USA > Wisconsin > Jefferson County > The history of Jefferson county, Wisconsin, containing biographical sketches > Part 76
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Fort Atkinson Band was organized in 1866 ; is composed of thirteen pieces, and bears an enviable reputation throughout the State for the excellence of its collections and execution. The present members have been enlisted from time to time, scarcely any of the original organi- zation remaining, and are as follows : S. Abbott, Leader ; Herman Zeuchner, Treasurer ; Charles Leonard, Secretary; S. A. Bridges, Cheney May, William Zeuchner, Fritz Herkel, John W. Foote, Frank Hoffman, Clarence Curtis, A. E. Baldwin, Charles Bingham and Frank Zeuchner.
THE SCHOOLS.
The cause of education early found an abiding-place in Koshkonong, and the first faint glimmerings of the light of this advance type of civilization has, under the benign influence exerted, long since risen to noonday splendor. The pioneers who began, in a simple way, the building-up of what is to-day the superior system of learning, accessible to the most humble. labored with a faith and love which has brought forth an abundant harvest. Though gone their works do follow them, and the present generation, when contemplating a future picturec with promise, fail not to rise up and bless the memory of those who have long since crossed over the beautiful river and sleep beneath the shade of trees which line its banks.
In presenting this cursory review of the schools of Fort Atkinson, nothing has been attempted beyond the collection of such facts, bearing upon the subject, as were open to inquiry
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and examination, and the historian desires, in limine, to here make his acknowledgments to Miss Lillie Roberts, of that city, for appropriations from her carefully prepared article on the schools, published in the edition of the Jefferson County Union of June 27, 1879; to Mrs. Edward Rankin, for valuable notes, and also to others, whose generous contributions of informa- tion have rendered the task, as a summer's day, full of sunshine and pleasant memories.
The first school opened in the present city was taught by Jane Crane, in the summer of 1839, in a log cabin on the North Side, owned and occupied by the Barric boys. At the con- clusion of the summer term, the advent of Mrs. Barrie, mother of the " boys," necessitated a removal, and, during the winter of 1839-40, she maintained her presence in the private resi- dence of Milo Jones, her pupils being Elizabeth May, Amelia Jones, Newton Jones, Susan Snell, Celeste Foster and Mary Ann Foster.
In the summer of 1840, Miss Anna Snell succeeded to the charge, teaching in the resi- dence of Asa Snell, her father, Mr. William J. Barrie following her in the winter. During the summer of 1841, Mrs. Charles Farnsworth took possession of a shanty on the farm at present owned by Mr. Wood, and devoted its occupation to educational purposes. In the winter of 1841-42, Dr. Henry Morrison taught in a log house belonging to Calvin West, his labors con- tinuing until summer, when Miss Rhoe West was substituted. The ensuing winter witnessed the school's return to its first habitation-the cabin of the Barrie boys, where Mr. Moore, assisted by Mr. Farnum, presided. During the summer of that year, another move was made to a room in Charles Rockwell's residence, the teacher being Miss Malvina Stewart, Win. J. Barrie succeeding Miss Stewart in the winter, who, by the way, was the first teacher awarded a certificate.
In the spring of 1844, Charles Rockwell built the first schoolhouse proper crected in Kosh- konong. It was of frame, 25x30, located opposite the present site of Tousley's livery stable, costing $100, and is now occupied as a dwelling. Besides being used as a schoolhouse, religious and other meetings were held there, and the following list of teachers instructed pupils in the then modest curriculum : In the winter of 1844-45, Rev. Simeon Bicknell ; Miss Martha Rankin, summer of 1845; the Rev. Simeon Bicknell, winter of 1845-46; David Brewer, winter of 1846-47 and summer of 1847; George H. Stafford, winter of 1847-48 and summer of 1848; Miss Jerusha E. Swain, winter of 1848-49 and summer of 1849, and Lyman Stewart, during the winter of 1849-50. These do not include all the teachers, some being omitted, owing to the absence of records. In 1851, the number of scholars enrolled was 106, being an increase of 80 in ten years. Miss Swain, after completing her duties in Fort Atkinson, visited her parents, and went as a missionary to the Indian Territory, where, after remaining a number of years, she returned home to die of cancer.
