Early Settlers, Land Owners and Residents
Town of Springdale in the Vicinity of Donald Park
By Charles C. Gerhards, Verona WI ©2007. (Unpublished manuscript).
Discussion
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Family members, particularly those of Norwegian descent, intentionally changed given names and surnames. Some had added names, such as Ole Erickson, which became Ole Erickson Kobbervig and Ole Thoustinson, which became Ole T Thompson, or subtracted names such as John Johnson Rue to John Johnson. Census records for different decades were sometimes inconsistent in family given names as well as the spelling of surnames.
The Land survey of southern Wisconsin began in 1831. John Mulette and John Brink ran east-west survey lines, completing most of that work in 1833, with an interruption during the Black Hawk War. During the second phase, John Mulette and others completed the north-south survey between 1832 and 1835. The first survey work completed was on what is now the Town of Springdale. (2. Page 44.) |
Donald log cabin
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1861. John Foye cabin S33 NE. Donald farm S29 SE. Sweet S29 CS2, Malone School S29 NW4
Plat maps for the Town of Springdale are useful for locating who resided on farmland. Unfortunately, only three early maps exist: 1861, 1873 and 1890. Township taxes were collected early on. These indicated who were resident or nonresident holders of the land by 40-acre parcels. Early records are incomplete because of deterioration or rodents. The 1861 plat map shows three households within the present day Donald Park border and one that straddles the N-S midsection line of Section 28 and located immediately north of Messersmith Road. A hole in the ground with original rock foundation reveals the exact location of one of those households. It has been placed on the list of Wisconsin Historical Sites. This site may have been the location of the first cabin built within the Mt Vernon environs in 1846 by George Patchin. George Patchin traded his holdings with Philander Nash for land in the Town of Primrose. The first record of ownership of the 40 acres containing the foundation was in 1848 when Henry Hubbard Jr. acquired the land from the United States. He sold to Lawrence Smith, who sold to John Foye and Joseph Wright. John Foye was named on the plat map of 1861. Another cabin site was located by the use of a metal detector about one-quarter mile SSW of the known cabin site; two white shards of pottery with a blue line were found with one dig of a spade. The shards date from 1840-1860 according to John Broyhan, state archeologist. This second cabin site was on 4 acres of land owned by Oliver and Polly Byam, who must have built the cabin before Sep 28, 1853 when the four acres were excluded in the sale of land on that date to Martin Nash.
John Harlow was the first “white” man to own land in the Town of Springdale, settling in Section 1 in 1844. Later, he along with Perry Munger, bought a lumber saw to make lumber for new neighbors. (6. Page 18.) According to tax records, William Harlow held 40 acres described as the SESE Quarter of Section 1 in 1845. But before that, the earliest tax record, 1842, lists Ira M Luther holding the SWSW Quarter of Section 6 containing 35.24 acres. In 1843 the name was shown as Luther Ira Mauly and in 1844 as Manly L Ira. In 1845 Luther Ira M was holding the same quarter, but the area was shown as 32.24 acres. Two others were on the 1845 list, William Harlow already mentioned and Catharine Stewart holding the NWNW Quarter of Section 15. The order of naming was last name first and first name last; so, Ira M Luther as shown in 1842 was the correct name.
Early settlers who had not purchased land were known as squatters. Squatters were protected by the Act of Sep 4, 1841. They were given the right to settle on up to 160 acres of surveyed land by making an affidavit to the register of deeds, setting the time and nature of the settlements, and the intention to purchase same within 12 months. Thirty days were allowed the settler to appear at the land office and file pre-emption papers. (3. Vol II, page 273.)
Ox teams were used to break the land. Grain was sown by hand. The crop was harvest with a heavy cradle, and then tied in bundles. Oxen were used to make a hard smooth surface. Bundles of harvest were piled on the packed, cleared earth. Oxen were tie to a center pole and driven round and round until the grain was threaded out. Straw was forked away; grain, chaff and dirt were scooped up to be tossed to separate the grain. The fanning machine came later. (6. Page 31-32.)
A brief history of the Town of Springdale is given in 3. Vol II, page 391-5.
