History of Iowa County, Wisconsin, Part 119

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

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In 1847, a furnace was erected by Theodore Vance, Henry Corwith, of Galena, furnishing the necessary funds for the prosecution of the work, and being the most interested party. In 1850, the furnace became the property of Joseph Clemenson, who had previously operated it, and who continued to run it until about 1858, when he relinquished the business of smelting and abandoned the furnace to decay. It was located on Section 35, and is now a mass of ruins.

About the time this furnace was discarded, the firm of Bennett & Hoskins built another about a mile east of Highland, at what is known as Simonsville, which is still standing, and is operated each season.

Mills .- The first mill was built by David Dudgeon about 1850, on the Hollenbeck Branch of Otter Creek, Section 13. This mill, which was but a small affair, containing one run of stone, was continued in active operation until 1870, when the building was removed to Rich-

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HISTORY OF IOWA COUNTY.

land County. At the present time there is talk of erecting a creamery on the old mill site, as the location and general surroundings are especially well adapted to that purpose.

Another and better mill was built by Roger Jones in 1860, on Section 33, Town 7, on Baker's Branch of Otter Creek. This mill, which contains two runs of stone, is still in opera- tion.

One of the noticeable enterprises engaged in about ten years ago, was the building of a wind-mil! by Thomas Dering. The intention was good, but, unfortunately, the business could not be made to pay ; some grinding was done, but the institution was rather too primitive in char- acter and the wind too uncertain a motor to enable the proprietor to compete successfully with water-power, so the mill quickly passed into disuse.

The first school was taught in the town by a Mrs. H. Clarke, in 1846. The schoolhouse, a small frame building which is yet standing on the east side of Main street, in the south part of the town of Highland, and used for a private residence, was erected in 1845, the money for the purpose being raised by subscription. This served as meeting-house, town-house and school- honse.

An amusing episode connected with the first teacher is worthy of mention. It appears that Mrs. Clarke did not give the best of satisfaction to some of her patrons, while others were well pleased and gave her a willing support. However, it was decided by the special management, that, after Mrs. Clarke's first school term was over, another teacher should be employed. Accordingly G. F. Meigs, now of Arena, was engaged. When the time arrived for opening his school, he came on only to find Mrs. Clarke holding the fort. S. P. Hollenbeck, one of the prominent early comers, was especially interested and went and requested Mrs. Clarke to retire, but she firmly refused to do so, maintaining her position by the right of possession, or the nine . points in the premises. The night following this, after Mrs. Clarke was gone, Mr. Hollenback and others nailed up the windows and fastened the door securely, intending to come on in the morning with Mr. Meigs and take possession. But in the morning when they arrived on the scene, they found the redoubtable, and, by this time, highly irate Mrs. Clarke in possession and prepared for war. No argument or persuasion was of avail, and finally an attempt was made to eject her ; then she proceeded to belabor whoever approached. As a result, the storm- ing party beat a retreat, leaving her in undisputed possession.

S. P. Hollenbeck, in speaking of the affair afterward, said that he received a blow that would have distinguished an Amazon. At any rate Mrs. Clarke carried the day, and it may be added, taught the school until the end, or as long as there were any scholars to teach. There are now six school districts with schoolhouses in the town, all being in a flourishing condition.

Churches .- Rev. T. M. Fullerton, now of Shullsburg, who preached in the county before 1840, was probably the first person who held regular religious services in this town, although previous to his time, Dr. Moses Meeker and others held meetings in their cabins. From the very beginning, in connection with the general development, religious and moral training became more general, constant and of a higher character, until at present there are four churches and church organizations which furnish every privilege that can be asked for religious enjoyment.

There is at present but one church in the town out of the village of Highland-a Norwe- gian Lutheran built in 1872-which stands of Section 29, Town 7, Range 2. This is a hand- some stone structure, one of the finest church edifices in the town, and is supported by a large and intelligent congregation. There is a cemetery connected with this church.

There is one commonwealth cemetery just south of the village of Highland, on Section 33. and three church cemeteries.

