and productive farms. That this has been accomplished, a view of the well-improved acres, ornamented with their commodious residences, which stand as monuments to the integrity and energetic perseverance of their inhabitants, is sufficient evidence.

Arena now stands among the leading towns in the diversity of products and character of her people, who are as enlightened, liberal and enterprising as any in this section of the country. Through the public spirit and vim of the leading citizens, numerous valuable public benefits have been secured, of which may be mentioned, as most conspicuous and beneficial to the general community, the stations-Helena and Arena-on the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Rail- road.

First Settlers .- The first settlers in the town of Arena came during 1840-41-42, and remained but a short time only. The names of these, though once remembered, are now forgotten by their associates of forty years ago. In 1843, John T. Jones made his appearance in the town, and located a farm on parts of Sections 14 and 23. He also erected the first cabin in the town, and pursued farming with varying success for many years. During the same year, Mr. Jones was followed by Barrett Williams, who cultivated a few acres of land on parts of Sections 15 and 22, Township 8, Range 5. He also erected a small cabin, and continued farming there for several years. Immigration to this town during the next year was slow and uncertain ; but by the year 1845, a number of pioneers, noted for their uprightness, courage and perseverance, had located here. Among the number were William Persell, William F. Jenkins, Peter Lloyd, Samuel Titus, William Wallace, John Shaw and Isaac Farwell. These all made claims in different parts of the town, principally in the vicinity of the present village of Arena. The initiatory steps were now taken toward the development of agriculture in the town, and following in the wake of the first permanent settlers there came many others, who engaged in agricultural pursuits. About this time, came William Bywater, Charles W. Sutcliffe, Frederick Gutsloe, William Guthrie and John May. During the spring of 1846, John Shaw, Robert Leach, Allen Leach, Isaac Farwell and William E. Shimmons became part and parcel of the territory since dignified by the historic apellation of Arena. Among the influx of settlers following those men - tioned were Lanson and Alvin Culver, Lyman and Henry Lindsey, John Hand, John Calkins, Thomas Harrison, Goodladd, Luke Farwell. Nelson Daniels, Robert Emery, William Dawson, Dr. Goss, J. S. Walker, McIntosh, Higby, John Stewart, Joshua Rhodes, S. Norton, Watkins, Thomas Rockwell, John Hand, William Tyler, A. B. Anderson, Aaron Edwards and Dr. Addi- son. These located farms in different portions of the town. It is not assumed that the list is complete ; there were perhaps others who immigrated to this town during the years mentioned ;

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but their locations or names could not be ascertained by the searcher after facts in that con- nection.

British Emigration Society .- The history of the early settlement of Arena would be in- complete without mention of the efforts of the "British Temperance Emigration Society," of which a number of those already mentioned, who came in 1846, were members. This was a benevolent society, organized in Liverpool by Robert Gost and Charles Wilson, for the purpose of assisting the British mechanics and laboring men to procure homes in America. The asso- ciation being organized, Lawrence Hayworth, a benevolent gentleman of wealth and leisure. was chosen President. The plan of the society was to allow all mechanics and laborers desiring homes in this country to become members by paying into the common fund a certain amount, which was to be applied toward the purchase of eighty-acre shares of land. These shares were drawn by ballot, and each eighty-acre share was to have a five-acre lot fenced and broken and a house erected thereon. The society elected two commissioners, Charles Reeves and Charles Wilson, estate and deputy cstate stewards, whose duty it was to pay off all indebtedness incurred by the purchase of lands, improvements, etc. The first lot of emigrants was sent by this society in the spring of 1844, all of whom located in Dane County. Emigrants representing this association got no farther at first than the eastern part of the town, though their agents went further west and laid out what was afterward known as

Hayworth .- In 1846, Charles Reeves and Charles Wilson, principal members of the " Emi- gration Society" spoken of, were deputized, in company with five or six others, to choose a site on the banks of the Wisconsin, in this county, suitable for a village. Accordingly, a piece of land was selected on Sections 11 and 12, Town 8, Range 4, and staked out into town lots of one acre each in size. Any member of the society was privileged to purchase ten lots, if they desired so many, at the Government price. And a good many did buy, but none of them sct- tled on their purchase. The situation was named Hayworth, in honor of the President of the society. Not long after the place was platted, John Barnard came here and erected a store and tavern, and started a good ferry, and within a few years a steam saw-mill was built here by Cole & Everett. The store, tavern, mill, and various kinds of business did not flourish to any extent, and eventually everything was abandoned to the inevitable Norwegian. There is at present a cemetery at this point which is used largely by the commonwealth, and which is the oldest in the town.

