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 182

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 182

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).

Among the first settlers of the village, were Rev. Fred- erick Walrath, his son, Ed. Walrath, R. S. Kingman and his two brothers, Rosalvo and Alvarado, Richard Casselman, William Kerrigan, Lyman Andrews, J. D. Dammon, A. H. Blake ( first County Judge ), and Russell Hill.

In the year 1852, William Petit laid out the Court-house Square, and a row of lots around it. A meeting of citizens was called, and a resolution passed, to the effect that the embryo city should have a name. After much discussion and many names being proposed and rejected, it was finally agreed that Mrs. Petit, mother of the two l'etit men, should have the privilege of choosing the name, and she called it SPARTA.

Later in the same year, Lyman Andrews built the first frame house in the village, upon a lot given for the purpose by Mr. Petit, who was offering to give lots to all who would

build on them. The lot was at the northeast corner of the square, and the building erected was opened as a tavern, and called the Sparta Exchange.

In this same year, Daniel Fisk and family arrived. They lived in the house with Casselman until they could build one of their own. The latter was located where the C. & N. W. R. R. depot now stands. George A. and W. Fisk are sons of Daniel Fisk. In December, Samuel Hoyt, the present Justice of the Peace, arrived and bought the lot where the Sparta House stands of Mr. Harroun for $16, and built upon it. Sparta was at this time, and as late as 1854, a part of the town of Leon, and in the county of La Crosse. The first election was held in 1852, at which were polled seventeen votes for the town. Lyman Andrews be- came Justice of the Peace at that time, and held the office for some years.

The first post-office was opened in 1853, and William Petit appointed as Postmaster, the mails being delivered at Mr. Casselman's house, who had been appointed deputy by Mr. Petit. The office was changed in a short time, and lo- cated at the Sparta Exchange, and Lyman Andrews ap- pointed deputy. A short time after this, Mr. Petit sold out his entire interest to A. F. Bard, and left the place; where- upon, Casselman was appointed Postmaster, and served as such for several years.

The first saw-mill was put up in 1853, by A. H. and Hilton Blake, upon the bank of Beaver Creek. Were it still standing, it would be in the middle of Water street. The first store was opened in a log house by G. H. Led- yard, a Portage man.

On the first day of July, 1854, George W. Root arrived in Sparta. Mr. Root bought Lyman Andrews' house, known as the Sparta Exchange, and having come provided with a stock of goods, he opened a store. J. M. Snyder, who came the same year from St. Louis, built the first chimney in the place for Mr. Root, in this house. The pleasant residence which is located on the corner of Main and Court streets, opposite the Court-house square, is now the property of the Root family, and stands exactly where the Sparta Exchange once stood. The first marriage in Sparta was that of Henry Talmadge and Anna Bradshaw, in July, 1853, the ceremony being performed by Lyman Andrews. The first death was the little daughter of Mr.

and Mrs. Harroun, in 1852. The first child born was a daughter of Mr. Casselman's. The first Fourth-of-July cel- ebration was held in 1854. Judge Flint, of La Crosse, de- livered the address. A bounteous dinner and a dance fin- ished up the festivities.

In the year 1854, there were but fourteen houses in Sparta. In June of this year, the surveyors for the Mil- waukee & St. Paul Railroad passed through the village, the route of the road having then been determined on. The first train running through from La Crosse was in 1858; the tunnel not being completed, the trains ran east and west from that point, the passengers being obliged to take stage from one side to the other. When the track was first laid, the Milwaukee & St. Paul Railroad was one mile from

VIEW OF COURT HOUSE AND SQUARE, SPARTA

RESIDENCE OF MR.THOS. B.TYLER, WATER ST. SPARTA , WIS,

RESIDENCE of MAJ. JAMES DAVIDSON, WATER ST- SPARTA WIS.

RESIDENCE of MR. A. W. WILSON, SPARTA, WIS.

HISTORY OF MONROE COUNTY.

625

Sparta. At this time there is no intervening space, the whole of the distance being built up with business houses and fine residences. The opening of this road gave a new impetus to business and to emigration.

The village now claims (1881) a population of 3,000 inhabitants, and for beauty of natural scenery, can hardly be Equaled in the northwest. The La Crosse River and Beaver Creek, and numerous tributary trout streams wind through and about it. The bluffs or miniature mountains, at the

itself furnishes many pleasant driveways, its streets being long, straight and wide, bordered by shade trees, flower gardens and fine residences. Among the latter, those most likely to attract attention are the residences of R. S. Kingman, M. A. Thayer, Maj. Davidson and T. B. Tyler, all situated on North Water street, surrounded by shade trees, and the grounds beautifully laid out with flowers and foliage ; their well-kept lawns a marvel of neatness.

