The History of Rock County, Wisconsin: Its Early Settlement, Growth, Development, Resources, Etc., Part 98

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

USA > Wisconsin > Rock County > The History of Rock County, Wisconsin: Its Early Settlement, Growth, Development, Resources, Etc. > Part 98

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BANKS.

The Citizens' National Bank, having its offices on State street, was incorporated on January 2, 1879, and opened its doors in March. The amount of capital stock is $50,000 in shares of $100 each, which is held by seventeen persons, the largest holder being Mr. H. P. Taylor, the President.

The business transacted is that of an ordinary banking business, and that it is a perfectly safe one will be gathered from the following figures, published on July 16 last :

Cash on hand. -$12,786 68

Cash in National Banks (exchange). 19,710 20

$82,496 88

Loans and discounts. 56,999 01

Interest and exchange received 2,510 70

Deposits .. 44,301 70

Among other things, the institution possesses an excellent vault and safe, the latter fur- nished with a time-lock.

Following is a list of the directors and officers: Directors-J. R. Reigart, H. P. Strong. C. B. Salmon, W. H. Baumes, S. T. Merrill, John Thompson, A. B. Carpenter, H. P. Taylor; H. P. Taylor, President ; J. R. Reigart, Vice President ; E. S. Greene, Cashier.

FIRE DEPARTMENT.

Water- Witch Company No. 1 .- The Water-Witch Engine and Hose Company No. 1 was organized November 25, 1855, with the following officers : Foreman, Warren Hodgdon; Assistant Foreman, J. A. Gordon ; Secretary, D. Sherrill ; Treasurer, George H. Stocking. The engine was purchased by private subscription and was a small-sized " Button." For several years, the engine was kept in a little building on Race street, near State, where the F. N. Davis manufactory now stands. In 1860, a new engine-house was built on School street, east of the Goodwin House, and the company has occupied the building uninterruptedly since. At the outbreak of the war, most of the members enlisted and the organization of the company for a time lapsed, the apparatus remaining in the custody of Mr. C. F. G. Collins, who kept the engine in order and available for use by the citizens in case of fire. After the war, the com- pany was reorganized. In 1869, the company was disbanded on account of dissensions among the members. June 11, 1872, No. 1 was again organized with fifty-five men, and has main- tained the organization continuously since. The following officers were elected at that meeting: Foreman, C. B. Ayer ; First Assistant, C. Barnes ; Second Assistant, A. C. Barker ; Company Engineer, Edward McGuire; Secretary, H. G. Heffron ; Treasurer, Samuel Elliott ; Librarian, James King. The present officers of No. 1 are Foreman, C. Crist ; First Assistant, J. T. Greenwood; Second Assistant, W. Lenegan ; Secretary, A. T. Ayers ; Treasurer, W. F. Beeble : Librarian and Steward, H. L. Phillips.

647

HISTORY OF ROCK COUNTY.

Water-Witch Hose Company No. 1 is the hose branch of No. 1 Engine Company. Ever Ready, No. 2 .- In August, 1856, was organized fire company " Ever Ready, No. 2." The company did not receive its engine until February, 1857. The first officers were : John Palmer, Foreman ; M. P. Cogswell, First Assistant ; W. C. Cook, Second Assistant ; H. B. Malone, Secretary and Treasurer. The building in which they kept their engine stood on the south side of Bridge street, just west of the river bridge. The first fire at which the engine was used was the burning of the " Star " saloon, which stood where J. L. Perkins' hardware store now stands. This fire occurred about the 1st of March, 1857. The membership of the company at this time was about eighty. Before receiving their engine, the members of the com- pany had done very efficient service in line-and-bucket work. For about two years, the company occupied quarters in the stone building now used by the Herrick Carriage and Wagon Shop. In 1860, the city purchased of Ambrose Rouse the lots on which the company's building now stands. A frame building was erected, which burned in 1866. This fire destroyed the records and the library of the company. In front of the building was set a high liberty-pole, which was presented the company by the Fremont Club in 1856, and which had stood in front of the old engine house on Bridge street. The present engine house was erected in 1868. At the State Fair at Janesville in October, 1857, the company won the first prize, a beautiful silver trumpet, in a tournament in which were companies from Milwaukee, Madison, Janesville and several other places. At Freeport, on the 15th of September, 1871, the company won the first prize of $100 for throwing the largest quantity of water, and the third prize of $50 for distance. On the 4th of July, of the same year, the company won a prize of $100 at Brodhead, but without serious opposition. On the 4th of July, 1878, while attending a celebration at Freeport, a fire broke out, and No. 2, although in a strange city, were first to the spot and had the first stream on. For this promptness and efficiency, the press of Freeport expressed the sincerest gratitude and highest praise. The present roster of the company is : Foreman, John Cunningham ; First Assistant, William English ; Second Assistant, Joseph Barnes ; Secretary, Frank Filbert : Treasurer, L. E. Cunningham ; Steward, Launceston Moses; Librarian, Samuel Smith.