During the early school days, two men named Stanley came to the village, pretending to be deaf and dumb, and opened a writing-school. They remained here about three months, board- ing at the Green Mountain House, at that time kept by Milo Jones, and succeeded in attracting a generous patronage, as much by their merit as by the sympathy their affliction excited. They left, and went to Jefferson, but failing to impress the residents of that vicinity with their worth, continued on to Watertown. En route thither, the coach in which they embarked succumbed to hard roads and weak timber, when the Stanleys charged about like dismantled chimpanzees, uttering imprecations so emphatic and original as to not only establish a new school of profanity, but also to unbosom a fraud that had only lain dormant.
In 1851 or thereabouts, the district was, for some unexplained reason, divided. That on the South Side remained in the building opposite Tousley's stable, while the school on the North Side was kept, most of the time, in private houses, as it was not until 1858 that the brick house, which stood near the Furniture Company's buildings, was crected. The following are some of the teachers who taught in this schoolhouse from 1858 to 1867 : Miss IIamilton, 1858-59; Mrs. Elizabeth Wilson and Joseph Snell, 1861-62 ; Miss Adelaide Rankin, winter of 1862-63. and summers of 1863-64; Mark Curtis, winter of 1863-64: Dr. Stone and Miss Emma Everdell, 1866-67. In the South Side School, Mr. Lamphear, Misses Eliza Ingerson and Elizabeth May taught.
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HISTORY OF JEFFERSON COUNTY.
During the time when schools were taught in the first public schoolhouse, private schools were opened in private houses, but chiefly in the basement of the old Congregational Church. During the winters of 1849-50, the Rev. Melzer Montague maintained a private school at his residence on Whitewater avenue, patronized chiefly by young lads from Milwaukee. In 1848, B. F. Adams opened a school near where Merriam & Simonds' store stands, now the postoffice building, and afterward in what is known as the " gravel house," nearly opposite J. D. Clapp's residence. Miss Simmons began, in the spring of 1856, in the Congregational Church base- ment, and continued her school until 1858. This was a large institution, requiring an assistant part of the time. Others who taught were the Rev. Mr. Atherton. Mr. Maxon, G. Southwell, Cordelia Curtis and Adelaide Rankin.
In 1859, the first brick schoolhouse on the South Side was completed, at a cost of $5,500. The upper rooms were leased to J. K. Purdy, who had previously taught a pri- vate school in a building that stood on the present site of J. Kirkland's store, the lower rooms being used by the city.
In 1866, the two distriets were again united, and the site for a high-school building purchased. The edifice was soon after commenced and completed, at a cost (with the prop- erty on which it stood) of $13,850. It is a two-story brick structure. containing five rooms, well lighted and heated, and possessing ample facilities for school purposes. The building is also provided with an assembly-room that will comfortably seat 120 scholars. Three teachers-a principal and two assistants-are employed. About the same time. the brick schoolhouse on the North Side was built for about $3,200, and completely and appro- priately furnished.
These schools furnish the means of education from the department of primary to the higher branches, to all who desire to avail themselves of their benefits. The school year is divided into three terms. At the close of each, the students are required to submit to and pass a written examination in the course which has been pursued. Scholars who go through the preseribed studies creditably receive a diploma. The class of 1871 was the first that held graduating exercises, and thus far seven classes have graduated, containing, respectively, five, five, ten, seven, fourteen, nine and fifteen members each,-making, in all, sixty-five who have graduated at the graded schools of Fort Atkinson.
The number of scholars enrolled from 1869 to 1879, inclusive. is: 1869, 705; 1870, 631; 1871, 652; 1872, 592; 1873, 581; 1874, 611; 1875, 655; 1876, 658; 1877, 580; 1878, 619, and 1879, 615.
