DuPage County, Illinois - The whole text, 1857 (part 1 of 3)

To The Reader

Tue authors propose to offer no apology for the appearance of this work. They are, however, conscious of many of its imperfections, to which it would be unwise in them to draw the attention of the public.

The original manuscript was prepared more than a year ago, and placed in the hands of a printer, whose establishment, with all his effects, including said manuscript, was carried down stream at the time of the high water last spring. To this circumstance may be attributed the delay in its publication, as well as some slight errors of omission and commission, which anybody is at liberty to find in the work. If the reader chances to discover anything of the kind, we here take the liberty to inform him beforehand, that "we knew it." And if anybody thinks he can write a better history of language of the good deacon who made an unsuccessful attempt to preach in the absence of the regular pastor, "if you really think you can do it better, why, try it, that's all."

We hereby tender our acknowledgments to the following named persons, for much valuable information for the work: Capt. Joseru Narrr, Miss Nancy Horson, Joun Warne, Witiarp Scorr, R. N. Murray, H. B. Wms, H. D. Fisurr, L. W. Mints, E. Duncxier, Rev. Mr. Wasusurne, E. R. Loomis, Hon.. Warrer Branciarp, Joun Granarr, Myron C. Dupney.

Tile Autitors Pioneer Reminiscences

Tux present chapter is designed to embody the leading incidents connected with the early settlement of Du Pace County, and embraces a period of nearly three years. It may be for the benefit of some to state, that this narrative does not disclose a succession of "disastrous chances," nor is it fraught with " moving accidents by flood and field," and he who peruses these pages, thinking to derive gratification from such sources, will undoubtedly be disappointed. The pioneers of our county are fast passing from us, and soon there will none remain to tell the story of their hardships.

That such facts and incidents, relating to their settlement here, as are considered worthy of record, may be preserved, is the object of this sketch; and if these convey no lessons of historic value, it is believed that they will not be devoid of interest to those familiar with the locality of the scenes deseribed. The bulk of information herein detailed, has been gathered from authentic sources, from living witnesses; and if errors or omissions have occurred,

The first permanent settlement within the limits of Du Pacer, was made in the fall of 1830, and during the spring of the year following. Stephen J. Scott removed from Maryland to this State, with his family, in the year 1825, and "made a claim" near the present site of Gros Point. While on a hunting tour, in the month of August, 1830, in company with his son Willard, he discovered the Du Paar river, near Plaintield. Impressed with the beauty and apparent fertility of the surrounding country, he resolved to explore the river, and ascended it as far as the confluence of its east and west branches, now called "The Forks." Here he became enamored of the gorgeous adornings with which the hand of nature had embellished the scene around him. In these he beheld infallible tokens of the " promised land," and it required but little time for him to ponder and determine the question of making that beautiful region his future home.

A. comfortable log house was subsequently built upon the farm now owned by Mrs. Sheldon, and the family of Mr. Scott came on to possess the "new claim," in the fall of 1830. Other families soon settled in the vicinity. Although Mr. Scott is entitled to the distinction of having been the pioneer of the ' settlement," which soon extended for several miles along the river into Wit1 and Dv Paar, yet there are others who lay well established claims to the pioneership of this county. About the middle of March, 1831, Baley Hobson came and settled, with his family, near the present site of the family residence, being the first actual settler on the soil of Du Pacx County. The family of Mr. Paine located near Mr. Hobson, in April following. In July the family of Capt. Joseph Naper came from Ohio, accompanied by the family of his brother, John Naper. Capt. Naper had visited the county in February, 1831. He built a cabin near the'site of his flouring mill, in which he lived until a more commodious dwelling could be provided for his family. Tle also built a trading house that season, and carried on quite an extensive trade with the settlers and Indians. The latter were quite numerous here at that time, but he always sustained the most friendly relations with them. The settlement received constant additions to its numbers, and at the end of spring, 1832, it contained one hundred and eighty souls. Among the families were those of H. T. Wilson, Lyman Butterfield, Ira Carpenter, John Murray, R. M. Sweet, Alanson Sweet, Harry Boardman, Israel Blodgett, Robert Strong, Pierce Hawley, Walter Stowel, C. Foster, J. Manning, and H. Babbitt.

The locality was then known as " Naper's Settle ment." The winter of 1832 was one of unusual severity, which, together with a scarcity of provisions, rendered the prospects of the settlers rather gloomy. John Naper, John Murray, and R. M. Sweet were sent to the "Wabash" for provisions, from which place supplies were at length obtained, and the dreary season, "on his frozen wings," passed away without much suffering among the settlers. The new spring awoke and clothed the earth in all the beauty and freshness of a young creation, quickening into life countless germs, in bud, and flower, and tree; filling the air with the melody of motion, the murmur of released waters, and the song of birds, and spotting the verdure of the widespreading prairies with fire and gold in the tint of flowers. How true to the sentiment of all who witnessed the opening of that long looked for spring, must be the words of the poet:

" These are the gardens of the Desert - these The unshorn fields, boundless and beautiful, And fresh as the young earth ere man had sinned. The Prairies! I behold them for the first, And my heart swells, while the dilated sight Takes in the encircling vastness."

Never was a " good time come" hailed with more gladness than was the spring of 1832, by the infant colony. A prospect of reward for past hardships was before them. All was busy preparation for the approaching seed time. The labor of breaking and fencing went briskly forward, and in due time the new fledged grain came peering from the mellow ground. But long before the growing fields stood ready for the sickle of the glad harvester, the little band were obliged to relinquish their cherished anticipations, and flee from their new homes for the safety of their lives.

The news of the breaking out of the Black Hawk war caused great excitement in the settlement, and the alarm was heightened by the arrival of Shata, an express from the Pottawattomies, who were friendly to the whites, with the intelligence that a party of Sac Indians were committing depredations among the settlers on Fox river, some ten miles distant, and that the houses of

Cunningham and Hollenbeck had been burned to the ground, and their property entirely destroyed. Aware of their inability to carry on a successful warfare with the Indians, as the colony was in an almost defenseless state, and being liable to an attack from them at any moment, the settlers decided to send their families, with all possible haste, to Chicago, where old Fort Dearborn offered its protection to any fearing the incursions of the savages. The settlement was now the scene of universal disorder and alarm. Bustle and confusion were the order of the hour. Men were hurrying to and fro in eager pursuit of their wives and children, while weeping wives and crying children were hurrying with equal rapidity and greater anxiety in pursuit of their husbands and fathers. Order was at length, in some degree, restored, and while the women were engaged in packing such articles of clothing and provision as they would require for the journey, the men were actively fitting out teams to convey them away.

Early in the afternoon of the 18th of May, the train started for Chicago. But the family of Christopher Paine, who lived near the place of 8S. & D. Babbitt, consisting of his wite and six children, were, in the general confusion incident to their hasty departure, left behind. The family were sent in advance of the train, with directions to wait at a short distance from the settlement for its arrival. Concealing themselves in a thicket by the roadside, near the farm now owned by Capt. John Sargent, and not hearing the company as it passed, they were obliged to remain in their place of concealment during the night, which must have been one of fearful anxiety to the mother, as the imaginative dangers of her situation magnified, while watching over her houseless and defenseless children. They returned in safety to the settlement next morning, but much exhausted by fatigue and hunger.

The following incidents relating to the alarm and sudden flight of Mr. Hobson's family, have been kindly furnished by one of its members. Mr. ILobson, with Mr. Paine and son, had just seated themselves at their noonday meal, relating, in the meantime, thie intelligence they had received while at work in the field; that a band of Indians were advancing, and were then only thirty miles distant, when they were suddenly interrupted by the appearance of Paine's eldest son, who rushed into the house, bareheaded and breathless, informing them that Specie and Ament had just arrived from the Au Sable grove, having run their horses down, and performed a part of the journey on, foot, to bring the alarming intelligence that a body of Indians had that morning passed through Hollenbeck's grove, killing several settlers, and burning everything in their path. Upon this intelligence, immediate preparations for safety were considered expedient. Hobson and Paine arose from the table, leaving the dinner untasted. Mr. Paine, accompanied by his sons, started in great haste for their home, while Mr. Hobson prepared to ride up to the Naper settlement, to see what the inhabitants there had concluded to do, but his wife and children, clinging to him, begged him not to leave them; whereupon he saddled the horses, and after seeing the wife and children all mounted, except the eldest son, who was to accompany

