History of Iowa County, Wisconsin, Part 123

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

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During the summer of 1847, Chauncy Smith, Messrs. Kline and Cole entered land in this town, erected comfortable log cabins, and began the cultivation of small farms. Richard Ivey came in 1848, as did Isaac Meinke and Milo and Charles Smith. During the years 1849-50, and for several years following, the town was settled very rapidly.

The first roads in Moscow were cut by Bennett, McKenna and Ivey, on their way in from Mineral Point. These roads were the first legalized, and are now public highways through the town.

As in its neighboring towns, the people of Moscow were sensible to the benefits conferred by education upon the rising generation, for almost as soon as there was a settlement in the town, a school was established, and a teacher engaged to train the crude ideas of the few children then in the town. The first schoolhouse erected in the town was built of logs, and was located near the site of the present frame structure, in District No. 1, better known as the " Leonard District." There were about ten scholars from the families of Asa Bennett, Richard Freeman, Benjamin Stip and some others. There are now seven schoolhouses in the town, requiring the services of seven teachers. The " Mc Williams District " Schoolhouse has been used for town meetings, etc., since its erection in 1863.

Official Record .- The territory now constituting the town of Moscow was first brought under town government, as a part of the town of Waldwick, in 1848. By vote of the people, in 1860, forty-two sections of the eastern part of Waldwick were organized into a separate town, and, after the ancient capital of Muscovy, was named Moscow. The first town meeting was called at the house of Francis McKenna, April 10, 1860, and adjourned to the Moscow School- house, where the next two town meetings were held. At the first election, the following town officers were elected.

1860-Francis McKenna, Chairman ; Cyrus Clark, John Green, Supervisors ; J. H. Moor- man, Clerk ; Robert McWilliams, Treasurer ; David Powers, Assessor ; E. B. Crowell, School Superintendent ; William Skinner, H. Moorman and John Green, Constables. Since 1863, the town meetings have been held at the McWilliams Schoolhouse, on Section 34. The following is a complete list of the town officers, dating from the organization of the town :

1861-John Bonner, Chairman ; Knudt Olson, William Spears, Supervisors ; Robert Mc- Williams, Treasurer; J. H. Moorman, Clerk ; Andrew Shanley, Superintendent of Schools ; Cyrus Clark, Assessor.

1862-Francis McKenna, Chairman ; Knudt Olson, D. Spears, Supervisors ; William Skinner, Clerk ; Robert Mc Williams, Treasurer ; William Batman, Assessor.

1863-William C. Batman, Chairman ; C. Norton, Knudt Olson, Supervisors ; Samuel Mc- Williams, Clerk ; Patrick McDonald, Treasurer ; Richard Ivey. Assessor.

1864-William Robinson, Chairman ; C. Norton, K. Olson, Supervisors ; L. O. Sanderson, Clerk ; Cyrus Clark, Treasurer ; Richard Ivey, Assessor.

1865-Francis McKenna, Chairman ; Andrew Shanley, I. D. Spears, Supervisors ; L. O. Sanderson, Clerk ; Michael Cleary, Treasurer ; Richard Ivey, Assessor.

1866 -- Francis McKenna, Chairman ; K. Paulson, Andrew Shanley, Supervisors ; L. O. Sanderson, Clerk ; Samuel McWilliams, Treasurer ; Richard Ivey, Assessor.

1867-William Robinson, Chairman; K. Paulson, A. E. Steensland, Supervisors ; B. Holland, Clerk ; John Price, Treasurer ; J. Van Norman, Assessor.

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HISTORY OF IOWA COUNTY.

1868-William Robinson, Chairman ; George Paulson, E. B. Crowel, Supervisors ; L. O. Sanderson, Clerk ; M. F. Van Norman, Treasurer ; A. E. Steensland, Assessor.

1869-William Robinson, Chairman ; Chris Monson, George Paulson, Supervisors ; L. O. Sanderson, Clerk ; M. F. Van Norman, Treasurer ; Kittle Paulson, Assessor.

1870-William Robinson, Chairman; Ole Steensland, John Hanson, Supervisors ; L. O. Sanderson, Clerk ; George Paulson, Treasurer ; Jacob Van Norman, Assessor.

1871-William Robinson, Chairman ; John Hanson, Ole Steensland, Supervisors ; A. E. Steensland, Clerk ; George Paulson, Treasurer ; L. O. Sanderson, Assessor.

1872-William Robinson, Chairman ; Ole Steensland, Owen Nervig, Supervisors ; L. O. Sanderson, Clerk ; George Paulson, Treasurer; Richard Ivey, Assessor.

