This place was founded by James W. Melson and Isaac King, who employed Lieut. Col. Thomas F. Kimball, Deputy County Surveyor, to "lay out" the town, on the 18th day of June, 1855, and was christened by Thomas King, of Mormontown. The original plat, now in the hands of Isaac King, was placed on record October 1st, 1855, by William N. McEafee, then Recorder, and bears the signature of W.C. Gibson, County Judge. During this year, Isaac King built the first house in the town, which has since been used as a "tavern" stand.

J.R. Standley

located near this place in 1854, and was at that time in moderate circumstances, but is now the reputed owner of two thousand acres of land in this (Jefferson) and Gay townships, also owner of a large variety store, the "Commercial" Hotel, and a great amount of other property here and in other parts of the County.

Mr Acy Terrill,

who has been in his employ for some time, and in whom he has great confidence, has charge of the store, and is Acting Post Master. Mr Standley became proprietor of this store about thirteen years ago, and associated with him, for a short time, was Mr Thomas King, of Mormontown, and S.D. Hornback, of Bedford. Our County Treasurer, Peter King, was a partner from 1872 to 1877. Through the influence of Mr Standley and others, the present school house was erected in 1856. He also furnished a good share of the capital with which that handsome M.E. Church was built. This building is 38x60 feet, and was built in the fall of '76 at a cost of about $3000.00. It has a roomy hall, a fine-toned bell, is elegantly furnished inside, and has an arched ceiling.

Father Adam Propst

erected a blacksmith shop here in '61, and worked at his trade for twelve years, when his son,

Morgan Propst,

succeeded to his father's honorable title (a blacksmith) and trade, and took charge of the business. In '66

Daniel Propst,

a first class wood workman, opened a shop for the repair of wheeled "instruments." The next year

Dr "Tine" King returned from the Rush Medical College, of Chicago, and began the practice of medicine at Mormontown. After one ear's practice there he located at Laramie City, Wyoming. During a part of a six years' stay there, he was engaged professionally, and part of the time (two years,) he was representing the people of Albany County--a duty which he was called upon to perform by a majority of the voters of the County. At the expiration of his term, he abandoned public life, and again returned to the Rush Medical College. In '76 he made his advent into Platteville, where he has ever since been actively engaged in his profession.

Mrs M.E. Hankins,

a very popular lady, who has made this her home for some time, is engaged in the millinery business. She is a very skillful woman, and can show some handsome samples of her handiwork. Three years ago

G.E. Shaw

brought his awl to this place, and began work at his profession--bettering the condition of mens' soles. May his success be such that in a short time he will be well "heeled." Shortly after this time,

J.C. Wangeman

began tugging away at his trade, and he waxes stronger and better as time traces his course along, and the years fall into line.

Just about this time Morgan Propst and "Brick" Saxton were welded into one (blacksmith) firm of

Propst & Saxton

they have a large shop, and are expert and experienced workmen, and understand their "biz."

Propst & Ray,

Vocal and Instrumental Instructors and Dealers in Pianos and Organs are not a firm of long standing, but are meeting with good success "all the same."

Mrs Dr V.R. King,

who is training the "young ideas how to shoot," in the public school, is a very successful teacher, and a popular lady. Many are the praises bestowed upon her by the patrons and pupils of the school.

It seems that our task--noticing the business and business men of Platteville, is incomplete, until we refer to

Thomas Potter, Esq.

Although about two and a half miles from town, he seems a "part and parcel" of it. He located here in 1869 and began raising and selling hedge plants. During this time he has raised and sold in Missouri and Iowa 14,700,000 plants, which, if planted six inches apart, would make two good live, substantial fences from New York to San Francisco, and one from New York to New Orleans. The average cost per mile of these plants is fifteen dollars.

He has also devoted some time to grape cultivation, has raised and sold 300,000 cuttings, at an average cost of three cents each. these placed at a proper distance would make a vineyard of 250 acres. Mr Potter now has several thousand plants on hand, which he will dispose of at fair figures, and a more reliable dealer cannot be found in the state.

March 23d, 1872, a charter was granted from the organization of an

Odd Fellows Lodge

here, and it is a strong active lodge. The present officers were enstalled on the evening of January 5th, and the occasion was honored by an oyster supper. The

Masonic Order

also hold forth, but we are unable to give the time of the granting of the charter. They have not nor have the Odd Fellows a hall, but contemplate uniting to build one.

Rev R. Randolph

of the M.E. church, is holding a series of interesting meetings here. He is from Mormontown.