s/ 016 096 11/ A, Conservation Resources ^ F 589 .R3 S9 ^^^3l>P^ I^A. CKOSSE tA CROSSE, \iriSCOMSlM. Gives Yo-ing Men, Boys and Women A START [X BUSIXKSS LIFE. It teache-. tho:n hdw to make Money, Become U.-;cful Members of Society, and Suocessful in Business. LiFK Scholarships.— CJents over 10 years oFage 5^0 00; under, §00. 00. Ladies, $15.03. Night Schools from November 1st until ..larch 1st. Full course of Lectures in Business Law. No vacitions.. Students can enter at any time. Board from S.3. 50 per week. This College received the first prize for the best system of 15o'>kkcepinK .in 1 Business prac- tice at the Wisconsin and .Minnesota State Fairs, held at Milwiuikee and St ^ Pnul. Enclose 3-cent sta'up for specimens of Penmanship and infurm.ition, to CASUEL & ROdERS La Crosse, Wisconsin. HARRIS SEARL, CLEEK OF" CmCUIT COUHT, ATNI3 General Land and Insurance Agent. EAU CLAIRE, WISCONSIN. Wm. B. HA^SCOME & CO., AND DEALERS IN Provisions, Di'it^d F^mits Arc, No. 9 Main Street, LA CROSSE, WISCOSMSIN. ALSO AGENTS FOK 2¥i]qeridkr\ ^tearq ^afe C!on|pcii|y, So>^toT\. Chicago, Milwaukee and St. Paul Railway. The great through line fur Cliicaso, New York, New England, the Canadas and all Eastern and Southern Points. Connecting in Chicago with all Eastera and South- ern Lines. Cliicago Depot, corner Canal and West M idison Streets, Horse cars and Stage Lines for all parts of the city constantly passing. THE ONLY THROUGH LINE between Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul and Minneapolis. It traverses a finer c lun- try, with grander scenery, and passes through more business centers and pleasure resorts, than any other Northwestern Line. And the only Riilway Line traversing the valley of the Upper Mississippi River, and along the shores of Lake Pepin. Through palace coaches and sleeping cars, B^^Connecting at St.Paul and Minneapolis with the several lines centering at those points. St. Paul Depot cor. Jackson and Levee. City office, 118, East Jackson St., corner of Third Street. A. V, H. CARPENTER, General Pass, and Ticket Agent, Milwaukee. (f>. J aniens W. -Jbabb fii^^toiy of i{cctVl)ufg^ Wi^c^o%^ii\. THE first record tliat we find of any person's visiting, with intent to settle, tlic part of country now known as the town of Reedshurg, bears date of 1844, when one, Harry Perry, and Don C. Barry explored the Big Creek region in search of a lumbering location. The pair dis- covered Avhat they supposed to be a copper mine, in the southeast quarter of section one, and they immediately turned their attention to- ward that, though no mining was done until the next summer, when jNIr. Barry came out a second time, bringing two miners from Mineral Point. Harry Perry meantime had died. Previous, however, to Barry's second trip, James W. Babb, a Virginian, wdio had been living in Ohio for some 3'ears, visited relatives of his living in Rock county, bearing the name of Kirkpatrick, who had crossed the Baraboo River on a hunt- ing tour, and who gave a glowing description of the fertile valleys and natural wealth of this section of country, then almost unknoAvn to the white man. Mr. Babb, having became embarassed at home, had left with the intention of finding :inotlicr in the then far west, and he imme- diately resolved to hunt out the beautiful prairies mentioned by his rela- tive. His son John, who had accompanied him from Ohio, Avas his companion while journeying through the wilderness. We make extracts from an article giving an account of Mr. Babb's coming here, lately published in tlie "Reedsburg Free Press." It goes on to say: "Arrived at Baraboo, then a mere handet, the party was augmented by several persons, among others by a Mr. Chirk, who knew the way. They ])r()bably came through the Narrows Creek Gap, as the first view they obtained of the pi-airie was from the bluff l)ack of the Dixon place, on the 12th day of May — ;just as nearly thirty years as may be from the day of his death. Mr. Babb was then upward of fifty-five years of age, in the very prime of his manhood, of strong physical frame, robust health and iron will, and the difficulties and hardships of such an under- taking as he contemplated, and which would be sufficient to appal one 10 82 Am€7'ica7i Sheteli Booh. ■which he possessed in Babb's Creek, a stream which in low water one can step across. Yet no man in tliis part of the country, it is quite probable, will ever pass to the great Hereafter, leaving a better record than he. He was the poor man's friend. None went empty-handed away from his dwelling. Neither was his bounty stingily bestowed. He would let out his land to a poor tenant, help him build a house, and give him seed for planting ; at harvest, he would help to cut the grain, and in the end he would refuse to take his own share, because the poor fellow was having hard times, and needed it all. He died May 14th, 1875, at the advanced age of nearly eighty-seven years. He was buried, according to his Avishes, on his own premises, by tiie side of his wife, who departed from this life seventeen years previous. Several wander- ing Winnebagoes, whom he had befriended in early times, in fact ever since his coming here, were among the mourners and wept above his remains, as if they had been own children of the deceased. Ferocious animals were many, but our new settlers were not at all afraid of them, though the glaring eyes were to be seen at almost any time during the nights. Mr. Babb, at one time, trapped a young bear, and concluded to tame it. He imagined that he could put a strap around its neck, and tie it up Avithout difficulty, but before he had accomphished that piece of work, the animal had torn nearly every thread of clothing from his body ; and he finally had to get assistance from his son Strother. The two together managed to tie up the bear. Strother had quite an encounter with a wild-cat not long afterwards. The animal had become very destructive to the poultry, which decided the Babb boys to track it to its hiding place. This was a hole, underneath a ledge of rocks reached by a long dark passage. Fastening a trap to the ridge-pole of a wagon, Strother crawled into the passage, pushing the trap before him. Several times the animal sprung the trap without getting caught,, and as often Strother had to retreat and set it again. The Avild-cat, when closely pressed, would strike with its paws, and was finally clutched by the trap, whereupon, the young man backed out of the passage, draw- ing the animal after him, by main strength. He says that the ferocious eyes, glaring upon him, in that dark narrow place, were not calculated to call forth the most pleasant sensations. Another of Strother Babb's adventures was none the less unpleasant. His father being ill, he had been obliged to go to Baraboo for a doctor. There was nothing but a wilderness where Reedsburg now is ; but the Babbs had a boat on the river, at the Indian fording place, now marked ])y Mackey's mills. On reaching the ford, it was found, tliat l)y some means or other, the boat History of Heechhurg^ Wisconsin. 83 had got moored on the opposite side. It was a cokl day in the niontli of March, and not a pleasant time for bathing. But there was no help for it, — Strother had to swim the Baraboo in order to get the boat.. Strother Babb is the oldest settler living in this place. One of the most beautiful spots in the West is Babb's Prairie. It comprises some fifteen hundred acres of land, of a rich quality, level and rolling by turns, with arms of wood-land stretching in various di- rections, and crossed by streams of clear, cold Avater. In a state of nature, it was surrounded by timber, much of which has been cut down. The privation endured by those early settlers must have been great, though Babb's children say that they never realized any hard times. They often lived for weeks on cakes made of grated corn ; for a time even went as far as WhitCAvater to get wheat ground, and finally did their own grinding on a hand-mill, before any grist mills were erected in this part of the country. Groceries they never had, — they did not want them, and had no use for them, so they say. They manufactured their own saleratus by dropping a hard wood cinder while hot into a a cup of water. Mrs. Baker claims that the water drained carefully from the sediment, is equal to the best soda. There Avere times, too, Avhen these people had no bread at all ; potatoes and