Lee County, Illinois - The whole text, 1881 (part 17 of 24)

D. B. Senger, editor, Franklin Grove, was born in Franklin county, Pennsylvania, July 8, 1849; son of Daniel and Elizabeth (Bayer) Senger. His father was a shoemaker. He had a family of four, of whom our subject is the eldest. The family settled at Cedar Rapids, Iowa, in 1865. Here the junior Senger worked on the shoemaker's bench and attended the common schools till he was twenty-one years old. Then he went to Western College, attending there nearly two years, the last in 1873, in the meantime teaching to support himself. In 1876 he bought from T. W. Scott the Franklin Grove "Eeporter," having first come to Lee county in 1873. He was married in 1875, to Susan A. Buck. He has two children, a son and daughter.

JosiAH Hughes, hotel keeper, Franklin Grove, was born February 15, 1808, in Otsego county, New York ; son of Willian and Sally (Dilly) Hughes. His father was a farmer, and of his family of eight sons and three daughters Josiah was the eldest. On New Year's day of 1831 he was married to Lydia Barry. Ten years later his mother died at Waterville, and in 1844 he came with his wife, two children and his father to St. Charles, Kane county, Illinois. In this vicinity he bought a fiirm, which he worked a short time. He then moved into the village of St. Charles and dealt in stoves, etc. On September 1, 1854, he arrived in Franklin Grove. The following year he built the Hughes Hotel, a three-story stone building, at a total cost of nearly $9,000, having bought the premises from C. Lahman for $1,800. Mr. Hughes has had five children, only one of whom, the eldest, lives : Oscar (married and living in Henderson county, Kentucky), Julia (Mrs. Trumbull, died

George Fishback, carpenter, Franklin Grove, was born in Alsace, then part of France, in 1828. His parents, George and Margaret Fishback, had four children, of whom lie was the eldest. His father died when he was eight years old. He came to New York city in February of 1853, and worked three years at his trade; thence he came to Lee county, Illinois, and in 1857 he bought property in the southwest part of the village of Franklin Grove. Here he has since lived and followed his trade. In 1854 he married Rose Schweisberger. Their children number five: George, Lena, Margaret, John, and Rose. Frank died aged one year. George, Lena and Margaret are married and living in Dixon.

John L. Strock, mechanic, Franklin Grove, was born in Franklin county, Pennsylvania, in 1841. His parents were Samuel and Esther (Lahman) Strock. Their family consisted of three sons and two daughters. John Strock lived on his fiither's farm till he was sixteen years of age, when he learned the carpenter's trade. In 1861 he came to Mount Carroll, Illinois, and on June 6 of the same year enlisted in Co. C, of the 92d 111. Inf They were mustered at Rockford, Illinois, September 4, 1861, and were sent to Perryviile, Kentucky. Tiie subject of this sketch was in the battles of Fort Donelson, Shiloh, Nashville, Stone River, Chattanooga, with Sherman to the sea, and around to Baltimore. He was shot through the right arm Nicky-Jack Gap, losing thereby a part of the radius near the wrist. He was mustered out July 15, 1865. In 1867 Mr. Strock came to Franklin Grove and worked at his trade till 1876, having in the meantime built many of the fine barns that adorn this region of the country. He is now in companj' with the Lahman Brothers in the manufacture of the Great Western Seeder, having recently rented the large windmill which he built in 1876, and in which he has a half interest. In 1869 he mariied Abbie Withey, of Lee county, by whom he has two children : Warren, born January 1870, and Irniie, August 1876. Mr. Strock belongs to the order of Masons and in politics is a republican.

John Blochek, Franklin Grove, was born in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, February 23, 1833; sou of John and Catherine (Bishop) Blocher. These parents had a family of five sons and six daughters, six of whom are living. John Blocher, the father, was an 1812 militiaman. Subsequently he moved from his farm near Buffalo, New York, to Gettysburg. The youth of our subject was spent on a farm until he was sixteen years of age, subsequently in a woolen factory. In 1852 he came to Lee Center, and after remaining a year returned east. In 1856 he married Ann Gear and came back to Franklin Grove. He began in the daguerreotype business, wliicli he followed till 1869, when he began the "Reporter." In 1872 Mrs. Blocher died, leaving four children to mourn her loss. Tlieir names are William, Flora, John H. and Charles. In 1875 Mr. Blocher was married to Elizabeth "Wattles. Their issue are two: Claude and Ella. Mr. Blocher is a member of the Presbyterian church, as was his first wife, his present wife being a Methodist. He is a republican, and belongs to the order of Odd-Fellows.

Louis M. Blaisdell (deceased) was born in Kennebec county, Maine. His father was a farmer and ship-builder. Three of his father's family grew to maturity, the youngest of whom was Louis. None of the family are now living. Our subject left his home when quite young, for his health. He was in the south, Chicago, and in 1843 came to St. Cliarles, Illinois, and began in the sale of dry-goods. In December, 1847, he married Rosalind Durant, who came with her mother and two brothers from Vermont to St. Charles in 1845. Mr. Blaisdell removed with his family to Franklin Grove in 1854. Here he began in the lumber business, and subsequently dealt in grain. His house, on Spring street, was one of the finest in the "new town" of Franklin. Here his family are now living. Mr. Blaisdell was successful in business. At the time of his death (March 1863) he owned a 160 acre farm in Bradford township, besides considerable property in the village of Franklin Grove. His famil}' are Louis, liorn June 1850 ; Alice, March 1857; and Rosalind, November 1861. Mr. Blaisdell was of Scotch descent; belonged to the order of Masons, and was a republican. Mrs. Blaisdell's mother's father was from Rhode Island ; English descent. Her mother was born in 1798; her father in 1800.

Oscar G. Smith, grain dealer, Franklin Grove, was born in Frostburg, Alleghany county, Maryland, September 17, 1850. His parents are Joseph E. and Henrietta (Merrill) Smith. The former came from Hesse-Cassel, Germany, when he was sixteen years of age. Of a family of nine only four live, two sons and two daughters. The family came west in 1852 and settled in South Dixon, Lee county, where they have since lived. In 1874 Oscar Smith married Margaret C. Burket, of Lee county. Their issue are Mabel, born July 6, 1875 (deceased July 3, 1876), and Walter Lee, January 1878. In 1877 Mr. Smith sold his farm of 130 acres, in Nacluisa township, for $7,000, and engaged in the grain-buying business, at first at Dixon with Captain Dysart, and since 1878 in Franklin Grove. The same year he bought the Williams warehouse property for $1,600, and in 1879 built his new warehouse at a further cost of about $1,400. In the spring of 1881 Mr. Smith entered into partnership with Robert C. Filson, who was 'born in Franklin county, Pennsylvania, in 1847. He is the son of

Samuel atid Marv E. (Miller) Filsoii, who had a famil}' of four. The fatlicr died in August 1803. Robert Filsoii eanie to Lee county in 1870; was married in 1872, to Xanev J. Shorrar, hy whom he has four ciiildrcn : William S., Mary E., Minnie V. aTid Edwin C.

Joshua Lahman, farmer, was boiii June 1839, in Washington county, Maryland, into which his parents moved from Adams count}', Pennsylvania, a few years before. lie is the son of Christian and Elizabeth (Emmert) Laliman. He was reared a farmer. In 1843 lie came with his parents to Franklin Grove. In September, 1861, he enlisted in the 3-ith 111. Inf, Co. C. He was in service two years; was wounded in the arm and thigh at Murfreesboro, Tennessee; was sent to the hospital at Cincinnati, where he remained nearly six months; he was mustered out June 13, 1863. For two years after the war Mr. Lahman walked on crutches, and thinking that he would never recover the use of his limbs he learned harness-making. Three years he ran a iiarness shop in Iowa; he was there married to Hannah M. Batschelett. She was born in Illinois, but went to Iowa when but ten years of age. In 1868 onr subject came back to Lee county and began farming. He now owns 240 acres in Sees. 11 and 12, T. 21, China. In 1879 he built a tine brick house. He lias a family of four children : Edgar R., born October 11, 1867; Clifford E., February 8, 1869; Elizabeth, July 22, 1875, and Clara F., October 19, 1877.

JosKPH Lahman, farmer, Franklin Grove, the oldest member of one of the most prominent families in this part of Lee county, was born January 24, 1833, in Adams county, Pennsylvania. His parents. Christian Lahman and Elizabctli Emmert, were both of German ancestry. Two Ltihman brothers settled in Lancaster county, Penns}'!- vania, about 1700. In 1843 Ciiristian Lahman and his family settled on the north side of Franklin Grove, nearly opposite the Uunkard church, on the place now owned by David Lahman, his son. In 1856 Joseph Lahman married Lorenda Diehl, who died April 28, 1879, leaving five sons and three daughters, the fruits of their married life: Fremont D., born November 1856; Oliver D., April 1S5S; Floi'ence J., May 1860; Roscoe D., July 1862; Frank E., December 1864; Ella J., January 1868; Charles E., January 1872; Grace, May 1874; In February of 1881 Mr. Lahman was married, in Pennsylvania, to Mrs. Susan B. Gitt, of Adams county. Both belonged to the German Baptist church, in which Mr. Lahman is an ordained elder. He owns about 800 acres of laud in Lee and Ogle counties, besides about 400 acres in Iowa. He is living a little west of the village of Franklin Grove, on the S.E. J Sec. 2, T. 21, where Lockwood Minor first settled. Here Mr. Lahman has lived for about fifteen years. Previous to this Mr. Lahman ran a mill on the creek for about si.xteen years.

