History of Vernon County, Wisconsin, together with sketches of its towns, villages and townships, educational, civil, military and political history; portraits of prominent persons, and biographies of representative citizens, Part 73

Author:
Publication date: 1884
Publisher: Springfield, Union
Number of Pages: 814

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Another United Brethren class was formed in 1877 at the house of Samnel Watson, by D. K. Young. This class numbered forty mem- bers, Joseph Frank was the first leader. Meet- ings were held at the house of Mr. Watson till the church was built in 1878 on section 16. The following preachers have served this people: Revs. Charles Hibbard, William Smith, D. K. Young and E. Casper. Tillman Sanders was class leader in 1884, at which time services were held once in two weeks.

The Christian Church was organized in 1860, at the log school house on section 22, by Rev. Abraham Williams. James H. Shreve was the first deacon. Rev. Williams was succeeded by Isaac Lepley and he by James HI. Shreve. In 1879 they completed a church, which was built of logs located on the southwest quarter of sec- tion 15. John S. Shreve was deacon of the Church in 1884.

The Norwegian Evangelical Lutheran Church held its first meetings in private houses. Rev. Preus, a missionary, was their first preacher. In .1871 they built a hewed log church on the sonthwest quarter of section 25.

The Seventh Day Adventists held their first meeting in this town in June, 1878, in a tent on

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HISTORY OF VERNON COUNTY.

section 26. Elders O. A Johnson and P. L. Horn were the preachers. They organized a society, the following winter, at a private house owned by Jonathan Hunter, on section 25. There were about thirty members. B. F. Thomas was chosen first deacon. In 1880 a church was built on the northwest quarter of section 25. Elder Johnson preached for some time and was finally succeeded by Elder C. W. O'ds.

The first Catholic services in the town of Greenwood were held at Morg in Lloyd's house on section 20, in 1860. Father Peter Montague was the first priest, whose home was over in Juneau county, but he supplied this settlement of Catholics, occasionally. In 1871 a church was built, which was located on the northwest quarter of section 9. Father Bernard was the first regular priest in charge after the house of worship was erected.

HANSBERRY'S MILL.

This mill was built by Nicholas Didivt, in 1874, and is situated on the northeast quarter of section 3. The power is derived from the Baraboo river and from a fifteen horse-power engine. The river at this point gives an eight foot fall. In 1875 Didivt soll to Mithius Hansberry, who still operated it in 1884.

CEMETERIES.

The first place set apart for a burying ground was on section 23, near Debello, on the Van Alstine farm. In 1884 there was a Norwegian cemetery near their church on section 23 and one on the northwest quarter of section 22, near the Christian church; also a Catholic cemetery ou section 9 by their church.

BIOGRAPHICAL.

The following sketches represent a large number of the leading citizens of Greenwood town in the order in which they made a settle- ment here:

Otto F. is a son of Otto Hammer, one of the pioneers of Hillsborough. He was born in New York Oct. 23,1847. He was but eight years of age when his parents came to Wisconsin and became pioneers of Bad Axcounty. He received

his education in the public schools of Hillsbor- ough town. At seventeen years of age he com- menced to learn the shoemaker's trade and worked at that three and one-half years. He then engaged with Carl Ludwig, and was in his em- ploy, working in the brewery and on the farm four years. He was married Dec. 25, 1870, to Mathilda Duft. They have five children-Jo- sephine, Emma, Mathilda, Mabel and Robert. The May previous to his marriage he had bought timber land on section 1, town of Greenwood. HIe has since cleared a farm, built a house and now makes this his home.

