1884
History of Green County
CHAPTER XLIII


TOWN OF WASHINGTON

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    The town of Washington comprises the territory designed on the government survey as congressional township 3 north, range 7 east.  It is bounded on the north by the town of New Glarus, on the east by Mount Pleasant, on the south by Monroe, and on the west by Adams.  This town embraces 22,870.80 acres of land which it is stated 22,858 acres are farming lands.  The value of farming lands is assessed at $12.58 and the total represents the assessed value of real estate in the town, while this together with the personal property amounts to $411,620.  The population of the town in 1875 was 870; in 1880, 882.  The principal farm products of this town grown during the year 1882 were as follows: 2,684 bushels of wheat; 78,510 bushels of corn; 70,003 bushels oats; 852 bushels barley; 671 bushels rye; 4,812 bushels potatoes; 590 bushels root crops; 2,898 bushels apples; 22 bushels clover seed; 37 bushels timothy seed.  There were 25,465 pounds of butter; 267,550 ponds of cheese, and 3,787 tons of hay made.  The acreage of the principal farm products grown in 1883 was as follows: 260 acres wheat; 3,130 corn; 2,321 of oats; 70 of barley; 72 ½ of rye; 76 of potatoes; 100 ½ of apple orchard; 2,556 bearing apple trees; 4,150 acres grasses; 4,130 acres growing timber.  In 1883 there were 1,727 milch cows in the town, valued at $41,120; 2,955 head of cattle; assessed value, $19.70, total value, $58,221; 458 head of horses; assessed value, $52.29, total value, $23,945; 4 mules, assessed value, $70, total value, $280; 863 sheep, assessed value $2, total value, $ 1,726; 1,977 swine, assessed value $5.75, total value, $11,369.

EARLY SETTLEMENT

    Washington was first settled in 1837.  The honor of being the pioneer belongs to Josiah Pierce, who was originally from Massachusetts, but came direct from the State of New York to Madison, Wis., in the spring of 1837.  The State capitol had just been commenced and Mr. Pierce had been engaged to board the workmen.  Wisconsin had only been a Territory for a little over a year and Madison was a mere hamlet.  In the following November, Mr. Pierce removed to a cabin which he had built during the summer on section 13, in what is now the town of Washington.  Here he remained until the time of his death.
    The next settler in the town was Noah Phelps, a native of the State of New York.  Prior to the Black Hawk War he had helped to survey Green county, and after finishing his work he returned to his eastern home expecting to bring his family to Wisconsin in 1837.  Mr. Phelps states that he was almost ready to start in May, when specie payment was suspended by the banks.  Government land could only be bought with coin and as all his money was in bank notes, he was obligated to wait.  When specie payment was resumed in May, he was still ready, and started, and in June, 1838, he made the second settlement within the limits now comprising the town of Washington.  He settled with his family on section 24, and remained . . .


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. . . for a few years, then moved to Monroe, and still lives near that city.
    Asel Smith came here from Michigan in 1842, and made a claim on section 7.  He remained but a few years, then sold out and returned to his former home.
    Hiram Bane came from Ohio in 1844, and claimed the southwest quarter of section 1.  In 1848 he sold his claim to Fred Streif, and bought forty acres on the northwest quarter of the same section.  In 1850 he sold out and went to California, where he froze to death in the winter of 1852-3.
    Samuel Holloway, a native of Maryland, came in 1844, and made a claim on section 22.  He was a blacksmith by trade, the first in town.  He remained here two years, when he sold his claim and removed to Monroe.  Later he went to Richland county, where he died in 1855.
    Jarvis Rattan, a native of Illinois, came to Green county as early as 1836, and entered land now included within the limits of the city of Monroe.  He was a single man when he came, and he kept “bach” for two years in a little log house that stood between Bridge’s block and the spring.  In 1838 he was married to a daughter of Josiah Pierce.  He sold out at about this time, and settled in the southeastern corner of the town of Monroe and lived there until 1844, when he removed to the town of Washington, locating on the southeast quarter of section 24.  In 1854 he sold out and moved to Charles City, Iowa, where he built a saw mill and engaged at farming.  Three years later he returned to Green county, settling on section 21, in the town of Mount Pleasant.  A few years later he sold his farm to the county, and soon afterward removed to San Joaquin Co., Cal., where he still lives.
    Jared Fessenden, a native of Chautauqua Co., N.Y., and a brick-maker by trade, came to Green county in 1837, and located in Monroe.  He spent the summer making brick, and the winter in the pineries.  In 1844 he was married to a daughter of Josiah Pierce, and settled in the town of Washington, on section 25.  He improved a farm and lived there until his death in 1880.  His family now live in Cloud Co., Kansas.
James Crouch came in 1844.  He lived near Monroe until 1847, then located in this town on section 22.  He has since died.  Two of his sons now reside on section 22.
   James Crouch was born in Virginia, June 13, 1801.  He moved to Ohio when a young man, and settled in Ross county, where he was married to Nancy Thomas, also a native of Virginia.  They remained in Ohio twelve years, then removed to Lafayette, Ind., where he engaged in running a ferry boat across the Wabash river, which he continued two years.  He then moved to Warren county and bought land near Independence, where he improved a farm and remained until 1844.  In that year he started, in company with three other families, for the Territory of Wisconsin.  They traveled with teams, bringing their household goods with them, and camped on the way.  He first settled three miles south of Monroe, where he bought eighty acres of land, and lived three years.  He then traded for land on section 22, of the town of Washington, to which he removed in the fall of 1847.  He built a log house which was his home for several years, when he built a frame house, in which he lived until the time of his death, March 10, 1873.  Mrs. Crouch died April 10, 1881.  Five children were born to them, four of whom are now living—William R., Martha, now the wife of James Waite, of Iowa; Samuel T. and Elizabeth, wife of John Gange, living in Dakota.  It was mainly due to Mr. Crouch’s efforts that the M.E. Church was established in the town of Washington.  He also took an interest in the cause of education, and was influential in establishing a good school in the town.
    Samuel T. Crouch, son of James Crouch, was born in Lafayette, Ind., Dec. 6, 1834, and was in his tenth year when he came to Green county with his parents, where he attended the pioneer . . .


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school and assisted his father in clearing a farm. He was married in 1859 to Amelia Marshall, a native of New York. At the time of his marriage he settled upon land which he had previously purchased, and began housekeeping in a log house. In 1861 he sold his farm to take charge of his father’s place, and has since resided on the old homestead. Mr. and Mrs. Crouch have five children—Albert, Alma E., Libbie, Arthur and Josiah.
William R. Crouch, eldest son of James and Nancy (Thomas) Crouch, was born in Fayette Co., Ohio, Oct. 14, 1824, and was ten years old when his parents moved to Indiana. He remained with them there and in Green county until 1851, when he was married March 5, to Mary Virtue, a native of Richland Co., Ohio, born Jan. 14, 1834. He then settled on his present farm on section 22, of the town of Washington. He had purchased the land two and a half years before, and erected a small frame house, to which he has since built an addition. They have ten children—Emanuel F., Louisa, James, Argalas, Elizabeth, John Wesley, Ella F., Thomas, Charlie and Mary Etta.
Alexander Sires, a native of Ohio, arrived here in 1844, and settled on the northeast quarter of section 28. In 1853 he sold out and removed to Richland county, locating in the town of Henrietta. He there platted a village called Siresville, but it did not flourish. He is now dead.
In 1845 John L. Perrine came and settled on section 25. His son now occupies the farm, while he lives in Monroe.
William C. Perrine, son of John L. and Eliza (Gordon) Perrine, was born in Jefferson Co., N.Y., July 11, 1836, and was ten years old when be came to Green county with his parents, who first settled in Monroe, where they remained three years, then removed to the town of Washington. Here William spent his youth in attending the district school and assisting his father on the farm. He was married in 1861 to Clarissa Gist, and settled on the old homestead.

