History of the Town of Black Brook,
as written in 1876 by a Civil War veteran
The following is one of several historical pieces about the county's heritage that will be published between now and Polk County's 150th anniversary celebration. It was written by james W. Dean, who served with Company A, 30th Wisconsin Voulnteer Infantry Regiment, during the Civil War, and who later became a county superintendent.
Dean wrote this early history of the Town of Black Brook in 1876 to commemorate the America's centennial. It was originally published in Osceola's Polk County Press, and was reprinted in "Polk County's First Written History," published by the Polk County Historical Society in 1980
This article has recently (March 26, 2003) been published in the "Osceola Sun" newspaper.
The first person who visited this territory was H. Starkweather. He came here as a hunter and trapper in 1856 and is now a resident of the township.
Among the first settlers were Perry Clark and his family and Robert Holliday and his family, both of whom came in 1864. S.D.Starkweather and J.C.Gorsuch came soon thereafter.
From that time until the organization of the township in 1867, settlers continued to come in slowly. In the fall of that year, Ranges 15 and 16 West in Township 32 North were detached from the Town of alden and designated as the new Town of Black Brook. The name is derived from a small stream running through the town, although why the stream is so called I am unable to say.
At the first annual town meeting, held in the spring of 1868, 19 votes were cast. As a result the following town officers were elected: J.C. Nelson, Chairman; D.P.Hewitt and G.H. Goodrich, supervisors; W.V. Starkweather, town clerk; J.C. Gorsuch, town treasurer; D.P. Hewit, Charles Danforth and R. Holliday, justices of the peace.
The first school district was soon organized and a school house was built. The first school was taught in 1867. Tina Starkweather was the first teacher.
J.A. Catlin and Amanda Clark were the first couple married in the town. The marriage took place in 1867. The religious development of the township is as follows. the firt sermon was preached by Rev. Cyrus Liscomb, and the second by Rev. C.W. Hinman. The first Sunday school was organized by D.W. Hulbert in 1869. A Van Alstine was chosen superintendent. The first church also was organized in 1869. It was of the Methodist denomination, and W.V. Starkweather was appointed as the first religious leader.
The first sawmill was erected by D.W. Hulbert in 1870. The first store was opened by C.H. Decker in 1871. Of the early settlers in this town, two have died: R. Holliday and Mrs. Benjamin Gillman. Several others, including R.H. Clark and family, and J.C. Nelson and family have moved awayh. But the greater number of settlers remain to enjoy the prosperity that a beneficient Providence has granted us.
To better understand the development of Black Brook during the past eight years, let us institute a comparison: In 1868 we cast 19 votes; in 1876, 208. Years ago we had perhaps 30 acres of cultivated land, now there are more than 1,000 improved acres.
Previously we had to go from 15 to 20 miles for our lumber and merchandise; today we have two saw mills, a shingle and planing mill, one of the largest stave factories in the Northwest, and three stores in the township. All are doing a good business. In the early days of settlement, the assessed valuation of personal property was but $300. Now it is over $25,000.
Years ago we had but one school house, a small log one. Now we have six comfortable school buildings, and some of these compare favorably with the best schoolhouses in the county. We once thought ourselves fortunate if we could get our mail once a week, now we have it daily, and we receive our news by telegraphy.
It used to be that when we sought for mental food we had to find it in the few books we might possess, or in the newspaper that might chance to reach us. But now the lecturer deigns to notice us. Before we had only the occasional services of a gospel minister to conduct religious meetings; now, we have weekly Sabbath services.
On the spot where once stood an unbroken forest, now stands thriving village, and prosperous farms.
While it is not claimed that the current general depression in business has not left us unaffected still, on every hand may be seen evidences of thrift and prosperity.
Among the stirring businessmen of our town we may mention Syme, Hewett & Co., who deal in general merchandise and manufacture barrel stock; Graves & Co., who manufacture lumber; W.W. Mann & Co., dealers in shingles, moldings etx.; Jones & Co., merchants; and F.H. Hills, who also deals in general merchandise.
Volunteers are needed to make the county's 150th anniversary a success. Anyone who would like to be involved is encouraged to call Darrell Kittleson, (715) 483-3979