USA > Wisconsin > Columbia County > The history of Columbia county, Wisconsin, containing an account of its settlement > Part 70
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The " Potters' Joint-Stock Emigration Society and Savings Fund " was organized, accord- ing to an act of Parliament, May, 1844. Its object was " to raise a fund, by weekly contribu- tions from each member, according to the number of shares held by such member, to purchase, in the Western States of the North American Union, 12,000 acres of land; to raise on the same buildings for the use of British operative potters desiring to emigrate, through the medium of shares, of not less than £1 each."
It was proposed that, with the moneys realized by these £1 shares, a given number of fam- ilies, elected by ballot, should be sent to the society's land, to each of which families should be given twenty acres of land, and the migrating expenses of the whole to be defrayed by the com- pany's funds. It was also permitted of any member who had paid £1, the privilege of emigrat- ing, he bcaring his own expenses, and to choose twenty acres of land, erecting thereon a build- ing, and to cultivate the same. Any one elected by ballot, who did not choose to go, was per- mitted to dispose of his chance as he might think proper to any member of the society. Women were permitted to become members of the society, but were not permitted to hold office. Its general management was vested in a President, Vice President, Secretary, two Money Stew- ards, three Trustees, two Treasurers, one Estate Steward and one Deputy Estate Steward, who were permitted to remain in office so long as they gave general satisfaction, and did their duty according to its rules and regulations.
* Potters' Examiner, June 22, 1864.
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HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY.
The objects of the society met with the approval of the great body of men in whose inter- est it was organized ; its membership rapidly increased, and, in 1846, when a sufficient fund had been raised for the purpose, Hamlet Copeland, John Sawyer and James Hammond were sent out to purchase land and make such preparations as were necessary for the welfare of those who desired to emigrate. They brought with them a fine set of fancy pottery, designed as a present for the General Land Commissioner, at Washington. When they arrived in that city, the Commissioner was absent, but his brother,, who was a clerk in the department, received them, and in his name accepted the present and advised them to seck a home in Wisconsin. Coming to this State, they carefully looked over the field, and selected 1,640 acres in a body in the town of Scott, Columbia County. This they had surveyed into twenty-acre tracts, on each of which was to be erected a dwelling-house for the occupancy of the emigrants.
In the pottery trade, as carried on in England, there were eight branches, and each branch had its separate union. After a sufficient time had elapsed, as the society thought, for the com- mittee sent out to make all due preparation, cach of these unions selected one of their number to form an Estate Committee, who were to come with the emigrants, and see that each member of their respective unions received his just credits and was not imposed on by the General Com- mittce. This Estate Committee was composed of Isaac Smith, Henry Dooley, Enoch Pickering. George Summerfield, Joseph Cloons, Samuel Fox, George Robertshaw and William Bradshaw. Easter week, 1847, a band of emigrants, consisting of the eight mentioned and others to the number of forty-four, left the potteries in Staffordshire, accompanied by a band of music and a turnout of several thousand people, who came to see them off and bid farewell. Taking ship at Liverpool, they sailed for New York, and, after spending five long, dreary weeks upon the water, they landed at Castle Garden. By way of the Erie Canal they journeyed to Buffalo, N. Y., and thence to Milwaukee by lake. Here they were met by James Hammond, who was to be their conductor to the "promised land."
Arriving in Scott, they found but four houses erected, and all in an unfinished condition -- not a window in nor a door hung, and no real provision made for their comfort; but this was not the fault of the committee, as they had not been given time enough to have all things in readiness. The men were of necessity required to go to work and build houses for themselves, in the mean time living as best they could. At this time, provisions were hard to obtain, with or without money, and starvation seemed to stare them in the face. For days and weeks, bread was not to be obtained ; potatoes, too, were scarce, butter unknown, and the outlook was dreary indeed. Discouraging reports were sent back to friends in England, which had the effeet of discouraging emigration and to cripple the work of the society. Many who had taken an active interest in the work, withdrew their aid, so much so that sufficient funds could not be raised to even supply the wants of those who had already been sent out, much less to send others. At this juncture, the society was re-organized, and, instead of limiting the membership to the pot- ters, all trades were permitted to unite in furtherance of the object which brought it into exist- ence. Every effort was made by the society to prevent the spread of discouraging reports. Circulars were issued and scattered broadcast, in one of which the general agent spoke as fol- lows: "At the commencement of the Potters' Joint-Stock Emigration Society, and up to the present time [May, 1848], its operations were confined to working potters alone. It is now the pleasure of the founder to announce that these operations are thrown open to the service of other trades ; and that the success of the potters in their land movement for trade's protection, is of the most cheering character. Apart from strikes, they have succeeded in raising the price of their labor upward of 20 per cent, and throughout a long and unparalleled stagnation of trade, they have conserved the improved price thus secured. This great success is wholly a consequence of their land operations. Instead of resorting to ruinous strikes, they have put the ax to the root of all trades' evil-surplus labor. In ninety-nine cases out of every hun- dred, these just demands have been complied with ; and when refused, and men discharged from their employ, these objects of persecution were at once removed to self-supporting twenty-acre farms, rejoicing in their release from the oppressor's yoke."
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HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY.
On the first purchase of land by the society, in the town of Scott, were settled in the first year 134 persons. The settlement was given the name of Pottersvillc.
The new rules adopted by the society secured to cach individual who chose to avail himself of the privilege, twenty acres of land and two years' credit for twelve months' provisions on the store of the colony. To every balloted member, twenty acres of land, five broken up, sown and fenced; a good substantial log dwelling ; passage money for family, and two years' credit for provisions-all for the small contribution of sixpence per week. The balloted member had also all the emigrating expenses of himself, wife and children, under eighteen years of age, defrayed by the society.
In 1849, Thomas Twigg was sent out with full power to purchase 50,000 acres of land, and did purchase a considerable amount in the towns of Fort Winnebago, Columbia County, and Moundville, Marquette County. On Section 4, on the banks of the Fox River, at a place called Twigg's Landing, he opened a store for the society and also put in operation a blacksmith-shop. A branch store was also started in the town of Scott. The Trustees at this time were John Johnson, Charles Adams and Thomas Twiggs. The Stewards in charge of the store were unfortunate in the transaction of the business, contracting debts which could not be paid on maturity. Suits were brought against the society, judgment obtained, and a levy made upon the tract of land first purchased in the town of Scott. Friends of the parties then living on the land, bought it in and permitted the occupants to remain thereon, paying therefor a proportionate part of the amount paid. News of this state of affairs was sent back to England, confidence was lost in the management of the society and it soon disbanded. A few of the emigrants returned to England, but the greater part remained, some of whom entered land for themselves elsewhere in this and adjoining counties, and in due course of time became substantial citizens.
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HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY.
CHAPTER VII.
THE DELLS-COUNTY STATISTICS-COUNTY MAPS AND ATLAS-CURLING-COLUMBIA COUNTY BIBLE SOCIETY-FISHI CULTURE-RAILROADS - DARK DEEDS -ABSTRACT OFFICE -THE WELSH LITERARY MOVEMENT IN COLUMBIA COUNTY.
THE DELLS.
The Wisconsin River comes down from a great timber country to the north, on its way to the Mississippi, cutting through a sandstone section of country, making what are called the Dells. Here is a crooked waterway several miles in length, down which the stream goes twist- ing, bending and pushing its way along in the effort to get into more "easy circumstances " below. In its work of forcing a passage through the sand formation, the stream has made and abandoned as many attempts as does a drunken man in going home after a hard day's spreeing. So it has pushed this way and that way, cutting out chambers, nooks, crannies, ravines, alleys, and all manner of hiding-places.
These Dells are a great curiosity, as marvelous in their way as anything that can be found in the United States. Until within a few years, they were not known or thought of as worthy of attention. Some years since, a photographer living at Kilbourn City, began looking about him, finding something wonderful and beautiful every day, until at last he was inspired to take his camera and produce pictures. Men would not believe what he said, but when they saw the pictures which were the reflection of nature, then they began to be convinced, and to express themselves as willing to believe that there was something about the Dells more than usually attractive. Meanwhile, he kept on with his work, rowing up the Wisconsin into the nooks and crannies, setting his three-legged contrivance up, and obtaining views, which the people began to want. As these pictures went into circulation about the country, attracting, through the eye, the minds of men and women, people began to turn their steps toward the Dells to look at the beautiful scenery, and then to go home and tell their neighbors that the half had not been told.
Following this, there came a demand for boats and for boys to row them. Then some one said, " Why not have a steamboat on the river-something light, quick and safe, whereby men, women and children can be transported from place to place as they wish, to see the beauties of the Dells-to enjoy picnic dinners, to get off the boat and ramble in ravines, in nooks, in gulches. At last, men began the building of a steamer, then another, a very neat, comfortable craft, which would carry about three hundred excursionists. In the course of time, the last- mentioned was completed, and the former taken to Fox River ; but, not content with this, another was put on the river. This is now upon the placid bosom of Devil's Lake. Mean- while, the fourth boat made its appearance, which now plies upon the Wisconsin. So it is that the people of the State and the United States are beginning to learn that they need not go to Europe to find scenery that is interesting to the lovers of nature for its strange, grotesque beauty.
The Dells are a narrow passage cut by the Wisconsin River through high grounds, which, after bounding its valley on both sides for many miles, gradually approach and join. The total length of the gorge is about seven and one-half miles. At the upper end, about two miles north of the south line of the counties of Juneau and Adams, the river narrows suddenly from a width of over one-third of a mile to one of not more than 200 feet. Throughout the whole length of the passage, the width does not ever much exceed this, whilst in one place it is only fifty feet. The water in the gorge is very deep, although immediately above it there are broad sand-flats, with scarcely enough water, at low stages, to float a canoc. The perpendicular sandstone walls are from fifteen to eighty feet in height, the country immediately on top of them being about
PORTAGE CITY.
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HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY.
one hundred feet above the river. From this level, about midway in the passage, there is a rapid rise in both directions to the summit of the high country on each side. In several places, branch gorges deviate from the main gorge, returning again to it; these are evidently old river channels, and are now closed by sand. The streams entering the river in this portion of its course make similar canyons on a small scale.
Section 28, in Township 14 north, of Range 6 east, lies both in Adams and Juneau Counties. The Wisconsin River, which is here the boundary between them, enters the north line of that section, and just at this point begin the Dells-the " upper jaws," as they are familiarly called. The stream flows in nearly a south course through the middle of Section 28, until it crosses into Section 33. It continues through the last-named section, passing through the " lower jaws," and just at the point in the middle of the river where it crosses its southern line are the corners of Columbia, Adams, Juneau and Sauk Counties. It flows on across the north line of Section 4, in Township 13 north, of Range 6 east, with a course bearing to the east- ward, crossing into Section 3, but soon turning back again into Section 4. Here a dam crosses the river. All above this point is known as the "Upper Dells." From this dam is seen Columbia County and the village of Kilbourn City in the town of Newport, on the right; Sauk County and the town of Delton, on the left; the river forming the boundary between the two counties. Below the dam-or, what is specific enough, below Kilbourn City-are the " Lower Dells ;" while, as we have seen, above are the " Upper Dells." The former occupy about the same distance down the river as is occupied by the latter up the stream, the east side being in Columbia County and the town of Newport; the west side in Sauk County and the town of Delton ; but the general trend of the Wisconsin is toward a southeast course in the "Lower Dells." At the point where the river loses its characteristics of a gorge, it is called "the Foot of the Dells." Throughout the whole length of the narrow passage, from the "Upper Jaws" to " the Foot of the Dells," fanciful names have been given to the most striking objects and places.
THE UPPER DELLS.
Beginning at the dam and traveling up the river, the first striking feature of the gorge is Angel Rock, situated about one-half mile from the steamboat landing in Kilbourn, on the right- hand side of the river. It is a rugged projection, curiously shaped. This lofty crag a lively imagination can easily transform into a huge angel with outspread wings ; hence the name. It is also called Marble Rock, from the peculiar little round lumps of sandstone found on the ledge and in the river below.
Swallows' Rock, or where the swallows live, is a little further along on the same side. In early spring and summer, thousands of beautiful little swallows may be seen here in the brown cliffs, occupying innumerable holes in the rock, safe from danger, and the happiest family to be found anywhere. Their jolly twittering can be heard far out upon the water.