The service of the fire department at the burning of Winslow & Rosenberg's hardware store, in 1876, was so efficient that the city, in reward for the faithfulness of her firemen, pre- sented the city library, containing about 2,000 volumes. This library had been kept in an upper floor of the Winslow & Rosenberg store, and was in the property saved by the firemen. In 1859, "Ever Ready " had established a flourishing library, and it increased to 1,000 volumes, but, in 1866, this library was lost in the fire that destroyed their engine-house.

Tiger Hose Company is the hose department of No. 2 and participates with it in all the concerns of the company. Tiger Hose Company won the first prize held at Beloit September 4, 1879-an elegant silver trumpet.

Beloit Hook and Ladder Company .- The first Hook and Ladder Company in Beloit was organized March 5, 1875, with the following roster : Foreman, J. P. Bullock ; First Assistant, H. Hending ; Secretary, S. A. Fields : Treasurer, H. C. Powers. At a tournament June 12, 1879, at Freeport, Beloit Hook and Ladder won first prize-a valuable silver trumpet. The present organization of the company is: Foreman, E. W. Tasker; Assistant, H. Hending ; Secretary, E. W. Merrill ; Treasurer, G. E. Smith ; Steward and Librarian, S. Cormany.

648

HISTORY OF ROCK COUNTY.

CHAPTER X.

ROCK COUNTY VILLAGES.

CLINTON JUNCTION - EVANSVILLE- SHOPIERE - ORFORDVILLE- LIMA CENTER - FOOTVILLE- HANOVER-AFTON-MAGNOLIA-MAGNOLIA STATION (CAINVILLE)-EMERALD GROVE-AVON -EDGERTON-OLD MILTON - MILTON JUNCTION-ETC., ETC.

CLINTON JUNCTION.

Clinton Junction, a pleasant little village on the lines of the Chicago & North-Western and Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul, is the southeast township in Rock County, and known as Town 1, Range 14 east.

On April 9, 1836, Deacon Chauncy Tuttle, Dr. Dennis Mills, Milton S. Warner, Charles Tuttle and William S. Murry arrived in the township and located a settlement on the west side of Jefferson Prairie, within the present limits of the town of Clinton, by the erection of a hut consisting of four crutches set in the ground with poles thrown across ; a brush heap for a roof. and Indian blankets for the sides. By a log fire in front of this primitive dwelling was cooked the first settlers' supper in Clinton.

The floor of the cabin was composed of a wagon-box carefully taken to pieces and laid upon the ground, and this served all the purposes of a house for eight days and nights.

The day following their arrival was spent in an examination of the point and adjoining timber lands and a few sections worked and taken possession of in the name of the "Jefferson Prairie Company." The next business was to cut and haul logs for a house, which was soon "raised " without the use of one foot of sawn lumber, and served as a shelter for many of the first settlers.

A few days after that event, Charles Turtle was dispatched to Rockford, Ill., the nearest point where grain could be obtained. The horses were traded for oxen and a breaking-plow. and 100 acres of land broken, and corn, potatoes, oats, buckwheat, turnips and garden " sass" planted.

In the year following, Stephen E. Downer and Daniel Tasker and their wives visited the Prairie, the ladies thereby gaining the honor of being the first white women who had visited the town.

