such a high-school building as would furnish ample educational facilities for the entire surrounding country. A majority of the voters, upon ballot, were in favor of entering into the enterprise, but the town authorities failed to comply with the requirements of the law in such premises, and, consequently, the action was lost. District No. 2 then took up the matter, and, going vigorously to work, soon perfected arrangements for erecting the present fine structure. The building was constructed by Mr. Cory, of Madison, and cost, when finished complete, the snug sum of $5,500. It was ready for occupancy in the fall of 1876, and opened under the best of auspices and with a large number of outside pupils. Architecturally considered as a school building, there appears to be nothing lacking; the rooms are large, lofty, well lighted and well ventilated, and the exterior, in simplicity and elegance of design, is in perfect keeping with the interior. There are three departments, each being supplied with appropriate recitation rooms and first-class modern furniture.

The people in this vicinity hold this school in high estimation, believing it to be the equal of any public school in the State; and not without good reason, for, according to reports on public schools, this institution is the equal of any other in the amount of outside patronage which it has received from the very start. The first year's receipts from outsiders were $582.58; the second year, $549.37; the third year, $588.67. The price of tuition is 50 cents per week, or $6 a quarter, what is usually charged by academical schools. Prof. De La Matyr, the principal now in charge, has been teaching here since the high school was opened, and the real excellence and popularity of the school is doubtless due more to his excellent management and instruction than to any other cause. The salary of the Principal is $1,200 per annum, nearly half of which is paid by the regular outside receipts. The old academy was in its day a flourishing institution here, around which lingers yet, in the memories of old pupils, many a kindly recollection. It was located at first at Richland City, and to the fall and decay of that emporium of a sister county, Spring Green was chiefly indebted for the establishment of the academy here. Prof. Silsby commenced the school in 1861, in the old blue store built by Worthington and partner, but, very soon after, it was removed to another unused building, standing on Block 10, facing Lexington street, now used for a harness-shop. In the meantime, several of the prominent citizens had interested themselves and furnished cash and help, and had taken down and moved the academy building from Richland City, and re-erected it where it now stands, at an expense of about $500. With this favorable send-off, and with a liberal patronage, the school started, but did not continue long under Mr. Silsby's direction, for the sound of To arms!" that was then ringing through the land, started the war fever to raging in his veins, and, like thousands of other brave fellows, he left home, friends and everything, to espouse his country's cause. The school district then purchased the building from him, paying him $700 for it. They then employed J. H. Turvey, who was subsequently County Superintendent of Schools, to teach, paying him a certain sum for teaching district scholars and whatever he could get besides for teaching others. After he had been here four years, another arrangement was entered into with him, by which he was bound to keep the academy running a certain number of years, and by which he became the owner of the institution. Mr. Turvey continued the school about ten years, then closed it, owing to want of proper patronage. It is now occupied for a private dwelling-house, and probably will never more resound to "Veni, vidi, vici," and "'Tis education makes the common mind."

THE POST OFFICE.

The post office was first kept by Mr. West, then by Garwood Green, in the depot, and was opened as early as 1856-57. In 1859, it passed into Worthington's charge; then, in 1860, S. H. Vedder came and took the office, holding it until 1864-65, when W. H. Hamilton became Postmaster. From him it was transferred, December 23, 1865, to D. D. Davies, who has since held it.

EXPRESS COMPANY.

S. M. Vedder was the first express agent here; when he left, F. Lacy was appointed; then, in 1868, it passed into the hands of D. D. Davies. The first express company was the United States. But, soon after Mr. Davies' appointment, a competitor appeared in the field in the person of G. F. Pound, as agent for the Merchants' Union. After running opposition for a short time, the United States Company withdrew. H. R. Johnson, who is now agent, succeeded Mr. Pound. Since he has been in office, a change has been made, the United States Company taking this station and the Merchants' Union going to another.

SECULAR SOCIETY AND CHURCHES.