Caleb Shreve, a pioneer of Vernon county, and son of William and Eleanor (Caleb) Shreve, was born in Miami Co., Ind., May 29, 18:3. When but an infant his parents removed to Perry Co, Ohio, where he grew to manhood. Hle was there married, Sept. 15, 1842, to Naomi Jennings. Mr. Shreve remained in Perry county until 1853, when he started west to seek a home. Arriving in Wisconsin, he bought the southwest quarter of section 22, town 13, range t east, in territory now known as Greenwood town, Vernon county. Here he was one of the first settlers, as there were less than a dozen families in the eastern part of the county at this time. In 1861 he enlisted in the 6th Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry, went south and served two years. In 1863 he received an injury and was discharged on account of disability. He also lost his voice; but a few years later he fell from a barn which was the means of restoring it to him. He, however, again lost it and now converses only in a whisper. He had no school advantages and consequently is not an educated man, but is endowed with a good share of com- mon sense. Mr. Shreve is kind.hearted and hospitable, cheerful in his disposition and en- joys the respeet and confidence of all who know him. He is a good judge of a horse; also treats them for diseases. His practice in this profes- sion is very large, extending into Sauk and Richland counties. On April 7, 1879, Mrs. Shreve died,. leaving eight children-Ezra W.,

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IIISTORY OF VERNON COUNTY.

Sarah E., Smith, John J., Isaac L., Arminda, Loviea and Caleb Perry. Mr. Shreve was a member of the first board of supervisors of Greenwood town and also has been postmaster at Debello.

William Smith Shreve was but six years of age when his parents located in this town. He was born in Perry Co., Ohio, Dee. 12, 1847. Ilis parents were Caleb and Naomi (Jennings) Shreve. They came to Vernon Co., Wis., in 1853, and were pioneers of Greenwood town. William S. grew to manhood on the homestead farm, assisting in the farm labor during the summer, and attending school in the winter season. He bought some land in Sauk county, and after his marriage traded this land for a farm on section 22 of this town, where he lo- eated, built a log cabin and resided till 1882. In the latter year he settled on his present farm, which is on the same seetion, and now ineludes the plat of the village known as Debello. Mr. Shreve was married, in 1868,to Susan Fries, and five children have been given them-Mary Amanda, Charles F., Louisa M., Susan Edith and Myrtie C. John J., another son of Caleb and Naomi (Jennings) Shreve, was born in Boone Co., Ill , Oct. 4, 1853. lle went to Dakota in 1873, and took up a homestead in Turner county. Here he lived until 1881, when hereturned to the town of Greenwood. Ile settled on his present farm in 1882. He was married, in 1876, to Ellen Rogers. They have two children -- Ada J. and Edward O.

John S., son of William and Eleanor (Smith) Shreve, was born in Perry Co., Ohio, Feb. 16, 1828, and there grew to manhood. In 1850 he was united in marriage with Caroline Beck, a native of Pennsylvania. In 1853 he came to Wiseonsin to seek a home, settling on section 23, of township 13, range 1 east. In 1854 he went to Sank county and found employment elearing land, for which he was paid six shil- lings per day. In this way he raised money to pay for his land. In 1855 he traded his land on seetion 23 for 120 acres on seetion 15, moved

there, built a good log house, and commeneed clearing the land. Mr. Shreve has been very successful in his endeavours to make a home, and now owns 160 acres of land, seventy acres of which is under cultivation. Mrs. Shreve died Jan. 25, 1858, leaving nine children- Mary. Ellen, Hezekiah, William A., Josepli, Napoleon, Sarah, John E., Armilda and Isaac. William A. was born March 25, 1856, and died April 23,.1880; Sarah was born Jan. 25, 1860, and died in September, 1875. In 1871 Mr. Shreve was married to Emma C., daughter of William and Yanea (Jenkins) Ilines, and widow of James Bundy. They have two chil- dren-Charles and Amy. Mr. Shreve has been prominent in town affairs. He was the first asses- sor in Hillsborough town, and filled that office in Greenwood eleven consecutive terms. He is the present treasurer. Mrs. Shreve died June 25, 1858.