George W. Hewitt, M.D. (deceased), was born in Middlebnrg, Franklin county, Pennsylvania, December 23, 1830. He was the son of G. W. and Margaret (Conkleton) Hewitt, to whom were born four sons and three daughters. His medical studies were pursued under Dr. Samnel Chew, of Baltimore. At the same time he attended lectures at the University of Maryland, where he graduated in 1854. On the first of May of the same year he settled to practice medicine at Franklin Grove. Early in his practice he took a high rank in his profession. In 1871 he was appointed a delegate from the Illinois State Medical Society to tlie American Medical Association. During the late war Dr. Hewitt served as surgeon in 34th reii;. 111. Vols. He was on the staft of Col. Kirk when he was promoted to brigadier general, with whom he served for some time as brigadier surgeon. He was uncompromisingly devoted to his profession ; he was a member of the American Medical Association, and an honorary member of the California Medical Society. In the best sense of the word the doctor was a philanthropist, ever anxious to avail himself of every opportunity to acknowledge the common brotherhood of humanit}' and fatherhood of God. In accordance with his convictions, and as a means to the end he had in view, he united with the Masonic fraternity. He was made a Master Mason at Lee Center, August 30, 1857; took his chapter degrees at DeKalb, August 11, 1859, and received his commandery degrees at S^'camore, May 9,1866. He was a charter member of Franklin Lodge, No. 2G4, also of Nathan Whitney Chapter, and at his death was an active member of the commandery at Dixon. On September 25, 1856, he was married to Miss Caroline Davis Miller, with whom he lived until November 19, 1863, when she died, leaving him two sons, aged five and three years respectively. During the last illness of his lamented wife she and the doctor were together received into the Presbyterian church on their profession of faith. On September 1, 1879, a team which Dr. Hewitt was driving ran away with liim, throwing him out against a ci-eek bridge and precipitating him into a creek twenty feet below. He received injuries in this fall from which he only partially recovered. October, 1880, he received his first stroke of paralysis; the second, January' 5, 1881, caused his death on the 12th of the same month. Henry M. Hewitt, eldest son of the above, was born August 24, 1857, in Franklin Grove, Lee county. He received his preparatory education at Normal and Evanston, Illinois; graduated from Rush Medical College, Chicago, Illinois; and after this attended medical schools in the city of New York and on the continent of Europe. In September, 1879, he returned to his home at Franklin Grove, where he is now practicing medicine. His brother, George W.

John Leake, fanner, retired, was born in Leicestershire, England, April 17, 1808. His father, William Leake, and mother, Clarissa (Chapman), daughter of Daniel Chapman, were also natives of England, and there died. His grandparents on his father's side were William and Mary Leake, also of English birth and burial. Mr. Leake was raised a son of toil in the true sense of that word. Farming has occupied his time in chief, 3'et after arriving at manhood he also engaged in milling. He was married December 2, 1836, to Miss Hannah Skermer, daughter of Samuel and Mary (Cooper) Skermer, both of English birth. Mrs. Leake is one of those women of industry for which old England is so noted. This union has been blessed with six children : Clarissa, Mary A., William, Siisanah, John H. and Joseph T. Influenced by the flattering reports from America sent them by relatives, Mr. and Mrs. Leake also set sail about September 1. 1843, on the sailing-vessel Garrick, commanded by Capt. Kiddy. After about a month's voyage they reached Chicago, where Mr. Leake contracted with John B. Tinker to convey self, fomily and baggage at a low rate to Dixon's Ferry. Arrived here Mr. and Mrs. Leake immediately began the work of the pioneer in the southwest corner of what is now China township, where they still live. They have become in good circumstances and good standing in the comtnunit}'.

William Graves, farmer and stock raiser, Franklin Grove, is a son of William and Sarah M. (Bostwick) Graves, and was born in the State of New York, February 19, 1839. He was reared on a farm, with only such school advantages as were afl'orded in his boyhood days. In 1853, in company with his mother, one brother and one sister, he came to Illinois, and settled for a short time in Newark, Kendall county, Illinois, but in November, 1854, they came to Lee county, and settled permanently in China township, on Sec. 15, T. 21, K. 10, where our subject now owns a flne farm of 200 acres of well improved land. February 15, 1870, he married Miss Martha A., daughter of Evans C. and Harriett A. (Whitmore) Thomas, of Franklin Grove, Lee county, Illinois. She was born March 17, 1848. They are the parents of two children living, Grace and Louis C. Mr. Graves is now actively engaged in stock raising as well as farming. He is one of the live men of Lee county, and takes an active part in any enterprise that tends to the mutual improvement of his own interest or that of the community in which he lives.

The voters of T. 38 N., E. 1 E., met at the house of Moses Van Campen on tlie 2d of April, 1861, and nominated Abratn Van Campen clerk pro tern, and Simeon Cole moderator. They being duly elected, proceeded to the business of organizing the town of Viola. Polls opened and the following first town officers were duly elected. Fiftytwo ballots were cast, a majority being: for supervisor, Samuel L. Butler; assessor, Simeon Cole; town clerk, Samuel Vasbnrgh ; constable and collector, John Melugin; justice of the peace, Henry Marsh; commissioners of highways, William Holdren, Ralph E. Ford, and Moses B. Van Campen ; for poor-master, Evins Adrian, and for pound-master, John Melugin. The names proposed for tlie town, Butler, Elba, and Eldorado. Previous to this the town was called Stockton, the name being given on account of the large numbers of stock being herded by Robert M. Piele, and others who were also on the creeks with large herds of cattle. The first town officers were sworn in and their bonds given to the name of Stockton.

At a meeting of highway commissioners of the towns of Brooklyn, and Stockton, held May 11, 1861, for the purpose of dividing road on the line between towns tliirty-seven and thirtj'-eight, or very soon after, the name of this township was changed to Viola, the names proposed at the previous meeting having been found to conflict with other township names in the state.

The soil of this township is a rich loam, having a sand and gravel subsoil at a depth of from seven to fifteen feet ; the drainage is by wide and deep ditches leading toward and through the inlet swamp. The surface is, for two miles on the east and the same on the south, rolling ; the balance that is tillable is fiat and even in surface. About threequarters of this township is under cultivation ; the remaining quarter is known as the inlet swamp.

The beautiful natural grove situated in the southeast corner of Viola township, half a mile west and same distance north of the southeast corner, is divided into lots of from 1 to 60 acres. It contains about 320 acres. In an early day, or when first settled, it was called Guthrie's Grove, after William Gutiirie, its first settler, but is now called and is marked on most maps as Little Melugin Grove. In early times it was sometimes called Lawton's Grove, after William Lawton, who was an early settler. The Big Melugin is also a beautiful natural grove, partly in Brooklyn township, and one half or more in Viola, there being about one section or 640 acres in Viola. This is also divided up into grove lots of 3 to more acres.

Willow creek is the only natural water stream in Viola township. There are two other " runs" called dry runs, water being in them only at wet seasons of the year. These all empt}' into the inlet swamp. The wells of this township are of an exceptionally pure and cool nature and reached at a depth of from ten to thirty feet, giving always a plentiful supply of this needed article. This township was first settled in 1834 at Guthrie, or as it is now called Little Melugin Grove, by William Guthrie. The first buildings were put thereon the extreme south end of the grove and built b3' William Guthrie ; the first wagon roads were anj'where to the nearest point over the then vast and open prairie, but soon after settlement and organization they were laid out on section lines, or mostly so by the elected highway commissioners. The north and soutli roads ran through the township, the east and west only a part of the way through, partly on account of the inlet swamp.

Among the first white persons and settlers about the groves (as these towns were first settled there) was David Town, then Dick Allen, then Zacli. Melugin, after whom the groves in Viola and Brooklyn were named, then William Guthrie, who also named the small grove. After these came John Gilmore, William Lawton, who sold to Walter Little. Then they began to come in faster, among those a little later being Evins Adrian, who perhaps has made himself more felt than any of his predecessors in this township and Lee county.

There are several large farmers in this township ; but among the most noted are Evins Adrian, with his 1300 acre homestead and miles of osage hedge fence and herds of fine blooded stock reared by him. Mr. Adrian is not a large purchaser of stock except to improve his already high grade. He is a stock raiser and seller, doing all business on his own premises. Mr. H. B. Cobb is also an extensive stock man in this t6wnship. He not only raises large droves, but is also an extensive bu3'ei' and shipper of large bunches of hogs as well as cattle.

About four years ago Mr. Evins Adrian lost one of his large barns by fire. It was 42x60 in size, with a fine basement for stock, and had just been filled with hay. Li it was also stored a lot of farm tools, harness, and some valuable live-stock. It was the work of an incendiary; the total loss was about $5,000. He rebuilt, and had the new barn ready for occupancy in about thirty days after the burning.

There are six school buildings in this township, and anothei contemplated this fall. The cost of these was from $400 to $600 each. There are seven school districts in Viola, and schools are held from six to nine months a year in each. The school fund is $7,496.

Viola's present town officers are : supervisor, James Adrian ; town clerk, RiiFiis Jolinson ; assessor, Calvin Johnson ; collector, Robert Hutchinson ; commissioners of highways, Joseph Merrill, three years; Alexander Harper, two years ; Abram Bennett, one year ; justices of the peace, Alexander Harper and Truman Johnson ; constables, Rufus Johnson and William H. Bennett; school trustees, A. J. Ross, three years; Truman Johnson, two years; James Taylor, one year; and school treasurer, Calvin Johnson. The number of votes polled at tlie 1881 election was 130.

Mr. Evins Adrian was the first person married living in Viola, to widow Smith, formerly Marrilla Goodale. The next was William Happ, who married a Miss Smith, of Smith's Grove. He afterward in a spree stabbed liis wife, who died. Truman Johnson's was probably the third marriage, to Miss Mary Melugin.

The first adult person who died in this township was Walter Little, grandfather of the present sheriff of Lee county. An infant child of William Lawtou's died previously. Mrs. Curtis Lathrop and Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Little also died in the early history of Lee county. The first birth in this township was a child to William Lawton, which died in its infancy.

One mark of prosperity in this township is its large and intelligent family records, giving the residents not only^great present aid, but providing for the future management of the aft'airs of this vicinity.

In the early history of Viola township, long before Lee coiinty was set off, roaming bands of Indians from several tribes inhabited the beautiful groves, there being those now living among its citizens who have played with the children of the redinen, and were eye witnesses to the great council and last payment in Illinois of the Indians by the government at the grove at Shabbona.

M. W. Harrington, farmer, Compton, removed with his parents when four years old from Grand Isle county, Vermont, and located at Jolict, Will county, Illinois. He was born in Grand Isle county, Vermont, May 21, 1835. His father, at an advanced age, is still living. In 1862 he removed to Viola, Lee county, and on August 13, 1862, enlisted in Co. E, 100th 111. Vol. Inf., and remained eighteen months. He was wounded in the battle of Chickaraauga, September 19, 1863, which disabled him for service, and he was honorably discharged. He married, July 2, 1858, Mary E. Cole. They have three children : Charlie E., Willie M., Oric C, and one adopted child, Carrie A. He

Cathaeine (Johnson) Gray, widow of Henr\^ W. Gray, farmer, Compton, was born in Sussex county, New Jersey, September 1826. Her youth was spent in New Jersey and Pennsylvania, where she resided with her parents. They came to Luzerne county, Pennsylvania, in 1830, where they remained until she was twenty-five years of age. In 1855 she removed to Illinois, locating in Lee count}-. She is a member of the Metiiodist Episcopal church. In 1844 she was married to Henry W. Gray. She has live children living, three having died since her husband's death, which occurred twenty-two years ago. Her three sons at home, Emory, James, and Lewis, are working 100 acres. They also thresh and shell grain during the season.

William W. Gilmoke, farmer, Compton, born in Brooklyn township, Lee county, November 8, 1835, was the second white child born in the grove. His mother is living. He had the common school advantages, such as could be obtained in his pioneer youth. Nearly all liis life has been spent near his birthplace. Mr. Gilmore has held local town offices for several terms, and given good satisfaction. He is a chapter Mason, a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, and a democrat in (lolitics. He was married January 15, 1856, to Rcirina Carnahan. They have five children: Jennie, now Mrs. Chas. Gutfin, of Compton ; John, Ida, Hattie, and Floy. He has a 255 acre farm, well managed, and is building a residence at Compton, where he will remove. He was engaged during considerable of his life in the drygoods and general store business, also in agricultural and hardware, in Melngin's Grove and at Mendota. Mr. John Gilmore and Hannah, his wife, father and mother of the subject of this sketch, were the next settlers, after Zachariah Melugin, at the grove, and nearly their entire life has been spent at or near their early settlement. They have been identified with the growth and prosperity of Lee county for near halt' a centur}', and have endeared themselves to all who have known them. Mr. J. Gilmore was a Master Mason in New York, and upon his removal west he was presented with a valuable token of jewels by his comrades. They are now the heirlooms of Mr. W. W. Gilmore. When Mr. John Gilmore first settled he had $40 and an old team, which was all he possessed.

Makgareita (Hannan) Barr, widow of John Barr, farmer, Compton, came to America in 1850. She landed at the city of New York, and came directly to Illinois, locating in Lee county. She was born in county Antrim, Ireland, in May 1833. She received common school advantages in her native country. Her youth, till seventeen, was spent there. She was married May 13, 1851, to John Barr, who died in the spring of 1881, leaving herself and nine children. She has a 203 acre farm, which the j'oungest son, Alexander, manages for her. It is well stocked and cultivated. Tlie other children are Martha, Jane, James, Robert, William, Maggie, Mary, and Ellen. Mary, Ellen and Alexander are at home and are tlie onl}' members of the family unmarried.

MosEs B. Van Campen, farmer, Compton, landed in Illinois on April 13, 1854-, locating in Lee county. He was born in Warren county, New Jerse^^, October 2i, 1816. His mother lived till over ninety years of age. His father died when 3'oung Moses was but ten years of age. He received common school advantages in his native state, where he lived till twenty-four years of age on a wooded farm. In 1840 he moved to Pennsylvania and commenced the clearing of a new farm, and remained there fourteen years. He was married November 30, 1844, to Eliza Ann Winters. They have four children living. He has now a homestead in Melugin of twenty -live acres. Mr. Van Campen holds certificates, bearing date Marcii 29, 1826, from his teacher, Benjamin Depue, given at Pahaqiiariy, New Jersey, which are quite interesting relics of liis early school days. In 1854 he began in tliis count}' with only a yoke of oxen and good health. Tlie first town meeting and the first election in Viola were held in his house. The first school in district No. 3 was held for three terms in his house, with no charge for its use. Mi". Van Campen has been largely identified witii his township, and is among the most respected of her citizens. He is a Jackson democrat. His children are Cyntha, James, Emanuel and Cecilia. His son Emanuel manages the homestead and a rented farm, and is one of the valued young men of his township.

John M. Abell, farmer and carpenter, Compton, was born at St. Charles, Kan<! county, Illinois, December 25, 1844. His mother is still living. Mr. Abell has followed the carpenter business for seven years till the past year. In 1864 he enlisted in the artillery service. Battery G, 2d reg., and remained till the close of the war. He is a member of the United Brethren church, and in politics a republican. He married, March 11, 1869, Leonora Lazarus, and they have four children: Charley, Phillip, Harry, and Laura. He has a 143 acre farm, under good cultivation. Mr. Abell has lived in Viola thirty-six years.

C. F. Van Patten, farmer, Steward, came to Shabbona, De Kalb county, Illinois, in 1856, wiiere he lived eleven years. He was born in Gienville, Schenectady count}'. New York, January 6, 1826, and there received common school advantages. His youth and early manhood were spent at home on the farm. In 1868 he moved from De Kalb county to Viola. He has held several local town offices. He is a leading member of the Methodist Episcopal society of the flats. He was married October 22, 1855, to Mary Jane Young. They have fourteen children living, one dead. lie has a 320 acre farm, well managed and well stocked. The family of Mr. Van Patten are worthy of mention, being of more than usual intelligence, and all standing high in the estimation of their neighbors.

Joseph Merrill, farmer, Compton, was born in Hartford township, Licking county, Ohio, February 14, 1831. His youth and manhood, till thirty-five years old, was spent in Ohio at the blacksmith trade. He moved to Viola in ISGG. He is a Chapter Mason, and in politics a democrat. He married, in the summer of 1853, Sarah J. Noe, who died March 28, 1809. He was again married January- 31, 1869, to Lydia J. Johnson, widow of Alfonso Johnson. He has si.x 'children, three by first and three by second marriage. They have a tine large farm, formerly the property of A. Johnson.

B. F. Johnson, farmer, Compton, was born in Kane county, Illinois, March -1, ISiG. He had a common school education, mostly received in Lee county. His youth till about six was spent in Kane county, at which time he was brought to Viola, Lee county. In the spring of 18(55 he enlisted in Co. I, 15Gth 111. Itif, remaining till the close of the war. In politics he is a republican. He^married, February 24, 1877, Arrilla Compton. They have two children, Lewis Emory, and Andrew. He has a 300 acre farm, well stocked and cultivated. Mr. Johnson was uiiniiig in Montana territory for six years, from 1870 to 1876, with more than ordinary success. The lastyear took out over $26,000. Mr. Johnson's family were the first settlers on the prairie in Viola township.

EviNS Adria.v, stock raiser and farmer, Compton, tl e genial proprietor of the Glenwood farm, was born in county Antrim, Ireland, October 15, 1815, and received a portion of his education in that country and partly in Illinois and New York. His youth tili about eighteen was spent in Ireland on a farm. In 1833 he came to America, landing in Quebec, Canada, where he remained about two years. He then went to Erie county, JSTew York, and remained about two years, getting $7 per month wages, when he removed and settled in Illinois, before Lee county was set oft" or organized. He was married October 1840, to Mrs. Marilla Smith (widow of Rev. George Smith). She died in February 1857, and he was again married in July 1857, to Mary Ann Agler. He has nine children, six by the first and three by the second marriage. His magnificent homestead contains 1300 acres. Mr. Adrian is an aggressive farmer and buys but little stock, and that only to improve his herds. He usually keeps on hand 2()0 head of cattle, 300 sheep, 100 hogs, besides horses and mules sufficient to work and manage his farm. He feeds all grain raised, and is a large purchaser of corn from the adjoining farms. He is selling every year large lots of stock, weighing and doing all business at home, having all conveniences for so doing. In an earl}' day he chopped and split rails at fifty cents per hundred, and has come op to his now independent and commanding position only by energy, self-sacrifice, and an indomitable will. His daughters, Emma, Marrilla and Sarah, also his sons, John and Willie, deserve mention, as they have been and are now largely interested and worthy helps to their father in his vast undertakiiicfs, and now in the shadow of his life remain to cheer and assist him tiirough. Mr. Adrian has not only done well for himself and family, but is largely interested in the growth and prosperity of his township, giving liberally and rendering mature advice in school, road, and otlier improvements. He has honored his township by being their supervisor several terms.

