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

MAZOMANIE.
BY HENRY HOWARTH AND HENRY Z. MOULTON.

  THIS township, located in the northwest corner of the county, was formerly a
part of the town of Black Earth, and comprises the north half of township 8
north, of range 6 east, and fractional part of town 9, range 6, lying south. and
east of the Wisconsin river. The northern portion of this town bordering on the
river, was at one time low and marshy; but now, extensive tracts have been
drained and brought under cultivation, and in time, will no doubt become very
valuable and important lands. Other portions consist of prairie and oak
openings, with a rich and productive soil, watered by the Black Earth creek and
its tributaries, and is under excellent cultivation, while portions in the
eastern and southern parts of the town are bluffy and much less valuable.

  This place may be said to be entitled to the distinction of having been
"discovered," as the early explorers passed down the Wisconsin over two hundred
years since, and viewed the lands of which the town is composed, with its
extensive marshes bordering upon the river, and its forests and bluffs in the
background; the first authentic account of which is that of Father James
Marquette, a Jesuit missionary, who, in company with Joliet and five other
Frenchmen, passed down the river in June, 1673, on their celebrated voyage of
discovery to the Mississippi. At this time, Wisconsin, then unknown as a
separate political division, was under the government of France, and so remained
until 1759, when it passed into the hands of the British. During the war of the
Revolution (in 1780), a force of Canadians and Indians passed down the river to
secure a quantity of furs, deposited by Indian traders at Prairie du Chien, from
falling into the hands of the Americans. In the "war of 1812," another force of
about five hundred and fifty men, under the command of Col. Wm. McKay, of the
British army, consisting of Regulars, Canadians and Indians, passed down the
river for the purpose of reducing the fort at Prairie du Chien, and after a
desperate resistance on the part of the American troops stationed there, the
fort was compelled to surrender. This was in 1814.

  In the Black Hawk war, Mazomanie was the theater of one of the most decisive
battles of the campaign, known as the "Battle of Wisconsin Heights." The Indians
having left the Four Lakes, retreated towards the Wisconsin, and the troops
under Gen. Henry and Cols. Dodge and Ewing, numbering about six hundred men,
having struck their trail, pursued them, until at five o'clock P. M. on the 21st
day of July, 1832, they overtook them in a ravine, about three miles south of
the present site of Sauk city. The battle was commenced by the Indians trying to
gain possession of the bluffs or heights (located on section 24 in this
township) for a better position, but were defeated in their designs, and driven
with great loss into the marshes and low grounds, and during the following night
they crossed the river. The troops remained during the following day scouring
the country for the enemy, and preparing litters for the wounded, camping at
night on the farm now owned by J. V. Cairns, on section 15. The next morning
they returned to the fort at Blue Mounds.

  In the year 1843, the first settlement was made in this township, and large
quantities of government lands were entered by the "British Temperance
Emigration Society." Charles Wilson, the agent of this society, accompanied by
Joshua Rhodes and Alfred Senier, were the first settlers. They arrived at this
place on Christmas day, in 1843, and for shelter and protection against the
inclemencies of this season of the year, took possession of an old, deserted
Indian wigwam. They were soon after joined by John Holmes and James Ray. They at
once commenced the erection of log houses for the accommodation of emigrants
that were expected the following season, under the supervision of Mr. Wilson,
upon whom devolved the duty of purchasing and locating the lands of the society,
dividing them into farms of the proper size, and making such improvements as its
rules required.

  In the spring of 1844, they commenced breaking up the soil and putting in
crops; five acres to each farm of eighty acres was to be prepared in this
manner, and a log house erected thereon 14 by 20 feet, and one and a half
stories in height.

  In the latter part of June of the same year, the first of the expected
emigrants arrived, among whom were George Robbins, John and Wm. Wrigglesworth,
Francis Wilson, Robert North, John Royston, Wm. Thompson, Christopher Bennett,
John Kerr, Charles Reeve, Robert Leach, John Linley and Robert Liman, with their
families. Wm. Summerville was also among the number, and was the first to sicken
and die, and the first to be buried in the cemetery, on the grounds now occupied
for that purpose.

