New Recording 22

In 1854, an Ogdensburg native recalls a vote at Ogden's store after the town separated from Iola and Scandinavia. Many men present were Norwegians and Swedes who didn't speak English. Names were written as pronounced, causing confusion. Ogdensburg voted against the county question, supporting Wyawega. Conflict with Wapaka representatives led to their expulsion. Ogdensburg aimed to become the county seat, alternating support between Wyawega and Wapaka. When Wyawega failed, Ogdensburg gave up the fight. One Ogdensburg native recounts one of the votes taken at Ogden's store in 1854. At that time, Ogdensburg had just separated from the newly formed Iola and Scandinavia, and as such, many of the men present were Norwegians and Swedes who spoke no English. As the men gave their names, Charlie would write them as they were pronounced. The clerk being a German, you can imagine how the names read. No one could tell whether such persons lived in town or not. The county question was before the house, and we voted strong for the no. We favored Wyawega and voted for her candidates. The representatives of Wapaka who attended the election were offended, raised a row, and were expelled from the room. Ogdensburg was started with the expectation of getting the county seat. So long as the fight between Wapaka and Wyawega was kept up, we felt hopeful. We were compelled to help each place alternately, to keep them by the ears, to those towns promising to go for us if it failed to get the prize itself. Finally, Wyawega failed, and we gave up the fight.