DeKalb County, Illinois - The whole text, 1885 (part 26 of 28)

The following have served the township as members of the Board o'f Supervisors : Lewis McEwen, 1857-60; John Banfield, 1861 ; Lewis McEwen, 1862-8; A. L. Wells, 1869-72; Edwin R. Colby, 1873-84.

Paw Paw Township is a fine body of land, principally rolling prairie. There are within its borders three groves, - Paw Paw, Ross and Coon Grove, - the first named extending into Lee County. The township is well watered by the Big Indian Creek and its numerous tributaries.

The natural advantages of timber and water attracted settlers here at an early day. David A. Towne was 'doubtless the first, locating here in the spring of 1835, and erecting his log cabin on the southwest quarter of section 19, on what is now known as the Pierpont Edwards place. Mr. Towne broke a few acres and made his home here till the following year, when he transferred his claim to his brother, Russell Towne, and removed to the adjoining township on the west, now Wyoming, Lee County, where he resided the remainder of his life.

The next to locate here was the Harris and Butterfield party, who came from Cayuga Co., N. Y., in July, 1835. The party was composed of Rev. Benoni

Harris, a Methodist Episcopal -minister, and family; Benjamin Harris, son of Benoni, and family ; Edward Butterfield and family ; John Plass and family ; and L. D. McDowell and Joseph Harris, two single men.

Benoni and Benjamin Harris, with their families, settled on the northwest quarter of section 14. Rev. Benoni Harris was the pioneer preacher of this region, and labored faithfully in his holy calling, both as a mission and circuit preacher. His wife, Thankful Harris, was the first to die in the new settlement. Her death occurred in the spring of 1836. She was buried in the grove on the west side of the road on section 19. The venerable pastor died in 1845 and was buried beside her. Benjamin Harris moved to Iowa in 1854, entered the army in the late war, and died some years later.

Edward Butterfield made his first claim on the west side of the county line, but the following year he moved into Paw Paw Township, making his claim on the west side of section 19. He continued to reside in Paw Paw until 1852, when he removed to Iowa. He returned in 1864 and died two years later. Solomon V. Butterfield, his son, is the only representative of the first colony now residing in the township, and from whom the historian obtained much valuable information.

S. 1). McDowell, who came here a single man, married Delilah Harris, July 4, 1836. Miss Harris was the youngest daughter of Rev. Benoni Harris. This was the first marriage in the township. Their daughter, Mary E., born in the summer of 1837, is believed to have been the first white child born in the township. The honor is also claimed for Caroline Towne, daughter of David A. Towne, who is said to have been born in the spring of that year. Mr. McDowell and family continued residents of the township for several years, and then moved West.

Asahel Baldwin kept the stage house and was the first Postmaster at Paw Paw Grove. He remained but a few years and then removed towards the setting sun.

William Rogers located at what is now East Paw Paw, where he kept a tavern until 1842, when he sold to Jacob Wirick. He built the first house on the site of the village. Of this man, Boies thus speaks:

" Bill Rogers was a marked character. He was bold as a lion, tall and straight as an Indian. He sometimes acted as detective of criminals, and sometimes, it is said, in the character of principal. An exciting story is told of his arrest of a huge, powerful negro, who had hitherto defied all efforts to capture him. Rogers met him on the prairie when both were unarmed, and, after a fight lasting over an hour, succeeded in pinioning his arms, handing him over to the officers, and securing the large reward offered for his capture. Rogers was the contractor to remove the Indians from this country to their new homes west of the Mississippi. Five or six years ago [Boies wrote in 1868] an early citizen of this county, crossing the plains to California, was astonished to meet him far beyond civilization, dressed in Indian costume, and mounted on a wild mustang, with long hair and beard as white as snow, still hale and hearty, and^lill a pioneer."

But few settlements were made in the township until 1841, when settlers began to come in quite rapidly. Among those who came between 1841 and 1846 were Matthew Nisbitt, Jacob Wirick, Moses, Marcus A. and Eli Bartlett, Alonzo M. La Port, Dennis Connell, Thomas, William, James and Robert Harper, James McFarland, Vincent Breese, Robert Hampton and A. W. Lake.

Some of the earliest settlers at Paw Paw were no credit to the community, and from suspicious circumstances surrounding them were supposed to be members of the horse-thieving and counterfeiting fraternity. But they were not allowed to remain long, the better elements buying and forcing them out.

Rev. Benoni Harris was, without doubt, the first to preach the gospel of Christ in this region of country. He was an old man when he came to the county, but lived some years to do good as he had opportunity. He died at the grove, at the age of 84. Meetings were held at private houses until the erection of school-houses, wheu services were held therein. Services were held at the house of Marcus Bartlett in the summer of 1845, Rev. Win. Atkinson, a young Congregational minister, officiating. He traveled a circuit of forty miles on foot for several months.

A society of United Presbyterians was organized at Ross' Grove in 1854, Rev. Mr. Freetly, Pastor. The first church in the township was built by this society, assisted by the Presbytery, and by liberal donations from New York State and from neighboring people. The idea of building a church at that time is said to have originated with Daniel McFarland, a visitor from the East. He proposed the building, and offered to give $100 toward it, which he subsequently did. Among those who took an active part in building were the Harper Brothers, Matthew Nisbitt, Moses Bartlett James McFarland, Alexander Lyons. John Dennis and O. D. Miller. The church, a large wooden structure, was erected in 1861, and dedicated in the spring of 1862, Rev. Samuel F. Thompson officiating. The membership numbered about 45. The church is located on section 1 1, and has for some years not been used.

The first school in the township was held at the house of Benjamin Harris in the summer of 1836, Rev. Benoni Harris being the teacher. It was a private school. The first school-house was erected in the north end of Ross' Grove in 1846, and the first .term of school bjgan December i, Thomas Burns being the teacher. The house was of logs, split and set upon end, chinked and plastered with mud. The first frame school-house was built on the present site of the house in District No. 2, and erected in 1850.

A joint stock-company was organized at East Paw Paw for the purpose of building and conducting a seminary at that point. The building was completed and opened in 1855, with Elder Jessup as principal. The venture did not prove a success, and the building was sold to the school district for a public school, either to the district or people, a company was formed, another building erected, and the East Paw Paw Classical Seminary began operations, with D. D. McGibbony as principal. The building burning down December, 1870, the district turned over to the company the building first erected. Mr. Frazer succeeded Mr. McGibbony, and in turn was succeeded by J. H. Beitel, the principal now in charge. The school has always maintained a high reputation, but, owing to many villages springing up within a radius of a few miles, it has not met with the financial success it deserves. The present Trustees are Robert Hampton, C. H. Card, Henry Dickinson, Henry Boardman, O. D. Edwards. William Patrick, J. B. Hyde, Robert Boston and William Weddell. The institution is now known as the Teachers' Institute and Classical Seminary.

George I. Talbot, County Superintendent, in his annual report for the year ending June 30, 1884, gives the following interesting facts in relation to the public schools: There were ten school districts, three of which had school less than no days during the year. In each of the districts was a frame schoolhouse, the total value of all being $4,800. There were 340 persons under 21 years of age, of whom 231 were between the ages of 6 and 21. Of this number 182 were enrolled in the schools. Twenty-two teachers had been employed, receiving a salary on an average of $29.30 per month, the highest being $40 and the lowest $20. The tax levy was $2,220.

A postoffice was established at Ross Grove at an early day. In 1849 Wheeler Hedges was Postmaster. His receipts for the year were $1.09. It is not probable the office was established before 1848. According to John Wentworth, Moses Bartlett was Postmaster in 1851, George V. Miner in 1853, Charles Davis in 1855. Daring that year H. H. Clark was appointed and removed to its present site at the cross roads. Matthew Nisbit succeeded Clark, and the office was then successively held by J. L. Holmes, John Freetly and Charles Davis. Others held it for short intervals until 18^7, when the incumbent, Asa Demming, was appointed.

A postoffice was established under the name of Paw Paw Grove in 1837, with Asahel Baldwin as Postmaster. Mr. Baldwin was succeeded the following year by William Rogers, who held it until 1840, when he was succeeded by Charles Morgan

In 1842 Hiram Wood was appointed and held it for several years, being succeeded by A. B. Breese. Succeeding him, in turn, the office was held by Walter Hyde, George Brownlow, H. A. Van Riper and Benjamin Lobdell, the latter being appointed in 1884. The receipts of the office in 1837 were $2.87.

The village of East Paw Paw is situated on the west line of the county on section 7, on the old Chicago and Galena stage road. The village lies partly in De Kalb and partly in Lee County, and contains one general store and postoffice, conducted by Benjamin Lobdell, a wagon and carriage shop by H. S. Dickinson, and a hotel and blacksmith-shop. It boasts of the educational establishment already mentioned - the Teachers' Institute and Classical Seminary. It also has two churches, a union and Methodist Episcopal.

The first house was built at this point by William Rogers, in 1837, and used as a public house. He sold out to Mr. Jacob Wirick in 1842. The latter enlarged the building and named it the Paw Paw House. He conducted it successfully as a public house for many years.

Before the building of the railroad south of the grove, East Paw Paw became quite a flourishing village, and was considered one of the best trading points for miles around. At one time there were two general merchandise stores, a drug store, and other places of business here.

The " Chicago road " (sj called) which crosses the township from east to west, entering on the east near the northeast corner of section 12, takes a general westerly course, and leaves the township near the southwest corner of section 7.

This road is historic for the reason that it was the great thoroughfare in early days for travel and freighting between Chicago and Galena and the country west to the Mississippi. Over this road in the pioneer days rolled the heavy leather-spring Concord coaches, loaded inside and out with eager land-seekers and speculators, while the heavy freight wagons plodded their slow way, following each other in quick succession. Over this road, the farmers of those days, whose homes lay westward of this township, hauled their surplus produce to Chicago.

