Dane-Columbia County WI Archives History - Books .....Lodi 1877
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Book Title: Madison, Dane County And Surrounding Towns...

LODI.
BY HON. JOHN T. CLARK.

  LOCATION- The town joins the town of Dane, in Dane county, on the north, and
is situated in the southwest part of Columbia county. It is formed of township
No. 10 north, of range 8 east, according to government survey, except sections
6, 7, 18, 19, 30 and 31, which form the west tier of sections of said township,
and belong to the town of West Point. The territory of which the town is formed
was at first a part of Brown county, then of Portage county, and in 1846, when
Columbia county was organized, it was made a part of the last named county. The
town of Lodi was organized in 1849, previous to which time the territory
described as town 10, ranges 7, 8 and the west half of range 9, constituted, for
voting purposes, a precinct called "Pleasant Valley precinct." As at first
organized, the town embraced all the territory belonging to said precinct. The
name of the town was suggested by Judge Palmer.

  In the year 1850, the town of West Point was taken from the western part of
said territory, embracing all of township 10, range 7 (the same being made
fractional by the course of the Wisconsin river), also the west tier and a half
of sections in township 10, range 8.

  In the year 1855, the town of Arlington was formed on the east of Lodi, taking
therefrom the west half of town 10, range 9, except the west tier of sections in
said west half, which west tier of sections remained a part of Lodi, until the
year 1871, when the county board of supervisors of Columbia county, to whom the
matter had been committed by an act of the legislature, attached the same to the
town of Arlington.

  At the time of the organization of Arlington, the half tier of sections on the
west, which had been made a part of West Point, was returned to Lodi.

  SOIL. — The soil is mostly what is called "openings;" a small part is prairie.
The surface is quite undulating, sometimes rising into bluffs of considerable
height. The soil is fertile, especially along the streams, except in the
northern and northeastern parts, where it degenerates into sand, and is nearly
worthless. The town is watered by one of the finest and most reliable streams in
the state. About four miles southwest of the village, in the town of Dane, you
find a marsh, nearly circular, covering from a section and a half to two
sections of land. Around this marsh, in almost every direction, the land rises,
and in some places to great heights. At the foot of these hills and about the
borders of this marsh crop out springs innumerable, which, uniting in a single
stream, flow in a northeasterly direction and form the west branch of Spring
creek. Some of these springs are very small, while others are ten or twelve feet
in diameter, from which wells up the purest water.

  This stream enters Lodi on the south line of section 33, and continues its
northeasterly course through sections 33 and 34, and into section 27, where it
receives, from the southeast, a tributary of the same character, which is called
the east branch of Spring creek. At this point the stream takes a northwesterly
course and flows out of the town through the west line of section 8, into the
town of West Point. About half a mile from the west line of Lodi, it receives a
large tributary, known as Rowan's creek; thence, flowing out on about a mile and
a half, it discharges its waters into the Wisconsin river, opposite the village
of Merrimac, in Sank county. The value of this stream to the town can hardly be
estimated. It determined the first point of settlement, and fixed the location
of the village, and of the railroad. It furnishes one of the best water powers
in southern Wisconsin. This pure spring water cannot be surpassed for the
propogation and raising of fish. The east branch only as yet has been used in
fish culture.

  About a half mile southeast of the village, on the east branch of Spring
creek, may be found the fish ponds of James McCloud, Nathaniel Groodall and ____
Nelson, of which McCloud's are by far the most extensive. From the last named
gentleman the following information concerning his doings in fish culture has
been derived: He has in his park, of about two acres, six ponds stocked with
fish, which are all doing well. Within this park are about a dozen springs, out
of which gushes the purest spring water, which maintains almost an even
temperature throughout the year. In April, 1875, he made two ponds, in one of
which he put 1,000 young brook trout or fry, and in the other, 5,000 fry of the
Atlantic salmon. In the fall of the same year, he made four more ponds, one of
which he stocked with brook trout one year old, one with black and white bass;
and with the bass he also put in four sturgeon, which appear to do well. One
pond he stocked with catfish. In November, 1875, he put into his hatching house
10,000 spawn of the California salmon, which hatched out during the winter. The
bass, catfish and two years old trout spawned last spring.

