History of northern Wisconsin, containing an account of its settlement, growth, development, and resources; an extensive sketch of its counties, cities, towns and villages, their improvements, industries, manufactories; biographical sketches, portraits of prominent men and early settlers; views of county seats, etc., Part 114

Author: Western historical co., Chicago, pub
Publication date: 1881
Publisher: Chicago, Western historical company
Number of Pages: 1052

USA > Wisconsin > History of northern Wisconsin, containing an account of its settlement, growth, development, and resources; an extensive sketch of its counties, cities, towns and villages, their improvements, industries, manufactories; biographical sketches, portraits of prominent men and early settlers; views of county seats, etc. > Part 114

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The first election for town officers was held in the office of Daniel Schermerhorn, then a Justice of the Peace, after- ward County Judge of Junean County. From that time onward, Wonewoc steadily increased in size and population. Hard times came with the hop decline of 1868, and con- tinued until the opening of the railroad, in 1871. Since then it has improved slowly, but with a steady, healthy growth.

Thomas Brown and Thomas Riddle made the first claim and settlement in the town of Plymouth. In May, D. M. Fowler, R. A. Fowler, John H. Fowler and Daniel Fowler made claims and settled in the same neighborhood, on what is now known as Fowler's Prairie. In 1852, a public road was laid out from Fowler's Corners to the Stewart settlement, in Lindina. From this time forward, the sec- tion settled up more rapidly. The town was organized November 16, 1854. In 1856, J. M. Brintnall built a saw- mill on the Baraboo River, at the east end of the prairie, and the following year, removed to building where the post-office was located ; R. A. Fowler, Postmaster.

Wonewoc is a thrifty village, nearly surrounded by high bluffs, situated on the Madison division of the C. & N. W. R. R., in the southwestern town of Juneau County. The

Baraboo River runs through it, which furnishes good water power. The various branches of business are well repre- sented here, the most important of which, however, is

THE CASE WAGON CO.

This factory is a two-story frame building, about 300x 300 feet, with iron roof, situated about one half mile south of the railroad depot. It is operated by steam power, and has all the latest improved machinery in use in such estab- lishments, both in the woodworking and blacksmithing de- partments. It was built in the Winter of 1877-78, by the Wonewoc Manufacturing Company, and operated by them until their failure, in February, 1880, at which time a new company was organized, known as the Wonewoc Wagon Company, and in 1881 it was incorporated as the Case Wagon Company - of which Nathan Fisk is president ; William Case, vice-president; R. Fisk, treasurer, and M. H. Case, secretary - all of whom are men of energy. The business is under the immediate supervision of the last- named officer, who is known as one of the most careful, systematic and prudent business men in the county. The factory furnishes employment for about seventy-five men, and during the year 1881 will turn out about 3,000 wagons.

Next to the Case Wagon Company, comes the flour-mill of Cooper & Cary, located on the Baraboo River. It has good machinery, and under the management of Mr. Cooper is doing a fine business.

The Bank is owned by P. R. Briggs & Son. It was or- ganized in the Spring of 1881, has a capital of $12,000, and is doing a general banking business under the name of The Juneau County Bank.

Another important manufacturing interest is the stave factory of S. S. Daun. It is mostly employed in the man- ufacture of tight barrel stock, and is one of the finest of its kind in the State.

There are two churches in the place, the Methodist Episcopal and German Lutheran Evangelical. The former was built in 1875, has a good membership and a flourishing Sabbath school. Its pulpit is a present supplied by Rev. H. D. Jencks. The latter was built in 1880. Its pastor is Rev. Christian Sauer.

The Spiritualists have a strong society, and a building of their own. J. T. Potter lectures to them weekly when at home.

Wonewoc has one of the best school buildings in this section, and always employs a good corps of teachers. F. W. Lee is principal. The first school organized was held in an out-building used as a granary, near the Rock House, in 1854, with Elizabeth Clements as teacher. The present school-house was built in 1874. Value of school property, $5,000. Number of children of school age, 277. Number of children attending school, 225.

The secret and benevolent societies are well represented here. Wonewoc Lodge, No. 184, F. & A. M., has a good membership, and is constantly adding to their numbers.

