least affected by liquor or the want of it. Hand-to-hand contests were of frequent occurrence between travelers and Indians, as also among themselves, and, notwithstanding the paucity of numbers, the Caucasian was capable of maintaining his supremacy and become an interested spectator of the squabbles which the red men improvised in their own homes, when aggravated by a continued period of peace.

THE FIRST SURVEY.

As the year advanced and spring was succeeded by summer, the tide of immigration began to set thitherward, and an occasional settler was left with its ebb. Myrick & Miller procured a survey of the town site by Ira Bronson, of Prairie du Chien, which remained unchanged until 1851, when it was re-surveyed. These preparations had a tendency to invite visitations from earnest, enterprising men, who were on the qui vive for opportunities, and largely contributed to the future growth and development of the city and county.

Among those who came to La Crosse during 1842, was one known as Dr. Mills, who put up a house at the corner of Front and Pearl streets, where the International Hotel has since grown into prominence. He remained here but a short time, however, returning to Dubuque, whence he came, before the season closed. Another who came in was one who sailed under the impressive pseudonym of "Scotch Billy," the why or wherefore of this nom de plume, is not of record, nor are the events in this vicinity affecting his happiness and prosperity. These, with Mr. Miller, comprised the roster of inhabitants who came to identify themselves permanently with La Crosse, and aid in the building of the city.

Throughout the fall nothing occurred beyond the routine of life on the confines of civilization to startle the nation, or blast or elevate the hopes of those immediately interested; i. e., the limited number of inhabitants collected at La Crosse. The winter of 1842-43 was one of the severest ever experienced in this latitude. Its ice and snow rendered travel to distant points comparatively easy, and its chilling blasts left the impress of their cheerless presence on the memories of those who were subjected to their penetrating influence. The season was protracted far into spring, goods being transported on the ice from Prairie du Chien as late as April.

DEATH OF DE CORA'S SON.

During the continuance of this freezing period, a son of Blind De Cora met his death under circumstances, which at first blush, tended to implicate innocence in the crime of murder. This, upon examination, however, was dissipated, as it was proven that deceased froze to death under the following circumstances: He was engaged in a hunt for deer, and to disencumber himself and facilitate pursuit, threw off his blanket in the chase, which led over Root River; while crossing that tributary, the ice yielded to his weight and he plunged into the chilling waters. He succeeded in extricating himself and gained terra firma, when it is supposed he became temporarily insane, and died before help could reach him and preserve his life. After his body was found, and while the question of murder was being mooted, a closer examination of the surroundings was made, when it was discovered that he had endeavored to make his way out of the woods, but in place of proceeding in the direction of the camp, with which it was believed he was familiar, he marched around in a circle until overcome with exhaustion and the cold, when he laid down and yielded up the ghost. His remains were removed to Myrick & Miller's store, where they were prepared for the tomb, and encased in a pine box waiting burial. While thus inclosed, a squabble occurred among his kindred and friends, as to the form of ceremony appropriate to the occasion. The dispute ended in a fight, in which mourners, attendants and the multitude mingled pell-mell, during which the corpse was sacrilegiously and inhumanly cast out of the improvised coffin, and narrowly escaped being torn to pieces. Finally, after the anger this intrusion caused, had subsided, peace was declared, the body re-inclosed and buried on Front street between State and Main. A paling fence was built about the grave, and a cross erected at the head, which remained intact until 1851, when the relics of Winnebago mortality were removed to the cemetery, subsequently opened on the present site of Hirshheimer's shop. They were again removed some years ago, but where, the informant is silent.

THE MORMON INVASION.

Early in 1843, the Mormons ventured into this portion of Wisconsin under the charge of George Miller and Lyman Wight, who styled themselves the Trustees of the Nauvoo House Association and Elders of the church. They came direct from Nauvoo, and located at Black River Falls, where they rented the mill of J. Spaulding & Son for the manufacture of lumber to be used in the erection of their temple at Nauvoo. Myrick & Miller contracted with Miller & Wight to furnish them supplies during the winter of 1843-44, the same to be paid for in lumber at La Crosse in March of the latter year. They ran the lumber down, and liquidated their obligations; and, in July succeeding, transported lumber to Nauvoo.

In September of the same year, some twenty or thirty families returned to La Crosse, and camped near the river, on what is now Front street, until they could look around for a place to locate; and, after some delay, selected the cooley at the lower end of the prairie, which has since been known as "Mormon Cooley."

