USA > Wisconsin > Jefferson County > The history of Jefferson county, Wisconsin, containing biographical sketches > Part 54
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The track of the cyclone varied from ten to 150 rods in width. Its center was a whirl- wind of awful power. This can be seen by the manner in which trees and other articles are whirled in all directions. In one instance, a piece of a fence-board was driven over two feet into the ground at an angle of forty-five degrees. On the farm of S. Chapman, in Oak. land. an oak-tree nearly three feet in diameter, and perfectly sound, was broken off six feet from the ground. At a moderate estimate, the damage done to farm property in Jefferson County amounted to over $50,000, most of which is in the town of Oakland. No such visita- tion has ever before occurred in this portion of the State since about 1851, when it is reported a similar tornado passed through the northern part of the country.
TIIE FIGHTING FINCH FAMILY.
In 1832, when a call was made by the Government for volunteers to fight that redoubtable warrior, Black Hawk, a family named Finch, then residing in St. Joe, Mich., immediately offered all its available war material-the father and twelve sons. Finch, Sr., was rejected. but all the juniors were mustered in. They passed through the conflict without a scratch, return- ing to their home delighted with what they had seen in the vast territory over which they had traveled, and determined upon removing to the west side of the great lake, for the purpose of permanent settlement. as soon as practicable. Accordingly. in 1838. the Finch colony settled in the southern part of what is now Jefferson County, on the east side of Lake Koshkonong. Their departure from St. Joe was a source of considerable relief to the timid citizens of that place, for the young Finches were wont to indulge in periodical "war-dances," and on such occasions it became necessary for all other inhabitants of St. Joe to bar their doors and windows and remain in seclusion until the "fun" ceased. Coming to Wisconsin. the Finches left none of their eccentricities behind. In point of population, they acted upon the belief that there was room for no one else except a Finch in the vicinity of Lake Koshkonong. An inoffensive Norwegian. who, unfortunately, happened to have been a previous settler in that locality, was unmereifully beaten and finally driven from his home by them, within a few days after their arrival. Sheriff Bird, of Dane County, hearing of the affair, repaired to the dominion of the Finches, for the purpose of asserting his power as an officer of the law, but he found the belligerents to be so numerous that he wisely concluded not to make a single-handed attack. Returning to Madison for re-enforcements, he met and informed Gov. Dodge of the situation.
" Exhaust the power of the county, sir," replied the Governor, in his usual brusque and emphatic manner. "and if that don't do, I'll call out the militia, by G-d, sir. If that Finch tribe is going to run this Territory, I'll find it out mighty soon, now I tell you."
365
HISTORY OF JEFFERSON COUNTY.
These instructions were capable of no misconstruetion; the Sheriff's course was clear. Summoning the aid of Luther A. Cole, then Deputy Sheriff of Milwaukee County (to which Jefferson County belonged), and a Madison constable, the intrepid official set out for Finchland, determined upon the capture of the offenders. The officers first went to a house of a man named Stevens, who was in some way implicated in the affair. They found the door of the house closed ind locked, with Mrs. Stevens' avoirdupois resting firmly against its inside. Their demand or admission was positively refused, and, there being no other alternative, the door was kieked rom its hinges, Mrs. Stevens being summarily disposed of in an opposite corner of the room, rom which she immediately came forth with a freshly-primed Queen Ann musket. While in he act of " drawing a bead " on Sheriff Bird she was disarmed by Mr. Cole. Stevens was ound in bed, feigning a violent attack of sickness, but was arrested and sent in charge of the constable to Madison.
The next morning, at daybreak, Sheriff's Bird and Cole moved upon the domicile of one of the Finches, but found no one at home. Proceeding some distance further. they came upon solitary member of the numerous brotherhood, cutting house-logs in the woods, where his arrest was effected by the exercise of considerable strategy on the part of the officers. Had he known their purpose, the keen blade of his ax would certainly have tasted their blood, but he was con- letely disarmed of any suspicion by the inquiry from one of the officers as to the nearest route cross the lake. Dropping his ax upon the ground, he proceeded to give the information, but, before he had finished, Sheriff Cole elosed in upon and seized him, while Sheriff Bird read the warrant for his arrest. The officers, with their prisoner, started at once for Fort Atkinson, where hey arrived shortly before noon.
During these proceedings, Mrs. Stevens had not been idle. Although the ground was cov- red with snow and the weather was biting cold, it afterward transpired that she walked several niles through the woods to the cabins of Ben and Nat Finch and spread the news of the arrest of her husband, adding the startling information that the officers had left her house in search of some of the Finches. Such an outrage could not be tolerated, and Ben and Nat were soon stride their chargers and on the trail of the daring officials.