Wonewoc Lodge, No. 236, and Juneau Encampment, No. 66, I. O. O. F., have a wide-awake and hard working membership in both branches.

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HISTORY OF JUNEAU COUNTY.

Wonewoc Lodge, No. 64, of the A. O. U. W., is constant- ly increasing its membership, and as several thousand dol- lars have been paid to families of deceased brethren, it has the entire confidence of the people.

Harmony Lodge, No. 251, of the I. O. G. T., has a good membership, is a flourishing society and is doing a good work.

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.

A. B. BOORMAN, a promising young man born on the Atlantic Ocean, Sept. 6, 1862. His parents lived at Castile, N. Y., about six years, when they moved to Homsville, N. Y., where they lived about seven years, when they returned to Castile. On the return of the family to Castile, Mr. Boorman, then thirteen years of age, was engaged in a planing mill, where he spent the Summer, and attended school during the Winter. The next two years he spent in school and in the employ of the "Castile Water Cure." During the Winter of 1879-80 he was in the employ of the N. Y. & E. R. R., and in March, 18So, he came to Mauston, Wis., at which place his parents were already living. The year of 1880 he spent working in the mills at Mauston, and in the Spring of 1881 he was engaged by the Case Wagon Company, of Wonewoc, at which place he is now working. He is gaining many friends, being an honest young man, with good habits.

M. H. CASE, manufacturer, Wonewoc, was born in Waukesha County, Sept. 2, 1849. In the Spring of 1857, the family moved to Por- tage City, Wis., and at the age of fourteen Mr. Case entered the railroad freight office of the Milwaukee & Minnesota R. R., now known as the Northern Division of the C., M. & St. P. R. R., where he had entire charge of the business for three years, his father being freight agent at the time. Ile then clerked in the store of N. H. Wood & Co., and in January, 1867, he entered the Commercial College, of Portage City, where he graduated in March of the same year, after which he went to Winona. Minn., where he was employed as book-keeper and cashier in the dry goods house of N. H. Wood, and, as Mr. Wood was absent most of the time, Mr. Case had the entire management of the business for one year. In March, 1868, he went to Manston, Wis., and became one of the partners of the hardware firm of S. S. Case & Son, where he had en- tire charge of the business, and in March, 1880, he purchased his part- ner's interest, and carried on the business alone until April, 1881, when he sold to J. Marvin. In June, 1880, he purchased an interest in the Wonewoc Wagon Company, which has since been incorporated as the Case Wagon Company, and in July came to Wonewoc, and has since taken charge of the office. He was married, in 1872, to Carrie E. Tem- ple, born in New York, in 1852. They have four children-Henry C., M. Louise, M. Eugene and Edwin L. Mr. Case is a Republican in pol- itics, a member of the A. F. & A. M., and is considered one of the best business men in the Northwest.

T. K. DUNN, publisher Wonewoc Reporter, was born in the town of Groton, Vt., on the thirty-first day of December, 1836. At the age of six- teen he commenced teaching school, and has since taught eighteen terms. He attended the Caledonia County Grammar School seven terms, and in August, 1860, he came to Wisconsin, and settled at Prairie Du Sac, where he was engaged in farming and teaching school until 1870, when he re- moved to Wonewoc, and engaged in the insurance, real estate and col- lection agency, and on April 1, 1876, went into partnership with George Schlosser; started the Wonewoc Reporter. In 1877, he purchased his partner's interest, and edited the paper alone until May, 1879, when he took in Lem Reeves as a partner for one year, since which time Mr. Dunn has edited and published the Reporter alone. He has held various local offices ; has been Town Clerk eight years, and Village Clerk two years ; Justice of the Peace eight years, and was elected Assemblyman in 1881. In 1860, he was married to Julia A. Bennett, born in Ver- mont, April 15, 1843. They have six children-Nettie, Herbert H. (who is now editor of the Mocking Bird, a small paper published in the Reporter office), Willie, Ivan S., Charley H. and Jennie C.

