The History of Rock County, Wisconsin: Its Early Settlement, Growth, Development, Resources, Etc., Part 97

Author: Wesern historical company, Chicago, pub
Publication date: 1879
Publisher: Chicago : Western Historical Co.
Number of Pages: 899

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SOCIETY FOR PROTECTION AGAINST HORSE-THIEVES.

This Society was organized about 1870. The first Secretary was A. A. Green. The effect of the organization of this Society was almost immediately perceptible. The theft of a horse or other animal from any member of the association was followed by prompt and vigorous measures to recover the property and to punish the depredator. Dozens of men were started on the track of the thief, telegrams were sent in every direction, describing the property as accurately as possible, and invoking the aid of the local authorities, thus stimulating them to unusual vigilance and prompting more than ordinary exertion. This policy resulted in the recovery of the property in nearly every instance, and the banding over of the thief to justice. This method of dealing with this class of thieves became more and more successful as time passed on ; the horse-thieves soon discovered that to practice their nefarious vocation in Beloit Township was simply to invite relentless pursuit and certain punishment, and they have found their interest in transferring their activity to other fields. As the result, in the past two years, no member of the association has lost a single animal.

The officers of the association at present are : J. H. Reigart, President; C. O. Green, First Vice President ; S. J. Goodwin, Second Vice President ; J. L. Brenton, Third Vice Presi- dent; H. Pentland, Secretary and Treasurer. The association consists now of about one hundred and twenty-five members.

THE LIBRARIES.

The only libraries of a public character in Beloit are those owned by the fire companies. At one time there was a very good one, consisting of a large number of volumes, but, unfortu- nately, it fell a victim to the scourge of fire in 1876, and the volumes which were not entirely destroyed-about nine hundred in number-were divided among the different branches of the fire department. Thus Hook and Ladder Company No. 1. received 300 volumes, and on March 11, 1876, opened a library. giving citizens the privilege of using them for 10 cents per volume.

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HISTORY OF ROCK COUNTY.

This sum, together with a certain percentage received every spring from the Fire Insurance Com- panies, is expended in the purchase of new books and in the general maintenance of the library. Owing to the judicious manner in which this money is expended, the subscribers enjoy the privilege of reading many excellent works of fiction for a very small outlay, which would other- wise cost a much larger sum. The gentleman in charge of the library is Mr. S. Coomany, a member of the department.

The library owned by No. 2 is much more pretentious, for the reason that is much older. It was started in 1865 with about one hundred and fifty books, which were placed in charge of Mr. John Nichols. The Company were also gainers to the extent of 300 volumes by the fire which destroyed the city library. A charge of 10 cents per volume is also exacted from readers, as in the case of the Hook and Ladder Company, and this sum, together with $100 received annually from the fire insurance companies as percentage, supports it in royal style.

The present librarian is Mr. Samuel Smith, a gentleman who has held that position for the last twelve years. He is very proud of his charge, which now numbers over two thousand volumes.

Engine Company No. 1 has also a very good library, consisting of about one thousand one hundred volumes, three hundred of which were received from the city library. This is main- tained in a similar manner to the others, and is in charge of Mr. H. M. Phillips, a member of the Company.

THE WATER POWER.

The Rock River at this point plays a very important part in the "political economy " of Beloit for on its cool and limpid waters many thousands of dollars are garnered in a year by the numerous enterprising firms who have erected upon its banks extensive manufactures, whose power is derived from its pellucid and steadily flowing stream.

