History of Reedsburg and the Upper Baraboo Valley 

by Merton Edwin Krug, Democrat printing Company, Madison, Wisconsin 1929

(pages 185-249)

Chapter V

A Record of the Present Day Institutions

Mention was made on page 28, Part 1, of Horace Croswell being appointed postmaster during the year 1849. Unfortunately there is very little to be recorded about this event. It is not even positively known in whose dwelling the postoffice was kept, for Horace Croswell is known to have been a single man; but the story comes down to us, that he was at that time much enrapt in the charms of Miss Lavina Reed, who was a sister of David C. Reed and probably the latter's housekeeper, and that she took care of the mail. Reed is supposed to have been living, at that time, with his partner, Mr. Powell, so it is to be construed that the shanty of this man housed the first postoffice. Be that as it may, Mr. Croswell continued as postmaster until
late in the year 1851. At that time E. W. Young acceded to the office and retained it until March 16, 1861.

It was sometime during the term of Mr. Young that the office became located in the Young and Northrup store which was situated on the east side of Park Street, opposite its (the postoffice's) present location. But in 1860, when the democrats went out of power and Abraham Lincoln was elected to the presidency, Joseph L. Green was elected postmaster, and he caused the removal of the office to the building that stood where Reedsburg Hardware building now stands. Green's term began March 17, 1861 and ended in 1865.

In 1865 Rollin M. Strong received the appointment of postmaster. The appointment is said to have been made while be was still away to war and that in his absence his wife, nee Miss Rudd, attended to the affairs of the office. Upon his return he assumed the duties himself and served in the capacity of postmaster until
1869, when he was elected to the office of County Treasurer, and not being allowed to hold two offices, he rcsigned to accept the latter. John Kellogg followed Strong, serving until 1873. And he, in turn, was followed by A. L. Harris. Under Harris the office was located in the Harris and Hosler store. Harris' term
expired Feb. 28, 1883.

From March 1, 1883, to June 30, 1884, F. L. Seaver, at one time Depot agent, was postmaster. From July 1, 1884 until August 31, 1885 John Kellogg again served the office.

On Sept. 1, 1885 H. C. Hunt was appointed postmaster and he kept the office in the building now occupied by the Atlantic and Pacific Tea Company. Hunt went out May 25, 1890. August Siefert followed, May 26, 1890-May 31, 1894, and during his term the office was located in the Free Press building. Hunt was reappointed June 1, 1894, to follow Mr. Siefert, and served until May 31, 1898. John Kellogg then came again into the office, June 1, 1898, and served until April 26, 1903.

After Kellogg, on April 27, 1903, came M. J. Miles, who served until June 30, same year. On July 1, 1903, Thomas W. Claridge was appointed; and he served until Jan. 31, 1908.

Feb. 1, 1908 to Oct. 31, 1914- H. B. Quimby.

Nov. 1, 1914 to Jan. 25, 1925- F. H. Metcalf.

From the Free Press building, which was at the time owned by John Blake, the postoffice was moved into the Stone and Quimby building, the building now housing the Reedsburg Grill, where it remained for over fifteen years, until it was relocated in the building where it is today, in 1921.

On January 26, 1925 Mr. J. Riley Stone was appointed postmaster, which position he still holds. The postoffice force, under Postmaster Stone, numbers fifteen. They are:

George A. Claridge	assistant postmaster
V. T. Deveruex	clerk
Ivan C. Lassallette	clerk
L. G. Rindfleisch	sub-clerk
P. H. Conley	city carrier No. 1
H. E. Mansfield	city carrier No. 2
J. H. Corwith	city carrier No. 3
F. G. Foss	sub-carrier
Wallace Bass	rural carrier No. 1
A. G. Perry	rural carrier No. 2
Forrest A. Fish	rural carrier No. 3
A. R. Bates	rural carrier No. 4
Harvey R. Crall	rural carrier No. 5
William Fenster	rural carrier Loganville Stage
E. H. Schroeder	mail messenger

THE METHODIST CHURCH

The First Church in the Upper Baraboo Valley

To the Methodist Church of Reedsburg belongs the distinction of having been the first religious organization in the vicinity of Reedsburg. The Methodist Episcopal Church was organized by the Rev. Nelson Butler, of Adams circuit, Madison district, Wisconsin conference, in November, 1850. It was organized at the house of John Clark, and had, as its first members, twelve persons, as follows: Zebina Bishop, Tohn Rork, Dinna Rork, Garrett Rathburn, John Clark, Sarah Clark, Mary A. Bowen, Amanda Barrenger, Jane Spink, Mary Reed and Phillip B.
Smith, but the membership rapidly increased, and in 1852 it numbered thirty-two.

The following paper, giving the history of the institution down through the years, was prepared by Mrs. Luther (Angie) Craker, and read at the sixty-fifth anniversary of the church, celebrated in 1915, by its author.

"In the fall of 1855 they erected a tabernacle of boards 20 by 30 feet in size, at the northwest corner of Fourth and Locust Streets, a little south of where the Catholic church now stands. This building had accommodations for about one hundred and served as a place of worship for eight years. At the time of the building of the tabernacle a Mr. Frank Henry who lived nearby, felt very much annoyed that a church edifice should be built so near his property, and at a "raising" where many were present, expressed his annoyance in no mild language, said he was ready to sell his property for one hundred dollars less than before. Whereupon Mr. Rork, one of the members of the church, spoke up and said, 'Judging from your remarks, Mr. Henry, you ought to be fenced in with churches.' These words were seed sown in good ground, for later on Mr. Henry apologized and although a man of small means he gave five dollars toward the building.