H. B. Cobb, farmer and stock buyer and shipper. Steward, was born in Tallard, Connecticut, November 27, 1834. His youth till sixteen was spent in his native state at home. When sixteen years of age he went to Massachusetts and engaged in a cotton-mill, and remained till nineteen, and then came west, locating first at Lamoille, Bureau county, Illinois. Here he worked in a nursery for Samuel Edwards, at $13 per month. However, he soon after went at regular farming, living there about four years. In the spring of 1856 he removed to Lee county. Mr. Cobb had three brothers in the late civil war. He has been supervisor of Yiola four years, township treasurer about fifteen years. He is a Mason and a republican. He was married May 15, 1859, to Ellen C. Beamer. They have five children : Minnie J., Lillie A., George H., Flora E. and Laura L. He has a 490 acre homestead, over 900 acres in Viola township, and a joint farm in Brooklyn of 110 acres. Mr. Cobb has one of the finest farm residences in Lee county, and few equal it anywhere, being first-class in all its appointments. His farm is first-class, well managed, and well watered. He keeps about 250 cattle, on an average, all the time, also other fine stock. Mr. Cobb is one of the largest stock raisers and shippers of Lee county, and among the most popular and energetic farmers.

CuMMiNGS NoE, farmer. Early Dawn, was born in Caldwell, Essex county. New Jersey, July 20, 1809. He had common school advantages partly in New Jersey and partly in Ohio, going to school part of two winters in a log school-house without a pane of glass in the building, a log being left out and oiled paper pasted over the opening to admit light and keep out the wind. His youth till nine years of age was spent in New Jersey. About 1817 he moved with his parents to Franklin county, Ohio, near Columbus, and there remained about two years, when he again removed to Licking county. His mother died in Franklin county, and he lived with a brother-in-law three years near

Columbus. He then returned to Licking and lived with his brother, adjoining his father's place, about three years. In the fall of 1834 he removed to Illinois, locating and remaining a year in Tazewell county, then to Franklin, Jo Daviess county, before Lee county was set off, remaining over a year, and then to Ogle county for eight years, at the end of which time he came to Lee county, living in Willow creek for many years. In 1878 he came to Viola. His sons William and Amos enlisted in the summer of 1862 in Co. B, 27th 111. Vol. Inf. They were in the battle at Vicksburg that season. They contracted disease from which both died, never returning. Mr. Noe is a member of the United Brethren church, and is anti-Masonic in politics. He was married April 1, 1830, to Martha Parkhurst. They have four children living (eight deceased). He has a 160-acre homestead, well stocked and managed. Mr. N^oe came to Illinois in company with an elder brother. Each had a wife and two children in a wagon. All their capital was health and SIO in money, which not being current had to be returned to Ohio for exchange, which took many weeks.

This town is located in the north tier of townships. It is one-half the size of a congressional township, being si.x miles from east to west and three miles from north to south. It originally formed a part of Bradford township. The surface is for the most part undulating. Stone suitable for building purposes abounds in considerable quantities. The finest quarry is just north of the village of Ashton, which is said to be equal in quality to any in northern Illinois for building.

The first person to locate^in the township was Erastus Anderson, in 1848. He was followed in a few weeks after by his brother Timothy, their father coming in December of the same year. At that time there were only four houses to be seen, and part of these were twenty miles distant. In 18-19 a man by the name of Hubbard settled in the west part of the township. In 1852 Daniel Suter located near the site of the German Baptist church, and H. Sannders farther to the west. These comprise most of the settlers of what is now Ashton township prior to the location of the Northwestern railroad in 1854.

The tirst settlers of Ashton township say not a tree was to be seen nearer than the grove, at what is now Franklin ; that game was plenty, that ducks, geese and sandhill cranes reared their young here in the swamps, and that chasing the prairie wolf was of frequent occurrence. Sheep had to be closely guarded. Prairie fires sometimes broke out, sweeping the grass, which was very abundant, and sometimes the build-

The land of Ashton township was bought principally by speculators about the time the lirst settlers made their appearance. They rated it from $5 to $10 per acre. Those with small means settled farther from the railroads, where land coiild be had for less money. Ashton township is yet owned largely in large farms, and worked by tenants.

In 1S54 emigrants began to come in from every quarter and located in Ashton township. In that year the first house was built by James L. Bates, where the village of Ashton now is. The town was laid out in 1855. J. L. Bates kept the first store here. The first warehouse was erected in the latter part of 1854, and in this was kept the first post-oflice. The first blacksmith shop was erected in 1855, by S. M. Kifnes.

The first church erected was the Methodist Episcopal, in 1863. A lot was ofiered, free of charge, to tlie church society which would erect the first building in the village. The Methodist Episcopal people, not feeling themselves able to build a durable church, erected a temporary structure to secure the lot till such time as they were able to build a durable church. Tiie second church was erected by the Free Methodists in 1864. This is said to have been the first church of the kind in the state. The societj^ was first organized in Ogle county, four miles north of Ashton, by J. G. Terrol, in 1860, but for convenience the society was divided and a church built in Ashton. Among the prominent members at the time of its organization were Charles Butolpk, Jonathan Dake, Sidney and Melville Beach, Sylvester Forbes, Isaac Martin, Samuel Walker, James Heed, William Martin, their wives and others. Rev. Terrol was followed by Kev. W. Underwood. The society at one time, shortly after its organization, numbered ninety active members. It now numbers twenty-five. It is in a flourishing condition. The society has kept in good running order a Sunday-school most of the time. It has now united its Sunday-school with that of the Presbyterians. Its church principles are absolute freedom and strong opposition to all secret societies.

The third church erected here was by the Catholics, in 1866. Its members are for the most part Germans, and number about fifty active communicants.

The Christian church was built in 1868. The prime leaders were F. Nettleton, J. P. Taylor, and Peter Plantz. It was organized with fifteen members. It first held its meetings in the school-house. The society flourished with the other societies of the town till within the past two years, when misfortunes be3'ond its control befell it, but it isnow in a fair wav to revive and recover its former standing.

The German Baptists built tiieir present church house one fourth of a mile south of town, in 1866. Its membership at the present is something more than forty, and is in a flourishing condition. The cemetery connected with this church is on a beautiful rising ground.

The Presb3'terian church was erected in 1877. The building committee were Messrs. Mills, Petrie and Polluck. At the time of organization its membership was fourteen. The leading members were Griffith, Hutsen, and Brewer. The first minister was Rev. S. Vale; present pastor. Rev. Jordan. The present elders are S. F. Mills and J. Brewer. The society is in good condition.

The Masons and Odd-Fellows each have a society here. The former was organized in 1862, and is prosperous. The hitter was organized in 1807, and though not so numerous in members is enjoying a good degree of prosperity.

Ashton boasts of the finest school building in the county. It is a stone edifice erected at a cost of $28,000. The school employs six teachers.

The Asuton Bank

This bank was opened by Mills & Petrie in 1867. During its existence it has never closed its doors. During the month of June, 1881, it received checks amounting to over $80,000, the greater part of which was for produce shipped from this point.

Ashton has several times been visited with very destructive fires for a town of its size. The first fire of note was in 1863. The grain elevator was burned, and the loss was estimated at $2,000. Next, the Ashton flouring mill burned in 1863 ; loss, $60,000. In 1871 the railroad property, which consisted of two tanks, the depot and a coal-house, in which were stored 1,200 tons of coal; in addition to the railroad property, a lumber yard and four dwelling houses were burned, the estimated loss being $75,000. This fire originated in the coal-house. In 1874 the hay-press and elevator were burned ; a loss of $30,000. Besides these fires named there have been numerous smaller ones.

At the present time Ashton has three elevators, two hotels, and flouring mill, six churches and seven congregations, one bank, of which Mills & Petrie are the sole proprietors, and several very good stores for a country town. The Masons and Odd-Fellows are the only secret societies.

McGee. He was a minister stationed at Ashton. It seems the villain had become enamored of another besides his wife, and not possessing moral courage sufficient to free himself from the matrimonial bonds in an honorable way, resorted to poison as a means of putting his wife out of the way. Strichnine was his agent; this he gave to his wife in minute quantities for some time. The doctor was summoned, but not suspecting the treacherous villainy that was being practiced, did not discover what had been done till a short time before she died. The fatal dose was administered by him just before he repaired to the church to preach. He was arrested and incarcerated in the county jail. He then thought to place his crime upon his fonrteen-year-old daughter by making her sign a paper stating that she had poisoned her mother. In this he failed. He was tried, convicted and sent to the state penitentiary for a term of fourteen years. His wife was much loved and respected by the community, as are his children, and no one reflects on them the villainy over which tliey had no control, but all are filled with sympathy for their misfortune.

W. A. Petrie, of the firm of Petrie & Mills, bankers, Ashton, was born in 1812, near Syracuse, New York, and is the son of Rudolph and Elizabeth (Vrooman) Petrie, natives of New York. His parents were of German descent, and his maternal grandfather was captain of a fort in the pioneer times of New York, and was killed and scalped by the Indians ; and a son was also killed and mutilated in the most horrible manner. The Vroomans are an old established family of New York. W. A. Petrie received a fair education and came to Lee county in 1858, and went into partnership with his present partner, Mr. S. F. Mills. Mr. Mills is a native of New York, born in 1830 near Utica, and is the son of Loran A. and E. (Petrie) Mills, natives of New York. Mr. Mills' father was colonel of the state militia. His father was of Scotch extraction, his mother of English descent. He came to Ashton in 1854 and engaged in the grain and lumber trade and was joined by Mr. Petrie in 1858. In 1861 they gave up the grain and lumber trade and engaged in the mercantile trade, and in one year sold $109- 000 worth of goods, their yearly average being $80,000. In 1867 they quit the mercantile business and opened a private banking house in Ashton, in which business they still remain. They were both married in 1879 at the same ceremony: Mr. Petrie to Sarah E. Howard, daughter of William and Mary Howard, natives of England, who emigrated to America in 1856 and settled in Ohio, and Mr. Mills to Louisa Getman, daughter of Daniel and Mary (Vrooman) Getman, natives of New York. They live in the same house on a beautiful farm one mile west of Ashton. Mr. Petrie has held the office of notary public for twelve years, and is elected for four years more. He has been trustee of the township four years and still holds the office, and was supervisor for two years. They constitute a tirui of live business men, who have the business confidence of the community.

