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 53
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67 | Part 68 | Part 69 | Part 70 | Part 71 | Part 72 | Part 73 | Part 74 | Part 75 | Part 76 | Part 77 | Part 78 | Part 79 | Part 80 | Part 81 | Part 82 | Part 83 | Part 84 | Part 85 | Part 86 | Part 87 | Part 88 | Part 89 | Part 90 | Part 91 | Part 92 | Part 93 | Part 94 | Part 95 | Part 96 | Part 97 | Part 98 | Part 99 | Part 100 | Part 101 | Part 102 | Part 103 | Part 104 | Part 105 | Part 106 | Part 107 | Part 108 | Part 109 | Part 110 | Part 111 | Part 112 | Part 113 | Part 114 | Part 115 | Part 116 | Part 117 | Part 118 | Part 119 | Part 120 | Part 121 | Part 122 | Part 123 | Part 124 | Part 125 | Part 126 | Part 127 | Part 128 | Part 129 | Part 130 | Part 131 | Part 132 | Part 133 | Part 134
The next railroad movement was made in January, 1865, when Gen. Starks introduced a bill into the Legislature to incorporate the Portage City & Baraboo Valley Railroad. The measure passed, and under this charter meetings were held in Baraboo and Greenfield, the latter town pledging $15,000 in aid of the road. In Baraboo, a resolution was adopted pledging $100,- 000. In June of that year, Gen. Starks, R. H. Strong and A. A. Avery had a conference with the Directors of the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railroad Company, and a re-organization of the Baraboo & Portage City Company was effected. In September, a route was surveyed by Chief Engineer Sill to Pine Island, above Portage. It was the original purpose of the company to continue the survey to Baraboo through the Lower Narrows, but the changing interests of " Mit- chell's road " put a check upon further progress in this direction.
On the 11th of October, 1865, a meeting of the Directors of the " Madison, Lodi & Bara- boo Valley Railroad Company " was held at Madison, Baraboo being represented by Messrs. Starks, Thomas, Sumner and others. The company thus named was formally organized on the 6th of March following, 500 shares of the stock being taken, and $5 per share paid in. Noth- ing tangible grew out of this movement, and it was not until 1869 that the people of Sauk County, heartily disgusted with the coquettish managers of the great lines from whom they had cause to expect something, resolved to go into the railroad business themselves. In October of that year, Col. S. V. R. Ableman expressed the popular sentiment in a communication signed " Locomotive," published in the local papers. The article, the caption of which was " Shoulders to the Wheel," argued the ability of the citizens to construct a line of road through the valley, and thus place themselves in a position to dictate terms to either of the companies operating in this State who desired to make connection with them. This opening gun, as it were, was fol- lowed by a broadside from the pen of J. C. Lusk, in which was expressed the intense feeling stirred by Col. Ableman's eloquent appeal. The first meeting was held on the 19th of Novem- ber, 1869, and was attended by delegates from far and near. An executive committee was appointed, headed by Col. Ableman, and it was resolved to apply for a charter. An instrument, covering the ground, was accordingly drawn up and passed by the next Legislature. A
356
HISTORY OF SAUK COUNTY.
permanent organization was effected July 1, 1870 (the Baraboo Air Line Railroad Company) by the election of the following officers : President, T. Thomas ; Vice President, J. Mackey; Sec- retary, T. D. Lang; Treasurer, R. M. Strong; Directors, S. V. R. Ableman, J. F. Smith, Moses Young. S. P. Barney and Jonas Narracong. At this meeting, 500 shares of the stock were taken, $5 on each share being paid in. In the meantime, propositions had been received from various railroad officials, which gave great strength to the undertaking and encouraged the managers to use every energy they possessed in the interest of the project. About this time, a public statement was made by Messrs. Tracy and Dunlap, of the Chicago & North-Western, that. that company proposed to undertake the construction of a line through the Baraboo Valley. Holding the charter for a route through the "lake gap," it was evident the Air-Line people occupied a strong position. The Michigan Central road, through James F. Joy and George E. Easterly, also made a proposition to build the road, but the North-Western managers seem to have held out the best inducements, and arrangements were finally made with them. On the 12th and 13th of July, the Directors of the Air-Line road had a conference with the Directors of the Chicago & North-Western, at which a basis of agreement was accepted by both parties and reduced to writing. Under this agreement, a re-organization of the Air-Line directory was effected, five of its members retiring and being succeeded by George L. Dunlap, James H. Howe, Henry H. Porter and John B. Turner, of the North-Western Company, James L. Hill being jointly chosen on behalf of both companies.
