DeKalb County, Illinois - The whole text, 1885 (part 25 of 28)

Harvester, patented by C. W. & W. W. Marsh, Feb. T4, 1865, consists of an open inside divider. This has generally been adopted by all harvester companies.

Harvester, patented by C. W. & W. W. Marsh, June 7, 1865. A re-issue to cover the binding table and receptacle and the position of the binder. Virtually used by all harvester companies.

Harvester, re-issue patented by C. W. & W. W. Marsh, Jan. 12, 1875. Consists of an elevating mechanism reaching forward of the sickle bar. This invention has been adopted by all manufacturers of harvesters.

Harvester, patent re-issued Jan. 12, 1875, by C. W. & W. W. Marsh. Patent consists of folding or removing the hand-binder table, in order to narrow up the machine in passing through narrow places. This is virtually used by all the harvester companies.

wheel, in order to balance the machine. This invention was practically adopted by all the hand-binding harvesters manufactured in this country.

Harvester, patent re-issued March 9, 1875, by C. W. & W. W. Marsh. This patent consists of a cover for holding the grain down on the lower elevator canvass. This virtually has been adopted by all manufacturers of harvesters, the only difference being, they use a canvass revolving cover.

Harvester, patented by C. W. & W. W. Marsh, June 13, 1876. This consists of a device for leveling the hand-binder's foot-board table while the machine is in motion. A useful invention.

Grain-Binding Harvester, patented by W. W. Marsh and M. E. Blood, April ro, 1883. Claim, a revolting adjuster wheel for straightening and working grain back to the binder in proper position for binding.

Grain-Binding Harvester, patented Feb. 10, 1885, by W. W. Marsh and M. E. Blood. Claim, a vertical canvass placed over the drum of the platform canvass, in order to force grain to the binder, thereby straightening the same. The vertical canvass is in a frame which is held down by a spring to accommodate itself to the different thickness of the grain. Claim, also a vibrating butter used to square up the butts of the grain, together with a raised wall for resisting the flow of the grain in order to straighten it.

Harvester and Binder, patented March 18, 1884, by Charles Whitney & W. W. Marsh. This patent covers rotating butts ; combination of the trip and compresser; rotating bundle-discharging fingers; straight-sliding cord guide and knife.

& W. W. Marsh, Jan. i, 1884. Claim, combination of the binder arm and packer fingers by connecting link, so that as the binding arm goes into the grain the packer fingers are raised out of the grain.

Back Belt, patented Nov. 12, 1869, by C. W. & W. W. Marsh. This invention is used by almost all the harvester companies and was very profitable to the inventors.

Wheel Cultivator, patented by W. W. Marsh and H. Mclntyre, July 16, 1872. This patent consists of an adjustable seat and foot rest for high and low corn.

Wind-Mill, patented by W. W. Marsh and O. E. Miles, July 15, 1873. This patent consists of a movable shaft giving a graduating stroke to the piston.

The Sandwich Manufacturing Co., at Sandwich, are owners of a large number of valuable patents, the inventions principally of some member of the company. Augustus Adams and H. A. Adams deserve honorable mention in the list of De Kalb County inventors. Their inventions are of a practical character and for practical use, and have been brought out in the shops of the Sandwich Manufacturing Co. The following is a partial list :

The foregoing were the inventions making the foundation of the great corn-sheller manufacture which made A. Adams & Sons, and their successors, the Sandwich Manufacturing Company, known throughout the whole country and many parts of Europe and South America.

The company has also bought rights and interests in a large number of other valuable patents. There has also been produced by them from time to time many improvements and inventions not patented, such as the circling side gears now so much used in threshing and shelling machinery and the like, and flexible iron cob spines for corn shelters. Nearly all the popular forms of hand shelters and many of the best devices used in both hancf and power cornshellers originated in this establishment.

Company of Sandwich, are the invention of T. W. Beal and patented in 1883. The frame is of iron and can be bolted to the floor at any convenient place, the legs being provided with lugs and holes tf). for that purpose.

The climax cultivators are the invention of Harvey Packer, and were patented in 1876. They are manufactured by the Enterprise Company, Sandwich, 111. The Climax Spring Walking Cultivator has an equalizer, the invention of T. R. Polglase, the fore- / man of the Enterprise Company, of Sandwich. The object of this equalizer is to require each horse to do ^ its own share of the work, as well when one is slightly in advance of the other as when they are even. It works like a charm".

Wind Mill. - The invention of Harvey Packer, patented in 1876, and manufactured by the Enterprise Company, of Sandwich, 111. The claim made for this invention is a solid wheel, made without joint or pivot, with hard-wood arms bolted into a strong ^S cast-iron hub, hard-wood circles, into which the fan 3 slats are securely fastened, the whole firmly bolted g£ wheel at aH times steadily and firmly in the wind, and when folded keeps the wheel with its edge to the wind, enabling it to withstand the fiercest gale. A revolving post and multiplying governor are also strong features.

In 1870 Richard Emerson, of De Kalb, a practical machinist, bega« experimenting with a view of constructing a reaping machine that would be an improvement upon all then in use. In 1871 he had a

^ complete machine manufactured and gave it a thorough test in the harvest field. The result was not satisfactory. In 1872 he constructed another, which likewise proved a failure. He did not yet despair, but believed that he would still succeed. Being a poor man, he could not pursue his investigations as he desired, and three years passed before he could build his third machine. Unfortunately, this too was condemned as being impracticable. In 1876116 invented and patented an adjustable binding table, to be used on any of the machines then made. This invention was adopted by the Marsh Harvester Company and by McCormick, and used until displaced by the self-binder. In 1877 Mr. Emerson turned his attention to and invented and patented a wire selfbinder. For some years past Mr. Emerson has had the active co-operation of H. H. Mason, who has furnished him the means to continue his experiments, investing several thousand dollars for that purpose. For the confidence reposed in him by Mr. Mason and for the kindly aid furnished, Mr. Emerson is indeed grateful, realizing his inability to continue without it. Wire binders being found objectionhble, Mr. Emerson, as well as other inventors, turned his attention to the construction of a binder using twine instead of wire. In 1884 he constructed another machine almost entirely different from any others, which he gave a thorough test in the field, with the best satisfaction. A patent for this was obtained. For this machine, which he terms the Emerson & Mason Harvester and Table Rake Spring Binder, Mr. Emerson makes the following claims : A reaper with a table rake to a diagonal elevation. By a swinging apron the grain is greatly compressed before reaching the elevator, which is comparatively short and from which the grain is delivered into the packer. By a new and simple device a knot is formed after the twine has been made to encircle the grain, which by a swinging binder is discharged from the rear of the drive wheel. A further claim is made that the machine is lighter by 300 pounds than the ordinary harvesters, at the same time equal in strength and more durable, in consequence of its principal part being of iron.

In 1883 William C. Watkins secured a patent on an invention for stretching wire upon the posts. The stretcher is so constructed that it will stretch from either or both ends, while being unwound from the spool.

)WNSHIP history is an essential and prominent part of the county history. The various parts of De Kalb County were settled by men most of whom have representatives now living in the county, or are still living here themselves. A careful reading of the incidents relating to the early settlement of the several townships will repay the reader, as each one contains the names of the first settlers, and many other items which are required to make the history complete. The township histories are given in their alphabetical order, and the sketches of the villages are included in their respective townships. The cities of Sycamore, De Kalb and Sandwich follow the townships.

FTON Township lies in the third tier from the south, and is bounded on the east by Pierce, on the north by De Kalb, on the south by Clinton, and on the west by Milan. The land is a beautiful rolling prairie, well adapted to all the cereals peculiar to this latitude. The head-waters of Little Rock Creek are on section 14. It is said that John A. Hayden, one of the early settlers of the township, was a great admirer of the song, " Flow gently, sweet Afton," and persisted in calling this stream " Sweet Afton," from which the township derived its name.

W. R. Campbell is given the honor of being the first settler and John. A. Hayden the next. Among other early settlers were Daniel Washburn, Timothy Pierson, John McGirr, Benjamin Muzzy, Charles Ward, Francis Bemis and Alexander Folger.

Afton was one of the last townships in the county to be settled, on account of there being no timber in proximity to it. While having no village within its boundaries it is considered one of the best townships in the county.

On the adoption of the township organization law, in 1850, and the creation of civil townships, the northern half of Afton was attached to De Kalb and the southern half to Clinton. The township was organized in 1855. The first election was held at the house of Sanford A. Tyler, on section 14. Timothy Pierson and Orson Pearl were elected Justices ; Sanford A. Tyler, Town Clerk ; Clark Glidden, Assessor and Collector. Since that time the following named have served the township as members of the Board of Supervisors :

1856 the school section was sold, the township was divided into two school districts and a good schoolhouse was built on the northwest corner of section 24, in district No. i, which comprised the east half of the township. The township was subsequently divided into nine school districts.

The following items in regard to educational matters in the township are gleaned from the report of the county superintendent of public schools for the year ending June 30, 1884: There were 387 persons under 21 years of age, of whom 307 were over six and under 21, of which number 269 were enrolled in the public schools. In each of the nine districts lying within the township was a good frame school-house, the total value of which was $5,850. During the year 16 teachers were employed, at an average salary of $35.75 per month, the highest being $45 and the lowest $25. A tax was levied for school purposes amounting to $2,529.

In reference to the part performed by this township in the War of the Rebellion, Boies remarks : " Afton manfully did its part in the war. Eightyone men went from that thinly populated township to fill the ranks of the Union Army. Its total population by the census of 1860 was but 516. Fiftynine men had volunteered when the necessity of the Government called for more men, and seven more, were procured. In the summer of 1864 an additional tax.was voted upon the township, amounting in all to $14,000, and 15 .more recruits were enlisted. Among those who gave their lives in defense of their country were Charles Elliott, Dempster Wheeler, Alexander Campbell, Emerson T. Knight, Lewis Olverson and L. De Forest."

