History of Iowa County, Wisconsin, Part 125

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

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The first settlement in this portion of the county was made cotemporary with the coming of Ebenezer Brigham into Dane County in 1828. Those azure elevations, the Blue Mounds, were probably the particular features of the landscape which attracted the first comers hither, for it was conjectured that lead would more than likely be found near them in abundance. This surmise proved correct, in the main, for one of the most extensive and best-paying lodes ever discovered in the State was struck by Mr. Brigham within a year after his coming here, from which in subsequent years, immense quantities of mineral were taken. A short distance from Mr. Brigham's diggings, to the west, J. B. Skinner who was for many years one of the leading men in the affairs of this section, in company with a man by the name of Jacob Pate, built the first furnace in the town and opened the first diggings. This was in 1828. This

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HISTORY OF IOWA COUNTY.

place was then called Patesville. During the same year, Hugh R. Porter established a smelt- ing claim at what has since been known as Porter's Grove, and in the fall James and William Morrison came on, and in the spring following built a double-eye furnace here.

The Morrison furnace is well remembered by the oldest of the pioneers. It was located on Section 1 of Town 3. A sort of cavern was dug into the hillside, the front of the hole being rudely walled in, an opening being left in the wall for the ingress and egress of the workmen. This furnace was in full blast up to 1835, and perhaps later, at which time Mr. Morrison aban- doned the business. Vestiges of this old institution for the manipulation of mineral, forty-five and fifty years ago, are still to be seen. The other furnaces spoken of have long since entirely disappeared.

Tom McRaney, Stephen Armstrong and Caleb Downing, with some others, also erected a furnace in the town about 1829, which stood near the junction of the Mound Creeks. The two Rankin brothers came into the town in 1828, but sold their claim in the spring of 1829 to William Garrison and Patrick Horine, who continued to operate here for several years. This place was afterward called Garrison's Grove. Samuel Charles and Jonathan Ferrill were other two of the early comers, they having commenced digging as early, certainly, as 1829. Ferrill was subsequently murdered by a man by the name of Crane, whom he was trying to drive off of his "diggings." This was the first death in the town.

There were many other miners working in the town before 1832, but they are not now remembered by the oldest settlers, and it is a wonder, indeed, that they have not all been for- gotten through the shadows of oblivion, with which time is surely but slowly surrounding nearly all of those who now frequent the same scenes. Those old pioneers are now gone forever from the places which once knew them so well, and where their struggles and aspirations were ex- pended, but what they have achieved is not lost, although to them may not have occurred a

thought or a care for their successor. The effort of each individual in the varied changes of human progress is fraught with something of value or injury for those who follow, and happily for humanity all honest labor, no matter where or in what direction exerted, is sure to exert a beneficial influence, therefore, small as it may have been, a degree of good was realized from the work of the first white men who came here in paving the way for those of to-day by first bringing to the wilderness a faint type of the civilization which has followed.

During the Indian troubles of 1832, the miners of the town were garrisoned at Mound Fort, on Brigham's place, a little east of the Dane County line, on Section 7, and were par- ticipants in the exciting events that transpired at that locality, especially mentioned in the general sketch of the Black Hawk war. After the war, the mining interest waned very rapidly. until by 1840 not anything of moment was being done in that direction or in smelting.

In 1835, the first marriage was consummated between William Garrison and a sister of Jonathan Ferrill, known under the patronymic of " Big Sis Ferrill."

The first farm in the town was opened by James Morison as early as 1832 certainly, for by 1837 he had about thirty-five acres improved and a frame house built, which was doubtless the first of its kind in the town. There was a large grove of timber here, and also a splendid spring, which is yet active. This place is now known as the Moon farm.

Of the various permanent settlers who came into the town subsequent to 1832 (not men- tioned) that were here in 1838, there were John Metcalf, Samuel Woodruff, Mr. Rasdell, Ed Riley, William and Harmon Renshaw, G. W. Hickcox, Samuel Lowry, and William P. Ruggles, the oldest settler in the town, and the last one left of those who came here before 1840. Mr. Rasdell married a squaw, and about 1837 moved to Madison, where he erected the Rasdell House, afterward known as the Jefferson House. John Metcalf was for years identified with the shot-tower in Old Helena, in the town of Wyoming, where Mr. Lowry, the only other remaining survivor besides Mr. Ruggles, is now living.

