USA > Wisconsin > Lafayette County > History of Lafayette county, Wisconsin > Part 92
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In 1835, the land sale occurred at Mineral Point, and the number of arrivals increased annually thence to 1840, all who were able to do so securing tracts in the timber. Among those were Lorenzo McNett, who became the occupant of the Leslie homestead; Charles Brownell, Joseph and Benjamin White, John Carthew, John D. Martin, founder of the village of Elk Grove; Henry Rablin, who established the first brewery in the county, this in 1836, and conducting the same for many years. The enterprise went down in the wreck of 1857. O. M. Richards came about this time also, as did William Brownell, who made a claim at the Strawberry, whither he was followed a year or more later by his brother George Brownell, Dr. Hodges, John Rablin and many others.
The first marriage is said to have taken place in 1836, when Henry Curtis was united to Miss Rouse, a young lady of Galena. The first birth occurred in 1835, being Appolonia Leslie, who died a year later, and was remembered as the first death.
Lorenzo McNett arrived in Elk Grove in the fall of 1835, having come from New York State overland with a team of horses and wagon, being seven weeks on the road. He is now one of the oldest settlers living in the town, is hale and hearty, and gives promise of many years of usefulness.
The first two-horse wagon used in the town of Elk Grove was brought here by Edward Leslie, and the first buggy the town could boast of was brought from New York, in 1846, by Lorenzo McNett. A grocery and general provision store was established in Elk Grove about 1830, by Mr. Collette at his claim, here also, and, at the same time, the first post office was established, and Mr. Collette appointed Postmaster, the office being kept in his store. Mr. Col- lette was succeeded by Justus De Seelhorst, who was followed by Edward Leslie. The mails were received from what was called the Galena & Mineral Point Mail Route, Dr. Philleo, of Galena, being proprietor of the stage line that carried the mails.
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HISTORY OF LA FAYETTE COUNTY.
The first school taught in the town was held in the old boarding-house of James C. Wright, there being not more than a half a dozen scholars, with Miss Mary Warner as teacher. The salary was paid by subscription. About 1843, the first district school was built on Section 7, and is yet used for school purposes. The house built by the first settler in this town is still standing, located on Section 7, and is now occupied by Emanuel Whitham.
The first church built in the town was erected in 1848, by the Congregationalists, on the north half of the southeast quarter of Section 7, the Rev. Warner being the first preacher. This church, subsequently used by the Methodists, is still standing, though no service has been held in it but once since 1870.
Elk Grove was an election precinct with only a portion of its present territory before the division of Iowa County. The first election for town officers was held in 1849, at the old tavern built in 1835, by Nathan Goodell, when were elected Joseph White, Chairman ; John D. Martin, Edward Leslie, Supervisors; Clerk, Charles Brownell. J. De Seelhorst was appointed Assessor by the board, in place of John Dunn, Jr., who refused to serve. The officers for the following year, 1850, were Edward Leslie (Chairman), Henry B. Phillips, Charles Good, Supervisors ; Clerk, Horace Curtis ; Treasurer and Assessor, J. De Seelhorst.
Between 1840 and 1850, many who adventured into the town cast their several lots in that portion of Elk Grove wherein mining was carried on, though it does not appear than with more than ordinary success. These included Henry and John Bunt, Richard Good, Mr. Gorham, etc. John Jones settled above the grove; Thomas Good near Belmont, and a few who engaged in farming at other points without " blazing " the highway of life as pursued by them to guide the pursuit of after years. The Mexican war possessed no attractions for the husbandmen or public then resident in the town, as far as can be ascertained, no one having engaged in that struggle from this vicinity. Not so, however, two years later, when the "rush " to the gold mines of the Pacific drained all portions of the county of much of its enterprise, nerve and individuality. The quota from Elk Grove was made up of such men as David Sceley, John Dunn, Mr. Gor- ham, and that type of residents of which they were a fair index. Gorham and Seeley, with many of their compatriots, reached the hospitable "summer land," but many sought by a dif- ferent route the realization of prayers and hopes in the dim land of dreams. In 1861, the town furnished money and troops as these sinews of war were demanded, and contributed by the aid thus furnished to "perpetuate the union of States."