His wife died in March, 1868, leaving one child—Addie. He was again married in February, 1870, to Helen, daughter of Joseph and Permelia (Spencer) Brayton, early settlers of the town of Exeter. Mr. and Mrs. Perrine have two children—Charlie and Laura.
Charlton J. Simmons, one of the pioneers of Green county, is a native of North Carolina, born in Green county, June 1, 1819. When he was thirteen years old, his parents emigrated to Illinois, and stopped for a short time in Lawrence county, then went to Crawford county where they were early settlers. His father bought land and commenced to improve a farm, and make a home for his family, but he died in April, 1834. The following February, Mrs. Simmons also died, leaving seven children, the subject of this sketch being the eldest, and upon him devolved the care of the family. Soon after his mother’s death, the farm and stock were disposed of in such a manner that the children realized but $10 each, from the proceeds. Charlton J. went to work for a Methodist minister in Lawrence county, with whom he continued one year. The first ten months he received $5 per month, and the last two, $10 per month. He saved the money and loaned it to a man who ran away and never paid it. He continued to work at farming in the neighborhood until 1840. He was married March 12 of that year, to Mary Allison, who was born in May, 1823, in Lawrence county. After marriage he rented a farm on Allison Prairie, in Russellville, Lawrence county. In 1842 he took the produce which he had raised the previous year; loaded it on to a flat boat, and went down the river to New Orleans where he disposed of it. In 1844 he again went down the river with his produce, this time disposing of it at the mouth of the Arkansas river. In April, 1845, he came to Wisconsin and settled in Green county. He rented land that is now included in the village of Monroe, and bought twenty acres of winter wheat of Robert Kirkendall, which yielded thirty


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bushels per acre. In 1845 he pre-empted the northeast quarter of section 35, township 3 north, of range 1 east, now known as the town of Washington. He built a frame house upon this land and settled there in the fall of that year. The following spring he wished to enter forty acres on section 26, and in order to obtain the money to pay for it, he drew oats, with a team, to Janesville, where he sold them for six and a fourth cents per bushel, and the amount received lacked $2 of the sum required to pay for the land. He then sold three large yearling calves at $3 a piece, making enough money to pay his expenses to Mineral Point and enter his land. In 1847 he went to the pineries on the Wisconsin, and engaged in the lumber business, buying manufactured lumber, which he rafted down the river and sold at different points. The first wheat that be raised upon his farm, he drew to Milwaukee and sold for thirty-seven and a half cents per bushel. He bought groceries and provisions, which he drew to the pineries, a distance of 200 miles, and there disposed of them to the lumbermen. He was engaged in the lumber trade seven years, after which he devoted his time to the improvement of his farm, which at one time contained 1,100 acres. He engaged in the cattle business, and during the war dealt in horses, many of which he shipped to Chicago and sold to the government. He also engaged in breeding fine cattle and horses. He bought one horse in Kentucky which be sold for $1,800. In 1882 he met with an irreparable loss in the death of his wife, which occurred on the 28th of March, that year. He has fourteen children living—William, Caroline, Charles, Mary, George, Lida, Lucinda, Charlton J., Edward and Edgar, twins; Flora, Eva, Ida and Albert.
Samuel Allison, a native born Kentuckian, arrived in the county in 1844. In 1846 he came to the town of Washington and located on section 36. In 1856 he disposed of his farm and removed to Charles City, Iowa, where he soon died.
James Lang came here in about 1845 and settled on the northeast quarter of section 9. He lived there for several year, then sold out and left. He was a Mormon.

John Hendrickson, a native of Indiana, also came in 1846. He settled on the northeast quarter of section 27, and built a log cabin near the spring. He lived there for a few years, then sold out and returned to Indiana.
Gabriel Lang, a native of Indiana, came in 1846 and located on the northwest quarter of section 21. He remained but a few years.
Barney Becker, a native of the State of New York, came in 1845, and spent one year in Monroe. In 1846 he settled on the southwest quarter of section 25. He improved a farm and lived there several years, when he sold out and moved to Monroe, where he died a short time later.
In 1846, Elijah Roby, a native of Virginia, came from Ohio and entered the northeast quarter of section 2. He had been a stone mason, but devoted his time to farming. He took a great interest in town affairs, and was the first chairman of the board, hold that office for several years, as well as other offices of trust. In 1881 he sold out and moved to Evansville, where he now resides.
Mr. Kirkpatrick, a blacksmith, came in 1846 and settled on the northwest quarter of section 21.He sold, in 1849, to P. J. Miller, and went to Iowa.
Elias Wright, of Indiana, arrived here in 1846, and settled on the northwest quarter of section 22. A few years afterward he sold out and removed to Iowa.
Oswald Blum, a native of Switzerland, came here in 1847 and bought twenty acres on the southwest quarter of section 2. He made his home there until the time of his death.
Caspar Baker, another Swiss, came the same year and entered land on the northeast quarter of section 10, where he now lives.
William Tucker, an Englishman, came in 1847, and located on section 22. In 1853 he sold to Argalus Loveland and removed to Chickasaw Co., Iowa, where he now lives



 

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Emanuel Wissemiller, a native of Switzerland, came from Ohio, in 1848, and settled on section 17, where he entered 160 acres of land. Here he erected a log cabin and lived until the time of his death. His son, Jacob, now occupies the old homestead.
Fred Swickey, a native of Switzerland, came in 1847 and bought land on the northwest quarter of section 12. He improved a farm and lived until his death, in 1883.
Adam Blumer, a Swiss, came in 1849 and entered 240 acres of land on sections 8, 9 and 10.He improved a large farm and lived there until the time of his death. He was born in the canton of Glarus, Switzerland, Nov. 6, 1798. He was reared on a dairy farm where he learned the art of cheese making. He was married in October, 1829, to Margaret Blum, who was born in the canton of Glarus, in November, 1805. In 1849, they left their native land for America, taking passage in a sailing vessel to New York, where they arrived after a voyage of twenty-four days. They proceeded up the Hudson river to Albany, thence, by way of the Erie canal to Buffalo, where they took passage on the lakes to Milwaukee. There he hired teams to bring them to Monroe. He entered 240 acres of land on sections 8, 9 and 16, of the town of Washington, and built a log house on the southwest quarter of section 9. He purchased two pairs of oxen and immediately commenced improving the land. The first spring he bought five cows, from which they made butter and cheese. He engaged in grain and stock raising and resided here until the time of his death, which occurred in January, 1855. He left a widow and five children—Jacob, Magdalena, Elsbeth, Catharine and Adam. Jacob lives at Sioux City, where he works at his trade, as carpenter and joiner; Magdalena is the wife of John Baltzly, and lives in Illinois; Elsbeth died in 1866; Catharine is the wife of Jacob Hefty, of Monroe. Adam was born April 1, 1844, and was five years old when he came to Green county. He

was reared and educated in the town of Washington. March 23, 1865, he was married to Margaret Hefty, who was born in the canton of Glarus, Switzerland, July 7, 1844. They settled at the time of their marriage, on the old homestead, which they now occupy. He has purchased more land, and now owns 476 acres. He has two large barns and a good frame house. In 1868 he commenced making cheese, keeping at that time, twenty cows. He now keeps seventy-five cows and continues to manufacture cheese. Mr. and Mrs. Blumer have seven children—Rosana, Mary, Catharine, Adam, Emma, Fredolin and Jacob.
Daniel and James Hilton, natives of Maine, came in 1850. Daniel entered laud on sections 5 and 6, where he improved a farm and lived a few years, then lived in Brooklyn several years, after which he moved to Missouri. He now lives in Pocahontas Co., Iowa. James entered land on section 7, where he lived five or six years, when he sold out and removed to the town of York, where he still lives.
Andrew Harper, a settler of 1851, was born on the North Shetland Island, Nov. 28, 1828. When he was thirteen years old he emigrated to America and settled in Leroy, Genesee Co.,
N. Y., where he lived until 1846, then came to the Territory of Wisconsin and stopped temporarily five miles east of Janesville and in January 1847 removed to Spring Valley, Rock county, in which town his father entered land and improved a farm, and is now living at the age of seventy-nine years. The subject of this sketch made his home there with his parents until 1853. On the 22d of February of that year he was married to Agnes Halcrow who was born on North Shetland Island. In January, 1852, he came to Green county and entered land on section 27, town of Washington, locating the same with a land warrant for which he had traded in Rock county, paying for the  same a pair of oxen and a wagon, with $60 in


