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 86
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April, 1864, Northrup's drug store, which stood where Geffert's old store now is, and an unoccupied store building on the west of it, were burned in the night-time, and it was supposed to be the work of an incendiary.
February 7, 1868, the schoolhouse was burned from hot ashes poured beside the building. No insurance.
A hop-house belonging to a German by the name of Meyers, near Babb's Prairie, was burned, with its contents, in September, 1868.
In 1871, the meat market of C. S. Hunt was burned in the day-time ; caused by a defective flue.
In December, 1871, the dwelling of Benjamin Bost was burned, with no insurance; cause unknown.
January 22, 1874, the house of Levi Waltz, in the southeast part of the town, was burned.
June 12, 1874, Mechler's brewery and the dwelling of F. L. Mechler were burned. Loss, $6,000, partly insured.
September 30, 1874, the hop-house of A. F. Scoon, in the southwest corner of the town, was burned. Loss $1,100 ; insured for $600.
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HISTORY OF SAUK COUNTY.
May 8, 1877, all the buildings on the north side of Main street, between Walnut and Mar- ket streets, except Kelsey's brick store, were burned by a fire which started in the north end of Peter Byrne's saloon, on the corner of Walnut and Main streets, consuming three one-story buildings and seven two-story buildings. Loss $20,000; well insured, as most of the goods were saved.
May 21, 1877, Peter Byrne's saloon and Reineke's hotel, on the north side of Main street, near the river, were burned, the fire commencing in Byrne's saloon.
On the 25th of November, 1878, a fire broke out in A. M. Sanders' blacksmith-shop, and soon the whole structure, including the adjoining paint-shops, was in a blaze. An account of this fire is worthy a place in history, from the fact that it was the first conflagration that found the village prepared to combat. The flames were extinguished in ten minutes.
December 31, 1878, a fire occurred in Harris & Kellogg's building. The printing offices of the Free Press and the Herald had a narrow escape from total destruction. The damage was estimated at the time at $10,000.
February 3, 1879, A. R. Rork's cigar factory took fire, and the flames spread to the resi- dences of W. Barstow and F. Moritz, all being consumed.
March 18, 1879, the carpenter-shop of Hackett & Buckley was destroyed ; loss $3,000; insured for $1,600.
On the 7th of March, 1880, the stave-mill was burned-the last fire of any consequence in Reedsburg.
ELLINWOOD'S FAIR GROUNDS.
In the fall of 1872, A. P. Ellinwood conceived the project of converting a portion of his land north of Babb's Creek into a driving-park and fencing and otherwise improving the grounds with a view to holding annual fairs thereon, and accordingly, in furtherance of the idea, partially fitted up a track ; but circumstances rendered the immediate fulfillment of his plans impracticable. The work of putting the grounds in order was not relinquished, however, and the track was completed in 1874. On the 6th, 7th and 8th of October of the same year, the first fair was held, which proved to be a success even exceeding the expectations of those most interested. There were 550 entries, thirty of them being babies. Mrs. Barnhardt's took the first prize for beauty, while that of Mrs. Bishop carried off the prize for corpulence. There were fully 5,000 people present.
The next gathering occurred on the 3d, 4th and 5th of July, 1875, the 4th falling on Sunday. The first day was devoted to prize declamations, there being two series of prizes, and the victors afterward coming together in competition for a third prize, which was won by Mrs. Nellie Seeley. On Sunday, the 4th, the features were patriotic sermons by the Rev. John Bascom, President of the State University ; H. Stone Richardson, a prominent Methodist divine, and W. Langdon Sanders, a Baptist minister of equal prominence. On Monday occurred the commencement exercises of the public schools, which closed with a lecture entitled " Backbones, " by the Rev. Mr. Sanders. The foregoing is a fair sample of the character of celebrations that have since been held on each recurring anniversary of the Nation's birthday. Mr. Ellinwood makes it a point to secure the attendance of " stars of the first magnitude, " and it will not be surprising if he succeeds some time or other in capturing a President of the United States, or a real live Prince, to edify the people of Reedsburg and vicinity. Thus far, his books reveal the names of the following distinguished individuals: Robert Collyer, Prof. Swing, Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Will Carleton, Schuyler Colfax and Robert Marion La Fol- lette.