The Paw Paw Mutual Fire Insurance Co. was organized Sept. 6, and began business Sept. g, 1881. The first officers were: .Simeon E. Hyde, Pres.; Spencer Griffeth, Secy; R. F. Hampton, Treas. The company has written about $100,000 worth of business. The business is limited to Paw Paw Township. Losses are paid within 60 days by assessments on the members.

The assessed valuation of lands and personal property in this township for 1884, is as follows: Lands, $337,707 ; personal property, $101,533. Total, $439,240. The State Board of Equalization, that it might conform to the low assessments made in other counties, reduced the total to $391, 975. Among the articles assessed were horses, 1,015 '-> neat cattle, 3,268; mules and asses, 28; sheep, 965, hogs, 3,865 ; melodeons and organs, 45 ; pianos, 4 ; carriages and wagons, 334 ; watches and clocks, 226. The total number of acres of improved land is 24,032, the largest number of any township in the county.

ship of Pierce, so named in honor ot Franklin Pierce, who at the time of its organization was just inaugurated as President of the United States. It is bound on the east by Kane County, on the north by Cortland Township, on the south by Squaw Grove, and on the west by Afton. The headwaters of the Big Rock Creek are in this township. It is a prairie f country, the northern half being undulating, while the southern half is rather flat. It has been an excellent wheat country in the past, and in 1870 % it produced more of that cereal than any other [ township in the county.

He located in the north part of the township in 1 847. During that year John Lasher, a native of Pennsylvania, and Jacob F. Plapp, a native of Germany, came and selected their future homes. Lasher selected the southeast quarter of section 24. He built a substantial frame house, lived there until 1853, when he sold out and removed to Iowa. He now lives in Dubuque. Plapp selected the northeast quarter of section 24, but did not permanently settle until about two years later. He died on the homestead in January, 1885.

Jacob Lintner came from Lake Co.,111., and located on section 25. He was born in Dauphin Co., Penn.f in 1799. His wife was Frances SharTher, also of the same county and State. In 1828 they settled in Richland Co., Ohio, where they remained until 1844, when they settled in Lake Co., 111. Mr. Lintner died on the homestead in 18150. His widow successfully managed the farm until her death, March 23, 1883. They had eight children, only one of whom is now a resident of the township - Mrs. Frederick Hoffman.

There were a number of arrivals in 1849, among whom were Henry Ramer, Christian Meyer, George Eberly, David Gerlach, Bernard Milnamow, Thomas Gormley, Malachi Henaughan, John Allen and Josiah Jacob. Ramer was from Pennsylvania. He settled on section 27, and there died. Meyer also settled on section 27. He now resides in Sandwich. Eberly was also from Pennsylvania. He located on section 26. He died here. His son, George, lives on the same section. Gerlach chose for his home a portion of section 24. He is now dead, but has two sons living in the township, Samuel on the homestead and Anderson on section 14. Henaughan located on section 19. He is now dead. Two sons survive him, who yet reside in the township. Milnamow, Allen and Gormley all yet reside in the township. All arc Irishmen.

Among other pioneers of the township were Levi and Moses Hill, Thomas Halloran, P. Home, P. Dunn, L. Hennegan, John Ferrick, the Butlers and Dillons.

The first school in the township was taught by William J. Bates, in 1850, on section 8. The schoolhouse was made of split poles. Mr. Bates taught 21 terms in that district. In relation to the present status of the public schools of the township, the following items are gleaned from the report of the County Suprintendent of Public Schools for the year ending June 30, 1884 : There were 416 persons in the township under 21 years of age, of whom 296 were over six. Of this number 272 were enrolled in the public schools. There were eight districts, each having a frame school-house, the total value of which was estimated at $6,250. Each district had school over no days during the year, in which 24 teachers were employed, receiving an average monthly salary of $34.43, the highest being $45 and the lowest $25. The tax levy was $2,220.

Elder Wilcox was probably the first to preach Christ and Him crucified in the township. There are in 1885 two Church organizations - the Evangelical Association and the Lutherans.

The first meetings of those holding the views of the Evangelical Association were held at the house of John Lasher about 1849, near the county line. The people of Kane and De Kalb Counties met together to worship in private houses on both sides of the line for some years. Revs. Hall, Rockuts and Weldy were the first preachers. John Shoop was the first class-leader and Jacob Lintner exhorter. Among the first members were David Gerlach and wife ; Benjamin Moss and wife; John Shoop and wife; George Eberly and wife ; Jacob Lintner and wife ; John Kuter and wife ; J. F. Plapp and wife ; John Bartmeis and wife ; John Schwitzer and wife ; Valentine Hummel and wife ; Christopher Hummel and wife; John Lesher and Peter Hummel. About 1850 a church building was erected on the southwest quarter of section 24. It is a frame structure, and still in use. It was dedicated by Bishop Esher, of Chicago. The society owns a parsonage conveniently located near the church. There are now 150 members connected with the society. Peter Hummel, Jacob Kunes and Oscar Ramer are the class-leaders; Andrew Gerlach, Thomas Shoop, Fred. Lentz and George Schule, stewards ; Peter Hummel, Fred. Lentz, George Ramer, George Schule and J. Kuter, trustees. Rev. Jacob K. Schultz is the present pastor. Services are held in German and English. A Sabbath-school is connected with the Church, with Jacob Weber superintendent.

The first meetings of the Lutheran Church were held at the school-house in District No. 2, in 1870, and were conducted by Rev. John Andreas, from Somonauk. An organization was effected embracing the families of Henry Rath, Peter Conse, Charles Dellenbach, Joseph Dellenbach, Demst, George Motz, Frank Redeleperger, August Conse, Henry Schmidt, Henry Anspach, Hartman Schule and William Nehring. The society met for worship in the schoolhouse until 1872, when a neat frame church build- 5 ing was erected on the northeast quarter of section C 33. which, together with the furniture, cost $2,400. j There are now 20 families belonging to the society.

Pierceville postoffice was established in 1854, with Moses Hill as postmaster. His commission was dated February 21, 1854. The office was at his house, which was on the route from Sycamore to Cortland. Mail was received from each direction twice a week. In 1857 Mr. Hill resigned, after which time, until 1879, various persons held the office, until 1879, when Mr. Hill was reappointed. He served until 1883, when George Schule was appointed, and is the incumbent. Mail is received three times each week from Hinckley.

The first birth in the township was that of a child of John Lesher, in .1849. The second birth was that of Mary Jane Meyer, daughter of Christian Meyer, born October 6, 1850. She is now the wife of Valentine Hummel.

The first death was that of Jacob Lintner. He was first buried on his farm, but his remains were subsequently removed and interred in the cemetery of the Evangelical Association.

Piti« e Tciwiifit Ip a 188} had 22,351 acres of improved land, valued at $291,915, as reported by the local assessor. The personal property, according to the same authority, was valued at $56,756. This total of $348,67 i was reduced by the State Board of Equalization to $315,293. Among the items of personal property assessed this year were the following; Horses, 624 ; cattle, 2,35 1 ; mules and asses, 24 : sheep, 53; hogs, 2,092 ; carriages and wagons, 160; watches and clocks, 125; sewing and knitting machines, 102; pianos, 6 ; melodeons and organs, 26.

HABBONA township is named in honor o the celebrated Indian chief, Shabbona. who long made his home at the beautiful grove which also bears his name. It is a fine body of land, comprising township 38, range 3 east. Big Indian Creek enters the township on section 31, runs in a northeasterly direction through sections 32, 29, 28, 22, 21, then taking a southeasterly direction, passes through sections 23, 26 and 36, into Paw Paw Township. The Kishwaukee River heads in the northern part of the township.

The first settlers were Edmond Towne and David Smith, who arrived here in December, 1835.* The former was a man of family, while the latter was a youth of 14, and a step-son of Mr. Towne. They raised a log house on the southwest quarter of section 25, on the first day of January, 1836. The next settler was Ira Parks, who located at the west end of the grove. He was from Ohio, and resided here till 1875, when he removed to Earlville, where he still resides. Next came Nathan Olmstead, followed a little later by his brothers William and Lewis. They were from Chemung Co., N. Y., and made their settlement on sections 25 and 36. The two latter are still residents of the township. Columan Olmsted and family came along about a year later and lo- cated on section 25. He subsequently removed to Missouri, but returned to De Kalb County and died at the residence of his son, D. D. Olmsted, in Clinton Township a few years ago. Among other early settlers were William, Lyman and Jeff. Sturtevant and Darius Horton.

During the next few years quite a number of settlers came in and a village was started on the south side of the grove on section 26, known as Shabbona Grove. John Olmstead opened the first store and Mr. Adams the second. The latter soon after sold out to Warren & Marks - S. B. Warren and Wm. Marks. A postofrke was established here about 1848, Mr. Marks being the first postmaster. Mr Marks, is said to have been one of the twelve apostles of Joseph Smith, the Mormon prophet. The office is still continued.

Mr. Curtis opened the first drug store at the Grove, and was also for a time postmaster. He was convicted of robbing the mail and sent to the Stale prison, where he died.

The first religious services were held at the house of Nathan Olmstead in 1848 [1838] by Rev. Burton Carpenter, a Baptist minister. The first Methodist services were at the house of Coleman Olmsted in the fall of 1841. Meetings were held in the house in the winter, and in the barn in summer, of that year, Rev. Mr. Morris officiating. The Methodists erected the first house of worship in 1864 ; the first services held therein were the funeral services of Mr. M. V. Allen, Sept. 21, 1864. A union church was built about the same time, but the Methodist Episcopal church was the first dedicated. Both churches were in the village of Shabbona Grove.

The first Congregational Church of Shabbona (the old town) was organized Sept. 10, 1854. Among those in the organization were Wm. J. Noble and wife, John Campbell and Thomas Battes. Meetings were held in Center School house, District No. 3. Rev. Stephen Batten was the first pastor. The organization continued about ten years.