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money. He then had left, one pair of oxen and $20 in money, which constituted his entire earthly possessions. The following March after marriage he came to the town of Washington, but not having means with which to improve his land, he rented land on section 21 for three years. He had good crops and there made some money with which to start improvements on his own land. In 1855 he built a frame house 14x22, and moved during the fall of that year and immediately commenced work on the land and was in a few years able to buy more land. He now owns 360 acres, the greater portion of which is improved and under fence. Mrs. Harper died May 5, 1874. Twelve children were born to them, eleven of whom are now living—Robert, Libbie, Malcolm J., Susan, Agnes, Andrew, Tena, Thomas, Jane, Hine J. and William. Mr. Harper joined the Presbyterian Church in York State, but since coming to Wisconsin has worshiped with the Methodist Episcopal organization, of which Church his wife and nine of her children were members.
Joseph and Gustavus Hilton, natives of Maine, came in 1851. Joseph had a land warrant which he located on sections 5 and 8. He improved a farm and lived here until the spring of 1884, when he sold out and settled in Lyon Co., Iowa. Gustavus entered 100 acres of land on sections 6 and 7. He now lives on section 6.
Gustavus Hilton, fifth son of John and Lucinda (Williams) Hilton. was born in the town of Embden, Somerset Co., Maine, Jan. 17, 1828. His younger days were spent upon a farm in his native town, and he obtained his education in the public schools. He remained with his parents until twenty-one years old. He then engaged in farming in the neighborhood during the summer seasons, and in lumbering during the winters, and running logs down the Kennebec river in the spring. In 1851 he came to Wisconsin, traveling by rail to Buffalo, thence on the lakes to Detroit, crossed Michigan by rail, crossing Lake Michigan to Milwaukee, where he employed a

farmer by the name of Webb, (who resided near Decatur, Green county but who happened to be in Milwaukee at the time) to bring him to Monroe. He entered land on sections 6 and 7, of the town of Washington, but made his home with his brother, Joseph, until 1857. He was married in February of the following year to Sarah Maria Presher, a native of Tioga Co., N. Y. He erected a frame house on the southwest quarter of section 6. He has cleared and improved seventy-five acres of land, and now owns 180 acres. Mr. and Mrs. Hilton have seven children—Emma A., Elroy B., Marcellus E., Herbert W., Millie L., Lorrin L. and Daisy B. In 1854 Mr. Hilton’s parents came to Washington and bought land on section 8, on which they lived two years, then sold and returned to Maine, where Mr. Hilton died in 1874. He was born in Wiscasset, Maine, in March, 1786. At the age of twenty years he went to sea, and sailed before the mast seven years. He then abandoned the sea and was married to Lucinda Williams, also a native of Wiscasset, born April 17, 1789. They settled at Stark, Franklin Co., Maine. He was a soldier in the War of 1812. He afterwards bought land in Embden, Somerset county, where they resided until 1854, when, as before stated, they came to Green county. On his return to Maine he lived in the town of Embden with his daughter, until the time of his death. His widow now lives with her son, James, in the town of York, and although ninety-five years old, is still in the enjoyment of good health. Eleven children were born to them, nine of whom reached maturity.
James Gaines, a native of “Bonnie Scotland” and a veteran of the Mexican War, came from the town of Exeter in 1853, and bought land on the northeast quarter of section 23. About 1877 he sold out and moved to Nebraska, where he still lives.
The records of the first town meeting were destroyed, but we learn that the following officers were elected at a town meeting held in James Long’s house in April, 1849: Elijah


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Roby, chairman ;Peter Wilson and James Crouch side board; William Tucker, town clerk; A. H. Pierce, assessor; and Frank Pierce, superintendent of schools.
At the, election held in the Bloomer school house, district No. 6, on April 1, 1884, the following officers were elected: Andrew Harper, chairman; S. T. Clayton and Thomas Hefty, side board; Thomas Lemon, clerk; John Baumgartner, assessor; he refused to serve, and Henry Hefty was appointed by the board to fill vacancy; A. Loveland, treasurer and justice of the peace.
EDUCATIONAL.
The first school house in district No. 3 was erected in 1854. It was a stone building, located on the northwest quarter of section 9. Mary Hutchison was the first teacher. In 1882 a frame house was erected on the old site, in which Kate Wescott taught the first school.
The first school in district No. 1 was taught by John Brown in a log house in the winter of 1848—9. The house was situated on the north line of the southwest quarter of section 22. During the following fall the first school house in the town was built on the southwest quarter of section 22. B. T. Hancock was the first teacher in this house. The house was built of logs furnished by the citizens, who also erected the same. The present building was erected in 1868, and is a neat frame structure, situated on the site of the old one. Lorain Marshall was the first teacher in this house.
The first school taught in district No. 2 was in Jarvis Rattan’s house, in 1851. Mary A. Sutherland, of the town of Sylvester, was the teacher. She received $2 per week for her services, but was taken sick and died before her term had expired. School was afterward taught in Frank Pierce’s house. In 1854 a school house was erected on the northeast corner of the northeast quarter of the southwest quarter of section 25. Louisa A. Tilson taught the first term of school in this house. The present building was erected in 1871. It is situated on the northwest quarter of section 36. Lydia Shake, now the wife of William Bailey, was the first teacher in that house.
The first school house in district No. 4 was erected in 1850. The people of the neighborhood turned out and drew the logs together, some furnishing one and others three and four logs. Then a “bee” was held and the house was put up. Edwin Noble was the first teacher. This house was located on section 2, and was used until the present one was erected.
The first school in district No. 6 was taught by Mrs. James Lang, in her husband’s house on the northeast quarter of section 9. This was in 185 1 The following year a log school house was erected on the south line of section 9, in which Emily Lamars taught the first school. The log school house was used until 1870 when a frame building was erected near the center of section 9.
The first school in district No. 8 was taught by Mrs. William Fleury, in her husband’s house in 1856. During the same year a log house was built on the northeast quarter of section 19. Phoenix Bennett taught the first school in this house. In 1874 a small frame building was erected on the old site, in which Annie McCurry taught the first term school.
RELIGIOUS.
In an early day the people met for worship in the school house on section 9. the pulpit was supplied by preachers from Monroe among whom were Revs. Snell, Smead, Hagerman, Angelberger and Fotsch. Rev. Hirz is the present pastor. In 1876 a neat frame church building was erected on the northwest quarter of section 21. Rev. Fotsch was the first to preach in this church. The first trustee was Christian Isley. There is a flourishing Sabbath school in connection with this Church, of which Christian Isley is superintendent.
The first Methodist Episcopal meetings were held at the house of Alexander Sires, in the winter of 1847—8, by Rev. Allen. A class was organized with the following members: James


