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 87
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67 | Part 68 | Part 69 | Part 70 | Part 71 | Part 72 | Part 73 | Part 74 | Part 75 | Part 76 | Part 77 | Part 78 | Part 79 | Part 80 | Part 81 | Part 82 | Part 83 | Part 84 | Part 85 | Part 86 | Part 87 | Part 88 | Part 89 | Part 90 | Part 91 | Part 92 | Part 93 | Part 94 | Part 95 | Part 96 | Part 97 | Part 98 | Part 99 | Part 100 | Part 101 | Part 102 | Part 103 | Part 104 | Part 105 | Part 106 | Part 107 | Part 108 | Part 109 | Part 110 | Part 111
section 8, town 11, range 5, which served until 1865, when a frame house was provided, which in 1880 was destroyed by fire and a new one fur- nished.
The first school in district No. 9 was taught by Elizabeth Curtis, in her father's barn, in 1859. The first school house was erected in 1861, which was situated on section 5. S. S. White was the first teacher.
Joint district No. 12 held its first term of school in a house belonging to A. Crittendon, on section 24, town 11, range 6, in what is now Crawford county. This was in 1858, and the teacher was Sarah Jordan. A school house was provided in 1859, on section 14, town 11, range 6, of Sterling town. A. Morgan taught the first term of school in this building.
The Norwegian Lutherans have a school about eight months of the year. This school was founded in 1857. Knute Forthun was the first teacher. In 1884 they were still holding their school at private houses.
CHURCHES.
The Disciple Church of this town is one of the very earliest religious organizations in Ver- non county. It was organized in 1849, by Rev. William Purdy, at the house of llarvey Ster- ling, where meetings were held for several years, after which they were kept up at the grout school house and still later at the Rush creek school house in Crawford county. The first members were : Harvey Sterling and wife, Lee Grant Sterling and Lewis Sterling. In 1883 a church edifice was erceted at a cost of $1,200. At this date John Rutter, Martin lloste and Charles Fourt were elders, and Lee Grant Sterling and Erastus Ames, deacons. The Church then numbered sixty-five. A Sab- bath school was formed in connection with this Church in 1862, with William S. Purdy as its first superintendent.
In 1855 Ambrose Delap, a Wesleyan Meth- odist, preached in Isaae Cone's house on sec- tion 8. Meetings were kept up here for several years but no class was ever formed.
648
IHISTORY OF VERNON COUNTY.
The Lutheran people held services peculiar to their sect, in Albert Nash's house on section 17, about 1856, and in 1858, built a church on that section. Rev. Mr. Stub acted as their minister, at the same time serving the Lutheran Church at Coon Prairie. He was finally suc- ceeded by Rev. Preus, and he by Rev. Juve, who preached for fourteen years, and in 1883 was followed by Rev. J. G. Nelson, at which date the Church comprised seventy-three men- bers.
In 1867 the Methodists organized another class at the Retreat school house. The fol- lowing were the first members : E. B. Hyde and wife, William Barr and wife, Ammon Davis and wife, Mrs. V. L. Davis, Mattie Davis and Mrs J. M. Will. William Barr was class leader. This class belonged to the De Soto circuit. In 1872 a church was built at Retreat; it was a frame honse built at an expense of $1,300. In 1884 this Church numbered sixty- five. The following ministers have served this charge: Rev. Bushby, Rev. 11. J. Walker, Rev. Thomas Manuel, Rev. D. L. Hubbard, Rev. D. Clingman, Rev H. D. Jenks, W. W. Hard and J. F. Nuzum.
In 1873 a Methodist class was formed at the school house on section 5, town 11, range 5, by Delos Hubbard, a minister of the DeSoto circuit. This class numbered twenty-three, and was under the leadership of E. B. Allen. In 1874 a church building was provided; this. was lo- cated on section 4, town 11, range 5. In 1884 the class numbered about twenty. The follow- ing ministers have preached for this Church: A. D. Chase, John Davis, John W. McKay, William McMillan, Robert Smith, John Medd, James Phelps and R. S. Mocket.