W. H. FILLER, merchant, was born in Ohio, in 1850, where he received a common school education, and worked at farming until 1875, when he came to Wonewoc, Wis., and clerked in the store of J. G. Funk until the Fall of 1877, when J. G. Funk died, and Mr. Filler, in partner- ship with W. H. Funk, purchased the stock, and have since carried on a general mercantile business, under the firm name of Filler & Funk. In June, 1880, Mr. Filler was married to Sarah Lawsha, a native of Wis- consin. He is a Liberal in politics, and a member of the I. O. O. F.

NATHAN FISK, manufacturer, Wonewoc, is one of the first set- tlers, as well as one of the most prominent men of Wonewoc. He was born in the State of Vermont, in 1830. In 1835, the family moved to Erie Co., N. Y., where they lived about twenty years. In 1853, Mr. Fisk was married to Roda Fuller, born in Erie Co., N. Y., in 1834. In 1855. he concluded to try the Western country, and accordingly started for Wisconsin, arriving at Wonewoc in July. He at once purchased 120 acres of land, to which he has since been adding, so that he now owns

about 1,500 acres. Mr. Fisk is president of the Case Wagon Company, a sketch of which is found in other parts of the book. He has been Treasurer of Juneau County one term, and is a Liberal in politics, with Democratic principles. He has one son, Theodore, who is married and living in Wonewoc.

R. FISK, merchant, Wonewoc. The subject of this sketch was born in the State of Vermont, in 1833, and in 1835 the family moved to Erie Co., N. Y., where he lived about twenty years. In the Spring of 1855, Mr. Fisk was married to Mary Pierce ; she was born in Erie Co., N. Y., in 1836. Soon after their marriage, they started West, via the lakes, to Milwaukee ; thence by train, arriving at Wonewoc, July 5, 1855, and immediately purchased 200 acres of Government land, and commenced farming, which business, in connection with hunting and trapping, he followed for ten or twelve years, after which he worked in a store, hunt- ed and trapped until 1876, when he engaged in mercantile business, which he is still following. Mr. Fisk is also one of the stockholders of the Case Wagon Company. He has held various town offices, is a Democrat in politics, and a member of the A. O. U. W. The children living are Julius B., Reuben H. and James W.

JULIUS B. FRAZELL, deceased, was one of the old residents of Wonewoc, born in Madison Co., N. Y., in 1824, and was a resident of that State until 1856, during the latter part of which time he was engaged in trade in Chautauqua County, when he removed to Michigan, and, in the Fall of 1858, he came to Wisconsin and settled in Wonewoc, engag- ing the mercantile business until after the " hop crash" of 1868, after which he kept the Frazell House until his death, Jan. 13. 1877. Mr. Frazell served one term as one of the Commissioners of Juneau County, under the County Commissioner system ; was elected a member of the Assembly in the Fall of 1862, and, during the session of 1863. cast the first vote Matt. H. Carpenter ever received for the United States Senate. and, although differing from Carpenter in politics, was a strong Carpen- ter man during the Senatorial contest of 1875. The funeral ceremonies were held on Monday, Jan. 15, 1877, and, although a stormy day, there was a large attendance. He was buried with the impressive ceremonies of the I. O. O. F., of which order he was for a long time a member. He left a wife and two children, Etta and Clinton. Mrs. Frazell is now keeping the Frazell House, which is the leading hotel of Wonewoc.

W. H. FUNK, merchant, was born at Ft. Atkinson, in 1860, and was a resident of said place until 1872, when he came to Wonewoc and attended school most of the time for about two years, then clerked for his brother. J. G. Funk, for about one year, after which he attended school part of the time and helped his father, who was engaged in the timber business, until the Fall of 1877, when, in partnership W. II Filler, he engaged in the mercantile business, and has since been carry- ing on the same under the firm name of Filler & Funk. Mr. Funk is a promising young man, having a good start in life, and will no doubt be a success.