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Crouch and wife; Alexander Sires and wife; Elias Wright and wife; David Sires and wife, and Jacob Ashley and wife James Crouch was appointed class leader. For a short time the class met at the school house, and later, at the house of James Crouch, for some years, when they again met in the school house. In 1874 they erected a church on the southwest quarter of section 26. It is a neat frame structure, painted white. The following are the pastors who have had charge of the Church:
Revs. Dudgeon, Hurd, Fancher, Lake, Walker, Rupel, Allen, Lewis, Semple, Knox, Briggs, Burnip and Haight. The latter being the pastor at the present time. Elder Crouch preached the dedicatory sermon. A Sabbath school is connected with the Church. Thomas Lemon is superintendent.
The first services in this town, of the Immanuel Church of the Evangelical Association of North America, were held by Rev. Leonard Buhler, of the town of Sylvester, in 1869, on the occasion of the funeral of Jacob Zum Brunnen. Rev. Buhler organized a class, and meetings were held in the school house until the church was built. The church is a neat frame structure, situated on the northeast quarter of the southwest quarter of section 21.
FIRST MARRIAGE.
The first marriage in the town was Hiram Rust and Maria Pierce, at the residence of the bride’s parents, in 1838, by Joseph Kelly, justice of the peace. Mr. Rust is now dead. His widow lives in Kansas.
PROMINENT CITIZENS.
Among the prominent citizens of the town of Washington, are the following, of whom we give biographical sketches: an early settler of Green county, was a native of Centre Co., Penn., born in 1802. He was there married to Sarah Gunsallus, who was born in the same county, in 1815. He was a weaver by trade, which occupation he followed in Centre county, until 1843. He then came to Wisconsin and spent one

year in Lafayette county, then came to Green county. He rented a farm, one year, in the town of Sylvester, then went to New Glarus and bought government land on section 35, where he built a log cabin and cleared a portion of the land. He died in that town, June 14, 1854, leaving a wife and six children—James, Catharine, William, Thomas, Amanda and Maria. The family continued to live in New Glarus for a number of years, and made considerable improvement upon the farm, but they are now scattered. James lives in Custer Co., Neb; Catharine is dead; William and Thomas reside in Washington; Amanda is the wife of Jacob North, and living in Chase Co., Kansas. Maria is the wife of Frank Loveland. Thomas was born in the town of Sylvester, Dec. 15, 1845. He grew to manhood in New Glarus, and in May, 1872, was married to Eminah Loveland, daughter of Argalus and Jane (Orwing) Loveland. They went to Nebraska and bought a farm in York county, where they remained four years, then returned to Green county and bought a farm on sections 27 and 22, of Washington, upon which was a large barn with a stone basement, and also a cheese factory. In 1883 he built a commodious frame house. He keeps a dairy of twenty cows. Mr. and Mrs. Lemon have one child—Eddie Elgin. Mr. Lemon was elected to the office of town clerk, in 1882, and has been twice re-elected. He has also been supervisor.
William Lemon, son of Thomas and Sarah Lemon, was born in Centre Co., Penn., Dec. 13, 1841. He was quite young when his parents came to Green county. He grew to manhood in this county, and on the 31st of August, 1864, enlisted in the 35th Wisconsin, company D. He first went to Tennessee, then to Arkansas, then to Alabama, where he engaged in the siege and capture of Mobile. He then went to Texas, thence to New Orleans, where he was discharged in July, 1865. He returned home, and in October, 1869, was united in marriage with Rebecca Willis. She was born in Coshocton Co., Ohio, and is a daughter of Solomon and


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Lavina Willis, pioneers of Green county. He had been making his home with his mother, on the old homestead, but on his marriage he settled on land he had previously purchased on section 14. He has since bought land on section 23, and has erected a good set of frame buildings. They have four children—Jesse, Ethlen, William and Myrtie.
 

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Samuel Holloway, a pioneer of Green county, was born in Worchester Co., Md., in 1799.  He was there married, to Mahala Godfrey, also a native of Maryland.  In 1835 they removed to Illinois, and were early settlers in Schuyler county, where he worked at his trade as blacksmith in the town of Brooklyn.  They remained there until 1844, when they came to Green county, and took a claim on section 22, township 3, range 7 east, now known as Washington.  Two years later, he traded that land for a claim in Monroe, where he lived until 1852.  He then went to Richland county and settled in Rockbridge.  He died in that town, two years later.  He was twice married.  His first wife died in 1848, leaving ten children, eight of whom are now living.  He was again married in 1850, and by this union had one child, who now lives in Rockbridge, Richland county.

Ara S. Holloway, eldest son of Samuel and Mahala (Godfrey) Holloway, was born Maryland, Nov. 13, 1823.  In his youth he in learned the blacksmith trade. He remained with his parents until 1848, when he was married to Rebecca Rice, a native of Indiana, and settled in Monroe, where he opened a shop and worked at his trade three years.  He then removed to Monticello and engaged in the same business, which he continued until 1878.  In that year he sold out, and bought a farm on section 35, of the town of Washington.  He has built a shop upon his farm and carries on blacksmithing in connection with farming.  His first wife died ten months after marriage.  He was again married to Emiline Rice, a sister of his former wife, who died eleven years later.  His third wife was Ann Gates, who lived but two and a half years after marriage. He was afterwards married to Harriet N. Jones.  The second Mrs. Holloway left two children--Jane and Thomas.  The present Mrs. Holloway has one child--Ara C.

John Baumgartner, son of Anton and Magdalena Baumgartner, early settlers of Green county, was born in the canton of Glarus, Switzerland, Aug. 9, 1838.  He was nine years of age when his parents came to America and settled in Green county, where he grew to manhood.  He attended school in his native country, and also in the pioneer schools of Washington.  In 1862 he bought the northeast quarter of section 21, on which he built a log house and kept "bach," until 1865.  He was married January 19 of that year, to Anna Hefty, also a native of the canton of Glarus, born March 6, 1846.  He continued to occupy the log house until 1882, when he erected a large frame house.  He has also built a large barn, with a stone basement, a granary 16x26 feet, and a stable of the same dimensions.  He is engaged in raising grain and stock.  Mr. and Mrs. Baumgartner have nine children--Magdalena, Anna, Mary, Lydia, Herman A., Richard J., Reuben H., Otto M. and Bertha J.

Thomas Hefty, son of Fredolin and Rosanna Hefty, pioneers of Green county, was born March 15, 1846, and was one year old when he came to America with his parents.  He grew to manhood in the town of Washington, receiving his education in the district schools.  He was married Feb. 16, 1871, to Barbara Kundert, a native of the town of New Glarus, and daughter of Rudolph and Elsbeth Kundert, early settlers in that town.  He settled then upon the homestead with his parents, on section 4, of the town of Washington, where he still resides.  He has a large frame house and a frame barn, 40x72 feet, also a stone barn, 34x44 feet.  His farm contains 400 acres, and he is extensively engaged in raising grain and stock, also keeps a large dairy.  Mr. and Mrs. Hefty have three children--Fridolin K., born Sept. 20, 1871; Elsbeth K., born Dec. 27, 1873, and Rosina K., born March 4, 1877.



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Elsbeth K., born Dec. 27, 1873, and Rosina K., born March 4, 1877.

