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History of Northern Wisconsin, cont.


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lower city is built, which represents the business portion of the place.  From the base of the bluff it rises more abruptly forty or fifty feet, and spreads out into a semi-circle plateau, extending back about half a mile.  The front of this elevated portion is worn off into scallops, ornamented by frequent Indian mounds.  The view from this elevation is grand and commanding.  Looking tot he south are seen the emerald hills of Minnesota on the opposite shore; the Mississippi with bold and precipitous banks, and inset with islands, leading off to the right and left, while the placid waters of the lake stretch away to the north.  These, together with the peculiar arrangement of the city, combine to make the spot an attractive one.  in the early history of Prescott we find an organization of some of the leading United States officers located at Fort Snelling,  for the purpose of securing the land at the present site of the city of Prescott.  This organization was effected in 1827, and was composed of the following parties:
     Maj. Plympton, Capt. Scott, Col. Thompson, Capt. Brady, Dr. Emerson and Philander Prescott, the latter being in Indian interpreter for the Government.  A claim of twelve hundred acres was made, and Prescott appointed to take charge of it until it came into market.  The claim was protected until 1841, when an act was passed by Congress, denying the right of any organization to hold claims.  Under this law, Mr. Prescott secured his claim of 160 acres, and a few years later he added 100 more, all of which territory occupied a large portion of the present city of Prescott.  In the meantime, Prescott had been called to the fort, in performance of his duties as Indian interpreter.
     One Reed, a discharged soldier, was sent to hold the claim for the organization, but was afterward succeeded by a Frenchman by the name of Moshia.  The same year, Hilton Doe and S.J. Hodgeden, from Ohio; J.T. Truse and J.D. McBully, from New York, landed at this point.  In a short time, Doe was left alone with Reed and a small community of Indians and half-breeds.
     The settlement grew very slowly, from the fact of the company excluding all settlers from their claim.  In 1841, William Schaser arrived, but only remained for a short time.  He, however, returned in 1844, bringing with him his wife, the first white woman in this region.  Mr. Schaser claims to have build the first frame house in Prescott.  Their daughter, Eliza, was the first white child born in the county.
     In 1847, additions were made by the arrival of J.R. Rice and family, W. Lockwood, L.N. Harnsberger and George W. McMurphy.
     Mr. McMurphy was married to a daughter of Mr. Rice, April 24, 1848, which was the first marriage performed in the place.  From this period the settlement began to grow rapidly.
     Prior to 1850, the improvements were very slow, when Dr. O.T. Maxon and W.J. Copp purchased the site.  Previous to this, Mr. Prescott had sold several lots, and William Lockwood had opened up a small store, and was trading in a small way with the Indians.  He afterward extended his trade as the settlers gathered in, by placing a more general stock.  Mr. Lockwood died soon after.  He was the first white person who died, and was buried in the town.
     Messrs. Maxon and Copp had their site surveyed and platted soon after their purchase.  From this time on improvements began to increase rapidly.
     In 1853, Prescott became the county seat of Pierce County.  The city charter of Prescott was granted in the Winter of 1856-7.  At the election held in the Spring of 1857, the following officers were elected:
     J.R. Freeman, mayor; N.S. Dunbar, Thomas Dickerson, Seth Ticknor, Hilton Doe, George M. Oakley and N.A. Miller, Aldermen; P.V. Wise, Attorney; William Howes, Surveyor; Thomas Dickerson, Superintendent of Schools.
     The city at this time was divided into two wards.  Soon after this al the necessary municipal officers were elected or appointed, and thus we find the embryo city equipped with all the legislative power for self-government.  It now contains three wards.
     Prescott continued to flourish as the county seat until 1861, when by a vote of the people of the county, it was removed to Ellsworth.  This was a great blow to the city, and since that time but little advance has been made.  It has a population of about 1,000 and is well supplied with churches, schools, hotels, and the various industries of a river and agricultural city.
     The first post-office established in Prescott was in 1845, by the appointment of J.R. Freeman as Postmaster.  The means of transportation in those days being by the river during the Summer months, and on the ice, or by a slow and tedious trip through the forests toward the eastern part of the State in Winter, the mails did not reach this point very often.  Such being the case, no post-office was needed, and for convenience, the mail was deposited in the Postmaster's hat.  So the early settlers say.  The following have performed the duties of Postmaster since Mr. Freeman:  J.M. Whipple, O.T. Maxon, Andrew Rader, George A. Dill and the present incumbent, William Gates.
     The first bank was established in 1858, with Charles Miler, president, and W.P. Westfall, cashier, with a cash capital of $25,000 which was afterwards increased to $50,000.  In 1877, the bank succumbed, but in June of that year the doors were again opened by H.S. Miller, who is doing at present a general banking and exchange business.
     Manufactories-The manufacturing interests of Prescott are not as great as the people would wish.  Several enterprises have been started, but their life has been of short duration.  In 1856, Messrs. Silverhorn & Dudley started a saw-mill, which they operated until about 1861, when Mr. Dudley purchased Mr. Silverhorn's interest and erected his present steam mills, which consist of a flour and saw-mill.  The flouring mill is used exclusively as a custom mill.
     The manufacture of wagons and carriages is carried on to some extent by F. Menicke.  He established his business or present shops in 1862.  He turns out, of new work, twenty-five lumber wagons and fifteen carriages,

