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

SUN PRAIRIE.
BY DR. C. G. CROSSE. 

  IN pursuance of an act of the first, or Belmont, legislative assembly, which
located the seat of government at Madison, Mr. Augustus A. Bird had been elected
acting commissioner for the erection of suitable buildings for the accommodation
of the assembly and other officers of the territorial government. On the 26th
day of May, 1837, the acting commissioner, accompanied by his brother, Mr. C. H.
Bird, and a company of forty-five men, started from Milwaukee for the town of
Madison. At that time nearly all of Wisconsin westward from Milwaukee was an
unbroken wilderness. One solitary settler at Summit, about twenty miles west of
the lake, three at Watertown, on Rock river, one at Fort Atkinson, twenty miles
down the river, and one at Janesville. These bold pioneers, with their wives and
children, stood sentinels upon the outmost borders of civilization. With these
exceptions, all was in the condition in which it left the fashioning hand of the
Creator. Wild beasts roamed at will over its forests and prairies, and their
dominion was disputed only by the scarcely less wild and savage Winnebagoes. On
the fifth day of June, the company above mentioned, tired, foot-sore and
depressed, plodded their weary way through the wild scenery of this then
unexplored wilderness. Nine days had elapsed since they started on their weary
march, and they had been drenched with rains and oppressed with continuous
cloudy and lowering weather — the sun had not once gladdened them with its beams
since the day on which they left Milwaukee. At length, as they emerged upon the
borders of the beautiful prairie, about two miles east of where the village of
Sun Prairie now stands, the sun shone forth in all its brightness, and
illuminated the scene before them as with a halo of glory. The contrast which
this beautiful vision presented to the gloom with which they had been surrounded
was so great, that they greeted it with a shout, and almost involuntarily
bivouacked upon its borders, christening the locality "Sun Prairie," which name
they carved into the bark of an oak tree which stood near by; and for many years
this tree bore upon its breast, in rude letters, the inscription "Sun Prairie."
Hence originated the name of the -locality which is the subject of this sketch.
The company above mentioned encamped that night upon the spot, which some two
years afterwards was selected by Mr. C. H. Bird for his future home, and upon
which his residence now stands. In the year 1839, Mr. B. became the first white
settler in the town of Sun Prairie, and during the first year of his residence
his only neighbors consisted of a band of Winnebagoes, whose wigwams were upon
the present site of the Baptist Church, and who hunted the game that abounded in
the vicinity. In 1840, Mr. Thomas Marks, and the next year Messrs. Benj. Knight,
Charles Peasley, Horace Potter, W. Van Bergen, John Winsled, John Ostrander and
Rev. Albert Slingerland, with their families, located at this point. Col. W. H.
Angell and several others came within the next year or two, and thus was formed
the little hamlet which for several years, and until invaded by the enemy of all
sylvan beauty and quietude — the railroad — constituted one of the most lovely
rural hamlets in the west. While settlers were thus slowly arriving at the
little village, others were locating in the surrounding country; at Pierceville,
some four miles south, Messrs. Enoch and Bradford Churchill, Ira Balch, John
Taylor, W. A. Pierce, Tisdale Pierce, Calvin Flower, Mark Haslett and John
Phillips formed a little settlement in 1840; at the Bailey settlement, two miles
southwest from the village, Samuel, Asahel and Charles Bailey and P. T. Cameron
were the advance guard, and arrived in 1841; at other points within the present
limits of the township of Sun Prairie, A. W. Dickinson, George Pine and Mr.
Brockway located in the year 1842. At Northumberland, in the town of Bristol, at
Deanville and other points in the vicinity, little settlements were springing
into existence, and the country was beginning to assume importance as an
agricultural district.

  That the pathway of these early pioneers was not always strewn with flowers
will be readily believed. Their lot was no more exempt from toil, privation and
hardship than is that of all who brave the perils of frontier life. The
following incident, selected from a large number of similar anecdotes, is
mentioned as illustrative of this: In the fall of 1837, C. H. Bird, Zenas Bird,
Norman Pratt and Mr. Parker were sent to Milwaukee by their employer, the acting
commissioner above mentioned, and having accomplished the object of their
mission, were on their return journey. In the act of crossing Rock river their
canoe capsized, and all their provisions and accoutrements were lost. During the
remaining four days of their homeward journey, their only food consisted of oak
apples — little excrescences caused by the sting of an insect upon the leaves of
oak trees. But for the timely meeting with two brave fellows, sent from Madison,
with food for their relief, they must have perished from fatigue and hunger.

  The township of Sun Prairie was organized in the year 1839, and included all
that district which now constitutes the townships of York, Medina, Bristol and
Sun Prairie. The first election, or town meeting, was held in the spring of
1840, at the house of Mr. C. H. Bird, and it was presided over by John Catlin,
Esq., from the town of Madison, who had been deputed for that purpose. At that
election nine votes were cast.