  It may not be uninteresting to give a short account of the society, under
whose auspices these first settlements were made. The "British Temperance
Emigration Society" was organized in Liverpool, in 1842, with branches in many
of the important cities and towns in England. The officers of which were
Lawrence Heyworth, Robert Gorst, Charles Wilson, Charles Reeve and George
Cutler. Each member paid one shilling per week per share, and a share costing
£25, when full paid, entitled the holder to a farm of eighty acres, to be
selected by the agent of the society. When a sufficient amount of funds would
accumulate, they were sent to the agent here for the purchase of lands from the
government; an election would then be had for the purpose of selecting members
to emigrate and occupy the farms. Those that were thus selected would
immediately prepare for emigration. But should any member desire, he could sell
his right to another member, taking his chances at the next election. Each
member, upon his arrival, would be conducted to the farm selected for him and
which would be conveyed to him in legal form upon the full payment of his share.
The lands of the society extended from Mill Creek, in Iowa county, through
Mazomanie, Berry, Springfield and Westport, and about seventy families settled
in the vicinity under its auspices. After a year or two, however, there began to
be complaints, and a great deal of discontent was manifested among its members;
so much so, that soon after, the society was entirely broken up.

  The first marriage that occurred among the settlers was that of Robert Leach
to Miss Emma Reeve, daughter of Charles Reeve, Esq. They were married on the
25th day of September, 1844, by Wm. Welch, Esq., then a magistrate residing in
Madison. Melville Wrigglesworth was the first male child born in the settlement;
this event occurring in the fall of 1844. He was the son of John and Elizabeth
Wrigglesworth, and lived to reach manhood, but his health, always feeble, gave
out, and he died some years since. The first physician of the settlement was W.
B. Bishop, who came from Liverpool in 1846, where he had practiced medicine for
forty years. He was not strictly a resident of the township, but lived a few
rods across the line in Iowa county. Charles Wilson, who came in 1844, was the
first lawyer, and William Powell, a few years after, commenced the practice of
law. His sign may now be seen on the little office adjoining his residence on
Hudson street, although his health will not permit of active work in his
profession.

  The first school house, a log building, was built in 1849, on the "school
section;" these lands were soon after sold, but the owner would not sell any
portion for the school house to remain upon, nor would he allow it to be
removed; but on one pleasant, moonlight night, it took a "change of venue," and
stood next morning on lands owned by Henry Howarth, on section 15. The first
public school was taught here by Mrs. Mary Williams, in the same year. This
school house was also used for many years as a place of worship. Services were
usually conducted by lay brethren of the Primitive Methodist church, residing in
the town. Every fourth Sabbath they were conducted by circuit preachers from
Mineral Point who, although having to travel winter and summer, over rough roads
and through all kinds of weather, a distance of forty-five miles, were ever
faithful and punctual in the discharge of their laborious duties. George Cutler,
then a local preacher, also conducted services here, and in 1850, organized a
small independent society, called the United Methodists, which organization was
maintained for about ten years. Upon a division of the town into school
districts, this school house became the property of "District No. 2," now
comprising the entire village and a large portion of the town, the first
officers of which were Henry Howarth, John Kerr and T. S. North. Further
reference will be made to this district in treating of the growth and business
statistics of the village.

  "School District No. 3 " is located in the eastern portion of the town; has a
fine frame school house sufficiently large to accommodate the number of pupils
in attendance. The present officers are Thos. H. Ward, Walter A. Johnson and
Lewis Blynn.

  There are at the present time three joint school districts, in addition to the
districts mentioned, and the entire amount now expended for educational
purposes, is about $3,500.

  In concluding this sketch of the early pioneers of the settlement, it will not
be out of place to notice some of the privations and hardships necessarily
endured in their efforts to make for themselves homes in the distant wilderness.
As will be inferred from the manner in which they secured their homesteads,
being by weekly installments of about twenty-five cents, they were generally men
of limited means, understood but little of agriculture— having principally been
mechanics, tradesmen and professional men in their native land — and in opening
up and improving their farms the strictest economy was required to procure the
necessaries of life. When short of provisions it was the usual custom to borrow
from each other until such times as the larder could again be replenished. In
some instances resort was had to the coffee mill to grind "flour" enough for
bread. One such mill, owned by Dr. Wallace, of Iowa county, and brought by him
from "the old country," was kept running for days together for this purpose. In
one instance a settler by the name of Joseph Rogerson "backed" fifty pounds of
flour from "Badger State mills" on Sugar river. Francis Wilson, during the
summer of 1844, accompanied by another settler, went to the old "Hickox mill" in
Iowa county for flour, a distance of eighteen miles. They took two yoke of oxen,
and, after an absence of four days, returned with only one hundred pounds; this
amount, when divided among the entire settlers, furnished a very small allowance
for each family. Only by waiting for the toll from grists brought to the mill
during their stay were they enabled to procure even this small amount. For a
long time this was the nearest flour mill, and settlers were obliged to make
two, and sometimes three, trips before getting their grists. At one time, while
this mill was being repaired, Mr. Wrigglesworth and Reuben Royston started in
search of some other mill, and were gone over a week before they could find one
to grind their wheat.