  Three ponds are now filled with young fish which are growing rapidly. The
writer of this chapter visited these ponds last week and saw the fish fed. It is
a sight worth many miles' travel. A thousand speckled trout, from six to ten
inches long, within a space of about twenty feet square, leaping and gliding
over each other and out of the water for their food (water clear as crystal),
turning up their beautiful sides in the sunlight, would strengthen the weak eyes
of an old fisherman.

  This creek had evidently been a favorite resort for the aborigines, as is
proven by the great number of mound along its banks.

  This stream is unfailing. When all the water powers for miles around have
given out, parties can here get their grinding done. They have come here, in
time of drought, even from beyond Madison, and "blessed is the man" who can get
Lodi flour.

  EARLY SETTLEMENT. — In the month of April, 1845, two brothers, M. C.
Bartholomew and G. M. Bartholomew, came from McLean county, Illinois, and
settled on section 22, in this town. In May following came Rev. H. Maynard, a
Methodist minister, and planted himself on section 21. In the fall of the same
year came James McCloud, and stuck his stakes on section 27 and built his
preemption house, which was a log house, near his present residence. This has
been his home ever since, though in the spring of 1846 he was employed in
running lumber on the Wisconsin river. On the last of October in this year came
W. G. Simons and settled on section 33, where he still resides. These were all
the settlers who came that year.

  In 1846, came I. H. Palmer and settled on section 27, and in the spring of
that year built his house, and during the year built a saw mill on the west
branch of Spring creek. The building is still standing at the east end of
Andrews' mill dam, and near the law office of R. Lindsay, Esq. In the same year
came Adam Bowman, Nathan Bowman, Joseph Brown and Jacob Hurley, all of whom
settled upon section 26; Aaron Chalfant and Johnson Sowards, on section 21; Amos
and Jehu Strowd, on sections 25 and 36, and John Chance, on section 19. In 1847,
came T. S. Wells and settled on section 9; Nathaniel Groodall, upon section 26,
and Peter Froland, upon sections 25 and 36. Others came in this year, and from
this time the settlement progressed rapidly.

  INDIANS. — When the first settlers came in 1845, they found about two hundred
Indians encamped on the creek, near where the village now stands. These were
mostly Winnebagoes; a few were Brothertowns. During that season they were very
peaceable and friendly. In the fall of that year they all disappeared. In the
year 1847, they came back, to the number of about eighty, with their chief, and
camped on the creek below where the Bartholomews had settled. They soon began to
show their natural propensities, and the property of the settlers occasionally
disappeared. One of the settlers, GL M. Bartholomew, returning to his home from
an absence, found the Indians had stolen a part of his hogs. He went to the
chief and complained. The chief "denied the soft impeachment," but the
complainant insisted, and resolutely told Mr. Chief that he could have till the
next morning when the sun was "so high," telling him how high by pointing, to be
off. The chief promised to be off at once, and to go to the "Milwaukee Woods."
Thereupon Bartholomew roused the settlers, to the number of 20 to 25, and the
next morning, when the sun was "so high" they appeared at the spot "with horse
and gun," but the Indians had left. Fearing they might camp again near enough to
enable them to continue their depredations, our cavalry followed their trail,
and found them just striking their tents on Rowan's creek, in what is now the
town of Dekorra, near the old tavern stand of James Wilson. As the settlers
approached the camping ground, they were discovered by two hunters who were
apparently going out to bring in some game, either tame or wild, and the hunters
seeing the fearful array, and doubtless fearing "more to follow," wheeled on
their ponies, and rapidly returned. The pursuers halted, and Bartholomew went
forward to the camping ground (their tents were not yet raised), and inquired of
the chief if this were "Milwaukee Woods." The chief answered "No;" whereupon he
was informed that he could have just five minutes in which to take his
departure. At the expiration of the time named, the red skins were on the move.
The pursuers followed at a respectful and effective distance as far as what is
now the village of Poynette, and then returned to their homes. The Indians never
reappeared nor made further trouble.

  The first dwelling erected in town was a shanty by M. C. Bartholomew, in
building which, he was assisted by two Brothertown Indians. This stood on
section 22, near the spot where the barn of W. M. Bartholomew now stands.

