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 90
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After going safely through the various unpleasant as well as the pleasant features attending a tramp through the wilderness, they came, at last, in July, 1840, to the scenes portrayed to them by fiction. The desirable portions of the country being already taken, the Count, if he would stay, where, as he was wont to say, " everything was very splendid," must needs buy a claim. This he did, buying at first a claim made by Burk Fairchild. In the fall he went to Milwaukee and remained there during the following winter. During this time, he became ac- quainted with an Englishman by the name of Robert Bryant, who had just come to Milwaukee, and who was well supplied with the needful. The Count, by giving glowing descriptions of the country here, and showing how an immense fortune could be made by building up a town, in- duced Bryant to embark with him in the scheme.
In the spring of 1841, they came out to Sauk, and immediately purchased a claim of Berry Haney, the first one made here, for $1,000. Very soon after, a force of laborers and mechanics were employed to come here, and the upbuilding of the place began in earnest.
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HISTORY OF SAUK COUNTY.
During this year, the village was platted by Charles O. Baxter, under direction of Har- aszthy and Bryant.
It is said that the only house worth mentioning that stood here before 1841 was a large log building that was burned about 1845; here Albert Skinner lived and kept boarders-the workmen of the Count and Bryant. In 1841, a number of buildings were erected and several fresh arrivals heralded.
The first frame, it is said, was built by a man by the name of Morgan, for Haraszthy or Bryant, and which is yet standing here in town, a small affair, owned by Mr Rendtorff, and in which he lived for several years. However, at that time, the different houses were built so nearly at the same time that it is difficult to say, after the lapse of so many years, to which distinctly and beyond doubt belongs the right of first.
The large house on Water street, now owned by Charles Deinnger, was erected in 1841, and at that time was considered a grand affair for the frontier, and even at this time is a handsome and commodious structure. It was intended, at the first, as a dwelling for Mr. Bryant. While it was being built, he lived in a log cabin in the north part of the village. This building was eventually used for a store and hotel kept by Marcus Warren, and finally was purchased by its present owner especially to accommodate his collection of birds, animals, insects, etc. (spoken of in the general history).
After the above house was finished, one of the social customs called house-warmings, pecul- iar to all new countries, was indulged in, in honor of the new acquisition. The warm- ing took the form of a grand banquet and dance, and nearly everybody in town was present from far and near. Speeches were made and toasts drank, to the echo of cheers and laughter and hilarity, and such a sumptuous repast delighted the senses and regaled the appetites of the sturdy frontiersmen as may never be forgotten by those who partici- pated. When evening came, the dancing was ushered in, young and old, if there were any old, taking a hand, and " they danced all night, till broad daylight, and went home with what girls there were in the morning." Although this jollification occurred at so early a day, yet it was not the first one, for Albert Skinner, on the 4th of July previous, had given what in all proba- bility was denominated a grand ball, the first in the county.
In 1841 or 1842, Francis Halbleib erected a house and opened a tavern, and kept liquor. This was the first inn and saloon in the place, and was the only regular public house in the vil- lage for several years subsequently. It is now used for a store and photograph gallery by P. J Schadde. During that year, the Count had a house built, and various other parties alse built, and some say that the Count opened a store here this year, Ed Rendtorff, who came in the fall of 1840, being the clerk.
At about this time, a young man came here and opened a store. This is said by many to have been the first one in the place, and where the Count afterward kept store for a time. The winding up of this person's life and business occurred soon after, and illustrates how wholly uncertain life is, and how easily our brightest anticipations of success and our various schemes for personal benefit may come to nought. He had been here but a few weeks, and had just got his little stock arranged and the opening work done, when one night himself and his establishment were struck by lightning. He was instantly killed, and the store literally disemboweled. This was a sad catastrophe, and was keenly felt by the little community. In all probability, this person's death was the first that occurred in the town or village.
At this time, a great strife for pre-eminence existed between Haraszthy and its rival above, the little village of Prairie du Sac, in which the latter got rather the best of the bargain, seem- ingly, when the county seat was located there. However, in after years, a change came over the scene in many respects.
