THE HISTORY OF THE

VILLAGE OF DALLAS

Donated by Vic Gulickson
 

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Dallas Village is located in the south-central part of the county, in Section 14, west, Dallas Township, on the Ridgeland Reserve branch of the Minneapolis, St. Paul & Sault Ste Marie Railway. The surrounding country is more or less rolling, and still has some fine hardwood groves. The Upper Pine Creek is here
dammed, making a pretty artificial body of water known as Dallas Lake.

 In the years 1869 and 1870, three men, all farmers, owned the greater part of the acreage where the village of Dallas now is, and the outlying fields, each one having in the early years a clearing and house and accompanying buildings.

  The one nearest the present village center was Ole Knutson, whose old-fashioned home was near the bank of Pine Creek, where the K. Espeseth residence now stands.

  About half a mile up stream on the same (west) side of the stream was the home of Nelse Toliffson. Midway between the Knutson and Toliffson residences, but about half a mile to the west, was the home of Mr. Toliffson's son, Toliff Nelson.

 For a while one Joseph Boyd had a shack on Ole Knutson's land, but as he paid no rent, and was reputed to be a manufacturer of counterfeit money and illicit whiskey, he was pursuaded to depart.

  About a mile or more south of the site of the present village, William Hufnail, in the early seventies, had a farm on which was a fine spring of clear water. On this farm a postoffice was established with Mr. Hufnail as postmaster, to which the name of Sylvan Springs was given in the spring of 1877, William S. Poster opened a store on the southeast corner of the northeast quarter of Section 22, Dallas Township, about a half mile west and a mile south of the present village. He was appointed postmaster Oct. 16, 1877, moved the office to his store, and there maintained it. The name of the office was changed to Dallas.

  On Feb. 29, 1878, James A. Anderson arrived on the present site of Dallas, and was thereafter its leading citizen for some four decades. Attracted by the possibilities of the region, and especially by the possibilities of the power which might be conserved by damming the still flowing Little (Upper) Pine
Creek, he purchased land and water rights from Nabs Toliffson and Ole Knuteson and started the dam and mill.

  In the spring of 1879, Mr. Anderson interviewed Mr. Foster, in regard to moving the store and postoffice up near the mill. The suggestion was heartily received and Mr. Foster. and his family, the store building, and the Dallas postoffice were in a short time transplanted to a beautiful spot directly
across the square from the mill. All this was on the west side of the creek, which by damming had become a pretty lake.

  Business on the east side of the pond was started by Knute Espeseth, who started a general store.

  Mr. Anderson's mill was at first a grist mill, but later rollers were installed. The mill is still in operation by the son, Matt, who is following in his father's footsteps as one of the active factors in the life of the village. Since 1915 power has been generated in the mill for the village electric light system.

  In 1880, Mr. Anderson started a sawmill, and later added planing and shingle departments. In 1894 it came into the hands of Even Erickson and E. Amundson. A year later, Mr. Erickson became sole owner. He operated it until 1900, when it was shut down, dismantled and sold. In that year he built the planing
mill which he is still conducting, also manufacturing sash and doors and doing other woodworking.

  With the dam built, the mills established the postoffice located, and the Foster and Espeseth stores running, the village began to grow. Blacksmith shops were established at various times by Louis C. Hoyt, Even Erickson, S. A. Severson and John L. Fluent. Mr. Severson added an engine and opened a saw and
planing mill. Pelton Brothers opened a hardware store, Torger Olson a harness and repair shop, Ole Christianson a shoe shop, William S. Foster the Foster House, Martin Grannis a cabinet shop, and Johnson Malum and Halvorson & Moe general stores.

  In the early days of the village, the Patrons of Husbandry was a strong organization, and a Grange was established in Dallas which flourished for a number of years.

  The original plat of Dallas is not on record. The records show but one deed under the old plat, and in that deed the lot transferred is described in metes and bounds. May 12, 1894, James A. Anderson platted a part of the present village, the surveyor being D. A. Russell. The principal business portions of
Dallas are not platted, the lots still being described by metes and bounds. West Dallas was platted Sept. 10, 1900, on land of Tolef Nelson. The surveyor was H. Brewer.

  The Rice Lake, Dallas & Menomonie Railroad was built from Ridgeland to Rice Lake, through Dallas, in 1900, and, trains started running in the fall of that year. This brought new life to the village, and established it as an important trading center. The depot is located on a strip of land a half mile long
and 250 feet wide, presented by James A. Anderson.