It was first heard of in this connection in 1843, when, by an act of the Legislature, approved April 1, Ira Hersey, A. S. Field and others were authorized to erect a dam across it on any land they owned or might own in Section 35 or 26, in Town 1 north, Range 12 east; said dam to be four feet above usual low-water mark. In the following year, these gentlemen assigned their charter to Mr. James H. Hanchett, who erected the dam and controlled the water-power until the next year, when by reason of financial embarrassment, he disposed of his interest to Mr. Charles Walker, of Chicago. That gentleman thereupon entered into an arrangement with gentlemen desirous of manufacturing, by which they were to have the use of the water sub- ject to a pro rata charge for repairs. This arrangement lasted until 1871, when an act was passed by the Legislature, and approved on March 8, incorporating the Beloit Water-Power Company, with a capital of $80,000, in 800 shares of $100 each, which could be doubled if necessary. The company consisted of the following gentlemen : Soreno T. Merrill, Israel Will . iams, Charles H. Parker, Gustavus Stone, Frank Koenig, William Blodgett, Orson E. Merrill, O. B. Olmstead. Judd M. Cobb, James Gray, Nathan B. Gaston, John Bishop and Ebenezer F. Brown. The whole amount of water in the river at the dam was assumed to be 13,333} inches. which was divided among the different consumers. In 1874, a re-organization of the company was effected, every consumer along the river being deemed a stockholder, and about that time they entered into an arrangement with the towns of Janesville, Rockton and Rockford, by which they obtained a quarter-interest in the waters of Lake Koshkonong and the reservoir at Indian Ford. Everything then ran smoothly until 1876, when a disagreement occurred among the consumers, some charging that others were using more than they were entitled to. That matter was soon rectified, however, by the appointment of Mr. Charles M. Messer, who divided the water among them by Weir measurement. The actual head is about six feet, which gives ample power to the numberless mills, foundries and other manufactories scattered along its banks.

The following is a list of the officers of the company : President, C. F. G. Collins ; Vice President, E. J. Adams; Directors-S. T. Merrill, J. M. Cobb, C. H. Parker, D. H. Tread- way, J. B. Merrill and William Blodgett ; Secretary and Treasurer, William Blodgett.

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HISTORY OF ROCK COUNTY.

PRINCIPAL CONFLAGRATION.

At various times, the whole business center of the city of Beloit has suffered from the rav- ages of the devouring element in a greater or lesser degree, but what is commonly regarded as the " big fire," occurred on Wednesday, February 1, 1871, when Union Hall with its entire contents was totally destroyed. The flames were first discovered about 5 o'clock A. M .. near the front window of the room on the ground floor occupied by the Free Press with its engine, presses and job material. When first seen, they had made but little headway, and could have been easily extinguished by the aid of a few pailfuls of water, but before assistance could be procured or the engines got to work, the fire had made such progress as to be beyond all con- trol, the final result being the total destruction of the building and contents. Finding that nothing could be done to save it, all efforts were directed to the adjoining buildings, with the happy result of their complete salvation.

The loss was as follows: By Mr. Carpenter, owner of the building, about $18,000, insured for $5,000; Lawrence & Co., wholesale paper dealers, $18,000, insured for $16,000; Free Press office, $3,500, insured for $2,500. It was supposed to have been the work of an incendiary.

The next fire occurred on the morning of Sunday, February 5, of the same year, and resulted in the destruction of a row of frame buildings on the corner of School and State streets, known as Brown's Block. It was first discovered in the store occupied by Messrs. A. A. Green and J. F. Rood, and, though the alarm was promptly given and speedily responded to, all efforts to save that and adjoining buildings were unavailing, and it was only by the most assiduous efforts on the part of citizens and others that a most disastrous conflagration was avoided. The loss sustained was as follows : B. Brown, $15,000, insured for $5,000; A. A. Green, $6,500, insured for $5,000; J. W. Merriam, $300, covered; J. F. Rood, $400, no insurance; A. P. Waterman, $100 to $200, covered; W. H. Key, $500, covered; L. Benja- min, $1,500, insured for $1,050; A. W. Peters, $1,500, no insurance; John Berger, $100 and no insurance. These were, without doubt, the most disastrous fires, although the Rock River Paper . Company sustained a loss of about $12,500 on Monday, August 12, 1878, by the destruction of their West Side paper-mill. Much credit, however, is due to the fire department, for had it not been for their efforts on the two previous occasions, and, indeed, on many others, damages to a very large amount must have resulted.