Masons. A dispensation was first granted to Lodge No. 212, F. & A. M., in May, 1879, the officers being as follows: H. B. Dewy, W. M; S. M. Harris, S. W., and P. H. Parsons, J. W. The lodge continued under dispensation until June, 1880, when a charter was granted, and the lodge regularly organized by P. A. Daggett, Acting G. M. There were fifteen charter members, who elected the following officers: S. M. Harris, W. M.; P. II. Parsons, S. W.; H. R. Johnson, J. W.; J. G. Slyter, Treas.; J. R. Mabbett, Sec.; W. A. De La Matyr, S. D.; J. S. Slyter, J. D.; S. L. Davis, Tiler. The lodge has a good hall, well furnished, and is in a flourishing condition.

Congregational Church.-A society was first organized here February 15, 1859, in the old schoolhouse, Rev. Mr. Benton, of Richland City, and the Rev. D. L. Noyes, being the officiating. ministers. The first members were D. L. Noyes, B. U. Strong and wife, Dr. C. T. Hubbard, wife and two daughters, P. West and wife, M. B. West and W. C. Spaulding. Dr. Hubbard was elected Deacon, and P. West Secretary and Treasurer. The Rev. Noyes remained with the society until December, 1862, when the Rev. J. Silsby took the pastorate. He was suc

ceeded by the Rev. Jonathan Jones, who came October 22, 1864. He was followed by the Rev. Mr. Cochran, who entered upon his duties December 4 of the above year. During his pastorate, in the year 1867, the church was built, at a cost of $1,200. After the Rev. Cochran, came the Rev. Mr. Pullen, in 1872. He remained until December 5, 1875, when the Rev. O. H. Smith was called. The pulpit is now supplied by the Rev. Mr. Stoddart, of Boscobel. Of the first members, none but B. U. Strong and wife are left. There are now about forty members.

Baptist Society. The first meeting of the Baptist denomination was held at the schoolhouse in 1869, the Rev. William Phillips, a Welshman, being the preacher. This preacher, who lived at Wilson's Creek, came regularly afterward for about a year before a society was formed; then a regular class was organized, consisting of thirteen members. In 1871, Rev. Enoch Prouty and family came. After they had been here about a year, the little society set to work to build a church. The church was built in 1872, but not completely finished. In the spring of 1873, Dr. William H. Brisbane was called to the pastorate. During this season, the church was finished all but painting, at a cost of $600. Dr. Brisbane remained until his death, in 1878. Since that time, services have been held irregularly, students from Madison and itinerant ministers being the supply. The church is free from debt.

Methodist Episcopal Church.-The first class of the Methodist Episcopal Church here was organized by John J. Walker, as nearly as can be learned, about 1861. The first membership was fourteen souls, all told. They began by holding their meetings in the schoolhouse. Rev. Walker served one year; then Rev. J. C. Brainard came and remained two years. During his pastorate a revival was held, which resulted in making five converts, who were admitted to full membership. The parsonage was built while he served, at a cost of about $900, $200 of which was paid off only this last year. The next preacher was Rev. R. Gould, who served but a year, with no material advancement shown. After him, Rev. A. G. Cooly came and remained a year, two additions being made to the society while he was here. He was followed by J. Thomas Pryor, who served two years. During his time revivals were held at different points, and large numbers were converted and joined the church here and elsewhere. The succeeding

