USA > Wisconsin > Iowa County > History of Iowa County, Wisconsin > Part 120
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Secular Societies .- The first secret society organized here was the Franklin Lodge, No. 16, A., F. & A. M. The dispensation was extended August 3, 1847, and, on the 15th of January, 1848, the charter was granted to Adolphus Hollobs, W. M .; J. C. Bratton, S. W .; H. M. Billings, J. W. Among the prominent early members were R. L. Vance, A. Palmer, Charles Harvey, J. B. Dobson, A. Sylvester, Moses Meeker, Andrew Bolster and J. C. Chandler. The lodge flourished here until 1857, when, the membership having become small, the charter was taken to Avoca, in the town of Pulaski, where the lodge now is.
In 1848, the benevolent order of Odd Fellows established a lodge here, the twenty-second in the State. This organization flourished until 1861, when the war broke out; then it rapidly
ran down, and, in effect, soon ceased to exist. Among the prominent early members were L. M. Wells, W. H. Hook, Joseph Daley, R. L. Vance and J. Galloway.
Before 1850, a Sons of Temperance Society was organized here, and flourished for a few
years. Nothing further was done toward promoting temperance principles until 1878, when the red ribbon movement was set afoot here, and within a short time a large number of converts had been made. Father Stephen Trent was largely influential in advancing this work, and through his influence, and owing to the fact that the organization was not secret in its character, a large number of Catholics took the pledge. The club held meetings and flourished for two years, doing a great deal of permanent good by effecting the reform of several inebriates.
In 1873, a German benevolent society was founded by Father Syler, which is now flour- ishing. According to the code of this order, in the case of sickness a member is paid $2 per week and care of members. In case of death, an appropriation of $25 is made to defray funeral expenses. In this connection, it may be said such an organization as this is a credit to any community. The first officers were George Lampe, President ; B. H. Lampe, Secretary ; John Tapp, Treasurer. Father Syler was evidently a man of social proclivities, and quite public- spirited (as may be said of Father Stephen Trent, whose memory is held dear by nearly all classes), for under his instigation, about five years ago, the Higbland Brass Band was started.
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The organization now numbers fourteen members, and is one of the two which are at present in existence in the county. The band is said to be in a very flourishing condition, and is acknowl- edged to play exceedingly well.
Churches .- Religious services were held in the village very soon after the first schoolhouse was built in 1845, by Elder Penman, a Methodist, and during the season a class was organized, consisting of John Luddeth and wife, Mr. and Mrs. Harriman, Mr. and Mrs. Edgington, Jona- than Meeker and wife, Mrs. Greenash, Mrs. Hall and Mrs. Smith. Mr. Penman was the min- ister for some time; then his place was taken by a circuit rider named Close. Another of the early ministers was Elder Whitford.
In 1847, the community had largely increased, and a society of the Church of the Disciples, of considerable size, was formed ; this society alternated with the Methodists and the Catholics, who were also here by that time in large numbers ; the first Catholic Priest who officiated here was Father Johannes, a Frenchman. The Campbellites sometimes held their services in a little grove south of the village; this society was prosperous until the California exodus and cholera broke them up.
A Presbyterian Church society was also formed with the Rev. Allen as minister, he offi- ciated for several years, but by 1850, the organization began to wane, and, eventually, became extinct, or was merged into the German Presbyterian Church. The first Sabbath school was started in July or August of 1846, with S. H. Fitch as Superintendent.
An Irish Catholic Church was built in 1848, a small frame building which was the first in the place ; this was first built for a schoolhouse, but there not being many scholars it was used as a church. In 1852, another building was erected, and the small building united with it. This continued to be their only church until 1871, when, under the management of Father Stephen Trent, the large stone church was erected; this edifice, which is unquestionably one of the very best in the county, cost not less than $15,000, and is not only an ornament to High - land, but it is also a credit to the enterprise and liberality of the congregation. The Priests have been Father Johannes, Father Smith (who was the first resident Priest), Father MacDonald, Father Flannery, Father Dolan, Father Ryan, Father Trent and Father Dempsey.
