Iroquois County, Illinois - Biographical sketches, 1880 (part 11 of 20)

The township was organized in 1861, at which time Thomas Stump was elected first supervisor ; H. R. Cornell, clerk ; A. J. Lake, assessor ; and J. R. Smith and J. B. Wolcott, justices of the peace. At present writing C. W. Brown is supervisor ; M. R. Meents, clerk ; J. O'Reiley, assessor; J. Gallagher, collector, and A. J. Lake and F. Lemeneger, justices of the peace. At the first election, in 1861, less than 60 votes were cast. At present the voting population is over 200.

Ashkum Village

The town was laid out on railroad land, on section 28. Messrs. Ogden & Dupee had purchased the section of the railroad company, and were to pay about $20,000 for it, and in 1856 laid out the town. The name was derived from some eastern Indian tribe, and not, as is generally supposed, taken from the Indians who had occupied this region of the country. Business was lively at that time, and had it not been for the general prostration in business which followed the financial disaster of 1857, there is no reasonable doubt that Messrs. Ogden & Dupee would have realized a very fair return from their speculation here. That, however, put a very different construction on their enterprise. They appear to have begun discreetly, built a good hotel, and arranged for opening business as fast as the country in the vicinity should become settled.

Edwin Mead, who had become interested with them by loaning some money on their property here, came here in 1858, intending to occupy the hotel. Mr. Hill was then living in it, and not desiring to give it up, Mr. Mead permitted him to remain. He died soon after, however. Peter Kelley was then here, learning his trade of blacksmith, and has been without intermission a resident and a business man here, so that he appears to be entitled to the appellation of father of the town, if any of the present inhabitants are. There was at that time (spring of 1858) a forty-acre tract under cultivation in section 22 of the southwest quarter, and Mr. Brown was living on it, and remained there till he died. Rev. Mr. Wood, who had been a Presbyterian minister, was living in the small house near the Methodist church, now occupied by George A. Springet, and was engaged in surveying. There was a small house where Mr. Haight lives, but it has been enlarged. The house where Peter Kelley lives was occupied by David Britten. David Wright was living in a portion of the house which is now a part of Skinner's store. Dr. Norvell, the first practicing physician here, was living in the house now owned by Mr. McCurdy. Ferrell & Humphrey were the first firm in business here. Mr. Ostrander built a store here, across the street from the hotel, and that firm rented it. After Ogden & Dupee became embarrassed, they conveyed their interest to Paul Cornell and Mr. Mitchell. Cornell was by no means a slow man, and in order to save what he had got invested in the concern, induced Mead to release his claim and let him in first. In this way he came into possession of the hotel property, which had cost about $4,000, and sent his brother, II. K. Cornell, here as his agent, to keep the hotel. The result was that both Mead and Mitchell failed to realize on their investments, while Cornell seems to have made it pay. Mitchell's interest, and indeed all interests, finally reverted to the railroad company, and titles come from that source.

Daniel "Wright was the first postmaster. He was keeping store with one Bumpus, who got mixed up in a little irregularity with the government. He hired some money of one Hnggins, who appears to have been a dealer in counterfeit money. Bumpus went to Champaign with the money and got rid of what he could of it, purchasing small articles at the stores, and commenced preaching. Huggins was convicted and pardoned out, after serving a portion of his term. One " Doctor " Groves, who used some of the money around here, disappeared, and some others who were wanted could not be found. The bills were counterfeits of a Bloomington bank, but on the detection of the men an examination showed that they had tools for making counterfeit coin also.

Two murders have occurred in Ashkum. The first was that of Leonard Stringham, and was the result of a complication of circumstances. It was during the war, and personal ill-feelings were apt to be largely fanned by frequent bitter political discussions. Stringham was a radical in politics and temperance. A quarrel which began about the trespass of hogs into his garden, - followed by the killing of one, and subsequent paying for it, - slumbered for awhile, when, meeting at the post-office, when his assailant was intoxicated and was ejected from the building, he returned and cut him with a small pocket-knife in the abdomen, which resulted in his death the day following. Trial, conviction and pardoning out followed.

A few years later Hair and McDonald, brothers-in-law, had a misunderstanding which resulted in a very bad state of feeling. One rainy day Hair came to town, and was reading in Smith & Ohapin's store, partially leaning over the counter. McDonald came to town, and went to Kelley's blacksmith-shop while Kelley was at dinner. Waiting till his return, he secured a short bar of iron, on pretense of wishing to make use- of it in some repairs, and went directly to the store and felled Hair to the floor, striking him from behind. He died in a few hours. McDonald was tried, convicted and hung. This, with two others, are the only legal hangings which have taken place in the county in the now almost half century of its legal existence.

The hay business was a very important branch of business here during the war. Great quantities were cut on these prairies and shipped to the front, and some large ricks of it never were shipped. After Sherman's march to the sea the bottom dropped out of the Confederacy so suddenly that the hay crop was not in demand down there.

Before any regular church organization was formed, there was occasional preaching by Methodist brethren in the school-house. Rev. Mr. Henry and Rev. Mr. Card were, as is now remembered, the first who collected a few together for religious services. Revs. Hull and Thorp also occasionally preached here. Mr. Daniel Robinson was one of the first members of this church. Mr. Sanders, an early resident, collected the means on a subscription to. buy a parsonage. The terms of this subscription were such, that it was to belong to the Methodist society as long as conference kept a supply here, after which it should revert to any other orthodox society keeping up preaching here. During the pastorate of Mr. David the church was built. The building is 36x50 and cost about $3,000. The membership is forty. Charles Case is class-leader. The Sabbath school has been kept up most of the time.

Thirty-five members (twenty-six by letter and nine on profession) united in forming a Congregational church, March 6, 1869. Rev. Joseph E. Roy, who so faithfully represented that denomination in its home mission and church extension interests, was present and preached the sermon and gave his assistance in the organization, which was perfected by the election of T. D. Haight, clerk; C. Mead, treasurer; John Brown and Edwin Mead, deacons. The church was built, in 1871, at a cost of about 3,000. The present membership is forty-four. The Sunday school is in charge of Charles E. Case, superintendent. This school was established in 1869. William M. Mellen was the first

There was a lodge of Good Templars here as early as 1863, of which Leonard Stringham was worthy chief at the time he was murdered. The present organization, Ashkum Star Lodge, JSTo. 408, dates from October 20, 1874, with J. D. Weed, M. Packard, G. B. Carley and sixteen others as charter members. The present officers are: S. M. Packard, W.C.T. ; Sena Carley, Y.T. ; G. B. Carley, W. Chaplain ; John McDonald, W. Sect. ; W. B. Langley, Asst. Sec. ; Frank Meents, financial secretary ; Sarah Mead, W. Treas. ; G. Morrell Fowler, marshal ; Ada Lewis, W.D.M. ; Dora Lower, W.I.G. ; Frank Lake, W.O.G. ; Lizzie Brown, W.R.H.S. ; Ada Lower, W.L.H.S. ; James McLane, P. W.C.T. There are twenty members. Lodge meets Tuesday evening in the Methodist church.

Village Organization

A meeting was held January 20, 1870, of the "white male freeholders" living in section 28, at which Arnold Earl presided, and H. L. Payson, Jr., was secretary, to vote for or against incorporation. The vote resulted in twenty votes for, to two against incorporating, and the section-lines were fixed as the boundaries. The first election was held January 27. The following were elected trustees: Peter Kelley, Jacob Lewis, H. L. Payson, C. Brayton and H. K. Cornell. H. L. Payson was elected president; A. J. Lake, clerk; and Jacob Lewis, superintendent of streets. Thirty-two votes were cast. In 1875 it was decided to incorporate under the general act of 1872. At the first election under this the following were elected : John Mc- Curdy, president ; A. S. Cook, G. B. Heath, C. C. Chapman, James O'Reilly, J. R. Smith, trustees; and S. A. Didamy, clerk. The present officers are: Jacob Haight, president; C. C. Chapman, M. R. Meents, Thos. Kelley, James O'Reilly and P. Yadbonker, trustees ; Geo. A. Springet, clerk; and J. C. Fowler, police magistrate.

Robert D. Ross, farmer, Ashkum, is not exactly an old settler here, though the farm of 1,160 acres, known as the " Ross Farm," has been in possession of the family for a number of years. Originally they used it as a hunting station, when deer and other game were abundant. He was born in Bonar Bridge, Ross (shire), Scotland, in 1843, and carne with his parents and the remainder of the family to Canada in 1845, and a year later to Buffalo, New York, finally settling in Chicago in 1851, where the brothers engaged largely in the dry-goods business.

Thomas Stump, farmer, L'Erable, was born in the state of Ohio, December 27, 1829, and resided thereuntil March, 1855, when he came west to Ashkum township, where his cousin, Mr. Spence, had already settled. At that time the country was very sparsely settled, but in the spring of 1855 there was a large immigration, and houses began to be erected and the prairie to be broken up. He is quite a prominent citizen of this township, having filled the office of supervisor with honor to himself and the town from 1861 to 1867, and after an interval of three years was again elected to the same office in 1870, and held it until 1877, refusing to again be put in nomination. Mr. Stump is unmarried and resides with his half-cousin, Mr. William H. Spence, their combined farms containing over 700 acres, all well improved and bearing evidences of careful cultivation.

