Knox County, Illinois - The whole text, 1912 (part 9 of 56)

Resolved, That this board of supervisors will pay a bounty of fifty dollars to any citizen of Knox county enlisted for one year, and mustered into the service of the United States, after the date of this meeting to a sufficient number to fill any deficiency which may hereafter be found to exist in the quota of Knox county, under the present call for 500,000 more men.

The committee appointed at the special meeting of this board to visit Springfield, reported through the county clerk that they had visited Springfield, and that the deficiency of Knox county as reported at its last meeting had been reduced and that the county on its entire quota had an excess of thirty-nine men; that according to the statement received from the Provost Marshal's office, the excess of the several towns which had furnished a surplus of men amounted to 183, and that the towns deficient were behind 144 men ; by which it appeared that the county was in the aggregate 39 men in excess.

On motion of Supervisor Potter it was voted that a committee be appointed to continue the investigation in regard to where the several volunteers from the different towns in the County of Knox have been credited; and that the committee have power to appoint such persons as they may deem necessary to assist them in their investigation ; and further that the county clerk prepare and procure to be printed for the use of said committee, full rolls of all men enlisted in Knox County from the commencement of the war, furnishing to each supervisor a full statement of enlistment in each town and the published lists of the entire county. .' ; .:'":'' - ': \

Supervisor Matthews, from committee on aid rendered soldiers' families, reported that said committee had examined all bills presented and recomm^ded the payment of bills amounting to $6,831.84. ' -

It will be seen that the committee have exceeded the authority conferred by the resolution of the board, which limited the number to be paid to three hundred. The committee commenced paying under the impression that the whole number enlisted would be less than 300; which was the number intended to be paid. But on proceeding with the payments, your committee soon found the number enlisted somewhat exceeded the number authorized to be paid, and as a portion of the payments had already been made, we could find no proper line of discrimination. Your committee therefore concluded to assume the responsibility of paying the whole, and trust to the future action of the board for relief. The whole number enlisted under that resolution will not probably exceed 325, leaving the number of twenty-five to be provided for by this meeting. Your committee can see no good reason for making a discrimination among those volunteers in regard to bounty. They came promptly forward under the governor's call, and having equally assisted in establishing the honor of Knox county as being the only county in the state, except Kane, which has furnished the full number called for, it seems to your committee that they should all be equally entitled to

Resolved, That a bounty of fifty dollars be paid by this board to each drafted man, under the present call of the president, mustered into the United States service, whose family may be in needy circumstances, said bounty to be paid to the respective families of such drafted men in such articles as they may need, by the supervisor of the town where they reside. . .

Resolved, That the County of Knox will pay $ioo to each man drafted to fill the quota of the several towns of said county under the present call, to be paid when proper evidence is presented of his having been mustered into the service of the United States.

On which substitute the yeas and nays were called, resulting: Yeas - Messrs. Holyoke, LeBaron, Knable, Lyons, Gibbs and Chairman - 6. Nays - Messrs. Meek, Lowrie, Heflin, Newell, Heagy, Arms and McComack - 7. Lost.

looted, That the resolution of May I4th, i86i, in regard to aid rendered to families of volunteers, be extended and apply to the families of drafted men.

Resolved, That our senator and representative in the general assembly of this state, be requested to use every effort to procure the passage of a law at this session of the state legislature giving to every volunteer who may be credited to the quota of this state, under this or any succeeding draft, the sum of three hundred dollars, as a state bounty.

Resolved, That Knox county will pay a bounty of two hundred dollars to each acceptable volunteer, who shall, on or before the 1 5th day of February next, enlist in the service of the United States to serve one year, said bounty to be paid on the certificate of the Provost Marshal of this district, that such volunteer is mustered into the service of the United States to serve one year; and that such volunteer is credited on the quota for volunteers from Knox county. All volunteers so paid shall be apportioned to the several townships according to the existing enrollment. > ; ^-:: ^ --- -'--- '---.'-.-'- - -^ - ) .- v ' C

- For which resolution Mr. LeBaron offered the following substitute: A ;- Whereas, The president has issued a call for 300,000 men, and a draft has

- Resolved, That Knox county will pay a bounty of three hundred dollars for each acceptable recruit, to make up the deficiency of any town in Knox county, to be paid on the certificate of the Provost Marshal of the 5th district, that said recruit is accepted and duly credited to some town in this county.

- : Resolved, That any town in said county who may have or shall furnish any recruit by town authority or association, to fill deficiency of said town, such town shall be entitled from the county treasury to the sum of three hundred dollars, bounty for each recruit so furnished.

When the yeas and nays were called on accepting of said substitute, it was decided in the affirmative by the following vote: Yeas - Messrs. Meek, Lowrie, Stewart, Nelson, Heflin, Newell, Heagy, Arms, Gray, LeBaron, Pickrell, Miles, McCornack, Knable, Shaffer, Lynes and Gibbs - 17. Nays - None. Absent - 3. Excused - I. Substitute accepted.

Mr. Lowry, from committee to audit bills for aid rendered to the families of soldiers, presented the following report, which was on motion accepted, and adopted, and the clerk directed to issue orders to the several parties named for the amount so found due them. .;--.::

That they have examined said bills and recommend the following be allowed, and orders issued in payment to the several persons as indicated, making a grand total of $12,390.13. " : :^:; '</.?;-

Your committee would remark in conclusion that the amount allowed seems too large; and that it has come to the knowledge of the committee that there are some soldiers' widows in the county who are drawing their support, whose husbands have been killed in the army and who have received their bounties, and are now drawing their pensions from the government, and your committee would recommend that in such cases further assistance be withheld by the supervisors. ' ,

Mr. Arms offered a resolution in regard to the raising of funds, payment of bounties and the manner of paying the same. This resolution was amended and finally passed unanimously and reads as follows:

Resolved, That a committee of three be appointed who shall be authorized to negotiate a loan for the terms of one, two and three years, in sufficient amount to pay the bounties to soldiers voted at this meeting, said committee to be fully authorized to issue such certificate, or bonds, as may be necessary to secure the same, and this committee shall be known as the Knox County Bounty Fund Committee. :'>

Resolved, That it shall be the duty of the treasurer of Knox county on the presentation of the certificate of the Provost Marshal, as required by the action of this board, providing for bounties, to pay the bounty out of the fund provided by the bounty fund committee. And it shall be the duty of the treasurer to provide a suitable book in which he shall record the name of the recruit certified to by the Provost Marshal, with date of payment and to whom paid. Provided, that if any recruit shall elect to let his bounty remain in the treasury of Knox county, said certificate shall draw interest from date of presentation at the rate of seventhirty per cent, per annum, and the treasurer shall make the necessary acceptance on the back of said certificate, and also register the same opposite the name of said recruits in his book of recruits.

Pursuant to notice authorized by the seven members of the board of supervisors, said board met in special meeting Jan. 27th, 1865, at the court house in the City of Knoxville for the purpose of furthering the question of bounties to soldiers.

Resolved, That the resolution adopted at the regular meeting in January instant, be so amended as to include in its offer of bounty, drafted men who have contributed to draft associations, as well as to volunteers. Lost. Yeas - Messrs. Matthews, Stewart, Nelson and Heflin - 4. Nays - Messrs. Meek, Newell, Arms, Gray, LeBaron, Potter, Pickrell, McCornack, Knable, Nicholson, Shaffer, Lynes and Gibbs - 13. Absent - ^3.

Resolved, That the soldiers now in the field, or those who may hereafter volunteer, the widows of deceased soldiers, and widows who have sons now in the army, or who may hereafter volunteer from the County of Knox, shall be exempt from the payment of the bounty tax levied, or to be levied, to pay the bounty authorized by the board of supervisors at the regular January meeting of this board.

The question being, shall the main question be put, the yeas and nays were called, resulting in the negative : Yeas - Messrs. Matthews, Stewart, Hefiin and

Resolved, That the board hereby endorse the action of the Bounty Fund committee in advertising for money to pay bounties, and order that taxes be levied for the payment of such sums of money as may be needed to pay bounties, under resolutions passed January nth, A. D. 1865, and that said taxes be levied, during the years 1865, 1866 and 1867 at such rates as will produce the necessary amount of money to pay indebtedness of each year respectively, and interest accruing thereon from time to time. . - . ; - :v;.. ;: } v::.X:

Resolved, That our senator and representative in the general assembly be requested to procure the passage of a bill legalizing the acts of the Board of Supervisors of Knox County, at their meetings January nth and 27th, A. D. 1865, for paying bounties, and authorizing said county to issue bonds, and levy taxes for the payment thereof.

Resolved, That a committee of three be appointed by the chair, whose duty it shall be to prepare a bill to be presented to the legislature of Illinois, legalizing the action of this board in levying a tax for the payment of county bounties, as contemplated by the resolution adopted at our January meeting, 1865, and procure the passage of the same. 1- / -:- v ;'/'--; V :..'?. '^^."? T/; 'T - ; .- :

On motion of Supervisor Matthews, it was ordered that the time for the reception of bids for bounty loan be extended until the loth day of February next, and that bids therefor remain unopened until that day.