The first settler was John Harlow who built a log cabin in 1844. In 1845 the northeast corner was settled by Thomas Bentley and 4 others. In 1846 Axium Malone, N H Dryden, Hawley Childs, Martin Nash, Henry Boland, Michael Johnson and 4 others settled in other parts of the town. The first town meeting was held at the residence of Morgan L Curtis on the second Tuesday of 1848.Twenty-one votes were cast. Martin Nash was elected chairman and one of two justices of peace, Thomas Bentley was 1 of 2 supervisors and 1 of 3 commissioners of highways, which included N H Dryden, Axium Malone was collector and one of two constables, Hawley Childs was 1 of 3 school commissioners and was 1 of 2 fence viewers, and William A Dryden was sealer of weights and measures. William W Abbott was born in Maine in 1810, settled in Mt Vernon 1852. He was a blacksmith and general repairer. His wife was Elizabeth Gupgil with whom he had 5 children. N H Dryden was born in Feb 1820 in Bedford County, Tenn. When 26 years old, he purchased a farm in the town. His wife was Martha Balch of Lawrence County, Alabama. Six children are named. H N Fargo was born in 1819 in Erie County, PA. He settled on a farm in the town in 1854. His wife was Hannah Spence of Pennsylvania. Nine children are given. Michael Johnson was born Jan 4, 1832 at Bergen Stift, Norway. He first settled in the Town of Windsor, then spent several years in the Town of Vienna. He moved to Springdale in 1856. He held numerous town offices and served several terms in the lower house of the legislature. James P McPherson was born in Dundee, Forfarshire, Scotland. He emigrated in 1850, settled in Springdale. His wife was Mary Burns of England. They had 9 children.
Among those named on the militia list for Springdale in 1852 as spelled were: James P McPherson, Hendrich Johnston, William Dryden, Krnud Mikelson, H H Dryden, A Malone, Hawley Childs, Harny Boland, William Morigh, Philander Nash, Andrew Hash, Thomas Bentley, Toston Tostonson, Lurs Stinson, Lanford Shumway, Edmund Spears and Lawrence Smith. These men were able bodied and between the ages of 18 and 45 on Jul 1, 1852. (6. Page 140-141.)
Among the names on the poll list for the general election of Nov 4, 1856 as spelled were: Carl Marquette, W N Fargo, Michael Johnson, Ole Lee, Austin Hanson, Youger Christenson, Hendric Johnson, Eric Oleson, Ole Christenson, Knud Johnson, Thorald Oleson, Harold Haroldson, Holver Holverson, John Jones Jr., James R McPherson, W D Dryden, William Dryden, E K McCord, William Donald, Henery Bolan, R B Dudley, Hawley Childs, Henery Allen, Isaac G Brader, Edmund Spier, L D Roblins, Philander Nash, Handford Strumway, A Malone, Stephen Hov, William W Abbott, A N Dryden, Edwin Strumway, William Sweet, and J F C Morick. (6. Page 139-140.)
Barton (1. Mt Vernon, page 6.) mentions that “George Patchin had built a cabin near the big spring north of rocks (i.e. Mt Vernon overlook rocks), near the site of the earlier Indian village. The early trail, which led southwest to the lead mines, crossed the stream at the edge of the spring and traces of this road still remain (i.e. 1895). This route afforded an easier passage over the Mt Vernon hill than did the later roads laid out.” In 1851 by legislative act, 5 commissioners, including Joel Britts, were appointed to “lay out and establish a state road beginning at the junction of the Madsion and Verona state road in the county of Dane, thence southwest on the present road, or as near as practicable to Wiota in the county of La Fayette.” (1. Primrose, page 83.)
Barton (1. Primrose, page 11, 13) relates that Eldred S and Washington Hale, brothers, passed through the Town of Primrose in 1831 carrying provisions and money to the Winnebagos at Fort Wiinebago. In a footnote: on May 21, 1832 a party of seven men set out to seek land for development. The next day, Indians killed four of them near present day Polo, Illinois, including: Hale and Aaron Hawley (Hale was the father of the brothers).
