USA > Wisconsin > Dodge County > The History of Dodge County, Wisconsin, containing a history of Dodge County, its early settlement, growth, development, resources, etc > Part 83
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SOCIETIES.
This is a temperance community, there being no saloons in the place, the majority of the citizens believing, with the Apostle Paul, " It is good neither to eat meat or to drink wine, or anything whereby thy brother is made to offend," and require but little "for their stomachs' sake."
But one benevolent organization is represented in the village-that of Oak Grove Lodge, No. 7, I. O. O. F. This Lodge was one of the first instituted in the State, but has not been in continuous existence, taking for some years a Rip Van Winkle sleep, from which it has been awakened, and from this onward, in the name of "Friendship, Love and Truth," they propose to do valiant service. Meet every Friday evening at their hall, in Oak Grove.
FIRST THINGS.
The first settler was Maj. Pratt.
The first settlers were principally from New York and Vermont.
Maj. Pratt built the first house and hotel.
Ethan Owen was the first Postmaster.
Rev. Moses Ordway preached the first sermon.
Messrs. Lander & Spaulding opened the first store, in 1844.
Samuel P. Vinton and Caroline Owen were the first couple united in the " holy bonds of matrimony."
Mrs. Fuller taught the first school.
First public road was the old Indian trail from Watertown to Fox Lake.
First schoolhouse was built of logs, in 1844.
First death was that of Joseph Payne, who was the first to be buried in the cemetery, the ground of which was donated by himself.
The first funeral sermon was preached by Rev. Walter Lyon, a Universalist minister, on the occasion of the death of one of Mr. Grout's children.
The Congregationalists built the first church.
Oak Grove is a small but pleasant country village, with no railroad. It is a good place for a quiet home. There are at present here, one hotel, two general stores, one millinery store, one blacksmith shop, one wagon shop, one shoe shop, one tailor shop. Population, 150.
CHAPTER XII.
VILLAGES.
RANDOLPH : THE FIRST DEED-GOVERNMENT-FIRST THINGS-POST OFFICE-MANUFACTORIES- HOTELS-NEWSPAPERS-SCHOOLS-EXPORTS-CHURCHES-SOCIETIES. MAYVILLE : INDUCE- MENTS TO SETTLERS-POST OFFICE-SCHOOLS-CHURCHES-HOTELS-SOCIETIES-MERCANTILE -VILLAGE GOVERNMENT. WOODLAND-REESEVILLE-IRON RIDGE-BURNETT JUNCTION- RUBICON-PORTLAND-NEOSHO-LOWELL-DANVILLE-MINNESOTA JUNCTION.
RANDOLPH.
Following the building of a railroad, will be found villages springing up here and there, some of which are of mushroom growth, while others are the work of years, and show to the most casual observer an air of stability. Among the latter is the beautiful little village of Randolph, situated in the western part of the county. On the completion of the Milwaukee & La Crosse Railroad, now the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul, the citizens living near the pres- ent village, for their own convenience, desired that a station should be located here. The Com- pany proposed to erect a good depot building and the necessary side tracks, provided ground should be donated to them for that purpose. In the person of Abiel Stark was found one with sufficient public spirit to furnish the required land ; and on the 3d day of March, 1857, he executed to the Company the following deed :
THIS INDENTURE, Made this 3d day of March, in the year of our Lord, one thousand eight hundred and fifty- seven, between Abiel Stark and Jane A., his wife, of Fox Lake, party of the first part, and the La Crosse & Milwau- kee Railroad Company, party of the second part, all of the State of Wisconsin, Witnesseth, that the said party of the first part, for and in consideration of the sum of one dollar, to them in hand paid, by the said parties of the second part, the receipt whereof is hereby confessed and acknowledged, have given, granted, bargained, sold, remised, released, aliened, conveyed and confirmed. and by these presents does give, grant, bargain, sell, remise, release, alien, convey and confirm unto the said party of the second part, their heirs and assigns forever, for a depot for said Com- pany, a certain piece or parcel of land, situate in the county of Dodge, and described as follows, to wit: Commenc- ing at the southeast corner of a strip of land, north of right of way, on southwest quarter of Section six (6), Town- ship thirteen (13) north, of Range thirteen (13) ; thence running north on the highway, from right of way, two hun- dred and sixteen feet; thence west nine hundred feet ; thence south one hundred and sixty-six feet; thence west four hundred and fifty-three feet, to county line ; thence south fifty feet to the said right of way, containing five acres of land, more or less, together with all and singular the hereditaments and appurtenances thereunto belonging, or in any wise appertaining; and all the estate, right, title, interest, claim, or demand whatsoever of the said party of the first part, either in law or equity, either in possession or expectancy of, in and to the above bargained premises and their hereditaments and appurtenances. to have and to hold the said premises above described, with the heredita- ments and appurtenances, unto the said party of the second part, and to his heirs and assigns forever.