  In 1844, the township or precinct of Sun Prairie was subdivided by the
organization of the towns of York and Bristol, from its northern half, and in
1848 the town of Medina was organized, leaving a township of the usual
dimensions, six miles square. Its surface is slightly undulating and is of the
quality usually known as "oak openings," interspersed with small projections or
indentations from the neighboring prairie. It is traversed from northwest to
southeast by the Koshkonong creek, along which are occasional bottom-lands or
natural meadows of great fertility. The original settlers were almost
exclusively of New England origin, but in later years quite a number of Germans
and a few Irish have found homes within its borders. Of the early settlers above
enumerated, nearly all remained as permanent residents, and founded homes for
themselves and posterity such as are a recompense for the toils and privations
which they endured as pioneers. A few only partook of the restless spirit which
so often haunts the frontiersman, and moved farther on as civilization crowded
upon their footsteps. A. W. Dickinson transferred his farm to John A. Peckham,
who now resides upon it. Horace Potter sold out his farm, which is now owned by
Pardee Peckham. Mr. Brockway was followed by Moses Vervalen, and he by Joshua
Boyles, the present thrifty and enterprising owner. John Ostrander early
transferred his home to the present town of Bristol and became one of the first
settlers of the Northumberland neighborhood. The township, exclusive of the
village, has at present a population of about sixteen hundred, who are devoted
solely to agricultural pursuits. The New England characteristics of its early
settlers have always exerted a decided influence upon the social, political,
religious and business character of the people, hence morality,
conscientiousness and zeal have always been prominent characteristics and have
resulted in the establishment of schools, church organizations and societies,
especially distinguished by these attributes, and honesty, integrity and strict
economy in their business relations have resulted in abundant prosperity.

  The limits of this chapter preclude any biographical sketches of individuals
or even the briefest allusion to the part taken by the people of Sun Prairie in
its local history or in its relations with other communities. Most especially do
we regret the want of space in which to rehearse their record in the war of the
rebellion. It must suffice to say that in unity of sentiment, in support of the
government, no people were more loyal, and in the practical bestowal of men and
means to aid in that desperate struggle none did their duty more fully.

  Since the separation of the village from the township by the incorporation of
the former in 1868, the citizens of the township have erected a neat and
commodious town-house, on section eighteen, in which is transacted the business
of the town government. It is also the place of meeting of a large and
flourishing Grange of the Patrons of Husbandry, which embraces a large
proportion of the farmers of the town. The present board of supervisors consists
of P. L. Warner, chairman, A. F. Persons and Robert Beecham.

  In the year 1859, a line of railroad having been projected from Milwaukee to
the Baraboo valley, had been completed as far as Watertown, and located and
graded on a line about three miles south of the village of Sun Prairie. The
denizens of this little hamlet, having for about twenty years enjoyed the
quietude and seclusion consequent upon their great distance from any business
centre, had apparently no aspirations for their village, nor even dreamed that
it was possible to convert the Sabbath stillness and sylvan beauties of their
streets into a mart of busy trade — a market for the produce of an extensive and
productive tract of country. The rapid progress in the construction of the
railroad, however, and the certainty that if completed upon its projected route
their little village would be forever cut off from any hope of future greatness,
seemed at once to arouse them from their apparent lethargy to a sense of the
necessity for action. Meetings were held, committees appointed and negotiations
entered into with S. L. Rose, president of the railroad company, S. S. Merrill,
general manager, D. C. Jackson and other influential railroad men, with the
object of securing a change in the location of the road so as to bring it to Sun
Prairie. These men were soon won over to the support of the project, but the
change of route could not be made without some special legislation. A bill for
this purpose was introduced into the senate at the next session of the
legislature, but notwithstanding a strong effort in its favor by railroad
officials and lobbyists from the village of Sun Prairie, it was bitterly opposed
by antagonistic interests and defeated. It is said that the then member of
assembly from that district regretted the fate of the bill in the senate,
because he thereby missed an opportunity to deliver " a d—d spicy little
speech," which he had prepared in its favor. Strategy, however, which more often
than valor, wins victories, succeeded in procuring the necessary legislation
under which the desired change could be made. A clause was introduced into a
bill then pending, which provided that no valid injunction could be served upon
a railroad company to restrain them from doing any act unless thirty days
previous notice had been served upon such company. The bill to which this
provision was attached passed the legislature and became a law before those who
were opposed to the desired change of route were aware that under it the change
could be made. Thus protected from restraint by injunction, the company hastened
the laying of the track without unnecessary delay, in some places not even
grading the road-bed, and in less than thirty days the route was changed, and
the triumph of Sun Prairie secured. In November, 1859, the railroad was
completed to that point. Then followed a period of active business prosperity,
and apparently a golden opportunity for building up, on a permanent basis, a
town of considerable importance and magnitude. For ten years, Sun Prairie was
the western terminus of the Milwaukee and Baraboo Valley Railroad, and was one
of the largest and most flourishing inland grain markets in the state.

