Looking Back; Unity, WI History 3

UNITY HIGH SCHOOL, UNITY, WISCONSIN

BY MODERN HISTORY CLASS OF 1933 – 1934

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. History of Village of Unity

2. History of Township of Unity

3. History of Township of Brighton

Often as we gaze upon the settlement of Unity, We would naturally wonder how this place came into existence. We do not realize how really interesting and valuable its history actually is until we have the opportunity to read or hear about it. Most people, particularly the younger generation are ignorant of the many interesting facts concerning their home.

Those of us whose minds recall back to 1871, know that such a place as Unity did not exist, in fact there were few divisions of the counties, Portage county making up almost all of Wisconsin. In that same year on April the first, in spite of the day the outcome did not prove to be such a joke as would be expected, Edmund Creed and Fritz Henry Darling ventured into the wilderness where Unity is now situated. These men, coming from Nelsonville, Wisconsin, to look over a tract of land about eight miles east of here, accidentally stumbled onto an Indian trail, which led to the beginning of this village.

Being quite satisfied with the location of the trail, they journeyed to Wausau where they filed claims on this land, Mr. Darling receiving 160 acres and Mr. Creed 40.

They, being very anxious to inform their wives of the claims, returned to Nelsonville. Mr. Creed's young Frau of twenty-two was very enthusiastic about the condition and location of the new territory and persuaded Edmund to return here to build a home, that his family might come here to settle. They then began construction of a log house near the surveyed road. As there was no other town between here and Stevens Point their supplies had to be brought from there by ox teams. Mr. Creed and Mr. Darling completed this home late in the winter of 1872. In the spring of that year Mr. Creed moved his family and Mr. and Mrs. Oliver Yerks here to take up their residence in the log cabin.

No roads or railroads were yet in existence through this country, so the families moved here from Nelsonville by Oxen and Wagon. It was a long difficult journey, but the pioneer blood in these people would not let them give up. Of course many hardships were encountered, such as loss of cattle and horses, even this did not discourage them.

Shortly after the arrival of these families, Mr. Darling also returned here. He at once set to work in building a house near the Creed home, that his family might also dwell in the new region.

The surveying of a railroad had begun as a result of other chance observers in this territory. It was an entirely new project for the beginning of a village. No doubt, a letter was occasionally written to old friends or relatives at home. There were no trains or trucks to accommodate that phase of the problems. As a result pioneers were absolutely satisfied with receiving and sending mail once a week by a man on horseback journeying from Stevens to Superior. Of course these letters had to be delivered to one central station. Therefore Mr. Creed took over the responsibility of having the temporary post office in his home and also secured a permit to be Postmaster. The few families that received or send mail would thus come to the Creed home and attend such affairs. Naturally there were no special boxes or even the arrangement of a post office as we see it today. The mail was merely placed in a bag whose contents were emptied and sorted as each member called.

Gradually new settlers chanced through the region and being quite satisfied with the prospects took up a dwelling place. It was growing cold and snow had begun to fall, so some of these newcomers could not begin the construction for a home. Mrs. Creed's hospitality was shown at this moment, by taking these poor souls under her own roof. Therefore three families spent the entire winter in the one-room home of the Creed family. It was a difficult task to keep the youngsters stockings and shoes and other clothing distinguished. It wasn't only a simple matter of family difficulties but that of several families combined. It was quite a common occurrence to awaken early in the morning and find Indians sleeping on the narrow floor space that was vacant in spite of the occupancy of these three divisions.

During that same fall of '72, Mr. A. C. Stirling from Steven's Point came here to settle and start a business. He built a house and store in connection directly back of the Creed house. The store was a very small one, the chief supplies being tobacco and whiskey. This being a more appropriate place, he thus took over the responsibility of having the post office in the fore part of his store. It then received better organization so it naturally had to have a name. Up to this time no one of these settlers could have said where they were living for the fact they didn't know. Mrs. Creed was given the honor of naming the newly settled area. She suggested Maple Grove, which was sent to Washington, D. C. Reports were sent back of another Maple Grove, Wisconsin. A second choice was then made. Because of the unification of a small group already stationed here, Mrs. Creed decided Unity a very desirable name. This in turn was sent to Washington and became the permanent choice.

