Germantown is a small village, situated at the junction of the Wisconsin and Yellow rivers. The important industries, are the mills of Messrs J. Arnold and McQueen, Davis & Co. The former manufacture annually, 5,000,000 feet of lumber and the latter, 7,000,000. Outside of the supply stores connected with the mills, there is the usual representation of business. The lumber manufactured is run down the Wisconsin River to the Mississippi Valley, which furnishes a market. The village has a graded school and Masonic lodge, also a Lodge of Good Templars. The only religious institution in the village is a mission of the Methodist Church.
History of Northern Wisconsin 1881

WERNER

In the Winter of 1849-50, John Werner sold out his interest in the firm of T. Weston & Co., at Necedah, and, in 1856, located at the present village of Werner, in Germantown, and subsequently became its original proprietor. The first settlement made in the village of Germantown was in 1848, by Uriah Hill and Usal V. Jeffreys, for T. Weston & Co. The shanties and other improveinents were situated on the present site of that village. In 1851, Messrs. Weston & Co. sold all that part of their claim to Walter B. Gage and Jacob Gundlach. The land was purchased from the Government in the Fall of 1852, and subsequently Messrs. Gage and Gundlach laid out and platted the village of Germantown. In 1856, Messrs. William & D. R. W. Williams purchased an interest from Mr. Werner, and erected a saw-mill at that place. This property has changed hands several times, and is now owned by McQueen, Davis & Co. In 1859, Mr. Werner built another saw-mill a short distance below the village, and in 1860, sold it to its present proprietor, Mr. J. Arnold. Michael Banfield and Frank Canfield made the first settlement in the town of Armenia, near Cranberry Creek, on the road leading from Necedah up the river.
History of Northern Wisconsin 1881

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES

E. R. McQUEEN, manufacturer, Werner, was born in Oneida Co.. N.Y., in 1824. Received a common school education and followed lumbering in said county until 1861, at which time he came to Wisconsin and first settled at Necedah, where he acted as foreman of the mill now owned by J. W. Bradford & Son until April, 1870. He then went in partnership with L. F. Davis and John G. Wightman, purchased the mill property at Werner, and the business has since been carried on under the firm name of McQueen, Davis & Co. The firm employs on an average about 100 men, and manufactures about 10,000,000 feet of lumber annually. Mr. McQueen has been twice married—in 1859. to Elizabeth Hurd, a native of Pennsylvania. She died at Necedah, Wis., in 1863, leaving two children, Alonzo W. and Elizabeth, both living in Allegany Co., N.Y. In the Fall of 1868, he married Abba Haxton, a native of Rhode Island. They have two children, Henry and Mabel.
History of Northern Wisconsin 1881

JOHN G. WIGHTMAN, Mauston, was born in Connecticut, March 2, 1848; was a resident of the State until sixteen years of age. He then came to Werner and worked for the firm of E. D. Wightman & Co. until 1870, since which time he has been a partner in the firm of McQueen, Davis & Co. He was married in the Spring of 1880 to Miss Nellie E. Goodrich, then of Werner, but formerly of Chicago,
History of Northern Wisconsin 1881

ELROY

In 1860 Messrs. James and John Hutchinson built a grist mill in the town, around which the present flourishing village of Elroy has sprung up. This village is situated in the township of Plymouth, on the line of the C. & N. W. Ry., 213 miles from Chicago and 197 miles from St. Paul. It is also the junction of the Chicago, St. Paul, Minneapolis & Omaha Railway, and is an important railroad town. The total valuation of the township and village reaches $215,754, and the tax rate is three per cent of this sum. The population of the township and village is 1,499. The Baraboo River flows through the town and furnishes abundant water power. The principal business interests are the Star and Eagle flouring mills, and general business enterprises are well represented.

The schools are in charge of Prof. H. M. Johnston. Value of school property $675. Number of children attending school 168. Number of children of school age 294.

It has two churches, German Evangelical and Catholic. The former was built in 1880 but the organization of the society dates back some fourteen years. The church property is valued at $2,000, and the pulpit is at present supplied. The Catholic Church was built in 1878, and has a membership of nearly 500. Rev. Father Keller, of Union Center, is attending priest.

It has six secret organizations: Elroy Lodge, No. 202, F. & A. M., organized June 13, 1876, with a membership of twenty-seven; Elroy Lodge, I. O. O. F., No. 233, organized May 15, 1874, with thirty members; Ancient Order of United Workmen, Elroy Lodge, No. 83, chartered April 8, 1880, with a membership of twenty; and Perseverance Lodge, No. 556, of the Legion of Honor, chartered April 30, 1881, with thirteen members.
History of Northern Wisconsin 1881

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES

O. A. BABCOCK, merchant, Elroy, was born at Freeport, Ill., in 1851. Was brought by his parents to Wisconsin when eighteen months old and lived in Vernon County for twenty years, during which time he received a common school education and followed farming. He then came to Elroy and clerked in the store of E. Hart for about one year, after which he lived in several different localities for a few years, then clerked for Doudson & Co. of Grand Rapids, for four years, at the end of which time he returned to Elroy and has since been engaged in a grocery business. In the Spring of 1877, he was married to Emma Potter, a native of Wisconsin, born in 1857. They have one child, Wert, born in February, 1879. Mr. Babcock is a Republican and a member of the I. O. O. F.
History of Northern Wisconsin 1881

M. E. BARRINGER, liveryman, Elroy, was born in Reedsburg, Sauk Co., Wis., Feb. 1, 1853. Received a common school education, and followed farming until the Spring of 1873, when he came to Juneau County, purchased a farm of 100 acres, and worked the same about four years, at the end of which time he sold eighty acres of this farm, moved into the village of Elroy, and has since been engaged in livery business. He also owns a hotel and a good house and lot in said village. Was married, in November, 1877, to Clara M. (daughter of Daniel and Lamira Whicher), born in 1852, and died June 3, 1880, leaving one child, Lois Pearl, born May 13, 1878, and is now living with her aunt, Celestia Bush, near Reedsburg, Wis.
History of Northern Wisconsin 1881

C. E. BOOTHE, M. D., Elroy, is a leading physician, and one of the most prominent men in Juneau County. He is a native of the State of New York, born in Dutchess County, in 1840, where he lived until eighteen years of age, during which time, when he was not attending school, he worked in his father's flouring and saw mill. In 1858, concluding that he would like to see some of the western country, he went to Illinois, and spent the year in different localities in that State, and the following year he spent in Wisconsin, after which, in the Fall of 1859, he returned to his home at Binghamton, N. Y., to which place his parents had previously moved, and commenced the study of medicine with Dr. Hall, continuing the same with Dr. Dart, of Colesville, Chenango Co., N. Y., until September, 1861, when he joined the army as a non-commissioned officer in the 89th N. Y. V., and after reporting at Washington, was attached to the Burnside expedition during his North Carolina campaign, participating in the battles of Roanoke Island, South Mills, South Mountain and Antietam. At the last named battle he received a gun-shot wound, and remained upon the field, without cover, for ten days, at the end of which time he was conveyed to the hospital at Frederick City, where he remained about one month, when he was transferred to Camden Street Hospital at Baltimore, at which place he remained until the following February, in which month he was discharged from service on account of disability occasioned by the gun-shot wound. Returning home, he again resumed the study of medicine with Dr. O. G. Orton, of Binghamton, N. Y. (who was at that time demonstrator of anatomy in the New York University), as preceptor, and continued the study until the Winter of 1863, when, with rank as second lieutenant, he enlisted a company of 100 men for the 14th N. Y. Heavy Artillery, which at that time consisted of only five companies, stationed on Rickor's Island. N. Y.; but on account of not applying for organization papers, the regiment was filled by other parties before he made application to it, and then, as the men were already mustered into the State service, in order that they might draw their State bounties, were distributed among other regiments. Whereupon Mr. Boothe immediately proceeded to Washington, joined the medical department, and was assigned to Auger General Hospital in Virginia, where he remained until the seventh day of January, 1865, at which time he returned to his home at Binghamton, N. Y. After remaining at home about two weeks, he went to Janesville, Wis., and obtained a situation as drug clerk in the store of George R. Curtice, and in connection with this and other occupations, continued the study of medicine, also attending lectures at the Rush Medical College, and in the Spring of 1870, located at Elroy, Wis., as a practicing physician, graduating in medicine the following Winter, since which time he has gained a good reputation as a physician and surgeon. At the opening of the Elroy Seminary, he organized the department of physiology (which proved to be one of its chief features), and gave the instruction, by lectures and demonstrations, for five or six years. He was also president of the institution for several years from its organization, and has been President of the village of Elroy ever since it was incorporated. He is a Republican in politics; was elected as Assemblyman from Juneau County in 1876, receiving 1,531 majority, against a Democratic majority of about 300 the previous year. In January, 1865, he was married to Helen J. Shumway, of Rock Co., Wis. They have one child, Laura M., born in 1866.
History of Northern Wisconsin 1881

E. ERICKSON, Justice of the Peace, is a native of Sweden, born in 1853; emigrated with his parents to the United States in 1854, and settled first at St. Charles, Ill., in which vicinity he lived for seventeen years, at the end of which time he came to Wisconsin, and lived in Grant County one Summer, then in Vernon County about five years, after which he came to Elroy, and attended school at the seminary for two years, graduating in the English course, in June, 1878. He then had charge of the public schools of Elroy one year, since which time he has held various agencies ; took the census of the town of Plymouth for 1880, and is at present Justice of the Peace. He was married, in March, 1877, to Mary Stone, a native of Wisconsin, born in Grant County, in 1860. They have two children, Edith, born Oct. I, 1877, and Edward E., born Jan. I, 1879. Mr. E. is a Republican in politics, and is at present Town and Village Clerk.
History of Northern Wisconsin 1881

R. A. FOWLER, farmer. Sec. 29, P.O. Elroy. The subject of this sketch is one of the oldest settlers of Juneau County. He was born in the State of Vermont, in 1821, and in 1836 the family moved into Illinois, where they lived about four years, at the end of which time, in 1840, they came to Wisconsin and settled in Racine County, where Mr. Fowler was engaged in the manufacture of lumber for eight years. He then purchased a saw mill in Jefferson County, and ran the same about one year, when he sold his mill and removed to Sauk County, and followed the manufacture of lumber at Baraboo for about two years, after which, in the Fall of 1851, he came to Juneau County, located where he now lives, and as soon as surveyed, purchased his present farm from the Government. He now owns 100 acres of choice land, most of which is well improved and has good buildings. Is a Republican in politics. Has been Postmaster and held various local oflices. Has been twice married: in 1845, to Mary A. Pulford, a native of New York, born in 1826, and died in April, 1862, leaving five children — Dacatur, Delos, Mary, Mariah and Frank ; in the Fall of 1862, to Mrs. Phoebe Pearson, a native of New York, born in 1837, who had one child, Emma (Mrs. Walsh), now living at Kendall, Monroe Co. They have one child, Alice May, born Sept. I, 1866.
History of Northern Wisconsin 1881

GEORGE H. HOPPER, hotel keeper, Elroy, is a native of the State of New York, born in Jefferson County, in 1838. Was a resident of the Stale for twenty-five years, during which time he attended school, worked on the farm, and learned the joiner's trade. In 1863, he came to Wisconsin, and was married to Martha A. Wentworth, born in the State of New York, in 1842, and the following Spring, returned to New York State, and remained about three years, after which, in the Fall of 1866, he went to Chicago and remained one year, when he came to Wisconsin, living in Rock Co., where he was engaged in farming until January, 1874, when he came to Elroy and was employed in the railroad office for about five years, since which time he has been proprietor of the Railroad Eating House. Is a Republican, a member of the A.O.U.W. and a Mason. Has one child, Gertrude, born July 7, 1866.
History of Northern Wisconsin 1881

J. MAEBY, carpenter and painter, Elroy. A native of Canada, born in 1827; learned the cabinet maker's trade, and in the Fall of 1850 came to Wisconsin, settling first at Ripon, where he worked at the carpenter and joiner trade for 1 years, after which he removed to Columbia County and followed the same line of work, also did some farming, until 1873, when he came to Elroy and has since worked at carpenter work and painting. Is a Democrat in politics. Has held various local offices. Is a member of the American Legion of Honor, and a strict Temperance man, being a member of the Temple of Honor. Jan. 23, 1877, Mr. Maeby, J. W. Pulford, B. F. Nash, H. W. Nash and John Allison organized an association known as the Elroy Council of Honor, for the purpose of elevating the laboring classes, for mutual improvement, for charitable and benevolent purposes, and to better provide for the poor and needy in all honorable and legitimate undertakings, of which Mr. Maeby drafted the constitution and by-laws. He was married Sept. 5. 1851, to Selecta Burlinghame, a native of Wisconsin, born in Milwaukee in 1833. They have five children living—Willis, Mary Ella, Albert L., Emma A. and Edith L.
History of Northern Wisconsin 1881

T. L. MOE, merchant. Elroy, is a native of Norway, born in 1852. Emigrated to the United States in 1872, and came direct to Elroy, Wis., and engaged in railroading about two years. He then clerked in the store of E. Hart for about four and a half years, since which time he has been carrying on a general mercantile business. Oct. 19, 1877, he was married to Julia Thompson, a native of Norway, born in 1858. They have one child, Lassineus, born in 1880. Mr. Moe is a Republican in politics, and is at present a member of the Village Board.
History of Northern Wisconsin 1881

O. P. PIERCE, blacksmith, Elroy, was born at Rochester, N. Y., June 7, 1827, and in 1834 emigrated with his parents to Michigan, and resided in said State until 1857, during which time he received a common .school education, and learned the blacksmith trade. He then came to Wisconsin, and settled in Sauk County, working at his trade, with the exception of two years, when he was selling goods, until 1877, and Dec. 10, of said year he came to Elroy, and has since carried on a blacksmith business. He has been twice married: Sept. 23, 1849, to Mary A. Evans, a native of Canada, born March 17, 1832, and died July 28, 1850; and Jan. I, 1851, to Martha N. Hunt, a native of the State of New York, born in August, 1836. They have five children—Anna E., Mary E., Major T., Martha and Eva Maud. Is a Democrat. Has held local offices, and has been a member of the I. O. O. F. since 1860, being one of the charter members of the Westfield Lodge, No. 108, Sauk County, Wis.
History of Northern Wisconsin 1881

E. S. ROGERS, merchant, Elroy, was born in Keyport, N. J., in 1842, where he lived until 1864, when he came West and settled first at Janesville, Wis., where he was engaged in railroading until the Fall of 1875, when he came to Elroy and followed the same business until the Spring of 1878, since which time he has been engaged in the mercantile business. He is also express agent, a Republican, a member of the I. O. O. F., the A. O. U. W. and a Mason, belonging to the Chapter. Has held various local offices. In 1863, he was married to Emma Sleeper, born in Erie County, N. Y., in 1845. They have two children, Minnie, born Aug. 25, 1864, and Harry, born Oct. 30, 1868.
History of Northern Wisconsin 1881

