USA > Wisconsin > Sauk County > The history of Sauk County, Wisconsin, containing an account of settlement, growth, development and resources biographical sketches the whole preceded by a history of Wisconsin > Part 101
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The twentieth annual meeting, April 5, 1870. Taxes voted as follows : $300 for school purposes, $150 for support of the poor, $600 for road purposes and $200 for town purposes. At the general election, November 8, 1870, there were 133 votes cast.
The twenty-first annual meeting, April 4, 1871. Taxes voted were $300 for school pur- poses, $125 for pauper fund, $175 for town purposes and $400 for road purposes. The law that hogs be restrained from running at large was passed this year, being the third time the question had been up before the town meeting. At a general election, November 7, the whole number of votes cast for Governor was 154, of which C. C. Washburne received 106.
The twenty-second annual meeting, April 2, 1872. A motion was adopted to the effect that $200 of the special road tax then on hand be appropriated for town purposes for the ensu- ing year; $300 voted for school purposes, and a road tax of one mill on the dollar. Voted that $150 of the special road tax of last year be applied as a part of the $300 for school purposes. At the general election, November 5, the number of votes cast for the elector of President and Vice President was 186, of which 133 were cast for W. E. Cramer, Elector.
The twenty-third annual meeting, April 1, 1873. Taxes voted, $300 for school purposes, and two mills on the dollar for road purposes.
The twenty-fourth annual meeting, April 7, 1874. Taxes voted, $250 for town expenses, $300 for school purposes and three mills on the dollar for road purposes. On motion, the Clerk's salary was fixed at $75 per year. General election, Nov. 3, 1874. Number of votes cast, 171.
The twenty-fifth annual meeting, April 6, 1875. Taxes voted were three mills per dollar road tax, $300 for school purposes, and $500 for outstanding and current expenses of town. Number of votes cast, 159. December 4, 1875, the board passed an order for a tax to raise $350 to satisfy awards and damages in opening certain roads.
The twenty-sixth annual meeting, April 4, 1876. Taxes voted, three mills on the dollar for road purposes, $300 for school purposes, $250 for town expenses, $150 for special road- work, $36.80 to pay a road overseer, $100 for purchasing additional ground for cemetery, and a com- mittee was appointed for said purposes. A motion carried to establish a free high school in the town. At the Presidential election, November 7, the whole number of votes cast for electors of President and Vice President was 331, of which number T. W. Weeks received 151.
February 7, 1877, S. P. George was appointed Treasurer, to fill the place of A. Gill, who was disqualified on account of sickness.
The twenty-seventh annual meeting, April 3, 1877. Taxes voted were, $300 for school purposes, three mills on the dollar for road purposes and $250 for town expenses. At the gen- eral election, November 6, 1877, the number of votes polled was 146.
The twenty-eighth annual meeting was held April 2, 1878. Taxes voted, $250 for town expenses, $3 for school purposes, three mills per dollar for road purposes, $45.82 to liquidate the indebtedness of the town.
At the general election November 5, number of votes cast, 185. The twenty-ninth annual meeting was held April 1, 1879. Taxes voted, $262.50 for town expenses, $3 for town school fund, $54.91 to pay indebtedness of Road District No. 2. At the general election November 4, 1879, 151 votes were polled.
The thirtieth annual meeting was held April 6, 1880. Taxes voted, $250 for town pur- poses, $14.86 special tax for road in District No. 2, $300 for school purposes, three mills on the dollar road tax, $500 to be applied to the road running south from the village to the river, $150 for purchasing additional ground for a town cemetery.
Total amount raised by the town to pay volunteers in the civil war, $4,600.
Special taxes for road purposes, that have been raised frequently, are not given.
662
HISTORY OF SAUK COUNTY.
TOWN OFFICERS.