This party was under the charge of Wight, Bird & Co., Elders of the church, and indulged all the latitude of the sect publicly. The form of sealings or marriage, which has of late years been recognized as an indispensable precedent, was never thought of by the Wight & Bird offshoots. In place of this, a revelation that a brother and sister should be "sealed" without any formal ceremony was all that was necessary, and the only agency employed to attract the sisters and brothers into practically illustrating the true theory of Mormon theology. These and other features of their lives in La Crosse vicinity had the effect of making them generally dis liked, and this dislike found such frequent expression that they finally departed hence.

Myrick & Miller hired quite a number of the men to chop wood on the island, also to get out rails, and another party of them to proceed to Black River to make shingles. During the latter part of the winter of 1843-44, or during the early spring of the latter year, they seized flat-boats on the slough near the mouth of Mormon Cooley. Thus being prepared, the choppers on the island and shingle shapers on Black River, rendezvoused at the Cooley, put their household goods and effects on the flat-boats, fired their houses and departed in the night for Nauvoo. Luckily they were discovered before they were out of reach, and after some trouble the claims held by settlers against them were liquidated, when they were permitted to depart, and never returned.

The experiment of Joseph and Hyram Smith was sought to be established throughout the West during those early days, particularly in Illinois and portions of Wisconsin. These efforts. however, were unattended with results anticipated, and meeting with a very pronounced opposition from legitimate settlers, ceased to be more than the incident of a season. Some proselyting was attempted with indifferent success. A very few converts were "led astray known, and a still more limited number accompanied the successors of the Smiths to Utah; but the people in the West, at this time, were hardly prepared to embrace a creed the corner-stone of which was laid in superstition and immorality.

ADVANCING CIVILIZATION.

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The influx of population this year was far from numerous, and the number of improve ments in due proportion. Among those who came during the year were Maj. E. A. C. Hatch, who arrived here in December, but whose advent was anticipated some months by Dr. Snow. who will be better remembered under the name he was more familiarly known by, "Dutch Doc." Philip Jacob, James Ismon and Asa White. This was the sum-total of additions to the population in 1842. By no means a forerunner, so far as numbers would influence a mathematical deduction of those who would gather on the shores of the beautiful river, the father of waters, in after years, and gradually build up one of the most beautiful and flourishing cities which line its banks from Itaska to the Belize. The improvements made this year consisted of a barn, warehouse and blacksmith-shop, put up by H. J. B. (Scoots) Miller, and located, the blacksmith-shop at the corner of Front and State streets, the warehouse on the present site of the Bellevue House, and the barn where the Cameron House now is. The "Dutch

Doc" and Philip Jacobs erected a house at the corner of Front and Vernon streets, while Asa White did likewise on Front street near Vernon. Such were the beginnings made in the days when ambition to improve was only limited by capacity; and when the building of a house of the most circumscribed dimensions and conveniences was an event of the greatest importance and universal rejoicings. They long since became wrecks, and upon their ruins structures have been erected, the architectural proportions and elaborate furnishings of which have attracted admiration and a spirit of emulation at home, as well as of generous rivalries abroad. There is indeed no feature of excellence about La Crosse more commendable than its buildings and improvements, their style and decorations indicating a very pronounced enterprise, and giving evidence of taste and appreciation for the beautiful as patent as it is exceptional.

MAJ. HATCH'S EXPLOITS.

The events of this year would be radically incomplete, and an injustice done to the history of those early times, if mention is not made of the services and exploits of Maj. Hatch, a gallant gentleman, and a conspicuous actor in the first settlement of La Crosse, who is mentioned among the arrivals of this year.

He left Westport, N. Y., in the summer of 1843, and made his way to Prairie du Chien in search of fortune and adventure, and peculiarly gifted by nature and education to wrestle with one and encounter the other. But his halting-place failed to furnish the quota of either he sought; and, in December of the same year, he continued his journey to Prairie La Crosse. Here he was pleased with the condition of affairs, and the promise held out to all who came. prepared for any fate which the future reserved for their acceptance. He at once entered the service of Myrick & Miller, as clerk and trader, and ran the gamut of that apprenticeship until July, 1814, when he was placed in charge of a trust at Holmes' Landing, now Fountain City. He remained here until the summer of 1845, when he returned to La Crosse, and was, on February 28, 1846, appointed Postmaster, which position he resigned a year later, in favor of "Scoots Miller.