Afton Township has 22,363 acres of improved land, assessed in 1884 at $315,412. The personal property was assessed the same time at $68,386. A total of $383,798. The State Board of Equalization reduced this to $339,603. Among the items of personal property enumerated were the following : Horses, 666; cattle, 2,738; mules and asses, 23 ; sheep, 204; hogs, 2,931; steam engines, 3; carriages and wagons, 193; watches and clocks, 101 ; sewing and knitting machines, 75 ; organs and melodeons, 23.

NGRESSIONAL Township 38 north, range 4 east, comprises the civil township % of Clinton. It is one of the most prosperous in the country. There is one small grove in

]l the southwestern portion of the township, the remainder being a beautiful rolling prairie. Hon. R. M. Pritchard thus speaks of the first settlement :

" The territory comprising the town of Clinton to the year 1835, was a part of the vast undisturbed, unbroken, and unsettled wilderness of the great Northwest. It is only the haunt of the red man, and the home of the wild beast. The little grove in this town, covering about 100 acres, was up to this year only occasionally seen by the white manas he passed it on his way to some other part of the State. The capture of the old Indian Chief Black Hawk in 1832, and the disposition of his tribe, opened up this wild region to settlement by the white man. On the 22d day of April, 1835, Oliver P. Johnson, a daring young man about 23 years of age, with his young wife Elizabeth and a babe a few weeks old, settled at this grove and gave it the name of Johnson's Grove. Mr. Johnson found at the south end of the grove three Indian houses or wigwams made of elm bark, each in size about 12x16 feet. These houses we're built by the Indians and occupied by them from time to time as they passed over the country in quest of game and during the summer months while cultivating their corn-fields which they had at this grove. Into one of these bouses Mr. Johnson moved and stayed until he could build him a log house, which he commenced at once ; he soon had a fine, strong double log house erected, into which he moved and where he lived for three years with the Indians alone for neighbors, who occasionally got up their drunken pow-wows or carousals, sometimes to the great annoyance of the young wife, who, in the absence of her husband, would become so frightened she would bar the heavy oaken door to her house, and pile all her furniture against it, and then brace herself again U the whole to keep the saucy, impudent red-skins out. In this way Mr. Johnson lived for three years, without a white man for a neighbor for many miles, and no prospect of any for many years to come. Awhile traveler would call upon him occasionally, and for a few weeks a young

Englishman by the name of C. H. Duck stayed with him, with the intention of making this grove his home. He made an excavation into the bank, at the northwest end of the grove, lined it up with split logs (the remains of which can be seen by the visitor to-day) ; this hut constituted the second habitation built by white men in this town. Dr. C. H. Duck, as he was called, soon got tired of his claim, deserted it and went to Chicago, where he now resides.

Among the earliest settlers after Mr. Johnson, were W. B. Fields, Parker Thomas, Alexander McNish, Silas Mines, John and James Walker, Preston Curtiss, William Robertson, C. B. Whitford, Shelburne J. and Tracy Scott, Felix and Baldwin Woodruff, Sylvester Hall, N. S. and Thomas J. Greenwood, Benjamin Matteson, William Sherman, Sylvester and Elbert Hall, J. L. Bailey, J. L. Mighell, Aruney Hill, John Secor.

Clinton, as a civil township, was organized in 1850. At that time it included much more territory, bat was reduced to its present dimensions in 1853. The name was applied to the township from the fact a number of the settlers were from Clinton, New York, and were attached to the name.

The first school is said to have been taught by H. C. Beard, in 1847. In 1885 the educational advantages of the township were of a superior character. According to the report of the County Superintendent of Public Schools there were nine school districts in this township, with one graded and eight ungraded schools. There were 512 persons under the age of 2 1 , of whom 35 3 are of school age. Of that number 297 were enrolled in the public schools for the year ending June 30, 1884. Eighteen teachers were employed. The highest monthly salary paid was $50, and the lowest $27.50. Each district is supplied with a good frame school-house, the total value of which is estimated at $9,050. The

The Methodists and Baptists were pioneers in matters pertaining to the religious welfare of the people. Societies were formed by the Methodists north of the present village of Waterman, and by the Baptists southeast of the same village. The people now worship in the neighboring villages.

Clinton township furnished 1 1 1 men for the war, and raised for war purposes $13,746. The names of those who lost their lives in the service were, Jonathan Morris, Egbert Matteson, M. C. Kirkpatrick, Seeley Simpson, Henry Kellogg, James Low, Asahel Childs, C. Rose, jr., Corydon Heath, Alfred Hodgkin, Charles Nears and E. A. Pritchard.

Clinton Township in 1884 had 22,231 acres of improved land, valued at $331,551. Town lots were assessed at $25,480; personal property, $91,295; total $448,326. This amount was reduced by the State Board of Equalization to $396,809. Among the items of personal property, reported by the Assessor for that year, were the following : Horses, 632 ; cattle, 2,856; mules and asses, 26; sheep, 160; hogs, 3,501; steam engines, 3; safes, 4 ; carriages and wagons, 250; watches and clocks, 71; sewing and knitting machines, 138 ; pianos, 9 ; organs and melodeons, 50. Of hogs Clinton reports a larger number than any other township in the county, and of cattle, the largest number save South Grove, which reports 2,897, and Corlland, 2,857.

HE village of Waterman was surveyed and platt;d by S. T. Armstrong, County Surveyor, in March, 1872. It comprised a portion of the north half of the northeast quarter of the southeast quarter; and the south half of the southeast quarter of the northeast quarter of section 16, the property of Humphrey Roberts. Three additions have since been made. The village at the present writing presents a neat appearance, and has about 400 inhabitants.

of the railroad, and a temporary depot building erected. The village was named in honor of D. B. Waterman, of Aurora, general solicitor of the road.

In the spring of 1872 David Chapman erected a dwelling-house, the first in the village. Soon after, Martin Fancher erected a small building just above where the depot is now located, and opened a stock of groceries. Mr. Fancher was soon followed by A. Bradbury, who also opened a grocery and provision store ; Coy & Giles, who carried a miscellaneous stock; Hill & Fancher, with groceries. Humphrey & Samson commenced retailing lumber in the winter of 1871-2. They also brought in the first coal during the same season. They put up the first scales, the same which are now in use at the stock-yards. With the foregoing in business, and the erection of a number of dwelling-houses, Waterman had a fair start in 1871. For some time it had a good, steady growth.

The first grocery store was by Martin Fancher in the spring of 1872. The present representatives in that line are A. Bradbury and F. Schrader. The latter has a restaurant in connection.

Coy & Giles were the first to keep drugs in stock, while Giles^ Bros, were the first exclusive druggists. E. Dean is now engaged in the trade, and is the sole representative in that line. "^

David Orr was the first to engage in the hardware trade exclusively, in 1872-3. In connection with his sons, he still continues in the business.

In the spring of 1873 Mrs. Austin opened the first millinery store in the village. The present dealers are Mrs. J. R. Griffith, Mrs. R. Ostrander.

Humphrey & Samson were the first to deal in lumber and coal. In January, 1885, the Minnesota Lumber Company, with G. G. Kopp, manager, conducted the business.

The stock dealers early in 1885 were H. L. Fuller & Co., Roberts Bros, and E. H. Baie. The first buyer was Robert Humphrey, of the firm of Humphrey & McCleery.

The first hotel was erected in 1872, by John Fulle, now known as the Clinton House, standing just opposite the depot. H. Leifheit is the present proprietor. The Irving House is run by Robert Irving.

Richard Anderson for some years had worked near the present village at his trade of blacksmithing. When the village was started he moved into it with his shop, and became the pioneer in that line. Charles Tompkins and Isaac Edwards are the present blacksmiths.

The village of Waterman was incorporated under the general act in March, 1877. The following-named comprise the Board of Trustees since that date :

The village is provided with a council-room and calaboose combined. It has a well 55 feet deep by 6 feet in diameter. The well is a never-failing one, and, doubtless, lies over a subterranean lake. Within two minutes after striking water it filled up. For the extinguishment of fires the village has 300 feet of hose, with a lever force-pump at which ten men can work.

T Waterman the Christian religion is represented by the Methodist Episcopals, Baptists and Presbyterians. In 1855 a Methodist Episcopal class was organized north of the present village, to which was given the name of Malugin and Twin Grove class. It comprised the following named : Hiram Greeley, Leader ; Ora Greeley, O. G. Greeley, Ezra Samson, Catharine Samson, W. W." Fuller, Evaline Fuller, Lydia Fuller, M. S. Fuller, H. L. Fuller, L. K. Fuller, and Eber Greeley. In 1859 a class was organized known as the North Clinton class, of which Eber Greeley was Class-leader. For some time meetings were held at private residences and then in the school-house. Becoming strong, numerically and financially, it was determined to erect a house of worship, in which both classes might unite. Accordingly, in 1867, a beautiful structure was erected and dedicated to the service of Almighty God. In the winter of 1873- 4, the building was removed from the farm of Robert Humphrey to the village. In 1884 the house was newly furnished and now presents a very attractive appearance. The Church is known as the North Clinton Methodist Episcopal Church. The present membership of the Church is no. The pastors since 871 are as follows: Revs. N. O. Freeman, 1871 ; J. R. Allen, 1872; Joseph Wardle, 1873; J. J. Tobias, 1874; J. Hartman, 1875; W. R. Beans, 1876-7; C.