The German Presbyterian Church society was organized in 1856, by E. Kudobe, with some seven or eight members, and the church was built not long after. Mr. Kudobe was the Pastor for several years; then came the Rev. Cobb, who was again replaced by Rev. Kudobe, who eventually resigned and Rev. Schwab took the charge; there are now about fifty-five mem- bers in good standing, and the church is entirely ont of debt.
About the time that the Presbyterian Church was built, the Methodist denomination also erected their church ; this church has always been provided with a minister from some other locality ; the society was, at first, quite strong, and for many years maintained a good standing and had regular services, but at the present time there are but a few of the church here, and preaching is held very irregularly. It is scarcely probable that the church will ever be revived, unless it be by the German Methodists, large numbers of whom live in this section.
The German Catholic society was formed some time before the war and held their services until 1863 in the Irish Catholic Church. A fine stone building begun in 1861, was completed and dedicated by Archbishop Henni, of Milwaukee. This church is second in size and expense only to the Irish Catholic, and though it cost only $7,000, or less than half the price of the latter, yet it is nearly as commodious, and is altogether a very handsome building. The Pricsts of this church have been Fathers Foisen, Weinhart, Lang, Seiler and Radermacher. Both of the Catholic Churches have cemeteries, that of the German Catholic being in connection with the church, and that of the Irish Catholic being in Section 33, south of the village and near the public cemetery ; this is the oldest burying-ground now in use in the town.
Government .- Previous to the time the village was incorporated, in 1874, Highland, as in the case of all unincorporated places, was entirely under the control of the town authorities, and necessarily subjected to numerous inconveniences, if not abuses, thereby. The nost important, or, rather, most disagreeable of these, was the want of suitable sidewalks, and,
ce
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more particular still, a license system that would amply protect the village from the abuses aris- ing from insufficient restraints, and also secure to the place whatever pecuniary benefits might arise from licensing.
Officers .- The first election for village officers was held on the 13th day of January, 1874. The whole number of votes polled was 131. and the following persons were elected :
1874-B. H. Lampe, President; William Sengpiel, S. Arpenback, D. Zimmer, John Raw, Patrick Grant and S. Niedemeyer, Trustees ; Matt Burns, Clerk ; George Lampe, Treasurer ; E. B. Goodsell, Assessor ; S. II. Fitch, Police Justice ; Regnold Koch, Justice : R. Flynn, Su- pervisor ; C. C. Greehalgh, Marshal ; P. S. Smith, Road Commissioner.
On the 5th of May following, a special election was held, and a vote taken to raise money for building sidewalks, but there was no money raised. The officers then elected were: B. H. Lampe, President ; Richard Flynn, S. Niedemeyer, B. H. Kreull, R. Woodward, Thomas Man- ning and J. P. Smelker, Trustees ; Matt Burns, Clerk; George Lampe, Treasurer ; E. B. Goodsell, Assessor; S. A. Fitch, Police Justice ; C. C. David, Supervisor.
1875 -- J. P. Smelker, President ; B. H. Lampe, B. H. Kreal, F. J. Ficht, James Clemen- son, Richard Flynn, S. Niedemeyer, Trustees ; F. J. La Malle, Clerk ; George Lampe, Treas- urer : R. Cook, Police Justice ; Robert McCormick, Marshal : C. C. Greenhalgh, Road Com- missioner.
1876-Dr. Charles Eagan, President ; William Sengpiel, Stephen Erpenbach, P. S. Smith, John Lynch, Stephen Cosgrove and Thomas Renoy, Trustees ; J. P. Sholvin, Clerk ; George Lampe, Treasurer ; S. H. Fitch, Police Justice; Matt Burns, Supervisor : P. S. Smith, Mar- shal and Street Commissioner.