The struggle of the board of supervisors to raise money to fill the quota of soldiers apportioned to Knox county was again manifested at another special meeting held Monday, February 27, 1865. - :'- . ' I; ;-:.-;'..

At the request of the Bounty Fund committee the clerk stated the condition of the loan authorized at the January meeting of the board, from which it appeared that but a small portion of the loan had been taken, and that from that source the necessary funds to pay bounties allowed at the January meeting could not be obtained. . '.M, ir ":.;>' .

Mr. Potter, from committee appointed at the January special meeting of the board, to draft a bill authorizing the (Bounty of Knox to issue bonds for the purpose of procuring money to pay bounties to volunteers, and to procure the passage of the same by the legislature, then in session, reported: That in compliance with the resolution of the board, he had prepared such a bill and had been to Springfield to procure its passage ; that when said bill was presented, opposition was made to its passage by citizens of this county, through their influence the bill was defeated, and the authority to issue bonds withheld.

On motion of Mr. Gray the report was accepted. ;: !Mr. LeBaron offered the following preamble and resolutions: ^^: Whereas, at the January meeting of this board, the County of Knox offered a bounty of three hundred dollars to each volunteer mustered into the service of the United States, on the call of the president for 300,000 men, who shall be credited to the quota of any town of said county, to the amount of its deficiency; and this board appointed a committee to procure the money by loan, and

Whereas, said committee, after due publication and notice given, has failed to secure loans to a sufficient amount to pay the indebtedness incurred, by reason of such volunteering, and it being found that under an act of the legislature of the bill" authority is given to the Board of Supervisors of Knox County to levy and collect a special tax for the payment of such indebtedness, and to prescribe the time for the collection of the same ; and it being necessary to do so, to preserve the credit and good faith of the county, it is therefore

Ordered by the Board of Supervisors of Knox County, that a special tax of two per cent (two dollars on every one hundred dollars valuation) be, and is hereby levied and assessed upon each dollar's worth of taxable property, both real and personal, within the County of Knox; which tax shall be known and designated as the bounty tax, and the proceeds thereof be known as the bounty tax fund, and shall be applied strictly in conformity with said law. , - ; Ordered, That the county clerk procure suitable books, and immediately extend such tax thereon, taking the assessment of 1864 as his basis for such tax.

Ordered, That on the completion of said tax books, the clerk issue his warrant, as provided by law, for the collection of the same, directed to the collectors of the several towns, taking bonds from said collectors as provided by law, for the faithful performance of their duties, and requiring said collectors to make returns thereof by the ist day of May, A. D. 1865.

Ordered, That all taxes returned as delinquent by the town collectors to the county collector, be collected by said county collector, in the same manner and at the same time, as is now provided by law for the collection of state and county taxes.

On the adoption of which preamble and resolutions, or orders, the yeas and nays were ordered, resulting: Nays - Messrs. Meek, Lowrie, Heflin, Newell, Heagy, Arms, Gray, LeBaron, Potter, Pickrel, McCornack, Stuckey, Knable, Nicholson, Gibbs and Mr. Chairman - 16. Nays - none. Absent - 5. And therefore declared adopted.

Mr. Lowrie moved that the town collectors be required to make returns of all collections made every ten days after the reception of the tax books from the clerk. Adopted. :

On motion it was voted that each supervisor be required to certify to the treasurer the name of each volunteer, who may have been credited to his town respectively, to fill the quota thereof; and that said treasurer shall only pay on

Resolved, That the county will pay lo per cent, interest on all certificates of enlistment from the date of their issue by the Provost Marshal until the same are paid by the treasurer.

Nays - Messrs. Lowry, Hefiin, Newell, Arms, Gray, LeBaron, Potter, Pickrel, McCornack, Stuckey, Gibbs and Mr. Chairman - 12. ---'. The regular meeting, April, 1865, of the board was held and the allowances reported by the committee on aid to soldiers seemed excessively large and an effort of the board was made to limit expenditures in aid to soldiers' families. ,..

Mr. Gray, from committee appointed to audit claims presented for aid rendered to families of volunteers, rendered the following report which was on motion accepted. Mr. Arms moved to adopt so much of the report as relates to the claims audited and the recommendation that orders be issued in payment to the several parties named for the sums specified. Motion adopted and orders directed to issue, aggregating $11,155.39. . : .X;^ :.l :':

Your committee would recommend that the claifns allowed as above, be audited and paid, as the goods were furnished and services rendered under the approval of the supervisors of the several towns, but the accounts indicate that in some cases supervisors have not adhered strictly to the rules adopted by this board, for example, Indian Point claims aid is allowed $339.35 for the single article of meat, which is more than the whole amount claimed by either Ontario, Sparta, ! Copley, Walnut Grove, Persifer, Haw Creek, Chestnut, Orange, Rio and Truro, for all purposes. That no sufficient explanation is given for this great difference in claims from towns having about the same population, and as a check to this large disbursement of public money, we would recommend that the board so amend the resolution under which we are now acting, that each supervisor shall render assistance to only such families of soldiers as have volunteered or been drafted in Knox county; that they use greater care, that all supplies so given shall be absolutely necessary. We would further recommend that the supervisors give orders, naming the articles necessary in such order, and that the orders be attached to all bills presented to this board for payment.

'- Resolved, That the supervisors be instructed to aid only the families of soldiers, citizens of this county, and who have not received a county bounty exceeding fifty dollars.

And the question recurring on the adoption of the resolution, the same was passed. t> Mr. Gale offered the following resolution, which was adopted:

Resolved, That each supervisor be directed to render to each meeting of the board a statement of the number of families assisted by him, the number of persons in each family and the amount of assistance given to each. ;:' April. 1865. - Mr. Vaughn offered the following resolution:

Resolved, That each member of this board be and is hereby requested to obtain the names of those residing in the town which he represents, who are now (serving) or have served three years in the United States Military service, and also who may have received wounds or died in such service, that have been assessed, or have paid the taxes assessed on their property to raise funds to pay bounties to volunteers, known as the 2 per cent, tax; and also the amount that each may have been assessed or paid, and report the same to this board at the next annual meeting.

Resolved, That a committee of three be appointed by the chair, whose duty it shall be to get the opinion of competent counsel with a view to determine whether there is any legal way in which the taxes so assessed or paid by such persons can be refunded to them by the county by any act of this board and report at the next annual meeting of this board. V

, Mr. Gale moved to amend by adding after the words "assessed or paid," and said supervisors shall ascertain and report how much money has been paid by the county to the parties contemplated to be benefited by this resolution, as donations from the county.

Mr. Stuckey moved that the resolution of Mr. Gale passed yesterday cutting off aid to families of soldiers, not residents of Knox county at time of enlisting, be reconsidered. Passed.

Yeas - Messrs. Smith, Harden, Gale, Sanderson, Ferris, Gray, Curtis, McCornack and Stuckey - 9. Nays - Messrs. Dunlap, Heflin, Arms, Maple, Pickrel, Miles, Nicholson, Vaughn and Laflferty - 9.

September, 1865. - Mr. Curtis moved the allowance of bounty of fifty dollars to Patrick H. Gilgan, a volunteer in the iO2nd regiment, which had not been paid owing to informality of certificate. Motion allowed, and clerk directed to issue order therefor. . . -.^ .v. -> ..

Resolved, That each supervisor be, and is hereby requested to make out a list of the names of those in his township, who have paid any part of the tax, known as the two per cent, tax, which was levied for the purpose of paying bounties to volunteers - who were at the time of such payment in the military service of the United States, or who had been honorably discharged from such service; and report such list, with the amount each has paid, to this board at its next

The yeas and nays being called, resulted : Yeas - Messrs. Heflin and Vaughn - 2. Nays - Messrs. Smith, Gale, Dunlap, Ferris, Heagy, Arms, Gray, Curtis, Pickrel, Miles, McCornack, Stuekey, Pease and Nicholson - 14. Absent - Messrs. Harden, Sanderson, Maple, Thompson and Lafferty - 5. Lost. /

Resolved, That John S. Winter, present county clerk, furnish the board of supervisors at their next meeting, a list of all who have volunteered in the service of the United States from Knox county, and who have not received any local bounty. v ;x-, ::;;,.- .^^^ '1V -'.'

We, the undersigned committee, appointed to audit claims presented by the several supervisors of Knox county, for support rendered soldiers' families, furnished since the last meeting of this board, beg leave to make the following report: And recommend that an order be passed ordering the clerk of this county to draw orders in favor of the several parties for the amounts named below, as follows, and amounting to $7,755.74. Which report on motion of Mr. Arms was accepted and the recommendation of the committee concurred in.