The first school in the township was in the winter of 1842-3, at the house of Mr. Wm. C. Olmstead. Wm. Curtis was the teacher. He received $12.50 per month and boarded himself. The school was on the subscription plan, and the Olmstead families furnished the greater number of scholars. The first school-house was built on the west side of Indian Creek, on the north side of the road. It was used for religious purposes as well until the church buildings were erected. The house was of logs and erected in the fall of 1843. Eliza Horton was the first teacher in this house. A new school-house was built on the west side of the creek in 1846. It was a frame building, situated a quarter of a mile west of where the M. E. church was subsequently built. There are now in this township 664 persons under 21 years of age, of whom 452 are between the ages of 6 and 21. There are ten school districts, with one graded and nine ungraded schools. During the year ending June 30, 1884, there were 393 pupils enrolled in the schools. There were 22 teachers employed. The highest monthly wages paid any teacher was $65, and the lowest $20. The estimated value of school property is $9,000. The tax levy for the support of schools was $1,25 ). There are ten frame schoolhouses in the township.

The first cemetery was opened near the center of section 25. Mrs. Lyman was the first interred. She died in 1840 or 1841. A dozen bodies were probably buried here. The ground was soon abandoned.

In its best days Shabbona Grove contained three general stores, a tin shop, a boot and shoe shop, two wagon and blacksmith shops, a tailor shop, two hotels and two churches A large business was transacted.

The early settlers of Shabbona, like the pioneers of olher sections, believed whisky to be indispensable in house or barn raisings. When Edinond Towne's house was raised, a flask of whisky was found secreted near by, supposed to have been the property of the Indians. It was confiscated and added zest to the occasion. For the next few years it was the custom to furnish a good supply at such gatherings. This practice was continued until the raising of Coleman Olmstead's barn (the first frame barn in the township), in the spring of 1842. Mr. Olmstead refused to furnish whisky, at which innovation there was a bitter protest. He substituted a warm supper, with good coffee, which was voted satisfactory. From that time a warm meal, with coffee, took the place of whisky at such gatherings.

In the winter of 1847-8, Shabbona, the Indian chief, in company with Wyman Gates, went to Washington and there sold to the latter all of his reservation except 60 acres, which he reserved for a home. He received about $3,000 for the same, but lost it all on his return. In the spring of 1848 he went to Kansas and spent some time there and in Arkansas, but not being satisfied he returned to his old home at the grove, in 185 i, only to find it in the possession of N. I. Kettle, who purchased the same of Gates, who in some way had a claim on it. Shabbona camped with his family on one of Vanderventer's lots, but was soon driven away. He went to Kankakee, but subsequently located on a tract of 20 acres near Morris, Grundy County, which was purchased for him with money raised for the purpose at Ottawa. See biography of Shabbona on page 534.

The so-called English settlement, in the western part of Shabbona Township, was begun in the fall of 1851. Five young Englishmen - Thomas Wrigtit, Septimus Storey, William Cults, George GIossup and Joseph Bidam - came together and were the pioneers of the settlement, taking this land from the Government. The first house was built by Mr. GIossup, on the southeast quarter of section 18. Here the whole party kept " bachelor's hall " and the place was headquarters for numerous English immigrants till they could construct homes for themselves. Among the early members of the settlement were Robert Mullins, Reuben Challand, Thomas Dalton and James Hutton. Many of these early settlers and their descendants are still residents of the township. These people built a Methodist Episcopal church, in 1869, on the southeast quarter of section 18. A school-house was built in 1857 in what is now District No. 6, in which Mrs. Witherspoon taught the first school. The first religious meetings in the settlement were in the school-house in 1860, Rev. Mr. Ambrose officiating. Rev. Mr. Stoddard was subsequently the local pastor. A cemetery was established at an early day, on section 18, one acre in extent. The ground, excepting lots sold, is the property of Mr. Storey.

Shabbona Township reports 22,157 acres of improved lands, the assessed value of which is given at $318,629. The assessed value of town lots was $45,842; of personal property, $124,721. Total, $488,192. The State Board of Equalization reduced the total to $435,392. Among the items of personal \ property assessed were, horses, 634; cattle, 2,783; mules and asses, 22 ; sheep, 635 ; hogs, 2,800; me- ^ lodeons and organs, 44 ; goods and merchandise, * $13,765; pianos, 8 ; carriages and wagons, 237; watches and clocks, 90; credits, $38,503.

The first town meeting was held at the house of William Marks, April 2, 1850, at which meeting Mr. Marks was Chairman, and Richard Holmes, Clerk. There were 36 votes cast at the election which followed. The following named were elected : Richard Holmes, Supervisor; Z. W. Lam|x>rt, Clerk; Ira Park, Assessor; Harvey E. Allen, Collector; William White, Overseer of the Poor; William Marks, Justice of the Peace; H. E. Allen and Isaac F. Morse, Constables. !Q

O prettier village of its size can be found in this region of country than that of Shabbona. It was surveyed and platted in 872, on land belonging to Francis E. Hinckley, John Palen, Catherine Palen, John Ray, Elizabeth Ray, Charles Stevens and Cynthia T. Stevens. It is located on section 15, township of Shabbona.

A village had been platted at the junction of the C. & I. and C. B. & Q. Railroads, about one-half mile west, to which was given the name of Cornton. A temporary depot had been constructed, John Ray and William Husk had begun the sale of merchandise and other lines of business had either been started or were in contemplation. The site was favorable, and only one thing was required to make it the regular station of the railroad - a donation of some of the land to interested railroad men. This some of the proprietors refused to do ; therefore a removal was determined upon and Cornton was doomed.

The first building erected in the village of Shabbona was by W. H. Ray, the present editor of the Express, in the fall of 1872. Previous to this, however, a building had been moved in from the country, by James Nutall, the one used by Mr. Alexander as a store building. William Husk then moved his store building from Cornton and opened the first mercantile establishment in the new village. He is still in business. Mr. Husk's family was the first to make this their home, moving in before Mr. Ray had completed his building.

J. M. Bean & Co. began business shortly .after Mr. Husk and were the second to represent the mercantile interests of the place. A few months later A. S. Jackson moved in from Shabbona Grove and commenced business here.

Frederick Stein removed to the village from Cornton late in the fall of 1872 and was the first shoemaker. He now resides at Lee. Aaron Vanness opened a second shop the following spring.

Isaac Ackerblade was the pioneer blacksmith, erecting and operating a shop shortly after the village was located. Dan Branscomb, a wagon-maker, in the spring of 1873, commenced business in his line, running in connection a blacksmith shop, with C. H. Carroll employed to work in that department. Stephen Branscomb was next in order.

The first grain-buyers were Smith & Pollack, who commenced business in Cornton and who removed here in the spring of 1873 and erected an elevator. Samuel Bouslough came about the same time. He had also been in business in Cornton.

Smith & Pollack were the first stock-buyers, beginning business as soon after the location of the village as arrangements could be made for handling stock.

Other branches of business followed from time to time, the village increased in number of inhabitants and in wealth until it presents its present neat and attractive appearance.

Malma postoffice was established about 1855. The first postmaster is said to have been Ira Fisher, the office being at Mr. Fisher's house, situated near the geographical center of the township. Mr. Maryott succeeded. Mr. Fisher after several years. William Husk succeeded Mr. Fisher after several years. William Husk succeeded Maryott in 1871 and the office was removed to Cornton. The name was changed to Shabbona, but subsequently changed back to Cornton and then again changed to Shabbona. William Husk is still postmaster.

The educational interests of the village are well attended to. In 1876 the present school building was erected and occupied Nov. 6, with S. B. Hallock, principal, and Miss Viola Thomas, assistant. For the school year of 1877-8, F. L. Ruggles was employed as principal, with Miss Thomas, assistant. In 1878-9, Mr. Ruggles was continued as principal, with Miss Loraney Smith, assistant. In 1879-80, E. M. Whitney was principal and Jessie C. Morse, assistant. In 1880-1, George I. Talbot, the present County Superintendent of Schools, was principal, with Miss Morse, assistant. The two were continued the following year. The school-house becoming too small to accommodate the increased number of pupils in the district, an addition was built. For the year 1882-3, Mr. Talbot was again chosen as principal, with Miss Morse teacher in the intermediate and Miss Mary Streeter in the primary department. In January, 1883, Mr. Talbot resigned, having been elected County Superintendent. G. N.

Maxwell was elected to fill the vacancy and served out the year. In 1883-4, Mr. Maxwell was continued as principal, with Miss Ella Quinn in the intermediate and Miss Emma Challand in the primary department. On the 22d of February, 1884, Miss Quinn resigned and Miss Morse was engaged to fill out the unexpired term. In 1884-5, Mr. Maxwell was again principal, with Miss Challand in the intermediate and Miss Mary Andrews in the primary department. In January, 1885, there were 121 pupils enrolled.

Religious

The cemetry near the village, known as Ray's Cemetery, was platted by John Ray in 1874. It is near the northwest corner of section 15. All unsold lots are yet the private property of Mr. Ray. There are about five acres included in the plat. RELIGIOUS.

The Baptist Church of Shabbona was organized July 26, 1874. The constituent members were Rev. William F. Stable, Barbara Stable, John Ray, Elizabeth Ray, Frederick Stein, Catherine Stein, Conrad Heeg, Henrietta Heeg, Carl Burger, Emily Burger, Emma Burger, Christian Heeg, Elizabeth Buck. The first trustees were John Ray, J. W. Stevens, Isaac Davis, Charles Stevens and William Husk. These trustees were made a building committee. Steps were taken at once for the erection of a house of worship, which was completed and dedicated Nov. 28, 1874, Rev. John Young preaching the sermon on the occasion. The Church was recognized on this occasion. The cost of the building was $4,500. Its seating capacity is 250. Revs. D. B. Gunn and L. H. Holt were the first ministers employed by the Church. The first regular pastor was Rev. E. L. Clouse, who was installed March 7, 1875. He served until Dec. i, 1878, and was succeeded by Rev. D. W. Hicks, who served over four years. The church was then supplied by students from Morgan Park Theological Seminary, until Nov. i, 1884, when Rev. A. M. Hunt assumed the pastorate. The present membership of the Church is 45. Its officers are John Ray, W. Dunham, Deacons ; Cyrenius Bailey, Clerk; John Ray, Treasurer; John Ray, Cyrenius Bailey, Christian Heeg, William H. Ray, C. H. Hubbell, Trustees.