The N. Clinton Center Baptist Church was organized in 1856. A preliminary meeting was held in Tuttle's school-house, two and a half miles southeast of the present village, Sept. 27, at which the following named expressed a willingness to enter into mutual covenant for the formation of a Baptist Church in that neighborhood : E. Mighell, John Curtice, Alexander Henderson, J. C. Miles, Mrs. Julia A. I. Henderson, Mrs. Ellen Miles, Mrs. Harriet Swift, Mrs. Benevolence Maple, Mrs. Eliza Mighell, Mrs. Delana Mighell. On the nth of October a meeting was held for the purpose of perfecting the organization by adopting articles of faith and covenant. J. C. Miles first served the Church as its minister, while E. Mighell was its deacon. On the igth of May, 1858, a meeting was held at the Swift school-house, at which the organization was recognized as a Baptist Church. Among those serving the Church as pastor or supply, were : Elders Persons, H. R. Hicks, Paul Kinney, D. T. Richards, M. J. Martin, E. W. Hicks, S. P. Davis, P. Reynolds, Nelson Crandall and A. S. Orcutt, the present pastor. The present membership is 30. The President *ofthe C. & I. Railroad, soon after the village of Waterman was projected, offered to transport material for the erection of a church edifice free of charge, if the congregation would remove here. The offer was accepted and work was commenced on the building in July, 1872, and completed in January, 1873.

;HE school district of which the village of Waterman forms a part was organized about 1856. The first school remembered by those consulted was in that year, Miss Reynolds being the teacher. The school was held in a small frame building that had been used as a dwelling. The first school-house was erected in 1858, Tilda Kirkpatrick first occupying it as teacher. This house, which was a frame structure, stood about one-fourth mile south of the present one. In 1875, a new building was erected within the corporvSft&gA® ate limits of the village, and the school became a graded one. Charles W. Rolph was the first principal in this new house, with Sarah Anderson as assistant. Ella York succeeded Rolph, Miss Anderson r remaining as assistant. The following year C. W. Curtis was made principal and Miss York was given the primary department. Hattie L. Norton was the successor of Mr. Curtis, with Finette Norton as the primary teacher. The latter is now in her fourth year as teacher in this department. Miss Frank Hutchinson succeeded Hattie L. Norton, and in turn was succeeded by Wirt F. Weston, the incumbent. The school is in a flourishing condition, with an enrollment in January, 1885, of 109.

N 1873 members of the Masonic fraternity living in the neighborhood, desiring to organize a lodge, and there being no place in which they could meet, organized the Masonic Building Association, and erected a two-story frame building, 26 x6o, with 24-foot posts. The lower room was destined for mercantile purposes, while the upper was to be used as a lodge- room. The building was completed; in 1874, and a dispensation was secured, under which they acted until October 5, 1875, when a charter was granted to Waterman Lodge, No. 628, A. F. & A. M. The followingnamed were the charter members: Nathan S. Greenwood, W. M.; Irving W. Pritchard, S. W.; Richard P. Rowley, J. W.; E. P. Rowley, I. J. Reynolds, Joseph Gilchrist, O. F. Matteson, E. Dean,. George Hall, D. Horton, Milton Kain, George Greenwood, R. Humphrey, R. Telford, C. P. Sage, J. W. Giles, Martin McCleery, Edwin Reynolds, Kirk Anderson, John Deacon, R. M. Pritchard, C. F. Greenwood, H. N. Rose and J. H. Phillips. The following named have since served as W. M.: I. W. Pritchard, E. F. Greenwood, E. P. Rowley, J. M. St. John and, Enoch Rowley. The latter is the present W. M.,with Robert Humphrey, S. W.; A. J. Kirkpatrick, J. W.; George W. Wakefield, Sec.; R. P. Rowley, Treas. The lodge has lost the following named by death : N. S. Greenwood, J. W. Porter and J. W. Giles. The present membership is 45.

CORTLAND comprises one of the six townships lying upon the eastern border of the county. It is bounded on the east by Kane County, on the north, by Sycamore, on the south by Pierce, and on the west by De Kalb Townships. It is well watered by the Kishwaukee River and its tributaries, and has a large body of timber land in the eastern part, the remainder being a rolling prairie. The Chicago & Northwestern Railroad passes through the southern part of the township, while the Sycamore branch of the same road runs due north from the village of Cortland to Sycamore, a distance of four miles.

The first settlement was made in 1835 at what was subsequently termed Ohio Grove, from the fact that the greater number of the first settlers in that neighborhood were from the State of Ohio. Among the pioneers of the township were George W. and Isaac Gandy, John and Perry Ellet, David Wood, Henry Smith, Hale Perry, Alvin Dayton, Ralph Wyman, John Champlin, Peter Young, Elias Hartman, the Crossetts, Springs, Norcutts, Kites, Lowries and Osgoods. There may be others. All these it is believed settled in 1835 and 1836. They all settled as near as possible to the borders of Ohio Grove.

About the same time James and Joseph Roberts settled at a small grove in the center of the township, to which was given the name of Lost Grove, from the fact that it was separated from the main body of timber. These brothers for many years entertained travelers.

The township settled slowly until the completion of the railroad, much of the land even at that time being owned by the Government. The early settlers could not bear the thought of locating upon the prairie.

A postoffice was established at Ohio Grove as early as 1841, Samuel Spring, at that time being Postmaster, the receipts of his office for the year amounting to $2.22 Mr. Spring was succeeded by Homer Roberts, who held the office for many years.

At Luce's Corners, one-half mile south of the present village of Cortland, a number of houses had been erected, a tavern and store opened and a postoffice was established there about 1850, with Chauncey

Luce as- Postmaster. The office was continued until the completion of the railroad, when it was moved to the station which had been established by the railroad company, and is now the Cortland postoffice.

The first name given the township was Richland. This was soori after changed to Pampas, a name suggested by J. R. Crossett, from the resemblance of its prairies to the pampas or plains of South America. In 1864 the name was changed to Cortland, the name of its village.

The first school in the township was at Ohio Grove and held in a log house erected for the purpose. The first teacher was Rev. Castle Churchill. He was succeeded by Mary Ann Hamlin.

In his report for the year ending June 30, 1884, George I. Talbott, County Superintendent of Schools, gives the following interesting items in regard to the schools of the township : There were eight school districts, each having a frame school-house, the total value of which was estimated at $9,980. Of the schools one was graded and seven ungraded. There were 589 persons under 21 years of age, 299 being males and 290 females, of whom 421 were of school age, and of which number 341 were enrolled in the public schools. During the year 18 teachers were employed, the average salary paid begins- $31 per month, the highest being $68 and the lowest $15. The tax levy was $3,240.

The record of Cortland in the war for the Union is honorable in the extreme, 134 having enlisted from the township. Of that number 16 lost their lives in the service: Ruthven Russell, Alonzo Russell, Robert Close, W. Stark, Charles Flapper, Spafford Deford, John Young, Charles F. Bannister, Charles V. Peck, Oliver Wilson, Emory Marshall, George H. Gould, T. D. Packard, W. H. Rose and Morris R. Wilson. For war purposes the township raised $12,103.

There are two mills in the township - one at Cortland and the other at Maple Park. The latter was built in 1882 by Nathaniel A. Hail. The building is 60x24, with i6-foot posts. There is one run of buhrs and a corn-sheller. It is a feed mill, run by steam, with a 3o-horse power engine. A good busiis done here.

Porter S. Coolidge has the credit of being the first to bring Norman horses into the township, and probably the first in the county. Mr. Coolidge was also

'Oatman Bros., of Dundee, 111., built a cheese factory near Maple Park, in the spring of 1884. It is a commodious frame building, with a stone basement. The factory is run on the dividend plan, though some milk is bought. Alfred Hall is cheese-maker, and William Morrison butter-maker.

In 1884, according to the local assessor, there were 22,068 acres of improved land in the township, valued at $326,061, an average of $14.77 Per acre. The town lots ware valued at $24,773; personal property, $100,515; a total of $451,349. The State Board of Equalization reduced this amount to $400,- 727. There were many articles of personal property listed, among the items the following: Horses, 800; cattle, 2,857 ; mules and asses', 9 ; sheep, 198 ; hogs, 1,646; steam engines, 4; safes, i ; carriages and wagons, 454; watches and clocks, 327 ; sewing and knitting machines, 178; pianos, 23; melodeons and organs, 60.

CURING the month of January, 1855, the village of Cortland was laid out by Ezra and Maria Croft. The plat is located on the northwest quarter of section 29, township 40, range 5. In April, 1855, Samuel L. Parker and J. T. Tubby platted the northwest quarter of the northeast quarter of section 29, in connection with that laid out by Mr. and Mrs. Croft, the whole forming the original plat of the town. Two additions have since been made.

Previous to the building of the railroad, which was completed quite a year before the platting of the village, some half-dozen or more houses had been erected at Luce's Corners. Some of these were moved to the station and a village soon sprang up, which for a time bid fair to be one of the most important in the county. From the beginning for a num- ber of years it was one of the best points on the railroad for grain. H. S. Champlin and John M. Lawrence were the^first to engage in the grain trade. They were not partners, but each commenced about the same time in 1854. Other dealers soon established business here, among'whom were Mr. Arnold, George and Jerome Champlin, and I'ierce & Jewell. At one time it is said there were 17 local buyers, representing, probably, some half-dozen firms. The trade continued to be good until the completion of the Sycamore & Cortland Railroad, when it began to decrease, much of its trade from the north going to Sycamore. Pressed hay for a time was quite largely dealt in by Pierce & Jewell.

Horace S. Champlin and James S. Waterman, under the firm name of Champlin & Waterman, were the pioneers in the trade of general merchandise. They commenced business in 1854, and while they had the monopoly had a very large and lucrative trade.

Smith & Brown were the next dealers. After running about two years they failed, as the local rhymester put it, "Smith & Brown, they broke down."

