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

That part of the village of N. aperville which lies in this town includes the county buildings and four churches. The grist mill at Hobson's was among the first established in this part of the county. Brick making is carried on to a considerable extent, and the bricks manufactured are of good quality. The clay requires coarse sand to be worked with it, to give it compactness. At the establishment of Mr. E. M. Carpenter 275,000 were made last year. The other manufactures are of minor importance, it being strictly an agricultural town, in which branch of industry it competes successfully with its neighbors.

There are in this town nine school districts, in all of which schools are taught throughout the school year. Teachers of the best ability are usually employed, and rewarded by a fair compensation. The almost universal custom of rotation in the employment of instructors for our schools prevails in this town, the summer term being taught by females, and the winter term by males. The schools are attended by 310 scholars. The fund derived from the sale of the school section was $800. It now amounts to $1,011.66. The amount paid to teachers last year was $820, and the amount expended for repairing and building was $1,830.

Several stone quarries have been opened in this town, from which stone is obtained for lime burning and for building purposes. The Naperville and Oswego plank road was laid through the central part of this town. The projectors of this road thought to facilitate the communication between Oswego, Naperville and Chicago, and thereby retain the travel which would otherwise be drawn to the railroad which was being built at the same time.

The road was completed from Chicago to Naperville, but no farther. The project was a failure; the stock was worthless, for people would travel by railroad. The material of which the road was constructed is now being torn up and converted to other uses.

Justices Of The Peace

Silas Meacham, Lyman Meacham, and Harvey Meacham, were the first settlers of this town. They came here together, and clearing away the snow from a spot selected for the purpose, pitched their tents, on the eleventh day of March, 1833. The Indians, who were numerous at that time, were their only neighbors during the first year. There were no settlers nearer than King's grove, on the east branch of the Du Pages, none on the Chicago and Galena road, and none on Fox river above Green's mill. Their Indian neighbors were generally peaceable and quiet, but filled with all manner of superstitious and savage peculiarities. Soon after the settlement commenced, a dog was discovered in the grove hanging from a limb to which it was fastened, with a piece of tobacco tied to each foot. The settlers afterward learned from Lawton, an Indian trader, that the Indians had had some bad luck, and the dog was offered as a sacrifice.

The grove was known among the Indians as Penneack grove, and received its name from a root found in it, resembling the potato. It grew in such abundance, that the Indians came for it, and carried it away to their camps, in sacks, on their ponies.

The Indians were generally trusty, and on the whole proved themselves good neighbors. The settlers placed great confidence in them. They frequently came to all cases. Harvey Meacham once loaned his valuable rifle to one of them for several days, on the promise that he would return it at a certain time; the Indian, faithful to his word, brought it back on the appointed day.

wagon box which was brought from the east. The next death in the settlement was that of a young mechanic, who came into the town with Major Skinner, jn 1834. He was buried in a coffin made of plank, split from a login the grove.

A small addition to the settlement was made in 1834. Among the settlers of that year were H. Woodworth, N. Stevens, D. Bangs, Elias Maynard, and Major Skinner. The Meacham brothers, during the first year, built a log house for each of their families, broke aad planted forty acres of prairie, and fenced it in, to secure it from their stock which grazed upon the open fields. At the end of the year 1834, the settlement had increased to twelve or fifteen families. Many trials, incident to the settlers of a new country, were experienced by these first pioneers. Weare informed by one of them, that it was no uncommon thing for a man to take his plow share and mould board, weighing some sixty pounds, upon his back and trudge away to Chicago, a distance of twenty-four miles, to get it sharpened.

The first election in this precinct was held at Elk grove, eight miles north east of Bloomingdale. Lyman Meacham was elected justice of the peace. The first path master went as far south as Warrenville, ten miles distant, to warn out the settlers on the highway to perform their road labor. The claim difficulty to which allusion has been made, occurred in this town. It is thought that no correct history of the horrid transaction has ever appeared. Thestatement of this affair, given in the life of George W. Green, the banker, who committed suicide in the Chicago jail, is very erroneous. The compilers have been at considerable pains to obtain a brief, and as they believe, an impartial account of the transaction, which is commonly known as

The Kent Tragedy

In the year 1835, or thereabouts, Ebenezer Peck bought the undivided half of Dr. Meacham's claim. While they held it jointly, they leased it to Milton Kent. Before the lease expired, Dr. Meacham sold his half to Mr. Peck, and moved to the O'Plain river, previous to any difficulty with Kent. The trouble respecting the claim commenced soon after Mr. Peck became the sole owner. Mr. Kent's lease expired in the spring of 1837, and the claim was sold to George W. Green, of Chicago, who came on to occupy it, but Mr. Kent would not allow him to take possession ; whereupon, a suit at law was brought, which after several years' litigation, resulted in giving Green a title to the whole property. In the mean time, Mr. Kent had built a house and barn suited to the business of tavern keeping, near the east end of the claim, and upon a piece of land which he and his friends said, Dr. Meacham gave him for a tavern stand. Near the first of March 1840, Mr. Green and family, accompanied by Daniel M. Green, the sheriff of Du Pacz County, came on to the ground and demanded the possession of the entire premises, tavern stand included. Mr. Kent was very unwilling to go, but notwithstanding his reluctance, he was forced to remove his household effects from the house he had built, and quit the premises on which he had invested all he had. His furniture was removed to a shanty which had been hastily constructed of boards upon the claim, ata little distance from the house. The sheriff notified him to leave the claim immediately, but at the old man's earnest request that he might remain over the Sabbath, it being then Saturday night, it was provided that he could do so upon the condition that he would depart early on Monday.

Old Mr. Kent was a man of iron will, and determined still to have the property, and,stake everything on the effort, preferring even death itself, to being conquered. After preparing a quit claim deed, the following plan, as revealed by those concerned in it, was adopted.

The old man, accompanied by his son, son-in-law, a friend, who afterwards married into the family, and a hired man, making five in all, were to go to the house of Mr. Green late on Sunday evening, decoy him to the door, seize him, carry him off and force him to sign the ded. When the time arrived they went to the house. Four of the number were on foot, and took their station at the side of the door,.to seize Green when he came out, while the fourth, who was on horseback, rode up in front of the house and called loudly for Mr. Green; but, instead of going to the door, Mr. Green answered him through the window of the room in which he was sleeping. The horseman told him that he wished to stop there over night, to which Mr. Green replied that the house was no longer a tavern; that he could obtain lodging a little further on. He had scarcely said this when the outside door was broken in with a loud crash. In an instant the four men who had been stationed at the door appeared in his room. He had prepared himself with arms for his defense, should he be molested, and seizing his rifle, fired in the direction of the assaulters. The ball passed through the collar of old Mr. Kent's coat, and escaped through the window frame. He then snapped his pistol, the muzzle being against the breast of one of his assailants, but the collar of his coat caught in the lock in some way, and it missed fire.

The room was very dark, and, therefore, Green had the better chance to defend himself. In entering the room a table of dishes was overturned, and two of the number sprang upon the bed, seizing Mrs. Green, whom they mistook for her husband. Finding their mistake, they left her unharmed, and went to the assistance of their comrades. In the meantime, Green seized alarge butcher knife, and commenced making desperate thrusts with it at all who came in his way. A son of Mr. Kent succeeded, at length, in grasping Green tightly around the body, in such a manner as to give him but little use of his arms; but he soon regretted his rashness, for it was not long before he felt the sharp point of the knife entering his back, and making an awful wound. He cried murder, implored Green to spare his life, and his comrades to come to his assistance.

Old Mr. Kent advanced, and was about to lay hold of Green, when he (Green) drew the knife from the body of the young man, and struck the old man a mortal blow under the left arm, at which he raised his hands, gave a dying shriek, left the room unobserved, walked a few paces from the door, and fell to the ground dead.

Young Kent was now released from Green's grasp, and, notwithstanding he had received, as he supposed, a mortal wound, he still determined to conquer, and the party rallied, with all their strength, to make one more effort to secure Green. A furious onslaught ensued, and Green was at last overpowered, although he fought desperately. He was knocked down, and beaten with merciless severity upon the head with a horse pistol, and afterward taken, in a senseless condition, from the floor and carried, without clothing, save his shirt, across the fields to the shanty. When he had recovered his senses, he was there required to sign the paper, and the young man whom he had so severely wounded with the knife remarked that "he must do it d - n quick, too, for he wanted to see it done before he died, and his boots were then overflowing with blood." Expecting that his life would be taken in any event, Green signed the papers in presence of the daughters, and then importuned them to let him die at once, upon which he was taken back across the field, and left, in an almost helpless state, near his house, which he succeeded in reaching soon after.

