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 183

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 183

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).

Episcopal Church .- There is an Episcopal church, but at present no services are held. The first services of this society were held in a hall. An organization was perfected in April, 1863. The present church building was conse- crated in January, 1879.

Catholic Church .- Sparta was visited for the first time by a Catholic priest is 1859. This was the Rev. Father Mon- tague, who celebrated Mass in a railroad shanty. At that time, Sparta had but five or six Catholic families. The

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HISTORY OF MONROE COUNTY.

Catholic Church in Sparta was built in the year 1865, by Father Marco, the first members of the congregation being H. Fanning, Thomas Brennan, H. Schroff, D. Sullivan, P. Fitzgerald, C. Bedenk and C. Muller. Rev. Father Quick- ley, was the pastor in 1867, when he was succeeded by Rev. Father Dorware, of Tomah, who on the fourteenth day of August, 1876, was succeeded in turn by Rev. T. B. Metzler, who had the pastorate until August of 1877, when Rev. Joseph Bauer relieved him. This pastor officiated until February 21, 1879, when the present pastor, the Rev. Joseph B. Wiedman, took charge. The church was built in the year 1876, at a cost of $3,000. The membership is not large, comprising about sixty families. They have con- nected with the church an asylum for female orphans. At the present time they have forty-six children, ranging from three to ten years of age. This institution, although con- nected with the Catholic Church, is under the supervision of the Sisters of St. Francis, of La Crosse. There are twelve Sisters connected with it. The church property is valued at $2,500.

The Adventists .- The Advents or the Church of God at Sparta, was organized on the eleventh day of June, 1866, by Elder William Sheldon, and numbered eleven members. They had no house to worship in for some time, only as they could get the public halls and school-house now and then. Feeling the need of a meeting-house, they called a meeting of the members February 28, 1870, at which time they elected six trustees and a church clerk, and began to solicit aid among the citizens, as well as the members of the denomination. They were so far successful, that upon the tenth day of April, 1870, they began to erect a building, which was completed and dedicated July 20, of same year. Elder Fassett, who took charge at this time, served for about one year, when he was succeeded by Elder Thurber. In 1872, Mr. Thurber was called to Minnesota, and the church was without a pastor until June, 1874, when Elder Clark took charge. Since that time, there have been many changes, some staying but a short time, others being ap- pointed for a year. At present the membership is about 150, but having been without a pastor for some time, they have ceased holding services.

The Public Schools .- The subject of education is one of prime importance to every community, and the de- gree in which it is fostered and promoted is always a sure index to the intelligence and liberality of the people. The moral sentiments are elevated, and the face of humanity made to shine with celestial luster. It has been well and truly said that, " an education is that which no misfortune can depress, no clime destroy, no enemy alienate, no despo- tism enslave; at home a friend, abroad an introduction, in solitude a solace, in society an ornament." As illustra- tive of the tendency of the times, it will not be out of place to show the attention education received at Sparta twenty-eight years ago. The first school was established in 1853, with Miss Sarah Walrath as teacher. There were in all about nine pupils. The school was held in a board shanty, erected for the purpose, and stood on the same site

that is now occupied by Mr. Owsley, as a grocery store. The dimensions were 16x12 feet, and for a time it served the double purpose of school-house and church. The vil- lage of Sparta, organized on the eleventh day of May, 1857, and by virtue of that organization, became at that date a school district, under a law of the State of Wiscon- sin, which declared that, " Every town in this State contain- ing not less than ten families, shall be a school district," etc. The schools were increased from year to year, as the village increased in population, and in 1867, the present high school was built, at a cost of $18,000. The public schools were then thoroughly organized, on the graded sys- tem. In these, the students are prepared for college, or fitted for a business life. Probably, no schools in the State are more efficient and thorough in their work. The schools, at present, are under the supervision of the following offi- cers and teachers :

School Board .- J. M. Morrow, Clerk; Ira A. Hill, Di- rector ; D. C. Beebe, Treasurer.

