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

OREGON.
BY DR. I. HOWE.

   TOWNSHIP No. 5 north, range 9 east of the 4th principal meridian, is situated
in the center of the southern tier of townships in the county of Dane. The
surface is undulating, and was, in the state of nature, covered with burr and
white oak openings, with a few small prairies and marshes. The soil is good for
most agricultural products, but is not rated first class in the county. There
are four small creeks, outlets to the same number of springs, two of which are
on section 12, forming the head waters of the Badfish, and one each on sections
18 and 20.

  Bartley Runey built the first cabin in the township, in the fall of 1841, and
moved his family, consisting of his wife, three boys and four girls, into it in
the spring of 1842, and opened a tavern. It was located on section 24, near the
junction of the mail route from Madison to Janesville and the road from Mineral
Point to Milwaukee, known as the "old lead route." It was a favorite stopping
place for the teamsters hauling that mineral, and many an old pioneer has seen
from ten to fourteen yoke of oxen pulling one stalled wagon out of the mud near
the pioneer tavern, His nearest neighbor was Wm. Quivey, in town 6, range 9. Mr.
Runey was a man of great energy, but lived only two or three years after
settling here. His son Garrett now occupies the old homestead, and few landmarks
remain to mark the site of the once famous tavern.

  The next settler was Robert Thompson, who located, and, with the assistance of
Mr. Runey and boys, built a cabin on section 12, near a beautiful spring which
bears his name. The log house is there in good preservation, and the spring, as
if in mockery of the decrepitude that has overtaken the young and robust
pioneer, still bubbles and sparkles in perennial youth. At the close of 1842,
Mr. Runey and family and Mr. Thompson were the only residents in the township.

  In 1843, the number was increased by the settlement of Stephen Hook, who
located on section 27, and Thomas Hook,, his brother; also, C. Sargeant, on
section 34, where he still resides, Abram Kierstead and family, consisting of
his wife, two sons and three daughters who in a few years were married
respectively to three prominent young pioneers, viz.: Hon. S. G. Abbott, Hon. I.
M. Bennett and Wm. S. Bedford, Esq. C. P. Moseley settled that year on the
present site of the village of Oregon, built a cabin — partly frame and partly
logs — and opened a tavern. This log tavern was the nucleus of the present
thriving village. Horace Watrous settled on section 1, and built a log house.
Eli Root made a claim on the same section, but soon left. Thus ended the pioneer
settlement for 1843.

  This number was enlarged in the year 1844 by the arrival of Reuben Boyce and
family, who settled on section 36, where his son Reuben still resides. In a few
days after his arrival, several members of his family were prostrated by ship
fever, of which two of his children died — the first deaths in the township.

  Mr. Boyce was highly respected by the early settlers. His influence was large
and always exerted for their best interests. Wm. S. Bedford located about the
same time, on section 35, Stoddard Johnson on section 1, and Wm. Cummings on
section 10, who built a cabin. Mrs. Cummings killed a large deer which had been
driven into the door yard and caught by the dogs. She achieved a victory, but
rumor hath it that in the struggle she lost nearly all the drapery with which
woman delights to adorn herself. At any rate, she beat a hasty retreat on the
approach of the young and blushing Joseph G. Fox, and would only speak to him
through a chink in the door.

  W. F. Lee and Schuyler Gilbert came in this year. Mr. Gilbert located on
section 10, and still owns under his patent. S. J. Pratt came in September, the
same year. Landing in Milwaukee, he started on foot and alone across lots, and
crying, "to find a home." Arriving at Runey's in a few days, he located his
present homestead, and now four generations frequently gather under his roof-tree.

  About the same time, John S. Frary arrived in Milwaukee. Hardly had he stepped
on shore when he was accosted by a stranger: "Do you want to go west, young
man?" "West!" cried the weary and homesick John; "west! for eighteen long days
and nights have I sought the west on the fastest conveyances the country
affords, and if you have anything further west, commend me to the first boat
going east." But he changed his mind, came with the stranger, and in a short
time was building his cabin on section 24. 1844 closed with less than a dozen
structures to shelter a civilized man in the township.

  In 1845, the township rapidly settled up. R. Underwood, wife and two sons—John
and Henry—located on section 3. John still holds his parchment title; Ira Hays
and two sons — Enos and Plympton — on section 5; R. P. Main on section 24, and
six brothers, by the name of Devine, on section 23. They deserve a far more
extended notice than the space allotted the writer will permit. Joseph Algard
and family settled on section 17; Harry Brown and John Ellsworth on section 9,
and Wm. De Boise on section 8; Amasa Salisbury on section 1; Rufus Rawson on
section 12, where he built the first blacksmith shop. Dick Castleman has the
credit also of building this first shop.