Pastor was Rev. William R. Irish; he served two years. After he came, in 1868, the organization was forbidden to use the schoolhouse any longer, and, to supply a temporary place of worship, a rough board shanty, capable of seating about 150 persons, was erected. Quite a number were taken into the church at this time. Rev. Henry J. Walker came next, in 1870, and remained two years. During his pastorate, in 1871, the present church was erected and finished, and was dedicated on the 4th of February, 1872, by Rev. D. W. Couch. The church is 36x54, without entries and recess; it is a frame, veneered with white brick and built on stone foundation. It is very neatly finished and seated, and has handsome stained-glass windows. It has also belfry and good bell. The parsonage and barn are in a good state of repair, and, taking the whole church property here into account, it is one of the best in the county. The cost of the church is $4,500, as it stands to-day. During the time the church was being built, a difficulty arose between the principal members and the Pastor with reference to the building, which ultimately caused an open rupture, and about fourteen of the leading members left. This movement so crippled the resources of the church that, at the dedication, there was an indebtedness standing against the church of $2,200. At this time subscriptions were taken, purporting to be enough to pay the debt, but, in the event, many of the parties failed to pay, there being but a little more than one-half of the $2,200 paid. Eventually, the Methodist Episcopal Extension Society gave $400 toward paying the debt and loaned $300. But, notwithstanding this aid and what was paid by subscribers, in 1879, through the accumulation of interest and the mismanagement of funds, the church was yet in debt $2,000, but finally, during that year, under the management of the Rev. D. Clingman, the whole amount was canceled, leaving the property entirely free from debt. The three lots, a quarter of Block 4, were donated by the original owners of the village plat.

Rev. Robert Smith succeeded Rev. H. J. Walker in the fall of 1872, and served one year. He was followed by James T. Bryant, who served from 1873 to 1875. After him, Rev. Ě. T. Briggs was appointed and served one year, a few additions being made to the church. Then Rev. S. W. Haigh served from 1876 to 1878, without any material change being made in the church affairs. In 1878, the Rev. D. Clingman came to the charge. He has succeeded, during his service, in restoring order where confusion prevailed, and has left the church in a healthy financial condition and also made various improvements in the property. There are now thirtytwo members in good standing in connection with the church here. There are, besides, at the present time, six regularly organized classes in connection with this charge, located in various parts of the county adjacent to this point.

CHAPTER XIV.

TOWN OF SPRING GREEN-TOWN OF TROY-TOWN OF BEAR CREEK-TOWN OF FRANKLIN-TOWN OF HONEY CREEK-TOWN OF MERRIMACK-TOWN OF PRAIRIE DU SAC-TOWN OF SUMTER.

TOWN OF SPRING GREEN.

The town of Spring Green is located in the extreme southern part of the county. On the south, it is bordered by the Wisconsin; on the north, by the towns of Bear Creek and Franklin; on the West, by Richland County, and on the east by the town of Troy. This town is, in great part, one of the best farming districts in the county, a large portion of the lands being well adapted, in every respect, to grain and stock raising. The south half is almost entirely level, while the northern portion is very bluffy, and, on the southern face, very sterile. The bluff district is intersected by numerous valleys, which are usually occupied by farms. The principal of these are the Wilson Creek Valley, Big Hollow and Mondago Valleys. The soil is variable through the town; near the river it is generally sandy, but, as we approach the bluffs, passing north over what by many is considered the head of an ancient mammoth stream, we come to a very fertile soil, consisting chiefly of rich alluvial deposits. The soil of the hills is principally clay and sand, and, in the valleys, a rich, dark loam, mixed, in many instances, with sand washed from the hills. The various farm products common to this county, excepting fruits, are raised here in abundance. In the more sheltered districts, winter wheat is largely sown; but corn and spring grains are chiefly raised. An industry which is yet comparatively in its infancy-raising sorghum-is being largely pursued here, and, as the soil and climate are well adapted to its growth and perfect maturing, the probabilities are that this will become one of the chief industries. Hop-raising is also followed here, but to a limited extent only, as the general low price of the article at present and excessive fluctuations in value which are constantly liable to occur, besides the cost of raising a crop, prevent anything like extensive investments in this work. The time has been when hop-raising was the great thing to engage in to make money; then, afterward, as nearly all of the farmers too well know, it became the great avenue for losing money, and, as a result, nearly all of those who made money in them lost what they made, and more too, before they were satisfied to stop.

The town is not so well watered with small streams as some of the adjacent towns, but among the bluffs there may be found a good many choice springs. On Spring Green Prairie there are to be seen evidences of a former stream that flowed from east to west, and which would add greatly to the value of the adjacent lands and be materially beneficial if it were here now. During the summer, the channel that this stream pursued can be easily traced by the crops growing on it and along its border, as in the center of the channel the growth is but little more than half as strong as on the borders and beyond.