High School teachers are: Principal, Prof. J. H. Cum- mings; First Assistant, Mary Walker; Second Assistant, Ida O. Powell.

Intermediate teachers .- First, Charlotte M. Letson ; Second, Annie A. Porter ; Third, Clara G. Martin.

Primary teachers. - Jessie MacMillan, Emma Myers, Mrs. O. R. Smith, Mary Button, Annie E. Smith, Amelia Littell.

Board of Trade .- The Sparta Board of Trade was or- ganized on the thirteenth day of August, 1880, under Chap- ter 86, of the revised statutes of the State of Wisconsin, entitled: "Of the organization of corporations." The initial members of the association were Thomas B. Tyler, C. W. Masters, J. M. Morrow, William Lohmiller, John L. Woy, A. E. Bleekman, Ira A. Hill, O. L. Irwin, R. S. Dodge, M. A. Thayer and M. L. Heller. The first meeting was held on the evening of the thirteenth day of August, in their meeting room, in Thayer & Kingman's Block. At this meeting, there were sixty-three elected to membership, and the following officers elected : M. A. Thayer, presi- dent; T. B. Tyler, vice-president ; Ira A. Hill, correspond- ing secretary ; William Lohmiller, recording secretary, and William H. Blyton, treasurer ; Board of Directors-M. I .. Heller, George D. Dunn, J. J. Mason, T. N. Newton, A. Grossman and O. L. Irwin. The purpose of the associa- tion is to advance the mercantile and manufacturing inter- ests of the village of Sparta ; to inculcate just and equitable principles of trade; establish and maintain uniformity in the commercial usages of the village; acquire, preserve and disseminate valuable business information, and as far as practicable, to adjust controversy and misunderstand- ings, and to promote the general prosperity of the village of Sparta. All controversies are brought before the commit- tee of arbitration, who have power to settle all such dis- putes.

The present membership of the association numbers seventy-nine of the principal business men and capitalists of the village, who stand ready and willing to help all who wish to establish a business in Sparta, to the fullest extent.

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HISTORY OF NORTHERN WISCONSIN.

Library Association .- The intelligence of a community is usually gauged by the literary patronage of its citizens. The support the citizens of Sparta have for the past few years given the public library, is excellent testimony of this. In the Summer of 1860, a meeting of prominent citizens was held for the purpose of organizing a library associa- tion. The necessary preliminary steps taken, an adjourn- ment was had, which lasted until the Winter of 1861, at which time the organization was completed by the election of the following officers : R. Bunn, president ; E. S. Whit- taker, secretary; T. B. Tyler, treasurer ; M. A. Thayer, librarian. The library was first organized under the name of the " The Young Men's Library Association," and was managed under that name until May 8, 1874, when it was changed from the old form and re-organized under the State law, then recently passed, authorizing villages and cities to establish free public libraries. By this arrange- ment the library became a village institution, subject to municipal authority, and its affairs in the charge of nine trustees, appointed by the village board. The books are loaned free to all residents of the village, a deposit being required equal to the value of the book loaned. The ex- penses of the association are defrayed from a special fund raised by village tax ; the amount thus raised being enough to defray all expenses and provide each year for a consid- erable addition to the books of the library. It is thus placed on a sure foundation and reasonably sure, in a short time, to become one of the most valuable public libraries in the State. Its present excellent condition and popularity are in a great measure due to the fidelity and unwearied zeal and care of the present librarian, Dr. R. S. Wells, who has had charge of the books for the past sixteen years, and of whom it can alinost be said, that he has made the library what it is. Taking an active interest in his duties, and rig- orously enforcing the rules in respect to the loan of books ; he has not only kept the library in a good state of preser- vation, but has made it more generally patronized and valued by the general public, than it could possibly have become in less faithful keeping.

During his administration, over fifty lost volumes have been recovered, and only three lost. The public are under a debt of gratitude to Librarian Wells for the able and courteous manner in which he has filled his arduous duties.