January, 1866. - The clerk then presented a list of volunteers who had not received local bounty (so far as the same could be ascertained) in this county, as directed by the board of supervisors at their September meeting, which report was accepted ; and on motion of Mr. Gale, the report by townships was referred to the supervisors of the several towns, with instructions to examine and correct the same, and return to the county clerk and that the clerk make another report at the next meeting of this board. ;r .. ; .'. !.'.;:r :' ' I - :^

Resolved, That the county clerk prepare a statement of the amount of money expended by Knox county for bounties; and also the amount expended for aid to families of volunteers, and report to the adjutant general in accordance with the tenor of his circular; and that the board recommend to the several cities, towns and associations to make returns of the amount each town has expended for like purposes, to the county clerk, that such amounts may be duly certified and forwarded to the adjutant general.

' Whereas, The necessity for assistance to soldiers' families has nearly ceased, and whereas, the further assistance to such families can be better rendered by each town for itself, therefore

Mr. Gray's resolution being in order, Mr. Pease moved to amend by postponing the operation of the resolution until after the next meeting of the board. Amendment adopted, and the question recurring on the adoption of the resolution as amended, the same was adopted. Yeas - E. S. Harden, A. J. Dunlap, R. Heflin, L. D. Ferris, G. W. Heagy, Cephas Arms, John Gray, A. S. Curtis, James McCornack, S. V. Stuckey, Jas. H. Nicholson, John Lafferty - 13. Nays - Messrs. P. H. Smith, W. Selden Gale, A. M. Maple, James Pickrel and H. J. Vaughn - 5. Adopted.

April, 1866. - Petition of Gen. A. A. Smith for bounty, under resolution passed July 3ist, A. D. 1862, presented by Mr. Gale, and on motion said petition was referred to a committee of three. (The chair appointed Messrs. Arms, Heagy and Keller.)

The committee to which was referred the claims presented for aid rendered to soldiers' families, reported the following claims, and recommended their allowance, which report was accepted, the recommendation concurred in, and the clerk directed to issue orders for the several amounts allowed amounting to $1,281.61. . . . ,.

" Resolved, That the board adopt and ratify the resolution passed at its last meeting refusing further aid to families of volunteers by the county from and after this date.

Resolved, That the supervisor of each town, be and is hereby authorized to extend aid to the families of volunteers who are still in the service of the United States, or who have died or been disabled in such service, when such families are really in need of such aid; and although the families of any deceased soldier may receive a pension from the government of eight dollars per month, this shall be no bar to such aid when absolutely needed, any resolution of this board to the contrary notwithstanding.

The yeas and nays on said amendment being called, resulted : Yeas - Messrs. Meek, Gale, Conger, Clay, Heagy, Ebright, Beadle, Combs, Thompson, Vaughn, Gibbs and Chairman - 12. Nays - Messrs. Dunlap, Heflin, Arms, Kellar. Johnson, Rhea, Adams and Newell - 9. Resolution as amended, adopted. ' ' September, 1866. - Mr. Meek, from committee to which were referred the bills for aid rendered to families of volunteers, 'reported recommending the allowance of claims amounting to $585.92 plus $222.50.

Mr. Vaughn offered the following resolution which was adopted: -: Resolved, That the sum of one thousand dollars be and is hereby appropriated to the Soldiers' Orphans' Home, to be paid on the order of treasurer of the above mentioned institution, upon the condition precedent, that some agent of the aforesaid institution shows, to the satisfaction of the county clerk, and the chairman of this board, that said institution has already secured the balance of fifty thousand dollars, as subscription to said institution.

The county clerk is hereby authorized to borrow the above amount on the credit of the county, and pay over the amount on the condition above stated.

January, 1867. - Mr. Gale presented report of committee on aid rendered families of soldiers, and recommended the allowance of the following claims to the parties named for the sums specified. Report accepted and adopted. And on motion of Mr. Gale the clerk was directed to issue orders in payment, ag-: gregating $607.33. / ,. . ( :: V : A I : - ; = ^

Mr. Gale presented claim of Benj. Lombard for furnishing substitute, for the sum of $300.00 and moved the payment thereof. Rejected. The board also refused to pay bounty to Col. F. C. Smith.

April, 1867. - The committee on miscellaneous subjects to whom was referred claims for the support of soldiers' families, beg leave to report a total of $967.91, which was allowed.

Mr. Holyoke presented a claim for a one hundred days' service bounty under former resolution of the Board, and it appearing that said bounty had never been paid, it was voted that the clerk issue an order to Wilson Bandy, assignee of Thomas Mollen, for the sum of twenty- five dollars, in payment of such bounty.

Whereas, Many of our fellow citizens fell in the War of the Rebellion, it is but just that a tribute to their worth and patriotism be erected by the county,, and their memories preserved by a grateful community, therefore

Resolved, By the board of supervisors, that a suitable monument be erected upon the public square of the City of Knoxville, upon the tablets of which the names of each citizen of the county who lost his life in the service of his country shall be engraved and such other memoranda as may be deemed proper by a committee hereafter to be appointed to carry out this resolution.

Mr. Keightley moved that the resolution of Mr. Sumner in regard to a soldiers' monument be taken from the table. Yeas - Messrs. McKee, Sumner, Charles, Keightley, Hamrick, Miles, Hall, Wood, Shaffer, Vaughn and Gibbs - ii. Nays - Messrs. Meek, Harden, Clay, Gale, Conger, Whiting, Dunlap, Beadle, Johnson and Chambers - lO. Carried.

Resolved, That in the opinion of this board, it is not now prudent for the county to make an effort to erect the proposed monument, in as much as large expenditures have lately been made by the county, and that we are not now in a condition to do justice to this matter. And that the resolution for the present be laid upon the table.

;- Harden, Clay, Gale, Conger, Whiting, Dunlap, Wykoff, Newell, Charles, Beadle, Miles, Johnson, Chambers, Vaughn and Gibbs - 16. Nays - Messrs. McKee, Sumf ner, Keightley, Hamrick, Swigart, Hall and Wood - 7. Carried. - ' Mr. Miles then offered the following substitute which was adopted:

"\ -- . Resolved, That the supervisor of each town report to this board at their next ,.; meeting, the names of those who paid any portion of the tax levied to raise money V to pay bounties to soldiers, known as the 2 per cent, tax, and the amount that , each so paid who were at the time of such payment in the military service of the .. United States. Lost. : -

Resolved, That the Hon. W. Selden Gale be, and he is hereby requested to .* procure if possible the passage of a law authorizing the County of Knox to refund the tax paid by those who were at time of such payment in the military service of the United States, which tax was levied to raise money to pay bounties to soldiers, and known as the 2 per cent, tax, and that the clerk of this board for- -: ward a copy of this resolution to Mr. Gale.

Mr. Whiting moved to amend by inserting private soldiers. Lost. The ques- ,' tion recurring on the passage of Mr. Vaughn's resolution, it was lost by the following vote : Yeas - Messrs. Whiting, Dossett, Johnson and Vaughn - ^4. Nays , - Messrs. Smith, Harden, Clay, Frisbie, Sanderson, Lanphere, Robertson, Bet- ;.; terton, Charles, Beadle, Lacy, Chambers, Corey, Wood, Tucker, Gibbs and the ' Chairman - 18.

. : December 1895. - The following communication from the state's attorney in relation to aid to indigent soldiers, sailors and marines was read: -.:.;- -. , .;.;-.--.. .; To the Hon. Chairman and Board of Supervisors, Knox Co., III.

Gentlemen: - Your chairman has requested that I give an opinion in relation ' to the construction of one of the statutes of this state, being an act entitled an

- Act to regulate the granting of relief to indigent war veterans and their families ; the question being, whether the relief provided for in said act is furnished

' by the individual townships or by the county at large. An examination of this act 'V reveals the fact that it is very loosely drawn. The only thing I am able to ; - discover in the act which indicates that the relief granted to the old soldiers and their families is to be furnished by the county is from the reading of the first section of the act, which provides, "That the overseer of the poor, as used '-. in this act, shall be construed to mean all persons whose duty it is under existing ' statutes to care for, relieve or maintain wholly or in part any poor or indigent .; person who may be entitled to such relief under the statutes of the State of Illinois." , - .-,.., ...

Now in this county the overseer of the poor is the supervisor of each township (outside of the City of Galesburg, where we have a regularly appointed overseer of the poor) and with the exception of this fact I find no where through the balance of this act anything which would further indicate that the care of the old soldiers and their families was a county charge, but I do find by a careful reading of the act that indications all point to the fact that such care, so furnished, shall be a charge upon the individual townships.

This is as near as it is possible for me to construe this statute without precedent or authority, and leads me to conclude that it was the intention of the legislature in passing this act that the care of the indigent old soldiers, sailors, marines and their families should be a charge upon the several townships throughout the county where they resided and not a charge upon the county at large.

On motion of Mr. Latimer, the foregoing opinion of the state's attorney in reference to the law granting relief to indigent war veterans and their families be adopted as the rule of this board.

Mr. Nelson, of the special committee on Memorial Hall and Soldiers' Monument, read the following report : To the Honorable Board of Supervisors of Knox County, State of Illinois.