salt, and sometimes Avith the salt lacking, being their entire tood. Game and Avild fruits, hoAvever, Avere in abundance. But the season of the fruit was short ; then very fcAV of the settlers were experts Avith a rifle, consequently they Avere not ahvays supplied with meat. As far as the Babbs Avere con- cerned, the Indians came to their assistance by dividing the spoils of the chase Avith them, thus returning kindness for kindness. Other settlers Avere not so favored by the Indians. At the point where the village of Reedsburg noAV is, Mr. Babb soon ascertained that a magnificent water-poAver could be obtained, and he looked upon the section Avith a desire to possess it. lie did not have money enough to enable him to invest in the enterprise at tlie time, but he hoped at some future day, to lay claim to it. Before that day ar- rived, some individual, from Big Foot Prairie, not only made a discovery of the Avater-poAver, but also of the existence of iron, not a great dis- tance from it. It is said that this individual returned to Big Foot Prairie, and told of his discovery to David C. Heed, Avho Avas then liv- ing at that point. It is also said, that the discoverer of the iron mine died not long after the discovery was made. If he is not confounded with Harry Perry, of the copper mine notoriety, it Avould seem that tlie fates of the two men Avere similar, both dying soon after they nuide 84 Amei'ican Shetcli Booh, their discovery. It is also said that Mr. Powell, afterwards one of Mr. Reed's partners, made the discovery of the mines. Be this as it may, it is certain that Mr. Reed immediately sought out the place, and having satisfied himself regarding its worth, he proceeded to enter two hundred acres of land including the mines, known now as Ironton, and also a quarter section, taking in the mill-power, the latter being what is now the portion, lying south of Main street, of the village of Reedsburg. While the surrounding country presented magnificent farming lands, the portion bordering the Baraboo river, at this point, was a mai-sh that trembled beneath the feet, whenever walked upon ; yet, Mr. Reed thought he saw a place to build a city. The rocky bottom of the river here, afforded a good base for the dam, and the location was such that it must some day become the center of trade. However much Mr. Reed's judgment may have erred in other things, in these it was correct ; since the marsh has been dried ; and the thriving village of Reedsburg shows no signs of having started under such unpromising circumstances. The improvement of the mill-power v/as commenced in June, 1847, and Reed k Powell erected a saw-mill, or rather the frame for one, in June, 1848. For the accommodation of the families of these men and the workmen, three shanties were built. Were they still standing, they would be nearly in the center of Main street. They were made of poles, and roofed with bark ; were twelve feet square, having an inter- vening space of twelve feet, all under cover. A fourth and a fifth shanty were afterward added ; the latter by Rev. A. Locke, who was one of the early settlers. It was two feet larger each way on the ground, than the others. He had a large family, and needed more room than did the other settlers. The shanties were not very pleasant habi- tations, as umbrellas were required to protect the inmates from storms ; yet, all of the people, who settled here for several years, had to find a dwelling place there for a time. They were numbered, and were known by their numbers as are more aristocratic city rows. William McClung (a millwright) and family ; J. L. Green and Keyes Bishop, (two single men) and the mill-owners, were all the inhabitants of Reedsburg, whom Austin Seeley and family found here on their arrival. Mr. Reed appears to have been a man of great ambition, and of great hopes, but he came to this part of the countiy, hampered by debts, and seems never to have been able to work out to perfection, his cher- ished schemes. Jle imngined that w city might be built up on his land, and offered all of the inducements in his power to accomplish that end ; and those inducements led some people to visit this section of the History of Heedslmrg, Wisconsin. 85 country. Seeloy came from "Walworth county, passing; tliruui^h Bar- aboo, and arrived here with only three dollars, with ^vhieh to begin life anew. Mr. Seeley was discouraged as soon as he saw the i)lace, and offered the man who had moved him, the three dollars to take him back to Baraboo. But the man required four dollars fn- such services. 80 Reedsburg got one family, whose mcndjcrs, had they possessed another dollar, would have settled at ]]araboo. The kSeeleys budt a part of a shanty, wdiicli was afterward known as the "Mill-House," from its close proximity to the mill. They arrived in January. The mill was not running at that time, and it was f )ur months before Mr. Seeley got any work. What was Averse, he had worked but four days, Avhen he acci- dentally cut one of his thumbs off, which disabled him f )r a time. The following fall, he built a house, and in conse(|uence of his crippled con- dition, Mrs. Seeley was obliged to lay the shingles. Mr. Seeley is now a flourishing gunsmith on Main street, and owns a fine property. His son, Morris Seeley, is in the picture and music business at the same stand. John W. Rork and family, of Racine, arrived in February, 1840. They would have been here the preceding fsill, but the illness of their son, Reuben, prevented their making the journey at that time. Unlike some of the other settlers, they came moderately Avell supplied with provisions and money. They found the people in the shanties in a state of destitution, the only eatable thing in the whole row being a shank of venison; and they, at once, shared their plenty with the less fortunate. But a time came when they were as destitute as the others. Sickness and misfortune attended them ; they shared their provisions Avitli the others until all were gone, and potatoes were all they had for food. Money was not much use, either, for provisions could not be obtained nearer than Portage or Madison, and there were neither teams nor time to haul them hither. Notwithstanding their hardships, the early set- tlers claim to have been happy and contented. The ju'ivations were shared in common, and became a subject oft-times for sport. True, al- most every woman came into the place weeping, but they all speedily recovered their self-possession, and bore their trials with heroism. Sometime in 1849, Mr. Powell sold out his interest in the mill to Caleb Croswell, a ncAV-comer, and Mr. Croswell in turn sold his interest to William Van Bergen, the same year. A post-office was established in the village during 184!', Horace Croswell, a brother of Caleb, being appointed post-master. The mail was brought once a week from Bar- aboo, iDy a man who made the journey on foot. Horace for a time kept 86 American Sketch Booh. the post-office in Lavina Reed's pocket, — she was a nice young lady, of course, and he was a single man. Later, Eber Benedict was appointed deputy. The latter gentleman and family came from Walworth county, to this place in the fall of 1849. He was a carpenter, and he built a carpenter shop near the mill. The building was fourteen by twenty feet on the ground; but, small as it was, it answered the purpose of dwelling house, post-office, boarding-house and shop. This house was erected on Friday, became a dancing hall on Saturday night, and a church on Sunday ; the family not taking possession by moving until Monday, Mrs. Benedict, who is an excellent nurse, was for a time all the physician in the village. Her services were always to be had "with- out money and without price." Her kindness to the sick is gratefully remembered by young and old alike. The Benedicts still reside in the village, in a commodious dwelling on Walnut street. [Space will not allow us to follow the fortunes of all the settlers of this town, or even to make mention of them ; but we shall endeavor to notice the early settlers and more prominent people of the village, as far as our knowl- edge Avill permit, in connection with the general history.] For some time, there Avas but one horse team in the place, and that was a span of mules belonging to the owners of the mill ; hence all travel was done by oxen or on foot. Mr. Lock owned a yoke of oxen, but they Avere poor in flesh