The history of the enterprise from that time to the present is unattended by events of a nature demanding exhaustive consideration in these pages. It is sufficient to say that the basis of agreement has been strictly adhered to by both parties. Sauk County, so long in a position to aid in the building of a road through her fertile valleys, came promptly forward with the amount stipulated in the agreement. Work upon the road was commenced and vigorously prosecuted to the end. The results have been of a character beneficial to both the people and the company.
The road was completed to Baraboo on Friday, September 8, 1871, and on Tuesday, the 12th, a grand celebration took place, such a one as was never before held in these classic pre- cincts. There were music, speaking, cannon-firing and great rejoicing generally. It is. estimated that 10,000 people were present. One of the remarkable features of the occasion was the great arch erected over the track. On either side of the track a circle of hop-poles had been. formed. Through the spaces between the poles, hop-vines were wreathed until the poles were entirely clad with green. On the top of the columns rested a broad arch, surmounted by a large keystone, upon which were piled immense golden pumpkins, strings of red-cheeked apples, sheaves of wheat and stalks of corn. In the center stood a flag-staff, from which floated a ban- ner.
The iron-horse reached Reedsburg on New Year's Day (1871-72), but, on account of the unfavorable season for outdoor celebrations, the observance of the event was postponed.
The material interests of the county have undergone a greater degree of development in the past nine years than during the entire period of its history preceding the advent of the railroad ; and the permanent location at Baraboo of the company's roundhouse, workshops and business headquarters for the Madison Division, contributes almost immeasurably to the importance of the road to every part of the county.
Passing through the southwestern portion of the county, with stations at Spring Green and Lone Rock (the latter just over the line in Richland County), the Prairie du Chien Division of the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul road furnishes a convenient and valuable outlet for the people of that section. Chiefly in consequence of the advantages thus afforded, Spring Green has grown to occupy the third position in the list of prosperous villages in Sauk County.
The total amount of farm mortgages given in Sauk County to different railroad companies- was $120,100, as follows : La Crosse & Milwaukee, $87,200; Watertown & Madison, $4,020 ; Madison, Fond du Lac & Michigan, $27,300 ; Milwaukee, Watertown & Baraboo Valley, $600; Milwaukee & Horicon, $1,000.
357
HISTORY OF SAUK COUNTY.
AGRICULTURAL INDUSTRIES, SOIL, ETC.
Sauk County presents productive features of remarkable diversity. Almost every known kind or quality of soil is found within its borders. There are large areas of prairie, which, it seems, were especially adapted by nature to the raising of corn ; hills dimpled with small valleys and surmounted by table-lands, where the best winter wheat in the State is grown, and marshes calculated for meadows, both wild and tame.
Beginning in the northwest portion of the county, in the town of Woodland, we find, in the valleys, a soil of rich loam, and on the ridges the quality of clay in which winter wheat thrives and yields abundantly. This town, however, is more particularly noted for its timber ; in fact, is the great lumbering region whence, in early days, came all the rafts of pine logs that were gathered and floated down the Baraboo into the Wisconsin, and thence to the Mississippi. It was here also that the Wonewoc Wagon Company got their timber until that institution closed down
Passing west into the town of Lavalle, we find the diversity of soil and the variety of pro- ductions more marked, though the features west and south of the river are very similar to those described in Woodland. East of the river, the soil is sandy. Wheat and corn are raised in this region in about equal proportions. Dairying is the principal industry in the southern part of the town.
The town of Winfield is very bluffy, and the soil sandy, though a few of the best farms in the county are situated in this town.
In Dellona, the characteristics are very much the same as in Winfield. The town is largely devoted to corn.
The town of Delton may be fitly described as poor and sandy north of the two southern tiers of sections. The extreme southern tier comprises the best soil in the town, though there is a strip of very productive land along the Wisconsin River. Webster's Prairie is particularly noted for its sand and unproductiveness. Corn is the principal product in the town.
In the town of Fairfield, the cultivated portions are devoted chiefly to corn. The best lands are in the north part of the town. An extensive marsh, covering some seven or eight sec- tions, exists in the southeast portion.
The south half of Greenfield is very broken and sterile, though there are occasional valleys of fair soil. The north half consists of good prairie soil. A large part of the famous Baraboo Valley is in this town. Corn, wheat and oats are grown here quite extensively. Dairying is one of the substantial interests of the town.
Turning westward, we pass into the town of Baraboo, and find two distinct soils, with the river as the dividing line. North of the stream are the " oak openings " and sand ; south of it, the clay and maple groves, where winter wheat of the very best quality is raised, samples of it having taken the first premium at a recent State fair. Here, also, are many sugar orchards, while north of the river not a maple is to be seen, except those transplanted there. The north- west portion of the town is largely devoted to corn.
