USA > Wisconsin > Monroe County > History of Monroe County, Wisconsin, past and present : including an account of the cities, towns and villages of the county [microform] > Part 50
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This town in the earlier days was quite heavily timbered and attracted the business of lumbering, which was commenced by Haldeman Brothers and Luethe in 1887. by the erecting of a saw mill on the Morris creek, near the present school house. It was operated by steam and conducted for some time. A grist mill was built in the town in 1898 by Bergman Brothers and is still in operation. A feed mill was erected by Christ Hett and Eugene MeGary in 1883-4.
The advantages for a trading point led Mr. Balz to build a store at what is known as Ridgeville, at the four-road crossing, where, at present, Paul Kewitt is living. This was erected in the early 50's, and after the Northwestern Railway was built, stores were built up by Dolson and Sanbert on or near the place where Norwalk is now situated.
Fred Hettman built a blacksmith shop near the railroad cross- ing, south of what is known as Norwalk in 1857. and at about the same time one was erected in Ridgeville by A. Englert on what is now one of Fred Zlemer's farms, so that in the early days nearly every requirement of the inhabitants as far as stores, mills and shops were concerned. was satisfied.
In 1894 the village of Norwalk was incorporated and thus became a separate municipality from the town.
With unceasing toil of the carly German pioneers and con- tinned by the later generations. the town of Ridgeville has become one of the richest farming communities to be found. perhaps. in this part of the state: its ridge lands are very fertile and beautiful farms can be found along the plateau raising erops of various kinds as well adapted to the growing of apples and other fruits.
Present officers: Fred W. Noth, chairman : Charles Hanisch and Fred Woodliff, supervisors: Fred F. Lenthe. clerk : Herman Wendorf. treasurer: Anton Kroeger, assessor: JJohn H. Mannel and Andrew Anderson. justices. Population. 775.
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TOWNSIHP HISTORY
TOWN OF SHELDON.
The first records of an election in this town was that of the second day of November, 1858. It was held at the mill of Millen Graham in the present village of Oil ('ity. There appears to have been held, however, a town meeting on the fifth day of July, 1848, at which a temporary organization was effected and Millen Gra- ham elected chairman ; William Hubbard and Miner Moore, super- visors; W. JJ. Heath, clerk and assessor; William Abbott, treas- urer, and Henry Esch, assistant assessor. Esan Johnson was the first settler in this town, having come in the year 1846, and was also the first man to settle in the county of Monroe. Soon after that others began to drift in and to work for him in the Inmber business, and in the year 1856 quite a number had settled in this vicinity, among whom were Jacob Menn, Jacob Farmer, Henry Esch, Edward Warren, William A. Hubbard. George Daughtery, II. J. Smith, W. J. Heath, Elison McGee. Thomas Day, Tom Lewis, Patrick DeVany, Bernard Hamatty. George Shippe, Thomas Wilkins. Andres Molley, Ezra Cook, Fern Rawson. William Crichett, Joseph Tritett and M. M. Curpy.
The first building erected was a Inmber shanty, built by Esau Johnson. on section twenty-four. in 1846, and it probably was the first structure of any kind erected in the county of Monroe ; a church was built in 1860 by J. J. Menn, constructed of logs, and was a small building. Before that time services had been held in dwelling houses and school houses and the first sermon that was preached was by a man named John Hamilon, and not long after that services were conducted by Henry Esch and by Galusia and J. Brown.
The first school house was erected in 1856 and was taught by one Andrew Faust. It was located near the present village of Oil City. Dming the Civil War this town furnished more than its share of soldiers, some of whom were Millen Graham, John Switzler. George Lewis, W. P. Abbott, Andrew Wruck, Fredrick Talkey, Hod Lamg, George Daughtery, JJames Moomy, Edward J. Harris, David Eviur, Peter Singer, John Singer, William Semnitz, Christ Wrnek, George Wilson, Martin Moore, L. (. Johnson W. J. Heath, Sam Wilkinson, E. B. Smith, Henry Johnson. Thomas and Eugene Sullivan, E. Tuttle, Louis Walker, Hen Holdcomb, Louis Everts, Andrew Molley, C. B. Stoddard, James Finnel, Edward and Henry Critchett, Elusion Rawson, Leonard Hutchins, Gilbert and Daniel Hutchins. Eles Prichard, John Granzo, L. Savier and Daniel Moore.