Among the settlers who located in the town from 1840 to 1845, were Mahlon Blicker, Aza- riah Mills, Sidney Cosmen, James Kelly, A. V. Moore. Ed Rodgers, Anthony Quigley, Austin Willard, G. W. Stating, John Bailev. Zebulum Baxter. Hugh Dallett, Leonard Phillips, Manley

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HISTORY OF IOWA COUNTY.

Luther, A. H. Vosburg, James Lamar, Luke Camp, Henry Patchey, William Finout, J. W. Baldwin, E. T. Lee, Francis Bong, . F. Bequette, Adam Cassner, J. Smither, S. W. Lamar, Henry Wiggs, John McClusky, Daniel Wiggs, Henry Faaley, Peter Sanford, S. S. Hall, John Messersmith, Andrew Meyers, D. Gardner, Joseph Smith, J. R. Snyder, Daniel Tabor, Ben C. Simpson, James and Thomas Lowry, C. F. Parks, A. D. Bassett, C. H. Dibble, Nelson Smith, Franklin Prentice, Alanso Culver.

Very few of those enumerated above are now living here or elsewhere, but nearly all of them will be remembered. Of those who came into the town subsequent to 1844 and before 1850, we are enabled to mention D. H. Jones, Frank Ord, Thomas Jones, Dennis Doyle, Ed Ryan. Owen Kelley, John Riley, Archie McCormack, Frank and Joseph Martelle, Albert Camp, Ed Williams, John Adams, Thomas Champion, W. H. Virgin, Walter Reese, B. J. Davis, C. W. Rockwell, James Roberts, F. Watkins, Rev. T. B. Watkins, Richard Williams, Archibald Campbell, Richard Williams, John Kendrick, Robert, William and Evan Jones, Ben Davis, Ben Evans, John Powell, William Williams, Evan Lloyd, Henry Foulk, Richard Jones, J. L. Jones, Theobald, James Brunkert, James Smith.

The first settlement was made by the Americans, with perhaps a few Irish ; subsequently Irish, English, Welsh, Norwegians and Germans came. The nucleus of the present large and influential Irish section came in before 1850. Probably the oldest of these living settlers is James Kelley, of " Pokerville."

Large numbers of the Welsh came in before 1850, and located, principally ncar the center of the town. Of these the oldest living are David H. Jones and Rev. T. B. Watkins. There are also many others of the early Welsh settlers living, who came into the town soon after. Undoubtedly the Welsh have contributed as largely toward the prosperity and general develop- ment of the town to its present high standard, as any other nationality represented here.

About the oldest English families in town are the Sampsons, Thomas Street, Samuel Yapp and Thomas Hamley. Near Middlebury Post Office are some ten or twelve families of English and Scotch people from Prince Edward Island.

Mr. Campbell, of the historic Scotch clan, is one of the very oldest of the sturdy Scotts, of whom there are but few in the town, and who, in public matters, is the prominent representative man of this section of the county, and it may be added, State as well.

The Norwegians and Germans did not immigrate into the town, to any considerable extent, previous to 1855, but since that time they have rapidly augmented, until now they constitute a very large part of the population. Holver Holverson was probably the first of the Norwegian settlers.

The first regular town road was laid out at a very early time, from the military road to the old Hickcox mills, and thence to the old shot-tower at Helena. Near the junction of the two roads, about 1840, the old Sampson House was built, which, being on the direct line of travel, soon superseded the Hicox stand. This tavern was a famous stage rendezvous for a great many years, in fact almost until it rotted down. During the palmy days of staging, the old Frink & Walker Stage Company used to send a Concord coach-and-four rattling over the road both ways each day, but these eventually gave place to innovations in the shape of modern covered vehicle with few claims to stage perfection or the comforts of "ye olden time." As one event but treads on the heels of another in natural sequence through the course of civilization, so, at last, both an- cient and modern stage appliances will be superseded by the railway coaches, and Jehu will have lost his occupation ; and, last but not least, on or near the old Sampson stand, will be located a station for the accommodation of wayfarers. Thus the wheel of change revolutionizes every- thing, from year to year, with irresistible power, and, often, benefit.