Prentiss Abbott is a son of Aaron A. and Abesta (Moulton) Abbott, was born in Tunbridge town, Windsor Co., Vt., in 1822. When four years of age, his parents moved to Boston, Mass., where his father engaged in the boot and shoe business. After remaining there one year, they moved to Canada, settling in the province of Quebec. At the end of six years they re- moved to Port Hope, province of Ontario. Here it was that Prentiss began his career as a Imunter. Game was plenty, and he spent a greater part of his time in hunting and trapping, and made considerable money thereby. In 1838 his parents moved to Milwaukee, Wis., where they lived one year, when his father bought some timber land from the government, situated five miles from Milwaukee, and Pren- tiss helped him to elear it. Game being abund- ant, Prentiss spent much time hunting deer, bear, elk and panthers, finding a ready sale for them in Milwaukee. When he was twenty-one years of age he, in company with his brother, erected a large frame house on the farm and opened a hotel, called the Kinnekiniek House. One year later he sold out and went to Wau- kesha county, where he purchased a farm,

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HISTORY OF VERNON COUNTY.

erected a large house, part log and part frame, and engaged in farming and keeping hotel. Two years later he removed to Washington county, and in 1854 he again changed his resi- dence, coming to Vernon county, and entering 640 acres of land in town 13, range 1 east, now known as Greenwood. He built a log house on the southeast quarter of section 10, and com- menced elearing a farm. In 1861 he went to llills- borough, bought town property, and opened a hotel. He remained in this business until 1875, when he again returned to Greenwood and settled on the northeast quarter of seetion 10, where he had previously built a frame house. He has been twice married. His first wife was Jane Fenton, by whom he had three children- Charles, Prentiss C. and Laura. He was mar- May 16, 1883, to Elizabeth Brill, a native of Wurtemburg, Germany.

John Collins is a native of Ireland, born in county Clare in 1829. When thirteen years of age he left his native land for America. He landed in New York city, from whence he went to Buffalo, where he spent two years in school. thus acquiring an education that has since been useful to him. Ile then came to Wisconsin, set- tling in Milwaukee, where he remained until 1849, at which time he went to Richland county in the employ of Ira Harelton, with whom he remained one year. He then returned to Buf- falo, N. Y. After spending about a year in the east, in various places, he returned to Wiscon- sin, locating in Waukesha. He was there mar- ried, Jan. 2, 1852, to Mary Ann MeMahon, born in county Meath, Ireland, in May, 1832. She came to America with her parents when thirteen years of age. In 1854 Mr. Collins came to Vernon county and entered land in the northeast quarter of section 21. He afterwards returned to Waukesha county, remaining there until 1856, at which time he came with his family and settled on his land in Vernon county, where he commenced to improve his farm. He now has 120 acres on section 21, and eighty acres on section 4. Mr. and Mrs. Col-

lins have nine children. Mr. Collins has taken a prominent part in town affairs, and has held offices of trust. He is also clerk of the district, having served in that capacity for several years.

HIngh Brandon is one of the early and honored pioneers of Greenwood town, locating here in 1855, when the face of the country was a dense forest and unbroken prairie. Mr. Bran- don is a native of the "Emerald Isle," and was born in county Donegal, Ireland, in 1818. Ile was there reared to manhood, and in 1846 de-

termined to seek a new home in the "land of the free." He accordingly engaged passage in a sailing vessel and came to America. Mr. Brandon first located in Conneetient, where he was engaged in farming, until his removal to Bad Ax (now Vernon) county, in 1855. He entered 240 acres of land on section 13, of town 13 north, of range 1 east. He built thereon a little log cabin, in which he lived and reared a family, until 1881, when he erected his present frame residence. Mr. Bran- don was married, in 1854, to Mary Sullivan, and six children have been sent to bless this union-William, Mary, Annie, Eliza, Frank and Agnes. The elder of this family, William, is a native of this town, born Nov. 25, 1855. lle has grown to manhood in this county, and received a good education in the district schools. He is now serving his fourth term as clerk of Greenwood town. Mr. Brandon is unmarried, and still resides with his parents.

David Mahr, one of the pioneers of Green- wood, is a native of Germany, born March 16, 1830. He received a good education in the public schools of Germany, attending them until fourteen years of age. He afterwards engaged in farming. In 1852 he left his native land and came to America. He came directly, with his family, to Wisconsin, settling in Washington county, where his father bought a farm. lle remained with his father one year, then went to live with the Americans, thereby learning the English language. In 1855 Mr.

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HISTORY OF VERNON COUNTY.