W. R. HILL, carpenter, Wonewoc, was a native of the State of New York, born in 1835, and, in 1840, went with his parents to Illinois, living near Elgin about ten years, after which the family moved into Michigan and remained one Winter, and in the Spring came to Wiscon- sin, settling first in Racine County, where Mr. Hill received an academic education, and, in the Spring of 1854, came to Wonewoc, built the Ju- neau County House, and, in partnership with his brother, carried on a hotel business. He then sold his interest and followed teaching school and carpenter work about five years, after which he was engaged in cabinet business until 1865, when he enlisted in Co. A, 52d Wis. V. I., and served until the close of the war. After the war, he returned to his home at Wonewoc, but was in very poor health for three or four years, since which time he has been engaged in cabinet work. In September, 1861, he was married to Angelina Rankin, a native of Wisconsin. They have four children living - William F., Lydia A., Oren L. and Ellen. Mr. Hill is a Republican in politics, has been Town Superintendent of Schools, Justice of the Peace, and held various other local offices.

C. D. HUFF, retired merchant, Wonewoc. The subject of this sketch is one of the most prominent men of Wonewoc. He was born in Philadelphia, Penn., on the 2d day of August, 1828. At the age of twelve he commenced work in a store, which he followed until sixteen years of age, when he, being a poor boy, concluded he had better learn a trade, and accordingly commenced the carpenter's trade, which he fol- lowed in Philadelphia until 1855, when he concluded to see some of the Western country, and so he started for St. Paul, Minn., zia railroad to Rock Island, thence up the Mississippi River, landing at St. Paul, May 4 ; but as there were already too many mechanics in St. Paul, he only remained three days, when he descended the river to Galena, and started for Madison, Wis., as he had been told that was a good point for mechanics ; but he found it but little better than St. Paul, and in a few days he met a man who advised him to go to Baraboo, to which place he went and spent the Summer. In the Fall, he came to Wonewoe and built the first frame house in the place, he being the first carpenter of Wonewoc. Mr. Huff followed his trade until 1869. when he engaged in the mercantile business which he followed until 1880, when he retired from business. Mr. Huff is a Republican in politics, and has held vari-

392

HISTORY OF NORTHERN WISCONSIN.

ous town, village and school offices; is a member of the I. O. O. F., to which order he has belonged since 1849. In 1851, he was married to Ella Hufnal, and had one son, William H., who is now engaged in the mercantile business. In 1853, his wife died, and, in 1858, he married his second wife, Helen Starling, born in Jefferson County, N. Y., in 1841. They have had five children, two of whom are living, Florence Augusta and Ruth Devon.

JEFF. T. HEATH, manufacturer, Wonewoc, was born in Jefferson Co., N.Y., in 1839, where he lived with bis parents, receiving a good common-school education, in connection with which he was educated as an engineer and surveyor. In 1853, he came to Wisconsin, stopping in Walworth County about one year, after which he came to Juneau County, settling at New Lisbon, where he engaged in the mercantile business for ten years. He then came to Wonewoc and engaged in the mercantile and manufacturing business, and is still following the same. He built the Valley saw-mill in 1873-4, and ran thesame until 1879, when he sold it and built the mill at Crossman, which he is still running. He is also interested in lumber, produce and other business, dealing extensively in real estate. He also owns a stock farm of 500 acres, and other small farins and timber lands, so that his real estate amounts to nearly 2,000 acres. Mr. Heath has been Clerk of the Circuit Court, County Surveyor and is at present President of the Village Board. He is a Democrat in politics, and a Mason, belonging to the Chapter and Commandery. In December, 1868, he was married to Eva Smith, born in Ohio, in 1842. They have one child, Huberta, born Nov. 24. 1880.