The nearest provision market was Chicago, where flour cost from $10 to $12 per barrel. and pork $7 to $10 per hundred. The journey took from two to three weeks, according to the condition of the "sloughs."

The first load of grain taken to mill from the settlement, was hauled by Griswold Weaver, in the month of January, 1838, the mill being situated on the Piskasaw River, below Belvidere, Ill.

THE FIRST WEDDING.

In new communities or settlements, among the ladies especially, the events of most interest are those connected with the " pilgrim of love." The marriage of Ezekiel Brownell and Adelina Pratt, the first celebrated in the settlement, was no exception to the rule, and when the last words were pronounced by Joseph S. Pierce, J. P., which made the twain one, great was the general rejoicing.

BETrodall

BELOIT

651

HISTORY OF ROCK COUNTY.

THE FIRST RELIGIOUS SERVICE.

The first service of a religious nature was conducted by Elder F. Tapping (then a resident of Walworth County), at the house of Charles Tuttle, in 1838. He was followed during the same year by the Rev. Albert Tuttle, of Roscoe, Ill., who conducted services several times at the house of Ephraim Hildreth.

THE FIRST BIRTH.

Next to a wedding the most important event in the whole year's doings, is the advent of the first " little stranger," and as such was hailed the appearance of a girl-baby given birth to by Mrs. S. E. Downer, in the year 1838. Mrs. Milton S. Warner is credited with being the second lady to add to the population, the baby being at present known as the late wife of W. B. Guild, Esq.

THE FIRST TOWN MEETING.

. Soon after the town was organized in 1842, a town meeting was held on April 5, at the house of Charles Tuttle, Esq., for the election of town officers, the voting being under the super- vision of Col. William Stewart, Charles Randall and B. F. Murray. Fifty-nine votes were cast and when the boxes were opened it was found that the following gentlemen had been elected: Chairman of Supervisors, Col. William Stewart; Side Supervisors, Heman Murray, Jared H. Randall; Assessor, Lovell R. Gilbert ; Town Clerk, Henry Tuttle; Treasurer, Griswold Weaver; Collector, Reuben P. Willard; Commissioners of Highways, James Chamberlain, Henry Tuttle and Horatio J. Murray ; Commissioners of Schools, David M. Platt, Charles Tut- tle and William S. Murray ; Constables, Allen G. Murray, Reuben P. Willard and Albert W. Allyn.

THE FIRST SCHOOLS.

Great credit is due the early settlers of the town of Clinton for their extreme liberality with respect to these important adjuncts of civilization and Christianity. No sooner were the town officers elected than a vote was taken upon the question of raising money for school purposes. After some discussion, it was decided that a tax should be levied, which was done, and the sum of $100 raised and placed in the treasury to the credit of the School Commissioners. The first school opened was at Willis Corners, with an attendance of twenty scholars, who were presided over by Miss Eliza Baker, in the year 1843, she being the first teacher.

CHURCHES.

The First Baptist Church .- On August 25, 1838, Deacon Stephen Barrett and family arrived in Clinton, from the State of Ohio, being followed two months later by Brother John Lewis from the State of Pennsylvania, he arriving on October 30. Soon after he was followed by Deacon Abel F. Lewis, who came for the purpose of paying a visit to his brother, and while there held the first Baptist meeting, preaching from the text, "As Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of man be lifted up." Prayer-meetings were held through the winter of 1838 and, in the spring of 1839, Deacon Lewis returned, preaching to the mem- bers of that faith throughout the summer. September 1, 1839, a meeting was held at the house of Mr. William Smith, and the brethren to the number of six presented their letters and cov- enanted to unite in maintaining the worship of God and the ordinances of their faith. On the first Sunday in January, 1840, Elder F. Topping arrived in Clinton and held a meeting at the house of Deacon S. Barrett, and after that he preached regularly every second week. On Sun- day, May 10, seven of the brethren were baptized in Turtle Creek, being the first to receive the rits of baptism in that stream.