The town is well supplied with prehistoric remains and various geological features interesting alike to the archæologist and scientist, and that must be seen to be fully appreciated. One rather singular discovery or development we particularly mention, as it shows how enormous must have been the changes that have been wrought in the condition and topography of the country within a few hundred years: Mr. N. Hood, of Hood's Valley, while digging a well, found fallen timber and shell at a distance of fifty or sixty feet beneath the surface. These remains were so old that when brought to the surface they immediately resolved into dust.

The timber supply is very fair, although not so good as in some localities. There are no creameries or butter factories in town, and probably no regular dairies, although the country is

well adapted to stock-raising, for cheese and butter-making purposes. There is some fine stock being bred here, but the majority raised are hogs and cattle, solely for the butchers' market.

SETTLEMENT AND DEVELOPMENT.

The first settler to come into this section of the county was Charles Wilson, who settled in what is now known as the town of Troy. The first one to locate in this town, according to the best accounts, was a Mr. Turner, who came about 1841 or 1842 and laid claim to what has long been known as the old Thomas Williams place, on Section 18. Reports regarding Mr. Turner are very meager of reliable information. It is only known that he came at that time, and that he died soon after from the effects of sunstroke. This was probably the first death in town, and occurred before any of the present residents had come, so many will know nothing of it. His wife was the first woman in town, and, when he died, was left alone among the Indians with a small child to care for.

Very soon after Mr. Turner's death, Thomas Williams came, probably as early as 1842, and we learn that, ere many months had passed, he had wooed and won the widow Turner. What sort of a marriage ceremony was performed, or how many presents were given, and guests present, remains unknown. Whether the traditional broomstick came into play, or what was done, conjecture only can explain.

Shortly after Mr. Williams' arrival, Evan Jones and family of two sons and two daughters settled here on the banks of the river, a little southwest of where the village of Spring Green stands. Mr. Jones started in with the intention of building up a town, but signally failed. At one time, three men from the East came here on a prospecting expedition, and proposed to purchase Mr. Jones' claim and start a place, but he would not sell. The place, such as it was, was known as Jonesville. A very sad calamity befell a portion of Mr. Jones' family not long after their coming. A son and two daughters were out riding one day in a canoe on the Wisconsin. when, through some unexplained cause, the frail vessel upset, and they were drowned.

Mr. Jones remained here several years, and his remaining son, Thomas, afterward opened a store, probably as early as 1846 or 1847. This was the first store in this section of the county. Before, the people had either to go to Prairie du Sac, Richland City, or over into Iowa County for needed commodities.

About this time, the first post office was established there, with Mr. Thomas Jones as Post

master.

T. J. Morgans came into the town as early as 1844, and settled. Mr. Morgans now lives in the town of Franklin, and is one of the oldest, if not the oldest, settler in the southwestern part of the county.

Another of the early settlers was E. Goodell, a hunter, who made a claim on Section 7, near Spring Green Village. Goodell, like the majority of hunting characters, was not a person to gather moss, consequently he went West with the tide of emigration.

The Davidson family, Ed, Oramel and William, came in as early as 1846. It is said that one of these brothers supplied the early settlers with the first blacksmith-shop, but, as a cotemporary historian might say, he did not forge out a fortune "from the much iron" he hammered.

To enumerate consecutively all of the different early settlers, and give the dates of their arrival entirely correct, would be next to an impossibility, and, besides, it is not necessarily essential or proper, as very many of the first comers left very soon after their arrival, some going farther West and others returning to Eastern homes that they deemed themselves foolish in leaving. Also, when the country was new, miasmatic conditions prevailed largely on the prairie. Chills and fever are always a sure source of misery to the most determined and hopeful, and will quell the most ardent enthusiasm; so it is not to be wondered at that people were coming and going constantly, and that but few stayed in proportion to the total number that came and went.