HIRAM D. JENCKS, pastor Methodist Episcopal Church, Wone- woc. Is a native of the State of New York ; born in Livingston County, in 1826; where he received a good education. and in 1851 commenced the study of medicine, under Dr. J. H. Way, and followed the same until 1854, when he came to Wisconsin, settling in Dane County, where he followed farming for a few years. But as he worked along he con- cluded that farming was not his calling, and accordingly, in 1860, he commenced preaching, and in 1863, entered the Methodist Episcopal Conference ; after which he preached three years at Westfield, Marquette Co .; one year at Strongs Prairie, Adams Co .; two years at Oxford and Mon- ticello, Marquette Co .; one year at Poynette, Columbia Co .; two years at Argyle, La Fayette Co .; two years at Jnda, Monroe Co., and one year at Black Earth, Dane Co. He was then in the Fall of 1874, appointed by Bishop Ames, as State Lecturer and Organizer of the Sons of Tem- perance, which appointment he held for about one year, during which time he organized ninety divisions, receiving the congratulations of the press and people wherever he went, and as he was found to be a success, he was appointed the following year, by Bishop Wiley, to the same posi- tion in the State of Ohio, where he lectured one year with grand success. After which he returned to Wisconsin and preached two years at De Soto, Vernon Co .; then two years at Tunnel City and LaGrange, Monroe Co., and Oct. I, 1880, he was appointed to Wonewoc, where he is now pastor of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Rev. Jencks is an eloquent speaker, good reasoner, and a gentleman esteemed by all who know him. He was married in 1847, to Ann Mariah Larash ; born in Pennsylvania, in

1824. They have four children living-Herbert Duane, born Aug. 16,1850, and is now practicing medicine at Lake Benton, Minn .; Walter Cawasso, born Oct. 7, 1852, engaged in the harness and saddlery business at Argyle, Wis .; Calvin Judd, born Aug. 25. 1855, is employed by the Case Wagon Co., of Wonewoc ; Estella May, born July 25, 1861, and is living with her parents.

JOIIN LAWSHA, retired, Wonewoc. Is a native of New Jersey ; born in 1820. In 1840, he was married to Lany A. Flickner ; born in New Jersey, in 1821, and engaged in farming. In 1855, he came to Wis- consin and settled in Sauk County, where he followed farming until 1865, when he gave his farm to his two sons, who bad just returned from the war ; and he moved into the village of Delton, where he engaged in the mercantile business. In 1872, when he came to Wonewoc and followed the same business until June, JSSo, when he sold to Mrs. M. A. Huff, and retired from business. Mr. Lawsha is a Republican, a member of the A., F. & A. M., and the I. O. O. F. The children living are-Jona- than R., born March 17, 1841; George, born Sept. 23, 1842 ; Jacob, born Jan. 19, 1844 ; Hannah, Oct. 3, 1846; Emma, born Aug. 1, 1849 ; Sarah, born Nov. 20, 1858, and Jobn, born, Feb. 21, 1865.

O. F. LEE, merchant, Wonewoc. Was born in Jefferson Co., N. Y., Aug. 25, 1847. When he was eight years of age the family came west settled in Jefferson Co., Wis., where they lived one year; they then moved to Marshall, Dane Co., where Mr. Lee learned the harness trade. In 1868, he came to Wonewoc and followed his trade most of the time until June, ISSo, when he engaged as clerk in the store of A. Meinhold. Mr. Lee owns the store in which he clerks, and other real estate in Wonewoc. He is a Republican ; a member of the A., F. & A. M ; the I. O. O. F. and the A. O. U. W. Has been a member of the Board of Supervisors several terms, and is at present Village Treasurer. In 1872, he was married to Margaret Wolfenden, only daughter of Joseph Wolf- enden ; born in England, May, 1854. They have two children, Bessie F., born Feb. 15, 1873, and Rolland, born March 29, 1875.

J. C. MCCUTCHEN, station and express agent, Wonewoc. Is a native of Ohio ; born in Ashland County, in 1854. In 1857, the family moved to El Paso, Ill., and in 1866, Mr. Mccutchen went to Chats- worth, where he was engaged as clerk in the post-office until 1874, when he went to New Ulm, Minn., and entered the railroad office, where he served as clerk about one year; then at Waseka about seven months; after which he went to Baraboo, Wis., and acted as time-keeper at the railroad shops for two years ; then he went to Elroy, where he was em- ployed as cashier for the C. & N. W. and the C., St. P., M. & O. R. R.'s for three years, after which, in June, 1880, he came to Wonewoc, and has since served as station and express agent. Mr. Mccutchen takes no in- terest in politics more than to perform his right as a citizen. He is a member of the A., F. & A. M., and the A. O. U. W. At Baraboo, Wis., Dec. 19, 1879, he was married to Ada Hull, born in the State of New York, in 1859.

