Chris C. Bolsted, Justices of the Peace; Adam Gartner, Assessor; William Brown. Orrin Johnson, Thomas Rand, Constables; Martin Schenk, Sealer.

1870-Suel Briggs, Chairman; Andrew Olson, James A. Mosher, Supervisors; John Van Loon, Clerk; Oepke Bonnema, Treasurer; John Van Loon, David Needham, Justices of the Peace; Adam Gartner, Assessor; William Blase, Calvin Rand, Peter B. Herdy, Constables; Daniel Clark, Sealer.

1871-Suel Briggs, Chairman; Andrew Olson, James A. Mosher, Supervisors; John Van Loon, Clerk; Oepke Bonnema, Treasurer; Suel Briggs, James A. Mosher, Peter B. Hardy, Chris C. Bolstad, Justices of the Peace; Adam Gartner, Assessor; Thomas B. Rand; William Dougherty, Isaac Clark, Constables; William Brown, Sealer.

1872-Suel Briggs, Chairman; James A. Mosher, Alfred Gaarder, Supervisors; John Van Loon, Clerk; Oepke Bonnema, Treasurer; Frederick Brown, Chris C. Bolstad, Justices of the Peace; Adam Gartner, Assessor; Adam Gartner, Peter Larson, Thomas B. Rand, Constables; Martin Schenk, Sealer.

1873-Suel Briggs, Chairman; Alfred Gaarder, Henry de Boer, Supervisors; Ole 0. Black, Clerk; Andrew Olson, Treasurer; Suel Briggs, Joseph Woodward, Daniel Clark, Cleveland Custley, Justices of the Peace; D. K. Gordon, Assessor; Charles Olson, H. O. Brown, William Dougherty, Constables; Joseph Gaul, Sealer.

1874-Suel Briggs, Chairman; Alfred Gaarder, John Rand, Supervisors; Thomas B. Rand, Clerk; Oepke Bonnema, Treasurer; James A. Mosher, Chris C. Bolstad, Justices of the Peace; D. K. Gordon, Assessor; William Hilljard, Ole W. Johnson, Isaac Clark, Constables.

1875-Suel Briggs, Chairman; Ole Peterson, Albert A. Johnson, Supervisors; Thomas B. Rand, Clerk; Oepke Bonnema, Treasurer; Suel Briggs, Neils Larson, Justices of the Peace; D. K. Gordon, Assessor; Wallace Smith, Ed Poulson, George Travis, Constables.

1876-Suel Briggs, Chairman; Albert A. Johnson, Chris C. Bolstad, Supervisors; Thomas B. Rand, Clerk; Oepke Bonnema, Treasurer; C. A. Ljolander, Chris C. Bolstad, James A. Mosher, Justices of the Peace; A. Van Loon, Assesser; William Dale, Ed Poulson, Ralph Mosher, Constables.

1877-D. Sandman, Chairman; Henry Kass, Wallace Smith, Supervisors; John Costly, Clerk; Oepke Bonnema, Treasurer; Suel Briggs, Daniel H. Gordon, Justices of the Peace; Albert Van Loon, Assessor; Paul Van Loon, Louis Stienstra, William Dale, Constables.

1878-D. Sandman, Chairman; Henry Kass, Wallace Smith, Supervisors; John Costly, Clerk; Oepke Bonnema, Treasurer; Peter Ljolander, B. Meilder, John Ostrander, Justices of the Peace Albert Van Loan, Assessor; Martin Schenk, P. Van Loon, L. Ltienstra, Constables.

1879-D. Sandman, Chairman; Frank Sacia, D. Weedham, Supervisors; John Costly, Clerk; Oepke Bonnema, Treasurer: John Costly, James Mosher, Suel Briggs, Chris C. Bolstad, Justices of the Peace; Adolph Spengler, Assessor; P. Van Loon, William Hilliard, Ole Halter, Constables.

