USA > Wisconsin > Iowa County > History of Iowa County, Wisconsin > Part 124
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The first child born in Pulaski was a son of Mr. and Mrs. Alexander. He died in infancy. The next birth was that of R. Logan Booth, who was born August 11, 1842, and still lives.
In November, 1844, occurred the double wedding of William Brown and Nancy Booth and Amaziah Parish and Amanda Key. The affair took place at the residence of William S. Booth, H. M. Billings, of Highland, performing the ceremony. In the language of one of the guests, " they had a big wedding, and a charivari of grand proportions."
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HISTORY OF IOWA COUNTY.
Official Town Record .- The territory now known by the historic appellation of Pulaski, originally the voting precinct of " Wisconsin," was erected into a town government by the Board of County Commissioners, March 7, 1849. Pursuant to notice the first town meeting was held at the schoolhouse, April 3, 1849, and the following officers were elected for the ensu- ing year: Henry Atkinson, Chairman ; Solon R. Walbridge, Isaac Alexander, Supervisors ; Clerk, Richard V. Alexander ; Treasurer, Asa Patten ; Assessor, Henry V. Carver. At a special town meeting held June 9, 1849, it was voted to raise $85.50 for the support of the common schools in the town; and $75 was voted to defray the town expenses for the fiscal year. The first election for State officers was held November 6, 1844, with the follow- ing result : Governor, Nelson Dewey, six votes, Alexander Collins, twelve; Lieut. Governor, Samuel W. Beale, six votes, T. O. Howe, twelve; Secretary of State, William A. Barstow, five votes, Levi Alden, thirteen ; Attorney General, S. Park Coon, six votes, Moses Butterfield, twelve; State Treasurer, J. C. Fairchild, six votes, John B. Terry, twelve ; State Superinten- dent, A. Constantine Berry, sixteen votes, E. Root, one ; Assemblyman, T. M. Fullerton, seven votes, John S. Walker, eleven ; County Treasurer, William Terrill, one vote, Stephen Thomas, fifteen, Richard S. Vivian, one ; County Surveyor, Francis A. Hill, seventeen ; Clerk County Board Supervisors, Thomas Allen, fourteen votes. October 15, 1849, Oliver P. Un- derwood became Town Clerk in lieu of Richard V. Alexander. The following is a complete list of the officers from the organization of the town :
1850-Henry Atkinson, Chairman ; Richard Asbury, Asa Patten, Supervisors ; Clerk, O. P. Underwood ; Treasurer, Minor Bennett; Assessor, Hiram Palmer.
1851-Henry Atkinson, Chairman ; Asa Patten, Richard Asbury, Supervisors ; Clerk, O. P. Underwood ; Treasurer, H. T. Husk ; Assessor, Israel Woodard.
1852-Solon R. Walbridge, Chairman ; Asa Patten, Samuel Swinehart, Supervisors ; Clerk, O. P. Underwood ; Treasurer, Hiram Palmer ; Assessor, Harvey Brooks.
1853-F. E. A. Halstead, Chairman ; H. T. Husk, V. Dziewanouski, Supervisors ; Clerk, James N. Babcock ; Treasurer, Minor Bennett ; Assessor, O. E. Barber.
1854-0. E. Barber, Chairman ; N. Randall, H. T. Husk, Supervisors ; Clerk, James H. Babcock ; Treasurer, D. C. Burdick ; Assessor, O. E. Bauben.
1855-Solon R. Walbridge, Chairman ; Asa Patten, Minor Bennett. Supervisors ; Clerk, R. V. Alexander ; Treasurer, D. C. Burdick ; Assessor, V. Dziewanouski.
1856-0. E. Barber, Chairman ; C. Shafer, Minor Bennett, Supervisors ; Clerk, N. McPettigrow ; Treasurer, Martin R. Walbridge : Assessor, V. Dziewanouski.
1857 -- Ralph Flint, Chairman; C. Shafer. W. S. Dimock, Supervisors ; Clerk, J. H. Galer : Treasurer, M. R. Walbridge; Assessor, V. Dziewanouski.
1858 .- O. P. Underwood, Chairman ; H. T. Husk, Joseph Meyer, Supervisors ; Clerk, R. V. Alexander ; Treasurer, M. R. Walbridge ; Assessor, V. Dziewanouski.