Francis X. Lemenager, farmer, Ashkum, is a native of Belgium,, having been born in the canton of Perwez, province of Brabant, in that country, in 1828. He arrived in America in 1856, and came west, settling in this township in the neighborhood of L'Erable. He worked in Clifton for Mr. Howe part of the first year, and on the arrival of his brother from Belgium went to farming, in which business he has continued since. He bought his land from the railroad company, at which time it was raw prairie ; now he has it well improved and in a high state of cultivation, a commodious and handsome farmhouse, good barn and out-buildings, a grove and orchard. The whole farm of 320 acres is well fenced and thoroughly ditched. He was elected justice of the peace in 1878, and continues to discharge the duties of his office to the general satisfaction of the people. In 1874 Mr. Lemenager married for the second time, and has a family of eight children, three boys and five girls.

Eugene Lemenager, farmer, L'Erable, was born in Belgium, October 8, 1839, and sailed from Antwerp, in company with his father and two sisters, on the steamship Belgian Constitution, March 12, 1857, and after a stormy passage of twenty-two days landed in New York. Heat once came west, and rejoined his brother in this township, and proceeded to farming, in which he has been eminently successful, now owning a splendid farm of 320 acres. He has a handsome farm house, which was erected at a cost of $2,600, the main building being 20x30 feet, and the L 20 X 20, all two stories high, with piazza around the south and east sides. The farm buildings are good, and a grove of 2,000 trees and orchard of 200 trees, adds greatly to the appearance of the homestead. September 23, 1862, he was married, in L'Erable, to Miss Antoinette Aucremanne, and has a family of six children, four boys and two girls. In 1879 Mr. Lemenager revisited Belgium, and found quite a change had occurred there during the twenty-three years he had been absent, and met an old neighbor there who was ninety-two years old.

Edwin Mead, farmer and stock-raiser, Ashkum, was born in Greenwich, Connecticut, October 25, 1819, and lived there for twenty-six years. He then went to New York city, and clerked, and was also engaged in the flour and feed business, the firm being Clark & Mead. After a two-years residence in this vcity, he returned to Connecticut and lived there one year, when he went to Virginia, where he conducted a saw-mill, lumber and wood business for five years. He subsequently visited Connecticut and farmed there for three years. He also laid out an addition to Greenwich. In 1858 he came to Ashkum, and has lived here since. He married Miss Mercy M. Reynolds, January 29, 1844, who was born in Bedford^county, New York. Of their seven children six are living : Julius, Cornelia E,., Edwin, Stephen J., John T. and Sarah M. Mr. Mead owns 600 acres of land in this county. He has served as road commissioner, school director and trustee.

Victor and Jasper Changelon, farmers, Clifton, were both born in Belgium, and left that country in company with their father and mother, they being both young, in the year 1863. They at once came west to this township and bought raw prairie land, which through unremitting labor they have made into a beautiful and productive farm ; it is well improved and fixed up, the whole 230 acres being well ditched and fenced, with good house and barn, large bearing orchard, and handsome shade trees. Jasper married, in August, 1870, Miss Mary Constantin, and has a family of two children. Victor is still unmarried, and continues to reside with his brother.

August Muehlenpfordt, physician and druggist, Ashkum, is a native of Brunswick, Germany. He was born in September, 1839, and lived there until 1866. He began studying medicine at the age of seventeen, and graduated at the Georgia Augusta (Germany) Medical College. He practiced one year in Germany, prior to his coming to the United States. On his arrival in this country he settled in Will county,

Illinois, and practiced there until 1868, when he moved to Ashkum, and has lived here since. In 1868 he married Miss Henrietta Gerdes, who was born in Germany, and came to the United States in 1858. Of their six children five are living : August, Emma, Delia, Freda and an infant.

Chebanse occupies a position on the northern border of the county, with Kankakee county as its northern, the Iroquois river its eastern, Ashkum its southern, and Milk's Grove its western boundary. The Illinois Central railroad runs very nearly through its center from north to south, having on it the villages of Chebanse, sixty-four miles from Chicago, and Clifton, sixty-nine miles. Langham creek winds through it nearly central from west to east, and affords good water facilities for stock, in addition to the artesian water which is found in all portions of the town. It is composed of the following portions of congressional townships : The northern one-third of town 28, range 14, the northern third of all that is west of the river in range 18 west of the second principal meridian, and sections 6 and 7 of the fractional township, range 11 east of the third principal meridian, four sections of town 29, range 11, and the southern two-thirds of town 29, range 14, and all west of the river in the southern twothirds of range 13, making in all some sixty-two sections of land. The poet has somewhere said that "comparisons are cruel," though just where, or what poet advanced the doctrine, very few even of our literary men can tell. The writer, while recognizing the fact that there is more truth than poetry in the excerpt, will disclaim all cruelty in saying that for location, and all the conditions which go to make a first-class township Chebanse has not its superior in the county. The rolling lands which extend in a due westerly course from the Iroquois almost to the Illinois river, keeping nearly all the way in township 29, begin here. The early settlers found along Langham, which early went by the name of "White Woman's creek," all the conditions for preemption and early homes. While they could not afford to be away from timber and water, they found such marvelous richness of soil and beauty of landscape that one is not surprised that when Maurice Kirby came into this state at an early day, he was told that the finest land in all this county was on " White Woman's creek," and that Cassady, the then famous land speculator of Danville, was going to enter the whole of it the very next week. It was no exaggeration ; and as fast as settlers could find their way there they took up the lands. Long before railroad building good farms were under excellent cultivation in town 29, on both sides of the county line. There was in the country no finer grazing place, no richer land and no healthier location. The old "Butterfield trace," which was the highway of travel from all the country around the Upper Sangamon, the Okaw, the Embarrass and Big Grove^to the lake ,(Urbana), passed through, keeping very near the line which was afterward followed by the Illinois Central railroad. It r.in along the Spring creek timber to a point where that stream turned east, near the present residence of Mr. Kirby, thence nearly north, passing two miles west of Plato ; crossed Langham either on section 31 or 32, where William Enos lives, about one mile west of where the bridge was afterward built. Nothing seems to be known by the old settlers here in regard to Butterfield, or why this trace received his name. They only know that it was, for about twenty years, commencing probably immediately after the Black Hawk war, the greatest hog and cattle route in the state. The Funks and others, who ranged all over central Illinois, picking up all the cattle and hogs which could be bought, and who had, before this time, found in Galena the only market, commenced driving to Chicago, a place until then unknown, except on the maps of explorers and Indian traders.

In driving through here the hogs sometimes became lost, and away from civilization soon reverted to their ancient wild habits ; and for protection against man and wolves, their only enemies, and especially to guard their young, would select an impregnable position, - an island in a swampy place, where they were comparatively safe. It seemed strange, at first thought, that they should select such places on the prairie instead of in the timber, but it seems that they knew best. In these places they would live for years, until a severe winter would kill them off. No wolf could approach the young pigs while protected by a cordon of ferocious old chaps, with tusks long enough to appear almost like horns. The most exciting hunting in these parts was for these wild hogs. "The danger's self was lure alone." African jungles could hardly be, so far as the excitement and danger of the experiment was concerned, more alive to real high-toned sport than were the prairie morasses along Butterfield trace.

B. F. Brady and his two brothers, Joseph and William, came from Attica, Indiana, in 1843, and bought land in sections 33 and 34, near the mouth of Langham creek, and began to make a farm of it, as well as three bachelors could. This land was bought of the state, and was known as "state land," in distinction from government land, canal land and seminary land. It had been conveyed to the state under an act of congress, entitled uan act to appropriate the proceeds of the sales of the public lands and grant preemption rights, approved September 4, 1861." The Brady boys built a log cabin on section 33, and lived there a number of years, and engaged in farming, raising cattle and hogs, which they drove through to Chicago, or sold to the " drovers " who scoured the country. Roushe's store was the nearest at hand, over on the east side of the river. B. F. Brady was one of the first justices of the peace in this part of the county, and was elected to the second board of supervisors, where he distinguished himself in trying to prevent the consummation of the sale of the swamp lands which he believed then and still believes was a great wrong. He considered the bonds for which they were exchanged as being utterly and entirely void, and the sale really a give-away. Before township organization took eifect, voters from here went to Mt. Langham, on the east side of the river, to vote. In 1865 he removed to Kankakee, where he still resides. Joseph died on the farm about 1856.

Thomas Sammons lived a few miles north of Brady. It was then in Iroquois county. He is dead, and his son' yet resides on the farm. Edward Stump and William Stump settled on Langham creek about 1846. They are both dead. William Farmer settled there about the same time. In 1854 he sold to Adolph Poncelet, the Belgian consul in Chicago. He put Mr. Harbaville on the land, and at once entered into arrangements to get his countrymen to settle on the lands. He was so far successful as to bring on a number of families in 1856. Some of them had means of their own to begin on. Some of course were poor and had to commence by working for others. A great many families of that nationality still reside in the eastern end of this and Ashkum townships, led here by the exertions of Mr. Poncelet. Some have nice and well cultivated farms. They have shown that they have been valuable citizens and a credit to the county. They were all Catholics, and with the French of like faith, who were being brought in through the assistance of Mr. Spink, founded the first Roman Catholic neighborhood in this county. It was here that Father Chiniquy came to labor and commenced holding services in Mr. La Bounty's house.

