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 79

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

USA > Wisconsin > Vernon County > 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 79

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The settling tanks should be rinsed two or three times a day. Each tank should have a 3-inch hole in the bottom to expedite the cleans- ing.

On stopping for the day (we did not run much at night), I always had the mill and all tanks that were emptied washed with milk of lime, or rinsed with water and then white- washed.

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IIISTORY OF VERNON COUNTY.

The sooner and more rapidly the juice and semi-syrup, after being settled, can be boiled the better. Too much skimming is bad. Any attempt to remove the scum before it has be- come somewhat firm-has some body to it- will result in mixing it with the juice, and thus materially injuring the quality of the syrup. I believe in thoroughly skimming but not a con- tinuous dipping by any means. I use wood for fnel; have it split fine for the evaporator and then have a trusty boy whose business is to keep a steady hot fire and skim front end of pan. I pay a man extra wages to superin- tend evaporator and keep running from the time it is started in the morning until we wish to stop at night; he did not scorch or buin a gallon in making almost 4,000 gallons.

* *

Yours Truly,

WM. FRAZIER.

The money which Mr. Frazier received from this essay on "Sugar cane in the North," added to his enthusiasm so that the following year he planted twenty-five acres, and went to the ex- pense of putting in new machinery with which to make sugar.

Henry Morgan of Wheatland town is perhaps the next largest producer of sorghum, in Ver- non county.

CYCLONE.

June 23, 1875, a small cyclone struck the res- idence of William Frazier on section 5, of town 13, range 5, and completely demolished it. At the time, there were eleven persons in the house-Mr. and Mrs. Frazier, and their six children, his sister-in-law and child, and a hired girl. None were killed, but several were seriously injured. The floor of the house was carried about a mile, and trees were hurled a distance of three miles and forced bodily into the earth. No further damage was done till the storm struck Hazens Corners now known as Cashton.

FISH PONDS.

purpose of raising trout. Water is supplied from a large stream which gushes out of the earth at that point. Mr. Rentz was, in 1883, producing some very fine fish.

CEMETERIES.

In 1834 there were two regular cemeteries within the borders of this town. The oldest of these is the one situated near the village of Springville. The other, which is used by the Norwegians, is located on the northwest quar- ter of section 14, town 13, range 5.

BIOGRAPHICAL.

Nearly forty years have elapsed since John Graham and his three sons first made a settle- ment on the virgin soil of what is now Jeffer- son town. The following personal histories represent about forty of the pioneer settlers and prominent citizens of to-day; those who have been witnesses and participators of the steady toil and innumerable privations attend- ant on the clearing and settlement of this por- tion of Vernon county.

Lameh Graham, the oklest settler in Vernon county residing there in 1884, was born in Ohio April 17, 1828, came to this county in 1446, in company with Nelson De Frees, and has since been a resident of Springville, Vernon county. His principal business has been milling, and is at present one of the partners of the Eureka Mill. Mr. Graham has made a large amount of money, but has met with heavy losses by fire and otherwise. He was married in 1851 to Mary Kelsey. She died, leaving two children, one of which is now living-Columbus. In 1862 he married Euphanie Gambois, and by this union has had ten children, eight of whom are now living-Lameh, William, Irwin M., John, Al- fred B., Amada, Anna M. and Mary M.

Alfred Glassborn is a native of Virginia, born in the year 1815. When one year old he removed with his parents to Ohio. Here he re- sided until 1839, being raised to farm life. Ile then went to Lee Co., Iowa, and in 1844 came to Wisconsin, working for two years in the lead

Near Esofea there are a series of fish ponds constructed by Michael Rentz in 1881, for the | mines. In the fall of 1846 he removed farther

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HISTORY OF VERNON COUNTY.

north, and has since resided within the limits of what is now known as Vernon county, with the exception of three years spent in California. Until 1868 he gave his attention to farming. In 1869 he became associated, as partner, .with Lamel Graham, in the milling business, erected the Eureka Mill, at Springville, and has since owned an interest in the same. Mr. Glassborn never married.