Gentlemen: - ^Your committee appointed at the September meeting of the board, to act with the memorial committee of the Grand Army of Knox County, would respectfully report that we Jiave made careful inquiry of the county clerks in the different counties of this state, as to what has been done in their respective counties to perpetuate the memory of the men who offered their services and their lives for the protection of our great government when its existence was assailed, and we have together with the memorial committee of the Grand Army, carefully canvassed the answers and explanations thus received.

We find in many of the counties in the state, nothing has been done in relation to this matter, but in many other counties either a monument or a memorial hall has been erected, and in some cases both monument and a memorial room are built. We find that the money to defray the expenses of such memorials has in some cases been raised by private subscription and in other cases by taxation through the county board, but in most cases the county board has made an appropriation direct from the county treasury for the purpose. -j ";-.;;

Your committee find that there is no law authorizing such appropriations by the county board, but we believe that the patriotic citizens of Knox county feel that there should be no further unnecessary delay in taking some action that will insure the erection of such suitable memorial to the memory of the men who sacrificed their lives for the salvation of our government and brought peace and prosperity to the people, as will be a credit to the county, a fitting object lesson to the rising generations and some measure of consolation to the large number of our people who lost near and dear ones in the terrible conflict that brought lasting peace to our country. '.--:.;.-':-- ... ' ^';

First, That the court room on the third floor in the east wing of the court house be set apart as a memorial room to the soldiers and sailors who enlisted from Knox county in any of the wars in the country that occurred since the organ- ization of this county; said room to be used for storing such relics from the wars herein named, as may be desirable to save, and as a meeting place for soMiers and sailors of the late wars at such times as the Grand Army posts of the county may determine. We recommend that said room be properly fitted up for the purposes above named, at the expense of the county, under the direction of a committee from the board to act in conjunction with a committee from the Grand Army posts of the county.

Second, That the following proposition be submitted to the voters of the county at the regular municipal and town elections to be held next spring, to-wit: and that the proposition be submitted on separate ballots and that separate ballot boxes be kept at the polls for the reception of such ballots and the regular judges and clerks at said election shall officiate in receiving, recording and counting said ballots, as are appointed for the regular election to be held at that time, and they

. shall transmit without delay to the county clerk said poll books, tally lists, ballots and certificates of the election pertaining to said appropriation ; and that the county clerk be directed to furnish the necessary poll books, tally sheets, ballots, and instructions for said special election. ;. ;-:. / '\ >,-^:...':;

On motion of Mr. Becker, the foregoing report was adopted and its recommendations concurred in, and the chair appointed as such committee Messrs. J. F. Latimer, John McCrea and C. E. Allen.

The following communication was read and referred to the special committee on soldiers' monument and memorial hall: To the Hon. Board of Supervisors of Knox County, III., Greeting. ' " '' ' "^ "

../ii At a regular meeting of Morgan L. Smith Post, No. 666, Dept. of III., G. A. R., held at Yates City, 111., March 7th, 1896, the following action was taken, viz: ' L. A. Lawrence introduced the following preamble and resolution:

Whereas, At the last meeting of the board of supervisors of Knox county, 111., held Dec. I7th, 1895, a resolution was passed submitting to the voters of Knox county, 111., a proposition to vote for an appropriation of ten thousand dollars ($10,000), for the purpose of erecting a suitable monument to the memory of the soldiers and sailors of said county who fell in the war of the Rebellion of i86i to 1865, and also to those who have since passed away, that bore their share in that honorable struggle; said proposition to be voted on at the regular annual

Whereas, Believing that said appropriation of ten thousand dollars ($io,oeo) is not a sufficient sum to erect a monument suitable to the purpose proposed, or one that will be an honor to Knox county's fallen sons, or even to the present generation of voters who may act upon said proposition if successful; therefore, be it - ---^-'-' ; -'' ' ' . ' '''--

Resolved by this Post, That we most earnestly and respectfully request the honorable board of supervisors of said Knox county to reconsider its action taken concerning that appropriation and withdraw said proposition before it goes before the voters for their action, and when so withdrawn that a committee be appointed by said board whose duty it shall be to solicit plans and estimates of monuments of modern designs, from competent persons, that when erected, will reflect credit upon the builders, and do deserved honor to those whose deeds we would commemorate ; and, be it

Resolved, That when such plans and estimates shall have been presented and shall be found to fully answer £he demand as above set forth, that the board of supervisors of said Knox county be requested then to present to the voters of Knox county, a proposition to vote an appropriation of such sum as by the above estimates presented, shall be found sufficient and worthy the high purpose of erecting a beautiful memorial to those who, by their patriotic devotion, have made it possible for us to say today in honorable fact what for nearly a century before the Civil War could only be said in unmeaning words.

The city of Galesburg owes its existence to a company of men and women who loved education and religion. The founders of the city were already educated, refined and religious themselves and they wanted to extend these advantages and influences to the youth of the land. In the charter of the college it is declared in Sec. 2 : "The object of said corporation shall be to promote the general interests of literature and to qualify young men in the best manner for the various professional and business occupations of society." It is also stated in the original circular: "The indications of Providence, as well as the requisitions of Christ, impose on Christians of this day peculiar obligations to devise and execute, as far as in them lies, liberal and efficient plans for spreading the gospel through the world. The supply of an evangelical and able ministry is confessedly the most important for the accomplishment of this end."

It is for these purposes that certain men and women left Oneida county. New York, with their friends from other parts of the east, and journeyed overland to Illinois, meeting many trials and thrilling experiences on their way thither. The

Whereas, Believing that said appropriation of ten thousand dollars ($10,000) is not a sufficient sum to erect a monument suitable to the purpose proposed, or one that will be an honor to Knox county's fallen sons, or even to the present generation of voters who may act upon said proposition if successful; therefore, be it - , - . - ' ' : ' ' . . '-----:--' ."'--^ 1-. ,"-.''--'---

Resolved by this Post, That we most earnestly and respectfully request the honorable board of supervisors of said Knox county to reconsider its action taken concerning that appropriation and withdraw said proposition before it goes before the voters for their action, and when so withdrawn that a committee be appointed by said board whose duty it shall be to solicit plans and estimates of monuments of modern designs, from competent persons, that when erected, will reflect credit upon the builders, and do deserved honor to those whose deeds we would commemorate ; and, be it

Resolved, That when such plans and estimates shall have been presented and shall be found to fully answer tTie demand as above set forth, that the board of supervisors of said Knox county be requested then to present to the voters of Knox county, a proposition to vote an appropriation of such sum as by the above estimates presented, shall be found sufficient and worthy the high purpose of erecting a beautiful memorial to those who, by their patriotic devotion, have made it possible for us to say today in honorable fact what for nearly a century before the Civil War could only be said in unmeaning words.

The city of Galesburg owes its existence to a company of men and women who loved education and religion. The founders of the city were already educated, refined and religious themselves and they wanted to extend these advantages and influences to the youth of the land. In the charter of the college it is declared in Sec. 2 : "The object of said corporation shall be to promote the general interests of literature and to qualify young men in the best manner for the various professional and business occupations of society." It is also stated in the original circular : "The indications of Providence, as well as the requisitions of Christ, impose on Christians of this day peculiar obligations to devise and execute, as far as in them lies, liberal and efficient plans for spreading the gospel through the world. The supply of an evangelical and able ministry is confessedly the most important for the accomplishment of this end." . . I V

It is for these purposes that certain men and women left Oneida county. New York, with their friends from other parts of the east, and journeyed overland to Illinois, meeting many trials and thrilling experiences on their way thither. The world has had many migrations of people from place to place. In the early history of men these migrations were probably due to the lack of food or the desire for plunder and a severe struggle for existence, making it necessary that a portion of the people separate from the tribe and go elsewhere. Since the dawn of history these migrations have taken place because of religious oppression, the aggressions of the ruling class and the increasing curtailment of the liberties of the common people. Not so, however, with the people who came to Galesburg. They lived in comfort, they had their share of this world's goods, they were respected for their attainments, they enjoyed the blessings of religious and civil liberty, and their homes were in a prosperous country, in a prosperous community and there was still plenty of land to admit of expansion. A high and noble declaration setting forth the reason of their migration must therefore stand in all truth and sincerity.

It is this same band who came to organize a Christian college, that also organized the city of Galesburg. We have here a remarkable example of the persistence of a living principle. Every high ideal, every devotion to a pure, Christian faith that was present with the founders of Knox college and Galesburg, is still to be found in the founders and their descendants and in the accretions that have come to our city from other and independent sources. And in this fact we find a fulfillment of the high hopes and purposes of the founders. Not only in a general way have they left to their descendants the noble spirit with which the founders came but there is everywhere evidence that much of the same spirit has permeated the lives of all our citizens. We would not say that every thought in its entirety that was entertained by our ancestors is still common in Galesburg. Those thoughts have been modified and broadened with the lapse of time and in the ripening fruit we see clearly the real sweet and nutritious kernel that was then partly hidden within the somewhat forbidding but protecting shell. And this is true of all communities within this county in which these founders settled. They brought with them and have made generous distribution of their own noble qualities.