  The manner of threshing and cleaning wheat in those days was somewhat
primitive; they would clear off a large space of ground, put on about four yoke
of oxen and tramp it out; the cleaning was performed by throwing the grain in
the air and allowing the wind to blow out the chaff.

  In 1848, there began to be a surplus of wheat, a portion of which was traded
off for groceries and other necessaries. About this time they commenced hauling
to Milwaukee. The manner of making trips to this city was, for three or four
farmers to start together, each having not less than two pair of oxen — horses
than being almost unknown in the settlement — they would take their supplies
from home and, camping out nights, would cook their provisions by the heat of
their camp fires. Thirty bushels was considered a fair load, for which they
obtained from forty to fifty cents per bushel. On their return they would
sometimes load up with salt or merchandise for Madison and other places, as they
could find the opportunity. The round trip was usually made in about two weeks.
Many times, from delays caused by bad weather and roads, or some accident to
team or wagon, their expenses would use up nearly the entire proceeds of their
wheat.

  The settlers procured what few necessaries they required or could afford, from
Sauk City — a town of "one stores;" from Dover, in Iowa county; from Pokerville
(West Blue Mounds), twelve miles distant, or from Madison, a distance of
twenty-three miles. When any one went to the latter place, he would procure such
necessaries as were required by his neighbors, and would also get the entire
mail for the settlement.

  The times were very hard for several years after the first settlements, and
very little money was to be had. Fifty cents per day was considered a good price
for a day's work; usually paid for in flour, meat or other provisions. The usual
price paid for harvest help was one bushel of wheat per day.

  The early settlers had but little dealings with the Indians, although for many
years they were passing up and down the Wisconsin for the purpose of hunting and
trapping, and occasionally would camp in the near vicinity. They were always
friendly and peaceably disposed. In 1851, a procession of from six to seven
hundred of the following tribes, Chippewas, Pottawattamies, Winnebagoes,
Stockbridges and Hurons, passed along, marshaled by the United States
authorities, with a band of music and several banners of the stars and stripes
floating to the breeze. They were being conducted to their several reservations
west of the Mississippi, but before their arrival at their respective
destinations, it was found that at least one-half of their numbers were missing,
they having dropped off in the night time, preferring their Wisconsin homes to
the comparatively unknown territory to which they were being removed.

  The town was first called Gorstville; this was subsequently changed to
Pleasant Valley, then to Farmersville, and then to Black Earth. The southern
portion, being the south half of town eight, still retains this name, but the
northern portion was set off in 1858, under the name of Mazomanie, a name given
to it by the first proprietors of the village, signifying, in the Indian
language,. "The iron that walks," or "Walking iron," and should be written with
one capital, not as a compound word, as is sometimes done.

  The first officers for the new town of Mazomanie were: Supervisors — John
Greening, chairman, James Craney, Philip Wagner; town clerk — Wm. L. Freeman;
treasurer-S. E. Waterhouse; assessor — James Hayes; town superintendent—Dr. E.
D. Bishop; justices—John Greening, Barney Campbell, John Huntington, Thomas S.
North; constables — Joseph Bennett, Wm. Brink.

  The present officers are: Supervisor & — Luther Clark, chairman, Joseph
Bennett, H. B. Catlin; town clerk— H. Z. Moulton; treasurer — B. B. Cowdery;
assessor — Ed. Pratt; justices — George Cutler, S. Moulton, H. Z. Moulton;
constable — John Wilcox.

  The population of the township at the present time is about eighteen hundred.
The value of real and personal property of the town and village for the year
1877, as appears from the assessment roll of the town, is $457,000.

  VILLAGE.— While the Milwaukee and Mississippi railroad was in process of
construction through our state, and the line was being surveyed through this
town, the directors of the road noticed that a fine location presented itself
for a village, north and west of the bluff on section 16. They observed that by
maintaining a proper grade in building their road, a fine water power could be
developed by making the grade serve the purpose of confining the waters of Black
Earth Creek upon one side for a distance of about three-fourths of a mile, and
determined to take advantage of the circumstances thus presented, to lay the
foundation of a thriving village. Accordingly, after purchasing a portion of the
northwest quarter of said section 16, Messrs. E. H. Brodhead, Eliphalet Cramer,
Anson Eldred and Moses Scott, as proprietors, joined with Ahram Ogden, a
previous owner, laid out what is known as the original plat of the village. This
was in the early part of the year 1855. During the same year, John Hudson and
William Robinson platted a portion of section 9, under the respective titles of
Hudson's, Robinson's and University additions, and, subsequently, Henry Walker
and Alfred Senier platted portions of sections 8 and 16, under the respective
names of Walker's and Senier's additions. The proprietors of Prairie addition
were A. W. Curtis, John Catlin and Edward Barber.