In 1851-D. B. Young. Chairman; Andrew Bear, E. Cadwell, Side Supervisors ; E. Evans, Clerk ; D. Williams, Treasurer; A. Stewart, Assessor ; T. Williams, Road Overseer ; R. McCune, Superintendent ; J. M. Cass, Sealer of Weights; T. Pound, F. L. S. Ausdell and E. Davidson, Justices of the Peace ; W. Davison, R. T. Bentley and W. Ecker, Constables.
In 1852-J. Wilson, Chairman ; S. Corwith and J. Rogers, Side Supervisors ; E. Evans, Clerk ; J. Williams, Treasurer ; A. Stewart, Assessor ; A. Stewart, Road Overseer ; E. Evans, Superintendent; J. Watson, Sealer of Weights; A. Rutherford, F. L. S. Ausdell and J. O'Meara, Justices ; J. Dalbey and E. B. Plumb, Constables.
In 1853-A. Stewart, Chairman ; R. T. Bentley and S. Richards, Side Supervisors ; E. Evans, Clerk ; M. O'Meara, Treasurer ; J. Rogers, Assessor ; J. Dalbey, No. 1, R. C. Stephens, No. 2, W. Bowen, No. 3, Road Overseers, E. Evans, Superintendent ; A. Bear, Sealer of Weights ; W. L. Talbot, D. Gwin and D. W. King, Justices ; J. Dalbey and O. Thomas, Constables.
In 1854-Alex. Stewart, Ch. S. Richards and W. R. Patchen, Side Supervisors ; A. Gill, Clerk ; E. Evans, Treasurer ; J. Rogers, Assessor ; J. Anderson, No. 1, H. Lorpabel, No. 2, E. D. Jones, No. 3, Overseers ; J. O'Meara, Superintendent ; T. Williams, Sealer of Weights ; J. O'Meara, F. Gill and A. Nickey, Justices ; J. Barker, J. Watson and S. Huntley, Constables.
In 1855-E. Evans, Chairman; S. Corwith and A. Nickey, Side Supervisors ; A. Gill, Clerk ; F. Gill, Treasurer ; S. Corwith, Assessor; E. Cadwell, J. Rogers and G. Reely, Road Overseers ; S. Richards, Superintendent ; T. Williams. Sealer of Weights; W. L. Talbot, W. W. Minor and E. Evans, Justices ; O. Thomas and E. D. Jones, Constables.
In 1856-S. Richards, Chairman ; J. Throne and O. Thomas, Side Supervisors ; A. Gill, Clerk ; T. Jones, Treasurer ; S. Corwith, Assessor ; J. W. Harris, P. Booher and E. Patchen, Road Overseers ; J. Davies, Superintendent ; A. Stewart, Sealer of Weights ; J. Rogers and J. Watson, Justices ; J. Crook and E. S. Talbot, Constables.
In 1857-G. McFarlin, Chairman; E. B. Plumb and D. Helt, Side Supervisors ; J. Decker, Clerk ; T. D. Jones, Treasurer ; O. Thomas, J. Guime and S. S. Munday, Assessors ; S. Huntley, W. Reely and S. Corwith, Road Overseers ; J. Lester, Sealer of Weights ; S. Cor- with, A. Peck and E. Evans. Justices ; E. Cadwell. T. Hood and A. Stewart, Constables.
In 1858-E. Evans, Chairman ; J. Throne and J. Siders, Side Supervisors ; Phillips, Clerk ; D. Williams, Treasurer ; J. G. Thomas, Assessor ; S. S. Munday and T. Peck, Road Overseers ; J. Davies, Superintendent ; A. Peck, T. B. Worthington and T. Ersly, Justices ; A. Gill and P. Booher, Constables.
In 1859-C. W. Hayes, Chairman ; E. Jones and W. Ecker, Side Supervisors; T. L. Jones, Clerk ; R. Ersly, Treasurer; J. Davies, Superintendent; P. Ersy and E. Evans, Jus- tices ; P. Thornton, D. W. Bliss and D. D. Jones, Constables.
