Lee County, Illinois - The whole text, 1881 (part 21 of 24)

E. G. Cass, editor and proprietor of "The Lee County Times," Paw Paw Grove, is a native of Illinois, having been born on a farm near Grand Detour, Ogle county, on October 14, 1S58. His parents, Jerarael and Sarah Maria (Grover) Cass, were born in Maryland, Otsego county, Xew York; the former April 2S, 1817, and the latter June 2C, 1822. In January, 1860, the family moved to Henry county, and settled at Galva, where Mr. Cass received his first schooling. In 1867 they went to Dixon, and there the subject of this notice attended the north side public school until November 20, 1870, and being a ready pupil made rapid and solid advancement. Up to this date his life had not been marked by incident, but being of an active and industrious habit and turn of mind he cherished a desire for manual as well as mental employment, and immediately went to work in the printing-office of W. M. Kenned}', of Di.xon, and continued there iintil September 1877. During the whole time he was not out of the ofhce two weeks, except for sickness, and now steady confinement and want of recreation had so told upon his health that he was constrained to quit work altogether for several months. In January, 1878, he formed a partnership with J. B. Gardner, and took control of " The Paw Paw Herald," then the property of its founder, R. H. Ruggles, of Mendota. Five weeks afterward the office was sold to its present proprietor, and Messrs. Cass & Gardner, on March 21, issued the first number of " The Lee Count}' Times." They also started the " Compton Record." In May they began the publication of " The Lee Monitor," for the village of Lee. In August Mr. Gardner retired, and Mr. Cass has since carried on the business alone. In April, 1880, he commenced the issue of a paper for Earlville, called "The Leader." Mr. Cass was but nineteen years old when he engaged here on his own account; and having readily worked up a large paying subscription list is evidence that he has conducted his business with ability and success. He is in high standing as a man and Mason. In 1880 he was secretary of Corinthian Lodge, No. 205; in April, 1881, he received the chapter degrees in Mendota, and was created a Sir Knight of Bethany Commandery, No. 28, in the same place.

James Fonda, blacksinitli and fanner, Paw Paw Grove, was born at West Troy, New York, October 29, 1816. His parents, William and Abigail Fonda, were both taken awa}-, and James was left an orphan at nine years of age. His school privileges were so limited that at eighteen he conld read and write only with difficulty. After four years' serving at the blacksmith's trade, he was mariied, in December of 1837, to Alsina Bacon, a well-educated lady, who greatly assisted him. She died May 1, 1852, leaving six children. His second wife was Jane E., daughter ot John Hendricks, of Wayne county, New York. At the date of his first marriage he was eight dollars in debt, but at the time of his second marriage he had saved up some $2,500. This was the result of hard work at his trade. Brandling out now he managed, besides his blacksmithing, a large farm and sawmill. In his heavy business he met some severe losses, but was in the main successful. In 1867 he sold out, moved to Paw Paw Grove, and bought what was known as the Christie farm, one of the oldest in this region. He still owns this form, now well known as " Fonda's Corner." Besides this he also owns property in the village where he now resides. Mr. Fonda had two sons in the service of his country, both in New Y'ork regiments. Fitch Fenton Fonda, the eldest son, enlisted, in 1861, in the 69th New York, was under Gen. Hancock, and taken prisonera t Petersburg at the time of digging Dutch Gap canal, and, after enduring the barbarities and untold suffering of Audersonville four and a half months, he was released from the tortures of starvation by the silent messenger death. Edwin B. Fonda, the second son, enlisted in the l-lTth New York, passed through a severe run of typhoid fever, was severely wounded in the battles of the Wilderness, under Warren, in Gen. Grant's campaign ; came home, but returned again after partial recovery. Being a fine penman, he was then detailed as secretary to the quartermaster, and served to the close of the war. He is now an engineer on the Union Pacific railroad, with his hcadqiiartcrs at Omaha. Another son, James H., is engineer on the same road, with his headquarters at North Platte.