  During this year the first buildings were erected, and before the close of the
season, quite a village presented itself to the gaze of those old settlers who
had toiled and endured so much, and with a near prospect of a railroad upon
which they could send away their surplus produce, and through its influence,
could once more enjoy the benefits of social intercourse with the outside world,
began to feel that they were indeed u about to receive "that for which they had
so long wrought."

  The first arrivals were D. W. Bronson and family, David and W. H. Whitney. Mr.
Bronson and the Whitneys immediately commenced work on the first store building
erected in the village, the entire party living in the meantime in a shanty
situated in the rear of the site upon which the "Carlisle House" now stands.

  The first store was opened by S. Holbrook and John Martin, followed soon after
by that of S. E. Waterhouse and D. W. Bronson. George Butler built and opened
the first hotel under the name of the "American House." This was the first frame
building erected in the village. It was rebuilt and improved in 1869, and the
name changed to the "Carlisle House."

  Soon after, the "Mazomanie Hotel," now known as the "Freeman House," was built
by H. A. Cowdery. The first blacksmith shop was established by John and Joseph
Wilson.

  Among those that came here in 1855, not already mentioned, were Saulsbury
Bros., Mr. Parsons, John Robinson, C. D. Haven, G. T. Whitney, Allen and Angus
Macdonald, W. U. Hover, L. D. Brooks, A. S. Sanborn, William Allen, and S. H.
Vedder.

  G. T. Whitney was the first postmaster, but the business of the postoffice was
transacted by Messrs. Bronson and Waterhouse. He was appointed under the
administration of Franklin Pierce, and was succeeded by William L. Freeman. D.
W. Bronson, the present postmaster, was appointed in 1861, and has held the
office ever since.

  In June, 1856, the railroad first reached this village, and gave at once a
fresh impetus to its growth and prosperity. The first passenger cars arrived,
and the first time-table was established on the 7th of that month, and on the
10th there was a rousing "Railroad Celebration" in honor of the event, said to
be among the greatest gatherings ever had in Mazomanie. People were here from
the surrounding country for a great distance, and it was no doubt a day of
general rejoicing.

  The depot, a very fine structure, was built the preceding year. This building,
however, was destroyed by fire and rebuilt in 1857. A large and commodious
eating house was built adjoining the depot, and for several years, trains
stopped for refreshments at Mazomanie in place of Madison. In 1862, the building
was taken down and removed, thus becoming one of the institutions of the past.

  John B. Stickney was the first depot agent, and is now the oldest acting
station agent in the state of Wisconsin. He came on the advent of the cars, and
has ever since retained the position, which fact is sufficient evidence that he
has the confidence, not only of the managers of the road, but of the community
of which he has so long been a prominent and active member.

  Mr. Hutchins was the first wheat-buyer, but the first grain warehouse was
erected by L. A. Lincoln in 1856.

  MANUFACTURING INTERESTS. — In 1857, Lynch & Walker, of Milwaukee, became the
owners of the water power before referred to, and erected thereon a large and
commodious flouring mill. A few years after this the mill was purchased by
William Thompson, who became a permanent resident of the place, and for many
years transacted a large and profitable milling business, giving employment to a
great number of operatives. Mr. T. spent large sums of money in improvements on
the mill. He was an active business man and a good citizen; generous, open
hearted, and took great interest in all public improvements. The mill is now
operated by Messrs. E. Sanderson & Co., of Milwaukee — under the charge of J. T.
Vought — who have made extensive alterations and improvements, involving an
outlay of about $15,000. Considering the strength and permanency of its water
power, its close proximity to the railroad, its capacity for work and thorough
state of repair, and its ready access to the markets and to the large grain
growing districts of Iowa and Minnesota, it must be placed among the very best
flouring mills of the state.

  The frame flouring mill, now standing on section 8, was moved to its present
location in 1864, by John Cropper and Ch. L. Jacobi, and was operated by Mr.
Cropper until 1876, when he sold his interest to Robert Patterson. This is a
much smaller mill, and is intended principally for custom work, although it has
the requisite machinery for manufacturing what is termed " patent" flour.