Mrs. Green, after witnessing the brutal treatment of her husband, and being left alone in the house, suffered the most intense alarm, supposing he would be killed, and that a similar fate awaited herself. She stood at the door crying murder, in a voice not above awhisper. The death of old Mr. Kent was not known to his son until after the papers were signed.

Consternation filled the minds of the settlers at such a tragedy transpiring in their midst. A sight never to be forgotten was the lifeless body of that old man, as it lay there upon the ground, his hair white like the frost of winter gathering around his icy temples, and ruffled by the passing breeze, as it moaned among the branches of the grove. His countenance was fresh as though life yet lingered in his veins, but his limbs were stiff and cold in death.

Green delivered himself up to the proper authority, and went before the grand jury of Du Pacr County, confessed the crime he had committed, and was discharged. Writs were issued for the arrest of Lorenzo Kent and others, concerned in the tragic affair. Kent was arrested, and while too ill, as was supposed, to be removed, fled out of the State. The family were scattered, and have never been united since in that hallowed relation. Their head being removed, and themselves being left without a home, they have been compelled to wander from the scenes of their early attachment, at the mercy of an uncharitable world.

Mr. Green remained in the place some three years, but was in constant fear of his life. He never left his house without being armed, and always slept with weapons within his reach. The opinion prevailed among the settlers that he was a dangerous person, and few tears were shed when he sold his claim and left the neighborhood. His subsequent career of crime, which terminated in self-destruction, is familiar to all. He removed to Chicago, where he amassed considerable wealth in the banking business. In 1855 he was convicted of the crime of murder, in poisoning his wife, and lodged in the Chicago jail. Soon after his conviction, and while confined in jail, he was found dead in his cell, having taken his own life rather than undergo the execution of his sentence. Thus, we have endeavored to present a brief and impartial statement of the Kent affair, about which so much has been said and written. This, as we have already intimated, was the only serious claim difficulty in this county; but volumes might be filled with the most thrilling tales of conflict between settlers, respecting their claims, in other parts of the west. Were government to survey its lands before they are settled upon, a portion, at least, of the difficulties now incident to new settlements would be avoided.

Bloomingdale is not excelled by any of its sister towns in healthfulness of climate, fertility of soil, beauty of scenery, variety of products, nor in attention to agriculture. Meacham's grove is in this town, and embraces about 1,200 acres of fine timber. The trail made by Gen. Scott's army, in passing from Fort Dearborn to the Mississippi, is about a mile and a half south of the grove. The trail was visible when the first settlers came, and has always been known as the army trail road. The source of the east branch of the Du Page river is from low land about half a mile south of the grove. The west branch rises in a slough, a few rods in width, situated near the north east corner of the town of Wayne. The town is well watered by springs and small streams, it having but one stream of any size. A branch of Salt creek runs in an easterly direction through the town, uniting with the main branch at Duncklee's grove, in the town of Addison. This stream furnishes water power at some seasons, and a saw mill has been erected upon it.

The village of Bloomingdale contains about thirty dwelling houses, one hotel, 5 factories, 2 stores, and three churches. The Baptist society was organized in. March, 1841, through the instrumentality of Rey. Joel Wheeler and Rev. A. W. Button. There were at first seventeen members, among whom were Noah Stevens, Ephraim Kettle, Asa Dudley, F. R. Stevens, Orange Kent, J: D. Kinne, Philo Nobles, Silas Farr, and William Farr.

For several years the society was without a settled minister, during which time preaching was sustained by Rev. Joel Wheeler, Rev. A. W. Button, Rev. Mr. Smith, Rev. Mr. Edwards, and Rev. Mr. Dickens. The first settled minister was Rev. P. Taylor, who became pastor of the church in 1848, and continued until 1855. He was succeeded by Rev. J. H. Worrell, the present pastor, in 1855.

and four only have died during their membership. The Society now numbers 126 resident members. There is a Sabbath school of 40 scholars connected with this church, having a library of 450 volumes. The present house of worship was built in 1848.

The Congregational Church was organized in August, 1840, by Rev. D. Rockwell, assisted by Rev. F. Bascomb. W. Dodge, A. Buck, Elijah Hough, A. Hills, E. Thayer, C. H. Meacham, and J. P. Yalding, were among the first members. Rev. D. Rockwell was ordained in 1840, and continued as pastor until 1842. The following are the names of pastors since that time :

There have been 203 members in all, of whom eleven have died during their membership. There are now 93 resident members. The Sabbath school has about 50 scholars, and a library of 300 volumes. The church of this Society was built in 1851, and dedicated June 138th, 1852.

There are nine school districts in this town, eight of which have school houses. The school fund derived from sale of land was $1,028. It is now $1,425. There were 325 scholars in attendance during the past year. Trustees, Captain E. Kinne, H. Barnes, H. S. Hills. Treasurer, §. P. Sedgwick.

The first town meeting in Bloomingdale was held at the school house, in the village, on Tuesday, the 2d day of April, 1850. We give below the names of town officers since the adoption of the township

Tur settlement of this town began in 1834. The first inhabitants were Ebenezer Duncklee and Hezekiah Duncklee, from Hillsborough, N. H., and Mason Smith, from Potsdam, N. Y. They left Potsdam on the 13th of August, 1833, and arrived at Chicago on the 3d of September, traveling by land across Michigan and Northern Indiana. Leaving Chicago on the 8th of September, they followed the trail of Gen. Scott's army, which had preceded them, to the Des Plaines river, where they camped for the night, near a party of 300 Indians. On the following day, they proceeded along the trail as far as the south line of Addison. Here they found a grave, which was supposed to be that of a soldier in Gen. Scott's army. The grave was on the west bank of Salt creek. On the opposite bank, near what is now called Grey's grove, were the remains of the army encampment. Some of the tent posts were still standing. Upon examination, it was found that the waters of the creek were not salt, as they had supposed. The stream received its name from this circumstance: A hoosier team, loaded with salt, became " stalled" while fording it, and the driver was obliged to lighten his load by rolling several barrels into the water. The party left the creek at 5 o'clock, and pursued the trail. Soon after dark they discovered a light, which seemed at no great distance. One of the company set out in advance, hoping to reach it, but after making a circuit through the tall prairie grass, he came upon his comrades near the place from which he started - - and the party camped for the night among the prairie grass and flowers. Their slumbers were somewhat disturbed by the prairie wolves, which howled most hideously about them during a greater part of the night; but wearied by their long marches, they rested full as well as could be expected under the circumstances. On the following day they reached Meacham's grove, where they found three settlers by the name of Meacham. Here they obtained some instruction in the arts of border life. They learned how to make their claims, how to construct cabins, and how to manufacture their beds. From this place they proceeded to Elk grove, and thence along the west bank of Salt creek to Duncklee's grove, and camped for the night on the spot where the house of H. D. Fisher now stands.

On the 12th day of September they took a northern direction through the timber, and made their claims near the north end of the grove. The timber claims were made by marking trees, and the prairie claims by plowing a furrow entirely around each. Immediate preparations were made for the erection of a house. The ground was leveled with a hoe, and prairie grass, which was cut with an ax, was spread upon it for beds. A tent was made of cotton cloth, and here they lived for half a month, until their cabin could be completed. The sides of the new cabin were formed of logs, drawn together by the pony - an important member of the company, of whom honorable mention is hereafter made - the floor was formed of split logs, and the roof of oak shingles. The family of E. Duncklee arrived in August, 1834. The 18th day of June, 1835, was the date of the birth of the first white child in the town. Three barrels of frozen apples were planted by Mr. Duncklee in the spring of 1836, from which nearly all the region has been supplied with fruit trees. He sold from his own orchard, in 1855, upward of $600 worth of fruit. There is a cotton-wood tree standing in his yard which sprang from seed sown in 1837, and measures five feet two inches in circumference, at a height of fourteen inches from the ground.