In 1841 or 1842, the first marriage between parties living in both villages was solemnized, and John Gallard, of Lower Sauk (or Haraszthy), and Miss Caroline Hatch, of Upper Sauk (or Prairie du Sac), were married. Mr. Gallard still lives in the north part of Sauk City, in the enjoyment of a comfortable home, and can tell many a tale of the first days and people of Sauk City.
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HISTORY OF SAUK COUNTY.
One of the early enterprises of the founders of the village was in steamboating, they having an interest in the Rock River, which, under their management, made several trips to various points on the Mississippi.
In 1842, Count Haraszthy went over to Europe and brought out his family, one of whom was the old General, his father, said to have been a man of very fine qualities and great executive abilities.
Some time after the Count's return, about 1844, a brick building was erected by him and Bryant, or by Bryant, who was really the moneyed man of the firm, as when he came to Mil- waukee in 1840, he had $90,000, which he proceeded to spend here right and left. The brick for this building were made by Jacob Rasche, in a small yard where a part of C. Obrecht's lumberyard now is. After the building was finished, it was filled with a stock of goods, some say by Marcus Warren, others by Haraszthy. Be this as it may, they both started stores here at about the same time, one in the brick and the other in a building erected by John Gallard in 1843, for a shoemaker named Daniels. This man Daniels became discouraged while building, it is thought, as he could not get it done, and at last ended his melancholy and dejection by hanging himself. The building stands on Water street, and is now occupied for a private dwell- ing; but, whether it is visited by the spook of its former owner, and whether the walls sadly resound at the midnight hour, to the rattle of the last, or the tap of his hammer, tradition saith not.
Marcus Warren had not been here a great while before he bought out Mr. Bryant's interest in the town property, it is said, for about $5,000. Bryant then went to Milwaukee and sold property which he had there, and then went to California, having only a little more than enough left of his handsome fortune to get him there. So ended his speculation in building up Sauk City.
The land at this point was entered at the land sale, by Gen. Haraszthy, and it is said that Bryant was so confiding, and unknowing of the tricks of land buying, that he came near losing everything, and would have lost his claim, had it not been for one of his workmen, who, seeing how his money was going, and how things were going generally with him, interfered in his behalf.
One of the first things was a blacksmith-shop, as a matter of course, for nothing is more needed in a new place. The first smith to open here, according to most accounts, was a sturdy German by the name of Harter ; soon after, another blast and forge were running in opposition, A. Maunk being the operator.
The Count, after having had a hand in nearly every speculation set afoot in the place, from running a steamboat to keeping store, finally, after the advent of Marcus Warren, toward whom the town property seemed to gravitate, as if by mutual attraction, determined to close up his business and go forth to new scenes. This he did, about 1848, and so the town lost its most enterprising citizen of early days. His experiences there (many of these are given in his biography) and hereafter savor almost of the character of romance, so peculiar were they.
Charles Halasz, who came with Haraszthy, remained here until his death, which is sup- posed by many to have been caused by grief over the death of his wife. He was the first regular lumber merchant here, having opened a yard in 1846, and was also one of the first Justices of the Peace. He was a good-natured man and a great story teller, and was wont to beguile the hours for his friends by relating the novel experiences of the early days in Sauk City. Squire Halasz also built the first warehouse here. He was succeeded in his business by Paul Lach- mund, his son-in-law.
The name of the place Haraszthy, was at quite an early day changed to that of Westfield, as being more short and appropriate. Then a few years after it was again changed, to be called Sauk City, after the name of the county ; principally because this was the first settlenient in the county, and therefore entitled to that distinction. It may be asked what is in a name ? In reply it may be said : Everything! to those who have a right to a name and are worthy of it.
Dr. Woodruff came about 1847, and opened a store in the building now occupied by the United Workingmen. This store, it is said, did not continue long, the proprietor becoming involved,
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HISTORY OF SAUK COUNTY.
partly through trusting out goods to the workingmen of Bryant and Haraszthy, and partly through inattention to business and poor management.
At about this time or soon after, two or three brick buildings were erected or were being erected, and the town generally was growing quite rapidly.
In 1850 or 1851, the old Astor House was built, also the present United States Hotel, and Charles Noble's old store, which burned in 1877.
The first drug store is said to have been opened here by R. Winter about this time.