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besides doing quite an extensive repairing business.  J. Neinstadt also carries on quite an extensive business in the way of manufacturing heavy farm wagons.  He commenced business in 1876.  He also manufactures about twenty-five wagons, together with quite an amount of repairing.
     The Prescott Brewery was established in 1866, by N.P. Husting.  He manufactures yearly about 800 barrels.
     The Prescott Machine Shop was established in 1876 by H.B. Failing.  The shop is well equipped with all kinds of machines necessary to enable him to do first-class repairing.
     Societies-The Northwester Lodge, A., F. & A.M., was first instituted in 1856, and worked under a dispensation until Jun 12, 1858, when they received their charter.  E.A. Meacham, W.M.; H. Harvey, S.W.; G.H. Nichols, secretary.  The present officers are:  W.F. McCray, W.M.; John Wicks, S.W.; N.S. Dunbar, treasurer; A.B. Failing, secretary; B. Catzenberger, S.D.; A.M. Rudy, J.D.; S. Johnson, tiler.  The lodge is in fine working order, with a membership of fifty-eight.
     Prescott Lodge, I.O.O.F., was instituted September6, 1868, with five charter members.  Its first officers were:  D.J. Dill, N.G.; S. Small, V.G.; H.C. Colton, secretary; David Lord, treasurer; W.R. Gates, W.; B.F. Paine, C.  It's present officers are:  E.R. Welch, N.G.; W.H. Leavitt, V.G.; A.L. Roberts, secretary; D.J. Dill, treasurer; A. Edwards, W.; N.McGills, C.  The Lodge is in a prosperous condition.
     I.O.G.T., Lodge No. 319, was organized September 26, 1876, with eighteen charter members.  This Lodge has been in a prosperous condition ever since its organization.  They have at present over 100 members.
     Prescott Juvenile Temple, No. 108, was organized March 17, 1877, by Lillie J. Robinson.  It had ninety charter and twenty-one honorary members.  The children have collected a library of fifty-four volumes, through different entertainments given by the Lodge.  it is now in a flourishing condition, with fifty-six members.
     Prescott Temple of Honor was organized December 27, 1878, with forty-five charter members.  This order is in a prosperous condition, and has initiated 130 members since its organization.
     Churches-The first class in connection with the early history of the Methodist Episcopal Church in Prescott was formed in the Fall of 1853, under the labors of Rev. Norris Hobert, a missionary.  The first services were held in the school-house.  In 1854, the society was organized, and in 1856 their first house of worship was completed.  Their present church was completed and dedicated September 8, 1870.  Their present membership is 80.
     The First Baptist Church sprang from the labors of E.W. Cressy, a missionary, who was sent to Prescott in 1853.  Their first meetings were held in a house owned by Mr. Holman.  The society was organized February 6, 1854.  The Church has labored under many difficulties since its organization.  They hold occasional services.
     The foundation was laid for the establishment of the Lutheran Church in 1865, by Rev. C. Hayer.  In March, 1874, the society was organized.  In the Fall of that year, they purchased the old Methodist church, in which their services are held.  Their present membership is thirty-five.
     The Episcopal Church was organized under the auspices of the Calvary Mission, in 1872.  They have at this time twenty-five communicants.
     The Congregational Church was organized February 15, 1852, by a Rev. R. Hall.  They first held their services in the school-house.  Their church was commenced in 1855, but not finished until 1858.
     The Presbyterian Church was organized i 1855.  Their church was erected in 1866.
     The Catholic Church was organized by Rev. Father Vervais.  The society erected their present church in 1868.  The membership consists of about fifty families.
     Schools-The first steps taken in the matter of education was by Mrs. Olive, in the Spring of 1851.  She opened a school in her house, and gave instruction to all the children she could gather together in the neighborhood.  The first school-house built by the district was a portion of what is now the public school building.  In 1859, the subject of a graded school was agitated, and a commodious school-house was subsequently erected, and now valued at $2,500.  The schools are in a flourishing condition, with five departments, under supervision of a corps of efficient teachers.