and had to lean up against each other to keep from falling down. He occasionally drove the team to Baraboo for supplies, and, at one time, Mrs. Austin Seeley accompanied him. On their return, Avhcn about tAvo miles this side of Baraboo, Mrs. Seeley concluded to Avalk a short distance, by the Avay of a change. It was early in the spring, and the Aveather that day, Avas made up of alter- nate sunshine and rain. On the approach of a shower, Mrs. Seeley looked back to ascertain hoAV near she was to the conveyance, but it was not in sight. She Avalked on until she got Avet, and walked on until dry again, and even sat down occasionally to rest, Avithout catch- ing a glimpse of Locke or his oxen. In fact she saAv no more of either until five hours after her arrival at Reedsburg, Avhen they came poking sloAvly into toAvn. Surely that Avas a sIoav train. Mr. Locke delivered the first sermon for Reedsburg people soon after his arrival. He noAV resides on a farm near the village, and which he located at an early day. He is a peculiar man. Though a minister, he belongs to no sect. He claims that God's church is all one church, and that religion should be free. He will take no pay for his services in that line. He is a stirrring man, and will sometimes do the amount of a day's History of Heedsburg, Wisconsin. 87 work oil his farm in the morning, before the neighbors are up. He has the Bible at tongue's end, and is said to make his sermons up therefrom. The year 1841> brouglit a few other settlers. Z. T. Carver and his wife and two children came that year. So did Daniel Carver. The latter located on a farm. Mr. Vernoy and family, J. V. Mowers, Hor- ace Carver and Samuel Chase also settled here that year. All but Mr. Chase have removed to other parts of the country. D. B. Rudd and E. 0. Rudd, brothers, now proprietors of Rudd's Mills, on the line of the West Wisconsin Railway, were among the pio- neers, having arrived here in 1840. They Avere single men, and they brought their mother and sister to keep house for them. But Colonel Strong, who came in the next year, finally coaxed that sister to accept the position of Mrs. R. M. Strong, and to make glad his home instead of theirs. The blow was a terrible one to the brothers. Neither ever took another house-keeper. The frost of life's winter is gleaming among their dark hair, but no gentle hand ever strokes it away. Though wealthy and influential, they have turned from woman-kind, and live only to console each other. Z. T. Carver, Avas also a settler in 1849. lie located on a farm. A. F. Leonard, now a grocer on Main street, Avas another of the set- tlers of 1849. His brother, John Leonard, and a George Huffnail, accompanied him. Himself and the latter gentleman took up land, tAvo and a half miles distant from the present village of Reedsburg, and the two built a shanty in partnership on Leonard's portion. Previous to the arrival of their families, they did their OAvn cooking, Avhen they Avere fortunate enough to have anything to cook. They Avere much annoyed, for a time, by the Indians, Avho begged for everything that they pos- sessed. At first, it Avas thought that it would be best to conciliate the natives by acceeding to their demands ; but the begging continued, and the settlers soon found that they must stop giving, or be Avithout needed articles themschcs. But they had given enough to make the Indians very persistent, so much so that ]\Ir. A. F. Leonard had his patience exhausted, and he determined to rid his house of the nuisances. One morning, he armed himself Avith bowie knives and pistols, an0. Strong & Son (the latter is noAV knoAvn as Col. R. M. Strong) opened a store soon after their arrival. The Strong family Avere noted for their extreme piety and kindly dispositions. Mrs. Strong Avas a mother to the Avhole village. Henry C. Strong, railroad agent at Baraboo, is the younger son of J. S. Strong. J. Mackey tells a little story concerning Henry, that illustrates how the children were raised. Mr. Mackey and some friends were to start out hunting one Monday morning, and being out of ammunition, the former Avent to Strong's store to repl enish his stock on Sunday evening. Henry Strong, then a lad, Avas the one he intervicAved concerning the purchase of the same. " Sir," replied Henry Avitli a polite boAV, (the Strongs are all politeness doubly refined) " we do not sell goods on Sunday ; but Ave shall be pleased to accommo- date you to-morroAV." " But, Henry, Ave are to start before you are up," pleaded Mr. INIackey. " Can't help that, sir (Avith another bow) my father's orders are to sell no goods on Sunday, and you can buy no ammunition here to-day." The extreme earnestness and decision, coupled with such marked politeness, set Mr. jNIackey into a roar of laughter, instead of displeasing him. The parents of this model family have gone to their long hom?s, but their memory is fresh in the hearts of the people. Colonel Strong is said to possess great native modesty, Avhich Avas 94 American Shetvh Booh. illustrated in an election that took place in 1854. Samuel Ramsey and Colonel Strong Averc both running on the same ticket as toAvn superin- tendent; and the result was a tie vote, Avhich was decided by drawing cuts, endirig in favor of Ramsey. " I was a plaguey fool," said the Colonel to Ramsey, at a later date. " I might have been elected, but I was so d d modest that I voted for you instead of myself." Some of the women tell another pretty good story on Colonel Strong, and which happened at an early day, before the Colonel had got caught in the meshes of matrimony, and when he was somewhat charmed by the black eyes and gay humor of one Kate Huffnail. This young girl lived in the country, and used to come to the village, at times, on horse- back to do her trading. On one occasion, she rode a spirited horse, and while indulging in small talk with the Colonel before leaving for home, dared him to take a ride with her. The Colonel, thinking perhaps to intimidate her, sprang, hatlcss, on the horse behind her; whereupon the girl applied the whip to the already restless animal, and away they went like mad people, to the intense amusement of the lookers-on, never pausing until they reached Huffnail's house, two miles and a half distant. The Colonel is probably too sedate to do so now. Dr. R. G. Williams, Avho settled here in the fall of 1850, was the first resident physician. He died in 1854, but he is remembered as a man of integrity, learning and most successful practice. The faith of the people in his ability to heal was remarkable. For years after his death, no one died but the remark was made that had Dr. AVilliams been living such a thing would not have occurred. Dr. Williams was succeeded in practice by Dr. Samuel Ramsey, who settled here in November, 1853, bringing a young wife with him. The doctor, previous to his coming, had been quite a traveler, — in fact, had been through the Mexican war, first doing duty as a couunon soldier in the regular army, and afterwards second lieutenant of his company, having been promoted from the ranks to that position. At the end of eight years, after becoming a resident of this place, the doctor retired from the practice of his profession. He is now in the drug business on Main street, and also deals largely in hops. Among the settlers of 1850, were George Kellogg and family. His son John, in 1853, started the first brick-yard in the town ; and some four years later opened a small grocery. Becoming dissatisfied, John started for Pike's Peak in 1850, renting his store, during his absence, to his brother-in-law, N. Y. Chandler. He got cured of the gold fever before reaching his destination, and soon returned to his regular business. Historij of llcednhuvij^ WlsoonHui. 