B. F. SMITH, hotel-keeper, Elroy, was born at South Hadley, Mass., in 1824. At the age of 13, he went to Schenectady Co., N. Y., and lived with his brother for three or four years, after which he lived in different localities in the Stale until about twenty-five years of age, when he came to Wisconsin, settling first in Janesville, where he was engaged in farming most of the time for five or six years; after which he was engaged in staging in different parts of .the State until August, 1862, when he enlisted in the 31st Wis. V., and served until July, 1865. Returning to Wisconsin, he again followed staging until May 1, 1872; since which time he has been engaged in the hotel business, at Elroy. Is a Republican, but takes little interest in politics, and is a member of the American Legion of Honor. Dec. 2, 1845, he was married to Sarah A. Soper, born in the State of New York. They have four children living —Anna E., C. Augusta, William Chauncy and Hattie E.
History of Northern Wisconsin 1881

E. B. STURDIVANT, foreman car repairs, Elroy, was born in Chautauqua Co., N. Y., in 1829, and at the age of ten years, removed with his parents to McHenry Co., Ill., where they lived two years. Then moved to Erie Co., Penn., and was engaged in the lumber business and worked in the oil regions until 1866, when he came to Wisconsin, living at Monroe, Green Co., until 1872, during which lime he was engaged in drilling wells. He then moved to Fond du Lac, and worked in the car shops one year; at the end of which time, in February, 1873, he came to Elroy. and has since been foreman of car repairing for the C. & N. W. R. R. at that place. In November, 1857, he was married to Julia Gray, born in Erie Co., Penn., in October, 1836. They have four children—Ida, Clara, Frank and Edith. Mr. S. is a Republican in politics, and a member of the I. O. O. F.
History of Northern Wisconsin 1881

O. C. WATERMAN, hotel-keeper, Elroy, was born at Beloit, Wis., in 1838. Received a common school education, and worked at lumbering on the Wisconsin River until the Fall of 1873, when he came to Juneau County, and followed farming near Elroy until the Spring of 1881, when he moved into the village, and has since been engaged in hotel business. Was married to Hattie C. Elmer, a native of Wisconsin. They have four children living—William W., Herbert, Amelia and Charley.
History of Northern Wisconsin 1881

DANIEL WHICHER, dealer in real estate, Elroy, one of the oldest settlers in Juneau County, was born in Vermont, in 1813, and was brought by his parents to the State of New York when three years of age. Was a resident of the State for about fifteen years, during which time he received a common school education; after which, in 1831, he went to Indiana and attended school at the Institute of Hanover one year, after which he followed teaching school and painting, in Indiana and Illinois, until Nov. 13, 1836, when he was married to Lamira Carrier, a native of Vermont, born May 14, 1815; and in 1838 came to Wisconsin, settling first at Beloit, where he was engaged in farming for about fifteen years, after which, in 1853, he came Juneau County and continued farming near New Lisbon—where he was one of the first settlers—until March, 1870, when he came to Elroy, purchased 100 acres of land, most of which he has since sold as village lots. He has built fourteen dwellings, and is at present engaged in real estate. Has four children living— Harriet (now Mrs. Fowler), Hester A. (now Mrs. Northcott), Laura A. and Inez Frances.
History of Northern Wisconsin 1881

J. W. WIGHTMAN, druggist, Elroy, was born in New London Co., Conn., in 1851, where he lived until thirteen years of age, when the family came to Wisconsin, settling at Werner, Juneau Co., at which place he remained, helping his father—who was engaged in the lumber business—until Jan. 1, 1878, with the exception of one year which he spent in the State of Connecticut, attending school. At which time he removed to Wonewoc, where, in partnership with G. W. Bishop, he engaged in the drug business, under the firm name of Bishop & Wightman, continuing the same until November, 1879, when they dissolved partnership, and the following May Mr. Wightman came to Elroy, where he is now engaged in the drug trade. He is a Republican, has served two terms as Superintendent of the Schools of Juneau County, a member of the A. O. U. W., and a Mason, belonging to the Chapter. In August, 1878, he was married to Belle Ager, born in Sauk Co., Wis. They have one child, Bessie, born Dec. 17, 1879.
History of Northern Wisconsin 1881

JOHN WILCOX, car repairer, Elroy, is a native of England, born in 1849. Emigrated to the United States in 1863, and came direct to Wisconsin, settling first at Lavalle, Sauk Co., where he was engaged in farming for about eight years, at the end of which time he came to Elroy, and has since been engaged in repairing cars on W. Wis. Div. of the C, St. P., M. & O. R. R. Feb. 1, 1874, he was married to Miss M. E. Sprague, a native of the State of New York, born in 1855. They have one child, Ida, born Jan. 10, 1876. Is a Liberal in politics, a member of the I. O. O. F. and the A. O. U. W.
History of Northern Wisconsin 1881

N. B. WILKINSON, attorney, Elroy, is a native of Delaware. Born Jan. 29, 1853; was brought by his parents to Pierce Co., Wis., in 1865, where he received a good education, and at the age of eighteen, went to Michigan, and attended the State University, at Ann Arbor, graduating in the law department, in March, 1874. He then returned to Wisconsin, and attended two years at the State University at Madison, after which he returned to Pierce County, and practiced law at River Falls about two years, when he came to Elroy, where we still find him, pursuing his profession in May, 1881, in partnership with D. C. Talbot; purchased the Plain Talker, and is now publishing the same. Is a Liberal in politics, with Democratic principals, a member of the I. O. O. F., and the I. O. G. T. Was married, in 1870, to Delia Atwater, born in the State of New York, in 1857. They have three children —J., Zillai and Norris.
History of Northern Wisconsin 1881

NEW LISBON

In the Fall of 1837, Hon. John T. Kingston and Samuel B. Pilkington explored the Lemonweir Valley. They started from Racine with an outfit packed upon an Indian pony. Their route carried them through the present site of the city of Madison. From the Rock River they saw no signs of white men, except a blazed line of trees, indicating the road to the future capital of the State. From Madison they went to Ft. Winnebago, now Portage City. Procuring a supply of provisions, they proceeded on their journey; passed the trading post of Silas Wadsworth, at the high point of land near the present railroad bridge over the canal, and also Provonsal's trading post, about two miles above the mouth of the river. On the morning of the seventh day they ate their breakfast upon the present site of the village of New Lisbon, and, on the 29th of December, started on their return journey, reaching the fort December 31st, the third day after turning back, weaker, but not much wiser, men, merely learning that a supposed extensive pine forest was a myth, and that their anticipated lumber speculations was a failure.

It is shown in the preceding portion of this history that in October or November, 1838, Amasa Wilson, C. B. Smith and R. V. Allen began the work of getting out square timbers at Dells Eddy. After disposing of their timber in the Spring of 1840, Messrs. Smith and Wilson, leaving Mr. Allen in possession of the claim and shanty, at the foot of the dells, made a claim in Sauk County, about two miles below the present village of Newport. Remaining on the Sauk County claim only two years, they returned to Juneau County, in the Fall of 1842, and logged on the Lemonweir until the Spring of 1843, when they drove the logs down the river and boomed them at the present site of New Lisbon. Here they made a permanent location, and commenced the erection of a saw mill, which they completed and put into operation the same season.

In the Spring of 1846, J. H. Findley and William Armstrong came up from Portage and contracted to run Smith & Wilson's mill by the thousand, but they afterward bought the property, agreeing to make certain annual payments, which failing to do, the mill and other property reverted to the original proprietors. Mr. Wilson subsequently became sole owner by purchase. He still resides at this place. Mr. Smith removed to Portage in 1846, where he became a prominent merchant, and continued to live there to the time of his death, which occurred in 1855. Mr. Armstrong also returned to Portage, which is now his home. Mr. Findley subsequently settled on a claim near the mill, and remained in the neighborhood until 1851, when he removed to the Black River country, and settled in the present county of Clark.

In 1847, Andrew Dunn, of Portage, made a claim and located on the Lemonweir, in the town of Clearfield; commenced the erection of a saw-mill and other improvements, preparatory to engaging in the lumber business. The men who were employed to build the mill tried to claim it in their own right, but this course not suiting the views of Mr. Dunn, he obtained a crew of men and took forcible possession. Mr. Dunn employed D. L. Ward and Harris Searles to run his mill on the Lemonweir. They continued to live there until 1850, when they both located and built mills on the Yellow River, in Wood County.

Andrew Scott and Thomas Buckley came into the Lemonweir Valley in the Fall of 1847; logged for Mr. Dunn about four years, then bought the mill, running it for a number of years. Mr. Scott now lives in the town of Lisbon, and Mr. Buckley in the town of Clearfield. The first settlement made in the latter town, for other than lumber purposes, was in the year 1854. John Sandford, deceased, was one of the oldest settlers in the town. Mr. Dunn bought an interest in the mill with Mr. Wilson, in 1856, and afterward, in 1866, Mr. Wilson sold his entire interest to him and Thomas Folvey. Mr. Dunn removed his family to New Lisbon, and became prominently identified with the county in business as well as politics, and at the time of his death, was widely known through the State.

In 1844, Mr. Wilson built the first frame house, black smith shop, and barn erected at New Lisbon, near the present site of the mills of J. & E. Smart. During the same year he broke a few acres of land near the fair grounds, which is probably the first attempt of farming made in Juneau County. In 1850, George Hinton, Peter Webster and W. I. Webster located in the town of Lisbon, and are properly recognized as the first settlers for other than lumbering purposes. In 1851, Erastus Emmons made a location within the present limits of the village. In 1852, S. D. McComber, H. M. McComber, M. C. Kenyon, J. A. Chase and G. Heriman arrived and located a short distance outside of the present village. From this date the Lemonweir Valley began to attract settlers for agricultural purposes, particularly those portions lying south and west of the river.

New Lisbon was organized as a town, April 13, 1853, by the Board of Supervisors of Adams County. The first town meeting was held in the house of J. H. Findley, and A. P. Ayers was elected chairman.

In 1853, a post-office called Mill Haven was established about a mile south of the present village. Ephraim Kingsbury was appointed Postmaster.

In 1855, Amasa Wilson platted the village of New Lisbon. The addition of J. A. Chase was platted a short time after. During this year Wm. McDara, Dr. Little, L. Van Slyke, W. P. Carr, W. B. Surdam, John Boyler and several others settled in the village. Next year the post-office was moved to the village, but retained for a long time the original name of Mill Haven. L. Van Slyke was Postmaster after the removal.

The village of New Lisbon was incorporated by act of the Legislature, in March, 1870, and organized the following April. At the first election under the charter, E. C. Sage was chosen President of the village. The towns of Clearfield and Fountain were originally a part of the town of New Lisbon, since changed to Lisbon. The latter was organized into a new town under the name of Fountain, November 16, 1855.

The first settlement made in the town was by Abijah Ayers, in 1844. A few years afterward he sold the claim to Joel Bogart, who settled in the town in May, 1848. R. J. Clark came to Fountain in 1849, and built the house then known as Clark's Tavern. John Parks made a settlement the same year. But few settlements were made in Fountain until the years of 1852 and '53, when it began to fill up, and the town of Orange was organized by order of the County Board, to take effect April 1, 1857.

The village of Orange is a small place on Section 34. 

The village of New Lisbon is located on the line of the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railroad, thirty-five miles west of Milwaukee, sixty miles east of La Crosse, and is the junction of the Necedah Branch Railroad. It presents the appearance of a neat, thrifty village, well supplied with public institutions, societies and hotels, and all branches of business are well represented. It has a population of nearly 1,200, composed of all nationalities, the Americans and Germans being the leading elements. The Lemonweir River flows through the village, and furnishes abundant water-power for manufacturing interests.

The assessed valuation reaches $215,900, and the tax for village purposes is two per cent of this sum. The surrounding country is composed of excellent farming land and valuable marshes, adapted to the production of grains and the culture of cranberries.

It has four churches—Methodist, Baptist, Presbyterian and Roman Catholic. The Methodist is the oldest, and organized its first class, with Rev. John Green as pastor, in 1856. Mr. O. B. Chester, of New Lisbon, was the first superintendent of the Sabbath school, which was organized in 1857. The church was built in 1856; has a seating capacity of 200, and is valued at $2,000. Its membership reaches forty, and at present the pulpit is supplied.

The Presbyterian Church was organized from the followers of two missions—one Presbyterian, the other Congregational—in 1865, with Rev. H. S. Clark as pastor. It has a membership of seventy-five, a Sabbath school numbering 125 scholars and fifteen teachers. The pastor. Rev. A. A. Young, is now serving his sixth year. Church property valued at $2,000.

The Catholic Church has nearly 200 members; was built in 1860, and is attended by Rev. Father Gilbert, of Mauston, on alternate Sundays. The Baptist Church and Sabbath school were organized in 1853, with Rev. Mr, Knapp as pastor, and is the strongest society of the village. The present pastor is Rev. Cyrus Thomas, and the church property is valued at $2,000.

New Lisbon can justly take pride in her schools. They are acknowledged to be the first in the county, and among the best in the State. Prof. G. T. Foster is principal, and in charge of the advanced departments. He is assisted in the grammar department by Miss Dedie Beebe. The intermediate departments are in charge of Misses Sarah McKinstry and Frances Ball, and the primary are in charge of Misses Helen Vandercook and Roxana Brewster. The town owns two large school buildings, with a seating capacity of 400. Number of pupils attending school, 309; number of school age, about 400; number attending High School, 66; number in graduating class, 11; average age of entering High School, 14; of leaving, 18. Amount paid teachers, $2,440. Among the names of its past teachers are H. H. Hatch, of New Lisbon ; Prof. Johnson, of the Whitewater Normal; Prof. John Breckenage, now of Iowa.

It has five charter organizations—Juneau Lodge, No. 103, A. F. & A. M.,with sixty members; Siloam Lodge, I. O. O. F., No. 267, forty-five members; Ancient Order of United Workmen, New Lisbon Lodge, No. 38, with about fifty members; New Lisbon Lodge I. O. G. T., with forty members. All are in a healthy working condition.

The principal and pioneer industry is the New Lisbon Mills, which are run by water power, furnished by the Lemonweir River, and have a head of eight feet fall. They consume, on an average, 8,000 bushels of wheat, and grind for customers 15,000 bushels, a year. Two million feet of logs are sawed annually. The proprietors, Messrs. J. & E. Smart, are gentlemen fully conversant with the milling business, and are energetic men.

It has three wagon and sleigh manufactories, and one of the best equipped breweries in the State, owned and operated by Mr. Henry Bierbaiier. The sash, door and blind business is well represented in the manufactory of Mr. William McKnight. The Farmers' and Merchants' Bank is owned and conducted by Messrs. H. E. & W. D. Macomber—H. E. Macomber, president, and W. D. Macomber, cashier. This is a safe, reliable institution, established upon. a sound basis, and possesses the confidence of all here, as elsewhere, and does a general banking business.

The stock and produce business is well represented by Mr. Ole Oleson and Messrs. Carpenter & Butterfield. Country products include hay, grain and general farm produce, and stock raising, and the culture of cranberries receives special attention.