In the town of Excelsior, the best lands lie between Baraboo and Ableman, though there are patches of good land in other parts. Corn predominates.
Within the boundaries of the town of Reedsburg is contained some excellent soil ; especially is this true of Babb's and Narrows Prairies. The town is especially noted for the great quanti- ties and superior quality of potatoes raised there and shipped from the railway station. Hop- raising also forms one of the leading agricultural pursuits.
The north part of Ironton is formed of similar soil to that of the two prairies in the pre- viously described town. The southern portion of the town is broken and hard to cultivate. Corn and wheat are raised in about equal proportions, while stock-raising and dairying receive con- siderable attention. This town is noted for its iron mines, from which it derives its name.
The town of Washington is or was before advancing civilization bore down upon it very heavily timbered throughout. The soil is very strong, and it has the reputation of being prob- ably the best winter wheat section in the county.
358
HISTORY OF SAUK COUNTY.
The agricultural characteristics of the town of Westfield are not unlike those of the town of Washington. Winter wheat and hops are the chief productions.
Winter wheat also forms the principal production of the town of Freedom, which is almost wholly a timber region.
Two-thirds of the town of Sumter is prairie land, which is almost exclusively devoted to
corn. The famous Kirk vineyard is situated in the northeast corner of this town.
The south and southwest portions of the town of Merrimack are considered the best lands in its borders. The north and northeast parts are sandy and unproductive. Corn predomi- nates.
The only town in the county exclusively prairie, and therefore a good corn region, is Prairie du Sac. In the northern portion of the town the soil is rich and heavy, but it grows thinner as we pass south, and finally disappears entirely, enormous sand beds taking its place.
· The town of Troy is considerably broken, with a large area of sand in the southern por- tion. There is some excellent land in the Honey Creek Valley. Corn is the leading agricult- ural feature.
Honey Creek is devoted to wheat, and has some very good land in its borders. Its hills are well wooded and valleys fertile.
In the town of Franklin, corn and wheat are raised in about equal proportions. The southern part of the town is prairie, the north being heavily timbered.
Crossing into the town of Bear Creek, we find ourselves in a region of naked bluffs and fertile valleys, where the dairying interest takes the lead of all other industries. There are two cheese factories in this town, and there is probably more of this article manufactured here than in any other town in the county. Wheat and corn receive considerable attention.
The town of Spring Green, the last in the category, is largely prairie, interspersed with sand beds. Corn and rye are the principal products.
SAUK COUNTY AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY.
The organization of this society took place in 1855. The first meeting of which there is any record was held on the 22d of February ( an historic day ) of that year, at Taylor's Hall, in the village of Baraboo. Due notice of this meeting had been given, and the attendance was large, considering the very primitive state of agriculture at that date. Alexander Crawford was called to the chair and James S. Moseley was appointed Secretary. A twelve article constitution was presented and adopted. The first article declared the objects of the society to be the " promotion and improvement of the condition of agriculture, horticulture, mechanical, manufacturing and household arts." The remaining clauses set forth the obligations and duties devolving upon the officers of the society, and included specified rules for governing the manage- ment of fairs. Then followed the election of officers for the ensuing year : James M. Clarke was chosen President; Daniel Pound, Vice President ; James S. Moseley, Secretary and R. H. Davis, Treasurer. An invitation being extended to those present to become members by signing the constitution and paying into the treasury the sum of $1, the following-named individuals responded : James M. Clarke, William J. Huntington, R. R. Remington, Benjamin L. Brier, Isaac W. Morley, Charles A. Clarke, B. B. Brier, William Stees, Francis K. Jenkins, John B. Walbridge, B. F. Mills, Rufus N. Flint, Alexander Crawford, John B. Crawford, S. V. R. Ableman, Charles H. Williams, Moses M. Chaplin, Ebenezer Martin, Stephen M. Burdick, Samuel Northrop, Oliver W. Thomas, James S. Moseley, Daniel Pound and John Acker. An Executive Committee was chosen as follows : Messrs. Morley, Remington, Williams, Jenkins, Acker and E. O. Rudd, A. F. Kellogg, Zoeth Eldridge, Henry Ochsner, Alexander Stewart, William Andrews, E. G. Blakeslee, Albert Kelley, Ransom E. Stone, James K. Thompson and John Young.