In 1860-E. Evans, Chairman ; T. C. Peck and J. Throne, Side Supervisors ; T. L. Jones, Clerk ; R. C. Ersly, Treasurer ; P. Booher, Assessor ; H. Celleyham No. 1, D. Jones, No. 2, F. Gill, No. 3, M. Sherwood, No. 4, Road Overseers; S. Spiker, Superintendent ; A. Peck and W. G. Spencer, Justices ; A. B. West, D. B. Allen and Thomas Hood, Constables.
In 1861-W. G. Spencer, Chairman ; W. Ecker and A. Nickey, Side Supervisors ; F. Gill, Clerk ; R. C. Ersly, Treasurer ; A. Gill, Assessor ; H. O. Cass, No. 1, W. Jones, No. 2, F. Gill, No. 3, C. W. Hayes, No. 4, Road Overseers ; S. Spiker, Superintendent ; E. Evans and E. Chapin, Justices ; R. C. Ersly, R. Allen and T. Hood, Constables.
In 1862-W. G. Spencer, Chairman ; A. Nickey and W. Ecker, Side Supervisors ; F. Gill, Clerk ; J. Hollenbeck, Treasurer; A. Gill, Assessor ; W. G. Spencer, M. Parker and E. Evans, Justices ; J. Hollenbeck, J. Holmes and C. G. Herrington, Constables.
In 1863-B. U. Strong, Chairman ; A. Nickey and W. Ecker, Side Supervisors ; F. Gill, Clerk ; J. Hayes, Treasurer ; A. Gill, Assessor ; E. Evans, E. Chapin and A. Peck, Justices ; J. Hollenbeck, S. Davies and D. B. Allen, Constables.
663
HISTORY OF SAUK COUNTY.
In 1864-B. U. Strong, Chairman ; A. Nickey and E. Jones, Side Supervisors ; F. Gill, Clerk ; D. R. Phelps, Treasurer ; A. Gill, Assessor ; A. C. Daley, No. 1, B. James, No. 2, D. R. Phelps, No. 3, J. Holmes, No. 4, C. Hayes, No. 5, Road Overseers ; B. U. Strong, A. Peck and A. Wilcox, Justices ; S. Davis, A. U. Gardner, J. Ecker and L. Burroughs, Constables.
In 1865-B. U. Strong, Chairman; A. Nickey and W. Ecker, Side Supervisors ; J. Temby, Clerk ; E. W. Evans, Treasurer ; G. G. Nick, Assessor ; E. W. Evans, B. James, A. Wilcox, J. Holmes and F. Booher, Road Overseers; J. G. Thomas and A. Nickey, Justices ; A. J. Hood, B. F. Bailey and J. Ecker, Constables.
In 1866-B. U. Strong, Chairman ; C. B. Pearson and I. Burroughs, Side Supervisors ; F. Gill, Clerk ; E. W. Evans, Treasurer ; G. G. Nickey, Assessor ; C. B. Pearson, Peter Beaver, A. Gill, T. Peck and F. Booher, Road Supervisors ; B. U. Strong, J. T. Temby and E. Chapin, Justices ; G. Van Orman, Constable.
In 1867-B. U. Strong, Chairman ; T. D. Jones and C. W. Hayes, Side Supervisors ; J. R. Lewis, Clerk; E. W. Evans, Treasurer; J. C. Brainerd, Assessor ; J. R. Lewis, J. G. Thomas, J. D. Jones, J. Holmes and N. Hood, Road Overseers ; J. G. Thomas, A. Wilcox and T. R. Hood, Justices ; J. R. Lewis, D. D. Jones and F. Booher, Constables.
In 1868-B. U. Strong, Chairman ; C. W. Hayes and J. G. Pelton, Side Supervisors ; J. H. Terry, Clerk; T. D. Jones, Treasurer; G. G. Nickey, Assessor ; B. U. Strong, B. H. Hayes and E. W. Evans, Justices ; T. J. Hungerford, J. R. Lewis, J. D. Jones and D. D. Jones, Constables.
