USA > Wisconsin > Rock County > The History of Rock County, Wisconsin: Its Early Settlement, Growth, Development, Resources, Etc. > Part 91
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Among the most prominent members of this wonderful body may be mentioned Isaac Woodle, Charles S. Jordan, William Mitchell, William Hodson, "Judge" Lynch, Dr. Robin- son, Godfrey Bishop, John P. Hoyt, Ira Justin, James M. Burgess and Judge Arinstrong. There were many others who participated in the remarkable doings of the Thousand and One, but the foregoing individuals were the chief " conspirators."
While initiating some poor victim who had fallen into their hands, they professed to claim Confucius. as their patron saint, and would swear the initiate " by the sacred toe of Buddha !" They carried their extravagances even beyond the walls of their " sacred temple," in Lappin's Block. The hotels, the courts and other public places were frequently the scenes of practical jokes perpetrated upon unsuspecting strangers by members of this audacious band, the Thou- sand and One. They were the life of the town in their day. Their chiefest joy was in the initiation of a book agent or a lightning-rod man.
A lecturer on astronomy once came here from Boston. It is related that lie "saw more stars " in one night in Janesville, through the medium of the Thousand and One, than he had ever before discovered in all his astronomical experience. He was made to believe he could not draw an audience unless he became a member of the Thousand and One. IIc finally consented to become a candidate for initiation, not, however, until the secrets of his life had been ascer- tained from his own lips by members of the organization. It was during a scason of excite- ment over the " developments " made by an Eastern Spiritualist, and when the Boston star- ganzer found himself within the precincts of the "temple," and heard the dark pa ges of li : life read by "our patron saint, Confucius," his leanings toward the doctrine of that class of mys- tics professing to be under the guidance of the Divine Spirit inclined no longer at an angle of doubt.
Grand Senior IIodson had a list of the questions to be asked written in pencil across the face of. a well-worn ace of clubs. These questions covered the astronomer's history, so far as " Billy " Mitchell and others had been able to obtain it. The Grand Senior would then inter. rogate the "spirit of Confucius," directing it to answer by a system of rappings, well under- stood by Isaac Woodle, who, armed with a ponderous club, personated the "spirit " in a vigor- ous manner. The candidate, who sat blindfolded on a dry-goods box, in the middle of the floor, would be called upon to confirm or deny the correctness of the answers. These proceedings were carried on with the profoundest solemnity.
An occasional interruption came from a member just arrived, who reported the death of a brother member. With the greatest nonchalance, a donation of $5,000 or $10,000 would be
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voted the widow immediately, and the work of initiation proceed. It is said that the priva life of the astronomer was so faithfully depicted that he pleaded for mercy, and begged that h be allowed to relate the rest himself. A vote was then taken on the question whether " the spirit of Confucius " or the candidate should finish the information. It was unanimous in favor of the former. The candidate made another touching appeal, and promised to faithfully divulge every scrap of his past history. Being warned in the most solemn manner-the warn- ings being emphasized by unearthly sounds and groans-that "the spirit of Confucius " would correct any mis-statements that might be made, the trembling and exhausted man was then per- mitted to tell all he knew, which he did with such wonderful accuracy and detail that it became necessary to check him, lest he furnish evidence that would hang him in any State where capital punishment was the extreme penalty.
The " Boston man " was then " elevated in a blanket " until evory muscle and sinew in his system was stretched to its utmost tension, after which he was dropped through a chute to the dressing-room, from whence he dragged himself, battered and bleeding, to his hotel, glad to escape with his life. He left Janesville on the morning train, a wiser but not a better man, for he was heard to swcar vengeance upon his persecutors.