  In 1845, Nathaniel Ames, three sons and one grandson— J. N. Ames — settled in
the township. Mr. Ames was born in 1761, joined the revolutionary army, saw
Washington when he visited the winter quarters of his army near Morristown, N.
J., witnessed the execution of Major Andre, and died in Oregon August 27, 1863,
at the great age of one hundred and two years and four months. When asked by one
of his neighbors to what he ascribed his long life, he quietly and
philosophically replied: " I have always slept well."

  Rev. Matthew A. Fox came in August, 1845, and a few days after, held his first
service in the log cabin of Mrs. Kellogg, the occasion being the funeral of her
husband. His next service was in the bar room of C. P. Moseley's tavern. In
1856, the first church was built, and he was installed as pastor, which position
he has acceptably and usefully filled to the present time. The church stands
within a few rods of the cabin in which he performed his first sorrowful
service. Many of his early pioneer friends have been carried through its portals
to their last resting place, for whom he has performed a like sad service, and
it seems as though his labors might end almost on the spot where they commenced.

  J. W. Scovill opened the first store in the township, in the fall of 1845, on
section 21, or the "Hollow." He chopped the logs, split the puncheons for the
floor and rived the shakes himself. After it was raised and completed, he went
to Racine for his stock. During his absence, Mrs. Scovill papered it throughout
with Albany Evening Journals. How the heart of the venerable "T. W." would swell
to know his paper had served so good a purpose! The enterprising young merchant,
by thus surrounding his customers with sound Whig doctrine, insensibly led them
to vote that ticket, and from its organization the town has been Whig or
Republican by large and uninterrupted majorities. What might have been the
result had the good lady used the Albany Argus?

  Rosel Babbitt and Seba T. Lewis opened farms this year on sections 14 and 15.
Mr. Lewis was accidentally killed in his well by the fall of a bucket. Ephraim
Newton and perhaps two or three others located in 1845.

  Joseph G. Fox returned from Ireland with his young bride in the fall of 1845
and commenced housekeeping in the first frame house in the township. He had it
erected during his absence. His brother James settled near him about the same
time. At the close of 1845, pioneer life in the township was about closed. Mills
were being erected on the Catfish and Sugar rivers, post offices conveniently
established, merchants and mechanics commencing business, roads laid out and
bridges built, and the gospel preached by numerous missionaries who heard with
delight the crowing of the unwary spring chicken.

  The glowing descriptions of the salubrious climate, fertile soil and abundance
of game, sent through the mail or carried by those returning for their families
or sweethearts, produced its effect in 1846 and 7, and friends, relatives and
neighbors hastened to possess the remaining unoccupied lands. All the
conveniences of older settlements were here, or in the near future, except a
market, and they cared little for that in comparison with the prosperity that
surely awaited them. "With strong hearts and willing hands they toiled on, and
are to-day reaping the rewards of their enterprise and self-denial. During these
years, among those who came to stay, are L. M. Storey, T. Storey, Samuel
Shepard, Smith Patchin and Daniel McKeeby. They settled near together, and the
settlement was called Storeytown. E. W. Dwight, Phineas Baldwin, father and
three brothers, came still later. In 1846, I. M. Bennett opened a store in "Rome
Corners," and laid the foundations of his large fortune, and a few years later
Wm. S. Bedford engaged in the same business.

  The first marriage solemnized in the township was in the first log house built
therein; the happy parties being David Anthony and Jane Runey. A Rev. Mr. Miner,
of Madison, performed the ceremony. On his way to Mr. Runey's, his horse got
mired in the Nine Spring creek. Unable to extricate him, he started on foot to
fulfill his agreement. At Lake View he sent assistance to his horse, which was
found dead. Wearily walking on, he reached Mr. Runey's about 11 o'clock at
night, wet, muddy and exhausted. He performed his work so well, however, that
David and Jane to-day-enjoy a well earned competence in peace and contentment.
The first piece of cloth was woven by Mrs. Sophia Underwood, who now lives with
her son Henry, on a loom made by Enos Hays, the first of its kind in the
township. The first public religious service was held in Runey's bar room, by a
Methodist missionary by the name of Hawks; and the first parties to a law suit
were J. S. Frary vs. B. Runey.