.In 1869-F. Gill, Chairman ; E. W. Morgan and A. Nickey, Side Supervisors ; T. Hill, Jr., Clerk ; G. M. Spencer, Treasurer ; E. W. Evans, Assessor ; S. S. Munday, T. Hungerford, J. D. Jones, W. M. Gridley and S. Huntley, Road Overseers ; J. M. Hood and T. Norton, Sr., Justices ; J. J. Nickey, E. Norton and G. B. Van Orman, Constables.
In 1870-J. A. Taylor, Chairman ; A. Nickey and E. P. Morgan, Side Supervisors ; W. A. Wyse, Clerk ; G. M. Spencer, Treasurer ; E. W. Evans, Assessor ; T. D. Jones, P. Beaver, J. D. Jones, T. C. Peck and F. Booher, Road Masters ; C. N. Finn, Sealer of Weights ; E. C. Brainerd, E. W. Evans, B. H. Hayes and J. G. Thomas, Justices ; W. Logan, D. D. Davies, D. D. Jones and J. Fulcomer, Constables ; J. Dickson, Pound Master.
In 1871-J. A. Taylor, Chairman ; T. D. Jones and T. C. Peck, Side Supervisors ; W. A. Wyse, Clerk ; J. N. Finn, Treasurer ; E. W. Evans, Assessor; T. D. Jones, B. James, J. D. Jones, E. B. Evans, L. Tracy and C. W. Hayes, Road Masters ; J. G. Thomas and J. M. Hood, Justices ; W. Stewart, J. J. Nickey, E. F. Maher and D. D. Jones, Constables.
In 1872-E. W. Evans, Chairman ; T. D. Jones and C. W. Hayes, Side Supervisors ; W. A. Wyse, Clerk ; J. N. Finn, Treasurer ; F. Gill, Assessor ; T. D. Jones, D. D. Jones, J. D. Jones, E. B. Evans, N. B. Hood and C. W. Hayes, Road Overseers ; E. C. Brainerd and E. W. Evans, Justices ; W. M. Austin, D. D. Jones and E. F. Maher, Constables ; J. Dickson, Pound Master.
1873-B. U. Strong, Chairman ; E. P. Morgan and T. D. Jones, Side Supervisors ; S. P. George, Clerk; J. N. Finn, Treasurer ; E. W. Evans, Assessor ; T. D. Jones, E. Lester, J. D. Jones, W. H. Harris, G. Dike and D. C. Reed, Road Overseers ; H. R. Johnson, Sealer of Weights ; T. Hungerford and C. W. Hayes, Justices ; E. Lester, E. F. Maher and W. H. Harris, Constables ; J. Dickson, Pound Master.
In 1874-J. A. Taylor, Chairman ; P. Bridgman and S. S. Munday, Side Supervisors ; S. P. George, Clerk ; J. N. Finn, Treasurer ; E. W. Evans, Assessor; W. D. Jones, J. D. Davis, J. D. Jones, E. B. Evans, H. Layton and C. W. Hayes, Road Overseers ; H. R. John- son, Sealer of Weights ; G. G. Reely and C. W. Hayes, Justices ; W. H. Harris, E. James, B. R. Pelton, Constables ; J. Dickson, Pound Master.
In 1875-J. R. Lewis, Chairman ; E. Mercer and F. Booher, Side Supervisors ; A. Gill, Clerk ; J. N. Finn, Treasurer ; E. W. Evans, Assessor ; C. Jones, J. Davis, J. Jones, H. Harris, E. V. Thornton and J. Hayes, Road Overseers ; H. R. Johnson, Sealer of Weights ; J. Watson
664
HISTORY OF SAUK COUNTY.
and J. Reely, Justices ; J. R. Lewis, G. Stewart and E. James, Constables ; J. Dickson, Pound Master.