A premium list was arranged, and October 16, 1855, set for the date of the first fair, to be held in the village of Baraboo ; but unfortunately there is no record of such fair having been held. The last meeting of the Executive Committee, prior to the date appointed for holding the
359
HISTORY OF SAUK COUNTY.
fair, took place on the 15th of September. At this meeting, James M. Clarke tendered his resignation as President of the society, and R. G. Camp was appointed to fill the vacancy.
The next meeting was held on March 15, 1856, when Mr. Camp was elected President ; I. W. Morley, Vice President; R. H. Davis, Treasurer, and M. C. Waite, Secretary. An Execu- tive Committee was also chosen, composed of one representative from each of the seventeen towns in the county. Nothing of consequence appears in the proceedings of this meeting in refer- ence to the fair held the year previous. We are informed, however, that there was a balance in the treasury of $135, which is conclusive evidence that the first fair of the Sauk County Agricultural Society was at least a profitable one. At this meeting a premium list for the next fair, to be held at Baraboo on the 1st and 2d of October, 1856, was presented, aggre- gating $249.50 in cash. The names of eighty-six members appear on the roll.
In the fall of 1856, there seems to have been a re-organization of the society, as appears from a minute in the proceedings of a meeting held on the 1st of October, to wit: “On motion, the funds of the old society were passed over to the present organization." Officers were elected on the same date as follows : President, R. H. Davis ; Vice President, J. B. Crawford ; Treasurer, I. W. Morley ; Secretary, E. Martin. Among the seventeen Directors chosen at this meeting appear many new names, indicating a complete revolution in the manage- ment.
At the July (1857) meeting of the Executive Board, President Davis presented his resigna- tion, which was accepted, John W. Powell being appointed to fill the vacancy. The Treas- urer's report showed $23.97 on hand. On the 19th of September, Mr. Martin resigned the secretaryship, and was succeeded by William H. Joy. Five days later, the annual meeting for the election of officers was held, resulting in the choice of John B. Crawford for President, R. R. Remington for Vice President, John W. Powell for Treasurer, and James M. Clarke for Secretary. No reference is made, in the proceedings of the meetings held this year, to the fair of October, 1856.
On the 28th of August, 1858, the Executive Committee met, and adopted the report of the Committee previously appointed on premium list. Premium money to the amount of $244 was voted to be distributed at the approaching October fair, which, it was subsequently resolved, should be held at Reedsburg. October 14, at the close of the fair, the annual election for officers was held, with the following result: President, J. B. Walbridge; Vice President, A. W. Starks; Treasurer, William H. Thompson ; Secretary, H. H. Peck.
August 12, 1859, the Executive Committee met, and elected A. M. Starks, President, and A. B. Bradley, Vice President. It was also decided that the next fair and cattle show should be held at Baraboo, on the 21st and 22d of September. A resolution was passed to the effect that "a diploma be considered the highest possible testimonial of approbation this society can bestow." Henry Getchell and R. Jones were appointed a committee " to make inquiries as to the cost of leasing grounds and erecting suitable buildings for the convenience and accommoda- tion of the society." The Committee reported in favor of accepting the offer of a site made by John B. Crawford, with whom they were further instructed to make a written agreement, and also to mature plans for a building. Mr. Peck resigned the secretaryship. M. C. Waite was appointed to fill the vacancy, and the board adjourned.
In January, 1860, it was resolved to procure material, and fence the ground leased of Mr. Crawford. In March, contracts were closed with P. A. Bassett for boards, and with Metcalf & Paddock for posts, and Messrs. Lee & Lemeroux were employed to build the fence. The fair this year was held at Baraboo, on the 19th, 20th and 21st of September. The records show that there were 150 exhibitors and 801 entries. Premiums were awarded to the extent of $277.50, while the receipts from all sources amounted to $398. At the close of the fair, A. W. Starks was elected President ; F. K. Jenkins, Vice President ; John B. Crawford, Treasurer, and M. C. Waite, Secretary. The Board of Directors this year was composed of twenty mem- bers, and the membership of the society was 140. The financial report showed that there had
360
HISTORY OF SAUK COUNTY.
been paid $297.23 for work and material on the fence inclosing the grounds, and $548.60 on the building.
The annual fair for 1861 was held at Baraboo on the 16th, 17th and 18th of September. There were two diplomas awarded : Mrs. C. A. Hutchins for best lace cape, and Mrs. F. Long- ley for best sofa pillow. The sum of $142 was disbursed in premiums. The highest premium ($5) was given to F. G. Staley for the best-conducted farm. The business meeting of the society, held on the second day of the fair, resulted in the election of Harvey Canfield for Presi- dent, R. R. Remington for Treasurer and H. H. Potter for Secretary. The receipts of this fair were $253.23.