Lawrence & Washburn and Mr. Woodworth might also be classed among the pioneer merchants of the place, commencing business but a short time after those already mentioned.

As stated in the township history, the postoffice known as Lost Grove was removed to the station in 1854. The following named have since held the position of postmaster: A. D. Brown, John Cadwallader, R. O. Joslyn, Theodore Loring, Marcus Washburn, I. Carpenter, Mrs. C. Sackett and Joseph Adams. The latter now holds the commission, but the business of the office is transacted by Mrs. Adams.

The school district in which the village is located was organized at an early day. There was a schoolhouse near the present site in 1841, the first teachers being E. Eaton and Maiden Jones.

There is but one religious organization in the village - the Methodist Episcopal. It was organized before the village came into existence. A neat church edifice was subsequently erected here. The present membership is 54.' Among those who have served as pastors since 1862 have been Revs. C. M. Webster, F. D. Corvvin, E. Smith, O. E. Burch, R. H. Wilkinson, N. O. Freeman, Frick, Swift, Samuel Hewes, Isaac Whitcomb and F. B. Hardin. The latter is the present pastor. In the winter of 1884-5 a revival was held in the church in which there were 40 conversions, and the Church greatly strengthened.

Alxnit 1855 a frame building was erected for school purposes on the north side of the railroad. The village growing quite rapidly, it soon became too small to accommodate the pupils in the district, and one was erected on the south side. It being impossible to properly grade the schools using two school buildings, the district, in 1867, voted to erect another building, larger and more centrally located. Accordingly the present building was erected the same year. On its occupancy the school was divided into three grades. Dwight Crossett was the first principal. Since that time the following named have served in that office: Mr. Watson, J. M. Whitson, C. W. Curtis, J. A. Vroman, J. L. Calland and L. S. Parsons, the latter being principal in 1884-5.

The village was incorporated in 1866. The President of the Board of Trustees, by virtue of his office, is also a member of the Board of Supervisors. The following named have served :

The Cortland flouring mills are owned by Goodall & Holdridge, who purchased the same in the fall of 1884. The mill was built about 1870 by Lovell, Smith & Craft, the village giving a bonus of $2,000. Lovell subsequently became sole proprietor, and sold to the present owners as stated. The mill has four run of buhrs, and is run by a 4o-horse power engine.

The butter and cheese factory of Wood & Delaney is one of the institutions of Coriland. It is considered one of the best in this region of country.

The best days of Cortland were previous to the building of the Sycamore & Cortland Railroad, still a fair business has always been transacted here. It is surrounded by a fine country, and only its proximity to Sycamore and De Kalb is in the way of great prosperity. In the beginning of 1885 the following business was represented in the place :

^E KALB is one of the best townships in the county. It is mostly rolling prairie, while yet abundantly supplied with timber. The Chicago & Northwestern Railroad passes through the township from east fo west, affordits citizens an outlet for all their produce and stock. The township is bounded on the east by Cortland, on the north by Mayfield, on th» south by Afton, and on the west by Malta.

The first settlement made in the township was in 1835. Among the number locating that year were John B. Collins, Mr. McCrellan, N. C. Moore, Phineas Stevens, Mr. Root, S. Jenks, James Cox, James Paisley, Levi Barber and sons. There may have been some others, whose names have been forgotten. Mr. McClellan is thought by Clark Barber, now the oldest living settler in the township, to have preceded the others. He was from Indiana, and located on section 23, where he remained until in the winter of 1836-7, or early in the spring of 1837. On one occasion during the winter, while away for the purpose of securing food for his family, they ate up everything in the house and were two days without food. Calling upon Levi C. Barber, they made known their wants, but Mr. Barber's family were in almost the same condition. He gave them a few ears of corn, which he had been saving for seed, and which they hulled and ate. Clark Barber hastened off to soin-; neighbors and succeeded in getting some frozen potatoes and a few other articles of food, which lasted until the return of the husband and father. Mr. McClellan sold his claim to Mr. Powers. Whether now living is not known.

John B. Collins was from New York. He made a claim upon sections 13 and 14, where he remained about three years, when he sold out and moved to Fox River. His present whereabouts is unknown.

N. C. Moore was also from New York. With his family he settled on section 12 of this township where he remained about four years and left for parts unknown.

James Cox was from Indiana. He had a large family and located upon sections 13 and 14. He sold to Joseph Hiland a few years after and disappeared.

James Paisley came with Cox and settled upon the same sections. He died here some years ago, leaving a family, some of whom reside upon the old homestead.

Among the number who came in during the year 1836 were Frederick Love, C. Morey, Joel, Jacob and Alpheus Jenks, David Walrod, Samuel Thompson, Solomon Hollister.

Samuel Thompson bought out S. Jenks, on section t. The latter removed to Winnebago County and died near Roscoe. Mr. Thompson remained here till his death.

Frederick Love settled on section 12, and became noted in the early history of the county. He was the first School Commissioner of the county and held other local offices. He was considered a man of more than ordinary ability. Mr. Love is now dead. .

Levi C. Barber was a native of that portion of Allegany Co., N. Y., that has since been set off as Wyoming. He settled on sections 14 and 15, where he remained until his death. The Barber family were quite musical in their tastes. It is said that even in sleep they would sing some old familiar song, which would be commenced by one and joined in by the rest of the family! When awakened, not one of them would know anything about what had transpired. Clark Barber played for all the dances held for miles around.

ers who came from Ohio and settled on section n. Jacob Jenks was a local preacher in the Methodist Episcopal Church. The first revival of religion in this county was held in the barn of the brothers and conducted by Jacob in the summer of 1837. The first saw-mill in the county, as well as in the township, was put up by the Jenks brothers, run by water power. An upright saw was used. The mill was on section u. Misfortune overtaking the brothers, the mill, together with all their property, was sold at sheriff's sale some years after. Clark Barber became the purchaser. He sold it to John Cleghorn in 1851, and it was run by him until 1855. The Jenkses removed to Wisconsin.

Russell Huntley was from New York and unmarried when he came to the county. He laid claim to a large tract of land and during the first year broke 300 acres and made four miles of rail fence. He was an enterprising man, reliable in his business affairs and had many friends while he remained in the county.

Henry B. Barber and Rachel Spring were united in marriage Oct. 5, 1837, by Rufus Colton, J. P. This was the first marriage in the township. The fact of their marriage is the first on record in this county.

The first death was that of a young son of Ora A. Walker, who died in August, 1837. His remains were interred on land donated by Shubal Jenks for a burying ground. The second death was that of Mrs. Ruth Cartwright, who died three weeks after the death of the Walker child.

The first religious services seems to be in doubt. Services were held at David Walrod's house, conducted by one of his sons, early in 1836. Jacob Jenks held services, and continued a meeting some days in the summer of 1837. Dr. Arnold also held services about the same time. There were services at Coltonville in 1837-8.

Eli Barnes put out the first orchard, on his farm on section i, in 1839. This was probably the first in the county. He brought seed from Vermont. W. R. Thompson put out the second orchard.

In 1837 a mail route was established between Coltonville and Oregon, Ogle County. Clark Barber was the first mail-carrier. The oath was administered to him by Judge, afterward Gov., Ford.

The first school in the township was held at Coltonville in the summer of 1838, with% Miss Barber as teacher. The school was held in a log house erected for that purpose. The first winter term was taught by Mr. Lawrence. Many changes have since been made and the pioneer school-houses have long since been displaced by the more modern structures. De Kalb Township has no reason to-day to be ashamed of her position in reference to the public schools.

From the County Superintendent's report for the year ending June 30, 1884, the following interesting facts are gleaned: There were 1,450 persons under 21 years of age, of whom 983 were between 6 and 2 1 1 in the ten districts composing the township. Of this number 765 were enrolled in the public schools. In the township were two graded and nine ungraded schools, in which had been employed during the year 27 teachers. The highest monthly wages received by any teacher was $122.22 and the lowest $25. There was one brick and ten frame school-houses, the total value of which was estimated at $24,250. The tax levy was $9,335.

In the early history of De Kalb County, no place was more noted than that of Coltonville. Rufus Colton, in the winter of 1836-7, or in the spring of the latter year, purchased the claim of C. Morey, on section 2, erected a log house and soon after commenced the sale of merchandise, having a fond hope that around him would spring up a thriving village bearing and commemorating his name, and that would also be the shire town of the county. Having a portion of his land surveyed and a village plat made, he invited all who would to make this their home.

Lyman Levings was the first to avail himself of the privilege of settling here. He built a house in which the first term of the circuit court was subsequently held.

in 1838, and in the same year a young lawyer, named Crothers, commenced the practice of law. The latter remained but one year, when he removed to Ottawa.

A distillery was erected by Rufus Colton and Phineas Stevens, which proved a financial failure, whether from mismanagement of the proprietors, the poor quality of whisky manufactured, or the want of a general market, the old settlers refuse to testify.

Rufus Colton was a man of considerable enterprise, probably a little visionary, yet worked hard to secure for the place the location of the county seat, but without avail ; consequently, the few inhabitants living here when the county-seat contest was settled, moved away, and Coltonville was numbered among the things that " might have been."

De Kalb Township in 1884 had 21,539 acres of improved land, valued by the assessor at $343,265. Its town lots were valued at $322,775 ; personal property, $248,678. A total valuation of $914,718. The State Board of Equalization cut this down to $802,104, on which valuation the assessment was made. Among the items of personal property listed are found the following: Horses, 1,084; cattle, 2,597 ; mules and asses, 7 ; sheep, 24; hogs, 2,802 ; steam engines, n; safes, 21; billiard tables, 6; carriages and wagons, 343 ; watches and clocks, 448; sewing and knitting machines, 262; pianos, 46 ; organs and melodeons, 95. This township has a greater number of horses than any other in the county. SUPERVISORS.