The village possesses three public halls, is adorned with many handsome residences, and the whole is replete with large and beautiful shade trees. The extension of the Necedah Branch Railroad is contemplated north and south, and in the near future New Lisbon bids fair to become an important railroad point. The present officers of the village are: J. M. Barlow, President of the Village; Lars. Balgord, John Smart, C. E. Newman, Fred Boynton, Peter Klein, Trustees; John H. Crandal, Clerk; M. F. Carney, Treasurer; William McKnight, Assessor; F. P.Butler, William McKay, Justices of the Peace; Henry Clow, Matthew Horrigan, Marshals.
History of Northern Wisconsin 1881

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES

J. M. BARLOW, merchant. A native of the State of Massachusetts, born in 1833. was a resident of the State for seventeen years, during which time he received a good common school education. In 1850, he came to Wisconsin, and settled first at East Troy, Walworth Co.. where he clerked in a store about six years. He then lived in Waukesha County until 1864. when he went to the State of New York and was engaged in the mercantile business in said State until 1870, at which time he returned to Wisconsin, and has since carried on a general mercantile business at New Lisbon. April 18, 1862, he was married to Miriam Evans, born at Williamsport. N. Y. They have three children— Harvey B., Miriam Lois and Lewis M. Mr. Barlow is a stalwart Republican in politics. Has held various local offices, and is at present serving his sixth term as President of the Village Board. He is also agent for the American Express Co.
History of Northern Wisconsin 1881

BENNETEAU & MACOMBER, attorneys. New Lisbon. E. T. Benneteau, the senior member of the firm, was born in the State of New York, in 1847. His father, Samuel Benneteau, was an attorney, and with him he commenced the study of law. In 1863, he enlisted in the 5th N. Y. Artillery, and served until the close of the war, when he was mustered out as major of artillery. He then returned to the Columbia College, of New York, where he graduated in 1866, affer which he practiced law in the State of New York until 1875, at which time he went to Chicago, and followed law practice until 1879, during which time, in 1878, he was married to Eliza Hudson, then of Chicago, but formerly of Canada. In 1879, he came to New Lisbon, where he carried on a law practice alone until March, 1881, when he formed a law partnership with E. C. Macomber, and are now carrying on a general law and collection business. Mr. Benneteau is chairman of the Republican committee.
History of Northern Wisconsin 1881

E. C. Macomber, the junior member of the firm, was born in New Lisbon, Wis., in 1857. Attended the high school of New Lisbon and the Wayland University of Beaver Dam, graduating at the latter in June, 1879, and in the Spring of 1880, commenced the study of law, reading with Judge Elwell, of Beaver Dam, about one year, after which, in March, 1881, he was admitted to the Bar. He is a promising young man, and will no doubt soon be among the leading members of the Bar.
History of Northern Wisconsin 1881

HENRY BIERBAUER, brewer. New Lisbon, one of the early settlers and prominent men of New Lisbon, is a native of Bavaria, Germany, Feb. 12, 1828. Emigrated to the United States in 1850, and first settled in New York City, where he worked at carriage work about three years, then engaged in grocery business, which he followed until 1858, at which time went to Utica, N. Y., learned the brewer's trade (with his brother Charles), and in 1859, came to Wisconsin, and after looking around for a few months, concluded that New Lisbon was a good point for business, and therefore, in partnership with Peter Fauerbach, purchased the brewery and ran the same, under the firm name of Bierbauer& Fauerbach, about three years, at the end of which time he purchased his partner's interest, and has since carried on the business as sole proprietor, and has met with marked success. He was married in 1850, to Barbara Fauerbach, a native of Germany. They have ten children — Henry, Louis, Peter, Louise, Lizzie, William, Carl, Emma, Matilda and Eda.
History of Northern Wisconsin 1881

M. F. CARNEY, editor and proprietor of the Juneau County Argus, published at New Lisbon, was born in Ireland, in 1836, and came to the United States while a lad. Subsequently he became a resident of Milwaukee, where he lived for several years, during which he was engaged in active pursuits, as an employee, but devoted his leisure to study. He located at New Lisbon in 1858, and engaged in business for himself, at which place he has continued to reside. He has frequently been called to positions of trust and responsibility by his fellow citizens. From 1860 to 1864, he served as Town Treasurer; in 1867, as Chairman of the Town Board of Supervisors; in 1869, he was elected County Superintendent of Schools; in 1874, was elected to the office of County Treasurer; in 1877-79, he served as Village Treasurer, and was again elected to the latter position in 1881. He became sole proprietor of the Argus in 1863, and has continued at its head without change or interruption since then. As a writer, he is terse and pointed in style, and in newspaper duties his ability is acknowledged by the reading public. Quiet and unassuming in his manners, respectful in his bearing, he aims at observing the Golden Rule in his intercourse with men, and will hew to the line at all hazard, let the chips fall where they may. The business methods of early life are traceable and easily recognized in his everyday work. He possesses popular traits of character that secure for him the esteem and confidence of all who know him. The nuptial ceremonies which united Mr. Carney and Miss Winifred E. Owens, of Watertown. Wis., were duly solemnized. Sept. 20, 1869. by Rev. P. F. Petitt, at St. Bernard's Church in that city. Of the seven children born to them, four died in infancy and three are living. The oldest of the living, a daughter, named Mary, was born Sept. 22, 1873; the second, a son, named Francis, was born Jan. 18, 1878; and the youngest, a daughter, named Agnes, was born Feb. 20, 1881.
History of Northern Wisconsin 1881

W. H. H. CASH, speculator. New Lisbon, was born in Belmont Co., Ohio, in 1843, where he was reared on a farm, and received but a small amount of schooling. In 1861, he came to New Lisbon, and as he was then a poor boy, he worked at all sorts of jobs until Jan. 4, 1864, when he enlisted in the 10th Wis. L. A., and was first assigned to Kilpatrick's command, of Sherman's army, afterward to the 12th Wis. L. A., and served until the close of the war. He then returned to New Lisbon, and as he had saved a little money while in the army, he engaged in mercantile business, keeping a meat market and general provision store about ten years, during which time he always kept his eye open to speculations, dealing extensively with the Indians, of whom he purchased a great many cranberries, blueberries, etc. He also dealt in grain, and, in fact, anything he thought would prove profitable. After quitting the mercantile business, he dealt in live stock, and in 1877 was awarded the contract to build the Necedah branch of the C, M. & St. P. R. R., which he completed in a very short time, and as the scheme had proven a financial success, he in 1878, in partnership with D. Vandercook, under the firm name of Cash & Vandercook, concluded to build a railroad of their own from Sparta to Viroqua, and at once procured the right of way and commenced work, but before completion they sold the same to the C, M. & St. P. R. R., and by so doing cleared quite an amount of this world's goods. The town of Cashton, on said road, was laid out and started by Mr. Cash, after whom it was named.

After completing the Viroqua branch, Mr. Cash. Sept. 19, 1879, was awarded the contract to build the extension of the Wis. Val. R. R. from Wausau to Jenny (now Merrill), a distance of eighteen miles, the same to be completed by Jan. 1, 1880. He immediately commenced work, and at eight o'clock, P.M., Dec. 31, 1879, the last rail was laid and the first locomotive run over the road—-but not without encountering considerable trouble, as the month of December was a very cold one, and many of his employees were badly frozen. One day, six were compelled to leave the work on account of frozen hands, etc. The following year, he was engaged in speculating in wood, ties, piles, etc., and in the Fall of said year he started a stock ranch in Iowa and one in Nebraska, where he now has about 600 head of cattle and about 1,000 sheep. The present year, 1881, he has been investing in mining interests in Michigan, Wisconsin and Texas, and general speculation. Mr. Cash is a Republican in Politics, was a Member of the Assembly of Wisconsin in 1877, has held various local offices, and is a member of the F. & A. M. He was married, in 1865, to Miss Georgia Surdam. then of New Lisbon, but formerly of New York. They have five children—Charles F., Adelbert B., Jessie M.. John Avery and William N.
History of Northern Wisconsin 1881

J. J. HUGHES, attorney. New Lisbon, is a native of Wales, born in 1841. Emigrated with his parents to the United States in 1856, and came direct to Wisconsin, settling first at Fond du Lac, where he resided about fourteen years, during which he attended school at the Wayland University, of Beaver Dam, and in 1865 entered the Lawrence University, of Appleton, where he graduated in 1870. He then followed teaching, having charge of the schools at Fox Lake one yearn New Lisbon High Schools two years and the public schools at Portage City two years, after which he read law law, and in 1876 was admitted to the Bar, and has since carried on a general law and collection business. He was married, in 1873, to Nettie F. Beebe, born in Juneau Co., Wis , Aug. 2, 1854 They have four children—Avis E., Walter W., Mary J. and Eva A.
History of Northern Wisconsin 1881

F. E. HURD, merchant. New Lisbon, was born in Ohio, in 1847, and at nine years of age came with his parents to Juneau Co., Wis. Received an academic education at the New Lisbon High School, and also attended commercial college of Milwaukee. In 1864, he enlisted in Co. E, 41st Wis. I. V., and served 100 days. He then returned to Wisconsin, and clerked in the stores of William Runkle, W. P. Carr, Runkle & Ingersol and others until 1867. He then went to Kewaunee, Ill., and worked in a store about eighteen months; then returned to New Lisbon, and in March, 1869, in partnership with C. D. Curtis, engaged in a general mercantile business, under the firm name of Curtis & Hurd, and carried on the same until the Spring of 1874. when he sold out his interest to Mr. Curtis, and in the Fall of the same year, engaged in a general mercantile business, and has since carried on the same. He was married. Dec. 26, 1870, to Libbie Gibbs, born at Delafield. Wis., in 1850. They have two children, Avery L. and Erie N. Is a Republican in politics. Was Postmaster at Camp Douglas two years — at which place he ran a branch store at the time. Has also been a member of the Village Board.
History of Northern Wisconsin 1881

PETER LA SARGE. barber. New Lisbon, is a native of Canada, born July 7, 1844, and when about six years of age moved with his parents to the State of New York, where he learned the shoemaker's trade. In November, 1867, he came to New Lisbon, Wis., and followed his trade until the Spring of 1877, during which time he learned the barber's trade, and has since been engaged in that business. He was married, Dec. 2, 1867, to Idell Gunion, a native of Canada. They have one child, adopted, Lizzie.
History of Northern Wisconsin 1881

WILLIAM McKAY, Justice of the Peace, is one of the oldest settlers of New Lisbon. He is a native of Ireland, born in the county of Tyrone, Dec. 23, 1823; received a good common school education, and at the age of nineteen emigrated to the United States, and worked at joiner work, in the State of Illinois, about two years; he then went to New York City and followed the same trade until 1855, at which time he came to Wisconsin, continuing his trade at Waterloo until 1858. He then came to New Lisbon, and in 1864 enlisted in Co. E, 38th Wis V. I., and served until the close of the war, when he returned to New Lisbon, and worked at his trade most of the time until May, 1881, since which time he has been engaged in restaurant business and attending to the office of Justice of the Peace. Was married, in 1856, to Martha J. Kenyon, a native of the State of New York. They have one child, W. J., born in 1857.
History of Northern Wisconsin 1881

CHARLES E. MACOMBER, druggist. New Lisbon, was born in New Lisbon, Wis.. Aug. 13. 1858; attended New Lisbon High School and the State Normal School, at Oshkosh. during which time he taught two terms of school and kept books in the Farmers' & Merchants' Bank, of New Lisbon, a short time. April 1, 1881, he purchased the drug business of E. B. Nichols, and has since carried on the same. He was married. May 19, 1881, to Miss Gertie Carr, daughter of W. P. Carr, of New Lisbon. Politics, Republican.
History of Northern Wisconsin 1881

W. D. MACOMBER, cashier of the Farmers' & Merchants' Bank, was born in Juneau Co., Wis., in 1859; received an academic education at the New Lisbon High School, and in 1878 attended Business College at Davenport, Iowa, after which he was employed in the office of the American Express Company, at New Lisbon, until Jan. 1, 1880; he then went to Flandreau, Dakota Ter., and acted as book-keeper for the Bank of Flandreau until September, when he returned to New Lisbon, and has since acted as cashier of the Farmers & Merchants' Bank, of New Lisbon.
History of Northern Wisconsin 1881

D. H. MILLS, harness maker. New Lisbon, a native of Pennsylvania, born in Erie. May 10, 1836; was brought West by his parents while he was but an infant, living in Illinois until 1843, at which time they came to Wisconsin, and settled at Madison; there he learned his trade, and in 1853 removed to Portage City, where he followed his trade until 1866, during which time he served in the United States Engineer Corps about six months; he then came to New Lisbon, and has since been in the employ of Charles Smith as foreman of the harness department. Was married, in 1860, to Miss P. C. Jackson, a native of Pennsylvania. They have three children—Josephine, Abba and Frances.
History of Northern Wisconsin 1881

JOHN R. NEWELL, proprietor of Crosby House, New Lisbon. This jovial and accommodating landlord was born at Brockport, N. Y., May 27, 1851; received a good common school education, and at twelve years of age entered the store of James Whelan, for whom he clerked two years; then for George R. Ward until 186 ; he then went to Rochester, and was employed in the Ocean Oyster House until the Spring of 1870, when he concluded to try the West, and accordingly went to Michigan, stopping at Coopersville, a few months after which he came to Wisconsin, and soon engaged as advance agent of the dramatic troupe of Edward Clifford, which situation he held until the Fall of 1874. He then served in the same capacity for Frank E. Aikin about one year, at the end of which time, in 1875, he came to New Lisbon, and November 25th was married to Miss Delia Crosby. He then served as clerk of the Crosby House one year, after which he had the management of the house, and has been proprietor since 1880. The Crosby House has a good reputation throughout the State, for it is the place where travelers find the table well supplied with all the market affords, and all parts of the house neat and tidy. Mr. Newell is a Mason.
History of Northern Wisconsin 1881

PHILIP RUNKEL, merchant. New Lisbon ; a native of Germany; born Oct. 13, 1832; emigrated to the United States in 1849, and came direct to Wisconsin, settling first at Milwaukee, where he learned the carriage trade, and followed the same in that city (with the exception of about eighteen months, when he was at Mineral Point, and about the same length of time at Rochester) until March 1855. at which time he came to Juneau County and spent the Summer at Necedah, where he helped build a warehouse. The following year he engaged in mercantile business at Germantown, and continued the same until 1866, during which time, in 1864, he was elected County Treasurer, which office he held until 1868. In 1866, he moved to Mauston. From 1868-73, he was engaged in farming; he then came to New Lisbon, and has since been engaged in grocery business. He also deals extensively in cranberries, shipping about I000 barrels per year, being the principal shipper of New Lisbon. Mr. Runkel was married, in 1857. to Charlotte Gundlack. a native of Illinois. They have seven children—Anna E.. Julius P., Harman E., Charlotte A.. Henry P., George W. and Albert W.
History of Northern Wisconsin 1881