  The next important business enterprise established in the place was the
manufacture of fanning mills, and out of its introduction important branches of
industry have been built up, in giving employment to a great number of
mechanics, and support to many families. In 1860, John Warren, Nathaniel and
Stillman Moulton, built a large three story brick and stone building for this
purpose, with steam power and machinery for planing, matching, sawing, etc. A
large business was established, which steadily increased from year to year; but
on the 2d day of May, 1865, a great calamity befel them, in the loss by fire of
their building and entire stock, prepared during the preceding winter ready for
"setting up" into mills. N. Moulton having withdrawn in 1863, the loss fell upon
the other members of the firm, and was very severe, there being no insurance. A
circumstance worthy of note in this connection is the fact that the machine shop
of N. T. Davies, situated on the exact location, was destroyed by fire on the
10th day of May, 1877, exactly twelve years after.

  George and N. T. Davies, the successors of J. Warren & Co., rebuilt the
premises and made extensive additions and improvements, both in buildings and
machinery, including the establishment of a foundry and machine shop. N. T.
Davies, now the sole proprietor, is doing a large business in the manufacture of
fanning mills, wagons, milk safes and other farm machinery, having with
commendable pluck and perseverance rebuilt the portion recently destroyed by fire.

  Pritchard and Davies are also extensive manufacturers of mills and safes.

  Fanning mills are also manufactured by D. N. Smith and George Davies.

  John Parman and Charles J. Trager are each the owner and proprietor of a large
establishment for the manufacture of wagons and carriages; and for strength,
durability, style and finish, their work will compare favorably, if not excel,
that of any other establishments of their kind in the country. As evidence of
this fact, they are receiving orders not only from the city of Milwaukee, but
from places in the northwest and southwest portions of our state, as well as
from Iowa and Minnesota.

  The Mazomanie cheese factory, owned and operated by Messrs. Humphrey &
Sherwin, ranks among the important business enterprises of the town. This
factory was built early in 1875, and under the efficient management of Mr.
Daniel Humphrey, with Theo. J. Elmer as cheese maker, has been very successful,
thus proving the wisdom of the merchants and business men who contributed so
liberally to its establishment.

  John Darlington is the manufacturer and patentee of a washing machine called
the "Darlington Washer," which is said to be an excellent machine.

  CHURCHES. — The First Congregational Society was organized at the log school
house before mentioned, in 1853, by Rev. David M. Jones, of Arena. Through his
labors a church was erected in 1855, of which he was the first pastor.
Subsequently this church building became the property of the Evangelical
Association, by whom it was used until 1874, when it became private property. In
1871 the society built a very fine frame church on Hudson street, under the
labors of the Rev. M. M. Martin, who is the present pastor.

  The First Baptist Society of Mazomanie and Black Earth was organized April 11,
1857, with Rev. Moses Rowley its first pastor, For many years they occupied the
seminary. In 1865, the society was reorganized as the First Baptist Society of
Mazomanie. In 1866, under the labors of Rev. Moses Pickett, they built a large
frame church on Hudson street, and services are now conducted therein by Rev.
Joseph Bowman, of Lodi.

  In 1847, the Primitive Methodist Society was organized by Rev. George Stevens,
a local preacher, and services held in private dwelling-houses. In 1850, the
society was reorganized by Rev. James Alderson, and attached to the Mineral
Point circuit, and in 1857, they built a small frame church. Although this
society is small, they have never failed in keeping up regular services. The
present year (1877) they have erected a fine parsonage near the church. The
present pastor is Rev. John Ralph.

  The Methodist Episcopal Society was organized November 7, 1856, with a
membership of eighteen. Rev. Robert Rowbotham was the first regular pastor. The
church now owned by this society — the largest and most commodious church
building in the village — was erected under the labors of the Rev. J. D.
Searles. The corner-stone was laid by Gen. Fallows, with due formality, in June,
1865, and in September, 1867, it was dedicated. Bishop Simpson preached the
dedicatory sermon; Dr. Raymond, of Evanston College, assisted in the services.
The present pastor is Rev. E. T. Briggs.

  St. Luke's Mission (Episcopal) was organized January 8, 1868, and Rev. J. B.
Pradt called as missionary. For about two years, services were held in the Town
Hall. In December, 1869, they held their first service in St. Luke's Church, a
fine brick edifice erected principally through the liberality of William
Thompson and Richard Black. The present missionary in charge is Rev. Henry M.
Green.

  The first regular preacher of the Evangelical Association, so far as can be
ascertained, was Hev. Henry Ragartz, wrho preached here in 1853.

  Services were usually held at the residence of different members, until 1864,
when they purchased the church building formerly owned by the Congregational
Society. This they occupied until 1874, when they found, from the growth of the
society, that they needed more room. They built a very pretty and substanial
stone church on Hudson Street, which was dedicated on the 29th of October of the
same year, by Bishop Jacob Escher. Rev. Peter Held is the present pastor.