     Jacob Burgy, one of the pioneers of New Glarus, was born in the canton of Glarus, Switzerland, March 9, 1794, and died in the town of Washington, Dec. 12, 1874. In his youth he was employed in a cotton factory, and also in gardening in his native country. He was married to Barbara Holsy, and they had one son—Jacob. In 1847 they started, April 1, for America, and arrived in New York city after a voyage of fifty-seven days. They came directly to Green county, traveling by steamer to Albany, thence by canal to Buffalo, where they embarked upon the lakes and came to Milwaukee. There he hired a team for $25 to bring them to Green county. They stopped for a few days in New Glarus, with a friend named Holsy, who lived on the present site of the village of New Glarus. Mr. Burgy then bought a claim on section 1, of Charles Parkin, and entered forty acres. There was a log cabin upon the claim, into which they moved, also ten acres of winter wheat and seven acres of corn growing. The wheat yielded 308 bushels, the most of which he had ground at the Attica mills and sold the flour to the people in the neighborhood. After the wheat had been gathered from the field the children in the neighborhood went into the field and gathered up the scattering heads of wheat which was ground into flour. Mr. Burgy soon after entered eighty acres adjoining his first entry. He cleared a good farm and resided here until 1862. He then bought a house and lot in the village of New Glarus, where he lived until the death of his wife, June 28, 1873, then went to live with his son, with whom he remained until his death. Their only son, Jacob, was born in the canton of Glarus, Switzerland, Jan. 15, 1837, and was ten years old when he came to Green county, where he assisted his father in clearing the farm. He was married July 1, 1858, to Barbara Luchsinger, daughter of John and Barbara (Wilde) Luchsinger. She was born in the canton of Glarus, Switzerland, Jan. 23, 1842. They settled on the homestead farm, where he built a large barn with a stone basement, and lived until 1872. He then rented the homestead and bought a farm of 124 acres in the town of Washington. He has since purchased land adjoining, and now has 310 acres in one body. There was a stone house upon this farm, which he now occupies, having enlarged it by a frame addition. In 1879 he built a barn, 34x56 feet, with eighteen foot posts and having a stone basement. He raises grain and stock, paying particular attention to the raising of fine blooded horses. Mr. and Mrs. Burgy are the parents of nine children—Barbara, Rosa, Julia, Amelia, Jacob, Louisa, Carrie, Olive and Herman.

     Samuel P. Clayton was born in Bourbon Co., Ky., June 22, 182 5. When he was but an infant his parents moved to Illinois and settled in Crawford county, where they were early settlers. His father bought timberland, improved a farm and lived there until the time of his death. The subject of this sketch there grew to manhood. When he was fourteen years old his father died, and two years later his mother was again married. He then started out for himself and went to Lawrence county, and there he found employment on a farm. He was there married, when he was eighteen years old, to Elizabeth Simmons, who was born in Green Co., N. C. They located in Crawford county and remained one year, then lived on a claim in Lawrence county two years, then moved to Richland county and rented land for two years. In 1848 they came to this county and spent the first winter at Monroe. He was there engaged in mining, and in teaming to the pineries, a distance of 200 miles. In the spring of 1849 he moved to Washington and engaged in mining two years, then returned to Lawrence county and rented a farm one year, then came back to the town of Washington and bought a claim of forty acres on the northeast quarter of the northeast quarter of section 34, and subsequently entered the land. There was a small frame house on the

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Samuel T. Clayton was born in Bourbon County, Kentucky, June 22nd,1825. When he was but an infant, his parents moved to Illinois and settled in Crawford County, where they were early settlers. His father bought timberland,improved a farm, and lived there until the time of his death.  The subject of this sketch there grew to manhood. When he was fourteen
years old, his father died, and two years later his mother was again married.  He then started out for himself and went to Lawrence County, and there he found employment on a farm. He was there married when he was eighteen years old, to Elizabeth Simmons, who was born in Greene County, N.C. They located in Crawford County and remained one year, then lived on a claim in Lawrence County two years, then moved to Richland County and rented land for two years.  In 1848 they came to this county and spent the first winter at Monroe. He was there engaged in mining, and in teaming to the pineries, a distance of 200 miles. In the spring of 1849 he moved to Washington and engaged in mining two years, then returned to Lawrence County and rented a farm one year, then came back to the Town of Washington and bought a claim of forty
acres on the northeast quarter of the northeast quarter of section 34, and subsequently entered the land.  There was a small frame house on the place at the time. He did but little work on his land but engaged in mining and carpentering two years, then
paid attention to farming, He now owns 140 acres and is engaged in raising stock and grain. Mr. Clayton and wife are members of the M.E.Church.  (Transcribed by Cynthia Claytonroberts )


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place at the time. He did but little work on his land but engaged in mining and carpentering two years, then paid attention to farming. He now owns 140 acres and is engaged in raising stock and grain. They have eight children living—Mary E., Sarah C., George, Libbie, Nettie, Samuel T., William and Myrtle. Mary E. is the wife of Anton Baumgartner; Sarah C. married John W. Bailey; Libbie is married to Jacob Baumgartner. Mr. Clayton and wife are members of the M. E. Church.
Anton Baumgartner, a pioneer of 1848, was born in the canton of Glarus, Switzerland, in November, 1812. There he was reared to agricultural pursuits. When a young man he learned the blacksmith trade, which he followed in his native country until 1848. He made the voyage to America in a sailing vessel, landed at New Orleans and proceeded up the Mississippi river to Galena, where he hired a team with which to complete the journey to Green county. He settled in the town of Washington, moving into a log house owned by his brother-in-law, Jacob Marty, located on section 9. The following fall he bought sixty acres on section 28, where he built a log house, into which he moved the next spring. He improved this place, purchased more land, and in 1868, erected a frame house. He was married to Magdaline Marty, also a native of Switzerland. They were blessed with nine children, seven of whom are now living--Magdaline, John, Ursula, Euphemia, Anton, Anna and Jacob. Mrs. Baumgartner died in 1877, and soon after, Mr. Baumgartner went to live with his children. He lives at present with his son-in-law, John Jenny, in Mount Pleasant. Their son, Anton Baumgartner, was born in the canton of Glarus, Switzerland, in January, 1847, and was very young when his parents came to America. He grew to manhood in the town of Washington, and was educated in the district school. In August, 1869, he was married to Mary E. Clayton, and after marriage, remained on the homestead four years. He then bought his present farm on section 26. He has built a good frame house and other buildings. They have five

children—Arthur, Henry, Clinton, Weltha and Bessie.
Jacob Baumgartner. youngest son of Anton and Magdalina Baumgartner, was born in the town of Washington, April 13, 1854. He obtained his education in the public school, and in 1878 was married to Libbie Clayton, a native of Washington. He then settled on the old homestead where he now resides. Mr. and Mrs. Baumgartner have two children—Winnie and Willie.
Andrew Jackson Smith was born in Newark, Licking Co., Ohio, Dec.18, 1828. His parents, Jabez and Earlis (Standley) Smith, were natives of Massachusetts. Jabez Smith was a soldier in the War of 1812, was wounded in battle and drew a pension. Earlis Smith died at Newark, and Jabez Smith, died near Marengo, Ill., in 1861. In 1848, Andrew J. came to Wisconsin with his father and settled in the town of Jordan. March 30, 1849, he was married to Elizabeth Ellis. In 1855, they went to Richland county and settled in the town of Henrietta where they lived five years, then came back to the town of Jordan, where he died Jan. 6, 1862. There were seven children born to them—Richard A., Jabez N., Mary A., Earlis, Ella, Earl S., and Jessie, of whom Richard, Mary and Ella, only are now living. Mr. Smith was a member of the Wesleyan Methodist Church.
Richard A. Smith, son of Andrew J. and Mary (Ellis) Smith, pioneers of Green county, was born in the town of Jordan, Green Co., Wis., Jan. 25, 1850. He was twelve years old when his father died, leaving his mother with three children, of whom Richard was the eldest. He assisted his mother in supporting the family, working at farming in the neighborhood, for which he received, at first, $5 per month. His wages were increased gradually, until he received $18 per month. In 1872, he went to Iowa, and rented land, where he put in a crop which, after harvesting, he returned to Green county. In the fall of that year, he was

