davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1899-01-18
Mississippi Clam Shell Industry


At the present time there are from
fifteen to twenty hands employed here
in the business of clam shell gathering,
and receive fair wages for their labor
Only one species of clam shell is desira-
BILE for use, and it is called the "nigger-
head clam" 1t is shaped very much
like the salt water CLANS that are used
for food, but are three times larger in
size, with very thick pearly SHE'LL
There are immense beds of mussel OF
clam shells in the bottom of the Missis-
sippi river. Some of the beds of CLANS
are over three feet thick, but they are
not all of the ''nigger-head" variety
There are two or three other kinds Of
mussel shell mixed with them. The
shell fishermen cut long holes through
| the ice over these clam beds and rake
them out, selecting the shells they are
looking after and dumping the undo
sirable ones back into the river. The
shells are then boiled in caldrons te
clean them of all meaty substance, after
which they are packed and shipped in
car lots. We understand that 10000
car loads can be disposed of to eastern
manufacturers if they can be had
Prairie du Chen Union.
Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1899-01-18
The Congregational Calendar.

AT the ruld= service on thursday
evening, for time, we are to have new
departure by taking for our topic the
Sunday school lessons for the following
Sunday. Topic this week, "Christ and
Nicodemus" John III, 1-16. Let all be
present and especially the teachers OF
our Sunday school.
The pastor will speak on Sunday
morning on San Interview with Jesus,
and in the evening his topic will be
''The Parable of the Lost Sheep
These sermone belong together and the
second must be heard to fully under
stand the first. Strangers are cordially
welcomed,
The pastor is soon to begin another
series of evening services on most vita
topics. Announcement later.
National CHRISTIAN Endeavor Day vii
be observed in the church on Sunday
January go This is to be great day
of swaking for our young people. Ii
the evening the service will be especially
for the young people. Come and bring
some one.
Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1899-01-18

The township of Bergen, located in
the western part of Vernon county and
adjacent to La Crosse county on the
north and the Mississippi on the west,
comprises forty five full congressional
sections of land, containing altogether
about 10000 acres. Innumerable slougs
and water courses wend their way over
the western part of the township. The
principal business point is Stoddard.
Since the completion OF the Burlington
& Northern up the east bank of the river
the place has become a place of promi
hence in the county as a shipping
point end has now acquired promis-
ing start for brighter future. The
inhabitants are wide sweke and progress
sive, having already shown their incli-
nation to keep pace with other places of
its sizs in making substantial building
and other improvements. The early
settlement of Bergen was made in 1852,
by natives of Norway, Halver Jorgenson
and Andrew Emerson, the first making
his home on the south side of Coon
river, on section 26, and the latter on
section 49, They were followed the
same year by Christian 4.ison, also a
native of Norway, who located on Sec
ction 13, and lived there until his death,
in 1868. In 1853 there were three new
corners in the town, all natives of Nor
way. Peter Olson settled on section IA,
where he died in 1878; William Nelson
located on section &c and died some
years ago; John Peterson made his
home on section %. A year later, 1854,
5. O. Stetson and family, natives of
Otsego. N. Y, located on section II,
town IS, range 7 west, in the southern
portion of the town, where Mr. Stetson
was engaged in farming until 1880,
the date of his death. Great Britain also
furnished settler in 1866, Samuel Sims,
who moved on section 10; Joel F. Out
celt settled on sections % end % in the
same yNsr, and in 1868 moved to the
town of Harmony; Engrebret Engh
also MADE a settlement the Same year.
Austria followed in the footsteps of
Norway and in 1856 gave to Vernon
county sturdy pioneer, Frank Parsch,
one of the most prosperous farmers in
Bergen. Among the settlers of 1856
was A. Davis, who came from Columbia
county and located on section IA, town
10. In 1860 and 1861 several new COM
ers made their appearance, and the fol-
lowing named settlers have made ener-
retic farmers and highly respected citi-
zens: Joseph Lisso, John link, and
Reinhold Bey.
The first school was taught on Sec
tion IL, by Polly Sprague. The first
marriage was Peter Olson to Martha
Olson, in 1854, Rev. Sylbrant perform
ing the ceremony. The first person
that died was Ellen, daughter of Chris
tian aud Caroline Olson. The first school
house was built CT section Il in 1859.
The first religious services were held at
BIRTHS Landing in 1857, by Revs. Smith
AMI NuHum. The first postoffice was at
Bergen; established in 1856.
Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1899-01-18
Methodist Gleanfpgs.