1880-D. Sandman, Chairman; Frank Sacia, John Ostrander, Supervisors; A. O. Rhea, Clerk; C. Christianson, Treasurer; Suel Briggs, Albert Van Loon, H. Miller, Justices of the Peace; Thomas Johnson, Assessor; Albert Johnson, Jr., William Dougherty, G. Travis, Peter Fiers, Louis Ltienstra, Constables.

1881-D. Sandman, Chairman; Frank Sacia, John Ostrander, Supervisors; A. O. Rhea, Clerk; C. A. Ljolander, Treasurer; H. V. Sacia, A. O. Rhea, James Mosher, Justices of the Peace; Thomas Johnson, Assessor; Daniel Morrow, S. Westerhouse, Peter Fiers, William Dougherty, Harry Mulder, Constables.

THE TOWN OF BARRE.

This town comprises twenty-one sections of rich agricultural land familiarly known as the "Bostwick Valley." The general surface of the town is broken, and in some parts so rough as to be impracticable for farming purposes. It is well watered by numerous springs and small tributaries, some of which form power for milling purposes.

EARLY SETTLEMENT.

The first settlement in the present limits of the town of Barre was made May 7, 1850, by Martin Bostwick and two sons, Jerome and John, natives of Vermont. On their arrival they plowed a furrow around several miles of land, and laid claim to the whole valley, hence the name "Bostwick Valley." Their fond hopes to become the sole owners of this locality were soon dissolved, however, when other enterprising husbandmen followed and entered portions of the valley at the land office in Mineral Point. These latter claims stood the test, and permanent settlements were made. Mr. Bostwick and sons finally entered, and afterward improved and cultivated the farms now owned and occupied by Conrad Miller and Fred Sprain respectively.

Early in the spring of 1850, about the time of the arrival of the Bostwicks, Hugh Hogan, a native of Ireland, made his appearance in the Bostwick Valley, and selecting a favorable site, soon after went to Mineral Point and entered 200 acres of his present farm on Section 26. In the following spring (1851), he returned to the valley with his family from Walworth County, Wis., where he had temporarily resided. Mr. Hogan built a small shanty with some lumber he brought from La Crosse, and, later in the season, he constructed a small log house which afforded comfortable shelter during the severe winter of 1851. During the summer of 1850, Nels Nelson and Peter Nelson located small farms on Section 26, made some improvements, remained a few years, then left for parts unknown. Others may have come this season to remain but a short time, when they took their departure for other fields, and leaving no marks to guide the historian in search of their names, and deeds accomplished.

In June, 1852, Paul Tollefson and family settled on Section 33, where he built a small cabin and cultivated a small farm. He was followed in the same summer by John Halvorson, who settled near the mill, and Mr. Standish, who made the first steps toward the improvement of the "Rhode farm; " Halstin Nelson also came this year, and Halvor Halvorson and sons, Ole and Halvor, located a farm on Section 29, Larson Kundeson settled on Section 28.

In the spring of 1853, Fred Sprain, accompanied by Herman Sander and Deitrich Sandman, on a tour of prospecting, were fascinated with the beauty of the Bostwick Valley, and determined to make it their future home. April 14, 1853, was the date of their arrival in the valley. Messrs. Sanders and Sandman located claims on Sections 27 and 23 respectively, but Mr. Sprain returned to Milwaukee for his family, leaving Bostwick Valley April 20, and making the distance on foot in six days and a quarter. In the fall of 1853, he returned, arriving in the valley October 7. Among others, who came this year may be mentioned Messrs. Monroe and Patrick, who located the farm which two years after they sold to John Miller, the present owner; Royal Rublee, Mr. Gitting and son Charles, William Purdy, L. Grigg, Isaac Carl, John Gallagher, Fred Nuttleman. The following year, Johnson and Benjamin Howe, Thomas Irwin, made their appearance in the town of Barre, and cultivated small farms and remained but a few years. John Miller also came about this time and purchased the improvements made by Monroe and Patrick; also Henry Reutz, Mr. Lambert, Frederick Betz and Carl Fucht located here and formed the nucleus to a prosperous German settlement.