Mr. Poncelet lost his life by drowning, while on his way out from Chicago to see his possessions, in the spring of 1857. It had been raining hard, and the sloughs and streams were high. When he was at Blue Island, he asked someone standing by if he could cross ; not being able to talk English, he was misunderstood, and the answer cost him his life, for his team became mired and he was drowned. His colonists here mourned his death as if it had been a brother, for they felt while he lived that they were almost under the old flag at home. William and Jerome La Bounty came here in 1850. William preempted 80 acres in section 9. He was one of the first among the French settlers, and now resides in Ashkurn. Nelson Detois came in soon after and settled near him. Mr. Ostrander built the mill at Sugar Island in 1848. It was a saw-mill then. Three years later he sold to Webster, who put in a run of stone. A new dam, three feet higher than the old one, was put in in 18Y6, and the mill was rebuilt. Dohl and Earps now run it. This was in Iroquois county until Kankakee county was erected. The first school was started in that neighborhood about 1848, in a log school-house. Mr. Whitehead was the first teacher. He had about fifteen scholars. Alfred Fletcher also taught one or two terms.

On August 29 and 30, 1863, occurred the terrible summer frost, which will never be forgotten by those who lived here at that time. Up to that day there never was a finer prospect for corn than was in the fields then, but of course none of it was ripe enough to be out of danger from injury by frost, and it was frozen to the ground. What was not killed the first night was on the second ; even the stalks were frozen to the ground, and had a fire swept through it the destruction would hardly have been greater. Many farmers who had just commenced were ruined. Hogs were killed off in great numbers to preveht starvation. One man sold 100 large hogs for $100, and others less fortunate gave them away or killed them. The destitution and distress which followed was great.

A story is told of Mr. Titus, a brother-in-law of Mr. Westover, which was so characteristic of the man and of the time, that its truth will hardly be questioned. He was a pin-maker down in Connecticut, and finding the confinement in the factory telling on his health, he came west when this country was new, intending to open up a farm. He had not been here long when the ague struck him, and he seemed liable to shake off what little flesh pin-making had left. Blue with ague and shaking so that he could not have picked up a pin if there had been thousands lying around him, he stood leaning against a fence for support one day, when he was accosted by some of the railroad hands, who with kindly feelings undertook to express sympathy for him, which was quickly repelled. He told them that he was not by any manner of means as poor as they supposed, for he did not own an acre of this accursed land, and did not propose to.

Among the finest and most extensive farms of the county may be mentioned those of Lemuel Milk, Col. D. A. Jones, "W. R. Phillips, of Chicago, George K. Clark, Peter Enos, Stephen Grace, John F. Schrader, Thomas Leggett, and the fine farm known as the Orchard Farm, belonging to J. M. Balthis.

The names of many of the towns along the Central railroad are known to have been of Indian origin. At least fifty can be counted along the main line and the Chicago branch, that are known by their spelling and their sound to have been such. The general impression is that those in this county, were, like Watseka, taken from the Indians who formerly lived here, which impression is incorrect. Mr. B. F. Brady, whose judgment will not be questioned, says that these names, Chebanse and Ashkum, were never known here until they had been given to the stations by the Central railroad. Upon the authority of Hon. R. B. Mason, who was chief engineer of the road when it was built, the writer learns that these Indian names were applied by him at the suggestion of some one who was then acting under him, and they are so similar that there can be no doubt that they were suggested by some one who in the states east of this had been acquainted with them in local Indian history. Certain it is that they were not taken from any of the Illinois tribes, though to what tribe we are indebted for their origin it is impossible now to state.

The township of Chebanse was organized in 1856 by the election of Jesse Brown, supervisor ; A. M. Fishburn, clerk ; Levi Lindsey, assessor ; A. W. Fishburn, collector ; and B. F. Brady and P. E. Kingman, justices of the peace. The principal officers of what now constitutes the township at the present writing are : James Porch, supervisor; J. St. Hilaire, clerk; J. H. Sands, assessor; Louis Henrotin, collector; and A. B. Cummings and Louis Henrotin, justices of the peace.

In 1867 the question was again submitted to the voters of the county whether they would continue under township organization. The vote in this township was unanimous in favor of the existing system. The vote in the county, which was taken May 14, 1867, for or against annexing to Kankakee county all of town 29, ranges 10, 11, 12, 13 and 14 west of the second principal meridian, and ranges 10 and 11 east of the third principal meridian, being the strip four miles wide across the north end of the county, resulted in the county in the negative. In this town it was affirmative by 287 votes to 33. The popular sentiment here was in its favor, for the reason that their trade and business connections were with Kankakee.

The Village Of Chebanse

The village of Chebanse was laid out by the railroad company in the center of the northeast quarter of section 14, in 1854. The plat embraced about sixty acres, including the railroad strips, leaving some fifty acres in that quarter on either side of the plat. The business of the company, including the selling of lots, was entrusted to Mr. Seavers, the first station-agent. A. T. Ailing was the second. He now lives at Neoga.

T. D. Williams was the next, and remained here until the breaking out of the war. He was by birth an Englishman. He came to America alone, at the age of fourteen, and soon after enlisted and went to the Mexican war, under Capt. Geo. B. McClellan, and after his return was sent, on that officer's recommendation, to West Point, where he graduated, and then went into private life. He married and came here as the representative of the railroad in the fall of 1857. At the breaking out of the rebellion he felt that his adopted country, which had educated him, was entitled to his service, and he raised Co. G, 25th reg., and marched to the front. Late in 1862 he was promoted to the position of colonel, though he had been acting colonel for some time. It was only a week before the battle of Stone River that he received promotion. He was wounded on the 30th, but would not keep out of battle. On the 31st his color-bearer was shot down, and seizing the fallen standard, thrusting it aloft, like the true Briton he was, shouted for his men to come forward and sustain the old flag. He received a wound from which he died on the 3d of .the following month. His widow went to get his remains, but they had been forwarded before her arrival. She bore his remains east for burial, and while there their only child died. No braver or truer soldier went forth in the dark days than Col. Williams. Had his life been spared there is no doubt of his rapid promotion and great usefulness. His widow still resides here at Chebanse. Mr. Merrill, subsequently the railroad agent here, was killed by being knocked off the cars while switching. While clinging to the side of a car he was carried suddenly against the coal-house, and thrown from his position under the cars. He was followed by William Smith, who was also killed in 1876. He was standing on the cars giving orders. The train had made a "running switch," and the portion of the train which he was on was unexpectedly run into, and he was thrown to the ground.

Harrington & Spaulding were the first merchants. They built a store on the east side of the track in 1854, which was burned in 1858. Amos M. Fishburn built the next store on the same side. It was 14 X 16, and still stands there although several additions have been built to it

Mr. Fishburn preempted a farm on the S.E. ^ of Sec. 15, and sold his store in 1858 to Washington Garlock. Spaulding & Harrington sold to R. J. Hanna, who came here from New York city with his father-in-law, Mr. James Frith, who improved the Dr. Scott land in section 11, just north of town, in 1854. Mr. Hanna was a carpenter, and went to work to build the station and freight-house here. He worked at his trade till he became a " merchant." He also sold his stock to Garlock in 1858, who continued in trade until 1869, when he sold to Bliss Sutherland, who carried on trade a year and then settled on a farm on section 12. Charles Bard came from his farm in the spring of 1857, and commenced the business of shoemaking, which in time grew into mercantile trade. E. W. Dodson opened a store in 1856, and was a deputy county surveyor. He was in trade a year, then went on a farm. He was in the army four years ; returned and was elected county surveyor two or three terms. Jerome Bard came here in 1860, and engaged in buying corn with T. D. Williams.

Joseph Leonard, who succeeded Fishburn in business in the winter of 1858, was a son of Rev. J. H. Leonard, pastor of the Seamen's Bethel in Chicago. In 1860 he built a store south of the others and still on the east side. The railroad company had reserved from the market the two blocks west of the track, where nearly all business houses are now situated supposing that they would some time be compelled to use them to put up repair shops at this point, it being about half way between Chicago and Champaign. Leonard sold to Broadhead & Hanna in 1861, they to E. S. Richmond in 1862, who remained in business here until 1866, and sold to R. S. Laughlin. Richmond went into the agricultural implement trade, then into hay, which was during early times one of the most important business concerns of this part of the country. He afterward went to Texas. Mr. Laughlin continued in trade in the same building on the east side until 1878, having been for more than twelve years interested in the business and public enterprises of the town. Though now retired from business he still resides here.

In 1857 A. M. Baldwin built a store north of the others, and ran it two years, after which he sold out and went to farming. Mr. Hitchcock started the first tin-shop and hardware store, and with the drug store of E. W. Warren, and the shoe-shop of Silas Morehouse, was burned out in the fire of 1858. The first hotel was built on First South street, by George Carter, of Warrington, England. The building still stands there. There was no organized school district until 1860. The first, a subscription school, was held in a small building erected for the purpose southeast of the depot; it was about 14x16. The town- ship was organized and the school land sold for from $5 to $8. At this time a new school-house, 24x36, was built, which has since been enlarged by the addition of three rooms. Four teachers are employed and the school is very efficiently managed by directors A. B. Chase, R. J. McDonald and Martin Grosse. T. D.Williams was the first school treasurer. Hon. Thomas S. Sawyer is the present official.