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HISTORY OF MONROE COUNTY
In common with other towns of the county, the lumber busi- ness commeneed quite early, and the first saw mill was built by W. J. Heath in 1856 and was in existence quite a number of years. The first grist mill was erected by Millen Graham in the early 60's and the first store was conducted by William Chatman, beginning in 1868.
There are two churches in the town, one in the village of Ontario, and one about two miles south of Norwalk, which is a German Evangelical; the one situated in Ontario is conducted by the United Brethren and services are conducted in both at the present time by the same pastor, the Rev. Mave. There is considerable dairying among the farmers in this town and a creamery is located in Ontario, one, which at the present time does a large amount of business and a great deal of good to the surrounding farmers who have access to it.
Its present officers are Ben Drawver, chairman ; R. Haldeman and John Barry, supervisors: Ed. Abbott. clerk; Sam Wruck, treasurer ; Fred Schumacher, assessor; P. H. Marburger, justice. Population, 771.
TOWN OF SPARTA.
Closely connected with the history of the city of Sparta is that of the town, for it was all one at the beginning, and the settlers who came in and took up land at the point and vicinity of where the city now stands were the earliest settlers of the town of Sparta, notably the Petit boys, who first settled somewhere near Castle Rock, Rev. Walrath, J. D. Damman, A. H. Blake and the score or more of others, who are so fully mentioned in the chapter devoted to the city.
There are many who came in during the later fifties and early sixties, and to give a complete list of them would be a task. indeed ; among them. however, may be mentioned Palmer Austin. who was an early settler in the fifties; A. P. Payne, also E. H. Eddy in 1854, and C. E. Peck, Mr. MeMann and Josiah Tucker in the same year ; O. M. Shattuck, 1856; John Hutson. Sr .. and Sol Hutson, who settled in Big Creek in 1855 or 1856. Among those who came later were Peter Frye, Russell Brownell, John Winters, Henry Esch. Lansom Parks and R. II. Rogers.
The town of Sparta has prospered amazingly since the earlier days and its assessed valuation in 1911 reached the enormous sum of $1,016,526 and its equalized valuation $1,272,900; and among the towns in the county which have pushed the good roads move- ment this town has been the pioneer. In fact. the efforts made
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TOWNSHIP HISTORY
by the town in this direction called itself to the attention of the state authorities and undoubtedly was one of the moving causes to the extensive plans for the improvement of country roads everywhere in the state, and to it, Chairman Ang Schlaver, now deceased, was due great credit for inaugurating it.
The town was originally organized October 3, 1854, by a reso- lution of the county board and was one of the first five towns into which the county was divided after the organization of it. An election was held the following spring in which a full complement of town officers was elected, the town board continuing to admin- ister the municipal affairs of the entire territory within the limits, including the so-called village until the latter was incorporated and became a separate municipality, as has been elsewhere related.
The present officers of the town are J. P. Johnson, chairman ; Evan Humphrey and J. T. Willgrubs, supervisors; A. J. Frye, clerk : W. P. Bamber, treasurer; Gothern Liddle. assessor. The population of the town, according to the census of 1910, was 1,504.
TOWN OF TOMAH.
Containing within its limits, as it did, from the earliest day the village of Tomah, the history of this town naturally is merged in that of the village; for it was here that the earlier settlers located and right around the territory of the village were built the first farm buildings of any kind and the first land was taken up for farms, so that the history of the city of Tomah is practi- cally that of the whole township, except, of course, the develop- ment of the farming communities.