The salaries paid teachers are : Principal of High School, $1.300 per annum, with two assistants at $45 per month each. On the south side of the river there are one grammar, one intermediate and first and second primaries, giving employment to four teachers, one of which receives $40 per month, one $30, and two $28 each. On the North Side, the departments, teachers and salaries are the same. On the south branch of the river, there is a " mixed school," embracing first and sceond primaries and intermediate, all under one teacher, who receives $28 per month.
The present value of school property is $30.000. The present School Board is made up of A. D. Wilcox, Director : M. H. Ganong, Clerk, and L. B. Caswell. Treasurer.
THE PRESS.
In attempting to prepare a history of the press in Fort Atkinson. the historian has encountered the ntmost difficulty and innumerable embargos against a successful undertaking that could not be overcome. There were no files of the papers heretofore issued to be had, or, if obtainable, were imperfect. affording the sparsest aid to direct the pursuit of faets or guide the pursuer in his labors : with this knowledge, the reader is able to appreciate the causes which have served to render this department of the work seemingly imperfect, but not so in fact, when it is considered that without files or authentic information on the subject from those who should be familiar with its every detail, the matter has been arranged and is submitted.
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HISTORY OF JEFFERSON COUNTY.
The Wisconsin Chief, now in its twenty-second volume, is a four-column folio, edited and ublished by Emma Brown, surviving sister of Thurlow Weed Brown, its founder.
The paper was brought from New York over twenty years ago and set up in Fort Atkinson. ince when, through storm and sunshine, it has maintained its presence, commanding the honor- ble regard of its immediate associates, and the esteem of its cotemporaries.
The Wisconsin Chief is the lineal descendant of the Cayuga Chief, a paper of distin- uished reputation a quarter of a century ago, published at that time in Geneva, N. Y., to whose fforts in the cause of temperance, whatever of success that cause attained. is mainly due.
In 1852, Mr. Brown visited the West to attend a temperance convention held during that ear in Chicago, and repeated his visit the following summer, when he passed several weeks at Lebron, near Fort Atkinson, in rebuilding a system enfeebled by professional labors. The enefit thus derived persuaded Mr. B. to establish himself at Hebron, and, after a season, to ove the paper of which he was the head to his new field of labor. This was done, and he first Western issue of the Cayuga Chief published on Wednesday, October 15, 1856, from ort Atkinson, the office being that now devoted to the use of the Jefferson County Union.
Soon after, its name was changed to the Wisconsin Chief, under which it has since been nown. It was a folio 24x36, of six columns, issued weekly on Tuesdays and edited by T. W. Brown, assisted by Emma, his sister, who, as stated, still directs the editorial and business man- gement. The first object of the publishers was the promotion of the cause of temperance. Politically, the Chief was foremost in its support of Republican principles, as enunciated in he platform upon which Fremont and Dayton were nominated.
In 1859, the place of publication was removed to a building further west on Milwaukee treet, where it has since remained. The Adams power-press of the paper, the first of that attern, by the way, brought into Wisconsin, not only serves its owners here but patrons from the urrounding country.
In 1861, the publication of the weekly edition was abandoned, and an issue put forth monthly in its stead. This was continued about one year, when the paper became semi- monthly. The death of Mr. Brown occurred in May, 1866, when Miss Emma Brown ssumed the management, resuming the issue of the weekly edition, which was, however, again bandoned in 1870, and the monthly once more substituted.
It is still a " monthly periodical," devoted to the temperance cause, literary selections and riginal matter of merit on subjects of general import, but more particularly on that with which he paper is so cordially in harmony. The monthly edition is stated at 600.
In 1859, the Standard was started, by J. A. Shepherd. a folio of six columns. Repub- can in politics, and ambitious of success. After a brief proprietorship, Mr. Shepherd isposed of his venture to J. C. Keeney, under whose administration the publication was sus- ended. The files of this paper were not preserved; and save a few which contain nothing caring upon the subject in hand, all have disappeared, thus preventing a detailed account of he origin, rise and final demise of the Standard.