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Anton Baumgartner, a pioneer of 1848, was born in the canton of Glarus, Switzerland, in November, 1812.  There he was reared to agricultural pursuits.  When a young man he learned the blacksmith trade, which he followed in his native country until 1848.  He made the voyage to America in a sailing vessel, landed at New Orleans and proceeded up the Mississippi river to Galena, where he hired a team with which to complete the journey to Green county.  He settled in the town of Washington, moving into a log house owned by his brother-in-law, Jacob Marty, located in section 9.  The following fall he bought sixty acres on section 28, where he built a log house into which he moved the next spring.  He improved this place, purchased more land, and in 1868, erected a frame house.  He was married to Magdaline Marty, also a native of Switzerland.  They were blessed with nine children, seven of whom are now living--Magdaline, John, Ursula, Euphemia, Anton, Anna, and Jacob.  Mrs. Baumgartner died in 1877, and soon after, Mr. Baumgartner went to live with his children.  He lives at present with his son-in-law, John Jenny, in Mount Pleasant.  Their son, Anton Baumgartner, was born in the canton of Glarus, Switzerland, in January, 1847, and was very young when his parents came to America.  He grew to manhood in the town of Washington, and was educated in the district school.  In August, 1869, he was married to Mary E. Clayton, and after marriage, remained on the homestead four years.  He then bought his present farm on section 26.  He has built a good frame house and other buildings.  They have five children--Arthur, Henry, Clinton, Weltha and Bessie.

Jacob Baumgartner, youngest son of Anton and Magdalina Baumgartner, was born on the town of Washington, April 13, 1854.  He obtained his education in the public school, and in 1878 was married to Libbie Clayton, a native of Washington.  He then settled on the old homestead where he now resides.  Mr. and Mrs. Baumgartner have two children--Winnie and Willie.


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married to Mary, daughter of Jacob and Eliza (James) Hammond, of Green county. Soon after marriage, they went to Iowa and lived two years, then came back to this county and rented land until 1883, when he bought his present farm on sections 23 and 26, of Washington. They have two children—Charlie and Roscoe.
David Benkert, was born in the canton of Bern, Switzerland, March 1, 1820. He was reared to agricultural pursuits, and in his youth, worked with his father, who was a tanner. He afterwards engaged in the same business for himself. In 1851 he left his native country and came to America, landing at New York city and coming directly west to Green Co., Wis. He arrived on the 5th of June, and immediately engaged in farming in Monroe, receiving for his services, $12 per month. In 1852 he rented a farm which he carried on two years, then came to Washington, and bought a farm on section 22, upon which was a log cabin, and a few acres broken. Since that time he has improved and cleared a farm, and built a good frame house. He still makes this his home. In 1882, he bought another farm on the same section. He was married in 1843 to Catharina Kung, who was born in the canton of Bern. They have five children living—Mary, David, John, Jacob and Fred. Their sons, Jacob and Fred, are now engaged in mercantile trade in Albany. Jacob was born in the town of Washington, Dec. 25, 1857. He spent his early life on his father’s farm, and obtained his education in the district school. When eighteen years of age he engaged as clerk in a dry goods store. In 1879, he began mercantile trade at Monticello. He continued in business there until 1881 when he closed his store, and moved his goods to Albany, where he established a good trade. The fire of November, 1883, destroyed his entire property, but in December, 1883, he resumed business in company with his brother, Fred. They carry a large stock of clothing and gentleman’s furnishing goods with a tailor shop in

connection. He was married in 1881 to Jennie Patterson, of Monroe, Wis.
Jacob zum Brunnen, Sr., was born in the canton of Bern, Switzerland, Nov. 2, 1802. When a young man be learned the tailor’s trade, which business he followed until eighteen years of age. He then engaged in making hemp ropes, worked at that business for fifteen years. He worked at the pottery business for two years. The clay not being good, he lost money in the enterprise. He then engaged in the manufacture of ropes, and also opened a dry goods and grocery store. In 1845 he purchased some land and engaged in stock raising. In 1852 he sold out his business and emigrated to the United States with his family, which consisted of. his wife and six children. They crossed the ocean on a sail vessel, being twenty-two days making the trip. They landed at New York, and came to Green county at once, arriving here on the 16th of October. He clerked in Monroe for six months, and in the spring of 1853 purchased some land on section 28, town of Washington. He lived there until 1867, when he removed to section 34, where he had purchased land the year previous. He erected a large frame house and barn, and resided there until the time of his death, which occurred May 20, 1869. His widow died Feb. 4, 1879. They had six children, three of whom are living—Jacob, Gottleib and Martin. John, the second child was born in Switzerland in August, 1836, and died Jan. 15, 1870; Catharine, the only daughter, was born Jan. 20, 1838, and died in October, 1873, and Bartholomew, the youngest child, was born June 16, 1842, and died Jan. 5, 1870.
Martin zum Brunnen was born Dec. 28, 1840, in Switzerland. In 1852 his parents came to America. He made his home with his parents until their death. He was married in April, 1878, to Euphemia Marty, born in the town of Mount Pleasant. They have one child—Bartholomew. Mr. zum Brunnen owns and occupies the farm his father purchased in 1866, on
 

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Jacob zum Brunnen, Sr., was born in the canton of Bern, Switzerland, Nov. 2, 1802. When a young man he learned the tailor’s trade, which business he followed until eighteen years of age. He then engaged in making hemp ropes, worked at that business for fifteen years. He worked at the pottery business for two years. The clay not being good, he lost money in the enterprise. He then engaged in the manufacture of ropes, and also opened a dry goods and grocery store. in 1845 he purchased some land and engaged in stock raising. In 1852, he sold out his business and emigrated to the United States with his family, which consisted of his wife and six children. They crossed the ocean on a sail vessel, being twenty-two days making the trip. They landed at New York, and came to Green county at once, arriving here on the 16th of October. He clerked in Monroe for six months, and in the spring of 1853 purchased some land on section 28, town of Washington. He lived there until 1867, when he removed to section 34, where he had purchased land the year previous. He erected a large frame house and barn, and resided there until the time of his death, which occurred May 20, 1869. His widow died Feb. 4, 1879. They had six children, three of whom are living - Jacob, Gotlieb and Martin. John, the second child was born in Switzerland in August, 1836, and died Jan. 15, 1870; Catherine, the only daughter, was born Jan. 20, 1838, and died in October, 1873, and Bartholomew, the younest child, was born June 16, 1842, and died Jan. 5, 1870.

Martin zum Brunnen was born Dec.28, 1840 in Switzerland. In 1852 his parents came to America. He made his home with his parents until their death. He was married in April, 1878, to Euphemia Marty, born in the town of Mount Pleasant. They have one child - Bartholomew. Mr. zum Brunnen owns and occupies the farm his father purchased in 1866, on section 34. He has, altogether, on ections 19, 21, 27,33 and 34, 480 acres of land. Sixty acres of this is timber land. He keeps seventy milch cows, and makes the milk into cheese. His father commenced cheese-making in 1856, with the milk from twelve cows, and continued in the business until his death.

Jacob zum Brunnen, Jr., oldest son of Jacob and Susanna (Sigrist) zum Brunnen, was born in the canton of Bern, Switzerland, Dec. 12, 1830. He received his education in the public schools of his native-country. In his youth he assited his father in making ropes, and after his father purchased a farm, devoted his time to agricultural pursuits. He came with his parents to America in October, 1852, and in 1853 engaged with a carpenter and joiner at Monroe, for one year, to learn the trade at which he worked, after the first year in connection with farming, until 1857. Upon the 29th of April, of that year, he was married to Susanna Frautschy, who was born in the canton of Bern, July 22, 1836. He then settled in New Glarus and worked a few months at his trade, after which he moved to his father’s place, and in company with his father and brother, carried on the farm until 1861. In the fall of that year he settled on his present farm on section 28, in the town of Washington. He erected a log house, to which he has since made a frame addition; and also erected a frame barn, 38x44 feet. He is the owner of 305 acres of land. He keeps a dairy and sells milk. Mr. and Mrs. zum Brunnen have nine children living - Jacob, John, Gotlieb, Emma, Emil, Edward, Mary Susanna, Louise Helena, Clara Lidia. Mr. zum Brunnen and wife are members of the Lutheran Church. Mr. zum Brunnen’s father and mother are dead.

