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A History of Iowa County Wisconsin 1881
Publisher: Chicago, Western Historical Company
Reproduction done by Whipporwill Publications: Evansville, IN
(Resource: History of Iowa County Wisconsin 1881.Publisher: Chicago,
Western Historical Company. Reproduction done by Whipporwill
Publications: Evansville, IN. Pg. ).
Iowa County Agricultural Society pg.579
" In June 1851, a number of citizens, resident in Mineral Point
and surrounding districts, organized the pioneer agricultural society of
the county. The officers were H.L. Leffingwell, (President), Henry M.
Billings, Levi Sterling, P.O'Dowd, John Hand, F. J. Dunn and George
Goldthorp (Vice President), William Smith (Secretary), Samuel Crawford
(Treasurer). The new association held its inaugural fair in October of
the same year. C.C. Washburn and Francis J. Dunn delivered addresses on
the occasion, and the exhibition was characterized as an unqualified
success. However, that may be, the October meeting was the first and
last gathering under the above auspices. Individual exertion revived the
defunct society in June, 1856, when at a "Mass Convention" in
Dodgeville, re-organization was effected. H.M. Billings, John Ellwood
and Joseph Mortell were appointed to report and draft a constitution. In
the interim the following officers were elected: Ho. H.M. Billings
(President), Samuel Hendy, Levi Sterling (Vice President) and L.W.
Joiner (Vice President), George Messersmith (Recording Secretary), L.H.
D. Cane (Corresponding Secretary) Phillip Eddy (Treasurer). The
committee on a constitution reported, and, in accordance with their
report, the appended names of Representatives were added to the
Executive Committee; John James (Waldwick), John Baker (Linden), Caleb
Sylvester (Mifflin), David McFarland (Highland), Watkin Watkins
(Dodgeville), Joseph Roberts (Ridgeway), W.A. Brisbane (Arena), O.F.
Savage (Wyoming), David Bigelow (Clyde), Asa Patterson (Pulaski), Thomas
Berry (Mineral Point) (Resource: History of Iowa County Wisconsin
1881.Publisher: Chicago, Western Historical Company. Reproduction done
by Whipporwill Publications: Evansville, IN. Pg. 579).
An enclosure of five acres contiguous to the town hall (Dodgeville)
was prepared for the reception of live stock , and the adjoining town
hall was utilized for a display of treasures selected from the kingdoms
of art, manufactures and agriculture. The premium list aggregated
$138.75. President Billings delivered the opening oration. The fair was
held on October 1, 1856. In the ensuing year, none but members were
allowed to exhibit, but as each exhibitor could qualify on payment of
$1, the objection provided a profitable income to the society. The dates
of this exhibit were September 16 and 17, 1857. The rate of admission
was limited to one dime ($.10). The fairs of 1858 and 1859 occupied the
original location. The latter exhibition was painfully marked by a
regrettable accident, which resulted in the death of a Miss Wells, who,
by the collapse of a revolving swing, sustained fatal injuries. During
1859, provided the society purchased twenty acres of land of Col. Thomas
Stephens for a fair ground. Four acres were sold, and the money thus was
expended in the construction of fences and suitable buildings. Here the
fair has been held up to date (1881). (Resource: History of Iowa County
Wisconsin 1881.Publisher: Chicago, Western Historical Company.
Reproduction done by Whipporwill Publications: Evansville, IN. Pg.579 ).
Southwestern Wisconsin Industrial Association -
"A preliminary meeting of the citizens of Mineral Point and
vicinity was held at the city hall in the afternoon of May 8, 1871, to
discuss the propriety of organizing a society for the encouragement of
agriculture and mechanical pursuits. The meeting was called to order by
Dr. George D. Wilber, and, upon motion of John J. Ross, James Toay was
appointed Chairman and William H. Peck, Secretary. After an exchange of
views, a committee, consisting of Dr. G.D. Wilber, James H. Spensley and
John J. Ross was appointed to draft a constitution and by-laws, which
was reported and adopted at the next meeting of the society May 22,
1871. The organization being effected, the society then procured a lease
of seventeen acres of land from John J. Ross, which
they fitted up for, and held the first fair early in September of 1871.
The excellent management of the officers and executive committee
rendered this first effort a flattering success. A half-mile track for
horse-racing was made, and succeeding fairs were held in 1872-1873.