Fort Atkinson Herald .- What has been stated regarding the Standard is also true of this ournalistic venture. Little remains of its existence to indicate much beyond the bare fact that ; was started, so says general rumor, in the summer of 1867, by HI. S. Ehrman, in the building t present occupied by Hoffman's shoe store, on Milwaukee street. A reasonably lengthy ojourn here was followed by its removal to a building on Milwaukee street, immediately east f the Green Mountain House, where it survived until II. M. Kutchin, now of the Fond du ac Commonwealth, became the owner, and in turn sold to J. C. Keeney, who took the aper's effects to Sharon, Wis., thence to Weyanwega, also in this State, where they serve their urposes in the weekly issue of the Chronicle. In size, the Herald is said to have been a six- oluin folio. Republican in politics, and a fair medium of news, national and local.
The Jefferson County Union was born at Lake Mills on St. Patrick's Day. 1870, W. D. Ioard, the present editor, introducing the " new revelation " and vouching for its purity, per- hanence and Republicanism, though the circumstances under which the " puling " journalistic
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infant was thus put forward, the guardian asserts, were in the last degree discouraging. Mr Hoard knew nothing of printing or journalism ; was more familiar, he says, with the variou grades of " garden sass " than type ; but, having lost heavily in a " hop speculation," venture into the newspaper business in a condition of desperation which he regarded in the light of a dernier resort.
Having concluded upon the move, a contract was closed with J. H. Keyes, of the Water town Republican, by the terms of which Mr. Keyes was to furnish the paper and do the printin; for a consideration of two-thirds of the receipts. The first edition numbered three hundred copies, and was awaited by the editor and subscribers in Lake Mills with an anxiety approach ing the ridiculous. When it came, the copy was warmly welcomed, and increased in strength from the day of its introduction.
Politically, it was square-toed Republican, and so continues. But, as an agricultural paper devoted more particularly to the interest of farmers and especially to dairying, has the paper beer found invaluable. Under this wise policy, the Union soon found favor with a large class who up to its issue, had never subscribed for a paper, and gained in circulation with a rapidity almos unprecedented.
In 1872, the Wisconsin Dairymen's Association was organized at Watertown, largel aided through the Union's influence, which was made the official organ of the Association.
In April, 1873, a copartnership was formed by Mr. Hoard with Charles Fullerton, of th Lodi Journal, whereby the Journal and Union were consolidated. This proved a prosperou move, as, on the 1st of January, 1874, the circulation of the consolidation was found to b fifteen hundred. At that date, Mr. Hoard purchased Fullerton's interest, and has since con ducted the paper alone. The sheet is Republican politically, interesting locally, prosperon financially and steadily maintains an enviable position among the papers of the county.
POST OFFICE.
The old post office of Fort Atkinson, used in the early days of the settlement, is a fanc box, the property of Mrs. C. E. Southwell, of Milwaukee, but, at present writing (1879), in th possession of the family of Rufus Dodge, by whom it is treasured as a valuable reminder of day lang syne.
This was some time about 1840, when Dwight Foster was the power behind the throne, an transacted the office business in his private house; but, as there was but one mail a week, born on the back of an Indian pony, directed by Silas Stevens, the official business was not of character that deprived him of sleep.
Mr. Foster remained in charge for some years, being succeeded by John T. Haight, who in turn, gave place to D. S. Morrison, who retained possession until 1850, when Milo Jones wa substituted, and remained the incumbent until 1858. In that year, A. J. Rankin was appointed and retained the office until April, 1861, yielding precedence to A. M. Hurd, who remained i power until 1865, and was succeeded by M. H. Ganong, who " still lives " in possession of th fees and emoluments attending the office of Postmaster.