Fairs are held in the fall of each year. Mr. Ellinwood, in the capacity of President of the Association, has entire management of affairs. Mrs. Ellinwood superintends the arrangement of exhibits in Floral Hall. The Association is recognized by the State, and receives the annual appropriation of $100, usually given to like associations.
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HISTORY OF SAUK COUNTY.
ORDERS AND SOCIETIES.
The Masons .- In 1856, a Masonic Lodge was organized, known as Reedsburg Lodge, No. 79. It worked under dispensation for a year. In 1864, it was transferred to Ironton, and was thereafter known as Ironton Lodge. The charter officers of this lodge were : E. G. Wheeler, Worshipful Master ; W. H. Young, Senior Warden ; Moses Young, Junior Warden. In 1866, a charter was granted for a new lodge, known as Reedsburg Lodge, No. 157. The charter members were Moses Young, W. M .; Giles Stevens, S. W. ; Henry A. Tator, J. W., and S. Ramsey, J. C. Young, E. W. Young, A. E. Markee, W. Mackey, A. P. Ellinwood, R. M. Strong, W. H. Young, J. Mackey, J. W. Lusk, W. W. Warren, C. A. Chandler, and A. W. Sallade. The Worshipful Masters of this Lodge have been Moses Young, 1866, 1867, 1871 and 1880; Henry A. Tator, 1868 and 1869; Giles Stevens, 1870, 1874, 1875 and 1877 ; J. W. Lusk, 1872 and 1873; H. A. Chase, 1876, J. N. Parker, 1879. The present officers are Moses Young, W. M .; E. F. Seaver, S. W .; W. O. Pietzsch, J. W .; John Kellogg, Secretary ; D. D. Russell, Treasurer E. O. Byington, S. D .; N. W. Porter, J. D. The present member- ship of the lodge is sixty ; fourteen of these belong to Baraboo Valley Chapter, No. 29. Meetings are held the first and third Fridays of each month. The lodge has a very convenient and well-arranged hall, built at a cost of $2,000. It was dedicated December 27, 1879, the late Col. D. S. Vittum, of Baraboo, acting Grand Master, conducting the ceremonies. The Rev. J. A. Bartlett delivered an able address entitled, " Freemasonry Justified."
The Odd Fellows .- In December, 1865, a lodge of Odd Fellows was instituted in Reeds- burg, known as Reedsburg Lodge, No. 135. W. O. Pietzsch, Dr. Gaylord, John Hagenah, George O. Pietzsch, S. F. Smith and E. F. Bulow were among the charter members. North- western Encampment, No. 21, was also organized at the same time, the charter members being the same as in the subordinate lodge. In 1869, the charters were surrendered, and the camp was removed to Baraboo. On the 5th of April, 1877, the subordinate lodge was re-instated, with authority to work in the German language. The charter members of the re-instated lodge were W. O. Pietzsch, E. F. Bulow, Peter Empser, John Hagenah and Frank Meckler. The Noble Grands since then, have been E. F. Bulow, W. O. Pietzsch (two terms), A. Boehm, William Stolte, William Raetzmann and G. Oehlers. G. H. Shultz is the present Vice Grand ; H. Fanteck, Secretary; William Stolte, Treasurer, and William Henrich, P. S. There are thirty- six members, eight or nine of whom belong to and attend the meetings of the Camp at Baraboo. The lodge has a neatly appointed hall, over S. J. Dearholt's store, where it meets on Thursday evening of each week.
Temperance .- The first load of goods brought to Reedsburg consisted of two barrels of whisky, one barrel of pork and a few minor sundries. The wagon containing it took the lead, and its driver was the avant-courrier of the little band of pioneers who arrived a few hours later and took up their temporary residence in "Shanty Row," which had been constructed the pre- vious season by Messrs. Reed & Powell. One of the shanties in the row was used as a store- house ; and it was here that the devil, in the form of intemperance, first developed the skirmish line of the grand army which destroys mankind with rum. It must not be understood that the occupants of the shanties were intemperate; just the reverse. Of course, a few of the men imbibed a little, but the majority of the community abhorred the name of whisky, and the duty of consuming the two barrels of liquor fell to the Indians, who were employed to assist in build- ing the dam, being paid in "fire-water," a species of wampum always above par with poor Lo. In the spring of 1849, E. G. Wheeler visited Reedsburg, and was entertained by the citizens in their usual spirit of liberality. In the " storeroom " was a keg of whisky on tap, and an extra glass was set out for the Judge; but he would have none of it. He mildly rebuked those present for permitting the sale of liquor, and finally, in his indignation, remarked that he felt as if he could lecture. That was sufficient. In fifteen minutes every person in the village was present, and the Judge was given the opportunity he expressly desired. Mrs. Seeley says she
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HISTORY OF SAUK COUNTY.
