History of Iowa County, Wisconsin, Part 121

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

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In 1870, the town assessments amounted to $562,866; and, by 1880, it had augmented to $721,785.

In 1834, the first store in the town was established by Capt. J. B. Terry, at his smelting works in " Diamond Grove." His merchandise, in the language of a pioneer, consisted of "a little of everything and not much of anything." In the same year Paschal Bequette started a store about a mile south of Terry, at Diamond Grove, where he had a furnace and a blacksmith- shop. This blacksmith-shop was the only one for many miles around, and was therefore over- crowded with work, principally the mending and sharpening of miners' tools. The site of his furnace and shop is now a part of the farm owned by Francis Little.

The first school in the town was established in 1837, in a log cabin that stood near the village, on Section 16, which was erected the year previous by the Methodist Episcopal Congre- gation for a church. A Mr. Seebury was the teacher, and was paid by subscription or pro rata. His scholars numbered twenty. Eventually this log cabin was removed to the vicinity of the present rock building, and a school was taught liere for some years after. A few years subsequent to the establishment of the first school, others were started in different parts of the town, as the increase of the population demanded. There are now in the town eleven schoolhouses, with accommodations for 550 children. The school property is valued at $4,130.49. The children of school age in the town aggregate 830-403 males and 427 females. These require the services of twelve teachers, who are paid an average salary of $31.33 to males, and $19.63 to females. During the year ending August 31, 1880, there was received for school purposes $2,660.01; paid out, $2,417.51.

In September of 1834, the first marriage in the town was solemnized. The contracting parties were William Heathcock and Mary Thomas, who were married by Thomas Parish, of Wingville, Grant County, he being then a Justice of the Peace.

Official Record .- The town of Linden was organized in 1849. The town adopted the name Peddler's Creek, and was known as such until 1855, when the Government refused to accept the name for a post-office, so, during that year, at the suggestion of John Wasley, the town

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received the title of Linden. The first meeting of the town was held in April, 1849, at the old Jog schoolhouse in the lower part of the village. At that meeting the following officers were elected : David Morrison, Chairman ; Col. Austin Hamilton and Mr. Smith, Supervisors ; Clerk, John Weston ; Treasurer, John Heathcock; Assessor, Armand Paddock.

The following is a complete list of the town officers from 1858, the records prior to this date having been accidentally destroyed by fire :

1858-Francis Little, Chairman ; Samuel Treloar and John Batton, Supervisors ; Clerk, J. H. Weston ; Treasurer, James Glanville.

1859-Franeis Little, Chairman ; James Toay, Samuel Treloar, Supervisors ; Clerk, Robert Jacobs ; Treasurer, James Glanville ; Assessor, C. S. Weston.

1860-Francis Little, Chairman ; James Toay, Samuel Treloar, Supervisors ; Clerk, J. H. Weston ; Treasurer, James Glanville ; Assessor, C. S. Weston.

1861-Franeis Little, Chairman ; James Toay, J. J. Davis, Supervisors ; Clerk, J. W. Weston ; Treasurer, James Glanville ; Assessor, C. S. Weston.

1862-William Goldsworthy, Chairman ; James Toay, Francis Baker, Supervisors ; Clerk, J. H. Weston ; Treasurer, James Glanville ; Assessor, Kerton Coates.

1863-James Toay, Chairman ; F. Baker, James Brewer, Supervisors ; Clerk, J. H. Wes- ton ; Treasurer, James Glanville ; Assessor, Kerton Coates.

1864-James Toay, Chairman ; James Brewer, F. Baker, Supervisors ; Clerk, J. H. Wes- ton ; Treasurer, James Glanville ; Assessor, Kerton Coates. During this year the town paid $26.25 for war bounties.

1865-David Morrison, Chairman ; John Cowling, Michael Sampson, Supervisors ; Clerk, John W. Heatheock ; Treasurer, James Glanville ; Assessor, Kerton Coates.