In 1872 a church edifice was erected on the northeast corner of Pine and Second Streets, known to most of us as the A. L. Harris property; it was 35 by 40 feet, seating 235 persons. It was dedicated Feb. 15, 1873, the Rev. S. Fallows of Madison officiating, the text of his sermon being, "He must needs go through Samaria". At this meeting a subscription of $630 was raised towards liquidating the indebtedness of the society. In 1883 the lot on which the church stood was sold and the church moved, first, to the lot immediately east and then to Main Street, to the
present site of our parsonage. June 1, 1901, during the pastorate of L. B. Coleman the society bought the property on the east and north of the church of the Buck brothers, then of Elroy, for $2,500, the amount, except $270, having been arranged to be paid in three annual installments. That fall preparations were begun for the building of the present stone edifice.

Words seem almost inadequate to describe the planning, the toiling and the sacrifices made during the eight years preparatory to the building of the new church. Many here will recall the Offical Board meetings held in the basement of the old church, when it seemed that "Faith" was all there was to build on. The Ladies' Aid Society, under the leadership of Mrs. W. D. Johnson, was the first to pledge a sum of $1,000. Only those who worked in the society during those years know the prayers and tears and earnest efforts put forth. We would not forget to acknowledge the many works of love and labor put into the building unsolicited and unrewarded.

And then, at last, we met on the 24th of January, 1909, for the dedicatory services. It was a day of great rejoicing and yet a strenuous day for those most interested, for the raising of funds was again necessary.

The following year, 1910, the West Wisconsin Conference was held here, it being its sixty-fifth session, with Bishop Joseph F. Berry presiding. The occasion was a season of blessing for the people of Reedsburg."

The pastors who have served the church since its humble beginning in 1850 are thirty-eight, namely:

Rev. N. Butler	1850-1852	J. W. Bell	...
John Bean	1853-1855	J. H. Whitney	...
E. S. Bunce	1855-1857	D. Clingman	...
A. V. House	1857-1858	E. C. Booth	...
E. A. Sackett	1858-1859	H. P. Blake	...
John Bean	summer 1859	I. B. Bickford	...
R. Robotham	1859-1860	S. S. Benedict	...
John M. Springer	1860-1861	A. B. Scoville	...
C. D. Whitcomb	1861-1863	G. N. Foster	...
E. S. Bunce	1863-1864	Louise Coleman	1900-1901
Rev. Kilbourn	1864-1866	W. Walter Blair	1902-1903
B. L. Jackson	1866-1867	John E. Kundert	1904-1908
R. Pingilley	1867-1869	Cecil L. Clifford	1909-1913
I. Sweatland	summer 1869	Jesse B. Butter	1914
John Harris	1869-1871	Eugene Cook	1915-1920
Robert Langley	1871-	Thomas S. Beavin	1921-1927
N. Leach	...	T. Harry Kelly	1927 to date
J. B. Bachman	...

It was during Rev. J. Eugene Cook's pastorate that the church celebrated its sixty-fifth anniversarv, in the Autumn of 1915. The former pastors, Pastors Scoville, Foster, Clifford and Butter came from distant towns, and Rev. Scoville, who was retired and residing at Fairchild, was dean of all the pastors present.

THE BAPTIST CHURCH

This church, which was the third one organized in Reedsburg was started in the fall of the year 1851, but did not come into actual being until Jan. 24, 1852. Through the kindly assistance of Miss May McIntosh and with data from an historical paper by her father, the late Lachlan McIntosh of Winfield pioneer note, we are able to give a fair history of the institution.

On the 29th day of November, 1851, Elder Joseph Conrad of Baraboo came to the then disparing little village of Reedsburg (the saw log war with Baraboo had severely crippled the place) to preach to the good citizens of the village. There were some Baptists living here at that time, and they were indeed glad to have him come. Then he came again. And then, on the 23rd day of January, 1852, he came a third time, with the purpose of organizing a congregation. This was done, and eleven brothers and sisters affixed their names on the first membership roll of the First Baptist Church of Reedsburg.

The names: William J. Bently, his wife Lydia; Zachariah Craker, his wife Sarah; Ammon Vernoy, his wife Lucy; Amanda Skidmore Carver, wife of Daniel Carver; Harriet Skidmore Benedict, wife of Eber Benedict; Sarah Bovee; Charlotte Sperry and Roxey A. Carver. To this list were added on March 26, same year, the following names: Lachlan McIntosh, his wife Ann; Mary Hemingway; Thomas K. Bishop and Catharine Bishop.

Then on April 17 Susan Sprague affiliated; July 10, Mary J. Perry. This made the membership, for six months, eighteen. Elder Conrad served the congregation until the fall of 1852.

Elder Conrad was followed that fall by Elder Barbour who was indeed a very energetic preacher, for he went to all the neighboring villages, preaching in schoolhouses and dwellings, and in addition to this conducted his select school for girls. He remained with the church until 1858 and among the additions he made to his congregation may be mentioned Deacon Root, Brother Cora Ransom (who hailed from Winfield) and Sister Noyes.

Elder B. D. Sprague took up the duties of pastor in August, 1858 and served the congregation until 1860. Then Elder Wm. J. Chapin came to the pastorate, retaining it until 1863. Chapin conducted a school in the home of Mary Hemmingway, in Winfield.

J. H. Roscoe was the succeeding minister and he served until April, 1866. He had a son, Boardman, who enlisted in the Union Army and died in the service, while he was still pastor. Near the close of his pastorate a committee was appointed to select a suitable site for the building of a new church.

Elder Mead came next, serving from 1866 until Oct., 1867. During his term a site was selected and bought for the sum of seventy-five dollars. But it was not until the pastorate of Elder J. Seamans, who followed, that any step was taken toward erecting a church.