The story of migration has been so often told that it need not here be repeated in detail. There is scarcely a newspaper published in this county that does not : occasionally refer to the experiences of these men. Again and again t^e story is told to the children of the public schools and to the students in our colleges. Much of it also will be found in different parts of this history, but rather let us turn our attention to some things of interest which have occurred in the course of the policies pursued in the corporate capacity of our city.

by Miss Helen M. Ryan, read June 13, 1912 at her graduation from Knox college, is submitted to cover that period. It gives so complete a description, in so small a space, of Galesburg life prior to the city's incorporation and is so full of interest that all will be glad to find it in these pages. ;:.; - - -.

tury sprang up like mushrooms upon the rolling prairie of Illinois, from some tiny spores wafted on the breeze of western migration, Galesburg is a typical example. Its religious history has been traced from the very beginning; we have long been familiar with the early annals of the college, which indeed was the forerunner of the town, while but slight emphasis has been placed upon the industrial metamorphosis through which the village passed in the early fifties, when after strenuous effort on the part of loyal citizens, a railroad came through Galesburg, and rescued it from the oblivfoh which would otherwise have been its fate.

Founded in 1837, Galesburg had grown steadily until in 1845 it was a flourish- ' ing village of some seventy dwellings, "situated on the main stage line between Peoria and Oquawka" as an old Knox catalogue tells us. Around the New England square were a general store or two and a blacksmith shop, while on the southwest corner stood the first church, the ever watchful guardian of the moral life of the community.

Galesburg passed the first two decades of its existence quietly - independent of the rest of the world. But should we picture it in 1857 we would see a change, evidences of the industrial revolution, ushered in by the coming of the Chicago, Burlington and Quincy railroad, which resulted in a new era of industrial development. No longer does one store do the business of the community but there are merchants of various kinds. No longer do the people gather in their dooryards as the clumsy stage coach, with horn blowing, thunders down the road. No longer is the whir of saw or grist mill the only evidence of industry, since from the "Q" yards to Frost's foundry, there is a buzz and shriek of machinery, the clang of engine bells and the scream of whistles, announcing the employment of scores of men.

That first epoch in Galesburg's economic history was characterized by a lack of transportation facilities and by an absence of machinery, two factors aflecting all fields of activity, but especially prominent in determining the condition of agriculture at that time. The primitive methods of farming alone were sufficient to limit production, while the difficulty in reaching markets made large crops unprofitable and offered no incentive to inventive genius for the improvement of agricultural implements. Corn has always been the chief export until after the coming of the railroad. Wheat, however, has always been produced in comparatively large quantities. With the only farm implements an old fashioned wooden mold-board plow, a sickle, a harvesting cradle, and a threshing fiail, necessitating the use of manual labor in all the processes, the acreage under cultivation was naturally small. Moreover, when the farmer had succeeded in harvesting his wheat, he must make the tiresome journey with loaded wagons, to Peoria or farther still, to Chicago - the latter trip consuming two weeks with a tedious wait in the elevators in the city if prices were high, perhaps sixty cents - causing farmers to rush their wheat to market. Hog raising owing to the distance from available markets, was an unsuccessful financial venture, if one may judge from the experience of the ' man from Knoxville who once succeeded in driving 1,300 unruly pigs to Chicago at a loss of $5,000.

The absence of railroads and the consequent isolation, resulted in the industrial independence of the community ; whereas, within Galesburg itself, owing to the abundance of land, each family was practically self-supporting. There was little

- ; -; were low, for Mr. Qjlton would accept whatever farm produce you had to offer - in exchange for needles, farm implements or calico. There was little competition

'. " . . wood from Henderson Grove. All building materials with the exception of hard- ; V ' ware, glass and white lead, were the product of the neighborhood. In the sash, .' , . . door and blind factory, all the labor was performed by hand for years.

. - - On April i3th of that year a committee from the village trustees was appointed to . ; wait upon L. C. Conger and find out if he would accept the office of supervisor at ;-; ' I2j^ cents per day that the trustees agreed to allow him. Here is one instance at ,;--'- least, of the office seeking the man. ; :

-; .. ; ; In the spring of 1857, after it became apparent that Galesburg was to be a ---. ': railroad town, the citizens aspired to give their town the more dignified appellation "., ;- of CITY OF GALESBURG. An election was called for the 6th of April, the village 3 . trustees met, canvassed the votes and declared the following officers elected : H. R. ;?_; , Sanderson, mayor; O. S. Pitcher, city clerk; F. P. Sisson, marshal; David San- ; bom, assessor; George Davis, collector; And. Phelps, treasurer; John Burlin^am, ;-; street commissioner; A. C. Wiley and L. C. Conger, police magistrates; M. S. r'-;;: ,.: Cooke, city justice of the peace. Aldermen: ist ward, J. H. Sherman; 2nd -.: .. ward, Edwin Post; 3d ward, J. F. Dunn; 4th ward, J. W. Cothren; 5th ward, -';^'v. Marcus Belden; 6th ward, E. M. Jordan. : , =:, .v.^.

- ; First Presbyterian Church. Mr. Pitcher, clerk, presented his certificate of elec- ,;;;.- tion, took the oath of office before A. C. Wiley, J. P., and proceeded to organize

-'-!.-. ^^^ council. The major being absent, Mr. J. H. Sherman was made acting mayor. /; ;;. The city had no corporate seal and it was ordered that a "Scrawl" around the

The council met again April I3th when the clerk reported a representation of the main building of Knox college as a device for a city seal which was unanimously adopted.

A room for meeting for one year was rented of R. H. Rugar for $100.00. It will be noted that the vote on license or no license resulted in "no license" by 358 majority. This vote applied to the charter which, therefore denied to the council the right to license the sale of intoxicating liquor until the adoption of the present charter containing license privilege.

On April i6, 1857 the council declared by ordinance all roads within the city to be public streets and any continuation of any of said streets should bear the name of the street so continued. Questions like this kind came in rapid succession and. were taken up and disposed of, thereby adjusting matters in conformity with the broader outloolc arising from the new powers and duties of the newly bom city. In 1860, a census was taken, showing the total number of inhabitants to be 5,544, of whom 2,753 were males, 2,791 females ; divided among the different races as follows: Swedes, 654; Irish, 422; Germans, 222; other foreigners, 220; Americans, 4,026; colored, 78; entitled to vote, 1,153.

In the same year a Norwegian - name unknown - asked the privilege of establishing a brewery within the city limits. .- ';| , - .; It was in this year that the rumblings of the Civil War were first heaird. ^. , .

Overt acts were committed by the south at different points during the winter of i86i and war began in earnest in the spring. The pressure was immediately felt by the families of the men who had volunteered to defend the nation. On Nov. 19, i86i, the council voted an allowance of thirty to forty cents a day for each man regularly certified. An appropriation of $5,000.00 had been made for this purpose in the tax levy of April 19, i86i. The young city did her full share. In January, 1865 when the government wanted to close the war with a mighty dash and called loudly for additional troops, the council offered a bounty of $500.00 to include the $300.00 offered for the first sixteen men who would volunteer. This action was rescinded when it was learned that the quota required of the city was much larger than supposed and it was voted to have placed to the credit of the township sixty volunteers and pay each $200.00. The city guaranc

The council met again April I3th when the clerk reported a representation of the main building of Knox college as a device for a city seal which was unanimously adopted.

A room for meeting for one year was rented of R. H. Rugar for $100.00. It will be noted that the vote on license or no license resulted in "no license" by 358 majority. This vote applied to the charter which, therefore denied to the council the right to license the sale of intoxicating liquor until the adoption of the present charter containing license privilege.

On April i6, 1857 the council declared by ordinance all roads within the city to be public streets and any continuation of any of said streets should bear the name of the street so continued. Questions like this kind came in rapid succession and. were taken up and disposed of, thereby adjusting matters in conformity with the broader outlooli arising from the new powers and duties of the newly born city. In 1860. a census was taken, showing the total number of inhabitants to be 5,544, of whom 2,753 were males, 2,791 females ; divided among the different races as follows: Swedes, 654; Irish, 422; Germans, 222; other foreigners, 220; Americans, 4,026; colored, 78; entitled to vote, 1,153.