This is strictly an agricultural town. The first attempt at farming, of which the writer has any account, was in the fall of 1834. Mason Smith and Hezekiah Duncklee cut and stacked a few tons of hay near Salt ereek, to keep a small pony, which was their joint possession, and which had brought them all the way from Detroit. Their stack was completed after several days' hard labor, and they were advised to burn the grass for several rods around it, in order to protect it from the annual fires set by the Indians. Being unacquainted with the business, they set the fire too near, and not only burned up the grass about it, but the whole stack was consumed, leaving the pony destitute of a winter's allowance. Winter came on, and having no hay, they turned him into the grove, where he lived and prospered until the opening of spring. The land in this town came into market in 1842, haying been surveyed the previous year. When the first settlers came into the town, the land being unsurveyed, each made what was termed a claim, by staking or surrounding with a furrow as much land as he thought he would be able to pay for, when it should come into market. The usual quantity claimed was 160 acres; some, however, claimed more, and some less than that amount. There were some conflicting claims; but these difficulties were generally settled when the land was sold, by the one having the largest portion of the disputed claim buying the whole, and then re-deeding to each holder his proportion. In this way all obtained their lands as claimed, without regard to government lines. There are three groves of thrifty growing timber in this town. Duncklee's grove lies on the east bank and along the Salt creek. It is about three miles in length, and half a mile in width. Grey's grove lies also on the east branch of Salt creek, and contains about 100 acres. Kaler's grove, though smaller, affords considerable fuel and timber.

The balance of the lands of this town is chiefly flat prairie. The soil is from two to two and one-half feet in depth, with a subsoil of clay. It produces good spring wheat, oats, corn, potatoes, etc. Winter wheat generally kills out in the spring, by alternate freezing and thawing. The greater part of the hay is made from prairie grass, which grows luxuriantly on the creek bottoms, and on the low ground. Clover, timothy and herdsgrass do well, but require manure to neutralize the alkalies in the land. The lands produce an average of about twenty bushels of spring wheat, forty bushels of oats, forty bushels of corn, and one hundred bushels of potatoes to the acre.

The school section of this town sold for $800, which has been increased, by addition of interest from time to time, to $1,300. There are eight school districts in the town, six of which are provided with good school buildings. There are three German schools taught. Henry Bartling is the post master in the south part of the town, and S. D. Pierce at Sagone, in the north part. There are three churches, two establishments for the manufacture of brick, one grist mill, one carriage shop, one cabinet shop, four stores, two boot and shoe shops, and two blacksmith shops in the town. The Lutherans have a large society, and worship in a

The German Methodist society of this town is also large. It has a house of worship, and the pulpit is regularly supplied by a se:tled pastor. The present pastor of this church is Rev. U. Macklin.

This town has been visited with several violent and destructive storms within a few years past, the effects ot which were also experienced in other parts of the county, and through the kindness of Mr. M. L. Dunlap, Esq., we are enabled to place some account of them before our readers. The following communication was published in the Chicago Democrat, of June 13, 1847:

The Hail Storm

"This part of the country was yesterday visited with one of the severest storms of rain and hail that I have ever witnessed - the country is completely inundated. The morning was cloudy, with wind from the south, occasionally shifting to the southwest; during the forenoon, the clouds gave the appearance of good weather. At 7 A. M. the barometer stood at 29.50 inches, and thermometer at 68°. At 12 o'clock the latter had risen to 770, and the former had fallen to 28.40 inches. At this time a thunder shower was rolling up its black masses from the northwest, and at 1 o'clock it burst upon us with full force, attended with large quantities of hail of icy firmness. The mass of hail stones would average three-eights of an inch in diameter, while many specimens picked up measured over one anda half inches in circumference.

the southeast; and at 4 o'clock a heavy shower presented itself in the north, extending itself south and east, with wind from the east. In a few minutes the wind suddenly shifted to the north, when the rain commenced falling in torrents, completely shutting out the view. The rain partially abated, when the hail commenced pouring down at a fearful rate, the averagesize of the hail stones being half an inch in diameter, while many of them would measure over three inches in circumference, being an aggregation of hail stones cemented together - perfectragged lumps of ice. The barometer fell to 28.30 inches, and thermometer to 59°; after the storm the latter rose to 67°, and the former to 28.40 inches. There was but little wind during the falling of the hail.

This morning the houses, gardens and fields were a dismal sight. Nearly all the glass is out of the windows on the north sides of the houses, the young fruit is stripped from the trees, buds and grafts of this year's growth are broken off, and the field crops are more than half destroyed. The damage to our farms in this part of the county will be severely felt." Here is another dated July 15th, 1854.

A Destructive Storm

"We turn aside from our usual articles on culture, to record one of the most destructive hail storms within our knowledge. It occurred about 5 o'clock P. M., Thursday, the 13th instant. Commencing in the town of Bloomingdale, Du Pace County, and passing through Addison in the same county, thence into Cook county through the north part of Leyden, the south part of Elk grove and Maine, thence through Niles to the lake. Its track of greatest destruction was about a mile in width, though the hail fell in torrents, doing more or less damage for a mile on each side of this line. .The entire crops of grain and potatoes are completely broken down and ruined; the grass has fared little better, being badly injured and much of it not worth cutting. The corn is completely stripped of its leaves, and mostly broken off near the ground. Fruit and shade trees are nearly defoliated, badly bruised, and in many cases large stripes of bark knocked off. At the house of I, Knowles, in Addison, a pile of hail stones accumulated in an angle of the building three feet- deep, and at 5 o'clock next day, hail stones were measured from this pile from three to five inches in circumference. The trees on this farm are mostly stripped of their bark.

All the windows on the south and west sides of the houses had the glass broken. Cattle ran bellowing through the fields - horses broke from their fastenings and ran with whatever was fast to them. The ten minutes the hail was falling, were of fearful grandeur, alarm and rapid destruction. The dark mass of cloud streaked with the lurid lightning - the roaring of the hail like the pouring out of a thousand torrents might well inspire terror and dismay. In afew short minutes the hopes of the husbandman were gone; the broad ears of beautiful waving grain fast ripening for the reaper, and which were destined to feed and clothe those he held most dear, were utterly ruined and prostrated before him. Think you, gentle reader, that no tears coursed down the sun-burnt cheeks of those hardy sons of toil, to see their cherished hopes thus swept away, themselves, teams and farm implements turned out nearly idle for the remainder of the season ; and the hopes of their families resting on their daily labor, or the' prospect of. a mortgage to carry them forward to another harvest? We know the heart of the farmer is large, and ever open to relieve the unfortunate, and in this case we feel assured that those in the immediate vicinity will extend a helping hand in the way of grass, grain, and labor, not forgetting those garden vegetables so desirable to the health and comfort of a family.

Yesterday we passed over a small portion of the unfortunate tract, and made some figures of the loss, but these embrace only a small portion, and do not include all within the distance passed over, as we prefer to omit the estimate rather than take them from hearsay. In this estimate we have-taken, the probable amount of grain, etc., at its market price, after deducting the cost of harvesting and marketing. It is probably much below the ultimate loss in deranging farm operations, and the extra expense of procuring hay and grain for farm use:

This list, imperfect as it is, shows a large loss for a small neighborhood in a rural district, and nearly all within the delivery of the Sagone post office, in the town of Addison. The south margin of the storm passed over Dunlap's nursery, in the town of Leyden, injuring the young grafts and knocking off fruit from the specimen grounds, which is to be regretted, as many varieties were fruiting for the first time, by which their correctness of nomenclature would have been decided. Such large quantities of decaying vegetable matter, now sweltering in a summer sun, cannot have otherwise than a deleterious effect on the health of families residing on this track of desolation."

Under the township organization law, the first town election took place in Addison, in April, 1850. The following list includes the names of town officers since that time:

Justice Of The Peace

Tus town was settled in 1832 by Erastus and Jude P. Gary. They came in just after the close of the Black Hawk war, and settled in the east part of the town. Among the settlers of 1834 were Messrs. M. Griswold, J. M. Warren, J. S. P. Lord, A. Churchill, Alvah Fowler, Iva Herrick, and Ezra Galusha. The town is six miles square; is well supplied with wood and timber; is watered by the Du Page and several smaller streams; has a productive soil and healthy climate ; and is now rapidly increasing in wealth and population.

There are in the town three pleasant villages, three churches, one academy, one grist mill, two saw mills, twelve stores, ten factories, three post offices, two railroad stations, and a population of abont 1,600.

Of the three villages - Warrenville, Winfield and Turner - Warrenville was first settled. The first house was built by Col. J. M. Warren in 1834. There are now in the village a Baptist church, an incorporated academy, a grist mill, a saw mill, three blacksmith shops, two dry goods stores, one drug store, a post office, two wagon shops, a hotel, and about 250 inhabitants. The village is pleasantly situated on the west fork of the Du Page river, three miles from Winfield station, on the G. & C. U. railroad.

