Dane County WI Archives History - Books .....Stoughton 1877 ************************************************ Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://www.usgwarchives.net/wi/wifiles.htm ************************************************ File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by: Joy Fisher sdgenweb@yahoo.com April 27, 2006, 3:22 am Book Title: Madison, Dane County And Surrounding Towns... STOUGHTON. BY GEORGE W. CURRIER. ORIGIN AND GROWTH.—In surveying a new country, members of the surveying party are ever on the alert for mining lands, water privileges, and other natural properties which may at some future time tend to locate towns. It is said that during the survey of this territory some of the men, high in official position, made arrangements with the party to select some of the best water powers, and that, in this way and for this reason, Daniel Webster obtained possession of a large portion of the present site of Stoughton. Mr. Luke Stoughton, one of the pioneers of Wisconsin, in his travels over the country, had long noted the water power here, and the advantages which this section offered for the location of a village. In 1847, he concluded a purchase from Daniel Webster of a large tract of land, including the site of the village. He immediately set to work to improve it, erecting a sawmill that is now occupied by Mr. Mandt, and a store upon the present site of Williams' Block. The village was soon laid out, and inducements were offered for people to settle. Mr. Alvin West was the first person who brought a family here. He built a residence where the Higbee House now stands, and by November, 1847, they were snugly ensconced therein. Their house being opened to the public, the genial, hospitable manner of the hostf and hostess, together with the notableness of the latter as housekeeper, soon made it a favorite with the traveling public. The winter of 1847 passed away, and the spring opened hopefully. As early as was practicable, other houses clustered around the nucleus formed the year before. During this summer, Mr. Colten and Mr. Westcott put up the brick building that still stands by the upper bridge, and soon after purchased a residence not far from it. This residence is associated, in the minds of the first settlers, with many social gatherings; the inspiration of such occasions usually being a violin — the pioneers' inseparable friend. In 1850, Mr. Stoughton put up a. small gristmill to supply the needs of the people, and afterwards built a larger one. About this time a school house was erected, and Miss Fannie Duncan, who had already opened a school in a small building on the east side of the river, moved into the new building when completed. Another public house was opened by Mr. H. Holley (the building having been erected by Mr. C. Roby), under whose genial proprietorship it figured as the Crockett House. It afterwards took on the more euphonious name of Yahara Hotel, thus rescuing the Indian name of the river, near whose bank it stood, from oblivion. The prospect of a railroad at this time (which was completed to this point in 1856) gave an impetus to the growth of the little village. Men of capital and business talent were attracted to the place, who, by their energy and enterprise, materially added to the building up of the town. Mr. West finding his accommodations for the public too limited, in 1853, commenced and completed a commodious brick hotel. In 1855, Dr. W. W. Blackman and Mr. J. R. Boyce erected a brick building, from whence they dispensed drugs for many years. The doctor practiced medicine for a long time, and was accounted very skillful. Both of these gentlemen built fine residences, which are still ornaments to the village. In the midst of this high tide of progress, a disaster befell the little village which materially injured its prosperity. The new gristmill which Mr. S. had just completed was undermined by water-rats and fell—a complete wreck. Mr. S., being in feeble health, felt unequal to the task of rebuilding; consequently he sold the mill site to Mr. Hay Jenkins, who immediately commenced the work of reconstruction. From that time until the present, the growth of the village has been so rapid that our space forbids us to mention only a few of the more notable features. The Opera House, built by Mr. Nelson Williams, is a fine structure and an ornament to the town, It contains one of the best halls in this section. In 1876, Mr. O. M. Turner fenced and cleared a beautiful park east of the depot, and built a fine race course. Many of the oldest settlers of this section still live in and around the village. Messrs. Nelson and Isham still live in the town, Mr. Utter in Rutland, and Mr. Emerson in the village The future prospects for the village are good, and more building is being done this year than for some time previous. A grain elevator and tobacco warehouse are to be built this spring. SCENERY. — Stoughton is often called a New England village, and in many respects it resembles one. Situated on high rolling ground, in the bend of the Catfish, or Yahara river, it truly has a beautiful site. The country around combines some of the natural beauty of New England, with the fine prairies of Southern Wisconsin. First, or Kegonsa Lake, is situated north of the village, and is a popular resort in warm weather. It is one of the prettiest sheets of water in the state. Beautiful maple and oak groves line the banks, and the waters abound in finny inhabitants. A large steamer is now in proceess [sic] of building in Pittsburg, Pa., and will be put upon the lake this season. The owner is Mr. J. I. Williams, a wealthy citizen of that place, who owns a fine farm by the lake. Summer travelers will find here plenty of outdoor amusements, a healthful climate, good accommodations and cheap rates. EXPORTS AND IMPORTS.