Overt acts were committed by the south at different points during the winter of i86i and war began in earnest in the spring. The pressure was immediately felt by the families of the men who had volunteered to defend the nation. On Nov. 19, i86i, the council voted an allowance of thirty to forty cents a day for each man regularly certified. An appropriation of $5,000.00 had been made for this purpose in the tax levy of April 19, i86i. The young city did her full share. In January, 1865 when the government wanted to close the war with a mighty dash and called loudly for additional troops, the council offered a bounty of $500.00 to include the $300.00 offered for the first sixteen men who would volunteer. This action was rescinded when it was learned that the quota required of the city was much larger than supposed and it was voted to have placed to the credit of the township sixty volunteers and pay each $200.00. The city guaran-

November i8, 1863, the council voted to pay $12.00 per month while in the . , service of the United States under the call for 300,000 men then made. Mayor

; May 15, 1876, Mr. Sanderson (Henry R.) introduced a resolution directing the :.'-;- mayor to give notice at once for an election, submitting the question to a vote of \^ the people: "Shall this city become incorporated under the general law of this -.-.

attorney was instructed to prepare an ordinance providing that the offices of city ::'/,.; and town clerk shall be united in the same person and that the offices of supervisor ; '-J, and poor master shall be separated, and the poor master appointed by the city

-.-y This department consisted of a constable only at the start. The clerk's record j- r shows that on June 2, 1856, a police force was established consisting of five men .,- to be selected by Constable Wilsey, whose duties shall be "to arrest all disorderly v; persons and such other duties in the premises as is usually performed by such officers." A year later a police department was established by ordinance consist- ' - v ing of the mayor, marshal and such policemen as then were or may thereafter be y .: appointed. Two years later it was voted that the services of the police be dis- ---/.ri' pensed with from and after this date and until further order from the city council. V -

Today the police department of the city comprises the mayor as head over all, the chief of police, the desk sergeant and six patrolmen. Exclusive of the mayor, the annual salaries aggregate something over $6,7OO.cx). Attached to the department is a fine ambulance, a good patrol wagon, and a good team of horses, the upkeep of which is about $2CX) per annum. ;: .

This department is the joy of the small boy, the comfort of the adult and the pride of all good citizens. It is generally believed that Galesburg has the best fire department of any city of like size in the state. It had its origin in an oldfashioned volunteer fire brigade.

On Feb. 5, 1858, the city council called upon all good citizens of Galesburg to call at the council room of the city and enroll themselves members of a volunteer bucket company, each agreeing to keep a bucket for the special purpose, and hold himself in readiness to attend all fires in the city and, at the same time it was ordered that an ordinance for the organization of a fire department be prepared. The ordinance provided that the department consist of an engineer, two assistant engineers, a city fire warden and such fire engine men, hose men, hook and ladder, ax and saw men and bucket company men as may from time to time be approved by the council, and when so approved, and not otherwise, they shall be enrolled as members of the fire department, the aldermen to be ex-officio fire wardens of their respective wards. Forty-five names were subscribed to the enrollment. Among the subscribers were the following: ' -1: .i-'j '

B. O. Carr, J. B. Boggs, George Ekins, O. B. Judson, A. S. Hoover, Chas. L. Stevens, S. B. Hoisington, Geo. Davis, Nelson Finch, A. E. Higgins, E. Benner, G. C. Lanphere, J. F. Edgerton. The only persons among the above now living are : B. O. Carr, O. B. Judson and S. B. Hoisington. It is believed this was the first systematic eflfort to secure a fire department although in June, 1856, authority ; was voted to purchase a fire engine and hose suitable to the town, and there must have been some way of operating it. The greatest difficulty was the lack of water. The only source of supply were private wells. George W. Brown & Co. had a well which they thought inexhaustible and The Frost Manufacturing Co. had one, but the area over which these two could be made servicable was very limited. A large cistern was dug one block east of the Brown factory and another one near the Frost company's works. These cisterns were kept full from the two wells. A fire district was reached by water pipes that were connected with or rather served by these two cisterns. But such service was necessarily very imperfect. In 1870 there was a movement in the council for the purchase of a steam fire engine. The better judgment prevailed and nothing was done. The fire apparatus already owned was equal to the water supply. In 1879 the city purchased a fine chemical engine which did excellent service until the construction of the present system of water works. With the finding of plenty of water the fire department of Galesburg began to grow and today it is one of the most efficient that can be found. The central station is located on the south side of Simmons street between Prairie and Cherry streets. It is fitted up in the most up-to-date style. There are 5,000 telephones that may be used to notify central in case of fire. In case of alarm

Today the police department of the city comprises the mayor as head over all, the chief of police, the desk sergeant and six patrolmen. Exclusive of the mayor, the annual salaries aggregate something over $6,700.00. Attached to the department is a fine ambulance, a good patrol wagon, and a good team of horses, the upkeep of which is about $200 per annum. .

This department is the joy of the small boy, the comfort of the adult and the pride of all good citizens. It is generally believed that Galesburg has the best fire department of any city of like size in the state. It had its origin in an oldfashioned volunteer fire brigade.

On Feb. 5, 1858, the city council called upon all good citizens of Galesburg to call at the council room of the city and enroll themselves members of a volunteer bucket company, each agreeing to keep a bucket for the special purpose, and hold himself in readiness to attend all fires in the city and, at the same time it was ordered that an ordinance for the organization of a fire department be prepared. The ordinance provided that the department consist of an engineer, two assistant engineers, a city fire warden and such fire engine men, hose men, hook and ladder, ax and saw men and bucket company men as may from time to time be approved by the council, and when so approved, and not otherwise, they shall be enrolled as members of the fire department, the aldermen to be ex-officio fire wardens of their respective wards. Forty-five names were subscribed to the enrollment. Among the subscribers were the following: - '- : j

B. O. Carr, J. B. Boggs, George Ekins. O. B. Judson, A. S. Hoover, Chas. L, Stevens, S. B. Hoisington. Geo. Davis, Nelson Finch, A. E. Higgins, E. Benner, G. C. Lanphere. J. F. Edgerton. The only persons among the above now living are : B. O. Carr, O. B. Judson and S. B. Hoisington. It is believed this was the first systematic effort to secure a fire department although in June, 1856, authority was voted to purchase a fire engine and hose suitable to the town, and there must have been some way of operating it. The greatest difficulty was the lack of water. The only source of supply were private wells. George W. Brown & Co. had a well which they thought inexhaustible and The Frost Manufacturing Co. had one. but the area over which these two could be made servicable was very limited. A large cistern was dug one block east of the Brown factory and another one near the Frost company's works. These cisterns were kept full from the two wells. A fire district was reached by water pipes that were connected with or rather served by these two cisterns. But such service was necessarily very imperfect. In 1870 there was a movement in the council for the purchase of a steam fire engine. The better judgment prevailed and nothing was done. The fire apparatus already owned was equal to the water supply. In 1879 the city purchased a fine chemical engine which did excellent service until the construction of the present system of water works. With the finding of plenty of water the fire department of Galesburg began to grow and today it is one of the most efficient that can be found. The central station is located on the south side of Simmons street between Prairie and Cherry streets. It is fitted up in the most up-to-date style. There are 5,000 telephones that may be used to notify central in case of fire. In case of alarm the central telephone station starts everything working by electricity. It lights the building, rings all the bells, releases the horses, opens the doors and the department is ready to rush to a fire in ten to fifteen seconds. There are two outside stations - one on Maple avenue, near the Bateman school house, and one on the corner of East Brooks street and Churchill avenue. The department has fourteen fine horses, one aerial truck, 65 feet high, which can be used as a water tower, one steam fire engine, one chemical double 60 gallon cylinder engine, two combination hose and chemical engines, with 50 gallon tanks, 550 feet of hose, and one fire chief buggy. All of this apparatus is in first class condition and is kept clean and neat by the men. The roster of men includes the fire chief, one assistant fire chief, three captains and sixteen privates. These men all undergo frequent thorough examinations to test their efficiency in every duty they have to perform, including, of course, localities. Every man must know without asking the shortest route to every locality in the city and must also know the nearest hydrants to the place where the fire is. The equipment is ample, the discipline is perfect.

It has already been stated that the water supply was very inadequate to the necessity of the city, and that private wells and large reservoirs, in the shape of cisterns, located at different points, were resorted to. These cisterns were kept filled with water as storage for use in case of fire, but the city council became uneasy and dissatisfied with this meagre chest for a water supply. There was a spot south of Main street and lying on both sides of Henderson street that seemed to be yielding a great deal of water. A small artificial lake had been constructed there and was supplied with water that seeped into it from all directions. It was believed that this locality would furnish all the water that the city needed. A committee of the council had recommended the purchase of a part of this ground, but the proposition did not carry.

In 1883, a Mr. Nathan Shelton came to Galesburg and convinced the council that he could procure a sufficient supply of water by sinking a large well just west of the Burlington track, in the valley of Cedar Fork. A contract to that effect was made with Mr. Shelton who went ahead and sunk the well, laid water mains, constructed a standpipe and engine house and purchased all of the old water mains then owned by the city and, in fact, did everything necessary so far as construction was concerned to make a complete system of water works. In December, 1883, he gave notice to the city that he had assigned his franchises, etc., to the Galesburg Water Co., incorporated under the laws of Illinois, and further that the hydrants as listed in the notice were ready for use.

It soon began to appear that the water works would be without water before very long, and the council began to inquire what could be done to relieve the situation. Various notices were made but it finally came to the point where the city declared the contract forfeited, and instructed the water committee to disconnect the old water mains, formally owned by the city, from the Shelton works, and fall back upon the old water supply, and, at the same time, the council instructed the city attorney together with added counsel to begin at once the necessary legal proceedings to annul the contract with the Galesburg Water Company, on the ground of insufficiency in quality and quantity of water furnished.

