Please direct any comments/corrections/additions to:

malaun@hotmail.com

 

April 20, 2001;  revised 7/19/2003 

 

Abraham Pruett (1833-1884) comes to La Crosse (1853) 

Note:  this tintype was found in Elizabeth Pendergast's files.  Because of the age of the tintype and because it appears that the older man may have had an injury to his arm (similar to Abraham's Civil War injury), I have included it here for your review.

 

In 1850, Abraham (who would have been 17 at the time), is listed in the Parke County, Indiana Census[i] along with his parents Stephen and Naoma Moore, his sister Alice, and his brother Perry.  The earliest mention of a Pruett ancestor is made in the History of La Crosse County, published in 1881:

 

The first settlement in the present limits of the town of Greenfield, was made in 1853.  Early in this year, a W. Symes, Daniel Raymond, Samuel McGowen and A. Pruett made their appearance here, and becoming fascinated with the fertile valleys and weird scenery of the surrounding bluffs, determined to make it their future home.  Each of the above-named gentlemen selected allocation, made his claim, and having erected a small log-cabin on each, proceeded to pave the way for succeeding adventurers in search of a home in the West, and a locality wherein all might live contented and happy…During the summer and fall of 1854, large numbers flocked to the "cooleys" of Greenfield and took up claims, which were increased by additions from time to time, until their incipient farms, by constant care, have developed into beautiful and valuable homesteads.[ii]

 

Abraham is listed as acquiring a land grant of 40 acres in 1857, one year following his father's grant.  [Although we don't know how he is connected, I also found Egbert H. Pruett listed with a claim in 1875 in Washburn County (80 acres).]  Abraham Pruett married Eveline Bell in La Crosse on May 25, 1859. [iii]  [see Bell family notes}

 

Although Greenfield, Shelby and the city of La Crosse were separate townships, they were later brought together under one town government.  Census record of {check it out]. 

 

The first record of the town of Greenfield is 1856.  Abraham Pruett was listed in the Greenfield official record as Assessor (1861).  Along with this early mention of the Pruett family, there is a marriage record for an "Elsie Pruett" who married H. W. McNeil, August 2, 1855.[iv]   This seems to be "Alice," who is also cited  alternately as Elsa in the census records.  She is the daughter of Stephen and Naoma Pruett, and sister to Abraham.  Elsa would have been 20 at the time.[v]  Abraham served a partial term as Assessor of Greenfield with his sister Elsie’s husband H. W. McNeil who was Chairman of the "Supervisors of the Town of Greenfield."  This term was a short one since Abraham enlisted in the Wisconsin Infantry in the Fall of 1861. 

 

Abraham was a farmer and was described by his Army discharge papers (PruettAbramdischarge.jpg) as "born in the state of Indiana, is twenty-eight years of age, five feet, six inches high, light complexion, blue eyes, brown hair, and by occupation, when enrolled, a farmer. He was a veteran of the Civil War (8th Wisconsin infantry) and (oral tradition reveals that he) served as a Methodist minister after the war.[vi] 

 

In 1861, the call came for soldiers for the Union side of the Civil War.  Abraham "joined for duty and enrolled" for three years as a Private in the "Eagle Regiment," Company I of the 8th Wisconsin Volunteers Infantry.  He enlisted on September 10, 1861 in La Crosse, just two days before his 28th birthday.[vii]  His younger brother Perry also enlisted and served in Wisconsin Volunteers, Company D of the second cavalry.[viii]

 

"The Eighth Regiment, known as the "Eagle Regiment" contained one company enlisted in La Crosse at a period in the history of the war when the outlook was far from encouraging.  At that time…the duration of the war was admittedly beyond the ken of prophets, and the decision of the arbitration one of doubt, to say the least.  …The shadows had begun to grow thicker and darker with the coming of the first winter of the war; many homes had been shaded with sorrow and draped with mourning, and the clash of arms had disturbed the peaceful pursuits of life to supply the increasing demand for human material.  The recruits mustered in for a period of three months no sooner became efficient than the expiration of their term of service incapacitated them for duty. The three years' recruits had scarcely attained sufficient proficiency in the knowledge of was to render them effective against the drilled forces they were expected to put to flight.  Under embarrassments thus suggested, the Eighth Regiment was organized…and became one of the most reliable, brave and successful organizations that was sent into the field from the Badger State."[ix],[x]