Although the intentions embodied in this organization were very commendable, yet it fell far short of success, and what once promised so much is now known only in a remembrance of the past. The cause of its failure might be attributed to the fact that the emigrants could procure lands from the Government at merely a nominal sum, and much less than the amount required by the association ; aside from this, a great many of the number were practical mechanics, and engaged, each at his particular trade, and abandoned their farms. Many of those that continued in their agricultural pursuits have become influential and wealthy citizens of their town.

During the years succeeding 1846, the population increased rapidly, and Arena began to grow in influence and importance, until now it is one of the most populous as well as being one of the most important towns in the county.

In 1845, the enterprising citizens of Arena, desiring a market as well as a metropolis for their town, forthwith laid out the village of Dover, on Section 13, Town 8, Range 5. Here, soon after, a tavern and store were started by Messrs. Higby & Walker, who did a good business for several years ; and William Guthrie established himself in the blacksmithing business, and for many years was the only blacksmith in the town. As the surrounding country became set- tled, the business of the little village increased constantly, and finally attracted other store-keep- ers and men of various business propensities.

The first post office in the town of Arena was established here certainly as early as 1847, and was kept here until 1876, when it was discontinued. David Hukum was the last Post- master. The old Dover House is still standing as a relic of what might have been.

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HISTORY OF IOWA COUNTY.

In 1856, a grist-mill was erected in the village by Joshua Rhodes and Henry Lindsey, who put in two run of stone, and for a number of years did a successful milling business. This mill is now operated by N. Kirch. The quality of flour here has always been of a uni- form standard, and is equal to any manufactured in Southwestern Wisconsin. This village did a flourishing business until 1856, when the railroad favored its new rival of Arena by locating a station at the latter point. From this time dates the decadence of this once prosperous place, and the flouring-mill still in operation is the only evidence that an extended business was ever transacted in this now defunct village.

To continue the list of settlers who located in the town of Arena before 1850, there were Richard Hodgson, Mr. Gleason, Mr. Porter, Richard Mabett, G. M. Ashmore, Mr. Emery. Among others who came about this time were G. C. Meigs, James Manville, John Mabett, William Dawson, John Hobbs, Samuel Norton, Jacob Dodge, Henry and Jonathan Ingraham, Reuben James, John Porter, Mr. Caldwell, D. Lattimore and William T. Ansdale. Of the old settlers and pioneers of Arena still living are Christopher Mabett, Peter Lloyd, William, John, Richard, Frank, David and Jonathan Hodgson, William Aaron, William E. Roe, James Alick, Andrew and Robert McCutchin, James Allison, William Bishop, John Hagman, Charles Stubley, Thomas Wilson, John Renyard, Charles Trainor, J. M. Wilson, George McFarland, Henry and William Caldwell. W. T. Boardman, John Goodladd and David Lloyd.

The cause of education has always received the closest attention from the citizens of Arena, having been fostered and promoted until their schools now rank along with the best in the county. In about 1846 a schoolhouse was erected on Section 16, Town 8, Range 5, now distinguished by District No. 6. . Here the few children in the town attended school, some walking four and five miles daily. This school was continued from that time, and as the increase of popu- lation demanded, other schools were established in different parts of the town and schoolhouses erected. There are now in the town sixteen separate and joint school districts and ten school- houses.

Shortly after the settlement of the town, the "circuit rider" made his appearance among the pioneers, and preached the Gospel and laid the foundation for the guidance of the spiritual destinies of the citizens. For a number of years, religious services were held in the dwellings of the different settlers by circuit preachers. Those carly efforts have at last culminated in the organization of four congregations and the erection of as many church buildings. These are the Congregationalists, Adventists, German Methodists and St. John's Catholic, the last being located on Section 36, Town 8, Range 5.

The first grist-mill was erected in 1852, and is located on Section 23, Town 8, Range 5. It was erected by Henry Rowel and G. C. Meigs, on or near the site of a saw-mill, which was erected by Joshua Rhodes as early as 1847, and which was the first and only saw-mill in this part of the county for many years. The mill is familiarly known as the " model mill," and has three run of stone, and is now owned and operated by William E. Rowe. This mill has always been over-crowded with custom work, its trade extending for many miles around.

On Section 14, Town 7, Range 4, is located the grist-mill owned by Michael Lucy. operated by the Blue Mounds Creek water-power. At this mill a superior article of flour is manufactured, being the equal of any work in the county. A mill was built by Henry Folks on Section 13, Town 7, Range 5, in 1860, but did not run many years. Eventually it was sold and the machinery removed to Sauk County.