From 1855 to 1860, the population of the town was swelled by immigration to such an extent as to bar the possibility of recording their names and locations from the uncertain sources at command of the seeker after facts in this connection. True, fertile Bostwick Valley was not long destined to remain in an incipient state of cultivation; as the population increased, farms were enlarged by the additions to the cultivated area, and its inhabitants were remunerated by

large and profitable crops. Improvements have kept pace with the times, elegant and commodious residences have taken the places of the rude and hastily-constructed log cabins of thirty years ago; beautiful and artistic lawns ornamented with their wealth of verdure; tastefully arranged walks and drives shaded with majestic trees, and a general air of prosperity and comfort which pervades the confines of this town, all speak to the rising generations of the heroism, steadfastness and pioneer perseverance of their ancestors of thirty years ago, who paved the way for these achievements and future prosperity, thus rendering the Bostwick Valley one of the leading towns in the country.

SCHOOLS.

The citizens of this town in an early day were not slow in providing for their children the means for a common-school education, which accomplishment was denied many of themselves. Consequently, schools were established soon after the early settlement of the valley, and these being increased in number as the increasing population demanded, have given to the town of Barre an educational precedence to be envied by many of the larger towns. There are now in the town four schoolhouses, with accommodations for 275 scholars. There are 283 children of school age in the town-144 male, and 139 female-requiring the services of five teachers, who receive average salaries of $32 for male, and $22 for female. During the year ending August 31, 1880, there has been received for school purposes, $1,383.50, and paid out $1,037.98. The school property is now valued at $2,150.

CHURCHES AND SOCIETIES.

Among the first ministers of the Gospel to preach in the present town of Barre were Rev. Stub, a Norwegian from Coon Prairie, who visited here as early as 1852, and held meetings in the log cabins of the scattering settlers, preaching both in German and Norwegian. In 1853, a German Methodist preacher, named Rev. Keukhahn, made his appearance in the town, and for one year guided the spiritual destinies of his followers in this locality. The first Lutheran preacher was Rev. Fochtman, of La Crosse, who held meetings here occasionally.

The German Lutheran Church.-Was organized in 1864, with but the families of Fred Sprain, Henry Rhodes, John Betz, Louis Miller, Fred Nuttleman and Conrad Miller. The first meetings were held in the schoolhouse on Section 26, until 1870, when the church edifice was erected. The first meeting in the new church was held on Christmas Day, 1870. The church property, including the Pastor's residence, cost $2,600. Rev. William Hasse organized the society and remained as Pastor seven years. He was succeeded by Rev. Henry Dagafaede, who remained four and a half years. He was followed by the present Pastor, Rev. Peter Lang. This society now has 100 members in good standing. The trustees of the church are August Miller, Fred Sprain, Conrad Miller, William Nuttleman, Henry Broket and William Wiers. Among the first births in the town was that of Mary Ann Tillifson, who was born in August,

1852.

Among the first marriages in the town was Ole Halvorson, who was married in 1853; also, D. Sandman and Margaret Sprain, same year, and John Bostwick and Polly Carl.

MILLS.

In 1858, a Mr. Harker, from New York, built the first mill in the town. This was located on Section 29, on Bostwick Valley Creek. Here a dam was built with a ten-foot fall, and two run of stone placed in the mill. He was succeeded shortly after by a lawyer from La Crosse, named Handerson, who ran the mill two years. Brown & Van Ness then took charge of the mill and ran it three years, when John Craig took charge of the mill property and continued the business ten years. He was succeeded in the proprietorship by Valentine Weirner, who, at the expiration of four years, sold out to William Ruks, the present owner. This mill now has an extensive custom trade, and the quality of flour manufactured is No. 1.