DU PAGE COUNTY. 11 oO them on foot, they started together. They directed their course through the east end of the grove, and coming upon a rise of ground, beheld a man on horseback, about a mile distant. It immediately occurred to Mr. Hobson that this was an Indian spy, but it proved to be one of a small party of scouts, sent out from the settlement. He, however, directed his wife and children to hasten out of sight. They rode into the grove and dismounted. Mr. H. came up soon after, threw the saddles into:a thicket, turned the horses into a neighboring field, and made all possible haste to secrete his family; directing them to use every precaution to evade pursuit, and not to tangle nor bruise the grass and weeds as they went along. Having done this, his attention was next directed to his dog, a faithful and valuable animal. " You have been," said he, 'my companion and protector for years ; you have never been unfaithful to a trust, nor given me cause to question your fidelity - always 'the first to welcome, foremost to defend.' But now you may betray us, and, saddening as the thought may be, I must be reconciled to the necessity of putting you to death." So, taking the unsuspecting victim, he went. to a cabin near by, which had been but recently occupied by the family of Mr. Seth Wescott, his object being to procure an ax with which to do the deed at which his very soul shuddered. It was supposed that the family of Mr. Wescott had received the alarm, and fled. What then was his surprise to meet him at the threshold of his door, with gun in hand, just starting out on a hunting expedition. At Mr. Hobson's solicitation, the dog was shot; but he died not, as many pass from life, without a tear to consecrate the event, or a heart to embalm the memory of the departed soul - his loss was sincerely lamented. Mr. Wescott made immediate preparation to join the settlers, and Mr. Hobson, fearing that the report of the gun might have alarmed his family, hastened to meet them. Accompanied by his wife he then returned to the house to make preparations, in case it should become necessary for them to desert their home. The box had been removed from the wagon, but with his wife's assistance he was enabled to replace it, and, after completing their arrangements, they again set forth, Mrs. Hobson with some food to seek her children in the grove, while her husband went to the settlement to see what preparations were being made there. On his arrival he found that the families, with a part of the men, had gone to Chicago. He informed those that remained of' the condition of his family, and of his anxiety that they should set out that night, in hopes of overtaking the advance party. Capt. Naper, Lieut. King, and Specie volunteered to return with him to the place where he had concealed his family. They were all mounted except King, who was on foot. Having found the family in their hiding place, it was a matter that required considerable mathematical skill to determine how they were to be conveyed. It was at length decided that the two eldest children should be placed on the horse of Mr. Hobson; that Capt. Naper should take two more on the horse with him; and that Mrs. Hobson, assisted by King, should go on foot, carrying the youngest child, then two years old. They pressed on

DU PAGE COUNTY. 13 i a toward the north end of the grove, where Mr. Hobson had agreed to meet them with his team. Emerging from the grove they had yet half a mile to go, and Mrs. Hobson being fatigued by the journey, one of the children was taken from Capt. Naper's horse and placed on the horse with the two others, while Mrs. Hobson mounted behind Capt. Naper. They started again, one horse carrying Capt. Naper, with his huge Kentucky rifle, together with Mrs. Hobson, one child, and sundry and divers trappings. It is supposed that the gallant captain never presented a more formidable appearance than he did while riding along on that memorable occasion, with his burnished steel glistening in the moonbeams, although he has, since that day, been the hero of at least three decisive battles. They arrived in safety at the place appointed to meet Mr. Hobson, who soon came up with his oxen and wagon, bringing with him such things from the house as he could hastily pick up in the dark. The announcement of "all aboard" soon followed. Mr. Hobson gave up his horse to Mr. King, who returned with Capt. Naper to the settlement, while the vehicle containing the family moved on its slow and weary way. The night was cold, and rendered still more uncomfortable by a heavy fall of rain; but wet and cold are of minor consideration, when compared with the horrors of an excited imagination, which transforms every tree and shrub into a merciless Indian foe, with tomahawk and scalping knife in hand, ready to commit their deeds of cruelty and slaughter. Passing a night of the most intense fear and anxiety, they arrived at Brush TIill at sunrise. Crossing the

O'Plain, they found a habitation, the only one on the whole route. They journeyed on, and soon reached the "Big Prairie," the distance across which is about ten miles. Crossing this prairie was the most tedious part of the way. The wheels, during a greater part of the distance, were half imbedded in the marshy soil, rendering it almost impossible for the team to move on, even with an empty wagon. The children became sickened from exposure and thirst. Being unprovided with a drinking vessel, Mrs. IIobson frequently took the shoe from her foot and dipped the muddy water from the pools by the roadside, which they drank with much apparent satisfaction. They plodded on at a slow pace, and reached their destination at a little before sunset, much exhausted by hunger and fatigue, neither Mr. nor Mrs. Hobson having tasted food for more than thirty-six hours. They were safely quartered in Fort Dearborn, and here we leave them, and return to the settlement. Some fifteen or twenty men remained behind, when the settlement was abandoned by the families, in order to protect, if possible, their dwellings and other property, from the depredations of the Indians, should they come to destroy them. They quartered themselves in the log house of Capt. Naper, and kept vigilant guard during the night. On the following morning the settlement was visited by Lawton, an Indian trader, living on the O'Plain, in company with three Indians and a half-breed, named Burrasaw. They brought no news, but came to gather further particulars in relation to the threatened invasion of the Sacs. As the settlers had heard nothing of their movements since the departure of Shata's express, it was resolved that a party, joined by Lawton and the three Indians, should go to the camp of the Pottawattomies, néar the Big Woods, some ten miles distant, for information. Two men, named Brown and Murphy, had been placed on patrol that morning, and were out on the prairie, a little west of the settlement. The party setting out for the Big Woods determined to test their courage, and for that purpose, sent the three Indians in advance of the main party. As soon as the Indians came in sight of the patrol, they gave a most. terrific war whoop, and darted on after them with the fleetness of so many arrows. The patrol, seized with sudden consternation, sprang to their horses and fled in intercepted by some of the company, whom they took to be savages, they wheeled and took an opposite direction. In this course they were again intercepted by the three Indians. Concluding they must be Surrounded, they came to a halt, laid down their arms, and were about to sue for mercy, when they chanced to discover in the features of their vengeful pursuers a striking likeness to those they had left at the settlement. The fact soon dawned upon them that they had been suecessfully hoaxed, and their duties "on guard" terminated with that adventure.

The company advanced toward the Big Woods. As they drew near the timber, an Indian was observed mounted on a horse, who, on seeing them, turned and fled. The three Indians made instant pursuit; overtaking him before he had gone far, they made themselves known as friends, and detained him until the company came up. Lawton understood the dialects of several Indian tribes, and in a conversation with him ascertained that he belonged to the Pottawattomies, who were encamped only three miles distant. The Indian said the whole of his tribe were drunk, and it would be dangerous for the company to visit them. However, after brief consultation, they decided to proceed to the encampment, and the captured Indian led the way. Although the appearance of the company in the camp caused some little excitement among that portion of the tribe who were sufficiently sober to entertain an emotion of any kind, yet they were received with no apparent indications of hostility. On examination, the testimony of the Indian was fully substantiated. Indians Were found in a state of beastly intoxication in every part of the camp; while others were enjoying the pastime in the most picturesque, amusing and fantastic series of performances that can be imagined. Dancing, singing, whooping and screeching, delightfully mingled, formed the grand offering which there went up at the shrine of bad whisky and worse tobacco. One fellow, who seemed to be of a decidédly pugnacious turn, was lying on the ground, face downwards, with his hands secured behind him, Samson like, with green withes. Frantic with rage, he seemed to utter the most vehement and fearful denunciations against all who came near him. Upon inquiry, it was ascertained that the fellow had violated an important law in their code respecting these orgies, which law forbids "a brother knocking a brother down," and he was suffering the penalty affixed.

The company were summoned into the presence of the chiefs, who gave them a friendly and courteous reception. A council was called, and Lawton and Burrasaw were admitted to the ring. The consultation lasted for two or three hours, and the "outsiders" were becoming rather impatient. An old Indian woman, known to Capt. Naper, while passing near him, uttered in his ear the word " Puc-a-che," which, being both literally and liberally interpreted, signifies "Be off." And the Captain began to think it time to heed the advice.

Inquiry was made in relation to the deliberations of the council, and Lawton responded, that " there were three hundred Sac Indians in the Black Berry timber, some four miles distant; and," said he, "you will see them if you wait here an hour. These Indians will not fight them, but will 'stop them by talk,' if they can, from burning your settlement." The Captain signified no inclination to hold an interview with three hundred Sac Indians, but suggested the propriety of retreating to the settlement as soon as possible, and sending the most valuable property there to Chicago. 'This plan received the. acquiescence of all the company, and after making arrangements with Lawton to send an express to notify them of any immediate danger from the Sacs, the settlers returned. The packing of their goods was immediately commenced. All the articles which were inconvenient to convey, were lowered into a well partly dug, and all was soon ready for loading the wagons. The horses had been harnessed, and were then feeding at a stable some ten or fifteen rods from the house.

Capt. Naper was in the house tying the corners of a quilt, which contained the remnant of clothing left behind by his family, when a man rushed wildly into the room, shouting at the top of his voice, "the Indians are upon us!" The whole company took instant alarm, and with the exception of Captain and John Naper, beat a precipitate retreat to a thicket of hazel bushes, which, in those days, flourished in prolific exuberance on the soil now known as Jefferson avenue. The two Napers were somewhat unlike the redoutable Mr. Sparrowgrass, who was prone to pull trigger and make inquiries afterward. They decided that énquiry should take the precedence, and if it came to that, why, they could run some.