On March 24, 1871, a meeting was held and a committee appointed to draw up plans for the new edifice. That same spring, May 2, a meeting was held at which it was decided to recall one of the former ministers and so it came about that Elder Barbour again came into the pastorate.

Under date of Aug. 28, 1872, Elder Barbour wrote: "The church is now erecting a new edifice 32 by 46 feet, in the village of Reedsburg, at a cost of something over $2,000.00." The building was first opened to public worship on June 4, 1873, but the dedicatory services did not take place until Oct. 12, same year. The dedicatory sermon was preached by the Rev. Lewis Raymond of Chicago.

The next pastor was G. W. Lincoln, who came in 1874, and remained until 1877. Then for a short time Rev. Stanley served the church, but sometime in the Autumn of 1877 Elder Hill was installed. He remained until 1879. In February of that year a Rev. Spoor conducted services, and then Elder Seamans accepted a recall and stayed several months. The next pastor was Elder Kermott and during his pastorate of six months the last of the church debt was paid. On March 25,1881 was held a jubilee meeting in honor of the debt that was thenceforth to be num-
bered among the things that were no longer.

Elder Goodwin served the next year. Then Rev. J. H. Ambrose, for two years; and he was followed by G. W. Lincoln who responded to a recall and remained two years. He was, in turn, followed by Rev. S. E. Sweet who remained four years, and conducted during the winter of 1889 a revival, assisted by Evangelist S. C. Enos. C. I. Mathew came next and served the spiritual needs of the church one year. The next pastor was Brother H. J. French whose pastorate lasted four years.

Rev. H. B. Hammerly followed French and was followed in turn by Rev. J. J. Enge. Enge was pastor in 1902 when the fiftieth anniversary was observed.

The following list gives the pastors down to the present day:

W. A. Lee	July 6, 1902- Aug. 30, 1903
F. F. Parsons	Sept. 1, 1903- Nov. 1, 1905
J. T. Sharman	Dec. 31, 1905- Oct. 15, 1911
John Johnson	Dec. 3, 1911- Oct. 15, 1915
J. Farrell	Nov. 28, 1915- Oct. 3, 1918
Victor H. Sword	Dec. 22, 1918- May 15, 1920
Rev. F. E. Fisher	June 10, 1920- July, 1920
W. W. Harris	Sept. 1, 1926- Nov., 1927
Rev. E. G. Hamley	Dec. 1, 1927- present

 

Mr. Hamley, who is well liked as a pastor and as a citizen, is a natural student and has done considerable work along the line of Indian History, including an interesting pamphlet on the Indian lore of Rice Lake.

The Baptist Parsonage was erected in 1916.

The trustees of this church are: Ed Thom, A. I. Kleeber, Joseph Greenwood.

The deacons: Frank Houghton, George Webley, Elmer Johnson, Edward Snyder.

 

FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH*

One of the older religious institutions in the city of Reedsburg is the First Presbyterian Church, located at the southeast corner of Second and North Park Streets, opposite the City Park. It was organized as a soeiety Nov. 22, 1857, with nineteen charter members, as follows: Chester Buck, Betsey D. Buck, Thomas Tait, Mary Tait, Lurney Buck, Lewis Gifford, Rosena Gifford, Mary M. Gifford, Denton Dalson, Irene Dalson, Sarah Lane, Pamelia Tator, Nelson Bowen, Elizabeth T. Northrup, Moses Young, Ann J. Mackey, John A. Conger. Rev. William Lusk, who accepted the charge Jan. 4, 1858, was the first pastor and continued in the pastorate until July 8, 1860. The first elders of the church were Chester Buck and Lewis Gifford.

The Session Records of the church, dated Dec. 31, 1858, record that "In the month of December we took possession of a new House of Worship, of the size of 60 x 38. To erect this church and gain a position has cost this church a great struggle, being weak in members and personal resources. But God gave the people generally a mind for the work, to His name be the Praise." Later, upon his return to the charge, under date of Nov. 1, 1869, Rev. William Lusk wrote, "With this month commenced the labors of William Lusk in this church, as a stated supply, having assumed charge of it the second time in accordance with a previous vote to complete the church edifice. Work was commenced thereon, April 25, 1870.

Following is a list of the ministers who have served the church:

William Lusk	Jan. 4, 1858- July 8, 1860
Timothy Williston	Sept. 23, 1860- April 21, 1861
William B. Hendryx	June 1, 1861- Sept. 1, 1866
A. S. Whitcomb	term ending Oct., 1869
William Lusk	Nov. 1, 1869- 1875
D. S. White	Sept. 20,1875- 1876
Henry L. Brown	Oct. 15, 1876- Oct. 1, 1879
O. H. Winchester	Dec. 19, 1880- Sept. 19, 1886
B. E. P. Prugh	May 15, 1887- June 1, 1888
A. V. C. Schenck, D. D.	June 17, 1888- June 17, 1890
J. C. Laughlin	July 6, 1890- June 26, 1894
E. S. Scott, D. D.	Dec. 18, 1896- Oct. 23, 1903
T. R. White	Jan 31, 1904- July 9, 1907
S. N. Wilson, D. D.	Sept. 10, 1908- Sept., 1916
Leslie A. Bechtel	Dec. 17, 1916- May 11, 1919
John U. Moorehead, D. D.	Nov. 16, 1919- Sept. 27, 1921
Harry B. Foster	March 1, 1925- Present Pastor

 

The present church property which replaces the old frame building consists of a very comfortable and well built cement block edifice, erected during the pastorate of Rev. T. R. White, at a cost exceeding $22,000 and dedicated Jan. 20, 1907; a pipe organ with additional chimes, costing approximately $5,500, the gift of Elder R. P. Perry; and a commodious and beautiful Dutch Colonial Manse, erected during the pastorate of Rev. Harry B. Poster, the gift of Mrs. Freda Meyer Nishan as a memorial to her aunt Mrs. Mary M. Rudd, a former member of the church.