In January, 1862, Peter Cooper was chosen President of the society in place of H. Can- field, deceased. F. G. Staley was elected Vice President to supply the omission made at the preceding annual election. No record of the fair held this year is to be found.
In 1863, there were 298 entries and $203.40 paid in cash premiums. The receipts amounted to $285.55, and the total expenditures to $294.79. The old board of officers was re-elected.
No record exists for 1864. The regular annual meeting of the Executive Committee was held January 21, 1865, at which Charles H. Williams was chosen President ; E. Walbridge, Vice to hold business meetings in June, but failed on account of a quorum not appearing.
President; R. R. Remington, Treasurer, and J. J. Gattiker, Secretary. Two attempts were made to hold business meetings in June, but failed on account of a quorum not appearing.
The next record of the society is dated the 18th of February, 1866. At this meeting, it was decided to hold a fair on the 10th and 11th of October, and $235 were offered in premiums ; according to the Treasurer's report, however, only $127 was disbursed for this purpose. This was the most profitable fair held by the society up to that date. The receipts from all sources amounted to $533.91, while the expenses were but $289.21, leaving a balance of $244.77. Charles H. Williams was re-elected President and J. J. Gattiker Secretary. H. H. Potter, J. B. Crawford and F. G. Staley were chosen Vice Presidents, and Henry Cowles Treasurer.
The records for 1867 are somewhat brief. The fair took place in October, but we are left in the dark as to the financial result. A resolution was passed at the business meeting that followed, extending thanks to John Y. Smith for an address delivered on the occasion ; also one to the effect that " in future a diploma be offered in place of any first premiums to those who shall prefer it to the money." The following officers were chosen : President, H. H. Potter ; Vice Presidents, J. B. Crawford, J. G. Graw and D. D. Lee ; Treasurer, Henry Cowles ; Secretary, J. J. Gattiker.
On the 18th of September, 1868, in pursuance with a previous call, a meeting of the Executive Committee was held for the purpose of taking into consideration the advisability of holding the usual annual fair. A majority of the six gentlemen present favored a proposition not to hold a fair, and it was so determined, though the reason for this action does not appear. It certainly could not have been for lack of funds, for the report of the Treasurer showed that there was $676.10 on hand.
The record of 1869 is also dated the 18th of September, and is very much to the same effect as the preceding. It reads as follows: "The meeting was called for deciding whether it would be advisable or not to hold a county fair. There was no quorum present, but those in attendance were decidedly of the opinion that, under the present circumstances, it would be best to dispense with the fair. The lease on the Crawford ground had expired, the building had been taken down, and there was no place to be had except Emery's race grounds, for which he would charge for two years at the rate of $100 per year. The officers thought it to the advantage of the society to find a piece of ground which could be bought for a permanent location."
In May, 1870, it was decided to hold a fair on the 6th and 7th of October, and a list was made up offering $455 in cash premiums, $84 being for trotting and running. Four hundred articles were entered for exhibition, upon which there was paid $304. Forty acres of land
.
BARABOO.
363
HISTORY OF SAUK COUNTY.
were purchased this year from Adam Nixon for $1,540, twenty acres of it being sold after- ward for $600. At the close of the fair the society found itself in debt $779.59. Officers were chosen as follows : President, H. H. Potter ; Vice-Presidents, J. M. True, J. G. Grow and I. W. Morley ; Treasurer, Henry Cowles ; Secretary, J. J. Gattiker.
The fair of 1871 was held in the society's new building on the 20th, 21st and 23d of Sep- tember. There were ninety exhibitors and 326 entries in the different departments. The old board of officers was chosen, with the exception of I. W. Morley, who was succeeded as one of the Vice Presidents by John B. Crawford. Owing to the heavy expense attending the construc- tion of a new building, the financial condition of the society this year was not favorable, though the prospects were bright. The receipts from all sources were $1,070.70, but the expenses were sufficiently large to make the indebtedness $1,155.
The result of the fair of 1872 composes no part of thie very brief record of that year. A meeting was held on the 23d of March, at which it was decided to hold the fair on the 17th and 18th of September. A very extensive premium list was adopted, amounting to $749.50. There is no record of the officers elected this year; and, for the following year (1873), while we have a list of the officers, there is no record of the fair. The officers for the latter year were : President, H. H. Potter ; Vice Presidents, James Morey, H. Ochsner, John Dennett, P. J. Parshall, I. W. Morley, J. W. Wood; Secretary, John M. True ; Treasurer, T. T. English.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.