Mahr came to Vernon county and entered land on section 3, of town 13, range 1 east, now known as Greenwood. In March, 1858, he re- turned to Washington county, where he was married to Friederike Gronhe, and the next month they started for their new home. He built a log house on his land, on section 3, and commenced to elcar the heavy timber from the place. Mr. Mahr has been a successful farmer, and now owns 165 acres of land, seventy-seven of which is in a good state of cultivation. In 1882 he built the large frame house in which he now lives. Mr. and Mrs. Mahr are the parents of eight children-John, Henriette, Frank, Peter, Sophie, Annie, and Oscar N. and Charles N., twins.

William Shreve, one of the pioneers of Greenwood town, was born in Bedford Co., Penn., Sept. 26, 1802. When he was four years of age his parents moved to Ohio and were among the first settlers in Miami county. Here William grew to manhood. He was married June 15, 1820, to Eleanor Smith, born Sept. 15, 1800. They moved to Indiana, settling in Mi-

ami county After remaining here a few years they returned to Ohio, and settling in Perry county. bought timber land and improved a farm. Mr. Shreve remained there until 1855, when he started with a team for Wisconsin. After traveling about three weeks he arrived in Vernon county and entered land on section 22, making this his home till the time of his death, which occurred Jan. 9, 1880. Mrs. Shreve died May 7, 1865.

Hezekiah Shreve, son of William and Eleanor (Smith) Shreve, was born in Perry Co., Ohio, Jan. 15, 1840. When fifteen years of age his parents came to Wisconsin, and he assisted his father in clearing a farm. Ile was married Jan. 28, 1864, to Rachel Daniels, born in Allen Co., Ohio. In September, 1864, he enlisted in com- pany A, 25th Wisconsin Volunteers; went sonth; joined Gen. Sherman at Atlanta; was with him in his march to the sea and through the Carolinas. He was discharged with the

regiment June 9, 1865, and returning to Green- wood, renewed farming. In 1870 he built a two story hewed log 'ouse on the northeast quarter of the northwest quarter of section 22. Ile still makes this his home. He has planted an orchard on his place and cultivates hops and sorghum. He is also engaged in grain and stock raising. Ile has a mill and makes his own syrup. Ile has seven children living- Walter HI., Ulysses S., Harriet E., Langley, Otto, Carrie B. and William II. A daughter, Minnie F., died when four years of age.

James H., son of William and Eleanor (Smith) Shreve, was born in Perry Co., Ohio, Dec. 14, 1832. He lived with his parents until fourtecen years of age then started in life for himself. Leaving home he went to Franklin Co., Ohio, and for three years was there en- gaged in farming, going from thence to Ilock- ing county, where he lived two years, farming in the summer and mining coal in the winter. In 1852 he returned to Perry county, remaining one year. In 1853 he went to Lancaster, Ohio, going from there to Philadelphia with a drove of cattle, starting March 31 and arriving in Philadelphia on the 18th of May, having traveled the entire distance on foot. He stopped in Philadelphia but two days, returning home by way of New York city, Buffalo and Niagara Falls. Ile then engaged as superintendent of construction on the Wilmington & Cincinnati Railroad for one year. He then took a con- tract to construct a piece of road. Mr. Shreve was married May 4, 1854, to Mary E. Cheno- weth, born in Perry county. They went to Franklin Co., Ohio, and remained there until 1855, then, in company with his father and two brothers, started for Wisconsin, settling in town 13, range 1 east. He bought land on section 15 and immediately commenced to im- prove it. He has since made this his home. Mr. and Mrs. Shreve have had ten children, seven of whom are living-John W., James T., Hezekiah A., Samuel S., Emma, Mary A. and Nora. The second child died in infancy;

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HISTORY OF VERNON COUNTY.

Floretta J., born Aug. 26, 1866, also died in in- faney; Harvey, born June 4, 1875, died Jan. 16, 1880. Mr. Shreve has been prominent in town affairs, having held the offices of town clerk, constable and treasurer. He was also one of the commissioners to lay out the State road from Woodstock to Wonowac. Mr. Shreve was for some years a preacher in the Christian Church.