A meeting for the purpose of considering the propriety of organizing a Congregational or Presbyterian Church in Shabbona, was held March 26, 1876. It was then determined to organize a Congregational Church. Rev. J. E. Roy, of Chicago, was invited to attend a meeting for that purpose. Accordingly, on the 3d of April, 1876, he came and preached, morning and evening, in the Baptist Church. The following named then agreed to become members of the organization: Mrs. J. L. Greenfield, Marietta Alexander, Lillian Greenfield^ Charles Stevens and wife Thomas Padgett and wife, Robert Langford and wife, Isaac Davis and wife, William Deacon and wife, Samuel Bouslough and wife, Gertrude G. Bouslough, Mary C. Bouslough, James Shanks, Hattie Stevens, Cora Stevens, Alexander McKinnie and wife. A council was held for perfecting the organization and reorganizing it as a Congregational body April 6, 1876. Rev. J. E. Roy acted as Moderator, and Rev. N. A. Prentiss delivered a discourse. The following officers were elected : Charles Ste.vens, Isaac Davi?, Deacons ; William Deacon, Treasurer; Robert Langford, James Shanks, J. L. Greenfield, Trustees. The society in 1879 erected a neat church edifice which was dedicated Nov. 6, 1879.

others. The charter located the lodge at Shabbona Grove. A dispensation for its removal to Shabbona Station was granted November 3, 1874, and its removal was accomplished soon after. A hall for lodge purposes had been erected by the lodge and individual members. This was burned March 23, 1877. There was no insurance. Another building was at once erected. The lodge room is large, wellfurnished and with suitable ante-rooms. The first meeting in the new hall was held Aug. 7, 1877. The present officers are M. V. Allen, W. M.; William Husk, S. W.; F. A. Frost, J. W.; P. V. Quilhot, Treas.; J.-W. Middleton, Sec.; J. M. Baird, S. D.; Charles Hutchins, J. D.; T. W. Stimpson, Tyler.

T. S. Terry Post, No. 463, G. A. R., was organized June 14, 1884. The following named were the first officers : A. L. Wells, C.; M. V. Allen, S. V. C.; Robert Boston, J. V. C.; William Deacon, Adj.; John McCormick, Q. M.; D. W. Wesson, Surg.; Albion Patta, Chap.; T. B. Lucas, O. D.; Sidney Norton, O. G.; I. Hardy, Serg. Maj.; F. A. Frost, Q. M. S. The present officers are the same, with the exception of that of F. M. Hinds, J. V. C., and F. O. Stevens, O. G. The post has a membership of 33 and meets on the first and third Saturday evening of each month.

In 1866 a lodge of I. O. O. F. was organized at Shabbona Grove, under the name of Fertile Lodge. It gained a membership of 30 in four years, but, on account of a want of harmony among its members, surrendered its charter. John Belden was the first N. G. and I. F. Morse the last.

EE, a pleasant little village, lies upon the line between the counties of Lee and De Kalb. It lies mostly in Lee County, a portion equal to about 30 acres being in Shabbona Township, De Kalb County. It was commenced in 1871, Christopher Jorgens opening the first business house. C. Christopher and Ole J. Jorgens, proprietors of the grain elevator, were grain, coal and lumber dealers. Their office was situated just west of the railroad track, a little north of where the depot now stands, in Shabbona Township. They opened the first general store at the same time. This was before there was any plat of the village. A Mr. White started the second store on the Lee side of the county line. Hugh Boyle owned the plat on the east and John Kennedy on the west.

Ed. Bacon opened the first hotel, on the De Kalb County side. During the years 1872 and 1873 the village built up rapidly. At the present time it has a population of 500, does a large business and compares favorably with any station on the line north of Aurora. There are two churches - Catholic and Methodist Episcopal. There are also two elevators, one a horse-power, the other steam, both in Shabbona Township. The steam elevator is owned and operated by Christopher & Jorgens, and has a capacity of 18,000' bushels. The other elevator has a capacity of 8,000 bushels. A lumber and coal yard completes the business on the DeKalb side of the line.

OUTH GROVE has the well deserved reputation of being one of the finest townships in the county. It comprises township 41, range 3, and is bounded on the north by Franklin, on the east by Mayfield, on the south by Malta, and on the west by Ogle County. It is watered by Owen's Creek, and has about 400 acres of natural timber, a portion of which has long since been known as South Grove. The other and smaller portion is known as Orput's Grove. With the exception of this timber, the township is exclusively prairie, the land being highly productive. It is said that the highest point of land between Chicago and the Mississippi River is in the southern portion of this township.

The first settler here was William Driscoll, who, with his family, located on the east side of the grove, in 1838. He was followed by his father and brothers. The grove for a time was known as Driscoll's Grove.

In 1840 came the Orput family, which settled near the smaller grove, to which was given his name. The Beeman and Hatch families arrived during the same year.

Among the others who came in soon after were Henry Saflford, W. H. Stebbins, Mr. Deyo, the Rickards, Beckers, Masons and Curriers. Many of the families of the early settlers yet remain in the township.

Dexter Beeman was also from Ohio. For some years he ran a tavern at the grove, but finally sold out, moved, to Oregon, Ogle Co., where he was living at last accounts.

Jesse Tindall was a native of New Jersey, but came to the county from Michigan in January, 1842. He became a prosperous farmer, served as a member of the Board of Supervisors, and had many friends. He removed to Sycamore, where he died.

William P. Deyo came from Michigan, though not a native of that State. After some years, in which he had his ups and downs, he returned to Michigan.

James Byers was from New York, though of Scottish birth, coming to America from his native land in 1818. He was universally esteemed by all who knew him. His wife died on the old homestead, but he died at Polo.

Benjamin Worden was from New York. Few men in the north part of the county were better known. He was a jolly, free-hearted man, a man everybody liked. In the summer of 1884 he died, on the old homestead.

The first religious services that were continued from time to time were held by Rev. Isaac Norton, a Free-Will Baptist. For the sum of $35 Mr. Norton agreed to hold services twice a month for one year, commencing in the fall of 1842. It must not be considered by those favorable to high-priced ministry, that because the pay was poor the preaching must be of the same quality, for Mr. Norton had the reputation of being a very fair preacher. He subsequently organized a congregation which continued in existence some years, but finally disbanded, many of its members moving to other parts.

Levi Lee, a local preacher, was the first of the Methodist Episcopal faith to preach in South Grove. Rev. M. Sherman was of like faith and was i. umbered among the early preachers. A class was organized at an early day, which still meets at the school-house in the grove.

A great camp-meeting was held at the grove in 1860, at which leading ministers from abroad addressed vast audiences, ,and much interest was awakened.

A local writer thus speaks of educational matters : " The first school in South Grove was taught by James Byers, Sr., who furnished a school-house for his t \venty -five pupils - the second room in his double log cabin - and boarded himself, for $10 per month. The young men and women about the grove will never forget that school - how the kind, genial voice of the teacher, softening down its rugged Scotch, cheered them over the frightful Alps of ' a, b, ab, and ' two times one are two ' - how the eyes were always blind to any fun, and the laugh was ever as long and loud as that of the merriest urchin. No wonder those boys and girls - a portion of them - ' played the mischief ' with some of the teachers who succeeded this model one. The first school-house was erected in the grove. It was of logs, but nicely built, and considered quite a capacious one, though it was, after a time, pretty well filled with its sixty scholars. It was 20 x 22 feet, and well lighted, having a window five or six panes in width and two in height at each end of the building. H. C. Beard and T. K. Waite were among the successful teachers in the log schoolhouse. The second school-house was built on a fine site donated to the district by James Byers, Sr., in 1854, and in 1868 another - a very pleasant and commodious one - the former having been destroyed by fire - was erected in the same place."

In relation to the present status of the public schools in South Grove, the following items are gleaned from the report of the County Superintendent of Schools for the year ending June 30, 1884 : There were in the township six districts, each having a frame school-house, the total value being estimated at $4,900. School was held in each district more than no days during the year. There were 326 persons under 21 years of age, of whom 258 were over six years. Of this number 205 were enrolled in the public schools. Twelve teachers had been employed, the highest wages paid any being $50 per month, while the lowest was $30, an average of $34.05 . The tax levy was $2,639.

Before the construction of railroads, when all travel was by team, thetavern or wayside inn was numbered among the institutions of the day. South Grove was on the Oregon and St. Charles State Road, and here at an early day Mr. Beeman and Mr. Adee each ran a tavern for some years. A York shilling - twelveand-a-half cents - was the customary price for a meal or a night's lodging.

South Grove postoffice was established in 1841, with Timothy Wells as postmaster. He was succeeded, in turn, by James Byers, Henry Saffbrd, E. Currier, Jonathan Adee and Mrs. E. A. Palmer, the latter being the incumbent.

Deerfield Prairie postoffice was established in 1858, P. Waterman being the first postmaster. He was succeeded by Mr. Wiltse. James Richards is the present postmaster.

improved land, 21,853 acres, on which the assessor placed a total valuation of $317,480. Of personal property was reported $76,709; a total of $394,189. This was reduced by the State Board of Equalization to $349,743. Among the items assessed as personal property were the following: Horses, 798; cattle, 2,897; mules and asses, 15; sheep, 1,572; hogs, 3,220; carriages and wagons, 238; watches and clocks, 141; sewing and knitting machines, 81 ; pianos, 6; melodeons and organs, 31.