  When the railroad came through James Anderson opened a hotel and a number of other new industries were started.

  Besides the woodworking mill operated by Even Erickson. Knute Hanson is conducting a small steam sawmill. Matt Anderson has a flour mill. There are two grain elevators combined with potato warehouses, and one elevator not connected with anything else. There are also four potato warehouses not included in those mentioned above. M. A. Gedney of St. Paul, has a pickling station here. and among the other business interests are a lumber yard, blacksmith shop, harness and shoe repair shops, a shoemaker's (repair and sales), three garages, a hotel, a moving picture theatre, a bank, two general stores, a hardware store, jewelry store, drug store, three confectionery stores and restaurants combined, and a barber shop. There is also a Farmers' Shipping Association. Fire protection is furnished by a voluntary
department, the apparatus consisting of a chemical, pumping engine, hose cart and hook and ladder.

  The village of Dallas was incorporated in 1903, the charter being dated June 26, at the circuit court at Superior, A. J. Vinge, circuit judge. The first election was held on Aug. 15, that year, and the officials elected were as follows: President, R. J. Tuttle; clerk, David A. Russell; treasurer, J. A.
Anderson; trustees, Even Erickson, A. P. Manion. S. A. Syverson, E. A. Pelton, Isaac Pecore and Harry Halvorson; supervisor, K. Espeseth; assessor, J. M. Pelton; constable, J. E. Quam; Justices of the peace, J. K. Johnson and F. F. Tibbetts; police justice, D. A. Russell.

  After W. S. Poster had served as postmaster of Dallas for some twelve or fourteen years, he was succeeded in that office by John G. Johnson. Later Knute Espeseth had it, and after him Torger Oleson. Then Mr. Johnson was appointed again and served for about sixteen years, or until, his death in June, 1914, when he was succeeded by his son, Frank. The latter kept it until the fall of 1916, when the appointment fell to D. E. Thatcher, who is still serving.

  About 1889 or 1890 a frame schoolhouse was built Just west of the railway station. it continued in use until the erection of the present building in 1903, when it was sold to the Methodists for a church building and moved to its present site. The school building now in use is two stories in height and
contains three rooms, in which nine grades are taught, three teachers being employed. The building cost $1,750, a loan being obtained from the state.

 No sooner was the nucleus of the village of Dallas shaped on the banks of the little Pine Creek than there came to an out-lying farm home two women of culture and their inspiring influence is well worthy of mention in connection with the early training of the Dallas children and young people.

  Just down through the pines a little way to the south and east of the village, nestled among a fir grove, were the comfortable buildings of H. 0. Eggleston, and to this home came Mrs. Eggleston's sister, Mrs. Scott, of Rock County, this state, and her blind daughter, Maria, Mr. Scott having departed this life some time previous.

  Thus a season of golden opportunity came to the very door of the pioneers in the wilderness.

  Here Mrs. Scott called the neighbors together each Sunday and conducted a real live Sunday school, Miss Scott presiding at the organ, which they had brought with them. and also leading in the singing. For some time during the early eighties the parents also gathered with their children each Sunday in
Bible study and worship.

  Miss Scott was soon found to be not only a church organist, but a music teacher of no small degree of efficiency, her education, having been received at the institute for the blind at Janesville, Wis., which school sheentered at nine years of age, graduating from the same in the year 1876 at the age of nineteen. Not only did she master the fundamentals of vocal and instrumental music, technique and harmony, but graduated in common school branches as well as the higher studies.

  Her ability to teach was wonderful and the fruits of her untiring efforts directly or indirectly, are still bringing joy to many a home. She is now spending her declining years with her sister, Mrs. Martha Cartwright at Elk Mound, Wis.

  At the present time there are two churches in Dallas, the Methodist Episcopal, and the Norwegian Lutheran.

  The Methodist society was formed some nineteen or twenty years ago, and for a while meetings were held in the schoolhouse. When in 1903 a new school building became necessary the Methodists seized the opportunity to buy the building about to be discarded. It was in fairly good condition, having been erected less than fifteen years previously. A committee composed of L. J. Keyes, Thomas King, C. A. Eggleston, E. A. Pelton and the pastor, conducted the transaction on behalf of the church and the building was moved from where it then stood, just west of the railway depot to its present site and was
enlarged by an addition. The society was associated at first with that at Prairie Farm, the two being served by the same pastor, but for years no pastor was available save an occasional supply. Then Ridgeland and Hillsdale were included in the charge, and, as a parsonage was bought in Dallas in October,
1921, the pastor now resides here. He is the Rev. Lawrence A. Lockhart, who came from British Columbia. The Dallas congregation is small, now numbering half a dozen members.