Sidney Beach, farmer and stock raiser, Ashton,was born in Delaware count)', Ohio, in 1827, and is the son of Israel and Roda (Lockwood) Beach, natives of New York. The former was by trade a shoemaker. They settled in Ohio in 1822 and engaged in the business of farming, pursuit they followed the remainder of their lives. They were members of the Presbyterian church. Israel Beach served in the war of 1812 as drummer. Sidney Beach remained in Ohio till he was fifteen years old, then came to Ogle county, Illinois, with an older sister, where he remained three years and accumulated some property, which he lost; hence he says his " first three years in Illinois were spent in getting e.xperience." He returned to Ohio when eighteen, but after a lapse of three years returned to Ogle county and began trading in cattle as much as he was able, which proved to be quite lucrative. Then he speculated in land to some extent. In 1856 he was married to Sarah Vandermark, daughter of Daniel and Anna Vandermark, natives of Pennsylvania. By this marriage he has three children: Clement L., Jessie C. and Sidney. Mrs. Beach's father was of German descent and a button-maker by trade. Her mother was of English e.xtraction and both were members of the Methodist Episcopal church. Mr. Beach owns 680 acres of good farming land. He markets some grain, but stock principalh'. He is a prominent republican, and was formerly a whig. He took an active part in raising recruits during the war. He and his wife are members of the Free Methodist chnrch. He began life for himself with less than $10, and what he now possesses is the result of his own industry.

James King, farmer, Ashton, was born in Merrimac county, New Hampshire, in 1S21. His jiarents were John and Sarah (Hill) King, natives of New Hampshire and children of English parents. James' grandfather was Gen. Wolfe's aide-de-camp at the battle of Quebec. His parents came to Illinois, where they spent their last days at the residence of their son. Mr. King received but little educational training in his early youth. He emigrated to Illinois in 1854 and settled in Bradford township, where he remained till 1875 engaged in farming. Having sold his farm of 165 acres he moved to Ashton. He was married in 1849, to Rolana Barnard, daughter of Ezekiel and Judith (Sargent) Barnard. She was born in Warren county. New Hampshire. By this union he has three children : Almon E., Walter B. and Flora D. His two boys are at present engaged in the mercantile business in Redwood, Minnesota. Mr. King, like most men who came to Illinois in the time of its first settlement, had but little means, but by judicious management and industry prospered. After selling his farm he has lived in Ashton, where he has a beautiful home and forty acres near the village. He has held the offices of commissioner and supervisor. In politics he is a staunch republican.

Petee Plantz, farmer, Asliton, was born in New York in 1805, and is the son of Richard and Maria Plantz, both of whom were of German descent, and members of the Lutheran church. Peter was educated in the common schools of his native state. He was married in New York, to Margret Putman, daughter of John and Catherine Putman, natives of New York, and members of the Dutch Reformed ciiurch; both were of Holland extraction. Mr. Plantz has by this coalition six children : Victor, Margret, Henry, Hannah, and Abraham. He came to Illinois in 18.51 and settled in Ogle county, where he remained till 1856, when lie came to Ashton, where he has since lived. Until recently he was engaged in farming, but has sold his farm and retired from business. He served three years as commissioner of highways. The success of Mr. Plantz is due wholly to his energy and industry. He and his wife are members of the Christian church. He has a comfortable home at Ashton, where he expects to enjoy the fruits of his former labors.

Melville Beach, farmer and stock raiser, Ashton, was born in Essex county. New Jersey, in 1812, and is the son of Israel and Roda (Loekwood) Beach, both natives of New Jersey. Tlie former was a shoemaker by trade, and with his family emigrated to Ohio in 1822. He engaged in farming, which pursuit he followed the remainder of his life. He and his wife were devoted members of the Presbyterian faitii. Israel Beach served in the war of 1812 as drummer. Melville received his education in the pioneer schools of Ohio, where he resided till 1852. He was married in 1851, to Eliza Scott, a native of Connecticut, and daughter of Cark and Flora (Beckley) Scott, who emigrated to Ohio in 1835, when she was six years old. Her parents were Presbyterian, and her father by trade was a button-maker, and raised a family of seven children. Mr. Melville Beach has a family of four children : Melville W., three years a student of Wheaton College ; Melva E., music teacher, educated at Spring Abbey, Michigan, and Wheaton College ; Cora C. and Esmarelda A. Mr. and Mrs. Beach have been members of the Free Methodist church since its organization liere in 1860. Mr. Beach is one of the active members of the Free Methodist church at this place, having been class leader nearly all the time since its organization, as well as filling other offices of the church and Sunday-school at difl'erent intervals. In his early life he followed the trade of his father. Having previously purchased land in Lee county, he moved in 1852 with his family to Ogle county, where he remained two years, and then came to Ashton, where he has since resided. He now owns a fine farm of 1273 acres, upon wliich he raises hogs and cattle, and owns a very pleasant home in the village of Ashton. lie is a radical anti-secret-society and anti-slavery man, and a staunch republican.

KiLEY Paddock, farmer, merchant and banker, Ashton, is a native of Ohio, born in 1810, and is the son of Ebenezer and Nancy Paddock, natives of Kentucky. They first settled in Butler county, Ohio, then in Clark connty, of the same state, and subsequently emigrated to Vigo county, Indiana. Mrs. Paddock was a member of the Baptist faith. Riley Paddock received such educational training as was to be had in the pioneer schools of Ohio. He was married in Vigo county, Indiana, to Eliza Snoddy ; she and her parents were natives of Kentucky. By this coalition he has four children : Bell Jane, Mary E., Victoria, and William E. The girls have all been students of Mount Morris Seminary, Illinois. William E. was educated at Jennings College, Aurora, Illinois, and is now engaged in the mercantile trade with his father, in Ashton. They deal in boots and shoes, and dry goods. Their trade amounts annually to about ^25,000. Mr. Paddock settled in Ogle county, Illinois, in 1837, where he remained till he came to Ashton. He began life with limited means; he has made farming his principal business. In 1872 he became one of the charter members of the First National Bank at Forest, Illinois, of which he has been, since its organization, one of its directors, and is now vice-president and director. He owns 300 acres of fine farming land, which he has well stocked, and 160 acres of Iowa land. He and his wife were formerly members of the Christian church. In politics he is a republican.

Erastus Anderson, farmer, Ashton, is a native of Canada West, and was born in 182-1:. He is the son of John H. and Martha (Morgan) Anderson ; the former, a native of New York, emigrated with bis father to Canada when sixteen years of age, where he grew up. He served as a British soldier in the war of 1812, and was in the battle of Lundy's Lane. In 1848 he came to Lee county, where he remained the balance of his life. Erastus Anderson's mother was a native of Canada, and died a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. Mr. Anderson came first to Michigan, where he remained till 18-46, when he settled in Ogle county, where he lived till the spring of 1848, when he settled in the northeast part of Ashton township, where he still lives. He was married in 1847, to Mary Halverd, a native of Norway, by whom he has had two children : Roda A., now Mrs. W. M. F. Clark, and John H. Mr. Anderson's education is only such as he has been able to obtain in active business. He began life for himself by working at whatever he could earn a penny, and so continued till he had saved enough to buy eighty acres of land ; then he began farming for himself. In politics he has always been a republican. Erastus Anderson's grandfather was a sliip-carpenter by trade, a Scotchman by birth, and emigrated to Canada. His paternal grandmother by birth was a German ; his maternal grandmother's people formerly came from Ireland. Mr. Anderson has a fine farm two and one-half miles northeast of Ashton. It is well improved and well stocked.

Henry Saundees, jr., farmer and stock raiser, Ashton, is a native of Hardin county, Pennsylvania, born in 1826, and is the son of Henry and Mary (Buck) Saunders, both natives of Pennsylvania, and of German extraction, and farmers by trade. They left to their children a handsome property, but owing to the course pursued by the administrators it was all lost and their children became penniless. H. Saunders, sr., was captain of the state militia. By faith he was a Catholic. H. Saunders, jr., came to Illinois in 18i5, and remained one year, then returned to his native state, and came again to Illinois after an absence of almost two years. He was married in 1851, to Rachel Morgan, a nativeof Illinois, daughter of Edward and Nancy Morgan, both natives of Ohio. They have nine children : Winfield B., Joseph J. F., Jerome (deceased), Alice (deceased), Jane, John, Edward, Lucy, and Harry L. He has an excellent farm of 286 acres, situated two miles west of Ashton, which is well improved and well stocked. He and his wife are not members of any christian sect, but believe in the practice of christian principles. Formerly he was a republican, but is now a democrat.

A. A. Heckart, grain buyer, Ashton, is a native of Pennsylvania, and a son of Peter and Elizabeth Heckart, both natives of Pennsylvania, but now living one half mile north of the village of Ashton. A. A. Heckart was born in 1844. He received a good common school education. He first engaged in the mercantile business in Ashton. He is now employed at Ashton by George H. Taylor & Co., grain merchants, where he has been for several years. He was married in 1868, to Mary J. Colwell, of Iowa, and they have one child, Temperance. He served in the war of the rebellion, first in Co. B, 4:6th 111. Vols., was wounded at Shiloh, and discharged from the service. Having recovered he again entered the service of his country in the 75th 111. Vols., in Co. G. Altogether he served two years and ten months. In politics he is strictly republican. He is a member of the I.O.O.F. at Ashton.

