Birth/marriage/deaths, January 1856 thru December 1856 in The Republican newspaper, Beaver Dam, Dodge County, Wisconsin Contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives December 15, 2003 by Bill Porter. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Local newspaper accounts for births, marriages and deaths. Issues transcribed: January 1856 to December 1856 (Version - 12/15/2003) Transcriber's Notes: The following files were transcribed from a microfilm copy of The Republican newspaper obtained from the Wisconsin State Historical Society. Entries are listed in chronological order. News items were not reviewed in detail to ferret out every possible entry. When noticed, local news items regarding births, deaths or marriages were also transcribed. Many deaths were reported by other regional or national papers and then reprinted in the news sections of The Republican. I did not systematically transcribe these remote press accounts for this document, as it was my intention to find reports on local residents. Therefore, if you are seeking a particular event in Dodge County during these years, you should consult the microfilm again, to truly satisfy your instincts or hunches. I have done my best, but for any changes or additions please contact me via my email link and I will update any missing elements. I hope this is useful to you, Bill Porter on 15 Dec., 2003. Transcriber comments are shown between [ ] brackets. Volume 3, Number 44; 16 January 1856 Page 2, Column 6, as follows: MARRIED On the 1st inst., in this village, by the Rev. R. Smith, Hon. George W. Green of Owatonna, Minesota [sic], to Miss Marietta Roberts of North Adams, Mass. A Dollar accompanied the above notice, and the parties have our best wishes for a long and happy life. Volume 3, Number 45; 23 January 1856 Page 2, Column 7, as follows: MARRIED In Beaver Dam, on Sunday evening the 20th inst., by Rev. N.E. Chapin, Mr. Henry E. Bruin and Miss Assulur Rosenkranz, all of Beaver Dam. DIED At Green Lake, Jan., 1st 1856, of Typhoid Fever, Emeline E. daughter of Sawyer and Nancy Carter, in the 19th year of her age. At The same place, and of the same disease, Jan. 8th, Adeline L. daughter of Sawyer and Nancy Carter, in the 16th year of her age. Volume 3, Number 46; 30 January 1856 Page 2, Column 5 and 6, as follows: [News Item] For the Republican and Sentinel. The Fox Lake Tragedy An article appeared, some days since, in the Milwaukee American, characterizing an affray which occurred at Fox Lake on the 23d inst., and which resulted in the subsequent death of Patrick Couley, as an other [another] foul murder. It is to correct a wrong impression which that article is calculated to make upon the public mind, that I am requested and induced to make a statement of the facts of the case, as they appear from the evidence given before the inquest. The facts are as follows: Mr. Couley (the deceased) was in Porter's ball alley. Mr. Phelps came in, passed the time of day, and passed right on to the lower end of the alley, and commenced setting up the pins - Mr. Couley picked up a ball and said to Mr. Porter, "let's knock down the pins when he get them set up" - and Porter said "roll away." He rolled and knocked down some of the pins. Phelps then lay some pins diagonally across the alley, two or three feet in front of the pins he had set up, to prevent them from being knocked down. The second or third time that Couley rolled, he sliped [sic] down upon the alley, and while he was lying there, Phelps caught up a ball and gave it a toss upon the alley, and it rolled against Couley. Up to this time all was fun and laughter. But as soon as the ball touched Couley, he jumped up in great rage - picked up the ball and started towards Phelps; at the same time drawing back his arm as if to throw. Mr. Porter cried out "for God's sake, don't throw that ball." He threw, and whether from his rage, or sliping of the ball from his hand, it did not appear, but the ball struck the wall over head about half way down the alley in a direction towards Mr. Phelps. It was a heavy lignumvitae ball, and had it hit Phelps upon the head would have produced instant death. Mr. Couley continued his rush upon Mr. Phelps, and as he came down one alley Mr. Phelps tried to make his escape upon the other, but was caught by Couley just as he was making the turn to come upon the alley and struck him. Phelps warded off the blow with his arm, and sprung to release himself from Cauley's [sic] grasp, and failing in this, turned partly around and hit Couley with a pin which he held in his hand. This blow happening to hit Couley upon the head caused his death in abont [about] two days after. Mr. Couley was frantic with rage, and Mr. Phelps with fear. As soon as Phelps ascertained that Cauley [sic] was seriously