95 The aiuouut of his goods could not have been hirge, for we iind in a " Free Press" of 18G0, tliat he advertised the sale of his complete stock, wortli twenty-five dollars, at reduced rates, to nuike room fin- several dollars Avorth of goods, which he had just ordered from Milwaukee. But he seems to have made money by his business, since in 18(J(>, he added dry goods to his other merchandise. Mr. Kellogg was also post- master for a number of years, resigning in 1872, in tavor of his present partner, A. L. Harris, who came into this village in 1871. The firm of KelloiTsj ifc Harris is now a lar^e wholesale and retail iceneral mer- chandise house, second to none in the village KclloG Amei'ican JS ketch Booh. boos for amusement; and this "was how it Avas done: A couple stood up back to back, each placing the left foot against the calf of the opposite leg, the left hand on the left thigh, and the right hand on the left arm ; then began to scratch to a great advantage, as back, leg, thigh and arm Avere, in this manner, scratched at one and the same time. Occasionally the position of the arms and legs Avas reversed. It is said a great deal of amusement and comfort Avere furnished in this manner. Still another phase of pioneer life, that might seem laughable noAv, Avas that the early settlers, men Avomen and children, all A^'ent bare-foot during the summers, and Avore Indian moccasins in the Avinters. Bears continued to be quite plenty, and hunting them Avas a great amusement for the people. There is a story told of hoAV one Sunday, Avliilc Mr. Saxby Avas preaching, a bear Avas seen by one of the audience from a AvindoAV, Avhereupon the Avord "bear" Avas Avhispcred audibly by a dozen different persons. This caused a rush for the door. In less than five minutes, every man, Avoman and child had started after the beai', and Mr. Saxby must discontiniie his discourse, or preach to the naked Avails. ]{eeaptist clinrch of licedsburg was organized in January, 1852, History of Beechhurg^ Wisconsin, 00 by Rev. P. Conrad, of Baraboo. A large edifice was built by this society, in 1872, at an expense of over two thousand dollars. Rev. G. W. Lincoln is the presiding pastor for 1875. Rev. S.A. Dwinnell became a resident of this place in lsr)2, and skill remains such. Mr. Dwinnell bears the reputation of being a very decided man. In fact, a Mrs. Rathbun was once heard to say that her husband and Mr. Dwinnell were the "two sottest men in town." Mr. Dwinnell has always been a staunch abolitionist, and as such had some stirring controversies with the conservative men, during the war, and also previous to it. He is a man of remarkable memory, and some lit- erary ability, and is in general much beloved by the people. A long and unpromising illness has taken him from the pulpit, but he continues to write occasionally. His articles are historical. Illustrative of his determined nature, we will give a good story that is told about him, which shows how one's own disposition has an effect upon not only his household, but on the animals in his care. Mr. Dwinnell had raised a fine cow, which, though she gave a large mess of rich milk, she generally determined to kick over. Objecting to this determination, the Elder made up his mind to sell her. A purchaser was found, who in(piiied concerning her character. "She gives an abundance of rich milk," said the Elder. " The only objection I have to her, is that she is a very determined cow. If she gets a notion into her head, she is liard to change." The customer put little weight on the last remark, and he bought the animal. However, the first time he milked her, she upset the milk, and, some people do say, upset him, too. In a rage, he Hew to her former owner, and demanded to knoAV why such a beast had been recommended to him. " Does she not give plenty of rich milk ? " was asked. "Yes, but she kicks like thunder." "I told you she was a determined cow," said Mr. Dwinnell. " If she makes up her mind to kick, all the Avorld can't stop her ; and from what you say it seems she has." This incident will do to go along with another that J. Mackey tells on himself. He wanted to purchase some cattle, soon after his ar- rival in Reedsburg, and one Metcalf oft'ercd him a yoke that seemed very desirable. Mr. Mackey knew nothing about cattle, and so asked their ages, in order to be satisfied in regard to tlieni. "They were called seven and eight Avhen I got them, and I have had them a year which would make tliem eight and nine," was Metcalf 's response. This satisfied Mr. Mackey, and he made the purchase. 'Wq oxen were well enough Avhilc the grass was young and tender, it being spring when Mr. Mackey bought them ; but after a time they began to grow poor and 100 American STcetch Booh. feeble, when it was discovered that they had no teeth, and could not bite the grass. Nor was this all, since knowing ones affirmed that the cattle were nearly a score of years old. Later, when Mackey and Metcalf met, the former demanded to know why the latter had lied to him. But jNIctcalf excused the deceit by declaring that he had never lied about the matter. He had simply said that they were called so and so, ending the statement with the malicious remark : " The next time you buy cattle, examine their teeth." Mackey acted on this advise, and bought a yoke of cattle having sound teeth, only to discover that they were diseased in the legs. This disgusted him, and he retired from the cattle business. The position of the pioneers seems to have been trying for some years. Reed was always involved in debt, and his workmen never received their wages in money. Lumber was the general currency, and it was often below par, as the men sometimes were obliged to sell at any price that they could get for it, and take their pay in trade at that. Sometimes, when the men could not get their pay, they would take the mills from Reed, and run said mills until they had what was owing to them. At one time the mills Avere run, in this manner, by Carver, Rork k West. These three men set the grist mill a-going for the first time. Reed had partially built it, and then stopped on account of lacking funds. Car- ver, Rork & West completed it and ran it about a year, to get back what money they expended on it. Previous to the completion of the grist mills, flour had to be hauled from Madison and Portage, — Baraboo being but a mere hamlet, and no better off than Reedsburg. In 1853, J. Mackey, then of Sclioharie county, New York, made ar- rangements for purchasing the grist and saw mills, together with three hundred and twenty acres of land adjacent to them, and six hundred acres of pine land, lying from eight to fourteen miles further up the river. Mr. Reed had ])ecome deeply involved, and not being able to raise the heavy mortgages on his property, was obliged to let it pass out of his hands. In the spring of 1854, Joseph Mackey and his brother Safford took possession of the mills. At that time the grist mill consisted of one run of stones, and tlie saw mill of two up-and-down saws, both mills being much out of repair. The new proprietors put them in complete order, and immediately began to pay cash for labor and supplies, which gave a new impetus to the business and growth of the town. The nearest mills to the cast were then at Delton and Bara- boo; and to the west on the Kickapoo river. An additional run of stones was put in the Reedsburg grist mill to meet the increasing busi- ness, and from th:i,t time the rapid growth and prosperity of the village Hi star !/ of Meethburg, Wi^icoiu^in. loi seemed certain. It became the centre of trade for a lai-i-e secti(»ii of country, extending as far west as the Kickapoo. In 1S55, or there- abouts, a first-class store was erected, and supplied with goods by Messrs. Young & Northrup, and several other stores, of more limited stocks of goods, were opened, in order to fill the demand. The prosperity of Keedsburg continued with unabated vigor, until the year lr two whole hours thereafter, waiting for information concerning the woman's departure. Edward A. Layman and family also settled here in 1854. INIrs. Layman informs us that they could get no place to board, though she took her child, twenty months old, in her arms, and went from house to house looking for one. The few small houses were filled to overfiowing. The only hotel at that time, was the old American House, still in ex- istence, and the proprietor would not let her in there except to Avork. This she was obliged to do to obtain shelter. Soon after, her liusband bought the hotel that they might have a home. The hotel they after- wards sold. Mrs. Layman opened a millinery store, ten years ago, and five years later, entered into partnership in the business Avith Mrs. S. C. Hunt, which is still continued by these ladies. They keep a fine assort- ment of millinery goods. Sometime during the summer of 1855, tAvo men came b}'^ the Avay of Baraboo and passed through this village. They drove a four-horse team, and carried in their wagon a barrel of whisky, and some sacks, supposed to be filled Avith corn, or something of the kind. At Jesse Leach's Ilistory of Rcedshurg^ Wisconsin. 