The first frame house in town was erccted in Town 7, Range 4, for William P. Ruggles, in 1842, by Robert Wilson, since County Judge. This quaint old building is standing yet, with its huge fire-place and chimneys, reminding one of forty years ago. It is still the home of this veteran settler and his wife and family, and is an abode from which hospitality is extended with open hand and where comfort prevails.

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HISTORY OF IOWA COUNTY.

A sketch of this town would be very imperfect if special mention was not made of the cheese and butter making interests. The first factory was built by Evan Jones, about eight years ago, on Section 34, about one mile north of the Middlebury church. There are two more near here, belonging, respectively, to Thomas Leason and Mrs. Jane Jones, both of which were built within the last seven years. The two first mentioned arc double-vat factories, the last having a single vat. The cheese manufactured here is acknowledged to be as good in quality as can be produced anywhere, and brings the highest prices paid in the New York market.

Now that Ridgeway is to be traversed by a railroad, there will undoubtedly be both an in- crease in population and prosperity, and a corresponding improvement in the general condition of the people. Previous to the commencement of the grading, the town was solicited by the company to vote aid to the enterprise. This request was responded to by the people voting $15,000, but finally, to the great satisfaction of the inhabitants, the company, on account of certain stipulations which they had made that they chose to abrogate, released the town from its obligation. For this unexpected action on the part of the company, a vote of thanks of the commonwealth was returned, and, unquestionably, in the future, a more substantial expression of gratitude will be made in the general and hearty patronage that will be extended to the road.

Mills .-- The Hickcox mill was one of the very first built in this part of the State, is still stand- ing. Joseph Roulette, a noted French scout, guide and fur trader, was the original owner, fur- nishing the means with which George W. Hickcox built it. The saw mill was built during the summer of 1839, and the grist-mill in January, 1840. As Hickcox had the entire charge of the build- ing and running of the mill, it, by common consent, received his name. William P. Ruggles, who has spent forty-two years in the vicinity, first cut away the brush on the site of the mill. With three others, all young men like himself, he spent about ten days in an open wagon while they were engaged in putting up a shanty for more comfortable and permanent shelter. This shanty, built in April, 1839, was the first one erected on (northwest corner) Section 34. The Hickcox mill, when completed, drew custom from a range of country extending from twenty to forty miles in every direction. Grists were drawn here with ox-teams, and here was the rendezvous for set- tlers from Stoner's Prairie (near Madison), Elk Grove, Sugar River, etc. The hardy woodsmen of Baraboo and the equally hardy miners from Gratiot's Grove often met here. The only road to it for a long time was one leading from the old military road, which ran east and west along the ridge, three and one-half miles south of the mill. Francis Martelle ground the first grist, and is best remembered as the first miller. One bushel of corn only was ground during the week following the completion of the mill, yet, for years after, the roar of its machinery was to be heard day and night. For the past thirty years, the property has been in litigation, and not a wheel has moved in the old building since the nation's centennial.

In this connection, a few words concerning Mr. Hickcox, the builder of the above mill, will not come amiss. G. W. Hickcox came to Ridgeway from Utica, N. Y., in 1836, and located on Section 14, Town 6, Range 4. Here he built a log house, which was for several years the prin- cipal stopping-place for travelers who were passing through the county over the old military road, near which it stood. This old house is standing yet, " a relic of by-gone days." Of Mr. Hickcox, personally, it can be said that those who knew him bear testimony to the excellence of his char- acter. He was the founder of one of the first churches in the town, and a leader in all good works.

Since the construction of the Hickcox mill, there have been four flour-mills built and one or two saw-mills. The second mill was built in 1856, by William Hyde, on Section 23, Town 7. This was burned in 1873; subsequently it was rebuilt by Thomas Reese; this mill is known as Hyde's Mill. There is a grist-mill owned by P. Theobald and the estate of Dr. Burrall, of Dodgeville, situated on Section 5, near Middlebury Post Office ; one on Section 34, Town 7, and one in the extreme northwest corner of the town, on Section 9, besides a saw-mill which is located on Section 19, Town 7, near Hyde's mills.