RIVER FALLS

     The village of River Falls, located on the banks of the beautiful Kinnickinnic River, has a population of about fifteen hundred inhabitants.  The line between St. Croix and Pierce counties divides the village plat, and one-third lies in St. Croix County.  The river goes dashing through the central part of the village with a current so swift that the frosts of Winter are unable to check its course or congeal its surface.  On its banks are located four flouring mills and one saw and feed mill, which are propelled night and day by the power gathered from its water.  Quite an extensive merchant flouring business is done, and the flour shipped by rail to distant markets.  Various religious societies have their pleasant places of worship.  The different secret societies have their organizations and comfortable lodge rooms.  The public school building, located on the west side of the village, is a large, imposing, structure of brick, with all the late improvements, and will accommodate nearly three hundred pupils.  The Fourth State Normal School, in the southeastern portion of the village, is built of brick, and cost twenty-five thousand dollars, a large portion of which was donated by the adjoining towns.  A more particular history of these institutions is given elsewhere.
     The early settlers of the Kinnickinnic Valley, at and near the village of River Falls, will next claim our attention.  First, came Joel Foster, in the Fall of 1848, to this then wild, but beautiful spot which had hardly been visited save by the redman of the forest.  next to follow and settle in the Fall of 1849, were D. McGregor, James and Walter Mapes.  In 1850, Mr. Hayes, W. Tozer, Mr. Penn, and