Early in the spring of '73 conditions looked very promising in this newly settled community and more and more occupants took advantages of it. Mr. J. D. Spaulding of Black River Falls, no doubt heard about the prospects of the country. He was then interested in construction of a sawmill for the purpose of profitable clearing the over-supply of timber and making way for more extensive settling. Through his devoted efforts Mr. Spaulding succeeded in getting enough men to organize the mill. He built a small store for the provisions and supplies of his men. The material need for his mill was brought here, partly by horses and the rest by train, as the track had been completed as far as the Little Eau Pleine bridge, south of the village.

After the mill had been in operation a short time, Mr. S. Reynolds, also of Black River Falls, heard of the splendid opportunities hereabouts and was very much interested in its further development. He immediately journeyed to Unity and planned to go into partnership with Mr. Spaulding, already stationed here. A conference with Mr. Spaulding resulted in the acceptance of Mr. Reynolds as a partner in the mill. Because of the combined cooperation in the progress of the community and activities in the mill In general, the settlement grew quite rapidly.

More and more laborers were necessary to work in this mill and consequently, an extensive farming region was organized as well as the further development of the village. We may definitely locate the Spaulding-Reynolds saw mill west of the track near the Little Eau Pleine River. The vacant street extending north from this place was once occupied by numerous houses of the mill workers.

The southern most sections of your community were inhabited first, due to the favorable location for the mill. To accommodate the mill workers a boarding house and hotel had to be constructed. This was taken care of by the building of the same near the place we know today as the southside filling station. A grocery store located on the west side of the tracks, near the hotel was also put up by the milling partners. The chief supplies in this store constituted of tobacco, whiskey, candy and nuts, as well as the few necessary groceries. The post office was now located in this larger building.

Up to a short time previous the only streets or roads available were the well-trodden wagon tracks. Now the mill had made it possible to construct favorable roads with sawdust and corduroy. After street building began the population naturally increased considerably. The people had even become quite prosperous.

All in all, those who heard of this new and flourishing colony were interested in its affairs and progress. Even Doctor Wells, who had heard of the existing conditions decided this was a most desirable location for his enterprise. He therefore set up his office a little farther north of the aforesaid buildings in the east ward of the village.

Children were growing up and needed to be sent to school. These colonists hit upon the plan of erecting the school in their midst. Due to the persistent work of unskilled carpenters they succeeded in raising a little one-room log schoolhouse in the year of 1874. Such was sufficient to accommodate the few children in attendance. Mr. H. L. Jacobitz received the untold honor of being the first teacher in the new school. As the stem of the village was formerly farther south than we know it today, the school was also located thereabouts, namely on the easternmost section of the Creed territory. The youngsters were quite enthused about the idea of having a school. They were eager to learn about the work they were to take up. Mr. Jacobitz labored exceedingly hard to organize the small group of students and get them adapted to the new conditions. His successor, Mary Eastman, was equally as successful in her teaching abilities. The third of these instructors was Mr. J. J. Austin. He too was intensely interested in his eager group and he planned an addition to the schoolroom. He thus stated and effectively carried out the two-room system. This divided the older and younger groups. The four lower grades occupied one division, while the four upper grades held the other.

During the period of organization of the school, progress was gaining ground elsewhere in the village. In that identical year, '74, the railroad was completed through the settlement. A depot was accordingly built south of the village, but was soon moved north to where our former stockyards were located. This change was made due to the fact, that in its former location, too much confusion resulted in the residention district. Mr. S. J. Sanford received the honor of being the first depot agent in the newly established village. His successor is known as O. D. Mooney.

Had we had the opportunity to look upon this group of happy settlers at this point in their history, we would have viewed a community quite complete, with the exception of but one thing. Though the numbers of people were few, they found it very essential to erect a place for worship as such had as yet been left out. That does not say, however, that these pioneers neglected to worship. It was in fact, quite the other way. A religious gathering in the home of a settler was witnessed every Sunday morning, and special prayer meetings were held frequently during the week. They had no special minister but one of their groups would fill this position, each taking his turn at the various meetings. This was a very inconvenient means of worshipping as they naturally desired a separate church in which to carry on their activities. This temple was accordingly built in the year 1880, located in the region near the school.

In the meantime the population had been continually increasing. Several changes had already been and were being made. Mr. Spaulding had sold his share in the Reynolds-Spaulding sawmill to H. J. Van Hoosear. There was still a demand for laborers as the forested area had not yet been entirely cleared. Various new businessmen were consequently begun by the incoming settlers. The post office too, had been transferred to Mr. Darling who had built a grocery store near the residential district.

