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This village is located on the Milwaukee and St. Paul Railroad,
at the junction of the Madison and Monroe divisions. The place
was laid out in 1838 by Joseph Goodrich, the first settler and
proprietor of the town. Mr. Goodrich came out from Milwaukee
on foot, the only baggage he carried being a spade on his shoulder.
At that time the camping-grounds of Black Hawk and General Atkinson's
armies were plainly to be seen on Mr. Goodrich's lands, and the
army trails both crossed the spot that is now the public square.
Mr. Goodrich built the first house in the place, which is still
standing in the rear of the Milton House. He laid out the public
square of twenty-two acres which he donated to the town; he also
gave the site and grounds for a district school, college, church,
and cemetery, the right of way for railroad, and depot grounds.
He erected the first building for Milton Academy, hired the teachers,
and run the school on his own account for several years, and
later contributed largely to the erection of the present college
buildings, which are a monument to his memory and a credit to
Milton. The buildings are large and commodious, standing on an
eminence that overlooks the village and much of the surrounding
country. The school, now under the management of Prof. Whitford,
is in a flourishing condition. To indomitable energy and perseverance
of Mr. Goodrich the village of Milton owes her present prosperity.
It was mainly through his influence, tact, and superior management
that the Milwaukee and St. Paul Railroad was located through
this place. The trade of the town is well represented by thoroughgoing
business men. The buildings, public and private, are of a respectable
class. Lithographic views of many of them may be seen in the
included work. The society of the place has always maintained
an enviable reputation as to morale, it having been for years
a strictly temperate town. In addition to the college, interests
of the public schools are well maintained. Their building is
large and comfortably furnished with all the modern conveniences. |