The town was organized by a resolution of the county board on November 13. 1856, with a provision for the election of officers on the first Tuesday in April following ; the village then being a part of the town. participated in the election which was held at the house of John Sexton ; John G. Staysa was elected chairman ; supervisors, Benjamin Mel and C. A. Adams; clerk, Harvey Bush, and treasurer, Alden Cremer.
The early settlement of the town outside of the village was quite rapid, many coming in during the early fifties ; among them were many names which are today familiar not only to the older residents, but to the present generation through their descend- ants. D. R. Meloy, who afterwards moved into the village and became a justice of the peace, came into the town in 1854, took up some land and went to farming ; Charles Gilson, for so many years one of the most respected citizens of Tomah, eame in May, 1854,
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HISTORY OF MONROE COUNTY
took land near the village, which he developed into the old Gilson farm. still owned in great part by his descendants. Of course, JJesse Boorman, who is mentioned in the chapter on the city; Harvey Bush was an 1854 comer. building the second log cabin in the town. was its first town clerk ; Alden Cremer came in 1854. and also Isaac English, who took up ICO acres of land and added to it until he had a fine farm of 300 acres, with a fine frame dwelling and other buildings upon it: George I. Bell, afterwards in business, came with his parents in 1854, settling in the town.
Among the 1855 settlers was C. A. Adams, who went to farm- ing: John G. Staysa, also a farmer: John Randall, who developed the Randall farm: Luther Ilill, who settled in the eastern part of the town with Indians and wildcats as neighbors, but who, with foresight, selected the farm upon which he and his descendants have ever since lived.
John Hineman came in 1857 with his family, among them Hon. Miles Hineman, who has acquired considerable prominence in the state and is one of Monroe county's most progressive citizens. Many others might be mentioned. all of them men of the char- acter of all the early settlers, willing and ready to endure the hardships incident to opening up a new country, confidently rely- ing upon the fact that the future would bring forth its fruit. the result of honest toil, in which they were not disappointed.
At the headwaters of Council creek in the town, so it is told. stood the old council house used by the Winnebagoes and Menominee tribes: within: whose walls, before the coming of the white man, doubtless was heard many stirring speeches of Indian eloquence. and it was here. so tradition states, that Tomah. the great Menominee chief, gathered his tribe in council.
The development of the town has been similar to that of other towns of the county, having the advantage. however, of the near- ness to a market supplied by the village and city: it has fine farms, good schools and its people are progressive.
Its present officers are G. C. Pingel. chairman : C. Martin and A. Roscovins, supervisors : W. 11. Randall, clerk ; Dan Linchan. treasurer : William Grovestein, assessor. Population. 723.
TOWN OF WELLS.
The town of Wells was set off in the fall of 1871 and the first town meeting held at the home of O. L. Arnold on the second day of April. 1872. The officers chosen at this meeting were James Wells. chairman : John Seymour and George Kind, supervisors : J. L. Wolcott, clerk: O. L. Arnold. assessor, and James Ingles.
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TOWNSHIP HISTORY
treasurer. At this meeting it was voted to hold future town meet- ings at the home of Henry Baumbach, which was continued until 1890, when the present town hall was built.
Among the earlier settlers was Anton Schulte, still living; R. E. Lyons, William Thurston, Richard Dewitt, J. JJ. Swatzlow, James Wells, Hosea Nichols, K. W. Thurston, Ora Dewitt, Frank Tolock, John J. Smith, Simeon Wells and the Arnold brothers.
The town. being one of the late ones, was comprised in the town of Leon in its early history. When the resolution was introduced in the county board to set off this town it provided that it should be called "Charleston," but on motion of Milton Montgomery, then a member of the board, it was changed to Wells.
The present town officers are C. H. Schulte, chairman; Frank Selbach and John Baumbach, supervisors ; D. M. Murphy, clerk ; Mike Ebert, treasurer, and George Brooks. assessor. Popula- tion, 664.