John Staley, a pioneer of Greenwood town, was born in Lafayette Co., Ind., Dec. 25, 1830. When he was quite young his parents moved to Howard county, where he grew to manhood. When a boy he learned the trade of a black- smith, and worked at that in Howard county until 1852, when he went to Cass Co., Ind., where he was married March 21, 1854, to Rachel, daughter of Charles and Calsina (Ingerson) Townsend, a native of St. Lawrence Co. N. Y. In 1855 they started west to seek a home, and came to Bad Ax, (now Vernon) county, and bought land on section 15, of town 13 north, range t cast, now known as Green- wood. He here erected a blacksmith shop and worked at his trade in connection with farming. In t864 he joined the 25th regiment, Wisconsin Volunteers, company F, and went south; was with Sherman in Georgia, and participated in his march to the sea. He died while in the ser- vice at Savannah, Ga., Feb. 9, 1865. He left three children-Ellen Charlesand Martin. The two eldest children are married. The younger son, Martin, is at home with his mother, and carries on the farm.

Samuel Watson was born in Darke Co., Ohio, Jan. 16. 1825. When fourteen years of age his parents moved to Indiana, settling in Wayne county. lle was married in 1845 to Rhoda Taylor, a native of Wayne county. For two years he rented land in that county, moving in 1847 to Grant county, same State, where he purchased land. He improved this place and lived here until 1855, when he started west to seek a home. lle came to Vernon Co., Wis., and entered land on section 9, town 13,

range 1 east, and immediately began to improve it. He has since made this his home. Soon after arriving here he took steps to secure a school for his children, and, in 1858, at a meet- ing held at his house, a school district was or- ganized. Mr. and Mrs. Watson have eight children living-George, born May 22, 1849; Elihu, born Nov. 14, 1857; Sarah A., born May 14, 1853; Daniel, born Nov. 18, 1856; John, born Aug. 20, 1858; Ellen, born March 17, 1860; Lueinda, born Nov. 10, 1873, and Mary Etta, born March 14, 1875. Their first son, Joseph, was born in Grant Co., Ind., May 7, 1846. He came to Wisconsin with his parents and made his home with them until 1864, when he en- listed in company 1, 8th Wisconsin Volunteers, and went south. He died in Memphis, Teun., in the spring of 1865, while still in the service. Mr. and Mrs. Watson are both members of the United Brethren Church.

Robert Bailey, one of the pioneers of Green- wood, was born in Ireland in 1822, and when quite young his parents removed to Canada, where he was raised on a farm, and was part of the time employed on public works. He was married in 1844 to Jane Scott, who was born in Ireland in 1822, but of Scotch deseent. They remained in Canada until 1849, when they came to the States, locating in Boone Co., Ill., where they lived until 1856, then came to Wisconsin to seek a home. Coming directly to Vernon county, he entered land on section 26, town 13, range 1 cast, built a log house and com- menced clearing a farm. In 1861 he enlisted in company H, 10th Wisconsin Volunteer In- fantry, and immediately went to the front. Ile was killed at the battle of Chattanooga, in 1863, while gallantly fighting for his adopted country. Ile left a widow and seven children to mourn his death. Six of these children are now living -Agnes, Samuel, William, James, Isabelle and Jennie. Mrs. Bailey struggled with a brave heart and raised her family. She now occupies the homestead.