As the horses were near, they removed the harness and put on the saddles, that they might be in readiness in case of emergency. They had scarcely accomplished this, when Alanson Sweet came galloping up on his fierce charger, exhorting them to instant flight, if they valued their lives. 'There are at least five hundred Indians upon us," said he, " and they are not more than fifteen rods off." Alanson rode away, but the Napers resolved to investigate. They walked in the direction trom which Sweet said the Indians were approaching, and soon came upon a rise of ground which had concealed the Indians from view, when lo! the dusky visage of their friend Lawton appeared before them. He was at the head of about fifty brawny Pottawattomies, and had come to warn the settlers of immediate danger. Messengers were sent out to gather in the fugitives, that all might listen to Lawton's story. He said that at least sixteen of the Sacs, and how many - more he did not know, had crossed Fox river; that the Pottawattomies could not stop them. They were determined to attack the settlements, and their "talk" could not prevent them. The settlers, upon this, abandoned all idea of saving their property, but determined to make every effort to save the wife and children of Paine, who were still in the settlement. The horses were attached to a light covered wagon, in which the family was placed, and the whole company set out that night for Chicago. John Naper insisted upon going on foot, and divested himself of everything in the shape of attire, except his shirt and pantaloons. He was earnestly entreated to ride, but upon his assuring the party that "he could outrun any Sac Indian in the nation," further importunity was deemed useless. They reached the O'Plain, and encamped for the night without taking their horses from the wagon, that they might be ready to move on at a moment's warning. They had hastened on, through fear of being cut off on the northern trail, by the Indians, and being much worn with fatigue, all hands slept pretty soundly till next morning. The journey was then resumed, and the party arrived at Chicago before noon, on the 20th day of May. A company of twenty-five men was raised during the day, to return to the settlement. It consisted chiefly of settlers, accompanied by Captain Brown and Colonel Hamilton. They started on Saturday, May 21st, and passed the night at Lawton's. Next day they went on to the settlement, where they found everything undisturbed. Leaving the settlement under the guardianship of several friendly Indians, the company proceeded to Plainfield, where they found the settlers safely quartered in a fort, which they had just completed. They then started for Holderman's grove, to ascertain the condition of the settlers there. Meeting Cunningham and Hollenbeck on the way, they were informed that it would be of no use to go further, as their property had been destroyed. Notwithstanding, they proceeded to Holderman's grove. From this place they sent an express to Ottawa, to notify the settlers of the safety of their property, and also sent a messenger to Chicago, to apprise their friends of their own safety. The party remained at Holderman's house during the night. Early next morning the express returned from Ottawa, bringing the intelligence of the massacre at Indian creek. The party immediately went to Ottawa, and thence proceeded to the scene of the bloody tragedy. What they there witnessed was too appalling to be described. Not less than fifteen bodies, of men, women, and children, were lying there, cut and mangled in the most shocking manner. It was ascertained that they were of the families of Messrs. Hall, Davis and Pettigrew, and that two daughters of the Hall family, Silvia and Rachel, the one about seventeen and the other about fifteen years old, were carried off as prisoners. The party of Indians immediately retreated into the Winnebago country, up Rock river, carrying the scalps of the slain and their prisoners with them. "Indian wars are the wars of apast age. They have always been characterized by the same ferocity and cruelty. To describe this massacre is only to repeat what has been written a hundred times; but a brief account of it may not be deemed inappropriate in this place. The Indians were about seventy in number. They approached the house in which the three families were assembled in the day time. They entered it suddenly, with but little notice. Some of the inmates were immediately shot down with rifles, others were pierced through with spears or despatched with the tomahawk. The Indians afterward related, with an infernal glee, how the women had squeaked like geese when they were run through the body with spears, or felt the sharp tomahawk entering their heads. All the victims were carefully scalped, their bodies shockingly mutilated; the little children were chopped to pieces with axes, and the bodies of the women were suspended by the feet from the walls of the houses. The young women prisoners were hurried, by forced marches, beyond the reach of pursuit. After a long and fatiguing journey with their Indian conductors, through a wilderness country, with but little to eat, and being subject to a variety of fortune, they were at last purchased by the chiefs of the Winnebagoes, employed by Mr. Gratiot for the purpose, with two thousand dollars, in horses, wampwn, and trinkets, and were returned in safety to their friends."

The company assicted in burying the dead, and returned with sad hearts to Ottawa. There they found Col. Stillman's command, consisting of about two hundred men, under Col. Jolinson. The settlers, or Capt. Brown's company, as it was called, encamped on the north side of the river, near where the city of Ottawa now stands. Capt. Brown's company being so small, he requested Col. Johnson to send an escort with his party to Chicago, as it was expected that they would he at- tacked by Indians on their retwn. Col. Johnson refused to send men for that purpose, but paraded his company and called for volunteers. Maj. Bailey and twelve privates volunteered to go. But the company being still very small, Col. Johnson agreed to send a detachment up the river and meet Maj. Brown's company at Green's mill. Upon this assurance, the settlers left Ottawa and folléwed the river up as far as Green's, but no tidings came to them of Col. Johnson's detachment. Returning to Holderman's grove, they found everything laid waste. The settlement there was a scene of complete devastation and ruin. They proceeded to Plainfield, and found the garrison in a state of great alarm, occasioned by the news of the massacre at Indian creek. The women, who appeared the more courageous, provided the company with a good supper, and they remained there until next day. In the morning the settlement was abandoned, and all started for Chicago, except a preacher by the name of Paine. He refused to accompany them, as he had, from some cause, conceived the notion that the settlers at Chicago had all been murdered. Ile started in the direction of Holderman's grove, but was found murdered some days afterward, with one scalp torn from his head and another from his face. Paine was wont to wear a very heavy beard, which accounts for the scalp being taken from his face. There is a tradition of this brutal.affair, which informs us that the Indians cut off Paine's head and carried it with them, supposing, from the appearance given to the face by its long beard, that they had killed one of* the gods of the whites.

The Scott families, which should have been noticed in another place, did not abandon their claims at the Forks, until some time after the inhabitants fled from the settlement. A son of Robinson, an Indian chief of the Pottawattomie tribe, was living with them, and they knew that, in case of actual danger from the Sacs, the boy would be taken away. When he was removed, they concluded there would be no safety in remaining longer, and thereupon followed in the trail of their affrighted neighbors, to Fort Dearborn.

Not long after,.a scouting party of twenty-five horsemen started for the settlement; their object being to ascertain whether any of the enemy had been there, and to look after the property of the settlers. This expedition was placed under the command of Col. B. Beaubien. They left Chicago in the morning, and at noon reached the O'Plain river, where they found Robert Kinzie, with fifty Indians under his command.

An arrangement was made, by which it was agreed that the Indians, under Captain Kinzie, should proceed by the direct trail to the settlement, and the mounted company should proceed to the same place by way of Capt. Boardman's, to look after the property there.

It was expected that the latter party would arrive at the settlement some time before the former. Beaubien's company urged their horses on as fast as possible, and in a few hours arrived at Ellsworth's grove. The skirt of timber, which then extended over nearly the whole area of the present village of Naperville, concealed the settlement from their view, but to their surprise, and we might add, to the dismay of some, smoke was seen rising from the place where Naper's house was situated. A halt was called, and by some of the company, most willingly obeyed. A hasty consultation followed, and John Naper, who was ever ready to "don armor and break a lance" in the cause of his friends, volunteered to ride around the point of timber, and ascertain whether the settlement was in the possession of friend or foe. In case he should meet with friends, he was to discharge his rifle, to notify his waiting and anxious comrades of that fact. But if foes were encountered, he was to return immediately to the company. His progress was watched with no small degree of interest, until he passed behind the point of timber, out of sight. Soon the reports of éwo guns were heard, and Naper did not make his appearance. In all probability he was shot, and the alarm among the company increased. There was no means of telling how numerous the enemy might be, nor how soon the sharp report of the rifle might be their own death-knell.

Two of the company, one of whom was mounted on a pack mule, and the other on a diminutive pack pony, belonging to the American Fur Company, manifested considerable uneasiness, as they had found by actual experience that neither of their animals was very remarkable for speed, and knew that in case of flight they must inevitably fall in the rear, and become an easy prey to their pursuers. They considered discretion as the better part of valor, and "self-preserva- tion the first law of nature," and, suiting their action to the consideration, hobbled off toward the East Branch timber. They had not gone far when they were discovered by Col. Beaubien, who rode on after them, loudly vociferating, "Halt! halt!" They did not heed the command, but concentrated all their efforts to get out of his way. Beaubien put spurs to P his horse and soon ran them down. Coming up to them he drew a pistol, and, presenting it, uttered the effective condition and conclusion, "You run? By gar! you run, me shoot you!" The argument was irresistable, and the fugitives were captured and brought back. R. N. Murray, who was with the company, being well mounted, started to go and ascertain what had become of Naper; but he had gone only a short distance when John made his appearance and ; gave the signal that friends were in the camp ; which signal was greeted with a shout as joyous as any that ever broke the silence of that grove. On entering the settlement it was ascertained that the Indians under Capt. Kinzie had accomplished the journey before them, and had fired the two guns as a salute to the gallant 'Naper, as he rode fearlessly into the camp. The company had been out all day, and were very hungry, but nothing could be found at the settlement in the way of provisions. Among the cattle feeding on the prairie was a fine, fat steer, belonging to R. M. Sweet, and it was decided that it should be slaughtered for their evening's repast. The cattle were all very wild, and ran off in 'fright whenever they were E eriached, so that the only method of securing ate young steer was by shooting it. The

Indians being anxious to undertake this part of the project, about fifty of them were provided with rifles, and they sallied forth toward the place where the herd was feeding, capering and cutting all kinds of antics as they went along. As they approached the herd their victim was singled out, and two or three shots were fired without taking effect. The affrighted animal ran bellowing over the field, closely pressed by his assailants, who kept up a continual fire upon him, until the whole round had been discharged.