WELLINGTON.
This town was cut off from the town of Sheldon on November 13, 1856, by resolution of the county board ; its early history is comprised somewhat in that of the town of Sheldon and its ree- ords have not been available for preparing this article.
Its present officers are William Schindler, chairman : William Batzel and Dan IIntehinson, supervisors: Hlerman Bartz, clerk; Henry Clair, treasurer, and Frank Clair, assessor. Population, 664.
WILTON.
Wilton was created a town in October, 1854. at the same time that Sparta and Angelo were set off : its history is comprised prin- cipally with that of the early history of the village of Wilton and its records have not been made available in the preparation of this article. It has a fine farming country tributary to the village and ranks high among the towns in the dairy business.
Its present officers are Joe Lincoln, chairman ; L. Koehler and William Raabe, supervisors: T. S. Kudered, clerk ; Alex Gnewi- kow, treasurer; George Kndered, assessor, and A. H. Noth, jus- tice. Population, 816.
At one time there existed in the county a town known as the town of Eaton, having within its limits a settlement known as the village of Eaton; this town being in the northern part of the county, was gradually split up in the making of different towns, and finally passed out of existence altogether, the last of its terri-
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HISTORY OF MONROE COUNTY
tory being attached to the town of Greenfield. as it is no longer in existence its history is of little importance and will not be entered into.
TOWN OF SCOTT.
This town was set off from Byron in 1880: its first settler was Andrew Scott, who came there in 1850. followed by William Dodge, who put up a saw mill. The principal settlement is at Norway Ridge, surrounding which are large cranberry marshes, which has been the principal industry of the town for many years.
Its present officers are Henry Somers, chairman; John Scott and Ernest Miers, supervisors ; L. M. L. Purviance. clerk : Chris Nelson, treasurer: L. L. Cook. assessor. and W. M. Hunt and William Gray. justices. Population. 180.
CHAPTER LII. SPARTA WOMAN'S CHRISTIAN TEMPERANCE UNION.
BY ELIZABETH S. DUNN.
The mothers of Sparta caught the vibrating current from the crusade spirit emanating from Hillsboro, Ohio, in 1875, and tra- dition says Miss Francis E. Willard gave an address in the Metho- dist Episcopal Church and organized the union; Mrs. Gorman, wife of the pastor of the Baptist Church, was chosen president ; Mrs. Hoyt, Mrs. Allis, Mrs. Ady, Mrs. Dr. Millegan, Mrs. Ilage- man Palmer, Mrs. Wolcott and Mrs. C. M. Foster were charter members, besides others whose names I have not learned. The early record was not preserved, therefore a correct history of the beginnings that perfected a firm foundation for reform work can- not be given.
We are told that the early work was conducted along the lines of the original crusade, which had its birth at Hillsboro, Ohio, December 23, 1874. These consecrated women, led by Mrs. Gorman, met in the Methodist Episcopal Church, and after a session of prayer, marched sixty strong and prayed and sang in front of the saloons.
The union entertained the state convention in the fall of 1882; the sessions were held in the old Baptist Church. Mrs. D. T. Hoyt was president, Mrs. R. S. Baldwin, Mrs. D. C. Beebe, Mrs. M. A. Wilson and Mrs. Dunlevy were among the helpers. The writer became a member at this convention.
Mrs. M. A. Wilson, Mrs. Sarah B. Dunlevy and Mrs. A. M. Pilcher served as presidents from 1883 to 1889. During Mrs. Wilson's administration a flourishing Y. W. C. T. U. was organ- ized, with Mary Foote as president and Belle Ady as treasurer. also a Loyal Temperance Legion was mothered by the union. IToward Teasdale gave good service as superintendent, and after he resigned Mrs. Fred Richardson took up the work. This most essential part of the work was given up for want of a leader in the existing organizations for children.