Samuel Brice is numbered among the pio- neers of Vernon county, having settled here prior to 1850. He pre-empted land on section 27, town 13, range 5, on which he resided until 1883, when he removed to Brown Co., Dak. Mr. Brice was born in 1820, in Kentucky, removing with his parents to Missouri, where he married Mrs. Mary Spradling, nee Ingram. She had two children by her former marriage, one of whom is now living-Anna, wife of J. Zuingliens May. Mr. and Mrs. Brice have but one child -John.

John Brice, son of Samue! and Mary Brice, was born in Jefferson, Vernon county, Aug. 5, 1855, now residing on the homestead. He was married in 1876 to Oliva Parsons, daughter of Israel Parsons. They have four children- Amy, Maud, Jessie and Effie. Ann M. (Sprad- ling) May, the daughter born to Mrs. Samnel Brice, was born in Lincoln Co., Mo., in 1850. In 1853 she was taken by her parents to Ver- non Co., Wis., and Dec. 29, 1868, married Zuingliens S. May. They have six children, five of whom are natives of Vernon county- Belle, Samuel, Georgia, Idumea and Edna. In 1882 Mr. May removed to Brown Co., Dak., where a little daughter, named Bertha, was born to them.

S. Hoverson is numbered among the settlers of 1852, as on the 27th of Angust, that year, his parents came to Vernon county, soon purchas- ing land on section 12, town 13, range 5, and as soon as suitable buildings could be erected made this their home. Here his father died in September, 1881; his mother makes her home with him. Mr. Hoverson was born in

Norway, May 10, 1835. He emigrated with his parents to America in 1852, and has since, as before stated, been a resident of Jefferson town .lle is a republican in politics, and for nine years has been a member of the town board. In religion he is a Lutheran.

Among the early settlers of Vernon county is found Norris W. Saxton, who, with his wife and three children settled near Liberty Pole in 1852. In 1853 he removed to Springville, en- gaging in farming, and also for some time in running a saw mill. When the civil war broke out he responded to the call of his country by enlisting in company C, 18th Wisconsin Volun- teers, and was killed at the battle of Shiloh in April, 1862. Mr. Saxton was born in New York State in 1813, and while a resident there married Maria L. Belknap. He then emigrated to Illinois, going from there to Wisconsin. Mrs. Saxton died in 1878. She had five chil- dren-A. B., Jennie E., deceased, N. W., who enlisted in company F., 37th Wisconsin Volun- teers, dying while in service; Anna L. and Syl- vester S.

A. B. Saxton, son of Norris W. Saxton, was born in Pike Co., Ill., April 16, 1843. He came with his parents to this county, and has since been engaged in farming. He was married to . Augusta C. Favor, daughter of Jonathan and Mary Favor, and now resides on section 5, town 13, range 5, owning 120 acres. Mr. and Mrs. Saxton have had six children, three of whom are living-Clement S., Emma L. and Norton F. Mr. Saxton is a National greenbacker. In religion he is a Methodist Episcopal.

Martin F. Allen was born in St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., Jan. 24, 1820. His early life was spent working in saw mills and grist mills, three years of which time was spent in Canada. He came to Vernon county in October, 1853, purchasing the southwest quarter of section 28, town 13, range 5. He then returned to St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., and the following spring brought his family to their new home, the jour- ney being made by way of the great lakes, from

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HISTORY OF VERNON COUNTY.

Ogdensburg, N. Y., to Chicago, Ill., and thence by team to Wisconsin. In 1858 Mr. Allen traded his property for a saw mill at Newton, removed thither in 1860, erected a new saw mill, and four years later built a grist mill on the place. He resided in Newton about seven- teen years, when he sold his mills, returned to Jefferson, and now resides on section 32. His farm consists of 240 aeres. He was married in 1841 to Anna Landon, of Canton, St. Lawrence Co., N. Y. She died in July, 1842, leaving one son, who has since died. In 1849 he married Betsy C. Ellis, and by this union had eight children -- Charles, the eldest, entered the United States service in 1864, and now fills a soldier's grave; Emery E., Julia, wife of Joseph Baker; Elisha, James M., George W., Hattie and Henry. He is a strict republican, and adheres closely to temperance.