Mr. Hitchcock, after he was burned out in 1858, built the house known as the " Chebanse House," and occupied it as a tin-shop until 1860. It was then enlarged by Mr. Jackson. Theodore Babcock purchased it in 1864 and improved it, and has kept it as a public house ever since. In 1866 J. G. Yan Ornam built the Yan Hotel and kept it until 1879.

J. H. Way was the first physician, and joined with his practice selling lumber. He continued in both till 1858. The first regular lumber-yard was opened by Mr. Sisson in 1863. He ran the business for a year.

A. M. Wilson and 'Squire Trescott commenced the first meat-market in 1860. Their joint capital was $50, just about enough to buy a good beef, a couple of fat sheep, one " middling sorter " and a veal, and have enough left for change in the drawer. At the end of two months Wilson withdrew himself and his " capital " from the concern and established himself in an extensive grain-buying firm. This left Mr. Trescott to go it alone, and he found that he had his hands full. After six years of faithful service he found that he had sufficient capital to carry on the business of insurance agent, and run for justice of the peace. He has been successful in both. A man of correct judgment and large acquaintance with men, and well posted in regard to the matters which the writer desired information about, at considerable expense of time and study he afforded such information as it would have been impossible otherwise to obtain. That the statements will be found, in the main, to be correct is reasonably expected. Mr. Wilson continued in the grain trade with Mr. Stuart until his death. Joseph Leonard built the first warehouse in ,1860. The True Brothers bought it and moved it north and built the large warehouse. Kenaga & Knott got possession of it and built a large dry-house. While drying grain it took fire and was burned in 1876. Messrs. Brown & Huckins engaged in the grain trade. They sold their business to F. J. Taylor. G. P. and C. H. Comstock built the warehouse on the county line in 1867, and sold it to Taylor and engaged in business at Ashkum, where they still are. In 1873 Taylor sold this business to James Capon and retired to his farm. Mr. Chase entered into business with Capon, and the trade is now carried on here and at Donovan by Capon & Co.

Six brothers, named Grosse, came here about 1865, four of whom have proved successful merchants. John had a small store on the east side, and afterward moved to the west side. In 1873 he sold to H. d and Frank, and went to Texas. He returned the next spring and died, leaving a considerable property. H. C. and Frank Grosse continued a successful business here until 1878, when they exchanged their store for a farm, with Hon. G. "W. Parker. He closed out the stock and went to Kansas City. Martin, another brother, went on a farm, and Henry, as before stated, is engaged in mercantile trade in Chicago. Dr. J. D. DeVeling engaged in the practice of his profession, and in the drug trade, about 1863. He had previously been at Sugar Island, where was the only mill in this part of the country, and where a town had been laid out. He has one of the best stores in town.

In 1863 E. W. Warren commenced the hay business. The demands of the war were such that these vast prairies along the Central railroad, which offered such good facilities for transportation, were cut off each year. There was no end for the demand down in Dixie, and there was seemingly no end to the supply, except the lack of help to get it cut, stacked and pressed. Did any one ever estimate the number of additional men which would have been required to secure the hay crops of 1862-3-4, if the recently perfected mowing machines had been brought into use only a few years later ? George Wells also engaged in the same trade. When the rebellion subsided in 1865, great rows of stacks, together with the presses and barns along the line, were burned. It h#s continued to be a considerable business until 1876, since which time the market price has been so low that the trade has been nearly abandoned.

With the close of the war the rush of immigration turned this way ; the farms which had long been in grass were plowed ; new owners and new renters appeared in great numbers. The following year, when the railroad company decided to sell the two blocks which they had withheld, business began to collect on the west side. Soon after this Mr. Milk laid out his addition to town, and built the large " combination store." This was enough to draw business in this direction. The school-house was built by James Jacqueth. Andrew Jackson, who was one of the earliest carpenters here, has built a large number of the buildings. He built the Chebanse House, the Brown House, which was intended for stores below, and offices and hall above, and many of the residences. S. Parker did considerable building.

The Chebanse Water Works Company was organized under the law of the state for joint-stock corporations, August 21, 1874. The certificate bears the names of Lemuel Milk, James Porch and F. T. McKee as corporators. The object was to furnish water for domestic, fire and general purposes, by a plan, so far as is known to this writer, not adopted in any other place in this artesian region. The well was bored 120 feet deep, twenty of which was through solid rock, when artesian water was reached which rises to within twenty feet of the surface. A stone tower was erected, thirty-six feet high, which is twenty feet in diameter at the ground, and has on it a reservoir of 1,000 barrels capacity. This is surmounted by a wind-mill which pumps the water to the reservoir ; from this mains are laid through streets, and from them hydrants are erected, and pipes lead into the houses. Families are charged $6 per year, and the village has paid $250 per annum for public and fire uses. This last charge has been now reduced to $100 per annum. It has proved a perfect success.

The fire company is supplied with 400 feet of hose, a pump, and hooks and ladders. J. D. Kelley is foreman ; Philip Bauer, chief; W. J. Hunter, first assistant foreman. There are eighteen members. E. L. Wright is president ; Richard Eyrley, secretary.

H. D. Dement & Co., of Dixon, built the flax-mill in 1870. The mill works up the flax straw which is raised in this vicinity into tow for bagging. It has been in charge of John Soloman, as superintendent, ever since it has been in operation.

The earliest days of Methodism at Chebanse have no records here except in the memories of a very few. They seem to have acted upon the view that the book was kept open in another sphere, which record the present writer has no doubt has been properly kept. Unfortunately, however, it is not in a library to which he has had access. Mr, Andrew Motter, a worthy father in the church, came here and preempted a farm in the northeast quarter of section 17, in 1855. The religious destitution surrounding called him into active service, and knowing that he had a call to preach he used to assemble the people in the depot building, or at such other places as he could find, and there preach the gospel. He is spoken of as a sincere and earnest man, who never lost an opportunity to do good. He was called home to his reward in 1862. Timothy Young, who came from New York to a farm on Langham creek about the same time, found that he was needed in the ministry, and commenced to preach as a local preacher. He afterward- left his farm and took appointments in the itinerant work. This must have been about 1860 and 1861. There were two or three other supplies before Rev. H. A. Hobbs was appointed to this charge by conference, which was in 1863. During this time George

Kogers was class-leader. Kev. A. G. Goodspeed, now located at Odell, was appointed to this work in 1866, and remained here two years, during which time, by his earnest personal labors, the fine church was built here and the infant church organization at Clifton was greatly strengthened. A subscription had been started by his predecessor. Mr. Goodspeed failed to raise the money to purchase material, but went to Chicago and bought the lumber, on three-months time, of an entire stranger, upon his own personal pledge of payment. He secured a reduction in freight, and hired Charles Martin to superintend the work, which was all done by the day. The building in this way was put up at a cost of $2,775, including all the furniture required, and bible, which was considerably less than any contract offered. It is needless to say, of course, that the people of Chebanse responded willingly, so that Mr. Goodspeed's pledge was made good without any inconvenience to him. The building is 32x55. The lot was donated by the railroad company. C. E. Howe is the present pastor. The other preaching points are at Leggett's and Warren's school-houses. The present membership is sixty. The parsonage was built about 1863. The Sabbath school is under the superintendency of Mr. Chapman.

The preliminary meeting, looking to the organization of the Baptist church, was held at the house of H. P. Havens, June 13, 1866. At a subsequent meeting, held at the house of Mr. Tyler, the following were present and signified their desire to unite and form a church : H. P. Havens and wife, their two sons, Reuben and Elisha, and their wives ; William P. Gardner and wife, Mr. Evarts and wife, J. W. Baker and wife, J. J. Tyler and wife, Mariah Tuttle and Hannah Calhoun. Rev. J. M. Whitehead, of Kankakee, was present, and it was resolved to meet July 5 to perfect the organization, and the churches at Onarga and Kankakee were invited to sit in council at that time. Upon the day named the meeting was held, and after articles of Christian belief were submitted and adopted the meeting adjourned to the school-house, where council was duly formed. There were present several delegates from the church at Kankakee, the Rev. D. W. Morgan from Onarga, and the Rev. R. Gilbert from Antioch. The new church was duly recognized and the following services were held : Sermon, by Rev. Mr. Gilbert ; charge to the church, by Rev. Mr. Morgan ; right hand of fellowship, by Rev. Mr. Whitehead. Lots were donated by the railroad company, and a committee was appointed to collect means to build the church. Rev. G. W. Lewis was the first pastor. He preached each alternate Sabbath for one year. The church was built in 1867 and 1868. Messrs. Tyler, Baker and ^Gardner were trustees, and together with

Mr. Huckins, comprised the building committee. The church is 36x60, and cost about $3,000. Rev. A. H. Esty was called as pastor in 1871. Rev. Mr. Wilderrnan succeeded him, and elders Palmer and S. M. Brown have also in turn served the church. The present membership is thirty-five. The Sabbath school has been maintained in the summer. Reuben Havens is superintendent. The membership is about seventy.

