DeKalb County, Illinois - The whole text, 1885 (part 24 of 28)

CAVING adopted the township organization law, a Board of Supervisors was elected in 1850. The first meeting was held at Sycamore, Oct. 7, 1850. James Harrington, of Sycamore, was chosen Chairman. Among the | first acts of the Board was to change the name of the townships of Orange to De Kalb, of Richland to Pampas, of Liberty to Mayfield, and of Vernon to South Grove. From 1850 to the present time the township organization system has been in vogue and has generally been acceptable to the' people. ' Wise counsels have usually prevailed in the Board, ^ and much has been accomplished by the members to advance the welfare of the county. Especially during the perilous times of the Rebellion was the Board active in providing means and measures to aid the Government and the people at home.

For a list of Supervisors, see the respective township histories, where a full list of the Supervisors of the county, serving the various townships in this capacity, is given.

JHE County Commissioners, in 1838, when the seat of justice for the county was determined upon, after providing for the survey and the platting of the village, issued an order requiring EliG. Jewell to sell certain lots at public auction, the proceeds to be applied to the erection of a court-house and jail. The auction was held and some 15 or 20 lots were sold at prices ranging from $20 to $50 each. Among the purchasers were Frederick Love, J. C. Kellogg, James S. Waterman, Harvey Maxfield, Daniel Bannister, Altnon Robinson, Erastus Barnes and Timothy Wells. Steps were at once taken to erect a court-house, and accordingly a building 20 x 30 feet was erected on the south side of the public square, in which the June session of the Circuit Court, in 1839, was held, although incomplete at the time. This building was used until the winter of 1850-1 as a court-house, and afterwards used for various purposes until r88i, when it was torn down and the lumber removed.

In consequence of increase in population, and in the volume of business transacted by the county officers, it was but a few years before a larger and better building became absolutely necessary. The people throughout the county felt unwilling to bear the expense of the entire building, believing that the count seat, which they thought would be benefited thereby, should bear a large proportion. After much discussion, at the March term, 1849, of the Commissioners' Court, three commissioners were appointed to contract for building a new court-house. The commissioners were E. P. Koring, Kimball Dow and J. C. Kellogg. The building was to be erected in the center of the public square, to be of brick 60 x 40 feet, two stories in height, and cost not to exceed $6,000. Of this amount individual citizens, presumably of Sycamore, were to contribute $[,500, being allowed to pay in notes, two-thirds of which should be paid Nov. i, 1849, and the remainder one year thereafter. The County Commissioners further or- dered that it should be agreed that in case the county seat should ever be removed from Sycamore the county should return to the persons the amount paid by each. It was ordered that the notes be registered on the court records and be evidence of the liability of the county for the re-payment of this advance. An active canvass was at once made to secure the required amount from the citizens of Sycamore, with flattering results. Among those contributing, with the amounts given, are the following named: E. B. Barnes, j$roo; Amos Story, $20; John Mayfield, $40; Thomas Woolsey, $20; Kimball Dow, $50; E. P. Young, $150; W. H. Beavers, $37; W. J. Hunt, $50; Ellsworth Rose, $25; E. Hall, $25 ; E. H. Barnes, $25 ; Alonzo Brown, $20; O. P. White, $25 ; Z. B. Mayo, $50 ; E. L. Mayo, $50; John Chatfield, $20; J. S. & J. C. Waterman, $r5b; M. Stark, $50; O. M. Bryan, $30; Thomas H. Wood, $25 ; E. Wharry, $20; E. G. Jewell, $20; Darius Williams, $25; R. Wyman, $20; William Connell, $20; J. C. Kellogg, $25; R. Hopkins and W. P. Dutton, $75 ; D. Easterbrooks, $25 ; A. Jackman, $20; Homer Roberts, $20 ; Sylvanus Holcomb, $25 ; W. Fordham, $30; G. W. Kretsinger, $20.

The agents for building were also authorized to sell the old court-house and all town lots owned by the county at auction, and apply the proceeds in payment of the $4,500 in bonds issued by the county' for the new building. In the winter of 1850-1 the new court-house was completed and occupied by the county officers.

No changes were made to this building until 1863, when a fire-proof addition was made upon the west side for the use of the offices of of the circuit and county clerks, at a cost of $4,500.

At the same time in which the order was passed appointing agents to superintend the erection of the court-house, one authorizing the erection of a jail at a cost not exceeding $1,500 was passed. Nothing, however, was done under this order.

In 1855 another attempt was made to secure an appropriation and an order authorizing the erection of a county jail. After much discussion an order was passed appropriating $3,500 for this purpose, provided the citizens of Sycamore would subscribe $1,500. An effort was made by interested persons to secure this amount, but without avail. At the January term of the Board of Supervisors, in 1856, the committee appointed to solicit subscriptions reported no success in their mission, and recommended that the county proceed to build the jail without their aid. After considerable discussion, the Board appropriated $5,000 for the purpose, and appointed J. S. Brown, James Harrington and Alonzo Ellwood a building committee. The work was at once begun and soon completed. Thus the first jail in DeKalb County was not erected for 19 years after its organization.

In 1853 the Board of Supervisors appointed W. C. Tappan and Jesse Tindall a committee to contract for a tract of land for a poor-farm, the expense of keeping the poor becoming quite burdensome to the county. A loan of $3,000 was called for with which to purchase it. In September, the farm of A. H. Cartwright, between Sycamore and De Kalb, was purchased for the purpose. Suitable buildings were erected and for a number of years met the wants of those for whom it was intended.

At the November term of the Board of Supervisors, in 1870, Moses Dean, W. L. Simmons, C. W. Broughton, J. F. Glidden and Curtis Smith were appointed a committee for the purpose of taking into consideration the purchase of a new farm for the poor and the erection of more suitable buildings. The committee at the January, 1871, term, reported against a change of location, but urged the erection of new buildings, according to certain plans and specifications filed with their report. The report of the committee was adopted and recommendations concurred in. Moses Dean and J. F. Glidden were appointed a committee to superintend the erection of new buildings. An appropriation of $9,500 was made for the purpose. At the September term, 1871, the committee reported the cost of improvements would amount to about $14,000. An additional appropriation of $1,500 was made. The buildings were completed before winter. In that year there were 33 inmates in the poor-house. For the year 1884, the cost of operating the farm and caring for the poor was $2,263.38. The average appropriation annually is $1,800. For the year 1884 it was reported there were 26 inmates in the house ; three deaths and one birth had occurred. The cost of each inmate for the year, exclusive of farm products used, was $1.59 per week. The institution is well and economically managed, all parties being satisfied with it.

its organization De Kalb County was made part of the 7th Judicial Circuit. The first session of the Court was held at the house of Rufus Colton, in Coltonville, on the 9th day of October, 1838. There were present Hon. John Pearson, Judge of the Circuit, Joseph C. Lander, Sheriff, and Rufus Colton, Clerk. The first suit on record was that of Erasmus D. Walrod vs. Stephen Sherwood. This was a case of appeal from a justice's court, the plaintiff having obtained a judgment for the same of $100. The judgment of the lower court was sustained.

The petit jurors for the same term were C. W. Branch, E. F. White, Abner Jackson, Peter Lamois, Clark Wright, John Elliott, Clark L. Barber, Joseph A. McCollum, Russell Huntley, Ora A. Walker, John Corkins, Solomon Wells, H. N. Perkins, Jacob Cox, Lyman Judd, Henry Durham, F. A. Witherspoon, John Sebree, Marshall Stark, Jeremiah Burleigh, John £&&&-

There were 20 cases on the docket at this term. The only indictment found by the grand jury was one against William Taylor for passing counterfeit money. Taylor was supposed to be one of an organized gang that was then infesting the country and swindling honest citizens. Not being ready for trial he was retained until the next term of court. After being boarded for some weeks by the Barber family the County Commissioners ordered him sent to the Will County jail, to do which cost the county $45. When he was next brought out for trial he escaped from the guard and was never afterwards heard from.

The June session of the Circuit Court convened at Coltonville with Hon. Thomas Ford, Judge of the gth Judicial Circuit, presiding. While in session the Board of County Commissioners ordered its clerk to notify the Judge that a court-house had been erected at the county seat and was ready for occupancy, requesting that he direct the Circuit Clerk to there keep his office. Boise thus speaks of this matter: " Captain Barnes served the order upon the Judge, and the crowd of attendants, augmented by a large body of citizens, assembled to see what action would be taken upon this order, awaited with great interest the argument upon the proposition to remove to Sycamore. When the Judge decided that the court must be removed thence a shout of triumph went up from the Sycamore party, while the opponents of removal were correspondingly depressed. Judge Ford took his record under his arm, State's Attorney Purple bundled up his papers, the Sheriff, the lawyers, juries, partiesand witnesses followed suit, and, led by Captain

Barnes on that well-known spotted horse that he rode upon all public occasions for more than 20 years later, all took up their line of march through the thick woods and across the green prairie, to the new seat of empire at Sycamore. The assemblage was entertained at a grand public dinner at the new tavern, when all the luxuries that the country afforded were freely provided by the successful party. When the Court repaired to the new court-house, it was found that the declaration of the Commissioners that the court-house was ready for occupancy was rather more than its condition warranted. It had a frame, a roof, and some siding upon it, but there were no doors or windows, and the only floor was some loose boards covering one half of the upper story. When the officers of the Court had clambered up to the seat of justice in the second story, they found furniture somewhat scarce. A tilting table was the judge's desk, and a broad, rough board was provided for the clerk's and attorney's tables. It was a rough and primitive arrangement for the entertainment of the blind goddess, and if she had had her eyes about her she would have fled from the spot in alarm. A question arose whether processes having been made returnable at Coltonville, suits could be tried at another locality, and except a few agreed cases no litigation was carried on. William Taylor, the only criminal, having fortunately run away, and the arrest of all others carefully avoided, there was no use for a grand jury, and it had been at once dismissed, and the court speedily adjourned."