Post Offices .- The first post-officein town, known as the Ridgeway office, was established about 1840, with G. W. Hickcox, the distributing point for the mail being at his old log tavern

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HISTORY OF IOWA COUNTY.

called the Hickcox place, now owned by Russell Farwell. This office has since been kept by W. H. Virgin, Thomas and J. F. Strutt and George Farwell, who is the present Postmaster.

Middlebury Post Office was established about 1860, with Alexander Campbell as Postmaster. The subsequent Postmasters have been Archie and James Camel. Harrison Lowe, and Ed Theo- bald, the present incumbent.

Jennietown-The first settler here was David Williams, who did not long survive. He was a blacksmith, as was his successor, Owen Jenkins. The little hamlet was first called Jenkinsville ; but eventually, the name of the office was changed to Jennieton, at the suggestion of Judge Craw- ford, in honor of his wife (Jennie Sweet), now the wife of J. M. Smith, of Mineral Point. The first Postmaster here was David Simpson ; Carl Evers, who keeps a hotel at this point, is now Postmaster. A station on the Milwaukee & Madison line has been located here.

Hyde's Mills office was first kept at the house of William P. Ruggles, being called Ruggles- dale office. But when it was removed to the present place, which is near Hyde's Mills, the name was changed. John Hughes, who keeps a store at this point, is the present official.

The only other office in the town, aside from "Paperville," as already described, is Barber, which has not been established very long. Anton O. Ronsti is the Postmaster at this place.

Churches .- The Revs. T. M. Fullerton and Seymour S. Stover are remembered as being the first ministers who visited this section of the country. Mr. Fullerton, who is still engaged in ministerial labors, came into the county about 1837-38, he being then a young man. Mr. Stover came after 1840. These were both Methodists, as were nearly all of the pioneer minis- ters. But the minister who is the best remembered was David Jones, a Welshman. He was one of the most indefatigable workers that ever labored in this county, and did more by far to build churches and advance the Christian cause than any single person who has succeeded him. Mr. Jones was not only a devoted Christian worker, but he was also a temperance man to the heart's core, and circulated the first temperance pledge in the town. He came here as early as 1846, and during that year the first organized effort was made by founding a Sabbath school. In this work, Rev. T. B. Watkins, who has preached here for many years, was largely influen- tial. The first schools were held in the log cabin of Richard Williams, which stood near the present White Church.

The first churches built were what is known as the White Church, erected in 1849, on Sec- tion 3, Town 6, Range 5, and a church built as early as 1845, on Section 14, Town 6, Range 4. The latter church was erected in connection with a Presbyterian Society, founded by G. W. Hickcox, in a very early day, but which did not last only a few years.

The White Church, so called on account of its color, was erected by the Welsh Congrega- tionalists. Several different denominations aided, however, in the work. This church is used occasionally by the Norwegians.

There are now in all ten churches in the town, representing several different denominations, as Methodists, Baptists, Congregationalists, Calvinists, Catholics, etc.

The Catholic Church is the largest church. It is located on Section 15, Township 6. Range 4, and has the largest society. The first church was built in 1850. In 1877, this had become so small, that the present fine structure was erected to accommodate the society.

The other churches are located as follows : One on Section 6, Township 6, Range 5, Bap- tist; one on Section 11, Township 6, Range 4; one on Section 22, Township 6, Range 5; one on Section 2, Township 6, Range 5; one on Section 27, Township 7, Range 5; one on Section 24, Township 7, Range 4, Congregational; one on Section 7, Township 6, Range 5.

There are several cemeteries in the town, the oldest of these being located on land pre- sented by Mr. Hickcox to the town in 1844. This cemetery was at first connected with the old Presbyterian Church already mentioned.

Official Town Record .- The first meeting for the organization under town government, was held at the house of J. B. Skinner, on the 3d of April, 1849; there were seventy votes cast. J. B. Skinner was elected Chairman ; Mahlon Blecker and C. W. Rockwell, Supervisors ;

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HISTORY OF IOWA COUNTY.