  Catholic.—In 1856, this church erected a frame edifice of which Father Stroker
was the first regular priest. In the year 1863, finding their church building
too small for the congregation, a new building was erected under the labors of
Father McGinty. They now have a fine frame edifice, with a dwelling near for the
residence of the priest. Father Mazeaud is the present priest.

  SECRET SOCIETIES. — A dispensation was granted December 5,1857, for the
organization of a Masonic lodge, and on the 9th day of June of the following
year, a charter was granted to Crescent Lodge, No. 97, A. F. & A. M.; with Alden
S. Sanborn, its first master, and John B. Stickney, its first secretary. The
membership of this lodge has increased gradually until it now numbers
sixty-eight members. Illustrative of changes constantly going on in society is
the fact that upwards of one hundred and fifty names have been enrolled as
members of this Lodge since its organization.

  The most serious drawback that this society has encountered was, in the loss
of their lodge-room and entire furniture and records, destroyed by fire, May 2,
1865. They had bought and paid for the third story of the building erected by J.
Warren & Co. This gave them a large and commodious hall, and was well furnished.
The last payment on the hall was made but a few weeks previous to the fire. They
now hold their meetings in the third story of Turck's block. B. R. Cowdery is
the present master, and H. Z. Moulton, secretary.

  Good Templars. — Mazomanie Lodge, No. 65, I. O. Gr. T. (afterwards changed to
No. 14), was instituted January 15, 1858, with William Robinson, W. C. T., and
John Howarth, W. R. S. This lodge has met with varying success since its
organization. Like all other institutions having for their object the
advancement of moral and social reform, it has its seasons of depression as well
as of prosperity; but there is little question that this order, aside from its
direct effect upon individuals, has exerted a great influence in building up a
healthy temperance sentiment in the community. The membership of this lodge is
about one hundred and thirty. Samuel Murrish is its present W. C, T., and T. F.
Stair its present W. R. S. They have a hall in Turck's block, and meet on Friday
evening of each week.

  Mendotas. — Montezuma Council, No. 8, I. O. M., was organized February 22,
1876. This is a social order, having temperance as one of its prominent objects.
The membership is seventy-eight. The present officers are L. C. Oulmann, Sachem,
and W. Y. Ridell, Writer They meet in Good Templar's hall every Monday evening.

  The Patrons of Husbandry, No. 318, was organized January 10, 1874, and meet on
Saturday evenings in "Butz" hall. Their membership is forty-six. Present
officers are Henry Powell, Master, and O. B. Haseltine, Secretary.

  PUBLIC SCHOOLS. — Mazomanie has for many years been justly celebrated for the
efficiency of her public school, which has been the principal means of
attracting many families to our place for the educational advantages it offered.
This is mainly attributable to the liberality of its citizens in providing
suitable buildings, and in the employment of teachers of undoubted capabilities
as principals, among whom may be mentioned Lyman Hutchinson, N. E. Goldthwaite,
W. A. De La Matyr, M. E. Wadsworth, L. D. Harvey and Miss Inez C. Childs, all of
whom have materially contributed to its success. The present principal is
Charles F. Harding, of Springfield in this county.

  In 1857, a frame school house was built to take the place of the log house
before referred to, of ample size, as was supposed, to accommodate the increase
of pupils consequent upon the growth of the village; but it was barely finished,
before a portion had to be sent to the seminary building. In 1861, was commenced
the erection of a brick edifice, 50 by 50 feet, two stories in height. This was
occupied the following year, when the school was first organized under the
graded system. In 1868, an addition was built, 30 by 50 feet, of the same
height, making a building 50 by 80 feet, which was arranged for five
departments. In 1876, however, it was again found necessary to occupy the former
building, now known as the Town Hall, and to establish a primary school near the
Wisconsin river.

  In 1876, a free high school was established in the district, receiving state
aid as provided by law. The grade, however, was already sufficient to enable
pupils to enter the freshman class at the State University without further
preparation; as an instance, at the last commencement, the following pupils
passing direct from our school, graduated from this institution, namely: Misses
Alice Stickney, Florence E. Mitchell, Hattie M. Hover, Tillie Reul, and Mr. W.
A. Hover.

  The district contains about five hundred and fifty pupils of school age, and
upwards of four hundred were in attendance the past year. Number of teachers
employed, eight; cost of instruction, about $3,000 annually. Value of school
building and site is over $10,000. The site contains eight lots, and is one of
the prettiest locations for the purpose to be found. Good sidewalks are provided
not only about the building and across the grounds, but reach to nearly all
portions of the village, except on the higher grounds where they are not so much
needed.