THEODORE SERRURIER, proprietor Commercial Hotel, New Lisbon, is a native of France. His grandfather, Jean Mathew Phillibert Serrurier, was Marshal of France under Napoleon I, from 1804 until his death, in 1819. His father, Fredrick D. Serrurier, was a State officer of France. When but an infant Theodore moved, with his parents, into Germany, where he received a good education, after which he served as paymaster for a railroad company about five years; he then engaged in the manufacture of iron and zinc ornaments, at Berlin, and followed the same until 1856, at which time he emigrated with his family to Australia, and engaged in mining, and while in said business he traveled over a great part of Australia and New Zealand; afterward he was engaged in hotel business, and in 1867 he came lo the United States, and carried on a grocery business in Chicago about six years, and in 1873 came to New Lisbon, and has since been engaged in hotel business. He was married, in 1844. to Johanna Schmidt, a native of Berlin, Germany; born in 1825. They have had seventeen children, thirteen of whom are living—William, Cort Richard, Paul. Max F., Bertram, Theodore, Alexander, Johanna, Theressa, Philip, Richard, George and Edith.
History of Northern Wisconsin 1881

G. A. SINCLAIR, dentist, New Lisbon, a native of Scotland, born in 1853, and in 1855 his father, Alex. Sinclair, emigrated with his family to America, and settled at Eaubu, Canada, where G. A. received a common school education, and learned the cabinet trade, which he followed about five years, after which, in 1874, he turned his attention to dentistry, and followed the same till October, 1877, when he came to the United States, and has since continued his profession at New Lisbon, and is meeting with marked success. He has one assistant, J. Husband, D. D. S., a graduate of the Philadelphia Dental College, and one student, J. H. Ramsey, who has served since September, 1880.
History of Northern Wisconsin 1881

CHARLES SMITH, New Lisbon, a native of Germany, born in 1825; learned the shoemaker's trade, and in 1856 emigrated to the United States; came direct to Wisconsin and followed his trade at Portage City, about fifteen months; after which, in 1857, he came to New Lisbon, which place at that time consisted of ten dwellings. Here he worked at his trade, also dealing in boots and shoes, until Aug. 9, 1864, at which time he enlisted in the 8th Wis. Battery, and served until the close of the war. Returning to New Lisbon, he again resumed his trade and boot and shoe business, to which, in the Fall of 1865, he added harnesses, and has since carried on the same. Is a Liberal in politics; has held various town and school offices. Was married in 1858 to Mary Schumaker, a native of Germany. They have three children—Emma, Carrie and Otto.
History of Northern Wisconsin 1881

RICHARD SMITH, attorney. New Lisbon, was born in Hamburg, N. Y., in 1818; received an academic education, and at the age of twenty-two turned his attention to the study of law, reading with James Mullet about three years, when he was admitted to the Bar, and soon after came West and practiced law at Joliet, Ill., when he was admitted to the Bar of all the courts of the State, until the Fall of 1846. He then came to Wisconsin and followed his profession in Waukesha County until December, 1856, at which time he came to New Lisbon, at which place he was the first lawyer, and has since carried on a general law and collection business. He was married in 1846 to Miss Maria C. Moore, a native of New York. They have three children—Henry, Lizzie and Mellie. Mr. Smith is a Democrat; has been Justice of the Peace and District Attorney.
History of Northern Wisconsin 1881

THOMAS H. WILCOX, station agent. New Lisbon, was born in Wayne Co., N. Y., March 26, 1845. When four years of age, his father died, after which he went to live with his grandfather, Thomas Wilcox, with whom he soon came to Wisconsin and lived at Aztalan, Jefferson Co., about seven years, during which time his grandfather died. He then went to Beaver Dam and lived with his uncle, O. H. P. Fisher, until 1861. He then enlisted in Co. F, 29th Wis. V. I., and was rejected on account of his age, but served about a year as lieutenant-colonel's orderly, after which he returned to Wisconsin, but soon departed for the State of New York to visit his mother, who was then living at Palmyra, and remained about one year, when he again returned to Wisconsin, and soon afterward re-enlisted in Co. G, 40th Wis. I. V., and served 100 days, at the end of which lime he returned to Beaver Dam, Wis., and attended school at the Wayland University nearly two terms, then worked for his uncle nearly one year, after which he followed farming at Milford, Wis., about two years. At the end of this time, he turned his attention to railroading, learned telegraphy, and worked for the C, M. & St. P. R. R. Co. at Oconomowoc a short time, then, in May, 1870, came to New Lisbon, at which place he, with the exception of one year when he was in their employ at Tomah, has since served them as telegraph operator, and as station agent since Aug. 1. 1878. He was married May 12, 1874, to Eliza M. Daily, then of New Lisbon, but formerly of Pennsylvania. They have three children—William M., born March 27, 1875; Kittie M., born July 16, 1876; Cecele J., born Dec. 9, 1880. Politics, Republican, and a Mason.
History of Northern Wisconsin 1881

A. C. WILKINSON attorney. New Lisbon, a native of England, born in Wibsey, Yorkshire, in 1853. Emigrated with his parents to the United States in the Spring of 1858, and came direct to Wisconsin, settling first at Ironton, Sauk Co., and after about eighteen months moved to Lavalle, where he received a good common school education, and in 1874 came to Mauston, Juneau Co., where he read law with his brother, R. A. Wilkinson, until 1877, when he came to New Lisbon, and has since carried on a general law and collection business. He was married Dec. 31, 1878, to Miss Agnes L. Harris, of New Lisbon, born March 22, 1861. They have one child, Lorraine Agnes, born July 9, 1880. Mr. Wilkinson is a Democrat, a member of the A. F. & A. M. and the A. O. U. W.
History of Northern Wisconsin 1881

A. WILSON, retired. New Lisbon, the first settler of Juneau County, and has lived in said county, with the exception of about three years, since 1838. He was born in Windsor County, among the mountains of Vermont, in April, 1817; received a common school education, and with his parents came to Wisconsin in 1837, and lived at Ft. Winnebago, now Portage City, about one year, when he concluded to push on a little farther west, and the Winter of 1838-9 found him lumbering near the Dells of the Wisconsin. In 1841, he cut the first timber on the Lemonweir River, and in 1843. he built a saw mill at what is now New Lisbon, and run the same until 1847. Up to this time, about his only neighbors were Winnebago Indians, but they were very friendly to Mr. Wilson and seldom stole anything from him. Once he had an ox taken, but on informing the chief it was returned. He then went to Portage engaged in a general mercantile business, keeping the first store on the north side of the canal at said place, and continued the business until the Fall of 1850, when he returned to New Lisbon; built a new mill on the site of the old one, and concluded to make New Lisbon his future home. He continued in the lumber business about twelve years; then operated in real estate with considerable success until about 1870, when he was afflicted with sore eyes which resulted in the loss of sight in one eye, and caused him much trouble with the other. He was married in 1862 to Harriet Colvin, then of New Lisbon, but formerly of Madison Co., N. Y. Mr. Wilson is a Republican in politics, and although political honors have been tendered him he has refused to have anything to do with politics more than to perform his rights as a faithful citizen.
History of Northern Wisconsin 1881

MAUSTON

In the Winter of 1838-39, John T. De La Ronde and Judge Silas Walsworth established a trading post on the site of the present village of Mauston. This was the first settlement or improvement made by white men at this point. They had in their employ a Canadian by the name of Norbert St. Germaine, who was left in charge of the trading post until the following Winter. The next settlement made at this point was in 1842. During the Summer of this year, J. B. McNeil and two men, named Elmore and McAlIeister, after exploring the river and finding sufficient timber upon the stream to justify it, entered into a copartnership to carry on the lumber business. They commenced the erection of a dam and mill, which they completed the following season. After running the milling and lumber business for three years, McNeil and McAlIeister sold out their interest in the claim and improvements to Joseph Hewlett; and Elmore having died subsequently without heir, Hewlett became sole proprietor, continuing the business until 1849.

During the time Hewlett was operating the mill, he became connected in business with Gen. M. M. Maughs, of Galena, Ill., and after Hewlett's death, Gen. Maughs came into possession of the mill and improvements, and eventually became the original proprietor of its village of Mauston—the village taking the name of its proprietor. Gen. Maughs returned to Galena, leaving the property in charge of his brother, Nichols Moss, who conducted the business until 1850 or '51; at which time Gen. Maughs moved his family from Galena, made Mauston his future residence, and assumed personal charge of the business, which he maintained until his death, February 18, 1863. Gen. Maughs was widely known, and was universally respected for his worth and integrity.

Previous to the incorporation of Mauston as a village, it was included in the town of Lemonweir, which, at this date, embraced nearly all of the southern part of the county west of the Wisconsin. The first settler for other than lumbering purposes, was John Gregory, a native of England. He located upon Spring Creek, in the west part of the town, in August, 1849. The next year, he was followed by John McNown, John Smith, William McCallum, E. G. Shute, William Crane, Charles Minchian, John C. Webster. During the same year, William Stewart settled in the present town of Lindina, at what is now known as the Stewart settlement. The date of the organization of the towns of Lemonweir and Lindina, cannot now be determined.

The former was represented at the first meeting of the Board of Supervisors for Adams County, April 12, 1853, and was one of two towns represented on the west side of the Wisconsin. At the annual meeting, Nov. 14, 1854, the town of Lindina was represented in the Board, and the boundaries are described in the journal of proceedings on the 16th of November, but no date of organization appears. Martin Gray, Dr. Linos Johnston, Dudley Little, were among the first who settled at Mauston. Mr. Gray was proprietor of every important addition to the village, and at the time of his death, was a prominent business man, and intimately connected with county politics. Dudley Little built the first tavern of the place. The old building, still standing upon its original site, on Union street, near the river. Hon. John Turner and F. Winsor were the first lawyers to locate at Mauston, and for a number of years did the business for the surrounding country, coming here in 1854. Mr. Turner was editor and proprietor of the Mauston Star, for many years, and has figured prominently in politics. Mr. Winsor was elected first District Attorney of Juneau County. From this time, the village began to grow rapidly, and in 1857, numbered fully 800 people.

After the organization of Lindina, Mauston, for a time, was included in that town. Lindina was named in honor of Mrs. M. M. Maughs, wife of the General. General Maughs platted the village of Mauston, July 14, 1854, and it was incorporated as a village in April, 1860. Mauston, situated on the Iine of the C, M. & St. P. R. R., 127 miles west of Milwaukee, surrounded with a rich and beautiful agricultural country, supplied with abundant timber and pure water, settled with intelligent, temperate, industrious people, making it a home for cultured thrift, of which its citizens are justly proud. It has a population of about 1,300. That public affairs are well managed, is proved by the fact that the tax rate for village purposes is less than 6% mills on the dollar of the assessed valuation. It gives every evidence of being most thriving and energetic in its business pursuits. The commercial trade report it as one of the finest of the many on this line of railway. To exhibit its prosperity, we present the following synopsis in brief of the public institutions located here, showing its interests in schools, churches, societies, and general business.

County Offices. — It being the county seat, the public offices are located here. The county owns one of the finest arranged court-houses in the State. It is built of cream-colored brick, is approached both rear and front by flights of stone steps, is finished in a pleasing style of architectural art, and presents a beautiful and substantial structure, that gives evidence of the taste and liberality of its citizens. It is located upon what is known as the Public Square, embracing an entire block, 320 feet by 200 feet, situated in the business part of the village. Its grass plots are crossed by serpentine walks, and the whole square is thickly planted with rapidly growing and ornamental shade trees. The corner-stone of the court-house was laid July 4, 1875, with imposing ceremonies, by the various Masonic organizations of the State, the Grand Lodge, J. P. C. Cottrell, Grand Master, having charge of the exercises; and the building was completed in 1876. The court-room, jury and consultation rooms are on the upper floor, and in each appointment furnish the most convenient facilities for the transaction of business. On the lower floor are the public offices, for the use of the County Judge, County Clerk, Treasurer, Clerk of the Courts and Register of Deeds. All, with the exception of the Treasurer's office, are furnished with large, commodious vaults, with double iron doors and combination locks, so that all deem the public records reasonably safe.

The county jail was erected in 1878, and completed in January, 1879, the total cost of the building and furniture reaching $11,938.24. The plan was made by Messrs. H. C Koch & Co., of Milwaukee. Situated at the head of Hickory and Mansion streets, to the eye of a stranger it presents the appearance of a stately mansion, the jail proper being in the rear and entirely concealed by the Sheriffs residence. The building is constructed with stone basement, surmounted with three stories of cream colored brick, the architectural style being" Queen Anne." The entire building is furnished with all modern improvements, including hot and cold water baths, and is warmed throughout by furnace. It also is arranged for the accommodation of the insane of the county. The prison-yard is surrounded by a high wall, and the grounds by an iron fence; experts deem it the most safe and complete jail in the State. Hon. H. H. Giles, of the Wisconsin State Board of Charity and Reform, recently made an official inspection, and in his report to the Legislature, says: "Arrangements for ventilation and sewerage seem quite perfect; considered in all respects, we think it the most perfect and complete structure for jail purposes in the State." The old jail, built some fifteen years since, stands on the east side of the public square; it is a small one story brick building, and is to be torn down and removed.

Hon. John Turner, Windsor & Veeder, and H. W. Barney the present District Attorney, represent the legal profession in Mauston. Mr. Turner is the oldest practitioner, and stands at the head of the profession in this county. He located here in 1855. From 1859 to 1878, was editor and proprietor of the Mauston Star. He has held many important offices, among which are member of Assembly in 1859, District Attorney for the years 1871, 1872 and 1873, and was the first President of the village, which position he held five years. The firm of Windsor & Veeder are recognized as able, honest lawyers, and stand high in the profession. Judge Windsor has received official recognition and was once elected to the County Judgeship. He has also held the office of District Attorney, and his partner, Mr. F. S. Veeder, has filled the same office.