The library contains twelve hundred and one. The present officers are : Thomas B. Tylor, president ; M. A. Thayer, vice-president; William H. Blyton, secretary. Di- rectors : L. S. Fisher, E. Nutting, F. A. Brown, William Lohmiller, J. D. Condit and J. H. Cummings. The officers, president, vice-president, secretary and librarian, being ap- pointed by the board of directors.

Public Halls .- The first public hall was built by Messrs. Nolan & Bowles, in the year 1856, situated on the corner of Oak and Water streets, directly opposite the handsome block, now known as Opera Block. Liberty Hall, as it was called, seemed to have been the first place of any note cal- culated for the accommodation of public assemblages. The first entertainment was given by a traveling magician, this

same year. In the Winter of 1867 and 1868, the block, now known as Opera Block, was built by Messrs. Greve & Adler Bros. The opera house is located on the corner of Oak and Water streets, with the entrance on Water street. This property, including the whole block known as Opera Block, was purchased by Messrs. T. B. Tyler and Ira Hill, in the Winter of 1880. Immediately after taking possession they closed the hall for repairs, the cost of which amounted to $2,000. The stores were also greatly improved by put- ting in new fronts, painting, and otherwise improving their appearance, making it one of the most attractive blocks in the village. The stores are very roomy and well lighted, and the location excellent. The repairs made on the hall add greatly to its advantages. It was always large enough, having a seating capacity for 800, but until the present owners took possession of it, was barren of adornments and poorly ceiled, heated and lighted. The scenery was also old, and not at all adapted to modern uses. This has all been changed by Messrs. Tyler & Hill; the defective acoustic properties remedied, new seats, new chandeliers, new heating apparatus, and entirely new scenery through- out. The auditorium is sixty-six feet square, stage thirty- two feet deep and ceiling twenty feet high. The citizens of Sparta can now boast of a fine opera hall, and one in which they may expect to have meritorious entertainments in future. Mr. Greve, one of the original owners of this block, was for a number of years identified with the town as one of its most zealous and enterprising citizens The Ida Hall must not be forgotten, situated in the south wing of the Ida House, and is a very pleasant hall. It has a stage about twenty feet deep, acoustic properties, and has a seating ca- pacity for about 300.

Fire Department .- The Sparta Fire Department was or- ganized May 19, 1879, appointing as chief engineer, G. A. Fisk, and W. H. Baldwin, engineer of steamer, hose car- riages and hook and ladder company. Fisk resigned his position April 1, 1881, and G. Simpson was appointed in his place. The department is under the town government, every man being paid something for his services, receiving from $25 to $125 per annum. The outfit of the company consists of one Silsby engine, two hose carriages, carrying 1,800 feet of hose, and one hook and ladder truck. This department did good service at the time of the fire in Union Block, December 24, 1879, saving a great deal of private property by their efforts. At the present time they number twenty-five members, and are well drilled in their duties.

In its early and late period of existence, Sparta has been visited several times by disastrous conflagrations, and the losers have always been prompt in rebuilding.

Bank of Sparta .- January 8, 1858, the Bank of Sparta was started by Mr. J. T. Hemphill, with a capital of $25,000. The first officers of the bank were J. T. Hemphill, presi- dent, and Samuel McCord, cashier. In 1865 it was organ- ized under the general banking law, as the First National Bank of Sparta, with a capital of $50,000, Mr. Hemphill re- maining president. This bank passed through the financial crisis of 1873, as well as the war times, and other hard times

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HISTORY OF MONROE COUNTY.

without suspension or difficulty of any kind. In the year 1878, the bank again changed its name to the Bank of Sparta, still having as capital $50,000. The present officers are J. T. Hemphill, president; T. B. Tyler, vice-presi- dent; E. H. Canfield, cashier; the directors are J. T. Hemphill, Ira A. Hill, James McCord, T. B.

Tyler, E. H. Canfield. The bank has a department giving all the advantages of a regular savings bank; it is at the present time, in a highly prosperous condition.

