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 83

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 83

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ing. In the fall, he went to Freeport, Ill., and worked at his trade. In 1861, he again visited Vernon county, and was married here July 20 to Marion O, daughter of Hans Hanson, who settled near Bloomingdale in 1855. He returned to Freeport with his bride and re- sumed work at his trade, remaining there until 1863, when he returned to Vernon county, and purchased a farm of Nels Hanson two and one- half miles from Bloomingdale. Ile lived there eight years, then traded his farm for a grist- mill at Bloomingdale, lle carried on this mill until 1878, when he traded it for a farm on sections 25 and 26 of town 12 north, of range 4 west, embraced in the town of Kicka- poo. There was a large frame barn on this farm and he has since completed the farm houses, and is now well provided with buildings. Ilis farm now contains 202 acres of land, a portion of which is in the Kickapoo valley. Mr. and Mrs. Olson are the parents of mine chil- dren-Annie M., Minnie A., Olouf M., Mar- cus 11., John A., Hans N., Hannah L., Ida A. and Charles Edwin. They are taking good care to educate their children. Their oldest daughter, Annie, is a teacher in the public schools.

Jedediah Demings is a prominent member of the Seventh Day Adventist denomination. He was born in Franklin Co., Vt., Nov. 6, 1826, and at the age of fifteen, suffered the loss of his mother. Ifis father soon after removed to Illinois, and our subject was left to care for him- self. He was employed on a farm in Vermont for two years, and then went to Essex Co., N. Y., where he found similar employment at $9 per month. In 1845 he went to Illinois and joined his father in McHenry county, where he remained two years. In 1847 he went to Wis- consin, and spent two years in Winnebago county. He then returned to his father's home in Illinois, going on foot, and walking the long journey of 136 miles in two and one-half days. His time was passed in Illinois and Wisconsin, until 1856, when he went to Minnesota, and

located in Nicolet county, then on the frontier, and inhabited mostly by Indians. He remained there four years, and in 1860 came to Vernon county, and located a homestead on section 2, of town 11 north, of range 3 west, where he now has a pleasant home. Mr. Demings was married Feb. 17, 1856, to Adeline Gibbs, a native of Vermont. Mr. Demings was con- verted to the faith of the Seventh Day Ad- ventist in Illinois, in 1850, and is the founder of that denomination in Vernon county. Mrs. Demings is also a member.

Charles E. Smith settled on his present farm in 1860. He is a native of the old Bay State, born sixteen miles from Boston, in Lincoln township, Middlesex county, Ang. 15, 1835. His early education was begun in the district school and completed in the Lawrence Acide- my, at Groton, Mass. When seventeen years of age, he went to Boston, engaging as clerk for an establishment there until 1856, when he started west to seek a home. He located at St. Peter, Nicolet Co., Minn., being one of the early settlers there. He lived there, on govern- ment land, until 1860, when he sold out, and as before stated, came to Vernon county. His farm is situated in the Kickapoo valley, on sec- tion 34, town 12, range 3. It is in a good state of cultivation, and he has erected a neat frame honse thereon. Mr. Smith was married in 1860, to Ruth E. Gibbs, born in Vermont. They have had four children-Charles O., Fred L., Lucy A. and Myrtie M. Mr. Smith bas been prominent in town and county affairs, and was assessor for several years.

B. C. Hutchison, one of the pioneers of Vernon county, was born in Pennsylvania, in January, 1818. He lived there until four years of age, when he removed to Ohio, settling in Richland county. He was there married to Matilda Hooks, who was born in Ohio. Thir- teen children blessed this union, nine of whom are now living. In 1844 they came to Wiscon- sin, locating in Grant county. In 1849 he again sought a new home, settling in Franklin town,

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Vernon county, where he purchased land, built a log house, living there six years. He then sold out, buying land on seetion 7, town 11, range 3, Kiekapoo town. After residing there eight years, he again sold out and settled on section 9, his present home. Mrs. Hutchison died March 5, 1864.