The history of the town for the past twenty years has been free from accidents or incidents to any appreciable extent that have aided to increase its resources, multiply its obligations or diminish its attractions. It maintains its well-earned reputation for fertility of soil, independ- ence, thrift and character of its inhabitants, and as affording a full equivalent to him who shall diligently and earnestly search for the reward of industrious endeavor.
In the town of Elk Grove, in 1865, there were eight schoolhouses, valued at $2,100, requir- ing the services of eight teachers, the number of children in the town of school age being 388. Male teachers received salaries of $38.50 ; female, $26.40 During the year there was received or school purposes $1,444.44, and $1,532.48 was disbursed. In 1880, there were eight school- houses, valued at $3,584, requiring the services of eight teachers, who educated 308 children of school age. Average salaries paid to male teachers, $32.60; female, $24.25. Total amount received during the year for school purposes, $2,607.95. Of this amount $1,560.08 was raised by taxation, During 1880, $2,042.39 was paid out for school purposes. In 1862, the equalized value of the town was $210,512; 1880, $385,491. The population of Elk Grove, in 1850, was 624, to wit, 319 males and 305 females ; in 1855, it amounted to 958, to wit, 535 males and 421 females, making an increase of 334 in five years.
The following is a list of the town officers from the organization into its present limits : 1872-Edward Chappell, Sr., Chairman ; O. M. Richards, Henry Schell, Supervisors ; Clerk, Edward Chappell, Jr. ; Treasurer, John McBride ; Assessor, Dan McFarlane.
1873-Edward Chappell, Sr., Chairman ; Henry Schell, Henry Staber, Supervisors; Clerk, Edward Chappel, Jr .; Treasurer, John McBride ; Assessor, John Blewett.
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HISTORY OF LA FAYETTE COUNTY.
1874-Edward Chappell, Sr., Chairman ; Henry Schell, B. Fiedler, Supervisors; Clerk, Edward Chappell, Jr .; Treasurer, Robert H. Martin ; Assessor, John Blewett.
1875-John Blewett, Chairman ; Henry Schell, Anton Gerlack, Supervisors; Clerk, Ed- ward Chappell, Jr .; Treasurer, Isaiah Gill ; Assessor, Robert McBride.
1876-John Blewett, Chairman ; Henry Schell, Anton Gerlack, Supervisors ; Clerk, Ed- ward Chappell, Jr .; Treasurer, Justus Riechers ; Assessor, John Moore.
1877-John Blewett, Chairman ; Henry Schell, Anton Gerlack, Supervisors; Clerk, Ed- ward Chappell, Jr .; Treasurer, Justus Riechers ; Assessor, Christopher Staber.
1878-John Blewett, Chairman ; Henry Schell, Anton Gerlack, Supervisors ; Clerk, Ed- ward Chappell, Jr .; Treasurer, Justus Riechers ; Assessor, Christopher Staber.
1879-Robert McBride, Chairman ; Henry Schell, Joseph S. Robinson, Supervisors; Clerk, Edward Chappell, Jr .; Treasurer, Henry Fiedler ; Assessor, Chris Staber.
1880-Justus Riechers, Chairman ; Anton Gerlack, Edward McNett, Supervisors ; Clerk, Edward Chappell, Jr .; Treasurer, Christopher Staber ; Assessor, W. C. Whitham.
VILLAGE OF ELK GROVE.