RANKLIN Township lies in the extreme northwestern portion of the county, and is bounded on the east by Kingston Townhip, on the south by South Grove, on the west by Ogle County, and on the north by Boone County. The township contains more running streams, and has a larger body of timber, than any township in the county. The Kishwaukee River is

The first settlement of this township seems to be a matter of doubt, but was probably about the same time with the settlement of groves in other sections of the northern part of the county.

Among the persons living here in 1838 were D. M. Gilchrist, T. H. Humphreys, Theophilus Watkins, Samuel, Charles and Henry Hicks, Andrew Brown, Henry Holmes, Allen Gardner, John Barrett, Wm. T. Kirk, Mr. Owen, B. N. Dean, John Mc- Dowell, Alvah and James Bennett, Job Trindle, Zal Young, Daniel Cronkhite, Martin M. Mack, Samuel Cronkhite, Robert Hoover, Spencer M. Myers, Irill Dibble, Mr. Parsons, William Miles, Andrew Miles and John M. Riddle.

In 1837 Henry Hicks erected a saw-mill, deriving his power from the Kishwaukee River. He ran it until 1842, when it passed into the hands of Dr. Hobart, who also continued to run it for some years. Hicks' mill was known far and near and was quite a place of resort. A postoffice was established here at a very early day, called Hicks' Mill P. O. Henry Hicks was the first postmaster, and held the office until about 1842, when D. M. Gilchrist received the appointment. In 1841 the receipts of the office were reported at $7.72. In 1843, under Mr. Gilchrist's administration, it was increased to $9.93. Martin M. Mack was Gilchrist's successor and was succeeded in 1847 by Morgan Losee, who in turn gave way to S. P. Harrington, Mr. Gilchrist and J. W. Elithorpe. The office was discontinued on the advent of the railroad.

Lacey postoffice and Blood's Point postoffice were each established during the first decade of the county's existence. Lacey postoffice was on the line between Kingston and Franklin, and around it sprung up a little village, which is now a thing of the past. Blood's Point was on section 2, Franklin Township.

Jones Abernethy and Betsey Rand, Miles Abernethy and Lucy Hatch, Daniel Rand and Miss Abernethy, were among the first married in the township.

The first school was taught by Betsey Rand, in a log school-house on section 20, about 1842. The old log school-houses have long since been displaced by mere pretentious buildings. From the report of the County Superintendent of public schools for the year ending June 30, 1884, the following items are gleaned in relation to the schools of the township at that time : There were 522 persons under 21 years of age, of whom 335 were of school age, 324 of that number being enrolled in the public schools. There were ii school districts, with one graded and 10 ungraded schools. Each district had a good frame schoolhouse, the total value being estimated at $10,000. A tax was levied of $4,357 for school purposes. During the year 27 teachers had been employed. The highest wages received by any teacher per month was $60, and the lowest $25, the average being $30.58.

The war record of Franklin Township is commendable. Among the number who distinguished themselves was Thomas W. Humphrey, Lieutenant- Colonel of the 95111 Illinois Infantry. At the storming of Vicksliurg, he was wounded the first day, but continued at the head of his regiment. On the 22d of May, 1863, he was stunned by an explosion of a shell and reported killed, but crawled back to camp in the night. At the battle of Guntown he lost his life. A younger brother, James Humphrey, enlisted as a private in the 8th Cavalry and wrought his way up to a Captaincy. There were 99 men enlisted from the township.

One Sunday in May, 1853, a terrible tornado passed through the northern portion of the township. It prostrated buildings, fences, trees, and everything that stood in its way. John Young's house was the first one struck. It was lifted up, shattered, and portions of it carried off so far they were never found. Mrs. Young was instantly killed. The residence of Ira Dean was next struck, and a lady relative visiting there had her back broken and died soon after. Two boys in the house were blown out of a window, but were not seriously hurt. Several other houses were unroofed and barns destroyed.

The township of Franklin has 22,816 acres of improved land, on which valuation as placed by the local assessor of $323,606. The town lots are assessed at $42,517 ; personal property, $98,359; total, $464,482. The State Board of Equalization reduced the amount to $410,668. Among the items of personal property are the following as reported by the assessor in 1884: horses, 853; cattle, 2,215 ; mules ind asses, 19; sheep, 976; hogs, 1,742; steam engfrj&fr - ^^ @:

IRKLAND village was platted in May, 1876, by Nicholas Saum, though improvements had been made and quite a start given it the previous year. In July, 1875, Mr. Putney built a store-room in which he opened out a stock of groceries. H. H. Stow soon after opened a stock of general merchandise. A portion of his room was rented by Dr. Spiers and E. H. Gardner, who opened up a stock of drugs.

The first grain-buyer was G. W. Wood, who purchased grain which was stored in a ware-house erected by William T. Kirk in 1876. After using the warehouse some 1 8 months Mr. Wood put in an elevator.

The first hotel was run by George Delevan, in 1875. The village has a good hotel known as the Rowen House, erected in 1879. George W. Wood leased and ran the house for three years. Until dining cars were placed upon the railroad, trains stopped at this house for meals.

As the village increased in population new business enterprises were engaged in and changes were made in the firms originating various lines of trade. In the spring of 1885 the business of the place was represented by the following named :

The Kirkland Creamery is one of the institutions of the place. It was erected in 1878 by W. H. Hintz, of Elgin. It is a frame, with stone basement. About 12,000 pounds of milk is used per day. An average of $2,500 per month is paid out. C. E. Feakins has been in charge of the factory for five years.

Kirkl-and comprises a part of School District No. 4. A small brick school-house which stood just south of the village was used for school purposes until 1879, when the present two-story frame structure was erected. The building is 40x60 in. size, with four school rooms. It was opened in the fall of 1879, with Mrs. E. A. Hatch, Principal. S. G. Mason is the present principal, with Richard Haywood and Jennie Dick, assistants.

There are at present no church edifices in the village, though the Methodist Episcopals have an organization and hold regular services in the schoolhouse. Rev. Mr. Edmundson is the Pastor.

The village of Kirkland was incorporated under the general act in 1882. An election was ordered held Aug. 10, 1882, at which the question was to be voted on as to whether it should incorporate. There were 42 votes casl for and one against incorporation. The first election for village officers was held Sept. i, 1882, at which the following named were elected : H. P. Grout, Pres. ; Chas. Miner, Elias H. Gardner, Dr. R. B. Pierce, R. W. Fox, G. W. Wood, Trustees ; W. M. Burroughs, Clerk; W. B. McDowell, Treas.

Since its incorporation, two miles of sidewalk have been built and an expenditure of $3,000 made on the streets, about two miles being graveled. No direct tax has ever been made, the income derived from saloons being sufficient to meet the running expenses of the village government. A council room and calaboose is also numbered among the improvements made.

The village has now about 400 inhabitants. About 75 buildirrgs have been erected since incorporation. The credit for progress made is due in a great measure to W. B. McDowell.

NOTHER pleasant little village of this township is Fielding. It was laid out in July, 1875, by Henry and Julia A. Kock, on the southwest quarter of section 19, township 42, range 3. One addition has since been made.

Henry O'Roke built the first dwelling. Patten Bros, commenced business in the fall of 1875 in the hardware line. The first shoemaker was Andrew Cristman: Henry Peake in 1876 started the first harness shop.

In 1878 a frame school-house was erected, 30 x 40 feet, at a cost of $r,2oo. Mr. Royal was the first teacher. The teacher in the spring of 1885 was James Davis, at which time there was an enrollment of 45.

A postoffice was established at this point in 1875. B. B. Blace was the first postmaster. He was succeeded by John Ball. The incumbent is E. N. Post.

The most important industry of the place in the spring of 1885 was its creamery, which was started in 1882. Lovejoy Johnson, Jeremiah Davis and Joseph Goodrich were the proprietors, under the firm name of Davis & Co. About 500 pounds of butter is manufactured per day. In the summer four teams are engaged in gathering cream.

ENOA Township lies in the extreme northeastern part of the county, with Kane County formng its eastern boundary, Mc- Henry County its northern, and the townships of Sycamore and Kingston upon its south and west respectively. The township is a beautiful rolling prairie, diversified by several natural groves, and watered by the Kishwaukee River and Raccoon Creek. It is one of the best improved townships in the county.

The finest settlement in Genoa was made by Thomas Madison, a native of Ohio. He was quite an intelligent man, but a regular frontiersman, preferring the life of the pioneer, with all its privations, to the comforts secured in a well settled country. In 1837 he sold his claim, which consisted of about two sections of land, to Horatio N. Perkins, Samuel Corey, Thomas Monahan and Henry Durham. Upon part of this claim is now located the pleasant village of Genoa.

Henry Durham moved into a portion of the cabin erected by Madison when the purchase was made, and soon opened a stock of general merchandise. He was a man of energy, possessed of a determination to succeed, and success crowned his efforts. He died here many years ago.

Daniel T. Whittemore was here in 1836. He was from Rhode Island, and remained here but a few years, disposing of his claim to E. P. Gleason and removing to California.

Genoa settled quite rapidly for two or three years. Among those who came in 1837 and 1838, or soon after, were Henry Preston, E. P. Gleason, Samuel Stephens, J. L. Brown, Putney Brown, E. S. Gregory, Jesse Preston, Ephraim Hall, A. N. Hollembeak, Dr. H. F. Page.

When Madison settled here he erected a blockhouse, 62 x 1 6 feet, one story in height. This house came into possession of Mr. Perkins, who raised it another story, and for several years used it as a hotel.