The pioneers of Lindina, which then comprised the village of Mauston, early turned their attention to educational interests and elected the first School Board in 1854. Dr. Linas Johnson (Director), Martin Gray (Treasurer), J. M. Maughs (Clerk), G. R. Burritt (Supt). The first school organized was held at the house of John Brewer, now the Costley Farm; the principal object being to obtain the benefit of the public school fund. Mrs. Luther Atkins, nee Miss L. A. Heath, of Mauston, was the first teacher, the school numbering twenty pupils, all of whom are now scattered and living in other States. This Board divided the town into two districts, the west portion being called the Upper District, that of the east or Mauston proper, the Lower. In the Upper District the school house stood near the residence of Mr. L. C. La Tour; that of the Lower, near the office and store of Judge Windsor. A Winter session was held at the Lower District, taught by Miss A. T. Short. These buildings were cheaply constructed and little better than board shanties, yet they filled the demands of these early times. Fuel was provided for by parents furnishing one-half cord of wood for each scholar instructed. The teacher " boarded around " with each family pro rata as to number of children sent to school. The records of 1855 show that Isaac Fuller was (Director), Dudley Little (Treas), Ira A. Livetland (Clerk), Rev. Harrison B. Train (Supt). Mrs. Atkins taught the Summer term at the Lower District, M. D. Morrison the Winter term, but farther than this they are silent. In 1856, the two districts, after conferring together, united in one, appointed a committee, of which Hon. John Turner was chairman, to select a site and build a new structure for school purposes, and appropriated $700. This committee constructed the main portion of the present building, which they completed during the year, the total cost reaching $2,068. This fact caused much dissatisfaction, but it was accepted on the first vote and further provision made for the balance of the cost over the appropriation. The building is situated at the corner of La Crosse and Oak streets; is a large two-story frame building, the main part sixty by forty feet, with a two-story addition forty by forty feet; erected in 1861. It has a seating capacity sufficient for 300 pupils, and is supplied with a valuable library, scientific and philosophical charts and apparatus. There are 367 children of school age in the district — 267 enrolled at the present time. Number attending High School, sixty. Number of present graduating class, eight per cent of attendance, ninety-four. Prof. J. Anderson, the present principal, is a graduate of the State University, and fulfills his duties in a manner pleasing to all. Under his careful tuition the schools have made rapid progress and show the advantages of thorough instruction and good discipline. The grammar department is in charge of Mr. M. S. Bunnell, a former graduate of the High School. Miss Mary Sherwood, of the intermediate; Miss Aggie Burg, of the second primary, and Mrs. L. A. Cornish, of the first primary, and assistant in High School, Mrs. A. E. Goetting, have been employed for a number of terms, and have proved their ability as teachers. Among the teachers worthy of especial mention are Prof. H. G. Wood, who was principal for many years, and Prof. Barnes. During the coming year the village expects to erect a new building that shall cost $10,000. County Superintendent W. G. Spence has his office at Mauston. He was formerly principal of the school. He reports the present number of children of school age in Juneau County, 5,930. Present number attending school, 4,348. Per cent, of attendance, about 90 percent. Number of teachers employed, 116. Value of school property, $40,306.75. Amount paid teachers, $18,164.46. Connected with the school, though in part supported by the young people of the village, is the Lyceum. This society has grown to be one of the established institutions of Mauston, and the value of this kind of culture can not easily be over-estimated. The present officers are : President, Judge F. Windsor; Vice-President, Prof. J. Anderson ; Secretary, Miss Irma Grote ; Treasurer, Mr. M. S. Bunnell.

In this village are six churches, three of which have parsonages. The organizations are Roman Catholic, Methodist, Baptist, Congregational, German Presbyterian and German Evangelical. The first Catholic mission founded in Juneau County was at Kildare, in 1854, the attending priest. Rev. Father Gardner, of Sauk, Sauk Co. The church of this mission was situated upon the present site of St. Bridget's Cemetery, in that town, and was called St. Bridget's Church. The first mission established at Mauston was in 1856, Rev. Father Steahle, attending priest, then located at Kildare. The first church was situated on State street, near the corner of Spring, and was erected in 1858. This was a small two-story frame building, 40 x 25 feet, afterward removed to the present site of the church, and an addition built on, 30x25 feet, in 1874. In April, 1880, this structure accidentally took fire and was so badly damaged that it was torn down, and the present handsome brick edifice erected. The foundation was laid in July, 1880, and the church completed the following December. Situated at the head of Pine street, on a sufficient elevation to be commanding, it presents a solid, stately appearance. Inside it is beautifully frescoed, and the sunlight, as it comes through the stained glass windows, sheds a soft, mellow light over the whole interior. The first resident priest was Father Montague, who settled at Mauston in the Fall of 1858. He remained here about one year, removing to Lyndon. His successor was Father Roach, who had charge of the church for a period of two years. Father Roach was succeeded by Father Carrigan, who was followed by Father Casey in November, 1865. He remained here only two years, during which time he purchased the church property of Messrs. McCafferty & Adler, being in turn succeeded by Father Larin in 1867. His successor was Father White, in 1870, who remained until his death, which took place in 1877. His remains were interred in the church-yard, and the spot is marked by a pure white marble shaft, emblematic of the just and holy life he led. He was succeeded by Rev. Father Gilbert, the present pastor and resident priest of the parish, who is also assisted by Father Gesseler. The jurisdiction of this parish includes St. Paul's at New Lisbon; St. Francis Xavier, Necedah; St. Michael's at Lindina. He also celebrates a monthly mass at the missions of Camp Douglas and Wernerville. Father Gilbert is one of those conscientious, hard-working men who always command the love and respect of their people, and is an honor to the church he represents. He is a native of Italy, was educated at Rome, where he was ordained in 1865. He belongs to the Order of Franciscans; completed his studies at Allegany, and from that place was sent to Mauston. His congregation numbers 600 members, and he has a most laborious mission. The Methodist Episcopal organization dates back to 1854, and was the first Methodist mission established in Juneau County. It belongs to the West Wisconsin Conference, and is the principal church of the county, both in membership and wealth. It was organized by Rev. W. C. Armstrong, the original class consisting of Rev. Ira A. Swetland, wife and daughter and Rev. W. C. Armstrong, wife and daughter, from which time the church has had a slow but steady growth up to the present time, and now numbers 140 members. The church was built by Rev. R. Fancher in 1857. Intimately connected with the first six years of mission work in the county is Rev. Ira A. Swetland, one of the early settlers of Mauston. During the present year, the church has been moved back forty feet from the original site, enlarged and rebuilt, a fine large tower added, and now presents a fine appearance. It is valued at $2,600, and the parsonage, situated at the corner of Docksteader and State streets, a neat little cottage house, at $1,250. The church is situated on State street, at the head of Oak; has a large audience room with a seating capacity of 350, on the first floor, and church parlors, lecture and class-room in the basement. The pastor, Rev. G. W. L. Brown, is now serving his second year. He is an honest, thoughtful, hard-working man, whose only interest is the welfare of his charge. W. G. Spence is superintendent of the Sunday-school, which numbers fifteen teachers, 125 scholars, and has a library of 300 volumes.

The remaining societies are as yet in their infancy, their membership being small. Three of them are at present without pastors. Their property is valued at $3,500. The first and foremost among Mansion's benevolent societies, is the fraternity of Free Masonry. They have here a Blue Lodge and a Royal Arch Chapter. Their lodge rooms are beautifully furnished, and they occupy a prominent position among the leading and best ones of the State. The lodge is called Northern Light, No. 81, instituted Sept. 21, 1856, and has eighty-seven members enrolled. It is sound financially, and its deeds of charity have many times proved to be more than empty promises, bringing comfort to many distressed homes. The present officers are: B. F Parker, W. M.; S. W. Wilcox, S. W.; C. W. Barney, J. W.; C. Lyon, treasurer; W. G. Spence, secretary. The Chapter is called Mauston Chapter, No. 33, was instituted June 14, 1866, and its jurisdiction embraces Juneau and parts of adjoining counties. It owns a magnificent regalia and carries on its rolls the names of eighty-six companions. The present officers are: P. R. Briggs, H. P.; M. Temple, K. ; W. G. Spence, S.; C. Lyon, treasurer; B. N. Souther, secretary. Mauston Lodge, I. O. O. F., No. 290, was instituted May 8, 1879, by District Deputy, C. K. Ervin, of Tomah. The charter members were: H. S. Spaulding, G. C. Gardner, Abel Brownwall, W. R. Irish, H. C. Strong, P. C Nelson, George Cower; forty additional members have since been added, the lodge now numbering forty-eight members. The present officers are: W. A. Sikes, N. G.; B. C. Dockstader, V. G.; William Russell, R. S.; C. N. Holden, P. S.; Andrew Ely, treasurer; William Koehler, trustee. The order of I. O. G. T. was introduced into Wisconsin in 1856. The Grand Lodge headquarters are located at Mauston, and are in charge of Grand Secretary B. F. Parker, who is now serving his eighth year. At the time of Mr. Parker's election, the order numbered only 7,000 members and 112 lodges. It now numbers 20,000 members and about 500 lodges. The supplies of the order are kept at this office, and its receipts and disbursements amount to $10,000 per year. The lodge located at Mauston, Advance Guard, No. 261, was instituted in April, 1865, and has enrolled the names of over 500 members. There are sixteen lodges in this county, with a membership of 800. The officers of the Grand Lodge of Wisconsin are: Theodore D. Kanouse, G. W. C. T.; P. Allen, Jr., G. W. C; Mrs. J. A. Brown, G. V. T.; B. F. Parker, G. S.; Mrs. L. W. Parker, G. T.; M. Knight, A. G.' S.; Miss Emma Sprague, G. S. J. T.; Rev. L. F. Cole, G. C; H. L. Pound,G. M.; Miss Eva Goodrich, G. D. M.; Mrs. J. Gregg, G. I. G.; Joseph Becauhord, C. S.; H. Foster, P. G. W. C. T.

The Ancient Order of United Workmen is an order ancient only in the foundation principles, which are mutual aid and assistance; was first organized in Meadville, Pa , about twelve years ago, and has become so popular with the people that it has spread over the whole United States, and numbers nearly 100,000 members. It is distinctly an insurance order. Each member who has taken the third degree is insured for the sum of $2,000 for the benefit of his family or friend named. The order in any State numbering more than 2,000 members may, by request, become a separate beneficiary jurisdiction. Wisconsin became such in 1879. There are 4,000 members in the State. The lodge in this village, Mauston Lodge, No. 11, is in a flourishing condition, and under an efficient corps of officers. The Mauston Light Guards rank second to none, as a military organization, in the State. It was organized, August 31, 1869, with Hon. John Turner as captain, and was the third company organized in the State, the two older companies being the Sheridan Guards, of Milwaukee, organized June 23, 1869, and the Manitowoc Company, organized July 18, 1869. Its roster carries seventy-five men, and it holds itself ready to drill with any company in the State. The regular uniform is navy blue with white facings, the same style as the Seventh Regiment of New York National Guards, except the facings, which are bright red. It owns eleven tents, sufficient for the accommodation of the company, and a full set of camp equipage. It also possesses two beautiful silk standards of national colors, one of which was presented by the ladies of Mauston. They also own a Zouave uniform, consisting of blue jackets, red caps and breeches, with white leggings, which is worn on dress occasions and exhibition drills. The present commissioned officers are : B. F. Parker, captain ; Richard Powers, first lieutenant; G. H. Winsor, second lieutenant; Quarter-master, Hon. John Turner.

The Bank of Mauston is a well known, reliable institution, situated at the corner of Division and State streets. It was opened in 1869 by J. B. Rosecrantz, who after running it a short time was taken sick, and being unable to continue the business, sold out to Mr. P. R. Briggs, the present senior partner, who continued it until 1880, when he admitted his son, Mr. B. W. Briggs, as a partner. The business is now conducted under the name of P. R. Briggs & Son. The capital of the bank is $12,000, with resources reaching $25,000. The amount of its deposits average $25,000, besides doing a large collection and exchange business. It annually issues drafts and certificates of deposit amounting to $300,000, besides paying out $350,000 on checks drawn by business men and depositors. It has the confidence of the public here as well as elsewhere.

The Mauston Mills are owned by B. Boorman, one of those energetic, careful business men who are always found intimately connected with the prosperity of every thriving village. The Lemonweir River furnishes an inexhaustible water power, and has a head often feet fall. The grist mill contains five run of stone, is furnished with all modern improvements for the manufacture of fine grades of flour, and has a capacity of 150 barrels per day. It annually consumes from 40,000 to 50,000 bushels of wheat, from 30,000 to 35,000 bushels of buckwheat, and grinds for customers 30,000 bushels of wheat. It manufactures some 60,000 bushels of feed, the bulk of which goes into the pineries. The business of the mill reaches $100,000 per year, and gives employment to twelve men. The saw mill does a business of $20,000, and when in operation employs twenty-five men. In addition to these two enterprises, Mr. Boorman has added a third, that of a carding mill, which also earns a handsome income for its owner, and is a valuable auxiliary to the general business of the village.

The New Process Grist and Flouring Mills, Mauston, White, Train & Co., proprietors. In size it is 22x48 feet, with an engine room 18x40; steam power engine 8x18, forty horse power. The mill has three run of stone and an iron feed mill; has two twenty feet bolting reels, and is furnished with the most improved machinery, including one of Kurth's patent cockle separator and Richardson's dustless oat separator combined; also Richmond's combined beater and adjustable Brush smut machines, and one of Smith's purifiers.

The Mauston Plow and Iron Works, Foundry and Plaining Mill, Theodore Carter, proprietor, B. M. Carter, manager. These works were built in 1870 by a joint stock company, B. Boorman, president. Size of buildings average length, 120 feet; average with, sixty feet; employs ten to twelve men ; has a capacity to turn out 2,500 plows, and 100 tons of castings annually; manufacture planers, matchers, grist-mill and saw-mill machinery, iron rails and columns, iron fence and water-wheels, steam engines built and repaired. The power used is from a twenty horse power engine, 8x12.

Although Mauston stands at the head of the county in temperance and good order, the brewery of Messrs. H. Runkel & Co. is one of the most successful business houses of tlie village. It has a capacity of 2,000 barrels per year, and its reputation is among the first in the State. It brews an average of 700 barrels per year, and consumes 2,000 bushels of barley. It is a large, commodious structure, complete in every detail. The vaults are hewn out of the solid rock and show a temperature of 4 degrees below zero. Its trade commands not only the immediate vicinity but much is shipped to adjoining counties.

Trade in farm machinery is one of the many business interests of this prosperous little village. The principal houses are those of Case, Arntz & Co., and J. C. Wetherby. It is estimated that the receipts of this branch of business will net fully $75,000.

Mr. Sanford Phillips is the proprietor of an elevator doing a business of $50,000 per year. It also furnishes a market for all kinds of farm produce. The produce business is more particularly represented by Messrs. Plummer & Stewart. They handle a large amount of live stock, besides dressed beef and all farm produce; also one of the heavy businesses of Mauston, in its season, is the purchase of railroad ties, cord-wood, piles, etc. Over 60,000 ties are sold annually. In addition to all this Mauston has plow and iron works where anything in the line of a first class machine shop can be found, and castings are made, from the parts of a sewing machine to the heaviest shafting, of which Mr. B. M. Carter is proprietor. Mr. William More is proprietor of a large pickle factory which is a fast growing business, and becoming one of the permanent interests of the town. It furnishes employment for numerous coopers and barrel makers, a market for hooppoles and stave bolts. Just outside the village is the nursery of Mr. C. M. Potter, which disposes annually of about 14,000 trees and shrubs of various kinds, and bids fair to become a large business.

To further show the business of Mauston, we here present the following report, taken from the balance sheet of Mr. A. C. Carter, station agent in charge of the C, M. & St. P. R. R., at this village, showing the amount of freight per different commodities, shipped from Mauston annually: wheat, 52,700 lbs; buckwheat, 246,000; rye, 46,360; barley, 113,800; oats, 239,180; potatoes, 901,540; beans, 24,940; grass seed, 31,360; hops, 88, 810; cranberries, 25,810; flour, 1,324,425; mill feed, 567,710; dressed hogs, 3,155; hay, 60,000; cheese, 630; eggs, 26,310; butter, 22,070; tallow, 4,380; wool, 19,540; hides, 22,940; scrap iron, 23,400; merchandise, 121,185; agricultural, 50,840; horses, 56,000; cattle, 572,000 ; hogs, 324,000; lumber, 1,245,740; stave bolts, 157,600; hoop-poles, 24,000; slab wood, 288,000; empty, 42,640; miscellaneous, 672,155; pickets, 246,710. Total, 7,592,357 lbs. Amount paid for freight on same, $9,223.74. Amount paid for tickets, $6,565.40. Total amount of freight received, 3,858,633 lbs.