Sheriff's Bird and Cole, with their prisoner, had just sat down to a smoking hot dinner at " the ort " when two horsemen rode up and alighted. Their names were Ben and Nat Finch, and, is they stepped into the dining-room, Bird and Cole were upon their feet. their hands upon their pistols. The Finches were thrown entirely upon the offensive; in other words, the officers " had he drop on them." It would have been a happy moment for an artist and a thrilling subject or his canvas.
" Have some dinner ? " interrogated Sheriff Bird, breaking the awful silence.
" If it's all the same to you, we will." replied Ben Finch. " Which way you travelin'?" " Going to Madison," said the Sheriff.
" Takin' my brother, 'spose ?"
" We are."
" Arrested ? "
" Yes."
" Recon you know the law says crimes shall be tried in the county where the act is com- nitted, don't you ?" remarked Ben, with an air of legal wisdom.
" We'll ask Gov. Dodge about that," answered Sheriff Bird.
" Maybe you will, and maybe you won't," retorted Finch, rising hurriedly from the table, ind motioning his brother Nat to follow him.
Again Bird and Cole were upon their feet. and again their firm right hands elasped their pistols' handles ; but the two Finehes had vanished, and, a moment later, were in their saddles and had disappeared in the direction from whenee they came.
There was no time to be lost. The purpose of Ben and Nat Finch was too apparent to idmit of any doubt or delay on the part of the officers. Hastily securing the services of & teamster, and instructing him to drive to Lake Mills with all the speed at his command, Bire
366
HISTORY OF JEFFERSON COUNTY.
and Cole, with their prisoner, were soon on their way toward Madison ; but the almost impassa- ble condition of the road was a source of serious delay, and when the party reached Lake Mills their horses were completely exhausted. The proprietor of the tavern was informed of the situ- ation, and instructed, if any one eame that way inquiring for " three men in a wagon," to say that they had taken " the old road to Madison." A new road had recently been opened from Lake Mills to the Capital, and it was by this route the officers, having called into requisition a fresh relay of horses, left for their destination.
The noise of the wagon rolling over the frozen earth had scarce died away in the adjacent forest, when ten men, armed with rifles and pistols, each mounted, appeared in front of the tavern door at Lake Mills. It was the Finch brigade. Alighting from their jaded animals, they filed into the bar-room, and, by way of introducing themselves to the affrighted inn-keeper. called for " the best in the shop.'
" Did you see three men in a wagon pass this way ?" queried Ben Finch, diving into the inner recesses of a corduroy coat and bringing forth a roll of "wildcat scrip " with which to settle for the drinks.
" Yah ! Tree vagons and a men-de old road py Madison," quickly replied the officiating Teuton behind the bar, as if imparting a terrible seeret.
" The old road, eh ? Then give us another dose, and we'll take the same route," replied Fineh, drawing his slouch hat mysteriously low upon his weather-beaten brow.
To the great relief of the inhabitants of Lake Mills, the Finch cavalry were soon in their saddles and galloping away over the hills in the direction of Madison.
" That occurred many years ago," said Mr. Luther A. Cole, " but I shall never cease to thank that honest Lake Mills fellow for the manner in which he carried out our instructions, thus averting what certainly must have been an awful tragedy. We reached Madison with our man, and were congratulated by Gov. Dodge for the strategy we had displayed. It cost Finch his eighty acres of land, and six or eight months in jail. Ben Finch, who, it afterward transpired, was the ringleader in the unprovoked assault upon the Norwegian, escaped to Mich- igan, and was never caught. The rest of the family scattered about in different directions, and. I believe, became good citizens."
SCHOOLS, RESOURCES, POPULATION, ETC.
In few counties in Wisconsin ean so many flourishing and attractive villages be found, all being eligibly located, constantly improving, irrefutably indicating not only a healthy condition of affairs, but an increase of intelligence, refinement, enterprise and wealth. Newspapers, schools and churches are distributed throughout the county, and, with other sources of moral and intellectual development, arc generously encouraged and abundantly patronized. The educational interests, particularly, are attended to with the greatest care and diligence, school buildings that are ereditable to the taste and liberality of the communities in which they are located are found in every hamlet, and, with the public schools, are under the control of expe- rienced and capable teachers. The University is supplied with an able faculty, and, through the means afforded by the public and private institutions of learning, the youth of both sexes are provided with facilities for the acquisition of a classic and scientific education. The extent and importance of this subjeet ean be better illustrated, perhaps, by reference to the last report of C. J. Collier, County Superintendent of Schools. After stating the number of his visits to schools at 222, he expresses himself as happy to report improvement, during the past year, in school work, as evinced by the following items in the report :
Although schools, as a general rule, are among the first things to be affected by "hard times," yet he is able to report 10 per cent increase in the average length of the school term, and, with a 3 per cent decrease in number of children between the ages of four and twenty, a 6 per cent increase in the number registered, and a 10 per cent increase in the average attend- anec ; also, from the teachers' reports, that the number of visits made to schools by School
367
HISTORY OF JEFFERSON COUNTY.