QUAW GROVE Township comprises Congressional township 38 N., range 5 E., and is bounded on the east by Kane County, on the north by the township of Pierce, on the south by Somonauk, and on the west by Clinton. Little Rock Creek enters the township on section 6, and, running in a southeasterly direction, passes out from section 36. Squaw Grove in the central, and another 'grove in the southwestern part, furnish the timber.

Tradition has it that in the summer of 1834 a party passed through the grove. Here they found a large number of squaws with their pappooses, but no braves. The grove not being known by any name, one of the .party asked the question, " What shall we call it?" "We will call it Squaw Grove; what could be more appropriate ? They have entire possession." " So be it," laughingly responded the other; " but what shall we call that little grove just east of it ? " " Oh, we will call that Pappoose Grove."

One of this party is said to have been a Mr. Hollenbeck, who made .claim to a portion of the grove on the north, afterwards known as the Tanner farm. Returning to La Salle County, from which he came, Mr. Hollenbeck gave such a glowing description of the country that William Sebree, an old Virginian, with a large family, concluded to at once locate ^%(& there. He is said to have arrived in September, 1834, and was probably the first white man to permanently locate in De Kalb County. On his arrival he built a temporary shelter of poles, which he covered with bark taken from the forsaken wigwams of the Indians, and there his family abode until he could erect a small log house. The winter following was quite severe, and the old gentleman had his ears and nose frozen while cutting prairie hay.

A man named Robson lived this fall in a log cabin at the crossing of Somonauk Creek, a few miles south, but abandoned the place at the approach of winter, leaving Sebree and his family the only white inhabitants in this section of country.

During the year 1835 several families located in the township, among whom were those of William Leggett, M. P. Cleveland, Watson Y. Pomeroy, John Eastabrooks, Samuel Miller, John Boardman and Jacob Lee.

William Leggett made claim to a tract of land on the south side of the grove. He was from Indiana. Mr. Leggett sold to Mr. Ward and returned to Indiana.

M. P. Cleveland located at Pappoose Grove. He was from New York. After remaining here a few years, he sold out, moved West and has since died.

John Eastabrooks was a native of Pennsylvania. He located on the north side of Squaw Grove, where he remained till his death in 1850. He was accompanied here by his son Decatur and his daughter Mary. His wife and the remainder of his family came the following year. Decatur Eastabrooks moved to Carroll County many years ago, where he yet resides. When Mr. Eastabrooks came to the county he brought with him two large, powerful dogs. When the men were away from the house, the dogs would allow no one, especially an Indian, to come near, unless called off by Miss Eastabrooks.

In 1836 several others came into the township, among whom were Timothy L. Pomeroy and W. A. Fay. Mr. Pomeroy located at Pappoose Grove. He subsequently became a Methodist preacher and yet preaches the gospel somewhere in the State. Mr. Fay located on section 29, in the Somonauk timber, -^.gxn.^ /-> A.

But few of the settlers of 1835 are now living. Among the number are Mrs. Rachel Lee, George \V. Lee, Mrs. Sarah J. Sebree, W. M. Sebree, C. B. Lee, Mrs. Mary E. Millard and Decatur Eastabrooks. Of the number Mrs. Lee, George W. and C. B. Lee, Mrs. Sebree and W. M. Sebree yet reside in the township. There may be others, but these are the only ones remembered by George W. Lee.

E. W. Willard and Mary E. Eastabrooks were united in marriage in November, 1836. This was the first in the township. Esquire Root performed the ceremony.

The first birth was that of Martha Jane, daughter of William Sebree. She was born Oct. 14, 1835. She grew to womanhood in Squaw Grove and subsequently married Amos Jackson. She now lives at Janesville, Minn. John Miller has been thought to be the first, but it appears his birth did not occur for some months afterwards.

The first death in the township is claimed by George W. Lee to be that of a Mr. Boardman, from whom Jacob Lee obtained his claim. The date must have been in the summer or fall of 1835. The first death of which the early settlers yet living have any distinct recollection was the death of Julia, daughter of E. W and Mary E. Willard. Her death occurred in 1841. Mrs. Robert Sebree was the next to die in this township.

The first physician to permanently locate in the township was Dr. Winslow, who located about two miles from the present village of Hinckley.

The first school has been a matter of dispute. It is asserted by some that Jane Sanford taught a term of school in the summer of 1840, and that M. P. Cleveland succeeded her in the winter following. Both terms were held in the house of Jacob Lee. Others say Mr. Cleveland taught the first, and was succeeded by Miss Sanford. All agree that the first was in 1840, and was taught by one or the other. A log school-house was shortly afterwards built at the grove, Mr. Albee, now living at Hinckley, making the window frames for the same. Among the early teachers in the township were John Clark, Henry Clark, Mr. Church and James Furman. The first school money was drawn by Mr. Cleveland. At present the township has eight school districts, each being supplied with a frame school-house, the total value of which is placed at $5,300. From the County Su perintendent's report for the year ending June 30, 1884, it is learned that there were 548 persons under 21 years of age, of whom 375 were bet ween 6 and 21, with an enrollment in the public schools of 326. There were 5 males and 16 female teachers employed, the highest monthly wages received by any being $60 and the lowest $25.

Squaw Grove Township, in 1884, had 22,245 acres of improved land, valued at $324,350 The town lots amounted to $50,680; personal property, $98,- 629. A total of $473,659. The State Board of Equalization reduced this amount to $418,115. Among the items of personal property were the following : Horses, 641 ; cattle, 1,776; mules and asses, 19; sheep, 672; hogs, 2,440; steam engines, 4; safes, 5 ; billiard tables, i ; carriages and wagons, 223 ; sewing and knitting machines, 158 ; pianos, 8; melodeons and organs, 59.

JNCKLEY is finely located on section 15, Squaw Grove Township. It was surveyed and platted by Francis E. Hinckley, from whom it derives its name. While having but about 400 inhabitants, it is one of the neatest towns of its size in the State. The dwellinghouses of those residing here are generally large two-story buildings, the yards well kept and all presenting an attractive appearance. As a business point it is good, having a fine farming country around, which is tributary to it.

When it was determined by Mr. Hinckley to locate the railroad station here, Merrill & Wagner, who were in business at the grove, at once began their preparations for removal. They commenced early in the spring of 1872 the erection of the large, fine, two-story building now occupied by Mr. Merrill, and on its completion removed here their stock of goods, and thus became the first merchants in the village. The partnership was some years afterward dissolved,

While the store building was being erected, Mr. Merrill was also engaged in putting up the dwellinghouse in which he yet resides, and iifio which he moved in the spring of 1872. This was the first dwelling-house built upon the village plat, though two others have been there since an early day.

J.- D. Curry was the first grain-buyer. He built an elevator and commenced buying in the spring of 1873. He was succeeded by H. M. Maltby & Co., who continued until the fall of 1883, when S. H. Sidwell, who owned a half interest in the elevator, became the sole dealer.

The first hotel was opened by C. S. Palmer in 1873, in a building opposite Merrill & VVagner's store. The business was continued here for about seven years. The second house was that now known as the Adams House, built by Hayden Spencer, in 1875. It has been known as the Pennsylvania and the Hinckley House. B. H. Adams became the proprietor in April, 1883. He changed its name to the Adams House. It is a two-story frame building, with 12 sleeping rooms, with parlor, office, diningroom and kitchen.

The village of Hinckley comprises a part of District No. i. The school-house was erected here in 1873. There were then two rooms, two departments being represented. In 1883 an addition was made to the school building and the school divided int three departments - primary, intermediate and higher, The teachers for the year 1884-5 were Fred A. Lata^ **$&£ "t*t^( tin, Principal ; Miss Carrie C. Potter and Miss Emma Jones. There were in January, 1885, an enrollment of 136 pupils. The school property is valued at $2,800.

The postoffice was located here in 1872. This office was originally located at the grove and was known as the Squaw Grove postoffice. William C. Tappan was the first Postmaster, the office being established in 1852. His first year's receipts were* $2.55. In 1855 his receipts had increased to $23.52. The mail route was from Ottawa to Belvidere. Mr. Tappan was succeeded by Henry Putnam, who in turn was succeeded by Mr. Johnson, E. Spencer and Frank E. Merrill. The latter was appointed in 1867 and held the office for 17 years, resigning in April, 1884, when C. S. Palmer was appointed. A moneyorder department was created for the office in 1878, the first order being secured by A. F. Prince, in favor of George J. Prince, for $10.75, July 7, 1878.

The village of Hinckley was surveyed and platted in March, 1873. It was incorporated under the general act in 1877. The first trustees were John A. Coster, A. E. Sweet, A. G. White, N. Naldenhouse, Peter Coster. Clerk, F. L. Winslow. Since that date the following named have served :

Ingersoll Lodge, No. 301, A. F. & A. M. was chartered by the Grand Lodge Oct. 5, 1859, its meetings being held in the village of Cortland. Its charter members were Charles S. Ingersoll, W. M., in whose honor the lodge was named ; John B. Fletcher, S. W ; Nathan A. Cottrell, J. W. ; L. F. Dow, Jonathan Mattison, Richard A. Smith, Richard J. Webb, Onesimus Hitchcock. The name of the lodge was subsequently changed to Cortland Lodge. In 1875 it was voted to remove to Hinckley, the majority of its membership living in or near that village. On its removal its name was changed to Hinckley Lodge, No. 301, A. F. & A. M. At this place it has flourished, its membership embracing some of the best men in the village. Its present membership is 26. Since its removal the following named have filled the chair as presiding officers of the lodge : Archibald Cone, C. H. Hitchcock, F. E. Merrill, George E. Hobbs, J. W. Le Brant, the latter being elected January, 1885. In addition to J. W. Le Brant, W. M., the following named constitute the officers for 1885 : A. Grass, S. W. ; C. E. Long, J. W. ; David A. Hobbs, Treas. ; A. F. French, Sec. ; J. A. Le Brant, S. D. ; H. C. Baie, J. D.