Joseph Roberts, Clerk ; D. H. Jones, Assessor; John Culver, Treasurer; G. W. Hickcox, School Superintendent, and Edward Riley, W. R. Sampson, Walter Reese and B. J. Davis, Justices ; three mills on a dollar were voted for roads, two for schools, and an appropriation of $100 was made for incidental expenses. During the war about $10,000 was raised to pay bounties. The following is a list of the officers from 1850 to 1880 :

1850-John B. Skinner, Chairman ; W. A. Ward and H. Renshaw, Supervisors ; Walter Rees, Town Clerk ; C. F. Parks, Collector and Treasurer; David H. Jones. Assessor ; School Superintendent, G. W. Hickcox.

1851-J. B. Skinner, Chairman : W. A. Ward and H. Renshaw, Supervisors ; Walter Rees, Town Clerk ; Benjamin Evans, Assessor; David H. Jones, Treasurer; T. E. Wells, School Superintendent.

1852-J. B. Skinner, Chairman : W. A. Ward, David Roach, Supervisors ; Joseph Rob- erts, Town Clerk ; Mahlon Hasbrook, Assessor; Benjamin Evans, Treasurer ; H. Renshaw, School Superintendent.

1853 -- J. B. Skinner, Chairman ; Z. Watkins, B. J. Davis, Supervisors ; Joseph Roberts, Town Clerk ; James Evans, Assessor ; William Renshaw, Treasurer ; C. F. Parks, Superin- tendent of schools.

Up to 1854, the elections were held at the house of J. B. Skinner, in 1854, at the house- of Andrew Pearce.

1854-G. W. Hickcox, Chairman ; B. J. Davis, Hugh Dellet, Supervisors ; Joseph Rob- erts, Town Clerk ; Thomas Watkins, Assessor ; William A. Ward, Treasurer ; Harmon Ren- shaw, School Superintendent.

1855-Alexander Campbell, Chairman ; Hugh Dillet, J. L. Jones, Supervisors ; Joseph Roberts, Town Clerk ; Benjamin Evans, Assessor; William Renshaw, Treasurer; H. Ren- shaw, Town Superintendent of schools.

1856-Alexander Campbell, Chairman ; Hugh Dillet, Thomas Hambly, Supervisors ; Benjamin Evans, Town Clerk ; Joseph Roberts, Assessor ; Andrew Markey, Treasurer ; David Simpson, School Superintendent.

The elections in 1855 and 1856 were held at the house of Andrew Pearce. Then up to 1869 at the house of Thomas Ferry.

1857-Alexander Campbell, Chairman ; Thomas Hambley, Edmund Holly, Supervisors ; Benjamin Evans, Town Clerk ; Andrew Markey, Treasurer; D. H. Jones, Assessor ; David Simpson, School Superintendent.

1858-Alexander Campbell, Chairman ; Edmund Holly, Samuel Ward, Supervisors ; Ben- jamin Evans, Town Clerk ; D. H. Jones, Assessor ; Andrew Markey, Treasurer : James Ryan, School Superintendent.

1859-Joseph Roberts, Chairman ; Hugh Dillet, James Smith, Supervisors ; John Ed- wards, Town Clerk ; V. M. Fairbanks, Assessor ; Andrew Markey, Treasurer ; James Ryan, School Superintendent.

1860-Alexander Campbell, Chairman ; Hugh Dillet, W. P. Ruggles, Supervisors ; Joel Whitman, Town Clerk ; V. M. Fairbanks, Assessor; Andrew Markey, Treasurer; James Ryan, School Superintendent.

Whole number of votes cast, 298.

1861-Alexander Campbell, Chairman ; Hugh Dillet, William H. Virgin, Supervisors ; Joseph Roberts, Town Clerk ; Alexander Cassoday, Assessor; James Ryan, Treasurer ; David Lewis, School Superintendent.

The entire vote on the question of the removal of the county seat was 456, 432 for and 24 against.