Boards and patrons have been increased more than 50 per cent during the last year. More are has been taken by the patrons to provide suitable buildings and furniture for the comfort nd convenience of the pupils, as is shown by the increased valuation of school property. Each f these items of improvement, although small, is a step in the right direction.
TEACHERS.
During the past year, 232 teachers were employed ; 703 persons examined, and 298 certi- cates granted; of this number, 10 were first grade, 38 second, 210 third, and 40 limited. Iany of the applicants were students of the high and graded schools, and only desired to obtain standing, while others who passed a fair examination were too young to be fully qualified as judgment and many other points of vital importance to a teacher.
In conducting examinations, Mr. Collier endeavored to ask such questions as would test the pplicant's knowledge of principles, rather than facts, and although those teachers having expe- ence, and those who have had some special preparation, cither by institute work, or at school, ave had no difficulty, beginners have found the work somewhat difficult; yet all seemed esolved to do their best in acquiring and using practical ideas instead of theoretical.
The institute at Fort Atkinson, commencing Angust 5, was remarkable for the average age nd experience of the teachers in attendance, and its effect will be felt in the schools during the inter. The institute was conducted by Profs. Salisbury, Emory and Maxson. Of the first wo, nothing need be said, as it is well known that their presence at an institute insures good ork; but of Prof. Maxson, the Superintendent felt called upon to speak a word. he being a ew worker among them ; his thorough scholarship, his happy illustrations of his work, his ractical knowledge of a teacher's requirements, attainments and duties, and his genial manner, on him many friends, and the teachers of this county would be pleased to meet him often in- e future, and to listen to his instruction.
The number of districts that have adopted a series is 44; that loan books to pupils, 17; hat sell to them, 10; that have adopted the plan of free text-books, 4.
During the year, $14,752 was paid to male and $16,721.77 to female teachers, which with terest on the school property, valued with improvements, sites and apparatus, at $131,179.00, nperintendent's salary, printing and stationery, made the total expenses for the year $55,968.71. he expenses, per capita, of school population is $5.27 ; of pupils enrolled, $8.57; of average ttendance, $11.65. The expenses, per capita, in each town, he states as follows :
TOWN.
Total Amount Expended.
Per Capita of School Popula- tion.
Per Capita of Pupils Enrolled.
Per Capita of Whole Number Average Attend- between the age of 4 and 20.
апсе.
ztałan
$1,249 90
$2 33
$4 64
$7 83
536
old Springs.
1,235 41
4 77
5 91
8 43
259
oncord
2,220 04
3 79
4 55
6 17
588
irmington
2,148 21
2 31
6 13
8 97
932
ebron
2,022 28
4 33
5 93
7 52
467
conia
2,044 18
2 74
6 08
7 43
740
fferson
5,196 89
3 69
6 70
8 14
1406
oshkonong .
8,028 52
6 67
9 71
12 13
1203
ke Mills
3,098 94
6 24
6 80
9 93
494
ilford
1,912 89
3 75
5 29
9 51
510
akland
2,077 51
5 14
7 58
11 23
412
almyra.
2,564 35
4 29
6 31
9 16
598
ullivan
2,221 02
3 91
5 47
7 42
594
ımner
777 51
4 29
5 89
6 88
179
aterloo
898 26
1 99
3 95
7 55
450
aterloo Village.
1.585 41
5 21
8 21
11 01
304
atertown.
2,516 77
2 70
5 91
6 48
930
The following statistics from the report of the Secretary of the State for 1878, bearing irectly upon the schools and other interests, will serve to confirm what has already been cited
368
HISTORY OF JEFFERSON COUNTY.