As more businesses emerged in the settlement there was a gradual move northward from the original setting. Because the land toward the south had been quite thoroughly rid of its forest, there was a tendency to create more cleared territory in another direction. A second sawmill was thus set up and operated farther north than the first. It was located on a portion of the territory owned and operated today by W. L. Schultz. Like the former, there was an immediate development in regions about the new mill. Practically one of the first erections was that of a hotel under the supervision of Charles Duvall. Roeenfield and Neuman, the operators of the mill, were equally as successful in creating a desire to enlarge the village.

About this time on of the early dwellers, namely Samuel Adam Cook interested the community by building a grocery and dry goods store on the spot occupied today by the I.C.O.F. Hall. Shortly after its erection, however, it was destroyed by fire and Mr. Cook built a second, this time located almost directly opposite east of the railroad tracks. This store is known to be the first on that side of the division line. It seemed a common habit for each new store to fall in line in giving space to the post office. This was accordingly carried out in the latter case and Mr. Cook thus became Unity's third postmaster.

While the community was witnessing the establishment of new stores, a blacksmith and such spikes essential to the wheel, a dweller of importance and prominence came into their midst, namely John R. Salter. He, being a graduate of the University of Wisconsin, was naturally quite interested in school affairs. Up until this time it was nothing more than a grade school, thus the students graduating from the eighth grade were forced, either to go to some distant place, or to discontinue their education. To better such condition Mr. Salter, in 1883, therefore began plans of organizing a high school. He, himself, consequently became its first principal and taught in same for a period of four years. In R. Salter’s first graduation class of 1887 there were seven students, namely Fred Vaughn, John Lamont, Arthur Ransom, Jennie and Wordon Cook, Calvin Burton and Grant McCurdy. Some of these same students that are among us today, delight in relating some of the achievements and order in their school. From some of the stories I sometimes wonder at the progress actually made at that time.

In spite of the good times and happy hours of this cheerful group, disaster would darken their path, one afternoon in the fall of 1890, children apparently amused themselves by playing with matches in the woodshed of the school building. Usually the outcome of such a game proves fatal as was the case at this incident. A fire was kindled in the woodshed and gained ground too rapidly for the children to control, as a result it soon reached the school building and before sufficient help could be secured the school had completely burned. From then, until time would permit the construction of a new building, classes were held in the drug store, which was one located a short distance south of our present post office.

After a few months of combined efforts of the settlers a new and larger school building was finished and ready for occupancy. This was located in practically the same place as the former. Several improvements had been made over the older building, and a new more efficient set of textbooks had been installed.

Another sawmill operated by Richard Butler and William Granton had arisen north of the established village. With the continual development in size and population Unity was not satisfied with the small one-roomed church that had so faithfully served the purpose. The various religions that had emerged wished a distinct temple of their own in which to worship. Therefore the Disciple Church was built, located north of our school building. It was followed by the small Swedish Lutheran and the original one room building was used by the Methodists.

At this time Mr. Salter who had discontinued his duties as teacher, had now gone into the combined grocery and dry good business with H. G. Healy. He later built the present economy store in which business he was interested in for many years. The present mercantile building was erected shortly after as well as numerous other buildings including the post office, drug store, a bank, hardware, meat market, barber shop, several ice cream parlors, and undertaking home-furniture store, telephone office and several small grocery stores located in different sections of the town. Also the erection of a new school was brought about, occurring in the year 1911. This same building which so faithfully watched the child enter its doors but to leave again to enter the door of life, still serves as our faithful standby.

Perhaps many of us are unaware of the scenes of wonder bestowed upon our village previous to this time. One thing of interest was the erection of an arch bridge across the railroad track almost directly in front of the present Clark residence. Near the bridge was a liberty pole which showed the intense patriotism of the villagers. This together with the bridge long remained an admiration and novel to the settlers.

Wouldn't we have been amused to see our community as it was then? A happy group of settlers living and loving their surroundings, did, and were doing all in their power to make theirs a desirable dwelling place.