1859-S. Dimock, Chairman ; G. E. Franklin, L. Hendall, Supervisors ; Clerk, R. V. Alexander ; Treasurer, F. Z. Hicks ; Assessor, George Schull.
1860-S. Dimock, Chairman ; C. Foltz, H. T. Husk, Supervisors ; Clerk, W. L. Lincoln ; Treasurer, F. Z. Hicks ; Assessor, S. Dimock.
1861-W. L. Lincoln, Chairman ; Asa Patten, Samuel Swinehart, Supervisors ; Clerk, B. F. Underwood : Treasurer, F. Z. Hicks; Assessor, R. V. Alexander. F. Z. Hicks, resigned December 21, 1861, and R. V. Alexander was appointed to fill the vacancy.
1862-J. C. Moore, Chairman ; S. Swinehart, N. Neese, Supervisors ; Clerk, O. P. Ash- ley ; Treasurer, B. F. Underwood ; Assessor, R. V. Alexander.
1863-H. C. Snow, Chairman ; John Gallagher, S. Aldrich, Supervisors ; Clerk, R. M. McFarland ; Treasurer, B. F. Underwood ; Assessor, Warren Dimock.
1864-J. B. Underwood, Chairman ; Peter Kramer, M. R. Walbridge, Supervisors ; Clerk, G. D. Coyle ; Treasurer, B. F. Underwood ; Assessor, Samuel Swinehart. In August 29, 1864, G. D. Coyle resigned. and Samuel Parks was appointed to fill the vacancy. October 11, 1864, George Parr was appointed to succeed Samuel Parks, who had removed from the town.
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HISTORY OF IOWA COUNTY.
1865-At a special meeting of the Electors of the town, held January 7, 1865, four thou- sand dollars was voted for war purposes. H. C. Snow, Chairman ; Peter Kramer, Louis Tren- ner, Supervisors ; Clerk, Joseph Smith ; Treasurer, Samuel Aldrich ; Assessor, W. S. Dimock.
1866-W. W. Allen, Chairman ; M. R. Walbridge, William Likely, Supervisors ; Clerk, George Parr ; Treasurer, Joseph Frost ; Assessor, W. S. Dimock.
1867-A. Grote, Chairman ; A. E. Briggs, V. Dziewanouski, Supervisors ; Clerk, George Parr; Treasurer, Ira O. Ingraham ; Assessor, W. S. Dimock.
1868-William R. Spencer, Chairman ; Peter Kramer, D. W. Dudgeon, Supervisors ; Clerk, Samuel Parks : Treasurer, Ira O. Ingraham ; Assessor, W. S. Dimock.
1869-A. Grote, Chairman ; Peter Kramer. John Gallagher, Supervisors; Clerk, W. M. Richardson ; Treasurer, H. McFarland ; Assessor, W. S. Dimock.
1870-W. L. Lincoln, Chairman ; Peter Kramer, S. S. Welch, Supervisors ; Clerk, George Parr; Treasurer, Robert Kinzie; Assessor, W. S. Dimock.
1871-W. Dimock, Chairman ; Minor Bennett, Peter Kramer, Supervisors ; Clerk, G. F. Mason ; Treasurer, B. Gabler ; Assessor, R. H. Kinzie.
1872-W. S. Dimock, Chairman ; Minor Bennett, Peter Kramer, Supervisors ; Clerk, G. F. Mason ; Treasurer, B. Gabler; Assessor, R. H. Kinzie.
1873-W. S. Dimock, Chairman ; Minor Bennett, Peter Kramer, Supervisors; Clerk, G. F. Mason ; Treasurer, B. Gabler : Assessor, R. H. Kinzie.
1874-W. S. Dimock, Chairman ; Minor Bennett, Peter Kramer, Supervisors ; Clerk, H. E. Lindsey ; Treasurer, B. Gabler; Assessor, R. H. Kinzie.
1875-W S. Dimock, Chairman ; Minor Bennett, Adam Kurtz, Supervisors ; Clerk, T. H. Dimock ; Treasurer, Ole Shager; Assessor, R. H. Kinzie.
1876-R. H. Kinzie, Chairman ; Minor Bennett, John Gallagher, Supervisors ; Clerk, P. F. Quinn ; Treasurer, Ole Shayer ; Assessor, B. Gabler.
1877-W. S. Dimock, Chairman ; Minor Bennett, Adam Kurtz, Supervisors ; Clerk, F. H. Dimock ; Treasurer, Ole Shayer; Assessor, R. H. Kinzie.