— Stoughton is surrounded by a fine farming country, and the exports from here consist of ordinary farm produce, grain, stock, hay, potatoes, tobacco, and articles manufactured here. Besides the common articles imported into western towns, Messrs. Melaas, Steenerson & Co. have established here an agency for the famous Lofoten Cod Liver Oil. They import direct from Norway large quantities of this medicine, and ship it to all parts of the United States. It has a reputation unexcelled by any oil of this kind in the world, and on account of its freshness, purity and comparatively pleasant taste, many physicians will use no other. MANUFACTURES. — At the head of the list of manufacturers must be placed Mr. T. G. Mandt. About twelve years ago, he commenced work here on an anvil. By constant perseverance and unflagging energy he is now proprietor of an extensive factory employing about eighty men, and furnished with all the modern machinery for building carriages and farm wagons, cutters and heavy sleighs of every description. Messrs. Morris & Beattie are the present owners of the mill property, and annually manufacture large quantities of flour for eastern markets. There are two cigar factories, the more extensive run by Mr. J. S. Hutson, and the other by Mr. J. W. P. Lusk. Messrs. Matthews and Kling manufacture thousands of brooms yearly, which they ship to the northern part of the state. Mr. Knute Olson supplies this section with harnesses, and has sent several shipments to Norway. In addition, we may say that this village offers many inducements to manufacturers. There is yet a large amount of water power not utilized; the location is good; labor cheap, and opportunities for transportation excellent. NEWSPAPERS. — The first paper published in Stoughton was the Independent, by Henry J. Walker, and was started early in the summer of 1857. He continued the publication until the fall of the same year, when he sold to W. A. Giles, who changed the name to the Wisconsin Signal, and run it until the spring of 1859, when he removed the press and printing material to Prairie du Chien. The same summer L. W. Powell, who was publishing a paper at Brodhead, moved his office to Stoughton and commenced issuing the Stoughton Reporter. In 1863, I. A. Hoxie, now of Evansville, entered into partnership with Mr. Powell, but only continued six months. Soon after Mr. Frank Allen bought a half interest. For over ten years the name was not changed. Mr. Allen, Mr. C. D. Wells, and finally Mr. A. C. Croft, owned the office and published the paper. Mr. Croft sold the press and material in 1874, and Mr. Prank Allen bought new stock and commenced printing the Signal. Early in 1876, Geo. W. Currier purchased half of the office and changed the name to the Stoughton Courier, which was published by Kling & Currier until May, 1877, when Mr. C. E. Parish purchased the interest of Mr. Kling. DUNKIRK TOWNSHIP, of which Stoughton is situated in the northwest corner, is in the southeastern part of the county, and known as township 5 north, of range 11 east. It is one of the original towns in the organization of the county in 1846. The first settler was John Nelson, a Norwegian, in 1843, and afterwards came John Wheeler, ____ Jaymes, Jesse Utter, Chancey Isham, S. H. Roys, Richard Palmer, Campbell and William Saunders, John Estes, Levi Farnham, Joseph Vroman, Joseph Cannon, and John Blake. The first town meeting was held at the house of Mr. Lyons, and Abner Barlow was elected first supervisor. The Yahara, or Catfish, enters the town on section 4, in the north, and makes a circuitous bend through eleven sections, in a south and southeasterly direction, leaving the town on section 35 and passing into the towns of Fulton and Porter, in Rock county, then into Rock river. Its bank exhibits many beautiful landscapes, and affords excellent opportunities for hunting and fishing, while it furnishes very superior waterpower, some of which is yet unused. The land is very rich and productive, consisting of oak openings, prairie and marsh — the marsh land being near the Catfish, in the northern part of the town. The village of Dunkirk, three miles from Stoughton, is a small place on the edge of the Catfish, on section 21, and has a grist mill and blacksmith shop. In 1837, Alex. F. Pratt, now of Waukesha, in company with Augustus Story, started for the mining regions, and passing from Waukesha (then Prairie village), to Fort Atkinson, and thence to the Catfish, encamped on the present site of the village, where they were so beset with wolves till morning, that they were necessitated to keep their fire replenished with wood to