William Hutchison, third son of B. C. and Matilda (Hooks) Hutchison, was born July 20, 1846. in Grant Co., Wis. His younger days were spent in school, and assisting his father on the farm. In Jannary, 1864, he enlisted in com- pany I, 17th Wisconsin Volunteers, and went south. He was with Sherman in his march to the sea, and participated in the many battles of that memorable campaign. lle was discharged July 14, 1865, and returned home. In 1866 he was clerking for B. D. lale, at Readstown, and later for A. P. Bliss. He was married in 1869 to llelen, daughter of Willard and Mary (Lot ridge) Morley, who was born in New York State. Mr. and Mrs. Hutchison have had five children-Mary, Albert, Sylvia, William and Walter. Soon after marriage he settled on a farm on section 36, town 12, range 4. In 1883 he bought property in Viroqua and removed there. IIe has been prominent in town affairs, and is the present assessor. He is also a mail contractor.

Lyman C. Drake, postmaster of Sugar Grove office, is a native of New York State. Ile was born in West Bloomfield town, Ontario county, April 29, 1813. When three years of age his parents moved to Leroy, Genesee county, where he grew to manhood. In 1838 he came to Wisconsin, loeating at Plattsville, where he engaged in mining one year, then going to Ellenboro he bought land and engaged in farming. Ile remained in the vicinity of Ellenboro until 1862, when he traded his farm there for land at Sugar Grove, on section 13, town II, range 3, Kickapoo town. Ile has since made this his home. Mr. Drake was married, in 1843, to Janette Russell, born in Connecticut. They have had five children, two

of whom are living-Rutson 11. and Frank I !. Their first child, George L., born Sept. 3, 1844, enlisted in 1864 in company I, 17th Wisconsin Volunteers, and died in the service at Rome, Ga., in August, 1864, Lester was born Nov. 13, 1847. lle enlisted in 1864 in company 1, 17th Wisconsin Volunteers. Ile was with Sherman on his march to the sea, and was killed by a guerilla, about twenty miles from Columbia, S. C., near the close of the war. Lewis was born June 20, 1860, and died in infancy. Mr. and Mrs. Drake are both members of the Disciple Church. Their son, Rutson, also a member, is superintendent of the Sunday school.

George Latta is a native of Ohio, born in Columbiana county, May 26, 1822. When ten years of age his parents moved to Perry county, where George grew to manhood, and where he was married, in 1844, to Thannel Snider. He bought a farm in Monroe town, remaining there until 1864, when he sold out, coming to Wis- consin, and settling ou his present farm on sec- tion 26, town 12, range 4, Kickapoo town. It is in a good state of cultivation. Mr. and Mrs. Latta have had nine children -Leanna, Edward, Nancy, Francis, Joseph, Matilda, David, Ilau- nah and George. Mrs. Latta died in 1872. aged fifty-two years. His second wife, to whom he was married in 1875, was Harriet Delap.

Josiah Latta settled in Kickapoo town in 1866. Ile is a native of Ohio, born in Perry county May 22, 1836. His younger days were spent in school and at work on his father's farm. He was married in 1859 to Elizabeth Grier, born in Morgan Co., Ohio, after which he carried on a part of his father's farm in Perry county. Hle enlisted Jan. 1, 1862, in the 62d Ohio Volunteers, company C. and went south, serving until the expiration of his time and eight days over, being discharged Jan. 8, 1865. Among the many engagements in which he participated were the following: Winchester and the many battles of the Shenandoah valley. After

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HISTORY OF VERNON COUNTY.

this campaign the regiment joined Mcclellan's command at Harrison's Landing. From there they went to Suffolk, Va., being on provost duty. After his discharge Mr. Latta returned to Perry county, remaining until 1866, when he came to Vernon county and purchased land on section 26, town 12, range 4. He has since improved his land, set out an orchard and built a large frame residence, now having one of the best farms and residences in the town. Mr. and Mrs. Latta have nine children-Thomas, Charles, Mary A., Lillie Maud, Nancy Estella, Albert P., Minnie B., Jessie Grace and William Orley. Mr. Latta's farm now contains 320 acres.