In this age of intelligence, the post-office is a sure indication of the success of any village. At Mauston it is located at the corner of State and Division streets, in the Bank building, and is in charge of Postmaster M. N. Briggs. The average number of letters received in a day reaches 500, other matter 150. The salary of the Postmaster is $1,200. The office has 309 private boxes, twenty-one lock boxes, and does a business of $30,000 per year. The first post-office at Mauston was situated at the junction of Mansion and Union streets, and was called Maughs' Mill, J. M. Maughs, Postmaster. It was kept in this part of the village until about the year 1860, when it was removed to its present location.
History of Northern Wisconsin 1881

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES

JOHN H. ALLISSON, Clerk of the Circuit and County courts, Juneau County, was born at Schellsburg, Bedford Co.. Pa., Jan. 13, 1846. When seventeen years of age. he enlisted in Co. E, 21st Pa. Cavalry, for six months; served his term and in 1864, re-enlisted for three years in Co. I, same regiment. At the battle of Amelia Springs, April 5, 1865, he received a gun-shot wound in the left thigh, producing a fracture and subsequent ossification of the knee and ankle joints. He was transferred from one hospital to another until he finally was left at the Hicks Hospital, Baltimore, where he submitted to the amputation of the leg, Feb. 16. 1866. The surgeons deemed this a case of such peculiar interest, that a report of it covering sixty-eight pages of manuscript was filed in the Medical Museum at Washington. In May, 1867, he moved to Western, Linn Co., Iowa. Here he attended the Western College for five years. In 1873, he visited his native State, remaining a year, and in 1874, returned to Wisconsin and made his home at Elroy. Juneau Co. While at this place he served three years as principal of the High School. In the Fall of 1880, he was elected Clerk of the Court, and entered upon the duties of the office, Jan 3. 1881. Mr. Allisson was married, Oct. 4, 1865, at Ontario, Wis., to Miss Fanny Munger, daughter of Elon Munger. Mrs. Allisson was born in Oconomowoc. They have two children, James W, aged four years, and Cora A. aged two years.
History of Northern Wisconsin 1881

ISAAC L. ALSBACHER, of the firm of Alsbacher & Barker, dealers in general merchandise and manufacturers of, and dealers in, harnesses, State street. Mr. Alsbacher is the son of A. Louis Alsbacher; was born in Bavaria, Germany, May 3. 1838; served a regular apprenticeship at the harnessmaker's trade in his native country; came to the United States in 1854, stopping at Cleveland. Ohio, about six months, working at his trade; he then went to Coldwater, Mich., where he worked about the same length of time; he then came to Wisconsin. After visiting several cities in this State, he finally located at Mauston, and opened the first harness shop in the county. He has since established branches, for the sale of harness, at Wonewoc, New Lisbon and Lyndon. In 1867, in addition to his other business, he opened a farm in the vicinity of Mauston, and engaged in hop growing; is now the largest hop grower in the county, having a yard of twenty six acres. He was married in October, 1868, to Miss Mary E. Barker, daughter of Peter and Statira O. Barker. Mrs. Alsbacher was born in Genesee, Waukesha Co., Wis. They have two children, a son, named Louis I., aged twelve years, and a daughter, Lena M., aged ten years. In 1873. Mr. Alsbacher entered into partnership with his wife's father, Mr. Peter Barker, under the present firm name of Alsbacher & Barker, adding a stock of boots, shoes and general merchandise to the harness business. They are carrying at this time a stock of $7,000, and also manufacturing harness, employing four men in that department. Mr. A. has been a Trustee of the Village several years, and Treasurer of School District four years. In the Spring of 1881, he was elected Supervisor of the Town.
History of Northern Wisconsin 1881

J. C. BALDWIN, traveling agent for Case Wagon Company, Mauston, is a native of Pennsylvania, born in July, 1844. He received a common school education, and helped his father, who was engaged in lumbering. At the age of seventeen, he came to Mauston, his parents having settled there the year previous, and engaged in farming, which he followed until the Spring of 1873, when he engaged in the agricultural implement business for two years; the following three years he spent traveling in the interest of Plummer & Stewart. He then traveled for William Case & Co. until June, 1880. since which time he has been traveling for the Case Wagon Company, of Wonewoc. He is a Democrat, and a member of the A. O. U. W. In January, 1871, he was married to Kate Corwith, who was born in Sauk Co., Wis., in 1856. They have three children—Grace, Mark and Bert.
History of Northern Wisconsin 1881

LUTHER BECKWTTH, Mauston, was born in West Moreland, Oneida Co., N. Y.; came to Wisconsin when he was 12 years of age; was married in Delavan. Wis., Nov. 29, 1850, to Miss Elizabeth M. Clute. Mr. Beckwith went to California in 1853, and remained there three years and seven months. After his return he moved to Mauston; enlisted from Juneau County in the late war; was elected Sheriff of Juneau County, and served in that capacity in 1867 and 1868. At the time of his death he was Assessor of the village of Mauston,
History of Northern Wisconsin 1881

PETER BARKER, merchant, of the firm of Alsbacher & Barker, was born in Schuylerville. Saratoga Co.. N. Y., Feb. 26, 1818; came to Wisconsin in 1840, and located at Genesee, Waukesha Co. (then Milwaukee County); was engaged in farming a few years, and then formed a partnership with J. S. Loomis, in the village of Genesee, in the mercantile business, under the firm name of Loomis & Barker. Mr. Loomis was succeeded by a Mr. Treadway, and the firm name changed to Treadway & Barker. Mr. Barker continued this connection until 1865, when he moved to Mauston in December of that year. In 1867, he engaged in the mercantile business with Mr. S. Phillips, under the firm name of Barker & Phillips, and continued a member of that firm until 1873, when he engaged in his present business with Mr. Alsbacher. Mr. Barker was married, Jan. 14, 1840, at Sheridan, N. Y., to Miss Statira O. Loomis, daughter of Nathaniel and Desdamona (Simons) Loomis. Mrs. Barker was born in Sheridan, Chautauqua Co., N. Y. They have three children—Mary E. (now Mrs. I. L. Alsbacher), of Mauston; Francis J. (now Mrs. John W. Remington), and Carrie D. (now Mrs. W. H. Craine), of Colorado.
History of Northern Wisconsin 1881

CHARLES W. BARNEY, Register of Deeds, Mauston, was born in Jefferson Co., N. Y., May 6, 1842; came to Wisconsin in 1858, with his parents, locating at Ripon. In the Fall of that year, moved to Juneau County, and engaged in farming. Jan. 30, 1869. he was married, at Wonewoc to Miss Mary H. Davis, daughter of Hon. R. H. Davis, one of Sauk County's earliest pioneers, and who was murdered near his mill, at Lemonweir, on the night of Sept. 22, 1869. Mr. and Mrs. Barney have four sons-—Charles R., aged eleven years; Arthur W., aged ten; Robert D., aged eight, and Harry W., aged six. Right after his marriage, Mr. B. moved to Mauston, and engaged in blacksmithing, continuing in business at that place till the Fall of that year, when he moved to Lemonweir, and entered upon the same business there, and continued it till the death of Mr. Davis, when he engaged as bookkeeper at the mill for the heirs. The following August, he moved to Wonewoc, and engaged in a grist and flouring mill at that place; was there only a few months, when, owing to the property changing hands, he left it and resumed his trade of blacksmithing, which he continued until the Fall of 1871, when he moved to Elroy. and engaged in the grist mill at that place for a few months, and then returned to Wonewoc and resumed his trade again, which he continued only a short time, when he engaged with Kieth & Paddock, at La Valle. In the Fall of 1872, he returned to Lemonweir, and formed a partnership with his brother-in-law, Robert H. Davis, in the milling business, continuing this connection till the Summer of 1875, when he moved to Mauston and engaged as clerk for Phillips & Case, merchants, where he remained until elected to the office of Register of Deeds, in the Fall of 1880.
History of Northern Wisconsin 1881

H. W. BARNEY, lawyer. The subject of this sketch was born in Jefferson Co., N. Y., in 1840, where he lived eighteen years, during which time he received a good education, attending the last four years at Union Academy, of Belleville, N. Y. In 1858, he came with his parents to Juneau Co.. Wis., and until 1861, was engaged in teaching school and surveying, when he went to New York City and served as clerk in the transcript department of the New York post-office for one year; then he served as assistant secretary of the post-ofifice one year. He was then employed in the cashier department of the New York custom-house until 1856, when he returned to Juneau Co., Wis., and again followed teaching and surveying, until 1869. He then went to Menomonee Co., Mich., and was appointed County Surveyor, and served until Winter, when he again came to Juneau Co., Wis., and followed surveying until 1871. In 1871, Mr. Barney turned his attention to law reading with H. H. Hatch, of New Lisbon; was admitted to the bar in October, 1873. In October, 1874, he came to Wonewoc, where he has become one of the most prominent lawyers of the county. He is now District Attorney, to which office he was elected in 1879. March, 1880, Mr. B. was married to Emma Colebourn, born in England in 1858. They have one child, Godfrey W., born Dec. 17. 1880.
History of Northern Wisconsin 1881

BENJAMIN BOORMAN. proprietor of the Mauston grist, flouring, saw and carding mills, is a member of the firm of E. L. Anderson & Co., dealers in general merchandise; also of the firm of Anderson & Boorman, dealers in wood and railroad ties. Mr. Boorman was born in Kent Co.. England, in 1830; came to the United States with his parents in 1840, making his home at Avon, Livingston Co., N. Y. At an early age he engaged as apprentice in the Wadsworth flouring mills, where he served several years. In 1848, he came to Wisconsin with his parents, spending two years on his father's farm, near Delavan. He then went to Delton, Sauk Co, and built the City Mills, and engaged in the manufacture of flour and feed. Oct. 5, 1859, he was married at Batavia, Ill., to Miss Elizabeth A. Gregg, daughter of John and Jane Gregg. They have had seven children by this marriage, of whom only three are living—William. Jane, and Winnefred; Elizabeth died at the age of seven, and the three others in infancy. Mr. Boorman continued in business at Delton ten years. In 1864, he came to Mauston. Juneau Co. Here he bought a grist mill and saw mill, which he ran until 1859, when the whole property was destroyed by fire, by which he sustained a loss of $20,000. The following year, 1870, he built the Mauston grist and flouring mills. These mills are a wooden structure, situated on the north bank of the Lemonweir River; size, 40x70 feet, three stories high; and run by water power. They have five runs of stone, and have a capacity of 150 barrels of flour and twenty tons of feed daily. The power is abundant, having an eight-foot head; the pond extends four miles above the mill, and covers 2,000 acres. Mr. B. is making arrangements to build a second flouring mill, on the latest improved roller plan. In 1873. he built a saw mill on the south bank of the Lemonweir River; size, 50x80 feet. It is a double rotary mill, with complete sets of edgers, trimmers, and lath mill, and has a capacity of 40,000 feet per twenty-four hours. The logs sawed are from the Lemonweir Valley. He also built a building 22x40 feet, which is used for a carding mill, and is situated adjacent to the saw mill. The carding mill is run by C. E. Hungerford, and has a capacity of 200,000 pounds a season. Jan. 31, 1874, Mr. Boorman was called on to mourn the loss of his wife, whose death occurred at this date. He was married July 19, 1875, at Mauston, to Miss Margaret A. Hall, daughter of George and Mary Hall. Two children were born to them; the eldest, George H., died when three years of age; the second, an infant son, is unnamed. In the Fall of 1877, Mr. B. built a fine brick residence, at a cost of $12,000.
History of Northern Wisconsin 1881

P. R. BRIGGS, of the firm of P. R. Briggs & Son, proprietors of the Mauston Bank, Mauston, and of the branch bank at Wonewoc, called The Juneau County Bank. The Mauston Bank was established in the Fall of 1868, by Mr. J, B. Rosecrantz, who continued the business only about three months, when he sold to Mr. P. R. Briggs, who re-opened the bank in January, 1869, and has continued the business up to this time. Capital, $12,000. In the Spring of 1880, he took his son, Bert W.. as a partner. The bank is located at the corner of State and Division streets. Mr. P. R. Briggs, son of Jacob Briggs, was born in Auburn, N. Y., in 1825. While quite young, he moved with his parents to Yates County, and resided there a few years. Then to Buffalo, and from there to Fredonia, where he attended the academy two years. He then engaged in the pail factory at Versailles, as turner, followed that business two years. March 16, 1851, he was married at Versailles, N. Y., to Miss Mary C. Wood, daughter of Jonathan and Charlotte Wood. They have two children, a son and daughter. The son, Bert W., is married to Mary W. Zuell, and resides at Wonewoc, where he is conducting the branch bank, established April 4. 1881. The daughter, Alta A., is now Mrs. A. C. Carter, of Mauston. In 1856, Mr. Briggs moved his family to Juneau Co., Wis., where he located on a farm near Mauston, continuing on this farm only two years. He then moved to the village of Mauston, read law in the office of John A. Kellogg: was admitted to the Bar, and elected District Attorney in 1862, to fill vacancy; was re-elected, and served until May, 1864, when he enlisted in Co. E, 41st Wis. V. I., in the 100 day service, received a second lieutenant's commission, May 4, 1864, served until Fall, and then returned home, where he enlisted in Co. C, 47th Wis. V. I., of which he was commissioned captain, Feb. 18, 1865. He served until the close of the war, and was mustered out September 4, 1865. On returning from the war, he engaged as pension and bounty agent. While employed in this business, he secured the adjustment of 1,600 claims. May, 1866, he was appointed Postmaster, under President Johnson. Held that position until 1871, when, on being elected to the Legislature, he resigned his position as Postmaster, and at the earnest request of the people, his wife, Mrs. M. W. Briggs, who had performed the duties of the office for years, was appointed to fill the vacancy. This office being conducted so satisfactory, three small offices in the vicinity were discontinued, and this made a salaried office. Mrs. Briggs was re-appointed, under President Hayes. Mr. Briggs has served as President of the village one year, and as one of the Trustees several years.
History of Northern Wisconsin 1881

B. M. CARTER, manager of the Mauston Plow and Iron Works. Was born in Erie Co., N. Y., July 10, 1835. While quite young, he went with his parents to Chautauqua County to live. When nineteen years of age, 1854, he came to Wausau, Wis., remained only a short time, when he went to Dane County, and engaged as teacher. Dec. 25, 1855, he was married to Mary M. Carter, daughter of David and Abigail (Cooper) Carter. Mrs. C. was born in Oneida Co., N. Y. Two daughters were born to them, Lillie A. and Winnie M. After a residence of five years in Wisconsin, he returned to New York, and engaged in lumbering at Collins, Erie Co.; continued this business until July, 1862. when he enlisted in Co. B, 154th N. Y. V. I.; was enrolled July 25. At the battle of Chancellorsville, May 2, 1863, he received a gunshot wound that disabled him for six months; again he was wounded at the battle of Lost Mountain. June 15, 1864, he received two gunshot wounds almost at the same instant, one ball entered the left side near the point of the hip and came out at the back; the other struck the left arm, laying the bone bare above the elbow. He continued in the service until the close of the war, and was mustered out June 25, 1865. He then spent one year in Cattaraugus County in the lumber business. June, 1866, he came to Mauston, and engaged in farming near Mauston. September, 1873, in company with his brother, Herman, he purchased the establishment. Jan. I, 1875, he bought his brother's interest, and continued the business alone until Nov. 22, 1877, when he sold to the present proprietor, Theda Carter. Since purchasing the foundry, to this time, Mr. Carter has been its manager.
History of Northern Wisconsin 1881