When Mr. Ganong assumed charge, the office was located in the store two doors south c the present location of Wolf's saloon, where, in April, 1866, it was completely destroyed by fir Thereafter, it was removed until the present location was settled upon, and has since been retained
Since 1866, the business has increased almost double and the quarters now used will soo have to be enlarged to accommodate the growing demand. In that year, the gross receipts wer $1,582.35; to-day, they will aggregate fully $3,200. From the pony mail of 1840, there ar to day three daily mails from Milwaukee and Chicago, one from Cambridge and a tri-week] mail from Hebron and Cokt Springs. The money-order business was established in 1867, an is weekly increasing.
From January 1. 1878, to January 1, 1879, there was received from the sale of stamps envelopes, etc., the sum of $2,763.91; from other sources, $356.18. There were 276 registere
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HISTORY OF JEFFERSON COUNTY.
etters sent and 382 received ; money orders amounting to $25,071.76 issned and money orders aid aggregating $17,493.49. The annual salary is $1,400.
CHURCHES.
Methodist Church .- The nucleus of the present Methodist Episcopal Church of Fort Atkin- on was a class organized in 1840, at the residence of Jesse Roberts, north of the village, con- isting of the following persons : Jesse Roberts and wife, F. J. Roberts and wife, Mr. and Mrs. Adams, Mr. and Mrs. Carter, and Mr. and Mrs. Wade with their two daughters. The preach- ng was sometimes at Mrs. Robert's house, but more generally in the village at private houses, occasionally in a cooper-shop and subsequently in the schoolhouse. The diocese was origin- lly an appointment on the old Aztalan Circuit, which was organized in 1837, then within the Ilinois Circuit.
The first ministers were the Rev. Samuel Pillsbury and Jesse Halstead.
In 1852, the congregation erected a church, and, in 1854, Fort Atkinson became a separate charge, and has so remained from that date, the congregation worshiping in their own church n South Main street.
The following have served the station and circuit as Pastors: Circuit-Revs. H. W. Frink, 1839; John Hodges, 1841 ; C. G. Lathrop, 1842; Stephen Jones, 1843; Asa Wood, 1844; C. R. Wager and S. B. Whipple, 1845; William Millard, 1846; S. W. Martin, 1848; J. Pearsall, 1850; S. L. Brown and R. Moffatt, 1851 ; M. Bennett and P. B. Pease, 1852. Station-Revs. F. O. Hollister, 1851; R. Blackburn, 1855; Milton Rowley, 1856; J. Cushing, 1857 ; E. P. Beecher, 1858; H. Frink, 1859; J. Howard, 1860; R. O. Kellogg, 1862; D. O. Jones, 1865 ; S. Smith, 1867; W. W. Warner, 1870; S. C. Thomas, 1872; H. Colman, D. D., 1874, and P. B. Pease, present incumbent.
The present Trustees are E. P. Hull, II. A. Porter, O. Wigdale, J. Loxley, G. J. Kirk- and. H. W. Simonds, G. Pounder and R. S. Gates.
Stewards-J. Loxley, J. W. Hatch, G. J. Kirkland, J. R. Steenson, G. Prestige, E. P. Hull, C. Hutchins, W. Westcott and N. D. Carey.
Chorister, C. Larned ; Organist, Miss Ida May Clapp.
The Sunday school has an average attendance of 180 pupils.
The church is a neat and commodious building, well furnished, supplied with a pedal-base Estey organ, a clear-toned bell and. is valued at $5,000.
The living is reported at $1,000.
The Congregational Church .- This, the oldest religious organization in the city, was first convened at the residence of Phineas F. Morrison on the 2d of October, 1841. One week there- fter a meeting was held at the residence of Milo Jones, when the organization was perfected ind the following enrolled as members : Phineas F. Morrison, Laura Morrison, Lucy Mor- ison, Charles Rockwell, Caroline Barric, John Brown, Margaret Brown, Nancy M. Barron, Caroline Veeder. Susan Prichard, Semantha West, Sally Jones, Asa F. Snell and Louisa Snell.