concerning the prosperity of the county. Among the general disbursements the High School at Fort Atkinson received $169.85; at Lake Mills, $299.55: at Watertown, $661.25. The Central Wisconsin Agricultural and Mechanical Association received $100. The Jefferson County Agricultural Society, $100. Out of the $9,731 paid for bounties on will animals in the several counties of the State, Jefferson County received $20 on wolves paid to Smith & Howard. The school apportionment of the county amounted to $5,300.10. The apportion- ment from the delinquent tax fund, $13.26. The average value of stock and real estate in the county is as follows : Number of horses, 0,774 : value, $473,538: average value, $53.96. Neat cattle. 28.186; value. $500.729; average value, $17.76. MIules and asses, 167 ; value, $10,635; average, 803.68. Sheep and lambs, 37.946; value, $63,403; average, $1.07. Swine, 23,381 : value $49,913: average, $2.12. Wagons, carriages and sleighs, 4,963 ; value, $126,664. Watches, 550 ; value, $9,715. Pianos and melodeons. 571 : value, $33,063. Shares of bank stock, 1,815: value, $247.236 ; value of merchandise stock, $420,354; value of all other personal property. $610,833. Total values of all personal property, $2,554.835. Num- ber of acres of land, 342,506; value, $3,217,906 ; average valne, $24.29. Value of city and village lots, $2,193,760 ; value of all real estate, $10,511,666; total value of all property, $13.066,501. State tax, 817,875; county tax, $29,435; county school tax. $5.702. The bonded indebtedness for railroad aid is $322,800; roads and bridges, $4,220 ; other purposes. $0,050; interest unpaid, $1,084: indebtedness of school districts, $4,421.06; total indebted- ness. $342,175.06. Number of acres of land sold in county in 1878, 12,482; consideration in deeds, $380,270.60 : average per acre, $30.47 : assessed value of same, $209,357 ; average, $16.77. Number of city and village lots sold, 203; consideration, $133,316.69 ; average per lot, $467.20; assessed value, $74,110; average per lot, $250.47. Number of acres under wheat, 37.496; corn, 24.901 : oats, 15,249; barley, 4,993; rye, 1,163; potatocs. 1,776 ; root crops, 98; apple orchard, acres, 248: number of trees, 87,240: hops, 576 acres; tobacco. 75 acres ; grapes. 36 acres ; growing timber, 35.781 aeres, Number of milch cows, 15.444 ; value, $312.779. Bushels of wheat, 409,192; corn 794,200: oats 548,120; barley, 176.642; rve, 108.302; potatoes. 185.377 ; root crops, 24,726; cranberries, 40; apples, 15.256 ; clover seed, 7,922; timothy, 206: hops, 528,126 pounds; tobacco, 92,375; grapes. 81,617 ; butter, 607,125; cheese, 1,744.861.
The most casual observer of passing events cannot but have noticed a marked improvement in all the departinents of industry during the past five years. Not only has more soil been brought under cultivation, but the tillage has become more thorough and systematic. The farmers, as a rule, have manifested a disposition to avail themselves of the inventions and labor- saving machinery which American skill is constantly providing to lighten the toils of the hus- bandman. As the sickle was abandoned for the cradle, so was the reaper in turn substituted for the cradle, accomplishing more in a day among the broad fields of waving grain than the primitive harvester could have garnered in a season.
Fruit is receiving very general attention, and remedies removed the causes of previous failures. With ordinary care, every species of fruit known to the climate can be raised in abundance and thrifty orchards be cultivated " things of beauty " to the landscape. as also " joys forever " to the household in yielding a plentiful abundance of fruits that at one time could only be procured abroad.
The dairy interests have also become prominent factors in the prosperity of the county, and the product of the cheese factories located at various places is said to be in constant and growing demand for the European markets.
Hops and tobacco are grown successfully at any point in the county, where they are care- fully cultivated. The superior quality of the former has placed them among the best grades of the staple, and secured for them a reputation on the market that commands the preferences of buyers. The number of bales raised the present year will be about 1,200, and they will weigh an average of 200 pounds to the bale, worth, at present prices, about $60,000. Nearly half the crop has been sold, at prices ranging from 20 to 25 cents. The crop is one of the best in q tality that has been raised in this county for a number of years.
369
HISTORY OF JEFFERSON COUNTY.
Stock-raising is also receiving the attention the case of its nature demands, and the annual exhibitions of pure breeds of cattle, horses, sleep and swine at the county fairs are indications of the interest taken in a branch of farming that has, until late years, been supposedly con- ined to the celebrated " Blue Grass " region of Kentucky.
Building materials are easily procurable, and flouring-mills, furniture, bedstead, chair, room, boot and shoe, woolen, cigar and other factories, lumber and brick yards, saw and laning mills are monthly contributing to swell the population, wealth and material resources of he county.
From the date of its settlement, the population has yearly increased, as will be seen from he following figures, and, with the return of better days, the prediction is ventured that the nerease will be proportionally greater: 1838, 468; 1840, 914; 1842, 1,638 ; 1846, 8,680 ; .850, 15,339; 1855, 26,869 ; 1860, 28,771; 1865, 30,597; 1870, 34,042; 1875. 34,908.