And the said Abiel Stark, for himself, his heirs, executors and administrators, does covenant, grant, bargain and agree to and with the said party of the second part, his heirs and assigns, that at the time of the ensealing and delivery of these presents, were well seized of the premises, above described, as of a good, sure, perfect, absolute and indefeasible state of inheritance, in the law, in fee simple, and that the same are free and clear from all incum- brances whatever, and that the above bargained premises, in the quiet and peaceable possession of the said party of the second part, their heirs and assigns, against all and every person or persons, lawfully claiming the whole or any part thereof, he will forever warrant and defend.
In witness whereof, The said party of the first part have hereunto set their hands and seals the day and year first above written.
Sealed and delivered in the presence of FRANCIS WANS, JOHN CONVERSE.
ABIEL STARK, [L. S.]
JANE A. STARK. [L. S.] 1
STATE OF WISCONSIN, ?
COUNTY OF COLUMBIA.
Be it remembered, that on the 3d day of March, A. D. 1857, personally came before me the above named Ahiel Stark, and Jane S., his wife, to me known to be the said persons who executed the said deed, and acknowledged the same to be their free act and deed, for the uses and purposes therein mentioned.
JOHN CONVERSE, Notary Public.
555
HISTORY OF DODGE COUNTY.
The above deed was received for record at the office of the Register of Deeds, at 11:45 A. M., April 30, 1857.
A temporary depot was erected the same month in which the deed was made, and used until the completion of the present building, in August following.
The first plat of the village was made December 2, 1857, principally on the farm of Abiel Stark, together with five acres held jointly by Abiel Stark and John Converse. In May (1858) following, Dickinson's addition was surveyed, followed by an addition in June, 1859, by Abiel Stark, and one in October, the same year, by Mr. Hollinshead, this last being within Columbia County.
In April, 1857, John Converse finished the first building erected on the present site of the village, and used the same as a dwelling. Others were soon afterward in the course of erec- tion, and erelong a thriving little village sprung up, which has had a steady growth to the present, not increasing rapidly in numbers, but adding a few year by year, and also increasing steadily in materal wealth.
The first store building was erected in the same year by H. B. Converse ; the first ware- house by S. Merrill.
The growth of the village has been a gradual one, both in numbers and in the material wealth of the place; and, at present writing (January, 1880), it presents as neat an appearance as any to be found in the State, with a large number of excellent dwelling-houses and stores, doing a first-class business, with a population of about five hundred. Few of the first settlers of the place now remain, some having moved away, while others have passed " over the river," it is hoped to a better land. Abiel Stark, the real founder of the place, departed this life in August, 1869, enjoying the respect and confidence of all who knew him. He was a consistent member of the Baptist Church, and died in the faith. Mr. John Converse died in August, 1879, surviving Mr. Stark some ten years.
It is well to state here that the village was first given the name of Converseville, from Mr. John Converse; it was afterward changed to Westfield, and, finally, to Randolph-the name by which, doubtless, it will be known to the end of time. For the first thirteen years, it was attached to the town of Westford; but, in the winter of 1869-70, the Legislature of the State passed an act incorporating Randolph as a village, and, on the 8th day of March, 1870, the first charter election was held.
GOVERNMENT.