Those contemplating the organization of the Congregational church met at the house of R. S. Laughlin, Esq., September 6, 1868. Mr. Laughlin acted as chairman, and H. C. Wycoff as secretary. A council was called to meet October 27, at which time the following delegates from sister churches were present : Rev. Mr. Brundage, of Paxton ; Rev. Mr. Watson, of Loda ; Rev. Mr. Beecher, of Kankakee ; Rev. Mr. Wycoff. of Monee ; and brothers Lyons, of Clifton, and Brown, of Pilot. Rev. Mr. Brundage was appointed to preach the sermon, and Mr. Beecher to extend the right hand of fellowship. The church was then organized with the following members : R. S. Laughlin, D. Roadifer, W. O. Roadifer, M. Elliott, H. G. Wycoff, Samuel Kingsbury, S. Robinson, Rhoda Roadifer, Lavina Kingsbury, Emily Laughlin, Harriet Laughlin, Helen Roadifer. Martha Elliott, Mary S. Robinson and Martha Burroughs. December 10 the following officers were elected : R. S. Laughlin, D. Roadifer and S. Robinson, trustees ; M. Elliott and W. O. Roadifer, deacons; H. G. Wycoff, clerk and treasurer. Rev. Daniel R. Miller served as pastor one year from December 1, 1868. The congregation worshiped half a year in Porch's Hall, then one year in the Baptist Church, and for a few months in the Methodist Church. A. J. Ford, D. Roadifer, James Flemming, J. M. Burroughs and F. J. Taylor were appointed a building committee. They purchased a lot and proceeded to build the church, 32x45, which is well seated and neatly furnished, at a cost of $2,400. Rev. George F. Chipperfield, of the seminary, commenced his labors here April 1, 1878, and continues to preach alternately here and at Clifton. Mrs. Burroughs is clerk of the church. The membership is 43. The church was dedicated in August, 1872, free of debt. The Sabbath school numbered sixty-four when organized. Mr. Rowell is superintendent.

The earliest services of the Catholics here were held in the house of William O'Rourk. Father Pernin had charge of the mission, though before him Father Yanderpool, who was the resident priest at L'Erable, said Mass here occasionally. The church (St. Mary and Joseph) was built in 1867 or 1868, while Father Pernin was here. It is 32x60, with cupola and bell, and cost $2,500. Father Schroudenbach was the first resident priest in 1870, for one year. 'After him Father Kukan- buch served the church here for two years, and since that Father Gonant for seven years. The church at Clifton is also under the charge of the same clergyman. The parsonage was built in 1873 at a cost of $1,300. There are about one hundred families within the bounds of this charge, who attend divine worship here, and a more numerous congregation at Clifton. The members of this church organized, April 7, 1878, the Chebanse Father Mathew Total Abstinence Society : Father Gonant, president; Frank Hennessy, vice-president; John Mahoney, second vice-president; Patrick Murphy, secretary; William Burke, treasurer. The society numbers sixty members, and has recently established a library. It is in efficient working order, and is accomplishing much good.

Town Incorporation

Chebanse was incorporated as a town under the old law in 1868. July 9 a meeting was held, at which Robert Nation presided, and G. W. Binford was clerk, for the purpose of voting for or against incorporation, at which election the vote stood 15 to 7 in favor of incorporating. The election for five trustees took place July 17, at which S. A. Robinson, H. Huckins, Robert Nation, R. S. Laughlin and James Robinson were elected. S. A. Robinson was- chosen president ; and T. S. Sawyer, clerk ; P. W. Tracey, constable ; T. Babcock, street commissioner. The town received a special charter, March 13, 1869. May 13, 1874, a petition was presented to the board to call an election to vote for or against reorganization as a village under the general act of 1872. The election was held May 29, and resulted in favor of such reorganization by a vote of 32 to 28. The present officers are : L. A.

Kinney, president ; E. W. Brown, Patrick Murphy, H. Huckins, Jerome Bard and J. P. Schofield, trustees; Peter E. Hall, clerk; Martin Grosse, assessor; James Porch, treasurer; J. D. DeVeling, police magistrate. The village has always granted license, at the rate of $300 per annum. The following have been postmasters : Mr. Seavers, Amos M. Fishburn, Mr. Hitchcock, Mary Linsey, T. D. Williams, L. A. Bristol, A. M. Wilson, Joseph Leonard, R. J. Hanna, E. S. Richmond and W. J. Hunter. The office was made a money-order office in 1879.

Thomas S. Sawyer commenced the publication of the Chebanse " Herald " in the fall of 1868, which has been continued without interruption from that time under his management. It was the aim of the publisher to make a paper of local interest, independent in politics, and this was its course until the " Liberal " was started as an exponent of the views of liberal republicanism in 1872, when the " Herald " became republican under the force of circumstances. This " change in front in the face of the enemy " caused the nomination of its editor and his election to the legislature, where he made a record for himself of which any young man might well be proud. The assembly which met January 1, 1873, had before it the important work of revising the laws of the state, and bringing into one volume the legislation of a quarter of a century and make it conform to the provisions of the constitution then recently gone into effect. Mr. Sawyer, as a member of the committees on judiciary, judicial department and on banks and banking, took an important part in that revision. Every statute in that book had to pass the scrutiny of the judiciary committee, and by constant attention to the duties of a representative, he assisted largely in perfecting the statutes of our state. W. W. Gibson started the " Liberal " in 1872. In 1873 it passed into the hands of Dr. J. D. DeVeling, who conducted it as a forcible and consistent advocate of the views of the independent and national greenback party. Though fairly successful as a local newspaper, and meeting with good patronage both from its party friends and others, its publication was discontinued in 1879.

Milk's addition to Chebanse was laid out in 1868, and is in Kankakee county, the county line dividing it from the original town. He built a large building, the lower part of which is occupied by his combination store, and the upper portion for a h6tel. The store, like all the various enterprises of Mr. Milk, is characteristic of the business activity of the man. Most men with fifty farms, a few thousand cattle, sheep and hogs to occupy his time and attention, would feel satisfied with one store to look after, but here he has four to divide his spare hours among. If Satan only has a contract for supplying work for idle hands, there is not much danger that he will ever have to take Mr. Milk under supervision.

"Bespeak, blessed Clifton! thy sublime domain, Here lonely wandering o'er the sylvan bower, I come to pass the meditative hour; To bid awhile the strife of passion cease, And woo the calms of solitude and peace. Fair Nature! thee, in all thy varied charms, Fain would I clasp forever in my arms ! Thine are the sweets which never, never sate, Thine still remain through all the storms of fate. Though not for me, 'twas heaven's divine command To roll in acres of paternal land; Yet still my lot is blessed, while I enjoy Thine opening beauties with a lover's eye.

Clifton is situated on section 3, township 28, range 14 ; is sixtynine miles from Chicago, and about five southwest of Chebanse. This section was not railroad land and there was not at first a disposition on the part of the company to make a station here. The first comers here were principally from New England, and were men of education and plenty of theories, but very little practical knowledge of western settlement. The site was a delightful one and the country back of it was excellent. In the summer of 1855 W. B. Young, L. A. White, J. C. and C. O. Howe came from Worcester, Massachusetts, and commenced making farms in this vicinity. C. O. Howe settled where Yan Duzor now lives, and his brother just north of there. Patrick and Mary Conaway had a shanty made of fence-boards at a point about one mile north, and this came to be known as Howe's Port, or Howe's Landing. As it was not a station on the road there was no regular name for it. The next year P. E. Kingman, C. H. French and Capt. Lincoln came from Boston and entered land, or bought it from the railroad, and commenced farming. In 1857 T. W. Howe and H. K. White, and the father of Clifton, Mr. William A. Viets, came. Mr. "Viets was born on the Berkshire hills, made famous by the little incident of William Willis, when he was taunted into mustering up courage to kiss Susanah Pease, and then, as his courage oozed out, trying to place the blame on the girl herself. He was engaged in business in Chicago and believed that here was a good place for a town. He was boarding at the Clifton House at that time, and that incident furnished the name for the place, not, as he says, because it was any more appropriate than Howe's Landing, but the name sounded smoother at least. Mr. Yiets, after some management, succeeded in getting the title to the land perfected, and laid out his town, covering about 80 acres on both sides of the railroad, and commenced selling lots in 1858. Previous to this time passengers wishing to stop here were permitted to, and once a week freight was sent here, but only on the pledge that it should be unloaded from the cars with as little delay to the train as possible. A switch was put in this year and a post-office was established. J. B. Duclos, a Frenchman, built a store on the corner south of the hotel, and was appointed postmaster. Previous to this the house now owned by Mr. Sheldon was built, and in fact a number of the farm houses around but that* long known as the Davis House was the first.

John Barland soon after put up a store next to the one Duclos had built, but both were burned two years later. Mr. Yiets built a blacksmith shop to start with, knowing that no well-regulated town could get along without one, and built the house he still resides in, and, with a determination to do well whatever he did, built the house well back from the road, put a good cellar under it, and made it as convenient as possible, and set out trees on his own and railroad land. The fine maple grove which is growing along the railroad was of his planting. He at one time was ordered to remove them, but before proceeding to obey the order he expostulated with the company and the order was countermanded, after they became satisfied that he did not intend to steal the railroad.