1878-W. S. Dimock, Chairman ; Minor Bennett, Adam Kurtz, Supervisors; Clerk, H. P. Deitrich ; Treasurer, Josiah Ward; Assessor, R. H. Kinzie.
1879-George F. Mason, Chairman ; William Meyers, Adam Kurtz, Supervisors ; Clerk, H. P. Deitrich ; Treasurer, Josiah Ward; Assessor, Joseph Frost.
1880-G. F. Mason, Chairman ; Clerk, H. P. Deitrich ; Treasurer, H. H. Snow ; Assessor, Joseph Frost.
VILLAGE OF AVOCA.
One of the very promising and flourishing villages of Iowa County is located on parts of Sections 11, 12 and 14, of the town of Pulaski, twenty-six miles from Dodgeville, thirty-two iniles from Mineral Point and fifty-five miles from Madison. This place is situated on the Prairie du Chien Branch of the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railroad, and is built on a beautiful plateau, nearly surrounded on three sides by hills, and is two miles from the Wisconsin River. The town is handsomely built, particularly the residence portion, and is the business point for farmers for many miles around. Marsh's Creek, a comparatively sluggish stream, courses through the northern part of the village, and empties into the Wisconsin River.
It was not until about 1857, that this village began to make itself known, though cabins had been in existence near its site for several years. Richland City, on the opposite side of the Wisconsin River, commanded public patronage, and, with Muscoda. five miles west, and High- land ten miles south, contended for the public patronage. The completion of the railroad through the town of Pulaski, and the location of the station, attracted the first settlers hither, and laid the foundation for the present village.
The site of the village of Avoca was originally the property of Mr. Broadhead, who sold it to Mr. Chapman. He platted it for F. C. Hicks and J. W. Vial. The site was surveyed into blocks, alleys, streets and avenues, which intersect each other in regular method, making one of the handsomest laid out villages in the county.
830
HISTORY OF IOWA COUNTY.
To Messrs. Cole & Gaylor is due the honor of being the first business men in the town. They arrived early in 1857, and erected a small frame building on the north side of the track, placed therein a stock of merchandise of various kinds, and were the first to offer proposals for the public patronage. Here they did a flourishing business for a number of years, when they retired. The building having been moved to the south side of the track, is now used for the post office.
In the spring of 1857, the brick hotel, since known as the Avoca House, was erected by F. C. Hicks. J. B. Clark opened a store in the hotel building the same season. Eventually, the hotel passed into the hands of Snow & Billings, who subsequently sold it to Mr. Sanford. Early in 1857, David Dudgeon opened a general store on the north side of the track, in the building now occupied as a drug store, by B. F. Underwood, M. D. Later in the season, Walter and John Garland and Mr. Davenport built the stone warehouse.
The old Schnee House was erected also in 1857, by George Schnee, who was for many years its popular proprietor. It eventually passed into the hands of George Zimmerman, and was known as the American House, until it burned down in 1879.
The precedents having become established, other improvements followed in the wake of each other, and settlers came in quite rapidly. Among the latter, were C. C. Jenkins, B. F. Underwood, Ralph Flint, William R. Spencer, Charles Coyle, J. F. Williams and J. Bartlett. These engaged in different kinds of business, erected dwelling-houses, and paved the way for those who followed in their footprints. So rapid was the growth of the place, that the popula- tion between 1860-65, increased, it is said, to not less than 300.
The first birth in the village was a child of Ralph Flint, which was born in 1857. The death of this child was the first to cast a gloom of sorrow over the quiet little village.
During the war, the village, as the metropolis of the town, equaled expectations in the quotas, both of men and money contributed to the " maintenance of the constitution," and lefc no demand in that behalf without responding. Troops were raised in the vicinity, and money, supplies, and other auxiliaries to the support of the Government and comfort of the soldiers were furnished most liberally.
Post Office .- The Avoca Post Office was established in the spring of 1857, Mr. Gaylord being appointed Postmaster. The office was first kept in the shop of Mr. Gaylord. He was succeeded in turn by W. L. Lincoln, David Dudgeon, Mr. Billings and W. L. Lincoln. In 1878, Samuel Parks, the present official, was appointed.
Mills .- Joseph Smith and C. C. Jenkins built a large steam mill in 1860, and put in three runs of stone. They did a very extensive business for several years. The mill was eventually blown up, again rebuilt, and finally burned down about 1870.