One of the commendable early enterprises was a nursery of choice fruits, started here by John Hand, one of the English emigrants, in 1846 or 1847. This nursery, which was con- tinued for several years, was known as the Barnum place, and was the first one in the county. Since that early effort, fruits, both large and small, have been cultivated quite extensively in the town by some of the farmers, rather to provide for home necessities than for the purpose of selling. Although some is sold each year in the villages, many of the upland districts furnish very good locations for orchards, as the soil is well adapted to their growth, and the advantages of protecting hills, to intercept the winter blasts, can be obtained.

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HISTORY OF IOWA COUNTY.

In 1873, the south part of Arena was visited by a hail and rain storm, so terrible in its power and effects that none who were on the scene, where the elements raged their worst, will ever forget the circumstance. The very flood-gates of the surcharged clouds seemed to have been suddenly opened, and torrents of rain, with chunks of ice as large as a man's fist, were precipitated to the ground, for a time creating a minature deluge and destroying all sorts of produce, and killing pigs, sheep and fowls, and doing an amount of damage scarcely credible during the short time that the storm continued. The damage done in Arena Village mentioned, did not compare with that in the country adjacent, where the storm was the most furious; those who were eye-witnesses say that nothing to compare with it has ever been experienced here be- fore or since.

OLD ARENA.

This place, which was at one time the leading village in the town, and which was expected to continue such, began to decline after the coming of the railroad, when the other village of the same name started, and within a few years it was a village only in name.

The land where it was situated, Section 8, Town 8, Range 5, was first purchased from the Government by Ebenezer Brigham, the pioneer of Dane County, and a man by the name of Arthur Bronson. . In 1848, G. M. Ashmore bought Bronson's interest, then he and Mr. Brig- ham, in the following year, laid out a village plat. According to the statement of Mr. Brigham, this point had been a sort of trading rendezvous for the Indians for a good many years before, and had been called Arena, probably on account of the sandy situation. The same year that the village was platted, Mr. Ashmore erected two frame buildings-one to live in and one for a store. Within two or three years after, there were two or three stores in operation and a tavern and various mechanic shops. The principal merchants were Frank Andrews and William Brodie; the tavern-keeper, Mr. Caldwell. At that time. a large amount of business was done here, espe- cially in selling lumber. In 1849, a road was laid out from Dodgeville via Arena to Baraboo, and Mr. Ashmore accordingly chartered a ferry. The conveyance' was a flat-boat, which was worked over the river with poles. In 1853 or 1854, Dr. Brisbane, the first physician and preacher, came here from the South, and, believing that he saw a chance for a paying business, purchased the ferry privilege from Mr. Ashmore and spent several hundred dollars in putting in a horse boat and making other improvements, but the investment proved nearly a dead loss, for the business fell off so greatly within a short time that he abandoned the ferry. Mr. Bris- bane also kept tavern here.

In 1854, Albert and Fred Curtis erected a steam-mill here, which was operated for several years, and about the same time Mr. Andrews erected a warehouse about where it was supposed the railroad would pass, but, contrary to the expectations of all parties, the village was left to oneside.

A postoffice was established here in 1850, with William Ferris as Postmaster. Eventually William Brodie was appointed and held the office until it was moved to New Arena. There is no business done here now, and the only residents are a few Norwegians. Within the past two years, a little above where the old ferry used to run, a good ferry, owned by the people on both sides of the river, was put in operation.

NEW ARENA.

Throughout the West, within the last thirty years, the chief motors toward the upbuilding of villages and cities, andit may be added with equal consistency, toward the destruction of others, have been the railroads. Wherever these mighty representatives of commercial growth and general development, as well as moneyed power, become established, there are found rapidly growing business centers, while those places which are but short distances removed from those arbiters of the destinies of small communities, begin to fall into decay, and eventually become known only to the memory of man as " what have been."