On another occasion, a mechanical genius came to Janesville with a patent three-wheeled buggy. It was a novelty in its way. Its owner received immediate attention from the Thou- sand and One. They borrowed his vehicle to " try it." Being unaccustomed to three-wheeled buggies, of course they broke it. The patentee was very much incensed, but could see no way of recovering damages for his loss. Soon after the unfortunate occurrence, he was approached by " Billy " Mitchell, who, under promise of secresy, confided a plan whereby the injured man might be recompensed. Mitchell said the men who had broken the buggy belonged to the Thousand and One; that if he (the owner of the queer contrivance) would join that Order, after becoming a member he could claim and recover damages. He joined, but his experience was similar to that of the Boston astronomer, and his departure from Janesville quite as sudden.
Another favorite amusement, and one that furnished to them the rarest of sport, was the "snipe drive." It was necessary that the subject in this case should be a little " green," else even the remarkable plausibility of the wags conducting the " drive " would fail to convince the victim that Wisconsin snipe were different from any other species of that bird, and would not be captured in any other way. The programme was this : Ifalf a dozen or so of the mem- bers of the Thousand and One, having previously spotted their victim, would make their appear- ance, wearing rubber boots, at one of the public resorts or the place of abode of the subject. They were going on a snipe drive, and needed some one to hold the bag ; there were thousands of these delicious birds just at the south end of town, and they could be caught by the bushel. Who would go along and hold the bag ? The bait was generally swallowed by the right person. Furnishing their victim with a pair of long boots and a large bag, made of gunny material, the the crowd were not long in reaching Spring Brook. Arriving at " the only spot where snipe were ever caught." the individual with the bag would be instructed to wade into the creek and remain, while " the rest of the boys " went down the stream to "whistle up the snipe." He was also told that when he saw the birds coming he should hold open the bag and they would fly into it In that position he was left, while " the boys " returned to the city, informing every one they met of the joke. More than one individual has quit Janesville forever, after returning from an unsuccessful " snipe drive."
The Ely trial will long be remembered as the most unique and successful piece of waggery ever perpetrated by this immortal brotherhood. In 1850, George B. Ely came to Janesville and hung out his shingle as an attorney. He came directly from a famous New York law school. Ely was a scholar in everything except experience. He came to Janesville and opened an ofice with a considerable flourish. He did not hesitate to say that he would "teach this back woods bar some law." From the day of his arrival he was regarded by the Thousand and One as a first-class subject, but they were compelled to handle him with care on account of his display of superior knowledge on all topics. After repeated consultations, it was decided that Isaac Woodle
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should approach Ely and engage him to defend William Mitchell, then a law student in Woodle's office, against a charge of robbery in having, as alleged, stolen a dollar bill from William Hodson. The " trial " was to be had before J. N. Corson, who had but recently been elected Justice of the Peace, but had not yet qualified, thereby being incapacitated from sitting in judgment in any save a mock trial. Woodle confidentially informed Ely that he did not believe Mitchell was guilty, but he knew that a determined effort would be made to convict him, therefore he desired that the best legal talent in Janesville be retained for the defense. "You flatter me," replied Mr. Ely, " but I'll take the case." It was the first case he had had an opportunity to take. Though he had been heard to remark that he did not suppose there was much dignity about a Janesville court. he had never been inside of one to know if what he said was true or not. To impress him with the urbanity of the Janesville judiciary was the object in view.