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Ira Parks, settled here.  Following them came N.N. Powell, and Clark Green, and soon after, O.S. Powell and others of the family.  Captain Woods settled on Big River, and C.B. Cox in Clifton Hollow.  The settlers now began to come rapidly, each making his claim.  The Powell brothers made claim of a large portion of the land in which the village now stands.  Quite a nucleus of settlers were gathered around this point, which, with the valuable water-power, made it a desirable location for a manufacturing center.  The spirit of enterprise came with the new settlers, many, if not all of whom were at this time from New England.  With an eye to the future, N.N. and O.S. Powell laid out and platted sixty acres of land, in 1854, a portion of their claim bordering on the river, and called it Kinnickinnic.  The same year they erected the fist store, which they filled with a stock of general merchandise.  In 1856, they made another plat of hone hundred and twenty acres, across the river, on the west side.  Additions have since been made at different times by others.  The first hotel was built by W.H. Winchester; the first blacksmith shop by R. Griffith; first wheel-wright, N. Wales; first cooper, C.J. Riker.
     Among the first thoughts of the people coming to this far away country, is writing back to the loved ones left behind in the dear old home.  This led to early measures for establishing a post-office.  As the settlement increased and the facilities for transporting the mails improved, the Government was importuned, and Charles Hutchinson received the first appointment as Postmaster in 1854, and the office was opened i the pioneer store.  The following have since served as Postmasters:  J.E. Webb, W.A. Tozer, Milton Webster, George P. Brackett and J.E. Flint, the present incumbent.
     The Bank of River Falls was organized January 1, 1874, with J.M. Smith as cashier.  They are engaged in general banking and exchange business, also in foreign exchange.  The extensive milling interests of the town furnish a large amount of banking business.
     Like most other towns, River Falls has had its drawbacks, in the shape of fire and flood.  Its worst mishap was the great fire of 1876.  The fire broke out at half-past one o'clock on the morning of the 30th of January, in the office of E.B. Homes, next to the post office.  The wind, at the time, was blowing a terrific gale from the south, which swept the fire with fearful rapidity.  there being no fire department or organized company, the fire continued its course until it had destroyed some of the most valuable property in the village.  The morning light found the labor and savings of years lying in ashes.  The aggregate estimate of losses in this great conflagration was $30,000.
     Manufactories-The first saw-mill erected in the Kinnickinnic Valley was in 1850 by C.B. Cox, at what is now known as Clifton Hollow; the following year, he erected the first flouring mill, at or near the same point.  In 1852, N.N. and O.S. Powell built a saw-mill a short distance below where the Greenwood Mill now stands; this mill was destroyed by fire in 1856.  They erected a saw-mill a short distance below the Junction Mills in 1865, which was also destroyed by fire in 1872.
     Prairie Flour Mill, located n the north branch of the Kinnickinnic river, was built by C.B. Cox in 1854.  It was run as a custom mill until 1860, when he commenced to do merchant work.  In 1874, J.D. Putnam 7 Co. purchased the entire interest in the mill and overhauled it, putting in new machinery for manufacturing the patent process flour, and adding another run of stone, making, in all three run of stone, and have since run it as a merchant mill exclusively, with a capacity of sixty-five barrels per day.  The same year, this company built a substantial warehouse and grain elevator, with a capacity of 45,000 bushels of grain.  In 1881, they added another story and remodeled the whole inside structure.
     On the same branch of the Kinnickinnic, a short distance to the south, is located the Greenwood Mills, built by C.B. Cox and Caleb Green in 1858, with two run of stone.  In 1873, Messrs. Pomeroy & Bowron purchased the entire interest.  In a short time, Mr. Pomeroy sold his interest to Messrs. McKay & Woodruff.  In 1877, George Fortune purchased the entire interest and rebuilt the mill, making extensive improvements.  It now has three run of stone an a capacity of forty-five barrels per day.
     Still further to the south, on the same branch, are the Foster Mills, built in 1854, as a saw-mill.  Mr. Foster run his first mill until the Spring of 1868, when he removed it and erected a new mill.
     At the junction of the north and south branches is located the great flouring mills of Freeman & Stevens, known as the Junction mills, which were built in 1867, by C.B. cox and A.D. Andrews.  The original mill had five run of stone.  In 1870, Mr. Cox sold his interest to A.D. Andrews.  The same year, George Fortune purchased one-fourth interest.  Three years afterward, A.A. Freeman purchased an interest in the mill, and extensive improvements were made.  In 1877, Mr. Freeman purchased the entire interest in the mill, which he still owns, except on-fourth interest in the business, which he sold to E.R. Stephens, of Minneapolis.  In 1879, an engine was added to the motive power and the mill now has a capacity of 40 barrels per day, and gives employment ot twenty men.  They also have cooper-shops giving employment to twenty or thirty men, turning out from 300 to 400 barrels per day, and a large elevator with a capacity of 60,000 bushels.
     South of this mills, located on the south branch, is the "Cascade Mills" built in 1868 by William Barker.  In 1876, another run of stone was added, making in all three run, with a capacity of forty barrels per day.  It is used only as a custom mill.
     The River Falls machine shop was established in July, 1872, by the Young Brothers.  The power for the shop was furnished at the Foster Mills, until 1878, when the firm erected a two story shop in the south part of the town.  The firm was engaged in the manufacturing of brass work, turning and lath work, with a general repair shop.  The motive power is a six-horse power engine.