THE BELOIT CHURCHES .*

The First Congregational Church .- On December 30, 1838, a meeting was held in a private house, known as the Blodgett house, for the purpose of organizing a church, the outcome of which was the formation of the First Congregational Church of Beloit. The gentleman who presided over the meeting was the Rev. William M. Adams, who took charge of its ministrations for upward of two years, dividing his time between Beloit and the neighboring village of Peca- tonica, now Rockton.

At that date, the Church contained but twenty-four members, nine males and fifteen females, of whom but two or three remain. During the ministry of Mr. Adams, the congrega tion worshiped alternately in the schoolhouse and in a dwelling-house, continuing to do so until 1844. when they built a church, which was dedicated in January, 1844, and contained seating accommodation for four hundred persons. That building served all purposes until July 6, 1862, when the present handsome structure was completed, the corner-stone of which was laid in July, 1859. It is of brick, with a seating capacity of twelve hundred, and cost, together with a handsome chapel erected in 1873, $30,000. The present membership is about three hundred and fifty.

Following is a list of the ministers from the date of organization to the present time: 1838-40, Rev. W. M. Adams : 1840-50, Rev. Dexter Clary ; 1850-52, President A. L. Chapin.

* It is a matter of regret that facts could not be obtained concerning the Catholic Church for insertion in this connection.

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HISTORY OF ROCK COUNTY.

Prof. Joseph Emerson and Rev. W. S. Huggins; 1853-60, Rev. H. N. Brinsmade, D. D .; 1861 (six months), Prof. J. J. Blaisdell ; 1861-64, Rev. J. S. Humphrey; 1865-79, Rev. George Bushnell, the present incumbent.

Baptist .- The First Baptist Church of Beloit was organized April 24, 1841, with a mem- bership of fourteen. Rev. Alvah Burges, the first minister, conducted the regular services for a time in a small schoolhouse on North Race street. on the East Side. Some time later, the society met for its regular services in a stone schoolhouse on " Tight " street (what is now Bluff street), on the West Side. Occasional services were held by the Baptists in Beloit prior to the organization of the Church, at which Prof. S. S. Whitney, of Belvidere, and Rev. Rufus Tap- ping preached. Mr. Burges was Pastor from April 21, 1841, to the 2d of June following, when Rev. A. B. Winchell succeeded him. Mr. Winchell remained until October 4, 1842, when he resigned, and until April, 1844, the Church had no stated Pastor. Rev. John Trow- bridge preached from April 14 to May 4, 1844, and then Rev. R. C. Brayton, after an interval of three months, assumed charge of the Church, remaining until May, 1845. For five years (until April 2, 1850), Rev. Miles Kinne filled the pastorate. The four years following, Rev. E. S. Harris was Pastor. Rev. Daniel Eldredge preached to the Church from January to Sep- tember, 1855, and December 17, of the same year, Rev. Thomas Holman became Pastor, remaining until March 3, 1860, when Rev. R. R. Prentiss succeeded him. In June, 1861, Mr. Prentiss resigned, and, for several months. there was no stated supply. May 14, 1862, Rev. Levi Parmely became Pastor, and for five years the Church flourished under his ministry. In May, 1867, failing health compelled Mr. Parmely's resignation. Rev. Lewis F. Raymond was called to the Church in June, 1867, and remained with the society until September, 1868. Rev. H. W. Woods became Pastor in May. 1869, and resigned September 15, 1870. Rev. Austin Gibb, who had been a pupil of Spurgeon, in England, then became the Pastor, remain- ing until April 26, 1872. In July of that year, Rev. E. P. Savage was called to the Church, and for five years, until September 30, 1877, the Church enjoyed a most vigorous and substan- tial growth. Since Mr. Savage's resignation. the Church has been variously supplied-most of the time by the former Pastor, Rev. Levi Parmely, who, after several years' residence at Bara- boo, in this State, had returned to Beloit to reside, and, on the vacancy occurring in the pulpit, was called by his old friends to resume his labors with the Church, so far as his health would permit. His eloquence and kindly pastorship have endeared him to the members of the Church, and, under his charge, the society is enjoying steady progress. The society now has a membership of 200. The present church edifice was erected in 1844, and rebuilt, in 1874, at a cost of $12,000, of which amount, $2,000 constitutes the present indebtedness of the society. The building, as remodeled, is one of unusual beauty, and has a very pleasant, commodious auditorium. In the spire of this church is the town clock, purchased by the citizens of Beloit in 1875.