Of the fifty shots directed toward the animal, none proved mortal. A rifle ball, however, more fatally lodged, sent a tremor through his frame, and caused him to slacken his pace. The chase continued for some time, when the animal, in attempting to cross a slough, became mired and was easily taken. '" War seemed a civil game," compared to the uproar that followed the fall of this hero. And as they bore him upon their shoulders triumphantly into the camp, one would have supposed, from the infernal yelling and screeching of those Indians, which that Milton's deep-throated engines were again let loose with a certainty. They all shared the triumph, and each celebrated the capture of the steer as his own special achievement. Nothing could exceed the vainglorious vaporing of these rude sons of the forest, as they strutted about and exulted in the heroism of the adventure. The animal was properly dressed, and portions of the meat were prepared for supper, of which all partook with a good degree of relish.

After supper the log store was broken open and found to contain, among other things, a good supply of the two staple articles of pioneer merchandise, viz. : rum and tobacco. These were dealt out profusely to the Indians as a reward for their va/orous conduct in the evening chase. The company remained at the settlement during the night. In the evening, to vary the monotony a little, they prevailed upon the Indians to get up a war dance. This performance, when dramatically considered, is strictly tragic, but it must be admitted that the "bill" for that evening had a fair sprinkling of the comic. Scalping scenes and tomahawk scenes were presented in the most approved Indian fashion, to the infinite amusement of .a small but "highly respectable audience." At a late hour the whole company retired, each individual selecting his "site" without respect to the complexion of his neighbor.

In the morning the company under Beaubien arose with an impatient desire to meet the enemy. They had slept off the fatigue of the previous day, and their desire for conflict returned with redoubled force with the restoration of their bodily energies. They resolved upon committing havoc among the Sacs, and fearing that they might, in some unguarded moment, slay some of their friends, the Pottawattomies, by mistake, they went again to the old log store and procured a piece of cotton sheeting, which they tore into small strips and tied around the head and waist of each friendly Indian. Thus decorated, they left the party of Capt. Kinzie, and started for the Big Woods. The prairies were scoured, but not an Indian, nor trace of an Indian, was to be found.

The company returned to the settlement sadly dejected at the ill success of their Quixotic adventure, and started for Chicago on the following morning. Nothing transpired on the way worthy of notice, except that the company rode as far as Brush Hill constantly expecting to suffer the inconvenience of being shot, through the carelessness of one of its members, a young man then fresh from New York City, but now an individual of some distinction in Chicago City. He accidentally discharged his piece three times before reaching Brush Hill. The guns were strapped to the saddles in a horizontal position, and the chances were that the young man's random shots would take effect, if he was allowed the range of the whole company much longer. Arriving at Brush Hill and attempting to dismount, bang! went his gun again. This aroused the ire of Col. Beaubien. He could endure it no longer, and commanded the youth to surrender up his arms. This the young man stoutly refused to do, whereupon Col. Beaubien made a violent descent upon him, threw him down, and after a-short struggle succeeded in wresting the gun from his grasp, after which there was no more "firing on parade" that day.

A short time after, Capt. Naper, Capt. H. Boardman, and some ten or twelve others, went out from Chicago to the settlement to examine the crops. Nothing had been disturbed, and the crops were found in good condition. From the settlement they went to Ottawa, to obtain from Gen. Atkinson, who was stationed there with about fifty men, assistance to build a fort at the Naper settlement. Gen. Atkinson dispatched the company under Capt. Paine at Joliet, to aid them in the enterprise. They proceeded to the Naper settlement and erected a fort near the house of Lewis Ellsworth, and in honor of the captain of the company dispatched to aid them, called it Fort Paine. The fort was built of pickets, with two block houses, and so constructed that it could be defended from an attack on either side. An incident occurred just before the completion of this fort, which threw a gloom over the minds of the settlers, and excited fears which had been entirely allayed by the prospect of a speedy protection. Two men, named Brown and Buckley, were sent to Sweet's grove to procure a load of shingles. They had gone as far as the grove, north of the Beaubien place, when Buckley got out of the wagon to open a passage in the fence. Brown drove through into the field, and the team continued to move on, while Buckley walked leisurely along behind. Suddenly the sharp report of a rifle was heard from an adjoining thicket, and Buckley saw his comrade fall dead from the wagon. Terrified and bewildered he fled toward' the settlement. He reached the fort with scarcely strength to communicate the melancholy tidings to his sorrowing companions. About twenty men left the fort and proceeded to the scene of the disaster. The horses had been stripped of their harness and taken away, and the body of Brown was found near the wagon, pierced with three balls. It was brought to the fort and buried. The trail of the Indians was followed, but they had fled beyond the reach of pursuit.

Alanson Sweet, should start that night for Chicago to procure more men. They started on horseback, but Sweet's horse giving out, he was obliged to journey on foot. An incident occurred during this trip, which strikingly exhibits the force of a capricious imagination, and the liability to deception when that faculty is unduly excited. They were approaching Flag creek, when Sweet affirmed that he saw two Indians, one on foot and the other on horseback, and proposed to let Capt. Naper go on with his horse while he concealed himself in the grass. The Captain's attention was directed to the objects, and they bore the same appearance to him. He requested Sweet to mount behind him, that they might both move toward them. He did so, and they rode on. As they passed along, the path deviated to the right, and the objects began to separate. This confirmed them in their impression, and Sweet declared that they were Indians, for he could see them move. After going several rods they turned and rode back the same path, and then the objects began to approach each other, and when they had arrived at the place where Sweet mounted, the Jndians had resumed their first position. This little experiment convinced them of their delusion, and they rode bravely on. The objects were found to be two trees of different heights, a mile distant, and half a mile apart. They reached Chicago early next morning, and asked assistance from Gen. Williams, who was there with three hundred troops from Michigan, but he refused to furnish it, as he did not deem it safe to send men into - the country at that time. At length Maj. Wilson informed Capt. Naper, that if Gen. Williams would consent, he would take some of his men and retymn with him to the settlement. Whereupon, a council of officers was held, but it was deemed unsafe for any to go, even as volunteers. Capt. Naper then left Chicago and returned much disheartened to the settlement.

There being no better alternative, the settlers resolved to remain where they were, and acting wisely upon this resolution, placed themselves in the best possible position for defense. Scouting parties were frequently sent out to range the surrounding country, but no skirmishes were had with the Indians. The nearest approach to an encounter with the enemy took place on the Fourth of July. Fired with the patriotic spirit which animated the sires of Seventy- Six, a small party shouldered their muskets, and set forth to scour the surrounding country in pursuit of adventure. After a fatiguing day's march the party arrived at the Au Sable grove, without having an opportunity for the slightest display of their pent-up valor. Here they encamped for the night. After supper they drew around the camp fire, and John Naper became the oracle of the evening. His anecdotes and tales of adventurous deeds and noble daring, kept the whole party wide awake and in good cheer far into the night, when the "meeting" broke up, and deep sleep soon assumed the sovereignty of the camp. In the morning breakfast was prepared, and after enjoying the repast preparations were being made to depart. Willard Scott, who from early associations had become skilled in backwoods craft, and regarded every track with the knowing eye of an Indian, was a member of the company. As they were about to leave the place, he discovered what appeared to him to be a fresh Indian trail, and upon further examination decided, that two Indians accompanied by a boy had recently passed near the encampment. This intelligence aroused the depressed spirits of the whole party, and all were eager for pursuit. The trail was followed with some difficulty to the river bank, opposite the village encampment of the Pottawattomies. Here from certain indications on the stones and sand, Mr. Scott knew the Indians had crossed the stream. A council of war was now held, and the plan adopted of crossing and riding rapidly up the opposite bank, and if the Indians were then in view they could be easily surprised and taken. The word for starting was given, and a general stampede ensued. John Naper was the first to reach the opposite bank and announce that the Indians were in sight. They were standing upon the roof of a wigwam, evidently watching for the direction of their pursuers. As soon as John made his appearance they leaped quickly to the ground, made off toward the river and were soon out of sight. The party hastened to the spot and followed their trail to the river. They had evidently crossed to the opposite bank, and the party recrossed in pursuit, but no further trace of their progress could be found. After making diligent search, and having abandoned all hope of again finding the trail, the company sat down and partook of some refreshments from their knapsacks, and soon after made their way back to the settlement, somewhat chagrined at being compelled to surrender 'to the artifice of their wily fugitives. The Indians eluded them by crossing to a small island in the stream, upon which was a cluster of trees. Having climbed one of the tallest trees and concealed themselves among its branches, they sat and viewed the maneuvers of their vanquished pursuers with the greatest glee. They afterward related the whole affair to Robinson, a chief of the Pottawattomies, and arrogated to themselves a vast amount of credit for having so successfully eluded the sharp eye of " White Eagle," an appellation which they applied to Mr. Scott. This title originated from the following circumstance: Mr. David McKee, an acquaintance of Mr. Scott, had, in his deal with the Indians, received a buck-skin coat from one of them as a pledge for certain goods sold to him. A time at which the coat was to be redeemed was fixed by the parties, but when it arrived the Indian did not make his appearance, and the coat therefore became the property of Mr. McKee. It was subsequently sold to Mr. Scott. Several months after, Mr. McKee, having occassion to visit an Indian settlement near Racine, for the purpose of trading with them, Mr. Scott accompanied him. Among the Indians in the settlement, they found the one from whom McKee had received the coat. Seeing the article in Mr. Scott's possession, he instantly demanded that it should be given up. He was told that he could have it by paying the sum for which it was left in pledge, but this he refused to do, at the same time persisting in his demand for an unconditional surrender of the garment. Upon re- 9% ceiving a peremptory refusal, he threatened to take it by force. This considerably aroused the ire of Mr. Scott, and he told him, that if he wanted the coat, he might try the expediency of taking it from him. Upon this; the Indian left them, threatening him with great vengeance, and promising to return immediately with a sufficient force to take the coat from his back.

