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 93
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The pastors in order to the present time have
Capt HenryConner
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693
HISTORY OF VERNON COUNTY.
O. B. Knudson, 1854-6; Nels P. Olson, 1857; A. Cedarholm, 1858; Samuel Anderson, 1859-60; P. Agrilius, 1861; J. C. Spellum, ' 862; C. Sten- son, 1863-4; J. H. Johnson, 1865-7; C. F. Elsthlost, 1868-9; Christian Trieder, 1870; R. Olson, 1871-2; Jens Gertsen (supply), 1873-6; Christian Omand, 1877-9; Martinus Nelson, 1880; O. Jacobson, 1881-3; O. P. Peterson, 1883.
The present membership in the county is about 100 and the prospects for the future are full of promise.
The Church has truly come up to its present standing and strength under great difficulties, having to contend with popular prejudice on the part of the people among whom the work has been done, in addition to the obstacles always incident to pioneer work, and the success at- tending the efforts put forth has been wrought largely by the piety and perseverance of the men in charge.
Circumstances have been unfavorable to Sun- day school work, though something has been done in this direction, and plans for the future cor- template special efforts.
INCORPORATION.
Viroqua was incorporated in the spring of 1866. The first meeting of the council was held on the Ist of June, 1866. The first officers of the incorporation were as follows : Carson Graham, president; W. S. S. White, I. K. Buck and C. M. Butt, trustees; John R. Casson, clerk ; A. K. Burrell, constable; J. S. Tinker street commissioner; John Dawson, treasurer.
The officers from 1867 to 1883, were as fol- lows:
1867-Carson Graham, president ; Edward Coe, J. H. Tate and J. E. Newell, trus- tees ; J. R. Casson, clerk ; Warren Dunlap, marshal and street commissioner.
1868-C. M. Butt, president ; J. H. Tate, W. S. Purdy and Nathan Coe, trustees ; James Morton, marshal and street commissioner ; James Morton, clerk.
1869-C. M. Butt, president ; J. S. Metcalf, R. S. McMichael, trustees ; W. S. S. White, marshal ; John Dawson, treasurer ; P. J. Layne, clerk.
1870-C. M. Butt, president ; H. A. Chase, C. C. Brown and A. L. Russell, trustees ; B. F. Purdy, clerk ; John Dawson, treasurer ; A. K. Burrell, police justice ; S. C. Lincoln, marshal and street commissioner.
1871-William Nelson, president; A. L. Russell, Calvin Morley and W. A. Gott, trus- tees ; John Dawson, treasurer ; John Gordon, marshal and street commissioner ; P. J. Layne, clerk.
1872-William Nelson, president ; C. M. Butt, Carson Graham and O. C. Weeden, trus- tees ; P. J. Layne, clerk; John Dawson, treas- nrer; J. E. Newell, justice ; E. S. Goodell, mar- shal and street commissioner.
1873-William Nelson, president ; Carson- Graham, C. M. Butt and O. C. Weeden, trus tees ; P. J. Layne, clerk ; John Dawson, treas- urer; James E. Newell, justice ; E. S. Goodell, marshal and street commissioner.
1874-D. A. Barnard, president ; C. M. Butt, J. H. Tate and N. Coe, trustees ; P. J. Layne, clerk; John Dawson, treasurer ; J. E. Newell, justice; E. S. Goodell, constable ; William Ever- son, street commissioner.
1875-D. A. Barnard, president ; C. M. Butt, N. Coe, J. II. Tate, C. C. Brown, Alex Gors- line, J. W. Greenman, trustees ; P. J. Layne, clerk.
May, 1875-Carson Graham, president; W. F. Lindemann, C. C. Brown, M. C. Nichols, Joseph Pulver, Alexander Gorsline and B. F. Purdy, trustees ; P. J. Layne, clerk ; John Dawson, treasurer ; J. E. Newell, justice.
1876-E. M. Rogers, president; B. F. Purdy, E. A. Stark, N. Coe, I. W. Blake, Ed Lind and H. P. Proctor, trustees ; D. A. Barnard, treas- urer; J. E. Newell, justice; P. J. Layne, clerk ; W. N. Carter, village attorney ; W. T. Not- tingham, marshal.