  The second house was that of Rev. H. Maynard, on section 21, near the present
residence of Jonas Narracong, and the third house was that of G. M. Bartholomew,
on section 22, near the house now owned by Miller Warren.

  MILLS. The first mill erected in town was the saw mill by I. H. Palmer, as
before stated; the next was a grist mill just below the junction of the two
branches of Spring creek, on section 27, by Samuel Ring, in 1848, since owned by
Freedom Simons, Adam Schoneberger, James H. Hill, and now owned and lately
improved by Peter Kehl. Next, in 1849, came the grist mill of I. H. Palmer on
the west branch of Spring creek, for a long time owned and run by him, and now
owned and run by E. Andrews.

  Next came, in 1853, the grist mill on section 16, built and for a long time
owned and run by Jonas Narracong, since owned by Clark & Parr, afterwards owned
again by Narracong, and now owned and run by Voss Brothers.

  In the same year, 1853, Dunlap & Blatchley erected a building on section 17,
intended for a pail factory, which in 1858 was converted into a flouring mill,
and for several years was run as such by various parties. It was burned in 1874,
and has not been rebuilt.

  In or about the year 1855, Samuel Ring built a saw mill on section 8, at a
point since known as Okee; this he afterwards sold to T. S. Wells, who added a
feed mill, owned and run the mills for some time, and sold out to John Brownrig,
who, in 1875, erected a large grist mill, and carding mill at the same place,
which he still owns and runs. E. Andrews is now preparing to build a new
flouring mill on section 27.

  All these mills are on Spring creek, which furnishes the only water power in
town.

  The early settlers of this town were a sagacious and remarkably enterprising
class of men. They saw that this water power, and the shape of the country
surrounding it, pointed to the valley of Spring creek as a business center, and
that about the junction of these two branches of the creek, must be collected
large manufacturing and business interests. They, accordingly, took off their
coats and went resolutely and hopefully at the work of building up a town.

  I. H. Palmer, who has long been known in all the country round as Judge
Palmer, he having been, in early times, county judge for a very large district
about here, felt impressed with the idea that this place was related to the
whole world, and in order to grow, the people must know what was going on
abroad, and they must have "the papers." Therefore he applied to the government
for a post office. The government, not knowing the promise of the location as
well as the settlers, and regarding it as a small affair in an out of the way
place, denied the application. Judge Palmer, nothing daunted, then proposed to
the government, that if a post office could be located here, government should
be at no expense for a year, either for the office or for carrying the mail. The
nearest post office was Clark's Corners, in the town of Springfield, Dane
county, a distance of nine miles, and the the [sic] mail must be brought from
that point. The government accepted the proposition, and the Judge was appointed
the first post master of Lodi, in July, 1848. Until April, 1849, he carried and
brought, or caused to be carried and brought, and distributed the mail to and
from Clark's Corners. The receipts of the office for the first quarter were
$2.28. Unlike most offices, though it had a name, it had no local habitation, or
rather, it had a portable habitation, being carried about in the judge's hat.

  As in the late war the military service became efficient when headquarters
were in Gen. Grant's saddle, so in this young town the mail service was
efficient when its headquarters were in Judge Palmer's hat, for it appeared that
when the year had expired, the Government found that Lodi was something, or was
going to be, and, in 1849, established a mail route here, with James O. Eaton as
P. M. He held the office till 1853, when H. M. Ayer was appointed. James O.
Eaton succeeded him in 1861. In 1867, Robert Travis succeeded Eaton, and held
the office till January, 1875, when H. R. Eaton, the present incumbent, was
appointed.

  It is said that when Judge Palmer kept the postoffice in his hat, sometimes a
sudden gust of wind would come, blow his hat off and scatter the mail. So it
appears this town had its news literally "borne on the wings of the wind."

  Satisfied that Lodi gave promise of rapid increase of population and of
becoming a good business point, in the summer of 1848, Judge Palmer platted a
part of section 27 as a village, to which he afterwards made two additions.
James McCloud has also made three additions, and John Foote, one. The village
was called Lodi, and incorporated in 1872, embracing section 27, and naught else.