Second Congregational .- February 15, 1859, a society was organized to establish a Con- gregational Church on the West Side, and public services were conducted during the spring and summer by the College Professors. September 11 of the same year, the Church was organized by a council for that purpose, over which Dr. Brinsmade was Moderator, and Dr. Chapin, Scribe. To this society was given the name of the Second Congregational Church of Beloit. It had, at its organization, a membership of forty one, of whom thirty-four came by letter from the First Congregational Church of Beloit. December 25, 1859, the church building now occupied by the society was dedicated, with a sermon by Dr. Chapin, and assistance in the various services by Dr. Brinsmade, Revs. Dexter Clary and N. D. Graves. At this time, its membership was sixty-two. The first Pastor was Rev. J. O. Knapp, but his connection with the Church was rendered uncertain and temporary by threatening ill health, and he was soon compelled to cease his labors. He died July 14, 1860, of consumption. Rev. N. D. Graves was called in Decem- ber, 1859, and he entered on his duties in January, 1860. At his request, the call " was to remain in the hands of the Trustees one year," and, though he labored successfully, he was never installed as Pastor. In the first month of 1866, after Mr. Graves retired, the pulpit was

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HISTORY OF ROCK COUNTY.

supplied by members of the College Faculty. June 10, 1866, the present Pastor, Rev. Henry P. Higley began labor with the Church, and June 4, 1867, was installed. His continuous labor with and for the Church has been, in the best respects, successful, and the society has been con- stantly flourishing and vigorous. In the summer of 1867, a lecture-room was added to the church, and the main audience-room enlarged, increasing the size of the whole edifice about one-third.

Episcopal .- St. Paul's Protestant Episcopal Church was organized February 28, 1841, st a meeting held at the house of Rev. Aaron Humphrey. Mr. Humphrey was, at this time, well advanced in years, and had been supplying the services and ministrations of his Church in an informal manner during the year prior to the establishment of St. Paul's. At this meeting, C. H. F. Goodhue and G. W. Bicknell were elected Wardens ; Otis P. Bicknell, John C. Burr and Leonard R. Humphrey, Vestrymen ; David J. Bundy, Treasurer, and William H. Hobart, Secretary. Rev. Aaron Humphrey became the Rector of St. Paul's, and continued to to labor for the Church until November, 1845, when he was succeeded by Rev. Stephen C. Millett. Mr. Humphrey died in Beloit October 12, 1858, at the age of ninety. The only official record of his acts as Rector is that of the baptism of Mary Janet, infant daughter of John C. and Jane Burr. The public services of St. Paul's were held, for the first three years, in the village schoolhouse, on School street, and for the subsequent seven years in a brick build- ing erected by Leonard Humphrey for school purposes. At a vestry meeting in May, 1846, during Mr. Millett's rectorship, it was decided to erect a church edifice. In the spring of 1848. the corner-stone of the church was laid, and in December, 1851, the services were first held within its walls. Mr. Millett resigned in February, 1853, on account of ill health, and, for a year and a half, the parish was without a Rector. In July, 1854, Rev. John E. C. Smedes. then a Deacon, assumed charge of the parish, and remained its Rector until July 1, 1858, when he resigned, and, after two months' interval, was succeeded by Rev. J. H. Egar. The record of official acts and proceedings of the parish seem to have been first kept carefully and orderly in Mr. Smedes' rectorship, and his successors have scrupulously followed his example. Mr. Smedes performed 57 baptisms, presented to the Bishop 17 candidates for confirmation, per- formed 18 marriages, officiated at 19 funerals, and left 75 communicants belonging to the parish when he resigned.