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HISTORY OF VERNON COUNTY

Abraham Kauffman was born in Laneaster Co., Penn., Jan. 9, 1809, of poor, but honest parents. Ile received his education in the com- mon schools, and was raised to agricultural pursuits. He was married, Nov. 25, 1828, to Eliza Martin. They remained in Lancaster county seven years, then started west to seek a home. They located in Posey county, where Mr. Kauffman learned the shoemakers trade. He remained there until 1844, then came to Wisconsin, settling in Washington county. Ile purchased government land, improved forty acres, and built a log cabin. In 1856 he sold out, and, again pushing to the frontier, came to Vernon Co., Wis., and purchased land on sec- tions 10, 11 and 15, built a log house and im- mediately commenced to make improvements. Ile occupied this house until 1879, then erected the frame house in which he now lives. Mrs. Kauffman was born in Lancaster Co., Penn., Sept. 10, 1810. She died in Greenwood, in 1857, leaving four children-Starrett, Benja- min, Betsey and Annie. Mr. Kauffman was married April 13, 1859, to Colsina Ingerson, born in Cayuga Co., N. Y., Dec. 3, 1807. Her first husband was Charles Townsend, of New York State, where Mrs. Townsend lived with her husband a few years, when they moved to Ohio, and from thence to Indiana. Mr. Town- send died in 1856, just as he was ready to move from Indiana to Wisconsin. IIe left three children-Emma A., Rachel and May. Mr. Kauffman's son, Benjamin T., was born in Lancaster Co., Penn., Dec. 30, 1835. Ile came to Wisconsin with his parents, and w s married in 18' 8 to Jane Townsend. He now occupies a portion of the old homestead, and is engaged in farming.

Reuben Miller was born in Ohio, May 6, 1829. - When quite young his parents moved to Missouri. After living there a short time, they moved to Indiana, settling in Howard county, where Reuben grew to manhood. He was married in Cass county, in 1834, to Catha- rine Bickill, born in Licking Co., Ohio. After

remaining in Cass county two years, he came to Vernon Co., Wis., and bought land on section 14, town 13, range 1 east, now known as Greenwood. Ile built a good log house on his place, set out an orchard and commenced to improve his farm. He made this his home until his death, which occurred Nov. 5, 1873. He left seven children-Benjamin F , Sarah, Ida, John, Edson, Melissa and James. The family now occupy the homestead.

Horace A. Rhinehart was born in Madison Co., N. )., Feb 14, 1827. When six years of age his parents moved to the western part of New York State, settling in Chautauqua county. Here his father bought timber land and im- proved a farm. Horace A. here grew to man- hood, his younger days being spent in school and on the farm. He was married in Chautau- qua county, in 1853, to Sarah, daughter of Wil- liam and Tommy (Jenkins) Hyne. She lived but two months and twelve days. He then came to Wisconsin, and after spending a year in Rock and Greene counties, returned to New York. While there he married Mary J., a sister of his first wife. Coming with his wife to Wisconsin, he stopped for a time in Greene county. In the fall of 1856 he moved to Ver- non Co., Wis., purchasing land on section 34, town 13, range 1 east, now known as Green- wood. He spent the winter on his farm in Greene county, returning to his land in Vernon county the following spring. In February, 1857, he met with an accident, by which his left leg was broken, and he was laid up all summer, thereby losing much valuable time. After re- covering, he resumed work, and began the cul- tivation of his farm. In 1865 he sold out and purchased land on section 27, which he has since made his home. In 1883, he erected the large frame house in which he now lives. His second wife died in 1862, leaving him two children-Sarah M. and Lucinda S In 1863 he married Sarah Kegley. Seven children blessed this union-Estella, Edwin, Franklin, Rollin, Effie, William and Alvin.

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HISTORY OF VERNON COUNTY.

Henry, son of Jacob and Augusta Lind, hon- ored pioneers of Vernon county, was born in Germany, in 1834. He attended school there until fourteen years of age, and then engaged in teaming in the city of West Baden. When he was seventeen years old, in company with his parents, he left his native land, and came to America. They landed at New York, and came directly to Wisconsin, and settled in Washington county. Henry was there mar- ried in February, 1857, to Mary Coe, born in Steuben Co., N. Y. The June following, they came to Bad Ax ( now Vernon ) county, and purchased timber land on section 12, of town 13 north, of range 1 east, and commenced to clear a farm He has built a good log honse, to which he has made a frame addition. In 1882 he built a frame barn, 30x40 feet in size, with a stone basement. They have five chil- dren-Larinda, Matilda, Charlie, Ida and Arthur.

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History of Vernon County, Wisconsin, together with sketches of its towns, villages and townships, educational, civil, military and political history; portraits of prominent persons, and biographies of representative citizens, Part 73

Author: Publication date: 1884 Publisher: Springfield, Union Number of Pages: 814

Author:
Publication date: 1884
Publisher: Springfield, Union
Number of Pages: 814