 

The company left Camp Randall for service on October 12th and served in St. Louis, New Madrid, Island No. 10, Farmington, Tenn., Iuka, and Memphis.  Abraham Pruett was listed as "wounded side, slightly" according to a "Casualty Sheet of Wounded" at Vicksburg (May 23, 1863), but it was at the battle of Lake Chicot (in the vicinity of Vicksburg, Memphis) where Abraham was permanently disabled on June 6, 1864. The account of this battle is taken from the database American Civil War Battle Summaries:

 

 

June 6th, 1864

Old River Lake, Ark., June 6, 1864. Detachment of 16th Army Corps. Brig.-Gen. Joseph A. Mower with the 2nd and 3rd brigades of the 1st division, embarked at Sunnyside landing on the evening of the 5th, and after bivouacking on the bank of the river, took up the line of march next morning for Lake Village, 8 miles distant, the cavalry in advance. After proceeding 4 miles the main body came up with the cavalry which was skirmishing with the enemy.  A line of infantry was thrown out by Mower, the cavalry withdrawn and the Confederates were pushed back 2 miles, where a larger force was found in position on the opposite side of a bayou. The 3rd Ind. battery was ordered up and kept up a continuous fire while the infantry moved forward and engaged the enemy, who from his position in the timber was enabled to pour a galling fire upon the Federals. After a time this fire was silenced and the two brigades were moved forward across the bridge.  The Union loss was 15 killed, 57 wounded and 2 missing. The Confederate casualties were 4 killed and 33 wounded.[xi] Source: The Union Army, vol. 6  (He is recorded as being in the Adams Hospital in Memphis (June-September 1864) and mustered out on September 16th, 1864.) 

 

Another account is found in the Military History of Wisconsin in the Civil War: 

The rebels having attempted to blockade the Mississippi at Columbia, Arkansas, on the sixth of June, General Smith sent forward General Mower's division of 1500 infantry, and a battery.  The enemy were found strongly posted between two bayous, which covered his flanks, while he had a good supply of artillery posted in the narrow passage between the two bayous.  After a severe contest, the enemy were driven from their position and pursued several miles. This is known as the Battle of Lake Chicot  3 killed; 11 wounded.  [Note:  Abraham was one of the 11 wounded.].

 

When he applied for an increase in his pension, his attorney narrated the extent of his injuries: 

At the battle of Lake Chicot, in the state of Arkansas, on or about the 6th day of June 1864, he was wounded by a [?] musket ball, in the right arm, the ball entered about four inches below the shoulder joint and followed up the arm and came out at the shoulder joint which lacerated the cords and tendons and injured the nerves. Said disability was incurred at the military service of the United States while a private in Company J in the 8th Regiment of Wisconsin Volunteers.  That he believes himself entitled to an increase of pension on account of the increase of [?] disability as follows:  His right arm is withered away and is so paralyzed that it is not subject to the control of his will and is perfectly useless, and that said disability is equivalent to the loss of the arm.  That he cannot dress himself or cut his own food at his meals, but requires the assistance of others.  That the condition of his arm has so affected his general health that he is unable to perform any labor.  That he believes himself entitled to eighteen dollars per month under the act of Congress is such case made and provided.[xii] [note:  A monthly pension of $18.00 was granted and reported in the Chronicle…[check cite]  (January 15, 1884, C 3-1)  "Pruett, Abram, w. [wounded?] r.arm…$18.00"

 

The Regiment, it may be noted, mustered out September 5, 1865, having marched 4,004 miles and traveled 10,810 miles by rail and river.  The eagle, which they took with them as their mascot, survived all the campaigns of the regiment and enjoyed "excellent health and undiminished appetite until the spring of 1881, when he died."[xiii]. 

 

After the war, Abraham returned to Mormon Coulee where he lived the rest of his life.  It has been passed down through oral tradition that Abraham was a Methodist minster after the war.  When Bill Pruett visisted La Crosse, in 1945, a church was still standing on the family property.  The reference librarian at La Crosse told me in 1999 that the church was disassembled when the highway went through and the brick was used for another house in La Crosse.   

 

An article by Emil J. Bernet's article titled "Beginnings of the Salzer Memorial Methodist Church" in the La Crosse County Historical Sketches (series 7) published in 1945, described the

"people in Chipmunk Coulee and on Brecken Ridge [later called Brinkman Ridge bordering La Crosse and Vernon counties] were largely German Bohemians, most of whom were Catholics. In Mormon Coulee there were chiefly Swiss and in other places there were German Lutherans.

These settlers were pious, God-fearing people with religious training in school in youth; but even with this religious background they had been entirely neglected by their churches before this time. There was an occasional priest in the towns who could be called upon to baptize, marry, or bury. The Methodist circuit riders were ready to pray with a penitent sinner under a tree in the woods or on the lee side of a hay stack, and administer all religious rites when necessary. Literally left as 'sheep without a shepherd' by their own churches, there was an immediate response to the earnest, sincere preaching of the gospel according to Methodist principles. Meetings were held in homes and schoolhouses whenever anyone would listen."

 

 

 



[i] 1850 Census, Parke County, Indiana lists Stephen (51, farmer, born North Carolina); Naoma (48, born Tennessee); Abram (17, born Indiana); Alice (15, born Indiana), and Perry (9, born Indiana).  It is assumed that the older children were already married and out of the home: Jemima Thorton Thrush Pruett (27), Telitha Ann Pruett (24, married Zopher Coleman in 1844);  Mahala (23, married Jeremiah Branson in 1842);  Marshall Pruett was born in 1850 so he is not reflected in the 1850 census.

 

[ii] History of La Crosse County. 1881. p. 727.  Another book Memoirs of La Crosse  (1907) provides the identical information (page 221-222). 

 

[iii] This may certify that on the 25th day of May 1859 in the city of La Crosse, La Crosse County, State of Wisconsin, I solemnized the marriage relation between Mr. Abraham Pruett and Miss Eveline Bell according to the laws of said state.  Register of Deeds record/ 8/12/1855:  Received August 6, 1859. Volume 1, page 48. (An article appeared in the Independent Republican, page 3, C 4:  Also, in La Crosse, [Married], 26th, by the same [Rev. J. C. Sherwin], Mr. A. Pruett and Miss Evaline P. Bell."

 

[iv] Independent Republican, 8/8/1855, page 2, C7:  "Married, In La Crosse on the 2nd inst. by Rev. J. C. Sherwin Mr. Henry W. McNeill and Miss Elsie Pruett."

 

[v] "Elsie Pruett and H. W. McNeil. Register of Deeds record/ 8/12/1855: 

"I do hereby certify that on the 2nd day of August, AD 1855, I the town of La Crosse, La Crosse City, state of Wisconsin, I solemnize the marriage relation between Mr. Henry W. McNeil and Miss Elie Pruett in the presence of Charles Wilbur and Maria Wilbur, having previously knows said Henry W. McNeil under oath and found no legal impediment to marriage."  La Crosse.  August 2, 1855.  Signed John C. Sherwin, minister of the gospel.  Filed August 2, 1855 by H. C. Hubbard, starr deputy.

 

[vi] METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH: Source: http://homepages.rootsweb.com/~hornbeck/religion.htm
Methodism reached the 13 colonies [from England] in 1760.  By 1777 there were some 6,000 Methodists and by 1789 there were 15,000. 

John Wesley was conservative and loyalist in his politics and issued a public appeal to the colonies urging submission to the King, but religious zeal overcame this. John Wesley did not intend that the Methodists be an independent church. The Methodists were a group "within" the Church of England.  The Bishop of London had refused to ordain ministers for America, so two men John Wesley had appointed to superintend and ordain ministers, Thomas Coke and Francis Asbury, were soon called Bishops, and the Methodist Episcopal Church was founded.