Another source of history relates that Eldred Hale and his brother passed through the Mt Vernon area in 1831, bringing the last payment for land to the Indians at Winnebago from Wiota. The George Patchin family was the first pioneers to settle in the area, arriving in 1846 by wagon from Ohio. Their cabin was built by the Big Spring where wood and water were plentiful. David Patchin was born Dec 22 1846. In 1847 Joel Britts settled in the Town of Primrose, acquired 200 acres of land, which included the area of present day Mt Vernon. George Britts built a water-powered sawmill in 1849 and he platted the Village of Mt Vernon in 1850 and 1851 and built a house nearby. Dr. P Byam bought the village site and much of the adjoining land in 1852; he was forced to leave the area in 1859 because of deceptive land transactions. Hall C Chandler built the first general store in 1848, John Jones Sr. the first hotel. In 1852 Charles C Allen built his Hotel De Allen. Edward Britts and Charles Smith built the first gristmill in 1858, later operated by John Jones Sr. (Acording to another source, the Britts/Smith gristmill was built in Section 8 of the Town of Primrose. (1. Primrose, page 85.)) William J Donald was the first doctor starting in 1863. Isaac G Brader had a general store and was postmaster in 1872. (4. Page 9-11.) George Britts built the first log house in the village on what became the Brader farm. It was replaced in 1880, used as a wood shed for many years. (6. Page 31.) Major Abbott had the first blacksmith shop, and Stephen Foye and sons were stonemasons. (6. Page 33.) Mrs. Sam Britts, daughter of Hall Chandler, said that her father had the first store in the village and was the first postmaster; Isaac G Brader was appointed postmaster in 1856, served for 20 years. (6. Page 31.)
John Harlow was the first “white” man to own land in the Town of Springdale, settling in Section 1 in 1844. Later, he along with Perry Munger, bought a lumber saw to make lumber for new neighbors. (6. Page 18.) According to tax records, William Harlow held 40 acres described as the SESE Quarter of Section 1 in 1845. But before that, the earliest tax record, 1842, lists Ira M Luther holding the SWSW Quarter of Section 6 containing 35.24 acres. In 1843 the name was shown as Luther Ira Mauly and in 1844 as Manly L Ira. In 1845 Luther Ira M was holding the same quarter, but the area was shown as 32.24 acres. Two others were on the 1845 list, William Harlow already mentioned and Catharine Stewart holding the NWNW Quarter of Section 15. The order of naming was last name first and first name last; so, Ira M Luther as shown in 1842 was the correct name.
Early settlers who had not purchased land were known as squatters. Squatters were protected by the Act of Sep 4, 1841. They were given the right to settle on up to 160 acres of surveyed land by making an affidavit to the register of deeds, setting the time and nature of the settlements, and the intention to purchase same within 12 months. Thirty days were allowed the settler to appear at the land office and file pre-emption papers. (3. Vol II, page 273.)
Ox teams were used to break the land. Grain was sown by hand. The crop was harvest with a heavy cradle, and then tied in bundles. Oxen were used to make a hard smooth surface. Bundles of harvest were piled on the packed, cleared earth. Oxen were tie to a center pole and driven round and round until the grain was threaded out. Straw was forked away; grain, chaff and dirt were scooped up to be tossed to separate the grain. The fanning machine came later. (6. Page 31-32.)
A brief history of the Town of Springdale is given in 3. Vol II, page 391-5.
The first settler was John Harlow who built a log cabin in 1844. In 1845 the northeast corner was settled by Thomas Bentley and 4 others. In 1846 Axium Malone, N H Dryden, Hawley Childs, Martin Nash, Henry Boland, Michael Johnson and 4 others settled in other parts of the town. The first town meeting was held at the residence of Morgan L Curtis on the second Tuesday of 1848.Twenty-one votes were cast. Martin Nash was elected chairman and one of two justices of peace, Thomas Bentley was 1 of 2 supervisors and 1 of 3 commissioners of highways, which included N H Dryden, Axium Malone was collector and one of two constables, Hawley Childs was 1 of 3 school commissioners and was 1 of 2 fence viewers, and William A Dryden was sealer of weights and measures. William W Abbott was born in Maine in 1810, settled in Mt Vernon 1852. He was a blacksmith and general repairer. His wife was Elizabeth Gupgil with whom he had 5 children. N H Dryden was born in Feb 1820 in Bedford County, Tenn. When 26 years old, he purchased a farm in the town. His wife was Martha Balch of Lawrence County, Alabama. Six children are named. H N Fargo was born in 1819 in Erie County, PA. He settled on a farm in the town in 1854. His wife was Hannah Spence of Pennsylvania. Nine children are given. Michael Johnson was born Jan 4, 1832 at Bergen Stift, Norway. He first settled in the Town of Windsor, then spent several years in the Town of Vienna. He moved to Springdale in 1856. He held numerous town offices and served several terms in the lower house of the legislature. James P McPherson was born in Dundee, Forfarshire, Scotland. He emigrated in 1850, settled in Springdale. His wife was Mary Burns of England. They had 9 children.