Jacob Epla, farmer. Paw Paw Grove, son of John and Elizabeth (Derr) Epla, was born in Rockingham count}-, Virginia, January 9, 1820. His father was a soldier in the last war with Great Britain. His parents were poor, and there were no schools, except an occasional one supported by subscription, but he made the most of his meager opportunities and tolerable progress in the elementary studies, though he was not a pupil between the ages of eleven and twenty-one. The clothing he wore in his boyhood was all made from flax raised by his father, and wrought into cloth by the industrious and tireless hands of his mother. He tells how in those days every girl had a spinning wheel and went about to do work with it at 75 cents and si a week. In September, 1S37, the subject of this sketch came to Champaign county, Oliio, and hired out on a farm for $7 per month. In 1840, being yet six months in liis minority, he paid liis father §30 for this time, and made, as he facetiously says, §5 by tlie speculation, which was his only capital at majority. He came with a younger brother on foot to Terre Haute, Indiana, on September 1, 1840, where he hired for a year to work on a farm. This was the hardest year's work he ever did. He and his brother picked liftecn acres of corn, cleared and fenced twenty-three acres of heavy timber and had 7,000 oak rails left, cut sixty cords of wood, and burned 200,000 brick. The two following years he worked in the same neighborhood. He was married ilarch 2, 1841, to Catherine Farnham, daughter of James Farnham, of Edgar county, Illinois. He rented land, followed teaming, and bought forty acres in tiie dense woods, clearing ten and building a cabin. This property he traded for a team in February 1845, and at once set out for Lee county, Illinois. He rented from Charles Pelcher that year the farm of 120 acres where the Oak Grove Creamery is situated, and also received from the government a patent for forty acres of the farm he now owns on Sec. 9, in AVyoming townsiiip. The cluster of hard maples standing in his yard were set out by him the same season. His present house was built about 1857. He enlarged his farm to 200 acres, but has conveyed forty of this to his son Josiah, who is occupying it. For six or seven years after coming to this county Mr. Epla was engaged in teaming much of the time. He hauled wheat to Chicago and sold it for 40 cents a bushel, and brought back goods and lumber, which he says he has "hauled all over these prairies." In an early day, about 1840, Mrs. Epla's brother started from Paris in Edgar county, this state, for Paw Paw with a load of apples, and though traced fifteen miles notiiing was ever afterward heard of him. ilr. and ilrs. Epla have been the parents of five children. They have buried two, and the living ones are Sarah, wife of E. M. Babbitt; Josiah, and Mary, now Mrs. Isaac Christie, of Iowa. Mr. Epla is a republican, and past-grand of Anchor Lodge, I.O.O.F.