Early in 1874, the members of this society desiring to conform to the
State Laws, and thereby receive State Aid, adopted March 5, Article
of Association, signed by John H. Vivian, Thomas Priestley, R.D.
Pulford, John Clowney, John J. Ross, H.M. Oliver, T.S. Ansley and John
Hoare. The first section of those articles declared, 'This society shall
be known and designated as 'The Southwestern Wisconsin Industrial
Association,' and shall be located at the city of Mineral Point, Iowa
County, Wisconsin, where all its meetings, fairs and exhibitions shall
be held. The purposes of this association are hereby declared to be the
encouragement of the agricultural and mineral resources of Southwestern
Wisconsin.' The membership of this society is limited to the territory
embracing Iowa, LaFayette and Grant Counties. Successful fairs have been
held annually, the society never yet failing to pay premiums and
legitimate expenses in full. The association have just completed
negotiations for the purchase of new ground, consisting of thirty acres,
west of and adjoining Graceland Cemetery. This excellent location, when
fitted with race course, floral hall, stalls, etc., will cost the
society $3,500. The present (1881)floral hall was erected in 1875, at a
cost of $1,200." (Resource: History of Iowa County Wisconsin
1881.Publisher: Chicago, Western Historical Company. Reproduction done
by Whipporwill Publications: Evansville, IN. Pg.705-706 ).
1851:
" In June 1851, a number of citizens, resident in Mineral Point
and surrounding districts, organized the pioneer agricultural society of
the county. The officers were H.L. Leffingwell, (President), Henry M.
Billings, Levi Sterling, P.O'Dowd, John Hand, F. J. Dunn and George
Goldthorp (Vice President), William Smith (Secretary), Samuel Crawford
(Treasurer). The new association held its inaugural fair in October of
the same year. C.C. Washburn and Francis J. Dunn delivered addresses on
the occasion, and the exhibition was characterized as an unqualified
success. However, that may be, the October meeting was the first and
last gathering under the above auspices. Individual exertion revived the
defunct society in June, 1856, when at a a "Mass Convention"
in Dodgeville, re-organization was effected. H.M. Billings, John Ellwood
and Joseph Mortell were appointed to report and draft a constitution. In
the interim the following officers were elected: Ho. H.M. Billings
(President), Samuel Hendy, Levi Sterling (Vice President) and L.W.
Joiner (Vice President), George Messersmith (Recording Secretary), L.H.
D. Cane (Corresponding Secretary) Phillip Eddy (Treasurer). The
committee on a constitution reported, and, in accordance with their
report, the appended names of Representatives were added to the
Executive Committee; John James (Waldwick), John Baker (Linden), Caleb
Sylvester (Mifflin), David McFarland (Highland), Watkin Watkins
(Dodgeville), Joseph Roberts (Ridgeway), W.A. Brisbane (Arena), O.F.
Savage (Wyoming), David Bigelow (Clyde), Asa Patterson (Pulaski), Thomas
Berry (Mineral Point) (Resource: History of Iowa County Wisconsin
1881.Publisher: Chicago, Western Historical Company. Reproduction done
by Whipporwill Publications: Evansville, IN. Pg. 579).
_ This was the first Agricultural Society in Wisconsin. According to,
"Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer
Protection, A History", Wisconsin did not establish a State
Agricultural Society until 1853. The County Agricultural Societies were
not established until 1856. (Resource: "Wisconsin Department of
Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection, A History", training
manual, published in 2002. Pg. 9-10).
_ Spring of 1850 effected the region with a lull in business due to
miners of the community moving to California during the gold rush.
"Business was restored to equanimity in 1851and 1852, when a reflux
set in, and money was received from the gold fields to cheer the
desolate ones at home." (pg.678). "On January 30, 1851,
California fever broke out anew in this district, and from primary
indications, promised to surpass the exodus of the preceding
spring." (pg. 679) (Resource: History of Iowa County Wisconsin
1881.Publisher: Chicago, Western Historical Company. Reproduction done
by Whipporwill Publications: Evansville, IN.).