Judge Ford presided at each session of the Circuit Court from 1839 to 1841, inclusive. The Judge subsequently became Governor of the State, a biographical sketch and portrait of whom will be found upon other pages of this work.

Hon. J. D. Caton, one of the Judges of the Supreme Court, was assigned to circuit duties, and presided here from 1842 to 1849 inclusive. Judge Caton is well known to be one of the ablest judges ever upon the bench in the State of Illinois.

1815. He received a good collegiate education, and in law few men are better read. Of a fine, dignified, personal appearance, a cultured gentleman, he receives the respect of all. As a judge, he ranks among the best, and in his long career upon the bench, he has never been accused of corruption or favoritism.

Judge Wilson was succeeded by Allen C. Fuller, who is widely known as the Adjutant General of the State during the Rebellion, discharging the duties of that office in a most acceptable manner. Judge Fuller was and is a man of great force of character, with indomitable will and energy, and, as a lawyer, ranked high. He remained upon the bench but a few months, resigning to accept the appointment of Adjutant General. He has become immensely wealthy.

Hon. Theodore D. Murphy was elected to succeed Judge Fuller, his commission bearing date Sept. i, 1862. He was re-commissioned June 27, 1867, and served until 1879 as Judge of the i3th and of the Second Circuit as re-organized under the Constitution of 1870, and again as one of the Judges of the i2th Circuit created by the act of 1877, of which De Kalb County forms a part. Judge Murphy is of Irish descent, born in Virginia. He was very popular with the people.

By the act of 1877 three judges were elected to to each circuit, and at present Judges Clark W. Upton, Isaac G. Wilson and Charles Kellum serve the circuit. No circuits in the State have more popular judges. Isaac G. Wilson has already been mentioned. He is now one of the Judges of the Appellate Court also. Of Clark W. Upton much could be said in his praise. He is a native of Vermont, a man of great and diversified experience, well read in literature and law, an upright judge and well liked by the Bar. In personal appearance he is one to attract attention, having a smooth face, florid complexion, and, to sum it all up, is a handsome man.

Of Charles Kellum it is unnecessary to speak in this connection. A full biographical sketch appears elsewhere in this volume, accompanied by a well executed portrait. Suffice it to say, as a lawyer he is regarded highly ; as a judge, among the best, having the confidence and respect of the Bar and people alike ; as a citizen, ever ready to do all in his power to advance the best interests of the community in which he lives.

MONG the learned professions, none rank higher than the legal. Its members exert probably a greater influence upon a community than that of any other. The lawyer is expected to occupy a leading position upon all questions affecting the well-being of the people. In all public assemblies he is expected to take a prominent part and his views are often accepted and endorsed. The Bar of De Kalb County has always ranked high, embracing among its members some of the brightest legal talent in Northern Illinois.

Mr. Crothers, a young attorney, located at Coltonville shortly after the village was laid out, in 1837, and has the honor of being the first lawyer to reside in the county. He was a man of great natural ability and well read for one of his age. He remained until about the time the county seat was removed to Sycamore, when he moved to Ottawa, became the law partner of T. Lyle Dickey, and became quite distinguished at the Bar.

Andrew J. Brown, who is usually supposed to have been the first lawyer to locate in the county, was doubtless the second. He remained here but a short time and then moved to Chicago, where he

Mr. Masters is said to have been the next attorney to locate here. He did but little if any business, and has been forgotten by most of the older residents.

Among those who have lived and practiced here at the Bar, whose names are readily recalled, and who now reside elsewhere, have quit practice, or who have since died, are John L. Beveridge, a man of sterling worth, who has been Governor of the State of Illinois ; Mr. Favor, J. A. Simons, A. C. Allen, D. B. James, Z. B. Mayo, A. C. Babcock, R. L. Divine, John J. McKinnon, William Fordham, O. S. Webster, A. C. Bryant, Gilbert Winters, Volney Owen, Charles Balliette, H. D. Willis, F. W. Partridge, Mr. McBroom, George Kretsinger, J. H. Sedgwick, L. E. Hay and Frank Stevens.

D. B. James was admitted to the Bar in his native State of Vermont about 1847. In 1849 he dropped his law books and went to California, where he remained some two years engaged in mining, but with poor success. Returning to Vermont, he made his arrangements to come to Illinois, arriving in De Kalb County in 1852, where he at once formed a partnership with E. L. Mayo, which continued until 1858. He then formed a partnership with Luther Lowell and Chauncey Ellwood, under the firm name of James, Lowell & Ellwood, which continued some months, when Mr. Ellwood withdrew. The following four years the firm of James & Lowell had an existence. In 1864 the partnership of James & Lowell was dissolved and that of James & Jones formed. In the fall of this year Mr. James was elected County Judge. Taking the office Jan. i, 1865, he served four years. Some time in 1866 he received a stroke of paralysis, from which he never entirely recovered, but notwithstanding he continued to discharge the duties of his office. On the expiration of his term he was appointed Postmaster and served one term. Judge James was a man of good, native ability and a very popular man. According to his ability he did as much to advance the interests of Sycamore as any man that ever resided here. He did too much for his own good, financially speaking. As a lawyer he ranked high during the first ten years of his life in Sycamore. He was not a close student, but was a man of quick perception, a fluent speaker, and as an advocate before a jury met with great success. Like many other lawyers he devoted much of his time to politics. During the war he was very active in promoting enlistments, and was appointed upon the staff of Gov. Oglesby, with rank of Colonel. His wife was Ann George. Col. James died Jan. 29, 1877.

George Kretsinger was a brilliant, though not a profound lawyer. His best work was as an advocate before a jury. He served the county one term in the Legislature. Many years ago he removed to California, where he has since died.

R. L. Divine was from Sullivan Co., N. Y. He was a man of great ability, surpassed by few in the State as a criminal lawyer. A good sketch of hi will be found elsewhere in this volume.

Volney Owen was from Herkimer Co., N. Y., and was here a portion of the time during the second c? nd third decades of the county's history. He "ormed a partnership with Chauncey Ellwood after the withdrawal of the latter from the firm of James, v Lowell & Ellwood. He was a well read lawyer. After remaining in this State a few years, he returned to New York, was subsequently elected County Judge of Herkimer County, and has since died.

William Fordham was from Montrose, Susquehannah Co., Pa. He was here in the second decade. Mr. Fordham was a man of more than ordinary abil- < ity, a little erratic, but well read in law. He now resides in Morgan Co., Tenn.

O. S. Webster settled at Cortland shortly after the completion of the railroad through that place, where he remained a short time and then moved to Sycamore. He was regarded as a promising young man. On the breaking out of the war he enlisted, ( served his time, and then located in Sagamon Co., 111., where he now resides. He served as County Superintendent of Public Schools of that county for i= some time.

A. C. Bryant was from Vermont. He was a ^ bright young man, but ill health prevented his doing much business in this county. He removed temporarily to Minnesota, but returned and died here.

Gilbert Winters was a lawyer of considerable ability, a fine special pleader. He went into the army, and at the close of his term of service returned to Mansfield, Ohio, from whence he came.

Charles Balliette was a young man, but one who was not content to remain unknown. As a lawyer y he was painstaking, with a steadfast determination g to succeed. He now resides in Nevada, Story Co., Iowa, where he has attained a fine reputation as a lawyer.

H. D. Willis was a young man of much ability. He remained but a short time, moving to Elgin, where he has since obtained prominence, being State's Attorney for Kane County.

F. W. Partridge was from New York. He located here in 1858, read law and was admitted to the Bar shortly before the war. He opened an office in Sandwich, and was building up a good practice j when the President issued his call for the first 300,- * ooo men. He dropped his law books, raised a com- ' pany, was commissioned Captain, and before the close of the war rose to the rank of Colonel and was brevetted Brigadier-General. Returning home, he was elected to the office of Circuit Clerk, was subsequently appointed Consul to Siara, and now has a clerkship in one of the departments at Washington. J. H. Sedgwick is a native of Ohio, born in Hartford, Licking County. With his parents he moved to Little Rock, Kendall Co, 111., in 1844, where he remained until 1856, when he removed to Sandwich. He read law with F. W. Partridge, attended a law school in Chicago, and was admitted to the Bar about 1860. Serving his time in the war, he returned to Sandwich, purchased an interest in the Gazette, and for a few months engaged in editorial work. Disposing of his interest in that paper, he removed to Sycamore, and for a time was a partner of Judge Lowell. Again returning to Sandwich, he became a partner of his brother, W. W. Sedgwick, which partnership continued till the fall of 1879, after which time he practiced alone for two years. He then went to Chicago, where he remained one year and then went to Peoria, where he yet resides, and is numbered with the best legal men of that city.

L. E. rlay came to Sandwich with his parents in 1854. He subsequently read law with S. B. Stinson, attended the law department of Ann Arbor University, and was admitted to the Bar. Remaining in Sandwich some eight or ten years, he attended to active practice in connection with other business. He moved West some years ago.

Frank E. Stevens was born in Dixon, 111., in 1855, and is the son of Capt. John Stevens, also a lawyer, and who was a soldier in the late war and killed in battle. Frank was educated at Dixon, studying law with Mr. Treusdale, and was admitted to the Bar'in in 1877. He is now a banker at Huron, Dakota.

