GARRETT RUNEY, farmer, Secs. 24 and 23, P.O. Oregon; is a son of the first settler of Oregon Township, viz. Bartley Runey, who was born in Maryland in 1795; married in his and her native State, Margaret Garnett; they settled in Ohio in 1824. Garrett Runey was born in Preble, Clinton Co., Ohio, Oct. 10, 1832; in March 1841, Mr. Runey left La Porte Co., Ind., with team and covered wagon, and reached Janesville, Wis., April 8; early in the spring of 1842, he made the first claim, built the first house and became the first permanent white settler of what is now Oregon; the log house was on the southwest quarter of Sec. 24, and did good service till the spring of 1843, when part of the present frame house was built; this was the Pioneer’s Hotel, and in it the first religious service was held.Thirty-eight years ago, the nearest house was that of William Quivey, in Fitchburg.Mr. Runey was accidentally killed in September, 1846, by the overturning of his wagon, an a steep hill three miles south of Madison; he left a wife and nine children-Susan (Mrs. P. Russell), Eliza (Mrs. S. Hutson), Jane (Mrs. D. Anthoney), Reason, Mary (Mrs. J. Fox), Catherine (Mrs. L. Hanan), Garrett, Mervin and Clara (Mrs. George Tarrant). Mrs. Runey, Reason, and Mervin, all died on the old homestead of 168 acres now owned by Garrett. He married Maria Costleman, born May 20, 1832, in Jefferson Co., N.Y. they have had six children-Joseph B., Frank (deceased), Helen A. (deceased), Willis E., Clarence E. and Cara E. (twins); all were born on this first improved farm; 240 acres were first claimed, but Mr. R. had paid for only 120 at his death, the son adding 48 acres, and has rebuilt the house, erected the bar, etc. Mr. R. is a Republican, and a member of the U.B. Church of Rutland; his father was a Democrat.Ref. 1880 History of Dane County, Wisconsin, p. 1248.