Early in the fifties, the ambition of the inhabitants to establish a village within the limits of their beautiful town found frequent expression, and the subject was generally canvassed by all interested. Various available points were suggested, but no definite conclusions were reached in the premises for several years. An attempt was finally made to secure a donation of lands contigu- ous to the old Collette place, which was thought, on account of its location, to be a favorable site, but, the owner declining to ex-appropriate his property for the purposes mentioned, this was abandoned, and the plan bade fair to fall through. While the decision was yet in futuro, J. D. Martin adopted the suggestion, which had become common property, and decided to lay out the northeast corner of the southeast quarter of Section 5, Township 2, Range 1 east, for village purposes, and on the 20th of August, 1857, the same was surveyed by Thomas Brown and the present village planned by Mr. Martin.
At first, it was supposed that a place of some importance would result from this enterprise on the part of Mr. Martin, and improvements of a substantial and elaborate character were pro- jected. But the exit of flush times, which was made, as will be remembered, during the year in which the village was born, carried with them the hopes and ambitions of its founders, and to-day a Methodist Church, a stone hotel, store and less than a half-dozen private residences tell the story of " what might have been " had not the panic, the war and other adverse circum- stances successfully intervened to prevent.
The Methodist Church was erected in 1854, under the pastorate of the Rev. Mr. Jones, at a time when the families of William Cundy, J. D. Martin, John Curkert and Justus De Seel- horst constituted the congregation. It cost $1,000, and will seat an audience of two hundred. At present, the church is included in the Belmont Circuit. The Pastor is the Rev. William Cook, and the congregation numbers seventy-five worshipers.
THE POST OFFICE
was first established in 1858, in the Rock Tavern, with J. D. Martin as Postmaster. He was followed by John Amger, William Cundy, who died in office, and was succeeded by the widow, who gave place to Justus C. Curkett, and he in turn to John Kempthorne, the present incum- bent. The mail facilities, though limited, meet the public demand.
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HISTORY OF LA FAYETTE COUNTY.
TOWN OF SEYMOUR.
When by act of Legislature La Fayette County was divided into towns, the original town of Seymour formed a part of Centre, now Darlington. In 1869, fifteen sections of the western part of Centre were surveyed and organized into a town, and named Seymour, in honor of Gov. Seymour, of New York.
The first town meeting was held in the schoolhouse, in District No. 6, on Tuesday, April 6, 1869, when the following officers were chosen : William Hess, Chairman ; Joseph Dougherty, William Ward, Supervisor ; Clerk, John McCabe; Treasurer, Jacob Heffle.
1870-Rufus S. Crippen, Chairman ; James McWilliams, James Urnison, Supervisors ; Clerk, James W. Trestrail ; Treasurer, Francis Gough ; Assessor, Rufus S. Crippen.
1871-Jacob Heffle, Chairman, James Urnison, James Mc Williams ; Clerk, James W. Trestrail; Treasurer, Francis Gough ; Assessor, Rufus S. Crippen. During the years 1869 and 1870, the subject of attaching to Seymour parts of the towns of Elk Grove and Kendall was agitated and strongly advocated by the citizens of Seymour, but opposed by the citizens of Elk Grove and Kendall. No definite action was taken, however, until during the legislative session of 1871, when a bill was enacted authorizing the Board of County Commissioners to take such parts of other towns as would be necessary to enlarge Seymour to a town of thirty-six sections. In 1872, fifteen sections from the eastern part of Elk Grove and six sections from the southern part of Kendall were attached to Seymour, making the town six miles square.
The first meeting of the newly organized town was held at the schoolhouse at Wardsville, April, 1872, where 209 votes were cast, and the following officers chosen : John O'Neill, Chair- man ; Shane Morgan, James Robson, Supervisors ; Clerk, William Hess; Treasurer, Francis Gough ; Assessor, James Morgan.
The following is a complete list of the officers chosen annually since the organization of the town:
1873-John O'Niel, Chairman ; Shane Morgan, James Robson, Supervisors ; Clerk, Will- iam Hess; Treasurer, Francis Gough ; Assessor, James Morgan.