The first efforts toward establishing a religious organization in Winfield were commenced at this place by a few members of the Du Page Baptist church, as early as 1834. February 4th, 1836, preparatory measures were taken to organize a society. Ata meeting held at that time, after some discussion, the following preamble and resolutions were adopted: " Whereas, in the providence of God, we are located in this part of God's moral vineyard, and at a considerable distance from our mother church, or any other church of the same faith and order: J?esolved, That we organize ourselves into a regular Baptist church, to be located at Warrenville, and to be called the Second Du Page Baptist church: Jeesolved, That we send letters to sister churches, inviting them to send their pastors and deacons, for the purpose of giving us fellowship as a sister church."

On the 23d of February the society met at Warrenville for the purpose of organizing, and the following churches were represented: First Baptist church of Chicago, by Elder J. T. Hinton and Deacon Jonson ; First Church of Du Page, by Elder A. B. Hubbard and Judge Wilson.

The council was duly organized by the appointment of Judge Wilson moderator, and A. E. Carpenter scribe. The articles of faith, and practice and covenant, were then presented to the council, with the names of the members proposing to be recognized. Sixteen members were present, and it was resolved by the council: "That we recognize these members as a regular Baptist church." The services of recognition then took place. A sermon was preached by Elder J. T. Hinton, and the right hand of fellowship was given and a prayer offered by Elder Hubbard. The following are the names of the members recognized :

Several ministers took a deep interest at an early day in this branch of Zion. Among them was Elder Ashley, whose name is embalmed in the hearts of the pious in this part of the Lord's vineyard: He was with this church through several precious revivals, and was the means, in the hand of God, of bringing many from darkness to light. The first pastor of this society was Elder L. B. King. He has been succeeded by Elders A. B. Hubbard, Joel Wheeler, A. J. Joslyn, A. Taylor, Joel Wheeler, 8. F. Holt, Freeman, and H. Westcott, the present pastor, who recently came to this state from New Jersey. The society worshipped in a private house for some time in its early history, there being no school house in or about Warrenville, in which to hold its meetings. The first school house built here was occupied by the church until the old church building was purchased of Col. Warren and fitted up for the use of the society. A large and handsome church edifice is now in process of erection. The corner stone was laid July 22d, 1857. The ceremonies were conducted by Rev. Dr. Howard and Rey. Mr. Boyd, of Chicago; Rev. Mr. Raymond and Rev. Mr. Estee, of Aurora; Rev. J. H. Worrell, of Bloomingdale; Rev. E. Barker, of Naperville; and Rev. H. Westcott, pastor. The house is 35 feet by 66, surmounted with a beautiful spire. The cost of building, including bell and fixtures, is estimated at between four and five thousand dollars. Connected with this church are a Sabbath school of fifty scholars, and two interesting bible classes. There are now belonging to this church fifty members.

A Presbyterian church was organized in the west part of the town in 1836, by Rev. Mr. Clark, missionary, with seven members. Rev. Washington Wilcox commenced preaching at the Big Woods in 1836, and continued as their circuit preacher until 1839. In June, 1839, the Big Woods church was completed, having been built by the united efforts of the Congregational, Baptist, and Methodist societies, who have occupied it alternately since that time. The Rev. Mr. Baxter officiates at this time as the Congregational pastor, and Rev. H. Westcott as the Baptist pastor. There are at present about eight Baptist members, and about the same number of Congregational members.

From 1836 to 1844, the house of John Warne was occupied as a place of worship by the Episcopal Methodists living on the east side of the Big Woods. That branch of the society now worships in the Big Woods church.

There is a small settlement at Gary's mill, near the centre of the town. The first settler here was Rev. Charles Gary, who came in 1837. The saw mill was erected in that year. A society of Methodists, seven in number, was formed here under the labors of Rev. W. Wilcox, in 1837, since which time the society has been supplied with preachers appointed to labor on the Naperville circuit. There are at present twenty resident members - many of the members residing in other towns having withdrawn and formed new classes. The Sabbath school of this society was commenced in

1838. It now numbers 46 scholars, and has a library of between two and three hundred volumes. The original members of this society were Angus Ross, Elizabeth Ross, Erastus Gary, J. P. Gary, Orinda Gary, Samuel Arnold, and Mrs. Arnold.

There are 10 and 68-100 miles of railroad in this town, on which the villages of Winfield, or Fredericksburg, and Turner are situated. The first building at Winfield was erected by John Hodges, in 1849, and occupied for several years as the depot of the G. & C. U. Railroad. This station is the nearest point on the railroad to Naperville, and hence its freight business is large. A greater amount of tonnage is sent from this place than from any other station in the county. The present station house was built in 1854. There are in the place three stores, an extensive lumber yard, owned by Mr. John Collins, several manufactories, and a brewery.

The following account of the village of Turner has been furnished by Dr. J. McConnell, and rather than run the risk-of marring it by any rude touches of our own pen, we insert it verbatim.

"The village of Turner is situated in a healthy region, some thirty miles west of Chicago. It is the centre of a rich and fertile plain, gently undulating, and beautifully interspersed with luxuriant groves and verdant prairie, with here and there the farmer's home rising up as monuments of industry and beacons of domestic peace. It is-at the junction of four railroads, viz.: the Galena & Chicago Union Railroad, running from this point to Galena, Ill., and Dubuque, Iowa; the Chicago Iowa & Nebraska Railroad, running

The first house within the limits of this village was built by Capt. Alonzo Harvey, who bought the claim covering the present village site, and during the time of his residence in said house, his daughter Lois was born, being the first white person born on said grounds. But the Captain soon tired of farming, and sold his claim. He is nowa prominent citizen of Chicago, where his daughter Lois, of rare beauty, now at the age of sweet sixteen, mingles a welcome guest in the first circles of society.

The government title to said claim was partly secured in the name of Wiurislow, and partly in the name of Stickney, after which the most of it fell into the hands of Hon J. B. Turner, the heirs of Mr. Winslow, and Dea. J. McConnell. But no thoughts of a village at this point were entertained by any of the inhabitants until the Galena & Chicago Union Railroad Company commenced to run a branch of their road from this place to Fulton, which branch is now the Chicago, Iowa & Nebraska Railroad. In fact, no effort to build up a village was attempted till the spring of 1856, when Hon. J. B. Turner platted and recorded, according to the statutes of the state, some forty acres, to which C. W. Winslow, Esq., added twenty acres. In the summer following, Deacon J. McConnell made an addition of seventy acres of the most desirable business and dwellings lots in said 'town. Since which time, there have been sold to actual settlers, about thirty lots, some of which have already been built upon, and upon others, buildings are now being constructed. Within the same time, from a farm adjoining said village (owned by G. W. Eastman,) have been sold about fifteen acres, in lots, ranging from one to two acres, for residences, and though our village now numbers only about five hundred souls, it is a place of vast business energy and active life.

We have recently had an extensive variety store established here, of which Williams & West are the proprietors. They sell their extensive stock at Chicago prices, and are about building an extensive store and storehouse on Depot street, extending across to the railroad track. W.S. Atchinson is also building a large store, for a wholesale and retail boot and shore business.

With all our railroad facilities, this is a choice location to head off large Chicago jobbing houses. Dr. Hall is also building a store for the drug business. J. McDonald has also a large store and storehouse, and deals extensively in dry goods, groceries, hardware and agricultural implements. He also pays cash for all the farmer has to sell, and to show the increase in his business, I give the following statistics: In 1853, when he commenced buying grain, his receipts were only 1200 bushels ; in 1854, 3000 bushels; and in 1855 they reached over 30,000 bushels; with a steady increase ever since, together with a trade in butter, lard, pork and wool, to compare.

We have alsoa large and commodious hotel, of which Messrs. Alexander & Easterbrooks are the gentlemanly proprietors; a country tavern kept by Michael Hahn; a large boarding house of which W

J. Mowry is proprietor; a splendid butcher's shop, owned by Wm. Updike; a livery stable, by Crum; a blacksmith shop; carriage shop; two grocery and provision stores; one tailor's shop; a dress maker-and milliner ; a harness shop ; a boot and shoe store; and eight resident carpenters and joiners.

The railroad companies make this their general wood depot. They also have machine shops; aT rail repairing shop, with steam power, ete. To carry on their branch of industry, for officers, agents, mechanics, and common laborers, it requires about a hundred men, and as about forty trains every twenty-four hours pass through this place, it requires four extensive wells to fill the tanks of the tenders. The shipments and transhipments upon the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad at this place, amount to about a thousand tons per month; of the Galena & Chicago Union Railroad to about fifteen hundred tons per month, and the Chicago, Iowa & Nebraska Railroad rather less.

