Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1914-07-15

had been farmers or wage earners, had
It's depressing effect, and alas very many
I who went failed 10 retarn. Then, fol-
lowing close on these conditions, before
even the remnant of soldiers had come
back 10 their homes, came that fearful
disaster the tornado OF 1865 making a
desOiate waste of portion of our tair
little village and taking a toll of eigh-
teen human lives Besides the total de-
struction alchg South street, many BUSH
ness and public places we're wrecked or
ruined, incll dog the church erected by
the pioneers only a few years before.
on this same ground.
When this people now out of their
abundance, are asked for aid in build
ing new edifice, it is well to remem-
Der what encouragement was met and
overcome by that little band of heroic
people. My parents, Mr.. and Mrs.
John nj. Bennett, Senior, having suffer-
ed the loss of home and household goods
IN the cyclone, were given shelter by
the good pastor and wife, Rev. and
Mrs. Samuel Dodge, while my fathers
broken bones were healing, so / had
opportunity to know with what zeal
and earnestness that good man took up
the unusual duties so suddenly thru st
upon him. He buried the dead aud
ministered to the suffering and diving
and then undertook the building of an
other house of worship. He shouldered
his ak and with such volunteer help as
could be obtained went into the woods
and helped to hew from the trees the
timbers that are in the foundations of
this house. | saw him often come
home weary with the unaccustomed la
Dor and at night provide for the neces-
sites of the household and prepare for
his pulpit and pastoral duties. He
gave full measure of devotion and lived
but few years afterward.
A building committee was appointed
consisting of James Lowrie, Carson
Graham, Elisha Beebout, James Foster,
Samuel Dodge and John M Bennett.
Senior. They contracted with Levi r.
Gaines and j. ID. Brothers, after the
frame work was completed. TO enclose
and finish the same. All these men
have long since gone to their reward.
The completed building was this main
auditorium opening from the street in
to lobby or entry under gallery for
the choir above, with the altar and pull
pit in the east, heated with stoves and
lighted with lamps.
For years the late a. J. Niles was
leader of the choir and Sam Layne
kept order among the troublesome small
boys in the back seats. No record of
the early church would be true without
mention of Grandpa" Henry Nichols,
who from it's beginning in I84S, to the
time of his death, was one of it's most
earnest supporters. His crown of snow
white hair and his story of his wonder
ful religious experience can not be for
gotten. The church has never lacked
faithful stewards. For many years the
late p. j Layne served the county
faithfully as clerk of the court, and
with equal zeal took care of the fnanc-
es Of the church. The loss to the church
by his removal to California was Sc
verely felt.
With completed church parsonage
was necessary, and two sainted women,
Mrs. John Everett and my mother. OBJ
tanned by subscription sufficient money
to secure the building which stood or
stands opposite the Southeastern depot.
This was sold and exchanged for the
small house east of Mr.. Tate's resi-
dence, where the pastors Straw, Az
cry, Wiley, Trimm and perhaps others
lived while with Us. This was in turn
exchanged for the present parsonage.
The ladies' aid society was organized
October l, 1879, with fourteen MEM
bers, and the following officers:
President-Mrs John NJ. Bennett
Vice President-Mrs J. B. Richards.
Secretary-Mrs. II. ID. Williams
Treasurer-Mrs, J, P. Layne.
For IS years the society has lived and
prospered. The long line of my Sun
day school scholars pass in review be-
fore me. If living they are the fathers
and mothers of today. can only pope
my influence was for good. My years
of activity are passing but have lived
to see my children and grand children
taking up the burdens aud | realize the
promises of God are sure to those "who
love Him and keep His commandments. !"