1873-William Robinson, Chairman ; Ole Steensland, John Hanson, Supervisors ; L. O. Sanderson, Clerk ; George Paulson, Treasurer ; Ole Steensland, Assessor.

1874-Ole Steensland, Chairman ; John McKenna, John Hanson, Supervisors; Robert Me Williams, Clerk ; at his death during August, 1874, John Leonard was appointed Town Clerk ; A. E. Steensland, Treasurer ; Richard Ivey, Assessor.

1875-Ole Steensland, Chairman ; John McKenna, John Hanson, Supervisors ; John Leonard, Clerk ; A. E. Steensland, Treasurer ; Richard Ivey, Assessor.

1876-Ole Steensland, Chairman ; P. K. Demuth, C. Peterson, Supervisors ; Stephen Shanley, Clerk ; A. E. Steensland, Treasurer ; Richard Ivey, Assessor.

1877-George Paulson, Chairman ; P. K. Demuth, H. Johnson, Supervisors ; A. E. Steensland, Treasurer ; John Leonard, Clerk ; Richard Ivey, Assessor.

1878-George Paulson, Chairman ; P. K. Demuth, K. Knudson, Supervisors ; John Leonard, Clerk ; A. E. Steensland, Treasurer ; Richard Ivey, Assessor.

1879-George Paulson, Chairman ; P. K. Demuth, K. Knudson, Supervisors ; John Leonard, Clerk ; Richard Ivey, Assessor ; A. E. Steensland, Treasurer.

1880-George Paulson, Chairman ; P. K. Demuth, K. Knudson, Supervisors ; John Leonard, Clerk ; Ole Steensland, Assessor ; A. E. Steensland, Treasurer.

VILLAGE OF MOSCOW.

This thriving village is nicely located in the southeastern part of the town on Section 11, and was named after the town in which it is located. Early in 1847, Chauncey Smith located on the site of the present village and built a log hint, and here his family lived while the East Branch of the Pecatonica was being dammed and a grist-mill erected. Early in 1850, Mr. Smith surveyed and platted the village. This plat was recorded July 26, 1850. It appears that Smith was a man of more than the average ambition and enterprise, for he caused the old log schoolhouse to be moved from where it formerly stood, in the grove half a mile west of the village, and placed on the site of the present edifice, which was erected in 1860.

In 1848, Smith was joined by several permanent settlers, among them his brothers Charles and Milo. Charles Smith started the first store in the village in 1850, and his brother Milo erected a large carding-mill in the same year. In 1858, both brothers sold out their in- terests to William Speers, who moved the carding-mill to where the store stood, and re-arranged both buildings into a hotel. This was burned down in 1875. In February, 1855, a shade of gloom and sorrow was cast over the little hamlet, occasioned by the death of its founder, Chauney Smith. At that date passed away an excellent and kind-hearted man, generous to a fault, and charitable to the last degree.

Charles Smith was the builder of the stone store, now the only one in the town. The old flouring-mill, after the death of Chauncey Smith, was sold to Munson & Evenson, who continued the business for several years. They disposed of the property to Holland Bros., who now own and manage both the milling and mercantile business of Moscow.

In 1849 and 1850, there was quite an influx of immigrants, but most of them proved to be only transient settlers. Jesse Bryant is well remembered, however, as the first blacksmith.

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HISTORY OF IOWA COUNTY.

About 1851, the first post office in the town was established at the village. Myron Burnett was the first Postmaster. He served in this capacity until 1858, when he was succeeded by John Green. In 1862, Mr. Green was dispossessed of his office by the present holder, J. H. Dudley. Drs. Favette, Stetson, Smith, Chase and Jolinson have practiced here at different times for short periods. In early times the people were in almost as great danger of incurring acci- dental death on the rough, hilly roads hereabouts as they were of meeting a natural death, but in no case did death occur very often.

ADAMSVILLE.

This village is loca ed in the extreme northern part of the town, bordering on the town line between Ridgeway and Moscow, on the West Pecatonica River. It was named in honor of John Adams, who, with David Hollister, erected the large grist-mill here in 1854 and 1855. William Renshaw was originally a partner, but withdrew before the dam for the mill was com- pleted. The firm subsequently became heavily involved in debt, and Mr. Hollister retired in 1857. The property then reverted through mortgage to John Bonner, who continued to run the mill with varying success until 1865. He then sold the mill to A. Spensley, who disposed of it to George Orr, who failed of success, and the property reverted to Mr. Spensley, who dis- posed of it January 1. 1875, to R. I. Wade, the present owner. This mill has always borne an excellent reputation, the flour manufactured being equal in quality to any in the county.