The best public school house in Du Pacr County was built in this village the present summer. In the summer of 1856 was organized the "First Congregational Church of Turner," and the following named officers elected: Deacons, Dr. J. McConnell and W. R. Currier; Clerk, J. L. Hagadone. A few days after, a body corporate, with power to hold real estate; was formed under the title of "The Congregational Church and Society of Turner, Illinois," and the following board of trustees was elected, viz. :

Deacon J. McConnell, Deacon W. R. Currier and Milo Hawks, Esq. The Hon. J. B. Turner, in honor of whom the village was named, being present, donated to the society a splendid lot for a meeting house, and immediate steps were taken to prepare the way for erecting a house of worship upon it. The Rey. S. W. Champlain who is now preaching here, is the first minister employed by the society. There is an interesting Sabbath school in successful operation here, of some fifty pupils, and an intelligent bible class numbering over twenty. The library contains about two hundred volumes."

Winfield is a well cultivated farming town. The aggregate value of real estate in 1856, was $160,329, and of personal property $68,007. The town is divided into eight school districts, all of' which are provided with good school houses. The school section was sold in 1840, at ten shillings per acre, and the fund thus derived has been increased to $1,282. The amount paid to teachers in 1857 was $1,126, and for building and repairing $1,785. The whole number of scholars in attendance during 1857, was three hundred and seventy-five.

A company called The Winfield Cavalry, was organized here in 1855. It has now about forty members. G. N. Roundy, captain; and F. G. Kimball, first lieutenant.

The first town meeting was held at the house of Charles Gary, in April, 1850. The following are the names of town officers who have been elected since that time:

Commissioners Of Highways

1850 - James Brown, J. A. Suith, Israel Mather. 1851 - James Brown, J. A. Smith, Israel Mather. 1852 - James Brown, J. A. Smith, Israel Mather. 1853 - M. M. Kemp, John Fairbank, G. N. Roundy.

Tus town is in-the northwest part of the county. It was first settled in May, 1834. The first family here was that of John Laughlin. Several families settled in different parts of the town during 1834 and the following year. Among these were Capt. W. Hammond, R. Benjamin, Ezra Gilbert, J. V. King, W. Farnsworth, James Davis, Mr. Guild, Joseph McMillen, Isaac Nash, Daniel Dunham, and Ira Albro. The first post-office in the town was at McMillen's Grove. Here, also, the first dwelling and-the first school-house were erected.. There were but few settlers in the town at the time when the first building was put up, and the owners of it anticipated some trouble in procuring help at the raising. They however, obviated all difficulty on that score by sending for a barrel of whiskey, which, with the subordinate services of only three men, performed the work in an expeditious and satisfactory manner.

all new countries. But little more grain was raised during the first two years than enough to satisfy the demand at home. Prices were extremely low for all kinds of produce, and market was a great way off. The proceeds of a load of corn taken to Chicago were hardly sufficient to defray the expenses of the trip. One of the first settlers informs us, however, that he did realize three dollars and twelve and a half cents from the sale of one load of forty bushels, which he took to Chicago in 1836, after using twenty-five cents for necessary expenses. There were no difficulties respecting claims in this town, and every claimant received his full quantity of land at the time of the land sale.

The surface of the town is generally uneven, consisting of rolling prairie. Wheat, oats, and corn are the chief agricultural staples. Probably no town in the county is better adapted to the culture of grain.

Fruit is cultivated to a considerable extent in this town, especially the more hardy kinds. Apple trees grow well; but the fruit is rendered an uncertain crop on account of the severity of our winters. Freqtent attempts have been made to raise pears, peaches, plums and cherries, without much success. The red English cherry, being the most hardy, does better than any of its class. Mr. Luther Bartlett, of this town, has been more persevering in his efforts to introduce choice kinds of fruit than any other person in this part of the county. Some four years since he procured, at great expense, from eastern nurseries and by importation from Europe, about five hundred dwarf pear trees, and set them out on his farm. The first two years the trees did well, and gave promise ef coming fruitfulness ; but during the summer of 1856, which followed an unusually hard winter, for this latitude, they began to exhibit signs of decay. The cold weather of the past winter was also unfavorable, and gave an impetus to the work of destruction commenced by the former season, which has almost desolated the field. There are now scarcely a dozen trees living of the five hundred planted four years ago. We think the experiment of Mr. Bartlett fully determines that this region is not adapted to the raising of choice kinds of fruit.

This town is not well supplied with wood and timber from its own resources. The " Little Woods," just over the line in Kane County, are chiefly owned by the inhabitants of this town, and afford convenient supplies of both fuel and timber. Good water is abundant. The west branch of the Du Page runs through the east part of the town. Streams of less note and many living springs of pure water are found in all parts of the town.

The attention of the farmers has been of late directed to the introduction of " blooded" stock. Wool is becoming an important article among agriculturalists. Several large flocks of fine wool sheep are .owned here, among which is that of Luther Bartlett, which has numbered over 1,000. The farms throughout the town present unmistakable evidence of thrift and industry; the dwellings display neatness and taste; and the barns are constructed on a scale commensurate with the great and growing demands of the harvest fields. Mr. Daniel Dunham, of this town, erected a barn in 1856, the dimensions of which are fifty by one hundred feet. It has sufficient capacity for 100 head of cattle and 300 tons of hay. It cost about $4,000, and is probably the largest and best arranged barn in northern Illinois. Land in this town is worth from $30 to $40 per acre. The farms range from two to five hundred acres. Among the best farms in the north part of the town are those of Messrs. L. Bartlett, W. Hammond, and L. Pierce; and in the south, those of Messrs. D. Dunham and Ira Albro.

There are seven school districts in the town, in all of which schools are sustained. The whole number of scholars who attended the different schools during the winter of 1857, was 218. The school section was mostly occupied by settlers before it came into market, and by an agreement among the pioneers of the town, that all who chanced to settle upon it should obtain their lands at government price, it was sold at ten shillings per acre.. The school fund thus obtained has increased to about $1,300.

The Congregational Church is the only organized religious body in this town. This society was formed in 1842, or thereabouts, and worshipped in the school house at the centre, until 1849, when it united with the school district in erecting a building suitable for a church and school-house. From some dissatisfaction arising from joint occupancy or ownership, the society soon after bought out the interest of the district, and became vested with the sole ownership. By the aid of the Home Missionary Society, the pulpit has been regularly supplied by a settled minister. The Rey. Mr. Foot was the first pastor. After his dismissal, the Rev. Mr. Parker became pastor; and he was succeeded by the Rey. Mr. Sykes, the present pastor, who has served the society acceptably for several years. The Sabbath school connected with this church has between forty and fifty scholars. Several other denominations hold meetings in different parts of the town.

ville," alias, Orangeville, was made in 1836, by Mr. Guild. Mr. A. Guild is the post-master at this place. It is a small settlement, containing one church, one store, and a few dwelling houses. There is a small settlement at the railroad station, consisting of two stores, one hotel, a post-office, station house, and several dwellings. The station is thirty-three miles west of Chicago. S. Dunham was the first settler at this place.

There are no manufacturing establishments in the town, if we exclude the manufacture of brooms, which has been carried on pretty extensively at Wayne Centre. The present population is about 1,100. The town is peaceable and healthful, being cursed by neither lawyers nor doctors.

Grove

"Tins town is in the southeast corner of Du Pace County, and embraces nearly one and one third townships of land. It was first settled in 1832, by Pierce Downer (not by Wells and Grant, as stated in our table) who emigrated to Illinois from Jefferson county, New York.

"He was at that time a man of unusual physical powers, energetic, and capable of great endurance. He is still living at the advanced age of seventy-five years, and although his bodily health is somewhat impaired, more by the weight of years than by disease, yet his mind retains the full vigor of youth. His habits are temperate, industrious and studious. In order to impart a correct understanding of the early settlement of this part of the county, it may be as well to state that Downer's grove, proper, is a body of timber, containing about one section, and lies mostly on sections six and seven of township 38. N. of R. 11. E. It derived its name from the first settler who made his claim in and near it. Subsequently the whole township received the same name. Mr. Downer's settlement was followed the next year by his son Stephen, Mr. Wells and Mr. Cooley. The claim made by Mr. Downer was on the north side of the grove; that of his son was on the east side; and that of Messrs. Wells and Cooley was at the southeast extremity of the large prairie which stretches away some three miles toward the north, five miles toward the south, and three miles toward the west. An important object of the first settlers was to secure a large amount of good timber, hence we find most of our pioneers made their claims on the borders of the groves and forests. r

"The country about the grove had not then been surveyed, and the settlers marked their claims in divers ways; some by sticking stakes; some by plowing a furrow around them; while others, more greedy, were like Franklin's philosopher, anxious to grasp more than they could hold, and claimed all the eye could survey, at one long look, in each direction. From this inordinate development of acquisitiveness, many quarrels originated respecting claims. With all the broad extent of unoccupied territory around them, it would seem impossible that men, in order to protect their rights, should have been obliged to 'make a display of squatter sovereignty ; but so it was. The first trouble about claims in this town was between Mr. Downer and Messrs Cooley and Wells, and here is Mr. Downer's version of the matter.