1874-Joseph Sullivan, Chairman ; George Tyson, James McWilliams, Supervisors, Clerk, John Fleming ; Treasurer, John Colbert; Assessor, Terence J. O'Neill.
1875-Joseph Sullivan, Chairman ; James McWilliams, Jacob Heffle, Supervisors ; Clerk, Mike Fleming ; Treasurer, John Colbert ; Assessor, Terence J. O'Neill.
1870-Thomas J. Walsh, Chairman ; Henry Gabel, James Clayton, Supervisors ; Clerk, James McDermott; Treasurer, John Morgan ; Assessor, Terence J. O'Neill.
1877-Thomas J. Walsh, Chairman ; Henry Gabel, James Urnison, Supervisors ; Clerk, James McDermott ; Treasurer, John M. Morgan ; Assessor, Arthur Brewer.
1878-Thomas J. Walsh, Chairman ; John Schneider, George Tyson, Supervisors ; Clerk, Terence J. O'Neill ; Treasurer, Francis Gough ; Assessor, James Morgan.
1879-Joseph Sullivan, Chairman ; George Tyson, John Schneider, Supervisors ; Clerk, Terence J. O'Neill ; Treasurer, Francis Gough ; Assessor, C. W. Gallaghan.
1880-Joseph Sullivan, Chairman ; George Tyson, John Schneider, Supervisors; Clerk, Terence J. O'Neill ; Treasurer, Francis Gough ; Assessor, C. W. Gallaghan.
The town of Seymour now comprises Townships 2 and 3 north, Range 2 east of the Fourth Principal Meridian, and is bounded on the north by Kendall, on the east by Darlington, on the south by Shullsburg, on the west by New Diggings and Elk Grove, and is divided into fifteen road districts and eleven school districts. This town is especially adapted to agricultural pursuits, there being 23,040 acres of land in the town, and not to exceed 200 acres of which is wood- land. The surface is a beautiful rolling prairie, with no great depressions and few slight ele- vations.
The traveler passing through Seymour, over its well-kept roads, can form but a vague idea of the intrinsic worth of the town for stock-raising and farming purposes. On nearly every
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HISTORY OF LA FAYETTE COUNTY.
farm in the town may be found miniature natural springs, bubbling forth from mother earth, only to form a narrow stream, which, flowing through its winding course over the surfaces of the prairie, renders fertile this beautiful expanse of territory.
The numerous elegant and commodious residences to be found in this town stand as monu- ments to the industry and integrity of its inhabitants. The four large churches of different denominations form sufficient evidence that the hopes and desires of the people are not alto- gether on the fleeting things of this world. The number of schoolhouses, with accommodations for 300 children, and the degree to which the important subject of education is fostered here, is a sure index to the intelligence and liberality of the people. The robust and hardy constitu- tions of the adults, and the rosy cheeks and bright eyes of the urchins, indicate a salubrious and healthful climate.
The inhabitants of Seymour are principally of Irish nationality or descent, though there are some English and Germans, with a few Americans scattered through the town.
The first settler within the present limits of Seymour was Daniel Sullivan, who came here in 1833 and located on Section 30, on the farm now owned by Philip Lakey, and occupied by George Stonebreaker. On this farm, Mr. Sullivan built a log house, the first erected in the town. John Ryan came soon after Mr. Sullivan, in 1833, and located on Section 29, on the farm now occupied by his son, William Ryan, and Charles Boyle. Other early settlers were Henry Marsh, Shane Morgan, Bryan O'Neill, John O'Neill, Andrew O'Neill, Daniel O'Neill and Mary O'Neill.
The first school taught in the town was built in 1852, on Section 29, John Casey being employed as teacher. Previous to the erection of this schoolhouse, the children of Seymour attended the schools at Shullsburg and Mill Seat Bend. The town now has seven schoolhouses, which, with their sites, are valued at $3,500. There are in the town 247 children who attend schools, requiring the services of seven teachers, whose salaries average $36 per month. The total amount received for school purposes in the town for 1880 will aggregate $2,015.59.