Sparta is fast becoming popular as a health and pleasure

SPARTA

bottom of which nestles the busy little town, form a very attractive feature to lovers of nature. Among the natural beauties and curiosities, is an enormous bluff some 600 feet high, bearing on its summit a monstrous circular rock, which, from its resemblance to an old castle, has been named Castle Rock. Another point of interest is Trout Falls, five or six miles above Sparta, on La Crosse River. Its name is owing to the fact that the beautiful speckled trout which have their home in this river, have often been seen descending with the fall of water. Hollow Bluff, sit- uated in the northeastern suburbs of the town, is a spot of almost as much interest as Castle Rock. Eighty acres of land, taking in this remarkable bluff, were purchased by six of the enterprising towns-people, viz : H. Palmer, T. B. Tyler, H. Greve, Chauncey Blakeslee, M. A. Thayer and R. S. Kingman, who intend to fit it up as a public park. The grounds are well adapted for the purpose, and when completed, will be a great addition to Sparta. An observa- tory has been erected on the bluff, from which one can view the town and county adjacent for miles. Sparta in

resort, its altitude being one of the highest in the State. The atmosphere is noted for its remarkable purity, and is wonderfully exhilarating. Malarial diseases and hay-fever are almost entirely unknown in this locality, and those who are affected with these maladies are speedily relieved by a sojourn here. The influence of this air, in connection with the famous mineral springs and Turkish baths, have made for Sparta an enviable reputation as a health resort. The baths have now been in operation about twelve years, and are very complete in all their appointments, comprising Turkish, Russian, electric and plain baths, using the min- eral water for bathing and drinking purposes. By reference to the analysis, it will be seen that this water contains more iron than any other, either in this country or in Eu- rope. Prof. Hirsh writes of the Sparta mineral spring : " This is certainly an unusually useful spring, similar to the celebrated springs of Ems, Germany, which, however, con- tain more soda compounds, but much less iron than this spring." Here rheumatism is speedily cured. The effect upon paralysis has been wonderful, many cases having been

626

HISTORY OF NORTHERN WISCONSIN.

entirely cured. Among the diseases successfully treated, are Bright's disease of kidneys, liver complaint, dyspepsia and lumbago. The mineral baths are in charge of Dr. S. P. Stiles who is in constant attendance upon patients here for treatment.

Artesian Wells .- The oil fever of 1866 reached Wiscon- sin in common with other States, and vague rumors that unmistakable signs of oil existed in the valley of Kickapoo River, which runs along the southern portion of the county, came floating into Sparta. A stranger named Tichnor, professing to be an operator for oil, assured the citizens of the existence of oil in that section, and they being fired by the general excitement, immediately set about investigating the matter. They visited the spot designated by the adven- turer, and saw the crude petroleum bubbling from a spring, tested it and were satisfied. The first company formed was the "Gem Petroleum Company," of which Tichnor was a

heavy stockholder. Land owners received exorbitant prices for their land, the owners invariably demanding a large share of the earnings in payment, instead of money. Stocks were in great demand, and every man who could raise money enough to buy a share, invested in oil. Mean- while the boring went on, but water instead of oil rewarded their toil, and the signs of petroleum gradually disappeared. Tichnor in the meantime, had sold the greater portion of his shares at an advance. There was a sudden change in the financial atmosphere, the "sell " having gradually dawned upon their minds, and Tichnor's agent, whom the former had in some manner offended, disclosed how Tichnor had sunk a barrel of crude petroleum, for the purpose of deceiving the people.

The "Gem Petroleum Company " became disgusted and the affair ended, nearly ruining some of the best citizens. The machinery fell into the hands of three of the most prominent in the affair, who for a time did not have much appreciation of its value. But the beautiful spring at Kickapoo, was something that could not fail to be admired, and the people began to wish for a spring nearer home.

In May of the same year, the editor of the Sparta Herald, having visited the Kickapoo well, was so charmed with its beauties and the purity of its warers, that he wrote an article descriptive of it for his paper, closing thus : "and why, we ask, can we not have such a fountain ? The same inexhaustible supply abounds at about the same relative depth all over this region of country, and awaits the energy of our citizens, to give them this exquisite luxury." This article appeared May 22, 1866.

The following year active measures were taken in regard to a well. There was a meeting called and means adopted for taking stock in the enterprise. About eight hundred dollars were immediately subscribed. George W. Waring was engaged as chief engineer, and the work commenced. The machinery used was the same that was used for the oil scheme, working, however, to better advantage, as a few weeks later the shrill scream of the whistle notified the peo- ple that the well was completed.

