USA > Wisconsin > Columbia County > The history of Columbia county, Wisconsin, containing an account of its settlement > Part 108
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Welsh Calvinistie Methodist Church .- This church was organized in 1853, by Rev. Will- iam Jones, with twenty-five members. Rev. John ap Jones, a local preacher, ministered to the congregation from its organization until June, 1857, when he was succeeded by Rev. Reece Evans, who " labored in word and in doctrine " until June, 1879. The first services were held in the schoolhouse in the village, continuing therein until the erection of their church edifice in 1857. The church house cost $3,000. It is 40x50 feet, and will seat 350 persons. The mem- bership of the church was 108. A Sunday-school was organized by the congregation in 1853. In 1879, its average attendance was 140. Henry Williams was their Superintendent.
Methodist Episcopal Church .- In 1850, Rev. Henry Roberts organized a class in schoolhouse about one mile sonth of the village of Cambria, composed of about a fifteen members, among whom were H. O. Evans and wife, Griffith W. Jones, wife,
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HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY.
son and daughter ; William Davis and wife, William Lloyd and wife, Ann Jones, John H. Roberts, Rowland Jones and wife, John T. Jones and wife. The congregation con- tinued to worship in the schoolhouse where it was organized until 1856, when a church house was built in Cambria. To this place they then came. In the spring of 1873, the house was moved to a more favorable location and services held in the English language. Previous to this time, the Welsh tongue was used. The Welsh pastors of the church were Revs. Henry Roberts, William Owens, Robert Price, William R. Jones and John Jones. The English Pastors were Revs. Bronson, Shepherd, Teel, Averill and Saffron. The first offi- cers were John T. Jones and John H. Roberts, Class Leaders ; H. O. Jones, G. W. Jones and John H. Roberts, Stewards. In 1849, Samuel Davis was Class Leader and Thomas Morris, Steward. Membership, twelve. A Sunday school was organized in 1873, which ceased to exist in 1878.
Welsh Congregationalist Church .- This church was organized in 1856, by Rev. John Parry, and a small frame house erected, which they designated as their " Tabernacle," wherein they met to worship until the completion of a church edifice in 1858. Their new house of worship was erected at a cost of $1,400, and was located on State street, Roberts' Addition to the village. Rev. John Parry was the first Pastor of the congregation, followed in order by Revs. G. Jones, D. D. Jones, M. Morris and J. V. Evans. Among the number composing its organization were W. R. Lloyd, Dr. J. H. Williams, David Richards, L. Richards, H. Hughes, P. Griffiths and Rev. G. Jones. In 1879, the church had a membership of fifty, with Roger Rogers, Deacon; J. R. Jones, Treasurer; Thomas Davis and John Owens, Trustees; L. Richards, Secretary. In 1879, the Sunday school connected with the congregation had had a continuous existence of twenty-six years, and had on its roll about sixty scholars. L. Rich- ards, Superintendent.
Presbyterian Church .- The society was organized in 1859, and a church building erected in 1860-61. The first Elder was John Peabody, and its constituent members were Mrs. Pea- body, Miss Peabody, John Van Middleworth and wife, Sarah Van Middleworth, Mrs. John D. Jones, Robert Currie. The Pastors have been Revs. Andrew Hardy, John Densmore, John Kelley, J. H. Richey. C. H. Spencer, David James, Morris Davis, Robert Roberts. Its present membership is 40. Elders-David Glass, John ap Jones, H. W. Thomas and G. D. Myers.
The various temperance and benevolent organizations have not been without representation in the village, being represented by the Masons, United Workmen, Good Templars and Juvenile Templars.
