Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1899-05-10
ALITTLE PIONEER HISTORY.
Chapter on Early Events and Persons In
Whitestr WA Good Percent of the
Fathe-z and Mothers OF that Section
Have Passed AWAY.


Have Passed Away.
The town of Whitestown ;s located in
the northern tier of towns in Vernon
county, AID the third town west of the
eastern bounGary Of the county. The
town is bounded on the north by Mon
roe county, on the east by the town Of
Forest, on the south by the town of
Stark, and on the west by the town OF
Clinton. The town contains thirty six
sections. It was named in honor OF
Gilee White, the first settler in the town
Tns surface of the country is very rough
and rolling, but five large streams Of
running water and numerous springs
contribute to the fertility of the soil,
and form an abundant supply for stock
and living purposes. The main stream
OF the Kickapoo river enters the town
Ga section 2, taking almost direct
southernly course through the town and
leaves on section 81 Brush creek en-
tiers on section 4, and empties into the
Kickapoo river on section 2. The north
and south branches OF Billings creek
flow through the town OF Forest, unit
ing near the center OF section ID of this
town, and joining the Kickapoo river
on section &c. Webster creek enters
the town on section 30, leaving on Sec
ton 81; and Warner creek enters OF
section SO, ana flows into the Kickapoo
river on section 35.
Giles White, the fest settler, came to
the town in July, 1858. Sidney Waite
settled on Billings creek in 1854. Will
liam Ssndon came in the fall of 1854.
About the same time came Washington
MeFee and settled on section IA, where
he renamed till his death, 10 1867
William Finnell settled on section 8, in
1856. The same year o. 81. Willard
came and opened store at Ontario.
Germany was the birth place OF Henry,
Selbacn, one of the first citizens. He
was born in 1927, and came to the
United States the same year. He
entered quarter section of land on.
section 81 M. w. Steadman was the
fourth to locate his family in the new
region. He came in the spring OF 1855
and entered 100 acres OF land an section
3. W. w. Joseph also came in 1855,
and entered land on section IL. He was
followed by John Ostrander, who set
tied on section %. James Horn settled
here in 1855. Willard Hart came in
1856 and entered land on section
Three mechanics from New York came
in 1856-George Prentice, Nathan and
Elvarus Culver. Lewis Daniels came
in 1855, and remained bat short time
The year of 1857 witnessed the advent
OF several new corners: Anthony Lamb
settled on section /, and entered forty
acres of land; Robert Sandon and o FL.
Willard also cast their lot in the first
settlement. Samuel Sloggy came in
1859 and became one of the leading
business men Of Ontario.
This town was organized in 1856, and
the first election for iowa officers was
held at the store of George Prentice, in
the village of Ontario, April 7, 1857
There were bat fourteen votes polled,
and when counted it was found that the
following named persons were elected
to their respective offices:
Chairman-Giles White.
Washington McFee. William
Hart.
Clerk-George Prentice.
Treasurer-Willard X. Hart.
Assessor-W ashington McFee.
superintendent OF Schools-Myron futile
Giles White built the first house 10
the fall of 1858. He also erected the
first saw-mill in 1865, which was run by
water power. The first school was
taught by Ellen Steadmsn in double
log cabin on secticn 2. The first birth
in the town was Eugene, son of Sidney
Wait, born in December, 1868. The
first death was Mr.. Bushnell. The
first land was cleared up by Washing
ton McFee, on the northwest quarter OF
section Ia. The first couple married in
the town of Whitestown was Washing
ton McFee and Mrs. w. 81. Tiderick, in
1857, M. w. Steadman, a. Justice Of the
peace, officiating. The first sermon
was preached by Rev. Revels, in 1857 /.
The nrss grist mill wCs erected on
Brush creek ia 1859 by Geo. p~~Hsf~~:s
The Baptist church, which 10 located
in the village Of Ontario, was organized
in 1859, by the Rev. B. s. Tuttle, with
the following named members: Myron
w. Steadman, M. Curtis, Maria z.
Steadmsn, Osrolins White, Ellen San
don.
The village of Ontario was laid out
and plated in 1857, by Giles White. It
was named Ontario at the request Of
. FL. Willard after his native county in
the state of New York. Giles White
erected the first frame house in 1856
George Prentice opened the first store
in 1856. Giles White erected the first
saw-mill. The first blacksmith was Fl
J Bushnell. The first shoemaker was
Sidney Mills. The first physician in
the village was DIR. W. r. Hart, who
settled in 1857. The first school build
ing was erected in 1859
Prior to 1857 the settlers had to de-
pend upon passers-by, going to and
from Madison for their mail. The near
est postoffice was then at Readsburg, a
distance of fifty miles, then it was
shortened up to Coon Prairie Cashton. J
o. FL. Willard was appointed the first
post master in 1867, and served four
years.
The state Legislature adjourned on
Thursday last after session of ia
days the longest continued session in