1866-John Lee, Chairman ; B. Williams, M. Sampson, Supervisors ; Clerk, T. O. Kent ; Treasurer, James Glanville ; Assessor, Kerton Coates.

1867-M. Sampson, Chairman; Francis Baker, B. Williams, Supervisors ; Clerk, T. O. Kent ; Treasurer, James Glanville ; Assessor, C. S. Weston.

1868-F. Baker, Chairman ; B. Williams John Tregoning, Supervisors ; Clerk, T. O. Kent ; Treasurer, James Glanville ; Assessor, James R. Rule.

1869-Michael Sampson, Chairman ; A. Jewell, Job Viekerman, Supervisors ; Clerk, T. O. Kent ; Treasurer, James Glanville; Assessor, C. S. Weston.

1870-Kerton Coates, Chairman ; Edward Harris, A. Jewell, Supervisors ; Clerk, T. O. Kent ; Treasurer, James Glanville ; Assessor, C. S. Weston.

1871-Kerton Coates, Chairman ; A. Jewell, William Goldsworthy, Supervisors ; Clerk, T. O. Kent ; Treasurer, James Glanville ; Assessor, C. S. Weston.

1872-Kerton Coates, Chairman : A. Jewell, W. Clayton, Supervisor ; Clerk, T. O. Kent ; Treasurer, James Glanville ; Assessor, C. S. Weston.

1873-Kerton Coates, Chairman ; A. Jewell, I. C. Comfort, Supervisors ; Clerk, T. O. Kent; Treasurer, James Glanville ; Assessor, C. S. Weston.

1874-Kerton Coates, Chairman ; John Cowley, Eben Davis, Supervisors; Clerk, William Hopper ; Treasurer, James Glanville : Assessor, C S. Weston.

1875-Kerton Coates, Chairman ; John Cowley, I. C. Comfort, Supervisors ; Clerk, Will- iam Hopper; Treasurer, James Glanville ; Assessor, Robert Osborne.

1876-Kerton Coates, Chairman ; W. Clayton, Isaac Comfort, Supervisors ; Clerk, Will- iam Hopper ; Treasurer, James Glanville ; Assessor, Robert Osborne.

1877-I. C. Comfort, Chairman ; F. Baker, T. O. Kent, Supervisors ; Clerk, John Tay- lor ; Treasurer, James Glanville ; Assessor, C. S. Weston.

1878-R. Smith, Chairman ; F. Baker, W. Clayton, Supervisors ; Clerk, John Hopper ; Treasurer, James Glanville ; Assessor, C. S. Weston.

1879-R. S. Smith, Chairman ; F. Baker, W. Clayton, Supervisors ; Clerk, John Hopper ; Treasurer, James Glanville ; Assessor, Charles S. Weston.

1880-Franeis Baker, Chairman ; John Lee, Wright Clayton, Supervisors ; Clerk. John Hopper ; Treasurer, James Glanville : Assessor, Charles Weston.

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HISTORY OF IOWA COUNTY.

VILLAGE OF LINDEN.

Pleasantly situated six miles from Mineral Point, and twelve from Dodgeville, on an elevated ridge, commanding a magnificent view of the surrounding country. is the village of Linden, ornamented with beautiful residences, cultivated gardens and shaded streets. True to the pro- gressive spirit of the age, the people of this locality have devoted their efforts to the decoration of their homes, thereby rendering them very attractive and agreeable.

This village originally consisted of eighty acres of land, laid out by John Wasley, assisted by A. W. Comfort, Surveyor, on July 11, 1855, and recorded February 7, 1856. It was sur- veyed into rather irregular blocks, streets and alleys. Subsequently, other additions were made to the original plat, termed " Battons " and " Dinsdales " Additions to the village of Linden. At first, Jots were sold at prices ranging from $5 to $25 each.

The first building erected within the precincts of the village of Linden, was a log structure built in 1855. This building was erected by Michael Poad, and by him used for a store, he being thus recorded as the first to offer proposals for the patronage of the citizens of Linden. This building, which was located in the lower part of the town, on the site now occupied by the resi- dence of Elijah Poad, was burned in the spring of 1856.