never, before nor since, heard such eloquence. Singing followed, and every one felt good. And Judge Wheeler's was the first temperance lecture in Reedsburg.
The first temperance organization in the place was effected about 1850. The society was known as the Washingtonian Society, and embraced a large number of the citizens. Meetings were often held in the little rude schoolhouse on Walnut street, which was afterward converted into a dwelling-house and occupied by Patrick Carney. When the Congregational Church was finished, in 1855, the society transferred its headquarters to the new edifice. There were many stanch workers in the reform movement, and, though it would seem invidious to particularize, the name of S. A. Dwinnell should be mentioned in this connection. His opposition to the liquor traffic was characteristically earnest, and, though he had many friends he made not a few enemies. It was the recollection of Mr. Dwinnell that L. B. Swallow established the first saloon in Reeds- burg, on the corner now occupied by William Horkan. Swallow carried on the business in defiance of the statutes, and, in the winter of 1853, he was indicted by the grand jury, but eventually escaped punishment. Finally, about 1856, after he had triumphed over his opponents for three or four years, he sold his business, joined one of the village churches, "and," says Mr. Dwinnell, " became a respectable citizen." He took to preaching finally, but soon fell from grace.
Probably the most successful temperance organization ever known in Reedsburg was effected in the spring of 1878, when the Blue Ribbon Band was organized, with Mrs. Austin Seeley as President, and Mrs. Olive Rork, Secretary. The band now numbers nearly 400 members. Enthusiastic meetings are held on alternate Sunday afternoons in the churches and public halls. The Sons of Temperance, Temple of Honor and Good Templars have also flourished in Reeds- burg. James A. Stone, S. C. Chase, N. W. Porter and others have been and are active workers in the cause. -
Grand Army of the Republic .- On the 10th of April, 1880, a large number of the tried and true patriots of Reedsburg came together and organized H. A. Tator Post, No. 13, G. A. R. The post was instituted by L. O. Holmes, of Baraboo. The following are the charter mem- bers : W. G. Hawley, W. I. Carver, O. W. Schonfeldt, W. A. Wyse, James Miles, C. F. Shel- don, H. P. Persons, A. S. Brooks, H. C. Hunt, W. O. Pietzsch, E. F. Bulow, R. E. Nichols, Peter Empser, B. Rathburn, Philo Lane, J. H. Fosnot, George Lawsha, S. L. Miller, M. H. Medberry, M. E. Seeley, D. G. Spicer, E. F. Seaver, David Sparks, H. B. Turney, George Swetland. Officers were elected as follows : H. C. Hunt, Post Commander ; William G. Haw- ley, Senior Vice Commander ; E. F. Seaver, Junior Vice Commander ; H. B. Turney, Ser- geant ; W. A. Wyse, Chaplain ; James Miles, Quartermaster ; J. H. Fosnot, O. D .; A. S. Brooks, O. G. ; O. W. Schonfeldt, Adjutant ; W. I. Carver, Sergeant Major ; M. H. Medberry, Quartermaster's Sergeant.
Reedsburg Manner Turnverein .- Organized March 17, 1875. Charter members : Henry Kreutzmann, William Raetzmann, Henry Liessmann, Henry G. Shultz, Henry Westedt, Will- iam Gade, Henry Reineke, Henry Beushausen, R. Tansend, C. Gehle, Frederick Vorlop, William Riggert, William Stolte, William Pahl, Frederick Moritz, Emil Lanz and Frederick Berg. The first officers were : William Raetzmann, President ; Henry Liessmann, Vice Presi- dent ; William Pohl, Secretary ; William Riggert, Assistant ; William Stolte, Treasurer ; F. Moritz, Assistant ; Emil Lanz, Turnwart; F. Berg, Assistant ; Henry Beushausen, Zeugwart ; Henry Reineke, Assistant. A hall was fitted up in the rear of Roper's eating-house, and sup- plied with gymnastic machinery. Two evenings of each week are devoted to exercises under the instruction of a regular trainer. Business meetings are held once a month. The member- ship has been as large as thirty.