  In this narative, the writer has found no place to speak of the real pioneers
of the present town of Oregon— the noble band of women who came with or followed
their husbands and lovers to this wilderness. They suffered the real hardships
and privations of pioneer life. They, unmindful of storms without or minor
distress within, gathered little delicacies and needful articles, and visited
and assisted the sick and suffering, though frequently miles away. Every old
settler's memory is filled with recollections of their gentleness, their
kindness, their charity. Many of them have found the repose of death, but those
who live are thrice blessed by those who received and now live to testify to
their noble and unselfish labor.

  The political history of the township is short. To gratify the young and
enthusiastic pioneers' longing for ballot-boxing, towns 5 and 6 of range 9, and
town 6 of range 10, were formed into an election precinct in 1846, and at the
suggestion of J. N. Ames, was called Rome, from which fact the present village
of Oregon was then called "Rome Corners." In 1847, Rosel Babbitt circulated a
petition for separate township organization under the name of Oregon, which was
adopted at the town meeting held in April, and Reuben Boyce elected chairman.
Then "local self government" became fairly established, and as it consists
mainly in electing officers and paying taxes, the ballot-boxing pioneer has no
reason to regret his work, if its success is measured by the numbers of the one
or the magnitude of the other.

OREGON-BY T. E. THOMPSON.

  THIS pleasant little village of about 500 inhabitants is situated in the midst
of a fertile agricultural region, in the southern part of the county, ten miles
from the capital city, and is the second station on the Madison division of the
Chicago and Northwestern Railroad. A drive on the highway through Lake View to
the City of the Lakes in summer is most delightful. Green meadows and waving
fields of grain are seen on every side, and neat white farm houses dot the
landscape in every direction; and here and there are to be seen a few of the
ancient landmarks of the mound builders, some still intact, while others have
lost their distinctness by being put to useful purposes by the husbandman, to
which occasional glimpses of the glistening waters of the lakes Waubesa, Monona
and Mendota, and the city in the distance with its Capitol, University, Churches
and other public buildings are brought into view, presenting to the traveler a
scene of pastoral beauty unsurpassed in the state.

  The first settlement of this town begun in about the year 1842, thirty-six
years ago. Prominent among the first settlers may be mentioned C. P. Moseley,
Robert Thompson, J. S. Frary, S. J. Pratt, Abraham Kiersterd, W. S. Bedford,
Roswell Babbitt, Phineas Baldwin, R. P. Main and E. W. Dwight. The Boyces,
Tipples, Johnsons, Hooks and Foxes were all pioneers and early identified with
its history, having witnessed its gradual development and improvement up to the
present time.

  The surface of the country is slightly undulating, with a good soil of sandy
loam, specially adapted for agricultural purposes, consisting chiefly of oak
openings, diversified by small prairies and marshes.

  The little settlement first took the name of Rome Corners, being a central
point of the surrounding towns, which were known only by numbers, as town No. 4,
6, etc.

  I. M. Bennett, now of the banking firm of Bennett &. Pullen, of Evansville,
Wisconsin, kept the first country store in a little log building where now
stands the Oregon Exchange, and which was the objective point of trade for the
scattered settlers. J. B. Runey, one of the oldest pioneers, settled near the
center of the township in the spring of 1842, and built the first log house on
the old territorial road running from the lead regions near Dodgeville to
Milwaukee, and which was a stopping place for teamsters drawing lead to market.
The nearest house was five miles distant, in what is now known as the town of
Fitchburg, and was also kept as a tavern by a man by the name of Quivey. Mr.
Runey was killed a few years later while returning home from Madison, by the
overturning of his wagon near the Nine Spring marsh, on what was afterwards
called Break Neck Hill. The Devines, a family of six brothers, emigrated from
Pennsylvania about the year 1845, and settled together near the center of the
town, and are now thrifty and prosperous farmers. Mr. Joseph Devine at one time
traveled with an ox team as far as Delavan to mill, sixty miles distant, and
frequently to Janesville, at a later period. There were no other mills in that
section, with the exception of the Badger Mills, where a small business was
done. The nearest market was at Milwaukee, ninety miles distant, a trip with an
ox team consuming ten to twelve days, the teamsters often camping by the
roadside. Wheat only brought from 20 to 25 cents per bushel. Dressed pork, $1.25
per hundred pounds, and frequently the proceeds of the sale would not amount to
more than the expenses of transportation. A story is told of a man who hired a
load of wheat taken to market, agreeing to pay twenty cents per bushel
transportation. When the teamster returned he asked his employer if he had a
quarter of a dollar, remarking as he received it, "Now that makes you and me
square." The load of grain did not pay the expense of transportation. Almost the
only way that anything could be realized from a trip, was to bring back
emigrants or a little merchandise for the country stores along the route.