Owing to a close proximity to post offices in other towns, Seymour never had one estab- lished within its limits. The majority of the citizens receive their mail from Shullsburg.
Prominent among the churches of Seymour, stands the "Lady of Hope" Catholic Church, located on Section 15. This church, 40x60 feet, was erected in 1869, at a cost of $6,000, the congregation at that time numbering but twenty-five families. In 1871, adjoining the church, the Pastor's residence was built, at a cost of $1,000. Connected with the church is a cemetery, consisting of four acres, laid out into avenues and walks, which, with its numer- ous evergreen trees, renders this the most beautiful burying-ground in the town. Owing to the beauty of the location, the taste displayed in the arrangement of the grounds and the decora- tions of the edifice, the Catholic Church of Seymour forms by far the most attractive feature of the whole town. The different Pastors have been Revs. Father McGinty, Father Kensley, Father Yargager, Father De Becca, Father Meyers and the present Pastor, Father Welbes. The congregation now numbers forty families.
TOWN OF WIOTA.
On the 12th day of January, 1849, the County Commissioners ordered that the whole of Township 2, Range 5, and Sections 1, 2, 11, 12, 13, 14, 23, 24, 25 and 26, of Township 2, Range 4, should constitute a town to be called Wiota. A few years after, Sections 33, 34, 35 and 36, of Township 3, Range 4, and Sections 3, 4, 9, 10, 15, 16, 21, 22, 27, 28 and parts of 17 and 20, of Town 2, Range 4, were added to the territory constituting Wiota, making this the largest town in the county. Precinct elections were held here as early as at any point in the county. The first town meeting for the purpose of organizing the town and electing the officers was held at the house of H. C. Blodgett, in the village of Wiota, on the second Tuesday of April, 1849. The officers chosen were : George Schellenger, Chairman ; James Van Matre, J. L. Lovelace, Supervisors ; L. S. Hyde, Clerk ; Daniel Letters, Assessor ; J. Lutter, Treas-
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HISTORY OF LA FAYETTE COUNTY.
urer ; G. L. Way, Superintendent of Schools, and William Coble, Justice of the Peace. There were 119 votes cast, and $170 were appropriated for town purposes, 5 mills on the dollar for schools, and 1} mills on the dollar for roads and bridges.
The surface of this town is rather uneven generally, but not so rough as to retard cultiva- tion very much. In different parts, there are portions quite broken, as might be expected in a section of country so highly charged with valuable mineral deposits as abound in this town.
The soil is usually of a highly fertile nature, consisting for the most part of a rich, black loam, which endures well the effects of long years of tilling and production, and for which char- acteristic this section of country is prominently noted. There is a little sand in and near the beds of the streams, as is usually the case throughout the county.
The town is well timbered, but the timber is not so large as in former years. The various kinds indigenous to this part of the State, as walnut, hickory, maple, elm, butternut, ash, poplar, hackberry and varieties of oak, are scattered over the town in profusion. When the town was first settled, the people were prohibited from cutting down the timber, as Uncle Sam then expected that the country would be used solely for mining purposes.
The water supply in this town is uniformly good. The Pecatonica River flows through the eastern part. Into this empties the Whiteside Creek and several other small tributaries, which flow from different directions to the east and west of that stream. There are also several other small creeks in different portions of the town, flowing in various directions.
The population is varied. In the southwest part, the people are principally Irish, while in the southeast portion they are mostly Norwegians. In the northwest part, the English pre- dominate, and in the northeast portion and throughout the town, Americans, Germans and other nationalities are scattered. The people are in a generally prosperous condition, and up to the average standard of excellence in intelligence and morals. There are several churches and good schools in the town, which receive a liberal support. The products are at the present confined to agriculture, there having been no mining done here for two or three years past.