injured, he returned to him, took his head upon his knee bathed his head and face in liquor, and subsequently went to Beaver Dam for a doctor. That this was an unfortunate occurrence all will admit. None regret it more seriously than Mr. Phelps. We think however, that it is entitled to a very different name from that given to it by the correspondent of the American. As soon as Phelps was arrested he voluntarily tendered bail for his appearance at court. Volume 3, Number 49; 20 February 1856 Page 2, Column 5 and 6, as follows: [News Item] Frozen to Death Joseph Birch, a man well known to many of our citizens, was frozen to death while crossing the marsh near Mud Lake. He had been to the steam saw mill with a log, and after unloading it, got his jug filled with wiskey, drinked till he was almost helpless, and laid down on his sled, depending on his oxen to take him home. It would seem that he became entirely insensible, either from cold or liquor, for, when found, was lying face in the snow, with his jug beside him. A singular fatality seemed to attend this man, and it would seem that fate had fixed on that marsh as his death bed. He came near being frozen last winter, near the same place, and last summer was bitten by a rattle snake, while working in the marsh, the effect of which nearly proved fatal. He leaves a wife and four children. - Watertown Chronecle [sic]. DIED In Beaver Dam, Dodge Co., Wis., Feb 15th, 1856, Mrs. Mary Jeffers, wife of Gideon Howe, formerly of Black River, Jefferson Co., N.Y., aged 63 years. Volume 3, Number 50; 27 February 1856 Page 2, Column 6, as follows: MARRIED At Elmira, N.Y., on the 24th inst., Mr. DuRay Hunt of the Secretary’s Office, Madison, Wisconsin, and Miss Mary Jane Taylor, of Ithica [sic], N.Y. DIED On Clason Prairie, Beaver Dam, Dodge county, Wisconsin, February 19th, 1856, Ella Frances, youngest daughter of M.B. and Sarah A. Clason. It is well! The blest evangel, Passed from earth, is now an angel On the bright and blessed shore, Where the shadows fall no more – Here the white-winged cherubs dwell, She is happy – “It is well!” Where her little feet now roam, Sin and sorrow ne’er shall come; Jesus all her steps shall guide, By the sweetly rolling tide, Whose bright waters, as they swell, Gently murmur, “It is well!” See her now in beauty stand, Brightest of an angel band; Little hands a golden lyre, Touch with love’s enrapturing fire, Little lips in music tell Of their glory – “It is well!” Mourn not for the little one – Beautiful the race she run: So the morning star, that shines E’er the shade of night declines, When the day its beams excel, Is hid in glory, “It is well!” E’en so with her – in Heaven’s sweet light, She’s hid from thy weak, mortal sight; Rejoice that thou couldst lay at rest, Thy little love on Jesus’ breast, E’er earth’s dark blights upon her fell, Or thou could’st say – it is not well. R In this village, on the 15th instant, of Lung Fever, Ira, only child of Ira and Anis Davis, in the fifth year of its age. Love is a gift which God hath given To man alone beneath the heaven. It is the secret sympathy, The silver link, the silken tie, Which heart to heart, and mind to mind In body and in soul can bind. In this village, on the 19th inst., Joseph Albert, infant son of Joseph and Martha Bowes. Volume 3, Number 51; 5 March 1856 Page 2, Column 6, as follows: MARRIED In Watertown, Wis., on Thursday of last week, by the Rev. W. A. Niles, Mr. James Macdonald, foreman on the La Crosse and Milwaukee Railroad, to Miss Eliza Holt, both of Beaver Dam. A liberal fee accompanied the above notice, and we sincerely wish the parties a long and prosperous life. DIED In this village, on the 28th of February of Lung Fever, Julia M., only child of James and Abigail McGlashen, aged four months and thirteen days. How changing are the scenes of earth, Their beauties vanish soon, And joys terrestial in their birth, Depart while in their bloom; The winds of death come sweeping by, Amid the blossoms rare, So frail they quickly droop and die, Tho’ nursed with tender care. The hallowed chain of human ties, Is shattered at a blow, Its broken fragments meet our eyes, And fill our hearts with wo; The sparkling eyes we used to greet, The voice of love so dear. That gentle smile no more we meet, - We Miss thee, Julia, here. No screen from death’s insidious aim, The spoiler heeds no charm, Or death would not have come to claim Sweet Julia’s lovely form; The dews of love were richly shed, And human ties were strong, In spite of these death broke life’s thread, And on broght link is gone. The expanding bud, the lovely germ, Transplanted, blooms above, Safe from the blast and canker-worm, Secure in Jesus’ love; Among the angel-bands on high, Now lives the spirit blest, This glorious hope, this holy