The following constitute the official body of the church: Elders, R. P. Perry, C. E. Phillips, W. H. Ramsey, D. O.
Stine, E. C. Sedgwick, Adolph Fey, J. A. Lund, George Hoeverman, W. F. Winchester; Deacons, Otto Krause, Glen C. Howland, James C. Sedgwick, Max Krause, James M. Young, Charles A. Clark, Walter S. Craker, N. T. Gill, John Starner; Supt. of Sunday School, W. F. Winchester; Pres., of Ladies Missionary Society, Mrs. R. P. Perry; and President of the Ladies Aid, Mrs. C. E. Phillips.

 

ST. PETER'S LUTHERAN CHURCH

To the people of Reedsburg the St. Peter's Lutheran Church stands as the city's most conspicuous edifice, crowning a spot of great eminence at the northeast corner of the City Park, lifting its lofty spires high up into the sky, and giving to the townspeople the benefits derived from a great Town Clock. The site of the present structure is perhaps one of the more historical locations of the city, for it was here that L. Gay Sperry had his dwelling, and it was here that, at midnight, one night long years ago, a group of hopeful men gathered to unearth a chest of
hidden gold. See "A Letter Found by the Wayside or A Tale of Pirates," Part 1.

The first steps toward the organization of the church was made on November 16, 1967, when thirty-three men met and decided to establish a church. They were: D. Schweke, W. Stolte, F. Dargel, F. Meyer, F. Struck, J. Darger, J. Geffert, H. Huebing, J. Stolte, H. Grantin, J. Beckman, F. Brammert, R. Raetzman, J. Schulz, L. Droegemueller, N. Rosenthal, C. Rosenthal, R. Schultz, W. Dierks, A. Halbersleben, Christ Halbersleben, W. Von der Ohe, W. Stehr, C. Von der Olie, J. Wolle, Fred Peters, F. Schroeder, C. Schroeder, H. Hahn , August Pohlmann, H. Kipp, W. Geffert, Mr. Meikus, J. Fuhlbohn, H. Frommund, E. Graefke, F. Raetzmann, W. Raetzmann, J. Behn, H. Schulenburg, W. Dargel, H. Rieneke, W. Mever, J. Haganah, F. Dargel, J. Bart, W. Bart, A. Geffert, H. Meyer,
W. Gade, J. Mueller, H. R. Schulenburg. Of these Mr. Graefke is the only living charter member; William Krug, who joined the following May, is another living early member.

The following year the organization was completed and on May 11, 1868, Rev. Lucas was installed as pastor. Rev. Lucas left that same fall, and Rev. Christoff Kessler of the Westfield Church took over the pastoral duties, and retained them for one year, until 1869. Rev. Rohrlack was then called and began his pastorate on Aug. 22, 1869, and served until May, 1909. In 1870 the first church structure was erected, and in 1874 the first school was opened.

The new church was erected in 1908, and dedicated March 14, 1909, and five years later, in 1914 the present parsonage was built. A brick schoolhouse was put up in 1898, and an addition to it in 1924.

Upon the departure of Rev. Rohrlack, Rev. P. Schaller accepted a call to the church, and filled the pulpit from 1909 until March 26, 1916. At that time Rev. W. Kansier came to the congregation, and served until November, 1924, going from Reedsburg to Milwaukee, where his death occurred. He was followed here by Rev. C. A. Hardt, who served until Oct. 23, 1927, when the present incumbent, Rev. Carl Schinnerer accepted the call of the St. Peter's Lutheran Church. Rev. Shinnerer was installed Nov. 30, 1927.

 

THE CATHOLIC CHURCH

This brief record of the Catholic Church of Reedsburg, Winfield and Dellona, is taken from the Golden and Silver Jubilee Booklet compiled by Father Eugene Kernien, which was published in August, 1928.

As early as 1846 Irish immigrants settled in the townships of Winfield and Dellona and it was the Catholic Faith of these good people which caused the starting of the Catholic religion in its sincerity in the Upper Baraboo Valley. In those pioneer days there were few Priests and the distance which separated them from the Winfield and Dellona settlements, with the difficulties of transportation always to be taken into consideration, made it hard for the settlers to receive the spiritual consolation that they desired.

"Accordingly" wrote Father Eugene Kiernan, "under the direction of Father Stehle of Lyndon Station, we see them commencing the erection of Saints Church in Dellona in the year 1857, on land donated by Patrick Hickey, the fathier of John and Martin Hickey, and a few years later erecting the St. Patrick's Church in Winfield, on land donated by Martin Conway, whose family later moved away. Previous to the erection of the first church in 1857 there had been missions in Winfield and Dellona which had been attended by the Lyndon Station Priests. The Lyndon Station Priests continued to attend it, because there was no rectory at either of these new 'cells' at that time and the Priests were Fathers Godfry, Stehle, O'Neil, Montague and Conroy.