Wiota is an eminently historical locality, not only in connection with the annals of this county, but with the entire Northwest, and the mineral-yielding regions of Wisconsin, for here one of the earliest settlements in the State was made, and immense amounts of ore extracted in early days, and in subsequent years. The first white comers to locate here were W. S. Ham- ilton, Elias Shook and William Haws. These persons were professional miners, and had pre- viously worked at Galena, Dodgeville and other points adjacent to this section of country. They arrived in the spring of 1828, and immediately commenced prospecting for mineral, which they soon found in great paying quantities. As the miners say, "they struck it big." Mr. Hamilton, who was the general business manager of their affairs, went to Galena immediately after and obtained a permit to survey and lay off a mineral claim, this being necessary, as the Government had not yet surveyed the land. This claim included nearly, if not quite, a thou- sand acres of the best mineral land in the town, where the village of Wiota now stands, on Sec- tions 13, 18, 19 and 24. Very soon after their arrival, cabins and a log smelting furnace were erected, and the work of mining commenced. (The mining interest is spoken of in another ยท chapter.)
During the summer of the above year, Anthony Miller, Daniel Miller, Robert Paxton, George Schellenger, William Hale and family, James Woods, and quite a number of others, principally transient people, came into the town. Anthony Miller, who was then a young man yet in his teens, drove the first team of bullocks into the town for the Hamilton party. Mr. Miller has lived here since that time, and witnessed all the varied changes which fifty-two years have wrought since the country was a wilderness, the home of wild animals and the aborigines. Yet his form is erect and his step elastic, and, if nature deals as kindly with him in the future as she has in the past, he will live to see many new developments in this country. He is one of the oldest of the very first settlers now living in the county or State, and, having an excellent memory, can furnish reminiscences of border experiences of great interest to the historian. Robert Paxon is still living, also, having spent the best of his life in mining. William Hale was killed near
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HISTORY OF LA FAYETTE COUNTY.
Kellogg's Grove, in Jo Daviess County, on the 14th day of June, 1832, by the Indians, while accompanying a party bearing dispatches. Mr. Schellenger died here several years ago, leaving his wife, who is one of the oldest settlers, and who was the teacher of the first school at Min- eral Point and Gratiot's Grove.
The first women in the town were the wife and six daughters of William Hale; but they did not long remain sole mistresses of the field, for, within two or three years, there were a large number of women and children here. In 1829 and 1830, the number of fresh arrivals was very large. Of those who became permanent settlers are mentioned William Burrette and family, George Castle and family, Ezra Lamb and family, Robert Campbell, B. Million and family, James McKnight, Henry Apple, Isaac Wall, Peter Sanford and J. Sayles ; a few others came in previous to this, but their names are not known.
As soon as the rumor of the Indian troubles reached the inhabitants of the Wiota Diggings, a fort was commenced, but, before it was completed, the Indians-if they had felt so disposed- could have killed or put to flight the entire community. The fort was erected a half-mile south of the village, on Section 24, near the east section line. It stood but a short distance from the old furnace. An area about forty feet square was inclosed by a ditch and pickets or palisades, and next on the west side of this stood the block-house, a building 16x24 feet in dimensions. Nothing now remains to mark the spot, and nothing to guide the archaeologist of the future in his researches, except the spring from which water was obtained, which still gushes forth from Mother Earth about one hundred and fifty yards southeast from the site of the fort. The gar- rison was, as nearly as can be ascertained, as follows: W. S. Hamilton, Captain ; Daniel Miller, First Lieutenant; Anthony Miller, Second Lieutenant ; T. Bradly, First Sergeant. General members-J. McClure, George Cummins, Stephen Eldred, Washington and C. J. Hale, J. Searles, Mr. Spafford, J. McKnight, James McIlwaine, John Skinner, A. Floyd, C. and B. Million, Mr. Myers, Mr. Campton, J. Sayles, Robert Kirkendall, George Harrison, A. Higgin- botham, J. Biggs, Samuel Bird, Henry Apple and Mr. Spencer. Probably there were a few others, also.
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