  That this period of business activity and great prosperity was not productive
of more permanent results as manifested in enlarged growth and increase of
population and wealth may perhaps be partially explained by the fact that at
about the time when the attention of capitalists and enterprising business men
was being attracted to this point, the war of the rebellion came with all its
attendant horrors; enlistment and conscription were the order of the day; the
population was decimated and business of all kinds except that of supplying men
and means for the army was depressed and languishing. As a market for the
produce of the country Sun Prairie was in no way injured by this trying ordeal,
but its prospects of being permanently benefited thereby were materially
lessened. Capital became shy of investment in embryo cities, and enterprise was
diverted into other channels than that of building up rural towns, be their
prospects ever so inviting. In the meantime, and before it was possible to
recover from these and other depressing influences, which the prescribed limits
of this chapter preclude from mention, the railroad had changed ownership, and
been diverted from its originally determined route and made to converge toward
and join the main line of the Milwaukee and Prairie du Chien road at the city of
Madison. This deprived Sun Prairie of its advantages as an inland railroad
terminus, and made of it simply a way-station. Its inability to acquire
strength, wealth and influence rendered it powerless to prevent the building up
of competing markets, and as a consequence it has been shorn of a portion of its
former business prosperity. By an act of the legislature, passed in 1868, the
village of Sun Prairie was incorporated. Its government consists of a president
and three trustees, with such subordinate officers as are usual in a village
municipality, all of whom are elected annually. The first president, Mr. W. H.
Angell, held that office two terms, and his successors, Messrs. W. H. Chandler,
C. R. Babcock, C. G. Crosse, John Gibbons, Geo. Maloney and C. C. La Bore, one
term each, in the order in which they are named — C. G. Crosse being the present
incumbent. The present trustees are Messrs. Wm. Small, H. Dirnfeldt and H. Daniels.

  The village is situated in the midst of one of the most productive
agricultural districts in the state — about twelve miles northeast from the city
of Madison and seventy miles west from Milwaukee — and is the natural outlet for
the productions and the mart of trade for quite a large extent of country. There
were shipped from this point, in the year 1876, about 120,000 bushels of wheat,
30,000 bushels of barley, 17,000 bushels of oats and other grain, 1,300 fat
swine, 1,000 head of fat cattle, and other produce in proportion. There is at
present a population of about eight hundred, much the largest number of whom are
American born, and a large per cent, of whom are from New England. A few
intelligent and liberal-minded Germans, and a lesser number of Irish, serve to
enliven and give zest to the otherwise staid character of the inhabitants. Many
of the citizens are agriculturists from the surrounding country who have retired
from their farms to enjoy the school, church and society privileges of the
village. The mechanic arts are quite fully represented; numerous workers in
metal and in wood ply their busy trades and earn liberal incomes by their skill
as artisans. The profession of the law has one representative, that of medicine
four, and the clergy six.