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694
HISTORY OF VERNON COUNTY.
1877-D. A. Barnard, president ; H. P. Proctor, E. A. Stark, B. F. Purdy, Ed Lind, William Lake and P. N. Shumway, trustees ; W. S. Purdy, justice ; E. Minshall, street com- missioner; J. E. Slade, marshal ; W. N. Carter, attorney; John Dawson, treasurer.
1878-E. M. Rogers, president ; E. A. Stark, H. P. Proctor, William Stricker, Silas Haskell, Joseph Pulver and C. M. Butt, trustees ; P. J. Layne, clerk; John Dawson, treasurer; W. F. Terhune, justice; E. S. Goodell, marshal ; Ed- ward Minshall, street commissioner.
1879-E. M. Rogers, president ; J. E. New- ell, C. Graham, C. M. Butt, II. P. Proctor, E. A. Stark and S. W. Wait, trustees; P. J. Layne, clerk; F. A. Holden, marshal and street commis- sioner; W. F. Terhune, justice, ( resigned and was ) succeeded July, 1879, by H. C. Forsyth.
1880-Carson Graham, president ; J. R. Cas- son, H. D. Williams, Joseph Pulver, Mr. Mor- gan, E. A. Stark and C. M. Butt, trustees ; (. A. Roberts, clerk; W. W. Dunlap, street commissioner.
1881-H. P. Proctor, president ; C. M. Butt, E. A. Stark, O. B. Wyman, E. H. Craig, W. H. Pulver and F. Minshall, trustees; E. M. Rogers, treasurer; C. A. Roberts, clerk; S. H. Gorsline, street commissioner.
1882-O. B. Wyman, president; E. A. Stark, F. Minshall, E. H. Craig, Peter Nelson, Fred Eckhart, Nathan Coe, W. H. Pulver, Thomas Jerman, trustees; A. W. Campbell, clerk; F. M. Minshall, street commissioner.
1883-H. P. Proctor, president; C. M. Butt, J. H. Tate, Mr. Curry, E. A. Stark, R. S. Mc- Michael, Joseph Pulver, M. C. Nichols, trustees; W. S. Field, clerk; H. C. Forsyth, justice; John Dawson, treasurer, Frank Minhsall, marshal.
TOWN OF VIROQUA.
The town of Viroqua embraces all of con- gressional township 13, range 4 west, the two northern tiers of sections, and sections 13, 14, 23 and 24 of township 12, range 4 west. It is bounded on the north by the town of Chris- tiana; on the east by Webster and Liberty ; on
the south by Kickapoo and Franklin ; and on the west by Franklin and Jefferson. The sur- face of this town is generally broken and hilly yet it contains some of the finest agricultural lands in the county. The eastern and north- eastern parts of the town are made up of rolling prairie, interspersed, here and there, with small groves. The balance of the town was origin- ally covered with heavy timber; but much, if not the greater part of this, has been cleared away by the thrifty and enterprising settlers, and there are now valuable farms in all parts of the town.
EARLY SETTLEMENT.
The early history of this town is to a great degree identical with that of the village, as most of the early settlers clustered about Viro- qua. However, some of the most prominent first settlers will be noted.
The first settlement in the town was made in 1846. During Angust, of this year, George En- sign and Samuel Ingram came and located upon farms in this town. Mr. Ensign sold out about twenty years ago and left the country. Samuel Ingram remained until 1880, when he sold out and moved to California.
T. J. DeFrees, Solomon Decker and Iolin Harrison came during the same year. The two former are treated elsewhere at length. John Harrison took a claim which included what is now known as the See Spring. The farm he located npon is now owned by Elijah Tilton. Ilarrison erected a saw mill on the west branch of the Kickapoo which was one of the first in the county. Hle afterward sold out and went to Missouri.
RELIGIOUS.
There are two Church organizations in the town of Viroqua, outside of the village.