In Sycamore there are C. A. Bishop, Geo. Brown, D. J. Games, G. H. Denton, G. W. Dunton, J. J. Flannery, L. S. Hodge, H. A. Jones, W. C. Kellum, J. H. Kenyon, Chauncey Ellwood, J. L. Pratt, C. D. Rogers, G. S. Robinson, T. B. Stephens, Luther Lowell.

INCE the days of Cain crime has existed in the world. While the county of De Kalb will rank with any other in the State as a law-abiding community, yet there have been some lawless characters among the greater number of law-abiding men and women. In the early day of the county's existence it was cursed with a gang of horse-thieves whose presence was very undesirable. Possessors of valuable horses never felt secure in -possession of their property. For some years it was necessary either to employ faithful watchmen or to keep horses under a strong lock. Horses once stolen were seldom recovered, the organization of the thieves being so perfect that stolen animals were quickly taken long distances.

Following we give an account of all ihe murders committed in the county, with the final disposition of the murderers so far as the court records show.

The Driscolls. - Brodie's Grove, in Ogle County, was a resort of the gang, and doubtless headquarters, Brodie being regarded as one of the chiefs of the gang. South Grove was generally considered another rendezvous of the gang, David and John Driscoll being thought to be engaged in the nefarious business. Gleason's house, in Genoa, was also thought to be a safe place for the thieves. Lynching parties 'were formed in this and adjoining coun-

Among those ordered to leave by the Lynching Club, were the Driscolls at South Grove. John Long, of Srillman's Run, was Captain of several combined companies of lynchers, and was proprietor of a large saw-mill. The banditti sent him a threatening letter defying the society to combat them, and threatening him with personal violence. Being intimidated by these threats, Mr. Long resigned, and John Campbell, of White Rock Grove, Ogle County, was elected Captain. The Club, headed by Campbell, visited the Driscolls and ordered them to leave within twenty days. To David Driscoll it is reported Campbell said : " If after that time you are found east of the Mississippi River, we will brand your cheeks with R. S., and crop your ears, so that none shall fail to know your character as a rogue and a scoundrel wherever you may be saen."

This threat aroused the passions of the banditti and they determined to resist. They held a meeting at which this was resolved. Says Boies, in his history of the occurrence: " On the Sunday morning following this meeting, old man Driscoll was seen about the premises of Campbell. He walked around the grounds, passed up to a clump of bushes, closely observed the location and then went away. He might that night have easily gone home, but he did not. He stayed at a neighbor's without any apparent reason, and slept there. Was it because he knew a foul crime was about to be committed and wanted to prove an alibi ? It was so supposed. That evening, just at dusk, Captain Campbell, who had returned from attending church at Rockford, was passing from his dwelling to his stable, when he was accosted by two men who enquired the road to Oregon. His wife heard him call out " Driscoll," and immediately after there was the report of a gun, and as she rushed toward him he fell lifeless in her arms, shot through the heart. The two men immediately and deliberately walked off in the direction of Driscoll's Grove. The brave son of Campbell, a lad of thirteen years, seized his father's gun and rushed toward the retreating murderers and snapped it at them three times; but the effort to avenge the murder was unavailing : the gun would not go off. The murderers disappeared in the distance, and the grief-stricken family was left alone with its honored dead."

Great excitement was aroused and detachments were sent out to scour the country and capture the guilty pair. John Driscoll, the father, was captured, and the house of David Driscoll burned and his family left shelterless upon the prairie. Afterwards William Driscoll and his young brother, Pierce, were taken into custody. William Driscoll had been the first to tell the story of the murder to the settlers at the grove. Conscious of his own innocence, he felt sure of acquittal. He was told by the party taking him into custody that they only wanted him to go before Mrs. Campbell, that she might see if he was the man who killed her husband. Toward evening they arrived at the residence of the late Captain of the lynchers, when Mrs. Campbell unhesitatingly stated that neither one was present at the murder. The party having the prisoners in charge were excited and determined to avenge the death of their leader upon some one.

The next day the Driscolls were taken to White Rock Grove, in Ogle County, which had been selected as a place of rendezvous by the lynchers. The three Driscolls were carried in one wagon with ropes around their necks. A form of trial was gone through with and Pierce Driscoll was discharged, but John and William Driscoll were sentenced to death, not because they were thought to be guilty of murder, but because they were believed to be of the gang of horse-thieves. Efforts were made to have the sentence changed to banishment from the country, but lynchers then drew up in a long line, with guns in their hands. The fatal one, two, three was called '- and a hundred guns were discharged, and the lifeless body of the old man fell over. William Driscoll was then led out by the side of the old man and he, too, shared the same fate. Only a portion of the guns of the lynchers were loaded with balls, the remainder being with powder only, that no one might know who fired the fatal shot.

It is due to the relatives of William Driscoll to say that few people ever believed him to be one of the gang of horse-thieves, but he was a Driscoll, and the community had a prejudice against the name.

Asa Baldwin lived in Belvidere, Boone County, but owned a farm in the northern part of De Xalb County. Early in 1862 he went to the farm to interview his tenant in regard to some matters in dispute. He failed to see him, but met a young .man named McGinnis, who was working for his tenant. With him he had some words, which so angered Baldwin that he shot him. He was arrested, an indictment was found against him and he was brought before the -^ court for trial. A change of venue was asked for, granted, and the case was removed to Boone County. After a trial, in which he was prosecuted by A. B. Coon, assisted by William Brown, now a Circuit Judge, and defended by Gen. Hurlbut and Mr. Thompson, he was acquitted.

Robert Moles. - On the night of August 29, 1864, Robert Moles, living in the north part of the county, was killed by being thrown into a well, and with sticks and clubs kept under the water till death ensued from drowning. Pat. Whalen and Ann Moles were indicted by the grand jury for the commission of the crime. No record was ever made as to the disposition of the case, but it is asserted they were taken before the Judge of the Circuit Court on a writ of habeas corpus and discharged.

Henry C. Atwood was a young man, residing in the village of De Kalb. He had been married but a short time to a woman of whom it was said that he was somewhat jealous. On the i8th day of December, 1865, he was at home engaged in cleaning a revolver, while his wife was engaged in her household duties. In some way the revolver was discharged, the ball penetrating the abdomen of his wife, causing her death. Atwood was arrested, indicted, tried, found guilty and sentenced to five years in the penitentiary.

Sylvester P. Taylor - Sylvester P. Taylor and Amos H. Chase had a dispute in regard to the possession of certain lands near the village of De Kalb. Taylor, who was in possession, loaded a horse pistol and ordered Chase not to come upon the premises. Regardless of the threats of Taylor, the latter attempted to enter the premises, when he was shot by the former. This was June 2, 1869. Taylor was arrested, indicted, tried, and the jury disagreed. Pending a new trial, he was admitted to bail. When the case was next called, a continuance was had on the ground of absence of material witnesses. A continuance was had from time to time on the same ground, until the patience of the court was exhausted and the case was stricken from the docket.

George Shaw, a constable, in company with E. Stone Abbott, went into Shabbona Township, for the purpose of serving, for the latter, a writ upon William Unwin, on the 24th day of August, 1871. Unwin, becoming enraged, attacked Shaw with a pitch-fork, when the latter shot him. Shaw and Abbott were jointly indicted, tried and acquitted upon the ground of self-defense.

Horace Graver. - There was a young man living near the village of Shabbona named Horace Grover. He was a student of the military school at Fulton, 111., and was home on a visit in 1870. Hearing that William Stimpson had made remarks derogatory to one near and dear to him, he visited the latter in his blacksmith shop at Shabbona, and after talking with m a while shot him through the head and heart, and also split his skull with a blacksmith's chisel. After committing the deed, Grover fled, was captured, and tried at the following term of the circuit court at Sycamore. Pleading guilty, and the extenuating circumstances being made known, he was sentenced to three years in the penitentiary. He remained in prison but a few days before receiving a pardon from the Governor.

John Reed, a young Irishman, was in love with Johanna McCormick, and sought her hand in marriage. He was refused with scorn, and determined that he would have revenge upon the young lady for the slight offered him. About the ist of July, 1871, he asked her company to attend a Fourth-of-July celebration at De Kalb, and was refused. On the 3d of July, he went to a neighbor and borrowed a gun, on the pretense of wanting it to shoot some wolves that had been committing some depredations in the neighborhood. On the evening of that day, while the McCormick family were at supper, he slipped up to the house and discharged the gun twice through a window, the first charge passing into the brain of Johanna, killing her instantly. The second charge passed over the head of a younger sister' and was buried in the wall. A few days subsequently he was arrested and made a full confession, saying that he had contemplated the deed for one year, and only awaited a good opportunity to do the act. He said that the second discharge of the gun was for the purpose of ending his own life, and failing in this he returned the gun and obtained some poison from the family, which he ate, but the dose was too large and he threw it up. He then tried to escape. An indictment was found against him, but before a trial could be had he broke jail and made good his escape. No clue has ever been obtained as to his whereabouts.

Mrs. Bowler. - Timothy Bowler, his wife Mary and their family lived a miserable life. The parents were addicted to liquor. On the night of July 31, 1872, the old man was killed, his head being almost severed from his body, which had many wounds upon it, inflicted with an ax. Mrs. Bowler was arrested, charged with the commission of the crime. On her trial it was proven that the couple had had anything but a pleasant time for weeks previously, the old man sleeping much of the time out-doors to escape the wrath of his wife. She was found guilty and sentenced to five years in the penitentiary.

George Alexander, a colored man, living at Sycamore, married a white woman, of whom he was exceedingly jealous, so much so that finally the woman could no longer live with him, and, leaving him, went to reside in De Kalb. Sometime in 1878, Alexander borrowed a shot-gun, went to De Kalb, visited the house where his wife was stopping, and, calling her out, shot her through the neck, killing her instantly. He claimed that the discharge of the gun was accidental; that in some way it got caught in a hedge fence, and in pulling it away it discharged, the gun bursting and throwing him several feet. He was arrested, and at the June term, 1879, was tried, convicted and sentenced to death. The scaffojd was erected and every preparation made for his execution, when the Supreme Court interfered and granted him a new trial. The second trial was held in June, i88r, when he was sentenced to the penitentiary for a term of 25 years.

Floyd Givens lived at Malta with his parents. Some time in the fall of 1879, he met a cousin on the streets of that city, charged him with the commission of a certain crime, and then shot him. He was arrested, indicted, a change of venue was had to Kane County, where he was tried and acquitted.

Walter Upstone was a native of England, and of a family of 12 children. He was a blacksmith by trade and had resided in or near the village of Fielding for about 15 years. He was a married man, and had a family of three children, one daughter being married. His mother was insane at the time of his birth, and he had two or three brothers and one siswho were said to be insane ; also two aunts on his mother's side. Walter had been intemperate for some years, and when under the influence of liquor was exceedingly violent. Peter Melson was a boon companion of Upstone, and the two were often together. About the first of February, 1882, the two went to Monroe, a small village west of Fielding, where they procured some liquor and became intoxicated. Returning to Fielding, on Sunday morning, February 5, the two went into Upstone's blacksmith shop, shut the door, and it is supposed drained a bottle of alcohol. About noon Willard Grill went to the shop, when Upstone offered him a drink, but the alcohol was so strong that Grill refused to drink it. Upstone then tried to get Melson to drink ; but the latter was too drunk to take any more. Upstone raised his head from the floor on which he was lying and placed a coat under it. Grill left the shop. The next thin^ known was between one and two o'clock. George Clark, a young lad, was riding by the shop, when Upstone came to the door, singing and waving back and forth a small hammer which he held in his hand. Seeing him, he called out, "George, look here." Upstone turned and struck the body two or three blows with a sledge hammer, then told George to go and tell some one that a dead man was there. The boy went down the street and gave the alarm. Several men hastened to the shop and found Upstone striking the body with a scoop-shovel. Up- stone stopped beating the IxxJy and then commenced talking in a maudlin manner : " Pete, come home with me;" "Pete; this don't look like Pete, but them's his boots ; " " this looks like Pete, but them ain't his boots."

Melson's body was removed from the shop to a hotel near by, and Upstone was placed under arrest. He was taken to Sycamore and placed in jail. A true bill of indictment was found against him, and when the case was called a change of venue to Winnebago County was granted. At the February term, 1883, of the Circuit Court of Winnebago County, he was tried, convicted, and sentenced to the penitentiary for 17 years. The case was prosecuted by J. B. Stephens, Prosecuting Attorney of De Kalb County, assisted by G. A. Works, Prosecutor of Winnebago; Charles E. Fuller, of Belvidere, and D. J. Games, of Sycamore. Upstone was'defended by John L. Pratt, of Sycamore, William Lathrop, of Rockford, and A. J. Hopkins, of Aurora. The defense was based upon insanity, - that if the deed was committed by Upstone he was insane, caused probably from liquor! it being proved that liquor acted differently upon him from ordinary persons. His actions both before and subsequent to the deed were those of an insane man. The prosecution, admitting that insanity existed in the family, and that Upstone, under the influence of liquor, became frenzied', averred that Upstone was aware of the fact that liquor had that effect upon him, and therefore should have abstained from its use ; that he had the power to refrain, having for one whole year gone without tasting it, and was then a law-abiding and respected citizen.

The defense appealed to the Supreme Court, which sustained the decision of the lower court, and Upstone received his sentence and was taken to Joliet. From the State's prison he has since been removed to the Insane Asylum at Elgin, the authorities considering him a fit subject for the latter institution.

Hiram P. Allen. - On the night of Feb. 15, 1880, Hiram P. Allen, of Sandwich, was murdered by some one who was attempting to burglarize his residence. Will Thomas and three others were arrested, charged with the commission of the crime. Thomas obtained a change of venue to Kane County, where he was tried and sentenced to prison for a term of years.

that Henry made an attack upon him and the shooting was in self-defense. He was arrested, an indictment was found against him, and he was brought before the Circuit Court at Sycamore for trial. A change of venue to Du Page County was granted, and he was there acquitted. Brogan himself was mysteriously murdered in the winter of 1883-4.

Nicholas Kittle. - Nelson Hinkston rented a farm of Nicholas Kittle, near the village of Shabbona. While in a saloon in that village one day in August, 1884, the two got into a quarrel about the division of some oats raised upon the land, when Kittle stabbed Hinkston, causing his death. Liquor was doubtless the cause of the crime. Before his death, Hinkston asked that Kittle should not be prosecuted.

Lewis Taylor was a young man in the employ of H. H. Mitchell, in Mayfield Township. On the i3th of August, 1884, the family of Mr. Mitchell, with the exception of his daughter Florence, went to Sycamore. Florence was left in charge of the house, and Alice Dennis, a young lady neighbor, was sent to keep her company. Taylor that morning was engaged in work near the house. From surrounding circumstances, it is surmised that Florence went out to the barn to obtain some eggs, when she was discovered by Taylor, who held a grudge against her for her refusal to accept his attentions, and was immediately fired upon with a revolver by the latter. The ball not taking effect the girl ran into the house, pursued by the villain, who stopped not until his deadly object was accomplished and the lifeless body of Florence lay in the cellar. He then sat fire to her clothes, and also attempted to fire the house, and then escaped. All this occurred within the space of a half-hour and before Alice Dennis reached the house. When she arrived she went into the sittingrpom and kitchen, calling for Florence. Not finding her, she went to the cellar and discovered the smoke and Florence's body lying cold in death. She rushed out and gave the alarm. Fortunately two men were passing the house, who rescued the body of the girl, and then hurried to Sycamore and spread the sad intelligence. No words can describe the agony of the parents. A large crowd soon gathered and hastened to the scene of the tragedy and to capture the murderer. After committing the horrible crime, Taylor fled to the river, and, first taking off his watch and tying it to a barbed-wire fence, waded into the water, placed the revolver to his heart, pulled the trigger and thus ended his miserable life.

ANY of the earlier elections were held without party lines being very closely drawn, at least so far as the Democratic and Whig parties were concerned. Up to the time of the organization of the Republican party the county almost invariably went Democratic. Many of the Democrats, however, were of Free-soil proclivities, and when the Republican party was organized embraced its principles. Early in 1854 the scattered Free-soil forces, or more properly those opposed to the Anti-Nebraska bill, and opposed to the further extension of slavery, began to crystallize. On the 14111 day of September, 1854, a mass convention of those holding these views was held at Sycamore to appoint delegates to a Republican convention to be held at Aurora. There were three parties represented in this county - Democrats, Whigs and Free-Soilers. In choosing delegates, representatives of each of these old parties were elected as follows : time De Kalb County could always be relied upon to give a large majority for the Republican party. In a political view, therefore, there is nothing exciting for the historian to relate.

John L. Beveridge was elected to the office of Lieutenant Governor on the ticket with Gov. Oglesby in 1872. He served in that capacity but about ten days, when he succeeded Oglesby as Governor, the latter being elected to the United States Senate. He served four years with marked ability. Gov. Beveridge was for many years a citizen of this county. He now resides in Evanston, 111.

State Treasurer Constitutional Convention, 1847

A convention to amend the Constitution of the State convened at Springfield June 7, 1847, and adjourned Aug. 31, 1847. George H. Hill represented De Kalb County.

General Assembly

On the organization of the county, De Kalb was part of a district comprising the counties of La Salle, Kane and Iroquois. In the Tenth General Assembly (1836-8) the county was represented by William Stadden, of La Salle, in the Senate, and Henry Madden, of De Kalb.

Ira Minard, in the Senate, and William M. Jackson, E. G. Jewell and James L. Loop were in the House, representing this county together with the the counties of Kane, McHenry and Boone.

In the Fifteenth Assembly, Elijah Wilcox was in the Senate, and James Harrington, George W. Kretsinger and James T. Pierson represented the same counties.

Under the constitution of 1848, an apportionment was made, and the counties of De Kalb, Ogle, Lee and Kane formed the Twenty-second Senatorial District, and were represented by William B. Plato, of Kane, in the Sixteenth General Assembly. De Kalb and Kane were made the Fifty-first Representative District, and were represented in the same Assembly by H. W. Fay, of De Kalb, and E. W. Austin, of Kane.

In the Seventeenth General Assembly, William B. Plato was still in the Senate, but the Fifty-first Representative District was represented by Benjamin F. Hall, of De'Kalb, and Augustus Adams, of Kane.

In the Eighteenth General Assembly, in the Senate was William B. Plato, while in the House were William Shepherdson, of De Kalb, and John Ransted, of Kane.

In 1854 another apportionment was made, with De Kalb, Kane, Lee and Whiteside forming the Fifth Senatorial District, and the counties of De Kalb and Kane the Forty-sixth Representative District. In the Nineteenth General Assembly, Augustus Adams, of Kane, was in the Senate, while William Patten and Benjamin Hackney were in the House.

In the Twentieth General Assembly, Augustus Adams was still in the Senate, but the Forty-sixth Representative District was represented by David M. Kelsey, of De Kalb, and William R. Parker, of Kane.

In the Twenty-first General Assembly, Richard F. Adams, of Lee, was in the Senate, and William Patten, of De Kalb, and William B. Plato, of Kane were in the House.

In the Twenty-second General Assembly, Richard F. Adams was Senator, and Edward R. Allen, of De Kalb, and Thomas S. Terry, of Kane, were in the House.

A new apportionment was made in i86r, and De Kalb, Du Page and K ane formed the Nineteenth Senatorial District, and De Kalb and Boone the Fifty-first Representative. In the Twenty-third General Assembly, Edward R.' Allen, of Kane, represented the district in the Senate, and Westel W. Sedgwick, of De Kalb, and Luther W. Lawrence, of Boone, were in the House.

In the Twenty-fourth General Assembly, Edward R. Allen was in the Senate and Ira V. Randall, of De Kalb, and Allen C. Fuller, of Boone, were in the House.

In the Twenty-fifth General Assembly, William Patten, of De Kalb, was in the Senate, while in the House the district was represented by Robert Hampton, of De Kalb, and Stephen A. Hurlbut, of Boone.

In the Twenty-sixth General Assembly, William Patten was in the Senate, and Charles W. Marsh, of De Kalb, and Elisha H. Talbott, of Boone, were in the House.

In 1870 an apportionment was made in which De Kalb, Du Page and Kane became the Nineteenth Senatorial District, and De Kalb the Eighty-fourth Representative District, with two Representatives. In the Twenty-seventh General Assembly, Charles W. Marsh, of De Kalb, and James W. Eddy, of Kane County, represented the district in the Senate, and Reuben M. Pritchard, of Shabbona, and Lewis M. McEwen, of De Kalb, in the House.

In 1872 another apportionment was made, the State being divided into Senatorial Districts as provided by the constitution of 1870, each district being entitled to one Senator and three Representatives. De Kalb, Kendall and Grundy became the Thirteenth District. In the Twenty-eighth General Assembly Miles B. Castle, of Sandwich, De Kalb County, was

In the Twenty-ninth General Assembly, Miles B. Castle, of Sandwich, was still in the Senate, the district being represented in the House by Philip Collins, Joshua McGrath and D. B. Bailey.

In the Thirtieth General Assembly, Miles B. Castle was Senator, and Peter S. Lott, William M. Byers and Amos D. Glover were Representatives.

In the Thirty-first General Assembly, John R. Marshall represented the district in the Senate. William M. Byers, Robert M. Brigham and Alonzo B. Smith were in the House'.

In the Thirty-fourth General Assembly, Lyman B. Ray still represented the district in the Senate, with H. C. Whittemore, Mr. Hanna and Andrew Welch in the House.

State Board Of Equalization

Washington L. Simmons, of Sandwich, was elected a member of the Board Nov. 3, 1868, and held the office until June 29, 1872, when he resigned.

Congress

When organized, De Kalb County formed part of the Third Congressional District, represented by William L. May, of Springfield, in the 25th Congress.

Under the apportionment of 1843, De Kalb became part of the Fourth District, with John Wentworth as Representative in the 28th Congress. Mr. Wentworth represented the district in the 291,1, 301)1 and 3 1 st Congresses. In the 32d Congress, Richard S. Molony was the Representative.

Under the apportionment of 1852, De Kalb County was thrown into the Second District. John Wentworth represented the district in the 33d Congress ;

De Kalb was again placed in the Second District under the new apportionment made in 1862. John F. Farnsworth was elected and re-elected, serving in the 38th, 391!!, 4oth, 4131 and 42d Congresses.

In 1872 another apportionment was made, De Kalb County being then placed in the Fourth District. Stephen A. Hurlbut represented it in the 43d and 44th Congresses. William Lathrop in the 45th, John C. Sherwin in the 461)1, and Reuben Ellwood in the 47th Congress. The latter was re-elected to the 481)1 Congress, De Kalb now being a part of the Fifth District.

County Judges

ROM the formation of the Government for a period of over three-fourths of a century the institution of slavery was a source of trouble beween the free and slaveholding States. Bitter feelings were engendered, threats often indulged in, and compromise measures passed to avert what many had believed would ultimately come to pass - a bloody civil war. Increase in power, with a strong following in the free States, had made the slave-holders bold and arrogant in their demands. The Missouri compromise, which limited the spread of slavery in the territories south of an imaginary line, was repealed by the passage of the Kansas-Nebraska bill, and the friends of freedom were aroused. The Republican party rapidly gained in numbers and in strength, and in 1860, in consequence of the division existing in the Democratic party, succeeded in electing their candidate for the Presidency - Abraham Lincoln. Threats of secession were made by the Southern States in the event of Lincoln's elec- tion, and almost as soon as the result was known, State after State in the South, by their respective conventions, passed articles of secession. Lincoln was inaugurated on the 4th of March, 1861, and issued an inaugural address full of kindly feelings and assurance that the rights of no State would be interfered with, but it was without avail to allay the fancied fears of the Southern people. Preparations were made for war by the so-called Southern Confederacy, which had been organized, and on the i2th day of April, 1861, the first gun was fired upon Fort Sumter, which, on the Hth, was compelled to surrender to the rebel forces.

The first gun that was fired echoed and re-echoed through the North, and was as much the signal for a call to arms as the proclamation of President Lincoln for 75,000 men which immediately followed. No call by any government that ever existed upon the face of the earth was more speedily answered. De Kalb County was behind no other section of the country. " In nine days after the fall of Fort Sumter," says a local chronicler, " a company of troops from Sandwich, under Captain Carr, was garrisoning the fortifications erected at Cairo, and on the loth of May, a company of which Z. B. Mayo was Captain, and E. F. Dutton and R. A. Smith were Lieutenants, left Sycamore to join the famous i3th Illinois at Dixon

Patriotic citizens raised subscriptions amounting to over $30,000, which they pledged themselves to pay, if required, to maintain the families of volunteers while they were absent in the service. The Board of Supervisors subsequently met and passed liberal appropriations for this purpose. In October nine companies of De Kalb County men had gone into the service. Two were in the 13th regiment under command of Captains Partridge and Button, one under Captain Carr in the loth, one under Captain Stollbrand in the 2d Artillery, one under Captain Butts in the 42d, one under Capt. Fox, two in the 8th Cavalry under Captains Dustin and Whitney, and one in the szd under Captain Stark."

The year 1862 will be remembered as one of general gloom. The Union armies had met with a number of reverses and great apprehensions existed on every hand. All thought of a speedy triumph in the suppression of the rebellion was at* an end. In its place was a fixed determination to maintain the supremacy of the Union at whatever cost. Several calls had been made by the President for more troops to fill up the depleted ranks of our defeated armies, and most nobly did the men of De Kalb respond to the call. In every portion of the county the ladies united to form Soldiers' Aid Societies, laboring with zeal and energy to supply the boys in the field with such delicacies as the general Government did not supply.

Call after call was made and responded to willingly, cheerfully, by the citizens of De Kalb, but in 1864 the supply was exhausted. In the fall of that year the quota of the county had reached 2,133 men, and 1,888 had responded, leaving a deficit of 273. In severaHowns a draft became necessary, and where it was possible the drafted man went into the service and fought as bravely as the man who volunteered. A number of the townships paid bounties, and drafted men who could not go were required to hire substitutes, at a large figure.

But the war was drawing to a close. The brave, grand armies, under command of Grant, Sherman, Sheridan, Logan, and others whose names have been rendered immortal, were fast drawing in on the rebels, capturing their fortifications, taking prisoners corps and divisions of half-starved rebel soldiers, and

Boise thus speaks of the close of the war : " About 3,000 men had been furnished by the county for the great war now gloriously ended. The official records of the State credit the various towns the following numbers, probably reducing the number by estimating and averaging them as if furnished for three years' service: Paw Paw, 136; Shabbona, 137; Milan, 38; Malta, 94; South Grove, 103; Franklin, 99; Kingston, 98; Mayfield, 103; De Kalb, 223; Afton, 89; Clinton, in; Victor, 103; Somonauk, 311; Squaw Grove, 93; Pierce, 100; Pampas, 134; Sycamore, 307 ; Genoa, 109. Total, 2,388."

The happy termination of the war was made gloomy by the sad death of the President of the United States, that great and good man, one whom the Nation was beginning to love as its Savior, Abraham Lincoln. Struck down by the hand of an assassin on the night of the i4th of April, 1865, on the morning of the isth he breathed his last, all the nations of the earth mourning his loss. In every village and hamlet where the church spires pointed heavenward, services in commemoration of the noble dead were held.

