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 99
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During the above year, on July 4, the village indulged in a grand celebration, which, although not the first, was by far (according to all the reports) the biggest genuine demonstra- tion of the kind ever gotten up in this part of the county. The sum of $125 were expended to hire a band to come from Madison, and other things in keeping were provided, and Spring Green fairly reveled in the delights and glories of our national anniversary. Fathers, brothers and sons felt gallant and brave; mothers, sisters and daughters happy and proud, while that youthful cion of liberty, the small boy with torpedo and cracker, vindicated the cause of independence to his heart's content.
The harness-shop on Block 18, facing on Jefferson street, was built about 1868. It is the property of A. C. Daley. It has been occupied by several different parties at various times, and is at present used by A. C. Scheble.
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1868 -- During this year, E. George came here and began his present building, which was completed and stocked by 1879. This may be considered the first regular furniture and under- taker store located here. The establishment is now conducted under the firm name of E. George & Son. . Mr. George had a lumber-yard at one time also.
The Gerber Brothers bought out and carried on the old Pound & Dike store from 1869 to 1871, then S. M. Harris carried on business in the old place from 1872 to 1879. Since that time, it has been occupied by Miss E. Macklin for a millinery establishment. In this con- nection it may be mentioned that Mrs. Wyman was the first one to carry on a regular millinery establishment, that is so necessary to the happiness, if not comfort, of the fair sex. Also, a Miss James has done a millinery business here for about ten years.
J. Witzel built a wagon-shop on Block 18, facing on Jefferson street, in 1876. This after- ward passed into the hands of Christopher Scholl, who fitted it up for a shoe-shop.
The liberty-pole was erected during the above year. It stands near the center of the vil- lage, looming up to a height of ninety-five feet, and is, beyond a doubt, the straightest and handsomest pole in the county. In fact, it is very seldom that one will meet with anything like as perfect a pole for one so tall. The people are justly proud of it.
Dr. Pelton's Hotel, that stands facing the south end of Lexington street, is one of the old stands, the doctor having been here operating in the capacity of physician and mine host for nearly fifteen years.
There were no sidewalks here to amount to anything until after the village charter was secured in 1869. The chief object of the people in getting the charter was to so arrange their fiscal and judicial affairs that they could receive the benefit of the taxes paid for road purposes, by applying the money to the village streets and walks. Now, good walks are to be found on the business streets, and many of the side streets are also provided with walks.
In 1879, S. M. Harris, one of the most energetic of the business men here, opened in the brick store previously spoken of. This is a well-kept store, and its proprietor does a large busi- ness, especially in shipping. The following report shows the amount of his last year's ship- ments : Wheat, 27,600 bushels; rye, 6,400 bushels; oats, 9,600 bushels; butter, 13,890 pounds ; poultry, 4,500 pounds ; eggs, 9,890 dozen; hoop-poles, 136,000. Paid the railroad freight bills to the amount of $7,300. Mr. Finklestine also buys large quantities of produce. His shipments for last year were : Wheat, 17,600 bushels ; rye, 2,400 bushels ; oats, 3,000 bushels ; butter, 31,029 pounds ; eggs, 10,710 dozen; hoop-poles, 65,000. There is not much buying and shipping outside of these two firms, unless it be hops, hogs and beef cattle, which are purchased partly by non-resident buyers. The amount of sales of merchandise made here now annually will probably average about $100,000, and perhaps more. The above represent- ation is certainly as fair a showing of prosperity as can be made by any place of equal size in this vicinity, and it is only to be wished for all concerned that the place may live long and prosper more and more.
In 1876, George Sweet and Byron Pelton erected a building for a planing-mill and grind- ing feed. It was moved, about three years since, from its first location to its present situation. This is the only mill, either for planing or grinding, that has ever been built here, and the amount of that kind of business to be done here does not warrant the erection of another.
After Mr. Zilg closed the hotel, J. Zilg & Co., the present firm, was formed, and in 1880, their large double store, which stands on the northwest corner of Block 18, was built. This is the largest store building in town, and is stocked exclusively with a fine assortment of hardware.
Previous to the above, in 1877, A. P. McDonald purchased. the vacant corner where the old Simpson Hotel stood, which was burned in 1867, and put up the present building and opened a saloon.