ROBERT H. DAVIS, proprietor of Mauston House, and a member of the firm of R. H. Davis & Co., millers, Lemonweir. Was born at Baraboo, Wis.. March 29, 1849. Received his education in the public schools, and in a three years' course in the Collegiate Institute at Baraboo. He learned the miller's trade with his father, at Wonewoc, where he served two years. He next engaged with Mr. Boorman in the Mauston Mills, where he remained three years. March 19, 1867, he entered into partnership with his father, in a lease of the Dustin mills at Lemonweir, under the firm name of R. H. Davis & Co., and continued to run these mills under the lease until February, 1869, when they purchased the mill, and proceeded with the business. After his father's death, which occurred September 22. of that year, he continued the business under the old name, though other parties have been interested in it. The mill is a three-story building, 40x50, with basement; is run by waterpower; has three run of stones, with a daily capacity of fifty barrels. Jan. I, 1881, Mr. Davis purchased the hotel property at Mauston, known as the Mauston House, which he is keeping at this time. He is perfecting his plans for a three-story house, to take the place of the old one, which is to be moved to the rear. Mr. Davis was married in Mauston. Oct. 12, 1879, to Miss Louisa Dick, daughter of John A. and Elizabeth (Curran) Dick. Mrs. Davis was born in Rock Co., Wis. They have one child, called Charles Keith.
History of Northern Wisconsin 1881

B. C. DOCKSTADER, proprietor of meat market and flour and feed store, Mauston, son of Christopher Dockstader, was born in Montgomery Co., N. Y., April 15, 1823. In 1844, he came to Wisconsin, and took up a claim on Rock Prairie, now the town of Richmond, Walworth Co. Remained there two years, and then, at the request of his father, returned East and engaged in the lumber business and boating on the Erie Canal; was proprietor of five canal boats. In 1853, he went to Albany, and engaged as foreman of bridge building on the Albany & Rutland Railroad. In the latter part of that year, he returned to Rock Prairie, and in the Spring of 1854, he came to Adams County and made a claim of forty acres, on what is now a part of the village plat of Mauston, Juneau Co. He soon platted this land, and erected six buildings on the line of State street. Was engaged in this business and the sale of real estate until 1858, when he entered into partnership with Mr. F. Winsor, in the grocery business, under the firm name of Winsor & Dockstader. About 1860, they added to their grocery a general stock of merchandise. In 1863, they established a branch store at Elroy, under the management of Mr. Jonathan Carter. This was the first store established at that place. They also started a branch store at Hillsboro, under the management of Mr. A. H. Holbrook. In 1865, he sold out to Mr. Winsor and formed a partnership with Mr. Carter, at Elroy, in a general store. Two years later, he sold out to Mr. Carter, and entered into partnership with Dr. Farr, at Mauston, in the same line. Continued this connection only eight months, when he bought out the doctor, and took Mr. A. S. Wetherby as a partner. At the end of two years, he bought out Mr. Wetherby and continued the business alone about a year, when, owing to causes that have wrecked so many mercantile houses, he was obliged to suspend business. In 1872, he opened the meat market and flour and feed store, which business he has continued to this time. Mr. Dockstader was married in Montgomery Co., N. Y., March 2, 1844, to Miss Edith M. Swartwout, daughter of Marvin and Mary (Johnson) Swartwout. Six children were born to them—Maria, deceased, was the wife of F. B. Boroughs; Marvin S., married to Ellen Godale, a daughter of Thomas Godale. and residing in Minnesota; Louisa L., now Mrs. P. C. Nelson, of Whitewater, Wis.; Fernando W., deceased, died in infancy; Edith M. and Bennie reside at home. Mr. D. has served as member of the Village Board two terms. Was elected Village Treasurer in 1876, and reelected in '77 and '78. In politics he is a stalwart Republican. As an old settler, he undoubtedly antedates all residents of Mauston. He built the first brick store in the village, also several other stores. In company with Mr. Winsor, he built the elevator, now Mr. Phillips's. Mr. D. and three daughters made the Centennial trip together, going via Suspension Bridge, spending a week in New York City and another on Long Island Sound, with a friend named Brown. Thence to Philadelphia, where they spent two weeks at the Centennial Exhibition. From there to Washington City, returning via Harper's Ferry, Sandusky, Detroit and Milwaukee.
History of Northern Wisconsin 1881

GRIMMER & SPENCE, dealers in drugs, medicines, perfumery, toilet articles, wall-paper, books and fancy goods, Mauston. Business established in 1859. Present firm organized in March, 1876. Stock, $6,000. 

Frederick E. Grimmer, senior partner of the above firm, was born in Saxony, Germany, July 15, 1829. In 1842, he came to America with his parents, and directly to Milwaukee, Wis., where he learned the harnessmaker's trade, spending five years in that line. He then went to Lake Superior, and spent eight years in the mining regions. In 1853, he moved to Juneau Co.. Wis., and engaged in farming in the town of Lemonweir. Continued on the farm until 1859, when he moved to Newport, Sauk Co. Went in the drug and grocery trade, remaining there two years, and then removed to Mauston, and continued in the same business. Leaving this business in the care of an agent, he enlisted, October, 1861, as principal musician in the regimental band of the 12th Wis. V. Served one year with the regiment, and was mustered out in the Fall of 1862. On returning to Mauston, he resumed the care of his business. In 1863, he formed a partnership with Martin Gray, under the firm name of Gray & Grimmer. Mr. Gray only lived a few months after the business was started. Mr. Grimmer continued the business alone about three years. He then formed a partnership with Mr. William Case, as Case & Co., and after two years he sold out to Case & Remington. In 1869. he bought in with Mr. Sharp in the drug business, the firm name being Sharp & Co. During the next few years, until March, 1876, the firm underwent several changes of partners, when Mr. William G. Spence bought a half interest in the business, and the present firm of Grimmer & Spence was organized. Mr. Grimmer was married at Newport. Sauk Co., Dec. 2, 1856, to Miss Casandra M. Temple, daughter of William Temple and Maria Pratt. They have two daughters and two sons—Emma R., Frederick E., William A. and Jessie M.
History of Northern Wisconsin 1881

William G. Spence, of Grimmer & Spence, was born in the town of Somers, Kenosha Co., Wis., June 21, 1848, son of John Spence. Spent his boyhood on the farm; was a student at the Kenosha High School. Taught several terms of district school in the county; from the Fall of 1873 to June, 1874. he was assistant teacher in the Kenosha High School. On closing the engagement, he came to Mauston to accept the position of principal of the Mauston schools. This arrangement proving mutually satisfactory, he was retained in that position four years. While filling his engagement of teacher, he had, in March, 1876, formed the business connection with Mr. Grimmer, as given above. In 1877, he entered the store to assist in its management. November, 1879, he was elected Superintendent of Schools for Juneau County, and entered upon the duties of the office January, 1880. Mr. Spence was married, April 6, 1875, at Somers, Kenosha Co., to Miss Ellen M. Strong, daughter of Alvin and Melissa (Trowbridge) Strong. Mrs. Spence was born in the town of Somers, Kenosha Co.
History of Northern Wisconsin 1881

CHARLES H. GROTE, County Judge Juneau County, Wis., son of H. G. Grote, was born in Rhine, Prussia, March 1, 1829, resided in his native country until 1849, when he came to the United States and directly to Wisconsin, making his home in the city of Watertown where he engaged in the distilling business. He erected his distillery near the old Red Mill and carried on the business until 1855. He was married at Watertown, Jan. 11, 1854. to Martha H. Revell, daughter of James Revell. They have four daughters, named respectively Ella E., Emily L., Lulu P. and Irma D. February. 1857, Mr. Grote moved to Germantown, Juneau Co., and opened a store as a dealer in general merchandise, continued that business until 1860, when he sold out and engaged in farming near Germantown. In 1863, having been elected to the office of Register of Deeds, he moved to New Lisbon and entered upon the duties of the office. On the removal of the county seat to Mauston, he made his home in this village (1864). Served one term as Register. In 1866. he was elected Clerk of the Circuit Court, and re-elected in 1868. While holding this office he was elected County Judge, in the Spring of 1869. Resigning the position of Clerk of the Circuit Court, he accepted the judgeship and entered upon the duties of the office. As an evidence of the high esteem in which he is held by the people, it is only necessary to cite the fact that he is now serving the fourth term, which, when completed, will make sixteen consecutive years in that office. The Judge has a snug little farm of sixty acres adjoining the village.
History of Northern Wisconsin 1881

CHARLES HOLDEN, J. P., Mauston, was born at Fortress Monroe, Va., April 30, 1832; was taken by his parents when two years of age to Ft. Moultrie, Charleston, where he was educated and resided until 1849, at which time he came to Wisconsin and settled in Columbia County, where he followed farming and clerked in a store, and from 1852 to 1855, was engaged in getting up the abstracts of Columbia County for A. B. Alden. He then went to Jefferson County and got up the Skinner abstracts, and, in 1856, removed to Stevens Point, where he resided about one year, since which time he has been a resident of Juneau County. Mr. Holden served four years in the civil war. Has been Clerk of the Court, Court Commissioner; is at present Justice of the Peace, and has held nearly all local offices.
History of Northern Wisconsin 1881

THOMAS P. NAUGHTIN, merchant, Mauston, was born in Kilmallock, Co. Limerick, Ireland, Jan. I, 1831. Son of Patrick Naughtin. In 1848. he came to the United States. Traveled through New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio and the Southern Stales. He remained two years at Steubenville, Ohio, where he was married July 31, 1853, to Miss Bridget Naughtin. Seven children were born to them. The oldest, John M., is studying for the ministry in the college and seminary of St. Bonaventura, at Allegany, N.Y. The second, Patrick T., was married to Miss Nora O'Brien, and is a resident of Nebraska. Mary, Bridget, Catherine, Margaret E. and Anastasia are residing at home. In 1855, Mr. Naughtin moved to Wisconsin, making his home at Madison for two years. He then came to Mauston, Juneau Co., in 1857. In 1861, he was appointed Under Sheriff and served two years. Was elected Sheriff in 1862, serving in that office during 1863-64. Previous to the organization of the village, he was elected Assessor of the town of Lemonweir. Served as Village Clerk two years. In 1865, he made a trip to Iowa, remaining one season. On his return, he engaged in the Spring of 1866 in the mercantile business, as a dealer in general merchandise, and has continued it to this time. Has served as Assessor of Mansion ten or or twelve years, and as Supervisor of the Village, in the County Board from 1875 to 1880. It was chiefly through his instrumentality that the appropriations for the construction of the court-house and jail, at Mauston, were secured, thus clinching the location of the county seat. He was appointed a member of the Building Committee of both buildings.

Mr. Naughtin has served as chairman of the Democratic County Committee twelve years, and is acknowledged the leader of that party in the county. He has also been an active member of the Catholic Church, and aided materially in advancing its interests in this section. Mr. N. has a full agency for the Phoenix of Hartford Insurance Co., since July I. 1865; is also agent of the Commercial Fire Insurance Co., of New York, and the Mechanics Mutual Insurance Co., Milwaukee. He is also agent for the following steamship lines: Cunard, Guion Mail Line, the North German Lloyd, American and Red Star Lines; also sells exchange on Europe. Was appointed Notary Public by Gov. Fairchild, in 1868, and still holds that commission.
History of Northern Wisconsin 1881

B. F. PARKER, Grand Worthy Secretary of the Wisconsin Grand Lodge of Independent Order of Good Templars; also Grand Master of the Wisconsin Grand Lodge of the Ancient Order of United Workmen. Mr. Parker was born in Meadville, Pa., July 27, 1839. Received an academic education at the Academy ot Meadville, and in 1853 came to Wisconsin, and served a regular apprenticeship with his uncle at Waukesha, as a carpenter. On the breaking out of the late war, he was among the first to enlist. Being in the woods, distant from mails, he did not get the news in time to get into the 1st regiment, but reached Milwaukee and enlisted, April 21, 1861, in Co. K, 2d Wis. Vols. After participation the battle of Bull Run, Co. K was transferred and reorganized into Co. A, 1st Wis. Heavy Artillery. He was with his regiment throughout its service, until the Summer of 1863, when he was detailed with two other sergeants to recruit three batteries for the 1st Battalion Heavy Artillery. He returned to Mauston, and recruited Battery C; was commissioned second lieutenant, and returned to the front. He was promoted to senior first lieutenant, and served until the close of the war, without meeting with any mishap or getting on the sick list. He was mustered out, November, 1865. On leaving the Army, he came to Mauston and engaged in the furniture business. About this time he was admitted to membership in the Independent Order of Good Templars. He continued the furniture business until 1873, when he was elected Grand Secretary of the above order. Two years later he was elected representative to the Right Worthy Grand Lodge, and has been the representative for the past six years. He has also been re-elected to the office of Grand Secretary each year to this time. In July, 1877, he was admitted as a member of the Ancient Order of United Workmen, and was elected representative to the first Grand Lodge of the order, and to each successive one since. In February, 1881, he was elected Grand Master, being the fifth in the State to hold that position. Mr. Parker was married Feb. 3, 1868, at Mauston, to Lucille W. Penniman, daughter of Capt. H. G. and Lydia A. (Coombs) Penniman. Mrs. Parker is the present Grand Treasurer of the I. O. G. T., and has acted in that capacity two terms. Mr. and Mrs. Parker have one child, a daughter, aged twelve years, named Addie M.
History of Northern Wisconsin 1881