Mrs. Pilcher resigned in the fall of 1889 and Mrs. Cornelia M. Foster volunteered to fill the unexpired term. In the spring of
539
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IHISTORY OF MONROE COUNTY
1890 she received a unanimous call to the presidency, and for eleven years, until 1901. she was re-elected annually by the wishes and votes of all. These were years in which the society exercised large influence and enjoyed signal prosperity. In January. 1890, she inaugurated the annual thank-offering meeting. entertaining the White Ribbons at her home. At these social functions nationa! and state officers were invited: they came, bringing messages from workers of national repute : the money received was used to carry on the work. Mrs. Foster adopted John Wesley's motto for the union's guide to activity, to "Do all the good you can. to all the people you can. in all the ways you can. and just as long as you can." Taking up the following departments of work : Evangelistic, mother's meetings, franchise, flower mission. litera- ture, parliamentary usage, press, jail and ahushouse work. scien- tifie temperance instruction in schools, Sabbath observance, social purity, lumberman's work, narcotics, soldiers and sailors. 1 superintendent was appointed to take charge of each department. several of these departments of work having been adopted in the early history of the union. (The national carried on forty depart- ments of work, each local union adopts as many as can be made useful.)
The union was a prominent factor in the campaign in 1892 and 1893 that secured no license for Sparta. Days of fasting and prayer were frequent, relying on the all wise Father for wisdom and strength to "Wage our peaceful war against evil."
In 1892 Mrs. Foster conceived the idea of having the union present a drinking fountain to the city : many devices were car- ried out that called for sacrifice to raise the required sum to buy the fountain: when it was secured. a committee was sent to a council meeting to present it to the city fathers, and instead of giving encouragement to our plans they refused to accept it ; their exense was it would be in the way on Water street. Their refusal was a keen disappointment to the brave women who had made the blessing to the city possible. Proving that "Where there is a will there is a way." Mrs. Foster said. "Let us buy a property and put the fountain on it." On May 27. 1892. the property on Water street was bought and the building used as a saloon was transferred into W. C. T. U. rooms and dedicated to temperance work October 9. 1892. An artesian well was drilled and the foun- tain put in place as it is today. and its liberal use testifies to its need.
The following winter Mrs. Foster made an agreement with her army of ninety to serve luncheons to farmers who came with their
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WOMAN'S CHRISTIAN TEMEPRANCE UNION
loads to the city ; we went by twos each morning to the W. C. T. U. rooms with baskets of sandwiches and doughnuts, coffee and cream, until all had been served.
Attaining towards greater possibilities in temperance work, Mrs. Foster, Mrs. Wilson, Emily Garrett and Mrs. Wolcott, as leaders in the movement, conceived the idea of building a temple to take the place of the converted saloon, and as if by magie the struc- ture materialized. The building was erected and dedicated in June 1895 to temperance reform work, to be known as the W. C. T. U. Temple of Sparta.
Mrs. Foster's ability as a leader and organizer caused the W. C. T. U. of Sparta to become one of the banner unions of the state, both in membership and methods of work. In May, 1899. the union entertained the state convention, meetings being held in the armory. As a reminder of the union's popularity at that time I quote from Dr. Crawford's address of welcome. "The present membership is about one hundred and fifty and it is a growing membership. It comprises some of the best women of the city. In this society may be found piety, cultivation, tact, social influence, business ability and practical power."
The Eau Claire Tlome for Unfortunate Girls appealed to the hearts of many of the union and it was given loyal support while it existed.