 An account of the Norwegian Lutheran Church may be found in an articleon the churches of that denomination in Barron County, by the Rev. J. E. Nord, elsewhere printed in this volume.

  The Dallas Creamery Association was formed in 1903 for the purpose of erecting a building and starting a co-operative creamery. At a meeting held March 17 that year, of which Anthony Pecore was chairman, a building committee was chosen, consisting of Hans Borgen, David Pecore, John Borgen, K. Espeseth and L. J. Keyes. The first directors were Hans Borgen, Harry Halvarson, K. Espeseth, A. Pecore, Johann Hutz, Sophus Moe and Louis Ellefson. The officers chosen were: K. Espeseth, president; Sophus Moe, secretary, and Harry Halvarson, treasurer. J. G. Johnson was manager. In 1905 there was a new board of directors and during, subsequent years there were a number of further changes. The enterprise as a co-operative movement, failed to achieve a notable success, and in January, 1919, the sale of the creamery, supplies and equipment was authorized by the board of directors. The creamery was bought by Ole Asker who soon sold it to Robert Mobern, and the latter on November 1, 1919, sold to G. Hammer, who, with his partner, N. C. Ashley, is now operating it as a private enterprise. In 1920 the total amount of cream received was 702,638 pounds; the total amount paid for butter fat, $115,297.60, and the total amount of butter made was 225,435 pounds.

  The Bank of Dallas was conducted as a private bank, or partnership, for many years by L. Starks, J. R. Beggs, J. A. Anderson and G. T. Vorland, until on August 29, 1903, the Dank of Dallas was incorporated, and its directors voted on September 15, 1903, to take over the assets and liabilities of the private bank, the Bank of Dallas. During this time, Erland Engh was cashier of the bank. Its resources on September 15, 1903, were $20,375.32. Mr. Engh resigned as cashier of the bank on August 11, 1906. At that time the directors of the bank were G. T. Vorland, J. A. Anderson, Harry Halverson and Sofus Moe. Upon acceptance of Mr. Engh's resignation at a directors meeting on August 11, 1906, Sofus Moe was elected as cashier, but did not serve as Mr. Engh's appointment did not expire until September 15, 1906, and Mr. Moe resigned as cashier on August 25, 1906, and Mr. Engh was again re-elected cashier. It is
from about this date that D. A. Russell's identification with the bank is dated, and Mr. Russell served either as chairman of the board of directors or president of the Bank of Dallas from that time until April, 1916, when he sold out his stock in the bank to C. J. Borum, T. W. Borum, G. R. Borum and Coe
Bros., of Barron, Wis. In April, 1916, F. L. Van Sickle was elected cashier to succeed Erland Engh, which position Mr. Van Sickle held until July, 1919, at which time Albin Nystrom was elected cashier, and who at present holds that position. The bank during all of its years of existence has made steady progress, and increases in capital were made several times until in 1916 it was $10,000.00, and it was then later on January 23, 1920, increased to $25,000.00.

  The present officers are as follows: Chas. J. Borum, president; F. L. Van Sickle, vice president; M. L. Randall, vice president; A. Nystrom, cashier; Philip C. Brooks, assistant cashier.

  The Farmers Store Co. has a prosperous establishment in a sightly and convenient building. The company bought out Alfred Linschied in 1914. The first manager was Alfred Engebrightsen, who was followed in October, 1917, by Sam. Brusen, of Chetek, the present manager, under whose guidance a modern store is being successfully conducted.

  The Farmers Shipping Association of Dallas was organized on March 3, 1917, and has since continued as a prosperous enterprise. I. H. Baland was the first president. He served three years. Then A. Wintrone served a year, followed by W. Owen, who is now in office. The first manager was S. Moe, who served three years. He was followed by Gust Wintrone, who has since successfully continued in the position. 0. Bergen is treasurer. Olger Wahl is secretary. Ole Wahl and Ed. Massie are the directors.