Thursday evening prayer meeting in
the church parlors. Subject, "My Wit
nesses."
Sunday morning the pastor will take
as his theme: Treaties of Peace" In
the evening the subject will be "My
Fathers Business" Stra ,gers are cord
tally invited to attend these services.
The Epworth League are making
great preparations to celebrate Wash
ingtop's and Lincoln's birthdays. The
program for this year will be better
then any thus far presented by this
society. Look forward to it with great
expectation.
Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1899-01-18

HLt, -, <>->o~@~~<0-~~~~~~~-~~~~~-~~
At ms nome in this city. Saturday morning,
John joined the Methodist church on probsH
ton under the ministry of f. W Straw. The
present pastor baptized him in June, 1897. and
Zsth otthe same. year Through his four
years OF sickness he was patient, hopeful q nd
cheerful, waiting the hour of release without
rear; out with joyous anticipations of rest,
Again and again he expressed himself as
willing to trust himself in Gods hands. Dur
ing li the last weeks of his life it was a bene-
pray and testify to and for his savior. He
Went TO sleep In the morning between the
hours OF and 2, to wake in that land who're
tne sun never sets. For him night was over
his departure faithful mother, three sisters
ana four brothers. They have the hone of a
nlessed reunion in the Sweet bye and bye."
Rev. j. A. St6men and Rev. VIM, Nugum as
Sisting the pastor
Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1899-01-18
Vernon County People Doing Well

La business letter to the CRNsoR.
Adam ID. Eckhardt, who was installed
treasurer of Sphinx county, South Da-
kota, on January 1st, writes: 1--WE
could not get along without the CENSOR
There are quite number of Vernon
county boys left here and they all want
to see it. All Vernon county people
here now are doing we'll. Whenever
they want anything they get it. The
weather here has been very fine. Stock
has secured a living on the prairie grass
so far this winter. Think will like NV
office work when | gat fairly installed. |"
Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1899-01-18
A Good.Times Testimonial

A mechanic and manufacturer in q
neighboring hamlet writes the CENSOR
as follows:
business has been good with us this
fall and winter, both in timber and on
the farm, and we cannot help but notice
the difference in the way farmers pay
their bills. They all seem to have
money now. II Mckinley hadn't been
elected, we doubt il you would have
been able to get your pay on subscrip
ton this year"
Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1899-01-18

A number of the manageable ladie;
of our city, to the number of about
thirty, met at the home of VIM. Lakes
Friday evening, and passed a pleassrli
evening in sewing and taking hssh.
light pictures, as we'll as engaging in
other pastimes. The lady teachers Of
our schools helped to increase the mum.
Der of Viroqua's fair ones. Bachelors
were excluded, of course, consequently
their enjoyment of an evening by them
selves was completely beyond the range
Of vision.
Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1899-01-18
How 60 Prevent e,s,m.,,.

You are perhaps aware that pneu-
monla always results from cold or from
an attack of la grippe. During the
epidemic OF la grippe a few years ago
when so many cases resulted in pnen-
monia, it was observed that the attack
was never followed by that disease when
Ohamberlain's Cough Remedy was used.
1t counteracts any tendency of cold or
la grippe to result in that dangerous
disease. 1t is the best remedy in the
world for bad colds and la grippe. Every
bottle warranted. For sale by E. ii
Craig g. Co., druggists.
Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1899-01-18
Ill .7qbout 9ou- HelgAbory and friends