The Jaws of the Dells, or entrance to the Dells proper, are guarded by two immense rocks-High Rock and Romance Cliff-standing like sentinels on duty and sternly looking down in their stately grandeur, as if disputing the right of man to explore the intricate passage beyond.
High Rock, on the right, rises from fifty to seventy-five feet above the river. It presents a rugged, rough aspect, with curiously shaped sides, and has a meager growth of stunted pines, birch, and other trees and foliage.
Romance Cliff, on the left, is a grand old pile of stately rocks covered with a dense growth of trees and shrubbery. It is somewhat higher and more stately than its vis-a-vis, High Rock, and has much more of the curious and wonderful in its make-up and general appearance. It is suggestive of the stately crags and beetling cliffs of the weird and grand scenery of the Rocky Mountains.
Chimney Rock is one of nature's singular freaks, left standing for innumerable ages, formed by the action of the wild waters, looking like the old-fashioned stick and mortar chim- ney of the days of the forefathers. Standing out from the cliff behind, it looks as if the touch
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HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY.
of a child's finger would topple it into the river. It is on the right, just beyond High Rock. Not far above is
Echo Core .- A most pleasing echo can be heard here. It repeats everything, and is a beautiful place for bathing and enjoying a quiet hour in a cool, pleasant retreat.
The Doll House, "a wild, rambling old rookery," on the left, is one of the first frame houses ever built on the river above Portage. It was erected in the ycar 1837-38, by Robert V. Allen, and for many years was used as a tavern.
Chapel Gorge is the next point on the right hand, and nearly opposite the Dell House. It is a beautiful, shaded glen, and is named from the peculiarly shapen rock at its entrance, resembling a chapel or place of worship. The Gorge is pleasant and shady.
Boat Cave is just beyond the Chapel, on the same (east) side of the river. It should always he visited to be appreciated, although a general idea may be had from the steamer's deck. It is one of the most peculiar formations, showing the action of the water upon the soft sandstone. It can only be traversed in a small boat. Beginning with a perfectly arched door- way, only large enough to admit an ordinary skiff, it opens out in a vaulted chamber in the solid rock of the cliff, then turns at right angles and through another hall with a water floor, ends in a large door farther up the river.
Circle Bend is the next place of interest in ascending the stream, where the river and rocks form a half circle. The rocks are high and bold, presenting a cliff of solid masonry, formed and carved and hewn and worn into a wall of adamant by the action of the whirling waters. Its top is covered with a dense growth of cedar, hemlock, pine, birch, oak, and all the many varieties of ferns and shrubbery that so abundantly abound throughout the Dells.
Sturgeon Rock, on the left, is a bold, projecting rock, resembling a sturgeon. Here we enter upon the looked-for wild grandeur of the Dells.
Navy Yard is on the left of Sturgeon Rock, and is one of the most picturesque and won- derful formations on the river. Here the imagination pictures huge stone vessels of war, with prows and sides and ribs so solid and stanch that for ages they have withstood the battles and warring of the waters, and as time has rolled on they have become more complete and shapely in form and build. Bold guardians are they of the Narrows.
Eaton Grotto is a long, deep opening-a rift in the face of the cliff from top to bottom- extending back some forty feet into the rugged wall of rock. It is on the opposite side from the Navy Yard.
Skylight Cave is a very similar opening to that of Eaton Grotto, and is just at the head of the Navy Yard, on the same side of the river as the latter. Here, with a small boat, one can seek the deep recess of the rock for upward of a hundred feet, lighted only by a little rift in the rocks overhead. It is a delightful place to visit.
Gates' Ravine, also on the right, is a few hundred yards farther up the stream, and extends back from the river nearly a mile. It is a delightful place for a ramble, and is filled with beau- tiful ferns and flowers, tall cliff's, rugged crags and sparkling streams.
The Narrows .- Here the river suddenly narrows to the width of only fifty-two feet, and the water is eighty feet in depth. The river is now running upon its edge, hemmed in on either side by ponderous rocks. In low water, the current is nearly as calm and placid as at any point on the Dells, but when the river is up, the raging waters come pouring through this narrow gorge with great force.