. The Norwegian Evangelical Lutheran Church on Coon Prairie, was organized in 1853, by Rev. II. A. Stub. The first members were: Ole A. Running, John C. Spellum, P. Eggen, Michael Larson, Svend Svendson, Erik Torkilsen, Hans Jenson, Gullik Olsen, Bernt Larson, Hover Sig-
695
HISTORY OF VERNON COUNTY.
bjornson, John Clemmetson, N. E. Nilsson, Halvor Bjornson, Clemmet C. Berg, Lars A. Tollakson, Jacob A. Tormeson, Gullik Torkel- son, Halvor Johnson, Reinhard Aslakson, Enoch Enochsen, Sigbjorn Aslakson, Lars Galstad, Hendrik Johnson, Christen Hanson, Christian Hoversen, Tjostal Amundson, Johannes John- son, Even Olsen and Ole Tostensen.
The first officers of the Church were: H. A. Stub, pastor; Tjostol Amundson, Thomas Johnson and Lars Christoferson, trustees. The first religious service was held in Han's Nap- rud's house, now belonging to his son E. H. Naprud.
H. A. Stub served as pastor from 1854 to 1861, when he resigned on account of failing health. He is still living, in Winneshiek Co., Iowa, where his congregations at present are situated. Rev. Stub's successor was Rev. A. C. Preus, who served as pastor from 1863 to 1872, when fail- ing health compelled him to resign his position and return to Norway, where he died, as bishop, in 1878. After Rev. Prens cume Rev. H. Hal- vorsen, the present pastor.
The first house of worship was a small frame building, 55x32 feet, costing about $2,000. It was dedicated in 1858. This church soon be- came unable to accommodate the growing num- ber of the congregation, and in 1875 the erec- tion of a capacious stone building, in the gothic style of architecture, was commenced.
Its interior is not yet finished, but re- ligious services have been held there for the past five years.
Clemmetson, C. A. Morterud, Anders Jenson Peder Halvorson, Edward Theige, Nils T. Nil- son, Lars Hovde and Ole G. Hanson, trustees.
The Methodist Episcopal society was organ- ized in 1854, by the Reverend Bishop, with twenty-two members. Philip Adams was class leader. The membership was afterwards in- creased to sixty. A log church was erected in 1860, on section 22, which is still in use. The Church is not at present in a very flourishing condition, as many of the members have gone elsewhere, while others attend Church at Viro- qua. The following are among the pastors who have filled the pulpit for the society at differ- ent times: Revs. Bishop, Purdun, Cooley, Fitch and Hartshorn.
EDUCATIONAL.
From the following brief description of the various districts in this town, it will be seen that educational facilities are excellent.
District No. 2 is a joint district. It has a fair building, in a pleasant location, which is well furnished. The school has a good attendance.
District No. 3 is also a joint district. It has a good frame building well furnished. The at- tendance is fair.
District No. 4 has also a fair school building. The population here is chiefly Norwegian.
Distriet No. 5 embraces the village of Viro- qua.
District No. 6 will soon abandon the old school building, as a new one is being erected at a cost of about $400, which will be ready for the winter term of school in 1883-4.
This is without doubt the grandest church building in Vernon county, its size being 100x50 feet, tower projecting nine feet; height District No. 7 has a good building which is well ventilated and furnished. The attendance is good. of spire 150 feet. Its present cost is 820,000. It stands on a beautiful elevation, overlooking Coon Prairie, and the surrounding conntry. The District No. 8 has a small but comfortable school building pleasantly located on Coon Prairie. The population here is almost wholly Norwegian. present condition of the Norwegian Evangeli- cal Lutheran Church is prosperous, the number of the voting members is 200. The present of- ficers of the Church are: H. Halvorson, pastor; District No. 9 has a fair building but it is in a P. P. Ilektoen, secretary and treasurer; John i poor location. The attendance is usually good,
696
HISTORY OF VERNON COUNTY.
In district No. 10 the old school building was burned down some months ago and a new one has been erected.
ORGANIC.
The name of the town of Viroqua was for- merly Farwell. As a general chapter is devoted to the creation and changes of name and bound- aries of towns, it is unnecessary to here refer to the various changes through which the town of Viroqua has passed in assuming its present limits.