  Its first officers were: Horatio N. Cowen, president; E. Andrews, Alex. Woods,
James McCloud, H. C. Bradley, William Dunlap and Leonard F. Wanner, trustees;
Carlos Bacon, clerk; John Foote, supervisor; J. M. Pruyn, treasurer; H. M. Ayer,
police justice.

VILLAGE OPFICERS.

  1873. E. W. Gardner, president; E. Andrews, Wm. Dunlap, I. V. N. Walker, Wm.
Goldspohn, Thos. Albiston, Fred. Hanson, trustees; H. M. Ayer, clerk; J. M.
Pruyn, treasurer; H. M. Ayer, assessor; John Foote, supt. of schools; A. Woods,
police justice.

  1874. E. W. Gardner, president; E. Andrews, Wm. Dunlap, I. V. N. Walker, Wm.
Goldspohn, Thos. Albiston, Fred. Hanson, trustees; H. M. Ayer, clerk; H. L.
Bancroft, treasurer; John Foote, supt. of schools; G. T. Simons, constable; G.
M. Bartholomew, justice of the peace; James Seville, police justice.

  1875. E. W. Gardner, president; E. Andrews, Wm. Dunlap, I. V. N. Walker, Wm.
Goldspohn, Thos. Albiston, Fred. Hanson, trustees; H. M. Ayer, clerk; John Yule,
treasurer; John Foote, supt. of schools; G. T. Simons, constable; G. M.
Bartholomew, justice of the peace; H. M. Ayer, police justice.

  1876. E. W. Gardner, president; E. Andrews, J. O. Eaton, G. E. McKeebe, Wm.
Goldspohn, Thos. Albiston, Peter Kehl, trustees; J. M. Bartholomew, clerk; John
Yule, treasurer; Addison Eaton, supt. of schools; Alfred Clements, constable; S.
S. Dunning, justice of the peace; H. M. Ayer, police justice.

  1877. Thos. Albiston, president; E. Knuteson, E. Andrews, Peter Kehl, W. M.
Bartholomew, Henry B. Bancroft, J. O. Eaton, trustees; J. M. Bartholomew, clerk;
Orrin Rice, treasurer; G. M. Bartholomew, police justice; E. W. Gardner, justice
of the peace; Addison Eaton, supervisor; J. U. Ray, constable.

  The first store was built in 1848, by I. H. Palmer, and occupied by James O.
Eaton, in December, of that year, which business was continued by said Eaton
until 1859. The second store was opened by Thomas & Pinney, December, 1848, who
afterwards sold out to Samuel Ring. The third store was opened by L. D. Barnes,
in the fall of 1850, who during the same year took in as a partner, James
McCloud, who in various forms has continued in the business ever since. At
present there are in business in the village of Lodi: General merchandise: Pruyn
& Son, McCloud & Son, J. Seville, Eaton & Cowen and E. Knutesen. Drugs and
medicines: Bartholomew and Wanner, and J. McCloud & Son. Hardware: E. B. Waite &
Co., J. F. Collins & Bro. Harness: Chase & Harris and John Collins. Shoes: Chase
& Co. Meat markets: J. M. Pruyn and C. Dearborn. Jeweler: Henry Haggard.
Millinery: Mrs. G. T. Simons, Mrs. Richards. Tailor: T. Watson. Livery: G. T.
Simons, P. Watson. Furniture: C. Odell, M. Wickern. Blacksmiths: Chrisler & Co.,
S. Holdridge, A. Ferguson, Hans Kleber. Wagons: Quiggle & Terrill, John
Buchanan, Henry Schlosser. Shoemakers: M. Cain, Ole Logan. Hotels: Briggs House,
by P. Watson; Northwestern, by J. T. Hidden. Restaurants: S. H. Hinds, Thos.
Sparks. Groceries and provisions: Otto H. Hinrichs. Baker: L. Buerger. Lumber:
Vanderpool & Goldspohn, J. McCloud. Dairy supplies: Vaughan & Brookman. Flouring
mills; E. Andrews, P. Kehl. Cheese factory: Lodi Valley Cheese Co. Lawyers: R.
Lindsay, S. H. Watson. Printer: Peter Richards, publisher of Lodi Valley News.
Physicians: E. Howard Irvin, G. E. McKeebe, S. M. Blake. Dentist: E. B. Meeteer.
Card printer and barber: O. F. Modler.