1851 Cholera Plague - "Southwest Wisconsin was a scene of
total confusion in the year 1849 and again in 1851, when Asiatic Cholera
spread into the area. Almost all business ceased and many people
abandoned their homes. Bonfires were kept burning and disinfectants were
used liberally. A survivor had this recollection:
"When the plague came, almost everyone in the villages picked up
a few belongings, abandoned their houses, and rushed to the open prairie
to live until the disease had passed."
("Walking Tour of Historic Dodgeville, Wisconsin".
Dodgeville Historic Preservation Commission. Published August 1995.
Feature #10)
"In 1850, the Asiatic Cholera ran wild through some portions of
the county, and scores in the apparent enjoyment ob buoyant health
suddenly took on the pale seal of the Master of Immortality and were
laid to rest in the village churchyard. To attempt to trace the ravages
of the epidemic would be futile indeed Here the contagion made its
appearance in the middle of July, and lasted until the latter part of
August." (Resource: History of Iowa County Wisconsin
1881.Publisher: Chicago, Western Historical Company. Reproduction done
by Whipporwill Publications: Evansville, IN. Pg. 747).
1855
"The first band was organized in 1855; the town board had charge
of the instruments, which were bought by subscription. Josiah Paull was
the leader of this band, which held together until about 1859."
(Resource: History of Iowa County Wisconsin 1881.Publisher: Chicago,
Western Historical Company. Reproduction done by Whipporwill
Publications: Evansville, IN. Pg. 754). It is probably a safe guess that
this band played during the first fair in 1856 until 1859. It also
states another band was started in 1860-1874 and as of 1881 is sounds as
if the band is fading and in need of recruiting.
1856:
Dodgeville - Iowa County Agricultural Society
President: H.M. Billings
Vice President: Samuel Hendy, Levi Sterling, L.W. Joiner
Secretary: George Messersmith
Treasurer: Phillip Eddy
Dates: October 1 & 2, 1856 (Dodgeville)
Annual Address: H.M. Billings
Receipts: None listed
Distribution: $195.66
(Resource: History of Iowa County Wisconsin 1881.Publisher: Chicago,
Western Historical Company. Reproduction done by Whipporwill
Publications: Evansville, IN. Pg.580).
"Legislature authorized the creation of county agricultural
societies (ch.74, Laws of 1856). Two years later, the legislature
appropriated $100 to each county agricultural society that raised a
matching amount (ch. 53, Law of 1858). County agricultural societies
used the funds for county fair premiums and other expenses."
(Resource: "Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer
Protection, A History", training manual, published in 2002. Pg.
10).
_
1857:
Dodgeville - Iowa County Agricultural Society
President: H.M. Billings
Vice President: S. Hendy, Levi Sterling, Caleb Sylvester
Secretary: L.H. D. Crane
Treasurer: Richard Arundell
Dates: September 16 & 17, 1857 (Dodgeville)
Receipts: None listed
Distribution: None listed
(Resource: History of Iowa County Wisconsin 1881.Publisher: Chicago,
Western Historical Company. Reproduction done by Whipporwill
Publications: Evansville, IN. Pg.580 ).
"The first train arrived in Mineral Point June 17, 1857"
(Resource: History of Iowa County Wisconsin 1881.Publisher: Chicago,
Western Historical Company. Reproduction done by Whipporwill
Publications: Evansville, IN. Pg. 530).
_ " The gold fever of 1849 had its effect upon the miners here,
as elsewhere, and the panic of 1857 retarded somewhat the growth of the
village, but during the War of the Rebellion business again increased,
the value of mineral was greatly enhanced and the apathy consequent to
the panic was overcome."(Resource: "Memoirs of Iowa County
Wisconsin" Vol. 1, In 2 vol.. Edited by George and Robert Crawford.
Published: Northwestern Historical Association 1913. pg.181).
1858:
Dodgeville - Iowa County Agricultural Society
President: H. M. Billings
Vice President: S. Hendy, Levi Sterling
Secretary: L.H. D. Cane
Treasurer: Richard Arundell
Date: October 1 & 2, 1858 (Dodgeville)
Receipts: None listed
Distribution: None listed
(Resource: History of Iowa County Wisconsin 1881.Publisher: Chicago,
Western Historical Company. Reproduction done by Whipporwill
Publications: Evansville, IN. Pg.580 ).