Mr. Poad was succeeded in merchandising by James Webber, who managed a successful bus- iness for several years.

In 1855, Michael Poad erected a log dwelling-house, the first for that purpose in the limits of the village. Shortly after, in the summer of this year, Simon Lanyon erected near the creek, two frame buildings : one for a dwelling-house, and the other for a blacksmith-shop. which indus- try he first founded here, and followed for a number of years.

During the year 1856, John Wasley and Curtis Beech established a store in the building erected by Mr. Lanyon, a dwelling, and did a flourishing business. Mr. Lanyon next built a frame dwelling up town, now occupied by Thomas Wicks.

In 1856. James Granville opened a tavern and grocery in the lower part of town, near where he now resides.

Subsequent to 1856, the mines being worked vigorously, Linden attracted a number of bus- iness men, representing all classes of trade, and the population also gradually increased as its importance became more determined, until now it is a thriving little village of 275 souls.

The business interests of Linden are now represented in general merchandise by Hopper & Hicks, R. S. Smith & Bro., Lewis Bros., Mrs. Grace Richards & Son ; groceries, T. M. Goldsworthy ; hardware and drugs, William Treloar; bank, Taylor & Osborne : attorney at law, J. W. Taylor ; furniture and carpenter, John Vivian; wagon-maker, John Harris ; blacksmiths, Bartle. Evans and George Tonkin ; butchers, Jacob Rolling and Thomas James ; tailor, John Callow ; painter, Abe Vial ; harness-maker, Thomas Batton, Jr. ; shoe-maker, F. Shaffer: physician, R. D. Gill ; photographer, John Wearne; mason, William Hammel ; hotels, William Pollard, Mrs. E. G. Ingraham ; milliners and dress-makers, Miss Dalia Viv- ian, Miss Mary Cox. Misses Ching, Edith Wasley, Misses Baker & Coats.

Post Office .- The first post office in the town was established here in 1855, John Wasley being appointed Postmaster. He was succeeded by Thomas Ansley, now of Mineral Point, then a merchant in the village of Linden. The others who have been the recipients of Ex- ecutive favor, and acted as Postmasters here, are Messrs. Tonkin, Weston, John W. Heathcock, Thomas Goldsworthy, and Richard Smith, the incumbent.

Secret Societies .- Linden Lodge, No. 206, A., F. A. M., was organized under dispensation February 13, 1877. and received its charter June 13, 1877. The following are the charter members: J. F. Heathcock, who was elected W. M .; Fred Shaffer, S. W .; Alfred Treglown, J. W .; R. S. Smith, Treasurer; J. W. Heathcock, Secretary ; R. H. Wearing, S. D .; William Rolling, J. D .; George Weaver and H. J. Hicks, Stewards; James James, Tiler; John Patterson, John Wicks, R. F. Richards, Thomas Wicks, David Morrison, William Varcoe, James Rule and John Cowling. This lodge now numbers thirty-five members in good standing,

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HISTORY OF IOWA COUNTY.

with the following officers: R. S. Smith, W. M .; James Hicks, S. W .; John Patterson, J. W .; J. J. Heathcock, Secretary ; Gabriel Mills, Treasurer. The lodge meets weekly in a neat and commodious room ; the membership has been continually increasing from year to year since the beginning.

Highland Lodge, No. 22, I. O. O. F., was originally organized in Highland in 1848, but a few years after the lodge run down and the charter was removed to Linden, and a new society organized here November 16, 1875. The charter members in Linden were J. S. Comfort, J. Hopper, L. H. Fredricks, William Harris and John Kislingbury. The first officers were L. A. Fredricks, N. G .; John Hopper, V. G .; J. S. Comfort, Secretary; William Harris, Treasurer. The society meet weekly in the Masonic Hall, and have now a membership of twenty-four. The present officers are John Hopper, P. G .; R. S. Jacobs, N. G .; J. Kislingbury, V. G .; J. Kitto, R. S .; G. Tonkin, P. S .; S. Poad, Treasurer.