Among those named on the militia list for Springdale in 1852 as spelled were: James P McPherson, Hendrich Johnston, William Dryden, Krnud Mikelson, H H Dryden, A Malone, Hawley Childs, Harny Boland, William Morigh, Philander Nash, Andrew Hash, Thomas Bentley, Toston Tostonson, Lurs Stinson, Lanford Shumway, Edmund Spears and Lawrence Smith. These men were able bodied and between the ages of 18 and 45 on Jul 1, 1852. (6. Page 140-141.)
Among the names on the poll list for the general election of Nov 4, 1856 as spelled were: Carl Marquette, W N Fargo, Michael Johnson, Ole Lee, Austin Hanson, Youger Christenson, Hendric Johnson, Eric Oleson, Ole Christenson, Knud Johnson, Thorald Oleson, Harold Haroldson, Holver Holverson, John Jones Jr., James R McPherson, W D Dryden, William Dryden, E K McCord, William Donald, Henery Bolan, R B Dudley, Hawley Childs, Henery Allen, Isaac G Brader, Edmund Spier, L D Roblins, Philander Nash, Handford Strumway, A Malone, Stephen Hov, William W Abbott, A N Dryden, Edwin Strumway, William Sweet, and J F C Morick. (6. Page 139-140.)
Barton (1. Mt Vernon, page 6.) mentions that “George Patchin had built a cabin near the big spring north of rocks (i.e. Mt Vernon overlook rocks), near the site of the earlier Indian village. The early trail, which led southwest to the lead mines, crossed the stream at the edge of the spring and traces of this road still remain (i.e. 1895). This route afforded an easier passage over the Mt Vernon hill than did the later roads laid out.” In 1851 by legislative act, 5 commissioners, including Joel Britts, were appointed to “lay out and establish a state road beginning at the junction of the Madsion and Verona state road in the county of Dane, thence southwest on the present road, or as near as practicable to Wiota in the county of La Fayette.” (1. Primrose, page 83.)
Barton (1. Primrose, page 11, 13) relates that Eldred S and Washington Hale, brothers, passed through the Town of Primrose in 1831 carrying provisions and money to the Winnebagos at Fort Wiinebago. In a footnote: on May 21, 1832 a party of seven men set out to seek land for development. The next day, Indians killed four of them near present day Polo, Illinois, including: Hale and Aaron Hawley (Hale was the father of the brothers).
Another source of history relates that Eldred Hale and his brother passed through the Mt Vernon area in 1831, bringing the last payment for land to the Indians at Winnebago from Wiota. The George Patchin family was the first pioneers to settle in the area, arriving in 1846 by wagon from Ohio. Their cabin was built by the Big Spring where wood and water were plentiful. David Patchin was born Dec 22 1846. In 1847 Joel Britts settled in the Town of Primrose, acquired 200 acres of land, which included the area of present day Mt Vernon. George Britts built a water-powered sawmill in 1849 and he platted the Village of Mt Vernon in 1850 and 1851 and built a house nearby. Dr. P Byam bought the village site and much of the adjoining land in 1852; he was forced to leave the area in 1859 because of deceptive land transactions. Hall C Chandler built the first general store in 1848, John Jones Sr. the first hotel. In 1852 Charles C Allen built his Hotel De Allen. Edward Britts and Charles Smith built the first gristmill in 1858, later operated by John Jones Sr. (Acording to another source, the Britts/Smith gristmill was built in Section 8 of the Town of Primrose. (1. Primrose, page 85.)) William J Donald was the first doctor starting in 1863. Isaac G Brader had a general store and was postmaster in 1872. (4. Page 9-11.) George Britts built the first log house in the village on what became the Brader farm. It was replaced in 1880, used as a wood shed for many years. (6. Page 31.) Major Abbott had the first blacksmith shop, and Stephen Foye and sons were stonemasons. (6. Page 33.) Mrs. Sam Britts, daughter of Hall Chandler, said that her father had the first store in the village and was the first postmaster; Isaac G Brader was appointed postmaster in 1856, served for 20 years. (6. Page 31.)