In 1850, there were 2,933 dwellings, 25 manufactories, and 1,042 farms. In 1870, the Iwellings had increased to 6,606, the farms to 3,142, and the factories to 561.
THE JEFFERSON COUNTY DAIRYMEN'S ASSOCIATION
vas first organized at a meeting of prominent dairymen, held in Odd-Fellows' Hall, Fort Atkin on, on the 20th of December, 1870, at which Milo Jones presided, and W. D. Hoard, of Lake Mills, officiated as Secretary. After a canvass of the subject, S. Favill, of Lake Mills. A. Jenkins, of Koshkonong, and D. M. Aspinwall, of Farmington. were appointed a committee to Iraft a plan for permanent organization. At an adjourned meeting, held at the same place, January 10, 1871, a constitution was adopted and the following board of officers elected : Milo Jones, of Fort Atkinson, President; S. Favill, of Lake Mills, and J. M. Case, of Cold Springs. Vice Presidents ; Q. C. Olin, of Oakland, Secretary, and Daniel Holmes, of Fort Atkinson, Treasurer.
The organization continued in active existence for several years, and by its discussions, which were published at length in the county papers, exercised a marked influence in diffusing right understanding of dairy agriculture. It was in this association that the idea originated or the formation of the Wisconsin State Dairymen's Association, through a resolution offered y W. D. Hoard, January 26, 1872, which has since grown into one of the most important nstitutions of its kind in the Northwest.
The County Association is prospering, the present officers being E. P. May, President ; Q. J. Olin and C. S. Cartwright. Vice Presidents; H. C. Drake, Secretary, and R. F. Mc- Jutchen, Treasurer.
THE JEFFERSON COUNTY AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY
vas the outgrowth of a meeting held during the latter part of August or early in September, 853, at the grist-mill in Hebron. After some informal discussion, it was decided to issue a call or the meeting of all interested in the holding of a town fair. The meeting was convened on he 10th day of September, 1853, and, after a full discussion of the situation, a constitution and v-laws were adopted, and the following list of officers elected (" The Jefferson County Society " vas thus launched upon the tide of agricultural time) : President, Milo Jones, Koshkonong; Vice Presidents. Peter Harsh, Milford, and Justus Carpenter, Palmyra : Treasurer, George P. MIarston, Koshikonong ; Recording and Corresponding Secretary, S. C. Writer, Koshkonong ; Executive Committee-C. Bartlett, Milford ; H. H. Meas and John Wentworth, Koshkonong ; V. P. Parsons, Cold Spring ; George Blanchard, Lake Mills; Gerard Crane, Oakland ; J. R. Dye, Hebron ; Myron Smith, Sullivan, and Enias D. Masters, Jefferson.
The first annual fair of the Society was held on the grounds adjoining the Green Mountain Iouse, in the village of Fort Atkinson, September 29 and 30, 1853, D. F. Weymouth. of Jef- erson, but now a resident of the State of Minnesota, delivering the annual address. The displays of stock, farm products. etc .. were alike creditable to the exhibitors, as also to those who had the natter in charge. though their facilities were of the most meager character. the Society depon ling
370
HISTORY OF JEFFERSON COUNTY.
upon the sales of annual membership tiekets, which were rated at $1 each, for the means to defray expenses and pay premiums.
The second annual fair was held on the same grounds, and was attended with a success more gratifying.
At a meeting held Saturday, December 9, 1854, the following named officers were elected for the ensuing years, and the President was instructed to correspond with the several members of the Executive Committee with a view to ascertain which town was prepared to submit the most favorable terms for the holding of the next annual fair : President, Justus Carpenter, Pal- myra ; Vice Presidents-Asa F. Snell, Koshkonong, and J. D. Clapp, Milford ; Treasurer, Erastus Willard, Koshkonong ; Secretary, Milton Snell, Jefferson. Executive Committee, Enias D. Masters, Jefferson ; George W. Blanchard, Lake Mills ; W. J. Barrie . and H. H. Wilds, Koshkonong; D. M. Aspinwall, Farmington ; Gideon Ives, Oakland; N. P. Parsons, Cold Spring; William Reynolds, Hebron, and George IIyer, Aztalan.
At a meeting of the Committee held at the Court House, in Jefferson, March 2, 1855, the fair was located at Jefferson for five years, on grounds appropriated from the farm of William A. Whipple, in the eastern portion of the village, immediately beyond the village plat. where the annual fair was held on the 26th, 27th and 28th days of September of the same year.
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