Benjamin Rogers settled in Vernon county in 1866. He was born Feb. 19, 1837, in Perry Co., Ohio, being there raised on a farm. Ile was married in 1859 to Elizabeth Ayers, born in Perry county. Ile enlisted in September, 1861, in company G, 18th Ohio Volunteers, and went south. Ile participated in the battles of Stone River and Chickamauga. Ile was wounded in the latter battle Zand laid up for three months, when he again joined the regiment, taking part in many otherZengagements. lle was honora- bly discharged ingthe fall of 1864, and returned to Perry county. In 1866, as before stated, he came to Vernon county, purchasing eighty acres of land on section 36, town 12, range 4, Kickapoo town. He has since purchased more land, making a farm of 220 acres, improved the same, and built the frame house in which he

now lives. His six children are-Rilla Belle, Benjamin, Rebecca, Parthenia, Hester Ann and Thomas Newton. The two latter are twins. A daughter, Mary Etta, died at seven years of age.

J. J. McCarty, town clerk, was born Jan. 7, 1856, in Missouri, coming to Kickapoo town, Vernon Co., Wis., in 1867. He received a lib- eral education in his younger days, and has, for a few years, been engaged as teacher in the public schools, having taught his first term when nineteen years of age, in school district No. 4. He was elected to his present office in 1877, being re-elected every year, until he is now serving his seventh term. In 1882 Mr. Me- Carty erected a building in Readstown, on the east side of the river, where he is engaged in business. Ile keeps a general stock, and has a good trade.

Lewis Anderson settled on his present farm in 1874. It is located on the ridge on section 1, town 11, range 4, and contains 155 acres. He is a native of Norway, born June 17, 1853. He came to America with his parents in 1864, set- tling in Clayton, Crawford county, where he received a liberal education in the public schools. He was married in 1874 to Melina Salmonson. Her parents were early settlers of Vernon county. Mr. and Mrs. Anderson have three children -Annie, Martha and Emma. He has taken great interest in public affairs, and is a mem- ber of the town board, elected in April, 1883.

HISTORY OF VERNON COUNTY.

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CHAPTER XLIII.

THE TOWN OF LIBERTY.

That part of Vernon county known as the town of Liberty, is situated in congressional town- ship 12, range 3 west, and contains about twen- ty-four sections of land. It is bounded on the north by the town of Webster, on the east by Richland county, on the south by the town of Kickapoo, and on the west by the town of Viro- qua. This town is watered by the Kickapoo river and its branches, which flow in a southerly direction. In the eastern part of the town there is a very heavy growth of timber, while in the western there are more prairie openings. On( of the striking features of the town is its numer- ous springs which gush out from the sides o the high bluffs and rocky ridges, their water finally terminating in streams having sufficient fall to give fine mill power.

FIRST SETTLEMENT.

Among what may be termed the early set- thers of the town of Liberty, are the following: G. W. Wise, Allen Rusk, George P. Martin, Jonas Groves, John R. Joseph, James Gilman, Samuel Graham, Samuel Fish, Stephen A. Fish, James Schoolery, James W. Hunter, John W. Church, Frederick Groves and Stanley Stout. The first settler was James Gilman, who set- tled on section 5, in 1853, where he lived for many years, and then moved to Viroqua, where he died.

In December, 1852, Allen Rusk, then a resi- dent of Lancaster, Grant county, hauled a load of merchandise to Liberty Pole, for Henry McCaulley, who kept a store at the latter place. After delivering the goods, Mr. Rusk went to Viroqua to visit some of his old acquaintances

