Cook County, Illinois - The whole text, 1884 (part 13 of 61)

January 15 - Hon. John Wentworth, wrote from Washington under date of Deccml>er 23, the following paragraph ; "One of the military committee complains greatly that our State has made no returns of its militia. Whose business is this? If our Legislature has an extra session, it ought tore-organize our militia as the first thing. There ought to be a company with officers of its own choice in every precinct, with power to have two where the precinct is very large. The same of the wards of our city. Then there ought to be a separate body of inspection officers chosen by the precinct officers for each count v. In case of a war. there must be a strong military post at Chicago. In the capacity of our Government to hold the fort at Mackinac, or in the capacity of that fort to command the straits we should not place too much dependence."

Democrat, January 13 - "The war meeting called for the 8th was postponed, in the absence of a large delegation of leading citizens then at Rockford, attending a railroad meeting in the interest of the Galena S Chicago road."

Democrat. Mav 26 - " Congressional act passed May 13 authorized the Bresident to accept volunteers to the maximum numberof so.ooo. Approved May 22, W4»-

Democrat. Mav 30 - " Corporal Sullivan, son of J. H. Sullivan, of this citv, in the midst of the late tattle Monterey ? after firing at a company of the enemy, rushed in upon them, seized a lieutenant by the collar, disarmed him and delivered him a prisoner to Lieutenant Graham. He also captured a cannon from tne

Democrat, June 30 - A. Garrett writes a letter of half a column. He states that he was appointed chairman of the citizen's committee to aid ami assist in raising and equipping volunteers under the requisition of the Governmcnt. That it required no small exertion and considerable means to raise anil uniform the first two companies, and that iit order to do this it became necessary for a individuals, of whom he was one. to subscribe "an tinuuliinited amount for uniforming, as the Government had made no immediate effort for this object. After this had been accomplished, a latter was received from Governor Ford staling his desire that there should be another company raised in Chicago. " Knowing the great difficulty experienced in raising, uniforming and transporting the first two companies to the State rendezvous, I offered to advance the funds myself for a third company, provided it could be raised - not otherwise." He then speaks of his first success in raising thirty-live recruits, but found that C. H Larrabee had authority to raise. 1 company for Santa Fe. Larrabee finally decided not to go, but the effort to raise two companies at the same time prevented Mr. Garrett from raising the quota required, within the ten days allowed him by the Governor. He succeeded in recruiting fifty-eight men. A full company was required : sixty-four' privates, eight non-commissioned, three commissioned officers ami two musicians.

The State Register as quoted by the Democrat of June 30, said; "Governor Ford returned from St. I.ouis on Saturday last June 20, probably having effected arrangements with.MajorI.ee, the commissary of subsistence, and Major Mucky, the quartermaster at that place, for furnishing supplies for three regiments of volunteers who are to rendezvous "at Alton. Colonel Shields has been authorized by the Governor to inspect and muster into the service the volunteers who rendezvous at Alton. The following list of companies have been reported to Colonel Shields as being those he is to receive, they being from the thirty companies first reported : 1.. Captain J. L. D. Morrison. St. Clair County; 2 Captain Peter Golf, Madison County ; 3 Captain Ferris Foreman, Lafayette County ; 4 Captain Lyman Mower, Cook County; 5 Captain Elisha Wells, Cook County.

Democrat, July 13 - "The Montgomery Guards, under Captain Snowhook, did themselves great honor on the 4th. Wc heard the company complimented very highly by several strangers present here. It is a strong argument against native Americanism when we see that the Sons of Erin were the only military company that turned out to celebrate the I leclaration of Independence. '

Democrat, November 24 - Captain Mower, from New Orleans, writes of his troubles with Colonel Hardin on transports. Mower claiming that Dr. White drew by lot for him a steamer, in his absence, and that Hardin put on a small brig. Mower refused and was put under arrest for insubordination.

Democrat. December 15 - General J. E. Wood sends dispatches, Coahulia. Mexico, October 14, 1846, stating that Colonel Hardin, with eight companies of the 1st

Illinois, came up on evening of the 12th. "Yesterday he crossed the river, and will join us in an hour." The following extracts are taken from the files of

Democrat, February 16 - "Captain William Rogers has opened a rendezvous at Captain Russell's office on Clark Street, where the young men of the citv or country desirous of attaching themselves to this company can enroll themselves."

Democrat, February 16 - -- In pursuance of a call from the Mayor, Hon. John P. Chapin, a large and respectable assemblage of citizens convened at the courthouse, on Friday, the 12th of February, to take into consideration of the call of ( lovernment for troops to serve in the war with Mexico. Thomas Dyer was called to the chair and Captain Russell was appointed secretary. Mr. Gregg was (ailed on, and in a spirited and very animated manner addressed the meeting in a way calculated to arouse the noble and patriotic feelings of every American. Mr. Rodgers, who contemplates the raising of a regiment of ten additional companies, expressed his strong desire to lead a company of troops to serve in Mexico. The meeting was also addressed by Dr. IJrainard. Colonel Hamilton, Captain Russell, John H. Kinzie and others, when the following resolutions, presented by Mr, David L Gregg, were adopted:

'AVWrv-i/, That wc commend live spirit and patriotism of our fellow citizens who arc rcadv lo enroll th cmsclvcs for service during the Mexican War. and that wc will yield tfeCM our countenance and support in their efforts to uphold the national honor.

'"/Htm/mi, That a full company of tpmps might to he raised in the city of Chicago for said service, and that we pledge ourselves individually and collectively lo do everything in our power to promote that object.

" *AVW:v«/. That the present war with Mexico should DC vigorously prosecuted until an honorable place is secured and a full measure of redress for repeated wrongs and outrages extorted from the enemy.'

Democrat, February 16 - "Hon. John Wentworth, writing from Washington concerning the presentation of a swortl to Lieutenant John Pope for gallantry at Monterey, said: 'Whilst Illinois thus remembers and rewards the valor of those born within her limits, is she going to be unmindful of the service of her sons by adoption - a poor Irish boy ? 1 le enlisted as a common soldier in the United States Army, and drew only $7 a month. 1 le was made a corporal of his company,' which office he held at the battles of the 8th and oth, where he performed such feats of valor as caused a notice of him by his Captain Morris in his official reports and for whic h the citizens of New Orleans presented him a gold medal. President Polk has promised him the first vacant lieutenant's commission in the regular army; and in anticipation of this, I hope our Legislature will present him with a sword.'"

Democrat, February 16 - "The Mayor calls a meeting to be held at the court-house. February 14, lo raise a company for the Mexican War. We understand that Mr. Rogers, a son of the brave old commodore, who riddled the man-of-war ' Little Belt,' in the last war, with other young men of talent, are interested in the further upholding of the flag."

( )n February 23 - " Mr. Rogers is on his way to the country to take the names of those who wish to join his company." On March 2 - "Recruiting is very slow; Rogers is still in the country." Two companies are spoken of as having been previously raised "in Chicago.

Democrat. April 1,5 - "Captain C. C. Sibley, recruiting officer, informs us that he has already enlisted one hundred men. His company is composed of men for the most part of good size. We perceive that .Sergeant Kellev is an adept in military discipline. The company will, on the opening of lake navigation, take boat to Cleveland, thence to Newport, Ky. destined to fill up old regiments."

Democrat, April - Captain Bill* has about fifty men here, and his Lieutenants are in the country enlisting. His company is probably full, and will leave in a few days for Cairo.

Democrat, April 27 - " We notice that in the accounts of the memorable battle of Buena Vista, Captain Smith's name is mentioned in terms of warm commendation for his bold and daring conduct throughout the conflict. It will be remembered that he was slightly wounded in the battle."

Democrat. April 6 - " Richard L Wilson,* one of the editors of the Chicago Journal was severely wounded by the accidental discharge of a cannon on Saturday last April 3). The two companies of volunteers recently enlisted in the city, together with a large concourse of citizens, hail assembled on the public square to celebrate the recent victory of our army in Mexico, and Mr. Wilson was assisting to load and discharge the cannon, when by an accidental discharge both his thumbs and his left arm were blown oft. One word about that old cannon. Six men have been wounded by.it to our knowledge, and we think it should now Ingiven to our founders, ami let them use it up as old metal. This cannon was raised in 1X37 from the Chicago River, and is supposed to have lain there ever since the massacre at this place in 1812. The inside of it more resembles honey-comb than anything else, and thus it is impossible to properly swab it." The cannon disappeared soon alter the accident.

Democrat, May u - "We understand that James Hugunin is raising a company of infantry to meet the late requisition of Ciovernor French. His' rendezvous for

Democrat, May 11 - "We are requested by Isaac Cook, l'.s(|., Sheriff of this county, to state that' he has not called upon the people for volunteers, because Colonel D. S. Cady is now absent, whose duty more properly it is. But should Colonel Cady not return by Wednesday, he will then take the proper steps to organise one company or more for the county."

Democrat. June 22 - "Day before vesterdav we published a letter from Judge Young, stating that the President would accept of a company of cavalry from Chicago. The previous company had gone to' Santa Fc as infantry. So oar boys bad to begin again. Hut the company is now ready, making the ninth? company Chicago has sent to the war."

n iwic above mentioned, ami the MM. The eUI(.,r ha. Wen unable In .dentlly ,hai> seven eomname of the fourth* volunteer company raised in Chi cago. Captain, C.eorge M.Cole; First Lieutenant, S. R. Wood; Second Lieutenants, S. W. Smith, and Kd ward Morcy. There is room for a few more privates it application is made soon. Captain Cole wants to leave by Monday next. Captain Hugunin wishing to go to Santa leafier his company was rejected, enlisted as a private in Captain Kinney's company. '

Democrat, luiy 23 - "Lieutenant William Erwin. of the first company of Chicago, has returned from the war and is now in this city as ( irdcrly Sergeant. At Alton he was elected Second Lieutenant, and after the resignation of Lieutenant Klliott, First Lieutenant. At Presidio, he was appointed (Juartermaster by Colonel Hardin, and devoted considerable time while in Mexico in that capacity. At Buena Vista he took the Command of, and most gallantly led his company in that terrible fight. We understand Lieutenant Lrwin intends locating permanently in DeKalb."