A Congregational society was organized at the house of Robert McMynn, on section 14, town 11, range 6, in 1858, by Rev. Mr. Judson, of Viroqua. Among the first members were the following: E. Bishop and wife, Richard Morgan and wife, James Jordan and wife, Robert McMynn and wife, Reuben Jordan and
wife, Sylvester Hayden and wife. Reuben Jor- dan and Richard Morgan were the first deacons. For several years this society worshiped at the school house on section 14; but in 1880 they used the Methodist church at Retreat, and in 1883 built a church of their own at that point. It was a neat, well planned building, which cost about $1,400. Among those who have served as pastors of this society are: Rev. Radcliff, Rev. Valentine, Rev. Bridgman, Rev. Thomp- son and Rev. Hanghton.
The first regular services of the Norwegian Lutheran Church in this vicinity were held at Christian Christianson's house just over the town line, in Harmony town; Rev. A. C. Preus being the minister. In 1874 a church was built on the northwest quarter of section 13, town 12, range 6. In 1884 there were sixty-three families who regularly attended here. Rev. Mr. Nelsou was pastor at this date.
A United Brethren class was organized at the school house on section 28, town 12, range 5, by Rev. E. K. Young. He was followed by Rev. John Day. On account of the removal of its membership, this class only existed a few years. In 1880 a Methodist class was formed at this point.
CEMETERIES.
The first burying ground of the town of Ster- ling was on section 10, where fifty-six inter- ments were made. In 1866 a new cemetery was platted on section 10, on a beautiful mound covered with walnut trees, which suggested the name of this new cemetery "Walnut Mound Cemetery." This is said to be the next to the finest cemetery in Wisconsin-the one at Madi- son, only, being finer. Besides this burying place there are several Norwegian cemeteries within the town near their churches.
POSTOFFICES.
In 1884 this town contained three postoffices' -Retreat, Purdy and West Prairie. A brief history of each of these offices, together with the business interests which cluster about them is here given:
649
HISTORY OF VERNON COUNTY.
Retreat postoffice was established in 1854. W. P. Clark was appointed postmaster; at that time he kept the office in his residence. This was on the mail route from Readsburg to De Soto. In 1884 Jesse L. Davis was postmaster, and at that date kept the office at his store. Mail was received four times a week from Viro- qua and De Soto.
A blacksmith shop was opened at Retreat by O. C. Jones, in 1864 or 1865; it was sold to F. B. White in a year or two, who soon sold a half interest to J. M. Hill, who afterward purchased the entire shop.
In 1873 D. P. Smith opened a wagon shop, doing general repair work, such as is demanded by the farming class.
West Prairie postoffice was established in 1862. Allen Donaldson was the first postmas- ter, having the office at his house on section 6, town 11, range 5.
Purdy postoffice was established in what was known by the early settlers as the "Purdy neighborhood," at. a very early day. In 1884 Ole Gauper was postmaster. This office being at this time on the mail route from Viroqua to De Soto.
At this point there is a blacksmith shop, which was started in 1876 by Joseph Brzazows- ky. In 1881 George Little put a saw mill in operation and a little later a feed mill was added. Bad Ax creek furnished the power for this mill and in the spring of 1883 the dam was washed out by a flood and the foundation of the mill undermined, causing it to fall into the stream, where it was left to decay.
GRAND FORKS NEIGHBORHOOD.
On section 19, town 12, range 5, where the two branches of the Bad Ax river unite, there is what is usually termed the Grand Forks neighborhood. At this point there is a flouring mill, a store and blacksmith shop. In 1880 D. R. Mullikin, P. M. Peck and J. O. Morse ereet- ed a flouring mill. It was a three-story struc- ture, 26x38 feet on the base. This mill has three run of buhrs with the most improved ma-
chinery. It does both custom and merchant work. The Bad Ax river gives a head of nine feet at this point, which furnishes an abundant water power.
Another mill was built in 1875 by John Mel- lor, on section 16, town 11, range 5. This mill had two run of buhrs. Its fifteen-horse power engine furnished the power. In July, 1880, the builder traded the property for a farm in the Bad Ax valley.