tie, Allured to heavenly rest. Yes, Julia lives, released from pain, Far, far from death’s rude blast, Our loss to her is endless gain, Her sufferings now are past; Then the parents, tho’ you feel the rod, And earthly ties are riven, Oh, trust and love a gracious God, And seek a home in Heaven. P. G. K. Volume 3, Number 52; 12 March 1856 Page 2, Column 6, as follows: MARRIED In this village, on the 8th inst., by G. H. Allen, Esq., Mr. Patrick McCroarty, of Beaver Dam, to Miss Catharine Rock, of the same place. Also on the 9th inst., by the same, at the Railroad Hotel in this village, Mr. Lafayette W. Bennett to Miss Florilla H. Edwards, both of Columbus. By the Rev. R. Smith, at Congress Hall in this village, on the 6th inst., Mr. John H. Burgess to Miss Elmira Forward, both of Burnett. DIED In Chester, on the 29th ult., after a painful illness of thirteen months, Mrs. Mary McMullen, wife of John McMullen, aged 39 years. The deceased was a native of Athlone, County of Roscommon, Ireland, from whence she emigrated about fifteen years since, and has resided in Chester for nearly five years past, and was universally respected by all who knew her. Volume 4, Number 4; 8 April 1856 Page 1, Column 5, as follows: [News Item] SINGULAR FATAL ACCIDENT On Tuesday last, while a German who resided in this place, was driving or carrying a pig, to the hind leg of which he had tied a rope, the other end of which was fastened to the German's wrist, while in the vicinity of the Foundry, he accidentally fell, sticking a small stub into his head near one of his temples, which caused his death in a few minutes. Volume 4, Number 4; 8 April 1856 Page 2, Column 8, as follows: DIED In this city, on Saturday morning, 5th inst., of whooping cough, Esther M. daughter of Richard C. and Sarah Scovel, aged eleven months and six days. Thou art not here; but, locked in silent slumber, Thy form is resting ‘neath the church yard tree; They’ve laid thee down, amid that countless number, No more to wake till earth hath ceased to be. Sometimes I go, when twilight dews are falling, And sit me down beneath that willow tree; And then I think I hear thy clear voice calling My weary soul away from hence to thee – Away from this dark world of grief and woe, To that bright home where living waters flow. Volume 4, Number 5; 15 April 1856 Page 2, Column 7, as follows: BIRTHS On the evening of the 13th inst., a son to Lizzie E. and H. W. Lander, Esq. DIED In this city, at the residence of her son-in-law, Dr. M’Clure, Mrs. Welthan Denison, aged 55 years. In this city, on Sunday the 6th inst., of Consumption, Mrs. Polly, wife of Sewell Haskell, aged 54 years - formerly of Sherbroke, Canada East. Volume 4, Number 6; 22 April 1856 Page 2, Column 7, as follows: DIED On the 19th inst., at the residence of Mr. Henry Elkins, in Burnett, Dodge Co., Wis., after an illness of two days, David Henry, son of Mr. David Rollins, of White Pigeon, Mich., in the 16th year of his age. The deceased came to this State a few days previous to his illness, on a visit, accompanied by his father, and was to remain with his Uncle, Mr. S.N. Noyes, of this city, for the purpose of attending school, but was thus called suddenly, in the vigor of his youth, to leave an afflicted parent and a large circle of friends to lament his untimely end. Volume 4, Number 7; 29 April 1856 Page 1, Column 7, as follows: [News Item] The Fatal Accident We were in error, yesterday with regard to the name of the person who was killed by being smashed between the cars, at the depot in this village on Wednesday evening. The man's name was Sewel Colby, son of Moses Colby, of Hopkinton, N.H. He had been here but a short time, was employed by the Railroad Company, and all agree he met his death by his own carelessness. It seems he was in the act of couping [coupling] some cars, which were being run together, and, by some means, managed to get his body between the bunters, so that when they came together his ribs were broken from his backbone, and he was so bruised that he died in about three hours. He was immediately carried to the house of Elder Drown, which was near by, and every necessary attention paid to him, though no human power was sufficient to save his life. His funeral was attened yesterday by a large concourse of our citizens. He was but little known here, though he was highly esteemed by all his acquaintances, and his melancholy fate will be sad news to his bereaved parents and friends at a distance. Volume 4, Number 8; 6 May 1856 Page 2, Column 5, as follows: MARRIED At Beaver Dam, by the Rev. R. Smith, on the 30th ult., Mr.Julius N. Wright to Miss Sarah Johnson - both of this place. DIED In Utica, Winnebago County, on the 18th of April, after an illness of about five hours, Walter William Snyder, son of David and Fanny