Previous to 1850, one of the principal industries of Sauk City was commenced, an industry that has since grown very large in dimensions, and that always flourishes among such social and easy-going people as the Germans. Beer-brewing was begun here in a very primitive manner by Mr. Leinekugel, who, for want of better means, had to begin the work by boiling the ma- terials in a big kettle. How the product of this first process tasted, tradition saith not, but that it was welcome, and not discarded by any, may be well believed. But that it was up to the standard of the article manufactured here at present is not probable ; yet when it came fresh from the old iron kettle, who can say that it was not as sweet and pleasant to take as any, and, with- al, what better means of brewing the foaming beverage were in vogue a century or two ago any- where.
One of the chief features of the olden time which should have been maintained, but that was only introduced for a brief time, and then, like the Arabs, silently took its leave, to be eventually consigned to oblivion, was the telegraph line of the Milwaukee, Green Bay & Madison Telegraph Company, that ran their wires through here in 1850, and established an office in the old store of Marcus Warren, where Van Eschen's furniture store is now kept. The operator was Mr. Conradi, who had but just come here, and was employed by Mr. Warren as clerk. The line did so little business, and paid so poorly, that it was abandoned in two or three years, the operators being paid off in large part by worthless company notes. A telegraph connection with this point to-day would doubtless prove a more profitable investment, and is one of the things that must come here sooner or later, for in the two places, Upper and Lower Towns, there is as much a necessity for the means of quick communication with the outside world as there is for a railroad.
In 1852, a Dr. Wolff came and started a drug store where Mrs. Caspar Leman keeps. Also about this time, or soon after, J. J. Heller started in business here by keeping a small hardware and tin store. From this beginning, he has gradually grown into his present business, which is one of the best in this part of the country. In 1857, he built his present large double store and dwelling-house, which is one of the most substantial structures in the town, and is stocked with a complete line of general goods.
Very soon after Mr. Heller began business, Mr. Conradi and E. Rendtorff opened a drug store, which is still being conducted by Mr. Conradi, who can now be regarded as one of the oldest permanent fixtures of the place, and who will deal out a dose of medicine or philosophy with equal readiness and precision. Mr. Rendtorff, one of the old firm, retired some years ago to rest on his laurels. He has been here since 1840, and it is a question if there are any living anywhere belonging to the German element of that early day that came before he did. He is yet hale, and enjoys the confidence of his friends and townsmen to an unusual degree, having held responsible public positions for many years.
In November, 1853, the Pioneer am Wisconsin, said to be the oldest German paper published in the State, was established hcre. The advent of the paper was hailed with delight, for a town with a newspaper in it at that time was considered quite advanced, in fact much above the average in enterprise and go-aheadativeness.
One of the most needed of manufacturing enterprises at an early date was the saw-mill or grist-mill. This need was supplied here by the erection of a steam saw-mill of a good capacity, a little south of the village, about 1851, by Garhart Wingen. In 1854, it became the property of the firm of Mann & Peasler, for whom it was enlarged and refitted by the millwright Martin Ludi, new machinery being put in. The mill was run but a few years, as the owners, failing to
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HISTORY OF SAUK COUNTY.
get enough logs to saw to make it pay, were compelled to discontinue the work and abandon the mill to their creditors.
Another of the early manufacturing enterprises was a foundry by"Mr. John Rosche, estab- lished in August, 1854. This institution was operated by him until 1868, and at one time, it is said, did a very fine business, casting stoves and various other articles. It passed from him into the hands of a Mr. Frezel, who converted the foundry into a machine-shop, and run it until 1872, when it was abandoned.
There was also a distillery established here as early as 1854, by Robert Hantzsch, which, though small, did a very good business for several years. It subsequently passed into the hands of Mr. C. Obrecht, who run it until the Government placed the tremendous revenue on distilled liquors. The law permitted the stock on hand at the time it was passed to be exempt from tax, after this was used up the still was abandoned. In this connection, an account of an occurrence at the time this still was started will doubtless interest many :
CAUSUS CELEBRE.