Beacon Hill Lodge, No. 680, I. O. O. F., was organized July 2T, 1880, with George E. Hobbs, N. G.; J. A. Le Brant, V. G. ; A. W. Le Brant, Sec.; A. Grass, Treas. ; J. T. Kerr, Warden ; William Richardson and Christian Keamerle. The following named have served as N. G. : J. A. Le Brant, A. Grass, John T. Kerr, William Frazier, William Lockwood and B. C. Allbee. The following named were in office January, 1885 : B. C. Allbee, N. G. ; H. H. Hopkins, V. G. ; P. F. Albee, Sec. ; J. W. Le Brant, Treas.; John Clark, Warden. The lodge has a membership of 28, and financially and otherwise is a strong body.

HIS township lies in"the southeast corner of the county, with Kendall County on the east, La Salle on the south, Squaw Grove Township on the north, and Victor on the west. It has a good supply of timber along the banks of Somanauk Creek, with which it is well watered. The Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad passes through the southern portion of the township, through the city of Sandwich and village of Somonauk.

The first permanent settler of the township was Reuben Root, who first located on section 35, the place now owned by David V. Kinney. He sold this claim to Mr. Davis in the summer of 1835, and moved a little farther north, occupying a house which some years after became the property of Mr. Beveridge, and which it is said was erected some time in 1834, and occupied in the winter of 1834-5, by a Mr. Robinson. The exact date of Mr. Root's settlement is not known, but supposed to be in February, 1835. He was living on the Davis place when William Poplin arrived in March, 1835. Reuben Root was a native of New York. For some years he kept a tavern and was the first postmaster of Somonauk. Selling his claim here, he moved west and has since died.

Willliam Poplin was doubtless the second to locate on Somonauk Creek, in this township. He arrived here, as stated, in March, 1835, made a claim, erected his cabin, and made other improvements the same year. His selection was a wise one, and with his " good wife " he yet resides upon the old homestead, where they have spent a full 50 years.

Among others who made settlements along the creek in 1835, were William and Joseph Sly, Simon Price, Amos Hannon, William Davis, Simon Price, Thomas and William Brook.

The 'Sly brothers were natives of Ireland. Joseph remained in the township during the remainder of his life and was a well respected citizen. His house for some years was used for religious purposes, by representatives of any denomination who were willing to preach the gospel to the few then living here. William Sly moved into La Salle, where he died.

The first marriage in the township was that of Isaac Potter and Elizabeth Brook, in the fall of 1836. The ceremony was performed by Elder B. Mack.

The first birth was that of Harriet Poplin, daughter of William Poplin, born Jan. 25, 1836. She is now the wife of Herbert C. Cotton. The second birth was that of Mary A. Davis, born June 2. 1836. George W. Davis and a son of Burrage Hough were probably the two first males born in the township.

The first ground broke was by Amos Hannon in the spring of 1835. All the settlers of 1835 broke ground that year, but Simon Price and William and Joseph Sly are the only ones remembered that attempted to raise a crop.

The first religious services were probably at the house of Simon Price, in the winter of 1835-6, by Rev. William Royal, a Methodist Episcopal divine. Mrs. Joseph Sly disputed this fact, claiming that a Congregational minister, whose name was forgotten, preceded Mr. Royal a short time. None of the early settlers now living remember the man or the occasion of his preaching. Mrs. Royal early in 1836 organized a class, with the following named among the number : Mrs. William Davis, Mrs. Thomas Brook, Mrs. Simon Price, Mrs. Joseph Sly, and Miss Lorena Dennis, now Mrs. Jacob M. Hall. The first quarterly meeting was held soon after, Elder B. Mack officiating. This meeting was held at the house of Thomas Brook.

In the winter of 1836-7, at the house of Thomas Brook, the first school was taught by Lucius Frisbee. He had about one dozen scholars. The first schoolhouse was of logs and was erected in 1837 on section 22. Charles Eastabrooks taught the first school in this house the following winter. The educational interests of the township have kept pace with the increase in population and wealth.

There are eight school districts in the township, with twelve school-houses, the total value of which s estimated at $^7,250. From the County Stiperinndent's report for the year ending June 30, 1884, the following facts have been gleaned : There were 1,649 persons under 21 years of age, of whom were above the age of six years. There were five graded and seven ungraded schools, employing six male and 18 female teachers. The highest salary paid any teacher per month was $m.ii, and the lowest $20. The tax levy was $9,155.

Until Somonauk postoffice was established, the settlers along Somonauk Creek obtained their mail at Holderman's Grove, about 12 miles southeast. A number of families clubbed together and arranged to take turns in going once each week for the mail. In order to make each realize the necessity of going to the office when his turn came, it was agreed that should one fail to go, that his mail would net be brought by any of the others until his turn should again come around and he attended to the matter.

A postoffice under the name of Somonauk was established near what is now known as Freeland Corners, in 1837, with Reuben Root as postmaster. Mr. Root served one or two years and was succeeded by John Eastabrooks. The receipts of the office in 1837 were $15. 34. In 1839, when Mr. Eastabrooks was postmaster, the receipts had increased to $22.52. David Merritt succeeded Mr. Eastabrooks and was in turn succeeded by Alex. R. Patten, Lyman Bacon, Charles Bradbury, Joseph Hamlin. and William Robertson, the incumbent. In 1854 a postoffice was established at the village of Somonauk, called Somonauk Station. Mail designed for Somonauk would go to the station, and that for the station would frequently be sent to Somonauk postoffice; so a request was made to the postoffice department to change the name of the latter office. The name of Freeland was suggested and adopted, the name by which the office is now known. It is supposed that the name was suggested from the fact that the neighborhood was composed of liberty-loving people, those who strongly believed in a free land.

William H. Beavers started a store at the "corners," now known as Freeland Corners, about 1848. He was succeeded by David Merritt, who subsequently sold to Patten & Beveridge. The latter sold out to the former, who, in 1854, removed the store to Sandwich.

The Beveridge neighborhood, in this township, was composed almost exclusively of anti-slavery people. The house of George Beveridge was supposed to be a depot of the Underground Railroad, and the charge was never denied by any of the family. A local writer, in speaking of this fact, said: " In 1852, a gentlemanly stranger begged shelter for the night at this house (George Beveridge's). Something led the family to suspect that he was a detective, searching for evidence of their connection with the crime of aiding slaves to their freedom. Finally, seeking an opportunity of privacy, he asked directly of the venerable mother if she had not at times secreted fugitive negroes. ' Yes,' said she, ' and in spite of your oppressive laws, I will do it again whenever I have an opportunity.' Instead of immediately arresting her, as she had expected, the stranger laughed. He was an eminent physician of Quincy, engaged in establishing stations on the Underground Railroad, and during many subsequent years there was a frequent stoppage of trains at this station, and much lime and money was spent in forwarding the flying negroes on to the stewards at Piano, and to other places of refuge."

The United Presbyterians began holding meetings in the vicinity of the "corners" as early as 1841, but an organization was not effected until March 18, 1846. It is now one of the strongest country Churches in the State, with a house of worship that cost $c2,ooo. No more devoted Christians than those worshiping here can anywhere be found.

Somonauk Township, in 1884, had 19,642 acres of improved land, a less number than any other in the county, but at a higher valuation, amounting to $[6.15 an acre, or a total of $317,255. The town lots were assessed at $290,225 ; personal property, $245,495. A total of $866,665. This was reduced by the State Board of Equalization to $762,292. Among the items of personal property reported were the following : Horses, 875; cattle, 2,27 i ; mules and asses, 52; sheep, 247; hogs, 3/126; steam engines, 3 ; safes, 23 ; billiard tables, 5 ; carriages and wagons, 462; watches and clocks, 375; sewing and knitting machines, 390 ; pianos, 66 ; melodeons and organs, 88. With the exception of Sycamore, Somonauk has more pianos than any township in the county.

EFORE the completion of the railroad to this point, the railroad company determined to locate here a station, believing it would be acceptable to the people in the neighborhood and an accommodation to the farmers living near. The road was completed in the fall of 1853, but for some cause the village was not platted till in June, 1855, though many lots had previously been sold and quite a thriving village had sprung up. The original plat was upon sections 32 and 33, township 37 north, range 5 east, and embraced property belonging to Alverus Gage, Lyman Bacon, Franklin Dale, Thomas Brown and James H. Beveridge, Mr. Gage owning the greater portion of it. Several additions have since been made.

In the fall of 1853, before the railroad had been completed here, and while the employees engaged in its construction were yet in the vicinity of the old red school-house, on the site of the present city of Sandwich, Franklin Dale went to Mr. Gage and proposed purchasing some ground of him on which to erect a store building. Desiring the land in the vicinity of the depot, Mr. Gage prevailed on the engineer engaged in the survey to come down and designate where the depot building should be erected. Mr. Dale then made his selection and at once commenced the erection of his building. Gustave Hess commenced to erect a building for a store and dwelling about the same time, but Mr. Dale had his completed first; and, occupying it with a stock of general merchandise, became the pioneer merchant of the

While these business enterprises were being set on foot the railroad company was engaged in the erection of the depot buildings, completing them in the winter of 1853-4.

Lyman Bacon about the same time purchased 10 acres of land from Mr. Gage with a view of building a hotel. For some cause he failed in his purpose, but erected a building which he used as a dwelling and as a shoe shop, being the pioneer shoemaker of the village.

In the fall of 1853 David Hunt laid the foundation for the present hotel building, and in the spring completed and occupied it as a hotel, being the first in the place.