A. M. Dye opened the first watch-maker's and jewelry establishment, during the above year. Before that time, the general stores kept whatever was to be had in the line of gold, sil- ver, plate or pinchbeck, and, probably, clocks and watches as well. How a village so well reg- ulated could have gotten on so long without a watchmaker, remains a mystery. A large wagon,
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HISTORY OF SAUK COUNTY.
blacksmith and paint shop was erected in 1879, on Block 18, facing Jefferson street, by J. Bet- tinger, where the principal business in those lines is now done.
VILLAGE HALL.
The elections were held here in a house rented from B. U. Strong, until 1869, when the Village Hall scheme, which had been discussed for some time, came to the point where the building was started and completed. The building is of frame, 26x60 feet, and two stories high. The lower story is divided into Police Justice room, ante-room and two cells for criminals, which seem to be strong enough to hold the most desperate of characters. The upper story, which is reached by a flight of stairs winding up through a graceful tower, is fitted up in a very tasty manner for all general public gatherings. The building is finished and furnished throughout in a very thorough manner. It cost, complete, about $2,575, and is especially noticeable on account of its architectural beauty and perfect adaptation to the use for which it is intended. The most casual observer cannot cscape observing this building, and instituting comparisons between it and buildings devoted to similar purposes in other portions of the country, in places of even greater pretensions than this.
The lumber yard was started here as early as 1858, by a Mr. Mears, and about this time, also, H. Celleyhan had a yard. Soon after, A. Walrath was engaged in the business. Then King & McKutchen took hold of the business, in connection with their produce buying. In 1865, Wilcox & Hamilton were engaged in the trade, and, two years after, E. George and C. L. Daley took hold of it. Mr. George withdrew from the business and left Mr. Daley sole pos- sessor of the field, which he still remains. Mr. Daley is one of the oldest business men in the place, having been engaged in trade here since the village was in its infancy.
TEMPERANCE ISSUES, PAST AND PRESENT.
At an early day, the temperance sentiment in this section, among many of the people, was very strong, while, on the other hand, liquor-drinking proclivities with some were exceptionally strong. The first one to open a shop for the sale of forty-rod killer copper-distilled dew, was a chap by the name of Jacob Comeen, who came here about 1856 or 1857 and opened up near the eastern railroad crossing. Jake, as he was , called, rapidly developed a first-class groggery, which became the nightly and Sunday rendezvous for every loafer in the locality. From being bad at first, it soon became a perfect nuisance, until, finally, the better class of people in the village and country decided to end the business. An opportunity to carry out their designs was soon offered, by the coming of a two-penny jack-o'lantern show, which Jake went to see, leaving an open field for operations. When Jacob returned, the metamorphosis that met his eyes must have given his nerves a greater shock than the biggest dosc of fusel oil, strychnine, stramonium and the like, that he had ever swallowed, for there, without a good or sufficiently apparent reason, was his liquor being licked up, house and all, by fire, the thirsty flames fairly dancing over the destruction, with the cager fury and delight that is supposed to possess the spirits of demons when the ruin of some poor human soul is accomplished, and he becomes the willing slave of alcohol. With the destruction of his stock, Comeen took his departure, and, for a time, the people were free from the whisky evil. This immunity did not last long, however, for within a year after, a man by the name of Mullen crected another temple to Bacchus in the vil- lage, and very soon the former condition of things was re-established, and, perhaps, even to a worse extent. At any rate, the nuisance soon became intolerable to a large portion of the law- abiding inhabitants, and, of course, the next step was to give the institution the grand bounce. This was cffected one night while the proprietor was out, but the means taken were not quite so severe as before, although fully as effectual. The business was upset by upsetting the shop., It was unceremoniously laid on its side, like a trunk ticketed to leave on the next train, or waiting to be moved. The invitation to subside was duly heeded by the dispenser of lightning nectar, and thus ended the second saloon.
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HISTORY OF SAUK COUNTY.
For many years subsequent to this, a majority of the people kept up a high temperance sentiment, and maintained a flourishing lodge of Good Templars. But, as the years multiplied, the interest subsided, until now there is no lodge. Also, saloons have long been in operation, but the business is now conducted according to law, and in a comparatively quiet manner. A liberal license is exacted, which is used, when obtained, according to certain charter provisions, by the village authorities for making and maintaining street improvements and such other village purposes as may be deemed necessary.