Democrat, July 20 - " We learn by a gentleman from New Orleans that Captain Mower from this city has been arrested in that place for murder. The storyis that he killed a man in Natchez some four years ago. and that a reward of $500 was offered for his arrest at that time."

Democrat, July 15 - " Among the volunteers from this city, vear "ago, for the Mexican War, was George Pilson.'a Norwegian. Charmed with the institutions of America, when the war broke out with Mexico, he was among the first to enroll his name; ami though he hail plenty ot work at good wages he was at work at Alderman ('.ranger's foundry nothing could deter him from contest. In the battle* of Buena Vista he distinguished himself for bis bravery, and fell in the thickest of the light. It was during the terrible charge upon the 1st Illinois Regiment made bv Mexican lancers, that Pilson fell. He had slain one 'lancer by the discharge of his rifle, and had killed a horse and rider with the butt of his piece when three lancers pressed upon him and ran hun through with their iances."

Democrat. September 20 - "The war flag presented bv Alderman (.ranger to Captain Mower was returned by him to the donor, and by him displayed in the Democrat office." , Democrat. November 13 -"Captain C. C. Sibley left this city on Thursday, the 12th. He has been recruiting here, and has been successful in raising a large body of excellent soldiers. He leaves an interesting family in this city. Captain Sibley is attached to the 5th Regiment of United States Infantry."

Democrat, November 23 - " Up to date following members Of Captain Kinney's company F 5th Regiment have died ; I'. Mi Daniels, en route to Sante Fc. David T. Blackmail and James Carr, at Santa Fe.

Democrat, November' 23 - "Captain Swift's r« company, accompanied by a piece of artillery band of music, paraded the streets yesterday, made a fine appearance and created an unusual stir in the city. After parading the streets the company retired without the city iimits and continued firing some time. We should judge from the time between eacli report that the gun was well handled." .

Democrat. November 23 - "The cavalry and flying artillery meet to-dav at the old garrison ground. " hope ail who take an interest in military affairs will l>e in attendance. _ The artillery will be escorted by a b«W

Democrat. November 13 - "At meeting of citizens at the office of R. K. Swift, for the purpose of organizing a company of cavalry and Hying artillery, Mr. Rankins was chairman, and C. F. Howe, secretary. Committee on Constitution : Captain J. 11. F. Russell, R K. Swift, John R. Orr, James Smith and C. F. Howe; Committee on Uniform, R. K. Swift and Dr. Board - man."

Democrat, November 23 - ""City Guards.' - A number of the young men of the city are forming themselves into a military company under the above title. W. \V, Danenhower, 88 l.aSalle Street, is the secretary of the company, who will give any information respecting the organization."

"Order No. 2: - The mcmliers of the company .ire hereby notified t" attend drill after thin date at the Kio I. ramie House, on LaSallc Street, on every Wednesday evening. Any person who may wish to join the company will please make his application At the' drill room or to some member of the company.

Democrat, December 30 - " The Peace meeting on Tuesday evening December 28 .was a failure, No enthusiasm, no crowd. A Dutch ' chief cook and bottle Hasher.' "

Journal. July 12 - " W. N. Chambers, a young gentleman of this city, attached to Colonel Doniphan's command, returned home last evening. Mr. Chambers marched via Santa Fc and Chihuahua to Monterey, where he joined General Taylor's army after a fatiguing march of eleven mouths."

Journal, December 22 - "A Peace Meeting was held at the Tabernacle last evening. We noticed a large number of our most worthy and respectable citizens in attendance. The Rev. Mr. Adams was chosen chairman, and an address in opposition to the continuance of the war read and adopted. A Peace Society was organized, and resolutions and a memorial to Congress presented. The meeting then adjourned till next Tuesday evening, when the memorial and resolutions will come up for discussion."

Journal. July 9 - " Mexican soldiers from the war can have their papers forwarded to Washington and land warrants immediately procured, by applying at J. H. F. Russell's land agency."

Mr. Hoi.Dkns Recollections Of The Mexican War

The following, from the pen" of Chariest'. P. Holden. himself a soldier of the-Mexican War, is, without doubt, the best sketch of the part Chicago and Cook County took in that war that has thus far l>een written :

In Mav, 184;;, on the annexation of Texas. General Taylor was ordered to place his troops in such a position as to defend that Stale against a threatened Mexican invasion. In August of that vear he concentrated his troops at Corpus Christi. where he remained until March 11. 1846, when he broke up his encampment and moved the army of occupation westward: this was nunposed of onlv about four thousand regulars. On the 20th of March he reached and passed without resistance the Arroya Colorado, and arrived at the Rio Grande, to which point he had been ordered by the authorities at Washington, after considerable suffering, on the 29th of that month. Here he took every means to assure the Mexicans that his purpose was neither war nor violence in any shape, but solely the occupation of the 'Texas territory to the Kio Grande, until the boundary should be definitely settled by the two republics.

Encamping opposite Metamoras, General 'Taylor prepared for M exican aggression by erecting fortifications and plaining batteries. Provisions became short, the American Army possessed but little ammunition and were in many other ways discouraged, but the battle of Palo Alto was commenced, and gloriously was it won on May 8, 1846. On the following day the two opposing armies again nut at Resaca de la Palma, within three miles of Fort Drown : the battle commenced with great fury ; the artillery on both sides ditl terrible execution, ami extraordinary skill was displayed by the opposing Generals ; but again conquest declared for the I'nited States Army. 'These victories filled our country with exultation; Government acknowledged the distinguished services of General Taylor by making him Major-General by brevet. Congress passed resolutions of high approval ; Louisiana presented him with a sword, and the Press everywhere teemed with his praise,

War had now been actually declared between the two Governments in real combat, and on May 11. 1846, Congress passed an act declaring that "By the act of the Republic of Mexico a stale of war exists between that Government and the I'nited States." Simultaneously that body appropriated $10,000,000 to carry on the war ami empowered the President to accept fifty thousand volunteers.

It was about May 20 before the official news reached the capital of our Stale ami also the city of Chicago. It spread like wild-lire. Governor Ford issued his proclamation ( ailing for thirty full companies of volunteers to serve, for twelve months, with the privilege of electing their own company and regimental officers. Within ten days thirty-five full companies bail organized ami reported to the Governor, and by the time the place of rendezvous had been selected Alton , I here hail been seventy-five companies raised ami each anxious to be the first in the field, of which the Governor Ford had to select thirty companies, the full quota of the State. 'Two of these companies were accorded to our city, one of which was beaded by Captain Lyman Mower and the other by Captain Elisha Wells. When the news first reached Chicago, Captain Mower, then a thoroughgoing young merchant, seizing the opportunity unfurled his [lag and established his headquarters for a company for the Mexican War. There was a great rush and Captain Mower was the lion of the day. Well does the writer rememl>cr the company of young men headed by their young and zealous commander as they marched through our streets to the stirring music of life ami drum. In that day and time those who opposed the war said that to enlist at that period for service in that distant country to fight a well-drilled and thoroughly-organized army composed of Spaniards Mexicans and Indians, among the chaparral of Mexico was sure death. Nevertheless the rush of young men to uphold the stars and stripes in that conflict seemed to know no end, Chicago was then but in its infancy, having a population of over fourteen thousand, but her people were resolute and patriotic to the very core - only a few years had passed since the same barbaric scenes which were then of daily occurrence on the frontier of Texas bad Iveen perpetrated

The second company under the leadership of Captain Elisha Wells was soon raised and ready for the field. Many citizens of Chicago with their money and means aided these two companies in Organizing and preparing for the front, and among those who were foremost in this laudable work was the late Augustus Garrett, who was then just retiring from a three years service three terms as Mayor of the then young city. He was full of the enthusiasm that prevailed at that time and wanted to sec his young and growing city take a front rank in the conflict then pending with Mexico. The late Hon. John P. Chapin succeeded Mr. Garrett as Mayor of the city in the spring of i 846, and he too was enthusiastic for pushing on the war hut just begun. It was his desire that the prairie city should he heard from in no uncertain terms in that conflict. Captain Sibley of the regular army opened a recruiting office for enlisting men for the regular army and many having failed to get into the volunteer companies, enlisted in that service being determined to aid in the subjugation of Mexico even though it were at the peril of their lives.

The following is the list of those who enlisted in Captain Mower's company and it is believed to be entirely correct. Every man in this company enlisted in Chicago. In a letter from Captain I.yman Mower, who is now living in Milwaukee, he informs the writer that they were all enlisted here and belonged in Cook County at the time. Their names were: Captain, I.yman Mower; First Lieutenant, William Erwin; Second Lieutenants, Samuel M. Parsons and Mathew Moran; Sergeants! Joshua Herrindan, Frederick Haillwirn, Augustus Tilford and Hewitt C. Davis; Corporals, Samuel Scott, Charles Ranks, Benjamin Yan Vrankin, and George l>. Slack; musicians, John Helms, and Augustus S temple; privates, Simon Alley. Phillip Asant, David Raker, Henry Rruner, Michael C. Brennan, George C. Hunker, Lewis Hattleman, W. (. line, lames Carle, James Carlin, Edward Devoe, David Dolson, John II, Hurling. Isaac English, Harmon Ellering, Stephen Elain, Abraham Franks, Tina P. Fuller, Charles Fowk, Eliacune Gardner, John Gardner, Lyman Guinnip, Jonathan Groves Luther Groves, Michael Hyde, Austin Handy, Nelson Johnson. Cyrus Lathrop, Charles Mvers, John Miller Jacob Miller, Michael McCarty, W. p. Olmstead, Christian Osmand, George Phettiplace, Henrv Porter Willlam Phinisy, Edward F. Rowe, Frederick Roth. Frederick Rickow. W. H. II. Robinson, Frederick Shrader Augustus Stemhouse. Harmon Secomb, John H. Temple John Warian. Frederick Wenter. Samuel Waters. John Wells. James Walker. John Wise, Francis Iturroughs, Adam lack, George Cpperman, Freeman Willett. Frederick Weaver and Franklin Carney

soldiers raised by Captain Wells Were all enisted in Chicago, and Augustus Steinhouse, now in the Lmtcd States Custom Service in this city, informs the writer that all the members of this enmpanv were enlisted and rightfully belonged to this citv. where thev were cre.hted on the muster-roll of the company at hat time. I heir names were : Elisha Wells. Captain who was subsequently transferred when M P Smith

These two companies were at once furnished transportation to Alton, by stage to LaSalle and thence to Alton by steamer, where they arrivetl about June 10, and were mustered into the United States service June 18, 1846. When the thirty full companies arrived at Alton, they were formed into three regiments, known and commanded as follows: First Regiment. Colonel John J. Hardin; Second Regiment. Colonel William H. Bissell; Third Regiment, Colonel Ferris Foreman.

In the meantime the Fourth Regiment had been formed and fully organized with Colonel Edward D. Baker as their commander. The two Chicago companies were attached to the famous First Regimentas companies B and K. Company R was commanded by F.lisha W ells, and Company K by Lyman Mower.

These four regiments were immediately pushed to the front, where they were in good time heard from in the very heart of Mexic o, at Buena Yista and Cerro Gordo, where many of them fell a sacrifice to that war. Among the number may be mentioned Colonel John J, Hardin, of the First Illinois, together with one Captain, one subaltern and twenty-six enlisted men, making a total of twenty-nine killed, while two subalterns and sixteen enlisted men were wounded and three missing

'The Second Regiment, which was headed by the late Governor Bissell, lost two Captains, one subaltern, and twenty-nine enlisted men; total, thirty-two kilted ; had wounded two Captains, six subalterns, and sixty-three enlisted men. and four missing. The aggregate loss for this regiment was one hundred and twenty-six. The term of service having expired, the First and Second regiments, which were at Buena Yista. were discharged at Camargo, Mexico, June 17. tSay.

The Secretary of War, April 19, 1847, made a requisition for six thousand more volunteers to "serve during the war " to take the place of those whose term of enlistment was to expire. Of this call but one regiment was assigned to the State of Illinois. Governor F'rench issued his call for another regiment in conformity to the requisition of the Secretary of War early in May. and young men throughout the State, as well as many older ones, offered themselves by thousands. In Chicago thev sprang up as bv magic. On May it, the Chicago Democrat said : " the Chicago cavalry' embraces the verv (lower of our citv ; voting men commanding the highest confidence, both for their talents and integrity, We hope these young men who did their business on ten hours' notice will be accepted."

In its issue of May 18 appeared the following: '"Colonel Hamilton has just arrived from Springfield, and we learn that he has had the Chicago Horse Company accepted as a company of infantry, and that there is no probability'of having our second company accepted unless the express arrived earlv on Monday morning,

At that time there were no telegraphs, and hence the long delay in communicating with the capital of our State, to say nothing about the delays in reaching Washington, from whence all war orders came. The writer was a member of " the Chicago Horse Company " and it was only by hard work and a little stategv that the late Colonel Richard |. Hamilton succeeded in having it accepted as one of the infantry companies for the new regiment. It was raised quickly, and upon receipt of the glorious news that it was accepted, an election was held for company officers, with the following results : For Captain, Thomas B. Kennev ; First Lieutenant, Murray F. Tulcy ; Second Lieutenants. Richard N. Hamilton and James H. Hunt, with the following rank and rile : Sergeants, Alvin Y. Moray, John - A. Knights, William Forsyth and John H. Goodrich; Corporals, Charles C. P. Holden, George llrinsmaid, George Hewitt and Levi R. Yantassell ; fifer, Charles Styles; drummer, George Carson; privates, lames H. Allen. William II. Black, Robert Croft, lames H. Godfrey, Fdgar Fool, Jeremiah Stvles. Snencer Pratt, Willlain Daniels, Hendrick Hattendorf, Ashley Anderson. Brebson W. Drunker, John M. Hour. John Burns, Nelson Barnum, Richmond S. Danforth, George W. Case. James Foster, Alfred T. Woodford, lames Rote, Asa II. Cochman, George B. Bull, William F. Gregg, John I'. Girard, Amos N. Griffith, Joseph Gardner, Lyman Herrick, Harvey Hall, Seth" 1', Huntington, Daniel Huntley, Alanson Halleck, her Johnson, Frederick Kratzer, Henry Lahr, William Mathews, William Mudge. Morns H. Morrison, Thcophilus Michael, James V, Ramsden, Nicholas Kodholt/., Gotrich Stroh, Augustus H. Seider, Freeman Thornton, Henry Snight. Alexander H. Tappan, Christopher F. I'tho, Adam Wiley, James C. Young, Krastus 1). Brown, Peter Backman, August Kberhard, Stephen Kmorv. James R. Hugunin, John W. Hipwcll, Jacob Kens'ling, Lorenzo D. Loring, James D. Morgan. Lorenzo I >. Mavnard. Charles J. McCormick, Fhineas Page. Valentine Khcinhard. Julius C. Shepherd, lohn T. Rolph. lulius C. Shaw, Thomas Scaeor, John W. Strebel. Levi R. Vantassell, James Wilson, Seymour Whitbeck, Luther G. Hagar, Alexander Freeman, Daniel Martin.

When thus organized it was at once ordered to report at Alton, III., the general rendezvous for all Illinois volunteers for the Mexican War. The company proceeded thither via stage, to 1-iSalle. where a steamer was in readiness which took it down the Illinois River to Alton, where it arrived about May 30. 1.S47, and immediately went into camp. And here soldier-life commenced in real earnest. The city was Hooded with tinnew companies and many others. Indeed, there were several fragmentary companies, partly filled, which had reported at Alton with the hope of being accepted and subsequently filling their companies to the maximum number. 'These companies were doomed to disappointment, as only the ten companies which had reported to the Governor in the first instance could be accepted at this time, fames R. Huininin. of this city, had the nucleus of a fine company which he tendered to the State for service in Mexico. There were many other companies also tendered, all of which were refused, when they immediately broke up their company organizations, and the individual members applied to be admitted to the ranks of such companies as had been accepted by the State and General Government, and it is believed, a large majority of them were thus accepted. ;is the Chicago company liad more than one hundred

'The regiment was now ready to complete its organization, and Captain Fdward W. B. Newby, of the Brown County company, was elected Colonel' of the same. Henderson B. Boyakin, a private in Captain Turner's Marion County company, was elected Lieutenant Colonel, and Captain Israel B. Donaldson, of the Pike County company, was elected Major. Colonel Richard J. Hamilton, of Chicago, who had been father of the Chicago company, was a candidate for the colonelcy, but was defeated in the ballot by E. \\ . B. Newby.

'The regiment having completed its organization, was ready to march at an hour's notice. The Chicago Company was presented with a beautiful banner by the ladies of Alton, and the members were all in high spirits and anxious to move to the front, expecting to be ordered to Scott's line of the army, then en route from Vera Cruz to the City of Mexico. But judge of the surprise of the regiment when the order did come, and they were marched to the steamers for transportation down the river, and when well under wav, and just opposite Hie mouth of the Missouri River, the tr ansports turned suddenly into and up that stream, when for the first time then dcstinati< > was known. Ii was Santa he, where they arrived after a tedious and hard journey across the plains September 16, 1847. 'The steamer brought them to Fort Leavenworth, where they remained, making all necessary preparations for the march across the country, which was entered upon about luly 6. Fort Leavenworth at that time was on the eastern luirder of the Indian Territory, ami upon starting out from that post the command took a southerly direction until it had crossed the Kaw River, which crossing was at a point below where the city of Lawrence, Kan., now stands. Soon after crossing the river thev took the Santa Fe trail. Thus far they had traveled through the country occupied by the civilized Indians, but si ion after entered that of the hostiles. On passing Council Grove, and from that point to Los Yegas, the country through which they passed was occupied by the worst tribes of Indians that ever infested the plains. "There were traveling under the protection <if this command a lar>;e number of traders en route to Santa Fe. 'They had elegant trains, consisting of six mule teams, heavily loaded with goods for New Mexico and the lower country. They sought the company of this detachment of soldiers to protect them from the savages, of whom thev always had mortal fear, but during the entire distance through this hostile country the writer has no recollection of having seen or even heard of an Indian. They gave the army a wide berth, fearing, no doubt, the old flint-lock muskets with which it was armed.

About the time the Fifth Regiment left Alton another was forming - the Sixth Regiment - composed in a large part of those companies and men that had failed to be accepted in the Fifth. This regiment was commanded by Colonel James Collins, who had brought a company from Galena, III,, as Captain of the same. He was elected Colonel August 3, 1S47. "There were many Chieagoans in that regiment. Among the number were: In Company A. Martin Clark, Lewis Johnson, Damon C. Kennedy, Aaron Messechar, "Thomas Mullen, Martin McRorgb, James McDonald. Job A. Orton, William A. 'Thornton; in Company E. Thomas C. Jones, Lockwood Kellogg, Frank Smith, John Worrell, Charles Brown, George Robinson ; in Company F, Andrew Pander. James R. Ross, Yernon J. Hopkins. William A. Hedges, James M. Johnson, Henry McGuire, An-

Shook. This regiment was ordered to Scott's line, and names the following, which he remembers as from Chisuffered terribly by sickness and disease, and some were cago: Bernard A It ho we r, Theodore Itohnenkemp, ficers and men. Of those, four Captains, nine I.ietttcn- Moriarty. (i. W. Savory, Fred Schmidt, Phillip Schweitants, and two hundred and eighty non-commissioned zer, Theodore Tehts, William Wolf. There is no record the recruits were trout, nor what became of them. They that struggle from this county not more than wo reappear to have been about equally credited to three turned to the homes thev had left in 1S46 and 1847 ment a. 1 this s tb , 1 2 , "W- MKrandue- Clair County, this State, who was the Adjutant, only surinc^ cfmiurv Til r State record left to their heirs vives. Of Company F. Captain T. B. Kenney and the last days of October or early in November, 1847, seven companies of the Fifth Regiment Illinois Voiunteers, Kaston's Battalion of Missouri Yolunteers and a battery of artillery of six pieces with supply trains were ordered to move out of Santa Fe and to march southerly down the Rio Grande. This news when known by the various companies that were to go was hailed with delight, as it was thought that they were to take the route of Colonel Doniphan, who with his regiment had preceded them but a short time, and whose campaign in Mexico, as subsequent events proved, stood second to none in that service.

A paymaster was ordered to accompany the expedition which boded a long journey for the command. All being in readiness, they started off with banners flying and all in the highest spirits. They hoped that they were en route for Chihuahua and further on toward Saltillo, where they expected to join the army of General Zachary Taylor. Major Donaldson was in command of the expedition, Colonel E. W. B. Newby remaining in Santa Fe, where he was in temporary command of the Post and the Department of New Mexico. In seven weeks they made but one hundred and seventy-five miles, or a trifle more than four miles per day, arriving at Valverde, below Limitaa, near the entrance of the desert which had to be crossed before reaching Kl Paso, about the middle of December. This long time had not been consumed in marching, as the time was principally spent in the various camps, watching the decimation of their ranks by disease and death, caused by the prevailing fevers of the country. During January. 1848, General Sterling Price arrived in Santa Fe and took command of the Post anil Department, at once relieving Colonel Newby. The Fifth still remained in Camp near Limitaa. They were ordered back to Santa Fe during the winter much to their disgust. Easton's Battalion and the artillery company went forward, and the writer thinks that they reached Chihuahua, where it was reported they had a fight. It was the last battle of the Mexican W ar, and, of course, they came out victorious. No part or parcel of the United States Army was ever whipped during that war. It was a series of victories from beginning to end.

The Fifth remained in Santa Fe until late in the spring of 1848 when a detachment, about three hundred strong, was ordered mounted and were sent something like three hundred miles west of Santa Fe to conquer a peace with the Navajo Indians, who w.-re killing the Spaniards in the valleys, carrying off into bondage their women and children, plundering, and running off their stock. The detail took in a large portion of Company F the Chicago company . It was an interesting campaign. The marauding Indians were found in their strongholds, three hundred miles west of Santa Fc, thoroughly whipped and subjugated and brought back to Santa Fe together with the captured women and children. A treaty of peace was negotiated with the tribe and a guard detailed to escort them back to their country. The writer was one of the guard, Judge Tuley, of Chicago, being in command of the same. The guard accompanied the tribe seventy-five miles into the Jamaz Yalley, where it bid them adieu, when they took to the mountains and the escort returned to Santa Fe. News of the peace reached the regiment early in August, when preparations were begun for the return of the regiment to the United States. Trains for the transportation of the commissary and company supplies had to be got in readiness before it could leave for the recrossing of the plains. In the meantime many of the officers and men of the regiment applied for their discharges, n oroer that they might proceed westerly to California, or elsewhere as they might determine. Many of the Chicago company were among the number, to wit : First Lieutenant, Murray F. Tuley; Second Lieutenant, James N. Hunt; Sergeant, John D. Goodrich; Corporal, Levi R. Yantassell: musician, George Carson; privates, Peter Backman. Stephen Emory, James R. Hugunin, John W. Hipwell, Jacob Eesling,' James D. Morgan, Lorenzo D. Maynard. Charles J. McCormick, Phineas Page, Valentine C. Shaw, Thomas Seacor. Sergeant Alvin V. Morey was elected First Lieutenant ; John A. Knights, Second Lieutenant. Charles C P. Holden was appointed Sergeant ami James Rote was appointed Corporal, before the return march commenced.

Everything being in readiness orders were given for the regiment to report at Fort Leavenworth and Alton, III., for final discharge from the service of the United States Government, and on or about August jo. the command, in three detainments, left for home and re-crossed the plains to Fort Leavenworth, where transports were in waiting. The regiment in detachments, reached Alton. Ill, where thev were mustered out of the United States service October 18, 1S48. Many of the best men in the regiment, and in the Chicago company, had died in the service of their country and lay buried in their graves in the valley of the Rio Grande, in the mountains and on the plains, Such was life in the army in Mexico in 1S46-47 and 1848.

"The Fifth Regiment Illinois Yoluntecrs.undcr l olonel Newby. were mustered nut of the service at Alton. Monday List. October IS. General Churchill remarked : It Uwithmtichreluctancctii.it I award to any soldiers more credit lor Rood, orderly and soldier, like conduct than I have heretofore ascribed to the regiments commanded by the lamented ( olonel I lardin ami the gallant Colonel [fillll II ; lint 1 feel constrained by a sense of justice to say, that I have never in my life mustered a regiment superior in sobriety and good order and conduct to that 1 have just been engaged in mustering out of the service. Iloth omcers and men can equal the finest discipline found amongst old regulars.'"

"Captain Ketmey's company of volunteers recently mustered out at Alton, have returned to their homes and we recognize many an old face, etc." "Steele, of the Exchange, tendered them a banquct on their return."

There were manv soldiers in the Mexican War from Illinois who subsequently became noted for their fame as officers in the late war or as statesmen, or both, and a few may be mentioned as among the many from this State, to wit :

John S. I lacker, Captain Company F. 3d 1 1 limns. John G. Fonda. 3d Lieut. Stall 's Cavalry Company. Arthur I. ( paUagftcr, private. Company G. 2d lliin<iis.

The conquest of Mexico in 1846-48 by the army of the United States, composed as it was of regular and volunteer soldiers, is a matter of great pride to all the survivors of that army at the present day, and to none more than to those who went into that service from Illinois. Chicago and Cook Countv too, mav well look hack with pride to the part taken by their sons in that conflict - a conflict out of which came so much to the'r common country. First, Through that war the boundary line between Mexico and Texas was definitely settled and established, and a long contest of deadly strife on ttie western boundary of Texas decided. Second, There was acquired by the treaty 937.000 square miles of territory, consisting of mineral, agricultural, umber and stock lands, the richest and best in the known world, all of which was so much added to the public domain of this country. Third, 'The acquirement of this vast domain made possible the construction of railroads and thereby the connection of the Atlantic and Pacific oceans by bands of steel never to be severed which, without the acquisition of this territory never could have been done. Fourth, There has been' taken from the mines of the States and Territories acquired through that acquisition more than $.',000,000,000 in gold and silver. Fifth, There has been paid into the 1 reasury of the United States over and above all expenses for collecting the same, for custom dues and interna] revenue, from the Pacific States and Territories whtch were acquired through the Mexican War $220- 505.217.19, which fabulous sum is a clear gain to the revenues of this nation, for without that vast domain there would have been nothing to have taxed sixth Improvements have sprung up jn all parts of the acquired territory that surpasses all belief, including some of the foremost cities of the nation, and also the construction ami operation of more thai. 9.000 miles of railways, running to many parts of that vast domain. AH this was acquired through the Mexican War

I he army that went to Mexico consisted of a trifle more than .00,000 regulars and volunteers. To have belonged to that great army in those perilous times and »n the distant sod of a foreign and treacherous foe to h(>ni;nCOm,pllshL"1' ,S° much for "ur l"'»">"n coun ry

Local Military Companies

Register of Regiments. - After the close of the Mexican War a long season of peace ensiled. Not again, until the breaking out of the Rebellion in 1861. was the militia called into requisition for any work mure serious than to quell some local disturbance, or to atltl to the impressiveness of some holidav parade. For two years after the close of the war there was hardlvsufucient military enthusiasm to keep alive any military organization in the city. In 1850, sufficient interest was evolved in military matters to result in the organization Of a few new companies. The old Sixtieth Regiment still held its position on the records of the State Adjutant-Oencral. and in 1854 was supplemented bv the Washington Independent Regiment. Some of the companies attached to these regiments did not survive long enough to be tried by the stern test of actual w;tr : others - indeed nearly all - were practically extinct by the close of i860, but all those retaining even a nominal organization, aroused by the peril that threatened the country, and drawing fresh vitality from the great flood of patriotism that swept over the country, answered to its call, and, with solid ranks, marched with more enthusiasm to the battle field, than ever in the listless days of peace to the holiday parade or drill.

Following are the rosters of these regiments, anil all military companies which had a recognized existence in Chicago, from 1848 to the close of i860, so far as these records are to be obtained :

(No farther record until the breaking out of tin- Rebellion. w the company was reorganized and entered the I'nitcd States ! as Company )J. 23d Illinois Infantry.)

( The "Chicago l ight Artillery " was reorganized bv Ezra Tavlor in the spring of 1S61. and was afterward known as' " Old Battery A " and " Old Battery H ".)

(Organized September 7, tS-|7.) Captain, Michael Di verse v : 1st Lieut., lacob Eich ; id Lieut.. Anthony lluck ; 3d Lieut.. F. Manch ; 4th Lieut.. M. Best.

In November, 1849, these German companies organized in two battalions, each made up of "Grenadiers" and " Jxgers." and known as the Chicago Battalion ami the Washington Battalion - the two forming the "Chicago G erman Odd Battalion" faoth , which remained attached to the Sixtietii Regiment until 1854, when it was transferred to the newly formed "Washington Independent Regiment No. 1."

Captain of Grenadiers, Theodore Wciler; tst Lieut., John Schneider; 2d Lieut., lacob 'lull. Captain of J.cgcrs. George Feiler; 1st Lieut.. Loui's Horn; 2d Lieut.. Fred Mattern.

(This company was tbortdived.) Garhen Cirv GUARDS, (Organized August. 1852.1 Captain, T homas Shirleev ; 1st Lieui , David R. Crego ; 2d Lieut., Elijah l,cran ; 3d Lieut., M. H. Baker.

( No farther record nl this company until Ihe breaking out of t«* War of the Rebellion. It was then re organized and entered the service under Captain McMurrav. as Company C, 23d Illinois Volunteer Infantry.)

Civil Officers - lYesidcnt, 1. J. Sullivan : vice-president, John Swccnic ; recording secretary. John Mickey: corresponding secretary, James A. Mulligan.

l aptatn. John McAnhur; 1st Lieut.. Alexander \V. Raffen; 2.1 Lieut.. J I. \oung: 3d Lieut.. Andrew tjuade: 4th Lieut., Robert W ilson; secretary. I . McFarland; Treasurer. |ohn Wood! v .urn" - In.,oth,; service of Government iii Ijjoi. aslomoanv K, io«h Illinois Volunteer Infantry.) ^ "

Twkstikth Oim Battalion. (transferred to \V. |. Hegiment February, 1856.) Major George W. I. Cone: Adjutant. John' Short; Quartermm. 5J P;.A lor; paymaster. Oliver P. Booth I he Coxtl'AMts of Battalion were:

As early as 1848 two regiments of militia were organized in C>H>k County, independently of those connected with Chicago. The Chicago Democrat, April 1, 1848. gives notice of the election of the regimental officers of the 621! Hegiment as follows:

'* At an election held at Wheeling, Desplaines Precinct, on Wednesday. March 29. for the field officers of the newly organized 62tl Regiment* of Cook County, Illinois Militia, under the direction of Lieutenant George Davis of the Ringgold Guards, the following gentlenn-n were unanimously elected: Colonel, Joseph l-'ilkins of Wheeling; Lieute'nant-Colonel, Mason Sutherland of Salt Creek; Major, Homer Wilmarth of Harrington."

On April 25, Colonel l-'ilkins ordered an election of one Captain, one !- irst and one Second Lieutenant, to be held in each precinct tinder his jurisdiction; authorizing as superintendents of election in their several precincts the following gentlemen: Lieutenant-Colonel Sutherland, Salt Creek precinct; Major H. Wilmarth. Harrington; Captain. W. H. Davis, -- R. G.," Lake. Cross Point, ami mut/i part of Chicago; Lieutenant Sherman. * \V. R.,M Monroe, and John Hill. Hanover.

The election was held on Line 25, 1848, the following line officers being elected': First Company - Captain, W. H. Davis; hirst Lieutenant, George Davis; Second Lieutenant. Benjamin l'ryer.

Ninth Company - Captain, A. P. Hayward; Fin* Lieutenant, Peter Schunch; Second Lieutenant. William A. Oast rum; Third Lieutenant, Thomas Thanal; Cornet, Lysander Miller.

On the 20th of March, 1848, an election was also held at Blue Island to elect officers for the " newly organized 63d " (,06th Regiment, with the following result: Colonel, Thodotus Doty; Lieutenant-Colonel. Morrill Kyle; Major, Jonathan Pcriam.

Of the above companies, all except the 2d were credited to Chicago. There were six other conq>anies raised in Cook County - 1,600 men in all.

Tun Draft. - Under the call of July 4, 1864, for 500,000 men, the quota of Illinois was fixed at 16,182. Of this number Cook County was apportioned 4.250. This apportionment was excessive and unjust, and was made under a misapprehension of the facts and on an entirely false basis, as was proven to the satisfaction of the Provost Marshal General, who ordered the quota of the Cook County district reduced fifty per cent. Under the reduced apportionment the connty recruited vigorously, and, by September i, reduced the quota to 1,823. The sub-districts of the county at that date showed the quota required, and numln-r enrolled subject to military duty in each district as follows :

To avoid the hardships which might fall on individual conscripts, the Board of Supervisors passed an ordinance authorizing the issue of $300,000 in county st rip for the payment of bounties to soldiers, to be credited on the quota of Cook County, At about the same time the citizens of Chicago organized the Citizens' Enrollment Committee. In co-operation with the Board of Supervisors, this committee secured the consolidation of rivalry or local jealousy having been dissipated, the important military points naturally absorbed the rerural districts united most zealously with the citizens of cm it big strength of the whole county, and left tlu-t owns bounties in addition to the countv bounty and by indi n,l>re than ^.000.000. The following items of expenv.dtial subscriptions and efforts', promptly raised their d,tUre are BUthoritative:

Wolf Point And Early Hotels

The few travelers and emigrants who came to the site of Chicago prior to 1831 hail more difficulty in finding the true town than at present. The fort could be seen, and from a distance might be taken for the nucleus of the coming village, but its forbidding inclosure showed, on nearer approach, that it was exclusive properly and no village or even place of temporary sojourn for the weary traveler, except as the guest of the officers of the garrison. That was not the village of Chicago at that time. In the fall of 1S29, among others looking for a place to stop " over night " was the family of Elijah Wentworth. It consisted of himself, wife and two daughters, Zebiah. then nineteen years old ; Susati, eighteen years of age, and George,' then a child of four years old. Whether Elijah, Jr., then twenty-six years old, came with his father, is a matter of doubt. He came soon afterward, if he was not at that lime ol 1 he emigrant party. Elijah had come up from the Wabash country with three yoke of oxen, two covered wagons, containing all his household goods and earthly possessions, and, homesick, was trying to get back to Maine, where he was bom. He was looking for Chicago as a point on the lake from which he might embark for the East. He arrived in October, 1820. and put up at the onlv tavern then having a sign-post. It was owned by James Einzie who had built it the year before, and was then kept bv Archibald Caldwell, who.

by virtue of his license, granted December 8 b; the Commissioners of Peoria County, was, without doubi. the first landlord who ever legally kept tavern in

The family found refuge at this tavern. It came on prematurely cold that year, and ii was certain that the family must winter at Chicago, The oxen could not be sold here, ami were accordingly sent back to the "Wabash country" to winter. The family rented a small log-house owned bv Mr Einzie. standing on the shore of the South Branch some little distance south of Caldwell's tavern, at $5 per month, and moved into it as a temporary home. While living there, Caldwell dissolved with Einzie, left the hotel and removed to near Green Hay, Wis. Mr. Wentworth. in January or February, rented the hotel of Mr. Einzie at $300 'pe'' year and became its landlord. Here he remained until the fall of 1830, when he gave up his lease and took a claim eight miles north, near what is now the Jefferson Station on the Chicago & North-Western Railroad. There he kept a hotel uninterruptedly, except during the spring and summer of 1832. when for a few weeks he took refuge in the fort fearing Indian depredations. When Scott came wiih the cholera, he returned to his house with many other families who. like him, became panic stricken by the pestilence.

Who kepi the tavern afterward known as the Wolf Tavern "the forks" had been known as Wolf Point long before during the year 1831, is not specially determined by the traditions or records of the period.

In addition to this first tavern there was another in 1830, kept by Samuel Miller. It stood on the east side of the North Branch, nearly opposite Wentworth's. He with his brother was living there in 1S29. and kept a small store, besides entertaining such stranger* a> came along. In 1830, he having enlarged it materially, his place became known as a tavern, and he was the principal competitor of the "Forks Tavern" on the opposite side. He ran a ferry at that time to accommodate the travel and help along his own trade.* There was at that time no bridge. Sir. Miller kept the hotel until the death of his wife, in 1832, when he sold out and moved awav. It was never known as a hotel after Miller left it : various families lived in it temporarily, and at one time it was used as a store.

Mark Beaubien had his log house, also a tavern, on the South Side, on the point made by the junction of the two branches. It was not at that time a pretentious hostelry. He afterward added to it and kept one of the most famous hotels in the city, known as the Sauganaah.

These three hotels, connected only by a primitive ferry, with a few scattering buildings on the West Side, made the only pretense of a village at Chicago in 1S30. and was known as " The Forks " and as Wolf Point. The origin of the name is buried in oblivion. Mrs. Juliette A, Einzie, authoress of " Waubun." came here in the* winter of 1831, and, at that early day discussed the origin of the name as shrouded in mystery, then too old to be traced to its genesis. She slates thai at thai lime 1831' it was known as Wolf Point, ami suggested some quite plausible origins fur the name : (timing Uthen, that it was the former residence of an Indian chief, whose name, translated into English, means "Wolf." The value of Mrs. Kinzie's testimony lies, not in her fanciful legend, bat in the historic fact that at lhat time the land lying ahout "the fork*" was known as " Wolf l'oint," and thai the origin of the name was at that early day not known. As to the name and many other facts concerning Wolf Point, and the early taverns, Mr. Cttrdon S. Hubbard, the oldest living citizen of Chicago, wrote the following letter to Rufus Hlanchard, which is embodied in his History of the Northwest. See pp. 757-59.

whai mm men called the Forks. About this date Samuel Millei bought small log cabin on the opposite side of the rim from Wcniworth's. anil south ol the jircsen, K inzie-street bridge, !- which he added a two-story log tmiUling. finishing the outside with split riapboardu, These two public houses were the first Chicagn could boast of. Miller by his influence and enterprise, creeled a bridge built wholly <>f lugs, across the Xortli Branch, just north of bis tavern. I It and Wciitworth living competitors for public favnr, the Forks house getting the most patronage, James ami Kobcn kinzir built stores ihere, and here reported some of the ofheers n( tin- fori daily for social intercourse and 1 drinks ' at Wenivrorlh's bar. Wolves were in ihose davs unite numerous: one had thr audacity to enter in the daytime Wentworlh's meat-house, anil was by him killed. His bttM had fora sign a tall sapling toppc,| off just abort a prominent branch ; it extended some distance above the top of the roof, and KM a conspicuous notice, to be seen from the prairie and surroundings, that here was f.«nl for nun and beast ; ' it lacked, however, something to hang to ihc branch projection, in give it character; how to obtain a proper emblem puzzled the good landlord, as there was nocarpentcr or paint shop. »r citizen artist; a happy thought struck him, that Lieutenant Allen might condescend to supply the deficiency, if properly approached : this was effected through ,i mutual friend. The boards of a drvgoodsbox were obtained, from which was put in shape, under *r superintendence of Lieutenant James Allen, a well-proportioned sign, the Indian Agency blacksmith putting to il hinges, when Lieutenant Allen look it' in hand again, producing and presentm* to Went worth the picture of the slcthy wolf, which was to sen*m>i only an attractive painting, but a memorial of the landlords valor in the killing alone and unaided, of a ferocious wolf. Officer* nmi citizens received invitations to lie present at the hanging of ine sign: the day and hour arriving, found assembled a majority of tnr people; the sign was brought forth, dulv veiled with a blanket, was attached to the branch of the pole, the veil removed, and it swurii! gracefully, and was greeted with hurrahs from those Presen!rh'" turn something else greeted the hoarse throats of friends, was produce I and baptized the name of ' Wolf Point.' j describes the location as ' lice's I'lacc' Mack & Conant, extensive merchants a! Detroit, in the Indian trade, became the owners of this property about the year i s 16. They vent Mr. John Crafl with a large supply of Indian (foods to take possession of it, and establish a branch of their house there, the principal object being to sell goods to such traders as they rnuld residing throughout this country, without interfering with the interests of those traders who purchased goods from him.

-' Mr Craft repaired the dilapidated building, adding thereto, and erecting others necessary for the convenience of business, lie, I think, named it ' Hard Scrabble;' whether he or some MM die, it bore that name in 1818.

" At the organization of the American Fur Company, 1S16, Mr. Astor's plan was to control the entire trade by absorbing other companies doing an Indian business. He succeeded in buying out the Southwest Company, whose headquaitiis were at Mackinaw, but failed in his efforts to buy out Mack & Conant.

entitled to more than ordinary credence. The honesty of the writer is not questioned, and his own desire to vindicate the truth of history is shown in the following corrections made with his assent, after an interview with him on February 3, 1884, at which time the letter was read to him. The corrections made were on the following lusis of conflicting facts: 1 Mr.Wentworth was nut keeping the tavern after the c lose of 1831; 2 Lieutenant James Allen, as appears from the records and his letters now on file with the Chicago Historical Society, was not here until May 14, 1833. Hence, either Mr. Allen did not paint the sign, or Mr. Wentworth was not the landlord at the time it was painted. It was decided, as probable, that the sign was not

Dearborn Rtreft Drawbridge, Built In 1834

" Mr. James Abbott, however, their agent at Detroit, succeeded in buying them out in 1820 or 1S21, and they withdrew from the Indian trade, transferring their Indian goods. tKist- and goodwill to the American Kur, who constituted Mr. Crafl their agent here, he removing his quarter) from ' Hard Scrabble* to the companv's warehouse, located north of, and adjoining, the military burving-ground. Thev enlarged it and built a log warehouse, besides; J. II. Bcaubicri, who had previously occupied It. removing to the ' Factor House.' adjoining tr"«rt Dearborn. ( rail din] in the fall of 1820 and Mr. Mm Kimic succeeded him. William \V. Wallace (who was one "of Astor's men on his expedition to Columbia River) took possession of Hard Scrabble' after Mr. Craft had left the place, and died there during ihe winter of 1827.2s. From that time till the land title passed from the ( .overnment, it was occupied bv scleral families, temporarily, among whom were the I. aw tons, for a short time, and fames Calloway, the father of Mrs. Archibald Clvbourne.

The foregoing letter gives a circumstantial account of the painting and raising of the wolf sign at the old Went worth tavern. The letter is of great historical value, and from the known reliability of its author is '5 painted or hung until 1833, at which time either Charles Taylor, or his successor. William Wattles, was the landlord. That a sign bearing the image of a wolf, rudely painted, once swung from the pole of the old Wentwprth tavern, can scarcely Ik doubted, but it is also quite certain that it was not "put up until long after Wcntworth left the hotel - probably in 1833. Zebiah Wentworth Fstes . still living, rememliers nothing of the sign; John Hates, still living, remembers a rough board sign, put up some time after he came here in the fall of 1832. So the wolf sign, the Wolf tavern, and the accompanying picture which lacks the sign afterward put up, become historicallv reconciled. I" 1830, there was no sign at either of the taverns at Wolf Point, and no bridgesonly a ferry* In 1833, there was a sign of a wolf swung

-A valuable thread of testimony wi" primed, too late fur publication in its proper connection with the arlUsle ennietninir. early bridge*. It embodies Ihe result i>( » meeting of Ihe old wilier* whose, names ippear. held late ill the fall of iMt.and was presented to the editors by John Rates, one of the in. It reads as follows;

These three taverns and Kinzic's store made Wolf Point the site of the real Chicago of 18.50. The sale of the canal lots, the improvement of the harbor, the erection of warehouses, and. in fact, the evolution of a great city on the lake shore, changed the center of the town from Wolf Point to a region before not believed to be habitable, and that location lost its importance, which waned as its taverns died, and strangers sought board the house again changed hands, William W. Wattles becoming Hs proprietor and landlord In November, he sold out to Chester Ingersoll, who ran it an uncertain length of time, first as the "Traveller's Home," and afterward as the Western Stage House. It went out of sight as a hotel in 1834.

With the wane of the hotel intere* on the Point, its importance fell off, and with the great impulse of growing trade at the new town, with the erection of a firstclass hotel, the Lake House, and the removal of the and lodging in the new town and at new hotels. The old Wolf Hotel, after Wentworth left it, next came into the possession of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Taylor post-office farther down town, it ceased all pretentions as the true Chicago after 1834. The movement of the '-enter 1 >f business and the center of population until the great citv absorbed all the various hamlets in one great whole, is traced by the building and success ot the various earlv hotels.' Following is a sketch Of the earlv hotels other than the two Wolf Point taverns -Ircady sketched, which, by their success, marked the location and growth of the great city in its early days.

Mark Beaubien, whose name is inseparably linked with almost even- chapter of Chicago's early history, was a famous hotel-keeper in his day. He came here in 1826, from Detroit. In 1831 he built, as he claimeu. the first frame house in Chicago, the Sauganash Hotel. It is related that while he was at work on his house. Billy Caldwell Sauganash one day said to Beaubien. " I suppose you will name your new hotel after some great man ? "" " Yes." replied Beaubien, " I shall call it the ' Sauganash.' " He kept his word ; the house became famous, and its name has gone into history as for years being the largest and finest hotel in Chicago. Mark, as is well known, was a jollv host - after having given his guests the best his larder afforded' he would of evenings tune up his violin, on which he was, for those days at least, a skilled performer, and often, till late at night, amuse and entertain them with his melody. Dancing, too, general! v formed no small feature of these sports ; and so the Sauganash became popular through the character of its proprietor as a musician as well as for its excellence as a hotel. This house was situated on the south side of Lake Street, at the corner of Market, though one or two old settlers have given the impression that it fronted as much on Market as on I^ike. The accompanving illustration of the building, showing it as it appeared in 183 }. has been pronounced by Hon. John Wentworth ami' by Charles R. Vandercook, who were in that year boarders at the hotel, a most excellent representation of it as it then was. It seems, too, that the cabin which Mr. Beaubien built when he came here stood on the site where, a few years later, he built the Sauganash Hotel. Mrs. Harriet Murphy, whose husband John Murphy was at different times proprietor of the hotel, states that the frame part was an addition built on to the cabin ; and a writer who was at the hotel in the winter of 1833-34 says this room in the cabin, which was then weather-boarded on the outside, was the warmest and most comfortable place in town. Mr. beaubien kept the Sauganash until 1834, when he left it, and in lanuarv, 1835, a Mr. Davis assumed control. Mr. Heaubien had meanwhile built a new house 0:1 the northwest corner of Wells and Lake streets. In August of 1834, Mr. and Mrs. Murphy took charge of this new hotel, which they christened the Exchange Coffee House. They remained there until 1836, when they removed to the old Sauganash, the name of which they changed to United States Hotel. Mr. Murphy continued business there until the following year, when he removed to the West Side, where he opened a new hotel under the same name he had given the old Sauganash, which was then converted into a theater - the first in Chicago. In 1839 the Sauganash was once more occupied as a hotel, being kept by Jesse Seymour until in 1840, when Mr. Murphy having leased his new W est Side hotel, again became the proprietor of it. He remained there about a year and a half, when he again returned to the West Side to the United States Hotel, Mr. Smith having surrendered his lease. A man by the name of Davis next took the Sauganash but failing to make it pay, Mr. Murphy once more assumed its management, at the earnest solicitation of its owner, Augustus Garrett. Just how long he continued to run the house this time is not known, but it was probably in 1843 when he moved out. The next proprietor of the Sauganash was Jeduthan Brown, and he was succeeded in 1844 by L. M. Osterhaudt, who kept it for several years, when it passed into the control of M. & G. Walrod, who were its proprietors until 1848. From the directory of that year it appears that Newell Stratton had control, and in iS5r B. s. Foster wasi n charge at the time it was destroyed by fire. The conflagration which swept from existence, save n the memories on ft (if those who had known for years this historic building, occurred at half-past 3 o'clock Tuesday morning. March 4. 1851; the following account of which is found in the Gem of the Prairie of March S, 185 1 :

"At about half-past three o'clock ta.it Tuesday morning flamrs were discovered issuing from the roof of the Sauganash Hotel on Market Street, between l.akc and Randolph streets, and so rapid was their progress among the combustible materials in that vicinity that nine buildings were destroyed, Iwforc being finally subdued by the tircmen. The building destroyed were owned by the I estate.

The account then mentions the occupants, and among the rest says, "Sauganash Hotel, B. S. Foster." Concerning the origin of the fire the article concludes ,

" It is supposed that the tire was the work of an incendiary. The supposition is strengthened by the fact that while the tire Monday evening was raging at the corner uf Lake Street and Wabash Avenue, an unoccupied building adjoining the Sauganash Hold was set on lire in an upper storv. but was discovered anc put out before making any considerable progress."

Another hotel and scarcely less noted in its time was the Green Tree Tavern, which stood on the northeast corner of Canal and I ,ake streets. It was built by James Kiiuie in 1833, and opened for business by David Clock, who in a short time relinquished his proprietorship to Edward Parsons. The next proprietors were two young men, Snow ami Spear, who kept it until 1838, when John Gray managed it until 1841. He sold out to George W. Rogers, who was its owner until [845, During his time the house was known as the Chicago Hotel. The following year lie was succeeded by F. A. Mclntyre. From the directory of 1848 it is learned that J. W. Noyes was then running it under the name of Noyes Hotel. In the next year it again Changed hands ami names, being called the Rail Road House, which title it held until 1851, when it became the Atlantic Hotel. Shortly after that year, Fred Mehcr took charge of the house and, in 1854, changed its name to the West Lake Street House. He continued to run it until 1859. Afterward it became a tenement house, having, however, a saloon in the lower front part. It remained standing at the corner of West Lake and Canal streets until 18S0, when it was removed to Nc* 33, 35 and 37 Milwaukee Avenue, in order to make room for the American Iron Company's buildings which now occupy its former site. At this time 1884 :> the house still stands at the above numbers, and perhaps scarcely one among the thousands who pass it daily are aware of its historic character or that it is one of the oldest buildings in existence in the city. There stands to-day on the southeast corner of Canal and Randolph streets a small two-story frame building, sadly dinged by age and exposure to the weather, for which the claim is made that it was the first frame house built on the West Side. In years now long since past it was known as the Western Hotel, and was built in 1835. as near as can be learned, by W. H. Stow, who came to Chicago '833. Mr- Stow was by trade an iron founder, and at one time hail his shops on the rear end of the lot on which he later built his hotel. As he employed a number of men, his house was more of a boardinghouse for local custom than for the accommodation of the transient public. Mr. Stow kept the house until 185?, at which time he rented it to Martin Dodge and

William R. Irish, who. under the firm name of Dodge and Irish, conducted it until the following year, wlu" Irish retired from the firm, being su< .reeded hy A. V. Collar. The name of the house was. on the retirement of Mr. Stow from it- management, changed to Commercial Hotel. Dodge & Collar remained the proprietors until early in 1S54, when the building was partially destroyed by lire. After this it was rebuilt and in the years 1S55-56 appears in the city directories as the Wilson House, kept by T. O. W'ibon, W ith this terminated its career as a hotel or boarding-house. It is now occupied as a saloon, which is kept and owned by a son of the man who originally built and owned the house.

$to.ooo. William Rickards was the next manager in 1S44, and remained in charge several years, finally, however, tearing there to take control of the Sherman House. In 1S54 the house was remodeled, inside, an additional story, with a handsome cupola added, ami was opened as a first-class hotel by James E. Hays and M. M, Smalley. This firm remained the proprietors until in 1856, when Mr. lloardmau took it and ran it until 1.S5S. After repeated experiments to make it a financial success, all of which proved failures, the hou>e was converted into residence flats and was so used until destroyed in the great fire of 1S71.

From 1849 to 1S52, Kdward H. Aiken kept a hotel called the Lake Street House, situated at Nos. 135 and 137 Lake Street. In 1852 tins house was destroyed by fire, and Mr. Aiken became the proprietor of the Car- corners of Kinxie, Rushand Michigan streets, fronting on the latter. This hotel, which was built of brick, was three stories and a basement in height, was elegantly furnished throughout, and cost its owners nearly §100,000. The men whose enterprise led them into building a house which for those days was far in advance of the needs of the town, were Gunlon S. Hubbard. General David S. Hunter, John H. Kinzic. Dr. W. !i. Kgan and Major James 15. Campbell. The hotel was completed and thrown open to the public in the autumn of i.X;/), Jacob Russel, of Middlcton, Conn., assuming control of its management. In 1S39 Mr. Russel left the Lake House to take charge of the City Hotel the predecessor of the Sherman House which had just been opened to the public, and George E. Shellev, of Baltimore, became the proprietor of the Lake House. Mr. Shelley introduced a French cook, printed bills of fare, and various other innovations in the management of the house. The following year Daniel S. Griswotd succeeded Mr. Shelley in the management of the l-ake House, and some years after this it was sold under a foreclosure of mortgage, bv Hon Isaa.- N Irnuld attorney for the mortjjagcL-s.' to Hod Thomas l>ver for den Citv House, which then stood on the corner <>f Madison and Market streets. Mr. Aiken remained «><* until in 1S55. The house then passed into the n30» of R. ami G. W. Storrs, who were its owners until IW Robert Htfl next became its proprietor. Afterward the house was taken by Mr. Thronp. the man whor** it. and was conducted by him until it was, a few years latter, destroved bv fire.' The large wholesale house (H Marshall Field & Co, now 18S4 . occupies the corner where it formerlv stood.

the Mansion House was built in iS.;i by ixaa Graves; it stood on Lake near Dearborn and ahww opposite the <»h) Fremont House. As originally built. lUC Mansion House was situated some little distance ha. K from the street, but two vears later Mr. G raves erected a frame addition in the front, which came out to a WH with the street. About this time he sold it to a Jir- Haddock, his son-in-law, who kept it until "^35* "5" it passed into the hands of Abram A. Markle. who. m two vears thereafter accommodated and cntertaintu many Ol Chicago'* early residents, and travelers conunj. this way to take an observation of the "town lying the mud."

In 1837 it was kept by Jason Gurley and two year* later by Asher Rossiter. In 1844 Charles Skinner and J. F. Smith were its proprietors. The directory of 1S45 shows it to have been in the hands of C. W. Cook. In 1848 Jacob K. Bates took it. Two years later the greater part of the house was removed to the northwest corner of Lake Street and Michigan Avenue, and was fitted up as a hotel under the name of the Dearborn House.

Among the minor houses in" the year 1845 was the Eagle Tavern at Dearborn and South Water streets, the Farmer's Exchange on l,ake Street near Wabash Avenue, and the Illinois Exchange, corner Wells and Lake streets.

There were in 1839 the following minor taverns : the Columbian House, on the comer of Wells and South Water streets ; the Shakespeare Hotel, corner of Kinzie and Rush streets; the Southern Hotel, comer of State and Twelfth streets; the Buffalo Hotel, on South Water Street; the Lake Street Coffee House, corner of Lake and Wells streets ; the Ohio House, on LaSalle Street, and Myrick's Tavern the Hull's Head on C ottage Grove Avenue, near Twenty-ninth Street.

These hotels, which in the English sense, might more appropriately be called inns, were establishments which met a demand for modest accommodations, peculiarly active in young and growing towns

The New York House was built in 18 54 and opened to the public the following year by luithmp Johnson and George Stevens, who conducted it until the fall of (839, when they were succeeded by L. M. Osterhoudi. He remained its keeper until 1843.

In 1849-50 W. R. Green and B. H. Skinner kept a hotel, known as the New York House, at 31 1 and 21.5 Randolph Street. A few years later the firm became Smith ft Tinman. In 1858 the house was still kept as a hotel by J. F. Smith, formerly of the firm of Smith & Tiernan.

The United Stales Hotel, which has been mentioned so frequently in the account of the old Sauganash, was built by Mr. Murphy; it stood on Canal Street, near Randolph. The house changed hands often during its career, and at the time it burned, in 1X52, was kept by David L. Rogers.

The Vermont House, which stood on Market Street, between Lake and Randolph streets, flourished in the days of the old Saugauash and was kept for years, in fad until 1864. by Joshua Bell.

The American Temperance House, situated on the northwest corner of Lake Street and Wabash Avenue, was built by Asher Rossetter in 1840, and opened to the public in the spring of the following year. Charles W, Cook was its first proprietor, and kept it for a number of years, being succeeded by Jcduthan Brown ; later Jason Gurley purchased an interest and the firm in 1K45 was Brown iV Gurley. 'Then A. J. Douglass took control, conducting the house until 1849, when it passed into the hands of Milton Barney, who continued its proprietor until 1852. In this year Mr. Rossetter took charge, changing the name to the American House,* omitting the word " temperance." In the directory of 1854 "A. Rossetter & Co.'* are put down as proprietors ; and it was probably at this time that John M. King had managing charge of the house. In the fall of 1854 W. R. Irish, who, it will be remembered, at one time kept the old Western Hotel, became the proprietor, conducting it until 1S56. In the fall of that year. William Church and Charles Bissel took the house until 1858, when it again changed hands, L. P. Hill taking control ; he continued its proprietor until, in 1S61, the house was torn down to make room for a business block which occupied its site until the fire of 1871.

'The City Hotel, subsequently the Sherman House, was built in 1S36-37 by Francis C. Sherman. Jacob Russet was its first proprietor, taking possession in December. 1837. In 1844. Mr. Sherman remodeled the house, added two stories, making it five stories high, and changed its name to the Sherman House. Two years later Mr. Russel retired from its manage* nient and was succeeded by James Williamson and A. H. Squier; the next year Mr Williamson retired from the firm. William Rickards purchasing his interest. 'This firm, Rickards \ Squier, retained the proprietorship of the house until in 1851, when thev sold out to Brown iV Tull le, late of the City Hotel, a building which then stood on I .ake Street, near Wabash Avenue, and was formerly the Farmer's Exchange. In February of 1854, Mr. Brown sold his interest to A. H. Patmor, and until 1859 -the firm was Tuttle & Patmor, In 1858 the proprietors were Martin Dodge and Hiram Longly.

In 1833. the first Trcmont House, situated then on the northwest corner of Lake and Dearborn streets, was built by Alansou Sweet. It was kept as a saloon and boarding-house by him and a man from Canada, named Darwin. Then' the Conch brothers pun based ihe property and Ira Couch opened it as a hotel. Heran it until 1S36, when his brother James took control, and was managing it at the time it burned, October 17, 1S39. In December of the same year the erection of the new house was begun, on the corner where the present Trcmont stands, and on the 20th of May, 1S40, the building was completed. Both of these structures were of wood and far different in style and cost of construction from the costly edifice which to-day ranks among Chicago's leading hotels, 'The house, however, did a large business and prospered finely until July 21. 1849, when it was destroyed by fire. Its proprietors, however, immediately set to work rebuilding, this time a brick structure, which was <>|>ened in October, 1S50. Ira Couch remained the proprietor until 1853, when the house passed into the hands of the Gage brothers, David A. ami George W. Two years later John Drake, now of the Grand Pacific, was associated with them, and in 1858 (iage Bros. S: Drake were its proprietors. Speaking of the house in its earlier days. James Couch says that ofttimes they were so crowded that not only all the beds, but every available space of floor room, would at night be occupied by travelers, who were glad enough to get even a pallet on the floor. A single boat would bring two and three hundred passengers at atrip, ami as the Tremoni was a popular hotel, it was on such occasions taxed to its utmost for their accommodation, The Steaml>oat Hotel, on North Water Street, near Kinzic, was kept in 1835 by John Davis, and from 1836 to 1839 by William MrCorristcr. as the American Hotel.

by lire, and Mr. Barker removed to the corner of Wdk and Randolph streets, taking charge of a hotel, then newly built, which he also christened the Baltic House. This house he kept until 1855. when (). V. Colby took it. changing its name to the Colby House. Mr. Colby remained there until in 1856-57, when the house was torn down and a new building, the Metropolitan Hotel, was erected in its stead.