1862-John Adams, Chairman ; J. L. Jones, W. H. Virgin, Supervisors ; Joseph Roberts, Town Clerk.

1863-John A. Dodge, Chairman; Thomas Jones ; F. Theobald, Supervisors ; Joseph Roberts, Town Clerk.

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HISTORY OF IOWA COUNTY.

1864-John Adams, Chairman ; F. Theobald, Thomas Bunbury, Supervisors ; H. W. Lewis, Town Clerk.

1865-V. M. Fairbanks, Chairman ; J. T. Campbell, Daniel Thomas, Supervisors ; Hugh W. Lewis, Town Clerk ; Robert Jones, Treasurer ; Joseph Roberts, Assessor.

1866-Benjamin Evans, Chairman, A. Campbell, Thomas Strutt, Supervisors ; H. W. Lewis, Town Clerk ; D. H. Jones, Assessor ; Robert Lloyd, Treasurer.

1867-Archibald Campbell, Chairman ; Thomas Strutt, Robert Jones, Supervisors ; Ben- jamin Evans, Town Clerk.

1868-Archibald Campbell, Chairman ; Joseph Paull, Robert Lloyd, Supervisors ; Benja- min Evans, Town Clerk ; J. A. Dodge, Andrew Arneson, Assessors ; H. W. Lewis, Treas- urer.

1869-Archibald Campbell, Chairman ; F. Theobald, Thomas Bunbury, Supervisors ; Ben- jamin Evans, Town Clerk ; D. H. Jones, Assessor ; Daniel Thomas, Treasurer.

1870-A. Campbell, Chairman ; Robert Lloyd, F. Theobald, Supervisors ; Benjamin Evans, Town Clerk ; D. H. Jones, Assessor; John Hamilton, Treasurer.

1871-Robert Jones, Chairman ; Robert Lloyd, Joseph Blake, Supervisors ; Benjamin Evans, Town Clerk ; D. H. Jones, Assessor ; John Hamilton, Treasurer.

1872-Robert J. Jones, Chairman; Joseph Blake, D. B. Lawler, Supervisors : Benjamin Evans, Town Clerk ; D. H. Jones, Assessor ; Robert Lloyd, Treasurer.

From 1873 to the present time the elections have been held at the house of Mrs. Morgan, near Jennieton.

1873-R. J. Jones, Chairman ; D. B. Lawler, Joseph Blake, Supervisors ; B. J. Davis, Jr., Town Clerk ; D. H. Jones, Assessor ; Robert Lloyd, Treasurer.

1874-Archibald Campbell, Chairman ; Henry Conley, A. E. Arneson, Supervisors ; David Lloyd, Jr., Town Clerk ; D. H. Jones Assessor ; Owen O'Neal, Treasurer.

1875-Archibald Campbell, Chairman ; Henry Conley, A. E. Arneson, Supervisors ; David Lloyd, Jr., Town Clerk ; D. H. Jones, Assessor ; S. D. Roach, Treasurer.

1876-Archibald Campbell, Chairman ; James Short, H. E. Brunker, Supervisors ; D. Lloyd, Jr., Town Clerk ; D. H. Jones, Assessor ; D. R. Jones, Treasurer.

1877-A. Campbell, Chairman ; James Short, Charles Braconier, Supervisors ; Thomas K. Ryan, Town Clerk ; W. J. Evans, Assessor ; Thomas Brunker, Treasurer.

1878-A. E. Arneson, Chairman ; J. F. Strutt, Henry Boley, Supervisors ; T. K. Ryan, Town Clerk ; D. H. Jones, Assessor ; J. J. Morris, Treasurer.

1879-A. E. Arneson, Chairman ; Bernhard Stagner, J. F. Strutt, Supervisors ; T. K. Ryan, Town Clerk ; T. W. Short, Treasurer ; D. H. Jones, Assessor.

1880-Thomas K. Ryan, Chairman ; Henry Boley, B. J. Davis, Supervisors ; M. Torphy, Jr., Town Clerk ; David Lloyd, Treasurer ; D. H. Jones, Assessor.

WEST BLUE MOUNDS.

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History of Iowa County, Wisconsin, Part 125

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