Hotel and Grist Mill- 1890
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Rock outcrop near Mt. Vernon
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When settlers first came to the area, there was a huge pine tree growing on the rocks overlooking Mt Vernon. It was blown over in a windstorm on New Year’s night in 1876. (6. Page 42.)
Regarding a court trial held in Mt Vernon in 1882 concerning the location of a road, Evan Jones testified that he had lived near the village for 35 years and that he had traveled the road in 1844. I G Brader testified that he was born in England in 1819, came to the village in 1855, and had hauled wood over the road in early days. John L Malone testified that he had lived in the Town if Springdale for 36 years. Stephen said that he came in 1856 and that the porch of the defendant covered where the road had run. William Lust testified that he came to the area when 8 years old 30 years before, that he graded the road in 1868. James P McPherson, justice of peace who lived on the Verona road, gave the most interesting testimony. (6. Page 42.)
A Black Hawk War pensioner, Washington W Hale’s funeral was held at the home of his brother, Eldred S Hale, in Mt Vernon. (No date was given.) The father of the Hale brothers was killed in northern Illinois in 1832 during that war. Mt Vernon Cemetery headstones show that Eldred S Hale, who was born in 1816, served during the Black Hawk War. William Koch, Al C Brader, David Jones and Joseph L Pierce also served. (6. Page 51.)
A brief history of the Town of Primrose is given in 3. Vol II, page 380-2. In 1831 Eldred S Hale and his brother passed through what was to become Primrose, carrying goods to Fort Winnebago to pay Indians for their lands. They used a yoke of oxen, following the Indian trail, which later became the road between Madison and Wiota. The next year war broke out and the father of the Hale brothers was one of the first killed. Robert Spears of Ohio was the first settler coming in 1844 with his family, built the first cabin by a beautiful spring along the road between the lead mines in southwestern Wisconsin and Madison, 13 years after the Hale brothers passed through. He built a barn in 1846 of oak timbers hewed nearby, but the siding was hauled from Sauk County in one great load. William and Edmund, brothers of Robert soon followed with their families. Other early settlers included E S Hale, Hall Chandler, John Jones, Joel Britts, Jacob and Samuel H Nofsinger, William Dudley and the La Follettes: Josiah, William, Warren, Elhanon, Robert and Harvey. The La Follettes, Britts, and Nofsingers came from Indiana. Robert M La Follette, later to become governor and US senator, was the son of Josiah and Mary, born Jun 14, 1855. David Patchin was the first child born of settlers, George Patchin and his wife, on Nov 22, 1845.
A more complete history of Primrose relates that Robert Spears came from Green County, Wisconsin, in 1844 and entered a claim of 160 acres by a spring in Section 19. The spring made a popular camping place for travelers hauling lead minerals from Exeter to the smelter in Blue Mounds. With the help of his nephew, Isaac Spears, he put 10 acres under cultivation, then built a log cabin. Mr. Spears originally came from Troy, Ohio. From the same region, his brothers, William and Edmund, came with their families about the same time, also the unmarried Philander Nash, and in 1845 Martin Nash and George Patchin with their families. These families were all related in some way. Other early settlers included: Hall C Chandler, John Jones, Joel Britts, Jacob and Samuel Nofsinger, William G Dudley, and the LaFollettes: Josiah, William, Warren, Elhanon, Robert and Harvey. Teamsters visited the Spears family, asking to be fed and housed. This led to the building of a barn in 1848. John Jones hauled siding used on the barn in one great load from Sauk County. The log cabin was doubled in size and became known as the Spears Tavern, although no spirits were served. (1. Primrose, page 11-16.)
William Sweet told a story about a bear hunt that happened in 1856. He, Henderson Dryden, Joel Britt and Axel (sic) Malone started on horseback at the farm of Ole Dahl in Section 20. They trailed the bear in snow through heavy timber and brush to a cave in Section 19. Axel was thrown from his horse, sustaining broken ribs and other injuries. The others followed the trail with dogs south into Primrose, a short distance from Mt Vernon. The next day a number of men and dogs finally treed the bear, which was shot by Jim Dudley and Ed Britt. Thomas Bently, the first settler in Section 30, was in the hunting party. The Bently farm was sold in 1854 to Horatio N Fargo who with his sons, John, Harvey and Ralph, opened a limekiln, which provided lime for farmers some distance around. On this farm there were many fine walnut trees, which were sold to provide lumber for furniture. Harvey B Fargo served as chairman of the town board for many years. (6. Page 19.)