In spite of success and good will, disaster always interrupts, however. This time fire again played the chief role. The buildings on what is known as Front Street were practically all destroyed. It was at first a bit discouraging for these settlers to see their long worked for accomplishment ruined completely, but soon new, though fewer buildings arose in their stead and again Unity was living. (1909)

After this first disaster destroyer, smaller fires were bound to follow. Bit by bit Unity was decreasing in its business activities as well as population. The surrounding land had been cleared and the sawmills lost their importance. Gradually people had nothing to remain here for and they too went to distant cities in search of employment. Thus as members decreased, enthusiasm faded to a certain extent. Some faithful occupants were never the less determined not to desert their community. They improved its scenery somewhat and classed it as a dwelling place of its retired members.

From that time to today Unity witnessed a downfall and now seems to be at a standstill. Though it is but a small important place on the map, those of us whose homes are located in and about its realm shall always delight in revealing the happy times enjoyed during outlive here among the old familiar faces.

Because of your interest in knowing something about the history of Unity, I suggest that we all pull our armchairs up to the fire and look through this volume, though old and worn by use it will still serve the purpose of portraying to us the life of our forefathers here in this township, and how they have made it comfortable and convenient for us today.

In 1850 this township was a vast area of heavily forested land, in which no human had set foot, of which there is no record, except Indians. It was populated by various kinds of birds and animals, which would pass from den to den or to tree to tree, unharmed by weapons.

James Chapman, entering this part of the country, in 1869, began a survey of the land and surroundings. He found the soil to be fairly fertile, and a great supply of food, which could be obtained by hunting.

We can only try to imagine the many hardships he had to encounter, and the suffering he was put to, but in spite of these he was happy, knowing that he was accomplishing to help others.

He walked to Neillsville, where he put in his claim for that territory and returned to his home, after which he carried his few supplies and tools back here also bringing along some friends to help begin the clearing of the forest.

The first thing they had to do was to cut some logs for a house, because winter was on its way, and the evenings were already cold.

The first house was a very poor specimen of our modern homes. It contained one room, which had practically no floor in it. The cracks between the logs were filled with mud and clay, which would often crack and fall off. The beds were rolls of animal skins, which were plentiful. Their food consisted of for the most part animal and fish meat. The preparing of food was done over an open fireplace. This also served as a means of heating the house.

By five o'clock in the morning you could hear the chop, chop of the ax and the thud of the falling trees as the men began with their work.

An ax, a chisel, and a saw, were the only possessions of these men, and were used as patterns for other pieces of machinery and tools, which were fashioned out of wood and stone.

With these implements the settlers made a few crude pieces of furniture that occupied the home. They consisted of a table and some stools, and in some homes a cabinet, which held dishes and food.

If we were to go to some part of the country where the methods of living still prevail, we would take a deep interest in visiting the houses. In them we would see odd pieces of furniture, with practically no resemblance to our modern furnishings. But yet, would we not enjoy such a scene which brings back to us those echoes of pioneer life?

The only means of transporting heavy loads or doing laborious work was oxen, also brought here by Mr. Chapman. These were very slow but served the purpose well.

Because of the abundance of wood, it was impossible to make a profit on the sale of it. It was carried to the mills to be sawed, but even the labor of getting it there was not paid for. The mills in town were overcrowded with logs already.

Soon the long waited for signs of spring became evident. The sun shone brighter and warmer, the snow began to melt and the country was gaining the aspect of summer. This gave the settlers a new light on their work, and they went after it with more will and zeal.

During the long winter evenings they had made plans for their gardens and crops and now they could put them to the test.

The first thing that they had to do was to till the soil. This was done with a hoe. The ground was carefully turned over many times after which a number of holes about three inches deep were made, and a seed was placed in each and carefully covered.

This was a trying process, and a sure test of their ability and will power, but they were never the less happy because it would reap benefits for them.

During the summer the crops were cultivated with great care, and as each owner looked on the results of his spring labors with pride. When the fall of the year came, harvest time followed. The crops, usually grain, were cut with a scythe, care being taken that no stalk was left standing. It was then laid on the hard ground and hit many times with a flail, at which the seeds were broken loose and could fall freely to the ground. Then they were picked up and taken to a neighbor's place, where they were ground and made into flour, which was used for baking purposes.

Because of the scarcity of money, these people wore homespun and homemade clothing. To us this mode of dress would seem queer but to them it was a privilege to wear them, after mother or sister had spent so much of their time on them. This clothing was better made and warmer than our clothing today.

Sewing machines were as scarce to them as airplanes, in common, are today, although there were a few in the wealthier families.