On June i, 1885, Alderman Easier introduced an ordinance repealing the ordinance providing for a supply of water to the city of Galesburg and authorizing Nathan Shelton or assigns to construct and maintain water works. The repealing ordinance was put upon its passage and was passed by the following vote :

At the same time the city attorney was authorized to take such legal steps as he may deem necessary. To have declared null and void any and all rights granted under, and by, virtue of an ordinance passed May 12, 1883, in relation to water works and to employ legal assistance if necessary.

This case was fought strenuously, from the Circuit Court through the Supreme court of the state and the Supreme court of the United States, and the decision was uniformly in favor of the city, and by this decision every cent of valuation in $125,000 of water bonds was eliminated.

The city then began to consider the question of a water supply in earnest. The tract of land above referred to, which had been known as Crystal Springs property, lay on the south side of Main street and on each side of Henderson street, was again examined. It was finally voted to purchase a certain part of that property. A test had been made and it was found that the water supply appeared to be ample.

The city had repurchased from the Galesburg Water Co., the old Shelton works for a very reasonable sum. It was decided to erect the necessary buildings, pumps, etc., upon the property purchased for that purpose, and sink a series of wells from which water would be pumped and delivered, not only to reservoirs, but directly to the mains. The works were completed and the supply has been quite fit up to the present time. Additional ground has been purchased, additional wells were sunk and the quality of water has been first class and the quantity not ample but adequate. The wells which were first sunk have been abandoned. Other wells have been sunk and today the supply is better than ever before.

The water for the city of Galesburg and the residents thereof is secured from six 8-inch wells and from one lo-inch well, at an average depth of 80 feet, and three artesian wells at a depth of 1,225 feet.

During the past year we have put down four 8-inch wells and, with the one just completed on the reservoir bank, making a total of seven wells. -,.; proceedings to annul the contract with the Galesburg Water Company, on the ground of insufficiency in quality and quantity of water furnished. -^ |

On June i, 1885, Alderman Easier introduced an ordinance repealing the ordinance providing for a supply of water to the city of Galesburg and authorizing Nathan Shelton or assigns to construct and maintain water works. The repealing ordinance was put upon its passage and was passed by the following vote: t

At the same time the city attorney was authorized to take such legal steps as he may deem necessary. To have declared null and void any and all rights granted under, and by, virtue of an ordinance passed May 12, 1883, in relation to water works and to employ legal assistance if necessary.

This case was fought strenuously, from the Circuit Court through the Supreme court of the state and the Supreme court of the United States, and the decision was uniformly in favor of the city, and by this decision every cent of valuation in $i25.cxx) of water bonds was eliminated.

The city then began to consider the question of a water supply in earnest. The tract of land above referred to, which had been known as Crystal Springs property, lay on the south side of Main street and on each side of Henderson street, was again examined. It was finally voted to purchase a certain part of that property. A test had been made and it was found that the water supply appeared to be ample.

The city had repurchased from the Galesburg Water Co., the old Shelton works for a very reasonable sum. It was decided to erect the necessary buildings, pumps, etc., upon the property purchased for that purpose, and sink a series of wells from which water would be pumped and delivered, not only to reservoirs, but directly to the mains. The works were completed and the supply has been quite fit up to the present time. Additional ground has been purchased, additional wells were sunk and the quality of water has been first class and the quantity not ample but adequate. The wells which were first sunk have been abandoned. Other wells have been sunk and today the supply is better than ever before.

The water for the city of Galesburg and the residents thereof is secured from six 8-inch wells and from one loinch well, at an average depth of 80 feet, and three artesian wells at a depth of 1,225 feet.

During the past year we have put down four 8-inch wells and, with the one just completed on the reservoir bank, making a total of seven wells.

The air compressor has not been running continuously, but when in operation it pumps 215 gallons per minute. Two of the 8-inch wells are pumping an average of 500 gallons a minute each, and the remaining five wells are pumping an average of 200 gallons a minute each.

If all the wells should be operated for twenty-four hours, two and one-half million gallons would be pumped. The average number of wells in operation for the year is four, at an average of eighteen hours a day.

From the above it will be seen that we are pumping at least one and one-half million gallons daily. As a result it has been determined that the whole cost of pumping water by the air compressor is at the rate of 2^ cents per i,ooo gallons, and the cost of pumping with two Impellor pumps, in the pasture east of Henderson street, is four mills per thousand gallons. A test on the Impellor pumps near the station would make as favorable a showing, but would show a cost per one thousand gallons for less than shown by the air compressor.

There are today in the city 40^4 miles of water mains, comprising pipes varying in diameter from 4 inches to 24 inches. There are 420 fire hydrants in the city. The total value of this pipe including all hydrants, valves, specials, material and labor is $20,021.75. The average domestic pressure maintained during the past year has been fifty pounds which has been giving satisfaction. The ordinary fire pressure maintained is 120 pounds. The analysis of the water from the director of state water sufficiently shows that the same is safe for drinking purposes. / ; /i.'v-' \ '-';.. :'':'-^ . ;V J." - --'. :-.--..-;.;,-;.. --.'-;;:-.;.-..;.-' .'^>^;..:-v.;v ;-. '-'.- .':;:"-.'^- ^;:;;,\

- In the fall of 1871, a petition had been filed with the city council by a company known as the Galesburg Horse Railway Co., for an ordinance granting the use of the streets of the city of Galesburg for the purpose of said horse railway. Before any definite action had been taken. Ceo. W. Brown, who at that time manufactured farm implements, at the corner of Kellogg and Simmons streets, also asked the privilege of constructing a horse railway, for freight purposes, from the Burlington freight depot to his shops at the aforesaid location, and upon reaching Simmons street to go westward as far as West street. This would accommodate the Frost Manufacturing Co., who were located at the latter point.

On November 15, of that year, an ordinance was introduced permitting George W. Brown, and others, to construct the street railway as asked for, going one block further to Academy street, provided it shall be constructed within one year.

Under the ordinance granting the horse railway company the right to lay tracks in the streets of Galesburg, about ten rods of track in Broad street just south of the line leading to Burlington, Iowa, was constructed, and an old street car was put upon it which was supposed to be equivalent to take possession of the streets of the city, under their charter and the ordinance.

The petition of the Geo. W. Brown Co. in regard to a horse railway was obtained by a track from the Burlington Co., across Chamber street between Main and Mulberry and across Seminary street near the west end of Mulberry, and across Kellogg, opposite the corn planter works. - - ' -

The corporated name of this company was known as the College City Street Railway Co. This railway company is now controlled by the McKinley Syndicate, and is a part of this system.

The history of the C., B. & Q. Railroad Co., will show pretty fully how rail- ' roads were introduced into the city of Galesburg, but there were some things done by the city council which are worthy of note. --.;:.';'-. I :/

At that time it seemed that the Rock Island road was presenting the most favorable opportunity for an outlook from Galesburg to Chicago, and the Central Military Tract road was organized with that thought in view although they subsequently made connection with another company at Mendota.

Resolved, That the Central Military Tract Railroad Co., be, and they are hereby authorized and empowered to occupy so much of Broad street as may be necessary for the construction and permanent location of the said railroad, commencing at the south side of the public square and running north to fhe line of the corpora-; - tion. The free right of way in that part of said street being hereby granted to the said company, provided that if it shall be found necessary to widen any part of said street, the same shall be done by the company free of expense to the town. And be it further . ;: ' -. .'-^ ;^:^ v : - . , ;5:;: u ; j ' '- v -

Resolved, That the said railroad company be and hereby are allowed the free use of so much of the public square as may be necessary upon which to construct a passenger depot, the same being subject to such regulation and restrictions as the president and trustees may hereafter see fit to impose.

Today we can hardly suppose what might have happened if that proposition had been accepted. The beautiful Broad street of today would not be in existence and to make room for the depot, on the public square, which is now being erected would, of course, entirely change the map of the city. We may wonder how little thought was, at that time, given to the future. Instead of a tract of land of the size of the public square being used for depot purposes, we now have Burl- .i;;^^ ington company occupying several hundred acres for depot grounds and switch- .. yards. ''-'-'-

In 1857, a mass meeting of the citizens of Galesburg called upon the city-; .- council to subscribe $30,000 to the stock of the Alton & Rock Island road, which f.. .; when amended with a provision that the railroad actually come to Galesburg, was ';; . passed. In the summer of 1857, an election was held in the city of Galesburg, at which it was voted that the city subscribe $35,ocx) for the stock of the Alton & Rock - .--' Island R. R. The number of votes in the affirmative was 500, the number against, ; I. Later in May 1870, the council voted to call a special election to vote upon the ,,' proposition of the city taking $100,000 stock of the proposed Court Creek Rail- >: road company, which, of course, never materialized. ... .. ,; '

The city of Galesburg never owned a city hall or fire department buildings .^ until recently. They had a building on Prairie street that answered the purpose. ;/-,, It owned a lot on Cherry street that answered for a city prison, but in 1895 action --''. was taken that has resulted in a very fine improvement. ';;;-.