Somonauk Bank was established in February, 1880. It is a private institution, with John Clark as president and H. Wright, cashier. T. J. Wright and

Some months after the railroad was completed, Buck Branch postoffice, located about one mile north, was removed here and its name changed to Somonauk Station, the latter word being added from the fact that there was a postoffice called Somonauk in the township. Confusion arising in forwarding and receiving mail, Somonauk postoffice was subsequently changed to Freeland, and in due time the word " Station " was dropped from this office. Lyman Bacon was the first postmaster and served until 1861, when Henry Curtis was appointed, and for 24 years has handled the mail at this place.

The village of Somonauk was organized Jan. 4, 1859, by incorporating it under the " Town Corporation Act." At the election to vote on such incorporation, 49 votes were cast for and 10 against the same. The first trustees elected were Lyman Bacon, E. W. Lewis, E. Hoxey, William Heun and D. F. Andrus. Lyman Bacon was chosen President and

On the 1 8th day of July, 1872, the question of organizing as a village under the general law of the State was submitted to a vote of its citizens and adopted. The first board of trustees under the new organization was constituted as follows : J. Poor, President ; H. Potter, T. B. Blanchard, F. Schort, J. B. Brigham, W. W. Hathorn, Clerk.

The following named have served the village as members of the Board of Supervisors: John M. Goodell, 1867; William Heun, 1868; Edward W. Lewis, 1869; N. L. Watson, 1870-1 ; Jeremiah Poor, 1872; John Clark, 1873.

The first school in the village was in the winter of 1855-6, and held over the hardware store, by D. F. Andrus. The present school-house was erected in 1856 and occupied in the winter of 1856-7. Additions have since been made to the building to meet the wants of increasing population. No thorough grading of the schools was made until 1880, when P. K. Cross was elected principal. Two classes have since been graduated, diplomas being given to the graduates. Mr. Cross Continued as principal until 1884, when Miss Leah Delagneau was appointed. Four rooms are occupied, Miss Delagneau having charge of one, with Miss Lizzie Benedict, Anna R. Hunt and Ella Howe, respectively, in each of the others. The graduates are as follows :

The religious welfare of the people is attended to by the following denominations, each having houses of worship - Protestant Methodist, Baptist, Lutheran, Presbyterian, Catholic and Methodist Episcopal.

The Baptist Church was organized May 19, 1857, a preliminary meeting being held Jan. 10, 1857. The constituent members of the Church were William Patten, Perry G. Jones, Frances A. Jones, John Shailer, Elizabeth Shailer, Ashbel Stockham, linda Stockham, Enoch Stockham, J. N. Braddock, U3 S«^ -ftegtf©.

The Catholic Congregation was organized in the year 1865. Previous to that time the number of Catholic families was comparatively small and their spiritual wants were supplied at certain times during the year -by the resident priests of Naperville, Mendota and Ottawa, who held religious services either in a private house or in the hotel of the village, where the Catholics would assemble to comply with their duty and have their children baptized and the other sacraments of the Church administered.

In the year 1863 a hall was purchased for their house of worship, but as the number of Catholics began to increase rapidly, it was soon found to be incompetent to meet their requirements, and the building of a new frame structure for a church was commenced in 1866. This church was 40 x 80 feet in dimensions, with a steeple 100 feet high, containing a bell, weighing 800 pounds. This church cost about $4,000. From this time religious services were held every two weeks, the church being in charge of Rev. D. Nieder Korn, S. J. Still the Catholic people were not permitted to enjoy the comfort of their new church very long, the building being totally destroyed by fire in May, 1868. It was on a Sunday. A funeral service had just been held, and when the people returned from the cemetery they saw at a distance how dense clouds of smoke were issuing from the roof, and in less than 15 minutes from the time that smoke was seen the whole building was enveloped in flames and totally destroyed. How the fire originated is a mystery, even to this day.

After this Rev. J. Dale, a Belgian by birth, visited the Catholics of Somonauk and held services for them. He resided at Leland and remained nine months. The congregation lost no time to replace the old building by even a finer and costlier edifice, built of brick, 40 x 80 feet in dimensions.

new church were finished, the Rt. Rev. J. Duggan, Bishop of Chicago, gave the congregation a new pastor of its own, in the very young priest, Rev. C. J. Huth, who had just been ordained two weeks previous. He was the first residentjpriestof Somonauk. He took charge Feb. 14, 1869.

He succeeded in completing a very fine church and purchasing a parochial residence. The congregation grew larger from year to year under his administration and numbers now 1,000 souls. Father Huth attended, besides Somonauk, the churches of Leland and Bristol, and visited occasionally the Catholics of Shabbona Grove.

He purchased for the church three beautiful altars with statues, one grand pulpit, costing $325 ; one beautiful and large pipe organ, costing $i, too ; a bell and tower, costing $850.

Father Huth was pastor of Somonauk 15 years and three months, and left the place May i, 1884, having built up one of the finest parishes in this part of the country. He joined in marriage 200 couples, baptized about 800 infants, and buried 200 dead.

Father Huth's successor, the present incumbent, Rev. L. A. R. Erhard, is a gentleman of recognized ability, filled with zeal for the Church. He has improved the church property and succeeded in winning the good will of his people and of the public.

South Somonauk Lodge, No. 181, I. O. O. F., was organized July 25, 1855, with T. R. Mack, W. B. Hough, Isaac Hatch, Edward Thomas and John M. Goodell as charter members. The early records and charter of this lodge were destroyed. In 1875 it began working as a German lodge, continuing as such till the present time. It has a membership of 20. The officers in the spring of 1885 were Jacob Spach, N. G. ; Ernest Steuping, V. G. ; A. Rumple, Sec. ; A. Meyers, Treas. ; John Betz, Deputy and Representative to Grand Lodge.

Somonauk Encampment, No. 62, I. O. O. F., was chartered Oct. 9, 1866, with George Shafman, Robert Fish, Moses West, Fred. Schwanz, S. J. Girodat, A. J. Wright and Geo. W. Wolverton as charter members. The Encampment is in a prosperous condition, with a membership of 44. Its present officers are E. Suppes, C. P. ; E. Graf, H. P. J. F. Poplin, S. W. ; S. 'E. Beelman, J. W. ; G. W.

Beelman, G. ; Henry Banzet, S. ; G. W. Beelman, Deputy and Representative to Grand Encampment. Rising Sun Lodge, No. 634, I. O. O. F., was organized Oct. 10, 1877, with the following officers : S. E. Beelman, N. G. ; J. J. Murphy, V. G. ; A. E. Ames, Sec. ; C. Rohrer, Treas. There has been an enrollment of 55, with the present membership of

The sisters in the Order have taken hold with a will, and Home Lodge has been prosperous from the start. It now has a membership of 41, with the following named officers: G. W. Beelman, N. G.; Miss Amelia Suppes, V. G.; Miss Carrie M. Beelman, Sec.; John Lawman, P. S.; Mrs. Bertha Faltz, Treas.

Somonauk Lodge, No. 646, A. F. & A. M., was chartered by the Grand Lodge in October, 1870. Previous to receiving the charter the lodge worked under dispensation from March, 1870. Death has taken two members - R. H. Thomas, N. Mollier. The lodge has had a prosperous existence, having enrolled 82 members, with a present membership of

The Illinois Catholic Order of Foresters, a benevolent society, has also been inaugurated May 26th, The court was organized by the High Chief Ranger as St. John the Baptist Court, No. 17.

HIS is an excellent township, being well supplied with timber 'and prairie, and watered by the Kishwaukee River. The Sycamore Branch of the Chicago & Northwestern is the only railroad within its borders. The country is quite flat - even along the river banks there are no steep bluffs. The soil is a rich black loam, and highly productive. Lands here are valued from $50 to $75 per acre, according to improvement.

Lysander Darling, and Dr. Norbo, a Norwegian, for whom Norwegian Grove is named, were doubtless the first settlers here, although Mr. Chartres, a Frenchman, came about the same time. This was in the spring or summer of 1835. Peter Lamois also settled here the same year, and it is claimed for him that he broke the first ground and raised the first crop. These pioneers were followed by Elihu Wright, J. C. Kellogg, E. F. White and Zachariah Wood, who came in 1836.

During this year the New York Company, composed of Christian Sharer, Evans Wharry, Clark Wright and Mark Daniels, under the firm name of C. Sharer & Co., located a large tract of land with the intention of locating a town. They laid out a village plat north of the creek, dammed the Kishwaukee River, built a mill and made other preparations for effecting a large settlement. Eli G. Jewell opened a small store, and George Wilson began to do a little blacksmith work. Mr. Crawford, some time in 1837, opened a cabinet shop a little north of Jewell's store, and for a time engaged in the manufacture of tables and chairs, supplying the greater number of the early settlers with these useful articles.

When the New York Company began operations times were flush, and everybody had money, such as it was. But the hard times of 1837 set in, so well remembered by old settlers, and, notwithstanding they had expended a large sum of money, the company abandoned its claim, and one more embryo village was numbered with the past.

The first settlers of the township were from the East, mostly from the Green Mountain State, and; like all New Englanders, the first thing to bethought of, after becoming settled, was to look after the educational interests of the coming generation. Therefore, early in 1837, the few neighbors then here met .A /-> together and erected a log school-house about four miles north of the present city of Sycamore, and in the summer of that year Mary Wood taught a term of school. She was followed by J. C. Kellogg, who taught the winter term. To Miss Wood belongs the honor of being the first teacher in the township of Sycamore.

The County Superintendent, in his report for the year ending June 30, 1884, gives the following information in relation to the schools of the township: There were ten school districts, three graded and nine ungraded schools. The school property was valued at $29,384. In the ten districts were five brick and seven frame school houses. Of persons under 21 years of age there were 1,843, °f whom i ,2 1 3 were of school age, 971 being enrolled. The average wages paid teachers was $37.37 per month, the highest being $140, and the lowest $25. The tax levy was $11,275.