Hall C Chandler operated the first general store. In 1860 John Jones Sr. opened the first hotel. C C Allen built a hotel a few years later; he died in 1880. In 1852 Philander Byam built a gristmill, which was later operated by John Jones Sr. Eventually, it was sold to William Koch, a Civil War veteran. Fred and Ferdinand Koch, sons of William operated the mill for many years. (6. Page 26.) (Confusingly,) Ed Britts and Charley Smith built the first gristmill in 1858. (6. Page 35.)
On Mar 7, 1878 two children drowned in the millpond at Mt Vernon. Among the children who did not drown were: Carrie and Alta McCord, Charles Allen Jr., and Dell Foye (later Mrs. Erfurth). Several children had gone into the pond on a boat, which overturned. Charles Allen Sr. was sitting on the hotel steps when he heard the cry for help. He went in after the children, almost drowning himself. Carrie McCord was the first to be brought in and was revived by Dr. Donald. (6. Page 28-29.)
A depression starting with the stock market crash in Sep 1873 had a huge effect on farmers in Dane County, where more than half were carrying mortgages, especially those with less than 160 acres. The typical debt was $300 to $400 with 10% interest and payment within five years. Declining prices in wheat in prior years led to many foreclosures of mortgages: 62 in 1869, 77 in 1870, 97 in 1871 and 76 in 1872. The situation worsened when the chinch bug reappeared, working on wheat and corn. There were 116 foreclosures in 1873. There were 5327 farms in the county in 1873; 2826 carried liens at the beginning of the depression. Mortgages were bought up on foreclosure by speculators, who then sold the properties. (2. Page 127-130.)
Farm income in the Town of Primrose highlights the transition from wheat to dairy. Average income per farm was $761 in 1869, $441 in 1879, according to 1870 and 1880 census records. Wheat had failed; dairying was not yet developed. There were 396 milk cows in 1860, 2113 by 1895. The first cheese factory opened in 1878. Cheese began to be the moneymaker for the town. (2. Page 132.)
Regarding a court trial held in Mt Vernon in 1882 concerning the location of a road, Evan Jones testified that he had lived near the village for 35 years and that he had traveled the road in 1844. I G Brader testified that he was born in England in 1819, came to the village in 1855, and had hauled wood over the road in early days. John L Malone testified that he had lived in the Town if Springdale for 36 years. Stephen said that he came in 1856 and that the porch of the defendant covered where the road had run. William Lust testified that he came to the area when 8 years old 30 years before, that he graded the road in 1868. James P McPherson, justice of peace who lived on the Verona road, gave the most interesting testimony. (6. Page 42.)
A Black Hawk War pensioner, Washington W Hale’s funeral was held at the home of his brother, Eldred S Hale, in Mt Vernon. (No date was given.) The father of the Hale brothers was killed in northern Illinois in 1832 during that war. Mt Vernon Cemetery headstones show that Eldred S Hale, who was born in 1816, served during the Black Hawk War. William Koch, Al C Brader, David Jones and Joseph L Pierce also served. (6. Page 51.)
A brief history of the Town of Primrose is given in 3. Vol II, page 380-2. In 1831 Eldred S Hale and his brother passed through what was to become Primrose, carrying goods to Fort Winnebago to pay Indians for their lands. They used a yoke of oxen, following the Indian trail, which later became the road between Madison and Wiota. The next year war broke out and the father of the Hale brothers was one of the first killed. Robert Spears of Ohio was the first settler coming in 1844 with his family, built the first cabin by a beautiful spring along the road between the lead mines in southwestern Wisconsin and Madison, 13 years after the Hale brothers passed through. He built a barn in 1846 of oak timbers hewed nearby, but the siding was hauled from Sauk County in one great load. William and Edmund, brothers of Robert soon followed with their families. Other early settlers included E S Hale, Hall Chandler, John Jones, Joel Britts, Jacob and Samuel H Nofsinger, William Dudley and the La Follettes: Josiah, William, Warren, Elhanon, Robert and Harvey. The La Follettes, Britts, and Nofsingers came from Indiana. Robert M La Follette, later to become governor and US senator, was the son of Josiah and Mary, born Jun 14, 1855. David Patchin was the first child born of settlers, George Patchin and his wife, on Nov 22, 1845.