  The present officers of the district are, Jonathan Jones, J. C. Cowdery and H.
Z. Moulton, the latter having served in the capacity of clerk without
interruption since 1862.

  The business and other interests, not previously mentioned, are represented by
J. C. Cowdery & Son, bankers; W. U. Hover, J. Murrish & Sons, C. M. Howe, L. A.
Lincoln, J. A. Schmitz, Charles Butz, W. W. Whalon, and S. V. Wyckoff and Co.,
general dealers; Smith & Moulton, general hardware; J. Jones and Smith &
Campbell, druggists; Whitney & Clark, boots and shoes; J. W. Robson, books and
stationery, fruits and confectionery; C. A. Pierson and Hiram Lyford, groceries;
L. C. Oulmann, butter and eggs; George Elliott, furniture and paper hangings;
Fred Reinow, furniture and coffins; Fred. W. Giese and Otto Giese, jewelers; D.
W. Bronson & Son and Richard Black, lumber dealers; L. A. Lincoln, A. Lange and
J. T. Vaught, grain buyers; Ed. Pratt and Maj. A. B. Piatt, agricultural
implements; Harrop & Cork, tailors; Fred. Heydecke and John Denu, harnesses; C.
E. Whelan, blacksmith and wagons; A. Preston & Sons, blacksmith and cultivators;
John Askew, blacksmith and plows; A. P. Peck and Simeon Jones, shoemakers;
Woolrich & Dame, meat market; Mrs. Charles Peters, market and confectionery;
Mrs. John Schuesler, photographs; Mrs. S. A. Berry, Mrs. E. H. Hart, Mrs. C. M.
Howe, and Miss M. E. Kerr, millinery and dress making; Edward Huggins,
restaurant; N. Kirch, bakery; Sutcliffe Bros., cigars; Tinker & Schlewch,
brewers; S. F. Buck, barber; P. B. Learnard, repairing watches; J. A. J. Shower,
undertaker; Isaac Thompson and Lawrence Wolf, coopers; J. F. Carlisle and H. G.
Brunleib, liveries; T. T. Huntington and John Cammack, draymen; Thos. W, Wilson,
builder; W. W. Whitney, millwright; L. W. Needham, Robert Sutcliffe, E. H.
Haseltine, J. H. Richards and Ferd. Hader, carpenters; C. F. Moulton, Adam
Gerner and M. Morrow, masons; Wm. Finlayson and A. N. Seymour are the
proprietors of the extensive nurseries. The medical fraternity are represented
by Wm. H. Gleason, T. F. Stair, C. A. Lyman and T. S. North; dentistry by J. G.
Mawney; insurance by H. Z. Moulton.

  The place is supplied with excellent hotels, all of which are well kept, and
sufficiently large and roomy for the accommodation of the traveling public, who
may feel assured of receiving the utmost attention from the genial proprietors.
The "Carlisle House," kept by James Carlisle, is the largest; next in size and
pretensions is the "Freeman House," kept by Theo. Freeman, while the "Commercial
Hotel" is under the charge of John Westhauser, proprietor. Mr. N. Kirch has
recently erected large and commodious buildings, and, in connection with other
business, proposes to provide for the entertainment of the traveling public.

  The Weekly Sickle, a newspaper published by D. W. Bronson & Son, with S. E.
Bronson as editor, is among the important enterprises of the place, and is of
great value and convenience to the citizens and business men. The first issue
was dated March 9, 1874, and the circulation has increased gradually until it
now numbers five hundred subscribers.

  The village of Mazomanie is what may be termed a "railroad town," as it was
directly through its influence that the place was first started, and through its
business employment is given to a great number of persons. The construction
train of the western division of the railway from Milwauke to Prairie du Chien
makes its headquarters here. The train is under the charge of E. J. Whitney,
conductor, with Frank Robinson as engineer, Mr. R. having held this position
since 1865. This station ranks the fifth on the line (Pra. du C. division) as to
amount of business. There is paid out to its different employees not less than
$2,000 monthly, giving direct support to about fifty families, and indirectly
adding largely to the general business interests of the town.

  The Fire Department of Mazomanie is well deserving of attention in this
sketch. It has been organized and worked up under exceeding difficulties, and
several years have elapsed since its first conception, but through the
persistent efforts of a few of her citizens — among whom may with propriety be
mentioned the names of C. J. Trager, T. W. Wilson and R. Black — and the
liberality of the business men of the place, it has now a well organized fire
company, with an "A 1" hand power engine, hose cart and hook and ladder outfit,
including truck, ladders, buckets, etc., costing upwards of twelve hundred
dollars. The present officers are, C. J. Trager, foreman; J. A. J. Shower, first
assistant, and T. T. Huntington, second assistant.