The purchasers of the Madison claim each set off six acres of land on which to locate 'a village, but> no regular plat was made. As stated, during the same year the purchase was made, Henry Durham opened the first store. He continued in the business about eighteen years. James S. Waterman was the second to embark in trade at this point. Daniel Ball opened the third store, Mr. Amsden the fourth and Robert Waterman the fifth. These were not all in business at once, but covered a period of several years. A very large business was transacted by some of these dealers, Robert Waterman reporting his sales one year at $90,000.

The first religious services were held at the house of H. N. Perkins, in the winter of 1837-8. Rev. Ora Walker preached the sermon. Rev. Mr. Geddes was the second preacher in the township.

The first school was in 1838. A school-house was erected about three-fourths of a mile south of the present village of Genoa. Mary Ann Hill was the teacher. Improvements in educational facilities have been constantly going on.

From the report of the County Superintendent of Schools for the year ending June 30, 1884, the following items are gleaned in relation to educational matters in this township: There were 510 persons under twenty-one years of age, of whom 358 were of school age. Of this number 300 were enrolled in the public schools. One district had no school during the year, while seven had more than 1 10 days each. One school was graded. Twenty teachers were employed during the year, receiving an average salary of $28.41 per month, the highest being $90 and the lowest $22. The school property was valued at $7,000. A tax was levied for school purposes amounting to $3, 87 9.

1838, when Mr. Perkins provided entertainment for hundreds who assembled. Geo. H. Hill delivered the oration. There were people present from Aurora, St. Charles, Rockford and other places.

A postoffice was established here in the fall of 1837, with Horatio N. Perkins as postmaster. Mr. Madison had been endeavoring to get an office before Mr. Perkins' arrival, and had secured the promise of one. On selling, he recommended Mr. Perkins for the position. With the exception of a few months, Mr. Perkins held the office 47 years, resigning November n, 1884, when his grandson, H. A. Perkins, received the appointment.

Balls were quite common in the early days, and Perkins' Hotel, at Genoa, was a popular place for them to be held. The young men and young ladies would come for miles around, and dance till the " wee sma" hours o' morn." Mr. Perkins has taken in as" much as $225 in one night.

Some of the early settlers of Genoa were no credit to the community in which they lived, and brought upon it an unsavory name. Whittemore had the reputation of being a leading member of the gang of horse-thieves, counterfeiters and burglars who infested the country. In 1838 Mr. Perkins had his house broken open, and was robbed of $300. While he felt morally certain as to who were the guilty parties, he could not prove it, and never recovered his money or had the satisfaction of seeing the robbers punished.

Gleason was thought to be one of the gang of counterfeiters. He was known to have counterfeit money in his possession, but never used it in the community in which he lived. He was arrested once, his case called in court, but no witnesses could be had to testify against him, and he was set at liberty. He was again arrested, but made his escape from the officers. Returning, after the evidence of his guilt was thought unattainable, he started in business again. He married here. A few years after, he became ill, and a traveling doctor, who was said to be attached to his wife, attended him, but he soon died. Soon after, the doctor and Mrs. Gleason were arrested for causing his death, but no evidence was directly obtainable, and they were discharged. Not long after, they were married and moved to La Salle County, where the doctor died under circumstances that led people to believe that he, too, was poisoned. His wife soon after died very suddenly.

Genoa Township, according to the report of the local assessor, in 1884, had 22.862 acres of improved land, valued at $336,998. The town lots were valued at $48,5 1 6 ; personal property, $r 15,45 i . A total of $500,965. The State Board of Equalization reduced this amount to $444,080. Among the items of personal property assessed were the following: Horses, 899; cattle, 3,121; sheep, 75; hogs, 2,107; steam engines, 3; safes, 2; carriages and wagons, 324; watches and clocks, 311 ; sewing and knitting machines, 176; pianos, 6; melodeons and organs, 59. With the exception of Paw Paw, Genoa had a larger number of cattle than any township in the county.

L. P. Kellogg contributes the following as his experience of pioneer life : He came to Illinois in the fall of 1844 and spent the first winter in the town of Harmony, McHenry County, moving on his farm in Genoa Township in the spring of 1845, where he broke enough land for temporary use, spending the remainder of his time in teaming. He used to make the trip to Chicago with' anything he could procure, returning with merchandise and immigrants. His hotel was where night overtook him on the way. He generally did his teaming with horses, but at times drove from three to five yoke of oxen. He was married Jan. 20, 1847. The week after his marriage he went to move a family from near Belvidere to Ottawa and came near losing his life. He started with four horses but only got home with two. After reaching Ottawa, he concluded to take back with him a load of coal. There was no well-defined wagon road, but only an Indian trail to follow. In crossing a slough on his return, the wagon broke through the ice and settled in the water and earth up to the hub. He could not get out without unloading, and had to carry the entire load by hand a distance of ten rods. His fingers were all bleeding and he suffered intensely from the cold, but there was no help for it : the work had to be done, and there was no house within twenty miles. He left the coal and drove hard to make some house to shelter himself and team, but too late. One of those winter blizzards came on, with hail and rain. His team could not follow the trail and it was soon so dark that it was impossible to see anything. There was no cover on his wagon to shelter himself, nothing for his team to eat, the winds howling like demons and he lost in the wilderness. He concluded his best course was to unhitch his team, tie each horse to a wagon-wheel and wait till the coming of the morn. His team was tired out, the trail was lost, and it would have been folly to attempt traveling any more that night. Covering the horses as best he could, he then took the end gate out of his wagon, and holding it before him to break the force of the wind he walked around the wagon the entire night. The night was a long and hard one, but hope was kept alive within him by thinking of his newlywedded wife at home. Two of his horses -died before morning, chilled to death.

On this trip he passed near the old log house on Indian Creek where 2 1 white women and children were massacred by the Indians. This trip was only one out of many hard ones that he experienced while following teaming. He lost five horses in the first four years. Once, when the thermometer registered 40 degrees below zero, he lay out, wandering on the open prairie the entire night, having lost his way in one of those blizzards. He did not dare to stop walking, nor give way to the desire for sleep, for he well knew that death would follow.

Thinking a good dog would be some comfort to his wife when he was away, he bought a young pup, took him home ; but one night the wolves came up to his house, carried him off and killed him.

Mr. Kellogg took up his claim on section 3, Genoa Township, in 1845, where he still lives. He says that although he has had a hard time in life, he has the satisfaction of knowing that he was never sued nor ever sued a man in his life. He has tried to live in peace with his neighbors, enjoying their respect and esteem. In 1855 he experienced religion, since which time he has tried to live a consistent Christian life, although connected with no religious society

: OTWITHSTANDING a small village had sprung up at this point many years before, fll^S^' "* '*- was no^ unt'l '853 triat a plat was made ^g)?' and filed. In March, 1853, E. P. Gleason, who had purchased the interest of Whittemore & Corey in the claim made by Madison, platted the east half of the southwest quarter of section 19. For a time the village flourished, but the building of railroads in proximity to it cut off its trade, and, for a time, it seemed that one more village was to be a thing of the past. The building of the railroad through the county, in 1875, revived the place. At that time there were here one hotel ; a general store, by Henry N. Perkins ; a grocery store, by R. S. V. Burrington ; a postoffice ; two blacksmith shops, owned by J. A. Risden and William H. Laird; shoe shop, by L. Williams. There were about 20 dwelling-houses within the present village limits.

The railroad reached this place Jan. 2, 1875, and in honor of the event the ladies of the village provided the railroad employees with a grand free dinner. During the year 1875 but little improvement was made, though a building was erected by J. E. Stott, who, in connection with a brother, opened a general merchandise store, and one by Walter Dickerman, for a grocery store. The three following years many improvements were made, more than at any other like period of time.

The village was incorporated under the general law in 1876, and the first meeting of the Board of Trustees was held April 24. The following named comprises the Trustees and Clerks since that date:

1883 - A. C. Senska, President ; John Patterson, Gurdin' Rowen, D, S. Brown, James E. Stott, William E. Hill, Trustees ; H. A. Perkins, Clerk.

Genoa is in School District No. i, which was organized at an early day. The present large and convenient school-house was erected in r877, at which time the school was thoroughly graded and placed in charge of Professor D. M. Gibbs. The building was erected at a cost of $4,000, and has four rooms, in addition to cloak rooms and halls. Since 1877 Professor Gibbs has been in charge of the schools, with Mrs. J. A. Gibbs, his wife, as first assistant. Under his administration the school has taken rank with the best in the county. One class of seven were graduated in 1881. The graduates were M. E. Sanvall, Herman Patterson, Charles Brown, W. L. Pond, M. Harned, Allie Cole, Mary Gwinup. Of these graduates, M. E. Sanvall is now book-keeper in a large establishment in Chicago; Herman Patterson is an engineer in Humboldt, Iowa, and married to Mary Gwinup ; Charles Brown is a banker in Genoa ; William L. Pond is a lawyer in De Kalb; M. Harned is a dentist in Oregon, 111.; Allie Cole is a teacher at Kingston. A second class graduated in 1883. The graduates were Mary Patterson and Belle Holroyd, both of whom have been teaching since graduation. The teachers in the school here since 1877, in addition to Mr. and Mrs. Gibbs, are Lottie Brown, Allie Cole, Addie White, Myra Smith, Lydia Richardson and Mary Silvious. In the past year there were enrolled 142 pupils, 42 of whom were from outside the district.

Resaca Post, No. 478, G. A. R., was organized Aug. 22, 1884, with the following named charter members : Almon M. Hill, Com. ; Alex. B. Ross, S. V. C. ; George W. Johnson, J. V. C. ; A. S. Hollembeak, Adj. ; James M. Allen, Chap. ; W. E. Hill, Serg. ; George H. Ide, O. D. ; Henry W. Slater, Q. ; George G. DeWolf, O. G. ; John F. Graver, S. M. ; Frank McQuarie, G. ; Geo. W. Baldwin, Q. S. ; Ezra G. Pike, Francis D. Bridge, Wm. R. White. The first officers continue. The present membership is 24.