A more complete history of Primrose relates that Robert Spears came from Green County, Wisconsin, in 1844 and entered a claim of 160 acres by a spring in Section 19. The spring made a popular camping place for travelers hauling lead minerals from Exeter to the smelter in Blue Mounds. With the help of his nephew, Isaac Spears, he put 10 acres under cultivation, then built a log cabin. Mr. Spears originally came from Troy, Ohio. From the same region, his brothers, William and Edmund, came with their families about the same time, also the unmarried Philander Nash, and in 1845 Martin Nash and George Patchin with their families. These families were all related in some way. Other early settlers included: Hall C Chandler, John Jones, Joel Britts, Jacob and Samuel Nofsinger, William G Dudley, and the LaFollettes: Josiah, William, Warren, Elhanon, Robert and Harvey. Teamsters visited the Spears family, asking to be fed and housed. This led to the building of a barn in 1848. John Jones hauled siding used on the barn in one great load from Sauk County. The log cabin was doubled in size and became known as the Spears Tavern, although no spirits were served. (1. Primrose, page 11-16.)
William Sweet told a story about a bear hunt that happened in 1856. He, Henderson Dryden, Joel Britt and Axel (sic) Malone started on horseback at the farm of Ole Dahl in Section 20. They trailed the bear in snow through heavy timber and brush to a cave in Section 19. Axel was thrown from his horse, sustaining broken ribs and other injuries. The others followed the trail with dogs south into Primrose, a short distance from Mt Vernon. The next day a number of men and dogs finally treed the bear, which was shot by Jim Dudley and Ed Britt. Thomas Bently, the first settler in Section 30, was in the hunting party. The Bently farm was sold in 1854 to Horatio N Fargo who with his sons, John, Harvey and Ralph, opened a limekiln, which provided lime for farmers some distance around. On this farm there were many fine walnut trees, which were sold to provide lumber for furniture. Harvey B Fargo served as chairman of the town board for many years. (6. Page 19.)
Hall C Chandler operated the first general store. In 1860 John Jones Sr. opened the first hotel. C C Allen built a hotel a few years later; he died in 1880. In 1852 Philander Byam built a gristmill, which was later operated by John Jones Sr. Eventually, it was sold to William Koch, a Civil War veteran. Fred and Ferdinand Koch, sons of William operated the mill for many years. (6. Page 26.) (Confusingly,) Ed Britts and Charley Smith built the first gristmill in 1858. (6. Page 35.)
On Mar 7, 1878 two children drowned in the millpond at Mt Vernon. Among the children who did not drown were: Carrie and Alta McCord, Charles Allen Jr., and Dell Foye (later Mrs. Erfurth). Several children had gone into the pond on a boat, which overturned. Charles Allen Sr. was sitting on the hotel steps when he heard the cry for help. He went in after the children, almost drowning himself. Carrie McCord was the first to be brought in and was revived by Dr. Donald. (6. Page 28-29.)
A depression starting with the stock market crash in Sep 1873 had a huge effect on farmers in Dane County, where more than half were carrying mortgages, especially those with less than 160 acres. The typical debt was $300 to $400 with 10% interest and payment within five years. Declining prices in wheat in prior years led to many foreclosures of mortgages: 62 in 1869, 77 in 1870, 97 in 1871 and 76 in 1872. The situation worsened when the chinch bug reappeared, working on wheat and corn. There were 116 foreclosures in 1873. There were 5327 farms in the county in 1873; 2826 carried liens at the beginning of the depression. Mortgages were bought up on foreclosure by speculators, who then sold the properties. (2. Page 127-130.)
Farm income in the Town of Primrose highlights the transition from wheat to dairy. Average income per farm was $761 in 1869, $441 in 1879, according to 1870 and 1880 census records. Wheat had failed; dairying was not yet developed. There were 396 milk cows in 1860, 2113 by 1895. The first cheese factory opened in 1878. Cheese began to be the moneymaker for the town. (2. Page 132.)