- Alderman Griffith on June 19, 1905, moved that it be the order of the ' ; council that the finance committee and city attorney draft an ordinance for the balance of $70,000 city bonds, and be used for the purchase of site and erecting city hall, police and patrol stations and fire department building. ' ,

On July 3, 1905, Alderman Griffith presented an ordinance in accordance with -' ;' the foregoing motion. On July 17, the building committee recommended that 'V plans be drawn by J. G. Beadle for the fire station, police and patrol stations, - ; - which was adopted, that plans of Architect William Wolfe for the city hall be -' adopted. -: '-

The contract for the fire station was let to Peter T. Olson, for $27,373, includ- - . ; ing the building and all fixtures, except heating ; the construction of the city prison was let to P. T. Olson, for $11,227, including all fixtures, except cages, iron doors, and fixtures belonging thereto, and the patrol station was let to M. E. -'.- Sweeney, for $7,900, including all fixtures.

' On September 20, it was ordered that the contract for the new city hall be let V; to Davidson & Rundquist, for $34,000, except marble work, hardware, steam- - heating and gas fixtures. ,j

Soon after the city assumed the care and responsibility for the upkeep of a '- Young Men's Library Association, and opened it, for the people, as a free public ?.v . library, the movement for a new library building began. ^ -

On June 5, 1882, Hon. T. J. Hale appeared before the council and stated that ; .. , the library board desired to secure the consent of the majority of the voters of "- - the city for an additional appropriation for the construction of a library building. - -. .

- which the collections of the costs of said building shall be spread be four years, thus collecting $12,500 per annum. The record was approved and adopted.

On April 22, 1895, the first installment of $12,500, was appropriated for the - ; library. The full amount voted by the council was collected and a building begun in the fall of 1900.

- the library building, which in February, 1901, was promised on condition that the city agreed to raise $5,000 annually for the keeping up of the library, and further to furnish a proper building site. This the council promptly responded to in the affirmative. -'

A location for the library building had been purchased out of the first moneys ' :/. received for that purpose, situated at the corner of Ferris and Prairie streets. ? This location was not thought desirable by the board of directors in the year 1899, ; and a new location was selected and purchased at the corner of Broad and Simmons streets where it now stands. The former location was regarded as too far ) from the public schools and the ground was not considered large enough. The : present building is exactly the same size as the first lot that was purchased, and .' contrary to expectations, the patronage of the library has been such that a move- ; . ment for enlargement will probably begin in the near future. . X There are today in the public library about 40,000 volumes. The annual ex-

- penditure for magazines and newspapers is about $400. The number of people employed at the library is eight. The number of books delivered and used in ref-

Three days later, Alderman Boggs offered a resolution that it is the sense of the council that if a majority of the voters petition this council for an appropriation for a library building, this council will appropriate $5,ocx). Nothing was accomplished at that time.

On February 5, 1894, Alderman Mack introduced preamble and resolution suggesting to the directors of the public library the making of plans and the adoption of such measures as are required by law for the erection of a public library building in the city of Galesburg, and that the same be presented to the city council as soon as possible for consideration, which was adopted.

On July 1 6, 1894, the finance committee presented to the council a copy of the record of the board of directors, of the public library, for adoption, providing for a public library building in the city of Galesburg, together with the estimate that the cost of grounds and building, including shelving, racks, table, etc., etc., shall be the sum of $50,000, and that the board has determined that the time over which the collections of the costs of said building shall be spread be four years, thus collecting $12,500 per annum. The record was approved and adopted. ', .

On April 22, 1895, the first installment of $12,500, was appropriated for the library. The full amount voted by the council was collected and a building begun in the fall of 1900.

- ':- The library board called upon Mr. Andrew Carnegie for a gift of $50,000 for the library building, which in February, 1901, was promised on condition that the city agreed to raise $5,000 annually for the keeping up of the library, and further to furnish a proper building site. This the council promptly responded to in the affirmative.

; A location for the library building had been purchased out of the first moneys received for that purpose, situated at the corner of Ferris and Prairie streets. This location was not thought desirable by the board of directors in the year 1899, and a new location was selected and purchased at the corner of Broad and Simmons streets where it now stands. The former location was regarded as too far from the public schools and the ground was not considered large enough. The present building is exactly the same size as the first lot that was purchased, and contrary to expectations, the patronage of the library has been such that a movement for enlargement will probably begin in the near future.

There are today in the public library about 40,000 volumes. The annual expenditure for magazines and newspapers is about $400. The number of people employed at the library is eight. The number of books delivered and used in reference work is about 150,000 annually.

V Work House ' I '

The question of putting petty criminals at work has been before the city council of Galesburg, as well as the board of supervisors of Knox county, for a good many years. The two boards have had several conventions through their respective committees to bring about some arrangement whereby the petty criminals of the two jurisdictions could be put to work. First, to pay their fines, and second it was believed in both boards that it was vastly better for the man to set him to work than to keep him in idleness. The matter seems first to have come

Few questions have occupied the minds of the city council of the city of Gales>- burg more continuously than the saloon question, and a brief account of this matter will probably be interesting.

In 1855, on March 7, the matter was brought before the council and the attorney was requested to draw an ordinance declaring liquor shops, dram shops, etc., of such character, a nuisance. An ordinance was presented and adopted on June 20, 1855, providing "that no person shall within the limits of said town be permitted to sell or offer for sale or give away any spirituous or fermented liquors, any whiskey, rum, gin, brandy, wine, ale, beer, porter or cider, any measures of said liquors or any alcoholic imitation of any of said liquors except for medicinal purposes under the direction of a practicing physician, or for mechanical purposes without having obtained a license to keep a grocery."

On Nov. 13, 1855, it seems that a barrel of liquor had been taken upon an execution to satisfy a fine against certain parties for committing an assault and affray within the corporation of Galesburg. The liquor was to be sold. The president of the corporation was instructed and authorized to purchase the said whiskey and destroy the same.

On May 12, 1856, Mr. Young made application for a license to sell liquor, whereupon it was voted to retain Messrs. Smith and Ford as attorneys for the corporation and that they be instructed to prosecute all persons being complained of for selling liquor in violation of law. The petition was laid upon the table August 5, 1856, but was again considered and granted Aug. ii, 1856.

On May ii, 1857, an ordinance against the sale of liquor and gaming was introduced and unanimously adopted. The presence of both of said misdemeanors was declared a nuisance.

Mr. S. A. Kingsbury who had been elected city attorney was asked by the city council, on Sept. 14, 1857, to resign because he had not used due diligence in prosecuting to conviction persons violating the ordinances of the city.

In 1883, the Burlington railroad people were about to begin the construction of a new passenger depot upon block 6i, and they asked that lawful means be taken to prevent the establishment of a saloon within two blocks of the depot.

In February, 1888, in compliance with a request from the president and secretary of the W. C. T. U., the police committee recommended the passage of resolutions giving the people of Galesburg the privilege of voting for or against the license of saloons. The result of the election was a majority of votes in favor of license.

A vote upon the question of local option was taken in the spring of 1908. It carried by between 600 and 700 majority. Another vote was taken in the spring of 1910, and local option again carried by something over 300 majority. The same question was submitted to the voters of the city in the spring election of 1912, and resulted in a majority between 200 and 300 in favor of license.

There has always been an influence at work in the city of Galesburg that made for better conditions, the same as is felt in all cities, and under this head it is proposed briefly to state a few things that have been attempted by the council to produce conditions that may be properly classed under the head of general improvements.

On August 1 6, 1851, an ordinance was passed by the village trustees, removing all slaughter houses beyond the limits of the city, provided that if the business be carried on within the city, certain parts of the animals slaughtered must be buried two feet beneath the surface of the ground.

In 1851, a resolution was passed calling for a meeting of the citizens at Palmer A. Conger's tavern to consider the propriety of raising a tax for the improvement of the town. At the same meeting an application was made for a permit to the Robinson family to perform within the city. This was probably in the early days of the great Robinson circus.

In April, 1857, Knox college asked that Tompkins street between Broad and Cherry, be closed. There were remonstrances against this petition and it was denied in consequence of no power in the city council to grant it. Of course it is plain to see why the college made this request to close Tompkins street as it would enlarge the area of ground that could be devoted to park purposes.

George Sanderson

of for selling liquor in violation of law. The petition was laid upon the table August 5, 1836, but was again considered and granted Aug. ii, 1856. . ..

On May ii. 1857, an ordinance against the sale of liquor and gaming was introduced and unanimously adopted. The presence of both of said misdemeanors was declared a nuisance.

Mr. S. A. Kingsbury who had been elected city attorney was asked by the city council, on Sept. 14, 1857, to resign because he had not used due diligence in prosecuting to conviction persons violating the ordinances of the city. ; In 1883, the Burlington railroad people were about to begin the construction of a new passenger depot upon block 6i, and they asked that lawful means be taken to prevent the establishment of a saloon within two blocks of the depot.

In February, 1888, in compliance with a request from the president and secretary of the \\'. C. T. U., the police committee recommended the passage of resolutions giving the people of Galesburg the privilege of voting for or against the license of saloons. The result of the election was a majority of votes in favor of license.