prevent their being attacked, as they were both numerous and savage, and kept close watch of them. There is a large Norwegian settlement in the northern part of the town. CHURCHES. — In so limited space, we are unable to give much of the history of the seven churches now standing in this place. For several years, meetings were held in the old school-house. Father Sewell, as he was familiarly called, who then resided in the town of Porter, came very often, and ministers of other denominations assisted him in filling the pulpit. After the schoolhouse became unfit for use, meetings were held in a hall over Mr. J. B. Boyce's drug store; and sometimes, when the key was missing, good Mrs. Sewell heard the children recite their scripture lessons on the stairs. In 1858 the Universalist church was erected, and dedicated the summer following. The Baptist church was built next in 1861. The dedicatory sermon was preached by Rev. E. J. Goodspeed, then of Janesville. The Congregational church was built in 1863, and dedicated on the last day of that year; sermon by the Rev. M. P. Kinney of Janesville. The Methodist church, in 1867; sermon by Rev. Col. Fallows. The first Norwegian Lutheran church was built in 1867, Rev. M. Falch Gjertsen, pastor, and the Norwegian Evangelical Lutheran Christ Church, in 1875, Rev. C. M. Hvistendahl, pastor; and the Catholic church in 1868. Since the death of Father Sewell, who, during his life and long residence in Stoughton, did noble work for Christ and his religion and for the advancement of all good causes, the Congregational church has been without a regular pastor. Rev. Mr. Hendricks was the last pastor of the Baptist church. Bev. Mr. Garfield of Jefferson, fills the Universalist pulpit; Rev. C. E. Goldthorpe, the Methodist; Rev. M. F. Gjertsen, the Lutheran; Bev. C. M. Hvistendahl, the Lutheran Christ. Services in the Catholic church are conducted by Father Butler, of Edgerton. HOTELS.—There are several hotels. The Higbee House, kept by A. T. Higbee, is really a first class house; and boarders and transient guests receive good attention. The National is run and patronized largely by Scandinavians. SCHOOLS. — From the little old school-house on the west side of the river, as a beginning, there now is a fine three-story brick building, standing on an eminence east of the river, and commanding one of the finest views to be found in this section. This building was formally opened in December, 1862, with prayer by Rev. P. Sewell; an address by the state superintendent, Hon. J. L. Pickard, and remarks by county superintendent Barlow and others, interspersed with band music and choir singing. This being found inadequate to meet the demands of the fast increasing population, a new building, even larger than the present one, is now in process of erection on the same grounds. When finished, the two buildings will accommodate five hundred students. A free high school has been established under the state law of 1875. The teachers now in charge of the several departments are as follows: George W. Currier, principal of High School; Marilla Douglass, teacher, Grammar Department; Mary E. Vedder, teacher, Intermediate Department; Annie Wyman, teacher, Primary Department. The following named gentlemen constitute the very efficient school board: ~W. D. Potter, clerk; M. Johnson, treasurer; Dr. L. D. Clark, director. BUSINESS INTERESTS OF STOUGHTON. THE Village of Stoughton is the second commercial mart in the county, and as an index to the general business interests, we publish the following list showing the leading merchants and business men of the place: Stoughton State Bank—O. M. Turner, Pres., Frank Leland, Vice Pres. Physicians and Surgeons—A. L. Hollo, T. W. Evans, and L. D. Clark, homoepathic. Dentist—Dr. A. P. Lusk. Druggists— O. O. Melaas and O. N. Falks. Attorney—L. K. Luse. Jeweler—D. D. Camp. Wagons and Carriages—T. G. Mandt, Amos Flyte, and J. Erickson. Wagons and Plows—C. Larson. Millinery—Mrs. J. M. Hibbard. Ladies' Furnishings—Mrs. Cid. C. Isham. Dry Goods—H. W. Hale. Barbers—H. J. Rhodes and T. A. Thorenson. Harness-makers—Sarbacker & Hurd and K. Olson & Co. Hardware—Rothe & Gunderson and N. Swager. Lumber—S. H. Severson & Co. Hotelkeepers—A. T. Higbee, N. C. Nelson, Mrs. Ella Brown. Livery—O. F. Tipple and A. T. Higbee. Clothing— Johnson & Melaas. Millers—Norris & Beattie. Boots and Shoes —Hans H. Swan and N. Jensen. Grocer—John Brickson. General Merchandise—W. D. Potter, N. Anderson and G. W. Wood & Co. Stoughton "Courier"-—Currier & Parish. Restaurant—W. H. Dumond. Variety Store—Hibbard & Camp. Photographer— W. A. Ferman. Clerks—Wm. H. Leedle, S. A. Stenerson and A. Nelson. Saloons—Osman Halverson, Gunder Anderson and F. Frankton. Tailor—K. Olson. Confectionery—A. E. McMannus. Bakery—O. Peterson. Cutter—P. Peterson. Broom-makers— Matthews & Kling. Carpenter—E. E. Warner. Tobacco Dealer —T. Carlsen, Telegraph Operator—J. H. Laughlin. Express Agent—W. M. Tusler. Boots and Shoes—W. H. Miller. Postmaster—J. M. Hibbard. 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. File at: http://files.usgwarchives.net/wi/dane/history/1877/madisond/stoughto31nms.txt This file has been created by a form at http://www.genrecords.net/wifiles/ File size: 16.4 Kb