1877-B. H. Kreul, President ; F. J. Fecht, P. Grant. G. Davis, Thomas Manning, R. R. David, Michael Flynn, Trustees ; Daniel Ford, Clerk : Mathias Cahab, Treasurer ; S. H. Fitch, Police Justice : A. Jinks, Supervisor : Mathias Cahab, Marshal ; R. McCormick, Road Com- missioner.
1878-B. H. Kreul, President ; F. J. Fecht, James Dolan, James Perkins, J. P. Smelker, Joseph Kaiser and Thomas Blackney, Trustees; Patrick Delaney, Clerk ; Mathias Chab, Treas- urer ; S. H. Fitch, Police Justice ; J. P. Smelker, Supervisor ; Mathias Cahab. Marshal ; A. Raw, Road Commissioner.
1879-J. P. Smelker, President ; B. H. Lampe, Thomas Penoy, John Nondorf, Mathias Cahab, James Dolan and Jacob Fecht, Trustees; J. W. Gunn, Clerk ; Mathias Cahab, Treasurer ; Thomas Hand, Police Justice ; Joseph Dolan, Supervisor ; E. La Motte, Marshal ; R. Nicholson, Road Commissioner.
1880-J. P. Smelker, President: James Perkins, B. H. Lampe, William Kenair, H. Nussbaum, Jacob Fecht and Thomas Penoy, Trustees; J. W. Gunn, Clerk ; Mathias Cahab, Treasurer : Thomas Hand, Police Justice; J. P. Sholvin, Justice ; B. Ternes, Supervisor ; E. La Motte, Marshal ; N. Fecht, Road Commissioner.
Directory .- Hotels-Blackney House, Jacob Fecht ; Highland House, Mrs. B. Fitzpat- rick. Lawyers-J. P. Smelker, B. Ternes. Physicians-Charles Eagan. H. P. Mix. Ore Buyer-Charles Harvey, General Stores-Louis Bros., Harris & Solomon, Nondorf & Kreul. R. Kennedy, B. H. Lampe, Charles Ohlerking. Drug Stores-R. Kennedy, J. Dolan. Hardware-J. Perkins, George Evans, M. A. Cholvin. Furniture -- M. Klingele & Son. Har- ness Shops-W. Wauek, T. Wall. Jeweler-M. Dodd. Butchers-R. C. Lee, Joseph Golds- worthy. Wagon Shops-M. Cahab, J. Shiefelbein, William Sengkiel. Blacksmiths-Fech & Linchild, J. B. Nye, J. Sullivan, J. Winters. Carpenters-Joseph Kaiser, J. Klingele, John Gunn. Shoemakers-S. Neidemeyer, Henry Nussbaum, F. Washa. Millinery-Mrs. Dol- phin & Gregon, Julia Overstreet. Barbers-F. Langdorf, C. Clarks. Brewery-J. Schaffra. Saloons-P. Grant, J. Kotte, M. Casper, P. Casser, J. Williams, Kliest & Kamm, Klingele & Son.
CHAPTER XVIII.
TOWNS AND VILLAGES-CONTINUED.
TOWN OF LINDEN-VILLAGE OF LINDEN-TOWN OF MIFFLIN-VILLAGE OF DALLAS-VILLAGE OF MIFFLIN-VILLAGE OF REWEY-TOWN OF MOSCOW-VILLAGE OF MOSCOW-ADAMSVILLE- TOWN OF PULASKI-VILLAGE OF AVOCA-TOWN OF RIDGEWAY-WEST BLUE MOUNDS-TOWN WYOMING-HELENA-TOWN OF WALDWICK.
TOWN OF LINDEN.