105 tlicy stopped and had some blacksmitliing done, paying for it, and also a hotel bill, in coin. After their departure, it was discovered that the nionev was counterfeit, and Judge Weeelcr immediately issued a war- rant for tlieir arrest. A. F. Leonard was constable, and was sent in pursuit of them. On arriving at the home of the two Richard brothers, living Avest of Iron ton, Mr. Leonard found that the latter persons had also been swindled, and were anxious to avenge the same. The three now iK^gan the searcli in company, following on foot a trail to the west, The force was shortly after augmented by Bill Wood, who also lived near Ironton, and whom they ran across on their jaunt. On a bit of prairie, surrounded by hazel brush, they found the horses feeding, and the counterfeiters asleep. The latter were well armed, and the men in pursuit knew that a desperate encounter would ensue unless strategy was employed, and that should the other chance to awaken before being deprived of their liberty and arms, that blood would surely be shed. They moved cautiously up to the sleepers and succeeded in making the capture before the latter were fairly awake. The boss counterfeiter, finding himself in custody, asked to be allowed to draw a jug of whisky, which was granted, and all hands had a jolly time before returning to the village. Leonard searched the parties and found fifty-four dollars in counterfeit bills on their persons, but no Coin. L^pon their return to Reedsburg, the boss counterfeiter summoned two witnesses and a lawyer from Baraboo, to defend him. The case was tried before Justice Swiil- low, and lasted three days. But His Honor would accept of no wit- nesses against the prisoners, unless they Avould swear they were experts at detecting counterfeit money. No one Avould make such an oath, and the case was dismissed. On the same day, however, the Richard broth- ers found a bag, containing five hundred dollars in counterfeit coin, which the men had hidden in the brush, near their retreat. Sperry was deputy sheriff, and lie took charge of it, though what he did with it no one ever knew. A. 0. Hunt and family wore among the settlers tliis year. H. C. Hunt, son of A. 0. Hunt, is now doing a large business in general merchandise, in company with H. A. Chase, at Moses Young's old stand, which he bought nine years since. This firm shipped last season seventy car-loads of potatoes, twenty-five thousand pounds of butter, and ten thousand dozen of eggs, which statement will give the reader a small idea of tlic business, and the general shipments from this place. M. Finch, brother of W. H. Finch of hotel notoriety, settled here in 1855. lie was the first harness maker in the village, and still continues that business at his lar«;e establishment on Main street. lOG American Shetcli Booh. In 18r)G, the school district purchased three-fourths of an acre in the northeast part of the vilhigc, of Messrs. J. & S. Mackey, and on it built a 30x40 house, two stories high, arranged for two departments. This was opened by Mr. J. S. Conger, who, with his wife, taught the upper room — Miss Emma Tator occupying the lower room. It con- tinued under this efficient management for three years, save that some changes occurred in the lower room. Mr. A. P. Ellinwood then took charge of the school for two years, giving general satisfaction. He was assisted by Miss Alma Haskell in the room above, and Miss S. Shaw below. The war coming on, he enlisted, and during that struggle there were several changes; the following being, as near as we can ascertain, the order of those havino; charse : 'Mi*- Charles Newcomb, of Baraboo, one year, assisted by his wife ; W. S. Hubbell, one year ; he has since been connected for some time with the Sauk City schools, where he gave general satisfliction, as also at several other places ; he was followed by the Misses Flanders, (Sarah and May) the latter of whom taught one year and a half ; next came Mr. William Gillespie, who was assisted by Miss Frances Smith, now Mrs. A. L. Harris ; the next was Mr. Jeremiah Bloomer, one year, followed by Mr. George Gregory, who had charge of tlie upper department for some time, itnd then of the lower, the upper being taken by Mr. Orson Green. February Ttli, 18G8, the building was burned. The people of Ileedsburg determined to profit by what seemed a severe loss, and consequently commenced the erection of a frame building, 40x50 feet, two stories liigh, costing $5,500, and in every way an improvement on the former. This Avas completed in October, when Mr. Albert Earthman from East Troy, took charge of it, remaining for six years, during which time considerable Avas done towards supj)lying the school with maps, charts, globe and other school apparatus. In the summer of 1874, Mr. Earthman re- moved to St. Paul, where he went to take charge of one of the ward schools. He was assisted in the primary department for four years by Miss Emeline Martindale, (now Mrs. Wortliman) who closed her labors at the same time as Mr. Earthman. Miss Jennie E. Little also taught for some time in the intermediate department. The grammar depart- ment is, at the present, in the charge of J. H. Gould, assisted by Miss J. E. Little ; intermediate department, Miss Lena Little ; primary de- partment, Mrs. Belle Sheldon. The number enrolled is usually about onc! hundred and sixty. It graduates its first class (consisting of four young men aiid three young ladies) at the close of the present year, all of tlic class intending to enter the university, freshman class. In noth- History of Ueedshurg^ Wisconsin. 107 ..... * ing is the public spirit of Recdsburg citizens shown more than in its determination to support first-class schools. In the fall of 1856, some of the principal men of the place con- ceived the idea that a newspaper would add largely to its importance, and a stock company was formed, with the shares at five dollars each. Two printers, named C. Lohman and P. Ruge, engaged the materials procured, and on the 21st of October of that year, the first number of the " Reedsburg Herald " was issued. It was originally intended to make the paper independent in politics, but upon counting uj) the shares of stock, it was found that all but three shares were held by Democrats, and as partizan politics at that time ran high, it Avas deter- mined by the stock -holders to publish the paper in the interest of the Democratic party. It was a well printed, twenty-eight column sheet, and unquestionably a credit to so young a place as Reedsburg was at that time. J. Mackey, E. G. Wheeler and S. Ramsey were announced as the editors, and Lohman & Ruge as the publisliers. IIow long the latter continued to be connected with the paper, we do not know, but Lohman Avas nominally publisher until sometime in the fall of 1857. He was a dissipated wretch, and was only retained by the stock-holders upon repeated promises of reformation, which he as repeatedly violated. Mr. J. Mackey tells a ludicrous anecdote concerning him. He had been on an unusually long debauch, after which he was taken to task by the committee representing the stock-holders, of Avhom Mr. Mackey was one, and told that unless he reformed his habits he must sever his connection with the paper. He appeared penitent, and promised total abstinence ; and for a while really tried to fulfill the promise. A few days after this, Mr. Mackey, in company with one or two friends, went into a saloon to take a glass of beer. Just as boniface Avas pouring out the foaming, aml)er li(iuid, and before it Avas raised to the ({uaffei's' lij)S, Avho should come in but Lohman, Casting a longing, pitiful look to- Avards the filled glasses, and yet standing at a safe distance from them he exclaimed in sorroAvful, tender tones : " Mr. Mackey, that is a most b-e-a-u tiful beverage ! " Mr, Mackey says he never felt so utterly di.s- gustcd at any act he had done, as to be caught thus setting a tempting example to this poor slave of appetite, so recently lectured lor his short- comings. Lohman soon lapsed into his drunken Avays. In the fall of 18.J7, having announced himself as agent to procure loans from the School Fund, he Avas engaged by a Mr. Card, of Winfield, to negotiate a loan for him, Avhich he did, to the amount of five hundred dollars. I'utget- 108 A7nerican Sketch