It was not, as has been said, that the well was sunk for

the purpose of supplying Sparta with better water than it hitherto had had ; this is a mistake, the town was always well supplied with plenty of pure cold water, as may be proven, since trout will not live in any other kind, and they abound in all the streams in this part of the country. It was not therefore to procure good water for the people, that an artesian well was sunk, but rather to furnish a fountain for a very attractive park. It is chiefly owing to J. T. Hemp- hill's energy and generosity, that the public are indebted for the valuable mineral spring, which has proved such a suc- cessful thing for the village. Water was reached upon the very first attempt, at the depth of 315 feet, the well was afterward sunk thirty feet deeper, for the purpose of giving a greater ascending force to the column. The medicinal qualities were soon discovered by various citizens, who be- ing affected with chronic diseases, were cured by drinking from the spring.

These cures resulted in causing an analysis of the water to be made, by which Sparta was found to be in the posses- sion of a chalybeate sulphur spring, the medicinal qualities of which rival those of the best known springs in the world. Since the sinking of the first well, several others have been sunk. The second one is in the Court-house square. Its depth is 287 feet, and its cost $1,000, the money having been raised by subscription. The Milwaukee & St. Paul Railroad Company sank one at their depot. It stands directly in front of the Winship House, and forms a very attractive feature of that fine hotel.

Another is at the Chicago & Northwestern depot. It is said that no compounds of medicines are equal to the waters of these springs, as the properties are held in a much more perfect solution than can be effected by any artificial means, and they are more efficient in proportion to the fineness of the substance.

The analysis of these springs was made by Prof. A. M. Hirsh. We will give it here :

ANALYSIS.

SOLIDS.

GRAINS.

Carbonale of Iron.

14-3350I

Magnesia

4.0310I

Lime.

0.40202

Strontia

0.01402

Baryta

0.00600

Manganese

0.00072

Soda

0.21030

Lithia.

0.02400

Ammonia

0.00210

Sulphate of Soda.

2.21430

Potash

0.64130

Lime. 0.18020

Chloride of Calcium

0.60502

Sodium

0.1430I

Phosphate of Soda.

0.06400

Alumina 0.06080

Iodide of Sodium

0.00014

Silica.

0.28000

Hydric Sulphide

0.00340

Total

23.21735

Surrounded by a fertile country, Sparta is the market and source of supplies of the thrifty farmers who people the adjoining valleys. There are, in consequence, a large number of stores of every variety. There are two banks,

627

HISTORY OF MONROE COUNTY.

the First National, J. T. Hemphill, president, and M. A. Thayer & Co.'s Savings Bank, R. S. Kingman, president ; two weekly papers, the Sparta Herald, D. McBride & Son, and the Monroe County Democrat, F. A. Brown, editor. The Milwaukee & St. Paul and the Northwestern railroads afford easy access to the town.

The first village officers were elected first day of July, 1857, and were as follows: President, R. J. Casselman ; Trustees, H. Palmer, Joseph Carmichael, R. W. Bowles, S. F. Holbrook, C. Rich and J. A. Gilman ; L. S. Fisher, Clerk ; L. Andrews, Treasurer, and Chester McClure, Mar- shal. The present officers, for 1881, are T. D. Steele, Pres- ident ; N. W. Huntley, William Lohmiller, M. S. Heller, R. S. Baldwin, S. Coughran and Henry Esch, Trustees ; W. H. Blyton, Clerk ; W. J. McOmbre, Treasurer ; T. B. Hall, Constable and Street Commissioner, and James O. Connor, Deputy Constable and Night Policeman. William Blyton, the present Clerk, was elected for the first time, in 1871, and has been returned each year since that time. N. W. Huntley, one of the Board of Trustees, has held his office for four years, being elected the first time, in 1877. William Lohmiller, for eight years, having been elected in 1873. T. B. Tyler was elected President of the Board in 1873, and served until 1876, when he was succeeded by J. M. Morrow, who held the office until 1878. S. N. Dickin- son was elected in 1878, and remained in office until 1881, when the present incumbent succeeded him.

RELIGIOUS.