The town of Linden-now, in point of valuation, the leading agricultural and mining sec- tion in the county-was among the first to attract immigration. The different elevations of its varied surface suggested to the early fortune-hunters an abundance of rich and accessible mineral deposits ; and, indeed, the entire country seemed to be only awaiting the labors of the hardy pioneer to enable it to produce bounteously. As the good fortune of one in any branch of in- dustry proves an incentive for others to engage in the same, so the success attending the dis- covery of mineral in Linden was followed by a population as numerous as it was cosmopolitan.
The town is located in the southwestern part of the county, and comprises fifty-six sections in Townships 4 and 5, Range 2 east of the Fourth Principal Meridian. It is bounded on the north by Dodgeville, on the east by Mineral Point, on the south by La Fayette County, and on the west by Mifflin.
The general surface of the town is varied; parts of the northern, eastern and western por- tions are rolling prairie, and well adapted for grain-raising, being the better portion of the town for farming purposes. The southern part is much broken, though there is but little land that cannot be made available, either for grain or stock raising. This portion of the town is well calculated for the latter branch of industry, and much attention is being paid there to the rais- ing of cattle and hogs. There are in Linden many large and nicely improved farms, ornamented with attractive and commodious residences. The town is well watered by Spensley's Branch, " Peddler's Creek and the East Pecatonica River. It is populated by Welsh, Germans, Norwegians and English-the latter predominating. The Welsh settlement is located in the southern part of the town, and extends into Mifflin on the west, and La Fayette County on the south.
First Miners and Smelters .- The mining district embraces that portion of territory which is in the immediate vicinity of the village of Linden. To the Irish is due the honor of the first settlement of this now prosperous town, though in the race for supremacy they have been eclipsed by the English and Welsh. As the pioneers of Southwestern Wisconsin were miners and seekers of wealth among the hidden treasures of the earth, they naturally sought only the mining districts.
In the month of October, when the autumn leaves were falling, proclaiming to the world the near approach of the winter of 1827, then it was that Patrick O'Meara, while on his way to Galena from Dodgeville, was overtaken by night on the creek, east of the present village, and where, after preparing a brush couch, he lay down to enjoy "tired nature's sweet restorer." He was an Irishman by birth and a peddler by occupation, hence the name Peddler's Creek. While gathering material for his camp-fire, he accidentally stumbled upon the first lead ever dis- covered in this town. He pursued his journey to Galena the next day. and, as soon thereafter as possible, returned with his bosom friend, Morgan Keogh, to whom he had confided the secret of his find. These enterprising Celts erected a rude sod cabin in the grove, since dignified by the appellation of " Keogh's Grove," and, ere the first snows came to announce the arrival of the month of November, they had commenced their diggings, determined to wrest from nature's
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HISTORY OF IOWA COUNTY.
grasp her buried treasures. These diggings were prosecuted with energy, on the west side of the creek, near the place where the road leading from Dodgeville to Galena crossed it. During the winter of 1827, which was noted for its severity, these pioneers continned their mining ope- rations with flattering success.
Early in 1828, one Browning strayed into the future Linden, and went into partnership with Keogh and O'Meara. In March of this year, they struck what was subsequently termed the "Browning Diggings," which were worked with considerable success before the mines were exhausted. Some time later, in 1828, two Indian traders made their appearance in this new El Dorado, one of whom was named Halliday. They began working on the east side of the creek, and eventually developed the " Big Range," which was operated for several years with abundant success. During that year, a Mr. Young and R. Carver became part and parcel of the present Linden. and discovered lead ore and " drybone" (calamine) on the west side of the creek.
The year 1828 is especially interesting in the annals pertaining to the development of the mineral resources of Linden, as, among many others of minor importance, what has since been known as the Heathcock Range was discovered. This valuable lead was struck in the fall of this year by Bird Millsap and Frederick Dixon, of Missouri. Millsap had been a drover, en- gaged in driving cattle from Lower Missouri to the Selkirk settlement, in the British Possessions. His path was through the county, along what is termed the "dividing ridge." These diggings were operated with rather discouraging results, until 1832, when the first practical miners found their way to Linden, and successfully opened up the valuable treasures of this since distin- guished mine. So abundant was the yield of this mine, that, at one time, a million of mineral stood on the location, and was disposed of at one sale, to Goldthorpe & Comstock, who had a smelting furnace on the Mifflin road, five miles from Mineral Point, in the town of Linden.