Isaac Yan Duzor came here from Orange county, ]STew York, and built the Clifton House in 1858, which he kept for fourteen years. He also built the store east of the hotel. When it was done he went to Chicago looking for some clever fellow who would trust him for goods enough to fill it. He found his man, and bought his first bill of $2,800 worth, entirely on credit, of perfect strangers. The hotel business was thriving and mercantile business booming. He afterward built the agricultural Jwarerooms, and kept that trade also. Mr. A. S. White now has the hotel and it is still one of the nicest public houses on the line of this road. H. K. White was the first to engage in the grain trade. He was prominent in advancing the interests of the place, and served the town as supervisor and in other official capacities. He died in 1865.

George H. Spooner came here quite early and engaged in housebuilding. He was an educated man and took a great deal of interest in public affairs. He sold out here and intended to go to South America, where he had an advantageous offer. He went east to make a short visit, and returning, went down in the terrible disaster at Ashtabula.

Several additions to the town have been platted. In 1869, Howe's addition of nearly 100 acres on the north was laid out, and in 1873, Viets' addition on the east, about 50 acres. The cemetery was laid out in 1861. The interest of Howe and Kingman, who are both residing at Hyde Park now, and in business in Chicago, on the west side, had the usual effect of such divided interests. Business was on the east side, the church on the west, and it was thought that, for that reason, probably, the school-house ought to be there also. In building the school-house it was put up close by the switch, and with the growth of the town a new one was beginning to be demanded. In this juncture the west-side folks got the district divided, but unfortunately for them the east side continued to be the old district, and as such was the legal owner of the house. The new district got it fixed up for beginning their school, put an extra board on the steps, puttied the windows, plastered the patches, etc., and in the still hours of the night, when all J;he west-side mothers were just thanking their stars that the next day they would get some peace at home, for the children would be in school, the Yandals and the Goths of the east side sallied forth and moved the school-house across the track, and what they took by night they held by right, and the new district put their names down on the assessor's book for a new one. Two two-story school-houses, each about 28x40, afford sufficient room for the schools, and each is surrounded by ample and beautiful grounds.

There is a very pleasant park on the east side. The block some years ago came into possession of Mr. Louther, who beautified and added to its already shady improvements, and when Mr. Ferris took it into his paternal head to name his new-born son in honor of the distinguished gentleman who owned the beautiful block, Mr. Louther, to return the compliment, gave the park to the lad. There is so much of the spirit of devotion to utility only, among the people of our western towns, that it is a real pleasure to note, - right in the middle of a busy little town like this, where the attention of every one seems engrossed with trade, or the current price of hogs ; where the first question asked when neighbors meet, is, " Got your corn shucked? " or, " How 's hogs?" - a real pleasure to find a spot, like an island in the waste, where some one has had an eye to the beautiful simply, not even selfish comfort adorned, but adorning being the chief object ; where, as long as this generation lives, the thoughts of those even who pass by, as the writer did in a minute's walk, will be turned toward the beautiful in nature, and thank the liberal soul who has bestowed a public pleasure.

making of these he indirectly aided to drain those parts of the land which were believed to be too wet for cultivation. He also secured the establishment of a post-route through Clifton, from Plato on the east, to Sugar Loaf, Saunemin, Pontiac and Minonk, upon which were nearly a dozen country offices, which had not before this been supplied with mail facilities. Many of those who commenced business enterprises here early lost in business and disappeared. Smith & Gage have done a large and lucrative business for some years. C. W. Smith, the head of the firm during ten years of changes in the personnel of the firm, is a thorough and accomplished business man, 'and by thorough attention to business has commanded a profitable trade. Mr. La Motte, of L'Erable, has done a good business here for two years. Ellis Moore has been doing a large trade here for two years. Dr. Marshall has been in the practice of his profession here ever since he returned from the army, and most of the time has carried on the drug business. Mr. Yiets, Dr. Marshal, Rev. Mr. Brown, S. P. Walton and others, have nice residences. One of those " survey towers," which have caused so much comment and wonder as to their real object, is erected on the farm of A. B. Cummings. It is made of massive timbers set in the ground about thirty feet apart at the base, and slanting toward each other until, at the height of eighty feet, they are about twelve feet apart. On the top is a signal, so arranged that it can be seen with a glass from the top of the next tower, which is some fifteen miles away. The real object did not seem to be known, except that in a general wa}7 they were for surveying this portion of the state, and numerous were the suppositions in regard to them. The real object is to survey accurately an arc of the earth's circumference, and this region was selected on account of the long stretch of open level country extending from Chicago to the Ohio & Mississippi railroad. The exact position of Chicago had been determined by the very accurate lake survey, which had been in progress for years, and from that city south over the Grand Prairie seemed to be the place to learn by triangulation, - the only accurate system of survey, - the exact length of an arc of the earth's surface, and estimate from that the diameter of the earth, the distance and size of the planet Yenus and other heavenly bodies. All this is done by triangles,, only one short side of the first triangle at Chicago being actually measured by chain.

An election was held June 17, 1867, to vote for or against incorporating under the general act of 1845, which resulted in a vote of thirty-seven for and twenty-six against incorporating. June 29 the first election was held and the following trustees were elected : C. O. Howe, S. B. Walton, L. J. Millspaugh, A. B. Cummings and F. Cazeau. For police magistrate the vote was a tie between G. H. Spooner and H. Sanderson. The former was successful in casting lots. Mr. Millspaugh was chosen president ; S. B. "Walton, clerk ; C. O. Howe, treasurer. The limits were fixed to take in the entire section. In 1874 the town reorganized under the general act of 1872. License has been granted each year but one. At the election that year five of the candidates were tied by receiving an equal number of votes, and the temperance candidates drew the "long straws." The present officers are : R. F. Cummings, president ; John Colby, John Hettinger, S. R. Beardslee, L. G. Bergeron and Jacob Gregorson, trustees ; C. D. Roberts, constable; A. B. Cummings, police magistrate; Thomas Wyke, street commissioner; H. J. Swim, clerk.

The early citizens at Clifton were principally from New England, and coming here did not leave their religious and denominational preferences behind them. Among their first organized efforts was the forming of a Congregational church, or rather in the building of the church edifice, in which the}7 were seconded by Mr. J. C. Howe, of Boston. A preliminary meeting was held November 26, 1859, at which Rev. M. E. Tenny, of the home missionary field, was present, and Rev. Mr. Gould, of Loda. The following persons then agreed to form a church : W. A. Viets and wife, Pliny E. Kingman and wife, Isaac Van Duzor and wife, Charles O. Howe and wife, Jabez C. Howe and wife, Martha B. Taft, Demoresta Walker, C. A. Yiets and Patty Goodhue. At a meeting held January 8, 1860, at which P. E. Kingman was moderator, and C. O. Howe, clerk, the organization was perfected by the election of W. A. Viets and C. O. Howe deacons for a term of three years. Mr. Gould preached for awhile, usually in the hotel, and Rev. Mr. Chipperfield, a student in the seminary has preached since 1877. The present membership is twenty-five. The church, which is 32x55, was built soon after the regular organization. The lot and all material for the building was the donation of Jabez C. Howe, of Boston. The first draft of $500 which he sent on, having been lost by the failure of the person to whom it was entrusted, was replaced by Mr. Howe as soon as the fact was brought to his attention. The Sabbath school has been kept up nearly all the time. A bible class was in the habit of meeting at the hotel before the church was formed.

Starkej, and Mrs. A. Sellers, instituted a prayer meeting and formed themselves into a society for worship. About this time Rev. Mr. Lokey, of Spring Creek circuit, volunteered to preach for them once a month. In 1864 the society was for the first time officially included in that circuit, and Rev. T. J. "W. Sullivan, was pastor in charge.

George Millspaugh was then the class-leader, and seems to have been so at the formation of the class. Rev. A. G. Goodspeed, now of Odell, was the next preacher, coming in 1866 for two years. At this time Mr. S. R. Beardslee was appointed class-leader, a position he still holds. Rev. F. H. Brown, of the Rock River conference, located here and preached for two years. He was not only a man of great fervor, full of religious zeal, but also a man of good business capabilities, and upon him devolved the labor of building the fine church edifice which this people have. It is 34x56, two stories high, and though yet unfinished internally, presents a very pleasant appearance. It has cost thus far $2,800. The present pastor is Rev. J. P. Forsythe. The present membership is sixty. The Sabbath school was organized in 1867, with Thomas Barham as superintendent. S. R. Beardslee is the present superintendent.

The Roman Catholics have a very neat and tasty church, which was built in 1867, 30x50, and cost $3,000. The earliest services held here were in the house of James McGovern, by the resident priest at L'Erable, in 1862. Services were sometimes held in the warehouse. The resident priest at Chebanse officiates here. About 150 families worship here.