First Congregational Church .- The history of the Con- gregational Church, in Sparta, dates from the advent of the Rev. Wm. F. Avery, and his father, Deacon Jos. Avery, in the Fall of 1854. The first stated preaching, by a Congrega- tional minister, was on October 24, of that year. The meetings was held in such private houses as could be found available during the Fall and following Winter. The next year a frame school-house was built, and occupied in turns for preaching, by the Congregational, Methodist, and Baptist denominations. On the 22nd of June, 1855, a Con- gregational Church was organized, with twenty-two mem- bers, living in Sparta and the surrounding neighborhood, and Rev. Wm. F. Avery was installed as pastor, being the first of this denomination, in Sparta. The letters of dis- missal and recommendation, presented by the twenty-two members, were from churches in seven different States. The first three deacons were Joseph Avery, Guy C. Hoyt and H. M. Sandford. The present neat house of worship was commenced in the Winter of 1856, and finished the next Spring, being dedicated June 11, 1857. The cost of the building, with bell and furniture, was about $3,800.

The name of Deacon Avery will long be remembered by this church. Through his zealous and untiring efforts, and most liberal pecuniary aid, the present site of the church was purchased. Another name must not be omitted, Mrs. Susan P. Lees, a wealthy New York lady, who contributed the generous sum of $1,000 in aid of the church. The first board of officers were elected March 8, 1856, consist- ing of six trustees, viz. : George W. Root, G. C. Hoyt, E. S.

Blake, E. Lathrop, Joseph Avery and A. F. Childs. G. W. Root, treasurer. In the year 1858, Mr. Avery was com- pelled to tender his resignation of the pastorate, on account of his failing health. During the intervals from 1858 until 1867, the desk was occupied by five different clergymen, for terms varying from three months to two years. The present pastor, Rev. F. T. Lee, began his labors with the church in February, 1879. Shortly after this a quiet but wide-reach- ing revival began, meetings being held almost continuously for three months or more. These were mostly of the prayer and conference character, held at first at private houses, afterward in the church, the pastor conducting them. Only two or three weeks of regular preaching services were main- tained. Rev. S. U. Newman, of Ripon, and Rev. G. F. Hunting, of Beaver Dam ( a former pastor ), assisted for a week each. As a result of this revival, nearly one hundred were received into membership in the church, seventy-nine at one time, eleven a few weeks later, and others from time to time during the year following. This number included many of the most substantial citizens and prominent busi- ness men. Over two-thirds the entire number were adults, about one-half being married. Forty received the rite of baptism. Following this work, Mr. Lee gave his attention to the organization of the membership into committees, for permanent church work, and a system was inaugurated, which has proven to be of great utility in developing a spirit of Christian activity. During the following Winter, continuous meetings were again held for over two months, conducted by the pastor alone for five weeks, after which Rev. H. A. Miner, of Madison, assisted for ten days, Rev. James Cruickshanks for one week, and T. G. Owen and others for a few days each. The fruits of this revival were the addition of some thirty-three to the church, nearly all being adults. Fully one hundred and twenty-five were re- ceived in all, during the year beginning with the previous revival interest noted. In the Spring of 1880, the pastor, much worn from the excessive labor of the year, was granted leave of absence, for seven and a half months, for a tour of Europe and Holy Land. Serious illness, contracted in Palestine, from exposure to malarial influences, protracted this absence to ten months. During that time the pulpit was filled by the Rev. Mr. Carmichael, a former pastor, and by such other ministers as wore available. The present membership of the church is about 280, of whom 240 are resident, and the balance non-resident members. The losses by death and removal to the West have been unusu- ally large during the year.

The Sunday-school, which has long been one of the most flourishing in the State, numbers almost 400 enrolled, with a high average attendance. The proportion of the adult membership of the school is ususually large. In the Summer of 1879, succeeding the great revival, the church building was enlarged by the addition of 100 sittings, new pulpit and other furniture, at an expense of $1,000. The contributions of church and Sunday-school for benevolent purposes have been steadily gaining of late years, increas- ing from $226 in 1877, to $623 in 1879, and over $700 in

628

HISTORY OF NORTHERN WISCONSIN.

188o. The Children's Mission Band (in connection with the Sunday-school) has a membership of about 100. A Woman's Missionary Society is sustained, and a Children's Christian Society alternates in its meetings with the Mission Band every two weeks.

The church can boast of the largest membership in Sparta, as well as being in the most prosperous condition. The present excellent condition and prosperity are in a great measure due to the unwearied zeal and care of the present incumbent, Rev. F. T. Lee, who, as well as being a hard worker in the good cause, is an eloquent and graphic speaker, filling his position in the most efficient and satis- factory manner.

Methodist Episcopal Church .- The first religious services in Sparta were conducted by Rev. Frederick Walrath, who preached the first sermon in November, 1851, to a congre- gation of five persons. Service was held in the Petit cabin. Mr. Walrath continued to hold services from that time un- til 1854, the membership numbering about twenty-five per- sons. In this year, the first regularly appointed pastor, Rev. Mr. Mayne, took charge. Although Mr. Mayne was a regularly appointed pastor, the Methodists did not become an organization until 1856, when a neat church was erected at a cost of $2,500. About the same time, a bell was presented to the church by the members of the com- munity, who raised the money for the purpose by subscrip- tion. The bell cost $450, and is a great addition to the building.