In 1872 a new parish rectory was built in Dellona and the Rt. Rev. Bishop Heiss appointed Father DeGoey, O.S.F.C., as first resident pastor, with St. Patrick's Church in Winfield as a mission. Previous to his coming to Dellona Father DeGoey gained the great distinction of having been the first Catholic chaplain appointed to the English Navy since the time of the Reformation. "

The history of the Sacred Heart Church of Reedsburg, dates from 1880, which was the year the first Catholic Church of Reedsburg was erected. For some time previous, however, there had been mass meetings, conducted by the Rev. Father White of Baraboo, in several private homes. As early as 1876 Mrs. E. F. Buelow, a resident of Reedsburg, began to circulate a subscription among those of her faith in the village, and in a few years the sum had amounted to enough so that in the fall of 1879 work was begun on the erection of a church. It was completed
in 1880, dedicated that spring, and cost $1,200. The subscribers to the fund and members of the parish were the familes of Paul Bishop, Patrick Tierney, Peter Byrne, Stephen Timlin, William Horkan, E. F. Buelow, Edward Timlin, Mrs. Frank Ingalls, William Boehn, Frank Meekler and Mrs. Lassallette.

Although Father White had attended mass in the community at an early date, he appears not to have been in any important way connected with the starting of the church here. Father Van Droste, rector of the Dellona parish, superintended the building of the church, and attended it for many years, it being but a mission, along with the St. Patrick's Church of Winfield, of the All Saints Church of Dellona. Father Van Droste was pastor from 1878 to 1882 and was followed by Father Conroy, who retained the pastorate until 1884.

The Jubilee Book reads: "In the year 1885, although the number of Catholics in Reedsburg was still very small, it was judged best by Bishop Flash that the priest should live in Reedsburg instead of Dellona, and thus Dellona, which for thirteen years had rejoiced in the presence of a resident pastor, became a mission to be attended by the pastor of the new parish of Reedsburg. The Dellona rectory, which, in those bygone days, must have been a mansion, has remained unoccupied for forty-three years, but still stands in good repair, giving silent testimony to the cherished consideration of that noble people.

In the year of 1885 Father James Campbell, the late lamented pastor of St. Patrick's parish at Elroy, was appointed
pastor, and thus became the first resident pastor of the new parish of Reedsburg. Father Campbell remained for four years (1889) and wis succeeded by Father Fitzpatrick, who in turn was succeeded bv the Very Rev. Dean Nevins, in the spring of 1892. Father Nevins pastorate extended over two years (until 1894) and then followed Rev. Hugh Duffy, who was the immediate predecessor of Father Condon, now of La Crosse.

Father Condon came to the parish in 1898, a man of youth, energy and zeal, and found in Reedsburg a sufficient vent for his untiring energies.

"The first thing to claim his attention," continues the Jubilee Book, "was a new home in which to live. The old rectory was far from sltisfaetory. A new one was of urgent necessity. And so, not knowing where the money was
coming from, but having full confidence that God would provide it, hbe built the present commodious and well-appointed parochial residence.

"But now a terrible calamity befell the poor little struggling congregation. Hardly had the debt on the new pastoral
residence been paid off when the old church, humble though it was, completely burned to the ground. Catholics and non-Catholics, in town and country, came to the rescue in response to the supplicating appeals of Father Condon, and in the fall of 1902 the cornerstone of the new edifice was laid. The following May (1903), the new church was dedicated under the title name of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus".

The final payment on the church debt was made in June, 1905. Shortly afterward Father Condon resigned and Father Donavan was appointed to the Sacred Heart Parish. Father Donovan remained for only a short time, to be followed, in December, same year (1905), by the good Father Delaney, who was, in turn, followed (in 1909) by the Rev. Father O'Reilly. Father O'Reilly's pastorate lasted until 1911, when the Rev. Father Kiernan, present Priest of the Parish, was appointed, by the Rt. Rev. Bishop Schwebach.

For the past seventeen years Father Kiernan has attended to the spiritual direction of the church and the Winfield and Dellona missions, and the parish had progressed and increased in membership until today it is looked upon as one of the most flourishing parishes in the Diocese of La Crosse.

The mission in Dellona is no longer a place of worship, modern modes of travel having brought the people of that community within a few minutes of the Reedsburg Church; but the Winfield Church is still in use, services being held there every third Sabbath. There are three Catholic cemeteries within the parish, the Winfield Cemetery, the Dellona Cemetery, and the new Catholic Cemetery just north of the Greenwood Cemetery, in Reedsburg. These cemeteries are treated separately elsewhere in this work.

THE ST. JOHN'S LUTHERAN CHURCH

The St. John's Lutheran Church, which last year (1928) celebrated its half-century anniversary, is one of the leading religious institutions of the city.

The Rev. Ludwig Schneider, its pastor since 1911, on the occasion of the anniversary, prepared an extensive history of the organization, and we reprint it here in part.

"In August of the year 1878, St. John's Lutheran congregation was organized, and it counted thirty-six on its roll of charter members. The officers elected were William Stolte, Sr., President; H. Fauteck, Vice President; William Raetzman, Secretary; P. Hagenah, Treasurer; and H. Kipp, W. Moldenhaurer and John Meyer were chosen trustees.

Of especial interest is the fact that William Stolte, Sr., who was the first president of the congregation, continued in this office from 1878, until the time of his death in 1912, except for two years, 1892-1893, when Mr. Carl Ende was President. Mr. Stolte was President for thirty-two years. Upon his death, Mr. William Stolte, his son, was elected to the presidency to succeed his father, and has continued in this capacity up to the present time.

 

During the early years various pastors served the congregation. In the early records appear the names of the following ministers: Rev. Deichman, Rev. E. Engehard, Rev. H. Winter, Rev. Charles Kessler. Up to this time there was no parsonage, for in the records of the year 1889 we read that a parsonage was purchased for the sum of $1,200. And in that year Rev. J. Keuling came to serve the congregation.

A school was built that same year. The congregation was growing and it became evident that more stress must be laid on the Christian education of the young. Certainly a great forward step, f or in this little schoolhouse many of the present members and generation received their fundamental Christian instruction.