The war is over, but it is not forgotten by the loyal citizens of De Kalb County. In too many homes exist the vacant chair ; too many mourn the loss of a kind father, a loving brother or an affectionate husband. In our graveyards lie the remains of many who lost their lives during that fearful rebellion, or have wasted away from disease contracted in that gloomy period. In the sunny South were left others of the brave men of De Kalb, where they will remain till the resurrection day. On our streets are daily to be seen the empty sleeve and the wooden limb of those who fought that the nation might be saved. No, the war is not forgotten, nor are the brave men who perished. Once each year the old soldiers and their friends meet at the graves of the departed, strewing them with beautiful flowers, shedding the regretful tear, but happy in the consciousness that they are at rest and have exemplified the thought, " How noble it is to die for one's country!"

lOTICING the article on the physical features of the county, it will be seen that its soil is adapted to all the cereals peculiar to this climate. In the early day much wheat ^ was raised, but latterly this lias given place to corn, the great staple product of the Northwest. In 1884 there were but 843 acres of wheat reported to the various township assessors, while of corn there was 112,546 acres. Among the other products there were in oats, 61,976 acres; meadow, 80,- 05 1 ; field products, 5,606 ; inclosed pasture, 119,116; orchard, 4,503; wood land, 13,131. In the past few years much attention has been given by the farmers to stock-raising, which has proven more productive than general farming. The dairy interest has also been rapidly increasing, many farmers devoting their time to this branch of their business, which yields a satisfactory profit; hence the large amount of meadow land. For the general farmer, De Kalb County affords extraordinary inducements to make money easily and rapidly.

N the fall of 1852 the first exhibition of the De Kalb County Agricultural Society was held at Sycamore. Of this exhibition Boies says: "It was in marked contrast with the extensive collections of the present era. One old white bull was chained to a stake in the center cant open lot, and two or three stallions, with as many cows and colts, and a few beets and pumpkins completed the amusing exhibition.' The same authority says of the third annual exhibition: "The third annual fair of De Kalb County was held on the nth and i2th days of October, 1854. It was a very tame and spiritless affair, only 26 premiums being awarded in all, and these being divided among 18 persons. Those of our citizens who participated in the demonstration were mortified at the poor display of the industry of the country, and at the close of the fair a meeting of the County Agricultural Society was held, at which it was resolved to put forth every effort to enlist a deeper interest in the annual fairs among the farmers of the county."

On the loth day of December, 1856, S. W. Arnold wrote the Secretary of the State Board of Agriculture, stating that no fairs had been helfl for two years, but that efforts were being made to revive the society and hold other exhibitions. A meeting was held at which the following named officers were elected for 1857: John S. Brown, President; D. B. James, Corresponding Secretary; A. K. Stiles, Recording Secretary; A. Elhvood, Treasurer. A fair was held in the fall of that year, which must have been successful, the Secretary reporting that after all expenses had been paid there was $12 remaining in the treasury.

In 1858 a fine exhibition was held, which greatly encouraged the society, and at its regular meeting it decided to locate a permanent fair ground adjoining the Kishwaukee River, directly north of the village of Sycamore, on grounds belonging to Clark Wright. Here about fifteen acres of land were secured and some improvements made. Not being able to obtain a perfect title to the land, at a meeting of the society in 1861, Moses Dean secured the appointment of a committee to locate new grounds. At this time the citizens of De Kalb were very anxious to

In reference to the proposition to remove to De Kalb, the Secretary, in his report to the State Board of Agriculture, said : "The annual meeting of 1861 was very fully attended. A proposition came up for a change of location of the society to some grounds at the village of De Kalb, which after a long and spirit discussion was voted down. Secession being about this time in fashion, and some members feeling themselves aggrieved at this action, they publicly seceded from the society with a view of forming a society at De Kalb."

The members of the committee to secure a permanent location, and who had reported recommending the society to accept the proposition of the citizens of De Kalb, were among the members referred to by the Secretary. A new committee was appointed to select grounds at Sycamore. They reported shortly after in favor of securing some land of J. C. Waterman, west of the city. Subsequently about fifteen acres were purchased of Erasmus D. Walrod, the ground now occupied by the present society. The land purchased from Mr. Walrod was fitted up and for some years after fairs were held therein. In 1864 no fair appears to have been held, and no reports were* made to the State Board until 1866. Misfortune seemed to have overtaken the fair and exhibitions were finally abandoned, a new organization taking its place.

1860 - John S. Brown, Pres. ; James S. Glidden, Vice Pres. ; T. C. Wetmore, Rec. Sec. ; A. K. Stiles, Cor. Sec. ; William A. Nickerson, Treas.

.PON the nth of February, 1860, pursuant to notice, a meeting was held at Sandwich, for the purpose of organizing an agricultural society. William L. F. Jones was called to the chair and J. A. Dickson was made Secretary. William Patten, S. Lay, J. A. Dickson and S. Guernsey were appointed a committee to draft constitution and by-laws. At a meeting held February 18, the committee reported, and the name " Sandwich Agricultural Institute " was adopted. At a meeting held on the 25 th, the following named officers were elected : William L. F. Jones, President ; A. Adams, J. S. Fuller, Vice Pres. ; J. H. Cam Treas. ; N. E. Ballou, Cor. Sec. The first fair was held Oct. 16 to 18, 1860, the receipts of which were $400.65, the expenses $290.95. This being the day of "wild-cat" money, the Treasurer reported that a part of the balance remaining in his hand was uncurrent.

In January, 1861, the Institute voted to purchase 20 acres of land of J. A. Dickson, lying three-fourths of a mile west of the village. In March, 1861, the Institute was incorporated, or, it might be said, a new society was formed under the name of " Union Agricultural Institute." Its incorporators were William L. F. Jones, H. F. Winchester, Hubbard Latham, A. H. Palmer, A. R. Patten and N. E. Ballou. Its officers for that year were William L. F. Jones, Pres. ; J. H. Furman, Vice Pres. ; N. E. Ballou, Sec. ; Jonathan Able, Cor. Sec. ; G. W. Culver, Treas. From 1862 to 1883 the following named have held the offices mentioned in this society:

From the Secretary's record it is judged that no fairs were held in 1861 and 1862, though in the meantime ground had been bought for the purpose, H. F. Winchester fencing the same for its use. In 1863 a fair was held, the receipts being $549. Fairs were held without intermission from 1863 to 1874. / In February, 1877, a re-organization was effected, the stock of the institute being divided into 20 shares. Ten men took all the stock, paying therefor $2,000. A fair was held in 1877 under the auspices of the new association, at which their receipts were $2,154. In 1878 and until 1882 successful fairs were annually held, the association paying its premiums in full and having a good surplus each year. In March, 1883, the grounds were sold to Dieterich & Ebinger, since which time no fairs have been held.

ARCH, 1861, a meeting was held at De Kalb for the purpose of forming an organization to advance the interests of agriculture and mechanics. A joint stock company was formed with capital stock of $2,500, and a motion was made to purchase the grounds selected by the committee appointed by the \ old society. The foregoing name was adopted by which the society was to be known. The following named were selected as officers for 1861 : J. F. Glidden, Pres. ; N. Saum, Vice Pres.; J. W. Smull, Sec. ; Harvey Thompson, Treas. The finest exhibition was held in September following, and was reported as being very successful. The grounds purchased from Mr. Glidden were fitted up in a satisfactory manner and for some years very successful exhibitions were held. This society generally secured the aid voted by the State, amounting to $100 annually. - ) Three fairs in the county were too much, and the De Kalb fair some time since suspended.

N the i2th day of March, 1870, the De Kalb County Agricultural Association was formed at Sycamore. One hundred and thirty two persons subscribed for from one to five shares each of the stock of the association. The capital slock was placed at $2,500. The following named were elected as officers for the year 1870: Henry Wood, President; S. C. Hale, Vice- President; T. K. Waite, Rec. Sec.; Samuel Alden, Cor. Sec.; Roswell Dow, Treasurer ; Alonzo Ellwood, A. H. Pond, Nicholas Saum, John M. Schoonmaker, James M. Byers, Directors.

The first annual fair of the association was held at the old fair grounds, which had been purchased and several hundred dollars in improvements made thereto, commencing on the 6th day of October, 1870, and continuing four days. The fair Was considered a success, the award of premiums being made from the judges' stand at 2 p. M. on the gth day of October.

Annual fairs have since been held, which have grown in interest year by year, the increase in receipts being about $100 each year over the previous one. The fair grounds have been paid for, many improvements, made and premiums paid in full each year. The society is now, in January, 1885, out of debt, with money in the treasury. Much of the success is due to the earnest work of the officers.

..USTLY has the printing press been said to be the Archimedean lever that moves the world. By it the thoughts of the wise men of every age are reproduced over and over again, circulated broadcast, and find their way into almost every home, exerting an influence as lasting as time. While the great dailies of our metropolitan cities supply the general news of the world almost as soon as the events occur, the local press of each town and county is expected to chronicle items of interest transpiring in the community in which it is established. While the great dailies are of special interest to those who desire to be posted in the affairs of the whole world, the home paper is indispensable to those who feel a more than ordinary interest in the local happenings of the day, and in events of which they are cognizant ai.d an active participant.

In comparison with its circulation, the home paper exerts even a greater influence than the so-called great papers of the metropolitan cities. At the present time De Kalb County is well supplied with home papers. In the list are the following : True Republican and City Weekly, Sycamore; Chronicle and Review, De Kalb; Index, Genoa; Mail, Malta; Review, Hinckley; Gazette, Free Press and Argus, Sandwich ; Reveille, Somonauk ; Express, Shabbona.

'EPUBLICAN-SENTINEL, edited and published by H. A. Hough, at Sycamore, was the first paper printed in De Kalb County. The first issue made its appearance May 31 r854. The Sentinel gave a vigorous and enthusiastic support to the prohibitory liquor law presented to the people of the State for its adoption. In 1858, the Republican- Sentinel was purchased by the friends of Senator Douglas, its name changed to the Sycamore Sentinel, and it became, under the editorial management of E. L. and Z. B. Mayo and Jacob A. Simons, an earnest supporter of Senator <-) Douglas for re-election. This was the year in which the great debate was held between Douglas and Lincoln, which, as Lincoln subsequently remarked, elected Douglas to the Senate and Lincoln to the Presidency. The paper was continued until May 29, 1861, when it was consolidated with the True Re- / publican.