New Arena is located on the bottom lands bordering the south bank of the Wisconsin, on Section 16, or what was formerly called School Section. The land was first claimed from the State by G. M. Ashmore, who, in 1855, after the Milwaukee & Prairie du Chien Railroad had

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HISTORY OF IOWA COUNTY.

been surveyed through this part of Wisconsin, sold to Peter Louis Moore, making a general sale of property to the amount of several thousand dollars. At that time, everything was in a natural condition. The sandy flats overgrown, for the most part, with weeds and brush, it may be conjectured, presented anything but an inviting or encouraging appearance to the adventurous merchant or settler. But the course of time improves and subdues, mellows and re-shapes, until the rudest forms and conditions, under the hands of enterprising men, assume entirely dif- ferent aspects, both attractive and agreeable. Thus it may be seen in this locality ; but a few short years have winged their flight into the deeps of oblivion, and the entire scene has under- gone a marvelous change. One of the liveliest villages on this branch of the Milwaukee & St. Paul Railroad has sprung into existence, with most of the various elements of social, civil and commercial life. in full and promising activity. Large numbers of stores and mechanics' shops are busily engaged from day to day in dispensing their commodities to the farmers, taking their cash and produce in exchange, while the hotels are daily thronged with travelers and those who come here to trade from long distances or to ship their products. Several churches and a good school provide for the moral and intellectual needs of the inhabitants, and, in a word, we have before us the wilderness converted to the uses of civilization in its highest type. Arena, as a business point, is acknowledged to be one of the best in the county, and one of the best on the line of the road-more especially with regard to the sale and shipment of live stock, very large quantities of which are sent to market through this channel. Considering the size of the place, there is doubtless as much trading done here as at any other village in the State, and per- haps more.

The original village plat was made for Mr. Mohr, in October, 1856, and another plat, or rather addition, was laid by H. Zinkeisen September 4, 1866.

The first buildings erected here were the depot and the old warehouse of Curtis & Brothers, one of whom was the first depot agent. These were built in the fall of 1856, and are standing yet.

The next building in the village was the old Carter House, which was erected here for a hotel in the spring of 1857. This building is standing yet, but is a rather superannuated look- ing structure. A portion of this building was moved up from Old Arena.

Before the house was entirely finished, the first grand ball or house-warming was given, which is remembered as having been a most happy occasion and favorable send-off for the place in amusements. People came from far and wide to the jollification, and thus was celebrated the first party ever given in Arena. Mr. Carter's wife, now Mrs. Reeves, still lives in the place, and is recognized as having been the first woman in the village.

In 1857 or 1858, the old stage house, familiarly known as the Farmers' Hotel, was built by William Broady. This was at first erected for a store, but the first intention was subsequently changed, and the building enlarged to accommodate the large stage travel which was then going through the country from this point to Mineral Point and other interior places. The building, which is a large, rambling affair, is now used for a private dwelling.

The stage company at that time was Davis & Mohr, of Milwaukee. The travel, during the first year after the railroad came, was so great that several four-horse Concord coaches left each day, loaded down with emigrants and prospectors, and, indeed, for several years a thriving busi- ness was done in this direction. But the glory of staging days has passed away, and never again will be seen the splendid teams that used to go dashing through the country-the pride of the Jehus and envy of all the teamsters far and near.

A store was first opened here in 1858, by F. T. S. Ansdale, in the unoccupied building which stands near the Wisconsin House. This establishment was not continued a great many years. The next store was opened by Barnard & Son in 1859, in the building now occupied by Edwards & Hughes. A German by the name of John Hattman was the first blacksmith to begin business here; his shop stood a little off from the village plat.

The first death occurred in 1858, when a little child, belonging to a man by the name of Freeman, died.

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The first marriage which occurred in the village before 1840 was a rather novel affair. A miller by the name of Walker, having imbibed pretty freely one day, called at the Carter Hotel to see the servant girl, Mary J. Haythorn. When he arrived, Mary was up to her elbows in a large washing, but, nothing daunted, Walker proceeded to make love, or rather carry out his former love-making, by proposing that they should get married. To this the girl promptly assented. D. M. Jones, the minister, was sent for, and, without further ceremony, the knot was tied and the twain made one.

The above-mentioned minister was the first one to hold forth in the village, and during his time was the acknowledged life of the Christian cause in this vicinity. He was probably chiefly influential in establishing more societies and building more churches than any other man, or five men, in the county. As a worker in the cause of Christ, he was a credit to the village and county.

A schoolhouse was built here in 1839, and a school begun the same year by a Miss Hollister. The school had not been in operation long when a prairie fire came rushing down on to the little hamlet, driven by a wind so fierce and strong that the flames were carried from twelve to fifteen feet into the air. The schoolhouse and blacksmith-shop were the first reached, and immediately caught on fire and were burned down, as was a stable containing a couple of cows. For a time there was imminent danger that the entire place would be burned, as almost before the people were aware of what was to pay, the barn connected with the Carter House was on fire. How- ever, by making great exertions, the inhabitants succeeded in extinguishing it and saving the place. The possibility of such a fire as that is described as having been starting up indicates in what an uncultivated state the country must have been.

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History of Iowa County, Wisconsin, Part 116

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