GOVERNMENT.
On the 29th of May, 1849, a special town meeting was held in the town of Baraboo, with the following result : Lewis Butterfield and William Van Bergen, Justices of the Peace for two years ; Lewis Johnston, for one year ; Charles Minchin, Constable ; Jacob P. Mowers, Sealer of Weights and Measures.
575
HISTORY OF SAUK COUNTY.
The first regular town election was held at the house of D. C. Reed, April 2, 1850, sixty- two votes being polled. The successful candidates were : For Supervisors, Lewis Butterfield (Chairman), Eber Benedict and Samuel Northrup; Town Clerk, Horace Croswell ; Assessor, Samuel Northrup and Eber Benedict received fifty-nine votes, according to the record ; Town Superintendent, Horace Croswell ; Town Treasurer, John H. Rork; Constables, Alex. Murry, Charles Minchin and Jacob P. Mowers ; Sealer, Horace Croswell.
In 1851, the town of Reedsburg was organized, and on the 1st of April a town election was held at the schoolhouse, at which 102 votes were polled. The following officers were elected : Supervisors, John H. Rork (Chairman), Sebastian Kerstetter and William P. Randall ; Super- intendent, Robert G. Williams ; Clerk, Oliver H. Perry ; Justices, William Randall and Will- iam Andrews ; Treasurer, Daniel Carver ; Assessors, Alanson C. Reed and John Randall ; Con- stables, Alfred Leonard, Amos R. Sprague and John Kerstetter; Sealer, Horace Croswell.
In the early records of the Town Board (1850), we find that a school had been taught in School District No. 2 for three months, the wages as agreed upon between the Clerk and the teacher being twelve shillings per week, or $18 for the term.
Reedsburg continued under town government until the spring of 1868, when it was incor- porated as a village according to a special act of the Legislature, sitting the previous winter. The first election under the charter was held on the 13th day of April of that year, 107 votes being polled as follows : President and Police Justice, A. O. Hunt, 105 votes, and C. M. Gay- lord, 1 ; Trustees, Nelson Wheeler, 100 ; W. Warren, 105; Moses Young, 104 ; D. B. Rudd, 105 ; D. Schwecke, 105; O. H. Perry, 65; E. A. Dwinnell, 41; G. Bellenger, 1; H. Smith, 1; Clerk, Giles Stevens ; Treasurer, H. C. Hunt ; Constables, G. Bellinger and W. H. Root ; Attorney, G. Stevens ; Street Commissioner, G. Bellinger; Surveyor, G. Stevens.
1869-President and Police Justice, A. O. Hunt ; Trustees -- Moses Young, Henry Gef- fert, A. P. Ellinwood, W. Warren, M. Finch and E. G. Gregory ; Clerk, G. Stevens ; Treas- urer, H. A. Tator.
1870-President, John H. Rork ; Police Justice, J. D. Mackey ; Trustees-E. Buelow, A. F. Leonard, R. C. Lewis, Henry Geffert, William Stolte, and N. W. Sallade ; Clerk, G. Stevens ; Treasurer, J. V. Kelsey.
1871 -- President, N. W. Sallade; Justice, A. O. Hunt ; Supervisor, S. Mackey ; Trustees -- Moses Young, W. Warren, W. Stolte, J. Barnhart, R. C. Lewis and A. F. Leonard ; Clerk, Moses Young ; Treasurer, J. Mackey.
1872-President, A. P. Ellinwood ; Justice, A. West; Trustees-Austin Seeley, W. Stolte, A. Barnhart, Thomas Ingalls, B. A. Barnhart and G. Stevens; Supervisor, John Kel- logg ; Clerk, G. Stevens ; Treasurer, W. Stolte.