  On section 8, and near the west line of the same, on Spring creek, in 1855,
Messrs. Matthews and Blatchley platted a small village. It was surveyed by G. M.
Bartholomew, and named by him Okee, that being the Indian name given to the
creek near that point, which is now called Rowan's creek, from the name of
Wallace Rowan, the first settler upon it. At Okee are Brownrig's Mills, already
described.

  Over twenty years since, Lodi felt deeply the want of a market. Situated about
midway between Portage and Madison, surrounded on three sides by a most
excellent farming country, the land descending to the village in all directions
except where Spring creek passes out, the weighty products gravitated to this
point. But no one could buy them, because twenty miles lay between the village
and a railroad. Hence, the proprietors of the town, the business men, and the
population as well, looked in all directions for an iron road. After many
schemes, which for a time gave hope, had failed, at last the Chicago and
NTorthwestern Company were induced, by the very liberal offer of $40,000 from
Lodi, with considerable sums from other towns on the line, to build their road
between Chicago and St, Paul through this town and village. The road was opened
in the month of August, 1871. Thereupon, Lodi became at once a market town, and
it is said that more grain and stock of all kinds are shipped from here than
from any other station on the road. Lodi is no longer out of the world.

  CHURCHES. — Methodist The four settlers who came in 1845 were all Methodists;
one of them a minister. In that year Rev. L. Harvey established a church,
consisting of Rev. H. Maynard, his wife and daughter, M. C. Bartholomew, wife
and daughter, and G. M. Bartholomew and wife — eight. Class leader, G. M.
Bartholomew. The ministers who have served this church their time and order of
service, are as follows: Wm. Smith, one year; J. Tasker, preached one year;
Adams, six months; Rev. H. Maynard finished the year; S. P. Walden, one year;
Jas. Holmes, six months; removed by Presiding Elder, and Matthias Woodley,
finished the year; E. Bunce two years; Nelson Butler Cochran, two years; S.
Dodge, two years; J. B. Bachman, two years; R. Delap, one year; N. Butler, one
year; J. S. Hurd, two years; J. D. Searles, two years; B. C. Hammond, one year;
J. B. Bachman, one year; J. T. Prior, two years; E. Tasker, two years; T. M.
Fullerton, one year; W. H. Kellogg, two years; J. C. Aspinwall, two years. The
church edifice was erected in 1853, at a cost of $1,500. Present number of
members, one hundred and seventy.

  The Baptist Church was organized May 26, 1852, by the following elders: Moses
Rowley, of Sun Prairie; Joseph Bowman, of Perry; Peter Conrad, of Baraboo; and
Charles Perry, of Springfield. Pastors, in their order, have been, Joseph
Bowman, O. O. Stearns, H. C. Fuller, and N. E. Chapin, who is at present pastor.
This church worshipped in a school house till 1867. In 1866, they built their
present house of worship, at a cost of over $4,000 and dedicated it March 13,
1867. Its deacons, in their order, have been Peter VanNess, Alpheus King,
William Grow and Freedom Simons. When formed, this church numbered seventeen
members. It now numbers nearly one hundred.

  The First Presbyterian Church was organized by Rev. John N. Lewis, June 20,
1852. The corporate members were James O. Eaton, Mary M. Eaton, Augustus P.
Smith, Ann Eliza Smith, Robert Mann, Harriet N. Mann, Esther S. Lewis, Eliza
Steele, Sophia Partridge and Sarah Strangeway — ten. Its ministers have been
Rev. John N. Lewis, stated supply 1852-1857; Rev. B. G. Riley, stated supply
1857-1863; Rev. D. A. Bassett, 1863-1866; Rev. Warren Mayo, pastor 1866-1872;
Rev. J. W. Knott, pastor 1872, and present pastor. Church edifice built in
1857-1871, at a cost of $5,000. Present number of members, two hundred and
forty-nine.

  A Universalist Church was enclosed in 1874, but has not been completed. There
is also a small Catholic Church on section 1.

