JEWISH SETTLERS IN LA CROSSE

    Number of children attending Sunday School 30.
    Number of pew holders 17.
    This last item was the significant one, as these seventeen were the
supporting members. The moving away of, only a few families, which
occurred in the early eighties or thereabouts, eliminated the possibility
of the remaining few being able to support regular services and Sunday
School work.3
     These records do not show the true size of the various early fami-
lies. When they-came to La Crosse, they brought their relatives-broth-
ers, sisters, etc.-of whom we have no records. In most cases these kin-
folks moved away again, so that nothing shows on the available records.
For example, in my own family there was the great grandmother, Mrs.
Hindle, who died here, also an uncle Hart, concerning whom I haveno
trace. The Tuteurs had at least one brother-in-law, the Neumans a sis-
ter with two children (daughters) who grew up and were married here,
and so on. I. G. May had a sister who spent her life with them. There
were also many single men who were here for a year or more and then
moved on. The records do not cover the cases of Sam Beer, N. Frank,
Epstein, two Berger brothers, Joe and Adolph, and many others.
     This pioneer group were all good citizens. They were the leading
merchants in the 1860's. Mons Anderson's store was the only one that
was on a par with them. They did their share to help build up the city.
J. M. Levy was twice Mayor, also served as alderman and assessor. J.
Gutman served as supervisor, and A. Hirshheimer served both as sup-
erisor and alderman and was one of the unsuccessful candidates in the
three cornered fight which resulted in the election of White Beaver as
Mayor, 1885. Many of you will remember this campaign. Free beer
played a large part. To my memory comes the term "Silk Stockings",
which really got under the skin of the defeated candidates, neither one
of whom ever dreamed of wearing anything else besides wool or cotton.
B. L. Strouse served as alderman and was always very active in civic
affairs.
     The following notes are taken from the records of the Congrega-
tion.
     July 12, 1857-Committee reported purchase of one acre of land for
 a burial ground, at $150.00. Paid $50.00 down, balance in installments
 bearing 12% interest. Deed not recorded until April 20, 1870. Deed from
 Joseph Ebner and wife to S. Neuman and N. Steinam, Trustees.
     Julius Letman held religious services Fall 1857-was paid $5.00.
     Mrs. Hindle (born 1768)-Mother of Louis Hirshheimer, was first
 interment. June 1858.
     August 2, 1857---. Cantrovitz reported that Mayor E. D. Campbell
     3 The directory of 1867-68 locates Synagogues on 5th, Street, between Main
 and King; on Jay Street near 5th from 1872 to 1884.
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