The day for the trial came, and as the hour approached for the court to convene, counsel for defense appeared at the bar, staggering under the weight of the codes of half a dozen States. Counsel for the prosecution were there, several of the leading members of the bar having volun- teered to aid in bringing the "culprit" to justice. The prisoner being arraigned, pleaded not guilty, and the prosecution opened by calling the complaining witness, William Hodson. Mr. Hodson identified a dollar bill taken from the accused when he was arrested, as his property. Mr. Ely had anticipated that the witnesses on the other side would swear to almost anything, and was not surprised that one of them could identify one particular dollar bill out of several millions then afloat in the Union. He told the Court so. The Court was not quite so credulous, apparently, and it remonstrated with the witness for swearing to such an impossibility. The witness retaliated by calling the Court an old fool, whereat the entire audience, with a single exception, jumped upon the benches and chairs, and in language more forcible than elegant. impeached the integrity of " his Honor " before his face, at the same time threatening to lynch the witness if he did not continue to swear that dollar bill was his identical property. Ely appealed to the Court, and asked if there were no means of removing the mob from its presence. There seemed to be none, in the opinion of the Court. Other witnesses were then called, each being sworn by a different person, notwithstanding the protests of the counsel for the defense. While " his Honor " and a witness were engaged in calling each other names over a dispute which had arisen between them about a matter entirely foreign to the one on trial, William Mur-, doch walked into the room with a long string of fish, and depositing them on the table among Mr. Ely's codes, drew from his pocket a pack of cards, proposing to play any man in the crowd for an equivalent against " that string of fish." In the tumult that followed. the court adjourned, and the prisoner walked boldly out upon the street without guard or shackle. Ely was non- pluscd. Proceeding to the office of a friend and brother attorney, he related his experience, and with an air of disgust, said it only confirmed his previous opinion of Janesville justice and of the Janesville bar. He soon learned, however, that it was all a joke, but it is said Ely did not become thoroughly sophisticated until after he had held the bag for a " snipe drive."
A. Hyatt Smith remembers having dined (at his own expense) with a few of the ring leaders of this ungodly band of wags. It was at Lake Koshkonong, where Mr. Smith had sought sweet surcease from the trials of railway management for a few days' angling and camp- ing-out. Telegrams were received in Janesville simultaneously by Mr. Smith's grocer, poulterer and baker, and the individual who occasionally furnished him with " medicinal stimulants," instructing them to forward to his address at Koshkonong, by a particular train, certain amounts of the choicest supplies in the stores of the respective dealers. Strange as it may seem, the train which carried the delicious provisions to Mr. Sinith also bore a number of the members of the Thousand and One. The fun lasted several days, Mr. Smith entering into it with a zest. Not, however, until he was presented with the bills upon his return to Janesville, with the forged clograms attached, did he surmise that he was paying so dearly for his fun at Lake Koshkonong.
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HISTORY OF ROCK COUNTY.
JANESVILLE A QUARTER OF A CENTURY AGO. [ From the Janesville Daily Recorder. ]
Mills and Factories .- The Big Mill, which occupied the ground now covered by the post- office building, was owned by A. Hyatt Smith and M. O. Walker, and run by L. E. Stone and J. C. Jenkins. Farmers' Mill, owned by Timothy Jackman and S. W. Smith. Excelsior Mill -A. Hyatt Smith, owner. Monterey Mill, owned and operated by Heller & Henderson. Monterey Stone Mills, owned and run by C. Dustin. Woolen factory, owned and operated by Frank Whitaker. Stevens Saw-Mill, operated by I. M. Norton and O. B. Ford. Water Power and Steam Mill-A. K. Norris & Co.
Manufacturers .- Carriages-John Tomkinson, Wright & Wilson, Robert Hodge, Uriah Story, Tice & Bro., and Henderson & Trotter. Painters-Doolittle & Amsden and George Gray. Furniture-Morse & Martin, Levi Moses & Co. Brick-Levi Alden & Bro., and A. Hyatt Smith. Farming Implements-A. W. Parker & Co. Iron Works-Joseph H. Badd. Sash, Doors and Blinds-Hume, Booth & Co., Doty & Burnham, and Mr. Spencer. Marble- U. C. Van Vleck. Foundries-J. H. Budd, and N. Carrier. Soap and Candles-Peter Myers. Harness-J. M. Riker, H. S. Woodruff, A. S. Shearer, Chase & Joslyn. William Wright and H. H. Meader. Brooms-Parker & Smith, and A. C. Bates & Bro. Boots and Shoes-J. B. Dimock, J. T. W. Murray, James Hutson, John Baxter and F. W. Loudon.