William A. Herron came to Vernon county in April, 1853, settling on the northeast quarter of section 14, town 13, range 5, where he now owns 240 acres. Ile has given his princi- pal attention to farming, although for a few years he was engaged in general merchandise business, at Springville, in partnership with George E. Morse. In 1881 he went to Dakota, taking a homestead and tree claim, and has spent much of his time since in improving the same. Mr. Herron was born June 22, 1823, in Muskingum Co., Ohio. In 1848 he married Mary McLees, and in 1853, as before stated, came to Wisconsin, the journey from Ohio be- ing made on steamboat, by way of St. Louis. Mr. and Mrs. Herron have nine children-IIan- nah J., now Mrs. Matthew Gray, Sarah E., now Mrs. George E. Morse, Joseph M., Mary M., now Mrs. HI. L. Rayner, Martha W., now Mrs. Frank Warner, Rachel, now Mrs. Arthur Ams- den; Charles T., George W., and Kate. He is a republican, and a member of the Congrega- tional Church.

Seth Hamilton settled at Springville, Jeffer- son town, in 1854, engaging in the black- smith business. After continuing this business

for two years he engaged in carpenter work. In 1859 he went to Pikes Peak, but returned in 1862 to Springville, and has since been engaged in farming. He was born in Ohio, Jan. 14, 1833, and resided in his native State until reaching maturity. He was married in 1855, to Cathe rine Ann Van Dyke, daughter of Abraham Van Dyke. She removing with her father from the State of Ohio in 1854. Their children num- bered six, in all, two boys and four girls. Three of them are dead and three living-Comentna Alice, the oldest, was born July 7, 1856, died July 4, 1862; Loami Wilber was born April 23, 1863, died Jan. 24, 1865; Seth Lorin was born Jan. 23, 1875, died Nov. 18, 1878. 'The living ones are-Melzana Loretta, Mattie Leona, Mary Imey. Mr. Hamilton's politics, if any, are democratic, in faith he is an Advent believer.

George Williamson has been a resident of Vernon county since 1865. He worked at the cooper trade for three years, at Chaseburg, the remainder of the time being engaged in farm- ing. Ile was born Jan. 29, 1843, in Muskingum Co., Ohio. He learned his trade in his native State, and followed it there until 1861. He then enlisted in company A, 122d Ohio Infantry, serving three years, and participating in several hard fought battles and numerous skirmishes. He was wounded at the battle of Cold Harbor, which disabled him for three months. July 4, 1868, he married Hettie, daughter of James Maxwell. They have three children-Blanche, Lloyd and Irwin. He is a republican, and a member of the G. A. R.

James Maxwell came to Vernon county in 1854, in the fall of the same year, purchasing fifty acres of land on section 15, town 13, range 5, where he was engaged in farming until his death, which occurred Feb. 1, 1875. He was born Nov. 10, 1808, in Westmoreland Co., Penn., and removed with his parents to Ohio, where he was married, Dec. 22, 1831, to Sarah Joseph, born in Virginia, Sept. 25, 1808. They had nine children, eight daughters and one son-the latter deceased. The children living are-Dy-

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IHISTORY OF VERNON COUNTY.

antha Irene, wife of John Goldrick; Margaret, wife of Thomas Harper; Mary, wife of Salem James; Rachel, wife of Isaac Groves; Nancy, wife of James Dixon; Neoma, wife of Charles Markle; Celestia, wife of David Stevenson; and Hetty, wife of George Williamson. Mrs. Max- well still resides on the homestead, which con- tains 140 acres of land.

E. C. Officer settled at Springville, Vernon county, in 1854, working at his trade, cabi- net maker, for about three years. In 1857 he married Mary Ann Spencer, daughter of Isaac and Mary Ann(McConnell) Spencer,since which time he has given his attention to farming. Ile now owns 310 acres of land, twenty-one lots, and the largest springs in the county, from which the village of Springville derived its name, are located on his land, only a few rods from his residence. Mr. Officer was born Feb. 8, 1827, in Muskingum Co., Ohio, being a son of James and Sarah (Crumbaker) Officer. TIe learned his trade and worked at it in his native State until coming to Vernon county. Mr. and Mrs. Officer have had eight children, six of whom are living-James, Irvine, Flora M., Elmer H., Wyman L. and Lloyd Spencer.