He soon returned, accompanied by some fifty or sixty of his companions, all fully armed, and painted in the most barbarous manner. Their appearance was enough to terrify any one who was unaccustomed to the stratagems to which Indians resort to carry their ends. As they approached, Scott and McKee gathered up their arms, and stood in a defensive attitude, confronting the whole party. The Indian who claimed the coat advanced and demanded it, threatening their destruction if again refused. Mr. Scott boldly informed him that the coat was on his back, and if he wanted it he must take it off' In the mean time, a young Indian chiet, who was acquainted with the circumstances of the case, came and took a position with them, saying that he would stand by them in any emergency. The Indians then set up a most unearthly howling, and continued for some time to dance around them, flourishing their tomahawks, and trying to intimidate them with the most awful threats and frightful grimaces. At last, finding their efforts to obtain the coat unavailing, they withdrew, leaving Scott and McKee in full possession of the field. From that day afterward they always addressed Mr. Scott as " White Eagle," a title which belonged to none but the bravest. Although the stand taken by the young Indian chief in their favor may have saved them their lives, yet it isnot supposed that the Iudians designed to do anything more than to frighten them into a surrender of the coat.

Mr. Scott, from a long intercourse with them, had become pretty well inured to their trickery, and was not easily deceived by appearances. He had lived among them and hunted with them, until he came to look upon -many of their "signs and tokens" with considerable credulity. Among other practices, common among these Indians, was that of leaving pipes filled with tobacco in certain places on their hunting grounds, whenever they had bad luck, that the Great Spirit might come and smoke, by which they supposed his favor was secured, and that they would consequently have more favorable fortune. This device was employed by Mr. Scott, on one occasion, with marked success. A company started from the settlement for an afternoon's foray in the East Branch timber. It was a luckless expedition, and night came on, finding them entirely destitute of game. Between sundown and dark the hunters assembled to set out together for the settlement. Mr. Scott now produced his pipe, filled it with tobacco, applied a match to it, and placed it very mysteriously in the crotch of a tree. The party started, Mr. Scott riding some distance in the rear of the main body. He had not gone far when a beautiful, fat deer sprang from a thicket and crossed the path just before him. He leveled his rifle, and sent a ball whizzing through its heart. Before his gun was fairly loaded, another appeared, which met the same fate. The rt of his rifle brought back the main party, who, ipon witnessing the feat he had performed, were no

About this time Messrs. Hobson, Goodwin, Boardman, and Strong, were returning from Chicago with two ox teams. Hobson and Goodwin were riding in one wagon, and Boardman and Strong in the other. It was a warm summer's day, and Strong laid down in the wagon and fell asleep. Discovering that his companion was taking a nap, and ever on the gw vive for a little fun, Boardman called to Hobson to come and fire his gun near Strong's head, and see what the effect would be. Hobson brought his gun and discharged it as directed, when Strong, suddenly awakened by the report, and supposing himself beset with Indians, made a desperate attempt to go down through the bottom boards of the wagon box. The joke was now on Strong, and after the "laugh" had subsided, they drove on. By and by Strong concluded to try Hobson's courage. A plan was secretly devised between him and Goodwin, by which Strong was to secrete himself in a thicket some distance ahead, and when Hobson came along, get up some demonstrations that would lead him to think that there were Indians there. As Hobson's team approached the place, the war whoop was sounded, and one or two shots fired. Goodwin manifested extreme terror, and seizing both guns, ran off, leaving Mr. Hobson alone, with nothing to defend himself but an ox whip.. But he was not to be intimidated, and, without altering his course, rode past the thicket, standing erect in his wagon, with a fixed and searching look upon the place from which the " manifestations" proceeded.

Strong abandoned the idea of attempting again to frighten Hobson, and Goodwin was coolly informed, that if he ever meddled with Hobson's rifle again, he would stand the chance of getting his own brains blowed out.

Of the condition of the families at Fort Dearborn nothing has yet been said. We have been infornred by some who went there, that it seemed as though they were to be shut up to starve, if not to be slaughtered by the Indians, having, in their hasty flight, taken but a scant supply of provisions, and there being little or nothing to be had in Chicago. For a time the garrison was supplied with beef by Claybourne, who was employed to butcher for the Pottawattomies by government, but the meat was so poor that necessity alorte could have compelled them to use it. Among thé families in the fort was that of a Mr. Harris, who lived. at Hollenbeck's grove. At the time of the alarm, the father of Mrs. Harris, a very aged man, was too feeble to make his escape unassisted. He begged them to leave him and make their escape, if possible, saying that if the Indians killed him, they would only rob him of a few years. He was left alone, and four days elapsed before they were enabled to return, prepared to remove him. The Indians had visited the house in the mean time, but did not attempt to molest him, nor anything about the premises. When the regular troops came on from Michigan, the settlers were ordered to quit the fort, and every hovel that would afford a shelter was immediately crowded with occupants. At this time there were several women and children in the fort whose husbands and fathers were at the Naper

388 HISTORY OF settlement, building the fort there. These would have been turned out of doors, had it not been for the entreaty and expostulation of the volunteer eémpany. By an exceedingly liberal provision, Mrs. Hawley and six children, Mrs. Blodgett and four children, and Mrs. Hobson and five children, were allowed to occupy an upper room in the establishment, about ten feet square. Any one can calculate the space occupied by each for a bed. Here they remained for ten days, before they could make their situation known to their husbands. The Indians did not appear near the fort at any time during their stay, althongh.the garrison was one day thrown into great excitement by a false alarm. This afforded an opportunity to test the courage of the inmates, who, with one exception, proved undaunted. It is said that a gentleman who made bravery his boast, was missing for six or eight hours after the alarm, when he was found snugly ensconced under a featherbed, but in a state of great trepidation.

In July the command of Gen. Scott passed on to Dixon, and the main army soon followed. With the government troops between them and their foe, the settlers had no further cause to fear. The families were brought back from Fort Dearborn, and placed in and near the fort - those of Mr. Scott, Capt. Boardman, Mr. Hobson, and John Naper, occupying a log house near by. Here they remained without molestation until after the battle of Bad Axe, which put an end to the Black Hawk war. This took place in September. All apprehension of danger was now at an end. The settlers resumed their claims, and, in uninterrupted peace and prosperity, many of them have lived to enjoy the abundant fruits of their valiant pioneership.

Relative To The

Arter the close of the Black Hawk war, the tide of immigration again turned to Illinois, and this county received its proportion of new settlers.

The first settlers selected, of course, the best locations, which were adjacent to the timber. The upland, or dry prairie, was usually selected in preference to the low and wet, and especially preferred wherevér good facilities for obtaining water were offered. ,

The houses of the first settlers were usually built near the timber. Scarcely any were to be found upon the prairie prior to 1837. All the timber land was "claimed" before 1835, but some of the prairie land in our county, which, at that day, was considered almost worthless, on account of its being inconvenient to timber, was never claimed by the squatters. Many difficulties arose among the settlers in relation to the boundaries and priority of the claims of parties.