Spring Green has had its newspapers, and the newspapers have had their day of short- lived mediocrity, unfortunately for the place, for a good paper is needed here. As for the editor, the annals of this history can scarcely do him justice. Suffice it to say, he is almost too well known here and elsewhere to need mention.
DOWNY.
Spring Green has a couple that, it is supposed quite naturally, are not very happily united, considering developments. Doubtless, any one who witnessed the division of a feather-bed, in the hands of said parties, not so very long ago, just outside of the door on a windy day, inust have been struck with surprise to see that which floated away so lightly, remain down, and, further more, it is solemnly asserted that at one time in the fracas, a knock-down or pull-down was highly imminent. However, the feathers were ventilated and that downy bed is now no more forever.
EDUCATIONAL.
The first school of District No. 2 was taught in the old log schoolhouse on Section 7, long previous to the residence here of any of the present townspeople. Many years before the first graduates of the present excellent high school had learned their a-b abs, the old loghousc, with its high wooden benches and knife-hacked desks, had turned out its graduates in readin', ritin' and spellin'. Then Sander's, Maguffy's or the old English Reader and the Pennsylvania or Cobb's Speller, furnished literary pabulum for the minds of ambitious or lazy tyros in the field of literature. All the world was then described by Olney's, or some other ancient geography, that told big stories about the unexplored portions of this country, and the Cherokees, Chickasaws, Chocktaws, Sioux, Seminoles, etc .; then Papa Murray's syntax and prosody (the first really scientific grammatical production) was freely ground into the rebellious craniums of the unappreciative youth, who liked the good old way of saying, " I seen," rather than " I saw," and when it was, as now, much easier to understand the verb love, with the pro- noun I prefixed, than in any other form. And who among the old folks can forget the peculiar vocal struggles that were then required, when words of six or seven syllables were spelled, and every syllable pronounced, and added on to the string consecutively like a row of buttons ; and the terrible rule of three. Oh shades of Archimedes, Euclid and Cocker ! How far thy mighty thoughts have penetrated, and how many weary hours have been spent over thy problems. The old log house is gone, and the system of education then followed is now a thing of the past. So the old continually gives place to the new, as the sands of time run out.
After the village had gotten fairly started on its course of development, the first school- house was built on the lot occupied by the present building, which was presented to the public for this purpose by the proprietors of the village plat. In 1862, the roof of this building was raised, another full story being added to furnish the room necessary to accommodate the largely increased number of pupils. This schoolhouse was the only public school building in the vil- lage until the erection of the present commodious edifice, but, according to the arrangements made with the preceptor in the old academy, a certain number were taken in there from the district school, each year, for instruction in the higher branches of education.
In 1875, the academy having closed and the means of instruction being totally inadequate to the demands of the place and locality, a proposition was submitted to the voters of the town of Spring Green at the meeting, to make an appropriation of funds for the purpose of erecting
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HISTORY OF SAUK COUNTY.
such a high-school building as would furnish ample educational facilities for the entire surround- ing country. A majority of the voters, upon ballot, were in favor of entering into the enter- prise, but the town authorities failed to comply with the requirements of the law in such premises, and, consequently, the action was lost. District No. 2 then took up the matter, and, going vigorously to work, soon perfected arrangements for erecting the present fine structure. The building was constructed by Mr. Cory, of Madison, and cost, when finished complete, the snug sum of $5,500. It was ready for occupancy in the fall of 1876, and opened under the best of auspices and with a large number of outside pupils. Architecturally considered as a school building, there appears to be nothing lacking; the rooms are large, lofty, well lighted and well ventilated, and the exterior, in simplicity and elegance of design, is in perfect keeping with the interior. There are three departments, each being supplied with appropriate recitation rooms and first-class modern furniture.