In 1883 the officers of the town of Viroqna were as follows : Supervisors, Elijah Tilton, chairman, Lars Christianson, and Seth McCluirg; town clerk, P. J. Layne ; treasurer, M C. Berg ; assessor, Marvin Henry ; justices of the peace, C. A. Roberts, J. E. Newell, H. C. Forsyth and Lars T. Larson ; constables, E. S. Goodell, J. J. Silbaugh and E. H. Morrison.
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
The wealth and prominence of any county naturally finds a location in or near its county seat. Viroqna is no exception to this rule and the following named citizens represent a fair proportion of the financial, business and intel- lec ual forces that materially influence the moral progress and industrial growth of Vernon coun- ty.
James Foster is one of the pioneers of Ver- non county. He came of the old Connecticut military stock that settled on the western re- serve, in northeastern Ohio. He was born in Trumbull Co., Ohio, in 1814, and has been a resident of this State since 1835. At that date his father's family, together with five other fam- ilies, went to Wellsville, Columbiana Co., Ohio, and there loaded all their household effects, provisions, stock and families on a keel boat and floated down the Ohio to the mouth of the Cumberland river, where they secured the ser- vices of a steamboat to tow them to St. Louis, Mo. At this point they had their boat attached to another steamboat and followed in its wake up the beautiful "Father of Waters" to Prairie du Chien, in Crawford Co., Wis. Here they |
rested from their long and tedious journey and all finally made permanent settlements in Craw- ford and Grant counties. Mr. Foster's father was a millwright by trade and shortly after his arrival was employed to erect a saw mill in Grant county, which was one of the first mills in southwestern Wisconsin. He located in Crawford county, but only lived about two years after he made a settlement. His wife also died at about the same period. James Foster lived in and near Prairie du Chien un- til 1847, when he came to what was then Bad Ax (now Vernon) county and located on a quar- ter section of government land in Viroqua town. He still resides where he first settled and owns ninety acres of his first purchase. Mr. Foster has almost reached his three score and ten and about fifty of these weary years have been spent among the earlier scenes of Wisconsin's history. He has given the better portion of his life to assist in developing one of the grandest States in our Union and he deserves all the praise that tongue can speak or pen can trace. It is to be hoped that his future years on earth may be generously supplied with all the comforts of old age. Ilis wife was Diantha Wells, born in Perry Co., Ohio, in 1828. Her parents were Benjamin and Eleanor Wells, who settled at Viroqua in 1849. The father died here many years ago and the mother afterward removed to Oregon with a son and there passed away from earth. Mr. and Mrs. Foster have one son, Silas, born here in 1851. He married Emily, daughter of Baker and Catharine Graham, one of the well known pioneers of Vernon county. In 1861, he enlisted in the 14th regiment, Wis- consin Volunteers, served about six months and was discharged on account of disability. In 1842 Mr. Foster entered the United States army and served through the Mexican War. For this service he received, in 1844, the land war- rant for his present farm.
Nathan Coe is a son of Isaac Coe, who settled in Franklin town, Vernon county, in 1848. Isaac Coe was a native of Maryland but removed
697
HISTORY OF VERNON COUNTY.
westward and located near Columbus, Ohio. Hle removed from the town of Franklin to the town of Utica, Crawford Co., Wis., in 1852, and in 1860 went to California, where he died in 1869. His widow departed this life at Viroqua in 1872. They were the parents of nine children, six sons and three daughters. Nathan was born in Zanes- ville, near Muskingum Co., Ohio, in 1827, but was reared at Columbus. He came to this county with his father, in 1848, from Lafayette Co, Wis., where the family had resided for about two years. Nathan also made a elaim on section 1, in Franklin town, which land he owned until 1882. In the spring of 1850 he joined the "madly rushing throng" on its way to the newly discovered gold fields of Cali- fornia, taking the overland route. He there remained for two years. He then returned to Franklin town and made that his home until 1864, the date of his removal to Viroqua. Mr. Coe has been engaged in farming the greater portion of his life and has also been an exten- sive dealer in real estate. He has owned at various times a large number of farms and his business transactions have been uniformly successful. Ile was united in the bonds of holy wedlock to Mary, a daughter of James Lawrence, who set- tled at Liberty Pole, in Vernon county, in 1851, and now resides at De Soto. Mrs. Coe is a na- tive of England. She is the mother of four daughters and one son-Attilla, Julia, Ida, Ed- ward and Charity. Mr. Coe owns a farm of 115 acres, adjoining the village of Viroqua. Mr. Coe has been twice honored by his neighbors and friends by election to the office of sheriff.