Ben Brown visited Cashton, Satur
day.
| The best line of fur coats at Mich
aelsohn's.
A new lot of the latest neckties a
Michaelsohn's.
] Charity Coe is home from Madison
on vacation.
Frank Chase went to Chicago, Mon.
day, with car load of horses.
Mr.. Peck, a young man of Colum-
bus, is the new operator a. ne Viroqua
telegraph Office.
On Tuesday morning, bright and
early, Mr.. and Mrs. Will Dyson received
into their home 10 pound boy.
-Helgeson s Espeseth opened ur
their tobacco warehouse, on Monday
They have A assorters employed.
Mr.. George Grossman, of Chicago
has been in the city for some days look
after Mrs. MichaelsoLn's business inter
ests.
"A delegation consisting of l.. @.
Boyle, Postmaster Goodell, @. j. Smith
and +. E. Tate, went to Madison on
Monday.
The ladies Of the second division OF
the B, b. society will eerve a chicken
pie supper, Friday night. Price Is cts,
All are invited.
Lost, seal skin muff, at Liberty
Pole church, on the night of Jan. 10th.
Finder will be rewarded by leaving the
same at this Office.
John Dawson & Company have two
desirable dwellings for rent. Possession
OF one can be given at once. Call on
them before you rent.
Mrs. Nellie Buckley has purchased
the Myra Morrison property near the
Congregational church. She viii erect
new residence during the coming
| season.
-Viroqua Chapter r. A. M. will
have work and installation ceremonies at
the next regular meeting, Wednesday
evening, January 25th. All members
are requested to be present.
Miss Robinson, of PIatteville. has
been added to the teaching force of the
high school. The school numbers over
$50 now and the work was too heavy
for the number of teachers employed.
Mrs. L. j. Lsavitt, nee Laurena
Rusk, of Glenwood, Iowa, is visiting at
the home of her sister, Mrs. M. O.
Nichols. Mrs. Leavitt's friends and old
schoolmates will delight in her coming.
The Ladies' Aid society of the Con-
gregational church is in quite pros
porous condition as we'll as an efficient
organization. The receipts for the past
year were $3.50, which has been ex-
pended in most judicious way in diff
ferent worthy acts. At their last meet.
ing the following officers were elected:
President-Mrs. Joseph Pulver.
Vice President-Mrs: j: II. Casson.
Treasurer-Mrs B. f. Ferguson.
Secretary-Mrs, f. NJ Towner.
John Devlin, Mrs. Mary Beat, Mrs. G. +.
DAN, Mrs. ii. 2. Proctor, Mrs. O. B, Wyman.
-Chas. s. Slack & Company have
sold the following parties the past few
days: Nels Appleton, La Crosse hobs;
b. Buxtin, Jewel heating stove; Henry
Munyon, top carriage; Christian Hend-
rickson, Famous Beacon cook stove; f.
Nj. Caldwell, Princess cook stove; G. A.
Smith, s. FL. Case II horse power; Geo.
Neyil, 1O00-fb Victor scales; f. Kelicut,
La Crosse wagon boxes complete; Henry
Gardner, La Crosse hobs; 1. W. Switzer,
N. W. Portland cut .er; Chose Brothers
Diston wood saw; Thomas Peaslee,
Jewett heating stoYe; Andrew Peterson
Il Go, Royal corr shelter; John Wapp,
Rowell wood saw complete; A. b. Cobb
man, La Crosse bobs; Ed. T. Nixon, set
Case truck wheels.
Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1899-01-18
IMPORTANT NOTICE.

Inc complications growing out Of the late
troubles in the county clerks office make il
.nighiy important 10 those holding receipts
from redemption moneys on tax sale certif-
Gates that have been given by the county
Glerk during the past four years or since
January lst, 1895, should present the same
t9rthWlth. 1t Is important to all concerned
that TINS action be taken without delay.
DANIEL THEIL |
Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1899-01-18

The reported sale of the old Nelson
corner to La Crosse brewing firm. is q
myth. Mrs. Michelsoh.l viii cause the
erection of a magnificent building the
coming season. IL will cover the entire
surface of the land, 42x92 feet, two
stories with basement, heated by hot
water throughout, solid glass front. Il
will be novel structure. The second
floor will be used for Office purposes.
Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1899-01-18
Announcement.

Dentist F. L. Barney, wishes to an
ounce to his patrons and the public,
that he has closed his books, and all
dental work will be strictly cash. Until
further notice a reduction of 20 to ~
per cent will be made in all lines OF
dental work. Thanking the public for
their generous patronage OF the. past
seven years, and believing can serve
the public with as fine dental work as
can be procured in western Wisconsin
and soliciting share of your patron
age. I remain yours with best wishes
F. L. BARNEY, ID. d. S.
Dental parlors over Boehrer's jewelr
store, viroqus, Wis.
Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1899-01-18
To ahe Public.

We ere authorized to guarantee every
bottle of Chamberlain's Cough Remedy
and if not satisfactory to refund the
money to tt, purchaser. There is No
better medicine made for Ia grippe, colds
and whooping cough. Price, 25 and so
cents per bottle. Try it. E. FL. Craig
& Co., druggists.
Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1899-01-18
Secret Society Officers