In 1876-J. R. Lewis, Chairman ; E. Mercer and J. Hayes, Side Supervisors ; A. Gill, Clerk ; J. N. Finn, Treasurer ; E. W. Evans, Assessor ; C. Jones, J. G. Thomas ; J. J. Jones, Jr., A. Mercer, S. V. Thornton and D. C. Reed, Road Overseers ; H. R. Johnson, Sealer of Weights ; E. C. Brainerd and E. W. Evans, Justices ; W. H. Lewis and D. L. Talbot, Con- stables ; J. Dickson, Pound Master.
In 1877-S. F. Nickey, Chairman ; E. Mercer and J. M. Hayes, Side Supervisors ; A. Gill, Clerk ; S. Jones, Treasurer ; E. W. Evans, Assessor ; C. Jones, T. Fouchs, J. D. Jones, E. Evans, J. Mercer and D. C. Reed, Road Overseers ; H. R. Johnson, Sealer of Weights ; B. U. Strong and W. H. Lewis, Justices; M. R. Hurley, D. L. Talbot and G. A. Sweet, Consta- bles ; J. Dickson, Pound Master.
In 1878-S. F. Nickey, Chairman; W. H. Harris and C. Jones, Side Supervisors ; J. A. Taylor, Clerk ; S. Jones, Treasurer ; E. W. Evans, Assessor ; D. J. Davis, M. McPhillips, E. B. Evans, J. Mercer and W. Hayes, Road Overseers ; H. R. Johnson, Sealer of Weights ; E. W. Evans and J. McKeeme, Justices ; H. J. Jones, E. P. Noyes, N. B. Hood, Constables ; J. Dickson, Pound Master ; E. George, Sexton.
1879-S. F. Nickey, Chairman ; W. H. Harris and C. Jones, Side Supervisors ; J. N. Finn, Clerk; J. T. Jones, Treasurer ; E. Mercer, Assessor; D. J. Davis, J. Gasser, M. McPhillips, E. B. Evans, L. W. Hood and W. Hayes, Road Overseers ; B. U. Strong and N. B. Hood, Justices ; H. J. Jones and J. Howe, Constables ; B. U. Strong, Pound Master.
1880-S. F. Nickey, Chairman ; E. James and W. Hayes, Side Supervisors ; J. N. Finn, Clerk ; T. J. Hungerford, Treasurer ; E. Mercer, Assessor; E. W. Evans, J. M. Hayes, Justices ; I. W. Reymond, D. J. Davis, E. P. Noyes and W. B. Hayes, Constables.
TOWN OF TROY.
This town is the largest in area of any of the towns in the county, there being above fifty- three sections in all. Like the town of Spring Green, it is bordered on the south by the Wis- consin, on the north by the town of Honey Creek, on the east by the town of Prairie du Sac, and on the west by the towns of Spring Green and Franklin. The surface, in some portions, is exceedingly broken. The belt of bluffs that courses along the northern boundary of Spring Green, and which appears to be the boundary of some great body of water, continues its way from east to west, through the south central part of Troy, forming a prominent division between the northern and southern parts of the town. The soil south of these bluffs is generally quite sandy or marshy, the marsh lands being, in many places, entirely impassable for teams, so much so, indeed, that a large part of the road from the town of Prairie du Sac to Spring Green, goes winding deviously along close to the bluffs in order to avoid the marshy places. North of the bluffs, the soil is much better, it being composed principally of clay loam and black sand. In this section are located some of the finest farms in the county, or to be found anywhere. These lands are usually called the Honey Creek bottom lands, but, as in other localities, this town has its different prairies and hollows. One of the points that was first located, lies south of the bluffs and is considered very fertile. That is Cassell Prairie, named after Dr. Cassell, the first settler there. Numerous other points might be mentioned, but they possess a minor interest. The town, in the north part, is splendidly watered by Honey Creek and two or three small branches. In the south, Wilson's Creek and another small stream supply water. Honey and Wilson's Creeks supply fair water-powers for milling purposes. Troy, like all of the towns, has its tumuli and various natural curiosities. The timber supply, especially among the bluffs, is excellent. These bluffs, with their pockets, are all owned principally by foreigners. The population is mixed, the German element preponderating. The people are sober, industrious and frugal ; they have good schools, and there are three churches, the latter being liberally supported. The general tone of feeling prevailing among the people is decidedly good and probably somewhat above the average.