The church choir was one of the earliest organizations within the church, and under the leadership of Mr. Herman Wischhoff, it was very popular. Mr. Wischhoff, as a member of the congregation, did not confine his activities to the choir, but extended them to many phases of the work of the church. The present imposing church tower was erected in 1892 and a large bell was placed in it. This was done during the pastorate of Rev. Hamfeld. That minister had accepted a call to St. John's in 1891 and served until 1895. During his pastorate, in 1892, the St. James congregation at LaValle was organized, and it has been served by the pastors of St. John's since then.

The Rev. W. Seidel followed Rev. Hamfeld, rendering spiritual services until 1901. His pastorate saw the organization of the Young Ladies Society. This society has proven to be an important factor in the progress of the church. Electric lights were installed in the church bv the society, and in 1903 they had the new altar built. The first officers of the Young Ladies Society, organized in 1896, were, Nannie Stolte, President; Dora Licht, Vice President; Maria Seidel, Treasurer and Rev. Seidel, Secretary.

Rev. A. Meyer followed Rev. Seidel in 1901, and continued his work until 1911. It was during his pastorate that St. John's began to support the work of the Joint Synod of Ohio. In 1905 the Augsburg Synod, of which Rev. Meyer was a meber, dissolved and thereupon Rev. Meyer joined the Ohio Synod. Another important event of Rev. Meyer's pastorate was the twenty-fifth anniversary of the founding of the church, which was observed in August, 1903. To commemorate that event three services were held and the three respective speakers were:
Rev. E. O. Giesel, Rev. E. Scherbel and Rev.  O. Kubitz.

Upon the resignation of Rev. Meyer, in April, 1911, Rev. Ludwig Schneider accepted the call to St. John's Church. He was of Trinity Lutheran Church, Birnamwood, Wis., but came directly to Reedsburg, and began, what has proved to be the longest pastorate of any one pastor in the history of St. John's Church. 1911 was an eventful year for the church. The spacious parsonage was erected that summer. The Ladies Aid was organized, and the officers were: Mrs. Schneider, President; Mrs. George Black, Secretary; and Mrs. Dora Heimer, Treasurer.

From time to time many improvements have been made in the church property. In 1913 the pipe organ was installed. This was due to the earnest efforts of the Young Ladies and Ladies Aid societies, who sponsored the movement and made it possible. In 1922 a basement was made under the church, with Sunday School rooms, a new furnace and a well equipped kitchen. Then in 1922 the two women's societies installed new pews and cork flooring.

In tribute to the sons of the congregation who died in the World War, in 1926, the relatives of the immortal heroes had art glass windows installed in the church.

THE UNITED BRETHREN CHURCH

In response to a request the Rev. G. W. Bechtolt, present pastor of the Reedsburg U. B. Church, jotted down the following sketch which gives the history of his church. It is one of the newer institutions of this city, organized by a God-fearing element of the local population, and has a great future before it.

The Reedsburg United Brethren Church was organized in May, 1916, with twenty-five charter members. The Wisconsin Conference of the U. B. Church backed the enterprise under the leadership of C. J. Roberts, who was Conference Superintendent. At that conference G. W. Bechtolt, then pastor of the Lime Ridge circuit, was appointed to select a church site. The Albert H. Clark property, at the corner of West Avenue and West Main Street, was purchased under date (according to deed) of April 24, 1916. This is the site upon which the present
new brick church stands.

The Clark house, which stood near the corner, was used for a parsonage, and a temporary chapel was erected by the Reedsburg Supply Co., size 24 by 44 feet, on the present parsonage site.

Mr. Bechtolt served as pastor two years, until November, 1918; and then he was elected Superintendent of the Conference with which he remained until recalled to the pastorate in 1927. He was followed by Rev. O. A. Cheek of Ohio, who served the congregation the year of 1919. Then came Rev. L. E. Warren, for three years, 1920, 1921 and 1922; he, in turn, was followed by Rev. J. Hart Trusdale. He was succeeded bv Rev. W. H. Adams, the immediate predecessor of the present pastor.

"The construction of the new brick church was begun in 1922. Mr. Truesdale had come into the pastorate before the work began. The little chapel was raised and the Clark house, which was brick veneer, was moved back and located on its present site. The brick was removed and the exterior lathed and stuccoed. The church was reared in the corner of the lot, and is a fine, modern church, well equipped with heating and lighting fixtures, and a kitchen. The church construction was under the direction of Eugene C. Miller and Will Townsend, involving an expenditure of less than $20,000.00. It was dedicated June 10, 1923, by Bishop H. H. Fout of Indianapolis, Ind."

The windows of the new church were donated by members of the congregation, and either bear the names of the donors or of relatives to whose memory they are dedicated. The names that appear on the nameplates are as follows:

Mrs. Thomas Johnson	Sunday School, Junior and Senior
Orra Kirkpatrick	Kirkpatrick
Rev. and Mrs. G. W. Bechtoldt	Haines
Bishop H. H. Fout	Wm. Viette and wife
Albert Outcalf	Mrs. and Mrs. Westly Viette
Mr. and Mrs. E. C. Miller	Brotherhood Aid Society
Mr. and Mrs. James R. Truesdale	The Phillips Family
Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Smith	J. L. Markham and wife
The George W. Bible family	V. O. Bailey and wife
Mr. and Mrs. C. M. Kester	Swafford
Joshua Bible and wife	Heinkins
W. M. A. and O. G.	Roy W. Langdon
	Will Townsend, Builder

The big window on the north side, overlooking Main Street, was put in by the congregation and dedicated In Memory of Our Country's Defenders (the soldiers of the World War). It is a vision of the Goddess of Liberty. In her right hand is a purple distaff; and in her left hand is a wreath or crown of Glory; behind the wreath is a clump of Easter lilies.