CAPT. H. G. PENNIMAN, agent of the American Express Co., and dealer in drugs, medicines, paints, oils, jewelry, and toilet articles; also manufacturer of Wisconsin oil of life; Opera block. Mr. Penniman was born in Rockland, Me., Dec. 29, 1829. When ten years of age, he went to sea as cabin boy in a coasting schooner. When of a suitable age, he was engaged as seaman. Was next third, second and first mate, in their usual order, until he was made master of a vessel. Sailed in the coasting and transatlantic trade, visiting all the principal ports of Europe. After sailing eighteen years, he quit the sea, and came to Wisconsin, 1855, and located at Mauston. Here he clerked for some years. Getting homesick for a smell of the salt water, he returned to Maine and went to sea again, and sailed until the Fall of 1860, when he returned to Mauston, and the Spring of 1861 he was appointed local express agent by the American Express Co., which position he has held for the past years. He also engaged as dealer in grain, hides, etc. In 1865, he engaged in the drug business, having purchased the stock of S. W. Field, and continued the business until October, 1878, when he sold to his son, Herbert H. April 9, 1881, Mr. Penniman repurchased the stock, and resumed the business. Average stock, $4,000. In 1875, he formed a partnership with Mr. O. F. Temple, and together they erected the Opera block, a solid stone and brick structure, fifty-one feet wide by seventyfive feet deep, and thirty-seven feet high, in which they have two fine stores and a commodious hall, which is well furnished and has seating accommodations for 600 people. Mr. Penniman was married at Rockland, Me., July 15, 1848, to Miss Lydia Coombs, daughter of Robert and Susan (Roberts) Coombs. Mrs. Penniman was born in Maine. They have two children living: Lucille W.. born in Rockland, Feb. 2, 1850, now Mrs. B. F. Parker, of Mauston; and Herbert H., born Aug. 30, 1855, at Rockland, married to Mrs. Jennie Winchell, also of Mauston. One daughter, Ella, died Sept. 13, 1868, at the age of four years and eight months.
History of Northern Wisconsin 1881

SANDFORD PHILLIPS, dealer in dry goods, groceries, clothing, boots and shoes, crockery and glassware. Business was established in 1867; at this time, carries a $12,000 stock. Mr. Phillips was born in the town of Farmington, Oakland Co., Mich., May 8, 1830. When fourteen years of age, he moved with his parents to McHenry County, Ill., where he worked on his father's farm two and a half years. In the Spring of 1843, he came to Wisconsin, locating at the village of Baraboo Remained there until 1852, when he came to Juneau County, and made a claim on unsurveyed Government land, near the southwest corner of the county, in what is now the town of Wonewoc. Here he engaged in farming and lumbering. He had also secured a large tract of land in the adjacent township, in Vernon County, and continued this business until 1858, when he went to Missouri and engaged in the grain, fruit and stock commission business. This enterprise not meeting his expectations, he discontinued it, after not quite a year's experience, and returned to Wisconsin, locating in Monroe County, town of Portland. Mr. Phillips was married at Reedsburg, Sauk Co., March 3. 1853, to Miss Sarah Payne, daughter of Hiram and Calista Payne. Two children were born of this marriage, Ernest A., now aged twentyfive, and a daughter who died in infancy. After only six short years of married life, Mrs. Phillips was called to join her little one. Her death occurred April 22, 1859. On coming to Portland, Mr. Phillips built a store and engaged in the mercantile business, continuing in this line two years. He then sold out, and moved to his land in the town of Glendale. April 22, 1861, he was married to Miss Jennie M. LeRoy, daughter of F. L. and Mary LeRoy. Mrs. Phillips was born at Brockport, Monroe Co., N. Y. They moved to Mauston Dec. 8, 1863, where Mr. Phillips was engaged in the draying business and as messenger for the American Express Co. He continued this business until April 5, 1867, when he opened a general store with a cash capital of $3,000 and a stock of $4,000 or $5,000. At this writing (1881), he has two stores, adjoining, one a brick structure, the other of wood, in which he carries a $12,000 stock. In 1878, he purchased the Mauston Elevator, which has a holding capacity of 20,000 bushels, and is managed by his son, E. A. Mr. Phillips still retains the ownership of 170 acres of land in the town of Portland, and sixty acres in Glendale. During his residence in the town of Glendale, he served as Supervisor four years. Since living in Mauston, he has served two years in the same capacity. In the Fall of 1878, he was elected president of the Juneau County Agricultural Society, and has been re-elected each year since to this date (1881).
History of Northern Wisconsin 1881

SAMUEL C. PLUMMER. Sheriff of Juneau County, was born in the town of Pittston, Me., May 25, 1843. When five yearsof age (1848) he came with his parents to Wisconsin, locating at Fairfield, Sauk Co. Received a common school education and engaged in farming and dealing in stock. In November, 1859, came to Mauston and continued the business of stock dealer. In November, 1880, he was elected Sheriff of Juneau County for two years. He was married at Mauston Oct. 18, 1868, to Frances A. Piatt, a daughter of David and Miranda (McLean) Piatt. Mrs. Plummer was born in Jefferson Co., Wis. They have two children, sons, Eddie O. and Claude L.
History of Northern Wisconsin 1881

JOHN F. SPRAGUE, of the firm of J. F. Sprague & Son, publishers of the Mauston Star was born at Bath, Maine, Sept. 5, 1821; received an academic education; served a regular apprenticeship as a printer; was the publisher for eleven years of a newspaper at Farmington, Me., called the Chronicle. In March, 1857, he went to Dubuque, Iowa, and in company with other parties published the Daily Sun; remained in Dubuque three years and then went to Colorado in 1860, where he was engaged in mining at California Gulch now Leadville; was two years in the mountains when he returned to the States and made his home at Mauston, Wis. He opened a photograph gallery which he conducted until 1865, when he engaged with Mr. John Turner in the Star office. In 1878, he purchased the office and has continued to publish the paper to this time. In 1878, he took his son into the business. The Mauston Star is a weekly Republican paper, established in 1857, has a good job office attached. Mr. Sprague was married at Farmington, Me., Nov. 23, 1848, to Mary S. Church, daughter of Daniel and Elizabeth Church. The mother, aged eighty-five years, is now living with her daughter. They have one son and one daughter, Gleason J. and Ella M. Mr. Sprague served as Village Clerk of Mauston eleven years.
History of Northern Wisconsin 1881

IRA H. STEWART, Mauston, son of William Stewart a pioneer of 1840, proprietor of livery stable and dealer in horses, and agricultural implements, was born in Rock County near Janesville, Jan. 7, 1843; while quite young went with his parents to Dane County, where he lived nine years, then came to Juneau County, 1853, and located in what is known as the Stewart Settlement, four miles south of Mauston. In 1873, he engaged in the sale of agricultural implements at Mauston, being also an extensive dealer in horses, handling upward of 200 horses annually. In 1878, he established a livery stable at Mauston. His stock of agricultural implements includes the Champion Ohio Reaper, Minneapolis Reaper, Warrior Mower, Aultman & Taylor Thresher, Chicago Pitts Thresher, the Courtland buggies and wagons, also the Watertown wagons, Moline plows and cultivators and Mishawaka chilled plows. Mr. Stewart was married at Mauston, Nov. 25, 1865, to Miss Ellen E. Harrison, a daughter of John Harrison. Two children were born to them. Bertha and Allie. Mr. S. is a member of the Village Board of Trustees, was a candidate for Sheriff in 18—, and lost his election by only thirty votes.
History of Northern Wisconsin 1881

MARSENA TEMPLE, son of Barnard and Sally Temple, President of the village of Mauston, farmer, and dealer in wood and ties, was born in Middlefield near Cooperstown, N. Y., Dec. 11, 1812. He received received an academic education, and was married in April, 1840, in his native town to Miss Caroline P. Stillman, daughter of George W. and Phebe H. Stillman. He studied law in the office of Judge Morehouse at Cooperstown, and was admitted to practice at Albany, after passing an examination before the committee appointed by the Supreme Court of the State. He continued in the practice of his profession three years when he was elected Superintendent of Schools for Madison County for two years. In 1850, he was elected to the Legislature during the administration of Gov. Seymour. He continued the practice of his profession until 1855, when he came to Wisconsin and located in the then flourishing town of Newport, Sauk Co., now a "deserted village," there he engaged in the mercantile business with Dr. Cross, as dealers in drugs, groceries and provisions. He was elected Justice of the Peace several terms and Chairman of the town of New Buffalo, now Dillon, six times in succession. In 1850, he was elected to the Wisconsin Legislature from the Northern District of Sauk County, and attended the extra session at the opening of the war, and was appointed by the Governor Draft Commissioner for Sauk County. In 1865, he came to Mauston and bought an interest in a warehouse in partnership with Mr. Lyon. They converted it into an elevator and engaged as commission merchants, dealing in hops, grain and produce, continuing this business about four years. He next engaged in the wood and railway tie trade, and has retained his interest in the business until this time, though for the past three years it has been managed by his sons. On coming to Mauston he was appointed Justice of the Peace to fill a vacancy, subsequently he was elected to the same office several times. When the county government was composed of three Supervisors, he was elected one of the three. Has served two terms in the County Board as Supervisor from Mauston, was elected President of the village and re-elected the second time. Mr. and Mrs. Temple were blessed with three sons and three daughters. The eldest, Ada, is now Mrs. J. K. Lillie, of Mauston ; the second, Helen M.; third, Marvin F., is now in the employ of the A. T., & S. F. R. R. as civil engineer in New Mexico; the fourth Carrie E., is now Mrs. M. H. Case of Wonewoc; Henry S., at home; the youngest son, Edwin G., is a cadet midshipman at Annapolis, Md.

O. F. TEMPLE, undertaker and dealer in furniture. Opera Block, Mauston, son of William Temple, was born in Madison Co., N. Y., Dec. 14, 1829. When quite young, moved with his parents to Munsville, same county. Here he learned the trade of carpenter and builder. Was married, Dec. 25, 1850 to Miss Eliza A. Willard, daughter of Andrew and Jemima (Dean) Willard. Mrs. Temple was born in Maryland, Otsego Co., N. Y. They have four children—the eldest, Elenora, is now Mrs. H. E. Hoard, of Tawas City, Mich.; May and Willard are at home; Jessie died at the age of two years. In 1854. Mr. Temple moved with his family to Newport, Sauk Co., Wis., where he was extensively engaged as a contractor and builder, during the palmy days of the ill-fated city. In 1864, he came to Mauston and engaged in the same business. Among the many buildings of his construction, may be mentioned the court house, jail, and many business blocks and dwellings. In 1866, he opened a furniture store; carried on this business successfully until March 15, 1872, when the entire property was destroyed by fire, by which he sustained a moneyed loss of $3,500, besides being severely burnt while trying to save his books, the scars of which he will carry through life. He resumed business again, and in 1875, he joined with Capt. H. G. Penniman, and built the Opera Block, a building 51x75 feet, thirty eight feet high, containing two good stores, and a commodious hall, well furnished, and having a seating capacity of 600. Mr. Temple was architect and builder. The cost of the building was $8,500. Mr. Temple has served as a member of the Village Board six or eight years; as Justice of the Peace two years, and Treasurer of the school district nine years.
History of Northern Wisconsin 1881

JOHN TURNER, attorney at law, Mauston, son of John Turner, was born in the county of Kent, England, Nov. 3, 1828. Having attained a suitable age he became a law student in the office of Sir Richard Thornton, of London. When near twenty years of age he attached himself to the Society of Chartists at Blackfriars, London, and was elected secretary of its council. He was subsequently connected with what was known as the Potters' Emigration Society, As the operations of this society led them to establish a station in Wisconsin, it is deemed appropriate to give some explanation of the object of the organization. This was to effect the deportation of skilled laborers from Europe, and to provide for their settlement in the New World, with a view of forcing, by the law of supply and demand, better terms for those at home, when employed. Acting in the interest of this society, Mr. Turner visited Paris. Happening to hit the time of the emeute and the abdication of Louis Philippi, though only a spectator of the turbulent scenes of the day, he received a saber cut across the face at the hands of a careless trooper. Returning to England by the same ship that carried the royal fugitive, Louis Philippi, he found the political situation such that his blackened and disfigured face was very much to his advantage in concealing his identity. Being assured that the choice lay between transportation, and emigration, he chose the latter and made his way to the United States, commissioned to act as book-keeper and store-keeper for the society. On reaching Fort Winnebago, May 4, 1848, he selected a site, eight miles below the fort, and on the opposite bank of the Fox River. Here a store-house was built on the unsurveyed Indian lands, and the town of Port Hope was founded. On completion of the store Mr. Turner proceeded to Galena, Ill., where a large stock of goods was purchased, and shipped on the steamers " Tiger "and " Enterprise " and landed at Fort Winnebago, and thence carried overland to Port Hope. The plan was to give each immigrant forty acres of land a team and tools, and credit of $200 at the store without security. About 2,000 skilled laborers were so deported, quite a portion reaching the station at Port Hope and becoming settlers of the country. Like many another plan that has been adopted by earnest enthusiasts in the cause of overworked and poorly paid labor, it proved a beautiful thing in theory, but a failure in practice. The gigantic efforts of the few intelligent earnest workers were not equal to carry the many selfish, shiftless, or indifferent members, so after disbursing many thousands of dollars, the cause was abandoned.

Mr. Turner spent two years at Port Hope and then moved to Fort Winnebago. In 1854. he came to Mauston and opened a law office. June 10, 1857, he began the publication of the Mauston Star, a weekly Republican paper, which he published for twenty-one years and then, in 1878, sold it to the present proprietor, Mr. Sprague. In the Fall of 1857, he was admitted to practice in the Circuit Court. He was elected Chairman of the Board of Supervisors of the town of Lemonweir for several years. Served one term as a member of the Wisconsin Legislature (1859), and on the organization of the village of Mauston he was elected the first President, and re-elected eight or ten times. Jan. 2, 1863. he was admitted to practice in the Supreme Court of Wisconsin.

Aug. 31, 1870, he organized the first military company of this section, and was elected its captain. The company has retained its organization to this time. The old captain now being its quartermaster. He was elected District Attorney for Juneau County for the years 1873-74-75. On the division of the State into two districts he was appointed United States Court Commissioner for the District and Circuit courts. Mr. Turner was married in Portage City, June 14. 1853, to Miss Ann Towers, of Sterling, Scotland, daughter of Walter and Janet Towers. Mrs. Turner was born in Sterlingshire, Scotland. Seven children were born to them—Rose (now the wife of Dr. E. C. Rogers, of La Crosse), Louis K. (married to Mabel Phillips, of Mauston), Lilly (now Mrs. Ken C. Sharp, also of Mauston), Alice (now Mrs. Nelson Carter, of Lisbon). Walter D. McI. (deceased), John. Edna and Richard.
History of Northern Wisconsin 1881

FREDERICK S. VEEDER, of the firm of Winsor & Veeder, attorneys at law, Mauston, son of Samuel Veeder, was born in the town of Virgil, Cortland Co., N. Y., Nov. 1, 1846; moved to Illinois, with his parents, in 1855, but, not being suited with that climate, they left that State the following September and came to Wisconsin, locating in the town of Woodland, on the north line of Sauk County. In January, 1865, he enlisted in Co. C, 47th Wis. Vols.; served until the close of the war, and was mustered out September, 1865. He was married, Nov. 5, 1869, to Miss Rena Horton. Three children were born to them—Adelbert, Daisy and Fred. In 1870, Mr. V. moved to Mauston, and began the study of law in the office of Judge Winsor, of this place; was admitted to practice in the Circuit Court of Juneau County, in May, 1871, and to the Supreme Court of Wisconsin, April 24. 1877, On Sept. 22, 1877, he was called upon to mourn the loss of his wife. He was elected to the office of District Attorney for the years 1877-78. Oct. 19, 1878, he was married at Mauston to Miss Nellie M. Bury, daughter of Frank Bury. Two children were born of this marriage, Harry and Nellie.
History of Northern Wisconsin 1881