1835 - Missionary and Settler Alfred Brunson Arrives in Prairie du Chien
On this date Alfred Brunson, a Methodist preacher from Connecticut, arrived alone and on horseback in Prarie Du Chien, Wisconsin from Pennsylvania. He built a parish that spanned from Rock Island, Illinois, through Prairie du Chien, to St.Paul, Minnesota. Brunson spent his life traveling from town to town, on either horseback or snowshoes. For his spiritual work and commitment to community, Mr. Brunson was held in high esteem by anglo settlers, Native Americans, and African Americans. [Source: Badger Saints and Sinners by Fred L. Holmes, p.66-76]
1843 - Stephen Moulton Babcock Born
On this date Stephen Moulton Babcock was born in Bridgewater, New York. From 1887 to 1913, he was a professor of agricultural chemistry at the University of Wisconsin and chief chemist for the Wisconsin Agricultural Experiment Station. In 1890 Babcock developed the Babcock test for determining the butterfat content of milk. The test advanced the modern dairy industry as it permitted rapid and accurate grading of milk at markets, discouraged adulteration and thinning practices, and promoted the development of better dairy strains. Babcock worked for 43 years at the University of Wisconsin, where he established a laboratory to conduct pioneering research in nutrition and vitamin chemistry. Babcock died on July 2, 1931.
1864 - Cornerstone Laid for Milwaukee's Music Hall
On this date the cornerstone was laid, during dedication ceremonies, for Milwaukee's Music Hall, known at the time as the Academy of Music. Constructed on Milwaukee Street, the hall opened on January 31, 1865 with a performance of Mendelssohn's Oratorio of Paulus, performed by Milwaukee's Musical Society.[Source: History of Milwaukee, Vol. II, p.106]
1864 - (Civil War) Expedition in Louisiana
The 11th Wisconsin Infantry participated in an expedition from Brashear City to Belle River, Louisiana.
1938 - Footville Man Wins Husking Title
On this date Dick Post of Footville won his sixth county title by husking a record 24.5 bushels of corn in 80 minutes. Two days later, he husked 1,868 pounds in 80 minutes to win the state championship. Post finished fourth in the nationals at Sioux Falls, S.D. [Source: Janesville Gazette October 22, 1938, p.4]
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