652

HISTORY OF ROCK COUNTY. ·

On the following day a meeting, over which P. W. Lake presided as Moderator, was held at the house of Mr. John Lewis for the purpose of re-organizing the Church. Twenty-five brothers and sisters presented Articles of Faith and Church Covenant, which were approved and their holders admitted to good fellowship. On May 23, Stephen Barrett and Abel F. Lewis were chosen deacons, and on August 29, at a meeting, it was resolved to present the Articles of Association to the Wisconsin Baptist Association, and ask to be connected with that body. This was done, Elder F. Topping, Deacon S. Barrett, A. F. Lewis, J. Lewis and N. B. Kasson pre- senting the claims of their brethren.

From that year up to 1849-50, services were held principally in private houses, but in the latter years a church was built at Clinton Corners and occupied until 1857, when it was removed to Clinton Junction. But it was soon found that the rapidly increasing numbers of the congre- gation demanded a larger edifice, and accordingly it was determined that one should be built and during the season of 1867 the present edifice was erected (38x64 feet, with a session-room in the rear, 20x30), at a cost of $6.500. The following is a list of the Pastors :

1840-43, Elder F. Topping; 1843, Rev. Mr. Winshell and Elder Moses Pickett; 1844-45, Elder M. Pickett ; 1846-49, Elder Charles Button ; 1850, Elder M. W. Webster ; 1850 to Jan- uary, 1855, Elder M. B. True ; 1855, Elder Daniel Eldredge; 1856, Elder Chas. Purrett ; 1857, Elder S. Jones ; 1858 to April, 1865, Elder E. B. Hatch ; 1865 to November 1867, Elder L. M. Newell ; 1867 to May, 1871, Elder I. S. Mize ; 1871 (May) to June, 1872, Elder C. E. Taylor and W. W. Moore (supply); 1872-78, Elder H. W. Stearns; 1878-79, Rev. C. C. Marston (present incumbent).

The Church has now 150 communicants and the living is worth $800 per annum. The Trustees are Deacons E. Bruce, A. P. Preble and G. B. Turneaure.

The Methodist Episcopal Church was organized at Summerville, in the fall of 1844, the origi- inators being J. O. Case and wife, Bennett Wooster and wife and Peter Losee. Elder F. Sanders of the Rock River Conference, was the first Pastor, and Elder Stocking, of Brown's Prairie, the Presiding Elder. In 1845, the membership was augmented by the reception of Harson Northrop and wife and H. Newell and wife, who in that year arrived and settled in the town of Clinton. The present edifice was erected in the year 1857, at a cost of about $1,800, the dedicatory sermon being preached by the Rev. Thomas Eddy, of the Northwestern Christian Advocate. The first Pastor was the Rev. H. B. Crandall, the present the Rev. Stephen Smith. The liv- ing is worth $1,000 per annum. In addition to the Church is a parsonage erected some years ago at a cost of about $1,000, which, however, is now entirely free from debt. The present Trustees are Charles E. Richardson, John Cate, S. M. Estes, J. F. Cleghorn, Phineas Crosby, Solomon Ellethorp and George Chilcott.

The First Congregational Church of Clinton was organized March 30, 1858, by a Council of Delegates from the Churches of Beloit, Allen's Grove, Emerald Grove and Shopiere. It consisted, at its formation, of the following persons :

James Benedict, Abby Benedict, Helen Campbell, Janette Campbell, Abner Emery, Anna Emery, Baldwin B. Olds, Sarah W. Olos, John Perrine, Anna Perrine, Jane E. Shumeway. P. W. Smith, Frances Smith, Samuel Moore, Mary H. Moore, Mary Janette Covert, Thomas Tuttle, Rhoda Tuttle, Charles Tuttle, Elmnia Tuttle, Rachel T. Weaver, Julia Ann Warner, Mary Bennett, Martha Bennett, George Covert, M. D. Prosper, P. Comstock, Rebecca C. Comstock. John Kimball, Martha Kimball, Eliza Mendenhall, Eugene H. Tuttle, Milton S. Warner, Charlotte S. Warner, Olney F. Weaver, Ellen J. Weaver.

In September, 1858, the Church was received by the Beloit District Convention.