Post Offices .- The first post office established in what is now the town of Highland, aside from Centerville, was at the village of the same name, in 1846. The next office was at what is known as Pine Knob, established in 1870, at the point of that name and which is sufficiently described thereby. The first and only Postmaster is Andrew Gulickson, who also keeps store here. The Union Mills Post Office, which was at first established in the town of Dodgeville, is now just over the line in the town of Highland. Mr. James is the Postmaster.

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HISTORY OF IOWA COUNTY.

VILLAGE OF HIGHLAND.

This village, which is one of the four incorporated towns in the county, is now the principal business place in the west part of the county, and has been for the last twenty-five years. Although at different times the inhabitants have suffered very severely through epidemics and fire, which have greatly deterred the growth of the village, yet it has managed, through the energetic character of the people, to keep pace with the times, and has been slowly but surely increasing in size and importance, from the time the first miner's cabin was erected until the present.

The first settlers here were principally Americans, with a few Irish and Germans ; but during subsequent years, a gradual change was wrought in this respect, until now there are but few Americans, the German and Irish elements constituting nearly the entire community. The situation is one of the best in the county in some respects, more especially on account of its high altitude, which renders the church steeples visible for many miles throughout the surround- ing country, and on account of the extensive mineral deposits, and valuable farming lands which lie in the immediate vicinity. Considering the size of Highland, and the mixture of nationali- ties, there is no place in this part of the country that can boast of a better social condition, as evidenced by the four thriving churches and one of the best schools in Iowa County.

What the future may hold in store for the place can hardly be predicted, but if a short road is extended to Highland, from the Milwaukee and Madison Branch of the Northwestern Rail- road, which passes through the county a few miles south, there can be no doubt of its future prosperity. Therefore, it is to be hoped that they may have a railroad.

Up to 1844, there was nothing done here or in the vicinity but mining, and previous to that time such a thing as a village was scarcely contemplated, the miners only caring for their pres- ent or daily success, and entertaining few thoughts and less hopes of anything in the future ap- proximating what has since been realized.

First Settlers .- The first person to locate here was Elihu B. Goodsell, who built a log cabin probably as early as 1840, a little west of what is Main street, and began keeping house and en- tertaining travelers, having at the outset a male housekeeper, who was cook, table-waiter and chambermaid.

At this time, a drift of considerable magnitude was opened by Mr. Goodsell, at this point, in conjunction with William Suddeth, who was at that time his business partner, and who also worked for a time with him at Goodsell's Range. in Booth Hollow, so called after William S. Booth, who worked there as early as 1834. As to the productiveness of the first Highland drift there are only uncertain accounts, but it is said to have been very rich and quite easy to work.

Mrs. W. S. Booth, in speaking of the times at " Goodsell's Range," says : " The custom- ary winter pastime was sliding down hill," when she, as the only woman there, in company with two or three children, would go out with the men and coast for hours, Mr. Goodsell being the life of the party.

The principal part of the land where the village is located, was entered by E. B. Goodsell and John Barnard, who was the second interested settler here, in 1844-45.

Nothing was done of special importance toward making a permanent plat until 1846, al- though previous to that time the village had been partially laid out and named Franklin, in honor of a broker of Mr. Goodsell's, named Franklin, and in honor of a favorite boy, belong- ing to Mrs. William Suddeth, the wife of one of the early miners, who was the first woman in the village, and who subsequently became the wife of Amasa Cobb.

The village was regularly surveyed, platted, and the plat registered in July, 1846, by E. B. Goodsell and John Barnard, and in October, 1860, a subdivision was platted by Joseph Lean.

The first house, already mentioned, was occupied as early as 1845 by John Barnard, who kept the first tavern. This building is standing yet, " a relic of by-gone days."

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HISTORY OF IOWA COUNTY.

During 1845, several families and persons moved into Highland, the most noticeable of whom were, aside from those mentioned, William and John Suddeth and wives, Harvey Hall and family. William Smith and wife, John Harriman and wife, Andrew McCready and wife, and George Moore.

In the spring of the above year, the first child was born, a son of Andrew McReady, which soon after died, this also being the first death in the place. The second birth was a girl, Eliza- beth, the daughter of Mr. Harriman, born during the same year, and who lived until the cholera trouble of 1850.