"¢T went to Chicago one day to buy some provisions, and on returning, thought I saw some one working near the northeast corner of the grove. I went home and deposited my cargo (a back load), and although very tired, went out to reconnoitre my premises. To my great surprise I found Wells and Cooley had commenced erecting a cabin on my claim. I went to a thicket close by and cut a hickory gad, but found I had no power to use it, for I was so mad that it took my strength all away. So I sat down and tried to cool off a little, but my excitement only cooled trom a sort of violent passion to deep and downright indignation. To think that my claim should be invaded, and that too, by the only two white men besides myself then at the grove, made the vessel of my wrath to simmer like a pent sea over a burning volcano. I could sit still no longer. So I got up and advanced towards them, and the nearer I approached the higher rose the temperature of my anger, which, by the time I got to them, was flush up to the boiling point. I said nothing, but pitched into them, shelalah in hand, and for about five minutes did pretty good execution. But becoming exhausted and being no longer able to keep them at bay, they grappled with me, threw me on the ground, and after holding me down a short time, they seemed to come to the conclusion that 'discretion was the better part of valor' and let me up, when they ran one way and I the other, no doubt leaving blood enough upon the field of action to induce a stray prairie wolf to stop and take a passing snuff as he went that way. But, sir, they did'nt come again to jump my claim.'

"The Grove at an early day was one of the favorite camping grounds of an Indian chief of the Potawattomies, called Waubansie. Here hg used to come with his warriors and remain for several days together, and always continued on the most friendly terms with the settlers.

that it could never be genérally settled on account of the scarcity of timber, and up to 1836, only eight or ten families had settled at the grove. In 1835, Mr. I. P. Blodgett one of the first settlers at the east branch in Lisle, sold out his claim there, and bought that of Jumper Wells in this town.

"Mr. Blodgett was a blacksmith by trade, a most worthy man and really a great accession to the settlement, not only as a mechanic, but as a correct and upright man. He was formerly from Massachusetts, and possessed New England habits of industry, morals and economy, which did much for the improvement of society in the new settlement. Here Mr. Blodgett built a shop, and, at that time, made the best plows to be found in the country. We would not be understood to mean by this remark that they were better than the modern productions of Messrs. Vaughan and Peck, but those who know the difficulties which were encountered before the scouring plows were introduced, can properly appreciate the good qualities of the plows made by Mr. Blodgett. It is true that the operation was something like plowing with a hemlock limb, yet they were the best plows we had, and so we used them. To one who has never held a plow that would not scowr, all this may be uninteresting, but ask an old settler, What would be the severest test of human endurance? and he will no doubt answer, 'Being obliged to use a plow that will not clear itself." If a man can do that guiltless of profanity he is unquestionably an upright person.

Stanley, Levi C. Aldrich, Garry Smith, Samuel Curtis, J. R. Adams, David Page, Henry Carpenter, Walter Blanchard, J. W. Walker and Horace Aldrich. The county at this time was being settled very fast by new comers, and the interests of the settlers began to clash. The claims extended around the entire grove. No questions arose respecting prairie claims, for it was the timber that all were after. Mr. Horace Aldrich had come in trom Jefferson county, New York, and Mr. Downer had selected a claim of timber and prairie for him. It was not long before he discovered that Asa Carpenter was intruding (we dare not say trespassing) upon his timber claim. Mr. Carpenter was cutting timber for fencing, and swore he would persist in doing so, for he had as good aright there as any other man. The neighbors advised with him, but it was of no use. They remonstrated, but the effect was the same. They finally threatened, but this only made the old man swear like the army in Flanders. The neighbors then held a consultation among themselves, and decided to apply squatter sovereignty to the old man's case. Accordingly they met at a stated time, and went to the place where they found him busily engaged getting out rails. They requested him to leave the claim, but the old man swore positively that he would do no such thing. One of the settlers proceeded to cut along hickory gad, and the powerful hand that had wielded the same persuasive argument on a former occasion, was again called into requisition. After about a dozen blows had been industriously applied to his back and legs, Carpenter proposed a brief cessation of hostilities, that he might argue the

18U HISTORY OF question with them. The request was complied with, but-the conversation soon waxed warm, and the hickory was again applied with redoubled vigor. This was too much for poor human nature to bear, and Carpenter, putting every power of pedestrianism which he had, in operation, left the crowd without even thanking them for this first practical lesson in squatter sovreignty.

"These were the only instances where personal violence was employed to settle claim feuds. Claim protecting societies were formed similar to those already noticed in another part of this book; agreements were entered into to deed and re-deed, and when the lands were surveyed and came into market, each settler received all he had justly claimed.

" The first school in this town was started in 1839, and taught by Norman G. Hurd. It was kept in the back part of a log house, owned by Mr. Samuel Curtis. This was a private enterprise, and by shifting from one old building to another, the school was kept going from five to six months during the year, for some four years.

"Tn 1844 a school-house was built, and is yet oceupied by the district. For a full description of this building we refer the reader to a report of Rev. Hope Brown, while commissioner, by which its reputation suffered some, but since the Reverend gentleman has left the county, the old house stands fair.

"What has. been said relates more particularly to the settlement of Downer's grove proper, than to the township of that name, for the reason that all, excepting five or six sections of the township, was upon the old Indian survey, and not subject to the difficulties which attended the settlement of the unsurveyed portion of it.

"It may be said, and truthfully, that, in a moral and physical point of view, the inhabitants of this township stand on high vantage ground ; and yet they claim to be no better, and no smarter than their neighbors. In concluding our chapter on this town, we propose to sketch some of the incidents and practices, more common at an early day than now.

"Until within a few years, this part of the county was infested with wolves, which were a source of great annoyance to the whole community. The farmers, however, were the principal sufferers by their depredations; for sometimes whole flocks were destroyed and scattered by them in a single night. To rid the country of these mischievous animals, it was the custom for all who were able to "bear arms," to rally once every year for a wolf hunt, which was usually a scene of much amusement, and oftentimes of the most intense excitement. These expeditions were conducted in various ways. The general hunt, which was perhaps the most common, was conducted upon the following plan :

"Notice of the time of starting, the extent of country to be traveled over, and of the place of meeting, which was usually at the common centre of the circle of territory to be traversed, was first given to all the participants in the hunt. At an early hour on the morning of the day appointed, the hunters assembled and chose a captain for each company, whose duty it was to station members of the company at short intervals upon the circumference of the circle alluded to, and then the game was completely surrounded. Ata given time the line of hunters began their march, and when they had approached near enough to the centre to close in and form a solid line, they halted and remained stationary, while the captains advanced with their sharp shooters to ascertain whether any game had been surrounded. If an unlucky wolf or deer had been.drawn into the snare, upon making his appearance before the lines, he was sure to be riddled by rifle balls. We have been informed by one who frequently participated in hunts of this kind, that he had known of sixty wolves and as many deer being killed in one day. This mode of hunting the deer seemed altogether too cruel and cowardly in the eyes of some, but no scruples were entertained in thus exterminating the mischievous, thieving wolves. To see the harmless deer penned up with no chance of escaping, darting about bewildered, with eyes almost starting from their sockets, and then to see them slaughtered in the manner described, appeared cruel in the « extreme. The mode of honda wolves adopted by the settlers at Downer's grove, was different from that described, and obviated the appearance of cruelty in slaying the deer.

"The wolf hunt was a source of amusement in this town for years, and whenever a wolf dared to show his head above the prairie grass, the boys were instantly in pursuit of him. The pursuers usually went on horseback, carrying in the hand a short club, and the captain of the company was the one who had the swiftest horse. The plan of action was to spread out in every direction and scour the prairie until the game was started, when by a peculiar yell, the whole company was called together and the chase commenced. Every horse was now put to his utmost speed, and with his rider, would go flying over the prairie like the wind. It is utterly impossible to describe the wild excitement that attended the wolf chase. Generally arace of from three to five miles would bring J/r. Wolf down; then, the day's sport would be ended, and the party would return home in a sort of triumphal procession, bearing the fallen hero. Such reckless, headlong riding was attended with much hazard, and although no serious accident ever happened to the riders, yet it is surmised that the horses might have suffered from ring-bones and spavins induced by undue speed.