Methodism grew rapidly as the population was starving for religion that was new, virile and hopeful. The Methodist preachers were men of the people, speaking the language of ordinary folk.  Growth was predominantly in the rural sections and on the frontier.  The circuit plan and the system of local and travelling preachers was admirably adapted to this type of work.  Under the district superintendents, were circuit riders with assigned areas to cover, some as much as 500 miles.  It had to be traversed by whatever conveyance was possible -- on horseback, by canoe or where these failed, on foot.  The circuit riders spoke wherever they could gain a hearing.  In log cabins, court houses, school houses, taverns or in the open air....  They preached and sang the love of God in Christ.  They desired above all things conversions.  In addition to the circuit riders there were local preachers, exhorters, quarterly meetings, which gathered the members from farms and villages for fellowship and camp meetings.

 

From Emil J. Bernet's article titled "Beginnings of the Salzer Memorial Methodist Church" in the La Crosse County Historical Sketches (series 7) published in 1945, described:

the "people in Chipmunk Coulee and on Brecken Ridge [later called Brinkman Ridge bordering La Crosse and Vernon counties] were largely German Bohemians, most of whom were Catholics. In Mormon Coulee there were chiefly Swiss and in other places there were German Lutherans.

These settlers were pious, God-fearing people with religious training in school in youth; but even with this religious background they had been entirely neglected by their churches before this time. There was an occasional priest in the towns who could be called upon to baptize, marry, or bury. The Methodist circuit riders were ready to pray with a penitent sinner under a tree in the woods or on the lee side of a hay stack, and administer all religious rites when necessary. Literally left as 'sheep without a shepherd' by their own churches, there was an immediate response to the earnest, sincere preaching of the gospel according to Methodist principles. Meetings were held in homes and schoolhouses whenever anyone would listen."

While the main La Crosse church began to have regular preaching services in 1858 and a small church building was erected, missionary work outside La Crosse was growing. Revival meetings during the winter season and camp meetings in the summer time to which people came from long distances were popular. Spiritual interest was shown and the preaching of the gospel became more widespread. The missionary societies were established by 1860. These included La Crosse (main church), Brecken Ridge [Brinkman Ridge], Chipmunk Coulee, Mormon Coulee, Burr Oak and Jacksonville (Monroe Co.).

In the [Record of] Church Organization, vol. 1, p. 39 [La Crosse County Register of Deeds Office] dated Dec. 15, 1865, organizers Georg Heinack, John Pfaff, John Jung, John Voelker, August Strangman filed with the county as a church congregation. Rev. Herman Richter was listed as being in charge of both the La Crosse and Burr Oak congregations. A deed recorded June 26, 1866, notes a transaction between John Pfaff and the Methodist Episcopal Church of Burr Oak [La Crosse County Register of Deeds, volume 29 page 301]. Early family names that joined the Burr Oak church included Heinack, Jung, Pfaff, Voelker and Strongman/Strangman. In 1872 the society or mission church became its own church and separated from the main church in La Crosse.

The farm of Ed Rhyme borders the cemetery. Because of the interest of the Rhymes family and Herman Harder, the cemetery was saved from total disintegration in 1966, when it was brought to the public's attention that two Civil War soldiers were buried there. The two soldiers were John Pfaff, born November 17, 1825, and died December 6, 1880, who served as a private in Company F, 25th Regiment Wisconsin Infantry and Christian Arttus. A fence was soon erected as the law suggested, and eventually proper care of the site and markers resumed.

We don't know much about this cemetery or the church after 1872 when it broke away from the Salzer Methodist Church in La Crosse. If you have information on this cemetery you would care to share with us, please contact us at archives@lacrosse.lib.wi.us, or by mail:

Archives & Local History
La Crosse Public Library
800 Main St.
La Crosse, WI 54601-4122
(608) 789-7136

Census List Details:

Burr Oak Methodist Cemetery

Alternate Name: Salzer Methodist - Burr Oak Cemetery

 

Town:

Farmington

 

 

Legal Description:

Township: 18 North     Range: 6 West     Section: 11    Quarter Quarter: 24

 

 

Location:

On Hwy 108 .2 mi no. of Co. A Jct. West of Burr Oak

 

 

Census Last Taken:

1984

 

 

Census Taker(s):

Connie Kjos

 

 

Contact:

Sarah Pfaff

 

 

Comments:

Fenced; inactive; 0.898 acres

 

 



[vii] Wisconsin 8th Infantry, Company Muster-in Roll.