A brewery was built in 1870 on section 20, town 12, range 5, by Justice Grow and Rein- hard Walker. This was in operation for about two years, but in 1884 was not in use and was fast going to decay.
PERSONAL.
The following sketches speak for themselves, and need no comment:
Harvey Sterling deserves honorable mention among the pioneers of Vernon county. He was born in Hagerstown, Md., in 1763, and his early life was passed amid the stirring scenes of the French and Indian and Revolutionary wars. lle was twelve years of age when the Ameri- ean patriots were first slaughtered at Concord and Lexington, and shouted for joy when the liberty bell rang out the glad tidings of inde- pendence on July 4, 1776. In 1799 he removed to what was then almost beyond the pale of civilization,-State of Kentucky,-and settled in Woodford county. He was about forty-nine years of age when the second war with Eng- land commenced, and 1812 enlisted in the serviee of the United States, and was mustered out at the close of the war. He then returned to Kentucky, and located in Spencer county, where he lived until 1846. In the latter year he came north to Wisconsin, and made a settle- ment in Vernon county, where he died in 1855, aged ninety-two years. Mr. Sterling married Elizabeth Harper, a native of Pendleton Co., Va., born March 8, 1780. This union was blessed with twelve children. Mrs. Sterling departed this life Dec. 23, 1869, at the age of eighty-nine.
650
HISTORY OF VERNON COUNTY.
Le Grant Sterling was the tenth child of this large family, and was the first settler of Sterling town, and is the oldest living settler of Vernon county. He was born Aug. 6, 1819, in Spencer Co , Ky., and there grew to manhood. In 1840 he removed to Wisconsin, and located near Mineral Point, in Iowa county. In 1844 he laid claim to land on sections 10 and 2, in town 11 north, of range 6 west, then in Craw- ford county, but now embraced in the town of Sterling, Vernon county. He then returned to Mineral Point, and again engaged in mining, until 1846, when he returned to Crawford county and entered his land. He lived on the farm until 1867, when he sold it and removed to Missouri residing there for two years. Again returning to Vernon county, he bought a farm on section 14, town 11 north, of range 6 west, (town of Sterling), where he has since made his home. He has made some improvements on his land and has repaired his residence until it is considered one of the finest in the town. Mr. Sterling was married in 1856 to Margaret Rut- ter, who was born in Morgan Co., Ohio, Five children were given them-Charles, John H., Thomas, Lee Andrew and Henry. In 1871 Mr. Sterling suffered the loss of his wife and four children, John H. being the only one surviving. On Nov. 3, 1872, he married Lorena Johnson,. a native of Pennsylvania. Of the four chil- dren born to this union, three are living-Olive, Jessie and William.
Soloman W. Tewalt was born in Knox Co., Ind., in November, 1838. When eight years of age his parents moved to Wisconsin, settling in Vernon county. He was raised to agricultural pursuits, receiving his education in the district school. Ile was married in 1860 to Josephine Hurd, after which he settled on seetion 8, town 11, range 5. He remained there until 1871, when he sold out and went to Oregon, at the end of three years returning to Sterling town. In 1880 Mr. Tewalt purchased the Adlington farm, located on sections 21, 22 and 28, town 12, range 6, comprising one of the best farms in
this section of the county. Mr. and Mrs. Te- walt have six children-Edwin, Nellie, Alice, Nettie, Alvah and Elmer.