Wagon Shop. In 1864, Charles Miller started a wagon-shop on Section 16, and continued the wagon manufacturing and repairing business two years, when S. Tierney rented it

until 1876. At this date, Henry Huxshal became the owner.

711

In 1876, also, Mr. Huxshal

purchased the blacksmith-shop established in 1864 by Henry Lang, and since then Mr. Huxshal has continued this in connection with his wagon-shop. He employs three blacksmiths and two wagon-makers to carry on the manufacturing of wagons and repairing of all kinds of farming implements.

POST OFFICE.

The first post office in the town of Barre was established in 1853, and John Halvorson The office has been continued since, and the following persons have appointed first Postmaster. been recipients of Executive favor in this respect: Valentine Weimer, William Runger and Henry Huxhal, the present incumbent. This office is now located on Section 16, and known as the Bostwick Valley Post Office.

urer.

The Barre Freidenker Society-Was organized in 1869, with sixteen charter members, and the following officers: D. Sandman, President; H. Sander, Secretary; Fred Ihlo, TreasFor three years, meetings were held in the schoolhouse, on Section 26, every two weeks. In 1872, the society built their present brick hall, at a cost of $800. This organization has now twenty-eight members, with the following officers: F. Hempker, President; Louis Sander, Secretary; Charles Brandt, Treasurer. Its motto is free religion.

Official Record. The original town of Barre, besides its present territory, embraced fifteen sections of the southern portion of the present town of Hamilton, and all of the original town of Bangor, which then included Washington. The first town meeting was held in 1853, in the log cabin of a Mr. Jones, who was located on Section 15, on the farm now owned and occupied by Hon. J. W. Raney. At this meeting, John Meldrum was elected Chairman, and Jerome Bostwick, Clerk. Unfortunately, the original town records have been destroyed, thus precluding the possibility of presenting as complete a town record as would be desirable. In 1856, the town of Bangor was set off, thereby leaving but thirty-six sections in the town of Barre. In 1867, the towns of Barre and Neshonoc were consolidated by act of Legislature, and called Hamilton. Early in 1874, the Board of County Commissioners set off twenty-one sections of the southern part of Hamilton, and the new town of Barre was organized. The first town meetAt this meeting, $350 was voted for ing was held April 7, 1874, and ninety-four votes cast. expenses the ensuing year; $150 for incidentals, and $200 for roads and bridges.

The following is a list of the town officers for each year since the new organization: 1874-Joseph Moran, Chairman; D. Sandman, Ole Halvorson, Supervisors; Clerk, O. S. Barlow; Treasurer, William Runger; Assessor, R. T. Roberts.

1875-R. T. Roberts, Chairman; D. Sandman, T. McElwrith, Supervisors; Clerk, O. S. Barlow; Treasurer, William Runger; Assessor, Peter S. Sparling.

1876-R. T. Roberts, Chairman; T. McElwrith, Fred Sprain, Supervisors; Clerk, O. S.

Barlow; Treasurer, William Runger; Assessor, P. S. Sparling.

1877-Joseph Moran, Chairman; August Miller, Fred Sprain, Supervisors; Clerk, Alexander Moran; Treasurer, William Runger; Assessor, Ole Halvorson.

1878-R. T. Roberts, Chairman; Paul Tollefson, August Miller, Supervisors; Clerk, Theodore Tollefson; Treasurer, W. Runger; Assessor, Ole Halvorson.

1879-R. T. Roberts, Chairman; H. E. Miller, Paul Tollefson, Supervisors; Clerk, Fred Nuttleman; Treasurer, William Runger; Assessor, Ole Halvorson.

1880-R. T. Roberts, Chairman; Fred Sprain, Ole Halvorson, Supervisors; Clerk, Fred Nuttleman; Treasurer, William Runger; Assessor, August Miller.

1881-James Moran, Chairman; Henry Essmilleer, David Samuels, Supervisors; Clerk,

Fred Nuttleman; Treasurer, William Runger; Assessor, Ole Halvorson.