1873-President, A. F. Leonard ; Justice, R. A. Wheeler ; Supervisor, W. I. Carver ; Trustees-H. Geffert, A. R. Rork, John Geffert, J. B. Clark, James Lake and 'J. F. Danforth ; Clerk, J. F. Danforth ; Treasurer, William Finch.
1874-President, W. Warren : Justice, W. A. Wyse; Supervisor, W. I. Carver; Trustees -H. J. Smith, A. P. Ellinwood, Peter Dangel, H. Hahn, S. Ramsey and J. W. Gale ; Clerk, A. P. Ellinwood ; Treasurer, M. Finch.
1875-President, D. A. Barnhart ; Justice, R. A. Wheeler ; Supervisor, W. I. Carver ; Trustees-W. G. Hawley,* Peter Dangel, Thomas Ingalls, William Roeckel, E. L. Leonard and W. Stolte ; Clerk, W. G. Hawley ;* Treasurer, W. Stolte.
1876-President, A. P. Ellinwood ; Justice, A. West; Supervisor, S. Mackey ; Trustees- S. J. Dearholt, P. Buck, A. L. Harris, W. Stolte, P. Dangel and W. Roeckel ; Clerk, W. A. Wyse ; Treasurer, M. Finch.
1877-President, Moses Young ; Justice, F. J. Mackey ; Supervisor, H. C. Hunt ; Trus- tees-F. G. Rodermund, N. W. Sallade, H. J. Smith, J. H. Rork, J. H. Hagenah, Fred Schroeder ; Clerk, W. A. Wyse ; Treasurer, W. A. Sallade.
*Resigned as Trustee and Clerk April 12; W. A. Wyse appointed to fill vacancy.
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HISTORY OF SAUK COUNTY.
1878-President, Safford Mackey ; Justice, W. G. Hawley; Supervisor, H. C. Hunt ; Trustees-J. Kellogg, H. J. Smith, E. F. Seaver, J. H. Hagenah, A. P. Ellinwood and P. Dangel ; Clerk, W. A. Wyse ; Treasurer, Moses Young.
1879-President, R. C. Lewis; Justice, J. M. Stewart Supervisor, Paul Bishop ; Trus- tees-D. A. Barnhart, F. G. Rodermund, J. C. Young, W. Roeckel, John Buckley and Henry Krug; Clerk, W. P. Briggs ; Treasurer, A. R. Rork.
1880-President, Horace J. Smith; Justice, W. P. Briggs; Supervisor, H. J. Smith ; Trustees-J. B. Clark, George Hagenah, H. Geffert, A. S. Brooks, W. Stolte and J. W. Gale ; Clerk, W. A. Wyse ; Treasurer, J. W. Gale.
BRIDGES OVER THE BARABOO AT REEDSBURG.
The only place in the town of Reedsburg where the Baraboo River could be crossed before the erection of bridges was just below where Kellogg's mill now stands. The water there was about two feet deep at a low stage, and ran rapidly over a rock bottom. Of course a flood stopped all travel. In the spring of 1858, some emigrant families, bound for Narrows Prairie, reached here at the time of the flood. After camping several days on the high grounds, near where the Congregational Church now stands, the water subsided enough to enable them to cross. They took over their household goods in a scow belonging to J. W. Babb. Mrs. Stern Baker, who was then living at her father Babb's, came down with her clothes-line and assisted. The line was tied to the horns of the cattle, and, one at a time, they were forced into the stream and swam across. No one knows the value of bridges like those who have settled a new coun- try in advance of their being built. The first bridge over the river was built in the spring or summer of 1849, by D. C. Reed and others, as a volunteer effort. It stood two or three rods above the present bridge in the village, where the stream was then quite narrow. In the course of two or three years, the land on the west side of the river became so soft in the wet season of the year as to be unsafe for travel, and a new bridge was deemed indispensable. Therefore, in the winter of 1853, D. C. Spaulding and James Goodwin entered into a contract for building a new one. It was about the length of the present structure, and was placed upon the ground where it now stands. It was made entirely of wood, the posts of the piers being put down through holes cut in the ice. It cost $300, $75 of which was paid by the town. The third bridge was erected in' the winter of 1861-62, by John H. Rork, at an expense of $1,200, which was paid by the town. It was placed upon stone abutments and piers, about thirty feet apart. The portion of the bridge between the piers was upheld by two piers of timber, placed at the center, in the form of a letter A, with an iron rod running from the top of the A to the bottom of the bridge. This proved to be an insufficient support, and the bridge fell in August, 1867. There were teams upon both the second and third bridges when they went down, but they escaped without injury. A temporary bridge was built in August, 1867, some ten rods below the mills, which was used until the following winter, when the present bridge, made in Chicago, was put in by John Kellogg and C. M. Gaylord at an expense to the town of $3,000.