Book. ting on a spree, on bis way home from Madison, he either spent, lost, or embezzled the money. lie asserted, on bis getting home, that be had been robbed ; but the transaction put an end to tlie patience of the company, and they discharged him. For a few weeks, they employed t'.vo printers, named Andrew Holt and George Wing, to get out the paper. But the financial crash of that year having already begun to affect their resources unfavorably, it was found necessary to retrench, and they employed Mr. N. V. Chandler, avIio had removed here in October, to get out the paper at a stipulated price per week, which he continued to do until some time in February, 1858, when, on consulta- tion of the managers, examination of books, etc., it was demonstrated that every number published involved a jaositive loss, and there Avas no probability of any amendment; under these circumstances it was resolved to suspend publication forthwith, and the Roedsburg "Herald" was numbered amons!; the thino-s that Avere. We find by a reference to the columns of the "Herald" that the following persons Avere doing business here at the time it Avas started : E. G. Wheeler, J. Mackey, E. W. Olin, G. Stevens, and Wm. Miles, attorneys; Dr. S. Ramsey, druggist; 'W. S. Northrop, land-broker; A. H. Clark, proprietor livery stable ; M, & E. W. Young, Green & Waterman, J. Johnson & Co., J. Kellogg and W. Shumway, dealers in general merchandise ; W. L. Fuller, artist ; INI. Finch, harness man- ufacturer ; W. W. Winchester & Co. and George Myers, furniture man- ufacturers ; T, Lichtenhien & Co., dealers in dry goods and clothing ; L. H. JcAvett, grocer ; J. & S. Mackey, manufacturers of lumljer and flour ; Amos Pettyes, tailor ; J. & A. Smith, proprietors stage line ; W. Warren, blacksmith and D. Wilson, jcAvcler. The next newspaper venture in Reedsburg, Avas in the summer of 1860, and was made by N. V. Chandler. As illustrating the low ebb to Avhicli business enterprise and public spirit had receded, Ave give Mr. Cha,ndlor's account of his experience in getting his paper started: "After the suspension of the 'Herald,' in February, 1858, upon the pul>lication of which I Avas employed liy the Herald Printing Company, after the ' Lohman fiasco,' I busied myself as best I could, doing such jobs of printing as I could obtain to do, using the material of the de- funct 'Herald,' Avhicli I rented for that purpose, and to eke out a sub- sistence, doing any other kind of Avork that oftcred, and even going to Baraboo and other points to Avork at my trade, Avhen Avork could l)e procured. Sometime in the f dl or winter of 185!*-()0, E. G. Wheeler, Avho had ac(|uired a controlling interest in the stock of the company, U'lHtorij of lieedsda >•(/, I Vhco ii ^' /// . 1 < >'J yold llu' uiatciial of tlic ' Ilei'ald ' to ;i Mr. Wells, of New lii.sboii, aii200 being subscribed, the question arose as to how I was to make it available to purchase material. By its terms, no part of the subscriptions was to be paid until the appearance of the first number. My whole available capital was five dollars in gold, while I was in debt to the various merchants for the means of previous sub- sistence. But faith in my ability to accomplish whatever I undertook was then strong with me, and nothing daunted, I set out f r Richland Center, to secure the press, walking the entire distance. I left Reeds- burg about eleven o'clock A. M. of a hot day in the beginning of May, and traveled through the woods, over roads entirely new to me, a con- siderable part of tlie way, to everybody else, also, as I could scarcely distinguish the track, and only went by "blazed" trees. I stayed at night at a farm-house six miles this side of the Centre, and the next morning walked in, through a drizzling rain. SaAv the press and its owner, and quickly agreed upon terms — which were that I should pay $50 for the press, and fifteen cents a pound for about a hundred pounds of nearly new minion type, Avhich was in a 'pied ' condition, — he mak- ing the purchase of the type a condition of selling me the press. But Avhen the questions of pay came to be discussed, a difficulty arose that threatened to be fatal to the enterprise. He knew nobody in Reeds- burg ; I was known by nobody at Richland Centre. I oftered a note signed by myself and two citizens of Reedsburg, payable in two months. Finally he bethought him that he had a slight acquaintance with George Flautt, then a law student at Reedsburg, and wrote him a letter, in which he stated that if George would certify to the responsibility of my endorsers, lie would sell me the press. I immediately started for home, where I arrived the same night, having walked thirty-six miles, and made the bargain that day. " George Flautt having signed a statement that the endorsers of my note were good, I procured a team and went for my press and my hun- dred pounds of minion type. After resting a few days, I started for Milwaukee and intermediate points, to hunt up the balance of the type Ilistury of lieedsburg^ Wisconsin. Ill necessary to get out a paper. I walked to a point fourteen miles beyond Portage, forty-four miles from Reedsburg, the first day ; and the next morning -walked four miles further, to Cambria Station, and took the cars for I3eaver Dam, where I had ac(iuaintances. I went to the ' Citizens ' office, and inquired of the proprietor if he had any second hand type for sale. lie said he had not, but after a few moments' thought, said there was an old disused office lying in town, and that George Stewart was agent for the sale of it. I went to Stewart, who at first refused to sell a part unless he could sell the Avhole, Avhicli in- cluded a power press ; but finally he acted upon my suggestion that he ask the advice of Mr. Wells of the ' Citizen.' This gentleman, upon being consulted as to what he would do with the material in (question if if he owned it, replied : ' Box it up and send it to the foundry for old type, as quick as I could.' This decided Mr. Stewart to sell, and he asked me what proposition I had to make. I told him I would give him fifty per cent of the type foundry price for every thing I selected, Avhich ]Mr. Wells told him was an exceedingly liberal offer. Then came the (question of pay, and I had a much harder time to convince Mr. Stewart of the safety of selling me two-hundred dollars worth of mate- rial than I had the Richland Center man. He was not convinced of the reponsibility of my securities, and one proposition after another was rejected, until finally I proposed to reinforce the note signed by myself and the two Reedsburg men, (one of whom was John Kellogg, whose unendorsed note would now be good for thousands of dollars) with a mortga"-e upon the materials purchased, and upon the press Avhich I had at home. This proposition was accepted, and I succeeded in selecting type, cases, sticks, rules, dashes, etc., to the amount of two hundred and twenty-five dollars, which I boxed up and shipped to Reedsburg, with- out further delay. Eight miles from from Beaver Dam, I had two broth- ers living, and one of them, Charles A. ChantUer, wlio was a mechanic, accompanied me home, to assist me in getting the office running. In the course of a month, on the 16th of June, 1800, I got out my first paper upon this condemned, second-hand type, which an excellent printer, Mr. CuUaton, had pronounced utterly unfit for use, and upon the fifty dollar press, which, when I bought it, was so utterly out of joint, that the seller had no idea that it could ever be used ; and so wel 1 did I use my knowledge of presses and type, that when it appeared, the paper was highly complimented by the 'State Press,' and the 'Sentinel,' in noticing it, went so far as to say 'printed from new type.' Upon the issue of the paper, I realized upon my subscription paper which I had 14 112 American Shetch Booh. previously circulated, one Imndrcd and sixty dollars, not availing myself of the arrangement with Mr. Daiiforth ; and as the number of cash pay- ing subscribers was very fair, I Avas at once able to li({uidate the indebt- edness, and put the paper, which I had christened the ' Free Press,' upon a paying basis. " I fulfilled my agreement with the citizens of Reedsburg, continuing the paper until the 7th of September, 1861, when the war being then in progress, the people of this community, like those of every other throughout the nation, were