There is also a private banking institution run by Messrs. Thayer & Kingman, which does quite a large business, having a branch office in the village of Tomah. The bank- ing house has been established a number of years, and has a wide spread reputation. Mr. Kingman, the senior member, being one of the oldest settlers in the county, having reached Leon in the year 1851, since which time he has dealt very extensively in lands, from which he has secured a com- petency.

Hotels .- Sparta is particularly fortunate in being well supplied with good hotels. The Warner House built in the year 1861, by J. D. Condit, is the principal hotel in the village. This hotel, which was destroyed by fire, in Janu- ary, 1879, has been replaced by a large, commodious and substantial edifice, containing all the moderate improve- ments. It is located directly opposite the Court-house Park and the celebrated mineral springs, and is furnished with Turkish, Russian, electric and plain baths, electric bells, gas, etc.

The hotel is now under the management of B. F. Brown, a veteran hotel proprietor, assisted by his son-in-law, "Reed" Smith, who is becoming well known and liked for his earnest efforts to please.

This hotel was rebuilt in August, 1879, at a cost of $30,000, it contains fifty rooms, its dimensions being 100x80 feet, and is practically fire proof.

Winship House, situated at the Milwaukee & St. Paul Railroad depot, Capt. Conners, proprietor, and the Ida House, located on Water street, John Matchett, proprietor, are hotels of wide-spread reputation. There are others in the town, among which are the Wisconsin House, Sparta House, and American House. All doing their share of the business.

Lodges and Societies .- Valley Lodge, A. F. & A. M., No 60 .- Dispensation granted August 17, 1854. First meeting held at house of R. Kingman, August 26, 1854, when Mor- rison McMillan was installed as W. M. The charter was granted June 15, 1855, M. McMillan being the first W. M. under charter, since which time there has been nine W. M's and twelve secretaries. Names of the former are : Mor- rison McMillan, A. D. Soper, A. H. Condit, A. H. Isham, M. R. Gage, S. N. Dickinson, S. S. Field, D. C. Hope and C. M. Masters. Secretaries : Chester McClure, R. W. Bowles, E. F. Clinton, M. Montgomery, J. M. Sugden, Fred Lee, H. E. Kellogg, C. Aylesworth, A. Oppenheimer, E. C. Caskey, J. J. French and E. E. Boyden. The present offi- cers are : A. H. Isham, W. M .; S. Coughran, S. W .; L. D. Merrill, J. W .; F. Avery, Treas .; J. M. Sugden, Sec .; L. M.

Stevens, S. D .; D. S. Smith, J. D .; Robert Rathbun, Tiler. Number of members connected with lodge at present time, III. Value of lodge property, $900.

Sparta Chapter, No. 19, R. A. M .- Dispensation granted February 9, 1859, upon petition of Morrison McMillan, Sol- omon Howe, A. H. Condit, W. S. Lane, A. R. McLean, Thomas Deitcher, Robert Langley, E. Sanford Blake, E. F. Clinton, J. West Millour, Israel Graves, Chester McClure, E. S. McBride, J. D. Condit and R. H. McMahon. First meeting under dispensation held in Jackson's Hall, even- ing of March 11, 1859. at which time M. McMillan was in- stalled as High Priest. On the third day of February, 1860, charter was granted by Grand Lodge, and the Chapter con- stituted and officers installed April 19, following. A. H. Condit being first High Priest under the charter. During the twenty-two years of organization the Chapter has had but eleven High Priests, all of whom are now living but four. They have had seven secretaries, all of whom are still living and active members of the Chapter. The value of lodge property is about $900, with cash in the hands of the treasurer amounting to $721.89. They are in a pros- perous condition, numbering as members ninety-five. The present officers are : Ira A. Hill, H. P .; William Lohmiller, K .; H. Foster, S .; F. Avery, Treas .; J. M. Sugden, Sec .; C. W. Pott, C. H .; A. H. Isham, P. S .; S. Coughran, R. A. C .; M. R. Gage, 3rd V .; N. W. Huntley, 2nd V .; H. H. I., Childs, Ist V .; Robert Rathbun, guard.