Officers in Viroqua Odd Fellows lodge
we're installed, on Saturday evening
last, by l. s. Hamilton, District Deputy
Grand Master, IS follows
Noble Grand-C. J. Cherrington.
Vice Grand-A. F. May
Permanent Secretary-H. f. Rogers, Sr.
recording Secretary-A. ID. HelgesOn,
Ireasurer-PhiliD Bouffleur.
X. ;. n. G.-Chas ;. Dickson
L, ). n. G.-Miilard Graham.
IL. >. V. G.-Thos. o. Mork.
L. :. V. GIL. ). Chapman.
Warden-S. 9. Jackson.
Conductors. V De Witt
Chaplain-Thos. w. Latta.
X. :, ) William Side.
l.. :. S.-Albert Lake
outside Guardian-Perry Cow len.
Inside Guardian-John Il. Silbaugh.
trustees ii, T. Proctor +. Nj. Minshall j
f. Parker.
Following the installation the Rebekaf
ladies' gave their co workers a surprise
in the shape of fine lap supper. Brie'
addresses were then in order. The at.
bendar 20 of Odd Fellows and their fam.
lilies was very large.
The following officers of Viroqua En-
campment L o. o. f. were installed at
their last regular meeting, on Monday,
the 9th inst, by F. M Minshall, District
Deputy Grand Patriarch:
Chief Patriarch-C. J. Cherrington.
Senior Warden-A. ID. Helgeson.
High Priest-Philip Bou1leur.
Scribe-S. Q. Jackson.
Treasurer-H. J. Suttle.
Junior Warden-T. O. Mor<.
Guide-H. p. Proctor.
Outside observation-disclosures Smith.
Inside Guardian--Milard Graham,
First Watch-W. f. Fisher.
Second Watch-C. $. Dixon.
Third Watch-W. Ii. Pulver
Fourth Watch-H. f. Rogers, ST.
&. of T.-Henry Silbaugh and Ed. Wigonski.
Rose Woodman camp held public in
stallatlon of officers, Saturday night,
when the country thereabouts turned
out enmasse. A big supper was served
and everything went merry as a wedding
bell. Judge Mahoney was installing
officer:
Venerable Consult. s. Harris
Worthy AdviSor-Mr. Bishop.
Clerk-B. +. McGarry.
Worthy Banker-Hovert Groves.
Escort-John Appleman.
Chief Forester-Joseph Beaver.
Watchman-Thom1s Harris.
Sentry-William Buchanan
Managers-J. w. Potts, E. Bowman, Will
lam Mccullough.
Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1899-01-18
N0TT(r

=, The annual meeting of the stockholders In
the FARMERS Union store of Viroqua, will be
Saturday. Jan. 14th, 1899, at O'Clock D, m, at
which time statement of the condition of
the business Will be made, and an election of
M managers held. All interested are expected
to be present c. NJ BIyTT Chairman
Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1899-01-18
Horses Again Wanted

Harry E. Light will return to Viro-
qua, the 26th inst, to purchase a num-
/ Der OF horses. Those having any for
sale be sure and see him and they will
receive the highest market price.
Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1899-01-18
Two Millions q Year

When people buy, try, and buy again, it
means they're satisfied. The people of the
United States are now buying Cascarets
Candy Cathartic at the rate of two million
boxes a year and it viii be three million be.
fore New Years. 1t means merit proved,
that Cascarets are the most delightful bowel
regulator for everybody the year round. All
druggists l0c, 25c, SOC box, cure guaranteed.
Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1899-01-18

TIME GIVEN MINOR-THIs IS TO NO
i tify the public that have this day given
my minor son, Oscar Raymond Brye. aged IS
his time to do and act for himself. | will be
responsible for none Of his acts and claim
none of his earnings. LARS j, BRYE.
Springville, January l6, 1899.
Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1899-01-18

To Cure Constipation Forever.
Take Cascarets Candy Cathartic. 10c or CSC.
II c. G. c. fail 10 cure. druggists refund money.
Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1899-01-18

The Woodman dance. which was to
De held at Coon Valley, the 21st, inst,
has been postponed.
Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1899-01-18

40 ACRE FARM FOR SALE OR RENT,
~ in the town of Franklin; suitable for
pasture and grass land. Plenty of running
water. some timber Fine place for stock
raising. Will be sold cheap for cash or on
time or will be rented. For particulars call
on or address KNIT Erickson,
Retreat Wis.
Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1899-01-18

WANTED RELIABLE MAN IN THIS
w vicinity to open a small office and ham
die my goods. Position permanent and good
pay Ii your record is O X here is an opening
for you. Kindly mention this paper when
writing. A. I. MORRIS. Cincinnati, o
Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1899-01-18

THE La FARCE ENTERPRISE ISA YEAR
L old. 1t is a splendid paper for local and
put one on your letter and send the rest for
three months subscription trial. Sample
copy free for the asking. Address, ENTER
PRISE, LA FARCE, Wis.
A GENTS WANTED TO SELL THE AU-
IA tomato gas lamp, gasoline gas, perfect
in Wisconsin. X. Fl. MEYER. State Agent,
136 W. Water St., Milwauk
Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1899-01-18
CHANCE OF A LJFE-TTMF