greatly exercised over the heavy taxation, expected to ensue, and could give no positive assurance of support, though they professed themselves satisfied with the paper, and would do what they could to support it. But Mr. Wells, of New Lisbon, having lost his press, through inability to pay for it, made me what I regarded a good offer, to move my press up there, which I did. I run the Ju- neau County ' Argus ' until the fall of 1862, when, tlie county having gone Democratic, and elected a county ticket in the interest of Mauston, thus depriving me of the county printing, I suspended publication, and in February following moved my family and printing material back to Reedsburg ; but I did not engage in publishing a paper, because of the unsettled and embittered state of public feeling. In the last days of that year, 1863, I entered the military service, where I remained until June, 1866 — more than a year after the close of the war. Upon ar- riving home I found that my press and material had been sold, to go to Mazomanie, and I therefore turned my attention to other pursuits." The next, and, so far, the last chapter in the newspaper history of Reedsburg, may be briefly stated as follows : Mr. Chandler had for five years been engaged in fiirming near Reedsburg, when the completion of the Chicago and Northwestern railroad to this point, gave a new impe- tus to business, and created a desire among the business men to have a newspaper once more. Accordingly Mr. Chandler, not being altogether satisfied with his experience as a tiller of the soil, concluded to gratify them by re-establishing the " Free Press," and, procuring type and press, on the 22nd of March, 1872, after a sleep of nearly eleven years, res- surrected that paper, commencing to number where he had left off in 1861. The success of the enterprise was marked and immediate, and it enjoyed a good and increasing patronage, and the office now boasts of three presses, and a goodly amount of other material. The mechanical labor of the office is performed by Mr. Chandler's daughters, who are good printers. Mr. Chandler says he is a believer in woman's rights, for he has a calico foreman, two dimity compositors, and the sweetest little devil you ever saw. History of licedshurg^ Wisconsin. 113 In the full of 1856, Recdsbnrg became the scene of a gold fever excitement, -which was none the less in intensity, from the fact that it was confined to a fcAv persons. A lieaver Dam banker, 1)y the name of Wells, found in a bush near the wayside, a short distance from his residence, a package of papers, tied with a bit of red tape. The pack- age contained a letter, purporting to have been written by a man named Burleigh, of Cleveland, Ohio, to one Burton of Cincinnati, — and a time-worn sheet of paper, bearing a draft of a certain piece of land. The letter stated that in consideration of many services which Mr. J?ur- ton had rendered the writer, when sick, the latter had deemed it right to put his friend in possession of a secret, known only to himself, and which might guarantee a fortune to both, should the two work in uni- son. The secret was this : Burleigh had been one of a band of rob- bers, that had infested the upper Mississippi, some sixteen years before. This band, fearing detection, had divided into four parties, each party taking a fourth of the treasures. The one to which Burleigh had be- longed appointed him one of a committee of four to bury their money, some $55,000, where it would be safe until the danger was over. The committee landed at the mouth of the Bad Ax river, and proceeded into the interior, by means of horses, until they struck the Baraboo river, where they found a suitable place to bury the treasure ; which they did, making an accurate drawing of the location, and marking the place, so that it would not be lost to them at any future time. The gold was confined in coffee sacks, and above these they had placed a charred stick, fastened to the sacks by a gold chain. The letter went on to say that the committee, on returning to the rendezvous of the robl)ers, found no one there, and they came to the conclusion that the band had been forced to separate. They then took passage to New Orleans, but, on the trip, two of the party died of yellow fever. At New Orleans, a third was taken sick. At this time, business called the other (Burleigh) to England, and ho departed, leaving his companion in a dangerous state. Burleigh remained abroad some fifteen years, at the end of which time, he determined to return and obtain the buried treasure. "While journeying with this intent, he was taken sick, and he was befriended by Burton, to whom he was now revealing the secret. He ended by telling Burton to meet him at such a time at Beaver Dam, from which place they would proceed to the point designated l)y the chart. It was quite evident to Mr. Wells' mind that the letter had been lost by Burton, while on the way to meet his friend ; and the banker's heart began to beat in eager anticipation of a great fortune waiting within 114 Aynericari Sketch Booh. reach of his very hands. The Stevens House register confirmed his opinion that Burton had been in town, as such a person, hailing from Cincinnati, had registered there only a few days previous. Believing that he was in possession of a great secret, Mr. Wells sought legal counsel of Judge Wheeler, who, for a share of the booty, promised his assistance in obtaining the gold. Following the directions of the chart, the pair found that the spot indicated was in the village of Beeds- burg, on a lot owned by a poor man named L. Gay Sperry, who lived there in a small house which he had erected. The place was w^orth about three hundred dollars, but on asking the price put on it by the owner, Sperry informed Mr. Wells that he had been offered three thou- sand dollars for it by a Cincinnati man to whom he had promised it. This confirmed the suspicion that Burton had been looking up the treas- ure, and had lost the description which Mr. Wells had found. The banker grew desperate, and he immediately offered Sperry a hundred dollars higher for the place. Sperry, after some demur, accepted the offer, and a trade was made. Wells giving some property at Beaver Dam, and several hundred dollars in money for the one lot and small cabin. (The cabin is still in existence, and is situated near the Luth- eran church.) The Sperry s made instant preparations to move. They had suffered greatly because of the hard times, and on occasions, had been in actual Avant. If the denouement proves them guilty of a fraud in the mind of the reader, we plead extenuating circumstances in their behalf. While they were getting ready to leave the place, however, the impatient Mr. Wells was making preparations to dig for the treasure. He took into his confidence the present Hon. Sam. Burchard of Beaver Dam, and some others whose names we are unable to give; and on one starry night, at the click of twelve o'clock, our gold-hunters sallied forth, with their spades, and several bran-new coft'ee-sacks, to unearth the hidden treasure. They had taken the precaution to bring new sacks, thinking that the old ones would pvobably be in a decayed condition, and they did not want to run the risk of scattering the prec- ious gold over the ground while on their way to their night-quarters. Leaving the sacks at the gate, they went into the yard, where they readily found the exact spot, and the digging began. A light night- wind stirred the leaves of the trees as the spades touched the earth, and it brought weakness and terror to the hearts of the gold-hunters. " I've heard," whispered one of them, "that the devil always puts a charm on buried money, so as to make it impossible for those who did not bury it to obtain it." "He is a pretty smart fellow if he beats us History of Reechhurg, Wisconsin. 