The Wisconsin tobacco reporter. (Edgerton, Wis.) 1877-1950, 1904-01-15

that gained an envable reputation and
maintained it throughout the war;
The first newspaper was published in
1866, under the name of Edgerton I'm
ion. The failure of this paper and the
collapse of another like effort prompted
business men of the town to subscribe
5000 to induce Messrs. Tousleys of Fort
| Atkinson to come here and start news
paper. The first publication in 1874 was
called "The Independent" On the front
page in heavy black print was the motto:
1--WE Speak Respectfully of all Respect
able Men and Measures, Independent of
Party or Clique" In 1877 this weekly
publication was styled wisconsin To-
bacco Reporter
Edgerton's fame as a tobacco raising
locality and shipping center has long
since reached to eastern states and Cities
also to German, English and Australian
markets. The first tobacco crop was
raised by Mr.. Ralph Pomeroy in 1854
Other farmers soon followed his exam
pie. These early crops were sold to CT
gar makers in GAINESVILLE and Milwaukee.
The fame of the place soon reached to
the eastern cities and representatives Of
the leading business houses were sent
out with view of establishing agencies
here. The first warehouse was not built
until 1869. Previous to this time the
crops were stored in the grain elevators
and sheds on the depot grounds. In
1870 the presence OF large number of
eastern buyers influenced the farmers to
put forth better efforts, and the acreage
greatly increased. Each brought need
for more warehouses. These first ones
were all frame buildings set on wooden
blocks. In 1885 two brick warehouses
were erected. This example has been
followed by many firms, for brick ware
houses are better fire protection and
lasson insurance rates. Last year over
twelve hundred people received employ
ment in Edgerton in the tobacco business.
Among the other resources of this
city is a superior pottery clay. In
1888 stock company was formed for the
development of this source of wealth.
Twelve thousand dollars was raised by
business men for working capital. But
the enterprise did not prosper and the
company failed. Three small potteries
are now manufacturing wares, but cap
italist is needed to develop this wealth.
The first bank, known as the Bank Of
Edgerton" was incorporated in 1880 with
1925, 10000 capital. This bank continued
to run until 1897, when it closed it's doors
and passed into the hands of receiver.
Thereupon the Tobacco Exchange Bank
was organized with $35,OOO.OO capital
and has since increased it's capital to
100000.
Edgerton had slow but steady growth
from '58 to 81. About the latter date
the population of this village increased
by the immigration of large number of
Germans. These people have been quick
to adopt American methods and enter
with zest into the privileges and duties
of citizenship. After this increase in
population Edgerton was incorporated
into city in 1883 that she might make
necessary local improvements.
In august, 1891, the city council pass
ed resolution requiring that new walks
be made of cement This resolution
specifies the streets on which cement
walks must be built and includes nearly
all the streets on the north side of the
railroad track. These walks have great
ly enhanced the attractiveness of our
streets.
Since 1885 public spirited young men
have deserved the thanks eff every cti-
zen for their service in the volunteer fire
department. With the constantly in
creasing number of tobacco warehouses
and other valuable property came need
for better water supply than wells, els
terms and brooks in case of fire. In
April, 1888, the common council referred
this matter to committee. The drilling
of the artesian we'll began in August, '89
and was completed in 1890. The we'll
was drilled 400 feet deep at total cost
to the city of $82399; drinking foun-
tain was placed over the we'll that still
assuages the thirst of man and beast. |
While this well continues to flow it was
deemed insufficient to supply the in
creasins demand for water. A franchise
was granted to non resident company
which drilled a larger we'll for it seemed
wise to have water works plant. After
the completion of these water works and
a satisfactory test, the plant was, under
the franchise system, accepted in Aug |
ust, 1897. The same year the city pur
chased the complete water works plant |
for S2S,OOOOO.
Edgerton has long had telephone con-
nection with surrounding cities. In 1896
the Wisconsin Bell Telephone Co. put in |
a local exchange and since the formation |,
of local company in 1898 many of the |
residents enjoy the telephone in their
homes.
Among the other modern improve
ments are the electric lights that have |
been furnished the city since 1892. The |
electricity is furnished by the electric |
light plant on the Catfish river The city |
is lighted by incandescent lights, except |
the business portion of the town which |
is supplied with arc lights.
The nearness of the excellent water |
powers at Fulton village on the Catfish |
and Indian Ford on Rock river, with the |
late invention of transmitting electric |
power, is full of promise for the manu-
interests of Edgerton.