 

[viii] Roster of Wisconsin Volunteers, War of the Rebellion, 1861-1865.  Madison, Wisc., Democrat Printing Co., State Printer, 1886.  [also http://www.shsw.wisc.edu/roster]

 

[ix] History of La Crosse County, 428.

 

[x] Database: American Civil War Battle Summaries: Old River Lake, Ark, Also known as Lake Chicot, Ditch Bayou, Fish Bayou, and Lake Villiage. June 6th, 1864.  Detachment of 16th Army Corps. Brig.-Gen. Joseph A. Mower with the 2nd and 3rd brigades of the 1st division, embarked at Sunnyside landing on the evening of the 5th, and after bivouacking on the bank of the river, took up the line of march next morning for Lake Village, 8 miles distant, the cavalry in advance. After proceeding 4 miles the main body came up with the cavalry which was skirmishing with the enemy. A line line of infantry was thrown out by Mower, the cavalry withdrawn and the  Confederates were pushed back 2 miles, where a larger force was found in position on the opposite side of a bayou. The 3rd Ind. battery was ordered up and kept up a continuous fire

while the infantry moved forward and engaged the enemy, who from his position in the timber was enabled to pour a galling fire upon the Federals. After a time this fire was silenced and the two brigades were moved forward across the bridge. The Union loss was 15 killed, 57 wounded and 2 missing. The Confederate casualties were 4 killed and 33 wounded.  Source: The Union Army, vol. 6.

 

[xi] The Union Army, v. 6

[xii] Source:  Pension Records, State of Wisconsin, County of La Crosse

On this 13th day of April, A.D. 1882 came personally before me a clerk of the circuit court within and for its county and state of Wis., Abram Pruett, aged 48 years a resident of the town of Shelby, in the county of La Crosse, State of Wisconsin, who being duly sworn according to law, declares that he is a pensioner of the United States, enrolled at the Milwaukee, Wisconsin Pension Agency at the rate of six dollars per month, by reason of disability as follows, to wit, "At the battle of Lake Chicot, in the state of Arkansas, on or about the th day of June 1864, he was wounded by a [?] musket ball, in the right arm, the ball entered about four inches below the shoulder joint and followed up the arm and came out at the shoulder joint which lacerated the cords and tendons and injured the nerves. Said disability was incurred at the military service of the United States while a private in Company J in the 8th Regiment of Wisconsin Volunteers.  That he believes himself entitled to an increase of pension on account of the increase of [?] disability as follows:  His right arm is withered away and is so paralyzed that it is not subject to the control of his will and is perfectly useless, and that said disability is equivalent to the loss of the arm.  That he cannot dress himself or cut his own food at his meals, but requires the assistance of others.  That the condition of his arm has so affected his general health that he is unable to perform any labor.  That he believes himself entitled to eighteen dollars per month under the act of Congress is such case made and provided.  That he files this application as supplementary to his claim for increase of pension no. 144,638, now on file.  That he hereby appoints Jerome E. Parker of La Crosse, Wisconsin his attorney to prosecute this claim.  His post office address is La Crosse, La Crosse Co., Wisconsin.   In presence of Chr. Koering Inv. Lieulokken

            his

Abram X Pruett

            Mark

 

Also personally appeared Chr. Koenig and John Lienlokken residing at La Crosse in the county of La Crosse in the state of Wisconsin, persons who I certify to be respectable and entitled to credit, and who being by one duly sworn, say; they were present and saw Abram Pruett, the claimant sign his name to the foregoing declaration; that they have every reason to believe from the appearance of said claimant and their acquaintance with him, that he is the identical person he represents himself to be; and that they have no interest in the resuscitation of this claim.

 

                                                               x Chr. Koenig

                                                                 x Jno. Lieulokken

 

Sworn to and subscribed before me this 13th day of April A.D. 1882 and I hereby certify that the contents of the above declaration to, were fully made known and explained to the applicant and witnesses before swearing and that I have no interest direct or indirect in the prosecution of this claim.

 

                                                               Charles Smith

                                                               Clerk of the Circuit Count

                                                               La Crosse, Co.,Wis.

 

[xiii] History of La Crosse County, 428.