Spartan Lodge, No. 94. I. O. O. F .- The present char ter was granted on the twenty-first day of January, 1869, with H. Palmer, R. Langley, L. S. Fisher, D. C. Fuller and S. P. Greenman as charter members. There was a lodge organized in or about the year 1854, but was disorganized, and its records were lost or destroyed. The lodge numbers over 100 members, and is in an extremely prosperous con- dition, having a well appointed hall, which it sub-lets to other orders, by this arrangement bringing quite a revenue into its treasury.

Sparta Encampment, No. 36, I. O. O. F .- Was insti- tuted January 19, 1870. Charter members were: A. W. Kemp, S. P. Greenman, G. Simpson, S. B. Hamilton, J. H. Allen, J. M. Tarr and W. F. Cook. At the first meeting, the following officers were elected: W. F. Cook, C. P .; G. Simpson, H. P .; J. H. Allen, S. W ; S. B. Hamilton, J. W .; J. W. Tarr, scribe; A. W. Kemp, treasurer. There are forty members, twenty-two of whom are uniformed. The property belonging to the Encampment is valued at $600.

Mineral Springs (Rebekah) Lodge, No. 41 .- Charter granted by Grand Lodge, December 3, 1874, with the fol- lowing signating members: A. W. Kemp, G. S. Shaw, Samuel Hoyt, E. E. Olin, I .. Greve, D. H. Smith, H. A. Streeter and W. P. Meyer ; Mrs. A. W. Kemp, Mrs. G. S. Shaw, Mrs. Samuel Hoyt, Mrs. E. E. Olin, Mrs. L. Greve. Mrs. D. H. Smith, Mrs. H. A. Streeter and Mrs. W. P. Meyer. The present number belonging to this lodge is forty.

Franklin Council, No. 301, Royal Arcanum .- Was insti- tuted on the fourth day of April, 1879, with thirty-three

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HISTORY OF NORTHERN WISCONSIN.

charter members. The first officers elected were: M. A. Thayer, regent; Dr. M. R. Gage, vice-regent; H. E. Kel- ley, treasurer; William Lohmiller, secretary; William McBride, guide; C. W. Graves, orator ; George A Richard- son, collector ; E. Thorbus, warden ; R. B. Rathbun, sentry. At this time there was appointed by the Grand Council as past regent, J. H. Cummings, it being necessary to have a representative from each subordinate council in the Grand Council. The council worked until the third day of May, 1880, under a dispensation, when the present charter was granted. The following officers were elected on the twen- tieth day of December, 1880, to serve the term of one year, and are: William Lohmiller, regent; O. L. Irwin, vice regent ; George A. Richardson, collector; H. E. Kelley, treasurer; W. McBride, secretary ; W. T. Searles, orator ; H. Foster, chaplain ; George Whitcomb, guide; E. Thor- bus, warden ; W. P. Palmer, sentry ; and M. A. Thayer and J. H. Cummings, past regents. Franklin Council bids fair to become one of the model councils of the State. By their great interest in the work, and close adherence to the ritnal, the members have become well versed in the work- ings of the order. The membership at the present time

numbers forty-six. They hold their meetings on the first and third Wednesdays of each month, in the Odd Fellows Hall, corner of Oak and Water streets. The financial con- cerns of the council are reported as being in a flourishing condition.

Knights of Pythias-Organized July 9, 1874, with the following charter members : M. R. Gage, A. W. Wilson, C. Blakeslee, W. H. Nott, J. M. Morrow, J. A. Harvey, C. B. McClure, D. C. Beebe, W. Goodale, J. V. Palmer and N. P. Lee. The lodge had a warrant granted them under, which they worked until July 1, 1875, when they received their charter from the Grand Lodge. They were authorized by the warrant to organize, constitute and establish a lodge of the Knights of Pythias, at Sparta, county of Monroe, State of Wisconsin, to be styled and known as the Sparta Lodge, No. 18, Knights of Pythias. The first officers of the lodge were : M. R. Gage, C. C .; D. C. Beebe, V. C .; W. H. Nott, P. C .; C. Blakeslee, P .; J. M. Morrow, M. A .; A. W. Welson, K. R. S .; C. B. McClure, M. F .; J. Harvey, M. E .; N. P. Lee, I. G .; W. Goodale, O. G .; lodge commencing with ten mem- bers. The meetings are held every Tuesday evening in the Odd Fellow's Hall, over Heller's store, where they have a well appointed meeting-room. The lodge at the present time numbers sixty-nine members.