While the subject hereof was engaged on a trading strip from Holmes' Landing to the Sioux camp, he placed his goods into one of their tents, and demanded payment of what they owed. The Indians refused, whereupon Hatch deliberately placed a keg of powder on the fire burning in the center of the tent. The savages observing his motions abruptly withdrew, after which Ilatch kicked the keg from its dangerous proximity to the coals, and enjoyed undisputed possession of the camp, with all its prerogatives and appurtenances for upward of an hour. At the expiration of this period, an Indian skirmisher appeared upon the scene, and, gazing cautiously into the tent, was amused and surprised at beholding Hatch engaged in the pleasant and inspiring amusement of smoking his pipe. The communication of the intelligence worked a return of the band to camp, who, upon arriving, were annoyed at the sight which met their gaze. They expected that the courageous trader had been blown to pieces, and to witness him alive was a sight to them as incomprehensible as it was aggravating. Hatch again demanded payment, and the Indians obtained their furs and complied with their obligations, confident that their failure to do so would involve them in a general ruin or an unexpected voyage to the hunting grounds then frequented by their ancestors without an unnecessary delay or benefit of clergy. This was regarded by them as an original way in which to compel the payment of debts, but it made the Major popular ever after among the Sioux, and gave him almost boundless influence with them.

In the fall of 1846, the Major was placed in charge of a post at the foot of Coon Slough, and traded there until the following spring, when he returned to La Crosse. It was about this time that an incident occurred which established his nerve and courage, and gave him an almost universal reputation among the class of citizens who esteem bravery as an evidence of genius. He was standing near the river, when an Indian with club in hand stealthily approached from behind and raised his weapon in a frightfully threatening manner. As he was about to strike, L. H. Bunnell, who was standing near, warned Maj. Hatch of the danger which was impending.

Thus admonished, the prospective victim saw the danger in time to avoid the murderous blow aimed at his head, and seizing a club near by, dealt the cowardly savage a terrible punishment, inflicting dangerous wounds and rendering him insensible for some hours. He was with a party of Indians, who assisted at his restoration to consciousness, and placing his inanimate body in a canoe, conveyed the same to their camp on Black River Lake, where Onalaska is now situated. During the same day, some young bucks belonging to the tribe visited La Crosse, and hunting up Hatch told him that the Indian would die-that he was very popular and had many friends. These latter were much incensed at the treatment their companion had received, and proposed to take vengeance for his injuries upon the one who had been so active in their infliction, concluding by advising him to leave the country if he would save his life. Hatch not only refused to leave but defied their efforts, and told them to say that he intended to kill him; further, that if the life of the Indian was spared and he attacked him again, he would make sure work of the assailant. After a few weeks' confinement the Indian recovered, and, coming to La Crosse for that express purpose, made his peace with Hatch, and afterward became one of his stanchest friends. This incident made Hatch a brave among the Winnebagoes.

In the spring and summer of 1848, the Indians were removed from Iowa and Wisconsin to Long Prairie, in Minnesota, and Maj. Hatch rendered valuable assistance to the Government, in aiding the departure of those who were hostile and opposed to removal. Hatch and Asa White afterward became partners, and established a trading post at Little Rock, above Sauk Rapids, and continued business about a year, when they dissolved, when, after other ventures, he settled in St. Paul.

In the spring of 1855, the Interior Department wishing to engage the services of a brave and fearless agent to take charge of Fort Benton (for the Blackfeet there were very troublesome, on the recommendation of the Hon. H. M. Rice, Delegate in Congress from Minnesota, who gave Maj. Hatch the highest character for courage and ability, appointed the latter and transmitted a commission as Indian Agent, without his previous knowledge. He accepted the honor, and going from St. Paul to St. Louis, departed from that point to the Yellowstone, which he ascended on a keelboat laden with goods and supplies for the agency and American Fur Company. The motive power employed up that treacherous stream was "poling" and "dragging" the unwieldy craft, and it was not until sixty days from the day of departure that the hospitable walls of Fort Benton gladdened the gaze of the weary travelers. The Major on this trip kept a record of the soundings taken on the river, and was the first man to demonstrate the navigability of the Missouri River above the Yellowstone. The following spring, the Government, guided by the report of these soundings, dispatched a steamer direct to Fort Benton over the route laid down by Maj. Hatch-the first steamer to cleave the waters of the Yellowstone in the history of navigation.

