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Things we found around the Museum


Vernon County Early Settlers Association:

Early Settlers Association

Pioneer Meeting at the County Fair, Sept. 1892.

Writing on upper right corner:
Dr. C.V. Porter in center picture at back – high
D. O. Mahoney at his right

Writing on lower right corner:
From Nell Mahoney To Mrs. Clinton Nuzum Jan 30 57

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The photo above was taken during the 1892 Vernon County Fair. It is also where the idea for an Early Settlers Association was formed. The following newspaper article from the Vernon County Censor gives the details of the event.

Early Settlers Association

Early Settlers Association
Early Settlers Association

From the Vernon County Censor



D.O. Mahoney gave an address of welcome to the pioneers. The newspaper article states Mr. Mahoney was not present to give the address, so it is not clear when this was given. However, it was printed in the Vernon County Censor along with the previous article.

Early Settlers Association

Welcome Address by D.O. Mahoney



The last item in the Vernon County Censor article is a roster of the pioneers in attendance at the 1892 gathering:

Early Settlers Association

Roster of Those Present Who Were Eligible to Register



In 1897, early settlers of Vernon County formed an Association "...for the purpose of cementing our friendships, cherishing memories of the past, and educating the younger residents of the county concerning pioneer life..."


Early Settlers Association

Of particular interest is Article 12 of the Constitution "...and the right of suffrage shall be enjoyed by women."

Early Settlers Association
Early Settlers Association

Constitution and Members



Included in the ledger is a letter written to Mr. R.S. McMichael from Alexander Latshaw. Mr. Latshaw is asking Mr. McMichael to contact specific people regarding histories of the towns.

Early Settlers Association
Early Settlers Association

Letter


Unfortunately, there isn't any other information about the Early Settlers Association. The last entry in the association ledger dates to 1902. Did they have another gathering or meeting? If anyone has any information regarding the Early Settlers Association, please contact the musuem - call: 608-637-7396, or come in for a visit.


Early Settlers Association

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More Treasures:


Milwaukee Monthly Magazine


1918 Graduates and alumni in WWI


Scrapbooks from the 1800's


WWI at Home


Spring Fashions


Rusk Scrapbook


Ambitions