Snyder, aged seventeen months and twenty-five days. “Welcome, welcome child of earth, Chants the singing angel band, Death is proved a glorious birth, Leading to the spirit land. “Softly now those voices breathe, Echoing through the fainting heart, Smiles of hope and joy they wreath, Bliss celestial they impart; - Volume 4, Number 11; 27 May 1856 Page 2, Column 4, as follows: [News Item] FOUND DROWNED. The body of Irvin Whitney, son of Dr. Whitney, of Fort Atkinson, Jefferson Co., an account of whose mysterious disappearance we published a few days ago, was found, the Jeffersonian says, floating in the Bark River, on Friday last. Volume 4, Number 18; 15 July 1856 Page 2, Column 7, as follows: MARRIED In this City, July 7th, by D. F. Stoll Esq., Mr. L. F. Woodard, to Miss Sarah G. Ellsworth, of Roscawen, N.H. Volume 4, Number 18; 15 July 1856 Page 2, Column 6, as follows: [News Item] DROWNED. A German woman, named Kuhl was found drowned in the Crawfish, at Columbus on Saturday last. She had gone down to the stream to do some washing - by which means she obtained a living for her family - and not returning to her house as soon as was supposed she ought, search was made for her, and her body was found in the river. Whether it was accidental or a case of self destruction is, of course, unknown. She leaves a family of eight children, the youngest only three months old, dependent in a great measure, upon the charities of the citizens. Messrs. H. Buckley & Co., proprietors of the Circus exhibited here yesterday, who were there at the time, with commendable liberality, made up a purse of nearly thirty dollars for the relief of the family. Volume 4, Number 20; 29 July 1856 Page 3, Column 1, as follows: [News Item] FATAL ACCIDENT. A man named Aunly Humbug [? name], while wandering through the city, late upon Thursday night last, accidentally stumbled over one of the Beaver Dam and Baraboo Railroad pegs, and dislocated his neck. - A coroner's inquest was held on Friday morning, and verdict returned accordingly. Volume 4, Number 21; 5 August 1856 Page 3, Column 2, as follows: DIED In New Hudson, Alleghany Co., N. Y. on the 21st ult., of Dropsy Consumption, Matthew Strait, aged 62 years. The deceased was a very worthy man, and enjoyed the respect of all who knew him. He leaves a large circle of friends and relatives, who deeply mourn his loss. He was the only brother of Mrs. Orrin Hull, of this place, and uncle to the editor of this paper. Volume 4, Number 22; 12 August 1856 Page 3, Column 3, as follows: DIED Of Dysentery, in this city, on the 4th inst., R. Willie Lane, youngest son of George C. and Cornelia Lane, aged two months and eight days. Volume 4, Number 30; 7 October 1856 Page 3, Column 2, as follows: MARRIED In this City, on Sunday evening, 28th ult., by Rev. N.E. Chapin, Mr. Joseph R. Smith, to Miss Martha E. Leonard, all of Beaver Dam. Volume 4, Number 37; 2 December 1856 Page 2, Column 8, as follows: OBITUARY. DIED – In Calamus, on the 7th of November, Mrs. Eleanor Clark, wife of John C. Clark, aged 34 years. HYMENIAL. MARRIED. – In this city of the 20th ult., at the residence of H. B. Phelps, Esq., by G.H. Allen, Esq., Mr. Elias Fenstermacker, to Miss Catharine Fahrringer, both of this city. Also, on the 24th inst., by the same, at the residence of James M. Howe Esq., of this city, Mr. Irvin Lothrop, to Miss Mary E. Howe, both of this city. Volume 4, Number 39; 16 December 1856 Page 2, Column 7, as follows: HYMENIAL. MARRIED – On the 20th of November, ult., by Jacob Lince, Esq., Mr. William N. Turck, of Beaver Dam city, Wis., to Miss Catherine A. Hungerford of Cleveland, N.Y. We received the above notice through the P. O. and publish it as sent, though it seems to contain some manifest errors. OBITUARY. DIED – In this city last Saturday night, Mr. Hiram Stevens, aged sixty-six years and five months. He was a man of respectability, and leaves here a wife, one son and four daughters to mourn his loss. He was formerly a resident of Chatham, New Hampshire, and came to Beaver Dam in April last. His disease was principally dropsy. The friends request the New Hampshire and Maine papers to copy. DIED – In Beaver Dam, December 5th, Eefie Amelia, infant daughter of Asa and Laura Ann White, aged three months and twenty days. Volume 4, Number 40; 23 December 1856 Page 2, Column 7, as follows: MARRIED In this City, on the 4th inst., by the Rev. N. E. Chapin, Mr. David C. Van Horn, of Beaver Dam to Miss Alice Jane Branum, of Fond du Lac. In this City, on the 4th inst., by the Rev. D. Stansbury, Mr. Jvcob [Jacob?] C. Van Horn to Miss Martha Ann Stewart, all of Beaver Dam. [NOTE: Due to newspaper reporting delays, please check the early 1857 issues of The Republican for additional events which may have happened in the calendar year of 1856.]