In 1867, John Post and William Richardson built a planing mill, which they continued with varied success until 1879. The machinery was then removed to Barron, in the northern part of the State. The building here is now unoccupied.
Schools .- The educational privileges of the village of Avoca are not excelled by any other town in the county. School District No. 1 includes the village and a part of the country in the immediate vicinity. The first school was taught here in the winter of 1857, in a small board schoolhouse erected for the purpose. During 1858, the south wing part of the present building was erected. In 1877, an addition of equal size to the original structure was built. which completed the school building. Each wing is 28x50 feet, and two stories high. The cost of the entire structure is estimated at $5,000.
The most important feature of the school history of Avoca is that embracing the free high school system. On the 5th of March, 1875, the Legislature enacted a general law authorizing the establishment of free high schools. The village availed itself of the privileges by adopting the free high school system, and established a curriculum, in addition to furnishing a thorough English education, which is designed as a preparatory course to the State institution. Gradu- ates of this high school are entitled at any and all times to admission to any of the colleges of
831
HISTORY OF IOWA COUNTY.
the State University. The Avoca High School now has three departments, with an attendance of one hundred and fifty scholars. The salaries of teachers aggregate $115 per month.
Churches .-- Religious services were first held in the depot shortly after its completion. Rev. Blackhurst was the first preacher, a Methodist. Elder Overton, a Congregationalist, and David Jones were also among the first ministers in the village. Through the efforts of James W. Vial and others, the Congregational Society built the little brown church on the corner of Fourth and Wisconsin streets, in 1858.
The Methodist congregation, who had been holding meetings in the depot, schoolhouse, Wisconsin House and Congregational Church, erected their present church building in 1864. This edifice stands on the corner of Third and Wisconsin streets, is 28x40 feet, with a well-fin- ished interior, and cost $1,000.
The Catholic Church, an attractive and commodious stone building, was completed in 1879, though its construction had been begun several years before. There is now no resident priest.
Societies .- In the fall of 1857, a Good Templar's Lodge was instituted, with a very credit- able membership. Meetings were held regularly in a room in the upper story of the Avoca House. W. R. Spencer was the first Worthy Chief. The lodge flourished but a few years, when it was abandoned. Other lodges were organized at different times subsequently, but they all followed in the footsteps of their predecessors.
Franklin Lodge, No. 16, A. F. & A. M., was organized in Highland under dispensation granted August 3, 1847 ; charter dated January 15, 1848. The charter members were Adol- phus Hollob, W. M. ; Isaac C. Bratton, S. W. ; H. M. Billings, J. W. This charter was transferred to Avoca in 1867. Officers now are : O. P. Underwood as W. M. ; Samuel Parks, S. W. ; R. H. Kinzie, J. W. ; W. R. Spencer, Treasurer ; H. A. Hampton, Secretary ; B. F. Underwood, S. D. : O. Roberg, J. D .; N. H. Snow, C. F. Hinman, Stewards ; A. D. Garfield, Tiler. This society has now a membership of thirty-four, and a well-fitted lodge-room where they meet regularly once a week.
Buena Vista Lodge, No. 83, I. O. O. F., was instituted at Richland City, Richland Co., Wis., November 1, 1855, by D. D. G. M. Vance, assisted by M. G. Wills, P. G., of Highland Lodge, No. 22. The first officers were C. G. Iloyt, N. G .; William Knapp, V. G .; E. R. Nichols, R. S .; D. P. Nichols, Treas. The lodge at one time numbered forty members, and was in a flourishing condition until 1861, when it ceased working. In the year 1878 it was revived under dispensation of the M. W. Grand Master, John G. Clark, and on June 14, 1878, was transferred to Avoca, and the following officers installed : O. P. Ashley, N. G .; J. F. Coe, V. G .: H. P. Dietrich, R. S .: William R. Spencer, Treas. This lodge now numbers seven- teen members with the following officers : H. H. Hampton, N. G .; C. Schmelzer, V. G .; H. P. Dietrich, R. S .; W. R. Spencer, Treasurer. Meetings are held weekly on Monday evenings.