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section 34. He has altogether, on sections 19, 21, 27, 33 and 34, 480 acres of land. Sixty acres of this is timber land. He keeps seventy milch cows, and makes the milk into cheese. His father commenced cheese-making in 1856, with the milk from twelve cows, and continued in the business until his death.
Jacob zum Brunnen, Jr., oldest son of Jacob and Susanna (Sigrist) zum Brunnen, was born in the canton of Bern, Switzerland, Dec. 12, 1830. He received his education in the public schools of his native country. In his youth he assisted his father in making ropes, and after his father purchased a farm, devoted his time to agricultural pursuits. He came with his parents to America in October, 1852, and in 1853 engaged with a carpenter and joiner at Monroe, for one year, to learn the trade at which he worked, after the first year in connection with farming, until 1857. Upon the 29th of April, of that year, he was married to Susanna Frautschy, who was born in the canton of Bern, July 22, 1836. He then settled in New Glarus and worked a few months at his trade, after which he moved to his father’s place, and in company with his father and brother, carried on the farm until 1861. In the fall of that year he settled on his present farm on section 28, in the town of Washington. He erected a log house, to which he has since made a frame addition; and also erected a frame barn, 38x44 feet. He is the owner of 305 acres of land. He keeps a dairy and sells milk. Mr. and Mrs. zum Brunnen have nine children living—Jacob, John, Gotleib, Emma, Emil, Edward, Mary Susanna, Louise Helena, Clara Lidia. Mr. zum Brunnen and wife are members of the Lutheran Church. Mr. zum Brunnen’s father and mother are dead.
Linus Hare was born in Onondaga Co., N. Y., in September, 1812. He obtained his education in the common schools. When fifteen years of age he engaged with a blacksmith to learn the trade, which he followed a few years, then went to Salina, where he was employed as foreman in a lumber yard until 1852. He went to Michigan, in

that year, and located in St. Joseph county, where he purchased a farm, which, in the spring of 1854, he sold, and came to Green Co., Wis. He bought a farm in the town of Sylvester, where he soon became prominent in public affairs, and filled many offices of trust, in the town. He was elected in the fall of 1880, to the office of county treasurer, and re-elected in 1882. At the time of his first election to that office, he moved to Monroe, where he died, Feb. 1, 1883. He was twice married, first to Ora Spencer, who died a few years after marriage, leaving three children, only one of whom is now living—Helen, who is married and lives in Syracuse. His second wife was Clarinda Hill, and by this union there were nine children, five of whom are now living—Henrietta, Alvah E., Lucy, Mary and Hester. Alvah E. was born in Salina, Onondaga Co., N. Y., Oct. 8, 1844, and came with his parents to Green county, where he grew to manhood in the town of Sylvester. He enlisted April 24, 1864, for 100 days, in company A, of the 40th Wisconsin regiment, and went to Memphis, Tenn., and was present when Forrest made his attack upon that city. He served five months, and was discharged with the regiment and returned home. He was married Nov. 13, 1866, to Sarah Hammond, a daughter of Jacob and Eliza (James) Hammond, pioneers of Green county. Mr. and Mrs. Hare settled in Albany at the time of their marriage, and remained one year, then moved to Mount Pleasant and rented a farm three years. He then moved into the village of Monticello, and kept the Monticello House two and a half years. He then resumed farming. In 1876 he bought a farm on section 26, of Washington, where he has erected a good frame house, and is engaged in raising stock and grain. They have two children—Myrtie and Linus.
Eldridge W. Chesebro was born in Knox, Albany Co., N. Y., March 14, 1822. His early life was spent in his native county, where he attended the district school, and afterwards, three terms at Knoxville Academy. He was


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married in March, 1850, to Elmina Ketcham, also a native of Knox, Albany county. He bought a small farm in his native town and lived there until 1854, then sold his farm and came to Wisconsin. He lived in Walworth county one year, then settled in Mount Pleasant, Green county, where he purchased a farm in company with his father, on section 26. Two years later he sold his interest and bought a farm on the same section, upon which was a log house and a straw stable, and fifty acres broken. He lived upon this farm four years, then removed to an adjoining farm which he had purchased, living there until 1868, when he came to Washington and bought his present farm on section 25, where he has since resided. Mr. and Mrs. Chesebro are the parents of seven children—Milton, Simmons, Oscar, Allen, Sarah, Edwin and Eldridge. Mr. Chesebro enlisted Feb. 22, 1865, in the 49th Wisconsin regiment, company G, and went to Missouri where he was stationed on guard duty. He was detached from the regiment a part of the time. He was discharged at Benton Barracks, Nov. 8, 1865.
Argalus Loveland came to Green county in 1854. He was born in Smithfield, Madison Co., N. Y., May 5, 1814. When he was three years old his parents moved to Springfield, Erie Co., Penn., where they lived until 1 828, then moved to Salem, Mercer county, of the same State. He remained with his parents until twenty-one years of age, then went to Orleans Co., N. Y., where he was employed in farming during the summer and chopping wood in the winter. He staid there a year, then returned to his home in Mercer Co., Penn., remained a few weeks, then went to Michigan, where he stopped a short time and returned to Cleveland, Ohio, and went to work in a stone quarry, five miles east of the city. A few months later he went to Warrensville, near Cleveland, and commenced learning the carpenter trade. Some time later he returned to Cleveland and worked at his trade until 1837, when he went back to Mercer county and took an interest in his father’s farm. He was married in

that county, Oct. 11, 1838, to Jane Orwick, who was born near Coshocton, Ohio. The following spring he bought land two miles from his father’s place, upon which he lived until 1853, then sold and went to Pavilion, Kendall Co., Ill., and remained one year, then came to Green county. He bought a farm of William Tucker on sections 22 and 23 of the town of Washington. There were fourteen acres of the land fenced and broken, and a log house was standing upon the place. He now has the land all improved and fenced, and has erected a large frame house, doing the work himself. Mr. and Mrs. Loveland have nine children living—Franklin, Orrilla, Jane A., Eminah, Temperance, William A., Edwin A., Alfred E. and Silas E. Harrison, the second son, was born in Mercer Co., Penn., June 25, 1841, and made his home with his parents until 1863. In the summer of that year he went to Monroe and engaged in a marble shop, to learn the trade, but soon after enlisted in the 1st Wisconsin Heavy Artillery, and went to Louisiana. In the summer of 1864 he was taken sick at Brazier City and sent to the hospital at New Orleans, where he partially recovered, and with 200 others, started for New York on the steamer North America which, during a storm, sprung a leak and sunk. Nearly all on board perished, Harrison among the number. Mr. Loveland is the present town treasurer, which office he has filled for seven consecutive years. He has also been chairman of the board, a member of the side board, assessor and town clerk. He is a member of the Seventh Day Advent Church at Monroe. He is politically a republican, and has been elected to office in a town where his party is largely in the minority.
Frank Loveland enlisted April 22, 1861, at the first call for troops, in company C, of the 3d Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry, and joined the Army of the Potomac. He participated in the following battles: Bolivar Heights, Winchester, Cedar Mountain, second battle of Bull Run and Antietam, where he was wounded and