Rev. James A. Cook was one of the pioneer Methodist preachers of Vernon county. He was also one of the earliest settlers, having lo- cated on section 4, town 12, range 4, Viroqua town, in July, 1848. He was born in Kentucky March 4, 1824 and removed with his parents to Illinois when two years of age. Here he grew to manhood. At ten years of age he was cou- verted, and was a class leader many years be-
fore entering the ministry. He commenced preaching as a local minister soon after coming to this town, and continued in the ministry until near the close of his life, Ang. 13, 1881. His wife still lives on the claim which he lo- cated in 1848. Mr. Cook labored faithfully in the cause of his Master during the years when to be an itinerant minister of the Methodist Church required long journeys, exposure to all kinds of weather, and such accommodations as pioneer life afforded. He was twiee married. His first wife was Susanna llay, who died in Viroqua town in December, 1859, leaving eight children, three sons and five daughters, six of whom are living. Mr. Cook married Mrs. Juliann M. Shaner in September, 1860. She was born in Perry Co., Ohio, and came to Wis- consin with her husband, Dr. Martin Shaner, in 1854. Dr. Shaner was drowned in the Kicka- poo river at Readstown, June 9, 1857, in an at- tempt to rescue two children, who had fallen into the river, from drowning. Mrs. Cook had four children by her first marriage-Abbie, Daniel F., Learoy S. and Albert. Mr. Cook's youngest child, Hobart, and a daughter of Mrs. Cook, Martha Jane, were killed in the tornado of 1865, being two of the victims who perished by the destruction of the school house on that memorable day, June 28, of that year.
Elias 11. Naprud is the son of Hans Nelson Naprud, who settled on section 4, Viroqua town, in August, 1848. Hans Nelson Naprud is one of the earliest Norwegian settlers of the town. Ile emigrated to the United States with his family in 1847, coming to Vernon county the following year. He had five children, four of whom are living-Nels, Gilbert, Helen and Elias H. Elias 11., the youngest child, was born in Norway, in November, 1836. He married Betsy Brathlie, daughter of Christopher Brath- lie. They have four children-Andrena, Leed- wig, Lanra and Nordahl. Elias H. occupies the homestead farm, which contains 200 acres His mother died on the homestead in 1874, his father in 1875.
698
HISTORY OF VERNON COUNTY.
Wendell H. Pulver was one of the early set- tlers of Jefferson town. He was born in Scho- harie Co., N. Y., in 1798. Ile was a soldier of the War of 1812. He married and settled in Dutchess Co., N. Y., and thence to Onta- rio county about 1836. He came with his family to Kenosha, Wis., in 1847, and to Rock county the following year, where the family lived till 1855, when they came to Ver- non county, and settled at Springville, in the town of Jefferson, where he lived until his de- cease. He was a wagon maker by trade, and is said to have built the first wagon made in Ver- non county. He died in 1871; his wife, Ra- chel (Teager) Pulver, died before the decease of her husband. They had six children, five of whom are living- Mrs. Mary A. Fish, Mrs. Catharine Waterman, David H., born in 1834, in Schoharie Co., N. Y .; Oliver H., born in Ontario Co., N. Y., and William H., born in Ontario Co., N. Y., in 1840. The eldest son, John N., was born in Schoharie county in 1821; was a soldier in the war of the Re- bellion, and died in the hospital at Madison, Ind. Daniel H. and William H. came to Viro- qua from Springville, and engaged in wagon making and blacksmithing in 1879. Previous to that time they were engaged in the same business at Springville. David II., married Susan A. Wade, and William Il., Elizabeth Wade.