In 1845, the first frame building was erected by Mr. Goodsell, and rented to Henry Moore, who opened a store during the fall of that year or the ensuing spring. The establishment of a store, where the various necessities can be obtained, and where the ambitious descanters upon private and public topics can congregate, to exchange views and hear the news, is a matter of no small importance to a small or new community, although in itself it may be a signally insignifi- cant affair. However, according to the general opinions, this store was quite a superior estab- lishment.

The first mechanic came here in 1845, in the person of John Bratton, and started a black- smith-shop. We say the first, but probably there were carpenters here previous to that time, and perhaps masons, but none of these had any fixed place of business. The first carpenters were William Withrow, Anthoney Eimhoff and William A. Coons. The first known mason was Mr. James Finnel, who came here quite early, and in 1846 erected the first stone building in the place for Mr. Goodsell, and which is now occupied by Mrs. Goodsell.

In 1845, the marriage nuptials of Nicholas Murphy and Maria Ferrill were celebrated. Some of the circumstances connected with this occasion, which was the first of its kind, were quite amusing, and will be well remembered by many of the oldest inhabitants. It appears that Mr. Goodsell had often in a bantering way said that he would present the first couple with a lot, and finally laid a wager with Miss Ferrill, just at the time he was about to start East to get a wife, that no couple would get married before his return. The wager was accepted by Miss Ferrill, and sure enough when he returned in 1846 he found that her marriage had been consummated during his absence, and he was out a lot, which was the stake. True to his word, he gave the couple the lot, and on it the first frame dwelling-house in the village was erected.

The influx of settlers in 1846 was very rapid. In fact, there were not enough cabins to hold them, and during the entire summer large numbers had to live in tents, while on every hand the sound of the workman's hammer proclaimed the fact that the village was growing in a very substantial as well as rapid manner. A large majority of the people who were here then were New England people and Southerners, and among them were some of the best families of those sections, so that the society was unquestionably very good. Owing to the newness of the situation, all were striving to co-operate in a friendly manner, thus making the time pass pleas- antly and harmoniously for each and every one.

1847 is remembered in Highland as the year of the first celebration, when people came here from far and near. Among other attractions on that occasion was a brass band from Platteville, and a military company, and Dragoons from Mineral Point. It is said that Judge Cothren then made his maiden speech, standing on a dry goods box, under a clump of trees on Main street. Old settlers say that this was a very grand affair, with noise and glorification enough to make the day one to be long if not favorably remembered.

Of the very first merchants after Moore, who established themselves here before 1850, we are enabled to mention Mr. Hollob, Isaac Ocheltree, J. B. Wijley, W. Gray, Wesley Johnson. and Phelps, Mr. Miller, J. Gunlac, Charles Gillman and Hugh McCracken; there were also some others, but their names are unknown.

The second hotel was the old American House, built in 1847 by Anthoney Eimhoff for a Mr. Chandler. This hotel, which has grown old in the service of travelers and various land- lords, is now styled the Highland House and kept by Mrs. Fitzpatrick.

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HISTORY OF IOWA COUNTY.

Not long after the opening of the American House, Andrew Bolster erected a tavern on the site of Dr. Eagan's house. This hotel was burned and rebuilt a few years after, the second house being a large structure. Eventually that was burned also, so that now nothing remains, only the remembrance of the generous and hospitable fare that could always be obtained there.

The Blackney House, which is now the principal hotel in the place, was built in 1868 or 1869 by Mr. Pothold, a native of Poland. It is at present the property of Thomas Blackney, the ex-County Sheriff.

The first brewery, a log building, was erected by Jacob Gunlach in 1846. In 1847, Phillip Gillman put in the necessary feeding apparatus, and during the same year the first beer was made. Eventually the building was converted to other uses, until it was burned in 1880. The present brewery was built by Peter Seigut & Bros. in 1855. In 1862, it burned, and in 1863, on the old foundation, the building now in use was erected by the Lampe Brothers, Anthone Eimhoff and John Topp. Since that time it has been in constant operation, although changing hands occasionally, and has the name of producing very good beer.