At this far-off, inaccessible post, on the very frontier of savage lawlessness, Maj. Hatch remained two years. During that period he was called upon to take part in undertakings of great moment and enterprises of critical surroundings. In the execution of these trusts he commended his actions to the Government, and preserved that cordial relation between Indian and Agent, the absence of which during late years has been so terribly illustrated on the Little Rosebud, in the Lava Beds and at other points in the Great West, with which the universal human family are familiar. At the conclusion of his term of service, Maj. Hatch returned to St. Paul, and is now a citizen of that municipality, respected and esteemed among a large circle of friends for those sterling qualities of head and heart which made him so prominent a character in the early settlement of the imperial Northwest. Of such blood, indeed, are heroes fet.

MYRICK'S FIRST HOUSE.

At this point it should be observed that during the summer of this year (1843), Myrick utilized a quantity of hewn lumber obtained on Black River to the building of a comfortable dwelling, 20x30, finished on the inside with lath and plaster, and sheltered by a roof of shingles. This, with an addition 12x16, was the first residence making any pretensions to comfort, not to say rude elegance, erected in future La Crosse.

THE PIONEER'S MARRIAGE.

In June, Mr. Myrick left his adopted home and returned to the home of his nativity (Westport, N. Y.), and was married to Miss Rebecca E. Ismon, of that section, with whom he came back to La Crosse in September, accompanied by Miss Louisa Pierson. This was the first marriage wherein a resident of La Crosse was intimately associated, and Mrs. Myrick, with Miss Pierson, were the first ladies to visit this section of the country with a view to remaining either temporarily or permanently. Society in the days whereof mention is here made is not represented as being either numerous or critically select. There were no females in the country save squaws, and in spite of the poetic license which has colored the character of the sex, they were, if the statements made are founded on fact, the reverse of fascinating or attractive. Indeed, in some instances, if cleanliness is next to godliness, they were the furtherest removed from such a consummation. Miss Pierson, it is said, changed her coign of vantage as a looker-on in the west to Illinois, where she was married to "Scoots" Miller within a year, but Mrs. Myrick remained and as the wife of the first white settler in La Crosse, became part of the history of this section of the State.

About this time, three small steamers made pilgrimages at very long intervals between Galena and Fort Snelling, landing at Prairie du Chien, Bad Ax, Winnesheik, Coons' Slough, La Crosse, etc., and were sources of convenient wonder and wonderful convenience to the traders, Indians and all who witnessed their maneuvers while making or returning from port. Their names were Argo, Otter and Little Beaver, to which was added the Lynx in 1845, when the number of annual trips was increased, and the wonder and convenience greatly augmented. Travel then was not what it has since grown to be with its palace cars and luxuriously furnished steamers. A trip hence to the East or from outer sections of the country hither was not one of pleasure, and only undertaken when every expedient designed to avoid it had failed.

LATER LAND CLAIMS.

During this period, Maj. Coons and a Mr. Scott visited La Crosse and made a claim which was absorbed by Peter Cameron, who had come in during the absence of these gentlemen, and in the fall of the same year, as has already been noted, Asa White came up from below and engaged in the service of Cameron during the winter, making a claim adjoining Cameron's, which has since been included in the additions of Levy and Stoddard. Dr. Bunnell came this year also, it is believed.

The first two years of life and adventures in La Crosse are hardly exuberant with heroic history, hair-breadth escapes and other features incident to developing the hidden resources of a frontier settlement. The population was far more numerous, and the limited number present seemed to be inspired with feelings of mutual regard. There were few difficulties among them, if any, and less to exaggerate these difficulties into blood shedding. Among the Indians, however, a reign of terror was the rule, spreading its black wings and hovering above the peaceful surroundings. They are said to have been constantly quarreling, often fighting, and occasionally invoking the aid of the tomahawk in their work of discord. Braves were killed by jealous husbands, and married squaws, who were charged with inconstancy, were exhibited with the tip of the nose bitten off, a mark of disgrace understood by all the tribes, and entailing the further punishment of ostracism. The settlers are said to have had frequent disputes with the Indians, who insisted upon their claim to the country being recognized. But the parties assailed would apparently, and, in fact, become terribly angry, and seizing an ax-helve or other weapon, frighten the complainants into silence.

Supplies were obtained from Galena and Prairie du Chien, and steamboat arrivals were events of such importance that white and red men hurried to the landing, which then was confined to what is now the foot of Pearl street, to welcome their arrival. There was no grist-mill nearer than Galena, nor was there one adapted to the convenience of La Crosse settlers until the following year, when E. W. Pelton "supplied a want long felt," and erected a flour-mill at Prairie du Chien. Of saw-mills, there were a number on Black River, including that of Jacob