who had settled there some time previous. While on this visit, accompanied by some of his friends, hestarted out to look up a location for his future home. They went east as far as the Kickapoo, then followed the stream down to the month of Bishop branch, and the latter stream back to Viroqua. Mr. Rusk did not se- lect any particular piece of land at this time, but concluded that in the near future he would become a resident of the county. He then re- turned to Lancaster, and in October, 1853, re- moved his family to Viroqna. In the spring of 1854 he pre-empted the southeast quarter of se(- tion 16, town 12, range 3 west, of the fourth principal meridian and at once commenced im- proving the same but did not settle here until April, 1855. Allen Rusk is a brother of Gov. J. M. Rusk, and was born in Perry Co., Ohio, on the 6th day of February, 1825. When he was three years of age, the family removed to Mor- gan county, where the subject of this sketch received a common school education, helped till the soil, and also worked at plastering. Oct. 23, 1843, he married Mary Newton. She was born in Harrison Co., Va., Nov. 6, 1818. In 1852 he emigrated to Lancaster, Grant Co., Wis., from whence he came to Vernon county, as above stated. Mr. Rusk is a man of considerable nat- ural ability, and no sooner had he settled in the county, than he was looked upon as a leading citizen. It was through his efforts that the ter- ritory in which he resides was set off from Vi- roqua, and organized as the town of Liberty. The name was suggested by Mr. Rusk, and at the first election he was elected chairman of the

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HISTORY OF VERNON COUNTY.

town board and justice of the peace; he has since held various local offices, and for two terms rep- resented his district in the Assembly. In 1880 he took the census of the town of Liberty, and is at present postmaster at Liberty Thus it can be seen that he possesses the confi- dence of his fellow men and is highly esteemed, which is far more desirable than riches. In Sep- tember, 1864, he enlisted in company I, 42d regiment, Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry, and served until mustered out of service, participat- ing in all the engagements of his regiment. He is a republican in politics, to which party he has adhered since its organization. The chil- dren are-Henry M., Ilannah Jane, deceased ; Albert J., Jasper B., Jeremiah N. and Romulus A.

II. L. Turner was born in Erie Co., N. Y., on the 9th day of January, 1821. His parents being William and Sally Turner. The family removed 10 Wyoming county, where the father pursued his trade, that of a millwright. H. L. Turner soon became handy in the use of carpen- ter tools and concluded to become a first-class mechanie. But he was a poor boy. He thus worked on the farm, and whenever he had a little spare money, he would invest the same in the purchase of a book treating on mechanical works, and oft when his team was resting on the plow he eo ild be seen busily engaged read- ing and studying. He also desired to travel, and so purchased a book on navigation, which he studied closely and soon became quite well versed in said science. The book is still in Mr. Turners library, and is highly cherished. In 1842 he married Sophia C. Drake, and then followed the trade of millwright. In 1850 he emigrated to Wisconsin, lived a short time at Lake Geneva, then at Lodi, but in 1851, re- turned to New York. In 1854, he again came to Wisconsin and entered land on the north half of section 24, range 3, town 12, at La Crosse, on the 11th day of April. Mr. Turner was accompanied on the trip by his brother, C. D. Turner and cousin, Jeremiah Turner, who

also entered land. They all went back to New York. But HI. L. at once returned and erected a log cabin on section 19, town 19, range 2 west of the fourth principal meridian, where he had also entered land, and in the fall of said year, removed bis family, wife and two children from the east. They were also accompanied by his parents, William and Sally Turner, C. D. Tur- ner and family, Salem Rogers, wife and two children, Lyman Jackson, wife and two children, all of whom settled in the vicinity of what is now Viola. In 1856 H. L. Turner erected a saw-mill, and one year later, added a grist-mill, which he operated until 1864, then sold to A. C. Cushman. In 1-56 or 1857, Mr. Turner re- moved across the line into Vernon county, where he now resides. In 1865 he removed 10 Green Bay, where he was engaged in building steam boats and sailing vessels. He built six steam crafts, one sailing vessel and one yacht. In the fall of 1880, he returned to Vernon county, and now gives his attention to farming. His farm contains 170 acres, and is one of the best in the vicinity. There are about thirty Indian mounds located on the same. These mounds are of all sizes and shapes, resembling birds, animals, reptiles, etc. In politics, Mr Turner was formerly a whig, and since the organization of the republican party has asso- eiated with it. Ile has often been chosen to hold local offices, but he takes but little interest in this direction. The children, Alice S. and George W. are both deceased.

George W. Wise, one of the first settlers, was born in West Virginia, Dec. 11, 1833. His father died in 1842, and in 1849, the mother with her three children-George W., David and Melinda, emigrated to Wisconsin, and on the 19th of August of that year, arrived at Brookville, where they had relations. In 1855 Mr. Wise married Lucretia Jennings, and then settled on section 11, town 12, range 3, where he was still living in 1884. Mr. and Mrs Wise are the parents of twelve children-Mary E.,

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HISTORY OF VERNON COUNTY.

Belle, Melissa, Alice, Elmer, Cora, Violet, Albert, Olive, David, Myrtie and William.

William C. Groves, son of Frederick and Har- riet Groves was born in Perry Co., Ohio, Ang. 6, 1819. He is a millwright and earpenter by trade. In 1849 he married Mary Jane McCol- lough, danghter of Robert MeCollough In 1855 they came to Wisconsin, and have sinee resided in town 12, range 3, Liberty. He now owns 120 aeres. The children are - Harriet, Frederick M., John H. and Olive E. In poli- ties, Mr. Groves is a greenbacker. He has been justice of the peace and a member of the town board. He belongs to the Methodist Episcopal Chnreh.

George P. Martin settled on section 9 in 1855 where he remained until 1881 and then re- moved to Nebraska.

Jonas Groves also settled in 1855 on section 5, where he still lives.

John R. Joseph settled on seetion 9 in 1855. Ile remained there about fifteen years and moved to Iowa. He was a native of Ohio, from which State he came to Wisconsin.

Another settler of 1855 was John W. Hunter. who settled on seetion 16 and remained until death, which overtook him in 1872.

Among the pioneers of 1856 was James Schooley, who settled on section 16. He re- moved to Kansas just before the Rebellion broke out, but afterwards returned to Liberty town; but still later returned to Kansas.

Samuel Graham settled on section 6 in 1855, where he tilled the soil for a number of years and removed to Colorado, where he was en- gaged in the hotel business in 1884.

Samuel Fish settled on seetion 8 in 1855. Ile enlisted in company C, 18th Wisconsin Infantry, was wounded at Shiloh and died from its effects soon after. In 1884 his widow, Nancy Fish, was still living on the land pre-empted by her husband.

About the same time or a little later Stephen A. Fish, father of Samuel Fish, came to the

county for settlement and died some years after.

John W. Church came to Vernon county from New York. After a short stay in Richland county, he settled on the southwest corner of section 12 in 1855-6. Ile was a good mechanie and followed the carpenter's trade until the civil war broke out, when he enlisted in com- pany A, 25th Wisconsin; was wounded during a battle in South Carolina and died from its effects. Ile was a brave soldier and a good man. He was accounted one of the best marks- men in his company and it was often remarked by his comrades that upon the discharge of his gun there was one less rebel to fight! Just be- fore his fatal wound he was seen climbing over the earthworks and was told by Col. Rusk that he was in great danger; but Church replied: "Just let me drop one more of them!"

William Turner was a native of New York and married Sally Ingalls in that State. He was a millwright and carpenter by trade. Ile eame to Wisconsin with his son to assist him in building mills. Mr. Turner died April 1. 1865, and his wife eleven years later. They were both buried in the cemetery at Viroqua.

Stanley Stout is a native of Erie Co., N. Y., born July 12, 1832. He learned the drug busi- ness in the city of Buffalo and subsequently served as drug clerk in Chicago and St. Louis. In 1857 he coneluded to try country life for awhile and so eame to Wisconsin and first stopped with his brother-in-law, John W. Church, who resided on section 12, of what is now Lil,- erty town. In 1858 he married Eliza Groves, daughter of Frederick Groves, since which he has been a resident of Liberty. He has, how- ever, at several different intervals clerked at La Crosse and Viroqua. He now resides on section 3 and owns eighty acres with good improve- ments. Mr. Stout is a well informed and enter- prising citizen. Ile enlisted in the United States service, but was rejected on account of physical disability. In politics he is republican. Has held the offices of chairman, assessor and

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HISTORY OF VERNON COUNTY.

treasurer. He is a good talker and for many years has acted as auctioneer. The children are-Adelaide, William, McDowell, Rowena, Minnie, George A., Frank and Julia.

R. H. Buchanan, on the 12th day of October, 1859, arrived at Springville and resided near there until 1862, then settled on section 2, Lib- erty, where he had entered land in 1855 and he still resides on the same. He was born in Washington Co., Penn., April 22, 1824. In 1828 the family removed to Muskingum county, where R. H. was raised to farm life. Feb. 11, 1847, he married Mary Reed, daughter of Ellis and Margaret Reed, and in 1859 came to Wis- consin. Mrs. Buchanan died Feb. 2, 1882. She had eight children, five now living-Sarah M., David T., Ardo, William H. and James M. In polities he is a democrat and has held the offices of town clerk, assessor and collector.

Cincinnatus Ward was born in Connecticut in 1804. He removed with his parents to New York and there married Loisa A. Wooster. About the close of the civil war they came to Wisconsin. Mrs. Ward died in 1873 and Mr. Ward now resides with his son, Newton D., who is the youngest of the children. He was born in Wyoming Co., N. Y., Nov. 22, 1845, re- moved with his parents to Erie county, where he resided until 1864, then came to Wiseon- sin and first stopped at Viola, where his sister, Mrs. C. D. Turner, was living. He clerked in a store for some time and in 1863 enlisted in the 25th Wisconsin, but was rejected on account of his age, he being but seventeen. In January, 1864, he enlisted in the 2d Wisconsin Cavalry and served until the regiment was mustered out of service. lle then returned to Viola and in 1869 married Sarah A. Brown, daughter of Ab- ner Brown. He then removed to Du Page Co., Ill., and subsequently to Missouri. In 1873 be returned to Wisconsin and studied and prac- ticed veterinary surgery for five years with John F. White, in Kenosha, since which time he has practiced at Viola. He is a republican and is at present town clerk. Heis a member

of the I. O. O. F. and G. A. R. Mr. and Mrs. Ward have one daughter-Julia M.

EARLY EVENTS.

The first birth in the town of Liberty was J. N., a son of Allen and Mary Rusk, born Oct. 28, 1855.

The first death was a child of George P. Mar- tin, who died in 1856, and the remains were buried on their farm on section 9. The same grounds were afterward selected for the town cemetery.

The first marriage in the town was Sanford Hanchett and Ann Ilarris, who were united in matrimony in 1855 by Allen Rusk, then justice of peace.

Another marriage which occurred about the same date, was that of Johnson Fuller and Sarah Graves. This couple had to present them- selves to Robert Wilson, a justice of the peace, whe performed the ceremony under a large oak tree near the Indian mounds around which there hangs so much of mystery.

ORGANIC.

Liberty, the smallest town in Vernon county, was last to be organized. It was formerly a part of Viroqua town; but on account of being so far from the village of Viroqua, the people chose to be set off into a separate organization, which was done in 1858; Allen Rusk present- ing a petition, signed by many of the citizens, to the county board, requesting them to set off sections I to 24inclusive, of township 12, range 3 west, into a civil town and that its name should be Liberty. The name was suggested by Mr. Rusk, presenter of the petition. The board granted the request, and accordingly an eleetion was held April 6, 1858, at the school house on section 9, the former residence of George P. Martin. The following officers were eleeted: Allen Rusk, chairman, Samuel Gra- ham and George P. Martin, supervisors; Sam- nel C. Fish, town clerk; John R. Joseph, treas- urer; Allen Rusk and Samuel Graham, justices of the peace. Officers of 1883: D. B. Sommars. chairman, Robert Tate and M. Wilkinson,

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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 83

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

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