Good Templars .- A lodge of Good Templars was instituted March 28, 1874, by B. F. Parker, G. W. S., assisted by Theodore D. Kanouse, G. W. C. Its first officers and charter members were: K. Scott, W. C. T .; Nellie Evans, W. V. T .; Rev. W. Teal, W. Chap. ; H. C. Glendening, W. S .; R. G. Humphrey, W. A. S .; Louisa Hughes, W. T. ; Richard Jones, W. M. ; Perrie Williams, W. D. M .; Laura Humphrey, W. I. G .; J. Ridgeway, W. O. G .; Mrs. Scott, R. H. S. ; Peter Williams, L. D. ; M. J. Teal, Jennie Williams, Rev. Reese Evans, Nel Evans, Mrs. H. C. Glendening, Mrs. B. Owen, Sarah Perry, Maggie Owens, M. J. Rach, Annie Williams, M. J. Owens, M. E. Williams, Sarah Humphrey, J. Bartholomew, Mrs. J. Bartholomew, Thomas Owens, Annie Morris, David Williams, Mrs. E. Evans, Mrs. A. Humphrey, Mrs. R. Williams, Richard Jones, Louisa Hughes, Rev. M. E. Davis, A. C. Humphrey, John Williams, Samuel Davis, Catharine Davis. In January, 1880, the officers were: George Beyers, W. C. T .; Jennie Williams, W. V. T .; John Davis, P. W. C. T .; R. G. Humphrey, W. Chap. ; John V. M. Davis, W. S .; Jennie Owens, W. A. S .; William E. Williams, W. F. S. ; Nellie Edwards, W. T .; John Edwards, W. M .; Lizza A. Jones, W. A. M .; Hattie Hughes, W. I. G .; William Beyers, W. O. G .; Eliza Williams, R. H. S. ; Louisa Hughes, L. H. S .; Robert E. Jones, L. D. Membership, 55. Night of meetings, Friday, in Edwards' Hall.
Cambria Lodge, No. 61, A. O. U. W .- This lodge was organized April 24, 1879, by A. H. Casey, with the following-named officers and charter members: M. A. Shaw, P. M. W .;
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HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY.
Peter Williams, M. W .; Fred. Miller, M. ; William Peterman, O .; Edmund Evans. R. ; J. J. Edwards, F .; H. W. Thomas, Receiver ; Henry Williams, G .; Edwin Davis, I. W .; A. Schlissman, O. W. ; Samuel Davis, William H. Sanders, Fred. Seeman and D. D. Jones. The lodge adopted as regular nights of meeting the second and fourth Wednesday in each month. At its first meeting in January, 1880, were elected and installed, Fred. Miller, M. W .; H. R. Williams, G. F. : William Sanders, O .; William Peterman, O .; M. A. Shaw, G .; A. Schleiss- man, I. W .; William Seeman, O. W .; J. J. Edwards, F .; H. W. Thomas, Rec .; Peter Williams, P. M. W. Trustees : D. D. Jones, J. J. Edwards, and Henry Williams.
Cambria Lodge, No. 152, A., F. A. M., was organized July 26, 1865, by S. H. Marquissee. Its charter members and first officers were G. O. Jones, W .M .; D. C. Davis, S. W. ; H. B. Rust, J. W .; Horace Rust, Treasurer ; R. J. Rowland, Sec .; W. Meacher, S. D. ; J. B. Smith, J. D .; S. G. Winters, Tiler. Up to January, 1880, five members had died, as follows: Mr. Blodgett, Jacob Jackson, Robert J. Rowlands, George Farcy, D. H. Ennis. At the annual election, January, 1880, were elected and installed, Peter Williams, W. M. ; E. Tripp. S. W .; John Houston, J. W .; P. Beckelhaupt, Treas .; Z. Merrill, Sec. ; John Davis, S. D .; II. H. Jones, J. D .; D. A. Roberts, Tiler. Regular night of meeting, first and third Thursday, in each month.
MISCELLANEOUS.
Fires .- As has been stated, in 1872 the hotel of Chatwood & Son was destroyed by fire. In 1874, seven buildings on the north side of Water street were destroyed, the loss amounting to $10,000. April 26, 1879, four buildings on the south side of Water street met a similar fate, inflicting a loss of $35,000.