11 T) out of this haul, Sam," returned Mr. Wells, his teeth chattoriii^f >vith terror, -while he spoke. A minute later, the eci)(']iiii, who scttlcil here lust October. Dierks & Ilackett, carpenters :uiil Idiilders, are about jJiittiiiL; up a sash, door and blind factory in Keedsburg. Mrs. M. .1. ilackett car- ries on the millinery and dress making business. J. ]M. Parker and dames Lake are contractors and builders as well as old settlers. The foriuei- has been here fourteen years, anil the latter about twenty years. Thomas Gilluly, physician and surgeon, has been a resident of the village seven years. J. B. Clark and family, who own a good firm and a finc^ residence on the Avest side, settled in Heedsbur, and oi)ened in the boot and shoe business, which he still continues. G. AV. Chipman, painter, has been located here four years. W. A. Pixley, jeweler, opened in that business here in 18()0. lie was the first jeweler in town. The drayman, John Petty es, has been here since 1858. Not for from the village, Charles Reed, son of D. C. Reed, has set- tled himself and begun the raising of trout. Next year he intends to erect a dining hall on his grounds, which cannot fiil to make them a fivorite place of resort. For other business firms, we refer the reader to the index. We commenced the history of Rccdsburg with a war in Avhich nobody Avas hurt, and avo may as Avell end it Avith another. In 187o, Avhen the government ordered the removal of the Winnebago Indians, the sym- pathies of the people Avere Avith Ar-ti-cho-kcr and family, the former, a chief Avho has seen the village groAV up from the first hut. He Avished to stay here, and the people resolved t(j let him do so. lie Avas taken from the United States officers by a Avrit oi' Jiabeas corpus, enforced by a Avarlike spirit, and overwhelming nund)ers. A gap Avas made in the line of soldiers, and sixteen of the Indians escaped thereby, though the Avrit iSO American Sketch Jjooh. called for only nine. Ar-ti-clio-kcr may be seen almost any day prom- enading the streets of lleedsburg. lie is neither handsome nor very intelligent, but we suppose he must be good, or the people would not have exhibited such an affection for him. lie owns some land near the village. REEDSBURG IN 1873. Reedsburg at present is a thrifty village of some fifteen hundred in- habitants. It is pleasantly situated in a valley, and surrounded by the best of farming lands. It is the livest place of its size to be found in a radius of a hundred miles. The push, enterprise and business tact of its citizens are proverbial themes all through this portion of the state. It is just the place for enterprising men in search of new locations, as it is the centre of the great hop-district, and is abundantly supplied with hard-wood timber, iron, etc. A fine water privilege is waiting the enterprise of some new-comer to put it to use. It is a desirable place for manufactories requiring wood and iron, more especially those of agricul- tural machinery, as pig-iron suitable for hollow ware, stoves and cast- ings is to be had in large quantities in the immediate vicinity, as also is hard- wood timber. It is a good poi nt for a starch factory, as the coun- try adjacent is very productive, especially the southwest and north portions of the town. It is claimed, and we think, too, without a shadow of doubt, that a larger amount of agricultural produce is shipped from this village than from any other place of the size between Madison and the Mississippi River. The shipment of potatoes alone, last season was 100,000 bushels. There are few, if any, better points for a woolen manufactory, and there is a disposition on the part of the people to have and encourage such an institution. The town has many different varieties of soil, and almost every (|uar- ter section has running water on it. It is watered by the Baraboo river. Hay Creek, Babb's Creek and Copper Creek. The land, includ- ing nearly all of the bluff land, is all available for agricultural purposes. Springs abound, — in fact, the streams are generally supplied by living springs, and the Avater is clear and cold. Some of the springs furnish water strongly impregnated with iron and sulphur ; and there is no doubt that time will develop a famous watering place at this point when tlie enterprise of the citizens shall have taken the matter in hand. Nature has done much for this beautiful valley, and the march of civil- ization has placed the proper class of people here to make the best of them. The future of Reedsburg is assured as a most prosperous and happy one. Q__ 1 .1 . r T) ^{eetVbui'i^^ ^biv^ii|e>sV h\do\ of l§('[^. COUNTY OFF re EllS RESIDING AT RKEDSBURO. J. W. LusK, Judge of Probate. A. West, Coroner, A. P. Ellinwood, Chairman Board of Supervisors. VI L LA G !■: OFFICERS. J3. A Bauniiart, President. R. A. AViieeleii, Police Justice. W. A. Wyse, Justice of the Peace. James Miles, Constable. ,1, , W. I. Carver, Supervisor. Irustces. a t tt h . tm ^ A. L. Harris, Post Master. C. F. Sheldon, Deputy P. M. Peter Dangle, Wm. II aw ley, Tiios. Inoalls, Wm. Brockel, Ed. Leonard, Wm. Stolte, BANKS. Bank of Reedsburg, J. Mackey, President, Geo. T. Morse, Cashier. A TTORNEYS A T LA W. J. W. Lusk. W. A. Wyse. Giles Stevens. PHYSICIANS AND SURGEONS. N. W. Salladc. George Selden. Thomas Gilluly. DENTIST, E. W. Gilmore. HOTELS. Mansion House, 0. E. Briggs, Proprietor. American House. GENERAL BUSINESS. Barstow, Wm., Blacksmith, Vine street. Barnard, Daly, Blacksmith. Barker & Schroeder, Furniture Factory, Main street. Rishop, P., Boot and Shoe Store, Main street. Beeson, J, M., Jeweler, Main street. Bell, W. E. Clerk with Kelsey. Bellinger, G., Superintendent Grist and SaAV Mill. Beusenheusen, Henry, Wagon Manufacturer and Blacksmith, Main st. Boohm, A., Photographer and Taxidermist, Main street. Carver, W- N., Confectioner, Main street. Chipman, G. W,, Painter. Chase c't Mittlcsteadt, Plow Manufacturers and Blacksmiths. Dearholt, S. J , General Merchandise, Main street. Darrenougue, August, Jeweler and Barber, Main street. Emser, Peter, Blacksmith. 182 Ame7'ican Sketch Book. Finch, M., Harness Manufacturer, Main street. Flint, John R., Druggist, Main street. GcfFert, Henry, General Merchandise, Main street. Hansen, Gale &. Co., Dealers in Hardware, Farming Tools and Hops, Main street. Hunt k Chase, General Merchandise, Main street. Hosier, J. H., Book-keeper with Kellogg & Harris. Hudson, S. J., Clerk with Dcarholt. Hagenahs & Geftert, Hardware Dealers, Main street. Hunt & Nay, Meat Market, Main street. Hackett, Mrs. M. J., Dressmaker and Milliner, Main street. Horken, Wm., Grocer, Main street. KELLOGG & HARRIS, Main street, wholesale and retail dealers in General Merchandise and all kinds of Produce, inclu.ling Hops. Kellogg, J., Express Agent. Kelsey, J. V., General Merchandise, Main street. Kelsey, Mrs. J. V., Millinery store. Main street. Kreutzman & Geifert, Furniture Manufacturers, Main street. Leonard, A. F., Grocer, Main street. Leonard, Mrs. A. F., Millinery store, Main street. Langley, W. E. F., Bakery and Confectionery, Main street. Layman & Hunt, Millinery and Fancy Goods, Main street. Lake, James, Contractor and Builder, MACKEY, S. & CO., Merchant Flouring Mill, McDonald, Enos, & Co., Grocer and Liquor Dealer, Vine street. Markee, A. E., Clerk with Kellogg & Harris Perry & Lincoln, General Merchandise, Main street. Pixley, W.A., Jeweler, Main street. Parker, J. M., Contractor and Builder. Pettyes, John, Drayman. RAMSEY, DR. SAM., Druggist, General Broker, and dealer in Hops, Main street. Rertzman, Fred., Tailor, Main street. Russell, D. D., Boot and Shoe Maker, Main street. Stafford, J. V. & Co., Stave Factory, West Side. Seeley, Austin, Gunsmith, and Agent for Remington Sewing Ma- chines, Main street. Seoley, M. E,, dealer in Pictures, Stereoscopes, etc., also Agent for Brown's Patent Weather Strips, Main street. Sallade, Dr. N. W., Druggist, Main street. Stolte & Co., General Merchandise, Clothing, etc., Main street. Sanders, A. M., Carriage Factory, Market street. Tierney, Patrick, Wagon Maker, Main street. Timlin, Stephen, Grocer, Main street- Winchester, William, Painter. YOUNG & MACKEY, Hop Dealers, at Hunt k Chase's. >l< V\\ix^\k ^ocl for Dciilh. A rumor tlir.m^h the villngc sprcml, Ami tattle lield luvhile, its peace; For in the presence of the dead, 'Tis fit our daily -work should cease; And though, while living, it is meet To never pardon sinners — yet, 'Tis Avell, that -with the winding sheet, We try our hatreds to forget. And she was dead ; a branded name, From earthly rolls, had been erased. What matters now the bitter shame. Which, with her life, was interlaced 't The taunt, the jil)c, the scoi-uful sneer. O'er what she left undone, or did 't These tools with which men torture here, Arc laid down with the colhn lid! A sweeter floAver there never bloomed Within the tropic's ihjwery zone ; When years ago, sweet hope ilhnued. And on her childish pathwity slione. Who could have dreame