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     The River Falls Lime Works were first established in 1868 by Messrs. Oakley & Nichols.  In 1869, Mr. Oakley purchased Mr. Nichols's interest and ran the works until 1879, when Mr. Oakley put in the patent kiln.  In march, 1881, Mr. J. Hale purchased an interest.  With the improvements being added, the firm expect to turn out 40,000 barrels during the season.
     Amer Can Sirup Manufactory.  O.S. Powell embarked in this new enterprise in the Spring of 1880.  Its capacity is 500 gallons per day.  In 1880, he manufactured 10,000 gallons.  He manufactures a superior quality of sirup (sic), a fact attested by the Cane Growers Association.
     Among the other manufacturies in River Falls, are seven blacksmith shops, three wagon shops, one stave mill, one marble shop and one cooper shop.
     Societies-I.O.O.F., No. 199, was first organized Feb. 2, 1872, with five charter members.  The fire of 1876 destroyed the building in which their hall was located, and their charter, together with their furniture and fixtures were also destroyed.  The charter was re-issued in December, 1876.  The lodge is at present in a flourishing condition, with the following officers:  W.S. Ensign, N.G.; C.G. Knowles, V.G.; P.F. Lowell, Sec.; T. Martin, Treas.
     The Masonic Lodge of River Falls was chartered June 15, 1859, with ten charter members.  The first officers were:  C.E. Abbott, W.M.; A. Saunders, S.W.; W.A. Tozer, J.W.; A. Short, Treas.; Benj. Wilcox, Sec.; P.H. Tain, J.D.; C.H. Rossman, S.D.; S.K. Rolling, tiler.  Their present officers are:  T. McLeary, W.M.; Joseph Stevens, S.W.; D.D. Proctor, J.W.; O. Strahl, Treas.; W.H. Saunders, Sec.; W.A. Bennett, S.D.; Frank Scribner, J.D.; F.W. Hammond, tiler.
     The A.O.U.W., received their charter June 8, 1878, and was organized with twenty-two charter members.  The organization was effected by the election of the following officers:  O.C. Hicks, P.M.W.; E.E. Getchell, M.W.; P.F. Lovell, G.F.; W.a. Burnett, O.; L.W. Austin, recorder; William G. Cheever, financier; D.D. Proctor, receiver; E.G. Farnsworth, G.; M. Healy, O.W.  The society is in a prosperous condition with a membership of thirty-six.  The present officers are as follows:  S.J. Oakley, P.M.W.; W.G. Cheever, M.W.; O.C. Hicks, G.F.; D.D. Proctor, O.; W.A. Burnett, recorder; E.W. Jackson, financier; George E. Reed, recorder; John Scott, G.; C.P. Butler, I.w.; E.G. Farnsworth, O.W.
     The Temple of Honor was instituted May 31, 1878, with thirty-five charter members.  Much good has been accomplished by this lodge, in reclaiming the fallen and throwing around the pathway of the young protection from the evil influences of bad company.  The Juvenile Temple of Honor was organized March 15, 1877.
     The oldest temperance organization of River Falls is the I.O.G.T., the first organization of which dates back several years prior to the present organization.  The last charter is dated March 15, 1877, with sixteen charter members.  The lodge has initiated over 175 members since its last organization.
     Churches-The early settlers of this region were accustomed to gather for religious worship at the house of Mrs. Penn, about a mile and a half north of the village.  A Sunday-school was organized in 1853.  In July, 1854, Rev. Richard hall, superintendent of the Home Missionary Society, preached the first sermon in River Falls, in the pioneer store, which had not, as yet, received its stock of good.  After that, services were held at different placed until the school-house on the corner of Fourth and maple streets was finished.
     The Congregational Church was organized Feb. 3, 1855, with seventeen members.  The edifice they now occupy was built in 1857, and dedicated in 1858.  In 1867 steps were taken to build another church.  Lots were purchased, the foundation laid and the frame erected and inclosed (sic) for a house, to cost $10-,000, when a hurricane prostrated the structure.  In 1879, a beautiful parsonage was erected adjoining the church at a cost of $2,000.  They have at present 158 members.
     The First Baptist Church was organized April 12, 1857.  In 1861 their first house of worship was commenced and finished in 1862.  Since July, 1878, they have held no regular service.
     The Catholic Church was organized by Rev. Father Connelly, in 1875, with a membership of thirty-eight families.  Their house of worship was built in 1876.  There are now connected with the church forty-six families.
     The Episcopal Church was first convened under the labors of Rev. John Williamson, a missionary, in 1859, holding services in the school-house.  In 1871 Rev. Charles Thorp became pastor, and during his ministry the church was regularly organized with sixteen communicants.  Their house of worship was completed in 1872.
     Schools-The same spirit of enterprise which had, from the first, manifested itself in the early settlers of this beautiful valley in other matters, was manifested in matters of education.  The first step taken toward providing means for the education of their children was the building of a school-house, in the Fall of 1854, at a cost of $500.  Miss Helen Flint was the first teacher employed, and her salary was paid by subscription.
     A joint stock association was organized in 1856, and incorporated as the River Falls Academy Association, and another school building was erected during the same year, at an expense of about $5,000.  This building was destroyed by fire in 1879, since which time there has been built, on the site of the old academy, a brick structure, at an expense of $15,000.  The donating of $25,000 and ten acres of land, secured to River Falls the Fourth State Normal School.  The building stands on an elevated plat of ground in the southeastern part of the village.  It is a commodious brick building, built in 1874.  The school opened in 1875, with a corps of ten professors and teachers and an attendance of 200 hundred students.
     There are other small villages in the county, such as Diamond Bluff, Trenton and Bay City on the Mississippi; Clifton on the St. Croix; with Spring Valley, Rock Elm