A. B. Green, J. W. ; M. Carr, Wm. Peters, P. Carr, A. E. Carr, J. Chase. The P. W. M.'s are Thurston Carr, Thomas E. Lawrence, L. P. Wood, A. C. Senska, Geo. E. Wood, A. N. Hollembeak, E. S. Wilcox, Dr. John McLean. The lodge is in a flourishing condition.

ITH the exception of Franklin Township, Kingston has the largest body of timber land in the county. The southern portion is prairie, and also the northeastern. The township is well watered by the Kishwaukee River and its tributaries. Kingston comprises township 42, range 4 east, and lies upon the north border of the county, adjoining Boone County, with Genoa Township upon the east, Mayfield upon the south, and Franklin upon the west.

The first settlement in Kingston was made in 1835. Thomas Robb is thought to have been the first to make a claim. Among those who came in that year were John Judd, Isaiah Fairclo, Lyman Judd, Joseph Collier, Nathan Billings, John Friel, Louis Driggs, George H. Hill, James Green, Benjamin Schoonover, Harmon and Wm. Miller, George Hill and Levi Lee.

Thomas Robb was from Indiana. He located on section 22. Mr. Robb was about 65 years old when he came to this county. He died on the homestead that he claimed in 1835.

John Judd, Isaiah Fairclo, Lyman Judd, Nathan Billings, John Friel and Louis Driggs were also from Indiana. John Judd lived in the township about 12 years and died here; Isaiah Fairclo died here also ; Lyman Judd moved away and has since died; Joseph Collier was one of the first Justices of the Peace ; was elected while the county was attached to La Salle ; he died here. Nathan Billings and John Friel returned to Indiana. Louis Driggs, after a few years' residence, moved to Iowa.

Harmon and Wm. Miller were from New York. Harmon subsequently moved to Prairie du Chien, where he since died. William, in 1873, moved into De Kalb, where he now resides.

x^x good natural and acquired ability, a Methodist - Episcopal minister, for some years a Justice of the -, Peace, and one of the first County Commissioners. Before the war he removed to Elkhorn, Wis. He is now dead.

Zalmon Young and Sarah Brown were united in marriage Oct. 5, 1837, by Geo. H. Hill, J. P. The license granted to these persons was the second ,«* obtained in De Kalb County.

'-^f A child was born to Mr. and Mrs. Louis Driggs early in 1836. This child was probably the first born in the township. Wm. W. Hill, son of George H. Hill, was born Oct. 23, 1836, and was probably the second born.

The Kingston postoffice was established about 1838, with Levi Lee as postmaster. In 1841 the receipts of the office were $4.31. Jonas Haight succeeded Lee and was in turn succeeded by George H. Hill, who had charge of the office for many years. The following named have since served as postmasters : Charles O'Connor, Dr. James Mc- ) Allister, L. J. Bliss and James Stuart. The office was removed to the village of Kingston on' the advent of the railroad.

I The first religious services were held in private houses in 1836. Revs. Woolsey, Arnold and Lee were the first to preach the word in this region of the country. A house of worship was some years after erected on the south line of the township, but has since been removed.

The first school now remembered by some of the old settlers was in in a log house on section 22, and was held in 1840. Harriet Russell was the first teacher. It was a subscription school. Public schools were introduced some years afterwards. From the report of George I. Talbott, County Superintendent of Public Schools, for the year ending June 30, 1884, the following items are gleaned: There were 526 persons under 21 years of age, of whom 342 were of school age. Each of the 10 districts had a frame school-house, the total value being $9,800. School was held in each of the districts, and there was a total enrollment of 311. During the year 18 teachers were employed, receiving as wages an average salary of $29.48 per month, the highest receiving $75 and the lowest $25. The tax levied for school purposes amounted to $4,575.

In 1853, and also in 1860, a fearful tornado swept through the township, destroying everything in its path. In 1860 Isaac McCoy had his house destroyed, not a single piece of timber being left to mark its location.

In the spring of 1876, Mr. Uplinger erected another building, which he rented to Dunbar Bros., who opened a stock of general merchandise. They are still in the trade.

Among others who began business during the first two or three years of the village's existence were : William Straub, who commenced the hardware business, now continued by Heckman & Cole; Orson Rogers, who opened a stock of general merchandise ; S. P. Hancock and Mr. Gritzbaugh, in shoe-making; I. C. Sherman, blacksmith ; Louis Lyon, harnessmaker.

Kingston Township, in 1884, had 22,053 acfes of land, which was assessed at $331,503. The lots were listed at $23,941; personal property, $83,995 ; total, $448,419. The State Board of Equalization reduced this to $395,967. In the list of personal property assessed may be found the following items : Horses, 875; cattle, 2,394; mules and asses, 20; sheep,

This village is located on the line of the C., M. & St. P. Railroad, in this township. It is a pleasant little village; was platted in May, 1876, by Lyman and James Stuart. In November, 1875, the first house was erected by James Stuart, who opened up a stock of groceries.

The village comprises a part of School District, No. 6. A school-house which stood about a half mile east of the village, was used until 1881, when the present two-story frame building was erected, at a cost of $3,304. J. G. Lucas was the first principal in the new house and yet occupies the position. Mrs. H. Hatch was his assistant in 1881 ; Maggie Lucas in the spring and Grace Harris in the fall of 1882; Allie Cole in 1883 and 1884-5.

There is one church edifice in the village, the property of the Methodist Episcopals. The building was erected in 1860, on the south line of the township and moved here in 1876. Rev. J. B. G. Shadford is the present pastor.

Kishwaukee Lodge, No. 402, A. F. & A. M., was organized Oct. 5, 1864, about three-fourths of a mile west of the present village. In 1877 the place of meeting was removed here. The officers for 1885 were : J. H. Fellows, W. M.; A. N. Wyllys, S. W.; A. H. Clark, J. W.; Sylvester Mead, Treas.; J. H. G. Lucas, Sec. The present membership is 35.

Gilbert Barnes Post, No. 395, G. A. R., was organized Jan. 19, 1884, with 12 charter members. For the first year meetings were held every two weeks, but now are held once a month. The present officers are : J. W. Foster, Com.; S. S. Russell, S. V. C.; J. Mackey, J. V. C.; S. D. Whitney, Q.; B. P. Penney, Chap.; H. M. Bacon, Surg.; O. H. Taplin, O. G.; A. J. Miller, S. ; A. H. Clark, Adj. The post is in good working condition, with a membership of 20.

The first grain-buyer was Lyman Stuart, in 1876. He erected a warehouse that year. J. H. Uplinger erected a warehouse in 1877 and also engaged in the trade.

Among the present industries, the creamery of Julius Chapman should be mentioned. It stands one-half mile east of the village, and does a good business. He has also a steam grist-mill, with four run of buhrs. James Stuart has a good steam saw-mill, erected in 1876. A planing-mill and a feed mill have since been added.

ALTA Township is bounded on the north by South Grove, on the east by De Kalb, on the south by Milan and on the west by Ogle County. The Chicago & Northwestern Railroad enters the township on section 24, and running almost due west enters Ogle County from section 19. There is no natural timber in the township, and it was not therefore settled until a late day, the first settlement being made in i8sr by Ezekiel Whitehead. But little of the land had been taken up at the time, but was soon afterwards entered by various persons more for speculative purposes than with a design of making for

Previous to 1856 the township had been a part of De Kalb. At this time there was a sufficient population to entitle it to a separate government, and the Board of Supervisors accordingly organized it under the name of Milton. When organized it embraced the north half of the present township of Milan. Subsequently its name was changed to Etna, and soon after to Malta, the name of the village that had sprung up on the line of the railroad.

Since its first settlement the town has increased materially in wealth and general prosperity, and is now considered one of the best in the county.

The schools in the township are in good condition. From, the County Superintendent's report for the year ending June 30, 1884, the following facts are gleaned: There were in the township eight school districts, each having a good frame school-house, the total value of which was estimated at $10,700. One of the districts had a graded school, the remainder being ungraded. There were 496 persons under 21, of whom 364 were over six. Of this number 303 were enrolled in the public schools. During the year 15 teachers had been employed, receiving an average of $34.43 per month, - the highest being $66.67 and the lowest $25. The tax. levy for school purposes was $33.88.

Malta Township reported a total of 21,967 acres of improved land in 1884, on which the local assessor placed a valuation of $309,410. On lots there was an assessment of $39,143 ; on personal property, $77,318. Among the items of personal property listed were the following: Horses, 763; cattle, 2,119; mules and asses, 12 ; sheep, 448; hogs, 2,390; carriages and wagons, 276; watches and clocks, 261 ; sewing and knitting machines, 114; pianos, n; melodeons and organs, 38.

HE village of Malta was surveyed and platted by Horace W. Fay, County Surveyor, in August, 1856. The land was then owned by Charles C. Sheppard and T. C. Wetmore. It was located on the northwest quarter of section 23, township 40 north, range 3 east. There have since been two additions made and recorded.

The first house was erected in the fall of 1856 by J. M. Orput. It was a story and a half frame and used by him as a dwelling house and for mercantile purposes. In this house Mr. Orput opened a stock of staple and fancy groceries, and therefore has the honor of being the first merchant in the place. He also dealt in lumber, coal and grain, buying the first grain shipped from this station. In the spring of 1857 Mr. Orput formed a partnership with John Atwood, and under the firm name of Orput & Atwood the business was continued, dry-goods being added to the grocery stock. In the fall of 1857 Dwight Booth purchased the stock.

Shortly after Mr. Orput began business, Shedd & Fuller erected a warehouse and began purchasing grain. A portion of this warehouse was subsequently converted into a hotel and was the first in the village. Frank Graves was the first landlord.