John A. Andrus, attorney, Ashton, is a native of New York, born in 1833, and is a son of Elim and Margaret (Mooney) Audrus, both natives of New York. John's grandfather, Benjamin Andrus, served in the revolutionary war. His literary education is that of the common school and the Holly Academy of New York. He graduated ill the Bryant & Stratton Commercial Business College, New York. He then read law for some time, and then came west and taught school in Michigan two years, and at Rochelle and Ashton each one year. He was engaged in the mercantile business for twelve years, and in farming for a time. In 1877 he was admitted to practice law in Michigan, and in 1878 was admitted to the bar in Illinois. He was examined before the appellate court at Chicago, in a class of forty-nine, seven of whom were rejected. He has since practiced in Ashton. He held the ofBce of police justice in Ashton for four years. He and all his family, so far back as he can tell, have been members of the democratic party. He was married in 1861, to Rhoda A. Siple, daughter of John and Harriet Siple, of Ohio. They have two children : Dora A., a senior of the class of '82 of the University of Champaign, her course being that of literature and science. The second child is an infant.

Contkibcted By William B. Andk0Ss

At the time Lee county adopted township organization, in 1850, Hamilton embraced what is now Hamilton, East Grove, May, and the south half of Marion, and William B. Stuart was its first supervisor, he serving two years in that capacity, when R. B. Yiele succeeded him for the next three years. In 1855 W. B. Stuart was again elected and continued in the office that and the following year. In 1856 the board of supervisors took ott what is now the township of May, still leaving two and a half congressional townships in its territory. In 1859 Marion was organized, taking T. 20 N., R. 9 E. as its limits, thus again taking from Hamilton a half congressional township. In 1865 T. 19 N., R. 9 E. was organized, taking the name of East Grove, leaving Hamilton with only the territory of one congressional township, T. 19 N., R. 8 E. of the 4th P. M., and these are its present limits and it is the southwest corner town of Lee county.

SETTLEMENT. Prior to township organization, as adopted in 1850, within the present limits of Hamilton there were no settlers except the Indians, and none of the inhabitants can speak of exercising the right of suffrage at precincts, as some in other townships of earlier settlement do. From the best information the writer can obtain the first dwelling built in tiie limits of this town was by Charles or Ross Freeman on the S. ^ of Sec. 32, - the date not known, - which was afterward moved to another location and remodeled into a school-house. The first man to build a house and make a home in this township was a German by the name of Jacob Pope, wlio came in 1854 and settled on the S. ^ of S.E. J of Sec. 26. Morris Logue, from New Jersey, occupied the N. i of ]Sr.E. i of Sec. 27, built a shanty and broke up his land in the same year, and the next season brought his family. David and John Knight cam^ from Ohio also in 1854, and having purchased Sec. 35 at once began improvements. They boarded in Walnut that year, but in 1855 erected a house on their land. In the spring of 1857 David Griggs, another Ohio man, settled on the S.E. J of Sec. 34. His house had been built the year before by a man whom he had sent for that purpose. J. F. McMurray, a Pennsylvanian, arrived in the spring of 1857 and made a home on the S.E. ^ of Sec. 33. Amos T. Kegwin, of Windham, Connecticut, purchased the N.W. J of Sec. 27 in 1856 and built a house thereon in 1858, and has occupied it since. He and his son, Horace Kegwin, together have added piece by piece until they now have a section or more in all in the vicinity of the original purchase. In the summer of 1858 Anson Stone's house was built by E. D. Carpenter on the N.E. J of Sec. 26, the same now occupied by his son, R. P. Stone. J. Shields bought and occupied the N. ^ of N.E. ^ of Sec. 24 and most of the S.E. i of Sec. 13 in 1858. William Sculley settled on the E. i of N.W. i of Sec. 24 in 1858. Michael Dunn came to his farm, the S.E. I and the S. i of N.W. I of Sec. 24 in 1859. Bennett Havens was early in the town on the S. J of N.E. j^ of Sec. 36, and served for several years as supervisor. He is now at Walnut station. L. B. Moore, on the S. W. J and W. ^ of IST.W. ^ of Sec. 24, and M. Fleming on the S. ^ of S.W. J, were also among the early settlers and still occupy the same. J. L. Reed came to the W. ^ of S.E. i of Sec. 23 in 1862. Rev. K G. Collins, a Baptist clergyman for a time residing in Lamoille, figured largely in lands of this town on both sides of the Green river, and still holds some. All the foregoing settlers were south of the swamp. That part of the township lying north remained unsettled for many years and served as a range for large herds of cattle. The first improvements on that side were made by non-resident owners who rented their lands. Of this class A. T. Anderson, of Polo, opened a large farm on the north part of Sec. 7. Perhaps the first to break any of the prairie for cultivation in this part of the town was William Rink, on Sec. 5. He resided in Dixon and rented it. The first to inhabit that portion was John D. Shafer, a bachelor, who built a cabin on Sec. 8 and herded cattle there for several years. James Durr was on the N.W. ^ of N.W. J of Sec. 19 in 1862.

southeast and northwest corners were comparatively higher and drier. A former writer in speaking of it says: "It is almost entirely covered by what is known as Winnebago swamp, which renders a great portion of it uninhabitable at the present time."' The lauds, however, to quite an extent have been bought up by actual settlers, who resort to drainage. Some parties owning large tracts have made terge ditches, and every year the swamp is growing perceptibly less. The probabilities are that ere many years it will be the most desirable land in the county. The soil is of the richest quality, and of great depth.

The first school taught in this town was in a room of David Griggs' present residence, by Mrs. Cornelia Mayona, daughter of A. T. Kegwin, in 1861 or 1862, and Miss Lizzie Larkins followed in the succeeding summer, and still later Miss Lavina Swisher followed her. Mr. McMurray moved over into Bureau county, and the house he left was made into a school-house, and Mrs. Mayona taught there. All this was before school districts were organized, and teachers were paid by private subscription. In the fall of 1863 or 1864 school district No. 1 was organized, and the ne.xt spring a building was bought of Ross Freeman on Sec. 32, and moved near David Griggs, on the southwest corner of Sec. 34. This was used until 1874, when a new school-house was erected, the site being on the west side of the W. + ofN.W. i Sec. 35. It is a beautiful structure, and speaks well for the educational interests of its vicinity. School district No. 2 was organized about the same time as district No. 1, and the first school was taught in a portion of Thadeus May's dwelling, on Sec. 26, by Miss Lydia Havens. The first school-house was built in 1864 or 1865, at the southeast corner of S.E. i Sec. 25. Afterward it was moved to the southwest corner of Sec. 25, where it still is. There are four parts of school districts united with otiier towns, one each with Walnut, East Grove, Harmon, and Hahnaman.

The first preaching that the settlers of Hamilton township had was in a little school-house known as the Dodge school-house, on the prairie south of the county line. The Sabbath was but little respected at first, as nearly everyone went gunning on that day, and to reform this habit David Griggs, William Griggs, Solomon Welsh, J. F. McMurray, Johnson Griggs and J. H. Knight contributed to pay for preaching, and employed a neighbor, tiie Rev. Ford, who lived at the east end of Red Oak Grove, paying him fifty cents for each Sunday. The singing was led by Prof. I. B. Dodge, with his violin. It was not a devout congregation; few, possibly none, of those who attended the services were professing christians, nevertheless they recognized the necessity for divine worship in the settlement, and tlius were the sweet influences of better things inaugurated. The Rev. Lumery, who sometimes used strong language, remarked of this beginning that "the singing was fit to be heard anywhere, but the religious propensities of the people belonged to the devil." There are no religious organizations in this township, but a Baptist church was organized just over the south line in Walnut, in Bureau county, at the house of John H. Sayer, in May 1853, and half of the organizers were from this town, namely, Amos T. Kegwin, Alice K. Kegwin, his wife; Ezekiel Sayers, Caroline Sayers, his wife ; S. H. Sayers, and Mrs. Lyda Stone, while from Walnut there were John H. Sayers, William Mapes, Susan Mapes, his wife : Thadeus May and his wife, and I. B. Dodge. For a number of years after organizing meetings were held at irregular intervals at the dwellings of John H. Sayers, Ezekiel Sayers, Amos T. Kegwin, and some others, ministered to by itinerants ; no regular pastor settled over them until 1870, when the Rev. Mr. First was called, and the village of Walnut having sprung up the location of the church was removed there, and services at stated times were held, and soon after, in 1871, a fine church building was erected, and the means of grace thus used have been blessed, and "numbers have been added to them," until now they have a membership of over 100.

Contributed By William B. Andeuss

This township was originally in what was known as Winnebago precinct, the voting place being for a time at Samuel Meek's and then at David Wclty's. In 1850 Lee county adopted township organization, and what is now the township of East Grove was embraced with May, Hamilton, and the south half of Marion, all called Hamilton. In 1856 May was organized therefrom, and in 1859 Marion, and it was not until 1865 that East Grove was organized in its present boundaries, namely, T. 19 N., R. 9 E., and Fenwick Anderson was its supervisor for that and the succeeding year. It is of the south tier of towns of the county and the second from the southwest corner.