The first regular minister of the faith to officiate was the Rev. William Arms, who remained until September, 1842, after which the Rev. Daniel Smith preached once a fortnight for a year, and was followed by the Rev. O. P. Clinton, who served one year also. The Revs. Arms and Smith divided their labors with the Church at Aztalan.
On November 1, 1844. the Rev. Mr. Montague accepted a call to the Church which, up to that time as stated, had been held in private residences. Thereafter, and until 1852, the village schoolhouse was their place of worship.
In 1851, the Rev. S. S. Bicknell supplied the Church one year, when the Rev. Mr. Mon- ague returned and was retained until October 2, 1854. During his administration, the first church edifice, an ordinary frame 36x47, with a capacity for seating about three hundred per- ous and costing $3,000, was completed and occupied.
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HISTORY OF JEFFERSON COUNTY.
The Rev. O. S. Powell was the next incumbent, coming in November, 1854, but dying i July following. On September 2, of the same year, the Rev. D. C. Curtis was chosen minister and served eight years, being followed by the Rev. Mr. Blanchard, who filled the pulpit unti September 30. 1864, when the Rev. W. C. Scofield was called. The Rev. C. Caverno officiate during the winter of 1865-66.
In March. 1866, the present commodious church on Milwaukee street was completed and dedicated, ready for occupation, and has since been used for religious worship by the sect. I is built of frame, 43x67, with a lecture-room addition 38x20. The main room is neatl furnished, has capacity for a congregation of 400, and cost $7,000.
The present value of the church property is stated by one of the Church officers to be about $5,000. Since the resignation of E. J. Montague, the Church has been without a Pastor
The German M. E. Society was organized in 1849, by Rev. P. Salk, with the following charter members: George Schneider, Sr., Christina Schneider, Sr., Christina Schneider Sophia Schneider, Jacob Huppert, Sr., Jacob Huppert, Jr., B. Huppert. Sophia Huppert Christina Huppert, Susanna Huppert, M. Weyer, Anna Weyer and J. Hertel. For upward of nine years, the little band struggled along. meeting in a schoolhouse distant about thre miles from the fort, and again in private houses, whose owners were sufficiently interested te place them at their disnosal. At the expiration of that time, viz., in 1858, the members whose numbers had been largely re-enforced, built the present church, at a cost of $1,225 the lot upon which it stands costing $125. It is a frame building, and will seat about two hun dred persons. Following is a list of the Pastors from the date of the organization to the presen time :
During 1848-50. Rev. P. Salk : 1850-55. Rev. C. Bermenter : 1855-56, Rev. C. Buell ner; 1856-57, Rev. J. Haas: 1857-58, Rev. George Haas: 1858-59, Rev. H. Eberhardt 1859-60, Rev. F. W. Conrad; 1860-62. Rev. J. Dal : 1862-63. Rev. H. Wagner : 1863-64 Rev. H. Oberbeck ; 1864-66. Rev. F. Fustkam : 1866-67. Rev. K. Stelner; 1867-69, Rev. J. J. Sandmeier : 1869-71, Rev. N. Eifler; 1871-72. Rev. J. Breiner: 1872-73, Rev. P Schaefer ; 1873-76, Rev. A. Meisner ; 1876-78, Rev. C. A. Roehl ; 1878-79. Rev. J. Berger. present incumbent. The present valuation of the church property is about $2.200.
Universalist Church .- The nucleus of this body was formed on February 11. 1866, under the style and title of the First Liberal Christian Society of Fort Atkinson, the members consti. tuting it being as follows : A. Winslow, F. Anderson, W. M. Smith, Carlos Curtis, Leander Goosselin, Naney Bartholomew, M. M. Winslow, C. A. Curtis, M. J. Frissell, P. Frissell. L. A. Bartholomew, A. J. Baldwin, E. P. May, O. S. Cornish, D. S. Damuth, G. F. Whitfield. J. D. Clapp, A. C. May, W. C. Casler. R. C. Dodge, E. Frissell, Catherine Barnes and C. Smith.
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