Samuel Davis was born in Pennsylvania in 1801, learned the cooper trade, and removed to Ohio, residing there until 1855, when he came to Jefferson town Vernon Co., Wis. He died in September, 1872. Ile was twice married. His first wife was Miss Yours, by whom he had ten children, nine of whom are living. His second wife was Elizabeth G. Gladden. They had seven children, four of whom are living- Nancy, William I., Hulda E. and Miles G. Mrs. Davis is now the wife of Thomas White.

Miles G. Davis was born in Morgan Co., Ohio, April 3, 1854. He received a common school education. In March, 1877, he married Mary E. Thompson, daughter of David B. Thompson. In November, 1878, he moved to Monroe county, where he resided until the fall of 1882. He then returned to Vernon county, now residing on the homestead. His children

are-Winfred C., Lloyd E. and Harvey E. He is a republican and a member of the A. O. U. W. Mr. Davis is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

William Frazier was born in Belmont Co., Ohio, Oct. 6, 1833. He assisted his father on the farm and received a good common school education. In 1855 he married Plume Pow- ell, also a native of the Buckeye State. They came to Wisconsin soon after marriage, and have since resided in Jefferson town, Ver- non county. Mr. Frazier has had many sad experiences. In February, 1875, his residence, one of the best in the town, was destroyed by fire. Ile at once rebuilt, but no sooner was his new residence built than it was destroyed by a cyclone, which occurred June 23, 1875, and of . which mention is made elsewhere in this work. Mr. Frazier is the largest grower of sugar cane in Vernon county, and has the honor of being the third man in the State of Wisconsin to manufacture sugar therefrom. Mr. Frazier was formerly a republican, but is now somewhat independent, giving little attention to politics. He has frequently been chosen to fill offices of public trust and honor, having served as town- superintendent of schools, town assessor and collector, as chairman of the county board of supervisors one term, and of the town- board several terms. He also, in 1874, rep- resented his distriet in the General Assem- bly. In 1883 Mr. Frazier received from the agricultural department at Washington, $1,200 to be used by him in experimenting in the manufacture of sugar. Mr. and Mrs. Frazier have had eleven children, ten of whom are now living-Anna L., now Mrs. C. L. Wood ; Samuel L., cashier of the Wadena County Bank, Verndale, Minn .; William S., book-keeper in La Crosse, Wis .; Luella J., Dora II., Charles R., Mary B., Raymond R., Minta M. and Frank E.

John Hayes came to Vernon county in 1855 and on the 26th of May settled on section 27, town 13, range 5, where he purchased land

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HISTORY OF VERNON COUNTY.

of Simon Crawford. He still resides on this place, now owning 220 acres. For the past ten years he has been a dealer in live stock. Mr. Hayes was born in Ohio, Oct. 4, 1826. He worked on a farm in his younger days, and re- ceived a common school education. In 1845 he married Mariam Williams. In 1854 he sold his property in Ohio, and in the following spring started westward, and became a resident of Vernon county. Mrs. Hayes died Jan. 27, 1882. . Mr. and Mrs. llayes had five children- Sarahı A., (deceased), Mary J., Mrs. John Mc- Kitrick; Rachel M., Mrs. W. J. May; Hester, Mrs. Joseph Forsyth, and John Jr. Mr. Hayes has been successful in life, and now has a neat frame residence. Ile votes the republican ticket, although he takes but little interest in politics.