Sparta Lodge, No 4, A. O. U. W .- Charter granted Oc- tober 11, 1876, with the following charter members : C. M. Masters, N. H. Holden, J. Andreas, G. W. Laing, C. Need- ham, C. W. Meadows, C. E. Boyden, A. W. Wilson, John Hankin, N. H. Ellis, S. Coughran, R. S. Ellis, T. G. Ellis, A. S. Ellis, J. Wanliss, M. Hansen, C. H. Garrett, S. M. Hoyt, H. S. Payne, Frank Foote and J. H. Ralston. The first officers were elected at this meeting, and were: C. M. Masters, M. W .; C. Needham, G .; J. Andreas, G. F .; C. W. Meadows, R .; G. M. Laing, O .; C. E. Boyden, F .; A. W. Wilson, Rec .; John Hankin, J. W .; N. H. Ellis, O.

W. Trustees : C. M. Masters, N. H. Holden and J. An- dreas. The number of members connected with the lodge is sixty-four; have their meeting night Saturday of each week, holding lodge in the Odd Fellow's Hall, corner of Water and Oak streets.

Good Templars .- As early as 1854, the ladies of Sparta organized a temperance society known as the Temperance Union. Up to 1855, there had been no liquor license granted, and the people seemed determined to be, as far as possible, a temperance town. The first regular liquor store was opened by A. Crosby in connection with a grocery store, and all the influence of the temperance society failed to rid the place of it. At this . time, they reorganized themselves and formed a Good Templars' lodge, comprising all the la- dies of the village, and a number of the leading citizens and young men. There are no records to show who the char- ter members were, but that they prospered in their laud- able undertaking, is well authenticated by the prosperity of their present lodge. Among the prominent advocates for temperance, are Mrs. McCoy, Mrs. Armstrong and Mrs. Harris. These ladies are earnest workers in the cause, Mrs. McCoy being secretary of the Women's Christian Temperance Union, which was organized here, May 1I, 1880, by a few brave and determined women. The princi- ples are total abstinence and prohibition. The officers of this lodge are : President, Mrs. E. L. Seamens ; Secretary, Mrs. B. E. McCoy; Treasurer, Mrs. R. B. Sabin. Al- though this a new society in the village, it numbers among its members some of the leading ladies of the village.

WAR RECORD.

When the news of the fall of Fort Sumter was received at Sparta, the general feeling of indignation felt by the en- tire North, did not escape the citizens of this loyal town, and at no place in the United States was the President's call for troops more promptly responded to, than in this village. There were six full companies, and a part of a seventh, furnished by Sparta and vicinity. The first com- pany organized in Sparta was known as Capt. Lynn's, and its members were first enlisted for the period of three months ; but as soon as it became known that troops were required for a longer term of service, the company was re- organized, and nearly every man who had enlisted for the short term re-enlisted for three years, or during the war. This company was ordered to Racine, Wis., where it was assigned to the Fourth Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry, June 6, 1861, and was designated Company I, of that regiment. The officers of this company, upon leaving Sparta, were: John W. Lynn, captain ; Levi R. Blake, first lieutenant, and Ansyl A. West, second lieutenant. Capt. Lynn was killed on board the gunboat "Tyler," July 15, 1862, while on an expedition toward Vicksburg. During the entire war, this regiment was in active service, and has left behind it a most praiseworthy record. It was mustered out of service June 16, 1866. Company A, Third Wisconsin, Barstow's Calvary, was organized about the middle of July, 1861, by Capt. Jerry Dammon, of Sparta ; its first lieutenant being Robert Carpenter, of Sparta, and second, Leonard Morley,

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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