"The legislature appropriated $100 to each county agricultural
society that raised a matching amount (ch. 53, Law of 1858). County
agricultural societies used the funds for county fair premiums and other
expenses." (Resource: "Wisconsin Department of Agriculture,
Trade and Consumer Protection, A History", training manual,
published in 2002. Pg. 10).
The County Seat War began. "The first presentment of the
impending trouble, loomed up on the political horizon in 1855, when two
petitions were presented to the Legislature, praying for the removal of
the county seat (Dodgeville was making the request). One memorial,
comprising 1,300 signatures, favored the selection of Dodgeville, and
the other representing the views of 600 voters, urged the eligibility of
Linden."(Resource: History of Iowa County Wisconsin 1881.Publisher:
Chicago, Western Historical Company. Reproduction done by Whipporwill
Publications: Evansville, IN. Pg.517).
"The majority of your committee are well
acquainted with all sections and portions of the county of Iowa, and,
while they readily admit the fact, that, in ordinary cases, the county
seat should be as near as practicable to the geographical center of the
county, yet there may be, and often are, instances where it is equally
or more convenient and desirable to the whole people of the county, as a
community, that the seat of justice should be located at a point quite
remote from the geographical center. Such an instance, in the opinion of
your committee, is presented by the county of Iowa, as at present
exhibited and settledThe County seat of Iowa County as at present
bounded and organized, was located at Mineral Point by a vote of the
peole, after a spirited contest in 1847, since which time the
inhabitants of the county have with great unanimity acquiesced in its
permanent location there. At that point, the county has all the
necessary buildings for county purposes." (Resource: History of
Iowa County Wisconsin 1881.Publisher: Chicago, Western Historical
Company. Reproduction done by Whipporwill Publications: Evansville, IN.
Pg.517).
"The question of removal was mooted again in
1858 (the first year Mineral Point decided to break away and have their
own Fair), and a bill introduced into Legilsature, submitting the
question to the vote of the electors at the general elections in the
following November. This bill passed a final reading and was approved
April 28, 1858." (Resource: History of Iowa County Wisconsin
1881.Publisher: Chicago, Western Historical Company. Reproduction done
by Whipporwill Publications: Evansville, IN. Pg. 517). After much
legislation and involving the military to control the anger between the
two cities the Supreme Court became involved a final decision was
reached on July 11, 1859 for the County Seat be in Dodgeville versus
Mineral Point. (Resource: History of Iowa County Wisconsin
1881.Publisher: Chicago, Western Historical Company. Reproduction done
by Whipporwill Publications: Evansville, IN. Pg. 518).
Mineral Point - Industrial Arts Union
President:
Vice President:
Secretary:
Treasurer: John F. Tramel
Dates: October 13 & 14, 1858
The newspaper article, 'Weekly Tribune, October 18, 1858; "List
of Premiums", states that this is the first Fair Mineral Point has
held. "Awarded by the Mineral Point Industrial Art Union, at their
First Annual Fair held at Mineral Point on the 13th and 14th
days of October 1858." No newspaper article prior has indicated any
different.
1859
Dodgeville - Iowa County Agricultural Society
President: H.M. Billings
Vice President: L.W. Joiner, John U. Baker, John Ellwood
Secretary: C.G. Blessing
Treasurer: Richard Arundell
Dates: October 6 & 7, 1859 (Dodgeville)
Receipts: $476.80
Disbursements: $ 542.25
(Resource: History of Iowa County Wisconsin 1881.Publisher: Chicago,
Western Historical Company. Reproduction done by Whipporwill
Publications: Evansville, IN. Pg. 580).
Mineral Point- Industrial Arts Union
President.: General John B. Terry
Vice Presidents: John Bracken, Colonel Thomas Stevens, James R. Ross.
Secretary: John P. Tramel
Treasurer: L. H. Writtlesey
Executive Committee for the Industrial Arts Union:
T. S. Allen, Mineral Point.
James Toay and C. W. Newell, Linden
John Van Meter, Fayette
Moses Whitesides, Elk Grove
George Messersmith, Dodgeville
William P. Ruggle, Ridgeway
Chas H. Cox, Mineral Point
L. M. Strong, Highland
John Adams, Adamsville
Major Barton, Warren, Illinois
James Prideaux, Grant County.
(Resource : Newspaper article from the Weekly Tribune. January, 1859.
"Industrial Arts Union") |