N the! fall of 1857 the True Republican was started by C. W. Waite, editor and proprietor. It was a seven-column folio, and presented a very neat and attractive appearance. On the 30th day of March, 1858, the material and good will of the office was purchased by James H. Beveridge, D. B. James and C. M. Brown, and the paper was continued under the firm name of J. H. Beveridge & Co., proprietors ; O. P. Bassett, publisher ; C. W. Waite was retained as editor. On the sth day of April, 1859, O. P. Bassett purchased the material of the office and became publisher and proprietor, retaining Mr. Waite as editor. On the zgth day of May, 1861, Mr. Bassett bought out the Sycamore Sentinel, consolidating the papers under the name of the Republican ami Sentinel. Mr. Bassett remained as sole publisher until May 14, 1862, when he disposed of one-half of the office to H. L. Boies, and the paper was continued under the firm name of Bassett & Boies, with Mr. Boies in the editorial chair. The paper had some time previous been changed to an eight-column folio About the close of the war John Norris purchased Mr. Bassett's interest, and, under the firm name of John Norris & Co., the paper was published, Mr. Boies still attending to the duties of editor. The name was now changed to Sycamore True Republican. In January, 1868, Mr. Boies became sole proprietor. On the i ^th day of December, 1869, the paper was changed to a semi-weekly, seven-column folio, continuing as such to the present time. In September, [874, George P. Taylor purchased a half interest and the firm became Boies & Taylor. This arrangement continued until 1875, when Taylor sold his interest to George O. Armstrong, and the firm then became Boies & Armstrong. On the i3th of March, 1878, David L. Peck purchased Armstrong's interest, the firm name being changed to Boies & Peck. On the Sth day of September, 1880, D. W. Hartman purchased the interest of Mr. Peck, and the firm was then known as Boies & Hartman. In July, 1884, Mr. Hartman retired and the paper now is published by H. L. Boies & Co. The True Republican is now in its 28th year. It has had its ups and downs, but has held steadfastly on its way, always being a consistent advocate of the principles implied in its name. Mr. Boies has been connected with it almost a quarter of a century, devoting the best part of his life to its success and in the advocacy of true Republican doctrine.

HE loth day of September, 1857, the People's Press made its first appearance. It was the first paper published in Sandwich, and was a neat six-column folio, " devoted to literature, science, agriculture, local and general news," and independent on all subjects. W. L. Dempster was editor and publisher. He was a practical newspaper man and made an interesting paper. Notwithstanding the business men of the place patronized it liberally, at the expiration of about six months it ceased to exist. Its editor and publisher, having got deeply in debt, left the country, without bidding his friends and patrons an affectionate good-bye.

HE second paper established in Sandwich had the foregoing title. Its publication was commenced Oct. 13, 1859, by Mattison & Higbee. The paper was a four-column folio, with a border around each page. Its nee was brief.

AS the third paper started in Sandwich. James M. Higbee was editor and publisher. It was issued bi-monthly, and vas a four-column folio, with border. The News was continued about five months, at which time it shared the fate of many newspaper enterprises. It is a most difficult undertaking to establish a newspaper upon a paying and profitable basis.

AMES HIGBEE, in May, 1865, began the publication of a five-column folio sheet under the above name, which he issued weekly. A short time afterwards he associated with him in its publication James H. Sedgwick, and, under the firm name of Higbee & Sedgwick, the paper was continued, being enlarged to a seven-column folio. On the I4th of April, 1866, James H. Furman purchased the interest of Mr. Sedgwick, and subsequently the firm of Higbee & Furman enlarged the paper to an eight-column folio. On the 3d day of October, 1868, Mr. Furman became sole proprietor, and continued as such until the 291)1 day of May, 1874, when he sold the office and good will of the paper to G. H. Robertson. Mr. Robertson continued its publication weekly as an eight-column folio but a short time, when he changed its form to a six-column quarto. As such it was continued until 1877, when it was changed to a seven-column folio, and its publication continued semi-weekly. For six years Mr. Robertson continued to publish a semi-weekly paper, and then he returned to the weekly issue, and resumed the old form of an eight-column folio, its present size. The Gazette has had a prosperous career of 20 years, and in that time has always held aloft the Republican banner, advocating the principles of that party with signal ability. As a local paper, it has endeavored to advocate in a consistent manner everything that has tended to build up the city in which it has been

URING September, 1871, the first number of the Ee Kalb County Farmer made its appearance, with V. Hix as editor and proprietor. It was a four-column quarto, the subscription price being $i per year. For tome time previous Mr. Hix had been contributing a series of articles to the True Republican, descriptive of farming and stock-raising in De Kalb County, with practical hints derived from experience. The articles meeting with favor by the farming community, it was thought advisable to establish a paper in which subjects of interest to farmers could be treated more in detail than in the columns of a local paper. The experiment was not a success financially, and the paper was discontinued at the end of one year.

MONG the leading papers of the county is the Sycamore City Weekly. It may be said to be the outgrowth of . the De Kalb County Farmer, the experience in the latter giving Mr. Hix a taste for the profession. The first number of the Weekly made its appearance in September, 1872. It was a six-column quarto, independent in politics, devoted mainly to local news and miscellany. Mr. Hix continued as sole proprietor for six years, when he admitted into partnership F. O. Van Galder, a practical printer and an excellent workman. In 1876 the Weekly became the supporter of Republican principles, for which it has continued to battle to the present time. In 1877 the form of the paper was changed to an eight-column folio, which it maintained until August, 1879, when it was made a ninecolumn folio. In March, 1882, it resumed its orit nal form of a six-column quarto. The City Weekly model local paper, keeping abreast with the times. Few items of any importance escape the watchful eyes of its editors. Its circulation is large and it is a No. i advertising medium.

'ULY 16, 1873, was the date the first issue |? of this paper bore. Its motto was, "Home first, - the world afterward." H. F. Bloodgood, a young printer, who had just entered upon his majority, and who had for several years been an employee on the Gazette, conceived the idea there was room for one more paper, and proposed to fill the vacancy. In his salutatory he said that witli " malice toward none and charity for all," he would endeavor to give the people a paper devoted specially to home interests ; that he believed in speaking a good word for his town, when it could be done, and he would doit. He said further : '" Sandwich will not be able to support the second paper.'" some say; but we believe she will, and shall test her thoroughly before we give it up. If we do not succeed, we can, with a little practice, hoe corn, quench potato bugs, draw water from Fox River (when the season is dry) for .the neighbors to wash with, and in the fall go to plowing for John Keene, of Afton, who assures us we can have a job. We print advertisements, local notices, etc., and our charges are not very high. We have worked at the trade for the past five years, but never acquired the knack of placing every person's advertisement at the head of the first column, nor do we expect to. We will give them all a fair show, however. Our 'better half,' like Josiah Allen, despairingly says, ' Who'll read the paper after it is printed, Bloodgood?' We replied that we knew of three already who had promised to do so, and if the people would [follow suit we would soon have a list."

It was soon found out that Sandwich would support a second paper, so Mr. Bloodgood was not compelled to " quench potato bugs " to support his family. The paper, under his administration, soon became quite popular, and its popularity continued until his death. On the 5th day of October, 1881, Mr. Bloodgood was caught in a revolving shaft and crushed in a horrible manner. He lingered along until April 4, 1882, when he died from the effects of the injuries received. From a sermon by Rev. G. W. Crofts is gleaned the following:

"Henry Francis Bloodgood was born in Rochester, N. Y., Feb. 6, 1852. He came to Sandwich when 16 years of age and entered the office of the Gasette, where he worked five years. He commenced the publication of the Free Press in July, 1872. Small was its beginning, like the grain of mustard seed, but during the years as they passed it continued To grow in popular favor, until it ranked in point of circulation and editorial ability with the very best local papers in the State. This fact was acknowledged by all the editorial brotherhood throughout the State. The Free Press had not a single exchange that did not again and again speak in the highest terms of its rank, of the marked ability and taste with which it was conducted, and of the genial and generous character of the man who stood at its helm. A still higher acknowledgment was the fact of other journals copying many of his sparkling and piquant sayings. Few men possessed the faculty of putting things in a more condensed, telling and charming way. Some of his efforts in prose and verse would have secured favorable comment in more pretentious publications. He was original, witty and versatile."

The Free Press was continued as a six-column folio for about two years, then changed to a six-column quarto and subsequently to a nine-column folio. On the death of Mr. Bloodgood the office was purchased by C. B. Taylor, who changed the form to a five-column quarto, running it as such for a few months, then changed it to a six-column quarto. Mr. Taylor was a man of fine ability, coming here from Urban a, 111., where he had been engaged in newspaper work as a partner in the Herald. On retiring from the Free Press, he went to Danville, and for a time was on the News. He is now a Methodist minister, and is located at Lerna, Coles Co., 111. Barnes & Douglas purchased the office and goodwill of the paper and issued their first number Oct. 17, 1883. They are still the publishers, and print one of the best local ' papers in Northern Illinois. They are both practical printers, and, like the first editor of the paper, they believe in doing all they can to build up their town, while at the same time trying to observe well the motto at the head of their paper to " Fear God, tell the truth, andimake money."