The grist-mill has frequently changed hands. Its first proprietors were the Langdons, then Bell, Jones & Edwards, John ap Jones, Jones & Williams, Williams & Evans, Gabriel Williams, and Williams & Jones, who in 1880, were its proprietors. The old frame long since passed away and in its stead was erected, in 1871, a large and handsome stone structure costing $40,000, and having placed in it nothing but the latest and most approved machinery.
Since the original plat was recorded, several additions have been made to the village, and are known as J. D. Jones', Roberts', Sarah ap Roberts', Williams', Jones' and Kelly's Additions to Cambria. The greater part of the place lies within the town of Courtland, while the remainder is in the town of Randolph. Cambria was under town government until 1866, the Legislature of that year passing an act of incorporation, and in April, 1866, the first charter election was held. By the act of incorporation, the government was to consist of a President and five Trustees, a Clerk, Treasurer, Police Justice and Constable, who should be an ex officio Marshal, and such other officers as the Trustees should ordain. The President and Trustees and the Police Justice were to be elected annually, on the second Monday in April, the other officers to be appointed by the President and Trustees, to hold their offices for one year, or until their successors were duly appointed and qualified. The Police Justice was given all the rights and privileges of a Justice of the Peace, and was entitled to the same fees as received by them. Power was given to the President and Trustees to grant licenses for the sale of intoxicating, alcoholic, vinous, fermented, malt or mixed liquors, wine, beer or cider, and for passing and enforcing all laws necessary for the government of houses thereby licensed ; for organizing fire companies, restraining drunkards, establish pounds, and the licensing and controlling of other matters that might be necessary for good government.
The following is a list of village officers for the several years since the organization of the village up to and including 1879 :
1866-E. O. Jones, President ; Jacob Jackson, Nicholas Jones, R. J. Lloyd, Willard Smith, E. R. Williams, Trustees ; D. C. Davies, Police Justice; R. T. Williams, Clerk ; R. J. Rowland, Treasurer, S. G. Winters, Marshal ; M. W. Patton, Street Commissioner.
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HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY.
1867-E. O. Jones, President ; Willard D. Smith, John De Witt Jones, Nicholas Jones, Elias R. Williams, Jacob Emter, Trustees ; Calvin M. Bush, Police Justice ; G. O. Jones, Clerk ; R. J. Rowland, Treasurer ; John L. Owens, Marshal.
1868-E. O. Jones, President; John D. Jones, Peter Bickelhaupt, J. W. Kelley, O. E. Jones, G. D. Myers, Trustees ; R. J. Rowland, Police Justice ; G. O. Jones, Clerk ; Isaac Perry, Marshal; William H. Patton, Street Commissioner ; Elias R. Williams, Treasurer.
1869-E. O. Jones, President; John D. Jones, G. D. Myers. D. D. Owens, Nicholas Jones, H. J. Roberts, Trustees; R. J. Rowland, Police Justice ; G. O. Jones, Clerk ; O. E. Jones, Street Commissioner ; Herman Mode, Marshal ; John D. Jones, Treasurer.
1870-E. O. Jones, President ; C. D. Myers, Peter Bickelhaupt, H. J. Roberts, Nicholas Jones, Hugh W. Thomas, Trustees ; Griff O. Jones, Police Justice ; E. P. Jones, Supervisor; Griff O. Jones, Clerk ; John D. Jones, Treasurer ; O. E. Jones, Street Commissioner.
1871-G. D. Myers, President ; Isaac Parry, Nicholas Jones, Thomas Lewis, Robert King, E. R. Williams, Trustees ; E. O. Jones, Police Justice ; E. O. Jones, Clerk ; H. J. Roberts, Treasurer ; H. Moede, Marshal ; John B. Williams, Street Commissioner.