T. E. MATTESON, merchant, Wonewoc. Is a native of Vermont. Born in 1824. He lived with his parents until 1844, when he went to Boston, where he engaged in the mercantile business for about twelve years, during which time, in 1848, he was married to Sarah B. Dudley, born in the State of Maine, in 1822. In 1856, Mr. Matteson started west, arriving at Wonewoc in April, and at once engaged in the mercan- tile business, and is still following the same. He is Postmaster at Wone- woc, which office he has held since 1865. Is a Republican in politics. The children are, Mary, now Mrs. Hampton, and Ulysses.

DUANE MOWRY, attorney, Wonewoc, was born in Providence, R. I., in 1853, and in 1856 the family came to Wisconsin, settling at Madison, where they lived until 1862, when they moved on a farm south of the city, and in 1863, moved to Windsor, where they followed farm- ing. At the age of seventeen, Mr. Mowry commenced teaching school, which he followed during the Winter season for four years, attending school at the University of Madison during the Summer seasons. In September, 1874, he entered the Law School of Madison, where he grad- nated in June, 1875. In 1876, he went to Niellsville, Clark Co., where he practiced law one year; then he went to Independence, Iowa, and followed law practice until Jan. 12, 1878, when he came to Wonewoc, and formed a law partnership with R. A. Wilkinson, with whom he practiced until August, when they dissolved partnership, since which time Mr. Mowry has been practicing alone. He is also agent for several insurance companies ; is Court Commissioner of Junean County, Justice of the Peace, a Democrat in politics, and a Mason. At Independence, Iowa, Feb. 24, 1880, he was married to Josia M. Ensminger, who was born in Ohio. They have one child, Don E., born Dec. 13, 1880.

ANTHONY OLDFIELD, farmer, Sec. 6, P. O. Elroy, is one of the first settlers of Wonewoc ; was born in Yorkshire, England, in 1823. In 1853, he was married to Elizabeth Brown, born in Scotland in 1831, and in 1856 emigrated to the United States, and came direct to Wone- woc, purchased land and commenced farming. In 1857, he purchased his present farm of 196 acres, and has since improved one-half of the same. Mr. Oldfield has been a member of the Town Board several terms, and is a Republican in politics. The children are: Margaret, John B., William, Anthony and Jessie.

393

HISTORY OF JACKSON COUNTY.

J. L. POTTER, lecturer, Wonewoc, is a native of Massachusetts, born in 1836, where he received a good common school education, ard in 1854 commenced lecturing on Spiritnalism, and followed the same in the New England States until 1861, when he came West, lecturing in Iowa until 1868, since which time he has been following his profession in Wisconsin, living at Wonewoc since June, 1875. He takes no interest in politics, more than to perform his right as a citizen.

JOHN PRICE, JR., hardware merchant, Wonewoc, was born in Wales, in 1848, and in 1849 the family emigrated to the United States, and came direct to Portage City, Wis., where they lived eight years ; they then moved to Manston, where they lived two years, thence to New Lisbon. At the age of fifteen, Mr. Price commenced teaching school, which he followed until 1868, when he entered the Wayland University, of Beaver Dam, Wis., where he remained eleven terms, when he gradu- ated and returned to Juneau County, and again followed teaching until August, 1874, when he engaged in the hardware business with his brother Richard, under the firm name of Price Bros., and is still carrying on the same. . Mr. Price has been Deputy Sheriff two terms, Supervisor of Vil- lage two terms, and is at present Secretary of the High School at Wone- woc. He is a Republican and a Mason, belonging to the Chapter. In December, 1873, he was married to Hattie A. Babcock, born in LaFay- ette Co., Wis., Ang. 28, 1851. They have one child, Clinton G., born Jan. 3. 1875.

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Author: Western historical co., Chicago, pub Publication date: 1881 Publisher: Chicago, Western historical company Number of Pages: 1052

Author: Western historical co., Chicago, pub
Publication date: 1881
Publisher: Chicago, Western historical company
Number of Pages: 1052