On the 27th of March, 1856, during Mr. Smedes' rectorship. Bishop Kemper consecrated the Church in celebration of its complete relief from all financial incumbrances. During Mr. Smedes' rectorship. also, the shapely and beautiful spire of St. Paul's was erected, thus com- pleting the symmetry of a very graceful Gothic structure. Mr. Egar resigned February +. 1861, after a prosperous rectorship. Seven months later, Rev. L. W. Davis became Rector, and continued to serve the Church until his resignation. October 1, 1868. During his rectorship, the society bought a rectory on the corner of Bridge and Bluff streets. November 1. 1868. the Rev. Fayette Royce became the sixth Rector in the history of St. Paul's, and he has remained in charge of the Church up to the present time. The Church now has a membership . of 180, and is in a flourishing condition. The present officers are: E. Holmes, Senior War- den ; J. G. Winslow, Junior Warden ; J. H. Reigart, H. H. McLenegan, W. J. McDonald, N. B. Gaston. E. A. Loomis and Orville Bennett, Vestrymen.

The First Presbyterian Church was organized on March 21, 1849. with forty-six members. under the direction of Rev. Lewis H. Ross, of Rockford, Ill., assisted by Rev. D. Clary and Prof. J. J. Bushnell, of Beloit, and Rev. S. Benedict, of Rockford. During the time in which their church was being built, meetings were held in the Race Street Schoolhouse, but it was only for a short period, as the edifice was completed and dedicated on July 30, 1850, at a cost of about $10,000. The present membership is about two hundred. Following is a list of the Pastors from the date of the organization to the present time: 1849-55. Rev. Alfred Eddy; 1855-56. Rev. S. Hawes ; 1857-60, Rev. Charles S. Bush; 1861-63. Rev. W. W. Adams: 1864-65, Rev. David C. Beach ; 1865-69, Rev. W. Alexander ; 1870-71. Rev. A. G. Wilson ; 1872-79. Rev. John McLean, the present incumbent. The officers are : Elders, A. P. Waterman. E. N.

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HISTORY OF ROCK COUNTY.

Clark, M. D., H. B. Johnson, M. D., Otis Manchester, Prof. W. H. Beach, Hon. J. A. Holmes; Trustees, H. Pentland, E. N. Clark, M. D., H. B. Johnson, M. D. The present value of the church, owing to recent additions, is about $15,000.

The German Presbyterian Church was organized on May 23, 1869, by the Rev. Jacob Kulb, with the following members: George Hayes, Frank Kuenig, John Reimer, John Kunz, H. Klingelberger, F. Poll, Jacob Weigler, Sr., Carolina Weigler, Jacob Weigler, Menie Weig- ler, J. R. Krause, R. Mieller, J. K. and F. Reimer, S. Fischer, S. Baum, J. Fasser, J. and H. Scheibel, J. C. and C. Nelson, D. L. Bengemann, Frederick Geng, William Dietrich, J. Bernhard, E. F. Herrion, S. Reimer, F. Klingelberger, John Proescher, K. Proescher and J. Wiegman. The congregation then worshiped in the American Presbyterian Church, but only till 1870, when they built the church they at present occupy. It is a frame building, with a seating capacity of 500, and cost $2,464. The present membership is forty-six, and the esti- mated value of property $2,700. Following is a list of the Pastors: 1869-72, Rev. Jacob Kulb; 1872-74, Rev. Joseph Wittenberger; 1874-76, Rev. Mr. Winder; 1876-79, Rev. Martin Wittenberger.

The M. E. Church .- The nucleus of this society was formed on October 15, 1842; an organization being effected at that date by the Rev. William Lovesey, who enrolled the following members : Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Hoskinson, Thomas McElhenry, Mrs. Moore and sister.