Churches .- The Methodist Episcopal congregation was organized in 1834. The class consisted of John Prior, R. Vial, William Webster, Samuel Treloar, John Heathcock and Will- iam Barrett. Prayer meetings were first held in the dwellings of the different members of the flock for two years. In 1836, this small but enterprising congregation erected, on Section 16, near the village, the log cabin subsequently used for a schoolhouse. In 1840, the society num- bered fifty members, and, requiring more commodious quarters, they that year erected the rock building now used for school purposes. In 1851, the congregation numbered one hundred and fifty members in good standing, and during that year the present new rock church, 50x40 feet, was erected at a cost of $2,000. T. M. Fullerton was the first circuit rider. The first pastor of the present church was Rev. W. L. Williams. Since then the following ministers have guided the spiritual destinies of the Methodist Episcopal congregation: Revs. Enoch Tasker, James Lawson, Thomas Lawson, Rev. Scarles, John Murrish, William Thomas, Rev. Irish, and the incumbent, Rev. John Harris. The society now numbers one hundred and twenty-five members.

TOWN OF MIFFLIN.

Prior to permanent settlements, temporary residences had been established in different parts of the town by lead prospectors and fortune-hunters. These were composed mostly of miners from Illinois and Missouri, who worked in the mines during the summer, returning to their homes in the winter, thus acquiring the title of "suckers."

The beginning made at Dodgeville, Mineral Point and thereabouts, attracted a generous immigration to Iowa County and the towns belonging to it. These included the pioneers who built up Mifflin and rendered the same famous, as also the settlers who wended their way to other pastures, since dignified by the historic appellations of Linden, Highland, Ridgeway, etc. Small ranges and lodes of mineral have been worked on nearly every section of the town, but no large bodies, except the " Black Jack Range," have been operated to any great extent. These " diggings" are located in the immediate vicinity of the present village. They were discovered in 1831 by Thomas Simpson and " Little General" Atkinson, so called from his diminutive size, and in honor of the Black Hawk War General of the same name. This mine was formerly im- mensely productive, and is now worked with flattering success, hundreds of tons of " black jack" being taken out annually, and shipped over the narrow-gauge railroad from Rewey Sta- tion to the La Salle, Ill., Smelting Works. The land of this mine is now owned by John J. Ross, of Mineral Point, and Mrs. Mitchell, of Galena. The range is worked by Bainbridge, Spensley & Co., Robert Young & Co., Jenkins, Miller & Co., and Peter Moore & Co., employ- ing altogether thirty men.

First Settlers .- The first settlers who joined their destinies with the savage inhabitants of the town of Mifflin, gravitated here from Kentucky, Missouri and Illinois as early as 1827. The earliest known white man who located in the present territory of Mifllin, according to authentic sources of information, accessible to the seeker after facts in that connection, was a man named John G. Parish, a Kentuckian. In the fall of 1827 he, with his wife and family, settled on Section 16. Here he erected a log cabin, the first in the town, and engaged in mining and

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HISTORY OF IOWA COUNTY.

teaming. He continued his mining and teaming operations here until five years later, then he moved to Galena, where he finally succumbed to the cholera epidemic of 1834.

In the summer of 1828, Abel Clapp, a miner from Missouri, came to Mifflin, attracted thither by the discoveries of Mr. Parish, and engaged in mining, which he followed until " big- ger" leads were heard from in different parts of the county, when he shouldered his pick, and, with a heart filled with sanguine expectations, went forth to fresher fields.