The present Orient House was erected in the fall of 1858 by Daniel Sprague, but opened by D. E. Fennell. It was the first house erected exclusively for hotel purposes, and has been used constantly as such to the present time.

The postorfice was established here in the winter of 1856-7. W. F. Shedd was the first postmaster. He was succeeded by Mr. Wicks, ar.d he, in turn, by Henry Madden, Alfred Ball, F. H. Brundage, and A. S. Kinsloe, the incumbent. A money order department was connected with the office in July, 1872. David Campbell drew the first order, in favor of

In 1857 a school-house was erected in the village. It jwas a frame structure, about 24 x 40, and was used until 1873, when the present two-story frame building was erected , at a cost of $6,000. This building has four rooms, and four teachers are regularly employed. In the spring of 1885 the corps of teachers was as follows : D. G. Hays, principal ; Bertha Beitel, Edna Mettlar, Josie Morse.

The religious well being of the people is cared for by the Baptists, Congregationalists and Methodist Episcopals, each of which have church edifices.

J. V. Willett, R. Pendergrass, A. McCrea, J. V. Cornish, Henry Shaver, William H. Haish, P. Barnes, R. Fox, A. S. Kinsloe, William M. Kempson, F. Rist, M. L. Dedrick and William Spickerman.

One of the first industries of the place was the grist-mill erected by Clement & Dodge in 1857. It was a two-story frame structure, about 40 x 60 feet, with two run of buhrs. The owners ran it until about 1859, when they leased it to Booth & Sprague, who ran it for a time, at a loss, and then sub-let it to Caleb Peters. In 1861, while being run by the latter, it was totally destroyed by fire. Clement & Dodge sued Mr. Sprague for the value of the mill, and for several years the case was before the courts of the State. Judgment was finally rendered against Sprague in the Circuit Court; the case was appealed and the verdict sustained by the Supreme Court. It is said to have cost Mr. Sprague about $18,000.

In 1867 a second mill was erected by Caleb Peters, assisted to some extent by the citizens of Malta. It was also a two-story frame, a little smaller than the first, but with two run of buhrs. It is yet running, and is the property of C. W. Haish.

Malta was incorporated by special charter in 1869, its first election being held April 5, resulting in the election of G. W. Smiley, President of the Board of Trustees; C. Anderson, J. V. Willett, James Welch, S. T. Wright, Trustees ; C. W. Haish, Treasurer ; S. E. Powers, Clerk; J. C. Westgate, Police Justice; W. H. Scofield, Constable. The trustees and clerks since that date have been as follows :

On the I7th of March, 1884, the question was submitted to a vote as to whether the town should incorporate as a village under the general act. There were 31 votes cast for incorporation, and 53 against.

The issue in all charter elections has usually been that of license or no license. About one year in five the anti-license people have a majority.

AYFIELD Township was one of the first settled in the county. The valuable timber lands that lie along the Kishwaukee River, which courses through the eastern part, attracted the attention of the pioneers of De Kalb County, and it was but a short time before every rod was claimed. Mayfield is bounded/on the east by Sycamore Township, on the north by Kingston, on the south by De Kalb and on the west by South Grove. As stated, along the Kishwaukee River are valuable timber lands, but west of this is a beautiful prairie, which is now dotted over with fine farm houses, and which has been placed under an excellent state of cultivation.

In the early day deer, wolves and game of all kinds abounded. Prairie chickens were in great numbers. Mrs. E. D. Walrod states that she has slipped up and caught them unawares, they being quite tame.

Who has the honor to be the first to locate in the township is unknown, but it is supposed that John Tower preceded all others. Among those who came in during the first two or three years - from 1835 to 1838 - were John Thorn, Morris and Erasmus D. Walrod, James and Samuel Gilbert, Ira Douglas, John Nichols, Lyman Judd, John Tifft, Robert Graham, James McCollum and Henry Madden. The latter was the first Representative in the Legislature, being elected while the county was part of La Salle, even before Kane was organized. Dr. Madden, as he was always called, was a well known man in the early history of the county, and is deserving of more than a passing notice. He was a man of more than ordinary ability, and was held in high esteem by the pioneers. In the county-seat contests he favored Brush Point, near where he was located, and in securing the appointment of commissioners to locate the county seat, he selected, it is said, those whom he thought he could influence favorable to Brush Point. Dr. Madden died at Malta, in this county.

Erasmus D. Walrod is an old and highly respected citizen of Sycamore, at present owning a farm adjoining the city on the west. He served as Deputy Sheriff for eight years.

James McCollum was an eastern man, but came here fromAidiana in 1835, locating on section 15. About 1843^16 sold out and removed to Round Prairie, Boone County, where he has since died.

Robert Graham was a native of Kentucky. He made claim to a tract of land in the northeast part of the township and died there about 1850. A son yet resides on the old homestead.

Lyman Judd settled on section i. He was a native of York State, but came from Indiana in June, 1835. About 1858 he moved to Minnesota and settled in Rice County, where he has since died.

Ira Douglas was also a native of New York. He came to the county in 1835 and stopped about one year at Paw Paw Grove, and then came to Mayfield where he now lives.

Much trouble was had with claim jumpers by the early settlers, and it was some years after the land came into market before all claims were settled.

The first religious services in the township were conducted by the Methodists, and for some time services were held at the house of Ira Douglas. Being convenient to Sycamore and De Kalb, the citizens of the township generally worship in those places.

The first school is said by some to have been held in 1839, the teacher being Fanny Clark. Others claim Lucy Stewart was the first teacher, the school being held in a log cabin belonging to David Hodge on section n. This was also in 1839.

The County Superintendent of Public Schools in his report for the year ending June 30, 1884, gives the following items in relation to educational matters in the township : Number of persons under 21 years of age, 365 ; number of school age, 270; enrollment, >38. There were nine districts, each having a frame school-house.

rebellion, of whom the following named gave their lives to the country : Marvin Smith died at Smithland, Mo., Dec. 31, 1861; W. H. Decker, at Farmington, May 16, 1862; G. G. Farwell, at Shiloh, April 6, 1862: Turner Wing, at Mayfield, May, 1862; Joseph Piper, at Quincy, 111., April 23, 1862! Elias Goble, at Gallatin, Tenn., Dec. 21, 1862; William Kerr, on steamer City of Memphis, Jan. 5, t863; J. Patterson, at Camp Sherman, Miss., Aug. 25, 1863; Samuel Piper, at Young's Point, La., April i, 1863; J. P. Young, at Camp Nelson, March' 5,1864; Alonzo Houghton, in rebel prison, Cahaba Ala., September, 1864; William Stevenson, at Kenesaw Mountain, Ga., June 27,1864; Edward iiowe, at Chattanooga, Tenn., Aug. 15, 1864.

Mayfield Township, in 1884, had of improved land 22,270 acres, valued by the local assessor at $316,570. The personal property listed the same year amounted to $89,094 ; a total of $405,664. This was reduced by the State Board of Equalization to $361,319, on which the assessment was made. The personal property included at that time the following items: Horses, 781; cattle, 2,348; mules and asses, 4; sheep, 152; hogs, 2,049; steam engines, 2; safes, i ; carriages and wagons, 274; watches and clocks, 189; sewing and knitting machines, 115 ; pianos, 6 ; organs and melodeons, 35 .

ILAN is an exclusively prairie township, there being no natural grove within its borders. It is bounded on the south by Shabbona Township, on the east by Afton, on the north by Malta, and on the west by Lee County. The township was organized in 1857, and was taken off of Malta and Shabbona. It being so far from timber, the land was not taken up until quite late. The township comprises township 39 north, range 3 east, and was organized in 1857,

Lewis McEwen, now of the city of De Kalb, was the first white man to locate in the township. In 1852 he made claim to a tract of land, built a cabin and was for a ti;ne, like Robinson Crusoe, " monarch of all he surveyed." Benjamin Banfield and Reuben Dodd soon after moved into the township and Mr. McEwen then had company. In 1852, when he located here, not an acre of the land had been entered from the Government, but much of it was taken up the following year. Gurdon Hewitt entered nine sections in one day, with land warrants, worth eighty' cents per acre.

In the winter of 1853-4 more than 100 deer were seen from McEwen's cabin door, and wolves were extremely troublesome. The deer disappeared with the advent of the locomotive.

After the first settlement was made it was but a few years before every acre of land was taken up or purchased from speculators by actual settlers, and today the township of Milan is one of the most prosperous in the county. In the southern portion of the township a large colony from Norway located.

In the summer of 1868 a large two-story building was erected in the center of the township for school and town purposes. The lower part was used for school purposes, while the upper served as a tower hall and place of public worship.

The school section was sold in 1865 and produced a township school fund of over $8,000. The first school-house was built in the center of the township in 1855.

From the report of the County Superintendent for the year ending June 30, 1884, the following items are gleaned as to the schools of this township : Number of persons under 21 years of age, 450; number between the ages of 6 and 21,330; number enrolled, 263 ; number of districts, 9. In each district was a frame school-house, the total value being estimated at $6,000. There was a tax levied of $1,944 for school purposes. During the year 18 teachers were employed, receiving an average salary of $31.46, the highest being $42.50, and the lowest $25.

land, according to the-assessment of 1 884. This was valued by the local assessor at $309,410. Of personal property there was assessed $52,715. Total, $362,125! This was reduced by the State Board of equalization to $3 1 5, 36 1. Among the items of personal property assessed there were the following: Horses, 670; cattle 1,880; mules and asses, 4; sheep, 131 ; hogs, 2,208 ; melodeons and organs, 35 ; carriages and wagons, 203; watches and clocks, 123; sewing and knitting machines, 86.