  Nathaniel Ames, for two years and a half a soldier of the Revolution, and
present at Tarrytown at the execution of Major Andre, and whose portrait adorns
the State Historical rooms, settled here at an early period, and also many of
his descendants. He died August 27, 1863, at the advanced age of 102 years, and
was buried with Masonic honors.

  The business transacted in this town is quite large, it being the nucleus of
trade for a considerable section of country around, and is an extensive shipping
point for live stock to the Chicago market, the shipments exceeding those of any
other station between there and Chicago. During the shipping season twenty-seven
car loads of stock have been shipped in one day, but the usual number is about
fifteen per week. It was at one time a great market for wheat, as many as 100
car loads being shipped monthly. The grain shipments are now confined mostly to
oats, of which a great many are received at this station. A fine brickyard,
owned by J. B. Munger, is in successful operation, and where are manufactured a
superior quality of white brick, said to be equal to the famous Milwaukee brick,
large shipments being made annually to all parts of the country. There are two
hotels, the Oregon Exchange being the principal one, kept by Richard Chandler,
familiarly and widely known by his friends as "Dick," is one of the best country
hotels in the state, and travelers find here a comfortable and home-like
stopping place, with a genial host ever ready to minister to the wants and
comfort of his guests. The religious element is represented by two churches, one
of the Presbyterian and the other of the Methodist denomination, presided over
by able pastors. There is also a fine school building consisting of four
departments, in charge of capable and efficient teachers, and a Masonic and Good
Templars Lodge, both in a flourishing condition.

  The pioneer meeting and pic nic here in July, 1875, was a gratifying success
in every particular, it being the first assemblage of the kind ever held in this
section. Fully four thousand people were in attendance from the surrounding
towns and villages. The governor of the state and other distinguished personages
arrived on the morning train from Madison, and were welcomed by a large
concourse of the tillers of the soil, with music and banners. At about ten
o'clock, a large procession was formed with a detachment of horsemen in front,
followed by every conceivable kind and description of vehicle, loaded with
sturdy yeomanry, taking up its line of march to a beautiful grove near the
village, where appropriate exercises were held, consisting of music, and short
speeches commemorative of the early settlement of the country.

  A prominent feature of the procession were the ox teams drawing full loads of
pioneers, with their wives and blooming daughters. To one was attached a sled,
used by one of the oldest settlers when he first came into the country, upon
which were seated the wife and two grandchildren. In one of the wagons drawn by
oxen, was the governor and other invited guests. The weather was most
auspicious, and every one seemed happy and determined to make happy all those
around them. At the close of the day, the expression was universal that it was
the most social and enjoyable gathering ever brought together, and an event long
to be remembered in the history of Oregon.

  Among the business establishments may be enumerated the following: Shepherd &
Tracy, dealers in dry goods, groceries and general merchandise; C. W.
Netherwood, postmaster, and proprietor of Netherwood's Hall, a commodious hall
used for lectures, theatrical entertainments and balls; Isaac Howe, groceries,
drugs and medicines; J. T. Hayes, harness maker, has an extensive establishment,
and does a large business in his various lines; Mrs. A. P; Johnson, milliner; C.
H. Cronk, station agent; J. W. Scoville, dealer in dry goods, groceries,
crockery and glassware; M. C. Salmon, furniture; F. W. Coward, boot and
shoemaker; T. Boyd Cowdry, merchant tailor and dealer in gentlemen's furnishing
goods; J. M. Doolittle, meat market; C. E. Powers, restaurant and confectionery;
A. B. Marvin, grain and poultry dealer; G. W. Getz, wagon and carriage maker;
Lindsay & Terwilliger, dealers in dry goods, groceries, yankee notions, etc.; F.
D. Powers, attorney; E. L. Booth, boot and shoe maker; Miss O. M. Postle,
milliner and dress maker; H. B. Richards, grain dealer; Wm. H. Myers, carriage
maker; J. H. Coward, boot and shoe maker; A. W. Herbert, spring bed factory;
Johnson & Beckley, milliners and dressmakers; Isaac Johnson, confectionery,
flour and feed; H. H. Marvin, dealer in hardware, tin ware and agricultural
implements; Tipple & Emmons, stock buyers; Lovejoy & Richards, lumber dealers;
Algard & Chandler, stock buyers; P. Hayes, proprietor of the Oregon Hotel,
opposite the depot. There are also two physicians, an insurance agent, three
blacksmith shops, and a livery establishment.

  The hardy pioneers who suffered all the privations and hardships attending the
settlement of a new country, and who have witnessed its gradual growth and
development, now enjoy the fruits of their labor, as the well cultivated farms
and comfortable homes attest their growing prosperity and happiness.


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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