The charter contained a provision that the President of the Board should always be a resi- dent of the East Ward, or that part lying within the limits of Dodge County, for the reason that the larger portion of the village lies in that ward. The following village officers have been elected since the act of incorporation :
1870-President, Dr. William Meacher. Trustees, East Ward-R. C. Penney and A. Jones ; West Ward-G. C. Foster and J. Binny. Assessor, R. D. Calkins ; Treasurer, R. Ilsey ; Constable, Morris Taylor. Justices, East Ward-D. Kenyon; West Ward-S. M. Smith. Clerk, S. M. Smith.
1871-President, Alvarado Jones. Trustees, East Ward-N. Rasmusson and G. C. Fos- ter; West Ward-R. Arms and J. Binny. Assessor, M. Wilson ; Treasurer, R. C. Penney. Supervisors, East Ward-J. E. Root; West Ward-S. M. Smith. Constable, Walter Hinch- liffe ; Clerk, S. M. Smith.
1872-President, James Knowles. Trustees, East Ward-Martin Allen and I. S. Butter- field ; West Ward-J. Stalker and G. C. Foster. Supervisors, East Ward-J. E. Root ; West Ward-S. M. Smith. Treasurer, R. D. Evans. Justices, East Ward-H. B. Converse ; West Ward-J. Stalker. Constable, Walter Hinchliffe; Clerk, H. B. Converse.
1873-President, J. J. Stocks elected, but resigned, and James Knowles appointed by the Board to fill vacancy. Trustees, East Ward-James Knowles and J. G. Stark ; West Ward- R. S. Richmond and R. Arms. Supervisors, East Ward-J. E. Root; West Ward-J.
1
556
HISTORY OF DODGE COUNTY.
Stalker. Treasurer, R. D. Evans ; Assessor, A. Jones. Justices, West War mond ; East Ward-H. B. Converse. Constable, M. G. Toby ; Clerk, H. B. 1874-President, R. D. Calkins. Trustees, East Ward-M. Wilson and West Ward-G. C. Foster and J. Stalker. Treasurer, R. D. Calkins ; Asse Supervisors, East Ward-H. B. Converse ; West Ward-W. T. Whirry. Just -H. B. Converse; West Ward-W. T. Whirry. Constable, J. A. Townsend Converse.
K. S. Rich-
verse.
asmusson ;
. Jones.
Ward B.
1875-President, James Knowles. Trustees, East Ward-J. G. Stark ak ige- low ; West Ward-R. S. Richmond and J. Stalker. Treasurer, R. D. Evans ; ". J. J. Coleman. Supervisors, East Ward-J. E. Root; West Ward-J. Stalker. East
Ward-H. B. Converse ; West Ward-W. T. Whirry. Constable, J. A. Townse E. Root.
rk, J.
1876-President, R. D. Calkins. Trustees, East , Ward-R. N. Rasmuss(. Bigelow ; West Ward-R. S. Richmond and Richard irms. Treasurer, R. D. I. sor, C. J. Coleman. Justices, East Ward-R. D. 'kins; West Ward-Roy Supervisors, East Ward-J. E. Root ; West Ward-J,. alker. Constable, J. A. Clerk, R. G. Roberts.
C. O.
Asses-
ams.
end;
1877-President, James Knowles. Trustees, Ea , Ward-J. G. Stark and son ; West Ward-J. Roberts and R. S. Richmond. Assess r, C. J. Coleman ; Treasu. . D. Evans. Supervisors, East Ward-J. E. Root ; West Ward-J. Stalker. Justices, . Vard -R. D. Calkins ; West Ward-Roger Williams. Constable, J. A. Townsend ; Cl. S. E. Hughes.
1878-President, W. S. Johnson. Trustees, East Ward-H. W. Owen and N. Rasmus- son ; West Ward-G. C. Foster and R. V. Roberts. Assessor, C. J. Coleman ; Treas irer, R. D. Evans. Supervisors, East Ward-J. E. Root; West Ward-G. C. Foster. Justi: es, East Ward-R. D. Calkins ; West Ward-Roger Williams. Clerk, R. G. Roberts.
1879-President, C. J. Coleman. Trustees, East Ward-C. O. Bigelow and E. P Jones ; West Ward-R. S. Richmond and Roger Williams. , Assessor, M. Wilson ; Treasurer, R. D. Evans. Supervisors, East Ward-J. E. Root; West. Ward-G. C. Foster. Constable. M. D. French ; Clerk, J. G. Stark.