In the month of October, 1828, Joseph B. Hunter and Thomas Simpson, with their fami- lies, immigrated to this section of the county, from Missouri, and located claims near the old Indian camping-ground, subsequently the site of the village of Dallas, now decayed. At this point these pioneers erected sod cabins and began mining. Mr. Hunter for some years operated the first smelting furnace in the town ; his associate, Mr. Simpson, died in the spring of 1832, and he himself, after experiencing many of the ups and downs of a miner's life, passed quietly away from this world of trouble in April, 1863. His wife, Mrs. Rebecca Hunter, died in Mif- flin January 7, 1880.

The next persons to locate permanently in the town of Mifflin were "Little General" At- kinson and Francis C. Kirkpatrick, who settled here in the fall of 1829.

During the year 1830, the first land was broken for farming purposes. The enterprising husbandmen were Mr. Parish, who cultivated a few acres on the " 16th Section," Joseph Hun- ter, who broke four acres on his claim, and Bird Millsap and Fredrick Dixon, who cultivated ten acres on Section 25. These latter gentlemen followed farming in connection with their mining operations until 1833, when their incipient farm was disposed of to James Andrews.

In 1834, Andrew Huse purchased this claim and continued to improve and add thereto until the original property has developed into a beautiful farm of 246 acres.

The pioneers of Mifflin being miners, and inexperienced in the pursuits of agriculture. erroneously supposed the valuable prairie lands were unproductive, and they therefore cut down the trees of the forests to find suitable territory for the cultivation of the first farms. R. Terry and Col. DeLong came in 1830, the latter locating on the land now occupied by the Welsh set- tlement in the southern part of the town. Here he dug for mineral, and his boys, with four ox teams, engaged in hauling for the miners in the vicinity.

The advent of the years 1831 and 1832 brought to this town a number of settlers subse- quently distinguished for their courage, integrity and pioneer perseverance. Among this num- ber may be mentioned John Newman, Enoch Enloe, H. Mundane and Mr. Luddman. There undoubtedly were others who came here during the period mentioned, but they have either crossed the dark river or gone to parts unknown, leaving no "footprints on the sands of time " to guide the historian in search of their names and deeds.

In 1833, the inducements attending the opening of the Dubuque mines, prevented many from coming to Mifflin, and taking advantage of the attractions of its then numerous and valua- ble diggings. During this year, however, William and John Kennedy and James Sprinston became part and parcel of the territory afterward laid out into Mifflin town proper.

It was not until the year 1834 dawned upon the world that settlers came to Mifflin in other than small parties. Prior to this year agriculture had been in its incipiency, there being but about forty acres of cultivated land in the entire town ; but at that time, Andrew Huse, now the oldest living pioneer in the town, crossed what is now the town line from Linden, where he had located in the spring of 1832, and settled on Section 25, engaging in agriculture and mining. From this time dates the rise and progress of the farming population of Mifflin ; before this date, this great industry, which has enriched its promoters and rendered the town property valuable, was but a secondary consideration. Then the abundant yields of corn and small cereals obtained from the first farms began to attract the attention of later comers, and acted as an incentive to engage in this profitable enterprise. This year was characterized by the return of nearly all who left in the previous year for the Dubuque discoveries ; they left with self-congratulations and sanguine expectations, but on arriving at the new El Dorado they found their hopes were raised only to be crushed to the ground. Many of these have either lived life's brief span and

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passed away, or have emigrated to other fields of labor, and are now forgotten by their associates of nearly fifty years ago.

1835 and 1836 are especially historic in the annals pertaining to the settlement of the

town. These were distinguished by the influx of numerous settlers who came to stay. Caleb Sylvester, Sr., Richard Pratt, Simon Tyer, Joseph Whaley and William H. Griffith, Sr., who was afterward frozen to death, were among the number. The first representative of Wales settled here during this period and laid the foundation of the present influential and prosperous Welsh settlement. Among the latter number were William Owens, John W. Jones, Mr. Williams, Thomas Thomas, John Hughes, Edward Folks and William Thomas. Some of these engaged in mining, while others commenced farming. After the year 1836, settlers flocked into Mifflin in large numbers, attracted hither by the beautiful country, healthful climate, valuable farming lands, and rich mineral deposits. Prominent among the number who came here late in the thirties or early in 1840, were the Davis brothers, Lorenzo Stevens, John Clayton, Col. Henry, C. S. Millard, Mark Finnicum. M. Stevens, Joseph Anderson, Mr. Estabrook, Alonzo Cush- man and John Sparks. In the Welsh settlement there located John J. Davis, Thomas R. Jones, Edward Williams, Robert J. Hughes, Robert W. Hughes, William HI. Jones and Daniel Davis.