  The population of the village is now about twelve hundred, mostly of American
and English extraction. Of the foreign element, the German largely predominates,
although the "Emerald Isle" furnishes a large representation. And while it is
but slowly increasing in wealth and population, there seems to be an air of
permanency about the village and its improvements, that surely denotes a
prosperous future.

  The resources of the place are much the same as contribute to the support of
nearly all of our western towns, being principally from grain growing districts
around, making this a common center, although the peculiar adaptation of the
surrounding country to grazing purposes will, at no distant future, make of it
one of the most important dairying districts in the southern portion of the
state. Even now it is estimated that more butter and eggs are shipped from this
station than any other on the road west of Milwaukee.

  LOCATION AND SCENERY. — A sketch of Mazomanie would be incomplete that did not
refer to its advantages as a place of residence, for such as desire a more quiet
and retired life than the city affords, and yet enjoy most of its conveniences.
The village is pleasantly located on both sides of Black Earth creek, where it
opens out into the valley of the Wisconsin. South of the railroad, which passes
through the place, a little south of the center, is a sharp rise of ground for a
few rods, where we find a large plateau, where are many beautiful locations for
residences not yet occupied. Still south of this, and adjoining the village, is
a range of very pretty bluffs, skirted with forests of oak, making a fine
background, and giving to the scenery a very picturesque appearance.

  A magnificent view of the place and of the surrounding country may be had from
the "school section" bluff on the southeast, which rises abruptly to the height
of about three hundred feet above the level of the Wisconsin river. From this
elevation the observer may look down upon the village, nestled among the maples
and elms, with which every street is lined, and which have become the pride of
its citizens. Glancing to the northward, he will see the Wisconsin shirting the
bluffs on the opposite side, many of which her currents have hewn squarely down
to the water's edge; towards the northeast, he sees in the distance, across an
alternating landscape of forest and field, the prairies of Sauk county, dotted,
here and there with farm-houses, and extending back to the Bamboo bluffs. On the
east and southeast, Black Earth creek and her tributaries may be seen winding
their serpentine courses through pleasant valleys and rich meadows, with the
constantly varying scenery of forest, bluff, .and cultivated field. On the
south, at a distance of twelve miles, he distinctly sees the lofty summits of
the Blue Mounds, towering like sentinels above the intervening elevations of
land, while turning to the westward, the view opens upon a magnificent
perspective of the broad valley of the Wisconsin, which may be seen for a
distance of forty miles, an almost unbroken landscape of field and meadow,
diversified with constantly receding patches of forest, while at intervals in
the distance the abrupt faces of the bluffs upon either side of the river seem
to approach each other, until at nearly the utmost range of vision they appear
to meet, thus closing up the further view of the course of this magnificent
river, on its way, through narrow defiles and shifting sands, to join the Father
of Waters on his course to the Gulf of Mexico.

  Although this village is not noted for its magnificent edifices, yet she has
many pretty residences, public buildings, and places of business, no less than
thirty of which are substantial, first-class brick and stone buildings. It has
been the pride of her citizens to not only supply the lack of a natural growth
of forest trees, by planting out large quantities of the rapidly growing maple
and elm on the streets, and with various kinds of evergreens and deciduous trees
of different species, in private yards and grounds, but in beautifying them with
flowers and shrubs, and adorning their dwellings with choice pictures and rare
curiosities, as well as in providing for the literary and musical culture and
entertainment of the household.

  SOCIETY. — A noticeable feature in the social elements of which Mazomanie is
composed is, that while it boasts of as good society as is furnished by any town
of its size and pretensions, there is but little inclination to divide into
"sets," as is too often the case, but with remarkable unanimity, her citizens
are disposed to treat each other with the consideration to which they are
entitled, without regard to "worldly wealth or honors." In societies and other
organizations, a certain degree of exclusiveness is necessarily required.

  In summing up the many desirable features possessed by Mazomanie, we must not
overlook that of health, which is paramount to all other considerations in
selecting a place for permanent location. It has long been known as one of the
most healthful places in the country, as has often been remarked by those who
have been acquainted with it for many years. Adding to this its beauty of
location, its business capacities and resources, its convenience to leading
places of the northwest, such as Milwaukee, Chicago, the capital of the state,
etc., ready access to all points in Iowa and Minnesota, its society, churches
and schools, make it one of the most desirable places of residence to be found
among the smaller towns of the state.



Additional Comments:
Extracted from:

Dane County Towns 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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