FIRST THINGS.
The first settler where the village now stands va's John Hopper, who owned forty acres of land on what is now known as Dickenson's Addition to the village.
The first child born in the village was Jessie R. Converse.
The first school was taught by Lura L. Stark, daughter of Abiel and Jane Stark, in .. . 1858-59.
The first lawyer was M. M. Fowler, who located here in 1859.
The first load of wheat sold in the place was in August, 1857, by C. N. Ashley to . W. Goldsmith.
The village, like the country surrounding, was first settled by emigrants from the Last ; but, of late years, a large number of Welsh have made their homes here, and to-day this people comprise about 40 per cent of the population. They are an industrious and thrifty class, and make good citizens and neighbors. They have two flourishing churches.
POST OFFICE.
The first Postmaster in the village was John Converse, then James Knowles, and last, James E. Root, who received his appointment in 1873, the first year of Grant's second term. Mr. Root came to the village in 1861, and has resided here ever since, being held in high esteem by the entire community. The office was made a money-order office in 1872, the first order drawn being in favor of the Andes Insurance Company, of Cincinnati, by S. M. Smith, for the sum of $29.50. The amount of the business now. being done yearly is about $20,000.
557
HISTORY OF DODGE COUNTY.
1
MANUFACTORIES, ETC.
1861. of the the
Two . ' dve been built, the first in 1859, by Converse & Stevely, which was burned in was erected some twelve years after, by Fred Zollner, assisted by the farmers "hood, who contributed some $2,000 for that purpose. This, too, was burned to fay, 1879.
e elevators are here, each handling a large amount of grain, and owned and con- wes Knowles & Co!".
troll?
of its
State of Wisconsinf has obtained an enviable reputation for the quantity and quality "And in no place is this article better made than in the village of Randolph. In the D. Calkins commenced its manufacture, and, during the past season, he used the two hundred cows, and manufactured about thirty thousand pounds of cheese, doing the average price per pound as at 10 cents, will net the snug little sum of
year 1. . milk of . which, $3,000. !"Calkins buys his milk of the neighboring farmers, paying therefor about 90 cents Afunds.
per h
reantile trade of the place is rather above the average, there being about twenty stores kinds, including dry good: , groceries, hardware, millinery, drug, book, boot and shoe,
, :
10828 HOTELS.
hotel history of Randolph dates back with the foundation of other institutions which
gave t. place its early importance. The Russell House, built by H. H. Russell, was the first hotel. was afterward known as the Shepard House, and later as the Dunham House, but not long since took its original name; it is now closed. The Clement House, owned by Edward Clement and leased by E. L. Hoyt, has weathered the storm of hard times, and is still open to the publ' c.
NEWSPAPERS.
Randolph, like many other like villages, has had its newspaper. On the 1st day of Jan- uary, 1: 73, the first number of the Randolph Enterprise made its appearance, J. S. Lightner, publisher; Dr. Hacston, editor. For two years, the Doctor continued its editor, when Mr. L., its publisher. donned the editorial harness and remained in charge for about one year, dur- ing which time it attained its greatest circulation. At the expiration of this time, Mr. L. sold the material and good will of the office to E W. Stevens, who continued it for another year, then selling to Messrs. Brown & Foster, who changed its name to Lively Times, and which, if report be true, was less lively than any of its predecessors. Before the expiration of the year, they suspended the paper and moved the material of the office to another part of the State, since which time no effort has been made to fill its place.
SCHOOLS.
('ne of the best criterions by which to judge a village or city is the condition of its public schools, and we are happy to say Randolph will not suffer by comparison. In 1867, it was dis- covered the old schoolhouse was entirely unsuited to the wants of a thriving village, and steps were at once taken for the erection of a better building. A site was chosen by a committee appointed for that purpose, and, the following year, the contract was let for the building of a house 34x50 feet, two stories in height, for the sum of $4,000. J. Roberts, N. Rasmusson and R. D. Calkins are the present Directors, with John J. Loyd, Principal, and Miss Jennie Mar- vin, Assistant, in charge of the school.