Merchants .- Dry Goods-M. C. Smith & Co., M. McKey & Bro., H. S. Shelton & Co .. Jackman, Parker & Co., O. J. Dearborn & Co., Lawrence, Atwood & Co., Cooley & Babcock and O. K. Bennett. Drugs-Holden, Kemp & Co., Ogilvie & Barrows and D. C. Farwell. Ilard- ware-Pixley & Kimball, J. A. Wood, J. B. Hyzer and R. J. Richardson. Groceries-I. M. Smith, O. W. Norton, A. K. Allen, R. Jenkins, C. G. Gillett, S. H. Belton, H. Rico, Conrad & Murdock, Z. S. Doty and Clark & Jenks. Hats and Caps-John R. Beale. Furs-Charles R. Bacon. Clothing-M. C. Smith & Co., Harsh, Sonneborn & Bro., C. J. Hays & Co., Will- iam Addy, A. Newhoff, Rothchild & May, J. Oppenheimer and J. Deitsch. Leather-Josiah T. Wright. Jewelers-S. C. Spaulding and A. Townsend. Books-J. Sutherland & Co., and V. Jounncault. Music-J. F. Pcase & Co. and Coon & Bootman. Ladies' Furnishing Store- Philip Solomon & Co. Agricultural Implements-Eldred & Barrows.
Professions .- Physicians-R. B. Treat, T. E. St. John, G. W. Chittenden, O. P. Robin- son, E. Lewis, J. S. Lane, M. L. Burnham, W. Amer, J. Painc, A. P. Coryell, A. S. Jones. D. C. Bennett, L. J. Barrows, C. G. Pease, J. Mitchell, S. Martin and J. Grafton. Dentists -L. Arnold and Pendleton & Wells. Attorneys-D. Noggle, J. J. R. Pcase, M. S. Prichard, A. P. Prichard, L. F. Patten, I. C. Sloan, I. C. Jenks, J. Neil, J. M. Case, W. Truesdell, B. B. Eldredge, S. A. Hudson, H. Woodruff, G. B. Ely, A. IIyatt Smith, J. M. Williams, G. W. Cummings, C. P. King, H. K. Whiton, J. W. D. Parker, C. Norton, J. A. Sleeper, W. M. Tallman, J. D. Rexford, H. S. Conger, W. L. Mitchell, J. Nichols, G. S. Dodge, J. Arm- strong, A. T. Gray, A. C. Bates, Isaac Woodle and II. W. Ide.
Military .- IIcavy Infantry-"Janesville City Guards," C. C. Gillett, Captain ; William Addy, First Lieutenant, and William H. Parker, Second Lieutenant. Uniform, grey, with black facings.
Civic Societies .- Odd Fellows, I. O. O. F. Encampment, two Masonic Lodges, and one Chapter R. A. M.
Fire Department .- W. W. Holden, President; J. D. Rexford, Vice President : F. A Kimball, Treasurer ; J. H. Vermilye, Secretary; Ira Justin, Chief Engineer ; William B Britton, Assistant Engineer; W. S. Chase, Second Assistant Engineer. Fire Wardens-E L. Roberts, First Ward; T. B. Woolliscroft, Second Ward; M. C. Smith, Third Ward : Will iam Macloon. Fourth Ward. Rock River Engine Company, No. 1-Fifty members; G. S. Strassberger, Foreman ; Daniel McDougald, First Assistant ; J. V. Andrews, Second Assistant; T. W. Gibbs, Secretary ; J. D. Rexford, Treasurer ; S. Foord, Jr., Steward. Water Witch
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HISTORY OF ROCK COUNTY.
Engine Company No. 2-Fifty-seven members; William Kemp, Foreman; John E. Peck, Assistant ; B. B. Eldredge, Secretary ; Charles H. Windt, Treasurer ; H. Higgins, Engineer; T. B. Woolliscroft, Steward. Independent Badger Engine Company No. 3-Fifty members ; E. G. Crandall, Foreman ; K. Holmes, First Assistant; R. Bryan, Second Assistant; S. E. McKey, Secretary ; B. Chapin, Treasurer. Janesville City Engine Company No. 4-Thirty- three members; Charles Yates, Foreman ; J. W. Belton, First Assistant Foreman ; Joseph James, Second Assistant Foreman ; Warren A. Wells, Steward; A. H. Johnson, Secretary ; Daniel Clow, Treasurer. Sack Company No. 1-Ira Justin, Jr., Foreman ; J. M. Haselton, Assistant; S. W. Smith, Secretary ; W. W. Holden. Treasurer; M. C. Smith, Steward; twenty members. Rescue Hook and Ladder Company No. 1-J. B. Rothchild, Foreman ; William M. D. Bird, Assistant Foreman ; John H. Jewell, Secretary ; Joseph S. Sayer, Treasurer ; fifty members.'