By the following copy of the record, the date of organ- ization may be seen:

RECORD OF THE ORGANIZATION OF THE METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH IN SPARTA, WIS .- This is to certify, that I, Reuben R. Wood, presiding elder of the La Crosse District, Wisconsin Conference, of the Methodist Episcopal Church, do hereby, by the authority vested in me by the said church, and the statutes of this State, appoint and constitute Frederick Walrath, W. J. Tucker, Albert 11. Blake, Benjamin Stevens and 1. W. Harding, as trustees of said church at Sparta, Monroe Co., Wis., to hold property in trust for said church. In testimony whereof, I have set my hand and seal, this sixteenth day of February, A. D ._ 1856. Done in presence of

R. R. WOOD, Presiding Elder.

W.M. BUSH,

E. SANFORD BI.AKF.

STATE OF WISCONSIN, } COUNTY OF MONROE. SS. On this sixteenth day of February, A. D. 1856, personably appeared before me, Reuben R. Wood, and ac- knowledged the foregoing instrument to be his free act and deed.

[Seal of Office.] E. SANFORD BLAKE, Notary Public.

The above was filed in the office of the Clerk of the Board of Super- visors of Monroe County, Feb. 16, A. D. 1876. E. SHAW,

By R. S. KINGMAN, Deputy.

Clerk of Board.

The above is a true copy from record of the Trustee Book, done this fourteenth day of June, A. D. ISSI. C. BERG. County Clerk.

The Methodist society has met with many reverses. In 1872 or 1873, the membership numbered 168; in 1875, 143 ; the number of members now is 123. Since Mr. Seaman's pastorate, they have put about $800 worth of improve- ments upon the church. The estimated value of same is now $3,300.

First Baptist Church .- The First Baptist Church of Spar- ta was organized September 9, 1854, with about nine con- stituent members. The following were the first officers of the church: Mr. Owles, deacon, and Mr. J. Thrall, clerk. Among the first members were: L. C. Herrick and wife,

Mr. Harroun and wife, John Thrall and wife, Deacon Owles and wife, and Mrs. Samuel Hoyt. The first minister called to take regular charge of the church was the Rev. James Squier, who came in 1855. At the expiration of one year, he was succeeded by the Rev. S. Gustin. Shortly after the pastorate of Mr. Gustin commenced, the church disbanded and was re-organized again under the title of "The First Baptist Church of Sparta," on the twenty-ninth day of June, 1856, with twenty-two constituent members, who adopted the New England confession of faith and church covenant. During the first year of the history of the church under its new organization, and under the pastorate of the Rev. W. S. Card, the membership was increased by the addition of fifty-one persons. Rev. Ira Bennett was the next pastor, during whose first year (1858), the first church building was erected on Benton street. Rev. Ira Bennett was succeeded by Rev. Caleb Blood. He remained in charge for one year, when he in turn was succeeded by Rev. James Delano. During the pastorate of the next incumbent, Rev. S. S. Walker, the present neat and capacious church was built on the corner of Oak and Court streets, at a cost of $3,500. The next pastor was the Rev. William Remington, an elo- quent preacher, under whose charge the church was greatly prospered, and increased by the addition of seventy-eight members, There were a number of changes made during the years 1865-7-8. In November of 1868, the Rev. C. H. Remington was called to supply the pulpit, and remained until May, 1870, when he was succeeded by the Rev. S. Gorman, who continued in charge until the Summer of 1874, when ill health caused him to resign the charge. During Mr. Gorman's pastorate, much prosperity was en- joyed by the church, and considerable addition made at different times to her membership, which at length, notwith- standing death, exclusion and removal, reached nearly 200. During this pastorate, the church building was still further improved, a fine organ put in, and a mortgage of $1,858.22 released by the generosity of its holder, W. W. Allis, a dea- con of the church. The next pastor after Mr. Gorman was the Rev. L. W. Hayhurst, who commenced his duties Jan- uary 1, 1875, and held the charge until July 1, 1878, when Rev. Mr. Pratt took charge. Under these two pastors the church prospered very much. In September, 1880, Mr. Gorman was again installed as pastor, and has since the commencement of this his second pastorate, done much good work, and at present the church is anticipating continued and increasing prosperity under his charge. The church has now 130 members, residing in Sparta. The church prop- erty is valued at $5,000.

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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