History of Lafayette county, Wisconsin, containing an account of its settlement, growth, development and resources; an extensive and minute sketch of its cities, towns and villages ... its war record, biographical sketches ... the whole preceded by a history of Wisconsin, statistics of the state, and an abstract of its laws and constitution, and of the constitution of the United States

Front matter

^BmiL

:5(:-.-.:^

OP

Preface

THIS WORK was commenced with a specific object in view, which was to place upon record, in a reliable manner and in permanent form, whatever incidents of importance have transpired within the region of which La Fayette County is now a part. As a necessary preliminary to this work, a brief history of the entire district now known as Wisconsin is given, together with such valuable facts concerning the antiquities of the Northwest as science has revealed. Following along this plan of labor, the history of the Lead Region, with an ample geological and mineralogical sketch thereof, is detailed from trustworthy sources. The more local records embrace the narrative of settlement in the early times that tried the courage and endurance of the heroic pioneers ; a recital of the bravery of La Fayette's citizen-soldiers in the Indian wars ; a description of the characteristic deeds of the representative men of the county, and a complete delineation of the events of the past half-century. In the history of the county will be found incidents, reminiscences and anecdotes, which serve to spice the more statistical portions of the work. In the preparation of this volume, many men of experience have patiently examined record books, intelligently conversed with pioneers, and carefully compiled the fruits of their industrious researches. The chief value of the history lies in the fact that not only was the original matter gathered first-handed from the participants in many of the scenes, but in the fact, of still greater importance, that the proof-sheets have been submitted for correction to many of the oldest settlers. Herein is furnished a truthful reflex of the times and deeds of by-gone days, and it is hoped that the present generation will feel that pride in the work which future generations are surely destined to do. The publishers are aware that all persons cannot be pleased, but impartial and conscientious efforts must eventually be accepted at their true worth. Upon that faith is this volume submitted to the public with confidence.

Thanks are herein expressed to the scores of Pioneers, the County OflBcials, the Clergy and the Press for the uniform courtesy extended the compilers.

February, 1881. THE PUBLISHERS.

CHICAGO :

CULVER, PAGE, HOYNB & CO., PRINTERS,

118 AND 120 MpNKoE StIibet.

1 , .