Banks .- Badger State-E. L. Dimock, President ; H. C. Matteson, Cashier. Janesville City Bank-Henry B. Bunster, President; Samuel Lightbody, Vice President; Josiah T. Wright, Cashier. Central Bank-O. W. Norton, President; W. A. Lawrence, Cashier ; Board of Directors, Warren Norton, William H. Tripp, F. S. Eldred, S. G. Williams, J. F. Wil- lard, J. D. Rexford, Z. P. Burdick, L. J. Barrows, E. A. Foot, Jonathan Corey. Rock County Bank-Timothy Jackman, President ; J. B. Crosby, Cashier; Directors. T. Jackman, J. B. Crosby, J. J. R. Pease, J. C. Jenkins, M. C. Smith, L. E. Stone, B. F. Pixley, J. L. Kimball, A. Palmer.
Oficers of the City .- Mayor, Edward L. Dimock ; President of the Board, Ellery A. Howland ; Clerk, Amos P. Prichard; Assistant Clerk, Orrin Guernsey ; Marshal, T. C. Sleeper; Treasurer, F. A. Kimball ; Attorney, G. W. Cumming; Assessor, Henry O. Wilson ; Surveyor, A. B. Miller. Aldermen-First Ward, David Noggle, James H. Ogilvie, John L. Kimball; Second Ward, J. B. Crosby, Timothy Jackman, S. C. Burnham; Third Ward, Ellery A. How- land, Lewis E. Stone, Levi St. John; Fourth Ward, John H. Vermilye, Ira Miltimore, S. Foord. Justices of the Peace-First Ward, S. J. Belton ; Second Ward, A. C. Bates ; Third Ward, L. Field; Fourth Ward, Franklin Whitaker. Constables-First Ward, John O. Sparl- ing; Second Ward, Ira Burnham; Third Ward, Thomas W. Brogan ; Fourth Ward, James G. Alden. School Commissioners-First Ward, James Sutherland; Second Ward, S. W. Smith ; Third Ward, G. W. Lawrence ; Fourth Ward, Andrew Palmer.
INVENTIONS. [ From Janesville Gazette.]
It is not uncommon to hear people express surprise at the number of patents that are being issued out of the Patent Office. It is thought from this that the field of invention must soon find a limit. Although the business of this department of the Government has assumed such wonderful proportions, there is no apparent diminution in the work of the Patent Office. As an indication of its extent, it may be stated that the income of the Patent Office, for fees alone, often reaches the sum of $5,000 per day, and the number of patents issued weekly something like three or four hundred. All parts of the country have contributed to this department, and per- haps no town of its size has done more in the line of invention than Janesville. Among the whole number of patents granted to Janesville inventors, but few have yielded the patentees any very large returns for the time, money and skill bestowed, and very many none at all, while some have brought to the inventors large profits and been of great benefit to the public.
Among the latter may be mentioned the Doty Washing Machine, invented by William M. Doty. There is probably no washing machine that has been so extensively used and approved is this, and that has brought so large returns to the inventor as well as the manufacturers.
In 1859 and 1861, Nash & Cutts procured a patent upon a fanning-mill, which has had the reputation, and has still, of being the most perfect mill in use; and nothing but enterprise ind a little capital was wanting to make the patent a mine of wealth.
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HISTORY OF ROCK COUNTY.
The Clow Reaper, invented by Daniel Clow, one of the distinctive features of which was the application of the cam power, has acquired a widespread reputation, and has been extensively manufactured in this city. As a machine for lightness of draft and for one pair of horses, in ordinary seasons, it is one of the most economical machines for farmers that has been given to the public.