The first store in the village was built by John Adams in 1855, who opened with a general stock of goods. In the summer of the same year, William Skinner built a hotel, the only one in the village. About this time a post office was established in Adamsville, and William Skin- ner appointed Postmaster. He was succeeded by David Powers. At the inception of the re- bellion, this office was discontinued, and for several years during and after the war, the Adams- ville people received their mail from the Middlebury Post Office. Several years after the war, the post office here was re-established, with R. Marks as Postmaster. His successors were Alex- ander McKinzie. R. P. Jones and Mrs. Mary A. Skinner, who retains charge of the office.

Prior to the erection of the present schoolhouse in the village, a small number of scholars were taught the rudiments of education in the house of William Skinner, by Miss Emma Mc- Donald. The schoolhouse, which was built in 1855, is also used for prayer-meetings.

There are here two religious societies, the Primitive Methodist and Congregational, and two secret organizations. Harmony Lodge, Good Templars, No. 102, was instituted March 10, 1869. Miner's Lodge, No. 4, I. O. O. F., was organized January 21, 1869, in Mineral Point, with the following charter members : John Millen, Edward Coad, J. H. Vivian, Samuel Thomas, James James, John James and Thomas Prisk. By a dispensation of the Grand Lodge, Miners' No. 4, was removed to Adamsville, where the first regular communication was held April 17, 1873. The present officers are R. J. Pierce, N. G .; O. F. Grimstredt, R. S. : A. Pierce, Treasurer ; G. F. Pierce, R. S. The lodge meets Thursday evenings, in their hall over the village storc.

TOWN OF PULASKI.

The town of Pulaski is well watered by the Wisconsin River and its numerous tributaries, the principal of which are the Underwood and Marsh Creeks. The Underwood, into which flow Leech, Harris, and Booth Branches, runs for some distance parallel with the Wisconsin River, and finally empties into it. Owing to its sluggish current, this stream is by some called the "lake." Booth's Creek formerly occasionally disappeared, or was absorbed by the sand at its mouth, before reaching the lake. As a result of this condition, during the winter, when the ground was frozen and refused to swallow the water, it would spread over the entire surrounding country. One season it was so bad that the railroad track, and even the streets and cellars in Avoca, were partially inundated. Therefore, in order to obviate this unpleasant state of affairs, a ditch was dug to the lake, which has since been the channel of the creek, and now only in the case of heavy spring freshets is there any indications of an overflow.

The Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railroad was built through the town in 1856.

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HISTORY OF IOWA COUNTY.

Early Settlement .- The first settlement in this town was effected by John Booth, a native of Kentucky, who immigrated here from Illinois in 1835, and located on Section 23, the district which has since been known as Booth's Hollow. Here Mr. Booth erected a log cabin with a shake roof, and cultivated a small strip of land and raised some cattle, but not with flattering success. . For the next few years Mr. Booth might truthfully have said, " I am monarch of all I survey," as he was alone in this wilderness of Pulaski until 1838 or 1839, when Vincent Dziewanouski, an exiled army officer from Poland, made his appearance in the town. On ar- riving at Booth's Hollow, he purchased Mr. Booth's claim and began the work of improving the wilderness, in the pursuit of what was henceforth to be his life vocation. This farm he has contin- ued to improve and cultivate ever since, and he is now living and operating where he first worked forty years ago. He was followed, in 1841, by William S. Booth, son of John Booth. He was familiarly known as Capt. Booth, in consideration of his partieipancy in the Black Hawk War, of 1832, and the Indian troubles of 1846. His father had previously left this locality, probably at the time he sold his elaim, having been somewhat discouraged, owing to the loss he sustained by his cattle dying during the severe winter of 1838-39.

William S. Booth first came to this part of the country in the spring of 1834, and located at Muscoda with his wife and family at the time that William S. Hamilton and others were en- gaged in erecting the first cupola furnace in Grant County. Mrs. Booth was the first female resident in that place, and is still living with her son-in-law, Samuel Swinehart, of Pulaski, who is one of the pioneer lumbermen of this section and very first settlers in Richland County as well as Pulaski. Mr. Booth and P. N. Underwood are now the oldest settlers of this section of the country.

Isaac Alexander and family, who were natives of Pennsylvania, came here from Muscoda, Grant County, in 1840, and settled on Section 23, and lived with the Polander Dziewanouski. Here he opened np a small farm, and for several years pursued farming with varying success, until he died in 1843, making the first death in the town. He was buried in the old burial- ground located on a side-hill in Booth Hollow.