The people in this vicinity hold this school in high estimation, believing it to be the equal of any public school in the State ; and not without good reason, for, according to reports on public schools, this institution is the equal of any other in' the amount of outside patronage which it has received from the very start. The first year's receipts from outsiders were $582.58 ; the second year, $549.37; the third year, $588.67. The price of tuition is 50 cents. per week, or $6 a quarter, what is usually charged by academical schools. Prof. De La Matyr, the principal now in charge, has been teaching here since the high school was opened, and the real excellence and popularity of the school is doubtless due more to his excellent management and instruction than to any other cause. The salary of the Principal is $1,200 per annum, nearly half of which is paid by the regular outside receipts. The old academy was in its day a flourishing institution here, around which lingers yet, in the memories of old pupils, many a kindly recollection. It was located at first at Richland City, and to the fall and decay of that emporium of a sister county, Spring Green was chiefly indebted for the establishment of the academy here. Prof. Silsby commenced the school in 1861, in the old blue store built by Worthington and partner, but, very soon after, it was removed to another unused building, stand- ing on Block 10, facing Lexington street, now used for a harness-shop. In the meantime, several of the prominent citizens had interested themselves and furnished cash and help, and had taken down and moved the academy building from Richland City, and re-erected it where it now stands, at an expense of about $500. With this favorable send-off, and with a liberal patronage, the school started, but did not continue long under Mr. Silsby's direction, for the sound of " To arms !" that was then ringing through the land, started the war fever to raging in his veins, and, like thousands of other brave fellows, he left home, friends and everything, to espouse his country's cause. The school district then purchased the building from him, paying him $700 for it. They then employed J. H. Turvey, who was subsequently County Superintendent of Schools, to teach, paying him a certain sum for teaching district scholars and whatever he could get besides for teaching others. After he had been here four years, another arrangement was entered into with him, by which he was bound to keep the academy running a certain number of years, and by which he became the owner of the institution. Mr. Turvey continued the school about ten years, then closed it, owing to want of proper patronage. It is now occupied for a private dwelling-house, and probably will never more resound to " Veni, vidi, vici," and " "Tis education makes the common mind."
THE POST OFFICE.
The post office was first kept by Mr. West, then by Garwood Green, in the depot, and was opened as early as 1856-57. In 1859, it passed into Worthington's charge ; then, in 1860, S. H. Vedder came and took the office, holding it until 1864-65, when W. H. Hamilton became Postmaster. From him it was transferred, December 23, 1865, to D. D. Davies, who has since- held it.
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HISTORY OF SAUK COUNTY.
EXPRESS COMPANY.
S. M. Vedder was the first express agent here ; when he left, F. Lacy was appointed ; then, in 1868, it passed into the hands of D. D. Davies. The first express company was the United States. But, soon after Mr. Davies' appointment, a competitor appeared in the field in the per- son of G. F. Pound, as agent for the Merchants' Union. After running opposition for a short time, the United States Company withdrew. H. R. Johnson, who is now agent, succeeded Mr. Pound. Since he has been in office, a change has been made, the United States Company taking this station and the Merchants' Union going to another.
SECULAR SOCIETY AND CHURCHES.
Masons .- A dispensation was first granted to Lodge No. 212, F. & A. M., in May, 1879, the officers being as follows: H. B. Dewy, W. M ; S. M. Harris, S. W., and P. H. Parsons, J. W. The lodge continued under dispensation until June, 1880, when a charter was granted, and the lodge regularly organized by P. A. Daggett, Acting G. M. There were fifteen char- ter members, who elected the following officers: S. M. Harris, W. M .; P. H. Parsons, S. W .; H. R. Johnson, J. W .; J. G. Slyter, Treas .; J. R. Mabbett, Sec .; W. A. De La Matyr, S. D .; J. S. Slyter, J. D .; S. L. Davis, Tiler. The lodge has a good hall, well furnished, and is in a flourishing condition.
Congregational Church .- A society was first organized here February 15, 1859, in the old schoolhouse, Rev. Mr. Benton, of Richland City, and the Rev. D. L. Noyes, being the officiating ministers. The first members were D. L. Noyes, B. U. Strong and wife, Dr. C. T. Hubbard, wife and two daughters, P. West and wife, M. B. West and W. C. Spaulding. Dr. Hubbard was elected Deacon, and P. West Secretary and Treasurer. The Rev. Noyes remained with the society until December, 1862, when the Rev. J. Silsby took the pastorate. He was suc- ceeded by the Rev. Jonathan Jones, who came October 22, 1864. He was followed by the Rev. Mr. Cochran, who entered upon his duties December 4 of the above year. During his pastorate, in the year 1867, the church was built, at a cost of $1,200. After the Rev. Cochran, came the Rev. Mr. Pullen, in 1872. He remained until December 5, 1875, when the Rev. O. H. Smith was called. The pulpit is now supplied by the Rev. Mr. Stoddart, of Boscobel. Of the first members, none but B. U. Strong and wife are left. There are now about forty members.