In 1860, through the kindness and liberality of Mr. Thomas Tuttle, who donated the land, the society was enabled to erect a church, only the main edifice, however, which cost $2,000, and in consideration of that liberality and the interest which he took in it from the date of its organization, the Church and society adopted the following : " Resolved, That we extend our thanks to Mr. Thomas Tuttle, for his gift of the site and fence for the church building, together with the interest manifested by him in the erection of the house."

653

HISTORY OF ROCK COUNTY.

In 1867, the society erected a parsonage on a lot adjoining the church, which was bought at a cost of $250, by Mr. Thomas Tuttle, and presented by him to the Church, the whole cost- ing about $1,800. In 1871, an addition to the church, consisting of a chapel and vestry-room, was erected at a cost of $1,900, and, in 1876, a bell was purchased at a cost of $300.

The society is in a very prosperous condition, a fact which may be judged of by the fact that, within the past nine years, its members, in addition to meeting the neccessary expenses, have contributed nearly $1,000 for benevolent purposes.

The following is a list of Pastors from the date of its organization to the present time : 1860-64, Rev. W. H. Bernard, of Shopiere (supply) : 1864-66, Rev. P. F. Warner ; 1866-69, Rev. James Brewer; 1869-72, Rev. D. M. Breckenridge, from Chicago Theological Seminary ; 1872-79, Rev. G. F. Bronson ; S. D. Peet, present incumbent.

The gentlemen who have filled the office of Deacon are Messrs. P. W. Smith, Abner Emery, P. P. Comstock, Gardner Johnson, James Benedict, J. A. Covert, E. Z. Stowe. William Bruce and M. S. Warner, the latter for fourteen consecutive years; Mr. B. B. Olds officiating as Clerk from the organization of the society to the present date.

In connection with the Church is a Sunday school, whose history is almost identical with that of the Church, the Superintendents of which have been : Eugene H. Tuttle, six months : Augustus Covert, eighteen months ; B. B. Olds, seven years ; Hiram Cooper, one year ; Rev. D. M. Breckenridge, one year ; A. H. Hollister, three years ; Solon S. Cooper, one year ; J. R. Helmer, three years.

The Norwegian Lutheran Church, in the town of Clinton, was organized in 1849, and incorporated on March 26, of the same year. Prior, however, to the organization of the society. viz., in 1848, a brick church was built, at a cost of $800, and, as soon as the society was formed, the Rev. C. L. Clauson was installed as Pastor, the Trustees being Tosten Nelson, Erick Ellef- son and Jens Gilbertson. In 1861, in consequence of an increase in the number of communi- cants, a new church was built, at a cost of $2,200. In 1865, a bell and organ were purchased. the former at a cost of $140 and the latter $430. In 1870, some of the members of the con- gregation were unfortunate enough to disagree upon some minor points, and dissensions arose. the result being a " divided house," which, however, did not fulfill the old adage by falling, being merely served by different Pastors, but, subsequently, a healing of the breach was effected. The following is a list of the ministers who have officiated in the Church : Rev. C. L. Clauson, Rev. G. F. Dietrichsen, Rev. C. F. Maglesen, Rev. J. H. Simonsen and Rev. Wang Herald. The present number of communicants is about one hundred.

St. Catherine's Catholic Church, in the town of Clinton, was established in the fall of 1844, by the Very Rev. Martin Kundig, who was sent out in that year by the Right Rev. Martin Henni, Bishop of Milwaukee, for the purpose of establishing Missions at Racine, Kencsha, Bur- lington, Janesville, Beloit and Clinton. From the date of its formation, it has been attended by the following gentlemen in the capacity of Pastors : Very Rev. Martin Kundig, two years ; Rev. John Fondee, two years; Rev. F. Fruseder, one year ; Rev. Francis Pendergast, Rev. J. W. Norris, D. D., four years ; Rev. George Brennan, three years ; Rev. Thomas Smith, two years ; Rev. Henry Roche, eighteen months ; Rev. G. R. Herman, three years and six months ; Rev. R. F. Sullivan, twelve years. The membership now is about three hundred.