Government .- By act of Legislature approved February 10, 1870, the portions of Sec- tions 11, 12 and 14 in which were comprehended the limits of Avoca, were incorporated as a' village, with general powers and perpetual succession; since then, the body politic has been gov- erned as a municipal corporation. The following officers have served the corporation :
1870-H. C. Snow, President; C. C. Jenkins, Ira Ingraham, George Carver and J. B. McCallister, Trustees ; Clerk, D. J. Mulhall (resigned), E. H. McElhose (resigned), George Parr; Treasurer, R. C. McCallister ; Marshal, S. S. Welch.
1871-H. C. Brainard, President ; A. C. Hampton, R. H. Kinzie, C. C. Jenkins, G. F. Mason, Trustees ; Clerk, George Parr ; Treasarer, R. C. McCallister ; Marshal, J. M. Dewitt.
1872-George F. Mason, President ; R. H. Kinzie, I. O. Ingraham, A. P. Hampton, J. P. McCallister, Trustees ; Clerk, George Parr ; Treasurer, R. C. McCallister ; Marshal, F. Reuter.
1873-W. L. Lincoln, President; Joseph B. Underwood, R. H. Kinzie, Ole Shager, H. E. Lindsey, Trustees ; Clerk, A. McArthur ; Treasurer, Ira O. Ingraham; Marshal, J. P. Butterfield.
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HISTORY OF IOWA COUNTY.
1874-A. Grote, President ; A. P. Hampton, Ole Shager, John Post. George Williams, Trustees ; Clerk, H. P. Dietrich ; Treasurer, Ira Ingraham ; Marshal, Ira O. Ingraham.
1875-W. L. Lincoln, President ; Josiah Ward, A. P. Hampton, N. H. Snow, George Williams, Trustees ; Clerk, H. P. Dietrich ; Treasurer, Ira Ingraham ; Marshal, M. Hubrick.
1876-Josiah Ward, President ; F. H. Dimoek, N. H. Snow, Ole Shager, John Post, Trustees ; Clerk, H. P. Dietrich ; Treasurer, R. H. Kinzie ; Marshal, W. II. Pride.
1877-Josiah Ward, President ; B. F. Underwood, Ole Roburg, N. H. Snow, John Post, Trustees ; Clerk, H. P. Deitrich ; Treasurer. Dewitt Post ; Marshal, Thomas Thorsen.
1878-R. C. MeCallister, President ; George Parr, Ole Roburg, A. M. MeCallister, H. A. Hampton, Trustees ; Clerk, H. P. Deitrich ; Treasurer, J. B. Underwood, Marshal, S. L. Wood.
1879-George Parr, President ; S. Aldrid, John Barnard, John Gallagher, J. F. Rieli- ardson, Trustees ; Clerk, H. P. Dietrich ; Treasurer, B. F. Underwood ; Marshal, Nelson Jacobson.
1880-Josiah Ward, President ; Ole Roburg, J. P. MeCallister, R. H. Kinzie, C. H. Frost, Trustees ; Clerk, L. P. Dietrich ; Treasurer, Samuel Parks; Marshal, D. Post.
Directors .- During the past twenty years, the village has grown not rapidly bnt steadily. At present it contains a population estimated at $1,000, composed of an intelligent and enterpris- ing class of citizens, who represent a proportion of the wealth and character, for the possession of which the county occupies a prominent position in publie estimation. Educationally and morally, the village occupies an enviable degree of repute, and in ali the departments of life, Avoca is ereditably represented. Among the old settlers of Avoca now living here are S. F. Mason, B. F. Underwood, W. R. Spencer, A. D. Garfield, H. A. Hampton, Jo Underwood. J. J. Adams, J. II. Franklin, Samuel Parks and N. H. Snow. Physicians, Dr. Brewly, Dr. Underwood ; Lawyer, P. F. Quinn ; Hotel and Saloon, Joseph Rudersdorf; Lumber Yard. Weston, Miner & Co .; General Merchandise, S. F. Mason & Son, R. H. Kinzie, Frost Bros., J. P. MeCallister ; Drugs, B. F. Underwood, G. P. Cotheran ; Confectioner. S. Parks; Hard- ware, A. Grote; Furniture, Samuel Aldred ; Harness Shops, Conrad Schmelzer, Hans Simon- son ; Shoe Shops, James Harvey, Solomon Bennett, J. H. Franklin ; Blacksmith, Wagon- makers and Carpenters, Philip Swingle, W. R. Spencer, H. A. Hampton, Fred Reuter, J. J. Adams ; Milliners, Mrs. L. P. Deitrich, Mrs. L. Andrews ; Stoek and Grain Buyers, J. Ward. Frost Bros .; Ore Buyer and Depot Agent, N. H. Snow ; Saloon, H. Flannery.