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Center, Plumb (sic) City, El Paso, Esdaile and Martell distributed over the inland distracts, each one being built on the bank of a perennial stream, and will in time, as the county develops, become large and prosperous villages.

DIAMOND BLUFF

Is a small village situated in Pierce Co., Wis., on the banks of the Mississippi River, about forty-three miles below St. Paul.  It derives its name from the many particles of diamond-shaped stones found on the huge bluff which rises to a great height, immediately back of the town, and is almost perpendicular, and has always been a guide for the pilots to run the channel of the river by.  This village was first settled in 1848, and among the early settlers of from 1850 to 1855, are, Enoch Quimby, August R. Mero, and John R. Niles, of the firm of Wethering & Niles.  There are two general merchandise stores, two grain warehouses, one hotel and a post-office.  it also has an extensive wood yard, operated by the above firm, which supplies wood for a great many of the boats on the Mississippi.  There is a district school and a Methodist Episcopal Church, which was organized with five members, in the year 1855, in the back room of what is now known as the residence of Mr. Quimby.  In the year 1866, it reached a membership of thirty, when they erected the building in which they now hold service, having at this writing fifty members.  About a mile an a half below Diamond bluff is a cluster of Indian mounds, containing from seventy-give to 100.  They are situated on ground slightly elevated above the natural banks of the Mississippi, and cover from three to four acres, being one of the largest clusters of mounds of this character in the State.  They are perfectly round or circular at the base, being conical at the apex and vary in height from five to fifteen feet, and have the appearance of a regularly laid out village.  No excavations have ever been made.

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES

AUGUST R. MERO, grain, wood and stock dealer, Diamond Bluff.  Was born in the State of Maine, March 4, 1832.  In 1858, he came to Wisconsin, and bought a farm in the town of Diamond Bluff, Pierce Co. on which he lived until 1869, then moved into the village, and started a wood yard, which he ran in connection with his farm.  In the Spring of 1874, commenced buying grain, in addition to his other business.  In 1876, he shipped 44,000 bushels of grain, but as a general thing, averaged about 30,000.  He was married in 1861, to Miss Mary Niles, who was born in Maine, and by whom he has three children-Alice, Clara M. and Aug. H.