The Old Bridge .- In the year 1850, Schuyler S. Gates erected a substantial bridge across the Narrows. This was the first bridge ever built across the Wisconsin, and was used for a number of years. Thousands of teams and passengers paid toll here. It was carried away by the high water of 1866.
The Devil's Elbow is the point where the river makes an almost square turn just at the entrance of the Narrows.
Black Hawk's Cave can now be seen on the left hand. It was here (the legend hath it) where the old chief hid safe and secure in the days of the Black Hawk war.
1
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HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY.
Notch Rock .- This is (to raftsmen) the dread of the Narrows. It is a square, bowlder- looking rock, on the left, and is known as Raftsmen's Terror, on which, in high water, rafts are sometimes broken, and lives lost. It can be seen close down to the water's edge.
Rattlesnake Rock is the high crag or solitary looking rock on the left, just back of Notch Rock. It is covered with shrubbery.
Artist's Glen .- This is one of the most beautiful ravines on the river. It is on the right, nearly opposite Rattlesnake Rock. This glen is delightful for picnic grounds, and has a large number of fine butternut and other trees, affording an elegant retreat.
Sliding Rocks are here upon either side of the stream, and are so called from their peculiar formation, the sides being oval-shaped and sliding inward, throwing the water to the center of the stream.
The Ancient River- Bed is seen as a sand bank on the left. In an early day, the river divided here, and a part ran around, coming out and uniting with the main river at or below the Dell House, forming a large island.
Coldwater Canyon .- This canyon requires a full half-day to explore thoroughly. It is one of the grand features of the Dells. You proceed through a rocky defile and under frowning crags-a glory of cavern and valley. Far-distant archways are seen overhead. Here one scrambles and slides, between towering chasm walls, so near together that both sides can be reached at once by the hands. In this canyon fourteen varieties of ferns are found, including one that is fragrant. Finally, you come to the
Devil's Jug .- In a moment you reach a deep, wild, narrow gorge, walled in with rocks, which are in some places almost vertical, and in others overhanging the pathway. The gorge is so narrow that we do not see the Jug until we step inside of it, and look around with wondering curiosity upon its splendid curves and magnificent proportions. It is, of course, a broken jug, the ravine extending through and beyond it for a considerable distance, and on one side the lines are imperfect, owing, doubtless, to the unusual hardness of the rocks ; but the other side is hol- lowed into a perfect resemblance of the inside of an immense jug, as smoothly fashioned as if turned upon a potter's wheel. The entire width of the jug is about thirty-five feet at the bot- tom, and its height is not far from seventy feet. The rift at the top is quite narrow, admitting light enough to see with tolerable distinctness, but leaving the upper part of the cavern in twi- light gloom. The gorge beyond the Jug is passable for some distance. A ramble through this vast canyon, and a visit to the Jug will afford a world of pleasure. All the many varieties of ferns and mosses may be gathered here.
The Devil's Arm Chair .- You will wonder why his Satanic Majesty should perch his chair in such a place, unless he too is an admirer of the wonders of nature. It is on the left and but a short distance up the river from Coldwater Canyon. The next place of note is the
Clam Banks, in which nothing is to be found except the name to remind us of the delicious bivalves gathered on the shores of Narragansett Bay, unless, in imagination, a collection of pro- digious stones is converted into clams.
Ruffle Rocks are upon each side of the stream, and would look well on the shirt fronts of the giants of olden days. They adorn with becoming grace the river's sides for a long distance.
Chameleon Cave is a seam in the bank, and can only be visited by climbing a ladder from the steamer's deck, going to the high bank, and then down into the earth. You will need the light of a lantern and guide to reach the bottom. It contains beautiful changing mosses. It is on the right just above Steamboat Rock.
Steamboat Rock challenges especial attention. It stands an island in a curious circular cove, and resembles, from some points, a huge ocean steamer, without smoke-stack and wheel- house. It is about 250 feet long by 100 feet wide and some 40 to 50 feet in height, with per- pendicular rugged sides and covered with pine, oak and shrubbery.
Rood's Glen .- This is just beyond Steamboat Rock, on the right. It is a large cavern, and if it were near a large city would be made useful as a lager-beer hall.
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