Other gifts to the church are:

The Pulpit. This is the gift of George Feight.

The Bell. This is dedicated to the memory of Mrs. Hattie Kirkpatrick, and is the gift of her children, Ernest, Charles, Orra, Bruce, Bert and Rene (Mrs. Bert Beaumont).

A United States Flag. This is the patriotic generosity of the Woman's Relief Corps. The trustees are: Orra Kirkpatrick, J. M. Haines, J. L. Markham.

The United Brethren Church has a membership of about one hundred and twenty-eight members.

CHURCH OF GOD

The congregation of the Church of God, Reedsburg, was organized May 1, 1910, in the Eagle Hall. At that meeting a set of by-laws were drawn by attorney Gottfried, and unanimously adopted. Those who had signed the Articles of Organization some time previously, were: Mrs. Cal Smith, Mrs. Sarah Luhrten, Mrs. Mary Martin, Mrs. Nellie Watts, Mrs. Jennie Pixley, August Meyer, his wife, Wilhelmine, Willis Rockwell, Edward W. Meyer, James B. Borders and Annie E. Davis. Besides these, there were present at the meeting of May 1st, Mr. F. W. Luhrsen, Mrs. Sarah Bishop and others whose names are not recorded. Mr. Lubrsen acted as chairman of the meeting, and Mrs. Bishop assumed the secretaryship.

Mrs. Bishop, an ordained minister of the Gospel, served the congregation for ten years, the services being held in different halls in the city. In 1920 work on a new modern church edifice was begun, by E. E. Bishop, construction contractor. The building was completed that winter and dedicated in May, 1921. Continuing in the pastorate until January, 1922, Mrs. Bishop was followed by the present pastor, Rev. Charles H. Whittney, who came here from Rockford, Ill. He assumed his duties April 1, 1922.

 

REEDSBURG CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

The first steps toward the organization of a Chamber of Commerce in Reedsburg were taken on Sept. 7, 1921, when George Morse, N. T. Gill, D. G. Schweke, Ed. Clement, August Siefert, Henry Verthein and Scott Huntley met and moved that one be organized. At this meeting Mr. Morse presided as chairman; Scott Huntley was secretary. On Sept. 9, another meeting was held, and there was an enthusiastic turn-out, and the C. of C. was assured. At the third meeting a committee on constitution and by-laws was appointed, consisting of the following
businessmen: W. F. Doyle, H. E. Kjorstad, H. B. Quimby, C. H. Stone and Gus Hass, and on Oct. 11, the constitution and by-laws were adopted.

The next meeting came of Oct. 25, 1921. At this meeting officers and directors were chosen as follows: George T. Morse, President; W. F. Doyle, Second President; N. T. Gill, Treasurer. The directors were elected for terms of one, two and threeyears.

One year-  D. G. Schweke, N. T. Gill, B. R. Harper, G. T. Morse, George Seamans, W. F. Ehlert, Scott Huntley.

Two years- H. W. Verthien, Conrad Wiesler, T. C. Ninman, W. A. Stolte, H. B. Quimby, P. J. Manly, W. F. Doyle.

Three years- E. Clement, Otto Krause, Theo. Schluter, A. O. Sorge, C. E. Phillips, Glen Howland.

Since its organization the Reedsburg Chamber of Commerce has held meetings regularly once a month, and the first annual banquet was held April 20, 1922. The work of the Chamber has been to promote general welfare in the community, and to sponsor and encourage public sentiment along many lines. A brief resume of its activities is worthy of record. It supported the Reedsburg-Mauston road project; created sentiment for night mail service; urged the installition of the White Way lighting system; recommended the swimming pool to the City Council; helped promote the American Legion Band; supported the Near East Relief Fund drire; adopted the slogan REEDSBURG, THE MARKET CENTER OF SAUK COUNTY; recommended that Main Street be made an Arterial Highway; supported the passing of the Parking Ordinance; sponsored the Fall Festival, Oct. 1 and 2, 1923; contributed to the fund for the relief of German Children; sponsored the observance of Patriotic Holidays; contributed to the fund for equipping the Ann Stone Memorial Park, West Side; provided lunch for Farmers Institute, January, 1927; encouraged the Boy Scout movement; made arrangements for the Reedsburg Air-Port, 1928, first in the Upper Baraboo Valley; sponsored the High School Agricultural Fair, fall of 1927 and 1928, and started a movement that appears to become annual; sponsored County School Board meeting in Armory, fall, 1928; deserves especial mention for its influential interest in promoting road improvements in the vicinity of Reedsburg.

The current officers of the Reedsburg Chamber of Commerce are: Arthur Hulburt, President; B. R. Harper, Vice
President; Conrad G. Wiesler, Treasurer; and H. B. Quimby, Secretary.

 

THE REEDSBURG BANK

As the pioneer financial institution of the city, the Reedsburg Bank has stood for security, and is one of the ranking banks in the state of Wisconsin. It was established in the winter of 1867-68, by the Mackey, Rudd & Company, as a private bank. The partners were Joseph Mackey, E. O. Rudd and J. W. Lusk. The latter named two soon withdrew, however, and until 1877 Mr. Mackey conducted it alone, but that vear he engaged in other enterprises and left the city. For a number of years there after George Morse was a prominent man in the institution, occupying the position of cashier, until 1887. In 1887 David B. Rudd and R. P. Perry became the principal stockholders, and William B. Smith was made cashier. This management continued for some years, and in 1895 the bank was incorporated under the state banking laws, and capitalized at $50,000.