In the evening the men sat around the fire talking of the future and the happy issue they expected from it. The women used this period to mend or make clothes, using a common needle and thread. (Must be a line or a page missing.) Lamps and in others by kerosene lamps. The nearest town was Loyal and the visits were very infrequent.

No one went more than semi-monthly and very few went less than once in two months. They took with them eggs and butter which they traded for necessities.

HOME LIFE

The new homes that were built were also one or two-roomed, but had floors laid in them, which were no more than rough boards laid over a frame of logs.

Some of the families were proud to own factory-made furniture which was being examined by the neighborhood day after day.

In the winter, now that the woods were cleared to satisfy, the men had very little to do, so to gain a little money, they worked in logging camps. Their work hours were long and tiresome and their pay was small. They received on an average, twenty-five dollars a month.

For this type of work oxen were too slow and clumsy and it was a future hope to own a team of horses.

Mr. Frane, an adventurer from Fond Du Lac, happened to pass near here, and seeing a settlement had been started, he decided to make his home here also.

I can truthfully say that no man was welcomed into the town as much as Mr. Frane for he had brought with him a large team of horses. You can little imagine the envy and longing of the neighborhood, for most of them had probably never seen a horse.

The young people of the town were very eager to ride in a buggy drawn by these horses. Any girl who had ever received a ride was overly anxious to relate to her friend the details of the ride.

On the days before Christmas the horses were cleaned especially well. The sleigh was filled with straw and blankets in preparation for the gala evening party. That evening Mr. Frane carefully harnessed his team and quite early began his rounds to the homes of the young people. Mr. Frane at the driver's seat called "giddup" went horses, sleigh and all.

The evening was passed in a neighborhood home, at which games were played at about midnight the eats were served, such as cookies, popcorn and apples.

Although this Christmas celebration was much less elaborate than those of the present day, I think that it was for the most part, carried on with more spirit. During the return drive the people sang old Christmas ballads proving to the probable, sleepless neighborhood that they were young, alive, and happy and that their troubles were forgotten for the time being at least.

Of course, the horses were not alone used for such occasions as this, but also for work. They were much more rapid and efficient than the oxen and therefore more satisfactory.

At this time crude plows had been fashioned and horses were used with these as the oxen had been used previously.

The next spring more cattle and horses were brought here, and everyone that had any money whatsoever owned a team.

Another important and interesting day which was held and honored by the people was the Fourth of July. They arose at four o'clock, left in the family carriage for the community celebration, where the prevailing entertainment was lighting firecrackers and dynamite. They returned home in time to milk the few cows they owned. The next summer the time was spent in building new homes to substitute the log cabins. Stoves and beds and some factory-made furniture was brought from neighboring cities.

Before this time the roads were only turnpikes which could scarcely be used, but now new roads were built and people journeyed to town once a week.

Because of the fact that money brought domestic animals here the people had more food and could sell some of it to the city dealers. Farm labor was now done by machinery such as the binder and reaper.

Once in a while to the delight of the settlers an automobile passed near here, although this was usually on the main road passing through Unity, which had earlier been settled.

RIPLINGER

On the northwest corner of the township a group of settlers became interested in sawing their logs at one place and after a while set up a mill.

They saw the necessity of transporting their finished product, and to their great content their hopes were made real. In 1911, the Soo Line, passing through Unity and other villages where there were numerous mills, was sidetracked and built through what is now Riplinger.

Riplinger, at the time having no name was a resemblance of Romeo, it was used only as a shipping station. Because of the flourishing business, others nearby became inclined to send their logs from Riplinger instead of hauling them to Unity or other places, and therefore a name for this settlement seemed to be necessary.

Many names were sent before the public, the one chosen was Osborne. This was sent in to the capitol at Madison, but was rejected because a city in Wisconsin had already chosen that name and no two towns or cities in the same state were allowed to bear the same name.

As this town grew in importance the people saw fit to have a few stores. The first of these was a grocery store and post office combined. This building still stands today. It was built by the Riplinger brothers, and after them the village was named. The second building was a residence, built by Mr. Stecker. M. J. Kvitch really built the first home but it was only a framework of logs.

In 1913, the name Riplinger, having been chosen, it was sent in and legally recorded.

The people of and around Riplinger were glad to know that Charles Duvall was making plans for a cheese factory to which they could haul their milk, and have it made into cheese. This induced many new settlers to help build up the town.