Humphrey Huckins, stock -dealer, Chebanse, is one of the pioneers of this county, he coming here in 1839, and his wife's family in 1841. They relate numerous anecdotes of the trials and tribulations incident to a pioneer life. Neighbors were scarce and at . very great distances apart. Danville was the nearest point accessible for marketing. An Indian would now and then be seen, all peaceable, but they soon disappeared after the settlers began to come in. Prairie wolves were abundant, and many a sheep fell a prey to their ravenous appetites. When the railroad was being built they boarded the hands, as no other place at a reasonable distance could be obtained, and it was actually forced upon them. Mr. Huckins carried the hands' dinner, as they progressed, for a distance of several miles. An ordinary coffee-mill was brought into requisition for the purpose of grinding their meal, and hundreds of other modes of " roughing it " they were compelled to go through. Men and women of to-day may talk of hard times, but they know absolutely nothing of hard times in comparison to these hardy sons of toil, - the early pioneers of forty and fifty years ago. Mr. Huckins was born in Clark county, Ohio, April 8, 1819, residing there till 1839, following the occupation of farming. He removed to Butler's Point, Yermilion county, this state, remaining two years. He then came to Iroquois county, settling near the mouth of Spring creek. His father entered some 200 acres and Mr. Huckins 40, adding until he had accumulated some 200 acres. He sold out and went to Kankakee county, living ten years, and then came to Chebanse in about 1869, where he has since resided. He was married on January 12, 1843, to Miss Sarah Boyd, who was born in Maryland on June 12, 1824. They have four children : Guy ; Carrie, wife of M. A. Swift, of Terre Haute, Indiana ; Mary, wife of E. G. Fish, of Fisher, Champaign county, Illinois; and Frank. Mr. Huckins, like all other old residents, has held all the offices a country town is " heir " to.

Humphrey Hennessy (deceased) was born in the county of Cork, Ireland, in 1815, and at the age of thirty-five came to America, working as a farm hand in the state of New York for three years. November 1, 1853, he was married to Miss Margaret Gleason, and immediately set sail by canal and the lakes for the Great Northwest. Somewhere on the, route he met Col. Howard, who engaged and brought them, by way of Joliet, to work on a farm at Milk's Grove, Chebanse township, in this county. Mrs. Hennessy did the housework for a large number of hands for nearly three years. While at the Grove they had born unto them one son, Franklin J., who is said to have been the first white male child born at the Grove, at least after its settlement by the whites. The Hennessys, being noted for their industry and economy, soon became the owners of a farm near Sugar Island, on the banks of the Iroquois'river, where Mr. Hennessy died on July 29, 1870. He, during life, was always greatly interested in the education of his children, and in schools and public improvements. To those he liked he was an ardent and warm friend ; but he held no intercourse with those he did not like. While living in New York state he became a whig on principle, and when the republican party came into existence he attached himself to that faith, and on no account would he vote any other ticket. In religious views Mr. Hennessy and family were Catholics. Mrs. Hennessy, with her youngest son, who manages the farm, still resides upon the old homestead ; while her son, Franklin J., is in the employ of Lemuel Milk, Esq., Chebanse, in his general merchandise establishment, which position, by his general good conduct, he has held for the past six years. Franklin was born July 29, 1854, and John on October 29, 1857, at his present place of abode.

Peter Enos (deceased), another shining light of this township, has gone the way of all flesh. He was born in Cayuga county, New York, on the 24th of March, 1826, and was the son of Jonathan and Cynthia (Howard) Enos, who raised a family of eleven children, seven sons and four daughters. Mr. Enos left New York at the age of ten years (1836) with his parents, and settled in Michigan, where he remained on a farm till the age of twenty-eight. He removed to Kankakee about 1853, and about 1855 or 1856 came to Chebanse township and preempted 160 acres of land, purchasing the same when it came into market. He has since added forty acres to his farm, and in 1876 he built a handsome residence, where his widow still resides in peace and quietude. Mr. E. left two other fine farms, which he had accumulated by industry and economy, besides considerable personal property, having dealt in stock to a great extent. The farm where his wife resides is one of the finest in the township, having an elegant new frame building, surrounded with shrubbery and a dense grove of evergreens; also fine out-houses, etc. He was one of the most thorough and energetic farmers in the county. An upright, generous, whole-souled man, a friend of the oppressed, he was loved by all who came in contact with him. His word was as good as his bond. He had no enemies, and none knew him but to admire, and spoke of him but to praise. He was a member of no sect or society ; took no particular interest in politics, but was of the republican faith. He died of consumption, January 28, 1880. He went south during the summer of 1879, came home, and died in Kankakee at his brother's residence, eleven days afterward, leaving a loving wife to mourn his untimely end. When the gold fever broke out his ambition was at once fired, and with his team he started for Pike's Peak, and from there he went to California. He was married January 19, 1865, to Miss Mary E. Luce, who was born on Long Island, January 4, 1843.

Joseph Haigh, farmer, Chebanse, deserves something more than a passing notice at our hands. He was born March 25, 1824, in Yorkshire, England. Until twenty-six years of age he was engaged in the manufacture of cloth, when, in 1851, he came to America, settling in Philadelphia, and started in the business of manufacturing cotton cloth. Leaving there in the spring of 1855, he went to Chicago and improved a forty-acre tract of land for a personal friend, and in the month of July of the same year he came to Chebanse, settling on the farm where he now resides, within a mile of the village of Chebanse. He has at present nearly 160 acres, with very neat and pleasant residence, commodious out-buildings, good fences, etc., which has a commanding view of the village and its surroundings. He has followed the occupation of farming and stock-raising, but for the past ten years has led a more retired life. He being a man of great literary attainments, he has devoted a great deal of his leisure moments to writing for publications, both editorial and poetical. September 3, 1855, he started on foot, after sunrise, for Danville, a distance of seventy-five miles, making sixty-three miles tlie first day. His mission was for the purpose of entering his land, the land office being then located at Danville. He was school treasurer for seven years, and many a time has he walked to Watseka for the purpose of transacting business in connection with his office and otherwise. He was the first town clerk elected, holding the same some seven or eight years. On two occasions he and Robert Nation, Esq., visited Camp Butler, at Springfield, with their pockets full of money, for the purpose of paying town bounties to soldiers who enlisted on behalf of Chebanse township, its quota being double what it should have been. He was married, April 6, 1861, in this place, to Miss Mary A. McGrady. She was born in Canada, August 24, 1834. They have an only child, John Freeman. Mr. Haigh belongs to no denomination or society, and is looked upon as a representative man by all who know him best.

Joseph Vander Poorten, farmer, Clifton, was born in the province of Flanders, Belgium, February 16, 1828. He was reared on a farm, and received a good common-school education. At the age of twentyseven he emigrated to America, residing one year in Lewis county, New York, and in April, 1856, he came to this township. He purchased 80 acres of land, and has since added 120 more, and in 1877 he built himself a very commodious and comfortable residence, where he still resides. He was married in L'Erable, January 15, 1861, to Miss Auralia Bunker, who was born in Chambly, on the Sorel river, Canada, April 12, 1840. They have been made the happy parents of nine interesting children, six living : Emily, Delphine, Eugene, Walter, Norbert and Stephen; the deceased were: Emma, Edwin and Addie. Mr. Yander Poorten has held the position of commissioner of highways, and been school director ever since 1864. By perseverance, industry and hard labor, he has had the satisfaction of accumulating a nice property. He embraces the Catholic faith ; and in politics votes for the man who, in his opinion, is the ablest and most desirable.

F. Fronville, farmer, Clifton, was born in BonnefF, Belgium, April 12, 1838. His parents were Joseph and Catherine (Thiry) Fronville. He came with his parents to this country in 1856, stopping three months in Chicago. He then came to Iroquois, residing there three years; thence to Kansas for six months. Returning again to this township he worked here and there, wherever he could obtain work. In

1861 he bought 40 acres, and has since erected a nice residence, and has devoted his energies to farming. He was married, March 3, 1862, to Miss Rosalie Ponton, who was born in Canada, September 29, 1842. They have eight children : Rosa, Mary L., Mary A., Eugene, Melina L., Emile A., Amelia F. and Louis J. ; and one deceased. Mr. Fronville's father still resides with him, at the good old age of seventy-three years. Mr. Fronville has been school director two years. He had one brother (Louis) killed in the late war.

E. W. Dodson, farmer, Chebanse, was born in Luzerne county, Pennsylvania, on July 3, 1830. His parents were Stephen B. and Flavia (Cobbs) Dobson, both natives of the same county. Mr. Dobson was raised as a farmer, but taught school, clerked, etc., part of the time. In 1854 he moved to Cook county, Illinois, teaching school that winter. In 1855 he came to Kankakee county, and in 1856 to Iroquois county. He has followed surveying to some extent. In August, 1861, he enlisted in the 10th 111. Inf., and reenlisted in January, 1864. He participated in the battles of the siege of Corinth, Atlanta, New Madrid, Lookout Mountain, Jonesboro, Sherman's march to the sea, back through the Carolinas, and at Bentonville, North Carolina, - Sherman's last fight. He then went to Washington and participated in the grand review May 25 ; was mustered out July 4, at Louisville, Kentucky, and was paid oif in Chicago on the 12th, and returned home. In 1865 he was elected county surveyor, and reflected in 1867. He also held other minor offices. He has under cultivation 120 acres. He is a member of no denomination, and is an active republican. He was married, November 29, 1877, to Miss Martha E. Babcock, who was born in Charleston, Massachusetts, December 27, 1840.