" At one of the last of these hunts a circumstance occurred which may be classed with the serio-comic, as it at first assumed a serious phase, and then, as circumstances changed, became thoroughly ludicrous. Ona cold, blustering morning in January, 1846, the boys (men) started out fora hunt. Wolves were becoming scarce, and the party wandered off some five or six miles, to the north of what was then known as the Duzenberry claim. The new settlers had commenced fencing their lands, and at several places before coming to this claim the party had been obliged to dismount and remove the obstruction, but here they found a ditch fence, which terminated at a great distance on the open prairie, and was built upon the supposition that the cattle could not, or would not go around it, consequently there was no fence on the back side.

fence opposite to the party, and although their horses had been trained to jumping, yet an attempt to leap it would only land both horse and rider floundering in a deep snow bank.

"While holding a consultation to decide upon some method of surmounting the barrier, a wolf started from a thicket and crossed the path only a few rods from them. Every man instantly wheeled into line, and as quick as thought darted on after the affrighted animal. In the language of one of the company, 'the wolf was a large, gaunt old chap, and promised to give us a long pull and a strong pull.' Gard had a fine smart little pony, that would run like the wind, and he led the company. The chase led us far out into the prairie, and before long we found ourselves running inside of the fences on the Duzenberry claim, in a southerly direction, and would soon have to clear one of the ditch fences. There were fifteen horsemen spread out in a line, every man plying the whip and spur, and every horse at the top of his speed. We came to the fence, which the wolf cleared about two rods in advance of Gard, and as he came up, his horse seeming to partake of the general excitement, made a bold leap, clearing the ditch fence in fine style; but unfortunately landing in a snow bank, the horse stumbled and fell, plunging entirely out of sight - at the same time throwing Gard over his head and burying him beneath the snow. To the party in the rear it appeared as though the earth had swallowed up both horse and rider, as the fence and snow partially concealed the scene from their view. Not a rider attempted to check the headlong speed of his horse until he had cleared the fence. Some of the foremost horses made a second leap, which carried them completely over the prostrate horse of the first rider. The first thought was for Gard. The general exclamation was, 'Tle is dead!' and an awful gloom sat upon the countenance of all. While thus solemnly ruminating upon his almost inevitable fate, the party were not a little astounded at beholding him rise, Pheenix like, from his bed of snow, among the floundering horses.

Among the company was Alden Stanley, a noble, fine fellow, (alas! he has gone to his long home,) who was standing by, very much excited. He wore a buffalo coat, made like a frock, cut off at the knees. Soon atter Gard came out of the snow, his horse, for the first time, suddenly made his appearance, and seemed very much frightened. The first thing that attracted his attention was Stanley's buffalo coat, and wheeling, he kicked at it like a flash of lightning, carrying away one entire skirt. At this juncture the wolf was discovered about a mile distant, standing upon an elevation and looking back over his shoulder. Taking it all in all, this was one of the most laughable farces I ever witnessed, passing, as it did, from one extreme of feeling to another, and so suddenly too, that none knew whether to laugh or cry until we were just ready to remount and resume the chase, when it was first discovered by Stanley that he had lost one ot his coat skirts. The attention of the company was drawn to the fact by Stanley's remarking that some of his comrades had dressed their sheep skin; and this brought down the house with a loud roar. After mounting their horses, the company started again, jehu-like, in pursuit of the wolf; and within five minutes from the time of the new start Mr. Wolf had surrendered unconditionally to superior foree. I think the wolves even, were superstitious about the Downer's Grove boys, and made it a practice to give up at once when they were on their track. Many of the boys are still living, and reside at or near the grove. Of these may be mentioned Hon. W. Blanchard, D. C. Stanley, John Stanley, L. Stanley, Emerson Stanley, Charles Curtis, E. E. Downer. Ah, when we come to call the roll, there are more missing than we thought for. And now where are they? Well, the Adamses are in California, the Curtises are at Wheaton, Henry Blodgett is an attorney at Waukegan, Israel Blodgett is in California, Daniel has gone to his last resting place, Asel is in railroad business, and - and - in fact, there are not as many left as I thought there were ; but there are yet enough to get upa good game of ball now and then."

There are four societies of Protestants and one of Catholics in the town. The Methodist Episcopal society was the first to establish preaching at the Grove, which was as early as 1839. Father Ged, as he was called - an itinerant preacher of that denomination - used to come across the prairies on foot from Barber's Corners, with undeviating regularity, to preach to the people here. The adverse changes of the weather made no difference with him; and wherever he had an appointment he was sure to meet it, in spite of heat or cold, wind or rain. Nothing but a sincere desire to do good could have induced him to undergo, voluntarily, the hardships to which his itinerancy subjected him. He succeeded in forming a small society at the Grove, where preaching has been regularly sustained ; and the infant church has grown to be quite numerous. This society has a good meeting house, which was built in 1852. We give some statistics relating to this church. The society was regularly organized in June, 1851, by Rev. Mr. Grundy, with the following named members: J. P. Cotes, Mary C. Cotes, Nancy E. Cotes, Norman G. Hurd, Antoinette Hurd, Eliza Bakeman, Anne Page, Lester Hunt, and Dorcas

The whole number of members on record is thirtysix. The number of Sabbath school scholars is eightyfive; and the number of volumes in the library is three hundred.

The Methodists have another society and church in that division of the south part of this township called Cass. The first effort towards organizing the church - at Cass, was made by the Rey. Elihu Springer, in 1834.

The original members of this church were Hart L. Cobb, Betsey Cobb, George Jackson, Louisa Hill, and John Covely. There are now twenty members cf the society, forty members of the Sabbath school, and three hundred volumes in the library.

A society of Congregationalists was organized in this town in March, 1837, by the Rev. N. OC. Clark. The first members were G. E. Parmalee, John A. Richards, Dexter Stanley, Henry Puffer, Nancy Stanley, Susan S. Parmalee, Lucia Puffer, Elizabeth M. Puffer, and Hannah P. Puffer. The pastors in regular succession, have been:

The Baptist Church was organized under the labors of the Rev. Mr. Holt, in 1853, with about thirty members. Among the most active members in forming this society were Edward Goodenough, Albin Lull, and Norman Gilbert. The same year it was organized, the society erected a church edifice, which was an honor to those who projected and carried out the enterprise. No further particulars respecting this church have been obtained.

The Catholics have a church and society at Cass, called the church of St. Patrick. A house of worship was erected in February, 1846, and the society at that time numbered thirty-four. The following table will show who have been its pastors, and also the number of members at different periods since its organization :

The population of Downer's Grove at this time is about 1,200. The people are chiefly engaged in agricultural pursuits, and hence the town contains no villages of much importance. Near the north east part of the town there is quite a smart little "huddle," generally known as Brush Till; but at present we believe it is dignified by the title of Fullersburg. The first settlement at Fullersburg was made by Orente Grant, in 1836.

There is another settlement at Lower Cass, in the south part of the town, on the Chicago and Joliet road. The first settlers here were Albin Lull, Dr. Bronson, Hart L. Cobb, Thomas Andrus, and H. Martin. Of this settlement it may be said that its inhabitants are an industrious, enterprising, "good set of folks,' - a high compliment to pay to any community.

The amount paid to teachers in 1856 was $1,048 98. The number of school districts in the town is nine. The highest rate of compensation paid to teachers is

$25 per month. The average number who attend school is about 500; and the average number of months in the year, in which schools are taught, is eight. The average monthly compensation of female teachers has been about fourteen dollars.

We are unable to give as complete a history of this town as we could desire, although we have tried faithfully to obtain the necessary information to do s0. We cannot but believe that there are many incidents connected with its early settlement that would, to say the least, be of interest to the inhabitants of the township, if not to the general reader, notwithstanding the contrary opinion, which prevails among the early settlers.