Thomas James, one of the pioneers of 1855, settled on section 10, town 13 north, range 5 west, where he still resides, now owning 195 acres. He was born in Muskingum Co., Ohio, July 5, 1812. He was raised on a farm; but at the age of eighteen years commenced to learn the carpenter trade, working at the same for several years. In 1835 he built a saw-mill and operated it until 1848, when he resumed farming. II was married in 1835, to Frances Graham, a native of Virginia, born Jan. 22, 1817, and re- moved with her parents while quite young to Mu-kingum Co., Ohio, where she was married. They lived together until 1872, when May 23 she died, having borne thirteen children- Salem, Troylus, Reuben, Eben, Maria, Charles, Edwin, Lucy, George, Theodore, John, Alta and Thomas. Ten are still living. Reuben died Ang. 10, 1840; Theodore, Feb. 1, 1868, and John, Dec. 14, 1878. Mr. James united with the Baptist Church in April, 1830; his wife in 1832. In politics he was an "old line whig," then a staunch republican. In June, 1875, he was married the second time, to Mrs. Mary Miller, widow of James Miller. She was born July 20, 1828, in Muskingum Co., Ohio; was married May 20, 1847, and removed with her

husband, in 1854, to Vernon Co., Wis .; settled near Viroqua, and in 1860, settled on a home- stead in the town of Stark, on sections + and 5, town 13 north, of range 2 west. In August, 1862, her husband enlisted for the war in com- pany A,25th regiment, Wisconsin Volunteers,and died at Memphis, Tenn., Sept. 11, 1863, at the age of thirty-seven years. She had four chil- dren-Harvey, Mansfield L., Sarah E. and Asbury F., two of whom are dead. Sarah E. died May 17, 1874, and Mansfield L. died June 18, 1882. Both wife and husband were men- bers of the Methodist Church. He was republican in politics.

William A. Morse was born in Herkimer Co., N. Y., Feb. 23, 1817. His early life was spent on a farm, while he received a good commer- cial education, and for many years was engaged in book-keeping. While serving in that capacity in Lockport, he made the acquaintance of Orrilla N. Hunter, to whom he was married in 1840. In 1855 he came to Wisconsin, engag- ing in mercantile business at Springville, Ver- non county, which he continued the greater portion of the time until his death, which oc curred in 1874. Mr. Morse was the first depot agent at Lockport, on the New York Central Railroad, and faithfully served the company a number of years in that capacity. Mrs. Morse still resides with her only child-George E. Mr. Morse possessed excellent business qualifica- tions, and was well known in the county. He was a member of the Masonic fraternity and ranked very high. IIe was a Royal Arch Mason, was connected with the Commandery, and was a Knight Templar. He assisted in organizing the Masonic lodge at Viroqua. He voted the republican ticket, but never aspired to office. Religiously, he was an Adventist- one of the first in the county. George E., only son of William A. Morse, was born in Lockport, N. Y., June 11, 1841, coming with his parents to Wisconsin. He received a good common school education, and was raised to a mercantile life, assisting his father in the store. He re-

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HISTORY OF VERNON COUNTY.

mained at home until 1871, at which time he was married to Sarah E. Herron, daughter of William A. Herron. They have had five chil- dren, two of whom are living-Mary E. and Margaret E. Mr. Morse has been principally engaged in farming, being for a time, how- ever, engaged in mercantile business. In poli- tics he is a republican, and is also a member of the I. O. O. F.

Clark Waters was born Feb. 8, 1805, in the State of New York. He removed with his par- ents to Illinois, from whence he came to Wis- consin, becoming one of the pioneers of Ver- non county. He now resides on section 25, Jefferson town. Mr. Waters has been mar- ried three times. His first wife was Orrilla Clark, by whom he had eleven children, seven living at the time of her death. His second wife was Julia Mack, from whom he was di- vorced soon after marriage. His present wife was Mrs. Lonisa Derr, widowed wife of Charles Derr, who was killed while serving his country in the civil war. Five children were born to them, three daughters and two sons-the former married, and the latter still single. Mr. and Mrs. Waters were married in 1867.

W. S. Waters, son of Clark and Orrilla Waters, removed with his parents to Vernon county. In 1862 he enlisted in company A, 25th Wisconsin Volunteers, serving three years. Mr. Waters married Joam Older. They have seven children - William, Arbelle, Earnest, Hattie, James, Burton and Lester.