Another necessity of this part of the country was a schoolhouse. This was built soon after it was settled and the first teacher hired was Simon Sacket. The second was built in the northwest comer of William Miller's farm.

The people were not alone interested in gaining a living and comforts for themselves and their children but also in religious activities. Early every Sunday morning a group of people some walking or driving with oxen, some walking, found their way to a neighbor's home, where the much welcomed work of God was preached to them. The Greenwood blacksmith came here at this time to take the place of a minister.

After the woods were thinned and the use of wood for the mills decreased, the townspeople moved out to the country, or farms, and the size and population decreased.

THE TOWN ORGANIZATION

Approximately four years after the arrival of Mr. Chapman, the people of the township, having settled in different parts of the town decided that an organization was necessary.

The town was known to everyone as section ten of town 27. The people who had the voting privilege were summoned to Spaulding's boarding house, where the officials would be elected and their work given to them.

The meeting was called to order by temporary chairman S. Picket, nominations were justly made for supervisors. Those elected were S. Picket, A. Darton and George Nichols. Next the attention was turned to the election of the chairman, treasurer and the assessors. S. E. Picket was chosen chairman, C. O. Graham, Treasurer, and Thomas Flank, assessor.

There were at this time many turnpikes, or roads which were a poor specimen of a present day road. Therefore the first road order was issued in August, 1874. This provided for a road beginning at the center of the south line of the southeast quarter of section thirty, and extending one mile north.

The people were very much enthused over this road and all were eager to see it or travel on it. This road was very rough and after a rain could scarcely be traveled yet it served the purpose of the settlers.

Total.. ................................................................... $1,350

The individual taxes were very low. As late as 1880 the taxes on an eighty-acre farm were only $9.00.

The people in section nineteen and twenty and from twenty-nine to thirty-two desired a school for their children. Therefore School District One was organized. By the year 1880 five districts had been named and some joint districts with other townships. In the entire township there were only seventy-seven boys and sixty-eight girls over the age of four and under the age of twenty. The greater share of the schools were one-room log buildings. The heating means were very poor. The desks were few and uncomfortable. There was a meager supply of paper and very few pencils. Most of the work was done on blackboards. There was, however, one two-room schoolhouse. This was better equipped with desks and was more easily heated. There were more advantages, one being two teachers. They had no college education, but a grade e education. Some of the teachers had probably acquired a high school education.

The remainder of the schools were taught by women. Their salary averaged twenty-five dollars a month, while the male teachers received between sixty and seventy dollars per month.

Two of the schools each had one pupil below the age of four, which today would not be tolerated in any school save a kindergarten. Often the children would miss several consecutive weeks of school in the spring or in the harvest time, or in winter when the snowdrifts were deep and wind was cold. On this account the lessons were on no special plan.

There were very few maps besides the United States maps, found in these schools, and they were of great importance to everyone. Practically the same list of books was found in every school. This was limited to the least expensive. Wilson's spelling book was one of the most prominent books. This was usually held by the teacher and the pupils spelled the words orally. Harper's Reader was of great importance also, in some of the schools a book was bought for each pupil. (Unable to read 4 words) was a book which almost every pupil desired. It was interesting to them to read of the sufferings and hardships of their forefathers who had given them their country and made them the heirs of their accomplishments.

Harper's Geography and Swintons Grammar were two other important books, used mainly by the teachers.

The pupils anxious to obtain the much-needed education took every bit of information offered by the teachers, so that they might some day make their own living.

Let us, as we praise the many things of our world today, think also of our forefathers who have made these things possible by trudging along their weary way, happy in spite of sufferings and difficulties in which they had to contend with.

THE HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF BRIGHTON

Let us pause for a brief interval and spend an hour or so with one of the prominent citizens of the Town of Brighton. As we enter the home this evening we find that the grandfather has consented to take his listeners on a historical crusade back to the time when he and Brighton were young. A mystic light illuminates his features and he begins turning back the pages in the book of time.

"How well I recollect, back there in '72 when W. W. Colby braved the hardships of the wilderness to settle the first real homestead in, what was then known as the Town of Eau Pleine and Unity.

In the spring of '72 we hitched our yoke of oxen to the jumper and traveled the old Indian trails to the village of Unity. Upon our arrival we found assembled at the office of John Wells, a congregation of voters from places as far distant as March Rapids. By the way our jumpers were our crude means of travel and transportation.