In the spring of 1851, the town voted an appropriation of $100 for two bridges over the river, below the village. During the ensuing summer, the Fordham and Cole bridges were built, partly by volunteer efforts of individuals. They have since been rebuilt and kept in repair at the expense of the town.
THE NATIONAL ANNIVERSARY.
Mrs. Belle French, in her "Sketch Book," relates the following: "The first Fourth of July celebration in patriotic Reedsburg occurred in 1849. There was little with which to make a celebration. The men determined to raise a liberty-pole on that occasion, and regretted that they had no flag to adorn it. But the women resolved that a flag should adorn that same pole, and they set their wits to work in order to find material. The men wore blue denim clothes, and so did many of the women, but this, after much wear, was not very blue. Neither could
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they get a piece large enough for the ground-work of the flag, so it was resolved that the stars should be blue upon a white ground. The men wore buckskin patches on the seats and knees of their pantaloons, and, to economize as well as to get pieces that were of a brighter blue, the women cut out the half-worn denims under the buckskin and made it into stars. A woman's under-garment furnished a square of white and some stripes, while, by a little shortening up of the men's shirts, some red stripes were obtained. But the women did not know how to cut a five-pointed star, and, in consequence, the stars on that flag all had six points. Horace Croswell was the ladies' man and general confidant at that period. To him the women confided the secret, showing him the flag. 'That won't do,' he immediately declared. 'The national star has only five points.' So the stars were all ripped off; and, as there was no material to make new ones, one point of each was cut off and the others twisted into shape. One young lady, Agnes Mc- Clung, embroidered on a piece of cloth that charming couplet :
"' The star spangled banner, long may it wave, O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave.'
This was tacked on the flag, and the work was pronounced complete. Then came the dinner to prepare. Groceries and luxuries were few, but the combined possessions of the settlers formed quite an array of dainties, though no one person could have made even a pie, independent of her neighbors. Rev. A. Locke delivered the address. His only trouble was his forgetting the exact date of the Declaration of Independence; and, no one being able to inform him, his hearers bade him ' proceed and never mind it.' Otherwise the lecture was pronounced a success. The dinner, the like of which had never been tasted in this part of the world before, was highly enjoyed, and the remains of it were given to the Indians, that they might make merry too. The celebration was held in the mill, which had neither floor nor roof. But some loose boards had been put down, and upon these the people danced that night, lighted by only a few flicker- ing tallow-dips. It was the first dance in Reedsburg."
Elder Dwinnell tells us of the succeeding celebrations: "The second celebration was in 1850. The day being rainy, the assembly convened in the west wing of the newly erected hotel of John Clark, near the bridge. An able address was given by E. G. Wheeler. 1
" The third celebration was held on the public square, in 1852, the writer giving the address. Many of his hearers were displeased with it because he arrainged our nation as inconsistent and wicked in boasting of being the freest and most enlightened nation on the globe, while holding 3,000,000 of its people in the most abject and degrading bondage. The objection was grounded on the position, which the speaker regarded as false, that nothing should be said on the Fourth of July in which all did not agree. A picnic dinner was provided by the ladies.
" In 1853, a celebration was held in the park, the address being given by E. G. Wheeler. The procession marched to the music of a flute and a violin. The States were represented by thirty- one young ladies, each carrying a banner with the name of the State printed upon it, the two who led the procession being dressed in Bloomer costume, the first that had been seen in these parts. After a picnic dinner had been served, sentiments and toasts were in order. L. Gay Sperry gave the following, referring to the representations of the States : 'Behold the lilies of the field, how they grow ; they toil not, neither do they spin ; and yet Solomon, in all his glory, was not arrayed like one of these.'
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