EXPORTS.
Through the kindness of Mr. C. H. Smith, the gentlemanly station agent of the place, we are permitted to give the amount of the shipments of the place in the past year, showing what is being done in this line : Wheat, 5,574,000 pounds ; barley, 365,840 pounds ; potatoes,
558
HISTORY OF DODGE COUNTY.
66,780 pounds ; cattle, 772,000 pounds ; hogs, 852,000 pounds ; butter, 57,475 pounds ; wool, 86,000 pounds. If reduced to cars, we have, of wheat, 279; of barley, 1; potatoes, 4; cattle, 65 ; hogs, 71; butter, 3; wool, 7; a total of 438 cars for the year.
CHURCHES.
There are in the place four churches, viz .: Baptist, Methodist Episcopal, Welsh Methodist Episcopal and Welsh Congregational, each with large, comfortable church buildings.
Baptist .- This Church was organized in February, 1867, with twenty-seven members, Elder Moore being its first Pastor. The erection of a suitable place of worship was at once taken in hand, and, in March, 1868, the present building was completed, at a cost of $5,000. The membership of the Church increased rapidly until it numbered at one time nearly one hundred, but of late years it has been decreased by removals and deaths until their number has become so small they are not able to have regular services. They also have disbanded their Sunday school and stopped their weekly meetings for prayer. The following named have served as Pastors of the Church since its organization : Elders Saxton, First, Heagle, McLeod and Sweet. The present Trustees are D. D. Ashley, Lewis Brown and R. D. Calkins.
Methodist Episcopal .- Considerable difficulty was experienced in obtaining information in relation to this congregation, their records being kept in an imperfect manner. The Dodge County Directory, published in 1872, gives the date of the erection of their church building as 1859, but no record could be found prior to 1864. The Church is now in a very flourishing condition, having a membership of about one hundred and an average attendance in their Sun- day school of eighty. Their church building is a large frame, with basement, and convenient yard and sheds for the accommodation of the teams of the country brethren. The following reverend gentleman have served as Pastors : B. R. Shepherd, C. C. Lathrop, D. Brown, F. T. Allen, Mr. Window, J. B. Cooper, Mr. Olmstead, Mr. Woodbread and A. Reed, the present Pastor ..
Welsh Methodist Episcopal .- This society was organized in 1868 with thirty-two members. It first worshiped in a schoolhouse purchased at a cost of $248. In 1876, their present sub- stantial building was erected at a cost of $3,000. Its size is 32x46. Like the other churches, it has a yard and suitable sheds for the convenience of country brethren. The Church is in a flourishing condition and the members are working together harmoniously. They employ no regular Pastor. Rev. Thomas Faulks and Rev. Thomas R. Jones are the resident local preachers. Present membership of Church, eighty-seven ; Sunday school, seventy-five.
Welsh Congregational Church .- Organized in July, 1876, with the following named mem- bers : John Lewis, James Thomas, H. C. Ellis, William E. Roberts, John W. Davis, J. D. Jones, William R. Roberts, Peter Thomas, Griffith R. Jones. The congregation is in good condition, with a membership of forty-five. They have only had one Pastor since their organi- zation-Rev. J. P. Evans. Their church building was erected in 1877 at a cost, including site, of $3,100. James Thomas and John W. Davis are Deacons ; Griffith R. Jones, Treas- urer ; R. Griffiths, Secretary ; H. C. Ellis, O. W. Lloyd, William J. Davis, Trustees. The average attendance of Sunday school is forty-four.
SOCIETIES.
But one benevolent or temperance organization is in the place, that of the Temple of Honor No. 33, organized in January, 1876, by Col. Watrous, G. W. T., with sixty-four charter mem- bers. The Temple is in a flourishing condition, meets every Tuesday evening in Temple Hall (Baptist Church).
The following named comprise the charter members: C. A. Bigelow, W. S. Johnson, R. D. Evans, J. W. Olmstead, C. J. Coleman, R. G. Roberts, F. O. Bolles, W. H. Albright, J. M. Albright, Hans Johnson, J. A. Lightner, M. H. Epley, J. M. Allen, John G. Griffin, M. F. Arms, H. Gilmore, J. H. Rockfellow, John E. Hughes, W. F. Root, James Lockhart, O. C.