Our chief implement of cultivation was the plow, a hand-made instrument of wood. It was considered a great achievement when the first one appeared. It makes me smile when I look at the modern farmer plowing and think back over the time when we proudly stated that we had plowed one-half acre in one day. We did accomplish a great deal didn't we? Heh, Heh.

We eagerly gathered around the sawmill of Jeff Spaulding the day he exhibited his team, the first one in the Town of Brighton. It was on the first day in May and we found it necessary to wade in snow two-foot deep.

A large number of our homesteaders died the following winter due to severe attacks of the flu. The disease prevailed because of the absence of a nearby doctor. In some cases, the deceased were carried on the backs of friends and neighbors. At other times the oxen and jumpers were used to take the body to Unity where an associate would perform the funeral services. There was no minister within miles. Many of the friends and neighbors gathered together in a room or school where the best speaker would deliver a short sermon.

Once in a great while a traveling minister would happen into town. This news spread like wildfire. People would come for many miles to listen to this superior man of knowledge.

Another difficult problem was that of obtaining drinking water. The neighbors together in 1873 and helped Mr. DuVal dig a well on his farm, which is now owned and operated by the Salter brothers. The nearby neighbors carried their daily supply of drinking water, by hand from this well.

In 1873 a great change was wrought in our lives. The Great Almighty favored us by placing in our midst one of his messengers who name was Nichols. Compared to our present day pastory he was a poor specimen of a minister. However, our spiritual desires were satisfied and it was with warm hearts and open arms we welcomed him.

It was during this same year that our first doctor appeared to relieve the numerous sufferers of this community. This good man was none other than Doc Stuart who later became quite famous in these parts.

One autumn morning I decided to replenish our supplies before winter set in in earnest. The path that I followed led me past the home of W. W. Colby. As we very seldom saw our neighbors, I contemplated stopping for a chat and to see if there was anything I could get them from town.

After exchanging our casual greetings he told me of a very peculiar incident that happened to him several days before. He had gone hunting and while resting for a brief interval he noticed, not far off, a dark object to be moving. His curiosity was aroused and he arose and walked slowly toward the creature. Within a few rods he recognized it as a bear cub. As he approached, the frightened cub retreated. As Mr. Colby quickened his pace the animal did likewise and finally realizing that he was losing the race he ascended a tree, monkeys do as monkeys see, so Mr. Colby climbed the tree in pursuit of the bear. After a period of struggling he slipped out of his coat and threw it over the cub's head. The battle was won and the bear accompanied Mr. Colby to his home where he was raised as a pet for the children.

In return for this story I related to Mr. Colby a very strange situation that I had a chance to witness. As you all know, Joe Greenwood lived just outside the city limits. Now he didn't have room in his barn for all his hay so he made a stack a considerable distance from his place, in the direction of the village. It was about four o' clock in the day one time when I visited Unity. As I received the open spaces I perceived a large pack of wolves at the heels of Joe Greenwood. A lump rose in my throat as I thought of his impending doom. Unable to move I stood spellbound my gaze following them down the road. I gathered courage as I saw that Joe was approaching his own home. As I was saying about that haystack between Joe's house and town, well, it came in pretty handy right now. Joe puffing like a steam engine, glanced rapidly about for a means of escape, perceived the haystack and immediately climbed to its summit. After a few futile attempts, on the part of the wolves, to ascend the stack, they slowly retreated in to the forest leaving Mr. Greenwood to make his way home safely.

It is interesting to note that our means of obtaining money at this time were very scarce. In 1874, the highest price paid for eggs was six cents per dozen. The price of butter was six cents per pound. Due to its cheapness it was often used as wagon grease.

Henry Shigley once wished to diminish his supply of butter. He proposed to do this by shipping a barrel to a distant village. A few weeks later he received not pay, but a letter stating that he should be prosecuted because a stone had been found in the butter.

The small amount of wheat that was raised on our farms had to be taken to Marshfield for milling. The main power of this mill was provided by oxen. Due to this the milling process was very slow and tedious.

Enough for the history of this section of the town. We will now move in a northeasterly direction and I will relate some of the historical incidents of what is now east Brighton.