Of the present old settlers living in the village, we are enabled to mention George Lampe, B. H. Lampe, Patrick McGum, S. H. Fitch, John Biehn, Jacob Dannerhausen, Mrs. Goodsell, Mrs. George Strong, Michael Muldoon, Charles Ohlerking, Richard Kennedy, Thomas McGuire, J. Newmeyer and Robert Grace. Nearly all of these were here before 1850, and a few almost from the very first, and nearly all of them, have been largely identified with the general growth of the place; there are doubtless others here who came before 1850, but their names were not known. The names of many that were once residents of the village, will be found in the town history.

Epidemics .- In July, 1850, the village was terribly ravaged by the cholera, some sixty- nine individuals having died from its effects. That, together with the exodus to California, may be said to have nearly depopulated the place. Isaac Darnell, a school-teacher, was the first vic- tim. by catching it from a family named Shepard, that was passing through Highland while leaving Wingville, which was then afflicted with the same epidemic. Within ten days after Darnell was taken, the disease was raging to a terrible extent. Many who were able to get away left ; among them both of the physicians, Drs. Hamilton and Moffett, to save their lives. It seemed for a time that none would escape that remained.

During this terrible ordeal, brave men and women were not wanting to perform the offices of humanity for the dead and dying. A general attendance committee was formed, consisting of Amasa Cobb, Henry Moore, Frank Ward, Benjamin Ringold, Joseph Daley, William Hook, James Hook, Chester Olds, James Calloway, J. Figgins and a man by the name of Morris, who did all that men could do to alleviate the sufferings of the afflictel. Bon-fires were kept burning and cannons were fired to purify the atmosphere, but all to no avail; the fell destroyer was upon them and the harvest of death must be and was satisfied This was, doubtless the greatest calamity that ever befell the place, the scenes and misery of which will never be forgotten by those who were there, and that pen or tongue can not adequately describe.

In the winter of 1877, the place was visited by the sniall-pox in the form of an epidemic, and which was so generally prevalent that almost one-half of the houses had the sanguinous signal displayed. The village was quarantined, and, for a time, all sorts of business came nearly to a stand-still. At this period there were about ten deaths, and a very large number who were sick recovered.

Murders .- During the early mining days, Highland was usually considered a pretty rough place, where a man could be accommodated with almost any kind of treatment, from good to . bad. But this is all changed now, as, with few exceptions, the villagers are very quiet and or- derly, and, since the charter was obtained, the various ordinances and efficient officers effectually prevent disorder to any considerable extent. The worst crimes ever perpetrated here were two murders. The killing of an old man, Francis Moran, by splitting his head open with an ax, was the most aggravated and brutal. The crime was perpetrated apparently to obtain money, and the murderers were never discovered. The other was the shooting of a Frenchman by the

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HISTORY OF IOWA COUNTY.

name of LaMott, by a tavern-keeper named Zar. LaMott, it appears, in a fit of intoxication attempted to force his way into Zar's house, causing the disaster. Eventually Zar was tried and acquitted on the plea of self-defense.

Fires .- In the course of the career of Highland, as mentioned, it has suffered severely from fires, some of which, for a place of this size, have been of considerable magnitude. The first one of special note occurred in 1848, when a building started by a Mr. Leider, the first tailor, for a hotel, was burned before it was entirely completed. Of the many fires that occurred afterward, we mention only the worst. The burning of the brewery in 1862, and within a few years the destruction of Dr. Hamilton's drug store and a cooper-shop standing near ; also the burning of the old Wisconsin House, and the drug store of David & Muldoon and P. S. Sheldon's tin-shop ; and again in 1877, the new Wisconsin House and Dr. Stanley's property. The last and worst of all was the terrible conflagration of November 20, 1880. This fire swept off several of the best business houses in the village, and left a large bare spot on the northwest corner of Main and Mineral Point streets, that will not, in all probability, be re-covered with buildings for some time to come.

The principal sufferers were Charles Ohlerking, Richard Kennedy, Thomas McGuire, Patrick Grant and H. B. Lampe. All of the buildings were insured, but not heavily-in all about $5,600-which was paid. The estimated loss was $7,500. The men, women and children worked like heroes, and saved a large amount of goods; but in spite of everything that could be done, and owing to a high wind, the fire could not be extinguished, and only stopped for want of more fuel. One young man, Bernard Goodsoll, received a very severe injury in trying to save one of the buildings.