TOWN OF RIDGEWAY.
Ridgeway as a town has two distinctive features that render it especially noticeable : It is the largest town in the county, and the populous portion of Wisconsin. And within its bound- aries. near the eastern line, is located the highest point of land in the valley of the Mississippi, the West Blue Monnd. This point, and its lesser congener of Dane County, are espceially associated with the more prominent and important of the historie events connected with the early settlement of this portion of the State, and are frequently alluded to in our general history.
In dimensions, the town is ten miles wide from east to west, and eleven long from north to sonth, and ineludes within its limits 110 sections, or nearly the combined areas of three Government townships. It is really mammoth in size, and is correspondingly inconvenient in some respeets, while being more advantageously conditioned in many things than smaller towns. In the matters of expenditures for local or town government, its size is especially advantageous ; but on the other hand, considering the interests of various sections, and the distance that very many of the people must go to cast their votes, it is certainly inconvenient. However, thus far, the people of the town have manifested but little disposition to alter this condition, thereby evidencing that they are satisfied and prefer to continue on in the old way without effecting any divisions or special alterations.
Perhaps the most striking feature in the surface contour of this part of the county is the dividing ridge, or ridge of the military road, as it is more familiarly called, which traverses the
833
HISTORY OF IOWA COUNTY.
town from east to west, and which, from the time the United States sent the first troops into the territory, has been known as the great thoroughfare through this section of the country, between Fort Winnebago and Fort Crawford, now Prairie du Chien and Portage City.
Before the Black Hawk war, and even for some years after, a large amount of mining was done here, both by permanent residents and by transient "diggers;" the smelting furnaces were in operation. and, in point of fact, no productive industry was pursued other than delving for galena. As in other localities, the fruitfulness of the soil was entirely a matter of secondary consideration at that time : but now, since the lapse of a few decades, everything has been metamorphosed ; instead of the desultory employment of mining, agriculture, that pursuit which is the life and stay of nations as well as small communities, is followed almost exclusively. Twenty years ago, wheat-raising was chiefly followed, but this drain upon the soil caused, or required, a modification, and therefore a varied system of farming had necessarily to be adopted. There is now a large amount of small grain being raised, but the attention of the husbandmen appears to be turned principally toward stock-raising, for the Eastern markets, and to dairy- ing. In the latter respect Ridgeway takes the lead in the county, as there are now three first-class cheese and butter factories in the town. Sheep-raising, for wool, is one of the profit- able industries, that the most enterprising farmers are going into more extensively each year, as from experience this section appears to be quite well adapted to that purpose.
The inhabitants are as varied in nationality as they well can be, for representatives of nearly every people, who are wont to come to this country from the civilized realms of Europe and Great Britain, may be found here. The west and southwest parts of the town are settled principally by the ingenious, fun-loving and hospitable descendants of the Emerald Isle. In the northeast part of the town may be found the sober, industrious Teuton, together with large numbers of the hardy and intelligent Welsh, who also occupy the largest part of the center of the town. The southeast quarter of the town is settled principally by the descendants of Odin, the enterprising Norwegian. Other parts of the town are occupied by a more mixed popula- tion, as English, Americans, Scotch and who constitute a large portion of the most ener- getic, intelligent and prosperous of the population. Their farms are usually very good, while many of them are exceptional in the essentials of superior location, fertility, and, in point of fact. all that pertains to the make-up of a complete farm.
The social, moral and intellectual qualities of the people of this section of the country are generally acknowledged to be of such a character to-day as to place them far above the average of excellence usually attained by the inhabitants of rural districts. This is pre-eminently the church town of the county ; and what is more remarkable and admirable still, is, that all of these numerous and varied religious societies, from the conservative Catholics to the ultra Methodists, appear to blend together harmoniously, and to act in a kindly and fraternally sym- pathetic manner, one toward the other. This one particular feature indicates, more especially than any other. the true caliber of the people. Their numerous schools are well attended and well supported, and the standing of the pupils is excellent. The accommodations provided are very good. One of the schoolhouses in this town, which is located on the farm of T. B. Wat- kins, is said to be the best of its kind in the county, while nearly all of the buildings are supe- rior to those commonly in use.
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