Subsequent to the Black Hawk war. in 1832, Millsap & Dixon disposed of the range to James Huse and James Andrews, who continued to operate the diggings with success until 1835. At that date, Tom Parish, a smelter, at Wingville, purchased the lead and worked it one year. He then sold one-third interest to William and John Heathcock and Michael Poad, the con- sideration being $700. When the Government land came into market, the Heathcock brothers and Mr. Poad entered the whole 120 acres of the range, and became the sole owners. Event- ually, the entire range was disposed of to the Pittsburgh Mining Company for a consideration of $18,000. This firm, after working the mine to pecuniary advantage for a number of years, finally disposed of it to William T. Henry and John J. Ross, of Mineral Point, who are now operating this extensive range.
The "Old Sam Charles Diggings" were struck in 1833, and proved very valuable, and were worked with little expense. The lead was located on land owned by Paschal Beqnette, son-in-law of Gov. Dodge, two and one-half miles west of the village of Mifflin. Subsequent to 1833, Andrew Huse worked these diggings with varying success ; 600,000 pounds of mineral was taken out of this mine before it was exhausted.
During the succeeding years, lodes and ranges were discovered in different parts of the town ; in fact, in nearly every section of land diggings could be found, some of which proved profitable, while others were unproductive.
The persons who first worked the " diggings " of Linden were men of little knowledge of the science of mining, consequently their ventures in that direction often proved unsuccessful. The population was composed principally of miners from Illinois and Missouri, who came here and operated during the summer season, returning to their homes in the winter, and thus acquiring the title of "suckers," and their diggings were known as " sucker holes," from being near the surface. Everything connected with their operations was of the most primitive character. As exemplification of this, their idea of blasting was to burrow a hole in the ground and place therein a quantity of powder, "and last, though not least," to effect an explosion. To accomplish this difficult operation, the bravest of the party would approach with a shovel filled with burning coals, and emptying them into the receptacle containing the loose powder,
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would make tracks for a convenient shelter to escape the flying missiles. But this was all changed by the year 1832, which brought to the town the practical miners who have since developed these valuable mines, and enriched themselves and the country.
The leading smelters in the vicinity in early times, were Thomas Parish, at Wingville, Grant County ; Capt. J. B. Terry and Henry Gratiot, who, prior to the Black Hawk war, had a furnace in Diamond Grove, on the Linden road, five miles from Mineral Point; and Mr. Larramie, who had a furnace in Diamond Grove, on the Mifflin road. There were also other smelting works in Dodgeville, Ridgeway and Highland.
Early Settlement .- In 1830, Morgan Keogh broke the first land for farming purposes. This was done on his claim in Keogh's Grove. It consisted of three acres of ground, which was devoted to the raising of corn and potatoes. Prior to this date, little attention was paid to this industry, everybody concentrating their efforts toward the development of the mines. Aside from this. it was supposed by the inhabitants that soil containing so much lead as was found to exist in Linden, would be unproductive, and that labor employed in farming would therefore be in vain. But the high prices of produce, which had to be brought from Galena by ox teams. and the success rewarding the efforts of Morgan Keogh, induced some of the succeeding settlers to engage in the industry of agriculture, without which nations would decline, cities decay and mankind perish.