Adam Doerr arrived at Springville, April 11, 1856, and at once entered the employ of the Grahams, who were then repairing their mill, and when it was completed, Mr. Doerr was · placed in charge and held the position for three years. On account of being troubled with rheumatism, he was compelled to give up steady work in the mill, but he still assists about the mill occasionally. When Mr. Doerr first en- tered the mill he was unable to speak the Eng- lish language, but as he was well educated in German, he kept the books at the mill, and

was soon familiar with our native tongue. Ile purchased his present farm in 1859, and now has a comfortable home. When he bought his land there was but little timber in the vicinity, as fires swept across the country annually. But now, where the soil has not been put under cul- tivation, it is covered with a thick forest. Mr. Doerr was born in the Grand Duchy of Hesse Darmstadt, Germany, Jan. 1, 1820. He learned the milling business, and subsequently the tailor's trade. In 1851 he emigrated to the United States, and first stopped in Butler Co., Penn., where, in 1853, he married Susanna Keonig. They have three children - Susan, Anna and John.

Jonathan Favor was born in Grafton Co., N. 11., May 6, 1799. In 1821 he was united in mar- riage with Mary Pingry, born in the same county, Aug. 28, 1802. In 1833 they moved to Erie Co., N. Y., seven years later to McHenry Co., Ill., and in 1854 came to Wisconsin, set- tling on section 10, town 13, range 5. Here Mr. Favor was engaged in farming until his death, Feb. 21, 1875. Mrs. Favor still resides on the homestead, and is in good health for one of her age. Mr. and Mrs. Favor had twelve children, ten of whom are living-Isaac S., Elizabeth, now Mrs. Ira Olds ; Feletus, Jane, now Mrs. Theodore Wilson; Minerva, widow of Wallace W. DeFrees ; Daniel W., Ambrosia, now Mrs. John Spencer ; Augusta, now Mrs. A. B. Soxten ; Electa, now Mrs. Joel Herron, and Jerome. Mr. Favor was a loving husband, kind father, and good neighbor. He always lived a Christian life, and during his latter years was connected with the Advent Christian Church.

Jerome Favor was born in MeHenry Co., INI., June 26, 1846. Hle came with his parents to Wisconsin, now owning and residing on the homestead, which contains 160 acres of land. In 1880 he erected a large frame house at a cost of $2,400, but it was no sooner completed than it was destroyed by fire, and Mr. Favor was compelled to rebuild. Feb. 1, 1869, he

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HISTORY OF VERNON COUNTY.

married Lucy James, daughter of Thomas James, They have two children-Fannie and Arie. Mr. Favor is a republican. In religion he is an Advent Christian.

I. M. Groves became a resident of Vernon county in the fall of 1856, residing in Liberty town until 1869, since which time he has lived in Jefferson town. He was born in Perry Co., Ohio, Sept. 20, 1839, where he resided until coming to Wisconsin. Ile enlisted Sept. 6, 1861, in company F, 8th Wisconsin Volunteers, serving until Sept. 16, 1864. He participated in the battles of Frederickstown, Mo .; siege of New Madrid, Island No. 10 and siege of Cor- inth, when he was taken sick, remaining in the hospital eleven months. He was also on the Red river expedition. In 1865 he married Rachel Maxwell, daughter of James Maxwell. They had six children, five of whom are living -James F., Ottosia A., Le Roy M., Mary E. and Hattie I. He is a greenbacker in polities, but was formerly a republican. His religious connections are with the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. Groves is a member of the G. A. R.

R. S. Nixon settled on section 34, town 13, range 5, Vernon Co., Wis., and here he still re- sides. He has given his attention to farming and now owns 190 acres of land. Mr. Nixon was born Nov. 10, 1820, in Morgan Co., Ohio. ITis father, Hugh Nixon, was a native of Ireland, and his mother, Rachel (Wood) Nixon, was born in New Jersey. R. S. Nixon received a common school education. In 1843 he was married to Jane Rees, born in Muskingum Co., Ohio. In 1856 they came to Wisconsin. Mrs. Nixon died in March, 1881, leaving six children-Mary J., Amos M., Charles Il., Emma, Eva and Sam- uel. He is a republican and a member of the I. O. O. F. He is a member of the Method- dist Episcopal Church.

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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 79

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

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