York was first settled in the spring of 1834, by Elisha Fish. His claim was on the south east quarter of section thirty-five, where his widow still lives. The next who came in was Henry Reader, who settled in 1835, on the south west quarter of section thirty-five. Luther Morton settled soon after on section seven; Benjamin Fuller on section twenty-five; Nicholas Torode, sen., on section twenty-seven; and in April, 1836, John Talmadge removed to this town from Brush Hill, where he had lived since 1834, and settled on the south east quarter of section twenty-three. In May, 1836, there were several families added to the settlement. Among these were the families of Jesse Atwater, Edward Eldridge, and David Talmadge. In July of the same year, the settlement was increased by the families of Jacob W. Fuller and David Thurston. In 1837, Sheldon Peek, W. Churchill, Zerais Cobb, John Glos and John Bohlander came in and settled on what is now called the St. Charles road. John Thrasher came in about the same time, and settled on section thirty. The first settlers of this town were preéminently fitted to endure the trials incident to frontier life. They were "made of the right sort of stuff," and advanced boldly with the standard of civilization, regardless of danger, and knowing no dread of hardships. Many of them had been brought up on the borders of civilization, and were thoroughly inured to all the privations of pioneer life. Perhaps no town in this county can justly claim to itself a more hardy, daring class of pioneers. John Talmadge, whose name has already been mentioned among the early settlers of this town, was for several years a soldier in the U.S. army. In that capacity he was in the service of his country during the war of 1812, and in several battles fought valiantly under our national banner. Although his head is now "silvered o'er with age," yet that quenchless spirit of patriotism which fired his youth still glows within his breast and flashes from his fading eye.

This township contains thirty-six square miles of land, and has a soil, cultivation, vales, fields, landscapes and scenery, which would not suffer in comparison with many sections of country more widely and favorably known. It affords an agreeable variety of surface and soil, well adapted to the wants of the husbandman, and, with proper cultivation, yields him most bountiful harvests for the support of the multitudes dependent upon his industry.

Most of the first settlers were originally from the State of New York, and when the inhabitants were called upon to give a name to their precinct, that of York was selected with but few dissenting voices.

The manufactures of this town are unimportant. A steam flouring mill is now in operation at Brush Hill, owned by F. Gray. This mill has two run of stones, and is the only manufactory of much importance in the town. The Galena railroad runs through the town, and upon it two young and thriving villages have sprung up, like Minerva from the brain of Jove, full armed and ready for efféctive service. These are at Cottage Hill and at Babcock's Grove.

"The village of Cottage Hill is pleasantly situated on the line of the Galena and Chicago Union Railroad, sixteen miles west from Chicago. The first settler here was J. L. Hovey, who came from Painesville, Ohio. He built a small house in 1848, which he kept as a hotel, it being favorably known by the farmers of the Fox and Rock river counties, who then teamed their own produce to Chicago, as the ' Hill Cottage.' The ' Hill' proper lies half a mile from the railroad, and commands as fine a prospect of prairie, cultivated farms, groves, cottages, and railroad trains, as one could desire to behold. This place being but 15 1-2 miles from the centre of business in Chicago; having good water, pure air, and railroad trains hourly passing - all of which stop here - must soon become known to those who would find for themselves and families, at a convenient distance from the city, a retreat from the noise and dust of its hot and crowded streets."

The railroad was completed to this place in 1849, since which time the village has been chiefly built up. It now contains one hotel, five stores, several manufacturing establishments, a railroad passenger house, some thirty or forty dwellings, and about 200 inhabitants. A fine edifice is now in process of erection, to be used as a church and school house. There is no other church building in the town, although there are several organized religious societies, which hold their meetings in the school houses in different parts of the town.

Babcock's Grove is a pleasant village, of some 200 inhabitants, situated about five miles west of Cottage Hill, on the Galena road. It is an active, businesslike place, and promises to become a town of considerable importance. It has a good hotel, several stores, and a number of fine residences.

The present population of the town of York is not far from 1500. The Germans have settled pretty thickly in some parts of the town, and among them may be tound some of the best farmers in the county. They are frugal, industrious, and honest, as a class, and manage their farms with superior agricultural skill.

There are three post offices in the town. George Fuller is post master at York Centre, Jerry Bates at Cottage Hill, and J. B. Hull at Babcock's Grove.

York has the largest school fund of any town in Du Pace county. The school section was sold at five dollars per acre, creating an original fund of $3,200. It is now near $3,500. The highest rate of compensation paid to teachers is $25 per month; the lowest is $10 per month. The amount paid for teachers' wages amounts to about $800 annually. There are eight public schools taught in the township, which are attended by 400 scholars. The average number of months in the year in which schools are taught 'is eight, and the average number of scholars in each school is forty.

We would here remark that the sources from which we have obtained the statistics relating to this town have not been the most reliable, and if we find errors have occurred, it will not be to us a matter of very great surprise.

SUPERVISORS. 1850 - Edward Eldridge, 18583 - Hiram Whittemore, ap- Gerry Bates, appointed tu pointed to fill vacancy. fill vacancy. 1854 - Asa Knapp. 1851 - Gerry Bates. 1855 - Robert Reed. 1852 - Gerry Bates. 1856 - Robert Reed.

Summary

Du Pace County was first settled by the whites in 1830. It was surveyed in 18 - }; was separated from Cook county, of which it previously formed a part, and became a distinct organization by act of legislature, approved February 9th, 1839. By the census of 1850, its population was 12,807; and assuming a uniform ratio of increase drawn from the census of preceding years, it is now nearly 15,000. It has 3,000 dwellings; 2,850 families ; 10 villages ; 7 different religious denominations; 22 churches; 3,150 communicants; 2,250 children and youth who attend Sabbath school. The following is a list of the post offices in the county :

Place. Name Of P. M.

Big Woods, (Naperville)................ . John Warne, Addison........ evecreces ain'e, ocwieie erp wiereteie Henry Bartling, SAZONS... .ccccvcvccescicccrecencccccccees Oy De Pierce, York Center... ...essccccececceseeeeees George Fuller, Cottage Hill (York).........0000veseveswees Gerry Bates. Babcock's Grove (York).............-..+- J. B. Hull, Bonaparte cGeeiee ashe 0.600. cee viswicere .... H. Dodge, Downers Groves. 6.0 ys 665 bo aie arotciece

Place, Name Of P. M.

PLACE, NAME OF P. M. Wheaton (Milton)...........20-e0 +e... C. K. W. Howard, Danby, SS Kiniaibienereyeiaie piesinigreacseia'e's David Kelly, TERY DG so ciasea cee tens secccsccssnocecee . 8. Dunham, WWfaye Center... sicc ccescssccccovesences Albert Guild, EEL tio: wins0e sao. Si6's Gisreld)eiete amine esiareiesierie John Thompson, APRIL CRAIN «5.0.10 4: 0:a0'hse! oie eeinieo:sie eis reraimcesecnse B. Fuller, Cass (Downer's Grove).......ee+eeee sees G. W. Alderman, Bloomingdale . 2... cccccssssnccscsccccs Hiram Cody,

There are eighteen miles of railroad in this county, upon which seven enterprising villages are situated. We give a statement of freight handled at the several stations, in pounds, and also the amount of cash receipts for freight.

The statement in another part of the book, that Winfield forwards the greatest amount of freight is incorrect, as it appears by the last report of the G. & C. U. Railroad Company, that less tonnage goes from that station, than from Cottage Hill or Junction.

With the above brief summary our history is ended. Enough has been said to give, as we believe, a pretty correct view of the past and present condition of Du Pace County. If by this compilation anything is rescued from oblivion that will be of consequence to our future historian, the authors are satisfied; and if the work is received with satisfaction among those early settlers, within whose early recollection all the incidents herein detailed have transpired, they will feel doubly rewarded for their labors.

While writing these concluding remarks, news has reached us of the death of Eli Northam, at the advanced age of eighty-seven years. He was an early settler in the south part of this county, and among the foremost in establishing and sustaining our first Christian church. It is fitting to insert here the following brief tribute to his memory which is taken from The Chicago Democratic Press :

"Deacon Norruam was one of the few men who merited, in all respects, the tribute paid by Luke to Barnabas, 'He was a good man.' Twenty years ago when a student in Williamstown, Mass., we well remember that he always impressed us with the highest reverence for his character, as a most worthy representative of the honest, dignified, noble Puritans. For many years he had been fully prepared to leave all things here below, and go to dwell at the right hand of his Savior.

"* His youth was innocent; his riper age Marked with some act of goodness every day ; And watched by eyes that loved him, calm, and sage Faded his last declining years away; Cheerful he gave his being up, and went To share the holy rest, that waits a life well spent.'"

In conclusion we acknowledge our appreciation of the uniform kindness and assistance which we have received in gathering the material for this work.