Mrs. Foster resigned the presidency in March, 1901, on account of failing health, and Mrs. Wilson, the vice president, acted as president until the annual election March 22, 1901, when she was advanced to the president's chair, serving until December 22, 1901, when she resigned by letter. The office was not filled until the election in March, 1902, at which Mrs. Prill was elected ; she served two terms. being re-elected in 1903, and in March, 1904, Elizabeth S. Dunn was chosen to that office, which she still fills. With the passing years, noted changes have taken place, con- ducive to lessening the union's power for advancement and many of the true and tried have been promoted-Mrs. Mae Richardson, Mrs. Foster, Mrs. Emily Garrett Foster. Mrs. Hoyt, Mrs. Sarles, Mrs. Ady and many others, besides those who have moved from us. The formation of many clubs has reduced our member- ship ; the ministers of churches nor their wives of the later years have co-operated with us as in Dr. and Mrs. Crawford's time. But through the inevitable changes we have endeavored to main- tain the principles for which this organization was called into existence, the betterment of humanity ; keeping the fires of inter- est burning in the different departments of work. A calender con-
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HISTORY OF MONROE COUNTY
taining topies for each meeting is adopted each year. Frequent visits to the county almshouse and asylum are made holding a service of song. We are active in fifteen lines of work. This year the franchise department under the supervision of Miss Belle Ady, is considered the most important.
This year, 1912, marks the receiving of a legacy of $1,630 left the union by Emily Garrett Foster, who loved the W. C. T. U. Temple and made possible the perpetuation of a "woman's build- ing, " which stands as a monument to her memory. Though taken from us, she still lives in the hearts of the White Ribbon sister- hood. The present membership is between fifty and sixty; Mrs. E. S. Dunn has served as president since 1904.
We are glad we have a part in the largest organization in the world of women, waging our peaceful war (our weapons are agi- tation, education and converting publie sentiment) against the greatest home destroyer, soul destroyer and vice ereator in the world, the legalized liquor traffic, and we will not be justified in disbanding "until the last whiskey bottle comes off the medieine shelf ; when the last saloon is closed; when the last church mem- ber has signed a dramshop petition ; when the last boy has quit drinking beer; then the temperance people can sit down and rest, until then our work is not done in the Woman's Christian Tem- peranee Union.
CHAPTER LIII. GERMAN EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCHES. BY REV. OTTO ENGEL.
ST. JOHN'S, TOWN OF RIDGEVILLE.
The earliest settlers of this portion of Monroe county, for- merly called "Dividing Ridge," were Lutheran peasants from Jefferson county. In 1855 Gottlieb Gnewikow, William Albrecht, Ferdinand Vineenz, Carl Fuerbringer and Henry Vieth appeared on the ground. Daniel Zellmer, Gottfried Kewitt, Michael Zielke, Daniel Raedel and Louis Matthes followed during the subsequent year. But it was not until the arrival of Mr. William Waegner in September, 1860, that efforts were made to gather the scattered Lutherans into a congregation. With indomitable energy he canvassed the neighboring country and called a meeting for the tenth of March, 1862. Fifteen persons heeded the call. Regular services were now conducted under the leadership of Mr. Waeg- ner, who read from Hofacker's sermon book. April 1, 1862, a permanent organization was established. A congregational con -. stitution was at once adopted for the government of the infant society, which was subscribed by twenty-five men, heads of fami- lies, as uniting in the organization of this church. Their names were William Waegner, Christian Riehert, Frederie Gnewikow, Daniel Zellmer, Christoph Eckelberg, John Bartels. Daniel Raedel, Meinhardt Gnewikow, Ludwig Kuthlow, Christoph Hoffman, Christian Libke, William Albrecht, August Koellner, Gottfried Kewitt, Frederic Eckelberg, Christian Helmke, Asmus Holz, David Kortbein, Christian Mueller, Carl Mueller, Joachim Metel- mann, John Schultz, Gottlieb Kuehl, Herman Horstmann, Chris- tian Marten. The following were chosen as the first officers : William Waegner. Frederic Gnewikow, Christian Richert, John Bartels and Daniel Zellmer. At the same time the congregation was incorporated under the incorporate title, "The Evangelical Lutheran St. John's Church." After due deliberation a commu- nieation was sent to Senior J. Muehlhaeuser. founder and first president of the Wisconsin Synod, applying for a pastor. As a
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