In 1841, Mrs. Vedder and sons settled in Pulaski, and proceeded to develop the agricult- ural resources of their location. During this year Mrs. Vedder was probably the only settler, but the lands in the town were now bringing forth abundant yields, proving the territory of Pulaski to be a mine of agricultural wealth that attracted the attention of the pioneers. Nehe- miah, Daniel, and Oliver Leech arrived here in 1842.

The years 1843 and 1844 recorded the advent of Charles and Solon Walbridge, James Carver, and Richard Gage and family. the latter locating on the land now occupied by Samuel Swinehart. These broke small farms in different parts of the town, and were rewarded with prof- itable yields.

The years 1845, 1846 and 1847 are distinguished in the annals of this town as being the dates of a large influx of settlers, who afterward became noted for their agricultural skill, in- dustry and perseverance. Among the number were Thomas Morey, Howard Harris, Asa Patton, Robert Rieke, Hiram Heth, Dr. John Heth, Miner Bennett, Henry Husk, W. Mellon, J. Hagan, Amos Kendall, Henry Mears, Henry Atkinson, Rufus Bennett, and O. P. and P. N. Underwood. There undoubtedly were others who came here during the years mentioned, but it is impossible to procure the names of all.

Among those who came here very early (the dates of their arrival not being exactly known) were Thomas Moore, James McDuff, O. E. Barber, Richard Bennett, Elijah Bennett, W. Gar- land, J. Beard, Hiram Parmer, T. Churchill, H. B. Carver, William Asbury, Richard Asbury, J. Brewester and Frank Marks. These located claims and entered land on almost every section of the town, along the Wisconsin River and Marsh and Booth Creeks. Pulaski then gave promise of a prosperous future. To say that it has fully mnet the expectations of the most sanguine can scarcely be considered an exaggeration. The woods and hills are now interspersed with nicely improved and well-tilled farms, possessing all the necessary appointments to make the husbandmen and their families happy and contented. Broad fields, teeming with abund-

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HISTORY OF IOWA COUNTY.

ance, and bright gardens, ornamented with attractive and commodious residences, greet the eye on every side. These, together with the call of domestic animals, the plow-boy's whistle and the hum of varying industry, proclaim the fact of prosperity and a high degree of pastoral civiliza- tion as the present condition of the people of this region.

Very many of those mentioned are still living here in the enjoyment of a peaceful old age. Having ripened with the maturity of the country, they can fully realize the great and bene- ficial changes which have been wrought since they reared their first cabins and roused the vir- gin soil from its slumbers of centuries. Since that time, forty years ago, the great West, for hundreds, nay thousands, of miles beyond what were then the extreme limits of civilization, has been invaded and subdued by the adventurous and hardy pioneers; and still the great work goes on, and thus may it ever go on until civilization shall reach from pole to pole through every zone. Among the first of those who came here before 1846, who are now living, not especially noted, are Charles and Solon Walbridge, Mr. Morey and wife, and some of the Leech family; however, these are not all by any means. The first mill in the town was erected by H. Mears and H. Atkins, in 1847, on Booth's Creek. They first proceeded to construct a dam on Government land, near the claim of Vincent Dziewanouski. This dam caused the water of the creek to rise and overflow a portion of the land owned by this Polander, to the in- jury of a valuable spring. Not being able to settle the consequent trouble amicably, Dziewan- ouski entered the land selected for the mill site. This proceeding upon the part of Mr. Dzie- wanouski caused a great deal of feeling among the early claimants, as according to claim usages this was considered a violation of their rights. As a consequence, a meeting of the County Claim League was held for the purpose of abrogating, if possible, the purchase made. But Mr. Dziewanouski being satisfied that he was justified in doing as he had, persisted, in spite of all the threats of his opponents, in maintaining his position, and went armed for the purpose. As in most cases of the kind, the owner of the land, or the one who had entered it, carried the day, so the projectors of the mill enterprise were dislodged. Nothing daunted, they at once pur- chased a small piece of land and soon after built a dam on the same stream, at its present loca- tion on Section 14, and erected a mill. They continued the milling business here with consid- erable success for ten or twelve years. The mill has since passed through different hands, and is now the property of Abraham Yacka. A standard article of flour was always manufactured here, comparing favorably with other mills in the county.

The first public highway was laid out through the town in 1845 through the efforts of William S. Booth. This road ran from the Wisconsin river on the line between Sections 2 and 3, through Booth Hollow to Highland and thence to Mineral Point.