  SCHOOLS. — The first school was taught in a house erected in 1846, on section
27. The building was a small log house; the school opened in the fall of that
year, and was taught by Miss Mary Yockey. The next school house was a frame
building erected in 1851, also on section 27. After this time the ordinary
common school of the state was organized in different districts throughout the
town and served the people till the year 1857. In this year five districts, in
and about the village, were consolidated, and a graded school established
therefrom. A large and commodious brick building was erected therefor on one of
the most commanding sites in the village, at a cost of $10,000; James McCloud,
contractor. The first principal of said school, was A. G. Riley; second, L. B.
Everdell; third, J. C. Yocum; fourth, A. A. Miller; sixth, the present
principal, W. E. Todd.

  This school has been, and still is, in a prosperous condition. It is
maintained at an annual expense of about $3,000.

  The population of the town, at the last census, was 1,448.

  Nearly all the people residing out of the village, and some within it, are
engaged in farming. They are mostly American born. The adopted citizens are of
almost all nationalities.

  The buildings of the village are mostly of wood; a few are built of stone and
some of brick. By far the most substantial and noticeable business structure is
Eaton's block, which is built of stone, and towers above all. It is a fit
testimonial of the enterprise of its projector and of his interest and
confidence in the town to which he has given the best energies of his life.

  With a first class water power, with a railroad and market, with a population
intelligent, enterprising and moral — as shown by its buildings, its schools and
its churches — and surrounded by such a country, what shall hinder Lodi from
making progress in the future equal to that made in the past?

  The writer of this chapter is under great obligations for the information
contained in it to Hon. G. M. Bartholomew, Hon. I. H. Palmer, J. O. Eaton, R.
Lindsay, Esq., James McCloud, W. M. Bartholomew, Freedom Simons and Rev. J. W.
Knott.

  SECRET SOCIETIES.—Lodi Valley Lodge, No. 99, Free and Accepted Masons: Jonas
Narracong, W. M.; J. E. Parke, S. W.; W. L. Wells, J.W.; J. S. Gardner, S.D.; W.
D. Pratt, J. D.; A. Eaton, Treasurer; J. M. Pruyn, Secretary; J. E. Mandeville,
Tyler.

  Perseverance Lodge, No. 272, I. O. G. T: M. M. Mitchell, W. C. T.; Flora L.
Dean, W. V. T.; Wm. Slightam, P. W. C. T.; Rev. J. W. Knott, W. C.; Mary L.
Tabor, R. S.; Ida Merryman, A. R. S; W. E. Collins, F. S.; Ida Kimball, W. T.;
Wilber Blake, W. M.; Ella Bartholomew, D. M.; Harry Irwin, W. G.; Albert
Patterson, W. S.; Susie Ayer, R. H. S.; Emma Rathbun, L. H. S.; W. M. Dunlap, L. D.

  Temple of Honor: J. M. Pruyn, W. C. T.; John Foote, W. V. T.; G. W. Fenno, W.
R.; Chas. Goodall, F. R.; W. M. Bartholomew, W. T.; G. M. Bartholomew, W. U.;
William Dunlap D.U.; Peter Richards, W. G.; E. Knutesen, W. S.; L. F. Wanner, D.
S; L. E. Harris, P. W. C. T.



Additional Comments:
Extracted from:

Towns Adjacent Section

MADISON, DANE COUNTY AND SURROUNDING TOWNS;
BEING A HISTORY AND GUIDE
TO PLACES OF SCENIC BEAUTY AND HISTORICAL NOTE FOUND IN THE TOWNS OF DANE COUNTY
AND SURROUNDINGS, INCLUDING THE ORGANIZATION OF THE TOWNS, AND EARLY INTERCOURSE
OF THE SETTLERS WITH THE INDIANS, THEIR CAMPS, TRAILS, MOUNDS, ETC.

WITH A COMPLETE LIST OF
COUNTY SUPERVISORS AND OFFICERS,
AND
LEGISLATIVE MEMBEES, MADISON VILLAGE AND CITY COUNCIL.

ILLUSTRATED,
MADISON, WIS.:
PUBLISHED BY WM. J. PARK & CO.,

BOOKSELLERS, STATIONERS AND BINDERS, 11 KING STREET.
1877.

COPYRIGHT.
WM. J. PARK & CO. 1877.

DAVID ATWOOD, STEREOTYPER AND PRINTER, MADISON, WIS.

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