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sent to the hospital, and remained four months, then joined the command opposite Fredericksburg, in January, 1863. He afterwards participated in the battles of Chancellorsville, Germania Ford and Gettysburg. In the fall of 1863, he joined the western army. He veteranized December 23, of that year, and went with Sherman on his march to the sea, and to Raleigh, N. C., taking part in most of the more important battles of that campaign. He was taken sick at Raleigh, but again joined the regiment at Alexandria, in June, 1865. He was mustered out in Kentucky in July, 1865, and returned home. He was born in Mercer Co., Penn., July 30, 1839, and came to Wisconsin with his parents with whom he remained until the time of his enlistment. He was married June 20, 1874, to Maria Lemon, a native of Green county. He then settled on his present farm on section 15, which he had purchased some years previously. He has improved the land and erected a good frame house and barn. Mr. and Mrs. Loveland have four children—Otto, William, Franklin and Ada.
Joshua Moore came to Green county in 1854, and bought eighty acres of land on section 36, of the town of Washington. There was a stone house upon the place and all the land was improved and under fence. In 1867 he sold this place and bought 120 acres of land on sections 14 and 15, forty of which was improved. A log house was standing upon the southwest quarter of section 14, into which he moved. He has since purchased more land and erected a good frame house in which he now lives. He was born in Guilford Co., N. C., March 15, 1799. He was reared in his native county, to agricultural pursuits. In 1822 he went to Tennessee and located in Roane county, where he engaged with a saddler and harness maker, to learn the trade. He served six months, then engaged in the same business for himself. He was married in Tennessee, in December, 1823, to Hepsey Ann Childres, who was born in Anson Co., N. C., Nov. 12, 1804. A short before his marriage he

bought a piece of timber land and built a log house, in which they began house keeping. It was furnished with home-made furniture. In 1830 he bought 100 acres, opened a tan yard and then in 1837 sold his place and went to Indiana, and entered 400 acres of land in Davis county. He remained there but a short time, however, and returned in 1838 to Tennessee. The man to whom be had sold his Tennessee farm, for $1,000, failed to pay for it, and he had to start anew. He had $100 and he bought a piece of land on credit, built a log house and put in a tan yard. He afterwards built a good frame house, and lived at Post Oak Springs until 1854, when he again went to Indiana and remained one year, then came to Green county. Mr. and Mrs. Moore have had three children—Mary R., John C. and Thomas. Mary R. is the widow of Jacob Berkey; Thomas is dead; John C. is a farmer and lives in Washington.
James Confer, class leader of the Centre M. E. Church, in the town of Washington, was born in Centre Co., Penn., Jan. 10, 1821. There he grew to manhood, obtaining his education in the public schools. At the age of eighteen years he commenced working in a tannery, which occupation he continued eight years. He was married Feb. 20, 1845, to Mary E. Ziebuch, who was born in Union Co., Penn., Sept. 3, 1824. In 1847 they removed to Illinois and located in Winnebago county, purchasing land in Harlem township, where he built a stone house and improved a farm. He resided there until 1854, then sold his farm and came to Green Co., Wis. He purchased unimproved land on section 34, of the town of Washington, on which he built a log house. A few years later he erected the frame house in which he now lives. Mr. and Mrs. Confer are the parents of four children—John W., who is a farmer, and lives in Cerro Gordo Co., Iowa; Francis M., a practicing physician at Monroe; Jacob S., a farmer, living at Monticello, and James K, who resides at home with his parents.


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Melschior Schlittler came to Green county in 1858, and settled in the town of New Glarus. He was a single man at that time, and worked at farming. For his work the first year he received $100. In 1862 he purchased land on section 12, town of Washington. There was a log house on the place, in which he lived. He was married in July, 1867, to Elsbeth Zweifel, born in Switzerland. They have six children—Bertha, Emma, Albert, Lena, Mina and Amelia. In 1867 he rented a farm on sections 1 and 12, and the next year sold a part of his old farm and bought the one he had rented, and which he now occupies. He has 191 acres in the towns of Washington and New Glarus, and 200 acres in the town of Exeter. lie has a large frame house and good barns, also granaries and other out houses.
John G. Bidlingmaier came to Washington in 1861, and purchased land on section 30, which consisted of sixty-seven acres, twenty acres of which were broken. A log cabin had been erected upon the land. He soon after purchased 133 acres of adjoining land. He was born in Wurttemberg, Germany, in 1814, where he was reared upon a farm. He was married to Annie Woerner, and in 1851 they came to America, and settled in Tuscarawas Co., Ohio, where he was employed in farming three years. He then rented a farm until 1861. Four children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Bidlingmaier, only one of whom is now living-Michael, who was born in Germany, Dec. 3, 1843, and was seven years old when he came to America. He was married in 1877 to Ann Mary, daughter of Christian and Verena (Buenker) Iseli. She was born in Ohio. They settled at the time of their marriage upon the homestead, where they still reside. They have three children—John G., Christian A. and Lydia Verena.
Christian Iseli came to this county in 1861, and bought wild land on section 30, of the town of Washington, all of which was timber and grub land. lie has since cleared and fenced about 100 acres. He was born in the canton of Bern,

Switzerland, July 4, 1828. His father was a gunsmith by trade, and also owned a small farm. The subject of this sketch assisted his father on the farm and in the shop until 1846, when he left his native land, and came to the United States. He first stopped in Tuscarawas Co., Ohio, and engaged in mining four months. He then ran an engine at the iron ore furnace five years, after which he was engaged as engineer in different places for three years, then was again employed at the mines, doing outside work until 1861. He was married in 1857 to Verena Buenker, a native of Switzerland. They have had fourteen children, thirteen of whom are now living—Samuel, Ann Mary, Verena, John, Jacob, Rosina, Elizabeth, Louisa, Maggie, Henry, George, Wilhelm D. and Annie B., twins. Annie, the ninth child, died in 1880, aged seven years and six months. The family are members of the German Evangelical Reformed Church, of which Mr. Iseli was one of the first trustees, and is the superintendent of the Sabbath school.
John Norton came to Green county in March, 1865, and worked at farming for James Barney. In 1867 he bought 100 acres of land on section 24, of the town of Washington. He improved this land, and at the same time, worked Mr. Barney’s farm on shares. In 1877 he removed to his own land. He lived upon this place until 1881 when he bought a farm on section 25, of the same town, where he has built a large frame house and a barn 36x70 feet, with twenty foot posts and having a stone basement. He owns 402 acres of land, the greater part of which is improved and under fence. He keeps a dairy of forty cows. Mr. Norton was born in county Limerick, Ireland, May 10, 1825. He was there reared upon a farm and educated in the common schools. In 1848 he left Ireland and came to America, landing at Philadelphia. He remained in that city three months, then went to Berks county, where he lived till 1851. He then removed to Ohio and located in Lake county where he rented a farm and remained


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till 1865, when, as before stated, he came to Green county. He was married in 1854 to Mary Codde, who was born in county Wexford, Ireland. They have eight children—Michael, Frank, George, John, Robert, James, Ella and Mary V.
John Bass came to Green county in 1874, and engaged in cheese making, in the town of Washington. In 1881 he bought the Fessenden farm, located on sections 23, 24 and 25. Here he built a large barn with a stone basement and enlarged the frame house he now occupies. He is still engaged in the manufacture of cheese, using at the present time the milk of 130 cows. He also has a factory in Dane county. He manufacturers Limburger and brick cheese. He was born in the canton of Bern in Switzerland, June 6, 1836. He

learned the art of cheese making when a boy, and when seventeen years old went to France, where he was engaged in that occupation. In 1856 he left that country and came to America, locating in New Jersey, where be lived one year. He then went to New York and engaged in making cheese in Oneida county, remaining there the greater part of the time till 1870 when he came to Wisconsin and located at Watertown where he started two cheese factories, which he sold in 1874, and as before stated, came to Green county. He was married in 1 874 to Louisa Weismiller, daughter of Jacob and Elizabeth Weismiller, pioneers of Green county. Mr. and Mrs. Bass have three children—John, Bertha and one not yet named.


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Roger Dooley