Troubles of this kind are incident to the early settlement of any country, where the settlement precedes the survey of the land by government. The difficulties here, as elsewhere, created bitter feelings of animosity between neighbors, and, in too many instances, these feelings have not been allayed even to the present day; and we often hear disparaging remarks made by one respecting another, which, when traced to their origin, are found to emanate from the old "claim feuds." Nor were these quarrels confined to words alone. Many bloody combats occurred between belligerent parties ; the one being usually the first claimant, the other, one who had "jumped the claim." Although blood was freely spilled during these contests, yet, with the exception of but one instance, which will be referred to hereafter, no lives were sacrificed. Sometimes the party in the wrong was driven from the field by the rightful claimant, assisted by his neighbors; for in those days the laws of Judge Lynch were often executed in a summary manner. An understanding, or implied agreement, existed among the settlers, that those who obtained portions of the claims of others by preémption, or by purchase at the land sale, should deed to such claimant the part belonging to him. This was called an agreement to "deed and redeed." Most of the land was claimed by those who intended to purchase it, and make a permanent home for themselves and their families. Some of it, however, was claimed by what were then called "land sharks." This class of men merely claimed the land for the purpose of selling it to subsequent settlers, and were not usually protected in their claims by those who were always ready to assist a bona jide settler. The claims often sold for prices which would, even now, be considered exorbitant for the land. A few of the land sharks made money by their swindling operations, but most of them can boast of but little wealth at the present time, as they were of that class who spend their money as readily as they obtain it, and engage in speculations

A company was formed somewhere in this county, between 1832 and 1835, which was called - for what reason we know not - '"The Land Pirate Company." This company made, or caused to be made, a claim in the Big Woods, embracing three or four sections ofthe best timbered land. Their claim was inclosed with a rail fence, some two or three rails high, and a log cabin was erected upon it. This much they accomplished without being molested. But unfortunately for the brilliant prospects of the company, who, no doubt, expected to realize a splendid fortune from the sale of their claim, the rails of their inclosure disappeared in a most mysterious manner; the boundaries 'soon became extremely indefinite; every feature of its identity was lost; and at this day it is divided into more pieces than there are states in the union, furnishing fuel and timber to a large community in its vicinity. The land south of the old.Indian boundary line came into market in 1835. Nearly all of it was bought by speculators, some bidding for it as high as ten and fifteen dollars per acre. In this way the settlers, in many cases, were dispossessed of their claims, including all their improvements, which had cost them years of labor. Unable to compete with the speculators, it was impossible for them to retain their lands. In view of the hardships of such cases, and for the purpose of settling lines, and making an express agreement with each other to carry out the ¢mplied agreement before alluded to, the settlers at the Big Wood. formed a society, in 1836, called "The Claim Protecting Society."

It had for its object, beside the protection of the settlers against speculators, the settlement of all disputes as to boundaries. It was provided that settlers whose boundaries were fixed beyond all dispute, should measure and plat their claims, and file the same with the secretary. The other members were then bound to protect and defend them. The following preamble and resolutions are taken from the records of the Big Woods Claim Society, which was the first society of the kind formed in this county :

Be ir Rememperep, That we, the undersigned, inhabitants of the cast side of the Big Woods and its vicinity, have settled on lands belonging to the United States, and who have severally made their respective claims, including timber and prairie:, Now, for the peace and tranquility of our said settlement, we do severally and individually bind each to the other, in the penal sum of one thousand dollars, to protect and assist each other in their respective claims, and to assist each other in keeping off all intruders that may intrude on each other's claims, in any way whatever. And we further agree to deed and redeed to each other, at government price, whenever our said claims shall come into market; that is to say, in case our respective claims shall not agree or correspond with the general government survey. The true intent and meaning of these presents is, that we severally and individually shall have our lands according to our said claims that we now have claimed, whether our claims shall correspond with the actual survey or not. In case any difficulty should hereafter arise respecting any of our said claims, in any way whatever, we do severally and individually agree to let all disputes and difficulties be submitted to the following named persons, as a committee, who shall, or a majority of them, and their successors in office, settle all kinds of disputes or difficulties that may arise respecting claims whatever. The following persons were duly appointed as said committee:

A. E. Carpenter, William J. Strong Charles Sidders

N. B. All claims, as respecting their size, both in timber and prarie, shall be submitted to the said committee, for them to say whether any of our said claims are unreasonable in size or not that may hereafter arise with any of our said claims, we do severally and individually agree to pay our equal quota of expenses that may arise in defense of our claims, according to the size and nature of our claims.

It was motioned and seconded that this be our first annual meeting, and our next annual meeting be held on the 6th of August next, at 1 o'clock, P. M., and to have a regular meeting every six months, or semiannual meeting. It was motioned and seconded that the following named persons be a new committee, and they were duly elected, as follows: Witt1am J. Strone, THomson Paxton, Joun GreGc, WARREN Smirn, Freperick Sroxp.

It was motioned and seconded that this society be called the Bie Woops Cram Prorectine Society. It was motioned and seconded that, at our semi-annual or annual meetings, in all cases a majority present shall have full power to do business; and further, that this instrument shall not be altered, in any case, except at the annual or semi-annual meetings.

It was further motioned and seconded, that we bind our heirs and assigns. It was motioned and seconded that the secretary purchase a book to register our respective claims; and further, it was motioned and seconded that every person shall present or give a description of his or her claim, within ninety days from this date, to the secretary, to have our respective claims recorded in a book for that purpose. Any claimant not complying as above, such claim by us shall be considered null and void. It was motioned and seconded that in all cases where any suit or suits are investigated by the committee, the defaulter or trespasser shall pay all costs. It was motioned and seconded that the penal sum of this, our said constitution, shall be increased from one to ten thousand dollars.

Motioned and seconded that this meeting adjourn to the first Saturday in February next, at 10 o'clock, A. M., to the house of Thomson Paxton.

At a meeting held this 4th day of February, 1837, at the house of Thomson Paxton, on the east side of the Big Woods, Cook county, Illinois :

Voted, That the time be extended for entering claims, until the next annual meeting ; that the descriptions handed in since the time expired should be received also, for recording. Voted, That no one settler shall be protected by this society on a claim to exceed six hundred and forty acres,

Voted, That the secretary drop a line to those individuals that have recorded more land than this society will protect them in. % Voted, That no. member of our society shall commence a suit at the expense of the society, without the approbation of the committee. Voted, That a written notice from one of the committee shall be given to the defendant, or to his wife, previous to any suit pending before them.

Voted, That our whole proceedings, from the commencement, shall be published in the three Chicago newspapers, and likewise in the Milwaukee Advocate; that a committee of three be appointed to draft or prepare our proceedings for publication. The following named persons were elected said committee: RusseLL Wurprix, Ext NorraamM, WARREN Sartu, including the secretary.

Decisions Of The Claim Committee

We, the subscribers, have taken into consideration the right of claim in dispute between J. Warren and J. Maxwell, and award that the 160 acres shall be equally divided between said claimants.

It was the decision of the committee that Mr. Warren has shown a Tight to the east cighty, by an agreement, and that Mr. Warren, therefore, has nothing more to leave out with regard to the above named lot. WARREN SMITH,

Thomson Paxton

The committee agreed that the disputed quarter section within the furrow between Williams and Himes, should be equally divided between said Williams and Himes, the division line to run with the road. Williams shall take the north half and Himes the south.

We, the committee of the "Bia Woops Cram Prorectine Sociery," give judgment on-the case wherein James Dyer is plaintiff and David McKee defendant, on a let of prairie east of David McKee's field. That the said David McKee pay the said James Dyer one hundred dollars, and have all the improvements made by the said Dyer; otherwise, if the said David McKee refuse to pay the above mentioned sum to the said Dyer, he shall have the said lot of land as his lawful claim, to dispose of as his.

A society was formed for similar objects in 1839, called the "Du Page County Society for Mutual Protection." At the risk of tiring our readers, we give some extracts from its records:

Ata meeting of the settlers of Du Pagr County, held at Naperville, on the 28th of October, A. D. 1889, Russel Whipple was called to the chair, and James C. Hatch appointed secretary. Whereupon the following report was read to the meeting: At a meeting of the settlers of Du Page County, held at Naperville, on the 29th of September last, to take measures for securing their rights and interests to and in their respective claims, a committee of ten was appointed to draft rules and regulations to present for the consideration of this meeting, in compliance with which, said committee respectfully beg leave to present the following :

Situated as we are upon government lands, which have, by the industry of the settlers, already become highly valuable, and inasmuch as our claims lie in such a variety, of shapes, and are of such different dimensions, that they cannot in any manner correspond with the government survey,'it appears necessary, in order to prevent the most fearful consequences, that the lines of our respective claims should be established previous to the government survey, and we ourselves bound by the strong arm of the law, to reconvey, as hereinafter mentioned, to our neighbors, whenever these lands are sold by the order of the general government, so as to keep our claims as they are now established; and to accomplish this end, we recommend the following regulations:

First. We do hereby form ourselves into a society, to be called the Du Pace County Sociery ror Mutvuat Prorecrion, and agree to be governed by such prudent rules and by-laws as the society may hereafter adopt, not inconsistent with the laws of the country; and that we wll make use of all honorable means to protect each other in our respectiye claims, as may hereafter be agreed upon and recorded ; and 'that we will not countenance any unjust claim, set up by speculators or others; and we declare that the primary object of this society is, to protect the inhabitants in their claims and boundaries, so that each shall deed and redeed to the other as hereinafter mentioned, when the government survey does not agree with the present lines, or lines which may hereafter be agreed upon.