1872-G. D. Myers, President; Peter Bickelhaupt, Thomas Lewis, Evan W. Lloyd, Gershom Jones, Elias R. Williams, Trustees ; E. O. Jones, Police Justice and Clerk ; H. J. Roberts, Treasurer ; Nicholas Jones, Street Commissioner ; H. Moedi, Marshal.
1873-G. D. Myers, President; George Forey, H. W. Thomas, D. D. Jones, E. Pur- nell, H. F. Miller, Trustees ; E. O. Jones, Police Justice and Clerk ; E. W. Lloyd, Treasurer ; O. E. Jones, Marshal ; Nicholas Jones, Street Commissioner.
1874-G. D. Myers, President; H. F. Miller, H. W. Thomas, John L. Owens, John Davis, M. A. Shaw, Trustees ; E. O. Jones, Police Justice and Clerk ; D. D. Jones, Treasurer ; R. G. Humphreys, Marshal ; John W. Williams, Street Commissioner.
1875-M. A. Shaw, President ; Thomas Morris, John L. Owens, Thomas Lewis, George Forey, E. Purnell, Trustees ; E. O. Jones, Police Justice and Clerk ; D. D. Jones, Treasurer ; O. E. Jones, Marshal ; John W. Williams, Street Commissioner.
1876-John Davies, President ; Thomas Morris, Enoch Evans, G. Williams, Jacob Emter, J. W. Kelly, Trustees; G. D. Myers, Police Justice ; J. W. Kelly, Treasurer ; Nicholas Jones, Street Commissioner ; Isaac Parry, Marshal ; M. A. Shaw, Clerk.
1877-Elias R. Williams, President ; Hugh W. Thomas, Robert G. Humphrey, John D. Owens, E. Purnell, Peter Williams, Trustees ; M. W. Patton, Police Justice ; John Davis, Clerk ; E. W. Lloyd, Treasurer ; Thomas Lewis, Street Commissioner ; Edward N. Jones, Marshal.
1878-G. D. Myers, President ; D. G. Williams, E. W. Lloyd, E. R. Williams, J. J. Edwards, T. A. Davis, Trustees ; Peter Williams, Police Justice; Thomas Lewis, Street Com- missioner ; E. O. Jones, Clerk ; Peter Bickelhaupt, Treasurer ; Isaac Parry, Marshal.
1879-D. G. Williams, President ; H. W. Thomas, Thomas A. Davis, Peter Bickelhaupt, G. D. Jones, William A. Jones, Trustees ; Peter Williams, Police Justice ; M. A. Shaw, Clerk ; Isaac Parry, Marshal ; Henry Jackson, Street Commissioner ; D. D. Jones, Treasurer.
The general business of the village has always been good, and is now represented by four general stores, one exclusive grocery store, one hardware, one jewelry, two drug and groceries, one furniture, one book, one restaurant, three saloons, one photograph gallery, two harness- shops, three shoe-shops, three wagon and blacksmith shops, one machine-shop, two tailor-shops, two paint-shops, one pump-shop, three millinery stores, three dressmakers, three physicians, three grain and stock dealers, one express agent, two insurance agents, two lumber-yards, one hotel, one grist-mill, two sewing-machine agencies and three agricultural machinery agencies.
VILLAGE OF 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
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HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY.
Randolph, the west ward of which is situated on Section 1, in the town of Courtland, the remainder being in the town of Westford, Dodge County. On the completion of the Milwaukee & La Crosse Railroad, now the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul, the citizens living near the present village, for their own convenience, desired that a station should be located here. The company 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 party 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 do 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, or in possession or expectancy of, in and to the ahove bargained premises and their hereditaments and appurtenances, to have and to hold the said premises above described, with the hereditaments 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 said 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 whercof, The said party of the first part hereunto set their hands and seals the day and year first above written.
ABIEL STARK, [L. S.]
JANE A. STARK. [L. S.]
Sealed and delivered in the presence of FRANCIS WANS, JOHN CONVERSE.
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 Abiel 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.