Baptist Society .- The first meeting of the Baptist denomination was held at the school- house in 1869, the Rev. William Phillips, a Welsliman, being the preacher. This preacher, who lived at Wilson's Creek, came regularly afterward for about a year before a society was formed; then a regular class was organized, consisting of thirteen members. In 1871, Rev. Enoch Prouty and family came. After they had been here about a year, the little society set to work to build a church. The church was built in 1872, but not completely finished. In the spring of 1873, Dr. William H. Brisbane was called to the pastorate. During this season, the church was finished all but painting, at a cost of $600. Dr. Brisbane remained until his death, in 1878. Since that time, services have been held irregularly, students from Madison and itinerant ministers being the supply. The church is free from debt.
Methodist Episcopal Church .- The first class of the Methodist Episcopal Church here was organized by John J. Walker, as nearly as can be learned, about 1861. The first member- ship was fourteen souls, all told. They began by holding their meetings in the schoolhouse. Rev. Walker served one year ; then Rev. J. C. Brainard came and remained two years. During his pastorate a revival was held, which resulted in making five converts, who were admitted to full membership. The parsonage was built while he served, at a cost of about $900, $200 of which was paid off only this last year. The next preacher was Rev. R. Gould, who served but a year, with no material advancement shown. After him, Rev. A. G. Cooly came and remained a year, two additions being made to the society while he was here. He was followed by J. Thomas Pryor, who served two years. During his time revivals were held at different points, and large numbers were converted and joined the church here and elsewhere. The succeeding
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HISTORY OF SAUK COUNTY.
Pastor was Rev. William R. Irish ; he served two years. After he came, in 1868, the organi- zation was forbidden to use the schoolhouse any longer, and, to supply a temporary place of worship, a rough board shanty, capable of seating about 150 persons, was erected. Quite a number were taken into the church at this time. Rev. Henry J. Walker came next, in 1870, and remained two years. During his pastorate, in 1871, the present church was erected and finished, and was dedicated on the 4th of February, 1872, by Rev. D. W. Couch. The church is 36x54, without entries and recess ; it is a frame, veneered with white brick and built on stone foundation. It is very neatly finished and seated, and has handsome stained-glass windows. It has also belfry and good bell. The parsonage and barn are in a good state of repair, and, taking the whole church property here into account, it is one of the best in the county. The cost of the church is $4,500, as it stands to-day. During the time the church was being built, a diffi- culty arose between the principal members and the Pastor with reference to the building, which ultimately caused an open rupture, and about fourteen of the leading members left. This move- ment so crippled the resources of the church that, at the dedication, there was an indebtedness standing against the church of $2,200. At this time subscriptions were taken, purporting to be enough to pay the debt, but, in the event, many of the parties failed to pay, there being but a little more than one-half of the $2,200 paid. Eventually, the Methodist Episcopal Extension Society gave $400 toward paying the debt and loaned $300. But, notwithstanding this aid and what was paid by subscribers, in 1879, through the accumulation of interest and the misman- agement of funds, the church was yet in debt $2,000, but finally, during that year, under the management of the Rev. D. Clingman, the whole amount was canceled, leaving the property entirely free from debt. The three lots, a quarter of Block 4, were donated by the original owners of the village plat.
Rev. Robert Smith succeeded Rev. H. J. Walker in the fall of 1872, and served one year. He was followed by James T. Bryant, who served from 1873 to 1875. After him, Rev. E. T. Briggs was appointed and served one year, a few additions being made to the church. Then Rev. S. W. Haigh served from 1876 to 1878, without any material change being made in the church affairs. In 1878, the Rev. D. Clingman came to the charge. He has succeeded, during his service, in restoring order where confusion prevailed, and has left the church in a healthy financial condition and also made various improvements in the property. There are now thirty- two members in good standing in connection with the church here. There are, besides, at the present time, six regularly organized classes in connection with this charge, located in various parts of the county adjacent to this point.
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