  Dallas Colony, No. 210, Beavers, was organized May 16, 1907, with the following charter officers: M. W. B., Sofus Moe; M. W. Q., Elsie Hankin; W. C., Arthur Hankin; W. Secretary, Millie Dahl; W. Treasurer, Charles Swenson; Q. of L., Mabel Kellar; Q. of T., Alma Pecore; Q. of C., Nellie Randall; W. P., Amanda Warner; W. G., Willet Warner; W. T., Alex Kellar; Trustees, A. Hankin, Dorthea Severson and David Pecore; organist, Susie Pecore. Mrs. Elsie Hankin has been M. W. Q. since December, 1908, except one year when she was in Rice Lake. She has been a delegate to the Grand Convention at Antigo in 1910, at Chippewa Falls in 1912, and at Madison in 1914, as well as to district conventions. There are at present sixty beneficent members in good standing, of whom six live in Montana, two in Washington and one in New York. There are also seventeen junior Beavers. The deceased members are Martin Lybeck, Burton Bishop, Mrs. Verna Baland, Mrs. Lydia Marsh and Mrs. Alma Hankin.

  A little more than half a century ago the territory now included in the township of Dallas was a wilderness inhabited only by Chippewa Indians, but from the year 1868 visited in the fall and spring by a white hunter and trapper, W. A. Kent, who finally settled on a farm. He became a prominent citizen, moved to Barron to take up the duties of the office of register of deeds, and afterward opened a hotel at Cameron.

  In the summer of 1867 Alfred B. Finley settled on 160 acres of land in sections 31 and 32, and built a log cabin, being the first settler in the southwestern part of the township. A large part of his life was devoted to educational work, and he served as one of the early superintendents of Barron County schools. The old train from the Washburn Farms in Dunn County to the Quaderer Camp, now Barron, led past his door.

  In 1868 William Rafferty arrived. Woodbury S. Grover came the same year and took a homestead of 160 acres in section 32. Mr. Grover at once took an active part in public affairs. It was he, who, as county clerk in 1874, took the records from Rice Lake to Barron, as related elsewhere, thus removing the county seat to the place where it has since been located. He also served actively in town office.

  Dallas Township was heavily wooded in parts, and in other parts consisted of "oak openings" and naturally attracted the men who wished to establish farms.

  The Flanagan family came in the summer of 1869, and Thomas W. Blyton and family came in the same year, taking a homestead in section 4, west.

  A number of settlers arrived in 1870, including Hyram Pelton, B. B. Fuller, Lee Millard, S. M. Pelton, Swen Swenson, Ole Knutson, William T. Cole, Nelse Toliffson (Granum), Knute Amundson and Christ Sorenson.

  Nelse Toliffson, who is said to have been the first Norwegian settler in the township, located in section 14, west. He is still living, being now 92 years old.

  Joseph Pecore, born in New York State in May, 1820, took a squatter's claim in section 16, west, in 1871, but in the following year moved to section 27, west. He is still living, and has now passed the century mark. Among the other settlers in the township in 1871 were Charles Salsbury in sections 18 and 19; Trone Wintrone, section 12, west; and Lens Arenson, section 10, west. John G. Johnson, who in 1870 had located in section 10, Maple Grove, also took land in section 14, Dallas, which he improved. Later he became one of the leading business men of the village.

 In 1872 Christian Oleson took a homestead in section 24, and Thomas J. Howard in section 8, west. About the same time Ole Ellefson took a piece of land on Pine Creek; and Henry 0. Eggleston, a native of England, settled on section 24.

  Up to this time the Indians had a camping ground on the spot now occupied by the buildings of Halver E. Halverson, but in the spring of 1872 they left to take up their home on the Couderay reservation.

  No further obstacle now remained in the way of white settlement and the development of agriculture. In addition to the "oak openings" there were some stands of hardwood, which was gradually cleared out by the settlers.

  In 1873 Easton Ellefson settled in section 36; Dixon S. Rogers and family came in 1874, locating in section 18; also Ole T. Anderson, who took 80 acres in section 31, east, and 80 acres adjoining in Dunn County.

  In 1875 Benjamin F. Massie settled in section 19, and in the following year William S. Poster and others arrived. From this time on the population increased more rapidly until all the best farm and dairy land was taken up.

  The Pitts School District, Dallas Township, is one of the oldest in the county. It was organized Oct. 15, 1871. Henry M. Withey was the first clerk. The schoolhouse stood about 30 rods north of the present residence, on the west side of the present road. In the fall of 1872 Charles Salsbury was elected clerk. Of conditions in those days he says: The schools were then run on the township system. When a new district was formed, it was numbered Sub-District No. 1, Sub-District No. 2, etc. The several clerks met once a year. Each district estimated the cost of running the school for the ensuing year, and the clerk presented this estimate to the school clerks at their annual meetings, to be accepted or rejected as the school board saw fit. That fall, 1872, the clerks met at a logging camp on the Red Cedar River, located on the road running from Barron to Rice Lake. We spent three days in attending these meetings, one day going, one day attending, and one day returning. We received a compensation of $10 for the school year." Mr. Salsbury was again elected clerk in 1873. It was then decided to move the schoolhouse to the site of the present schoolhouse. At the annual clerks' meeting of that year, some of the west side of the Pitts district was taken off, and the Pleasant Creek district formed.

  The Free Baptist Church. Rev. G. A. Taylor came to Barron County from Mauston, Wis., in the summer of 1883 in quest of a home, and purchased 80 acres of heavily wooded timbered land in the northwestern part of Dallas Township. Along the western boundary of this tract lay the main road from what was then known as the "Prairie" to the county seat, a highway which was then scarcely more than a trail, but which is now the well improved "Trunk Line, No. 25." Selecting a slight raise of ground along this road, Mr. Taylor cut away the timber on a small acreage, and with the assistance of neighbors "rolled up" a log cabin, which was to serve as a home for himself and family until prosperity might materialize his vision of a more pretentious dwelling.

  Later in the season Mrs. Taylor and eight children, three sons and five daughters, arrived. Thus G. A. Taylor and his family became residents of Dallas Township.

 As the year 1883 waned, happenings and events incident to pioneer life filled the shortening days until Dec. 23, when an event of greater significance occurred, as evidenced by this item in the clerk's records of the First Free Will Baptist Church of Dallas:

  "According to previous arrangement, a Council met at the home of Brother
George A. Taylor, and after enjoying a good covenant meeting, in the presence
of the Master, proceeded to organize a church. The following persons presented
themselves for membership: George A. Taylor, Nancy A. Taylor, Irene M. E.
Taylor, Emma L. Taylor, James I,. Taylor; and the following were received as
candidates for baptism and church membership: Adelbert R. Wells, A. C.
Deitrick and Dora Deitrick. Consecrating prayer offered by B. A. Stowe; right
hand of fellowship and presenting of Bible, by Rev. A. Hathaway.
(Signed)
Council, A. Hathaway and B. A. Stowe."

  The name of "First Free Baptist Church of Dallas" was chosen. The next day being Sunday, services were held in the evening in the "old log schoolhouse." Elizabeth Nicklow, who had previously been baptized at Mulcreek, Indiana, was received into the church in full fellowship, and Lucinda and Lilly Taylor and Maggie Nicklow as candidates for baptism and full membership.

  A. C. Deitrick was chosen clerk at the first business meeting after the church was organized, and Rev. G. A. Taylor was "chosen" (the word "hired" is not used) as pastor. March 24, 1884, Mr. and Mrs. Deitrick received letters of dismissal from the church to unite with the church at Barron, whither they had moved.

  In the spring of 1884 the first baptismal services were held, the persons baptized being: R. A. Wells, Lucinda Taylor, Lilly Taylor and Maggie Nicklow. These four also received the right hand of fellowship in the church, making a total membership of nine.

  On June 1, 1889, the covenant meeting was held at the schoolhouse, and Mr. and Mrs. A. C. Deitrick, who had returned from Barron, and Elizabeth Nicklow and Bessie Taylor were chosen delegates to the quarterly meeting.

  In September, Elder Taylor, with his own axe, underbrushed a suitable piece of ground near the old schoolhouse and invited the quarterly meeting to convene there, using this shady grove for the day service and holding the evening service in the schoolhouse. At this session, Maria Scott first appeared as organist in West Dallas, and Rev. and Mrs. J. G. Peterson attended their first services here.

  Before this, in 1887, at a covenant meeting held at the home of A. C. Deitrick, it had been voted that each church member should pay twenty-five cents each annually to home missions, and five cents each for quarterly meeting expenses. Up to November, 1889, no other money matters are mentioned. A note was then made that the pastor had received $7.25 at a "Donation" given at his home.

 In January, 1890, A. C. Deitrick was chosen deacon and John Rogers, clerk. It was voted that the Lord's feast should be observed every three months. Plans were made for the incorporation of the building committee of the church.  In February of the same year it was decided that six trustees should be appointed, three from the church membership and three outside the church membership. The trustees appointed were: G. A. Taylor, A. C. Deitrick and John Rogers from the church, and G. M. Keller, Samuel Dows and Isaac Cooper from outside the church. These trustees evidently constituted the building
committee. In March, 1890, G. A.. Taylor reported on behalf of the committee that a site had been selected "ten rods square in the southwest corner of the southwest quarter of the southeast quarter of section 5, township 32, range 12, said site being the property of Jerome Coe, of Barron, he agreeing to
donate the same to the church for the purpose of erecting a church thereon." But busy as the members were, gathering means and material, home missions were not forgotten, for in April, $4.65 was forwarded to J. D. Batson, home missions treasurer. Later in the year the records contain a list of the
contributors toward the church building fund, headed by the Ladies' Free Baptist Home Mission Auxiliary, $166.45. Practically everybody in this region contributed, either in work or money. The names of J. Kahl, A. W. Arndt, E. S. Coleman and Jerome Coe, of Barron, appear on the list, as well as Hon. Woodbury S. Grover, of Ridgeland, and James A. Anderson and W. S. Foster, of Dallas. The contributions total $699.65. The trustees at the time of this report were G. A. Taylor, Isaac Cooper, John L. Rogers and B. A. Stowe.

 With right good will the people labored, and in September, 1890, the building was nearing completion and the September quarterly meeting was held within its doors. June 1, 1891, the building was dedicated. J. D. Batson, of Minnesota, conducted the service.

  G. A. Taylor was "hired" as pastor for the ensuing year at a salary of $50. An organ was presented the church by E. S. Conway, secretary of the Kimball Company, of Chicago, and on Oct. 3, 1891, Mattie L. Foster, now Mrs. Perry V. Nicklow, was chosen organist, a position still tendered her after thirty-one
years of service.

 In 1892 A. M. White became pastor at $75 a year. J. L. Rogers, S. Dowd and A. C. Deitrick were appointed as finance committee, their duties being to collect the pastor's salary, mission dues and quarterly meeting dues.

  Covenant meetings were held every month this year. At the August meeting sixteen members and seven visitors were present. A movement was started to withdraw from the St. Croix Quarterly Meeting and to form a new quarterly meeting, consisting of Dallas, Maple Grove, Clear Lake and Vance Creek.

  During the first ten years from December, 1882, to December, 1893, the following persons were baptized. in addition to the four already mentioned: Mrs. Dora Deitrick, A. C. Deitrick, Archie Hall, Bessie Taylor, Hattie Nicklow, Barbara Hall, John Nicklow, Mattie T. Foster, Reuben Taylor, Ernest
Taylor, Zanetta Deitrick, S. C. Miles and John Rogers, making a total of seventeen. Besides the first six church members mentioned, the following united in fellowship: R. A. Wells, Lucinda Taylor, Lilly Taylor, Maggie Nicklow, Alanson Dowd, Ursula Cooper, B. A. Stowe, C. M. Stowe, Anna Wygant, Mattie G. Poster, Samuel Dowd, D. Ledyard, Mrs. Samuel Dowd, S. C. Miles, Barbara Hall, Archie Hall, Zanetta Deitrick, Reuben Taylor, Ernest Taylor and Mrs. D. Ledyard, making a total of 26 taken in the church in the first ten years. Within this time, however, five were dismissed by letter, and the deaths of Irene Taylor, James Taylor, Maggie Nicklow and Alanson Dowd appear in the records.

  The next ten years the little church appears to have been a Chautauqua center, the following ministers filling the pulpit for various periods of time. On Aug. 6, 1893, George A. Taylor was, again engaged as pastor, but owing to poor health was forced to resign the following spring. On Aug. 4, 1894, Rev. J. G. Peterson became pastor at a salary of $75 a year. The August covenant meeting reports fifteen present. The following September, Rev. George A. Taylor was appointed a committee of one to interview the Free Baptist Churches of Barron County in regard to withdrawing from the St. Croix Quarterly Meeting and forming a new quarterly meeting. March 16, 1895, the minutes record "horse sheds mentioned but nothing done." June 8, 1895, Elder Taylor was appointed delegate to the yearly meeting, and ten cents levied on
each member to pay the delegate's expenses. During 1895-96, Mr. Taylor acted as pastor, except for three months In the fall of 1896, when James Wilcox was pastor. The next pastor was Rev. A. M. White. For his benefit the first ice cream supper was given by the church, Mrs. Elizabeth Nicklow, Reuben Taylor and Bessie Taylor being the committee on materials, and J. S. Dowd being the committee on program.

  On Sept. 4, 1897, G. A. Taylor had again taken charge of the church. The following April Rev. F. B. Moulton was chosen pastor, and continued thus for six months, when he resigned to be followed by Rev. B. A. Stowe. Mr. Stowe resigned after a few months service, leaving the burden of the church on Rev.
G. A. Taylor again until June 1, 1901, when Rev. David Smith was chosen pastor for one year. The impossibility of securing a permanent pastor led the church to request the Methodist Episcopal pastor, H. W. Bedford, to preach at the Baptist Church on alternate Sunday afternoons.

  During this period, 1893 to 1903, but two more were baptized, G. M. Keller and Perry  V. Nicklow, and but two members received into the church, Emma Hunt and Arthur  Logan. The church was diminished by the dismissing or dropping of  five names,  and  by  death of John Rogers, July 1, 1896; Mrs. Anna Wygant, June 8, 1891; John Nicklow, Sept. 28, 1892; and Hattie Nicklow Sands, March 27, 1900.

  The third period was ushered in by Rev. Bedford continuing to supply for a while. Then the little band was without a pastor for some time. The church letter of Sept. 12, 1906, reports four resident members, Mrs. Tilly Dowd, Bessie Rogers, Mrs. Elizabeth Nicklow and Mrs. Mattle L. Nicklow, and one
non-resident member, Rev. G. A. Taylor.

  In the spring of 1906 Rev. Barton Addis came to the field and held a series of meetings which resulted in several conversions and baptisms. He was pastor of this church two years. During the first year of his ministry here, the Maple Grove and West Dallas Free Baptist churches requested admission to the
Waupon Quarterly Meeting. On Sept. 7, 1907, the Waupon Quarterly Meeting was entertained by the Dallas Free Baptist Church and the request for union was granted, at which time the relations with the St. Croix Quarterly Meeting ceased. Mrs. Jewett and Rev. Bridewell remained in the field and conducted a revival which added several members to the church. While the Waupun Quarterly Meeting was in session here, Reuben Taylor, the son of Rev. George C. Taylor, was licensed to preach the gospel.

  On June 12, 1908, Mr. and Mrs. Addis, having finished their work here, were granted church letters. While on this field, seventeen persons were baptized by Mr. Addis and seventeen new members brought into the church. This brought the total to 21 resident members, and one non-resident member. Rev. Addis
received about $125 a year, the Ladies Social Circle contributing toward his salary. Cottage prayer meetings were held during this period, the first being at the Lambert Rogers residence.

  In 1908 Rev. J. G. Peterson was again called to the pulpit, and thereafter served over three years. The church was repainted. It presented a beautiful appearance, with its snow white coat resting as it did on a carpet of green, amid shadows of darker hue, from nearby elms. Each Sunday morning found it open for all who came that way, and those who entered found that the outer appearance was but an index to the interior, as that too had been papered, carpeted and made new again. The faithful work of all is recorded in the books, Rev. and Mrs. Peterson being especially mentioned as working three days papering the interior. May 29, 1909, "Mother Hall" and "Happy Jim" were present at the quarterly meeting. Four weeks of meetings were held by Rev. J. Bascom McMinn in the winter of 1910. In November, 1911, quarterly meeting was again held here, Rev. Longfield being present. In the spring of 1913 two regular Baptist workers, Rev. Wheeler and Rev. Gales of Milwaukee came on the field in the interests of the Baptist State Convention. As the result of their work the church united with the Eau Claire Baptist Association, still retaining, however, its original name. On June 18, 1913, J. S. Dowd and
Rev. J. G. Peterson represented the church at the Association meeting held at Augusta, receiving the right hand of fellowship in behalf of the West Dallas church.

  In the fall of 1913 Rev. Pratt held services here. Charles Alborn came here as candidate March 2, 1913, and was hired as pastor Apr. 27, 1913.

 From 1903 to 1913 the church suffered its greatest fluctuation in membership. From a resident membership of four it grew to a membership of twenty-four. Soon fifteen names were dismissed or dropped. A little later a report shows an addition of fourteen members. During these ten years twenty-two persons were baptized by the pastors. The deacons during this period were: G. A. Taylor, J.
S. Dowd and Mr. Bailey. Isaac Cooper was trustee from 1892 to 1903, G. A. Taylor from 1893 to 1904, D. S. Bishop from 1906 to 1909. Other names were Samuel Dowd from 1893 to 1904, and S. C. Miles and Reuben Taylor for shorter periods. Ursula Cooper died in August, 1905, and Nancy Taylor in December of the same year.

  Rev. Alborn tendered his resignation to take effect Nov. 15, 1914. Dec. 1 a call was extended to Rev. W. A. Nickerson, who stayed a short time and then, on account of ill health, resigned in May, 1916. During this period an individual communion, set was purchased. An event of unusua1 interest was the
marriage of the Rev. W. A. Nickerson and Edna Leland, of Boston, at the church, and the banquet and reception at the home of Rev. and Mrs. Peterson. Dr. D. W. Hulburt of Milwaukee visited the church in July and in September. In October, 1916, Rev. Russell Hoffman took up the work. May 6, 1917, Rev.
Ole P. Lovik came. During the next three months Rev. and Mrs. E. R. McKinney, of Eau Claire, Rev. Allen of Cumberland, and Dr. D. W. Hulburt are mentioned as speakers.

  In November, 1917, Rev. S. R. Dunlop was engaged. The horse sheds, partially built in the years gone by had decayed. Accordingly, through help from the Ladies Social Circle, and the Progressive Class of the Sunday School, a substantial new shed was erected. In February, 1922, the roof fell in, overburdened with snow and ice. During Mr. Dunlop's pastorate, the church went on record as heartily reaffirming the belief of the members in the "Confession of Faith" adopted by the Conference on Fundamentals, held at Des Moines, Iowa, in June, 1921.

  In November, 1917, Rev. S. R. Dunlop was engaged as pastor. During his pastorate the church went on record as heartily reaffirming the belief of the members in the "Confession of Faith" adopted by the Conference on Fundamentals held at Des Moines, Iowa, in June, 1921.

  From 1913 to the present time, covering a period of nine years, thirteen members have been added to the church, and there have been four baptisms. The membership was diminished by four dismissals, and the deaths of Elsie Dowd, in April, 1918; Walter Sanford, Sept., 1921; Mrs. G. W. Sherwood, in 1914;
Mrs. Lydia Hulburt, in 1919; and C. A. Taylor, in 1913, the last three named being non-resident members.

  From 1883 to 1906, the first twenty-three years, the clerks were: A. R. Wells, A. C. Deitrick, John Rogers, Lucinda Taylor, Emma Taylor, Reuben Taylor, Bessie Rogers, Ursula Cooper and Bessie Rogers. Mattie L. (Mrs. Perry V.) Nicklow has filled the office from 1906 to the present time with the exception of six months when the names of Ica Dissmore and Mrs. Lilly Dowd appear as clerks. The present treasurer is Mrs. Dan Bishop. The trustees are Bessie Rogers, elected in 1917; J. S. Dowd, elected in 1904; and Perry V. Nicklow, who, with the exception of three years, has been trustee since August 30, 1895, a period of twenty-seven years. For more than ten years this church has been a part of a circuit, the Hillsdale and Maple Grove Baptist churches co-operating with them in engaging a pastor.

  The membership Oct. 3, 1921, was twenty. Only two of the George A. Taylor family, Mrs. Lilly Dowd and Mrs. Bessie Rogers, are still members in the church. The rest are in the West, except Reuben, who teaches near Bruel, this state. One by one they left for homes in other states. Rev. Taylor moved to
Ridgeland twenty years ago, and from there to the state of Idaho, where in 1913 he departed this life. While other pastors served this church, Elder Taylor was in spirit, pastor emeritus, wherever he was, having this little church first in his heart; he being the founder, organizer and for nine years pastor. The church organization and building constitute a blessed monument to his memory.

  During all these years a Sunday School has been held in the Free Baptist Church, and until the influenza epidemic, only a few sessions were missed. The membership has ranged from thirty to fifty. There are at present six classes, two of which are taking graded work. The young people's class has taken the name of "Progressive." It was organized in 1912 with J. S. Dowd as teacher. He is still serving. The school is called the Forest Union Sunday School. Among the early superintendents were: David Bishop, A. C. Deitrick and G. M. Keller.
 

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