Alexander Vance is a native of the "Old Do- minion," and came into this county in 1849. He therefore ranks among the first on the pioneer list. Mr. Vance was born in Virginia, March 14, 1814. He grew to mature years in his native State, and in 1837 became a resident of Sulli- van Co., Ind. Twelve years later, (1849) not being satisfied with his new home, he sought a home in Wisconsin, and found one to his liking in Bad Ax county. He settled in what is now called the town of Sterling, where he erected a log cabin for a new residence. He lived in this humble abode until 1870, when he built his present frame residence. Mr. Vance was mar- ried, in 1839, to Susan Sloane, a native of Indi- ana. They are the parents of three children living-John M., Mary J. and Margaret. The eldest of these, and only son living, John M., was born in Sullivan Co, Ind., Aug. 15, 1842. He was but seven years old when his parents came to this county, and here reached the years of manhood. Ile received a very fair education in the district schools, and had the pleasure of attending the first school taught in Vernon county. In 1863 he was joined in marriage to Mary Curtis, and Aug. 27, 1864, enlisted in company I, 42d regiment, Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry. The regiment was ordered to Cairo, Ill., where it performed garrison duty. Mr. Vance was mustered out of the service in June, 1865, and returned home. At the time of his marriage, he had settled on his present farm on section 4, town 11 north, of range 5 west, his farm embracing the land his father had located in 1849. Mr. Vance has always evinced a lively interest in town affairs; has served four terms as town clerk, three terms as treasurer, and is the present chairman of the board of town supervisors, this being his fourth term. Mr. and Mrs. Vance are the parents of six children -Perry, Charles, Clinton, Frederick, John and Etta.
65]
HISTORY OF VERNON COUNTY.
Samuel Davis came in with the settlers of 1852. He entered land on section 4, town il north, of range 5 west, in territory now known as the town of Sterling, and where he still re- sides. Mr. Davis was born in Knox Co., Ind., April 29, 1828, and was there reared on a farm. In 1849, he married Sarah J. Devorse, also a native of Indiana. In 1852 the two came to Wisconsin and located in this county. Mr. and Mrs. Davis have been blessed with seven chil- dren-Hannah, Elizabeth, Margaret, Andrew, Daniel, Lavina and Peter.
Isaac Cone, one of the early settlers of Ster- ling, is a native of Maine, born July 16, 1794. He entered the service of the United States at the time of the trouble on the boundary ques- tion between this country and Canada. In 1849 he emigrated to Wisconsin and lived one year in Walworth county. Then removed to Rock connty and lived there three years. In 1853 he came to Vernon county and entered land on sec- tion 9, of town 11 north, of range 5 west, ter- ritory now included in the town of Sterling. He erected a house, improved the land and re- mained here until the time of his death, which occurred in 1872. He was first married to Susan Davis, also a native of Maine. She died in 1865. In 1870 he married Florence Hayden. She is now living at Midway, and is ninety-two years of age.
Isaac Peaslee was an adopted son of Mr. and Mrs. Cone. He was born in Penobscot Co., Maine, Sept. 14, 1835. Ilis mother died when he was bnt fourteen days old. He made his home with his adopted parents until the time of their death. He was married, in 1855, to Laura King. Nine children have blessed this union-Louisa, George, Susan, Eugene, Harry, Herman, Mary, Thomas and Mary M. Eugene died when two years of age, and the two children named Mary died in infancy. Mr. Peaslee has lived in Sterling continually since 1853, with the exception of one year, 1872, when he went to Crawford county and pur- chased a farm and lived there one year; then re-
turned to the old homestead where he has since resided. Mrs. Peaslee was the first school teacher on West Prairie.
Christopher N. Johnson was one of the first Norwegians to settle in Sterling town. Ile emi- grated to America in 1847, and settled in Dane Co., Wis., where he remained until 1849. He then went to California, to mine for gold, and in 1853 came to Bad Ax (now Vernon) county, and entered land in town 12 north, of range 5 west, in territory now included in the town of Sterling. Ile improved this land and made it his home until his death, which occurred in November, 1875. Mr. Johnson was twice mar- ried. His second wife, to whom he was mar- ried in 1857, was Gunelda Fortner. She is the mother of six living children-John C., Mar- garet, Christina, Ellen, Torger N. and Christo- pher N. Two of the danghters are teachers in the public schools and are meeting with great success. By his integrity and untiring benevo- lence, Mr. Johnson won the confidence and es- teem of the new comers, by whom he was looked up to as "a father of his country," and to whom they came for counsel and advice. They were always welcome at his house, which was to them as an oasis in the desert, and were re- ceived with the greatest hospitality. Long will 'he live in the memory of his countrymen, who came here in those dark and dreary days when want and the desolate prairie stared them in the face, and the Indian war whoop was heard on every side. Then it was that they found in Christopher Johnson a true and constant friend. John C. was born in Sterling town, Dec. 10, 1858. Ile received a good education in the district schools of this town, and in the graded school at Viroqua. He was elected to the office of town treasurer in April, 1883, and is now serving in that responsible position.
Christian C. Olson was born in Norway July 27, 1842. When three years of age his parents died, and Christian went to live with an uncle, Halvor Erlandson. In 1850 the fam- ily emigrated to the United States, settling in
652
IHISTORY OF VERNON COUNTY.
Dane Co., Wis. Ilis uncle died soon after. In 1853 they came to Vernon county, settling on section 30, town 12, range 5, in territory now included in Sterling town. Here Christian grew to manhood, receiving his education in the dis- triet school. In 1864 he went by way of the Isthmus to California, remaining there six years. He then returned to Sterling, purchas- ing a quarter section of land on section 23, town 12, range 6, and there engaged in farm- ing. In 1878 Mr. Olson was elected county register and removed to Viroqua, where he re- mained until 1883, when he engaged in trade at Grand Forks, Sterling town. In 1869 he was married to Julia Swinson. Mr. and Mrs. Olson have had four children-Oscar, Anton, Nellie and Clara.
French B. White was born in Beaver Co., Penn., Jan. 26, 1832, and when quite small was taken by his parents to Athens Co., Ohio, where he grew to manhood. He then learned the blacksmith's trade with a brother-in-law, J. M. Hill, and worked with him one year. In 1853 he came to Vernon Co., Wis , and lived about a year at DeSoto and Viroqua. Ile then returned to Ohio, and opened a shop in Athens county in 1857. He was married Dec. 16, 1857, to Sarah A Hill, born in Pennsylvania, Jan. 18, 1836. In 1863 Mr. White enlisted in the 1st Ohio lleavy Artillery, and served mostly in Kentucky and Tennessee. Ile was honorably discharged in August, 1865, at Knoxville, Tenn., and returned to Pennsylvania. Soon after his return he came to Retreat, Wis., and purchased a dwelling and blacksmith shop of O. C. Jones. He continued to work at his trade about three years, then his wife died April 19, leaving three children - Martin A., Clifton S. and Thomas W. He worked at his trade one year more, then rented his father's farm for three years, and finally, in 1873, bought a farm on section 15, of town 11 north, of range 6 west. He married Ruth M. Bates, Jan. 5, 1873, born in New York, July 10, 1850. They have one child-Purley C.
Robert Johnson, one of the early settlers of Vernon county, was born in Lincolnshire, Eng- land, Aug. 5, 1818. He attended school until fourteen years of age, and then engaged in farming. He was married in 1845 to Elizabeth Moires, a native of Cambridgeshire, England. In 1850 they emigrated to America, locating at Fort Atkinson, where Mr. Johnson engaged in farming. In 1854 he came to Vernon Co., Wis., settling first on section 33, town 12, range 5. He improved this land and resided here until 1878, when he moved to his present farm, situated on section 4, town 11, range 6. Mrs. Johnson died in 1879, aged fifty-eight years.
Albert, son of Robert and Elizabeth (Moires) Johnson, was born Oct. 10, 1847, in Lincoln- shire, England. When three years of age his parents emigrated to the United States. IIe made his home with them until 1865, when he enlisted in company B, 50th Wisconsin Volna teers, and went to the western frontier. He was honorably discharged in June, 1866, and re- turned to Sterling town, where he engaged in farming, also dealing in grain. He was mar- ried in 1873 to Rachel Weevil. Three children blessed this union-Louisa May, Lizzie E. and Florence R. Mrs. Johnson died May 19, 1878. He married in October, 1880, Rosie J. Abrams. They have had two children, one of whom is living-Robert R. In 1878 Mr. John- son purchased the farm first settled by his father, and now makes that his home.
Andrew T. Thompson was born in Norway, in December, 1828, being there reared on a farm. In 1852 he emigrated to the United States. He resided in Dane Co., Wis., one year. In 1853 he started with an ox team for Vernon county, taking provisions and cooking utensils with him, and camping out on the way. He entered land on sections 17 and 18, town 11, range 5, Sterling town. He erected a log cabin on the farm, in which he lived until 1881, when he built his present frame residence. He was
married in 1858 to Susan Jerman. They have eight children-Thomas, Anna Sophia, Lem,
653
HISTORY OF VERNON COUNTY
Mary, Christina, Carolina, Scott and Adolph. Mr. Thompson's mother and step-father came with him to Wisconsin, settling in Franklin town where they remained until their decease. Ilis brother, Scott, also came with him and shared in the hardships of pioneer life. He was born in Norway, in 1831. When quite young, he learned the carpenter's trade, at which he worked in his native land. In 1852 he came to America, also going to Dane Co., Wis. In 1853, when he came to this town he also entered land on sections 17 and 18. Be- ing a carpenter he built for himself, a nice hewed log house. Ile was married, in 1859, to Karn Christopherson. Five children have blessed this union, two of which are living-Mary S., and Thomas S. Mr. Thompson died in March, 1868, and Mrs. Thompson, in the fall of the same year. Mary and Thomas made their home with their uncle, Andrew Thompson, for many years after their parents death. They now oc- cupy the homestead.
Nicholas Weber, one of the well known pio- neers of Vernon county, was born in Saxe-Co- burg, Germany, April 6, 1814. He attended school until fourteen years of age, and was then employed at farm labor. When he reached his eighteenth year, he learned the stone and brick mason's trade, and in 1849, came to America, landing at New York. He obtained employ- ment on the Erie railway, and in the spring of 1851, went to the Isthmus of Panama, where he worked on the first railroad across that strip of land. He then went to Havana, Cuba, and from thence to New York, and after again working on the railway, was employed in a cooper shop for sometime. He removed to Ilinois in 1852, and in 1854, came to Bad Ax (now Vernon) Co., Wis. lle entered land in what is now called Franklin town, but the men with whom he had entrusted his money, silently and mys- teriously disappeared, and he was forced to surrender the land. He remained there one year, and then bought land on section 21, of town 12 north, of range 5 west, now included
in Sterling town, where he has since resided, and made a comfortable home. He was mar- ried in 1860, to Babara Swink, a native of Ger- many. They have six children-Katie M, Henry N., Louis J., Daniel G., Annie C. and William J. When six years of age, Mi. Weber accidentally fell from the roof of a barn, and was picked up in an almost lifeless condition. Since coming to America, he has suffered from three attacks of palsy, each of which have ren- dered him senseless for hours. His last siek- ness has made him quite helpless, but in his old age, he is the recipient of true filial affec- tion; and is passing the winter of life among all the comforts that love can bestow.
Peter J. Mellen, one of the pioneers of the Bad Ax valley, was born in the Mohawk Valley, New York, Oct. 10, 1838. When he was a young man, he learned the carpenter's trade. He was married Oct. 27, 1838, to Caroline Page, a native of Massachusetts. After marriage, they settled in Oswego county, where he worked at his trade one year, then removed to Oneida county, and engaged to work as a stone mason. They remained there four and a half years, then returned to Oswego county, and remained there until 1850; then came to Wisconsin and settled in Ozaukee county. He bought land there, built a house and commenced to make improvements. In 1855 he sold out and came to Bad Ax (now Vernon) county, and settled on section 15, of town 12 north, of range # west. He improved the land, built a house and made this his home until the time of his death, which occurred Aug. 27, 1882. His only son, Theodore, was born Sept. 15, 1856. His younger days were spent in school and on his father's farm. He was married Nov. 13, 1876, to Elizabeth, daugh- ter of William and Mary Adams, who settled in Harmony town in 1856. They have three chil- dren-Essie, Myrtle and Lloyd. He occupies the homestead in company with his mother.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.