665 1
HISTORY OF SAUK COUNTY.
EARLY SETTLERS.
The very first settler in this town was Thomas Wilson, a Scotchman. He selected land in the southwestern part of the town, on a small stream, Wilson's Creek, called after him. Mr. Wilson was a somewhat restless and adventurous person in his youth, and had, before he came here, in his more advanced years, " been about a good bit " here and there. Gov. Wash- burn and partner employed him to come from St. Louis to Helena to work in their shot-tower, at a very early day, and, being so close after the treaty with the Winnebagoes was concluded, he must needs come over the river and examine the country. Upon seeing it, he determined to locate. How early it might have been when he first came over prospecting cannot be deter- mined, but, possibly, in the spring of 1838. Afterward, as early as 1840, we learn he had moved in his family and was living here permanently. The old Government canoe that used to carry provisions up the Wisconsin to the forts, and that was cut out of a log, and which was large enough to carry fifty barrels of flour and the men to row, was in Mr. Wilson's possession, and served him in navigating the river, after having served Uncle Sam. Mr. Wilson was a man of no mean ability and talents. He was something of a scholar, and could paint, draw and carve very artistically. Alexander Stuart has a Scotch highland scene, painted admirably, and there are many other relics of his genius scattered about the country. He has been dead a good many years.
The first white persons to come into the north part of the town and settle permanently were J. A. Sprecher and Nick Darnutzer, two Swiss, who emigrated hither very early in the spring of 1846. They came in by way of Prairie du Sac, and had to build a bridge over Honey Creek before they could reach the goal of their ambition. They came with a load of lumber to make a cabin, and, no sooner were they over the bridge, than they had their first experience in getting stuck, but, in all probability, not the last. There were three vokes of cattle hitched to the load, but they did not avail anything against the " set," so the load had to be carried by hand. A new and splendidly fertile lot of land lay before them to pick from. That they were careful and judicious in making their selection, is shown by their excellent farms.
One day, after they had been here two or three weeks, Mr. Sprecher went out for a ramble, when, what should he discover, but the wagons of a party of new arrivals, camped on Section 18, on a branch of Honey Creek. These were Thomas Wells, J. W. Harris, Dewitt Slauter and J. Kifer. They came from Ohio. J. W. Harris made a claim at what was considered an eligible point to start a village, and we learn he did not wait long thereafter before laying out a plat. The remainder of the new-comers drove their stakes in the immediate vicinity, and thus the little party were finally settled. Mr. Harris put up a comfortable house, and opened, within a year or two, as tavern-keeper. Of these four families, not a single one is living here now, as, the village project not proving a success, they sold and emigrated to another town.
Besides those above given came, in or before 1850, A. Harrington, Robert McReady, Ed Mix, John Feller, H. B. Staines. William Young, George Bonham, Samuel Walster, Lem Cooper, William Hasheider, F. Stifer, C. Stifer, F. Darnutzer, S. Miller. L. Buechler, F. Nolds, H. Meyers, J. Schmidt, Daniel Held, J. Bear, H. Haiflisch, James Davis, Frishim M. Dohnson, H. Folkinstine, H. Bear, S. W. Corwith, John Loganfall, J. Young, Alex Stuart and others. Alex Stuart was one of the first settlers on the south of the bluffs; as ear as 1841 saw him pocketed among the hills, where he yet lives.
The first marriage in the town occurred March 4, 1847, when James Taylor, now living in the town of Spring Green, was married to Phebe Harris. Charles O. Baxter, who officiated at a good many early weddings, spliced them.
The first one to see life first here was a granddaughter of Thomas Wilson, born in 1846.