Some of the incidents connected with the war against saloon-keepers made by the women of Baraboo, in May, 1854, may yet be fresh in the memories of a few here; but after the lapse of so many years, it will not be at all singular if those occurrences have been nearly forgotten, although at the time, a prodigious excitement was created here by the affair, and throughout the entire county and country at large. It appears that the women of Baraboo, having become thoroughly incensed at the social condition existing there among the men through intemperate habits, determined at all hazards to drive out the saloon-keepers. So one morning, without previous warning, they turned out, some fifty or sixty strong, and marched to the attack. They first went to the Wisconsin House, kept by one Cornell or Connell, and demanded his liquor. Mr. and Mrs. Cornell and Miss Fanny Heller, who was present, remonstrated, but without avail ; in went the women, and out came whisky barrels, beer kegs, bottles and all, pell mell, the heads of kegs and barrels were knocked in, the belligerents being armed with axes, spades, shovels, hoes, sticks, etc., which they used without ceremony, and the liquor was allowed to " gush." In the melee, the landlord's wife had her arm cut with an ax or hatchet. From this place they went to a grocery store kept by a Mr. Warner, and proceeded to enact the fore- going scene. Mr. Warner met them at the front door and declared that he was going to defend his property to the last, but while he was parleying at the front with some of the women, the others went in at the rear, and gave vent to whatever they could find in the way of whisky or beer. After having achieved two victories, the women felt strong enough to go through the whole town, and thereupon proceeded to storm the principal stronghold of the enemy-a saloon kept by a man called French Pete. Peter, when he saw the female brigade coming, knew what to expect, and stood prepared to receive them with an ax in hand, but, not feeling this to be sufficient protection, he dropped the ax and run for a gun, then went and got a huge bowie- knife, and rushed about like a lunatic, threatening the lives of the whole party. At this, the women became somewhat frightened and called upon the men to help them, but the men refused to have anything to do with the battle. Thereupon the women plucked up courage and sailed in, determined to carry the day at all hazards. One of them gave Peter a tremendous whack on the head with a spade, and fairly knocked him out of time, while another hit him on the arm. A young man who went to the rescue of Peter, was seized by the collar by one of the invaders ; owing to the bursting of a button, he was left like Adam in Paradise, in less time than it takes to tell it, and within a short time, the entire stock in trade was demolished, and the interior and exterior of the institution left smelling worse than a still. The women, being satisfied by this time, ceased operations, and retired. The news spread like wild-fire through the county, and was for a time the chief topic of conversation ; the people of Sauk City sent messages of condolence, and there seemed to be about an equal division of feeling on the subject in various quarters. Complaint was entered before Squire Halasz, of Sauk City, and six of the women ringleaders were sued. They arrived in Sauk on the 2d day of June, 1854, under charge of Constable Robert Morsback,
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HISTORY OF SAUK COUNTY.
and were arraigned before the Justice for trial, Mr. Remington, of Baraboo, now dead, and J. S. Tripp being their defense, with J. B. Quimby as Prosecuting Attorney. The trial lasted two days, when the women were bound over to the Circuit Court in the sum of $200, but, not furnishing the same, they were handed over to Sheriff Munson to be lodged in the county jail. The defense then issued a writ of " habeas corpus," and secured their liberty until next court session. They appeared at court July 3, 1854, and were tried before Judge Wheeler, who, after listening to the pros and cons of the case, sentenced the six to a fine of $30 each. So ended the case.
At this time, 1855, there was a population in the village of 700 all told, 390 of whom were males, and 310 females. During the fall of this year, a flatboat-load of potatoes was shipped from here, but did not get far on its way down the river before it ran on a sand-bar, and, being very heavily loaded, went to the bottom ; thus the bed of the Wisconsin was sowed with more than 2,000 bushels of potatoes.
THE OLD MILITARY COMPANY.