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 erection ; and before long a thriving little village sprung up, which has had a steady growth to the present, not increasing rapidly in numbers, but adding to its population year by year, and also increasing steadily in material wealth.
The first store building was erected in the year 1857 by H. B. Converse ; the first ware- house by S. Merrill.
Rus Evans CAMBRIA.
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HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY.
The village now presents a very neat appearance, with a large number of excellent dwelling-houses and stores, the latter doing a first-class business. The population is about five hundred. Few of the first settlers of the place now remain, some having moved away, while others have died. 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 Westford, and, finally, to Randolph. For the first thirteen years, it was attached to the town of Westford ; but, in the winter of 1869-70, the Leg- islature 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 contains a provision that the President of the Board shall always be a resi- dent of the East Ward, or that part lying within the limits of Dodge County. 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. Illsley ; Constable, Morris Taylor. Justices, East Ward-D. Kenyon; West Ward-S. M. Smith; Clerk, S. M. Smith. Supervisors, East Ward-John E. Root; West Ward-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. Stalker. Treasurer, R. D. Evans ; Assessor, A. Jones. Justices, West Ward-R. S. Richmond ; East Ward-H. B. Converse. Constable, M. G. Toby ; Clerk, H. B. Converse.
1874 -- President, R. D. Calkins. Trustees, East Ward-M. Wilson and N. Rasmusson ; West Ward-G. C. Foster and J. Stalker. Treasurer, R. D. Calkins ; Assessor, A. Jones ; Supervisors, East Ward-H. B. Converse ; West Ward-W. T. Whirry. Justices, East Ward -H. B. Converse ; West Ward-W. T. Whirry. Constable, J. A. Townsend ; Clerk, H. B. Converse.
1875-President, James Knowles. Trustees, East Ward-J. G. Stark and C. O. Bige- low ; West Ward-R. S. Richmond and J. Stalker. Treasurer, R. D. Evans ; Assessor, C. J. Coleman. Supervisors, East Ward-J. E. Root; West Ward-J. Stalker. Justices, East Ward-H. B. Converse; West Ward-W. T. Whirry. Constable, J. A. Townsend; Clerk, J. E. Root.
1876-President, R. D. Calkins. Trustees, East Ward-R. N. Rasmusson and C. O. Bigelow ; West Ward-R. S. Richmond and Richard Arms. Treasurer, R. D. Evans ; Asses- sor, C. J. Coleman. Justices, East Ward-R. D. Calkins ; West Ward-Roger Williams. Supervisors, East Ward-J. E. Root; West Ward-J. Stalker. Constable, J. A. Townsend ; Clerk, R. G. Roberts.
1877-President, James Knowles. Trustees, East Ward-J. G. Stark and M. Wilson ; West Ward-J. Roberts and R. S. Richmond. Assessor, C. J. Coleman ; Treasurer, R. D.
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HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY
Evans. Supervisors, East Ward-J. E. Root ; West Ward-J. Stalker. Justices, East Ward -R. D. Calkins ; West Ward-Roger Williams. Constable, J. A. Townsend; Clerk, J. 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 ; Treasurer, R. D. Evans. Supervisors, East Ward-J. E. Root ; West Ward-G. C. Foster. Justices, 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.
1880-President, C. J. Coleman. Trustees, East Ward-C. HI. Smith, E. P. Jones ; West Ward-R. S. Richmond, Roger Williams. Treasurer, R. D. Evans ; Assessor, M. Wilson ; Constable, M. L. French ; Supervisors, East Ward, John E. Root; West Ward-G. C. Foster ; Justices, East Ward, R. D. Calkins; West Ward, Roger Williams.
FIRST THINGS.
The first settler where the village now stands was John Hopper, who owned forty acres of land on what is now known as Dickinson'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 G. W. Goldsmith.
The village, like the country surrounding, was first settled by emigrants from the East ; but, of late years, a large number of Welsh have made their homes here, and to-day this people comprise nearly half 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, John 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. 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.
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