A school was taught in town in a log-house just west of the Harris settlement, now known as Harrisburg, in 1847 or 1848, Miss Laura Drew being the teacher.
In the above schoolhouse, the first religious services were also held in 1847, a Congregational itinerant minister preaching.
666
HISTORY OF SAUK COUNTY.
The first child born in the north part of town was Joseph Harris, born December 15, 1847.
A saw-mill was built on Section 8 by John Bear, about 1850, the first in town ; J. Ran- ey next owned it, then Curtis Bates, who refitted it for a grist-mill. In 1863, C. L. Harlacher bought the property, and afterward enlarged it and added new machinery. There are now two runs of stone, operated by a turbine wheel. The water-head is 61 feet.
In 1807, the Witwin Brothers built a mill in town. This mill also has two runs of stone and two turbine wheels, of about twenty-five horse-power when under full head. Another mill in town, on Wilson's Creek, is but just finished. It has one run of stone, a turbine, and 18-foot water-head. The proprietors are Mr. Cropper & Son.
A store was first opened in town at Harrisburg by J. W. Haws, in 1855. He purchased the Harris homestead. He probably kept the first post office in the north part of the town.
William Young, who came in about 1850, was the first blacksmith.
The first religious services were held in the log tavern of J. W. Harris, as early as 1846, by an itinerant Congregational minister.
After the old State road was laid through Iowa County, a horse ferry was started to run from what was known as Hogarth across to Section 6. This was about 1852 or 1853. Mr. Alex Stuart was hired to erect a causeway out from the river across a bad marsh and slough to solid land. Mr. Barnard paid $100, and the town authorities $100. The bridge was 14 feet wide, made of split logs laid on cribs. At that time this was the great thoroughfare into the county from the south. After the railroad came in 1856, the ferry was discontinued and the bridge removed.
About the time the ferry was started, a road was built from Spring Green to Cassell Prairie. Another ferry was started before 1850, connecting with Arena on the Iowa County side. It was started by Marcus Ashmore, and ran to Big Island, then from that point over. After Ashmore, D. Brisbane run the ferry for several years, then abandoned it. Two years ago, the people formed a joint-stock company to help establish a permanent ferry. They built a boat on this side, and the Arena people bought a cable and paid a man to run the ferry.
There was, it is said, a post office established at the old Barnard Ferry. The first one probably in town was kept by Uriah Peck, at Wilson's Creek, the mail being carried from Prairie du Sac to Prairie du Chien. A man by the name of Banks was the first mail-carrier.
When the railroad came, the old route was suspended, and one established from Spring Green to Portage City. Alexander Stuart was the first carrier on this route, a man by the name of Patchen being the Postmaster in this townl.
Mr. Stuart tells a rather amusing anecdote of how they managed to collect money when the times were hard and money scarce. One Andrew Bear was owing him for a yoke of cattle and had neglected to pay. when Mr. Stuart and family were depending on it to get food. When Mr. S. went for his pay, Bear told him he would not pay unless he was sued, giving for a reason that he would then have an excuse to collect from a man who was owing him, and he from one who was owing him and the next man from one who was owing him and so on. So the ball was set to rolling, but the Justice who was to do the business induced them all to pay up after a few days, and so the collection was effected.
Another circumstance illustrates how hard it was for the pioneers to get along and how wary they were about lending.
Mr. Stuart had nothing for his family to eat, and he knew of only one place where flour was to be found. That was at James Watson's, in town of Spring Green. So, taking his bag on his back, with a heavy heart, he started on his borrowing expedition. Thinking it would not do to state his business suddenly, he sat down and joked and sang with Mr. Watson and a younger brother, until finally, when the ice was broken, he waded in and told his errand. Mr. Watson, Sr., declared he could not spare any flour. The younger brother hopped up and said, " Yes ye have, plenty and to spare." Mr. Watson, thinking his flour was gone never to return, had to yield, and Stuart triumphantly backed away a bagful, when the flour was paid for, Watson, delighted, declared he would always accommodate Mr. Stuart.
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