William S. Purdy was one of the early set- tlers of Sterling town, and during his thirty years' residence in Vernon county held high of- fices of trust and honor, and possessed the con- fidence of a large circle of friends and acquaint- ances. lle was a native of Carlisle, Sullivan Co., Ind., born Aug. 28, 1822. Ilis father died when he was eleven years of age and at fifteen he was apprenticed to a saddler of his native place to learn the trade. He worked at his trade for fifteen years, and in 1845 came west to the territory of Wisconsin. He was for a time engaged in mining, and afterward worked at his trade at Mineral Point for a few months
In 1849 he sought a new location in what was then the town of Bad Ax, Crawford county, but now in the town of Sterling. Ile was largely identified with the early history and growth of that section of the county, and during his resi- dence there held nearly all the town offices, read law and was admitted to practice. He re- sided on the farm ten years, and finally gave up his early and well-tried associations and re- moved to Viroqua to accept the office of clerk of the circuit court, a position, to which he had been elected, and which he filled for eight years, during which time he served one year in the State Senate. He was elected county judge in 1869, and subsequently re-elected, serv- ing two successive terms. Judge Purdy was married in 1846 to Jane E. Lemen, also a native of Indiana. They have been blessed with eight children-Brice F., Kossuth F., William R., Henry H., Ella M., Frank, Ed, and Ida M. Only two of this large family are yet residents of Vernon county-Brice F. and William R. Ju 1878, on account of failing health, and thinking that a change might prove beneficial, Judge Pur- dy removed to Pratt Co , Kan, where he now re- sides. Brice F. Purdy, the eldest sof, is a harness maker of Viroqua. He was born in Iowa Co., Wis., in 1849, just previous to his parents re- moval to this county. He learned his trade with his father and embarked in the business in 1871. Mr. Purdy married Hattie Coe, a sis- ter of Nathan Coe. They have four children -- William, Myrtle, Ella and an infant son.
Peter Hay located in the fall of 1850 on sec- 3, town 12, range 4 west, where he still re- sides. lle was born in Wayne Co., Ohio, in 1818. When twenty-one years of age he moved with his parents to Wayne Co., Ill. His father, Jonathan Hay, settled in Viroqua town in 1851, and died in 1868. Mr. Hay was married in Illinois to Mary Clarke, born in that State. They have had eight children, six of whom are living-Jonathan, Eliza Jane, John, Mary M., Martha E. and James. The names of their de- ceased children were-Peter and Julia. All
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HISTORY OF VERNON COUNTY.
except the two eldest were born in Viroqua. Mrs. Hay's father, Samuel Clarke, was a native of Kentucky. Her brother, Samuel Clarke, came to this town with Mr. Hay. He enlisted during the Rebellion and died while in the service. Their oldest son, Jonathan, was born in Illinois in 1848. Ile married Marcella Adams, born in Ohio. She died and he was again married. Mr. Hay has three children by his second wife-Mary Jane, Pearly and Frank. Jonathan enlisted in 1864 in company B, 50th regiment, Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry and served until the elose of the war. Peter Hay's farm originally contained 240 acres. He has now 200 acres of land.
O. O. Kelland, Jr., is the son of O. O. Kel- land who settled on the northeast quarter of seetion 7, Ang. 14, 1851, where his son now lives. Mr. Kelland, Sr., was one of the earliest Norwegian settlers in Virogna town. Ile was born in Norway in 1797, and was there married to Anna C. Kelland. IIe came to the United States with his wife and four children in 1851, settling immediately in Vernon Co., Wis. Ile bought his farm, containing 1073 acres, of the State of Wisconsin, and lived thereon until his death, which occurred in 1877, he having re- sided on the farm for twenty-six years. Mrs. Kelland is still living. Four children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Kelland in this town. The names of their children are-Bertha, re- siding in Blue Earth Co., Minn. ; Mary Lesi- let, residing in Jefferson town, this county ; Mary Ann, also in Blue Earth Co., Minn; Ellen B., deceased ; Christina, Sarah and Lars, de- ceased. O. O. Kelland, Jr., was born in Norway in 1844. He now owns and resides on the home- stead. IIe married Olena C. Oleson, who died in 1872. Mr. Kelland has had two children, one of whom is living-Anna.
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