DuPage County, Illinois - The whole text, 1857 (part 2 of 3)

Education, Schools And Academies

been well observed by the people of Du Pacr County. We now have about seventy school districts, which are provided with good school buildings and good schools. Much of our advancement in this respect, is due to the indefatigable labors of our late school cotnmissioner, Rev. Hope Brown. From Mr. Brown's annual report of 1855, we give some extracts showing the state of our schools at that time :

"The whole number of school districts in the county is sixty-eight, sixty-four of which are provided with school houses. If we divide these houses into four classes, we may reckon twenty in the first class, and call them extra; we may also reckon twenty in the sccond class, and call them good ; we may reckon sixteen in the third class, and call them passable ; and that will leave eight for the fourth class, which may justly be called miseRaBLE. Three new houses have been erected the last year, and preparations are being made for the erection of several more the present year. In relation to this subject, there is generally, throughout the county, a disposition to make progress in the right direction. No district is willing to have its school house reported year after year, as being miserably poor, and entirely unfit to be occupied for school purposes. Since I first began to visit our schools, five years ago, and to report the condition of the school houses in our county paper, thirty new ones have Ween erected, and several others have undergone important repairs; and the prospect now is, that no district will be long without a house that they will be unwilling to have visited and reported just as it is. The whole numberof pupils connected with our district schools the past winter, is not far from two thousand ; among this number, about twelve hundred have attended to arithmetic, five hundred have studied geography, two hundred and fifty English grammar, and about one hundred have attended to higher branches, such as algebra, natural philosophy, physiology, and the history of the United States.

"The schools have generally been taught from six to eight months each, during the year. In a few districts there has been no school during the winter. The wages of teachers have been, for females, from eight to sixteen dollars per-month and board; for males, from sixteen to thirty per month and board. Jt is an omen of good, that there is a disposition to give to teachers a better remuneration for their services, than they have received in years past. When good wages are offered, then good qualifications may be rigidly insisted upon. Of all cheap things, cheap teachers are the first to be repudiated. When, by the special pleading of school directors, I am urged to give a certificate to a teacher, whom I have good reason to regard as unqualified to instruct in each of the branches required by law to be taught in our district schools, I feel that I'am asked to do that which will not be likely to promote the interests of education in any school. The district that cannot afford to have a good teacher, should not throw away their money by employing a poor teacher. In examining teachers, I may have been regarded as being unnecessarily strict, but I have at all times aimed to be governed by 'law and evidence," and where I have refused a certificate, it has been because the applicant has not furnished evidence on examination, tliat he possessed the qualifications which the law requires. If, in respect to this important duty I have erred, it has been in being too lenient rather than in being too strict. If none but those who are well qualified, as the law requires, can be approbated, then none but such as regard themselves as well qualified, will be likely to apply for or consent to be employed in any school in our county. In visiting and examining our schools the past winter, I found them generally in a prosperous condition. To this general remark there may be three or four exceptions; and where these exceptions apply, if school directors had been faithful in the discharge of the duties devolving upon them as such, these schools would no doubt have been much better than what they were. As a whole, our district schools may be regarded as doing much, very much, for the advancement of the prosperity of our county.

"In addition to our district schools, there are in the county three incorporated academies, 'The Naperville Academy,' 'The Illinois Institute' and the 'Warrenville Seminary ;' the two former of which are in a prosperous condition, but the latter is suspended for the present. There are also six private schools in the county. In these schools and in the above named academies, there have been the past winter, about five hundred pupils ; so that in view of our academies and schools, public and private, we may regard this county as well furnished with the means of educatiog, or at least in a fair way to be well furnished. Let the same progress in respect to schools be made in this county for five years to come, which has been made during the preceding five years, and but few counties, either west or east, will be better furnished with the means of education than will Du Pace County. School directors, in many instances, have been sadly delinquent in relation to the duty of visiting schools under their immediate supervision. It is believed that there are those who sustain this responsible office, who have not visitéd the schools legally under their care, even once during the entire year. Such do not magnify their office, nor does their office magnify them. But a word to the wise may be sufficient."

Health

This county is proverbial for its healthfulness, but diseases of the more acute form, as billious and typhus fevers, fever and ague, are not uncommon at some seasons of the year. The climate is mild and salubrious.. The heat of the summer is perhaps greater than it is in the same latitude of the eastern states, but our winters are far less severe.

To write out the newspaper history of Du Pace County, is but to record a succession of failures. The first newspaper was established at the county seat. Being situated on the principal route for transit between the Rock river country and Chicago, Naperville had grown to be a considerable town, and in 1849 its citizens naturally thought that an organ, or newspaper, wasnecessary to give it position and honorable mention among its sister towns. Accordingly, with a lilerality which was characteristic, its citizens offered to purchase a printing press and materials for any one who would undertake to publish a newspaper in Naperville. Unfortunately for them, their liberal offer was heard of by an adventurer named Charles J. Sellon, who hastened to Naperville, and early in November, 1849, struck a bargain with the citizens, and agreed to publish a paper on the terms proposed. Sellon was wholly unknown to the people of Naperville, had no capital, and but little reputation, though he had buta short time previous been engaged in two or three unsuccessful and dishonorable newspaper speculations. However, the citizens were as good as their promise, and in two or three days raised the amount necessary, some $500, with which a second-hand press, a large quantity of type, which had previously been used on the Chicago Journat, job type, and other necessary materials, were purchased, and brought to Naperville, anid the rejoicings of the people. A room was procured in the old Tarbox store for an office, and after considerable delay in arranging everything, and setting up the press and fixtures, the first number of the Du Pace County Recorper was issued, if we mistake not, on or about the 1st of December, 1849, "by ©. J. Sellon, Editor and Proprietor." The paper, in its commencement, was a decided success. Itstarted off with a circulation of about 500. The business men of Naperville advertised largely, and furnished job work liberally. In fact, the establishment of the Recorper marked an era in the history of Du Pacz County ; for although the town did not in consequence grow in population, as some other towns had done, yet it infused new life, new ideas, new ambition and energy into the business men, and the whole commu- nity. But the success of the paper was doomed to be of short duration. Sellon proved to be a bad manager, lazy and extravagant, and the most liberal patronage could not long keep him up; besides, he had no stamina, was full of wild chimerical schemes, and continually trying something new, most unfitting qualities for a newspaper publisher. The Rrcorper having been started by the joint eftorts of all parties, it was deemed proper that it should be neutral in politics. But Sellon's uneasy nature could not long rest under this state of affairs, and his means running low, he at last prevailed on one or two very susceptible politicians, who lived out of the county, to furnish him funds with which to change the Rercorper into a political paper. Accordingly, at the end of nine months, he discontinued the Rrcorper, and issued in its stead, the Democratic PiarnpEALer. About the same time also, he commenced the publication of a small weekly sheet called the Davcurer or Trem- PERANCE, as he professed to be a great advocate of the cause of temperance. The change in the character of the paper gave great dissatisfaction to the men of both parties in the town. The printing of the two papers became very expensive, while there was a manifest falling off in patronage, and some time in November, 1850, Sellon started off on a tour for the ostensible purpose of obtaining subscribers for the Davcurer, but he never came back, leaving $500 or $600 due creditors, and an interesting family wholly destitute. The whole concern, of course, came toa " dead lock," and the Democratic Piarnprater and Daventer or Temperance abruptly and ingloriously terminated their

Previous to leaving, Sellon had privately formed a partnership with H. 8. Humphrey, a journeyman printer in his office, to whom he owed a considerable amount, in which he had agreed to sell him half the office, Humphrey turning his account in part payment. This gave Humphrey a lien or claim upon the office, and Keith and Barnes agreeing to become responsible to those of Sellon's creditors who were original subscribers, and still owned stock in the concern, for the payment of their claims, the office was again placed on a business footing, and early in January, 1851, the Du Pace Country Oxssrrver, was issued under the management of Barnes, Humphrey and Keith. But the miserable failure and equivocal conduct of Sellon threw a " wet blanket" on the newspaper business of Du Pace County, from which it has never yet recovered, and the Ossrrver never proved a money making concern.

Mr. Humphrey continued his connection with the paper until April 6th, 1852, when he disposed of his interest to Mr. Gershom Martin, who continued the paper two years more in connection with Barnes and Keith. In March, 1854, they transferred their interest to Mr. Martin, who continued it alone until the first of the following September, when he suspended its publication, having at that time less than 275 subseribers. Tims the Osserver, after a precarious existence of three years and eight months, expired. During the fall of 1854 Mr. Charles W. Keith, believing that a paper could be sustained in Du Pace County, bought

DU PAGE COUNTY. 69 the office, procured a new and larger press, and in November, 1854, started the Du Pace Country Journat, a large and handsome sheet, and a decided improvement on the former ones. The JournaL was continued successively by C. W. Keith; Keith, Edson & Co.; J. M. Edson, and E. M. Day, until the great and disastrous freshet of February, 1857, when the entire office, and the building it was in, was carried away by the flood.

Sometime in the summer of 1856, the citizens of Wheaton, a town which had grown up on the Galena railroad, believing the interests of their town demanded such an enterprise, procured a press, and commenced the publication at their place, of the Du Pagr County Gazerrr, J. A. J. Birdsall being the publisher. It was published about ten inonths, when it was discontinued. At present there is but one paper printed in the county. The Navervo.re Newsterrer is published at Naperville, by E. H. Eyer, It is a very respectable sheet and bids fair to rival its predecessors in permanence and usefulness,

The law organizing the county was approved February 9th, 1839. The boundaries of the county, as specified in the first section of the act, embraced not only the present limits, but the north half of two townships of Will county. The same section contained a proviso, as follows:

"That no part of the county above described, now forming a part of Will county, shall be included within the said county of Du Page, unless the inhabitants now residing in said part of Will county shall, by a vote to be given by them at the next August election, decide, by a majority of legal voters, that they prefer to have the said territory made a part of the said county of Du Page."

A vote of the inhabitants of the two half townships was had at the election mentioned in the proviso quoted, and although great exertions were made to produce a different result, the proposition was rejected by one vote.

By the fourth section of the act, Ralph Woodruff, of La Salle county, Seth Reed, of Kane county, and Il. G. Loomis, of Cook county, were appointed cominissioners to locate the county seat, and were to meet at the Preémption House, in Naperville, on the first Monday of June, 1839, or within thirty days thereafter.

dollars, for the purpose of erecting county buildings ; which sum shall be secured to the county commissioners, and paid out, under their directions, for the purposes aforesaid." P

Naperville was selected as the county seat, and on the 17th day of June, 1839, a quit-claim deed was executed to the county commissioners, conveying all the title one claimant had (the undivided half) to the present public square. The county never had title to the other half as a claim.

As there are many in our county who have erroneous ideas in regard to the title of the county to the public square, upon which the county buildings stand, we here insert so much of the records as are necessary to give a correct understanding of its situation.

By reference to the proceedings of the county commissioners, we find that on the 7th day of June, 1842, the following orders were entered on record by them, viz. :

"Tt is ordered by the court that Bailey Hobson be and he is hereby appointed a commissioner for the county of Du Page, to apply for, and obtain from the government of the United States of America, in pursuance of the act of congress in such case made and provided, a preémption to the following described quarter section of land, to wit: The south-west quarter of section 18, township 38 north, range ten east of the third principal meridian, the Same being the quarter section upon which the'seat of justice for the county of Du Page is located."

" Whereas, Bailey Hobson, by an order entered on the records of this court, has been appointed a commissioner to apply for and obtain from the government of the United States, a preémption to the south-west quarter section of section eightcen, township thirty-eight north, range ten east of the third principal meridian for the use of said county of Du Pac, and there being several persons who have a just and equitable claim to a part of said quarter section, it is ordered by this court that the said Bailey Hobson, commissioner aforesaid, be, and he is hereby authorized and empowered, for and-in behalf of the said county of Du Pass, to convey, by good and sufficient deed, to all those persons, severally, who have a just and equitable claim to any part or portion of said quarter section, the several proportions which any such individuals may be justly entitled to, of said quarter section of land, upon condition that such individuals who have a just claim to any portion of said land shall pay to the said commissioner, for the use of said county, one dollar and twenty-five cents per acre for the several proportions they are entitled to, together with a further sum of money sufficient to cover and pay any and every expense which the county aforesaid, through their said commissioner, may have to incur in proving a preémption to said quarter section, and all their expenses attending the conveyance of said land from the county to said individuals."

In compliance with thre first order, a preémption was obtained under the Act of Congress of 1822, by Mr. Hobson, as commissioner for the county, to the 8. W4 Sec. 18, T.38 N., R. 10 E., and he, as such commissioner, received a "duplicate" for the land, which is recorded in the recorder's office, in book one, page 541. Whether the "patent" for the land has been obtained from the land office or not, we do not know.

In compliance with the second order of the county commissioner, all the land entered by the commissioner, except the public square, was conveyed by him to C. B. Hosmer and Lewis Eilsworth, the former receiving a deed for that portion lying north of the "Galena road," and the latter for that lying south of the road.

We might give a further history of the "claim," but as it is foreign to our intentions to state anything more than what is necessary to explain the situation of the county property, we forbear.

About $5,000 was subscribed by the citizens of Naperville to erect.a court house, which was built in 1839. The brick offices were subsequently erected.

The county buildings, after a lapse of nearly twenty years, remain in statu quo, nothing having been done to beautify the grounds, or to improve their convenience orcomfort. In view of the possibility of their removal, the citizens of Naperville filed a bond in the clerk's office, in April, 1857, which obligates them to enlarge and improve the appearance of the court house during the present summer. The citizens of the county are looking for a faithful execution of that bond. There being no correct view of the county buildings now extant, we are obliged to forego the pleasure of presenting our readers with a representation of their massive proportions. Since the erection of the county buildings, the judicial courts have been held uniformly at Naperville. In the winter of 1857, the Legislature passed an act, authorizing an election to be held on the first Monday in May, which should decide the question of the removal of the county seat to the town of Wheaton. The election excited considerable agitation and feeling, but the attempt was unsuccessful. Local jealousies have grown out of it, but it is hoped that they will now cease, and the great object be to elevate each town and the whole county. The cireuit court holds its sessions semi-annually, on the second Monday in April, and the third Monday in October. The present presiding judge of this court is Hon. J. O. Norton, of Joliet. The probate court holds its sessions on the first Monday in each month. The present judge of probate is Walter Blanchard, of Downer's Grove. The amount of litigation carried on in this county is very small in proportion to the population. The sessions of the circuit court seldom last more than two or three days. There has been but one execution in this county for capital offense. Patrick Doyle, a native of Ireland, was hung at Naperville, in 1854, for the murder of Patrick Tole.

"On Monday of last week a most revolting murder was committed on the line of the Chicago, St. Charles and Mississippi Air Line Railroad, in this county. The particulars, so far as we have been able to learn them, are about as follows: Two brothers, Irishmen, named Tole, who had been employed upon the road, had received their pay in the morning, amounting to sixty dollars, and had quit work. They were indulging in a little 'spree,' and one of them became very drunk. An Irishman named Doyle, by some means was knowing to the fact of their having the money in their possession, and it is supposed determined upon robbing them. He found an opportunity to make the attempt the same afternoon. It seems all three were traveling along together on the St. Charles and Chicago wagon road, and when near the residence of Mr. Clisby, one of the brothers Tole became so stupid from the effects of liquor as to be unable to proceed further ; in other words, he was dead drunk, and fell down in the fence corner. The sober brother stopped to move him, and assist him to proceed, and while thus engaged over him, Doyle, it would seem, conceived the fitting moment to have arrived, proceeded to the fence, gathered a fence stake, and returning to the two brothers, struck the sober one over the head, and continued to beat him until he was senseless, literally knocking out his brains. He then rifled the pockets of the drunken one, and went on a short distance, to a house, where he got something to eat. The pocket book which contained the money was found a few rods distant from the murdered man, in the direction of the house where the murderer stopped. He then went down to Warren station, but' not meeting the cars, proceeded to the Junction, where he took the Aurora train for Chicago. He was immediately pursued to the city, information and a description of his person given to the officers, and on Thursday afternoon, deputy sheriff S. E. Bradley arrested him as he was walking in Randolph street. Sheriff Smith was telegraphed of his arrest, and started early on Friday morning and brought him to this place about noon of the same day. The grand jury had not yet adjourned, and an indictment was found against him. In the afternoon he was brought into court, it being still in session, and presented with a copy of the indictment. Having no counsel, the court assigned to him as counsel, R. N. Murray, Esq., assisted by N. Allen, Esq. After consultation with the State's attorney, it was agreed to allow the prisoner to plead to the indictment at the next term of the circuit court, upon which he was committed to jail to await his trial at that time. Coroner Hagemann held an inquest over the body of the murdered man, and the verdict of the jury was that he came to his death by being willfully murdered at the hands of Patrick Doyle. The name of the deceased was Patrick Tole, and he is about 25 years of age. The prisoner is a thin, spare-man, about 23 or 24 years of age. There does not appear to have been any feud or quarrel existing between the brothers and Doyle, whatever, nor do they appear to have been in any sort of an affray at the time the crime was committed, which makes the case look still more aggravated."

The following are the names of attorneys who have been connected with the Du Pace County bar: Nathan Allen, P. Ballingall, C. B. Hosmer, O. B. Bush, James F. Wight, Allen McIntosh, A. R. Dodge, H. Loring, R. N. Murray, H. H. Cody, H. F. Vallette, W. Blanchard, 8. F. Daniels, J. C. Waldron, L. E. De Wolf, M. 8. Hobson, W. O. Watts.

The first election for county officers was held at the Preémption House, in Naperville, on the first Monday in May, 1839. §. M. Skinner, Stephen J. Scott, and

L. G. Butler were, by law, appointed judges of election. The officers elected at this time served until the general election, Aug. 5th, same year. As the names of supervisors are inserted in the lists of town officers appended to the histories of the several towns, they do not appear in this list.

Names Of Sheriffs

In 1849 the clerk of the circuit court was made ex-officio recorder, the county court and the office of probate justice were succeeded by the county court, composed of a county judge and two county justices of the peace. The office of county commissioner's clerk was succeeded by county clerk, the county judge and the two county justices sitting together for the transaction of county business, and the county judge, with the clerk, constituting a court for the transaction of probate business. Under this provision, Nathan Allen was elected county judge in 1849, and Charles Gary and Peter Northrup were elected county justices. In 1850 the township organization law was adopted, and the first board of supervisors elected. The following persons have held the office of clerk of the circuit court :

Appointed, 1839 - P. Ballingall.............eeeeeeeeeeee Naperville 1848 - E. B. Bill... .ccccccccceces Srapeaieisciapednw * Elected, 1849 - John J. Riddler. .........cce nese eeee see ss

A History Of The Town Of Milton

Tur settlement of this town was commenced in 1831, by Harry T. Wilson and Lyman Butterfield. Mr. Babcock and Thomas Brown settled in the town soon after. They were followed by Joseph Chadwick and his sons.

In 1850 the present township organization law was adopted, and the first town meeting was held at the house of Jesse C. Wheaton, in that year.

The town is situated nearly in the centre of the county, and is six miles square. The Galena and Chicago Union Railroad passes directly through it. The present population is about two thousand. As an agricultural district, this town is unsurpassed, being adapted to all the various branches of farming. It presents a beautiful and varied landscape of prairie and woodland, hill and dale, running brooks and crystal founts. In its present and future prospects, this town affords a picture which some of New England's towns might well envy.

There are two flourishing villages within the limits of this town, Wheaton and Danby. Wheaton is a fine, growing village, beautifully situated on the G. and C. U. Railroad, 25 miles west of Chicago, and 5 miles east of the Junction of the C. B. & Q. Railroad, the Dixon Air Line Railroad, and the St. Charles Branch road ; thus rendering access to the town direct and easy from all points. Jesse C. and Warren L. Wheaton were the original proprietors of the village, which was laid out by them in 1853. In the fall of 1849 the railroad was completed to this point, and during the following year Messrs. J. G. Vallette, H. II. Fuller, and a Mr. Lynch erected the first buildings. Few improvements were made until it was surveyed and platted in 1853. There are now about 1,000 inhabitants within the village limits, and upward of 200 buildings have been erected. The railroad company erected a commodious building in 1856, for their use as a depot for passengers and freight, in connection with which is an express office. The following list of the business establishments of the town will give some idea of its wants, growth and prosperity, when it is considered that scarcely four years ago there were not more than two or three dwellings to be found in the place. There are now: 1 hotel, 12 stores, 12 factories, including an extensive carriage manufactory, and a steam flouring mill, 2 lightning rod manufactories, 2 lumber yards, 2 markets, 2 post offices, 1 school house, 1 institute, 1 printing office, 1 nursery. The amount of capital employed by the principal business men, varies between three and five thousand dollars, and the annual sales range between ten and fifteen thousand dollars. At the carriage manufactory of Messrs. Chadwick, Brother & Co., some fifteen hands are employed and about fifty carriages of every description made annually. The steam flour mill was built in 1856, by Messrs. Northrop & Watson. This mill has two run of stones, and produces flour of a superior quality.

The Baptist, Wesleyan and Episcopal Methodist denominations each have their respective church organizations, connected with which are Sabbath schools, missionary societies, and various benevolent enterprises. The truly reformatory movements of the day find warm supporters here, so much so that it has been denominated a "reformatory town." The Methodist Episcopal and Wesleyan Methodist churches had their organizations in the town prior to the settlement of the village. The present membership of the Wesleyan church is about 75, and the Rev. Lucius OC. Matlack, President of the Illinois: Institute, is the pastor. There are about 60 members of the M. E. church, and Rev. B. Close is pastor. The Baptist church of Wheaton was organized on the 12th of November, 1856, by a council from the neighboring chifches, with the usual services of church recognition. There are now 17 members of this church. The present pastor is Rev. Mr. Garrison.

A printing office was established here in 1856, from which was issued for several months the Du Pager County Gazerrr, by J. A. J. Birdsall. This paper was discontinued in the spring of 1857, for want of sufficient patronage to sustain it.

A military company was organized in this place in 1856, called the " Wheaton Artillery." The officers of the company are John Short, Captain; J. G. Vallette. Ist Lieut.; J. M. Vallette, 2d Lieut. Number of members, 40.

The Illinois Institute is located in this place. It has a liberal charter, conferring powers equal to the hest colleges, and embraces academical, collegiate and theological departments of instruction. The charter was granted by the Legislature, in 1855. Forty acres of valuable land and three thousand dollars cash donation, formed the basis of its establishment. The fund has been increased by additional gifts, so that the value of real estate owned by the trustees is now upward of $10,000. The sum of five hundred dollars was raised by subscription, in 1856, with which chemical, philosophical and astronomical apparatus was procured for the institution. Add to these the amount of scholarships sold, which is nearly $20,000, and we have an aggregate of nearly $30,000. This amount is to be offset by a debt of $2,500. So great a success within a little more than three years of its existence, is an encouraging fact, and promises well for the future. It is the design of the trustees to secure to the institution a permanent endowment fund of $100,000, by the sale of scholarships. Its catalogue for the first year numbered 140 students, the second year 270, and its present prospects are more flattering than at any previous period. The following list comprises the faculty of 1856:

DU PAGE COUNTY. 85 There are two post offices in the town, one at Wheaton, and one at the village of Danby. Post master at Wheaton, C. K. W. Howard. At Danby, David Kelly.

There are seven school districts in the town. The original fund derived from the sale of school land was $800. It is now $1,238 82. The public schools are attended by 790 scholars. Township treasurer, L. W. Mills. Few towns in the county have done more than this, to advance the interests of public schools.

Danby is an unusually pleasant and quiet village, beautifully located on the Galena Railroad, about 23 miles west of Chicago. The railroad was completed to this place in the fall of 1849. During the same season the railroad company erected a station house, which was the first frame building put up in the place. In the spring of 1850, the first settlement was made by John O. Vallette. Milo F. Meacham, A. Hantz, W. Wilson, Wm. Waggoner, and Dr. L. Q. Newssh, the original proprietor of the town, came in during the following year.

The place has grown rapidly during the last two or three years, and bids fair to rival some of its sister towns of much greater pretensions. Its present population is between three and four hundred. It has 1 hotel, 2 drug stores, 3 dry goods stores, 1 cabinet shop, 1 grist mill, 1 tin and hardware store, 1 blacksmith shop, and 1 lumber yard.

Attorneys at Wheaton, S. F. Daniels and L. E. DeWolf. Notaries Public, S. F. Daniels and J. G. Vallette, at Wheaton, and Horace Brooks, who is also county surveyor, at Danby.

A History Of The Town Of

Tue first inhabitant of this town was Capt. Joseph Naper, who came to this state from Ohio, in the winter of 1831. His family arrived in June, of the same year, and occupied a log house, near the present site of the grist mill. The following list includes the names of all we have been able to ascertain, who settled in the town previous to 1838: John Naper, Ira Carpenter, John Stevens, John Murray, M. Ilines, A. H. Howard, 8. J. Scott, Willard Scott, L. Ellsworth, A. §. Jones, 8. Sabin, Geo. Martin. L. C. Aldrich, H. L. Peaslee, R. Hyde, Geo. Stroubler, G. Bishop, J. H. Stevenson, W. Rose, R. Wright, E. G. Wight, J. F. Wight, S. M. Skinner, W. Weaver, J. Granger, N. Crampton, W. J. Strong, R. Whipple, U. Stanley, T. Thatcher, A. T. Thatcher, J. Lamb, R. N. Murray, R. Hill, David Babbitt, H. C. Babbitt, J. 8. Kimball, J. B. Kimball, L. Kimball, Harry Fowler, Hiram Fowler, R. K. Potter, J. J. Kimball, Adial 8. Jones, Peter Dodd, Nathan Allen, Benjamin Smith.

As the history of the first few years of the settlement of this town has already been given in the general view of the county, a repetition of it is deemed unnecessary in this place. The land in this town is generally level. The soil is productive, and equally favorable to grass and the cultivation of grain. The town abounds in limestone, and furnishes lime in considerable quantities for market in other towns. In the east part of the town, stone of an excellent quality for building purposes is found, and large quantities are quarried for that purpose annually, upon land owned by Joseph Naper and George Martin. Extensive sand beds have also been opened, which yield an abundance of sand of a superior quality.

Although the town is well watered, yet there are no streams of much note, excepting the Du Page river, which runs through it from north to south, on the east side. This stream affords several advantageous mill sites in its course through the town.

Naperville is the oldest town in the county, and the first in point of property and population. It has upward of two thousand inhabitants, 2 hotels, 12 stores, 6 churches, 1 bakery, 1 bank, 2 post offices, 1 grist mill, 10 manufactories, 1 saw mill, 2 breweries, 1 tin and stove warehouse, 1 printing office, 2 quarries, 2 extensive lumber yards, 2 nurseries, and 1 incorporated academy.

The town pays $3,400 annually for the support of preaching, and about $1,500 for the support of common schools. There are 400 members of the different churches, and 350 scholars in the Sabbath schools.

The village of Naperville lics partly in the town of Lisle, being divided by the town line into two unequal parts, the greater lying in the town of Naperville. In our notice of the village, we include the territory lying within its limits in both towns. The first frame building erected here was by A. H. Howard, in the fall of

1838. It was erected a few rods in front of the present dwelling of Mrs. Howard. Among the buildings next put up of this description was the Preémption

House, by Mr. George Laird, in 1835. This hotel was owned and under the management of Gen. E. B. Bill, for several years, during which time no hotel west of Chicago enjoyed a more extended and well-deserved patronage. The road passing through the village from east to west, was the great thoroughfare between Chicago and Galena, and the town presented the appearance of an unusually active and business-like place. At a very early date it is said the size of the town exceeded even that of Chicago! the latter city having but one log house, while Naperville had two. The first mill constructed upon the river was a sawmill, in 1835, which was torn down in 1840, to give place to the flouring mill which stands upon the same site. This mill has two run of stones, and enjoys unsurpassed advantages for water power.

The original town plat was laid out in the year 1835, by Capt. Naper. The plat embraced about 80 acres. To the original plat, several additions have since been made. The usual form of the village lots in the original plat was four rods front by ten in depth, containing one-fourth acre. These were large, compared with some which have been laid out in more modern times. The precise reason for this diminution in size has never been ascertained with certainty. Several reasons have been assigned. One presumption is, that there was formerly more land to the acre than there now is. Another is, that the land is more valuable than it used to be; but this is controverted by the fact that the large lots are sold at the same, or lower prices, than the prices at which the smaller ones are held. Some think the true reason liesin persons, and not in property. No fault, however, can be found with the early proprietors of the town, either in regard to size of lots, or as to the terms on which they were sold. Many lots were given away, and others were sold at low prices, and upon such. terms, as to time, that they have not been paid for even to this day. Everything was done in this respect, that could add to the prosperity of the place.

The mercantile business, aside from agriculture, is the chief 'business of the town. The principal stores employ capitals of between six and eight thousand dollars, and do a business ranging from thirty to fifty thousand dollars, annually. They sell large amounts of goods, not only to the inhabitants of this, but of surrounding towns. Integrity is a marked characteristic of the dealings of the merchants of Naperville. This, in connection with the uniformly low prices at which they sell their goods, has secured to them a liberal and extended patronage.

There are two large nurseries near the village, from which trees and shrubs are sent to all parts of the northwest. We have been furnished some account of the business of these nurseries, which we give below :

The Du Page Eclectic Nurseries were established in 1853, by R. W. and R. M. Hunt. During the four years past these nurseries have propagated, in each year, from fifty to one hundred and fifty thousand fruit trees. Ornamental trees and shrubbery have been proportionally increased, and some thousands of foreign trees and shrubs have been added by importation, as the business has justified. The Du Page County Nurseries, of Lewis Ellsworth & Co., were established in 1849. These nurseries cover at present some fifty acres of ground, embracing in the collection the most extensive stock and assortment of varieties of fruit and ornamental trees, shrubs and plants, to be found in the northwest. The yearly increase of trees and shrubs, by propagation and by importation, is truly astonishing. The proprietors have imported during the present season, from Europe, more than thirty thousand young evergreens and other plants. Attached to the establishment is a plant house, arranged for propagating plants during the winter season. The establishment gives employment to a large number of workmen, some ten families deriving their entire support from it. From fifteen to twenty men are employed, at an expense of over six thousand dollars per annum. During the present year the proprietors have commenced a nursery at Wheaton, where about eight acres of land are occupied, making, in all, sixty acres, cultivated for their business.

There are several other nurseries in the county, but the Du Page County Nurseries are, it is believed, the first in time and the first in importance.

The plow and wagon shop of Messrs. Vaughan & Peck is located in this village. It was originally established by A. 8. Jones, who is entitled to the credit of originating the steel plow now so much in use, The manufacture of plows at this shop commenced in 1840. They possess many superior qualities, for which they have become extensively noted throughout the west. From its circular, we learn that "this establishment is one of the oldest in the western states, having manufactured the steel scouring plow for eighteen or twenty years, and never been beaten at any state or county fair." The establishment is capable of making fifteen plows per day. Two thousand five hundred were manufactured in 1856. The average price of these plows is $15 each. Wagons, buggies, and most kinds of agricultural implements are made here. Thirty-six men are employed.

The Bank of Naperville was chartered and went into operation in 1854. Its nominal capital is $500,000. This bank is established upon a basis which renders it as secure as any similar institution in the state, and gives it the full confidence of the public.

There are two breweries in the town, which consume annually fifteen thousand bushels of barley, and eleven thousand pounds of hops, at a cost of ten thousand dollars. From these, one hundred and eighty-six thousand gallons of beer are made, which, at the usual retail price, reaches the enormous sum of one hundred and forty-eight thousand, eight hundred dollars! <Although beer is to some extent an article of home consumption, it having in many instances superseded the use of that ancient beverage known by the name of water, yet it forms our chief article of export. The sale of this.article in some of our neighboring towns is very large.

A few words concerning the process of manufacturing beer may be of interest to some. The barley is first put into large cisterns or vats, which are capable of holding from one hundred to one hundred and fifty bushels. Water is then poured upon it, and in this condition it remains for about two days. It is then spread ont about one foot in depth upon the floor of the drying kiln, which consists of an immense oven, so arranged that its temperature can be adjusted to the germinating point. Here the process of germinating, or malting, as it is termed, takes place. After this, it is passed through a cleaning machine, and then through a malt machine, by which last process it is ground or broken so that its virtue can be more easily extracted. The malt, as it is then termed, is gathered up and placed in vats holding from fifty to one hundred barrels each, when boiling water is poured upon it. After remaining several hours in this condition, during which time the mixture is constantly agitated by means of long wooden ladles, the liquid portion is drained off and boiled for some time in large boilers prepared for the purpose. This process is repeated three or four times, or until the strength of the barley is all extracted. Hops are then introduced, which - give it body, and serve to preserve it during the warm season. The liquid is then placed in another large vat, called the cooler, and when its temperature is reduced to the proper point, is drawn off into the work tub, where yeast is introduced, and the finishing process of fermentation begins. By this process all extraneous matter is separated and thrown off, and the liquid comes out lager beer "of the first water," impatient to be swallowed.

The Odd Fellows, Masons, and Good Templars have each a society and hall in this place. There was at one time a large society of the Sons and Daughters of Temperance here, but their charter was surrendered in 1854.

number of members has been about 60, and the present number is 48. The present officers of this institution are 8. Boliman, N. G.; W. Naper, V. G.; 8. O. Vaughan, Secretary, and R. Willard, Treasurer.

The Masonic Lodge was established in 1848. The number of all the members to the present time is 120. There are now about 60 members. The officers are H. H. Cody, W. M.; ©. D. Haight, 8. W.; and C. W. Keith, J. W.

It might be mentioned in this connection, that the "Know Nothings" had a lodge somewhere in this place about a year ago, but their previse locality has never been fully determined. A list of the members has been furnished us, but our space will not admit of its publication. The doings of the society were characteristically covert and sly, so that we are obliged to admit that we know nothing about their movements.

The Naperville Artillery Company was organized in 1856. There are now some 50 members belonging to the company. The officers are J. J. Hunt, Capt. ; H. F. Vallette, 1st Lieut.; R. Naper, 2d Lient.: J. H. Hobson, 3d Lieut., and E. Page, Ensign.

There are two post offices in the town, one at Naperville, and one at Big Woods. The post master at the Big Woods is John Warne. The office at Naperville has an annual income of one thousand dollars; R. Naper, post master.

Daniels, M. D., contains 400 volumes of miscellaneous reading. There are two school libraries of about 500 volumes, and four Sabbath school libraries, containing about 1,000 volumes. The law library of Messrs. Vallette & Cody contains 500 volumes, and is the largest collection of the kind in the county.

The freshet of 1857 was a calamity to the town. This occurred in March. The river, swollen by the heavy rains and the melting snow, overflowed its banks and inundated all the business portion of the town. Soon after the stream commenced rising, the mill-dam gave way and let down upon the town an avalanche of water, bearing upon its swift current large sheets of ice, which demolished everything in their way. The rise of the water was so sudden that many of the inmates of the houses situated on the banks of the river, with great difficulty escaped. Several buildings, including three stores, were carried away. The loss is variously estimated, between fifteen and twenty thousand dollars, and was chiefly sustained by Messrs. M. Hines, J. T. Green, R. Willard, C. W. Keith and Joseph Naper.

The village of Naperville was incorporated by act of Legislature in the winter of 1857. The first election of officers. for the corporation was held in May following. The names of the Board elected at, that time are as follows: President, Joseph Naper; Trustees, H. H. Cody, Geo. Martin, M. Hines and X. Eggerman; Police Justice, H. F. Vallette; Constable, A. C. Graves; Assessor, A. W. Colt; Clerk, C. M. Castle.

first effort toward organizing a religious society was made by settlers in this and the adjoining town of Lisle, as early as 1833. A meeting was held in Lisle on the 13th of July, in that year, and a society organized by Rev. Jeremiah Porter and Rev. N. C. Clark, missionaries for this county, and Rey. C. W. Babbitt, of Tazewell county. This meeting was called at the request of Isaac Clark, Pomeroy Goodrich, Israel Blodget, Robert Strong, Leister Peet, Henry H. Goodrich, and Samuel Goodrich. The society commenced its labors with true christian zeal, and its numbers rapidly increased. Among the first resolutions adopted by the society, we find the following:

Resolved, That the minister, as soon as practicable, shall visit every family in the settlement, and that each member of the brethren, in turn, when called upon, shall accompany him, to ascertain the state of religious feeling, and to awaken attention to the subject, and especially to explain the object and plan of Sabbath schools, and the distribution of tracts.

Rev. N. C. Clark was the first pastor of the society. Meetings were held during the year at different places in the south part of the settlement, for three Sabbaths in succession, and the fourth in the school house at Naperville. Punctuality in attendance upon the meetings of the society was strictly enjoined, and a committee appointed to notice the absence of any, and call on him at the next meeting, for his reason. In 1834, the society raised one hundred dollars to help defray the expenses of their pastor. During the year of 1835 Mr. Clark preached regularly upon.the first and _ fifth Sabbaths of each month at his own house, on the second and fourth at Naperville, and on the third in the neighborhood of Mr. Luther Hatch. He continued as their pastor until July, 1836. With a pledge of three hundred dollars, and the assistance of the Home Missionary Society, the society next secured the services of Rev. E. Strong, who remained with them until August, 1837. The Rey. J. G. Porter then became their pastor, and served the society faithfully and acceptably until July, 1840, when, at his own solicitation, he was dismissed. During the years of 1838 and 1839 the society began to feel the need of a house of worship which should be their own. A vote was passed, at a meeting held in September, 1838, to build a meeting house, and at a subsequent meeting, in March, 1839, Naperville was selected as the place for its location. Deacon Clark, Pomeroy Goodrich, and Henry Goodrich, were appointed the first trustees. In October, 1840, Rev. O. Lyman became pastor. He was employed for six months, or until an opportunity offered to procure a permanent minister. The Rey. J. H. Prentiss, of Fulton, received a unanimous call in November, and was installed as pastor on the 12th of July, 1842. Three hundred dollars were pledged for his support, payable half in money and half in produce, by the society, and an additional sum of two hundred dollars was obtained trom the Home Missionary Society. By his own request, his connection with the society was dissolved, Aug. 25, 1843. Arrangements were then made with Rey. E. W. Champlain, to preach for the society on each alternate Sabbath during the remainder of the year, commencing on the first Sabbath in October. Mr. Champlain continued as the pastor until his death, February 8th, 1845. At a meeting of the society, April 18th, 1844, it was resolved « that we deem it expedient to take Sirenigdings measures to build a house of worship." At a subsequent meeting, Deacon Isaac Clark, George Blackman, Deacon Pomeroy Goodrich, J. Strong, and Eli Northam, were appointed a committee to select a site. That committee selected a site gratuitously offered by Capt. Morris Sleight. The choice was concurred in by the society, and the present edifice was erected upon it in 1847.

By the death of the Rey. Mr. Champlain the whole society was thrown into mourning. Although he had labored among them for only a brief period, yet he had become endeared to his people by the strongest ties of affectionate regard. He is the only minister of any denomination who has died in this place, or whose sepulcher is with us. After his death the people were destitute of a settled minister for several months, but the pulpit was regularly supplied by Rev. O. Lyman. A call was extended to Rey. Hope Brown, in August, 1845, which was accepted. It was provided that he should preach on alternate Sabbaths, and receive a.compensation proportionate to the amount of service rendered. Mr. Brown was connected with the Home Missionary Society, and for several years after his settlement here, received contributions toward his support from that society. He was installed on the Lith of November, 1845, and continued with this people until October, 1856, when he was dismissed, at his own request.

the truth every day by a consistent Christian example, as well as from the pulpit on the Sabbath. In October, 1856, the present pastor, Rey. E. Barber, was invited to the desk. The congregation has considerably increased during the past year, and the society has made new accessions to its numbers. The church was never in a more enterprising and prosperous state than at present. The Sabbath school connected with this church has sixty pupils. The whole number of members, since its organization, is 177; the number now belonging to the church is 62.

From the history of the past may we not learn the importance of faithfully sustaining the institutions and ordinances of the Gospel? All our natural, social, and civil advantages, will avail us little without its influence. As a church,and as a society, is it not our duty to lend a strong hand for its support, when

"The pulpit, in the sober use Of its legitimate, peculiar powers, Must stand acknowledged, while the world shall last, The most important and effectual guard, Support, and ornament of virtue's cause."

The worldly wisdom of that man is to be admired, who, though not a professing Christian, refused to purchase a farm in a town in a neighboring state, because they had no regular preaching there. " For," said he, though property is cheap there now, it will always be cheap,; it will diminish in value without the restraining and elevating influences of the Gospel." and sustaining the churches in our midst. Many of them are still among us, but are not to tarry with us long; and when they shall depart, may the cause for which they have labored and sacrificed so much be committed to hands equally zealous and faithful to the sacred trust; for it is a fact, well attested, that nothing will make a people so poor as to try to live without the preaching of the truth.

The Baptist church in Naperville was organized through the instrumentality of the Rev. Morgan Edwards, in 1848. At the time of its organization, there were nine members. Immediate steps were taken to erect a house of worship. A building was commenced on the foundation of the present Congregational church, but a difficulty arose between the owner of the lots (who had not yet conveyed them to the society) and one of its members. In consequence of this the owner refused to give title to the society, and forbade the removal of the partly constructed building, threatening personal violence to any one who should attempt it. A committee waited upon him and endeavored to obtain his promised deed of the lots, but it was refused. Finding all their overtures in vain, a large number of the most prominent citizens of the place met by agreement, and unawed either by threats of violence or the terrors of the law, forcibly took down and removed the edifice to its present site, which was donated to the society by Lewis Ellsworth, Esq. In 1844, the building was so far advanced that it was occupied by the Congregational and Baptist societies, each on alternate Sabbaths. Rey. Riley B. Ashley became pastor of this church in

102 HISTORY OF January, 1844, and continued to supply the pulpit until January, 1846, during which time the church increased to thirty-six in numbers. From July, 1846, to July, 1848, Rey. Allen Gross was pastor, and the church increased to fifty-six. IIe was succeeded by the Rev. Silas Tucker, in October, 1848. Mr. Tucker continued as pastor until October, 1855, when the number of members was ninety-five. The Rev. Silas Kenny supplied the desk for eight months during 1856 and 1857. The present pastor is Rev. E. P. Barker. In 1847 the church was enlarged and improved. Its present dimensions are 52 feet in length by 36 in width. At the time it was enlarged, a belfry and steeple were built upon it, from which sounded the first church bell in the county. During the past year much has been done by this society to beautify the church building and grounds. The Sabbath school connected with this church numbers about fifty scholars. The doctrines of modern spiritualism have been embraced by some of the leading members of this society. Whether this has contributed to the growth or decay of true piety in the church, we are not to determine.

The German Evangelical Association has a large society in this place. This society was formed in 1837, by a few members from Warren county, Pa. J.C. Gros, M. Weis, Adam Knopff, George Stroubler, John Rahm, Martin Asher and Adam Schwigert were among the first members. Meetings were held in different parts of the town for several years, until the church was erected at Naperville, in 1842. The lot on which the present church stands, was given to the society by Capt. Naper. Since 1840, the society has sustained regular preaching, and the church has increased rapidly in numbers. There are now upward of two hundred belonging to the society. Connected with this church there is a Sabbath school of nearly 200 scholars. It has a library of 300 volumes. The present church building is much too small for the accommodation of the society, and the erection of a fine brick edifice is contemplated during the present year. No other church in the county has met with so great a degree of prosperity. We give the names of the pastors, from its organization :

The Methodist society was formed in 1841, through the instrumentality of J. Granger, A. Keith, Mr. Underwood, E. Rich, and H. Daniels. A church was built in 1849. The society has been regularly supplied with pastors since 1841. The Sabbath school connected with this church has about 100 scholars, and its library contains 250 volumes. There are now between thirty and forty members belonging tu the society.

Names Of Pastors

The Catholics have a large society here. Their church was organized in 1846, and a house of worship erected during the same year. The society was formed under the labors of the Rey. Mr. Theroler, and the first members were Peter Shultz, Xavier Eggerman, D. Bapst, S. Dutter and G. Ott. In 1852 the church building was enlarged, for the accommodation of the rapidly increasing society, which now numbers 232. The names of the priests who have officiated since 1848, are Rev. Mr. Yung, Rev. Mr. Foelker, who died here in 1850, Rev. Mr. Zucher, Rev. John Kramer, Rev. Mr. Etafer, who died here in 1855, and Rev. Mr. Keiser, who, having been suspended for misdemeanor, left the community very abruptly sometime in August, 1857.

H. Cody, of the firm of Vallette & Cody; W. Blanchard and M. Hobson, of the firm of Blanchard & Hobson. J. F. Wight, for many years the only attorney in the place, has now retired from practice. Early attention was given by the settlers to the subject of education. A school house was the result of the first public enterprise. In the fall of 1831, a log house was erected on land now owned by Mr. Samuel Boliman, and a school taught there during the following winter by Mr. Leister Peet. The building was by no means remarkable for architectural beauty, but being fourteen feet square, it afforded accommodations to the children of this sparsely settled district for two or three years. Boards were fastened to the sides of the room for desks, and slab benches were provided for seats. Mr. Peet was succeeded by Mrs. Hines and Mr. Hiram Standish, who in succession swayed the scepter of that first temple of incipient liberty, and taught the young idea how to shoot. Some of our most prominent citizens remember well the rude-a-mental lessons which they received in the old log shool house, and the introduction of Parley's Magazine, from which they were instructed in almost every department of science, although the time-honored edifice has long since gone to decay. A new frame building for school purposes was erected near where the Congregational church now stands, in 1835. It was used as a church, town house, and two or three terms of the circuit court were held in it before the court house was built. This school house was sold by the district, and for several years previous to the passage of our present school law, the district was 5* destitute of a school building, and the public schools of Naperville were of little benefit to the community. They were usually held for only a small portion of the year, at places the most inconvenient and uncomfortable. But a new impulse has been given to public sentiment on the subject of education. There is now a fine stone building on the west side, belonging to that district, and a commodious brick building in process of erection on the east side, for the accommodation of the Lisle district.

The Naperville Academy was incorporated in 1851. Mr. N. F. Atkins was the first preceptor, and performed the duties of principal for about one year. After his removal, the trustees appointed Mr. C. W. Richmond, then principal of the academy at Great Barrington, Mass., to fill the vacancy. In this academy, in addition to the common branches of an English education, instruction is afforded in the languages and natural sciences, including music, drawing and painting. This institution has sent out many competent teachers for our public schools. Upward of 600 different scholars have been members of the school during the past three years. The average attendance has been about 100. The following are the names of assistants in the school: Howard Kennedy, A. M.; Geo. Hudson, J. H. Edson, Mrs. C. W. Richmond, Mrs. H. L. Snyder, Miss M. B. Dewey, Miss C. E. Crossman, Prof. C. N. V. Vasque and Eugene Burnell. The academy building is pleasantly situated in the west part of the village, is three stories high, and constructed of durable and handsome stone, found in the vicinity, at a cost of about six thousand dollars.

Naperville Academy

The institution is provided with chemical, philosophieal, geographical and historical charts, and has a library connected with it of about 600 volumes. Few seminaries offer better facilities to students who are pursuing either the English course or preparing for the higher course of collegiate studies.

There are twelve school districts in the town, all of which are provided with good school houses, in which schools are taught from six to ten months during the year. The summer term is usually taught by females, and the winter by males.

There is a private school taught in the family of Mr. Lewis Ellsworth, by Miss S. B. Skinner. The number of pupils is limited to about twelve. Young ladies are here instructed in the English and modern languages, and also in music, drawing and painting.

Our educational facilities, as a town, can not well be surpassed. They are sufficiently ample, and none need grow up in ignorance for want of proper advantages to obtain an education; yet there are many, even at this day, who refuse to avail themselves of the opportunities offered. This is especially the case in the village, but it is hoped that the new buildings which have been recently erected will draw into the schools a large class of the foreign population, who would otherwise go uneducated. Next in importance to the church, our schools should be nourished with peculiar eare. The school fund of the town is now $1035 27. For building and repairing school houses, the amount raised by tax and expended in 1853, was $120; in 1854, $209; in 1855, $294; in 1856, $2376; in 1857, $1326. The whole number of pupils in 1856 was 861.

In what now constitutes the west part of this town, and prior to the organization, when known as Big Woods precinct, the offices of justice of the peace and constable were held by the following named persons: justices of the peace, W. J. Strong, Abel Keys, John Stolp, David Meeker, Charles Hunt, S. 8. Paxton; constables, Allan Williams, C. M. Vaughn, J. H. Paxton, A. F. Stolp, O. C. Stolp.

A History Of The Town Of Lisle

Tuis is the oldest town in the county, having been first settled by Bailéy Hobson, in the fall of 1830. Among the early settlers were J. C. Hatch, Isaac Clark, Pomeroy Goodrich, John Thompson, John Sargent, Lewis Ellsworth, Thomas Jellies, Martin Asher, J., C., I., and L. Stanley, E. Bush, Mr. Willard, Henry Puffer, A. B. Chatfield, John Naper, and R. M. Sweet. The increase of population has been in about the same ratio as that of the other towns in the county. It contains now about 1500 inhabitants, of which there is a fair sprinkling of Germans. The town may be regarded as a very intelligent and moral, and relatively considered, religious population. Many of the first settlers came from New England, and brought with them the principles, practices, morals and opinions for which the people of that section have so long been widely and favorably known.

This remark perhaps applies more truthfully to the inhabitants of that division of the town called "The East Branch" than to any other portion of it. The first settlers here, with scarcely an exception, were of the class referred to. They came possessed of a spirit of genuine Christian philanthropy, which prompted them to labor zealously for the good of their fellow men. They were impelled by no narrow, bigoted views of Christian brotherhood and duty, but recognized that great moral principle which first found "utterance on

Plymouth Rock, of "freedom to worship God." Among the pioneers of this class who are now living, Deacon Isaac Clark, and Deacon Pomeroy Goodrich, may be mentioned as having labored here for more than twenty years, with unfailing Christian ardor, for the upbuilding of the church of Christ. They were chiefly instrumental in effecting the first religious organization in the county, which was as early as 1833. The society then formed rapidly increased, by members from this and the adjoining towns, and as the country became more thickly settled it was divided, and separate organizationsformed. A notice of the original society will be found in the history of the town of Naperville.

In consequence of its being peopled by the class referred to, correct moral principles have been infused into the East Branch community, and it would be diflicult to find a better state of society, or a more cultivated, intelligent, moral, and industrious class of citizens, than reside in this section of the town of Lisle.

The inhabitants are chiefly devoted to agriculture. The farmers generally have large and highly cultivated farms, and are in independent circumstances. Land is held at from twenty-five to fifty dollars per acre, the price varying according to locality and nature of soil. Among the best farms upon the east branch are those of James C. Hatch, John Thompson, D. UH. Naramore, Pomeroy Goodrich, Daniel M. Green, William B. Green, A. S. Barnard, A. Morse, and Charles H. Goodrich.

A spirit of cordial sociability, friendly sympathy and intercourse prevailed among the early settlers, which, it is feared has lost something of its charms since the country has become more densely populated.

We have frequently heard it remarked by our pioneer mothers, that the pleasantest period of their lives was when they lived in the old log house, of one apartment, which served as kitchen, parlor, pantry,

| bedroom, wood house and cellar. Sociability was then untrammeled by forms and ceremonies, and the question of " What shall we eat and wherewithal shall we be clothed," was thought to have a more spiritual | application than in modern times.

Mrs. Scott made a "party" at an early day, to which all her neighboring friends were invited. For supper she placed before her guests a prodigious loaf of corn bread, the material for which had been prepared by grinding the corn between two stones. Although the repast was pronounced by all most delicious, yet it was entirely eclipsed by that of Mrs. Hobson, who had her "party" soon after, and entertained her guests, not with corn bread alone, but corn bread and molasses graced her festive board.

About the middle of May, 1830, Baley Hobson, weary of the toil of clearing the encumbering forests from the rugged banks of the Ohio river, and animated by the hope of finding a home in the wilderness of the northwest, more congenial to the spirit and genius of agriculture, set out from the sparsely settled county of Orange for the more sparsely settled section of northern Illinois. His resolutions were those of the pioneers of the west. Without arms amounting to more than a jack-knife, for defense, he mounted his horse, and destitute of chart or compass, groped his way, as best he could, through the dense forests and deep ravines, and forded the bridgeless waters that lay in his course. Day after day was consumed in the solitary windings from hut to hut, through a region which then presented but slight indications of that civilization which has since struck its roots deep into the bosom of those forests. Rain and sunshine alternately poured through the darkening foliage that overarched his pathway. Many miles were traveled where not a sound broke the silence of the dim woods, save the tread of his own steed asit bore him onward. The dismal surroundings of a forest path accompanied him until state lines were crossed, and the bright opening prairies were gained in the state of Illinois. Emerging. from the heavy timber country of Indiana, into the prairie wilderness, wags an agreeable respite from the dull monotony of the scenery through which he had passed.

Du. Page County

of the Illinois river, which he crossed in a ferry-boat at a place then called Ft. Clarke, near the present site of Peru. At this place he fell in company with four strangers, who had been spending some time in exploring the country further west, which they found, comparatively speaking, a blank wilderness, peopled only by savages. Discouraged at the idea of settling in a country so wild and so remote from civilized man, they had abandoned their journey and were returning, with not the most favorable impressions of the great west. They urged Mr. Hobson to abandon the idea also, not only as impracticable, but as a wild and hazardous undertaking. He however left them, and pushed onward, soon reaching Weed's Grove, since known as Holderman's grove, where he found a set tlement consisting of five little huts, occupied by as many families. Here, for the first time in his journey, he made a halt, and explored the Du Page river as far as Walker's grove, near Plainfield. He afterwards explored Fox river as far as Long grove, and finally made a claim six miles from Holderman's, and three miles from the main village of the Pottawattomie Indians, on Fox river. In order to secure his claim while moving his family out to it, he cut logs for the erection of what in later times has been termed the "squatter's liut." Having done this, he mounted his horse and turned homeward. To save distance, he took a new route, and struck out upon the unknown prairies, where the footprints of neither man nor beast were to be seen, without a solitary thing to guide him, save the instinctive allurements of his own fireside, which was more than four hundred miles distant.

About noon of the same day he re-crossed the Illinois river, at the lower rapids, and pursued his way until night shut in upon him, when he pitched his camp, consisting of a horse blanket and overcoat, on the banks of a small stream that flowed along the border of a grove. During the night there was a heavy fall of rain, which put out his fire, and for the remainder of the night he was obliged to hold himself in a detensive attitude against the ravenous mosquitoes. The sun rose bright and clear next. morning, and he pressed onward. Late in the afternoon he overtook a company of Kickapoo Indians, who were returning from a hunting excursion, and accompanied them to their village, where he was fortunate enough to find a white man, a trader, with whom he passed the night. Leaving the wigwam town early next morning, he laid his course over the trackless prairie, for the waters of the Sangamon, which were reached just as the sun went down. Here, for the first time in three day's travel, he struck the trail of his former course. A cabin stood on the bank of the stream, occupied by a family whose nearest neighbors were twelve miles distant. He passed the night with them, and after breakfast the next morning, re-crossed the river which he had left some five weeks previous. Jetracing his former path over the wide prairies of Illinois and through the dense forests of Indiana, he reached his home about the first of July. On the first day of September, in the same year, he started with his family, accompanied by L. Stewart, for his new claim amid the wilds of the northwest. They had proceeded scarcely half a mile when the wagon was upset, and the entire "bag and baggage" strewn promiscuously upon the sgeound This was by no means a welcome omen of the invisible future, and created unpleasant forebodings of what might lie before them in their perilous journey. Four hours detention was the result of this first ill fortune. After the wagon was turned right side up, and their effects gathered together, they moved onagain. They soon lost sight of things whieh had grown familiar by time, and 'the forest iiavegh which they passed opened upon them new scenes. The camp fire was kindled whenever night overtook them, and asmall canvas tent was their only protection from the inclemency of the weather, and all that screened the starlight and moonbeams from their pillows.

The evening of the third day found them at the Drift Wood fork of the White river. This was now to be crossed. It wasa difficult stream, without bridge or ferry, and having a bed of quicksand. As there was but one plan to choose, ("Hobson's choice," ot course), they resolved to hazard the experiment of fording. So, increasing the load of the already burdened team with their own weight, and giving the oxen a tew smart blows with the braid of buckskin, they dashed into the stream, and with great effort reached the opposite bank. The men were obliged to re-cross the stream for the herd of cattle and horses that were left behind, and the journey was resumed, until the shadows of night compelled them to pitch their tents. Thus they journeyed, day after day, leaving no visible evidence of their passage, save here and there the ashes of their camp fires, fording all the

Coming upon the prairies, the land was marshy for a considerable distance, and their progress was slow and difficult; but nothing of moment occurred until they arrived at the Black Swamp, which was about half a mile in width. Here they were obliged to take everything from the wagon and carry to the opposite side on foot. Mrs. Hobson rode across on horseback, with her babe, and the two little boys waded through the mire, at the imminent hazard of being entirely swallowed up. This passed, they journeyed on, encountering similar obstacles, often getting mired, and often being obliged to unload a part of their goods in order to proceed. Leaving the Ft. Clarke road, and having no path to guide them, they now passed through an uninhabited region for the distance of one hundred miles, finding but one habitation during six days, and being able to obtain neither wood nor water to cook their meals more than twice during the whole time. Arriving at the Illinois river, they crossed that stream at the lower rapids, and after traveling a few miles further, fell in company with Mr. Clark, whose father resided at Walker's grove. Preparations were being made for a night encampment, but Clark insisted that they should go as far as Holderman's grove, where he intended to remain that night. Having with him three yoke of oxen, he attached two of them to Mr. Hobson's wagon, and thus assisted, they went on, arriving at Holderman's grove at about midnight, having been on the road twenty-one days. Here they remained three weeks, during which time Mr. Hobson sowed some fall wheat, cut some hay for his cattle, and began the erection of a cabin on his new claim.

The family were moved to the claim, and lived in a tent until the cabin was so far completed as to admit of their occupying it. Their provisions were likely to run short, and Mr. Hobson set out on horseback to proeuresome. After spending two days in fruitless search of something to prevent starvation, he returned home. In a few days, he started again on a longer journey, crossing the Fox and Vermilion rivers, the latter of which he forded, where the water covered the back of his horse. Still onward he went, and after crossing the Illinois, and arriving at the Ox Bow prairie, he found he could purchase no flour, but pork was offered him, which he engaged, appointed the time when he would come for it, and returned.

Not feeling entirely satisfied with his location, he resolved to examine the country still further, and accordingly set out in the direction of Fox river. Knowing that a solitary Frenchman was living in a grove near that stream, he thought to reach his hut, if possible, before night-fall; but the darkness came on before he was able to find it, and tying his horse to a tree, he laid down upon the ground, and, with nothing to shield him from the cold of a November night, save his overcoat and horse blanket, slept till morning. On waking, he found, to his surprise, that he had encamped in full sight of the Frenchman's dwelling, but was separated from it by aswamp. It being very cold, he hastened to the cabin, but found the door closed and fastened. He however effected an entrance by descending the chimney, encountering in his descent some smoke, considerable soot, a blazing fire, and last, but not by any means least, a huge bulldog, who bristled up savagely at the singular phenomenon. He made peace with the dog, and sat down to warm himself by the fire. The proprietor of the cabin soon returned, and was not a little surprised, on opening the door, at finding a strange guest within. After breakfasting, Mr. Hobson made his way across the country to the Du Page river, examining the lands and localities as far as the site of his present family residence. This place satisfied him in every respect, and he at once determined to abandon the claim he had already made, and secure this as his future home. He made a few marks by which to identify it, and returned to his family, having been absent five days.

In a few days, Hobson and Stewart both set out for the new claim, for the purpose of cutting timber and building a cabin upon it. This was in December. They arrived at the Du Pacer, and found it frozen over. Unable to force their team into the crusted stream, they waded through it themselves, breaking a path in the ice, which the oxen were made to follow. Having succeeded in crossing, they pitched their tent, built a fire, and made preparations for passing the night. During the night it commenced snowing, and continued throughout the next day. They attempted to work, but were unable to accomplish anything in consequence of the severity of the weather, which continued to increase until they were obliged to abandon their undertaking. They drove down the river, a distance of three miles, to the dwell- ing of Mr. Scott, who had built a cabin and moved into it a few days before. Here they passed the night, and the following day and night. On the third day the wind ceased, the severity of the weather somewhat abated, though still very cold, and they started toward home. Their course lay across a prairie for thirty miles, on which there was no appearance of a road, but they accomplished the distance, reaching home before midnight, nearly exhausted by fatigue, hunger and cold. In the course of a few days the weather changed; some rain fell which melted the snow, and by a succession of snow, rain and frost which followed, the earth was covered with a crust of ice, which made traveling almost impossible.

He therefore left his family and stock in care of Mr. Stewart, and set out for Ox Bow prairie with the intention of returning in about ten days. The weather was now extremely cold, and on the afternoon of the second day it commenced snowing. The storm came so fast and thick that the track was soon covered, and he had nothing to direct his course, while the atmosphere was so filled with the falling flakes that he could see only a few feet before him. Toward night a horseman passed him, but said nothing, and was very soon out of sight, leaving no traces of his course, as the snow filled the horse's track almost as soon asmade. Night closed in upon him, with no cessation of the driving storm. Unable to see his way even a rod before him, the chance of reaching a habitation, or place of shelter seemed hopeless, and he was about to resign himself to his fate, when he discovered a light at a little distance which appeared to be coming toward him. On its nearer approach, to his inexpressible joy and gratitude, he discovered two or three men, who had come to his assistance, from the nearest settlement. They had been made acquainted with his situation by the horseman who passed him in the afternoon. They assisted him in reaching the settlement, where he stayed till next morning, when, the storm having considerably abated, he started on his way.

He followed a small stream, though it was not his direct course, in order to be nearer the timber and nearer habitations. Before night came on, guided by the barking of dogs, he was enabled to reach a dwelling. Finding it unoccupied, he took temporary possession. A few embers were still burning on the hearth, and taking some rails from the fence he reduced them to fuel and built a fire. He found feed for his oxen, and a supply of provisions for himself, of which he partook without much ceremony, and in peaceful and quiet possession passed the night.

Pursuing his journey next morning, he shortly arrived at another dwelling, where he found the owner of the cabin in which he had stayed the night before, and told him of the liberty he had taken. Being assured that all he had done at the cabin was right, he pressed on and reached his destination on the evening of the fourth day. The pork was procured, and he started homeward on the following morning, his team consisting of two yoke of heavy cattle, and

The snow had fallen to such a depth that he found it impossible to proceed, and was obliged to employ aman with an additional team to assist him on. With the three yoke of oxen attached to the wagon they started, going before with wooden paddles to shovel the snow from the path. About two hours before sunset, they found that in the course of the whole day, they had advanced just one mile! There was little use in trying to go on, so they turned their team and took the back track for a quarter of a mile to a dwelling. Here they remained for a few days, endeavoring to fit the wagon to runners, but in this they were unsuccessful. Mr. Hobson now resolved on trying to reach home on foot, and accordingly set out. He had to cross a twelve mile prairie before coming to a settlement. This he aimed to do in one day, but the sun had passed the meridian before he had made a third of the distance. Knowing it was vain to attempt to gain the settlement, he retraced his steps to the dwelling he had left in the morning, where he arrived, with life and strength nearly exhausted. Here he remained a few days, hardly knowing what course to pursue. Having already been absent many days longer than he had intended, he felt great anxiety for his family, whom he had left but scantily: provided with provisions, and at length determined upon making another effort to reach home. Leaving his team and load, with orders, that if it became necessary, the meat should be cut up and salted, he set out in a new direction, pursuing his way through the groves towards the Illinois river, and finding shelter at night in the cabins which at long intervals were scattered through the forests. At length, he arrived at the Illinois, which he found frozen and covered with snow. To facilitate progress he now traveled upon the ice for thirty miles, in imminent peril of his life. The ice, in many places, was so thin that it gave way beneath his feet. At the end of this distance the river was open in consequence of its junction with a large spring, and he was now obliged to travel again through the deep and drifted snow. His progress was slow and fatiguing, but impelled by anxiety for the loved ones at home, he journeyed on with unflaging zeal, and at last reached home on the nineteenth day of his absence, to the almost overwhelming joy and surprise of his destitute family, from whom the last, lingering hope of ever beholding him again had faded out. Imagine his feelings as his little ones, half famished, came around him anxiously inquiring about his wagon, and about the provisions which they expected he would bring to them. Until now he had borne up against a tide of adverse circumstances with a determined and even a cheerful spirit, but the situation of his family, with no prospect of relief, was a matter not to be contemplated without the most distressing apprehensions. Nearly a week passed, and the weather became so much moderated that the snow began to melt, and it was feared that a thaw was about to commence, in which case their situation would be rendered still more hopeless. Corn was their only article of food, and upon this alone they had already subsisted for more than two months;

Du Page Gounty

DU PAGE GOUNTY. 127 this they prepared by hulling and boiling. Something must be done, for starvation seemed looking them in the face. But one plan suggested itself to Mr. Hobson, and that was a hard one to execute. It was to leave his family, and accompanied by Stewart, make one more effort to get his provisions home before the breaking up of the ice. His situation was indeed a trying one. It was with great reluctance that he resolved to leave his family alone and unprotected in the dead of winter, and in a region inhabited only by Indians, whose proximity produced no more agreeable impression than fear, to say the least. But Mrs. Hobson, brushing the tears from her face, and summoning all the courage and resolution she could command, entreated him to go, and leave her to do the best she could. After preparing fuel sufficient to last until their return they set out, taking with them a yoke of cattle which they drove in advance, for the purpose of breaking a road through the snow. Thirteen head of cattle and three horses were left in Mrs. Hobson's care. On the second day after the departure of Messrs. Hobson and Stewart, it commenced snowing and continued without interruption for two days and nights, covering the earth upon a level, three feet deep. On the third day, just at sunrise, the wind began to blow with fury from the west, and continued like a hurricane, without cessation, for three days, sweeping the snow from the ground and piling it in drifts twenty, thirty, and even forty feet high, while the atmosphere was so thick with the driving snow, as almost to turn daylight into darkness. On the first morning of the wind storm, Mrs. Hobson, taking a pail, went to a spring a few yards from the house for some water, but before reaching the house she was compelled to throw the water upon the ground and make all possible haste back. The children opened the door for her, which, being in-the west side of the house, it required all their strength to close again. It was not opened again until after the storm had subsided. The snow, which was constantly driving into the house, supplied them with water; but who shall describe the feelings of that mother, as alone with her little ones, the days dragged wearily along, while her mind was filled with the most fearful aprehensions. Husband or brother she should in all probability see no more. Her children might perish in her sight, while a like fate awaited herself. It was, indeed, a severe trial of endurance, and needed all the fortitude of her soul to sustain such agonizing reflections while the raging storm swept around her solitary dwelling. After the wind had ceased, Mrs. Hobson went out to look after the cattle and horses, but could discover nothing of them, and concluded they had been covered in the snow-drifts and perished. The day passed without any of them making their appearance. The next morning they all came around from the east side of the grove, whither they had fled and remained during the storm. The fuel which had been prepared and put in the house was now exhausted, while that which had been left outside was embedded in a deep snow drift. The only alternative was to dig this wood eut of the snow with w pick-ax, and Mrs. Hobson accordingly set about it, working and resting alternately, as her strength would permit. Weak and faint from hunger, and with hands frozen and Dlistered, she worked on day after day, unable to get out more wood than would barely serve from one day to another. A cow, that was accustomed to being fed at the door came into the house one day and seemed to reel, as if about to fall. Mrs. Hobson pushed her outside of the door, when she immediately fell dead. Fearing that the wolves, which were very plenty and hungry, would come to the door to feed upon the carcass, she covered it deep in the snow.

On the fourteenth day after his departure, Hobson returned with some provisions, leaving Stewart at Holderman's grove with a part of the oxen that were unable to finish the trip. On his arrival, he found the wood which they had prepared, all consumed, and Mrs. Hobson tearing down a log stable and chopping it up for fuel. During that fourteen weary days, Mrs. Hobson had not seen a human being besides her children. Though it was known at Holderman's grove that they were alone, yet no one dared venture to see what had become of them. It was thought by all there that the family would inevitably perish. In the course of eight days Stewart arrived with the remainder of the oxen. They presented a deplorable spectacle indeed, being worn with fatigue, their flesh sore and bleeding, and the hair all cut from their legs by wading through the hard crusted snow. The drifting of the snow had been altogether favorable to the return of Hobson and Stewart. Having arrived at their destination before the wind storm, they remained until they could make themselves some sledges. On the way home, they could travel sometimes the whole day with-

At home again, it was now time for new arrangements to be made, as there had been nothing done as yet, upon the new claim. Stewart, accordingly, set out for the new location with the intention of working there, but soon after his arrival the snow went off with a heavy rain. After the flood, occasioned by the melt- -ing snow and breaking up of the ice had nearly subsided, the Indians came - a hundred or more - into the grove near the house, and prepared for making sugar. Hobson now sent his family to Holderman's grove, where he had obtained permission for them to stay a few days, while he with his household goods started for the Du Pagan, and again aimed to take up his night's lodging at the Frenchman's cabin But the traveling was bad, and his progress slow. Late in the afternoon he got "stalled" in a slough. Taking off his boots and stockings, in order to keep them dry, he waded through on foot, and with great effort succeeded in getting his team through, his clothes the while were wet and freezing.

It being by this time quite dark, and fearing to proceed further, lest he should again be "stalled," there was no other chance than to spend the night upon the open prairie. And having some bedding in the wagon, he made out to pass the night without freezing. In the morning he reached the Frenchman's cabin, where he breakfasted. The next night found him at the Spring Brook, just west of the Du Pag river, but it was so dark that he did not venture to cross it, and accordingly camped out again. Here the grass was long, and making his bed upon the ground, he passed the night very comfortably, and the next morning reached his destination. Mr. Scott advised him to bring his family to his place, and let them remain until he could build his cabin. He accordingly did so, and in a few days their own cabin was ready for their reception.

In April Mr. Hobson went again to Ox Bow Prairie for his wagon, taking with him two yoke of cattle, and bringing back some seed corn, and potatoes. His cattle were so poor and weak that he was often obliged to carry the corn and potatoes on his back, the team being hardly able to draw the empty wagon. The Spring and Summer were cold, wet and consequently unfavorable to crops. But little was raised during that year.

Other settlers, whose names have been given, soon located in different parts of the town. The Naper settlement extended into this town, and the pioneer reminiscences contains an account of the settlers here, up to the close of the Black Hawk war.

This town embraces an area of thirty-six square miles, and is bounded by Milton on the north, by Will county on the south, by Downer's grove on the east, and by Naperville on the west. The surface consists chiefly of rolling prairie, interspersed with groves of fine growing timber. This town was formerly called Du Pacer, a name derived from the river, both forks of which run through it, but there being a town in Will county of the same name, it was