The Scandinavian Evangelical Church was organized in the town of Clinton, in the year 1849, at the house of Sven Lursen, the discipline and government for churches of the Frankean . Evangelical Lutheran Synod of the State of New York, being adopted pro tempore as its con- stitution. Trustees and Deacons were also elected, but, unfortunately, the papers containing the names, as well as those of the first members, are lost, so perforce we must omit them.

For a number of years, the Church had no presiding Pastor, the pulpit being filled princi- pally by the Rev. O. Andrewson, and the Rev. O. J. Hatlestad. Until 1851, the Church had no synodical connection, but in that year its members participated in the formation of the Evan- gelical Lutheran Synod of Northern Illinois, which was held at Cedarville, Stephenson Co., Ill., from the 18th to the 24th of September.

654

HISTORY OF ROCK COUNTY.

In August, 1855, at a meeting held for the purpose of extending a " call " to a minister of that denomination, it was decided by a unanimous vote to address the Rev. O. Andrewson upon the subject. He sent a favorable response to the call, which was signed by T. Tollifson, J. Jacobson and Fred. Fredrikson, Deacons ; O. Thompson and Lewis Siverts, Trustees, and C. C. Newhouse, Secretary, and was duly installed in the spring of 1856.

At the annual meeting held on April 7, 1858, it was unanimously resolved to build a new church, which was accomplished in the following summer at a cost of about $1,700. At the same meeting, a new constitution providing for the election of three Trustees and six Deacons. one and two of whom respectively are elected at the annual meeting. The Church is now con- nected with the Augustana Evangelical Lutheran Synod, which was organized in June, 1860.

SECRET SOCIETIES.

Good Samaritan Lodge, No. 135, A., F. § A. M., was organized under dispensation dated May 24, 1862, and a charter granted June 11, 1862, the place of meeting being Shopiere. But that village being somewhat inconvenient the headquarters of the Lodge were removed to Clinton, in June, 1867. The first officers were: Dr. Coryden Farr, W. M .; F. A. Humphrey, S. W .; Benjamin E. Mack, J. W .; J. A. Chamberlain, Treasurer ; D. S. Hopson, S. D .; Will- iam J. Briggs, J. D .; George Gould, Tiler. Since its organization, the Lodge has initiated 139 members, and have now about one hundred. Their officers are: R. R. Child, W. M .; C. Griswold, S. W .; J. Carruthers, J. W .; J. F. Cleghorn, Treasurer; C. M. Treat, Secretary ; H. J. Bar- nard, S. D .; C. Perkins, J. D .; James S. Campbell, Tiler. They rent a large, well-furnished hall, and possess property worth about $250.

Johnstown Lodge, No. 58, I. O. O. F., was instituted at Johnstown Center, Rock County, on July 21, 1851, and was of considerable importance, owing to the magnitude of its roster until 1867, when, owing to the fact of its numerical strength being weakened by reason of the non-return of many of its members who had gone to fight their country's battles during the war of the rebellion, it was deemed advisable to surrender the charter to the Grand Lodge, which was accordingly done. It was not, however, doomed to perpetual obscurity, for, in March, 1868, it was resurrected and removed to Clinton Junction, meeting for the first time in Mr. W. H. Connell's chambers, under the Noble Grandship of Father C. C. Cheeney, one of the origi- nal charter members who had been elected to that office.

It soon regained its old-time prestige, and, erelong, the lodge-room was found to be too con- fined in space for the proper illustration of the tenets of Odd-Fellowship as exemplified by the admission and subsequent initiation of members. Accordingly, another move was made to rooms over Mrs. Perkins' milliner shop, but again the growth of the Lodge exceeded the dimensions of the hall, and another move made necessary. This time their furniture was transferred to a room over Mr. J. Snell's store, and remained there five years. But again its abnormal growth com- pelled a change of base, and, accordingly, Brother II. Pierce exerted his intellect and muscle, * combination of " faculties " which resulted in the transformation of a long bare room into a cory hall, wherein the members now meet and pass away the dull evenings by the interchange of con- genial sentiments and the transaction of such business as appertains to the well-being of their society.

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The History of Rock County, Wisconsin: Its Early Settlement, Growth, Development, Resources, Etc., Part 98

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