It has been said that the first thing thought of by pioneers from the East was the educational interests of their children. This should be amended by saying, after the moral welfare of the community had been attended to. After becoming settled Mr. White and Mr. Daniels at once began to look for some one to hold religious services. Levi Lee, a minister of the Methodist Episcopal Church, was induced to make an appointment, and in May, 1836, preached the first sermon in the township. A class was soon afterwards organized.

Caroline, daughter of Edward F. and Mary White, was born Aug. i, r836. She is said to have been the first white birth in the township, though some assert a child was born to Mr. and Mrs. Elihu Wright, prior to this time. The child was born in a wagon. Another early birth was that of Emily Jane Kellogg, who was born Jan. 28, 1837.

The first marriage now remembered was that of Daniel W. Lamb and Julia Maxfield, March 16, 1838. Eli G. Jewell, J. P., performed the ceremony.

well as the township, was at the house of Ephraim Hall, in 1837. Jesse C. Kellogg read the Declaration of Independence and Levi Lee delivered the oration.

Death came among the little band of pioneers, and on the 29th of May, 1837, Lorinda (Wood) French breathed her last. She was buried near the family residence, but her body has since been removed to the Sycamore Cemetery.

The pioneers of this township experienced much difficulty in having their grain ground. The first milling remembered by Thomas H. Wood was in the fall of 1837. His father, Zachariah Wood, and a few others, clubbed together and hired a man named Graves to take some wheat to Joliet to be ground. After performing his duty, Mr. Graves provided himself with a liquid stronger than water and relumed to the settlement without wagon or flour, but gloriously drunk. Several men started to Joliet to see what had become of the team. It was found some miles away in a slough, where it had been left by the " inebriated " man.

From the abstract of assessments in the office of the County Clerk, the following facts are gleaned : In 1884 there were in this township 21,130 acres of improved land, valued at $338,595, an average of $16.02 an acre. With the exception of Somonauk, the average value was above that of any other township. The town lots were valued at $366,861 ; personal property, $347,109. A total amount of $1,052,- 565, which was reduced by the State Board of Equalization to $919,285. Among the items of personal property assessed that year were the following: Horses, 1,037: cattle, 2,702; mules and asses, 2; sheep, 969; hogs, 2,028; steam engines, 12; safes, 30; billiard tables, 10; carriages and wagons, 616; watches and clocks, 822, sewing and knitting machines, 478 ; pianos, 86; melodeons and organs, 127. De Kalb Township alone exceeded Sycamore in the number of horses. In carriages and wagons, watches and clocks, sewing and knitting machines, and in pianos, Sycamore leads every other township in the county.

On the organization of the township James Harrington was elected to serve as a member of the Board of Supervisors. He was succeeded in 1856 by E. L. Mayo, who served one year, when D. B. James was elected. He was succeeded by James

Harrington in 1859, who served three years. Roswell Dow was first elected in 1862, and was twice re-elected. Samuel Alden was his successor in 1865. He served two years, when Henry Wood was elected, and served one year. N. L. Cottrell was the member for 1868, Henry Wood in 1869, and John G. Smith in 1870-1; E. B. Shurtleff, 1872-3; Nathan Lattin, 1874-7; Marshall Stark, 1878-80; William W. Marsh, assistant, 1881 : Henry C. Whittemore, 1882-4; Byron F. Wyman, assistant, 1883-4.

HIS township lies upon the south line of the county, being bounded on the south by La Salle County, on the east by Somonauk Township, on the north by Clinton, and on the west by Paw Paw. The land is exclusively prairie, rich and productive. Among the first settlers were Jeremiah Mulford, W. H. Keene, Aruna Beckwith, James Green, Newton Stearns, Peleg Sweet, Jerome Baxter, George N. Stratton, Simon Suydam, H. C. Beard and W. R. Prescott. In 1847 and 1848 some of the land of this township was taken up, and during the next five years all was entered. In 1851, on the completion of the C. B. & Q. R. R. south of the township, a large number of people came in, and soon all of the rich prairie was filled with a thrifty and industrious people. Many Germans and Irish were among the number, and also quite a colony of Norwegians.

Victor is exclusively an agricultural township, having no village within its borders. Its people trade in the village of Leland, upon the south, and Somonauk, upon the southeast. Van Buren and Victor Center postoffices were established in an early day. The first school-house is said to have been built in 1850, by Newton Stearns, on section 8. In 1855 the school section was sold. From the report of the County Superintendent of Schools for the year ending June 30, 1884, are gleaned the following interesting facts : There were 380 persons under 2 1 years of age, of whom 275 were over six years of age. Each of the districts had a frame school-house, the total value of which was $3,750. School had been held in each district, with a total enrollment of 240. Seven male and eight female teachers had been employed, the highest monthly wages paid any being $50, and the lowest $23. The tax levy was $2,055.

Boies says: "This township gave 103 soldiers to the War of the Rebellion, and taxed itself $10,858 for war purposes. Those who lost their lives in the service were Ferdinand Vanderveer, who died at Louisville, Ky., March 30, 1865; E. T. Pierce, at Alexandria, Ya.. April 23, 1861; C. T; Bond, at Pittsburg, Pa., March 17, 1865; C. R. Suydam, at Alexandria, Va., Jan. 26, 1862."

In 1884 the assessor reported 20,913 acres of improved land, valued at $295,594; personal property, $55,128; total, $35 0,7 22. The State Board of Equalization reduced the total amount to $309,319. Among the items of personal property listed were the following: Horses, 678 ; cattle, 2,151; mules and asses, 21 ; sheep, 186; hogs, 2,864; carriages and wagons, 158; watches and clocks, 119; sewing and knitting machines, 40; melodeons and organs, 28. SUPERVISORS.

HIS is one of the. most attractive cities in Northern Illinois. With its wide streets, handsome residences and churches, the architectural beauty of which is indeed commendable, it makes a place in which one might well desire to live and enjoy the comforts of a home. Surrounded by an excellent agricultural country, within a short distance of the great metropolis of the West, and having a thrifty and enterprising population, what more could there be desired ?

Almost a half century has passed away since Captain Eli Barnes erected the first house upon the site of the present city. The historian cannot describe this building as of the usual pattern - " an unpretentious log-cabin " - for it was not, but a large twostory frame building, still in a good state of preservation, and which has been used from the beginning to the present time for hotel purposes. It stands upon the southeast corner of the Court-House square, and is truly an old landmark, worthy of veneration. It was thought by the people then living in the county a great waste of money for the Captain to erect such a large building ; but it was well for the future of Sycamore that it was done, for it doubtless was the means of obtaining and retaining the county seat.

Previous to the erection of this building by Capt. Barnes, an attempt had been made by a company from New York to locate a village north of the present site. This was in 1836, when wild-cat money was in abundance and when towns were springing up like mushrooms all over the West. When the bubble burst, when it was found that it required a pocket full of such money as was then in existence :o buy a meal of victuals, the New York company notwithstanding it had expended a large sum of money

Although Capt. Barnes erected the first house on the present site of the city, there was yet another here at the time of its erection. A small frame house had been moved from the Hamlin farm and was occupied by Dr. Basset^ the first physician in the place. This house stood until 1855 where D. B. James subsequently built a handsome residence, and was then burned down, on suspicion that it had been used for the sale of liquors.

The village slowly improved for some years. " In 1840," says Boies, in his History of De Kalb County, " the dreary little village consisted of a dozen houses, scattered over considerable land, but without fences, and with but one well."

As times became better; and the county-seat contests were in a measure settled in favor of Sycamore, the growth of the village was more marked. In 1848 the population was 262; in 1849 it was 320; in 1850 it had further increased to 390; and in 1851 it had 435. In 1855 there were in the place six drygoods stores, two hardware stores, two cabinet-ware rooms, one drug store, four grocery and provision stores, two saloons, three taverns, one banking and exchange office, two wagon shops, one livery stable, two harness shops, two tin shops, one jewelry store, three shoe shops, four blacksmith shops, one shingle manufactory, one tailor shop, one meat market, one cooper shop, seven lawyers, four physicians, ten carpenters, four painters, three circulating libraries, three churches, and one steam saw-mill.

The original plat of Sycamore comprised 24 whole and six half blocks. The village was surveyed and platted by Capt. Eli Barnes, County Surveyor, in May, 1839, and immediately placed upon record. To the original plat many additions have since been made, the village of Sycamore assuming city proportions. There is one thing the present generation have cause to be thankful for, and to which just j praise should be awarded the projectors of the town, and that is, the wide streets. Few cities can boast of such wide and beautiful streets, now adorned with

Incorporation

In 1858, Sycamore was incorporated under the general act as a village. In 1859 a special charter was secured from the Legislature, the act being approved Feb. 2r, 1859. The provisions of the special /3s charter was thought to be more acceptable than = those of the general act, and better adapted to the

§ welfare and growth of the village. The first election held under the special charter f\- was held March 14, 1859, and all other elections were ordered held on the second Monday in March of each year. At the first election the following named were elected members of the Board of Trustees : Edward L. Mayo, H. F. Page, George Weeden, W. H. Stebbins, C. B. Beckwith. Tyler K. Waite was elected Justice of the Peace ; Daniel Pierce, Assessor; H. A. Joslyn, Constable.

The first meeting' of the Board was held March 19. E. L. Mayo was elected President of the Board and David Farnsworth, Clerk pro tem. This was all the business transacted. On the 4th of April Mr. Farnsworth was elected Clerk for the year.

For ten years the village government, under its special charter, existed, when it was thought advisable, by the people, to organize under a civil government. A special charter was secured, approved by the Governor March 4, 1869. The city was divided in four wards, and under the charter its first election was held March 15, 1869, at which time the following officers were elected : Reuben Ellwood, Mayor; Tyler K. Waite, Justice of the Peace; Aldermen - ist Ward, C. T. Stuart, C. O. Boynton; zd Ward, R. L. Divine, J. W. Hunter; 3d Ward, Charles Brown,