Second. That there be a committee of five appointed at this meeting, three of whom may form a board of arbitration, to decide, from legal testimony, all disputes respecting the lines or boundaries of any claim to which they may be called together, with the costs of the arbitration, and the party or parties who shall pay the same: Provided, It does not appear that such dispute has previously been decided, by an arbitration held by the agreement of the parties, which shall be a bar against further proceedings of said committee, except as to matter of costs.

Fourth, That, in all cases where the parties cannot establish their lines, either by reference to their neighbors or otherwise, either party may, at any time, by giving to the other ten days' notice of his or her intention, call out at least three of the board of arbitration, to decide the same, and their decision shall be final.

Fifth. That there be one clerk appointed at this meeting, who shall keep a fair record of all transactions of this association, and also of all descriptions of claims presented to him for record: Provided, That there is attached thereto a certificate from all who have adjoining claims, certiflying to the correctness of such description, or a certificate signed by a majority of any arbitration, met to establish any line or lines of said claim; and that the said clerk shall be entitled to twenty-five cents for recording each claim and certificate.

Sixth. That it shall be the duty of every settler to present to the clerk 4 definite description of his or her claim, either from actual survey or otherwise, and also to set his or her hand and seal td a certain indenture, drafted by Giles Spring, Esq., of Chicago, for this society.

Seventh. That there be a committee of three in each precinct, appointed at this meeting, for the purpose of carrying into effect the sixth regulation.

Thereafter, on motion, a committee of six was appointed by the chair, to nominate a board of arbitration and clerk, viz.: Lewis Ellsworth, Elihu Thayer, Luther Hatch, Cornelius Jones, Job A. Smith, and David S. Dunning; who, having retired, returned and reported Lyman Meacn- AM, Erastus Gary, and Srepuen J. Scorr, board of arbitration, and P. Ba.uiGatt, clerk; which nominations were approved of.

At a meeting of the "Du Page County Society for Mutual Protection," held at Naperville, the sixth day of January, A.D. 1840, in pursuance of adjournment, Russell Whipple took the chair, when, on motion of Mr. Geo. Martin, it was

Resolved, That the time for recording the claims of the members of this society, in order to secure the benefits of the ninth resolution of the meeting held on the 28th of October last, be extended till the first day of march next.

Resolved, That the claims belonging to members of the society which lie on the line of, or in another county, shall be entitled to record and protection, on the member complying with the fifth regulation.

Resolved, That when a claim belonging to a member of this association shall border on that of a non-resident, or that of a person out of the state, or on land not occupied, the same shall be recorded if a certificate from the adjoining claimants be attached thereto, certifying to such non-residence, absence, or non-occupancy, and that there is no dispute concerning the same.

Resolved, That any member of this society who, in an arbitration, fails to establish his claim before the board of arbitration, shall pay the costs thereof within six days from the decision being pronounced, and failing to make such payment, he shall cease to be a member of this

At a meeting of the society, held at Naperville, on the 6th day of January, A.D. 1840, in pursuance of adjournment, Stephen J. Scott was appointed chairman.

Resolved, That James Johnson and Isaac B. Berry be allowed another trial in their arbitration with Harry T. Wilson, on condition that said Johnson and Berry pay one counscl fee, and the whole costs of the arbitration.

Resolved, That the board of arbitrators shall have power to fill all vacancies occasioned by death, removal, or otherwise, between this time and the first Monday in May next.

Resolved, That the line between Fphraim Collar and Timothy F. Parsons is hereby declared to be the road leading from to 3 lsid by Butterfield, Church and Arnold, as the same has been recorded. Resolved, That this meeting adjourn till the first Monday in May next. P. Batuineary, Clerk.

At a meeting of the Du Page County Society for Mutual Protection, held at Naperville, on Monday, the 4th day of May, A. D. 1840, pursuant to adjournment, John Stevens was appointed chairman, and James F. Wight clerk, pro tem., when, on motion of Mr. P. Downer,

Ata meeting of the Du Page County Society for Mutual Protection, held at Naperville, on Monday, the 1st day (being the first Monday) in June, 1840, pursuant to adjournment, Captain John Stevens was appointed chairman. Patrick Ballingall, Esq., having resigned the office of clerk of this society, on motion of Mr. Hunt,

Resolved, That the time for settling and recording claims of the members of this society be extended until the first Monday in September next. On motion of Mr. James C. Hatch,

Resolved, That the Clerk hereafter record no certificates of claims unless it is certified that they are the only claimants adjoining the claim or claims offered to be recorded, or for want of such certificate, that the applicant shall make oath that no other person except those nameu .n such certificate adjoin him,

Resolved, That the clerk notify all persons whose claims are recorded (without their having signed the scttler's bond), that they sign the said bond, or they will not be protected by this society.

At a meeting of the Du Page County Society for Mutual Protection, held at Naperville, on Wednesday, the 8d day of March, 1841, Hon. Russell Whipple was called to the chair, and Morris Sleight appointed Secretary. After the object of the meeting had been stated by Stephen J. Scott, the following persons were appointed a committee to draft resolutions expressive of the sense of this meeting, viz.: LuTHER Natcn, Steruen J. Scorr, Witttam J. Strone, and Isaac Crark.

Whereas, It is generally believed that the public lands on which we hold settlers' claims will be shortly offered for sale, and in order that each claimant may obtain and feel secure in the possession of his just

: claim, it is deemed necessary that there be a uniformity of action and feeling on the subject, and believing that the proving up of preémption claims will have a tendency to create excitement and confusion, if not to interfere with the rights of others: Therefore be it

Resolved, 1. That we will not prove up our preémption claims, even when justly entitled to do so, except in cases where it may be deemed necessary to secure the claimant, but that we will not do so without the consent of a committee to be appointed by this union, or the several towns, to settle disputes.

Resolved, 2. That any person who shall attempt to obtain a preémption, and thereby seize upon any part of any other person's claim, shall be deemed a dishonest man, not entitled to the protection of this union, and shall not be allowed to purchase any other land in this county, if this union can prevent it.

Resolved, 3. That when the inhabitants of any township shal' zuarantee to those on the school section, and entitled to a float, that they shall have their claim at ten shillings per acre; then, in such case, if they shall obtain, or attempt to obtain a float, or lay one upon any other claimant's just claim, they shall be considered no better than a thief or a robber, and shall have no protection from this union.

Resolved, 4. That it is the duty of this association to take measures to secure to claimants on the school section their claims at government price.

Resolved, 5. That the protection of this union will not be extended to any person who shall either take or purchase a school section float, except the township refuse to guarantee, as in the third resolution.

Resolved, 6. That the several townships in this county call meetings and make such arrangements, and adopt such measures as may be thought necessary, with regard to their claims at the approaching land sale.

Subordinate claim societies were organized in each of the precincts of the county; the settlers pretty generally joined them, and many difficulties were adjusted by this means among the squatters. The hard fimes which followed the crisis of 1886 and 1837, discouraged speculation somewhat, and but few were able to purchase the land which they had improved, and some were unable to do that. The pledges made by the members of the claim societies were uniformly carried out, and all honorable men gave no cause of complaint to their neighbors. In a few cases some less scrupulous refused to deed lands in their possession to the rightful owner, and in consequence quarrels and some suits at law were the result. Some of these suits are still " pending and undecided."

We subjoin a few instances, showing how summarily a certain class of claim difficulties were disposed of. Many more might be added, but let these suffice.

Two neighbors owned adjoining claims, and at the time of the organization of the claim society their land was being surveyed by the government surveyor. One of the men happened to be a member of the society, and the other not. It so happened that the random line, run by the surveyor, cut off a portion of the claim of the first, and left it in such a manner that the other would be entitled to a preémption upon it. When he discovered this, he refused to deed the land to the one who claimed it. Persuasion was used in vain. He thought he had the advantage of his neighbor, and determined to keep it. In a few days, however, matters assumed a different light, and then the line was established so as to give back to the society man not only what he claimed, but also a large corner from is neighbor's tract, and now he was entitled to apreémption. The obstinate man was thus induced to join the society, and take upon himself the obligation to "deed and re-deed." After being kept in suspense for a while, by way of punishment, his land was again restored to him. $

There were many of the settlers who did not join the claim societies, but among all dona-fide settlers there prevailed a determination to protect each other. The first trouble arising from "claim jumping," was in 1836, or thereabouts, respecting the claim of Mr. Sethingham, in the town of Milton. A family of squatters came on and took possession of a portion of his claim, without leave orlicense, and were determined to remain there in spite of entreaty or physical force. The settlement was apprised of this state of affairs, and a company of about fifty horsemen proceeded to the cabin of the incorrigible squatters, who, on seeing them coming, broke for tall timber, leaving but one occupant in the cabin, an old lady who had passed the running point. The sum of seventeen dollars was raised among the company to indemnity the family for sundry outlays which they had made upon the premises. This the old lady received upon condition that the family should quit the claim without delay. To expedite the execution of her part of the contract, the settlers fell to work and assisted in the removal of the furniture from the house, and in clearing the premises of everything that belonged to the family. After this had been done, the house was torn down and the rubbish thrown into a heap near by, preparatory to kindling a bonfire, when the "meeting" was called to order and several stump speeches of a decidedly inflammatory character were made. We are not in possession of the minutes of those speeches, but have been informed that the Hon. Nathan Allen figured quite conspicuously in this part of the exercises. His speech on that occasion is spoken of as being one of his most felicitous and pointed " efforts." When the speech-making had subsided, fire was set to the heap of promiscuous ruins, and the hut of the interlopers was soon reduced to ruins. The conduct of the settlers in this case proved a warning to future intruders, and claim jumping was rarely heard of in that part of the county afterward.