  The mercantile history of the village dates from the year 184:2, when one
David C. Butterfield — a quaint genius, a sort of "connecting link" between the
Indian and Caucasian—became proprietor of a few dry goods, and commenced a
traffic with the few white settlers and more numerous Indians. He was superseded
in 1844, by Edwin Brayton, who continued the business about one year, and sold
out to Mr. Silas Smith, a Methodist preacher, who for several years eked out a
precarious support from its profits. That the occupation of a merchant in those
early years was not repaid with financial success, may be inferred from the
facts that seventy miles of ill-conditioned roads intervened between it and any
market for the produce of the country; that no means of transportation existed
except by teams, and that the prices of grain in Milwaukee were often so low as
scarcely to cover the cost of transportation. This preacher-merchant was of the
muscular order of Christians, as well as an honest and upright business man, and
when, as sometimes happened, a customer became rude and boisterous in
consequence of having indulged too freely in the then rather common beverage,
whisky, the preacher's brawny arm soon "conquered a peace," and sent him on his
way sobered by the lesson he had received. Frederick Starr was successor to Mr.
Smith, and after a brief business career, he was followed by Thomas White. In
1859, Mr. White, having failed in business, was succeeded by Messrs. Williams &
Maloney, who, by their enterprise and business habits, soon established a
successful trade, of which Mr. Geo. Maloney is the present representative. The
business of Mr. Maloney consists of one of the most extensive and successful dry
goods and general merchandising establishments in the village. Mr. C. R. Babcock
is proprietor of a nourishing business in dry goods, groceries, etc. His stock
is large and diversified, and his business is vigorously and efficiently
conducted. He is the present representative of the firm of Babcock, Clark & Co.,
which in 1861 succeeded to the firm of Main & Marvin, which had been in
existence but a brief period. Messrs. Gilman, Weigan & Moak are a new firm,
which has recently opened up a fine stock of general merchandise. They are
successors to the late firm of Chittenden & Woodward, which succeeded to that of
Gilman & Curtis. This last named firm originated in 1870, and was the pioneer in
the system of "ready pay." The present firm will steadily adhere to this
principle, and are deserving of patronage and encouragement in carrying out this
necessary reform in business. Mr. F. H. Rood is a young and enterprising dealer
in groceries, ready-made clothing, etc. He keeps a full stock, is a courteous
gentleman and a successful business man. He is successor to his father, Mr. H.
Rood, who first established the business in 1862. Mr. Benjamin Franks, a dealer
in ready-made clothing, notions, cigars, etc., has a well selected stock, and is
doing a good business. He first established the business in 1860. Mr. Geo.
Wheelan, from a small beginning in 1862, has established a flourishing business
in variety goods in connection with furniture and undertaking. Miss L. E. Stowe
and Mrs. L. Bird, have each a full and tastefully selected stock of millinery
goods, adapted to the wants of a wide range of customers. Mr. I. D. Hayden has a
stock of stoves and tinware, which, in connection with his manufacturing and
repairing shop, make a very successful establishment. Messrs. Bowen & Swanton,
and also, Mr. E. A. Weigan, dealers in grain and all kinds of farm produce, are
each proprietors of a large and spacious grain elevator, and are doing a large
and prosperous business. Col. W. H. Angell is the proprietor of an extensive
lumber establishment, which for many years he has conducted in an eminently
successful and business-like manner. J. D. Bird is also a lumber merchant, doing
quite an extensive business. John Hecker and J. G. Egbertson are severally
engaged in the manufacture and sale of harness and other wearing apparel for
horses. Mr. H. Dirnfeldt is proprietor of a well-kept and bountifully supplied
meat market.

  The American House, originally built in 1850 by W. F. Hardwick, is under the
present proprietorship of Mr. J. E. Mann, and is the largest hotel in the
village. The Sun Prairie House, erected by Mr. W. H. Angell in 1850, and for
many years conducted by him, is now presided over by Mr. A. C. Miller, who is a
genial and obliging landlord. Mr. N. Mosell is the gentlemanly proprietor of a
large and commodious hotel called the Germania House.

  The trade in drugs and medicines is conducted by Drs. Crosse and Lewis. The
manufacture and sale of boots and shoes by G. W. Bull, C. A. Sawyer, W. E.
Morehouse and E. Aschenburker. That of wagons and carriages by C C. La Bore, J.
C. Kanouse and Jacob Weicher; and blacksmithing, in all its branches, is carried
on by John Ditmas, W. Small, J. Sweeney, George Kanouse and W. D. B. Pincheon.
The trade in jewelry is represented by H. J. Bird.

  Of societies, there are six church organizations, and a lodge each of Masons,
Odd Fellows, Good Templars and Patrons of Husbandry. Preliminary steps have been
taken and a liberal fund subscribed for the establishment of a free library and
reading room, and undoubtedly this valuable institution will soon become an
established feature in the village. A first class cornet band of musicians
regales the lovers of music with its enlivening strains.

  Considerable taste and refinement are manifested by the citizens in the
character of their private residences, and much enterprise and liberality in
their public buildings and improvements. A liberally supported and well
conducted graded school, with a fine building beautifully located on an eminence
in the western part of the village, attests the intelligence and liberality of
the people. There are five church buildings — the Episcopal, Methodists,
Baptists and Congregationalists have each a large, commodious and elegant house
of worship, and- the Catholics and German Methodists have each a comfortable but
more unpretending building.

  The absence of those causes of disease which so constantly exist in the
vicinity of towns located near watercourses, renders Sun Prairie almost entirely
exempt from all diseases of malarial origin, while the purity of its water
supply and of its atmosphere, the cleanliness of its streets and public places,
and the wise supervision of its authorities, render the visits of those
frightful epidemics which so often decimate the population of other localities,
quite impossible.

  To men of enterprise and business, seeking a location for manufactories or
trade away from the disadvantages which are to be contended against in cities,
Sun Prairie offers a peculiarly inviting prospect; and the country in the
immediate vicinity, by its fertility, its facilities for market and the cheap
prices of lands, offers rare inducements to farmers and others who desire to
invest in productive real estate, and to all who are seeking pleasant, healthful
homes, surrounded by a moral, intelligent and refined community, few places
offer greater attractions. It is probable, therefore, that in the not distant
future, a season of renewed prosperity will open upon the village, and it will
become one of the brightest little gems in the diadem of our 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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