Esq. Charles Falvey purchased a claim of one William T. Wells in 1836, and occupied it in 1837. This was in what is now the north half of Sec. 34, in the grove that afterward gave the name to the town. On the north his nearest neighbor was a Mr. Robinson, six miles distant in the south part of what is now Marion, who afterward (in 1839) sold liis claim to David Welty. Esq. Falvey has resided there almost continuously since. He owns lands also in Bureau county, a little south, near Ohio station, and a portion of the time he has resided there. He is of an active, energetic make-np. and has been identified, in some phase, with almost every movement in not only the township of East Grove but the surrounding towns in Lee and Bureau counties. He enlisted under Thomas Carlin, afterward governor of Illinois, and served through the Black Hawk war. Xow in his old age he is with an only child, a daughter, Mrs. Weldon, on his farm near Ohio station, his wife having been dead man}' years. Joseph Smith (familiarly known as "Dad Joe") settled in 1833 in the grove bearing his name, southwest of East Grove, some three miles in Bureau county. He was a guide for Gen. Atkinson's army, and a spy under Zachary Taylor in the Black Hawk war. H. W. Bogardus was also prominent as a settler of early date. In 1839 David Welty resided a short time in the north part of this town, while erecting buildings on a claim he purchased of a Mr. Robinson, in the south part of what is now Marion. His residence has been in Marion and Dixon ever since, and will be spoken of in notices of them no doubt. Fenwick Anderson came from Canandaigua, New York, to Dixon in tlie fall of 184i, and remained there until 18'i9, then came to what is now the S. i of Sec. 34 of East Grove. He purchased a claim of Robert Tate. This Mr. Tate was a workman in the plow shops of John Deere, at Grand Detour. His family, with a son-in-law by the name of Kyes, worked the claim until Mr. Anderson bought it. This house, a rude log structure}, was for a number of years a stage depot on the Galena and Peoria road. When he came his nearest neighbor on the north was 'Squire Falvey, on the east Aaron Kelly. In 1852 he, with S. P. Mcintosh, put up a kiln of 200,000 brick in the south part of the grove, which when burned j^roved most excellent, and from which he built his present residence in 1853. Thomas Shehan came to Bureau county in 1844, and moved to Sec. 35, in East Grove, in 1849, buying a claim of one John Kasbier. S. P. Mcintosh came from Alton, Illinois, at the time of the land sales in Dixon, and purchased the E. ^ of Sec. 36 of East Grove township, and the E. ^ of Sec. 1 in Ohio township, though he did not occupy it until 1856. John Downey, A. A. Spooner, John Flynn, ^I. Coleman, A. Barlow, D. Sullivan, Henry Hul)bell and Samuel Tubbs settled in this town soon after those formerly mentioned.

In 1842 John W. Harrison, a deputy sheriff from Toronto, Canada, while on a visit to this region, was murdered by James S. Bell, near the N. W. corner of Sec. 35. David Welty, then a justice of the peace, held the preliminary examination on a charge of murder, and committed him to jail at Dixon, to await his trial in the circuit court, if indicted by the grand jury. A bill of indictment was found and returned into court September 13, 1842. After motions to quash the indictment and continue the case to the next term had been denied, a change of venue was taken, and Judge Thomas C. Browne, then presiding, sent the case to Whitesides county circuit, where he was tried, convicted of manslaughter, and sentenced to the Alton penitentiary. After serving a part of the term of his sentence he escaped from the prison and was never retaken.

A charter was granted by the legislature of this state to H. W. Cleveland, who built a turnpike in Sec. 3 of this town effecting a crossing over Inlet creek, and a toll-gate was kept at the southern terminus. This was on the Peoria and Galena stage route. Mr. Cleveland sold his interest to a Mr. Millard, and his heirs to Charles Crofts. All this was prior to 1849.

A somewhat detailed account of a murder committed in this town in 1849 is here given, as it has a connection with the "Banditti of the Prairie " of those times, and perhaps was the last of their depredations committed, as so many in this case were implicated and came to their death that it broke np the gang.

The one giving an account of this murder says : " In the summer of 1849, on a Monday morning, Charles Crofts (reputed to belong to the gang or band of the 'Banditti') came to Hyra Axtell, and the two came to my house inquiring if I had seen or heard anything of Crofts' hired girl. Her name was Salina Montgomery, aged about tifteen years. Neither myself nor family could give any tidings, not having seen or heard of her for some time. Crofts claimed that she had disappeared without saying anything to the family of her intention of going away, and wJiat had become of her was a mystery. Axtell took an opportunity to communicate with me, unobserved b}' Crofts, and said he believed there was something wrong in the matter, and that the neighborhood should be informed and a search made. I agreeing with his suggestion, we accompanied Crofts to his house (being connected with the toll-gate on the south end of the turnpike) and were with him about the premises. There were three men mowing not far from the house, Eli Shaw, and the names of the other two I cannot remember, except that the first name of one was Dennis. There was also in their company one Samuel Perkins, usually called ' Sam Patch,' having a rifle with him. After being there some time and having conversation with them in various phases, Axtell and myself became more fully convinced that a misdemeanor had been committed. We concluded to go in difierent directions and inform the mother of the missing girl, who resided in Dad Joe Grove, or in that vicinitj', and the neighborhood generally. He went west and south, and I north and east, and hy niglit near a hundred people had gatliered. We searched that night throngli the woods and grass, and the next day until noon, and liually Crofts' house. Crofts had stated that the girl had taken all her clothes with her. While searching the second story we discovered that one of the ceiling boards had marks of having been recently moved and replaced. We took ofi the board and found the best clothes of the missing girl, and under them implements for making counterfeit half dollars. These incidents strengthened the convictions of foul plav. A consultation of the crowd was had, and two (W. B. Stuart and James Blainsen) w'ere deputed to goto Dixon for a boat with which to explore Green river. There was an element of the credulous who sent two (Samuel Meek, jr., and Patrick McFadden) to consult a fortune-teller. The search was continued while these committees were gone, but without success. The committees returned ; the one with a boat and Nathaniel G. N. Morrill, the owner, and the other reporting that the fortune-teller said a murder had been committed, and five persons were implicated, that the one who had committed the overt act had neither boots on nor was barefooted, that he was ragged, and wore a straw hat, that the law would never be enforced against any of them, and yet the public would be satisfied that they were the ones who were concerned in the matter. Perkins wore moccasins and otherwise answered the description of the one first spoken of. The search went on. This N. G. N. Morrill was peculiarly well adapted for working in business like this. About this time Stuart and Blair, each with a party of men, went to their respective homes for dinner, and when Blair arrived his wife informed him that Perkins had been there during the forenoon, looking pale and haggard, and inquired of her if they had dragged the lower bayou. She told him she did not know, and he went away hurriedly. Blair deemed this important tidings, hurried through his dinner, and came to Stuart's with the information, and on consultation a complaint was made and a warrant was issued by 'Squire Stuart for the arrest of Perkins, and placed in the hands of Constable Willard and Richard Meek. Previous to this Perkins had been living in a shanty in the grove, about half way between Crofts' and the bayou. On the search being instituted, he removed his family and eflfects to his fatherin-law's, Reuben Bridgman, a little north of the present limits of the city of Amboy. The constable, with his assistants, proceeded to Mr. Bridgman's and were informed by him that Perkins had taken his rifle only a short time before and went into the cornfield (of about 30 acres) to hunt chickens.

More assistants were procured, and the cornfield was surrounded. By this time it was about ten o'clock at night, with a bright moon. The family at Mr. Bridgman's were in bed except Perkins' wife. The old gentleman got up and stated that Perkins had not yet returned since going into the cornfield in the afternoon. He pointed to a cottonwood tree, which he said was in the direction Perkins had taken, that a little before sunset they heard the report of a gun which they supposed was a shot at prairie-chickens. Constable Willard, with Richard Meek, James Keeling, W. B. Stuart, and F. R. Dutcher, went in the direction of the tree, and a few rods before reaching it they found Perkins lying on his back, dead. Notice was given to those around the field, and a crowd was soon there. Perkins was still grasping his gun with both hands, and the toe of his moccasined foot was in the guard on the trigger, the muzzle on his breast. A portion of the skull was found nearly a rod from the body, the inside powder-burnt. The coroner (Solomon Parker) was sent for, who summoned a jury of inquest. The}' investigated the case and rendered the following verdict : " The undersigned being duly summoned and qualified by the coroner of Lee county, as a jury of inquest on the dead body of Samuel Perkins, found dead in the cornfield near Reuben Bridgman's, believe the said Perkins came to his death by shooting himself with a rifle-gun through the head." (Signed) " Jessee Hale, foreman ; W. B. Stuart, Richard Meek, Francis H. Northway, Joseph Farwell, William M. Hopkins, Samuel Bixby, Elisha Palmer, John C. Church, Ira P. Hale, John Skinner, R. P. Treadwell. Inlet precinct, August 3, 1849." Meanwhile the search for the missing girl had been going on. This Mr. Morrill adopted the plan of going down the stream to where it loses itself as to having a channel by spreading over the swamp, and by wading upward thoroughly searching every part. It was a dry time and the water quite low. This plan was followed, and when the mouth of the little bayou (as the coroner termed it in his report) was nearly reached, the body was found. Tlie upper part of the face was bruised as though struck with some heavy substance, and some insist that a bullet-hole was in the forehead. The excitement ran high, the male portion of the country for a dozen or more miles in every direction had come out. Coroner Parker was among the number and at once impaneled a jury of inquest, who took possession of the body and held their inquest. The following witnesses were examined, as the records show : Drs. J. B. Gregory, of Dixon, and Harmon Wasson, of Amboy, as physicians ; Samuel Meek, sr., Eli Shaw, John Koons, Hyra Axtell, X. G. H. Morrill, Samuel Shaw, Richard Meeks, T. L. Dennis, Charles Crofts, Sally Perkins, Catharine Shaw, and Lyman Hubbard. After the examination closed, the following verdict was rendered : " We, the undersigned, having been summoned and sworn to hold a jury of inquest on the dead body of Silena Montgomery, found dead in Inlet creek, in Winnebago precinct, Lee county, and State of Illi- nois, aud having attended to tlieir duty by a faithful examination of the said body, and by an examination of witnesses in the case and all dilige' "; inquiry they iiave been able to institute, do report their verdict to be, that the said Sileiia Montgomery came to her death by violence, and that one Samuel Perkins, late of Lee county, was the immediate agent in procuring her death, as we verily believe." (Signed) " George E. Haskell, foreman ; Joseph Gardner, Sabin Trowbridge, I. Means, Alva Hale, L. D. Wasson, Lewis Olapp, Cyrus Williams, Philip Mowry, Joseph Lewis, Ozias Wiieelcr and B. F. Brandon. Winnebago precinct, August 4, 1849." The circumstances surrounding led to the conclusion that Crofts, Eli Shaw, and the two others that were found mowing for Crofts at the commencement of the search, were implicated in were deputed to arrest Crofts and Shaw. They, with Hyra Axtell, started, and on the way, near Samuel Meek's, they found a team and lumber wagon, and in it lay Eli Shaw dead. One report is that he died from the effects of strychnine and whisky, and that it was found that be had purchased some of the former at Dixon, of Dr. Gregory, on that day. From the records in Dixon it is found that a coroner's inquest was not held until March 1, 1850. As his death occurred so long before this he was probably buried and exhumed when the inquest was held. The verdict was as follows : "Verdict of the coroner's jury, impaneled to ascertain how and in what manner the body of Eli Shaw came to its death. We, the jury in said case, do find that Eli Shaw came to his death from causes to the jury unknown. DLxon, March 1, 1850." (Signed) " John Dement, foreman ; A. L. Porter, A. H. Eddy. I. Means, N. F. Porter, J. W. Davis, J. M. Cropsy, C. A. Smith, John V. Eustace, Thomas H. Ayers, Cyrus Williams, N. G. H. Morrill."