THE TOWN OF BURNS.

This is one of the prominent towns in the county, and ranks among the leading localities for agricultural purposes. The town is irregularly surveyed, but naturally divided into three distinct valleys-Adams', Burnham and Big Creek. These valleys are fertile and productive, being well watered by numerous springs, creeks and small tributaries. Intervening between the valleys are high bluffs, which are, in many localities, not susceptible of cultivation. It is estimated that at least one-third of the town is too rough for agricultural purposes.

EARLY SETTLEMENT.

The first settlement in the present town of Burns was made April 23, 1851, by B. F. Colburn, a native of Massachusetts, who made a claim of 160 acres on Section 20. This year be broke five acres of land, and put in a crop of corn and potatoes. The following spring he planted four acres of wheat, realizing therefrom twenty-five bushels, the threshing being done by oxen walking on the straw.

In 1851, John Green also located a farm on Section 18, a portion of the original claim of Mr. Colburn. Later in the spring, a Mr. Burnham made his appearance in the present town of Burns, and located in the valley which has since borne his name. L. A. Viets and family came to Burns in the fall of 1851, locating on Section 32. Here Mr. Viets built a small cabin, and the same fall broke five acres of land. In the spring of 1852, he put in his first crop, corn, potatoes and beans. The following year Mr. Viets raised eight acres of small grain, which yielded twenty-five bushels to the acre. Falliman Farr and family accompanied Mr. Viets from Dodge County, Wis., to Burns, and settled on same section. Messrs. Viets and Farr had twenty-two head of cattle, but owing to a lack of shelter and food during the first winter, seven died. The following spring hay was purchased on the other side of the river, for $8 per ton, and transported by means of canoes, manufactured for the purpose, from huge pine logs, then found in the vicinity.

In 1852, Abel Washburn located a claim on Section 34, and V. R. Dunham on Section 22, O. H. P. Crane on Section 24, John C. Bean on Section 28, Mr. Stone on Section 16, Mr. Hicks, Jabez White and Andrew Sherbin, all settled in Burnham Valley. With the advent of 1853, land speculators swarmed the country and entered nearly all the vacant land in the La Crosse Valley, including that of the town of Burns, and as a consequence the settlers coming in the following years were obliged to purchase their claims at an increased price.

During 1853, the Adams Valley received accessions to its population in the arrival within its precincts of V. M. Adams and brother, H. D. Adams, in honor of whom the valley was named. They came from Beaver Dam, Dodge Co., Wis., arriving here in May; they purchased a quarter-section of land on Section 19, and that spring broke 20 acres. Moses Clark accompanied the Adamses and located on Section 30; Rodney Tower settled here in 1853, on Section 33.

In 1854, Miles Scafe located on Section 15; John Bradley, present location; James and William Gillifillian, on a farm located the year previous by V. M. Adams, who had removed to Neshonoc; H. L. Van Wormer and Mr. Harrington, settled on Section 30; Ira Coleman, E. B. Richardson, James Robinson and a number of others, the date of whose arrival could not be determined, settled in different parts of the now populous town.

During the years 1854-55-56, large accessions were made to the population, and the fertile valleys of Burns were soon made "to blossom as the rose."

The following is a correct list of the voters at the first town meeting held April 4, 1854; O. H. P. Crane, Byron A. Viets, Miles Scafe, Joseph Scafe, J. C. Bean, E. B. Richardson, Lorenzo Hicks, V. R. Dunham, Chester Frost, James Cook, Daniel Hicks, Leroy Bowen, Aaron Harrington, E. R. Adams, John Green, S. R. Wyant, Joseph Hull, L. A. Viets, Amaziah Stone, Harrold Hanson, H. M. Hanson, W. H. Dunham, B. F. Colburn, Wesley Hunter, Nelson Gilbert, Andrew Bradley, Elijah Bowen, Warren Wilcox, Moses Herrick, Enoch Parks, H. D.