Mr. Rudd served as President until his death in 1896, and was followed in that capacity by R. P. Perry. Two years
later Mr. Smith's association ceased and Walter F. Winchester became cashier. At an early date Otto Krause entered the bank, and in 1912, when Mr. Winchester was chosen Vice President, he became cashier. For the past year or more Mr. Perry and Mr. Winchester have been retired from the capacities of high office, and the present officers are as follows: R. P. Perry, Chairman of the Board; Otto Krause, President; John F. Hickey, Vice President; and J. Harold Hickey, Asst. Cashier; Elmer Kutsbach, Asst. Cashier; Paul S. Schultz, Asst. Cashier.

At the present time the bank has a capital and surplus of  $150,000.00.

THE CITIZEN'S BANK

The Citizen's Bank of Reedsburg was organized as a private institution by Chas. Keith, M. Finch, George T. Morse and W. F. Winchester and opened for business on January 24, 1887, with the following officers and directors: Chas. Keith, President; M. Finch, Vice President, and George T. Morse, Cashier. It was incorporated as a state bank under the Wisconsin state banking laws in 1892.

In 1893 Chas. Keith retired as President, and George Morse was elected his successor. August Siefert was chosen Vice President, which position he held until his death on August 29, 1928. William Riggert became Cashier in 1896 and served in that capacity until 1920, when he became President, upon the retirement of Mr. Morse. Mr. Riggert remained President until his death in 1921.

In 1903 Hugo Riggert was made Assistant Cashier, and served as such until 1920, when he was elected Cashier, holding that position until 1926. Conrad G. Wiesler entered the bank in 1920, succeeding Hugo Riggert as Assistant Cashier; but upon the death of Mr. Wm. Riggert he was chosen President and now holds that position. Victor H. Kansier succeeded Mr. Wiesler as Assistant Cashier in 1924, and continued in that office until elected Cashier in 1926, succeeding Hugo Riggert. Herman C. Miller followed Mr. Kansier as Assistant cashier, and holds that position at the present time.

The directors of the bank are Alfred Bernien, C. E. Phillips, Henry F. Schewe, Henry Thieman and Conrad Wiesler. The officers and employees are Conrad Wiesler, President; Victor Kansier, Cashier; Herman Miller, Assistant Cashier; Miss Lucille A. Siemandel, Bookkeeper; and Miss Nina M. Fish, Stenographer.

The bank has occupied the same site since the date of its organization, and has a recently modernized, up-to-date building, well equipped with a substantial reinforced concrete vault, electric burgular alarm and ladies' rest room. The Citizens Bank has been in business for over forty years, during which time it has shown steady growth both in deposits and service to the city and community. The present front was created in 1923.

THE STATE BANK

The State Bank of Reedsburg was organized in 1898 with a capital stock of thirty thousand dollars. The orlglnal stock holders were John P. Stone, Wm. B. Smith, Martin Hickey, John Hager, John Crook, James A. Stone, Frank Darrenougue, H. A. Darrow, Fred A. Young, A. S. Winckler, C. A. Rood, and Henry Vorlop. The original directors were John P. Stone, C. A. Rood, John Hager, John Crook, and Wm. B. Smith, and the officers were, President, John P. Stone; Vice President, C. A. Rood; Cashier, Wm. B. Smith; and Assistant Cashier, A. S. Winckler. The bank opened for business on March 10, 1898, having rented of the Masonic lodge the building now occupied by the Atlantic and Pacific Tea Co., just east of the present quarters of The Reedsburg Bank.

W. B. Smith served as Cashier until his death in 1904, at which time he was succeeded by N. T. Gill. Mr. Gill remained as Cashier of the bank until August 10, 1928, resigning at that time to take the position of Secretary of The Madison Trust Co. of Madison, Wisconsin. He was succeeded as Cashier by W. U. Hahn, who is the present Cashier of the bank. Mr. Gill had occupied the position of Assistant Cashier for about a year before he was elected Cashier and Mr. Hahn was Assistant Cashier from 1908 to 1928. The office of President was held by John P.
Stone from the organization of the bank until the date of his death on July 19, 1925. He was succeeded by Chas. H. Stone, his son, who is the present President of the bank. C. A. Rood, the first Vice President, remained in that position until his death in 1920. He was succeeded by Martin Hickey, who is Vice President at the present time. In 1910 Miss Theresa M. Timlin was employed as bookkeeper. She was later elected to the position of Assistant Cashier and now holds that position. The other position of Assistant Cashier is held by C. E. Schweitzer, who came to the bank on September 4, 1928 from the Bowmanville National Bank of Chicago. The position of bookkeeper has been filled by Marguerite Struebing, F. M. Finck, Rollin Hickey, Juanita Miller, Ernesta Gahagan, and Raymond Riggert, who is the present incumbent. Miss Margaret Schroeder is employed as stenographer.

The directors of the bank are Chas. H. Stone, Martin Hickey, N. T. Gill, W. H. Hahn and Phillip Schweke.

The bank has shown a consistent growth in assets, having increased its total resources from the start of thirty thousand dollars in 1898 to approximately two million dollars in 1928. The capital and surplus of the bank has been increased in keeping with its growth of assets, the present capital being one hundred thousand dollars and the surplus and undivided profits over one hundred fifty thousand dollars, making a total capitalization of over two hundred fifty thousand dollars, which is in excess of that of any bank between Madison and La Crosse.

The bank occupied its original quarters until April, 1921, when it moved to its present location at the corner of Main and Walnut Streets. A part of the Hotel Huntly had previously been purchased for banking purposes and equipped with modern fixtures and spacious vaults of the best approved type of construction. The bank occupies floor space of approximately forty by eighty feet and has ample room to accommodate its growing business. The bank claims to be an integral part of the community, having grown and developed with the development of the community and showing in its report a larger amount of money loaned and invested in the business of the community than any other bank of the county or in this part of the state.