;OMONAUK REVEILLE first made its appearance Dec. 18, 1875. It was a sevencolumn folio, independent in politics, with C. A. West as editor and proprietor. After the expiration of the first year the paper was changed to a five-column quarto, its present size. Mr. West continued the publication of the paper for three years, when he sold to S. D. Newton, who since continued in its charge. The Reveille under the administration of Mr. Newton has been a success in every particular. Having but a limited field for circulation, it has made the best use of its opportunities and has worked the field thoroughly, and but few families in the vicinity of Somonauk are without the Reveille. The merchants of the place have been very liberal in advertising, showing a proper appreciation of the local press. Mr. Newton advocates the principles of none of the political parties now in existence, while at the same time he is free to support such men and measures as he may think best. A good local paper is what he proposes and does furnish his patrons.

% 4^" Mr' Hunt was tlie resident or local editor at \s(S ^ Shabbona, the paper being printed at Sandwich. It was a six-column folio. At the expiration of six months Mr. Hunt sold out to W. H. Ray, of Shabbona, the publication of the paper being continued by Bloodgood & Ray. This arrangement continued for two years, when Mr. Ray became sole proprietor. For some months he had the paper printed S> at Paw Paw, and then at Hinckley for two years, when he purchased a press and has since printed it at home. In May, 1880, the paper was enlarged to a seven-column folio, and six months laterto an eightcolumn folio. It was thus continued till the expiration of the current year, when it was changed to a five-column quarto, its present form. In June, 1882, a Fair Haven power press was introduced, on which it is now worked. The paper is Republican in politics, and, as a local newspaper, has done much towards building up the town and influencing public opinion. A biographical sketch of its editor is found elsewhere in this volume.

C. NEEDHAM, as editor and proprietor, issued the first number of the Malta Mail in February, 1877. It was a five-column folio. Mr. Needham continued its publication until November of the same year, when he sold to G. W. Morris, who for one year and a half continued as sole proprietor, when he took in one of his sons as a partner. Subsequently another son was admitted as a partner, the firm then being G. W. Morris & Sons. In 1881 one of the sons retired, leaving the father and one son as publishers, under the firm name of G. W. Morris & Son. The paper has changed its size a number of times, being enlarged each time. In 1881 it was changed to a seven-column quarto, which size it yet remains. In politics, the Mail is Republican, though liberal in its views. It is a neat and well-printed sheet, and edited with considerable ability.

'AY, 1878, M. N. Tomblin commenced the publication of the Review, the first paper published at Hinckley. It was a fivecolumn quarto, six pages, patent. He occupied small rooms over the present barber shop. In about six months his brother, L. E. Tomb- ' lin, became a partner and changed their paper to a six-column folio, half patent. With a Washington hand press, a limited outfit of type, small quarters, and a steadfast aim for success, these two hardworking and enterprising young men struggled on for two years. On May i, 1880, they associated with them Herbert W. Fay. and commenced operating under the firm name of Tomblin Bros. & Fay. The old press was exchanged to a rotary Nonpareil, a large amount of new type was added and the office was moved down on the ground floor of the same building, on an equal footing with other business places of Hinckley. The paper was doubled in size, and the subscription price increased to $1.25 per year. In June, 1882, Herbert W. Fay bought out the interests of his partners. On Nov. 4, 1882, he purchased the next building east of the one in which the paper was started.

On March i, 1883, the office was moved into the new and larger quarters. During all this time the proprietors have published a branch paper for Waterman, 111., called the Leader. During the last two years the Review has adopted the plan of rejecting nearly all foreign advertising, especially patent-medicine contracts. The plan has gre itly increased its subscription and materially added to its home advertising patronage. At present no paper in the county has a better advertising patronage, and its circulation is not surpassed by many.

commenced the publication of the Argus, a seven-column folio. The salutatory was to the point. Among other things, the editor lid : " The Argus starts with a clean record in all particulars, especially in the subscriptions, having but 'five ; but, like the mustard seed the woman put in a lump of dough, these will leaven the whole lump (we quote from memory), forming a nucleus for the 1,500 we are going to have. We will make but few promises, but will endeavor to do bet- . ter in performance. There is one thing, however, we are quite sure of, and that is, that the Argus has come to stay, as we heard a young lady say the other day ' you bet,' which we suppose to be the elegant method of strong assertion. We have always done our ' level best ' to please everybody, and we have been remarkably successful therein. We have no doubt we shall succeed equally well in this enterprise. But if by any chance we should not, it would grieve us sadly; and we at this early date, and in advance, beg to offer apologies and be forgiven. . . . They do not expect to make a better paper than all others, and do not expect to have it free from faults or above criticism, but they do expect to have a wideawake paper. . . . The proprietors of the Argus are both young. J. B. Castle is young in years, and M. B. Castle is young in heart ; so they may be expected to say and do some foolish things ; but they are ready to promise faithfully not to repeat them, when once they see the error, and that should be a merit in this world of obstinate wrong."

On commencing its publication, the publishers used one-half foreign print, but on the 22d of March, 1879, began the printing of the entire sheet at home. The second volume of the paper was enlarged to an eight-column folio, which size is still maintained, at the same time it being all home print. During the first year, a series of personal sketches of old settlers was published, which were of much interest to its readers. The paper has been very successful, having a large circulation, and fine advertising patronge.

ARCH 8, 1879, the first issue of the De Kalb County Chronicle made appearance. For some time the Democracy of the county were without an organ, and it was thought a favorable opportunity presented itself for starting and sustaining a paper that would advocate the principles of Jefferson and Jackson. The first number had at the head of its columns, D. W. Tyrrell & Co., publishers, and Clinton Rosette, editor. In his salutatory, the editor said : "It (the Chronicle} will advocate free trade, a uniform currency, State rights and personal liberty, as being not only the ancient Democratic faith and sound constitutional doctrine, but as best calculated to preserve the liberties of individuals, to conduce to the prosperity of the people, and to the Union and the Constitution." When first established the Chronicle was a five-column quarto. In July, following, J. F. Glidden became sole proprietor and the paper was enlarged to a six-column quarto. Mr. Rosette was continued as editor and remains as such to the present time. Under his able management it has taken rank as one of the leading Democratic organs of Northern Illinois, and is a credit to its proprietors and to the city and county in which it is published.

printed at home. The office of the CJirmdck is -cnw of the largest m the State ontside-of Chicago, having foul large cylinder power presses and several job presses. A large amount of job printing is jtnnnjIBy done, tie greater part of -which is ibr the maoafactarrng £rms of De Kalh. *

118%, ti»e feist issae *tf afre De KaTb Rnneai appeared. Its publication was began by H. L. Boies & G»^ of Sj'camore, with S. L. Graharo as editor, After being issued abont three months, dw food -wffl of the paper and subscription list wjs purchased by Tyrrell & Tomblin. The latter w.ss tben publishing a newsjiaper at Genoa, whici he then suspended and removed the material of the office toDeKalb. The Review is an eighi-column folio and presenls a neal and creditable appearaDce. While its motto from the beginning has been '"Independent in all things," it is yet an advocate of the principles and policy of the Republican party, D..

Paper

NLY a few, if any, counties in the State can at all be compared with De Kalb in the number of useful inventions. Among the number "tj-vjo* worthy of special mention in this volume are the Marsh Harvesters, Whitney Self-Binder, Glidden Barbed Wire, " S " Barbed Wire, the Ellwood Cultivators, the Powers, Corn-Shellers and Cultivators of the Sandwich Manufacturing Company. Among the inventions made by citizens of De Kalb County, that of barbed wire for fencing has probably given the county its greatest reputation. While wire for fencing purposes was used as early as 1821, when the first patent was granted, it was not until 1874 that anything practical was invented. As early as 1873, J. F. Glidden began to experiment with barbed wire. Having upon his farm a large quantity of smooth wire fence, the thought occurred to him that he could place barbs upon the wire in a more satisfactory manner than had yet been done. With very simple instruments he twisted the barb around the wire and imade the first practical test upon his own farm. Enlisting the interest of I. L. Ellwood, the two formed ._ a partnership and made application for a patent, ^ which was granted in May, 1874, the essential fea- . tures being that of "coiling a short piece of wire between its ends around the fence wire," a device

At the time Mr. Glidden was making his practical tests, Jacob Haish, of De Kalb, was also experimenting in the same line. The first patent secured by him was Jan. 20, 1874. The specification read as follows : " Two strands of wire twisted together, said wires cut into lengths of about one-sixth of a panel, their ends lapping so far as to permit hooking by turning each end back and then projecting them laterally upward and downward to serve as barbs." Other patents followed and improvements were made until the efforts of the inventor were crowned by the invention and introduction of the justly celebrated " S " Barb Wire.

Reuben Ellwood has led a busy, active life. His mind seems never at rest. As an idventor he has presented to the world many useful articles, some of which are here enumerated :

1. The Ellwood Riding Cultivator was first patented July i, 1873. Machines of this kind are made, either four or six blades, from which, together with the attachments, four complete cultivators are made,

2. The Ellwood Walking Cultivator is the outgrowth of a demand for a first-class implement of that kind. It was patented by Mr. Ellwood Aug. 21, 1883.

5. Ell wood's Barrel Cart is one of the most convenient things about a farm. It was invented by a practical farmer to lighten the labor of carrying slops and milk from the house and dairy. It was patented April 3, 1877.

Among other inventions of Mr. Ellwood are the Hinge Harrow, One-Horse Power, Revolving Box Churn, Iron Fence Picket and Rolling Coulters, all practical inventions and in use throughout the country.

C. W. & W. W. Marsh have a national reputation. Their inventions are in use throughout the Union and even in foreign lands. The following comprises a part of what has been invented by them :