James M. Burroughs, Chebanse, was among the early settlers in this vicinity, and we devote space to his biography with considerable pleasure. He was born in Alstead, New Hampshire, April 16, 1812, and was a resident of that immediate locality for some forty-five years. He was raised as a farmer lad, but served his time at the carpenter's trade, following the same in connection with farming till about 1856, at which time he moved west and settled in Sugar Island, this county, having preempted 160 acres. He soon added another 40, and farmed for some ten years. For two years he kept store, with Dr. Buckner as a partner. In March, 1869, he moved to the village of Chebanse, purchased a large lot and built himself a house. He followed his trade for six years, and was in the furniture business for three years. He built the school-house, Congregational church and was engaged on the Methodist, and on every hand can be seen evidences of his handiwork, both in the town and country. He has been a member of the town council, school director and town trustee. Mrs. Burroughs is an honored member of the Congregational church. He was married in Bloomington, April 2, 1858, to Martha A. Ransdell, who was born in Bowling Green, Kentucky, December 25, 1826. They have two children : Fred M. and Burt E., both born in Sugar Island. Mrs. Burroughs has one child, deceased (Anna Ransdell), who was the wife of Edwin B. Tyler. She died December 29, 1872. Mrs. Burrough's wedding tour was of the most primitive nature, and our fair damsels of to-day would scarce embark on the sea of matrimony, knowing that their wedding trip was to be in a lumber wagon, mounted on their " Saratoga," and that their " best bib and tucker " had to be protected from the rain by the friendly shelter of a sheepskin, lovingly thrown around her by her sworn protector. Her reception room was furnished with an old rag carpet, bedstead, a chair or two, and an old rusty cook-stove took the place of a " base-burner."

Francis W. Howe, farmer, Clifton, an old settler and a well-to-do farmer, was born in Brookfield, Massachusetts, December 18, 1819. He lived with his parents until twenty years of age, and then went to New York city, going into the wholesale dry-goods business, in which he remained till 1857. In the fall of 1857 he moved west, settling in Clifton, this township, where he has continued to remain. C. O. Howe and brothers bought 4,000 acres of land here, of the Illinois Central Railroad Company and Solomon Sturgis, of Chicago, in or about 1855. Mr. Howe came two years later and took up 120 acres. He was married, January 8, 1845, to Miss Sarah S. Cowdrey, of New York city. She died February 16, 1866, in her forty-second year. He was again married, October 3, 1867, to the widow of the late H. K. White, a well known and respected citizen of Clifton. She was born April 18, 1830. He has six children by first marriage : Helena C., wife of Edward S. Perry, of New Haven, Connecticut; Arthur L., Walter M., Oscar C., William F. and Isabel A. Josephine D. Howe died in New York, August 17, 1853. Mr. Howe has a cozy residence on the outskirts of the village of Clifton, with large and beautiful grounds surrounding it, uniformly laid out with shade trees, and it is just such a home as any one might well covet.

J. P. H. Trescott, justice of the peace, Chebanse, was born in Luzerne county, Huntington township, Pennsylvania, September 30, 1825. His father, Luther, was born in Canaan, Connecticut, and his mother, Eleanor (Parke), was raised in New Jersey, - both being of Quaker parentage. The father died in the winter of 1878, and the mother in February, 1864. Mr. Trescott was reared on a farm, and lived in his native township until 1857, when he removed to this vil- lage, arriving here March 28. While in Luzerne county he farmed during the summer and taught school during the winter. He also followed farming in this township for three years, and teaching school through the winter seasons, receiving $22 a month and board. The times being very hard he considered himself extremely lucky to obtain employment at almost any remuneration. After three years of ill health, and his doctor's bills being so high, he was obliged to quit farming. He moved to the village of Chebanse, May 1, 1860, and on September 1 he formed a partnership with Amos M. Wilson, with a combined capital of $40, and opened a butcher shop, and two months thereafter he bought out his partner and continued the business until 1867, in connection with farming, teaching, etc. In April, 1862, he was elected justice of the peace, and has continuously held the office up to the present time. Mr. Trescott was married to Miss Sallie A. Dodson, September 22, 1850. She was born in Luzerne county, January 21, 1829. They have had ten children, six living: Stephen O., Luther K., Amy E., William H., Lloyd F. and Edward L. The names of the deceased are : Olin R., Ada C., Harry A. and Charles F. The first was buried in Pine Grove, Pennsylvania, and the last three in Sugar Island Cemetery, Kankakee county. Mr. Trescott was formerly an old line whig, but has voted for every republican candidate for president that has been placed in the field.

A. B. Cummings, justice of the peace, Clifton, was born in Sutton, Massachusetts, April 22, 1820, his mother dying when he was but ten months old, and his little sister aged two years. ' They were placed in the care of a relative till he was about sixteen years old, when they were both compelled to paddle their own canoe. He drifted about till 1840, when he went to Milford and remained there till 1842, going to school. Then he went to Holliston Academy, graduating in 1844. He taught school in the east and west for twenty-two years. He came west about 1854, locating in Granville, Putnam county, Illinois, where he got his first " boost " toward prosperity, teaching there in the Granville Academy for two and a half years. He went to Wenona, Marshall county, and thence to Clifton, in this township, where he has permanently resided. He went into the coal and lumber business, and continued in active business life till 1877. He was elected justice of the peace in the spring of 1870, and is still acting in that capacity. He was married on Thanksgiving day, 1847, to Miss Emily Fowler, who was born in July, 1820, in Grafton, Massachusetts. They have two children : Robert F. and Mary. One son died, Marion P.

February 20, 1813. He was brought up a farmer, as was his father before him. In 1830 he went to New York, stopping five years, as a clerk; then to Cleveland, Ohio, for three years, and back again to New York, and going into business for himself till 1854. He then came to Illinois, stopping in Chicago till 1858, and from there he came to Clifton and settled, he owning some 200 acres of land. He laid out the town in 1861, at that time there being but two houses on the east side of the railroad. The town was first settled by some ten families from the east, - first-class citizens and well-to-do, - most of whom have left for other parts. Mr. Yiets took great pride in decorating the town with shade trees, nearly all of which were planted by or through him. The beautiful little cemetery is, we understand, owned by him, and kept up at his own expense, he having made great outlay in ornamenting with trees, shrubbery, etc. The citizens a"re indebted to him to a great extent for his pride and generosity in furthering the interests and welfare of the town. He has held all the various town offices, although not very desirable positions. He was married in New York, May 17, 1836, to Miss Mary E. Pennoyer, who was born in New York city, July 21, 1816. She died in New York, March 11, 1853. September 17, 1856, he was married to Mrs. Frances N. Reeves, of Boston, in the city of Chicago. She was born in Boston, February 20, 1823. He had by first marriage : Catharine, wife of John R. Cameron, of Ottawa, Illinois ; Mary P., wife of Madison H. Ferris, of Chicago; and Charlotte. By second marriage: Helen C., born in Chicago, June 22, 1857 ; and William H., born in Clifton, November 1, 1864, and accidentally killed, March 17, 1879, by a gunshot while out hunting. He being a bright, intelligent boy, a dutiful, a loving and an only son, it was a severe and sad blow to his fond parents and doting sisters.

Jerome Bard, merchant, Chebanse, was born in Maine, June 18, 1832. His parents were William and Mehitable (Wood) Bard. Mr. Bard lived in his native town until twenty-one years old, then moved to Massachusetts, residing there some eight or ten years, and then came out west, landing in Chicago in May, 1860, and shortly afterward came to this township, where he engaged in the purchase and shipping of grain to Chicago for a year following. He then enlisted in Co. G, 25th 111. Vol., June 1, 1861, serving something over three years. He enlisted as a "high" private and was mustered out as an orderlysergeant in the city of Springfield in the month of August, 1864. He was engaged in every battle his company participated in during the war, the first being that of Pea Ridge, followed successively by the battles of Perryville, Stone River, Chickamauga, Mission Ridge, and numerous skirmishes on the line of march from Chattanooga to Atlanta, some of them being very heavy engagements. Shortly after reaching Atlanta his regiment turned about-face and returned to Springfield, Illinois, where they disbanded. Returning to Chebanse he clerked for six years, excepting two years, being laid up with rheumatism, since which time he has been in business for himself, having a branch store at Cabery, Kankakee county. His partner is Francis T. McKee. Mr. Bard was married to Miss Mary E. Robinson, at Kankakee, in October, 1867, by the Rev. Mr. Whitehead. He has two living children : Bertie and Shirley ; and two deceased : Mabel L. and an infant. Mrs. Bard was born in Ohio in March, 1844. He has lived here nineteen years ; at present is a town trustee, and has always voted the republican ticket, - Abraham Lincoln being the first presidential candidate to receive his ballot.

J. N. Frooninckx, farmer, Chebanse, was born in Lubeck, Belgium, August 30, 1823. He lived at the place of his nativity until thirtythree years of age, and attended school until he was fifteen years old, and has farmed during his life. He came to America in 1856, coming direct to Iroquois county, locating on what is known as the Belgian Farm, buying his present homestead of 160 acres in 1860. He was married in the old country, March 25, 1856, to Miss Mary A. Lefevre. She died three years after coming to this country. April 2, 1866, he was married to Miss Yictoria Shanjelon ; she was born in Belgium December 22, 1835. They have four children : Mary, Joseph, Emil and Gustav. He has held the position of school director, taking great interest in matters pertaining to education. He is a member of the Catholic church.