Succeeding 1840, the population of Mifflin continued to increase rapidly for several years, but it was destined to receive a check, when its mining population caught the California fever in 1849, and departed for the Golden Gate. The mines at this time were temporarily sus- pended, as nearly the entire mining population left the town. The year 1850, however, brought back many of those who so suddenly departed the year before. The mines were again opened, agriculture was pursued with increased energy, and business in this territory was once more prosperoas. Since the organization of the town, the population has increased steadily, until now it is one of the most populous towns in the county, aggregating 1,253 persons, inclusive of the village census, embracing 275 souls.

The first marriage in the limits of the present town of Mifflin was consummated in 1829, the contracting parties being Daniel Moore and America Parish. Mrs. Moore (nee Parish), is now living in the village of Mifflin, and is known as Mrs. Goodrich.

As the first rays of light streaked the horizon, announcing the arrival of the month of Feb- ruary, 1831, the first child born in the town of Mifflin was ushered into the world. He has since been known as Levi Moore, and lived in Mifflin for some years after, or until he caught the Oregon fever, and with a few others took his departure for that land of promise, and has not since returned.

In 1848, the Mifflin Mill was established in the present village of Mifflin by Joel Clayton. This mill is located on the water-power of the West Pecatonica River, and was constructed at a cost of $6.000. At that time two runs of stone were put in, and have been operated ever since. In 1849, William Bainbridge became a partner in the firm. Joel Clayton mortgaged his share of the mill to Francis Cholvin in 1850, and left for California. In the interregnum between 1850 and 1854, John Clayton rented the mill, and continued to run the same until the latter date, then Messrs. Cholvin and Bainbridge took charge. Mr. Cholvin went to Dubuque in 1857, and sold his share to William Bainbridge, who has continued the mill alone since. When the mill was first established, grists were brought from a distance of twenty-five miles around. This mill has always born an excellent reputation, the quality of flour manufactured being excellent in every respect.

The Star Mill, located two miles south of the village, was originally built for a woolen-mill in 1865, by Oldhan Jones, and was operated as a woolen-mill until 1875, when, that industry proving a failure, the building was refitted and two runs of stone put in. It has been continued as a flouring-mill under the management of George Gruber. This mill has usually been crowded to its utmost capacity with custom work, its trade extending for many miles around.

The mines of this town, although at one time a prominent factor in the interests of Mifflin. are now worked with but comparatively little energy. The "Dry Bone Diggings," struck in 1843 by a Mr. Amsden, and subsequently by R. and William Wilson, have been worked with

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HISTORY OF IOWA COUNTY.

varying success up to the present time. This mine is now owned by John J. Ross, of Mineral Point, and the heirs of Mr. Dean, of Madison. The "Cocer and Jeffrey Diggings," located three miles northwest of the village of Mifflin, was discovered a number of years ago, but were never worked until 1877. At that time, a pump with an engine for propelling power, was established here, and has since been worked with a force of ten men, with some success. " Black jack " and zinc ore are the principal mineral products of this mine.

What the future of this town may be, can scarcely be suggested, but it would seem. consid- ering the character of the people, and the various natural advantages inherent in soil and climate, that nothing but prosperity can follow in the train of unknown events which time will usher in. To say the least, the prospect is highly gratifying, and if only a part of what may be properly anticipated be realized, the inhabitants will have no cause for anything but rejoicing.

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History of Iowa County, Wisconsin, Part 121

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