The Little Champion Reaper, manufactured by the Harris Manufacturing Company, and which has brought such large profits to that company, was, principally, the invention of James Harris. It never has been excelled as a complete machine. It has made its way to public favor upon its real merits, both in this country and in Europe.
In 1863, Col. Ezra Miller, a resident of this city. invented and patented an improvement in car couplings, and, in 1865, he patented a car coupler and buffer combined. These inventions have undergone some further improvements, but scarcely a patent has been issued that has proved more valuable than this, both to the inventor and to the public. Miller's car coupler and brake, generally so called, has become famous. It is in use upon all the principal roads, from Maine to California, and the traveling public have learned to feel a sense of security when riding in cars fitted out with Miller's patents. The most valuable feature of this invention, which is used in connection with Miller's railroad car, patented in 1866, is the joining of the platforms of two cars so as to close up the space between them and avoid what is called telescoping in case of collisions. Another Janesville inventor and a brother of the patentee of the Doty Washing Machine, was the late Ellis Doty, who produced a machine for the generation and diffusion of gas from gasoline, for lighting purposes. which has great merit, and is now extensively manufactured in Philadelphia and other places. The same inventor also brought out an improvement upon car wheels and axles, that has been applied by several railroad companies in Illinois, and pronounced to be an improvement of great value, from which the inventor realizad a handsome profit before his death. The most important feature in this invention consisted in the independent revolution of the car wheel, it having great advantage over the rigid wheels and axles in rounding curves.
Nor can we omit to mention as among the successes in this field, the invention of H. S. Woodruff, known throughout the entire country as the Champion Trace Buckle. He started in Janesville as a poor man, working at the harness trade. For years, he found it difficult to sup- port his small family. But in January, 1872, he obtained a patent for his buckle. It became immensely popular at once and other manufacturers contested his right to the patent. After much litigation in the courts of New York, Wisconsin, Illinois and Iowa, the validity of his patent was admitted. This insured him great success, and to-day he is one of the strong men of the city, and bears his victory with a modesty which challenges the respect of the whole community.
Also may be mentioned Gilmore's Rock Drill, as deserving a place among the successes in this line. J. B. Hyzer, who for many years carried on a tin-shop on West Milwaukee street. about 1868 invented a hot-air portable furnace and also a heat radiator, both of 'which he obtained patents upon, and which yielded him a fair remuneration.
Among the more recent inventions is Kent's Hand Corn-Planter, patented by A. C. Kent; also a corn-planter by Miles C. Root, both of which have been quite extensively manufactured in this city.
The demand for improvements in farm machines has stimulated many men of inventive skill in this direction. One of the strongest demands has, for a long time, seemed to be for a mode of binding grain upon the machine as it is cut by the reaper, and when harvest hands can command $3 a day, and four or five men are required to take care of the grain as fast as it is cut, certainly a machine that can do all this work, and dispense with the services of three or four men, is a great consolation. The temptation to become the famous inventor of such a machine has induced several of our citizens to undertake the task. In 1865, C. B. Withington, then a jeweler upon West Milwaukee street, commenced experimenting upon a binder, using two wires to form the band, and adopted a mode of con- structing the band, which seemed to be a success. He applied for a patent for this two-wire
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HISTORY OF ROCK COUNTY.
band, but when he got his application before the Patent Office, he found two applications for the same thing, one by Whitney, of Minnesota, and West, of Ohio. The Patent Office declared an interference, and required proof to be made, for the purpose of determining who was the prior inventor. Testimony was taken, and, on the first hearing, Whitney was awarded the patent. An appeal was taken to the Board of Examiners, and further testimony taken, and, on the second hearing, the decision of the primary examiner was reversed, and the patent granted to our townsman, C. B. Withington.' About the time Mr. Withington commenced his experiments, Mr. S. D. Locke, and,. a little later, William H. Payne, both of this city, undertook the same task of producing a successful grain-binder, all using wire as a binding material.
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