In common with other societies, services were held in the village school, but, in 1846, the present church was erected. During the pastorate of the Rev. C. R. Pattee, from 1870 to 1872, a dissension arose in the Church, which culminated in the formation of the M. P. Church on the West Side.

Following is a list of Pastors from the date of organization to the present time : Rev. Mr. Hodges, Rev. Mr. Warren, Rev. Mr. Allen, Rev. Mr. Lewis, Rev. Mr. Beech, Rev. Mr. Ford, Rev. Mr. Thomas, Rev. Mr. Wood, Rev. Wesley Lattin, Rev. P. B. Pease, Rev. C. D. Pills- bury, Rev. William P. Stowe, Rev. W. W. Case, Rev. C. R. Pattee, Rev. A. C. Higginson, Rev. T. E. Webb, Rev. Mr. Bain, Rev. G. S. Hubbs, Rev. Wesley Lattin and Rev. E. L. Eaton, the latter the present incumbent. The present membership of the Church is 110.

The Methodist Protestant Church .- On February 4, 1873, Messrs. G. Craven, J. L. Brenton, Eddy Crandall, J. L. Jewett and H. J. Fine met together and organized this society under the name of the Bridge Street Church, which, in the same year, was received into the Conference of the Methodist Protestant Church. About the same time, the congregation purchased the church they at present occupy, from the Spiritual Society, paying that body $930, and, in 1875, made an addition to it at a cost of $800. It is a frame church, with a seating capacity of 400. They have also a very good Sunday school in charge of Mr. E. Crandall, which is attended by about two hundred and twenty scholars.

Following is a list of the Pastors: 1873-74, Rev. Henry A. Heath ; 1874-75, Rev. - Simpson ; 1875-76, Rev. F. Singer ; 1876-77, Rev. - Giverson ; 1877-79, Rev. Henry S. Jordan. The present membership is seventy-five, and the estimated value of the property, $3,500.

The Norwegian Church .- This society, which now numbers from seventy-five to one hundred members, was first organized in 1873, though the Rev. C. F. Magelsen, of Orfordville, had preached to the people since 1859. Services were held about once a month in such halls as could be secured, but, in the year 1875, a subscription was started for the erection of a church edifice, each subscriber agreeing to make a monthly payment for two years, the under- standing being that the church should not be built until the amount necessary had been sub- scribed. In this way a considerable sum was raised, and, in the winter of 1877-78, the con- tract was let, and, in one year from that date, the church was completed and dedicated, the cost of erection being $3,000. The members pride themselves upon the fact, and justly so, too, that their Church is not one dollar in debt, and has sufficient funds in the treasury to insure the building for three years.

The building itself, whose pulpit Mr. Magelsen still fills, is a handsome frame building, 32x50 feet, with a seating capacity of about one hundred and fifty.

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HISTORY OF ROCK COUNTY.

The German Lutheran Church was first organized, in 1872, by the Rev. Mr. Sysner, with about ten members, among whom were the following : William Samp, John Dos, Jacob Hess, Mr. Seifert and Mr. Pund. In the following spring, the minister died, and, in conse- quence, the organization was allowed to run down, and it did not pick up again until 1877, when the same gentlemen came together and effected a re-organization.

Up to last July, the Rev. E. E. Meyer "pointed the way " to the little congregation of twenty souls, but, in consequence of a removal on his part, that duty has devolved upon the Rev. William Buehrings.

The society does not possess a church, but very quietly and very attentively listen to the voice of their Pastor as he expounds the Gospel in B. C. Rogers' Hall, where they meet every other Sunday.

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The History of Rock County, Wisconsin: Its Early Settlement, Growth, Development, Resources, Etc., Part 97

Author: Wesern historical company, Chicago, pub Publication date: 1879 Publisher: Chicago : Western Historical Co. Number of Pages: 899

Author: Wesern historical company, Chicago, pub
Publication date: 1879
Publisher: Chicago : Western Historical Co.
Number of Pages: 899