Schools .- As stated in the town sketch, the first schoolhouse was built in the south part of the village, and is now occupied for a private dwelling. This building was the only school- house until 1855 or 1856, when by the general wishes of the voters the district (18) was divided, the line of separation between the two sections being principally Main street. After the divis- ion was effected, those in the east portion built a good-sized frame schoolhouse, and those in the west section erected a stone schoolhouse. No change was effected from this time on, save to im- prove the standing of the schools, until 1875. Then, at the time of the annual school meeting, the property owners of the two sections met and voted to again unite, and by consolidating their forces, to establish a graded school and erect a high-school building. The structure was begun

and finished to such an extent during the same year that a winter school could be taught ; but, the small-pox coming on, the school was not opened, although a teacher had been employed, to whom regular wages were paid. The schoolhouse is a large two-story frame building, well fin- ished, lighted and furnished throughout, and is an ornament to the place and credit to the ambi- tion of the inhabitants. The total cost was about $5,000. There are three departments, and the general standing is very good throughout. The citizens of Highland have just cause to be proud of their present school, for certainly it is one of the best in the county.

Post Office .- For a career of change begetting change, of Postmaster after Postmaster, ad libitum, and offices the same, during the last thirty-five years, nothing on record can show a wider range of experience and, perhaps, vicissitude in a public way, than this official institution.

The office was established in May, 1846, with E. B. Goodsell as Postmaster, the office being kept in the store of George Moore. In 1849, Amasa Cobb, who was then in the prime of young manhood, and just returned from the Mexican war, where he had won distinction, was appointed, partially at the desire of the people, who wished to show their appreciation of him in so far as possible, by giving an office. He first kept the post office in his law office, then moved it to Dr. J. B. Moffett's store, in the meantime, while the cholera was raging in 1850, having left the village, office and all, for two or three weeks. Cobb 'was elected District Attorney in 1852, and then Dr. Moffett was appointed. In 1853, another change was effected, and L. M. Strong, afterward Judge, became Postmaster. He kept the office in a small building that stood near where Dr. Eagan's house now stands. This appointment lasted until 1856 ; then Mark Corrin appears in the wheel of change, and held forth in the Town Clerk's office. This building since burned.

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HISTORY OF IOWA COUNTY.

Corrin was a strong Republican, and on account of his politics was soon ousted. Applicants for the position of Postmaster at that juncture were exceedingly few ; in fact it is said no one could be found to take it but a tinker named Morehead, who transported the office to his tin shop. The spring following (1857), Morehead left the village, and Squire Fitch was then appointed, and removed the office to the Town Clerk's room again, where he kept it until 1860, when he resigned in favor of Charles Gillman, who took the office to his store on the corner of Main and Mineral Point streets. This appointment only lasted until 1861, then B. H. Her- rick was installed Postmaster, and again the office was moved, being kept by him in the old American House, and subsequently in another building. The next year the inevitable change came, and Dr. A. C. Byers, a new-comer, was appointed. He first kept the office in his dwell- ing in the north part of town. Then moved it down town ; and at last settled it in the house now owned by Richard Kennedy, in the south part of the village. In 1865, Charles Gillman was again appointed and removed the office to the store where the Louis Brothers now keep ; two years after, H. G. Ellsworth became Postmaster, he having, with C. C. David, purchased Mr. Gillman's establishment. Mr. Ellsworth's partner, David, next took the office in 1868. In 1873, Mr. David resigned, and the office was kept by Richard Kennedy, for about a month at his store. This change not being agreeable to the people, James Clemenson either became dep- uty or received the appointment, and again the office was moved to Mr. David's store, where Clemenson was then a partner. The next appointment, probably, after Mr. David, was J. P. Smelker. Under him the post office was kept in William Kenear's store building, now owned by T. Wall, and from that it was moved to James Ramsden's place across the street. When the small-pox was raging in 1877, the office was taken to Mr. Smelker's law office, and thence to B. H. Kreal's store. In the fall of 1877, Mr. Ramsden was appointed Postmaster, and the office was then kept in Lampe's stone building. After him, in the spring of 1879, James Per- kins became Postmaster, keeping the office in his store until October of 1880, when the incum- bent, James George, was appointed, and thus ends the list. Who comes next ?

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History of Iowa County, Wisconsin, Part 119

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