The people of our vicinity heard great news in the spring of 1874. We had heard for some time, rumors of the arrival of settlers to the east of us. Now this became a blessed reality as James McNeight and Mr. McErty had taken up their homesteads in this section. Reports for them revealed that in that vicinity Indian life could be found in abundance. James NcNeight tells of an Indian family named Sky, who contracted tuberculosis and moved westward to Missouri. Two years later they returned and paid a two-dollar bill for what had been created before they had gone west. This was very peculiar because Indians very seldom make debts, and if they do, they very seldom pay them.

A group of Chippewa Indians settled near the home of Joe Chapman. The charms of one of the maidens of the tribe were so captivating, that Mr. Chapman found it impossible to repel her. After a brief period of courtship they were united in holy matrimony. Their children, after death were buried on the farm now owned by U. G. Higby. The bodies were later taken up and moved to the Unity Cemetery.

When James NcNeight wished to baptize his infant daughter he found it necessary to take her to Stevens Point, as this was the location of the nearest Catholic church. The closest church was situated in Marathon City.

It was a familiar occurrence to look out of your front window and behold your neighbor's cows grazing on your choice cabbage heads. This was due to the fact that fences were entirely unknown and all cattle ran at large. The main milk product was butter. Churning came quite regularly and blisters frequented the hands of the fair dairymaids. After a short time separators were introduced and the cream was sold in the Town of Hull. The money received was used for the purchase of supplies for the separators. These were obtained at Colby as Unity was unknown to settlers.

Grandfather removed his spectacles, moved his chair, cleared his throat, and began anew.

I guess I have covered all of the important personal experiences of these early settlers.

Our first town meeting was held April 6, 1875, this was, indeed, a great event. As I have already mentioned, the meeting took place at the office of John Wells. J H. Cook, was given the honorary office of first chairman of the Town of Brighton. S. A. Cook was elected town treasurer. Among the members of the Board of Supervisors was Mr. Ransomer.

The second election was held in the hotel known as Marathon House. The owner of the hotel was compensated with three dollars for the use of his place of abode. At the earliest convenient date, the old Romeo church was purchased and moved to southern Brighton to be used as the town hall. The same building is being used for the same purpose yet today.

During the year 1875 the first taxes were levied on the citizens of the newly formed town of Brighton. All property that was valued at three hundred dollars or more was taxed. In the following year the level of taxable property was raised to six hundred fifty dollars. It was during 1876 that the first highway tax, of one thousand dollars was levied. This money was raised for the purpose of building new turnpikes throughout the town. The personal tax amounted to sixty-seven cents on a cow and yoke of oxen. At this rate, these personal taxes necessitated the sale of eleven pounds of butter or eleven dozen eggs.

In '77 the first taxes for education were levied. The amount to be raised by taxation, for all of the schools, was one hundred dollars, and an additional two hundred was raised for the purpose of starting a cemetery.

Enterprise, in eastern Brighton was the first school in this town. Any schoolhouse situated near a forest was protected by a high board fence. This was to protect Mary and Johnny and the rest of the kiddies from harm, as wild animals were many and wild.

The first turnpike was built by Mr. H. Wheeler. It was four miles long and four rods wide and cost only one hundred ninety-three dollars. This rate today would be considered practically impossible. Every man that possessed forty acres of land which was damaged in any way, due to road construction, received a compensation of ten cents. At this time a bridge was constructed over the Big Eau Pleine River. The approximate cost of this bridge was four hundred dollars. A modern bridge across the same river would cost no less than ten thousand dollars.

In 1876 the Town of Brighton boasted of four schoolhouses. The pupils attending these schoolhouses numbered. (?)

The cost of construction for anyone of these schoolhouses seldom exceeded one hundred dollars. The building considered, the lowest in value, had cost exactly thirty-five dollars. I am sure my grandchildren would feel insulted, if forced to attend school in a building of that type.

The students labored under very trying circumstances. To illustrate let me add that only one school owned a set of outlined maps. The apparatus found in four schools cost only one hundred sixty dollars. The following are the books from which my children and my neighbor's children studied extensively.

"Well, children, I cannot from my store of knowledge, relate anything else of interest to you. So we'll have to stop and call it an evening."

At this particular moment the grandfather clock in the hall struck the hour of ten. Grandpa yawned, announced that was his bedtime, and arose and ascended the stairs to his quarters.

Dear readers, in closing may we say that we wish to express our sincere appreciation of this opportunity of presenting to you the historic dialogue of an aged veteran of pioneer days in Brighton.

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