In 1848, the laying-out a road, to begin at the north bank of the Wisconsin and run to Ash Creek, in Richland County, as a continuation of the Booth Hollow road, was projected, as it was suggested that it would cut off the roundabout way by Muscoda, and would, therefore, be of inestimable value to travelers in this section. Major Charles F. Legate, Samuel Swinehart and others, carried the project to a successful issue, the road being laid out as desired, by them. After the road was laid out, the next thing to be done was to establish a ferry. This took the form of a flat-boat, which was operated at first with poles by the proprietor. This ferry was continued ten or fifteen years, during which time it proved itself a profitable enterprise and well adapted to the object for which it was intended. Eventually a road was laid out to Richland City and the old ferry was abandoned, and a new one was established near the northeast corner of Section 1. This institution was chartered by a man named Wallace, of Richland City, and denominated the "Richland City Ferry." The flat-boat of the old ferry was used here for some time. Richland City, on the opposite shore of the Wisconsin River, was at that time one of the leading municipalities in Southern Wisconsin, and gave promise of a brilliant and success- ful future. But its career was as short lived as it was bright. For since the railroad passed through the country, it has waned, year after year, until it is now but a relic of its former self.

In 1845, Samuel Swinehart started a lumber-yard on the Wisconsin River, near the road mentioned, from which a great portion of the lumber used in Mineral Point was obtained. This

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HISTORY OF IOWA COUNTY.

lumber was received from Rockbridge, on the Pine River, in Richland County. Subsequently, it was run down the Wisconsin River. At that time, Mr. Swinehart was also engaged in mak- ing extensive improvements in Richland County.

Pulaski, by 1850 (as seen), was settled by agriculturists in different parts of the town, who were eagerly engaged in opening up the hidden treasures of this fertile soil. The mechanic, the tradesman, the physician, the professor, the minister, the lawyer, also came at that time, and cast their destinies among the inhabitants of the promising town.

C. C. Jenkins was the first carpenter in the town. He was followed by A. H. Hampton. These two tradesmen did all the work in their line in the town for a number of years.

In 1835, Charles Coyle started the first blacksmith-shop in Pulaski. It was located on Sec- tion 10, on the road running from Richland City to Mineral Point. In 1856, he removed to the village of Avoca and continued a successful blacksmithing business in the village.

The first physician in the town was Dr. John Heth, who located here in 1846, and who also was a sort of local preacher.

master.

The first post office in the town was established in 1846, with Charles Walbridge as Post- The office was named Wallis, and was kept at the house of Mr. Walbridge, on Section 14. It was discontinued in 1852.

Religious services were held in the town at a very early day. The inevitable "circuit rider " was the first to administer to the spiritual wants of the people of this section. The first regular services were held at the residence of Vincent Dziewanouski. It is an historical fact that the first local preacher here was a horse-thief in disguise. He so worked upon the feel- ings of the people. by his apparent earnestness of purpose, that they reposcd the utmost confi- dence in "his reverence." Eventually, however, he selected the best specimen of horse-flesh in the neighborhood, and between two days, left his longing congregation for parts unknown. There are now three churches of different denominations in the town-Catholics, German Pres- byterian and Lutheran. Each of these have large and respectable congregations and resident Pastors.

The important subject of education has been fostered to a commendable degree by the citizens of Pulaski. The first school from which the settlers here derived any benefit was established in the house of Thomas Morey, in 1846, with Miss Susan Leech as teacher. There was but one room in the house, and this was used by the family, as well as for school purposes. Mrs. Morey continued her household duties, while the children were engaged in studying or reciting, and, occasionally, afforded diversion for the children by her remarks on different sub- jects. The number attending this school aggregated ten scholars. This school was kept for the purpose of securing State school money, with which to help erect a schoolhouse. During the following year, the first schoolhouse was erected on six acres of land bought from Mr. Morey, located on the northwest quarter of Section 14. This building was a log structure, and was the scene of many varying events, doing duty as a town hall and church. Political harangues and religious exhortations nearly as often found voice within its walls as the utter- ances of sages and philosophers. It saw much of festivity and mourning, and has itself long since come to grief. The first teacher in the new schoolhouse was Permelia Brewster. After her came O. P. Underwood, the intelligent and popular veteran teacher of this locality. That small beginning has finally culminated in the adoption of facilities for, and a system of, educa- tion of inestimable value, and surpassed by few towns in the county. There are now in the town six whole and one joint district, with seven substantial and well-equipped schoolhouses, requiring the services of seven teachers.

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History of Iowa County, Wisconsin, Part 123

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