After leaving the body of Shaw in the care of Meeks the three before mentioned went on to Crofts' house, arriving there at a late hour of the night. Near the door they found a horse and spring-wagon and a trunk in the wagon. Crofts was about ready to go away. Through a rit't in the window curtain they saw him load one pistol and lay it upon the table near him and take up another and commence to load it. At this juncture the door was burst open, the loaded pistol and Crofts grabbed at the same time, and Crofts duly ironed by the arresting party. The trunk was taken from the wagon, Crofts placed in it, and Stuart hurriedly drove to Dixon and delivered the prisoner to the jailor. Crofts' wife and her brother, John Bryant, were in the house at the time of the arrest but did not attempt to interfere. The remaining two implicated oties left this vicinity, but were heard of at Peoria, and the otKcers having the warrants for their arrest proceeded there, found and took them in charge. They were ironed and placed upon a steamer for Peru, there to take the stage for Dixon. Not long after leaving Peoria tlie prisoners, having the privilege of walking about the boat, watched their opportunity and simultaneously threw themselves overboard and were drowned, the irons upon them facilitating to make an etfectual taking oft' in this way. Of the five implicated only Crofts now remained alive. He remained in jail, having been indicted by the grand jury August 23, 1819, and the case continued to the next term. His wife visited him occasionally, and a few days before the term time and shortly after one of these visits the jailor, calling at the cell, found Crofts with his throat cut and life extinct; a razor lay by with which the deed was done. The next day a coroner's inquest was lield, which resulted in the following verdict : ' Upon the view of the body of Charles Crofts, now lying dead in the jail of Lee county, at Dixon, Illinois, we, the jury of inquest duly impaneled and sworn diligently to inquire, and a true presentment make, how, in what manner and by whom or what the body of the said ( 'iiarles Crofts, which here lies dead, came to its death, do find that Ihe said Charles Crofts came to his death by cutting his own throat with a razor on the afternoon of the 22d November, a. d. 1819, while confined in the jail of Lee county.' (Signed) ' William W. Heaton, foreman : Charles Dement, E. W. Hines, J. B. Brooks, James Benjamin, A. M. Pratt, R. B. Loveland, James Campbell, Horace Preston, E. B. Blackman, Gilbert Messer, Elias B. Stiles. Dixon, Lee county, Illinois, November 23, 1819.' The theory generally held in relation to this matter, which caused the murder of the girl Selina, is as follows : Crofts' premises was considered a rendezvous of the banditti of those times. Crofts owned the turnpike across the Winnebago swamps and kept the toll-gate at the south end, it being near the center of Sec. 3, of East Grove. Several individuals had been known to pass over the turnpike from the north and were not heard from afterward, especially a peddler who had formerly frequented these parts, and it is supposed this hired girl knew so much of the workings of this banditti that the}' concluded it was not safe for her to live, and as 'dead men tell no tales,' they murdered her. Crofts planned the mode of proceeding, Perkins was guilty of the overt act, and the other three helped to secrete the body, so all were, as principals or accessories, participants in the matter."

Wyoming, the southeastern township of Lee county, is the congressional T. 37 N., E. 2 E. of the 3d P.M., and is bounded north by Willow creek, on the east by Paw Paw in De Kalb county, south by Earlville in La Salle county, and west by Brooklyn. In the days of precincts it formed the south third of Paw Paw precinct, and when set off and organized as a township in 1850 was named Paw Paw township, and since the beautiful grove, hereafter described, that gave this name stands almost whollj' in this township, and the post-office is named Paw Paw Grove, it would seem that this name should have been retained. But as the township next east chose the same name, it became necessary that one of the contending parties renounce its favorite name. It is reported, but by no means verified, that when contention began to wax hot the question was left to be decided by lot, and that the lot fell on our time-honored Paw Paw of Lee county. And it may be thought by some that this ill turn of luck is what has tended to give to the citizens of Wyoming their proverbial love for whatever is straight and honest and of good report, as opposed to games and " options " of luck and chance. Be that as it may, it cannot be doubted that the citizens of township 37 did then, and do to-day, fervently love their pioneer name. On the plat of their chief village we read : " Town of Paw Paw Grove." Two other villages on the township lines are designated South Paw Paw and East Paw Paw, and naturally the term West Paw Paw is much used, while the abrupt business man everywhere seems partial to the short old name, and the railroad authorities, in deference to a prevailing sentiment, so named the station. " But what's in a name," eays the poet, and so said tlie people. No ill-will seems to have been engendered. The change was ordered here, so at the suggestion of James Goble, and in deference to tlie wishes of the many who came from the beautiful valley of Wj-oraing, the present name was adopted by the county commissioner's court, Isaac Harding, Warren Badger and Lorenzo Wood comprising said court, and on May 14, 1851, the board of supervisors ordered that "the township formerl}' called Paw Paw shall hereafter be called Wyoming."

The first settlers located around Paw Paw Grove. This is still a charming piece of forest. It is some three miles long, and from one to two miles wide. It lies east of the railroad station and about threefourths of it in W^'oming. From its northeast corner Paw Paw creek runs through it in a southeasterly direction, and after making a junction with Indian creek empties into the Illinois river. A small tree or shrub, unknown to many people in other parts of the United States, east and north, grows freely in this grove and bears a sweet, edible fruit, somewhat like the banana in flavor, but often larger in size.

This is the papaw. It was a favorite with the Indians, and gives its name (somewhat changed in spelling) to a considerable number of places. When the white settlers first came " the timber," as they called this tract, contained about two thousand acres. Unlike other groves, it was free from underbrush. The sugar maple was very abundant. There were many large black walnut trees, four kinds of oak, the hickory, and Cottonwood, with a few butternuts and sycamores. " From one of the maples that grew here," says a well known physician, "in 1855, I sold considerable lumber and had left enough wood to supply all the fires of my family for a year." Plums, blackberries and gooseberries were also plentiful here. On the east side, near the county line, was an excellent spring, where the water bubbled up from the bottom, pure, sparkling and abuudant, and never freezing in winter. At the northwest corner was another, in all respects equal to the former, and with a volume that seemed inexhaustible. It was the great and constant feeder to Paw Paw creek. These springs were treasures in those early days when water fit to drink was rarely seen by travelers in the west. James Goble, who came in 1837, says he has frequently seen an acre of wagons camped around the latter spring,where now stands the Oak Grove creamery, supplied by this same spring. The prairie grass of this region was remarkable in quantity, and equal to grain in quality, while in the lowlands a rider on horseback could tie the tall, rank slough-grass together above his head. Yet it was very healthy and free from ague. When 'Rev. Caleb Morris was seeking the most healthful location he learned from the Indians that this was their favorite resort for raising their papooses. Here then were great attractions for emigrants, but the tenure of the land was uncertain, for it was generally believed that this grove was included in Indian reservations; and the old chief Wabonsie and his tribe still had their home within its limits when the whites began to reside here. As is well known, the Black Hawk war did not close till 1832. It had raged from Dixon southward, as well as elsewhere, and included this region. For at Indian creek, not far away, there had been a horrible massacre, and Wabonsie and his neighbor Shabbona had taken part in the campaign, though these noble red-men fought on the side of the whites. For a year later there were disturbances from disatfected Indians; hence it was not until midwinter of 1833-4 that any white men came here and stayed even a short period, so as to make claims upon the land. It was nearly fifty years ago, yet quite a number of the early settlers are still living. Reminiscences of frontier life and adventure and the strange contrasts of the old times with the present, which they describe, have oftentimes a fascinating interest. At one period there were desperate men here, horse thieves, counterfeiters and gamblers, who gave their locality a hard name for a long time, down to as late as 1860 ; but it is matter of grateful record that those who gave direction to atfairs, the men who have made Wyoming what it is to-day, were strong, brave, fearless and shrewd. These old people will soon he gone. By their hearty couperation in the effort of the historian they have done a service which all readers will appreciate. Dates and details are usually dry and tedious: but the records of the first things that relate to our own hearthstones are specially valuable in local annals.