JOHN R. NILES, of the firm of Wethering & Niles, dealers in general merchandise, and proprietors of wood yard, Diamond Bluff.  Was born in Maine, April 10, 1833.  he went to St. Paul, Minn., in 1854, and worked in the pineries during that Winter, and then, in 1855, came to Diamond Bluff, where he entered 240 acres of land east of the village.  He commenced farming and furnishing wood for boats on the Mississippi River, also working at the carpenter's trade.  In 1879, he opened a store in company with Mr. Wethering and now does an annual business of $7,000.  Mr. Niles was the third settler in what is now known as the village of Diamond Bluff.  He was married, in 1867 to Miss Eleanor Rogers, who was born in Nova Scotia.

LAWSON C. BURKE, merchant, Postmaster and wood dealer, Diamond Bluff, was born in Vermont Sept. 14, 1830.  In 1856 he went to Minnesota locating at Hastings, where he commenced clerking in a hotel, at which he continued but a short time and then went to Red Wing and ran a hotel for two years.  He then commenced farming, and after doing that for six years, he returned to Red Wing, living there until 1870.  At this time he came to Diamond Bluff and opened a store.  He now hold the office of Town Clerk of Diamond Bluff, and has served three years as Chairman of the Town Board.  His business amounts to about $6,000 per annum.  He was married in New Hampshire, in 1854 to Miss Fannie R. Carriel.

CHARLES H. GRANT, carpenter and builder, Diamond Bluff was born in Augusta, Me., March 30, 1834.  In the Spring of 1855 went with a colony from Massachusetts to Kansas, settling on the Neosho river.  Here he remained but a short time and in the Fall of the same year came to Wisconsin, locating at Diamond Bluff where he has made his home ever since, erecting the first hotel kept in that place.  In 1862 he enlisted in the 30th Wis. V.I. Co. F of the rebellion, serving until the close of the war, and was commissioned second lieutenant at Louisville, Ky., in March of 1865.  After the close of the war he returned home and then moved his family to Hastings, Minn., where he had charge of Henry Butruff's sash and blind factory for eight months.  He then returned to his former home, building the Methodist Episcopal church there in 1866.  he has been Chairman of the Town board for one year, also Clerk for the same length of time, and has been Town Treasurer for twelve years, and is a member of the F. & A.M., Northwestern Lodge, No. 105, at Prescott; was married, in 1860, to Miss Susan Rogers, who is a native of St. John N.B.  Their family consists of Carrie B., Nellie H., Mabel C., and Ethel V.

BERNARD D. ENGLEY, treasurer, Diamond Bluff, was born in Lincoln Co., Me., May 5, 1826.  He came to Wisconsin Sept. 20, 1857; and located at Diamond Bluff, where he farmed for four years, being also a wood dealer.  He then returned to Maine and remained there two years, after which he came back to his former home and commenced in the wood business again, and his continued at that ever since.  He has served as a member of the Town Board a number of terms.  He was married in Maine in 1849 to Miss Lucy J. Prock, by whom he has two daughters, Laura B. and Addie M.

ESDAILE

     The village of Esdaile is situated in the southwestern part of Pierce County in the town of Hartland, on a small stream, a distance of six miles from Maiden Rock.  It is an unpretentious village, quietly nestling among the hills and valleys, which relieves the monotony of the scenery in that section of the county, and is surrounded by heavily timbered lands.  The principal industry is the manufacture of hubs, spokes and bent-wood work, operated by Charles Betcher, of Red Wing, Minn.  They employ seventy-five men and ten teams the year around.  The village has also two general merchandise stores, a post-office, one hotel, one church and a school-house.