To continue ; among the settlers who came here about this time (1830) was a widow lady named Andrews, with a family of four sons, who, in company with James Huse, worked for & time on the Heathcock Range. In 1830, William Young and brother came also, and com- menced digging on the eastern portion of the Heathcock Range. An Irishman named Mc- Mahon, with his wife and family, built a cabin on the East Creek, and mined on the upper end of Peddler's Creek. A Frenchman, named Gaines, who had married a squaw, settled here, and engaged in mining ; and Joseph Wooley, Joseph Reno, the Meyer brothers, and Mr. Hig- gings also found their way to the future town at that time, and commenced mining operations. near the village, some on Peddler's Creek and others on the Heathcock Range.
The years 1831 and 1832 brought a number of miners from Illinois and Missouri, who were the first to take the initiatory steps toward the proper development of the mineral dis- coveries. Among the number were Andrew Huse, Daniel Webb and Capt. J. B. Terry. The last mentioned erected smelting works (mentioned), in company with Henry Gratiot. At that time there were but three women in the town, the wives of Mr. McMahon and Andrew Huse, and the Widow Andrews.
The claim is not presented that the list of those who settled here during the years men- tioned is complete ; far from it. There were others who strayed to the wilderness now embraced by the town lines of Linden, and after fretting a brief existence on the stage of life, long ago crossed the mystic river of death, leaving their deeds and the hardships and trials they endured for future generations to enfold and elaborate.
The population of Linden continued to increase during the early part of 1832, up to the date of the outbreak of the Black Hawk war in May of that year. This brought on a re-action. and for a time the town was deserted. The pick and gad were left idle by the miners, and the plow was abandoned in the furrow by the husbandmen ; and, for some months, the prospects of this section looked gloomy indeed. The future seemed hid behind clouds which bore no " silvery lining," and the hardy pioneers were filled with hopes and fears regarding the dawning of a brighter day. They were not long held in suspense, however ; for as Old Father Time recorded the advent of the month of August of the same year, it was announced that the war was over, and that the settlers might return in peace and safety to their deserted homes. But Linden did not, as might be supposed, immediately recover from the severe check received; but was some time in regaining the prosperity of 1831, and the early part of 1832.
During the spring of 1833 (as mentioned), John and William Heathcock, Michael Poad and John Price, immigrated to this town. and engaged in mining near the village. About this time, another influence, which worked disastrously to the rapid settlement of the town, was the
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opening of the Dubuque mines. This proved irresistibly attractive to the miners in this vicinity, and the consequence was the emigration of the entire mining population, with the exception of perhaps a half a dozen, who were content with the success already achieved. During this year, but few settlers located in the town.
The year 1834 was rendered memorable, however, by a great influx of miners, prospectors, fortune-hunters and visitors. Among the number were David Morrison, Mr. Prior, R. Golds- worthy, James and Johnson Glanville, William and James Rablin, William Goldsworthy, Mark Smith and N. Stevens.
After the Black Hawk war, Andrew Huse and Daniel Webb opened farms, the latter culti- vating forty acres of the land now owned by George Varcoe. At that time, Mark and John Smith located farms a mile north of the village. A Mr. Powell also made a claim during this year, and cultivated a part of the farm now owned and occupied by Robert and Nathan Jacobs. Robert Vial also became a resident of Linden in 1834. Among the number who settled here in 1835, were Samuel Treloar, John and Richard Cox, Thomas Thomas and family, William Thomas and wife and William Barrett and family.
In 1836. Linden being then a comparatively old and well-settled town, a generous immi- gration was attracted hither. Many of those who came during that year are still residents of the town. Much attention was then being paid to agriculture, owing, perhaps, to the high prices of produce. Corn was $I a bushel ; flour, $12 per barrel, and teams $5 a day with board. At the same time, mineral was sold for $12 a thousand. John and William Heathcock broke a farm of 160 acres on Section 20, in 1836, and shortly after, the Rule family were cultivating a farm on Section 6. From these small beginnings in agriculture, and from the possession of some of the most valuable farming lands in the county, which necessarily render this industry prosperous, the town of Linden has gradually, through the growth of years, obtained a most desirable and enviable position.
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