A GENUINE BARGAIN-I OFFER MY
"A 90 acre farm, six miles west of Virooua,
for 81, 900 less than it is worth; IS acres i'm
proved; good timber. well fenced, new house
good barns and outbuildings, irst class wei
and windmill. All at bargain II taken soon
Am bound to sell. Address or see E. A. ELY,
Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1899-01-18

Chairman-Peter o. Brye.
Clerk-.john Z. Johnson.
Treasurer-Peter o. Brye.
side Roard-Ole Nearison. Amund Martin
SOL.
superintendent of Schools-Peter o. Bryce
Assessor-Peter o. Brye.
The village of Coon Valley was laid
out and regularly plated in 1859, by
Henry johnson, and was named Coon
Valley, as it is located in the valley of
Coon river. The first house was built
by Henry Johnson. The beginning OF
business in the place was the opening
of store by Henry Johnson, in 1868
A saw mill was put in operation in 1858,
by Mr.. Johnson, who in 1863 erected
a Touring mill. The first blacksmith
shop Yves opened by Hans Nelson in
1866. -. The first shoemaker was Knudt
Olson. Peter o. Brye was instrumental
in establishing the first postoffice in
1861. The first postmaster was Henry
johnson, who was in time eueceeded by
Andrew Engerbretson, and who was fol-
lowed by FL Hanson, the latter holding
the Office for fifteen years.
Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1899-01-18
vIRoQUA MARKETS.

1924 am 1900 pm " Stod ard ar.7:24 am 4:53 pm
1885 am I'LL pm " Genoa ari7:1a am 2pm
TAI am 1;22 pm lv Victory ar.7:0l am 1870 pm
1855 am 1871 pm Nv Desoto ar 653 am34;22 pm
Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1899-01-18
PIONEER PlCKINGS PRODUCED
For the 0id-Time Residents of Coon and
Bergen - The Old Settlers Were priu-
eipally Foreigners and OF the Right Kind
TO Make Sturdy Pioneers.

In giving general resume of the set
Element of each township of Vernon
county and the first events of import
ance to those living thel elm, the CENsoI
would be gled to incl6da the names o.
each and every old settler who came te
the county in the days when land was
cheap and future expectations as bright
az beautiful and fertile country could
make them; but the data accessible
is not as exact as might be, nor does il
include all of the first settlers.
The town of Coon is in the northern
tier of congressional townships of Yer
non county, 1t is bounded on the MORT b
by La Crosse county, on the east by
Christiana, on the south by Jefferson
and on the west by Hamburg towns,
and comprises township IA, range 5,
having an area of 23,040 acres. Coon
river flows through this northern part of
the town, entering on section /. The
stream has several tributaries which
water the entire northern portion Of the
town. Coon, in common with all the
territory embraced in the county, Las a
rolling and in some places very hilly
surface. The first settlement was effected
by Norwegians in 184S, and in 1884
they owned nearly every farm in its
borders. Helgar Gilbronson was the
first actual settler of the town. He
came in 184S and located on section s.
where he died q few years later. Next
came Peter Anderson, who settled In
1S49 on section 8. O Martinson came
during 1850, locating on section SO
Christian Anderson came the following
year. Lars Helgerson and his son.
Helga Larson, located on section IL, in
1852. Among the settlers who came in
1854, were the following: Halver AS
monson, who located on section %,
where he died In 1878; Sven Thorson.
who located in the northeast part of the
town; Neary Nearison, on section 27;
L. Seagerson, also on section 81, where
he lived till 1873, when he moved west;
Brea Erickson, who came from Dane
county End settled on section %; Hans
Hans n, also from Dane county, who
located 10 1857.
The first marriage in the town was
that of Lars Olson and Anna Onset.
The ceremony was performed by Rev.
Stubs, some time during 1858. The
first child born was Mary, daughter of
Helga and Agnetta GIbronson, in 1852
The first death was that of Nels Olson,
who died in 1861. The first school was
taught in 1855, by Peter o. Brye, in
dwelling belonging to John Christian
son. The first school house was built
on section 33, in 1859. The first re-
ligious service was held at the house of
Helga Gilbronsop, in 1859. The town
was organized in 1859 The first cleo
ton was held April 6, 1859, at the old
log school house on section 80. The
first town officers elected, we're: