Cook County, Illinois - The whole text, 1884 (part 55 of 61)

II. II. SCH A REN HERO, baililT of Probate Court, was horn in Oermanyin isjs, an,| in 1855 immigrated to Chicago, 111. lie was for three years employed at general (arm work near the city, after which he KM employed as a clerk in mercantile business. On April 17, iS/.t. he enlisted in the 1st Illinois Volunteer Cavalry, and served three month*, after which he enlisted in the ifjili Illinois Cavalry: eighteen months later he was promoted to Second Lieutenant and served until July, 1S64. lie then returned to Chicago, was generally employed for a time, and in Nuvcmbcr, 1S65, he entered the office of the Sheriff of Cook County, and lues since been employed alternately as deputy sheriff and bailiff. Mr. Scharcnberg' is a amber nf the I'nion Veteran Club. Chicago. He moved to River Forest in 1 Sou, and is chairman of the Board of Trustee* of the village.

DAVID C. THATCHER, deceased, was born in Cooperstown. Otsego Co., N. Y., in Isto. his people having moved there from Connecticut, and originally from Massachusetts Kay. In his early years he assisted hi* parents on the farm. In 1838 he came to Chicago and engaged in mercantile business, continuing until, in l8{4. he retired, having amassed a competency. Mr. Thatcher moved to what is now called kiver Forest in 1858. was the hrst person to settle there, and was prominently identified with the interests uf the place. He died in April, iron. He married Susanna Rabcock, who still survives him, and she still resides at River Forest, where she has one daughter. Mrs. Solomon Thatcher, and two sons. David A. and lieorge L. The latter was born in Chicago, lie studied law at Chicago University, graduated in 1871, was admitted to the Rar, and has since practiced his profession, David A. also was born in Chicago, and is a contractor of public works, etc

SOLOMON THA TC1IER. Jr.. real estalc dealer, office Room 50, 07 t lark Street, was Iwirn in Hopewell Centre. Ontario Co.. N. V.. in 1833. anil came West to Chicago in 1855. He was con- Becked with the American Express Company as express messenger between Detroit and Chicago for some time, and assistant agent of the company at the Michigan Central Railroad depot for some years, "off and on." During a portion of that period he attended Palmyra high school and Lima Wesleyan Seminary, New- York. In 186S he engaged in real estate business at Chicago, which he still continues, and is also a member of the firm of Keves \ Thatcher, manufacturers and dealers in stone, lime, etc.. and owners of the block stone quarry that is Incoming so popular in building residence*. In 1874 the Methodist Episcopal Church appointed a committee to look up grounds on l ake Michigan to establish a Martha's Vineyard of Ihe West, and Mr. I hatcher was on the committee. In 1S75. from that appointment he wa* ' president of Lake Hlufl. in Lake County. 111.. Mid was app. thiil founder of the same. He was alsu one of three persons appointed at Chicago to make arrangements for the building Moody's Tabernacle, and was also a member of thr executive committee to build the same. Mr. Thatcher has resided at River Forest some lifleen years or more, and was one of the aCganUent of Ihe Kiver El Rri Literary Society, formed some fourteen years ago Also he and hi* family gave to the town the beautiful Church finished off in hardwood.' taken from Thatcher Park. He has been a director of the school [or nearly nine years, and is Postmaster of the place at present,

HENRV WILLETT, of WHIett * Bedard, proprietors of the Oak I'ark Planing Mills, is a native of Ontario. Canada. I heretic learned the trade of carpenter, and also carried on business as a builder for some year*, and then in iMroit. Mich., for a short time He came to Chicago in 1866. and has since followed the business of contractor and builder. In January- 18*3. he became a**ociaic-d with Anloine lledard, and embarked in the planing mill. This concern does a large business in manufacturing building material, etc.. beside* their contracting and building department. 111. WHIlII rt llrftd >1 MajrWOOd from i&Gqto May, I b8o. since which lime he has made his home at Kiver Korest.

HBKMON W. YAl.lHNi".. with the American h*prc*s Companv. is a native n( AUu:id. I heshire Co.. N. II., where he wa* Imrrl in 1*41. ami came with his father. Jonathan l\ Valdtng, to I hi I 'age Countv. III., in l$57. where he followed agricultural pur. suit*. In Jicptemher. 1 962 , he enlisted in Company M, 3lh Illinois lavalry, and served three years. In < Molier, 1SO5. he entered the employ o( the American Express Company at Chicago, a* train immiiimjir. and has continued with them ever since. March I, 1S75. he was appointed route agent, a position he still occupies. Mr." Yalding ha* made his home at kiver forest since Octolier. |3;2.

Originally Harlem comprised what is now Oak Park, the east part of what is now River Forest, and the most or all of what is now Harlem. When Oak Park was named, Harlem was limited to that part of it lying in Proviso, and when Kiver purest was inc orporated, Harlem was still further limited to that portion in Proviso bring sooth of the railroad. In iSGG this latter portion contained about fifteen houses, Since this lime the growth of the town has been gradual, until now the population is about six hundred. In January, 1884, the citizens of this village moved in the matter of its incorporation, by petitioning to Judge I'rendergast fur the privilege of voting ii]xni the question. This petition was signed by thirty-four persons, and dated January 12. The territory desired to Ik- incorporated was described in the petition as follows: The southeast quarter of Section 12, all of Section 13, all of Section 14 lying east of the Desplaines River, and all of the north half of Section 24 lying cast of the Desplaines River. The election on the question of incorporation was held February 16, 1884, in the public school-house. Fred Hintzc, Charles Dehn and Henry Barrcnschcen, were the judges of election. On the 20th of February, Judge Prendergasl called to his assistance Daniel Scully and John K. Prindiville, two Justices of the Peace, to canvass the returns, and this board certified to there having been cast one hundred and thirty-one votes, seventy-six of which were in favor of incorporation and fifty-five against it. An election was then ordered for the election of six trustees, to be held March 21, 1SS4. James Brown. Sr., William Senile anil August Kursler. were appointed judges of election, and Frederick Htohrn and August Michalsky, clerks.

The Lmlk&an Chuuh <>/ H,irUm was organized in 1SO2 with forty members. They occupied the schoolhouse about six years, when they erected a church of their own at a cost of §S,ooo. During the first six years of its history this Church was independent, but the desire of the minister being that it should bclongtothe Synod of Missouri, Ohio and other Slates, it finally in 1870 consented to the connection, and has since belonged to that Synod. John Mente was president of the society from 1862 to 1865, when he was succeeded in that office by Andrew Yogt, who also held it three years. The first minister was Rev. Mr. Zucker. from 1862 to 1S68, and the second and present one. Rev. F. M Orossc. There are now alxmt sixty mcml>crs in the Church.

T/u- i&tfayW&w/ Lutheran St. faufs Sodtty of Harlem, was organized in 1878. It held its first' service in the public school-house, about six families at that time constituting its membership. The first minister was Rev. Mr. Irion, who remained from 187810 1880. The Rev. Mr. Bohngstengel then succeeded and remained until February, 1RS1. He w;is followed by Rev. W, V.. Werner, who w.i* pastor from February, 1881, to Jute, 1SS3, mid was succeeded by Rev. John W, Kircher, who remained until November, 1883, The present pastor,

Rev. W. (1. Wcissingcr. came to the Church in January, 1884. At the present time the society is negotiating for the purchase of two lots near the public school -house, upon which to crei t a < hurch building, and to assist in raising funds for this purpose a fair is to bc held April 14 and 15, 1884.

SriMtS. - The present school-house was erected in 1878. It is a two-story brick building, thirty-six by fifty-six feet in size, and cost nearly $4,000. There are four rooms in this building, with an agregate capacity of about two hundred scholars. When the school was opened there were about one hundred scholars in attendance. A Mr. Wilcox was the first teacher, remaining one year, from 1878 to 1879. Homer Beinis taught during the school year 1879-80. W. D. Simons, 1880-81; Philip Recher from [Ml to 1883; Frank Curtis is the present principal. His assistants are Miss Anna B. Martin, assistant in the grammar department; Adeline 1.. Evenden, teacher of the intermediate, and FrancisC. Carter in the primary. At present there are about one hundred and fifty pupils in the schools.

Melrose is located west of the north part of Maywood, and north of the railroad The town was started in 1S73, by the Melrose Company, which dealt very liberally with those who might desire to accept their proposition in regard to becoming residents of the place. This proposition was to give two lots, each twenty-six feet front, to anv one who would erect thereon a house to cost not less than $500. About fifty houses were erected in the town by 1874, before the Melrose depot was erected. Since this time the growth of the town has been slow, like that of Maywood. 'Die Chicago Tyre & Spring W orks, are located here, a sketch of which is appended. The incorporation of Melrose as a village under the general law of the State, occurred in 1882. The petition for its incorporation was signed by thirty-seven petitioners, and contained a description of the territory to be incorporated as follows: Commencing at the northwest corner of the southwest quarter of Section 3, Township 39, Range 12, east; thence south to the north boundary line of the lands used anil occupied as a right of way for a railroad by the Chicago & North-Western Railway Company; thence southeasterly along said land to the western boundary of Maywood; thence north to the northeast corner of the southeast quarter of Section 3. and thence west to the place of beginning - including the south half of Section 3, and all that part of Section 10 lying north of the Chicago Si North-Western Railway. An election was ordered by Judge Mason B. Loomis, to whom the petition was presented, to be held July 29, 1882 - Albert W. Mason. David Allen and Gustavns V. Cehrke being appointed judges of election. election there were cast thirty-eight votes, of which twentv-three were cast in favor of incorporation ana fifteen against it. An election for six Trustees was held August 26, 18S2, at which the total number of votes cast was thirtv-eight. The following Trustees were elected: Herman C. Klug, by 36 votes; George Bigdcti. bv 17; Gustavus F. Cehrke, }8; Albert W. Mason 37: David M. Allen. 15, and William Chapman, by 37- Trustees clecicd in 1883 were Asa Knapp. _ Albert » Mason, William Chapman. Gustavus F. Gchrke. A. Maitland and Herman C. Klug. I- K. M. Alien was appointed Clerk in 1882, and elected in 1883.

History Ok Lyons

established by K. M. Atkinson, in 1 878. and incorporated in 18S1, with K. M. Atkinson president, and C. H. Kerry secretary. The capital stock of the company was fixed' at $200,000. The buildings, one of whic h is 75X 100 feet, and the other 75x150 feet, were constructed especially for the manufacture of tyres and springs. One hundred hands arc employed, many of whom are skilled artisans and mechanics. Power is furnished by three steam engines two of which arc of one hundred and fifty horse power each, and the third of thirty horse power. An average stock of about $50,000 is earned, and the transactions will reach annually about $200,000. The manufacture of locomotive teres and car springs is one of the most LmpOftAnt in the railroad servic e, as upon the skill and honesty of the workmanship depend the elasticity, tensile strength, expansive power and durability of these manufactures, and consequently the comfort and safety of the traveling public.

Proviso is a small village located in the southwestern part of the town of Proviso. It was settled as early as 1855. and has now about fifty inhabitants. As business and industrial institutions, etc., it has a store, a shoe-maker's shop, a wagon shop, a blacksmith shop, two Cheese factories and a saloon, besides a German school and church. A sketch of the latter has been given in connection with the early history of the town of Proviso. The post-office was established here in 1853. The first Postmaster was Augustine Porter. He has been succeeded by the following officials in turn : Fred Weiss, Philip Hohfamler, G. K. Senf, Charles Heipolshemer. M. I.eudhauser and John Croshauser, the present incumbent.

Proviso Miscf.U.Anrou5 Biographical Sketches

MARIAS C. COVKIX. farmer, Section 2S, Township M, Range 12, P. O. LaGrange, was born at Plainficld. Will Co., III., February 15, Inihc fall of ihat year hi* father, Thomas K., moved to Proviso Township, ami Marias C. was reared on the farm where he now resides. He has a nice place consisting of 133 acres, all nicelv improved, with good residence. Mr. Covcll was married here. Novemtier 16, 1S53. to Louisa A, Sacketl, who died in February. 1S55. leaving one child. He was married again, at Chicago, to Sarah II. .Sacketl, on July a, 1856. They have a familv of live children.

JOHN G, PUStlCCK, farmer, Section lb. TowMMp 30. Range 12. P. O. Proviso, was born in Prussia September H). 1S3J. In September, 1 839, his father, Christian, immigrated to Illinois, and resided in Lyons Township, Cook County, up to 1S4;, when he moved 10 Proviso Township, locating on the farm. John G. assisted his falhc-r in conducting the farm up to when his father dies! anil he has since followed agricultural pursuits on his own improved, and a lieautiful home. He i« an extensive grain farmer and raises considerable stock. Mr. Pushcck was one of the organi/ersof the Kvangrlical Lutheran Church here, and was for several vears trustee of the same. He served one term as Overseer of K.iads, ami has for the past three years been director of district school He was married here. July' 6, 1S56, to Mary Steinal; this union has Ken blessed with eleven children, ten of whom are now living.

HENRY VOI.HERD1NG, farmer, Section 30, Township 31), Range 12. P. < -. Proviso, was liorn in (Germany June 2s, 1 831 , where he was reared ihi a larm. He immigrated to Illinois in June, 1850, and located in Proviso Township. Mr. Yolberding has a tine farm, consisting of 130, acres, and gives his attention principally to the growing of grain ami produce, lie has for many years been identified with the local politics, Iieing eleven years Commissioner of Highways. Assiss.ir one vcar. Collector one year. Town Clerk five vcar*. and Supervisor two years. Mr. Volherding was married here in 1853, to Mary Schult*; she died in 1866, leaving live children. He was married again in 1SO7 to Margaret llinrichs. who died in iSm. leaving three- children, and Mr. Volbcrding was married here a th.rd time, to Augusta Keuster. 1 hey have one child.

The township of Lyons is bounded on the east by the township of l.ake, on the south by those of Worth and Palos, on the west by the county line of Du Page County, and on the north by the townships of Proviso and Cicero. It comprises fifty four sections and is nine miles wide by six miles in length, and is traversed by the Desplaines River and the Illinois \ Michigan Canal. Prior to the iiUH.ulation of the suburban residence fever its population was composed wholly of farmers, who pursued the even tenor of their bucolic way undisturbed by the agitations of speculative prices in 'real estate, and' unhampered by considerations of personal aggrandizement by .sales, at a large advance upon the actual value, to the home-hunter in the suburbs.

Long before the locality was even considered especially eligible for farming purposes on any portion of its acreage, when people feared to build a log house upon the prairies, lest the winds should sweep it away; then some pioneers of the township wandered into the voting precincts of Lyons and Summit and built themselves homes.

In exploring the cobwebbed reminiscences of Lyons precinct the earliest are those that relate to David and Bcrnardus H., called " Harney " for short, Laughton, who settled at Bourbon Springs, near the present Chicago, Burlington cV Quincy depot at Riverside, in the year 1818.* These may be deemed the primal settlers of Lvons precinct, and thev were followed by Stephen Forbes, whilom Sheriff of Cook County. In 1830, Stephen White came to Lyons, and was through the region at intervals until his' settlement therein in 1840. Mr. White states that the early settlers in the township were Kdmond Polk. Russel E. Heacock, Thomas Flaherty. Samuel Mars, lohn Jay, Oeorge W. Beebe, Thomas Butcher, Wilson and James McLiutock. Elijah Wentworth, |r.. loseph Evans, " Scotch " Brown, Joseph Vial, and Henry and William Carrington. There were also foseph Evans, who kept a tavern at Mount Pleasant, a Colonel Witt, and Joshua Sackett, who built the first log dwelling house at the present hamlet of Lyons. These primitive settlers had no appreciable augmentation to their commonwealth until 1834, when a ripple of emigration invaded the region, and this was succeeded by a - for those times - tidal wave of settlers, who came to work on the canal and erect buildings along its prospective and excavated site. In 1X43, however, the "canallers" again left the region when work upon the canal was suspended, but returned when it was resumed, and from that time the influx has been

In 1850 the question of having a township organization was broached, and as Township 38 north. Range 12 east, did not possess the requisite number of inhabitants for the organization, the west half of Township 38 north. Range 13 east, was added thereto. The election for township organization was held on April 2, 1850, and thereat seventy-one votes were cast. E. Eaton was moderator of the election, and James Mcl.mtock was clerk; Theodorus Dotv. a Justice of the Peace, administering to them their* oath's of office. Thereupon the township was organized on May 2, 1850. the following being the vote pulled at this election :

For the place of holding the town meeting in 1851, Peter Kcm received 24 votes. W. K. Green, 20 votes, and P. Doyle. 7 votes. No certificate of election is of record, but the first township officers presumably were: Samuel Marrs. Supervisor; James Michie, Town Clerk; Ebeiiezer Katon, Assessor; Alfred Ward, Collector; Theodora* Dotv, Overseer of Poor; Pat Doyle and R. B. Hcacock, Commissioners of Highways; James Michie, Justice of the Peace, and Michael L'pton. Constable; place for holding town meeting. Peter Kerns's house. Samuel Marrs. VV. R. Green, Starr Carrington, W. I). Knapp antl Peter Kerns were made overseers of highways in the road districts in which they respectively resided. A vote taken, decided also that hogs should be allowed to run at large in the township.

The name of the township came within a few votes of being McLiittock in lieu of Lyons, the popularity of the gentlemen of the former name nearly eradicating the attachment of the residents for the bid name of Lyons.

The first road recorded in the township records, as having been opened under the auspices of the new regime, was a private road two rods wide beginning on the Lock port & Chicago road, on the section line lietween Sections 15 and 16, antl running due south alMHil ninety-two rods on said line; the petitioners antl

The polling-list of the election held April I. 1851, contained the following names not mentioned in the preceding list: J. D. Tyler. Peter Kunken, Pat Cody, Phelix Cody, John Cody. R. A. Drown, Charles T. Scofield, N.S. Carrington, Ceorge Itccby |Bccl)c), 1. R. Curtiss. lames Voting, John Katon iCatoni, A. Kclsey, E, Kelsey. 11. I.umis, 1. Wells, I. C Utter, L. McF.vny. Fred Shogman, Luke Dunn, I. Kent, Jonathan Rines, Jerome Curtiss, John Fisher, I. Threadgold. Owen Ml- Glr, Joseph Morgan. Jacob West, James Michie, Phillip Kerns, James O'Niel, John Bantly, W. M. Latcher. I .ewis Thorn, and there were seventy-two votes cast at the election. The officials elected were: Samuel Marrs, Supervisor; Joseph Evans, Clerk; Peter Kern, Asscssut; Charles T. Scofield. Collector; John O'Shae, W. I). Knapp and S. Vial, Commissioners of Highways; Samuel Marrs. Poor-master, and C. T. Scofield, Constable. At the town meeting it was decreed that proprietors of hogs running at large were liable for damages committed by such hogs, and that no one was obliged to fence their property against the porcine peculators. The overseers of highways chosen were: Peter Kerns, District No. 1; Ceorge Becby, No. 2; Stephen White. No. 3; N. Starr Carrington' No. 4: D. W. Knapp. No. 5, and the next annual meeting was to be held at the house of Peter Kerns.

At the election of April 6, 1852, there were seventythree voters, and Samuel Marrs was elected Supervisor; Robert Vial, Town Clerk; H. H. Polk, Assessor; Charles T. Scofield, Collector; Starr Carrington, Ceorge Bceby and I. T. Kdson, Commissioners of Highways; R. B. Hcacock, ( )verseer of the Poor, and Edward Doccly, Constable. 'The overseers of highwavs were Charles F. Scofield. District No. 1; Ceorge Beeby, No. t: Stephen White, No. 3; N. S. Carrington No. 4, and John No. 5. The next town meeting was decided to be held at the house of Joseph Evans.

At the election of April 5, 1853. there were seventyseven voters, but no record is extant of the candidates nor of the elected officials. The following however is of record: " James Clausen cast an illegal vote and was censured by a vote of the electors present; the vote was put in the ballot-box clandestinely while other business was before the meeting." The overseers of highways appointed were: Samuel Cooper, District No. 1; Connell, No. 1; E. S. Prcscott, No. 3; Robert \ ial,

4, and H. H. Polk, No. 5; and the next town meeting was ordered held at the Lyons Hotel, kept by J. I. Edson. Upon March 5, 1854, the township was divided into six road districts. , .

'The election of April 4, 1854, resulted in the choice of lames Michie. Supervisor; Robert Vial, Town t IcrK, Stephen White. Assessor, C. T. Scofield, Collector; Peter Kern. Samuel Vial and John White. Commissioners « Highways; C. F. Scofield and Tames Michie. Justices 01 the Peace, and S. V. Brace and S. Hill, Constables ">y one hundred and thirteen voters. At the town meeting there was more legislation relative to the circumscribing of the realm of the vagrant hog. and the following overseers of highways were appointed ; Edward 0. L **'

The election of April 3, 1855. was attended by one hundred and seven voters, and thereat James M 10,1,1 was elected Supervisor; Robert Vial, Town Clerk; E. ' J° ' ton, Assessor; S. Y. Brace. Collector; Samuel \ W,

Thomas Cavenaugh and John White, Commissioners of Highways; James Michic. Overseer of the Poor, and the overseers of highways appointed were: Patrick Dowd, District No. i; William (). Heacock, No. 2; George Cheese, No. 3; 1). C. Havens, No. 4; E. Holton, No. 5;

5. Ketchan, No. 6. The next town meeting was to be helil at the house of Lewis Jones, .it Summit, and the unsettled hog was decreet! a free-commoner, the proprietor of the abomination of Israel to reimburse any one who suffered damage from his predator)- inclinations and actions.

On April 1. 1856. an election was held whereat one hundred and eighteen voters manifested their suffragan propensities; as a result James Michie was re-elected Supervisor; Nathaniel Caven was elected Town Clerk; Stephen White, Assessor; Alfred Ward, Collector; Samuel Vial, Thomas Cavanaugh and. John White. Commissioners of Highways, and Lewis Jones and John W hite, Constables. The overseers of highways were C. F. Scoficld. District No. 1; Samuel Marrs, No. 2; O. C. drover. No. 3; II. H. I'olk, No. 4; II. Rice, No. 5; H. L. Swartwout, No. (», and the next town meeting was to be held at the house of William Lunn.

The election of April 7, 1S57, made the following officers: Janu s Michie, Supervisor; Joseph Evans, Town Clerk; Stephen White, Assessor; Alfred W ard. Collector; Henry Yarwood, Thomas Cavanaugh and Lewis Jones, Commissioners of Highwavs; G. II Muller, Justice ol the Peace, and A. S. Gager, Constable. There were eighty-six voters at this election. The overseers of highways appointed were: Patrick Doyle, District No, 1; William Cronan, No. 2; William Lunn, No. 3; Joseph Evans, No. 4; Robert Bilby, No. 5; Starr Carrington, No. 6, and the next meeting was to take place at the house of Lewis lones. at Summit.

At the election of April 6, 1858, one hundred and seventy-six voters were present, and elected E. Holton, Supervisor; G. M. Fox, Town Clerk; Robert Bilby, Mitchell Eaton and John Brown, Commissioners of Highwavs; Starr Carrington, Assessor; Wesley I'olk, Collector; H. H. Polk and Pat Doyle, Justices of the Peace; George Witt and F. Conway, Constables. The overseers of roads appointed were: R. P. Pollock, District No. 1; - Dee, No. 2; O. Grover No. 3;

C. Havens, No. 4; R. Hugunin, No. 5; R. Blelby, No. 6; and the next meeting was ordered to convene at the house of Joseph Evans. Upon March 29, 1869. the township was re-districted into eight road districts.

November 8, 1859, an election was held, whereat one hundred and sixty-six votes were cast, resulting in the election of E. Holton. Supervisor; George M. l-ox, Town Clerk; S. White, Assessor; George W itt, Collector;

D. C. Havens, Robert Bielby and M. H. Eaton, road commissioners. 'The following overseers of highways were appointed: Frederick Espert, District No. 1; Jacob Wills. No. 2: Isaac Pool. No. 3; Samuel Killam, No. 4; Prank Sherman, No. 5; Secley ketch-am. No.

6, and N. S. Carrington, No. 8. The next annual meeting was ordered to be convened at Summit, which it did not do. the house of Willian Wellbourn, at Lyons, being the favored locality.

November 6. i860, the annual election was held, two hundred aad fortv one votes being polled thereat, and the officers elected being: E. Holton. Supervisor; Stephen W hile, Assessor; George M. Fox, Town Clerk: Richard Witt, Collector; William Wellbourn. poundmaster; D. C. Havens, William O. Heacock and Peter Hansen, Commissioners of Highways. The overseers of highways apiwinted were: l-awrcnce Riley, District

No. 1; Denis O'Brien, No. 2; Charles Engelhart, No. ;; II H, Polk, No r. I I Sherman, No. 5; George Savage, No. 6; Edwin Fuller, No. 7, and J. L. Wells, No. 8. A post-and-board fence consisting of at least three boards, and four feet high, was decreed a lawful fence, as was a worm fence four and a half feel high; prior to this the Commissioners of 1 liglnvays had decided from year to year what should be a lawful fence, no edict being passed until this date as to any specific standard of fence. Summit was decided upon as the locality for the next annual meeting, but again William Wellbourn 's house was the location.

The election of November 5, 1861, resulted in the following officers: Stephen White, Supervisor; E. Holton. Assessor; George M. l'ox.Town Clerk; Richard E. Witt, Collector; E Holton. L Rilev and W. O. HeaCOCk, Commissioners of Highways. Overseers of highways appointed were: Joseph Itcntlv, District No. 1; George Beebe, No. 2: Michael Eaton, No. 3: Samuel Vial, No. 4; John Dubriel, No. 5; Alfred Ward, No. 6; David l erris. No. 7; J. Wells, No. 8. The next meeting was ordered to meet at the house of William Palmer, but met at William Lewis's residence. The number of votes cast is neither given in the record of this election nor in that of the two elections following.

November 4, 1862, were elected : Alfred Ward. Supervisor; George M. Fox. Town Clerk: S. Vial, Assessor; Robert Stevenson, Collector ; William Robb and |ohn Uriggs, Commissioners of Highways; R. P. Pollock and H. H. Polk. Justices of the Peace, and Thomas Mckinzie and R. E. W itt. Constables. Overseers of highwavs appointed were: Charles Fox. District No. 1 ; John Brown, No. 2 ; Charles F.nglehardt, No 3 ; D. C. Havens, No. 4 : John C. White, No 5 j Richard Gee, No. 6; John R. Puller, No. 7; J. L. Wells, No. 8; R. P. Pollock, No. 9. ami Frederick Harm, No. 10. At this town meeting the question of setting off a portion of the township to the town of l^ike - presumptively the half township geographically belonging to Lake - was discussed, and the lioard unanimously voted, " that the town should oppose as far as possible the setting off any portion of her territory whatsoever."

November 5, 1863, the election was held at the house of William Weilboum. and resulted in electing : A. Ward, Supervisor; George M. Fox. 'Town Clerk ; F. M Prescott, Assessor; Robert P. Billby, Collector; Charles Englehardt three years and John O'Shea .two years: Commissioners of Highwavs: Samuel Vial, Poundmaster, and R. I. Allison, Constable. Overseers of highwavs appointed were : R. J. .Allison, District No. 1 ; George Bcbee, No. 2 ; N. H. Biglow, No. 3; R. E. Witt, No. 4 ; George N iggs. No. 5 ; Robert Stevenson, No. 6 ; J. R. Fuller, No. 7 i J- L. Wills, No. 8 ; W illtam O. Heacock, No. 9, and Henery Haigh, No. 10.

At the election of November 8, 1X64, two hundred and thirteen votes were cast, and Samuel Vial was elected Supervisor; Charles Engelhart, Town Clerk; R. P. Bilby, Assessor ; R. Lictch. Commissioner of Highways - Vohn brown, Justice of the Peace; John Kelly, Constable, and R. J. Allison, Collector. 'The overseers of highways appointed were : John Mahon, District No. ,; Henrv Coburn. No. 2; Ethan Vial, No. S ; Jowph Evans, No. 4; Nicholas Becker, No. 5 ; Michael Hopps. No. 6; William Robb, No. 7 : J- R- VVells> Nw- 8, and Fred Harm, No. 9 . , ...

On March 1 1S65, at the house of Charles Heine, in I vons, voting was had for and against a town bounty tax to be given volunteers to fill the call of the Presi- the house' of William Welll>ourii, at Lyons. The fol- For railroad tax subscription', 143. lowing were the officers elected; Samuel Vial, Super- Against railroad tax subscription', 157. visor; J. L. Wells. Town Clerk; N. H. Bigelow, Assessor; The regular election was held on November 3, i»;o, Robert J. Alleson, Collector; Robert Leitch, Commis- at the house of George Hoffman, and there were two sioner of Highways, and lames Micbie, [ustite of the hundred and thirty-six votes cast; the officers electeu Peace. The overseers of highwavs appointed were : were: Alfred Ward, Supervisor; D. C. Shiphcrd, town Patsy Garner. District No. 1; Henrv Struck, No. 2; Clerk; N. S. Carrington, Assessor; Gothcb Seber, Col- Christ Sieling, No. 3; Charles Craigmile, No. 4; John lector; l.eland Moody and William Jones. Justices 01 Long, No. 5; Robert Bielby, Sr., No. 6; John Fuller, the Peace; Henry Fremansdorf and Henry SwatiU, No. 7 ; H. K. Blodgct, No. 8; Daniel Raddit/.. No. 9. Commissioners of Highways, and FredWillor and JacoD the residence of George Hoffman at Lyons, and thereby house of Dennis O'Brien, and two hundred and lnrtywere elected: Alfred Ward, Supervisor; D. C. Shipherd, four votes were cast, electing the following officers: and ninety-eight votes were cast, resulting in the elec- On April 1, 1873, there were one hundred and ninetytton of: Alfred Ward, Supervisor; D. C. Shipherd, Town one votes cast at the election held at the house of I *0"

G. M. Fox, Commissioner of Highways, and Fred Hillcrs, Constable. The pound-masters appointed were William Wclborn ami S. Vial, and the overseers of highways were: Will Brush, District No. i ; Peter Cramer, No. 2; John Sass, No. 3; Kd. Fhclps. No. 4: I. eland Moody, No. 5; lohn Unold, No. 6; Christ Sieling, No. 7; J. L Wells, No. 8; J. Vial, No. 9; George Savage, No. 10, and Fred Jansen, No. 11.

The election of April (>. 1S75, was held at the residence of Dennis O'Brien, and the La Grange railroad depot, at which polling places three hundred and thirtysix votes were cast, electing: Dennis O'Brien. Supervisor; Charles Fnglehardt. To. vn Clerk: Samuel Vial, Assessor; Thomas Beebe, Collector, and N. H. Bigelow, Highway Commissioner. The Pouml- masters appointed were William Wclborn and Charles Englehardt, and the overseers of highways were: Michael Carrigan, District No. 1; Crist Kelso, No 2; John Sass, No. 3; Kd. A. Phelps, No. 4; G. B. Weaber, No. 5; N. H. Bigelow, No. 6; Crist Sieling, No. 7; N. S. Carringtoii, No. 8; Fred < latiuer. No. 9; Joseph Stephenson, No. 10, and Fred fohoson, No. it.

At the residence of Dennis O'Brien and at the La Grange depot, on April 4, 1S76. two hundred and lortyfmir votes were cast, electing: Dennis O'Brien, Supervisor; Charles Kngelhardt, Town Clerk; Samuel Vial, Assessor; Weslcv Folk, Collector; Ludwig Pfaff, Commissioner of Highways, and T. B. Brown, Justice of the Feace to till a vacancy; there were also two hundred and thirty-six votes for a six-mill road tax. and one vote cast adversely to the measure. The pound- masters appointed were Will Keltzo, W. L. Drake, Charles Kngelhardt and Henry Schwantz, and the overseers of highways were: William Wclborn, District No. t; S. N. Alexander, No 2; John Lamb. No 3; Ed. A. Phelps. No. 4: John Long, No. 5; James Vial, No. 6; Charles Kngelhardt, No. 7: J I- Wells. No 8; Fred Goerner, No. 9; Joseph Stephenson, No. 10, and John 1 ledt, No. it,

Two hundred and eighty-five votes were cast at the election held on April 3, 1H77, at the same polling places as on the preceding election, an. 1 the following were the officers elected: Dennis 0' Brian, Supervisor; Charles Kngelhardt. Town Clerk: H. H. Folk. Assessor; G. M. Pox, Commissioner of Highways; Joseph > iaU mlector; T. 15. Brown and R |. Allison. Justices of the Peace, and James Deacy and M. H. Carrigan, Constables. The pound-masters appointed were Dennis O'Brian, Peter Kramer. S. Alexander, Christ Sieling. August Swansea and H. Schwanz. The overseers of highways appointed were Michael Spellman, District No. i: Thomas Beebe, No. 2; John Sahs. No. |; Aron Phelps, No. 4: Joseph Robb. No. 5: Samuel Vial, No. 6; William Craigmile. No. 7: William Henry, No. 8; Arthur Connor, No. 9. and Fred Jansen. No. 10.

The election of April 2, 1878, was held at the same places, and three hundred and thirty-seven votes were cast, electing Dennis O'Brian, Supervisor; J. B. Ryan, Town Clerk; Robert P. Bielby, Assessor; Joseph \ lal, Collector; N. H. Bigelow, Commissioner of Highways, and Lctand Moody Justice of the Peace? The poundmasters appointed were Denis O'Brian, George M. \ ial, Christ Sieling, Henry Schwantz, S. W. Ainsworth and Charles Dassel.

On April 1, 1879, the election was held at the residences of Dennis O'Brian, Summit; William Lunn. Lyons; William Cronin, Mount Forest, and at the La- Grange depot. The votes cast were three hundred and thirty-three, electing Dennis O'Brian, Supervisor; R. 1 . Bielby, Awessor; William Henry, Collector; J. B. Ryan,

Town Clerk: M. Spelman, Commissioner of Highways. The pound-masters appointed were Dennis O'Brian, District No. 1; H. S. Dietrich. No. 2: Charles Dassel, No. 3; I .eland Moody, No. 4; George Vial, No. 5; Christ Seiling, No. 6, arid Henry Schwantz, No. 7.

The election of April 6, 1880, was held at the same places, three hundred and six votes being cast, electing Dennis O'Brian, Supervisor; J. U. Ryan. Town Clerk; William M. Henry, Collector; John Fuller, Commissioner of Highways; Stephen White, Assessor. Following are the pound -masters appointed: Dennis O'Brian, District No. 1; Aug I'.reblon, No. 2; William Beebe, No. 3; Sam Vial. No, 4; Klias Banker, No. 5; George Savage. No. 6. The overseers of highways appointed were Dennis O'Brian, District No. 1; Wallace Bccby, No. 2; Aaron Phelps. No. 3; Charles Dassel. No. 4; Leland Moody. No, e; Christ Seiling, No. 6; Klias Banker. No.

The election of April 5, 1881, was held at Dennis O'Brian'S residence, and three hundred and forty-three votes were cast. The officers elected were Dennis O'Brian, Supervisor; J. B. Ryan. Town Clerk; Stephen White, Assessor, N. H. Bigelow, Commissioner of Highways; R. J. Allison and Leland Moody, Justices of the Peace: M* C Carrigan and Charles Pfaff, Constables, and W illiam Henry. Collector. The overseers of highways were William' Brush. District No. 1; Peter Kramer, No 2; Charles Dassel. No. 3; Aaron Phelps. No. 4; Leland Moody. No. 5; Christ Seiling, No. 6; Klias Banker. No. 7: Joseph Evans, No. 8; George Savage, No. 9; F. Schlichting, No. 10. The pound-masters were Dennis O'Brian. District No. t; William Kelso. No. 2; William Beebe, No. 3: James Welsh. No. 4; John W hite,

The election of April 4. 1K82, was held at the residence of Dennis O'Brian, and thereat three hundred and sivtv votes were cast, resulting in the election of: Robert Vial. Supervisor; W. J. Cronin. Town Clerk; Stephen White. Assessor; John Kvans, Collector; John Wellxmrn, Commissioner of Highways: N. Starr Carrington lustice of the Peace; Charles Dassal and H. Oelker, Constables. There were three hundred and thirty-three votes cast lor a road tax and twenty-seven against it. The overseers of highways appointed were: William Wilborn, District No. 1; Peter Kramer. No. 2; Aaron Phelps. No. 3; Charles Dassal, No. 4: Henry r remans-

U the town meeting held August 29. 1882, Samuel Vial was appointed Canada Thistle commissioner for the west side of the river, and J. W. Kutan histle commissioner for the east side of the river: also 1 nomas Stephenson was appointed collector for the town and C. K. Wright was appointed pound-master for District

N°Tne election of April 3, l**3. *» helcl « ,a Change, I yons Summit and Mount Forest, the four election precincts of said town, and at those polling places four hundred and fifty-three votes were cast. 1 he officers elected were; Robert Vial, Supervisor; J. B- Ryan, - To ih* «urt«.y of Mr. Rv« «>- celtaMWr « 'fl^Wl K M«W far nbwv" of ««- town r*wrfl»,

Town Ctefk; William M. Henry, Assessor: Thomas J. Stephenson, Collerior; John R. Fuller, Highway Commissioner; Weslev Polk, Justice of the Peace, and John White, Constable- C. It. Heatli was appointed poundmaster at Western Springs, Christ Selling at 1-a Grange, and George Savage for I >istrict No. 9. The position of overseer of highways was abolished.

The first school in the township was built in the spring of 1843, and was taught hy Margaret Mc- Naughton, the term commencing May 1 of that year. The school was on Section ;o. Township 38 north, RaAgt w east, 011 ilic farm then owned by Elijah Wentworth, Jr.

'The first stages that ran through the tQWMhip were those of Dr. John Taylor Temple, which were succeeded by those of Fnnkj Fowler & Trowbridge and Frin k & Walker.

This hamlet is situated on the northern line of the township, and is twelve miles west from Chicago < 01 Kgan Avenue, or Thirty-ninth Street extended. It is a quiet little town, with a population of about six hundred, and h is pursued its own plodding career while its neighbor..Riverside, underwent its flux and reflux. Its industries are a llou ring-null, a stone quarry and lime-kilns; its stores being principally saloons with here and there an al frtx* addition for open air bibulous customers. Lyons is unquestionably the oldest village in the township, dating its settlement to 1S31 or 183*. 'The pioneer visitant of the place at present a resident thereof, is Stephen White, who was born in Hanover. Grafton Co., N H.. on April 10. 1S07, three miles south of Hartmouth College, and came to Lyons in 1S30. After visiting the place at frequent intervals he settled here in 1840, since which time he has held various offices, having been school trustee eighteen years. Assessor nine years, Supervisor two years, ami Postmaster fifteen years, in addition to holding several minor positions. He married, in 1X37, Elizabeth Gregg, in Cleveland, Ohio, and has one son living, John Clarence. Notwithstanding Mr. White's threescore and seven years, he is hale and his brain is as quick and active as it was many years since. To his retentive memory the public arc indebted for much of the old history herein presented. A recital of the progress of Lyons is merely one of gradual accretion from the surrounding farming region, a confluence of individuals who established stores or saloons to supply a steady custom, or of persons who, having acquired a competency, selected the naturally pretty town wherein to enjoy their otium t urn tigmtale. No sudden and fallacious speculative tendencies augmented either the price of real estate or the residents of the town and its growth, although tardy, has been steady and stable. It is yet in a condition of primitive quietude and order.

The first settler here is generally conceded to have been Edmund Polk, his sons, Henry H. and Wesley Polk, being the oldest living settlers of the town. Henry H. Polk was born in Jefferson County, K.V.. in the year 1S16, of Edmund and Margaret (Hrow'n Polk, "who came to Cook County in 1833, and settled on the farm near Lyons where they resided until their death; Edward dying in 1S59 at the age of eightv-three years and six months, ami Margaret in at the age years of age in Kentucky, were married in 1799. and bad the following children that lived to maturity: Samuel, Wilson, John, William and James twins), Margaret, Mary, Henry and Wesley. Edmund Polk, Sr.. was in the War of iSu,.and served under the gallant General " Tippecanoe" Harrison. On attaining manhood Henry H. Polk engaged in farming, in which pursuit he has since remained, except during one year wherein he was engaged in mining in California, and now is the proprietor of one hundred and fifty-seven acres of excellent farming land. He married, in 1842, Miss "Theresa Harrison, naughter of Thomas and Mary Harrison, and they have eight children - Margaret, Frank, Clara, Harrison. Ella E-. Abraham, George and Cora. They arc members of the Congregational Church, of which Mr. Polk was a trustee. He has been Assessor. Justice of the Peace, school trustee for fifteen years and school director for a number of years. Wesley Polk also was born in Jefferson County, Ky., of Edmond and Margaret Polk, in the year 1816. He also came to Lyons with his parents in 1833. anil engaged in farming, when he an occupation and business for life ; at the present time owning one hundred ami ninety acres of land. In 18*0, he married Mi>. Marv J. Bielbv, daughter of William and Sarah Lielbv; they have one child, Edmond. IniSOs. Mr. Polk enlisted as a private in Company H, 127th Illinois Volunteer Infantry, and participated in the siege and battle of Vicksbur'g, and in the battle of Arkansas lost. After the surrender of Vicksburg he was placed upon detached service in the Quartermaster's I>epartiiient M the Fifteenth Army Corps. He was mustered out in 1X65 as a Corporal. Mr. Polk is Justice of the eacc. a member of the Congregational Church, was Collector of the township and has been school direct* lor a number of years, .. .

The first log house built in Lyons was one lanlt r>> lofthoa Sackett for a dwelling house, who also built the first hotel there. Theodorus Doty afterward bought out Sackett in the hotel business, he in turn being succeeded by Webster. This tavern was on the Napcrwiic road, about opposite where the ice-houses are at present ; iH«4. located. 'The first road laid out through the town of Lyons was the Napcrville road, first called the llrush Hill toatf, also the Harry Point road - Barry's Point was up near the township line, just north of Riverside - and was a continuation of the Southwestern Plank road, noWUgj den Avenue. Joseph and John Naper. who settled Napcrville in 1831, laid out this road in that year, wtnui still bears the title of Napcrville road, and is the principal avenue of traffic of the village of Lyons.

-The first school in the village of l-yOM«»j first paid for by the tax-payers, was built by 1 neooorus Doty, who decided that the children of the region around Lyons should have scholastic facilities, sou erected a 'log-house therefor. 'The school teacher «as Miss Ellen Storrs, Mr. Doty states; other citizens are of the opinion that a man from Ohio was the first pt ! 1- agogue. After the school-house was built Mr. i*"> was narrating the fact to Dr. Edmund Stoughton Kin - bcrtey. and the latter gentleman inquired how mutn cost;' Mr. Doty made a guess as to the amount ana u was listed among the expenditures to be made from me

Ogdensbnrg in the fall of 1836, and left that c«yw Chicago in June. 1S57. arriving there and sett 1 1 nj, Lyons the same year, In 1^7 he married, at I re*

Canada. Miss Catherine Terwilligcr who. notwithstanding her advanced age of seventy-four years, docs her own house- work, and interviewed the collaborator over an ironing-board. In 1850 Mr. Doty moved to Chicago and kept the Doty House, near the corner of Randolph and State streets, for a number of years. He w is a Justice of the Peace of the town of Lyons, and kept hotel there. Mr. Doty was living March, 1XS4 , at 3*19 Prairie Avenue.

The present school of Lyons is situated on the Joliet road, and is taught by J. B. Ryan, principal, and Miss Henrietta \\ ilden, assistant, and from one hundred and ten to one hundred and twenty pupils are taught there. The school directors are: George Neher. president; Thomas Collins, deck, and Frederick Schultz.

In the old frame school-house devotional exercises are held on Sunday, a Union meeting being presided over by Mr. North, of Riverside, and German services conducted by Mr. Borland, of Summit. The Catholics have a fine church on the Joliet road, attended by the inhabitants of Lyons, Summit, and the surrounding country, the congregation comprising about one hundred families. Father A. Venturi ministers unto the parish. The church was built in 1.SO5 and dedicated in 1X66; the land was donated by Dr. George M. Fox, and tile building cost about $?.ooo, about $1,000 having been since then spent upon its adornment.

The post-office of Lyons was established about 1X50, Stephen White being the second Postmaster. Succeeding, he thinks, Theodoras Doty. The present Postmaster is George Neher.

The secret societies convening at Lyons are represented by two lodges - Castle Mayflower, No, 1^7. Knights of the Golden Rule, and Lodge No. 235, American Order of United Workman. Castle Mayflower was erected on Aprd 6, iSXi.thc following being the charter members: J. L. Cangdon, Charles Schmidt, Valentin Holfman, J. O. Jachue, August W. Dobbert, Henry Wroga, Charles Koeder, Fran/. A. Lehman, John

Charles Bojohn, Louis Toellner and Frnst Brandt. The first officers were J. ( >. Jachne. Valentin Hoffman, A. W. Dobbert, Henry Wroga, J. L. Cangdon. Charles Koeder. F. A. Lehman. John Schumacker and Christ Reese. The present officers are George Neher. Andrew Bishop, August W. Dobbert, George Freinersdorf, Christ Zimmerman, Charles Koeder. Loreiu Goodyear, Henry Wroga, George Nigg and John Mack. The

Lodge of 1" nited Workmen was chartered January 10. 1883, with the following charter members: William Michalsky, J. G. Kobelke, Henry Knief. and the following who also constituted the first officers: Charles Schmidt, F. A. Lehman, Herman Gieslcr, Charles Moeschlcr, Kmst Neuschafcr, John Schumacker, Levi C Bomberry, John A. Mack, John Vicbrock and A C. W. Michalsky. The present officers are : F. A. Lehman, Herman Gieslcr, J. A. Mack. Charles Moeschler, F. Neuschafcr, Charles Schmidt. William S. Bond, Henrv Knief. Oliver Kelly and John Vicbrock.

Tile commercial enterprises of Lyons are the quarries belonging to Frederick SchultZ, where he works thirty men; and the lime-kilns also belonging to hint. Jesse Hart also has the Riverside Mills, of hydraulic power and capacity of from fifty to sixty barrels of flour per twenty-four hours.

Summit

the Desplaincs River and Illinois \ Michigan Cana., twelve miles southwest of Chicago, on Fifty-fifth Si rcet extended. The population is mainly Hibernian in the village, with Germans and Irish in the farming district adjacent. The numerical strength of the settlement is about three hundred. The place is noted on account of its being the "Summit," the central ridge of the watershed, from whence waters pass from one side into affluents of the Gulf of St. Lawrence, and from the other into affluents of the Gulf of Mexico.

The first house built in Summit was the stage-ranche, on the location of the hotel now (18X4 kept by Dennis <) Brian, erected by Russel F. Heacock about 1838, Other narrators state that the ranche was built by the stage company about 1X35. and that it was subsequently bought by Mr. Heacock. However the institution of the hostelry may be, it is conceded to have been the primary architectural effort in the village. The Archer Road was the first road laid out through the settlement, and over it the stages of Dr. John Taylor Temple, in the spring of 1834, and subsequently those of Prink & Walker, used to travel toward Juliet - now Joliet - and Galena. Russel I'.. lleacctck had a farm about two miles south of Summit, and is buried on the old Brown farm, that used to be owneil by William Brown, familiarly designated "Old Scotch " Brown.

The oldest living settler is Mrs. Katharine Garran, who came there in iS.tX, and the exercise of the recollections of the cheerful old lady revealed the names of the following early residents of the place itself, anil the country immediately contiguous thereto: Russel F. Heacock, John Maher, William Brown, " Tom " Butcher, George W. Beebc who died at Willow Springs), Patrick Doyle, Daniel Sweenie. Mrs, Callalut, Michael Murphy, Dennis Doyle, Larry Haffey who subsequently hung himself in his shanty \ Dennis Coghlan. John Kirk, Sergeant Curtiss. " ould " Stack Dennis Doyle's fatherin-law , John Healy and John Murray - the majority of these residents being drawn hither by the canal The old stage tavern was kept by Thomas Butcher, ami at the time of Mrs. Garr.m's arrival in Summit, there was no house between Butcher's and the present locality of the rolling-mill at Bridgeport but one kept by a man named Lynch close to the mill.

About 1X46 the first school was taught by Miss Gay, who was succeeded by Miss Curtiss, the daughter of Sergeant Curtiss, in a big building near the canal, that had been built as an hotel and boarding-house for the entailers. The first public school was inaugurated by Squire James Mil hie. I he present school has between eighty and ninety pupils, and M. W. Martin is principal am! Miss lessie Carnahan. assistant. The school board are Otis Graves, president; R. J. Allison, clerk, and John WellMirn, clerk.

Dennis O'Brian, who has been prominently identified with the township government, came to Summit in the fall, of 1845. and shortly afterward occupied the old stagehouse. Stephen While being the occupant at the time of his arrival. Mr. O'Brian thinks that a Mr. Skinner had the hotel prior to Mr. White. Mrs. Donnelly also came in the year 1S45. In 1840, a man named OsterToudt kept the tavern. 'To stand in this old tavern and re-people the sc ene with old inhabitants; to imagine the lumbering stages on their way to Ottawa, via Lockporl and Juliet, dashing up with all the jingling of harness and prancing of steeds attendant upon the "Rocket's" speed of ten miles an hour, and in fancy to hear the passengers discoursing of the transactions in the town of Chicago, and the latest epigram of " Long" John; this is a curious and interesting feat of mental cajisthenus. And, coming to the preset casting one's eyes down, th,e Archer Rpa^ they descry a tremendous barn and a bisr barrack of a farm-house which arc landmarks of the farm of Hun. John Wentwonh. He has in the tow nship of Lyon-, the comfortable little holding of four thousand seven hundred acres, a large part of which is under cultivation. The feature of the farm however, is the stock-farm, there being about one hundred and fifty thoroughbreds upon the place, including a little animal three years old, named the Eighth Duke of Rirklevtngion. and who weighed on March 13, 18S4, two thousand four hundred and thirtyfive pounds, and this ducal bull has a pedigree about as long as any illustrious nobleman, Mr. Wentworth raises a large numlR-r of blooded cattle, one of the handsomest being u little bull, called Summit, after his birth-place. Hon. John Weiitworih, the proprietor of the farm, was borfl in Sandwich. Strafford Co.. N. H.. on March 5, 1315, of the Hon. Paul and l.ydia (Cogswell Wentwonh, lie obtained his education in New England, and left there October 5, 1X36, for the W est, settling in l836. be took editorial charge of the Chicago Demo, crat, which p.qxr he retained for twenty-live years and. while its proprietor, was appointed the fiod corporation printer, and 111 1.S40 started the lirsi daily Democratic newspaper in the Northwest. In 1S41 he was admitted to the liar. On May iS. 1.S4;, lie was unanimously nominated for Congress by the Democratic Convention at Juliet, am! was a Congressman for twelve years in the Twenty-eighth, Twcntvninth, Thirtieth. I'hiny first. Thirtythird and Thirty-ninth Congresses, lie vva- a memltcr of the Baltimore National Cotiveuti<ui of 1.S44. and of the COllVt 11- lion of i8jS, and was chairin.cl of tin: committee that convoked the celebrated Uiver and llarhor t 011 vent ion in |>S|-. Me was one of I he original stockholders of the Chicago & Galena Kail road, and was chainiRUI of the executive committee of the boatd when the road was consolidated with the North- Western. In 1*57, Mr. Went worth was onatiimously iKinun.ktei,. in a convention of delegates front all the old political parlies that existed at that lime, as a candidate for Mayor, and was nominated and eta ted to the Mayoralty in 1S60. He was sclxiol inspector and member of the Hoard of Education, and a strenuous and persistent ad vocatc of the common-school system, and was also Police t ommissiouer.

On November 13. 1S44, Mr. Weiitworih married Roxanuu Marie, only child of Hon. Riley and Roxanna fAtwatcr) Loomis, of Troy, who, after main- vcars of delicate health, died February 5, iS;o. Thev had live children, all of whom died young, except Miss Roxanna Atvvater Wentwonh, now living.

The present Postmaster of .Summit is R. J. Allison appointed March 7, 1.H64, succeeding Charles Reed, who was the successor of Lawrence Rilev. Mr. Allison is of the opinion that the office was established aliout 1*50, ten years subsequent to his arrival. R. J. Allison is the son of Robert Allison, whose name appears in the Chicago Directory for 1839, as house carpenter, I'ine Street, near Michigan.

The theological necessities of the inhabitants are provided for by a German Church, pastor Mr. Borland about a quarter of a mile from the village; the Catholics

The principal industry of Summit is that pertainin| to the quarries and lime-kilns of the Chicago & Summit Lime and Stone Company, Mcacham, Wright jit Rice, proprietors. Ii\ 1851 there was a brickyard opened by Peter Reams who died in 1852; ii was then purchased by J. C. Tiffany, who closed it in 1856.

The railroad company arc considering the question of erecting a large and elegant depot at Summit, and the running of fast suburban trains may develop the town into a locality for suburban residences. It Is questionable whether anything else will materially augment the population in a short space of time.

Mount Forest

This suburban retrcat,cmbosomed amid thcgladesand acclivities bordering the southern bank of the Desplaines Rivt-r, is seventeen miles from Chicago, and is reached by the Chicago. Alton & St. I-ouis Railroad. It is an eligible residence site, and is replete with rustic attract: .-, and also having many of the material luxuries of

The oldest sctCcr of the hamlet is probably William Cronin, who came to the State in 1848, and to the location id Mount Forest shortly afterward. The original subdivision was made by H, W. Fowler and H. S. Dietrich, in 1873, and the property was rapidly purchased by prospective and actual settlers. One of the finest residences there is that of S. B. Munson.

So rapidly did this suburb become infected with metropolitan "ideas that, in 1881, John and Henry Coburu started a newspaper, called the New Era; its era of existence, however, was but of six or seven weeks. There are no special industrial enterprises in Mount Forest: the ice-harvesting and storing enterprises of A. S. Piper & Company there, and at Willow Springs, onehalf mile distant, are the only evidences of commercial energy.

The means of transit were further enhanced in the fall of 1.S83, by the completion through that region of the Chicago, St. Louis & South- Western Railroad. TjM school in the vicinity of Mount Forest is taught by Edward p, Summers.

I. A Grange

This beautiful suburb, attested by large boards along the line of the Chicago* Burlington & Quincy Railroad to be the " garden spot " of Conk County, is situated on that railroad about fifteen miles from Chicago. It has two depots on this line, one situated at Fifth Avenue ami the other at Stone Avenue, the old depot, however, which w;ls called West Lyons, was situated a short distance west of the Stone-avenue depot. At this point the first settlement was made, although it comprised but a few persons. The land upon which Kensington Heights, and subsequently LaGrange, was laid nut was a pait of four hundred and forty acres owned by Robert l.eitch. Robert I.citch was born in Orleans County. N. Y., in 1X20, of John and Catharine I.citch. and canie to Cook County May 2. 1837. He worked by the mouth as a farm-laborer for nearly four years, and for the same length of time for Wadsworth. Dyer \- Chapin. of Chicago, in the packing business. He came to the section of country where LaGrange now is, pun basing four hundred and forty acres of land. At that time there was no one resident of the immediate vicinity, ex cept Thomas Covell, who resided in the timber, and he has stood upon the porch of his house and shot wolves and deer. Mr. I.citch followed farming for a number of years in connection with cattle dealing and stock-raising, ami shipped a great many cattle to New York. He was the first man to settle on the prairie ami broke the first land between Lyons and brush Hill. In 1S44, be married Miss Mary A. W ilder, daughter of Colonel benjamin and Eh/aln't h Wilder. They have* eight children -Maria K., benjamin I.. Robert. Belle, Edward li., Zephaniah G.. Walter H and Oolite K Mr. l.eitch was Commissioner of Highways for eight years and also served on the school board for eight years. In 1870, he moved to Chicago and engaged in the distillery business; the distillery burned down in 1X72, after which he was connected with the Garden Citv I lislillcry. Mr. l.eitch sold the trad of four hundred and forty acres to Mrs. breed, and she Mild part thereof to Franklin D. Cossitt. who laid out the town. He now, however, resides on a portion of his original tract, having returned to I.aGrange in 1 SS 1 .

In this connection, it is germane to remark upon the adventitious booms that elevated the prices of real estate temporarily, as some locality would seem especially favored by the suburban fever, or an imagined right of way. ami under such ne illative conditions a great deal Of money was realized and lost in real estate. In the vicinity of LaGrange some such mutations have been experienced, and also in that vicinity settlement has been retarded because of tenacious holding of real estate for speculative prices instead of being willing to accept a fair price from actual settlers. Franklin I). Cossitt and l». U. Lyman, however, have manifested a liberal and public spirit in their transactions, and by their exertions I.aGrange is a garden spot: the natural bleakness of the prairie transformed by the liberal planting of thousand! of deciduous trees, and the grassy waste made into a garden; the landscape testifying to the enterprise of the projector and the hundreds of handsome dwellings manifesting the appreciation of the property buyers.

To revert to the antiquities of the town. Mr. l.eitch states that the first road that ran through there was about a mile wide, and was called the Chicago & Dixon road ; the road traversing the same route, although circumscribed in its width, is now designated Ogden Avenue. The Chicago, Hurlington & Qtiincy Railroad 5« came through about the year i86j, being opened on June 1st. The depot at West Lyons was established about ,868, the agents being J. \. Kimmons. W. K Smith, W. F. billings A. Potter, J. A. Hrvden. John I nold, A. McMillan. W. E. Stanger, F. O. Smith, A. « . I.add and E. ( >. Smith. John Yau Ottrick, who was president of the road at the time, predicted that it would never pay. A prophet come to judgment J" The mad then ran to Aurora, and thence to batavia, intersecting the Chicago & North-Western at Turner Junction. Prior to this, the stages of Frink & Walker ran to Doty'sat Lyons, thence to Naperville. and from there to Aurora. The first school was established about | S5--.v>. -""I was taught by Miss Gertrude Smith.

Samuel Vial, one of the oldest living settlers of Lyons Township, lives in the vicinity of LaGrange; he was born in Chester, Orange Co., N. Y., in 1819, son of Joseph and Louisa. Smith Yial; he came to Chicago with his parents in the fall of 1833, the family locating in Lyons Township in the spring of 1834. Mr. Yial was married in 1846, to Miss Margaret McN'aughton, daughter of George and Jane MtNatighton; she died in 1856, leaving four children, Jane, George M., Joseph and Louisa. In the fall of 1856 he married Mrs. Gertrude North, who died in 1879. Mr. Yial was Sii|>ervisor of Lyons 'Township for five vcars.

The subdivision of La Grange was made by Franklin D. Cossitt in 1S71, and since that time its progress has been steady and material, before this subdivision there was a little coterie settled where John L'nold's store now is, but there was no extended settlement.

On May 26, 1879, a petition was filed for the incorporation of La Grange as a village, and upon June 11 of that year an election was held to ascertain whether Section 4 and the east half of the east half of Section 5, Township 38 north, Range 12 east, of third principal meridian, should be thus incorporated; and the following vote was cast:

July 24, 1879. D, l>. Lyman was appointed village attorney, and the 'Trustees divided themselves by lot into holders of one and two year terms of office, as follows: One year, L. I.. Hassford, P. G. Gardner and T, W. McMillan: two year, 1 D. Cossitt. I, 1). Myers and H. B. Clark, J. K. Philo was also made V illage Treasurer. The poll-tax was decreed to be Si. 50, for which two days' labor could be substituted.

August 27, 1879. the prohibitory four-gallon measure became one of the ordinances of the village, and there is not now J884 a saloon within its limits. The same day David C. Grain was made Constable.

Election of April 26, 1880, resulted: P. G. Gardner, T. IV, McMillan and F. H. Yallelte, Trustees for two vears; B, T. Leu is, Clerk and Gtistaf A. Johnson, Constable. P. G. Gardner was made President of the board, and |. K. Philo continued in office as 'Treasurer. William Walmslcy was elected to fill the place of J. D. Myers, 'Trustee, on June 19, 18S0, removed from the village, and Samuel Lewis was made Postmaster. The annual appropriation bill for 1879-S0 was $550.00 - not a very lavish expenditure. The office of village marshal was created August 20, 18S0, and Charles P. A met appointed thereto for two years.

Election April 19. 1881, resulted: William Walms- Icy, W. W. Wcatherstone and E. B. Clark, Trustees, and J. A. Brydon, Clerk. P. G. Gardner was made President of the Board of Trustees, and J. K. Philo, re-appointed Village Treasurer. The office of pound-master was created in May, and George D. Unold appointed thereto; lie declined the office, and Custaf A. Johnson was thereupon appointed.

Election April 18, t88i, resulted: F. D, Cossitt, E. G. Squire. James Travis, Trustees, and J. O. Metcalf, Clerk. E. B.Clark was elected President of the board. The Board of Trustees is composed of six members, three being elected each year for two years. On November i, 1SS2, George D. Unold resigned as village marshal, and William LeBerge was appointed.

Election April 17, 18S3, whereat one hundred and forty-four votes were cast, resulted: G. XI. Fox, H. B. Parker and William Walmsley President), Trustees; B. T. Lewis,* Clerk; Charles Thornton. Police Magistrate - commissioned by the Governor, April 17, 1S83 - and W. W. Bowkcr, Constable. J. K. Philo was continued in office as Village 'Treasurer, and on June 20, 1S83, Herbert Morgan was appointed village marshal and pound master.

The post-offke is managed by J. K. Philo, Postmaster, who thinks the office was established about 1867. To provide the inhabitants, who number about one thousand, with news, the Suburban News is published every Saturday morning by Whitney & Clevinger at 53 and 55 Michigan Avenue, Chicago. The Suburban News is also published in the interest of other suburban towns on the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad.

It is contemplated to erect a high school at La- Grange, very shortly, the present scholastic facilities being composed of a common school and a kindergarten. Of the former, Miss Dora Winds is principal, and Miss Lillic Winds and Mrs. Emily H.Stuart, assistants, and the kindergarten is taught by Miss Mary F. Fox. The number of pupils in both schools is about one hundred. The school directors of the district, which includes Western Springs, arc W. B. Wickcrsham, president; !). B. Lyman, clerk, and John Unold.

Emanuel Episcopal church is an elegant edifice, constructed in the rural English style of architecture It is built of stone, and presents one of the prettiest exteriors of any church in the county, outside Chicago. Ground was broken in the spring of 1H75, and the corner-stone was laid June 5, of that year. The church cost ' SS.ooo, and is out of debt. The vestry arc deliberating U]>ori the purchase of an organ, subsequent to which the interior of the church will be embellished and architecturally rc-modeled to coni|>ort with the exterior. The vestry iscnmposed of I). B. Lyman, senior warden: A W Mitchell, junior warden; J. K. Philo, treasurer; Franklin D. Cossitt, W. Walmsley, R. F. Ludwig, H. B. Parker and J. Travis.

The Congregational Church is situated at the corner of Cossitt and Fifth avenues, and has a congregation of thirty-six members, ami an average attendance of eighty-five persons. The church cost $3,000, is a neat and pretty edifice, and was dedicated in September, 18S2 1 he pastor is William Barnes Frazelle, and the deacons are J. E. Snyder and W. E. Little.

There is also a Baptist Society, numbering about rorty members, thai meets at Masonic Hall, whose pulpit is supplied by theological students.

There is one manufacturing establishment at La Grange, where silversmithing and manufacturing for the jobbing and wholesale trade is performed under the management and ownership of J. P. Wcatherstone.

The existence of one other institution has to be noted, an unfortunate parenthesis in the history of La Grange, the home of Mrs. Anna Schoeck, particulars whereof can be studied at length in the newspapers of the present year.

Western Springs And Flag Creek

Western Springs is a suburban hamlet, situated in the northwestern corner of Lyons Township, seventeen miies from Chicago, on the Chicago, Burlington & Qttincy Railroad. It receives its name from the mineral spring's which abound in the vicinity and which originate in Flag Creek, there being eight springs within a radius of five or six acres in addition to the large spring in the valley; during dry weather these springs raise mounds of earth, from the summit of which a spring breaks forth; this volcanic element of the springs being a peculiar feature.

The land upon which the village is situated was purchased by the Western Springs Association from David Roth, Edward Fuller and Henrv Rungc, and the subdivision thereof was made by Thomas C. Hill just before the Chicago fire. The springs were known for a long time before their purchase by the company, an oW Swedish woman being a constant visitor at them for the beneficial effect their frequent drinking produced on her svstem.

The village is cleanly and handsome, and possesses a school and post-office, the latter being established m 1873, with the present incumbent, Thomas C . Hill, a* the first Postmaster. 'The school is attended bylrom fifty to sixtv pupils, and is taught by Miss Nellie Williams, principal, and Miss Rebecca Titswortri, assistant. The school-house is utilized for a convcntKie when there is occasion for a religious gathering. ' w population of the village is about two hundred ami ninety. .

Flag Creek is a stream that heads at Western sPrm£r> and after traversing the western portion of the tott'nsWp empties into the Desplaines River, two miles below Willow Springs. Upon this stream, insignificant » summer, but flooding a considerable extent of tcrflt°r) in fall and winter, are many old settlers houses, and reader can in imagination 'accompany the writer in t wagon of Elias Banker, himself an old resident, tnrouyi the Flag Creek region. Should the interviews «jjw defective or the history insufficient, the blame must 1 given to the unfortunate wagon which, by becoming arranged in its mechanism, stemmed the flow <>t ' - tellectual analysis during the journey of discover};. One of the oldest historic spots in this region » w and occupied a log hotel about sixty rods north of the Congregational Church on the Plainfield road, near the present residence of Mr. John W illiam Henrv. He moved out to this region about 1833, and left about 1850, Closely contiguous to this locality is the site of the old residence, hotel, post-office and mail-station of Joseph Vial, these multifarious pur>uits being carried on in a building of hewn logs sixteen feet square. In this building the present residence of Robert Vial is built upon the site , the first Democratic Convention of Cook County was held about 1.836. and at that convention Peter Pruyne was nominated for State Senator. Some of the members of this, " Flag Creek Convention " came a distance of forty miles on horseback to attend it. Herein also, ami the old school-house at Flag Creek, were the early religious meetings held when Rev. Isaac Taylor Hinton and Elder Powell would make an incursion into the rural districts, or Kev. Jeremiah Porter make a foray upon the strongholds of sin in this vicinity. Elder Hubbard and Father Geddes, an Irish Methodist, were also early preachers. At this hostelry also 1 stopped the stages of Dr. J. T. Temple, also the opposing line of Trowbridge, which became the line of Frink & Trowbridge, after Dr. Temple sold out, and then the company of Frink & Walker. The geographical locality of this old house was in the southeast Quarter of Section 18, Township 38 north, Range 11 cast, and it fronted on the Plain field road.

Joseph Vial, the original settler and proprietor of this hostelry, came to Cook County in the fall of 1833, and located at this place in the spring of 1834, where he resided until his death in the fall of 1852, his wife, Mrs. Louisa Smith Vial dying in 1856. When he arrived in the township there was one bouse at Lvons, the Polks house near there, Elijah Went worth, Jr', at Flag Creek and the Laughtons and Forbes at Bourbon Springs, Mr. Vial's family, when he settled in l.vons precinct, consisted of Samuel, Martha, Robert arid Nathaniel. The latter was murdered on the road from Lyons to Chicago in 1858. Mr. Vial was appointed Postmaster in 1836,3 short time subsequent to winch he resigned the position; at the tune the stages < hanged their route to the road past Elijah Wentworth's, at which place the post-office then was. Upon the route again being changed, he was re-commissioned and held the position until shortly before his death, when N. Starr Carrington was commissioned, ,and he held it until its discontinuance. Mr. Vial was Justice of the Peace for four years.

kolicrt Vial was born at Chester, Orange Co., N. in 1S24, and came to Lynns with his father Joseph. He has a farm, which includes the old homestead, of two hundred and seventy acres, and has pursued the occupation of farmer since attaining his majority. He was married to Miss Mary R. Ketcbuin, and has the following children: Mary, Robert. Edmond, Frederick K., Eugene, Rol >erl C. and Alice M. Mr. \ ial has been Supervisor and School Treasurer for a number of years.

Near Mr. Vial's house is the district school taught by William E. Jayne, who has been the preceptor there for thirteen years. Upon the division of the school district, this school was established, as was the one farther south, now taught by Miss McCord.

Upon Flag Creek also there is a German settlement of petty landholders who peacefully till the soil and enjoy a community of language and interests, having a church wherein the Gospel is preached in German.

On the Joliet road, opposite James D. Beckett's handsome farm, is the Congregational church, of which Mr. McCord is the pastor. It is situated about three miles south of Western Springs, and is a neat and pretty edifice. Near by there stands an old Methodist church, that has been sold by the denomination, and purchased by three or four farmers, who use it as a hall for meetings, etc.

Also contiguous to the Congregational church is the farm and residence of Thomas Cook, also a little white, frame house that he built and occupied fur one night in order to enable his children to attend the school in the district in which his little house was, and in which his principal residence was. Thomas Cook was bom in Yorkshire, England, in 1800, the son of John and I.ydia (Pearson) Cook. He came to Chicago in June, 1832, and there engaged in teaming with a horse and cart; the cart he purchased of Newberry & Dole in 1833, and has the old cart still. Three year's afterward, he had so increased his business that he engaged in general teaming, and extended his business, making trips to Springfield and Galena, III., Mineral Point, Wis., and Detroit, Mich. During one of these trips he hauled a load of leather for Ulysses S Grant, at Galena, for which he alleges he was not paid, wherefore he has never voted for U. S. Grant, In 1850, he purchased the farm where he now resides, and in addition thereto he owns five hundred acres in the township and six hundred and forty acres in Mason County, and some valuable property in Chicago. In 1848, he married Miss Mary Queen, daughter of Michael and Mary Queen. They have five 'children - 'Thomas, Marv, Ellen F.. Elizabeth J. and John A.

All through the region down to Willow Springs there are well-cultivated farms and the rolling prairie smiles with the presence of hundreds of peaceful, happy homes; while, by means of the schools stationed at easily accessible points in the various districts, the children are taught the way of knowledge ; pursuit of which, with the physique engendered by a farmer's life, enables the lowliest American to aspire to the highest office with hopes of success.

Willow Springs

'This postal hamlet is situated seventeen and onehalf miles from Chicago, upon the Chicago, Alton & St. Louis and the Chicago, St. Louis \- South-Western railroads, ami upon the banks of the Desplaines River and the canal. It derives its name from the fact that from beneath a willow a bountiful spring leapt into the air, sparkling and flashing with its wealth of carbonic acid gas. The oldest settler of the country around this location is Mrs. George Wallace Becbe, an account of whose settlement appears in the Willow Springs' article of Palos Township. Mrs. Weed, the mother-in-law of Elijah Wentworth, "old geese," lived near here. An iron-bridge was recently erected over the canal at this point ; this, and the ice-houses of A. S. Piper & Co., on Willow Springs lake an enlargement and widening of the Desplaines River . are the noteworthy features of the hamlet. The post-office is managed by J. H. Banks, Postmaster, who also has a saloon and general store. The other stores and the blacksmith shops across the road are in the township of Palos In the summertime there is an island in the Desplaines River that is frequented by large picnic parlies, who make excursions upon the train and bring multitudinous kegs of beer with them, and encamping upon this island, have an open air beer and lunch symposium, with such music as mav be brought bv the fauns and dryads of these nineteenth century saturnalias.

JOHN H. BANKS, grocer and Postmaster, Willow Springs, was born in Maine in 1842, >or of Edmond and Catharine Banks. He came lo Cook Cnunly in 1856 and located in Lcuiunt Town, thip, where he was engaged in farming for twenty years, worked on the canal for five, and then peddled goo<U for three years. In 1679 he moved 1° Willow Springs and established his present business, which consists of a lull line of groceries. He was appointed Postmaster in 1879, and this oltke he now holds, lie married in 1SS0 Miss Jane Furgoose, daughter of John and Eliza Furgoose. They have two children, Richard and Eliia.

JAMES D. BECKETT, importer and dealer in horses, 377 and 379 Randolph Street, Chicago, was bom in Great Britain in 1830, son of Philip and Anna Heckett. Coming toCook County in 1855, he locaied in Chicago, and for two years was engaged in shipping live stock to Chicago. He established a sale stable in the spring of 1857, and deals 111 street tar and draught horses, and in imported Norman and English bied draught horses. He imported fifiyfive in I S83. During the war Mr. Beckett furnished 38,000 horses for the army. The aggregate value ol horses sold in 1880, was $1,250,000. He purchased a (arm in I.vons Township ill 1S71, which .low contains 300 acres, which be uses for hay and stock farm. During the year 1&83 he sold and delivered 1,000 tons of loose hay in Chicago, at an average price of $14 per ton. besides what he used for his stock. He keeps a small herd of short-homed cattle. Mr. Beckett has made extensive improvements on his farm. He has built barns and stables for 100 head of stock, and a very line residence, situated in a beautiful grove of ash, hickory, oak, and black walnut trees, making it one of the m nt delightful residences in the country. In 1S65 he married Miss Georgiana Beach, daughter of Heiekiah and Adalaide ( Brown) Beach. They have Ibtee children, Mary E.. Floience and James B. Mrs. Beckett was born in Westchester County, N. V., in 1843.

MRS, JANE BEEBE, of Willow Springs, was born in Montreal in 1818, daughter of James Ferguson and Jane McLane Fer. guson. She was married in 1833 to George liecbe and in 1S37 they came to Illinois. Mr. Heebe was an expensive coniractor on the Illinois & Michigan Canal, working at times 300 men. In 1840 he located on the farm where Mrs. Beebe now resides, and which contains eighty acres. His death cccurred in 1864. They had seven children, five now living-William. Thomas (,., Adeline, Arabella and George W. Thomas G. was born in Lyons Township in 1343. and at the age of twenty-one learned the trade of iron molder. lie has been engaged in engineering for three years; was Town Collector of Lyons Township for one year. In October, 1870. he was appointed agent of the Chicago, Alton & St. Uuis Railroad at Willow Springs. He is a member of the L O. O. F. and resides at the old homestead with his mother. George W. was born in Lyons Township in 1845, and married in 1881. Mi^s liarnet A. Spear, daughter of John and Matilda (Adams) Spear. Thev have one child Ethel M. r '

(Willis) Bielby, who enmc to Conk County in 1S50 and located on a farm in Lyons I ownship. Out cf a family of eight children four survive- Thomas. Agnes, Isaac, and the subject of this sketch. His mother died in 1870. at the age of sixty-onc; his father is livinc at sixty eight years of age. Mr. Bielby. on attaining his majority engaged in farming, which pursuit he has since followed, llcuwns eighty eight acres of land, and makes a specialty of raising pota-- oes. In 1859 he married Miss Rose Evans, daughter of |oseuh and Caroline (Hooper) Evans. They have five children - Frederick. Sherman, Joseph, Estella and Horace G. Mrs. Hielhy is a member of the M. E. Church, of which Mr. Bielbv was chorister now°K'lr0',h- ReF!fi" P'"* if l>*ns Township. He now hold, the position of Independent, but acts with the Democrats. Isaac, youngest son of Robert and Julia Itielby, was born

Wilson, daughter of George and Mary Wilson. They have five cMld^W-Gsyge. Irv.ng. Benie, Edith and llenry. They are of the * C^R"*?"0""1 Mr. Bielby is a member than and Polly (Pomeroy) Starr, they were married in January, 1806. and had seven children, three now living - Susan M. Mary S. anil Nathan Starr Carrington. His father came to Cook County in 1835. accompanied by his son Henry, who entered a piece of land near Iloldctman's Grove. Mr. Carrington remained in Chicago until the spring of 183&, when he returned to Connecticut (or the purpose of arranging his business for a permanent Itxaiiun ia Cook County. In the lull oflhat year he returned to Chicago with Nathan S , the subject of this sketch, and was engaged in a brokerage and banking business with E. K. Hubbard until tbe fill of 1S37. when he came to his farm in Lyons Township, wliete Nathan S. Carrington now resides, then containing 320 acres, now 230. with a wood lot of 165. In 1S43 he again relumed to Middletown, Conn., where he accepted the position of secretary and treasurer of the Middlcton Savings bank He remained in Mnldletvra. Conn., until his death, which occurred in I S 7 1 , at the age of ninety yeats. Mrs. Carrington died in 1S25, aged forty-four years. N. i>. Carrington was in Connecticut from 1838 to 1849. when he returned and located an the farm purchased by his father. In 1S41 he married Miss Laura Butler. They have had eight children, s* living - Susan, Elizabeth, Mary, William, Lauia and Eduird. They arc members of the Congregational Chuich. Mr. Cartington has been Commissioner of Highways, school trustee and school director for about fifteen years. He is fustice of the Peace, elected to till a vacancy, and was Postmaster ol I.ynnsville Post Office from 1864 to 1879. The log house built by Morse, who made the claim in 1834. is still standing.

WILLIAM CKONIN. farmer, P. O. Mount Forest, was bora in the county ofCofk, Ireland, in i8i3, son of Williim and Mary ( room. He came 10 America in 1S36. and to Cook County in 1845. In 1847 he purchased his picsent farm, which contains 155 V acres. He married in 1848 Mi>s Mary OShea, daughter of William and Margret O'Shea. Mr. and Mrs. O Shea are among thcearly settlers of Cook County, and resided in Lyons Township until their deaths, the father in' 1854, aged sixty, and the mother in 1 B72, aged eighty-four years. William and Maiy Cronin have had eleven childien, nine now living - John. William. Bridget, Maty. Margaret. Michael. Nellie. Joseph and Peter. Mr. Cruein has been Asses^r of the town of Lyons for two years, collector o»«, and school director for twenty years. Before settling on his farm he was engaged as contractor on the Illinois & Michigan Cansl. and on various railroads.

WILLIAM I. CKONIN. merchant. P. O. Mt. Forest, was Imrn in Kane County. III., in 1S51. son of William and MaryCronin. In infancy he came lo Cook County with his patents, where he has since resided. On attaining his majoriry he learned telegraphy, and followed this occupation for five years. In the spring of 1S77 he established his present business at Mt. Forest. He own- the store, 22x42 feet, two stories and basement, with ar. ell lSx2o, He carries a full line of general merchandise; his badness has increased about 100 percent since its establishment. Mr. Cronin was appointed Postmaster at Mt. Forrest in 1881. and hid setved four years previous to thai time as Deputy Postmasier. lie has been Cleik of Lyons Township for one term. Mr. Cronin h>i a telegraph and express office in connection with his store.

JOSEPH EVANS, farmer, P.O. LaGrange. was bom in t». gland in 1800. son of Joseph and Jane Evans He came 'oCnok County in 1838, and located rn the township of Lyons, on the farm where he now resides, which contains 256 acres. In 1S37 he married Miss Anna Maria Diment. daughter of Francis and Eluabetii Diment, native* of England. Mrs. Evans was bom in Devonshire. England, in 1S16. They have had nine children, eight now ln«t - kosa, Richard, Joseph. Jane, Maria. Louisa, Frank and Janes. Mrs. Evans is a member of the M. E. Church. Mr. Evans of tie Dissenter- of England. Mr. Evans has been Town Clerk, Assessor and School Director for several terms- Frank and John arc at home, and now manage the old homestead. The others are m«sried. one living in Lyons, two in Chicago, one in Missouri, out Indiana, and one in LaGrange. , ,

GEORGE M. FOX, M. D.. LaGrange. was born in Kullan County. VL, in 1829. son of Marvin and Amy (Andru') Foxparents were early settlers in DuPage Count), where they noi side, his father at the age of eighty-nine and his mother K*'D'V eight years of age. Dr. Fox was educated at the Castleton Med'- ca| College of Castleton. Vt.. from which he graduated tn 1851. He came to Cook County in the fall of that year .ndcomenced the practice of his profession in Lyons Town'lnp. a11.11 been in constant practice in Cook County from that nine. 1 practice extends over an nrea of twelve mdes. lie married in »5 Miss Harriet Frances White, daughter of Stephen and Elitxl"i° lamet Frances White, White. Mrs. Fox died in 1S60, leaving tw_ . and Mary F. His second marnage was in 1 S63. to Jane M icti . daughter of fames and Margaret Michie. M rs Fox Lyons Township in 1838. Her parents were among lh^£r£j.

1673, at the »se of inly. three, her father's in 1876. it stx'y-eight Tear* of age. Dr. and Mrs. Fox have five children - Margaret A.. Jcanme. Laura, Jessie anil t harles Marvin.

A M ASA UKUVEK. farmer. P. O. L»Grange, was born in Wind, tor County, Vi.. in 1I09, win of TIlMMI and Mary (Davis) braver, lie came to l ook County in January. 1850, and located on the farm where he no* resides, which contains sixty-seven acres. He married in 1846 Mi. Harriet K. Urovcr. daughter of lessie and Mary A. ( Taylor) Graves, who was born in \crmont, but moved to Cortland County. N. V., with her parent-, when an infant. They have six children - I.auia M., Rufus It . Maty. Jessie, Amasa and Harriet K. Thev are members of the Congregational Chuich. Mr. Grover has been school trustee and diieclor for a number of years. Amasa, Jr.. reside* at home w ith his parents, and carries on the farm; Harriet E. it also at home . Jessie it a teacher ; the remaining children are married.

JOHN L HENRY, farmer, P.O. We-tern Springs, was born in County Antrim. Ireland, in 1827. sonof John and Khzabethfl.amond) Henry. Coming to Cook County in IS54. he located in Lyons Township on a firm, and has been a resident of Cook County from that time. In 1S57 he moved to Chicago, where he m lor nineteen years engaged in the lumber business, and also interested in a planing mill and box factory. In 1S74 he returned to Lyons Township and purchased the farm where he now resides. He owns 400 acres, and is engaged in stock raising, keeping ihout sixty head of cattle. Mr. Henry married, in April, is<2, Miss Margaret Adams, daughter of William and Margaret (Wilson 1 Adams. Mrs. Henry died in 1S6:. leaving one child, William, and in October. 1864. he married Miss Ann Sloan, daughter of James and Jane (Guthrie) Sloan. Mr*. Henry died in September, ittj, leaving three sons - James, John and Robert. Mr. Henry is a member of the I'reTiyierian Church.

MISS EMILY A. KELLOGG, of Mount Forest was born in Clinton. Oneida Co., N Y.. in I iS. daughter of Rer. Iliram H. and Mary G. (Chandler) Kellogg. Her lather was educated at Hamilton College, from which he graduated in 1322. and from Auburn Theological Seminary in 1526. In the latter year he was ordaned tothe ministry, and from that timehis life work was preaching the Gospel, and as an educator. He was the founder of the Clinton Domestic Seminary in 18.13. of which he was president f;>r eight years. This was the first institution of its kind, and after it Ml. Holyoke was modeled. Mr. Kellogg was the first president of Knox' College, elected in 1S4L and held that position four years, and during that time he vi-ited ( ireat Britain in the interests of that College. He was an intimate friend and c ..wotker with Gerrit Smith in the early days of the abolition agitatinn. Mr. Kellogg was a champion of right ami a friend of the oppressed. He was pastor of the Union Church of Galesburg for two years, after his connection with Knox College cca-cd. following which he returned to Clinton and took chatge ofihe Seminay for three years, lie then devoted himself to pastotal work. He was lor thiee years secretary of the Home Mission Hoard of the Presbyterian Church, for the Northwest, and su':..equently was, for ten years, pastor or churches in Iowa. In I87S became to Mount Foiest. Ill . and established the Forest Home School. He purchased the hotel which had been erected by the Monnt Forest Land Company at an expense of about $10,000. a fine three-story structure. 40x40 feet, with addi-ion Iss25. with capacitv for accommodating thirty guests, besides the room occupied by the school. The school was opened in 1578. Before he had been enabled to catty out his plans Mr. Kellogg was stricken down by the hand of death, in January, 1SB1. and the liu-den devolved upon Mi-s Emily A. Kellogg, under whose management the school has continued. The hotel is pleasant and attractive; its beautiful h cation, surrounded by forest trees, nukes it as a place of resort all thai its name implies, a "Fore*! Heme.

SAM GEL I!. MUNSON. manufacturer of stove rasing', Chicago, wis born :n Cincinnati. Ohio, in 1S39. son of Samuel It. and Hannah S. Munv.n, and was brought Hp 111 his native city. His father came to Chicago in 1871 and established himself in the iron business. II; died at Mount Fores-, Gaoll County, in Aptil. iSSo, at the age 01 seventy. four His wife died in Cincinnati n 1 861. In 1873 Samuel K. Martin, II. W. Fowler, H-nry S. Dietrich. Edward S. lenison and Sarnue I It. Munson came to Mount Forest, and liouglit 300 acres of land, which thev sulidivided into lots and hlocks In t V following year they erected the hotel now occupied by the Misses Kellogg, at a cost of $10,000. Mr. Mun>on bu It a fine re-idence the same year. Each of the original members nf the Mount Forest Land Company built fine residences. They spent $100 000 in the purchase of the land and the erection of buildings during the fi'it twelve months. In l36o Mr. Munson married Miss Anme Schauble. daughter of Mat'ias and Barbara Schauble. They have two children, Emma and Mr. Hunion is a member of the Masonic fraternity. i\- F. ft A. M.. Royal Arch and Sir Knight.

Cailow. Ireland, in April. 1817, and located in Chicago, where he engaged in the ship supply ami groccty business. After following this bu.incs* until lMitj. he removed to the farm on which he now resides, containing 135 acres. Hc married in 1856 Miss Mary Mclindc, daughter ol Cornelius and Katie McBnde. They have had two children, John and Mary. John graduated from Ann Arbor, Mich., in the class of 18S2, in the literary course, and it now studying law with Lyman & Jackson. Chicago. Mr. and Mrs. Murphy are mtml>crs of the Catholic Church of Lyons. Mr. Murphy was veiy instiuinenlal in the building of the church of which he is a member. He has been school diieclor for nine years.