For some years previous to the building of the Metropolitan, Isaac Speer, a worthy citizen, by trade a jeweler, conducted an extensive establishment at 7; t-ake and State streets, was erected in 184S. Before this, for some years, a wooden building under thesa. c ESSFfiS "ST KrOU°d the new ho" se l ake Street. He had in his employ a man named Howgate, in whom he reposed every confidence. At the end of the year 1853 Mr. Speer was astonished on balancing his books to discover that, notwithstanding a brisk trade and an apparent prosperous business, he was losing money. The mystery was wholly unexplainable. He, however, kept on, and the three years following showed precisely the same results; at this time, he found himself on the verge of bankruptcy, but with no satisfactory reasons apparent for his affairs being in so deplorable a condition. While he was thus lamenting his troubles, the news reached here that the detectives of St. Louis had unearthed, in that city, a lot of stolen jewelry, which bore the trade mark of Mr. Speer. Investigation followed, and the fact was disclosed that Howgate Had been systematically robbing him for years, and mainly with the proceeds of his thefts, had commenced the erection of the Metropolitan

Hotel on the site formerly occupied by the Baltic. Howgate was apprehended, brought to trial, and the matter finally settled by Mr. Speer receiving the new hotel, in reparation for the losses he had sustained. In 1857 the Metropolitan was kept by John Mason and a man named Goodman.

The Matteson House was built in 1850 by C. II. Bissell, immediately following the destruction of the old Baltic, already mentioned. It was completed and opened to the public, with W. L. Pearee as proprietor, in the month of August of the following year. Mr. Pearce kept the house until 1854, when it passed into the hands of Herrick Stevens and J. P. Wiltard, who, under the firm name of Stevens & Wiltard, were its proprietors until 1859. In that year Charles H. Bissell and William S. Goodrich took it, and a few years later it was purchased by Robert Hill, who kept it until it was destroyed in the fire of 1871.

In 1854, besides the hotels already mentioned, there were the following; The Bissell House, at 224 l.ake Street, P. Bissell ft Son, proprietors; the Bradley House, corner of Van Buren and Sherman streets, by Boyington & Turley; the Bull's Head, by H. Hopkins, at the head of Madison Street, where Is now situated the U'ashingtonian Home ; the Breman House, by C Nockin, at 245 South Clark Street; Doty's Hotel, by Thcodoris Doty, at 64 and 66 Randolph Street ; the Foster House, by Geiselman & Bro., Kin/ie, comer of Clark ; Hamilton House, by J. F. Draper & Co., at 14 North Clark; the Lake View House, by J. H. Rees, on the north lake shore ; the McCardcl House, McCardet ft Crane, 17, 19 and 21 Dearborn; Merchant's, La Salle Street near South Water, by E. Moore ; Napcrville House, at 191 Randolph, by A. Schall ; National Hotel, Randolph, near Peoria, by Brown ft t rout ; the New England House, at 40 Kinzie, by Briggs ft Fclthousen ; the Philadelphia House, Washington, comer of Franklin, by Buest ft Bunn ; the Planter's House, by J. McDonald, Randolph, corner Wells ; the Rock Island House, south end Clark Street, H. Longley ; the Yorkshire House, J. Watson, Wells, near Randolph.

From this time up to 1859 the hotels of minor importance multiplied rapidly. Those of any prominence or worthy of mention, erected during this period, were : The Audubon House, Nos. 68 and 70 West I,ake Street ; the Boardman House, corner Clark and Harrison ; the Briggs House, Randolph and Wells, built in 1854 by William Briggs and kept by John Floyd & George H. French, who were still its proprietors in 1857 j the Cleveland House, also new, kept by A. Cleveland, at Nos. 46, 48, 50 and 52 West l.ake ; the Richmond House, corner South Water and Michigan Avenue ; and the Young America, which stood on the southeast corner of Randolph and Dearborn, near Rice's theater. Of perhaps a score, the names of which have not been mentioned, it is only necessary to say that they were boarding houses, transitory, many of them, in their character, and not living long enough to become fixed or permanent houses of public entertainment.

Family of Elijah Wentworth. - The following sketch of the family of Elijah Wentworth is compiled from the very authentic and elaborate work of John Wentworth, LL. D., entitled " The Wentworth Genealogy. English and American," published in 1878, in three volumes. Some additions and unimportant emendations have been made from the statements of Mrs. Zebiah Wentworth Estes , given during the summer of 1883.

(Capcn 1 Wentworth. was born in Stoughten, Mass., September 25, 1776. He married, in 1798 or 1799, Lucy Walker, of Hampden, Maine, and, after his marriage, removed to Duck Trap, Maine. In 18:7, with his family, he emigrated West; first to Kentucky; thence to Illinois, and thence to Dodgevillc, Wis. He came to Chicago, in the fall of 1829."'

In January, 1830, he opened the Wolf Point Hotel, which he rented of Mr. Kinzie and which he kept until late in the fall of that year when he removed to a claim he had taken, eight miles northwest of the city, near where

Jefferson Station, on the Chicago & Northwestern Railroad, now is. Here he built quite a large log house and opened another tavern, which he kept uninlcruptedly except during a short time when driven into refuge at Fort Dearborn during the Black Hawk War, in 1832 , for many years. His wife died of cholera in Chicago, July 22. 1849. He died at the residence of his daughter, Mrs. Sweet, at St. Joseph, Mich, in November, 1863. He was buried in Chicago. ' Their children were

Elijah Wentworth, Jr., was born in Lincolnville, Maine, March 30, 18O3. He came to Chicago either in 1830 or 1831. He was elected, by a unanimous vote, the first Coroner of Cook County. He afterwards removed to Lyons. Cook County, where he kept the well-known Black Horn tavern. He was Postmaster for a while 1 18441. In 1875 he was living in Galesburg,

Knox Co., III. He married, lanuary 15. 1832, Eliza Jane Weed. Plainficld, Will Co, 111. She died in CWcagO, June 24, 1836; 2 he married Angelina, daughter (>( Demas Colton, Middlelown, Conn. She died at Hast Hartford, Conn., July 25. 1858. t) He married at C.alesburg, June 13, 1S64, Sirs. Klmira I.. Myers w idow . He died at Calesburg. November 18, 1875, Eliza died young in Illinois.

Lucy, born in l.iii<ohivillc, Maine. October 25, 1S07: married October 12, 182;, in Jo Haviess County, III., John Kay, Willow Springs. Wis. She died April 24. 1864.

Mary Wilson, born October 19. 1808; married 1 William Clark, I.twiston, Fulton Co., HI. He died at Kurt Winnebago, Wis.. 1831. »j John HolComb. She

Zebiah Walker Kstes . Iwrn in Hampden, Maine, April 19, 1810; married Elijah S. Estes, now of Bay View, Wis.. September 4, 1836, where January, 1884', she is still living,

Susan, born in Hampden. Maine, July 12. 1811; married 1 July 1, William Anderson; fij Charles Sweet. February 16. 1836. moved to St. Joseph, Mich., where she died. March 25, 1882.

Religious History

The religious zeal of the Jesuits carried their missionaries first to many of the heathen races. They were first to visit the Indians of the great Northwest; hut on account of the meagerness of data, it is difficult to decide positively with reference to the first missionary or priest who set foot on the soil of the then future city of Chicago, It seems certain, however, that the author of " Pioneers of Illinois " repeats an error in the sentence-: -' It is said Father Nicolet, a French Jesuit priest, preached to the Indians at the mouth of the Chicago River in 1640. and in all probability he was the first white man that ever rowed a canoe on the waters of Lake Michigan, or trod tlie soil of Illinois." The researches of Benjamin Suite, of ( Ittawa Canada, prove the inaccuracy of the above quotation, with refereiv e to the time of John NlCO let's visit to the mouth of the Chicago River. Mr. Suite says:

"Nicole! is at Three Kivers (Canacl.il again 1111 the 2<>th of January, 1640. lie died two years after that dale; and during all that lime we trace him month liy month in the parish rcgisicr at Three Kivers. In brief. Nicolet must have traveled I" the Mississippi in the year 1634-35, from July In July, because that period is the only one during w hich we cannot rind him on the shore of the St. 1-awrcm-c."

Hut if in 1634-35, Nicolet visited tin? mouth of the Chicago River, he did not then, nor at any other time or place, preach to the Indians. The following quotations from the same author is conclusive on this point:

The fact of Nicolet's marriage proves that he was not a priest, and Mr. Suite says he was not a Jesuit. The name " Father Nicolet." is therefore a misnomer, Hence it is necessary to look to later times for the first Chicago priest, or missionary. His visit to the Indian tribes of the Northwest was made in the cause of commerce, not religion.*

The gentle, earnest and courageous Father Jacques Marquette was the first priest appointed to the Illinois mission. It is probable, however, that he never celebrated mass, preached or gave religious instruction to the Indians on any portion of the territory now comprised within the limits of Chicago; but one of his biographers says of him: " Cpon returning from his last ex - pediliouf he took tip his residence and pursued the vocation of a missionary among the Miainis in the neighborhood of Chicago." Supposing this to be authentic, the missionary services of this zealous and pious Jesuit father must have been rendered to the Miami" Indians in the fall of 1673. as he started on his return up the Mississippi July 17 of that year. As has been said of htm; "It was the lofty aim of Marquette to be of enduring service to his fellow-men; it was his integrity, his unselfishness, his untiring zeal, his gentel and uncomplaining disposition, and his early self-sacrifice near akin to martyrdom, that command our sympathies, and these are what made him truly great." Marquette died May 18. 1675, and Father Claude Ailouez succeeded to the Illinois mission. After journeying, in the months Of March and April. 1076, seventy-six leagues on Lake Michigan. Ailouez, with his Indian companions and guides, entered the Chicago River, probably about the 10th of April. Cpon landing he was met anil handsomely received by about eighty Indiana. The chief of this baiffl advanced to meet him with a fire-brand in one hand ami a feathered calumet in the other. He led the reverend father to his cabin and thus addressed him :