A man from Plumb Grove happened to be on his way to the Naper settlement and passing near the place while the affair just described was taking place. Seeing the smoke ascend from the spot, and hearing the universal uproar among the settlers, he concluded at once that a party of Indians was there, killing and laying waste. Turning from the beaten track which led near the house, he made a circuit around the " marauders," and lashing his horses to their utmost specd, rode to the settlement, warning everybody to flee for their lives. The cause of his fright was pretty generally understood, and therefore he did not succeed in getting up a very serious alarm.

Tullis claim, which was situated in the same neighborhood. Under a preémption law passed about that time, a man by the name of Harmond undertook to preémpt a portion of the claim of Mr. Tullis, who had already obtained possession of it under a fornter preémption act. In order to comply with the provisions of the later act, Harmond built a pen of small poles near the center of his claim, staid in it only one night, and started immediately for Chicago to prove his preémption. On his return, he commenced making repairs upon an old block house which was already built upon his " quarter," and being asked why he was doing it, replied that he had preémpted that claim, and was going to live there. This aroused the indignation of the neighboring squatters, who called a meeting to take into consideration the conduct of Mr. Harmond. We, being present, was advised to relinquish his claim, but he positively refused to do it, and at the same time threw out some pretty savage threats against the settlers, in case they attempted 'to remove him by force. After a long consultation, it was concluded that the building on the premises should be torn down if he did not abandon it without delay. At this decision Harmond became greatly exasperated, and having his rifle with him, threatened to fire upon "the first man who should tear off a board." Where upon a fearless Qaker gentleman stepped forth and remarked to Mr. Harmond that if he designed to put that threat in execution he had better begin by shooting at him, as he considered himself a mark of sufficient magnitude for a claim jumper to shoot at, any how. The old Quaker was soon joined by Lyman Butterfield, who addressed Mr. Harmond in pretty much the same strain, informing him that if he was not willing to waste his powder on one man, he would offer the additional inducement of placing his own body in fair range, so that he might at least kill "déwo Lirds with one stone." But Harmond could not be prevailed upon to shoot, and so the party proceeded to the disputed claim, tearing down the house, and removing every vestige of former occupancy. Before ten minutes had elapsed, after the decision of the council of settlers, this was done, and Mr. Harmond was sent on his way to other parts, not rejoicing, but uttering the most awful denunciations against such ungentlemanly treatment.

In justice to a numerous class of our early settlers, we deem it appropriate to introduce here a brief notice of a society which was formed in 1834, and known as the " Hognatorial Council." We have ransacked all the dead languages we ever heard of, in order to obtain for our readers some clue to the origin of this prenomen, but have been signally defeated in the undertaking. Its origin is altogether too obscure for us, and we leave the task of tracing it to more able and willing hands. The object of the "council" seems to have been the settling of a peculiar class of claim difficulties, which were not taken cognizance of by the bona fide claim committee, and its operations were designed to burlesque the proceedings of that committee, as well as to ridicule courts in general. All disputes brought before the " Hognatorial " were settled in a summary and satisfactory manner. We can illustrate this remark with but one instance, which occurred in the south part of the county. A man by the name of Clarke, who was firmly grounded in Midshipman Easy's doctrine of "what belongs to my neighbor belongs also to me," made a "claim" upon another man's land, lying somewhere on the Du Pageriver. Finding that peaceable and quiet possession was impossible, he applied to a gentleman who happened to be posted in *" hognatorial" matters, for advice. He was of couse advised to bring the matter before the " Hognatorial Council," as that was the only reliable tribunal having jurisdiction over such grievances. His case was prepared by Nathan Allen, a man of superior legal attainments, and upon a certain day the Hognatorial Council room was crowded to witness the proceedings in the case. Allen opened the case by giving to the jury a plain unvarnished statement of the facts, and closed it by a most pathetic appeal to their sense of justice, in behalf of his wronged and injured client. Several witnesses were called upon to testify, and the upshot of the testimony was that Mr. Clark had a claim commencing at a certain point on Du Page river, but in what direction his lines ran from that point it was impossible to ascertain. Several hours were occupied in examining witnesses, during which time Clark kept a boy running to and fro between the "council chamber" and his house, to inform his wife of the different phases which the case assumed as the trial progressed. At length the testimony was all in, the closing argument made, and the case submitted to the jury. There was but one point left for the jury to act upon, and that related particularly to the boundary of Clark's claim. They were out but a short time, and returned the following verdict: " We, the jurors in this case, decide that Mr. Clark is justly entitled to a piece of land lying on the Du Page river, and described as follows, to wit: commencing at a certain point on the east bank of said river, and running perpendicular to the horizon straight up." This was enough for Clark. THe hastened to communicate the result to his waiting, anxious wife, and afterward proceeded to the tavern and got ingloriously drunk over the result of his victorious suit.

Situation, Extent, Etc

Tue County of Du Pace, is situated in the northern part of the State of Illinois, and consists of a fraction over nine townships. It belonged originally to Cook county, until its separation and organization into a distinct county by act of Legislature, passed at the session of 1839. It is bounded on the north and east by Cook county, on the south by Will and Cook, and on the -west by Kane.

The early settlers were almost wholly of English extraction, but the population of the present day consists of a mixture of English and Germans. The following table will show when the several towns were organized, when first settled and by whom, and also the number of inhabitants, according to the census of 1850 and 1855

The following items are taken from the census of 1855. There are fifty-two manufactories, of all kinds, in the county, and the value of manufactured products, is $161,095. The value of live stock is $876,185. There were 104,761 pounds of wool produced. There were seventy-two common schools taught in the county, being an increasc of twenty over the preceding census. There were three academies; number of pupils, 5,770. The population included one negro, and one Indian.

Face Of The Country, Etc

Du Pace County is generally level, and contains fair proportions of timber and prairie. The soil is well adapted to grazing, and produces abundant crops of all kinds of grain common to this latitude. The Du Page river, which has its rise in the northern part of the county, is skirted with forests of thrifty growing timber. In addition to the facilities thus afforded for timber and fuel, the inhabitants in the western part have recourse to the Big Woods, which lie partly in this county. The west branch of the Du Page, is a stream of considerable size, and affords numexous sites for the application of water power. Besides several saw mills, and offvar manufactories, there are flouring mills situated upen this stream, at Warrenville, Naperville, and at Hobson's.

Products Of Cultivation

The chief staples are corn, wheat, rye, oats, and potatoes; but barley, buckwheat, peas and beans, are cultivated to some extent. Considerable attention is given to fruit raising. Orchards are generally young, and the adaptation of this climate to the culture of the apple, has not been fully tested. The prospect, however, for a productive season, has never been so encouraging as at present. The productions of horticulture, are chiefly of the most common and useful kinds. Rare and delicate plants are to be found in few gardens. The grape is cultivated to considerable extent, and produces abundantly. Locust trees abound. The horse chestnut, larch, mountain ash, and various other species of the ornamental class, are generally introduced. The forests furnish a good variety of shade trees. Of the sugar maple, elm, ash, butternut, and soft maple, large quantities are transplanted to the farms and villages, every season. These will eventually take the place of the locust, which proves too susceptible to the severity of our winters, many having died out during the past two years. Dv Page is ranked as an agricultural county, but the attention of farmers has been directed to the raising of cattle, and it is thought by many, that the production of grain will gradually give place to the increase and improvement of stock.

promote a friendly intercourse among the citizens, as well as improvement and enterprise in the cultivation of the soil, raising of stock, and the manufacture of useful farming and household utensils. The annual fair of this society is held about the middle of September. The place of meeting is now fixed at Wheaton, the society having secured at that place twenty acres of valuable land, fifteen acres of which were donated by J. C. and W. L. Wheaton. The operations of this society, it is believed, are attended with many important results. It calls the attention of the farming community to the better management of their farms ; to the greater production and more beneficial employment of manures ; to the introduction of choice breeds of live stock, of all kinds, and especially working cattle, horses, cows, and sheep. By its annual premiums it excites emulation, and promotes a spirit of enterprise and activity among the agriculturists. By the same means, it awakens kindred feelings among the women, and improves various and important articles of domestic manufacture. The farmers are generally the owners of the soil; they form a body of yeomanry deeply interested in the improvement of their farms, and the industrious habits of citizens - one of the grand supports of our free and happy government. Success then to this society, and may ef&ich succeeding year mark its nearer approach to the worthy object for which it was formed.