In the spring of 1854, one of the institutions that have long ceased to be, the old Sauk City Rifle Company, was organized, having about sixty-four members when in thorough running order. Robert Hantzsch was Captain ; one Bentine, First Lieutenant, and Jacob Bohn, Second Lieutenant. There were four Sergeants and Corporals, and a brass band of seven instruments besides a drummer. During the winter following, they received their guns and accouterments, Martin Loddi going after them, by order of the Governor, to Mayville, and bringing them through. On the 15th day of April, 1855, they appeared in uniform for the first time. The riflemen, dressed in gray pants, green coats and glazed caps, being led by their gallant Captain and the brass band, must have presented a novel and striking appearance. The company continued to be one of the prominent organizations of the place until 1861, when, after the three months' service was over, they enlisted, becoming Company D of the Ninth Volunteer Infantry, Charles Buchenau being Captain, C. E. G. Horn, First Lieutenant, and Jacob Bohn, Second Lieutenant. There were then sixty-five members, all told. The evening before starting, the ladies of the town prepared a grand banquet for them at the Astor House Hall. Patriotic speeches were made, and the whole affair wound up with a grand dance, the last for many a brave fellow. The next day, they left in grand style in a train of fifty-eight wagons, being led on the way to Mazo Manie by the band. They first went into camp at Milwaukee. When they were mustered in, they were pronounced the finest company in the gallant Ninth. They afterward did splendid service, and won laurels for themselves and honor for their country- men.
A Turners' society and theatrical society, two of the social orders common among the Ger- mans. were at one time prominent features here, each having a goodly membership and being in a thriving condition during their best days. They have long ceased to exist.
One of the worst crimes ever perpetrated in the county was committed here, in the summer of 1856, by William Millard, who shot James Davis, on the ground that Davis had threatened his life and was too familiar with his wife. Millard, from a concealed position, discharged a heavily loaded shotgun into Davis' person, which killed him. Millard was tried and sentenced to the penitentiary, from which he was pardoned by the Governor on the 3d of December, 1858.
In 1856, the Sauk City Bank was established, with M. D. Miller as President and G. B. Burrows as Cashier. The following year, a counterfeiter issued a bill on the bank for $5, but, as the bank did not issue any $5 notes, he was soon caught. After running a few years, the bank discontinued. Its place is now supplied by J. S. Tripp, who for the convenience of his patrons and the people at large, does a banking business in connection with his legal practice.
CLIPPINGS FROM OLD FILES OF THE " PIONEER AM WISCONSIN."
During 1859, the boats ran very freely. Early in the spring, a two-master sailed down the river carrying adventurers to Pike's Peak.
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HISTORY OF SAUK COUNTY
The one hundredthi anniversary of Schiller's birth was celebrated this year (November 10) in grand style, Mr. Schroeder, the leader of the Liberal element here, being the speaker.
In December, 1859, Mrs. Beller threw herself into the river and was drowned. Her body was found eight days after.
In 1860, when Abraham Lincoln was elected, a grand demonstration was indulged in, nearly all the people exerting themselves to show their appreciation of the circumstance.
Van Amburgh's show here this year was the first circus on record.
A Democratic Club formed here this year, called the National Hickory Club, used to ham- mer the Republicans.
During this year, Peter Kohl was awarded first premium at the State Fair for grapes raised here.
The Sauk County oil excitement raged this year, and culminated in a meeting on the 3d of April, 1861. There are plenty who have stock now laid by to show for that meeting.
In August, 1862, two large squads of men were enlisted, one of ninety men and one of forty-six.
A Home Guard was organized in September of this year, under command of D. Heick.
During this year, the Sauk County Rifle Company met with a severe loss.
February 3, 1863, the Pioneer am Wisconsin office was threatened by maskers celebrating Shrovetide, but they were not permitted to do any harm, the office being defended by the Home Guard and citizens generally.
"In July, 1841," says Mr. Lueders, " there were at Sauk City the following buildings : One frame school and meeting house, one small frame building occupied, a two-story frame partly finished, and six or eight log houses. The pioneers were exceedingly kind and obliging to strangers who came there and to each other, and the whole appearance of the country was charming in nature's garb."
The Pioneer am Wisconsin in an editorial of 1854, says: "Sauk City is a flourish- ing town on the banks of the Wisconsin, ninety miles from Prairie du Chien, and forty miles from Portage City. There are two saw-mills here, one saw and planing-mill and one saw and grist mill, besides a distillery, a brick-yard, a printing office, ten stores, hotels, and saloons. There is a Humanist society, and one Catholic, one Lutheran and one Methodist Episcopal Church ; a singing society, a theatrical society and a military company. The popu- lation here and in this vicinity are principally German, the most of whom are farmers. Wild land can be bought for from $2 to $5 per acre." The principal business firms here now are J. J. Heller, Kouni & Co., Mr. Conradi and Mrs. Anna Hamburger.
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