Of Clans BEAVER DAM
561
HISTORY OF DODGE COUNTY.
Dibble, R. N. Rasmusson, H. C. Dunham, W. Byron, J. W. Townsend, John D. Davis, H. W. Owen, Charles Heyer, F. D. Taylor, W. W. Alnard, H. Phelps, David L. Hughes, D. S. John- son, John H. Owens, George G. Roberts, H. C. Williams, William E. Owens, D. Isely, O. F. Lloyd, Milton Jones, Thomas R. Jones, O. D. Scofield, John Jess, Charles W. Hinchliffe, W. Chapman, Thomas C. Williams, John Lloyd, N. Rasmusson, G. C. Foster, Frank Dibble, Junius Marvin, F. Yoaker, J. H. Phelps, R. H. Mead, William Syke, E. H. Holmes, James Hanson, Thomas Alrinds, J. H. Holmes, H. Hutchinson, S. J. Butterfield, W. L. Price, E. Bryant, M. Neilson.
The first officers were C. O. Bigelow, W. C. T .; W. S. Johnson, W. V. T .; R. D. Evans, P. W. C. T .; C. J. Coleman, W. R .; R. G. Roberts, W. A. R .; M. Arms, W. F. R .; H. Dunham, W. T .; Charles Hinchliffe, W. M .; W. Chapman, W. G .; E. Holmes, W. S .; G. C. Foster, W. T. D.
Present officers, R. D. Calkins, W. C. T .; H. Hammer, W. V. T .; W. W. Lloyd, W. R .; C. Hutchinson, W. A. R .; Dr. C. M. Willis, W. F. R .; N. Rasmusson, W. T .; James Marvin, W. U .; Hans Larson, W. D. U .; John Eggleston, W. G .; W. S. Johnson, W. S .; W. C. Foster, P. W. C. T .; John Lloyd, W. T. D.
MAYVILLE.
This is one of the oldest villages in the county, its history dating back to 1845. It is situated about the center of Williamstown Township, on the Rock River and on the line of the Fond du Lac, Amboy & Peoria Railroad.
In the year above mentioned, Alvin and William Foster and Chester and S. P. May selected the place as their future home. These gentlemen came from Fort Atkinson in the early spring, traveling in a common lumber-wagon, and were searching for a good water-power. Isaac H. Chandler crossed them over Rock River, at Horicon, on a raft. In crossing, the raft tipped up and the entire party were spilled into the river, just a little way from the shore from which they were starting. They were all large men, weighing in the neighborhood of two hundred and twenty pounds each. They sank in the water up to their arm-pits. Wading back to the shore, they first dried their clothes and rag money, which was then prevalent, and were crossed over one at a time. Proceeding on their way, they came to the present site of the village, and at once came to the conclusion that they had found the place which they were seeking, and that they were right in their surmises, a visit to the locality will convince the most incredulous, for a finer water-power cannot be found on the river between Rock Island and its head-waters.
After making their claims, these gentlemen proceeded to erect cabins, which being finished, Alvin Foster and the Mays returned to their old homes, leaving William to superintend the building of a dam, the contract of which was given to William Goodrich. With the help of Mr. Chandler, who drew the trees to the place with his team of oxen, the dam was soon built, and a saw-mill also put in operation, the proprietorship of which was invested in the Fosters and Mays.
INDUCEMENTS TO SETTLERS.
In order to facilitate the formation of a settlement, the proprietors of the prospective village determined to offer inducements to all who would make their home among them. To that end, they first erected a building for the purposes of a general store, which they offered to any one who would open out a general stock of merchandise. This offer was accepted by Thomas and Benjamin Palmer, who came to the place in 1847. At this time, there was not a road located, and, with their stock of goods, the Messrs. Palmer had to follow the paths made through the timber, avoiding the underbrush as much as possible, and, through difficulties, seek the place of their future residence. Another offer, made by Messrs. Foster & May, was the gift of a lot to any one who would build and occupy a residence thereon. This offer was accepted by quite a number, and consequently the village grew rapidly at the start.
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