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES

JOSEPH GILLESPIE, proprietor of the Esdaile House, was born in Allegheny Co., Penn., in 1819.  He worked at farming and coal mining in his native State until 1861, when he enlisted in the 4th Penn., Vol. Cav., Co. E, and served until March, 1863, when he was wounded in the right foot, which disabled him from further service.  he then returned to Pennsylvania, remaining there until 1867, when he came to Wisconsin, and bought a farm in the town of Hartland, Pierce Co.  After purchasing his farm he returned to his native State and brought his family to their Western home.  They lived on this farm until 1877, when they moved into the village of Esdaile and built the hotel where he now lives.  he was married in Pennsylvania, July 26, 1838 to his first wife, Catherine Koons, who died in 1858, and by whom he had seven children.  He was married to his present wife, Mrs. Martha Burdick, who is a native of New York State, and by whom he has three children.

SAMUEL E. MCDONALD, general book-keeper for the firm of Charles Betcher, hub and spoke factory, Esdaile, town of Hartland; was born in Canada on the 19th of September, 1850.  Upon coming to Wisconsin he located in the town of Hartland, Pierce County, where he worked by the month.  In 1871 he was employed by the above firm, first in the mill, and afterward in the office for two years, and in 1876 he started a general merchandise store in Esdaile, which he ran in company with his brother William, until 1878, when he commenced farming, at which he continued until 1881, when he re-engaged with Charles Betcher.  he has held the office of Justice of the Peace in Esdaile for three years.  He was married, March 14, 1874, to Miss M.J. McClenand of Freeborn Co., Minn.  The hub and spoke manufactory where he is engaged employs about seventy-five men the year around, and ten teams, and in the year 1880 the wagon material shipped from there amounted to $60,000.

WILLIAM MONRO, superintendent of the Betcher hub and spoke manufactory, Esdaile, was born in Canada, on the 17th of August, 1838.  he came to the United States ion 1860, and first located in the State of Michigan, where he worked at his trade (that of machinist) for six months.  He afterward went to Nashville, Tenn., and lived in the South until the close of the war, when he removed to Chicago, where he accepted the position of manager of the Cooper & Bros. best timber manufactory; remained there until 1869, when he came to Wisconsin and was foreman of Webster & Lawson's best timber manufactory at Menasha.  In 1879 he engaged in his present position.  He is a member of the F. & A.M., Maiden Rock Lodge, No. 196.  He was married in Chicago in 1860 to Miss Nancy J. Wilson, who is also a native of Canada.

ARTHUR J. MUMFORD, assistant foreman of the Betcher hub and spoke manufactory, Esdaile; was born in Pennsylvania, July 29, 1844, and came to Wisconsin in 1868, locating first at Ellsworth, Pierce Co., where he started a wagon shop, which he ran until 1873.  He then engaged with the above firm at Esdaile, as foreman in the wagon manufactory, which position he held until the firm abandoned that branch of business, when he assumed his present position.  He enlisted in the late war, in November, 1861, at Davenport, Iowa in the 16th Iowa, Vol. Inf. Co. G. and served until July of 1862, when he was discharged on account of poor health.  He re-enlisted in December of 1864 in the 50th Wis. Vol. Inf. Co. G. and served until June of 1866.  He was married at Ellsworth in 1866 to Miss Elsie Brown who was born in Waukesha County.  They have four children-Wellman I., Nefadel, Lois and Martha B.

WALTER E. WARREN, Postmaster and merchant, Esdaile, was born in Waukesha Co., Wis., September, 1857.  In 1867 moved with his parents to Rock Elm, Pierce Co., where his father started a wagon making shop.  In 1879 he went to Esdaile, where he started a store in company with Henry Doughtry, which they continued to run under the same name, until April of 1880, when Mr. Warren bought out his partner, and was also appointed Postmaster.  He has a trade of $5,000 per annum in his store and holds the office of District School clerk.  he is a member of I.O.O.F., Maiden Rock Lodge, No. 268, and also of teh F. & A.M., Maiden Rock Lodge, No. 196.  He was married, May 17, 1880, to Miss Jennie Campbell, by whom he has one daughter.


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