Lester Harding, farmer, Paw Paw Grove, was born in Luzerne county, Pennsylvania, February 24, 1815. He traveled through this section of country and visited friends here in 183t> and again in 1839. April 28, 1842, he was married to Miss Jcrnsha Hall, daughter of Jonathan Hall, of his native county. In 1840 he moved from there with his family, and was thirty -six days performing the journej*. In passing over nearly the same route since, b}' the improved means of travel, which consumed onl^' thirty-six hours, he could not refrain from noticing the striking contrast, and reflecting on the wonders of the age in which we live. Mr. Harding's father, Isaac Harding, settled here a 3'ear prior to his arrival, and purchased from the government 100 acres in See. 9, Wyoming township. Sixty acres lying in the northwest quarter he conveyed to onr subject when he came, and this he still owns and occupies. He built his house in ISttS, hauling his lumber from Chicago. Mr. Harding and liis father both promptly acquired high places in local influence and public confidence. The latter had been here but a short time when he was elected to the responsible office of county commissioner, and was a member of the court and assisted to divide the county into townships, when that system of local government was adopted. Mr. Harding himself was the second sujiervisor of Wyoming township, and held that trust five years. Besides his services in that position he has filled every other township office. In 1858 he was elected sheriff of Lee county, and discharged the duties of that position three years. Politically Mr. Harding is a democrat, and it is a fact worthy of remark that he and Judge Charters are the only men of that persuasion who have been elected to a county office in Lee county in twenty-two years. In 1861 Mr. Harding went to Colorado, and from thence in the spring of 1863 to Montana. In the spring of 186.5 he visited British Columbia, and arrived home in October after journeying sixty days. A mine which he sold for $1,000, in three months after the sale yielded $8,000. Mr. and Mrs. Harding have had five children ; three are living and- have their homes in Nebraska. One son and a son-in-law are engineers on the Union Pacific railroad, and live at North Platte. The recently deceased wife of John Colvill was a sister to the subject of this notice. A brother of his is Garrick M. Harding, president judge of Luzerne county, Pennsylvania. Daniel M. Hakris, farmer and stock raiser. Paw Paw Giove, was born in Cayuga county, New York, July 9, 1825. His parents were Daniel and Miriam (Page) ILarris. In September, 181:6, Mr. Harris came to this township, and bought the farm he has since occupied, as well as a part of the farm opposite, the two pieces being in Sees. 5 and 8, making 120 acres altogether. He returned to his father's place in New York, and on November 18, 181:8, was married to Christee Ann Adeline Carmer, of Auburn. In the following spring tiiey came to their prairie home in the west, and the same season built the small part of the house now owned by the Potter heirs, known as the " red roofed house." About 1851 they erected the small part of the house they now occupy. Two stages passed their place daily. In wet seasons it was not uncommon for Mr. Harris to have to get up at night and hitch to the stage with his ox-team, while the passengers with rails in hand lifted at the wheels, when a lift and a pull together would bring the stalled coach out to firm footing. In those times, says Mr.

Harris, his family rode to churcli at South Paw Paw behind yoked oxen, they not yet liaving begun to kee|) horses. Tiiese excellent people are the parents of three children : "William Arthur, Evart M., living in Marshall county, Kansas, and Dale E., at home. Mr. Harris has been commissioner of hiolnva3's several years, and is now school trustee. He was deacon in the Baptist cliurch of Paw Paw nine or ten years, and is a republican in politics. Mr. Harris is held in high esteem by all who know liim.

W. A. CoNAXT, farmer, Paw Paw Grove, was born in Chenango county, July 2i, 1832, and the sou of Eliliu and Jeanette E. (Johnson) Conant. His school advantages w'ere quite fair, and included two terms at Glens Falls. He never liad any ditficulty in keeping at the head of his classes. He came to "Wyoming township in the spring of 1849, was married to Charlotte L. Erwin, of Shabbona, and settled on See. 27. He bought 200 acres, and ha^ since added to it till now he owns 640 acres. They have three children living: Sarah Jeanette, Mary Elizabeth, and "William Terry. Sarah is Mrs. Simon Mann, of the Chicago Stove Works. Mr Conant has one of the largest and best farms in the county. Mr. Conant enlisted in Co. K, 75th reg. 111. Inf , and did three years" faithful service. He was in the engagements at Perryville, Stone River, Lookout Mountain, Mission Ridge, Ringgold Gap, and the Atlanta campaign. He was wounded at Perryville. At. the reunion of Co. K, September 27, 1881, when a permanent organization was formed, J. C. Uowlett was elected president, "William A. Conant vice-president, and James H. Thompson secretary and treasurer. Another item of Mr. Conant's history is given elsewhere in this work. To that the writer gave careful investigation, and has given the facts. These speak for themselves.

Isaac B. Bekry, farmer and stock raiser. Paw Paw Grove, son of James W. and Mai-garet (Baldwin) Berry, was born in Onondaga county. New York, March 24, 1813. He was raised on his father's farm, and at the age of fifteen moved with his parents to Oswego county, where he left home four years later to learn the carpenter and joiner trade in the cit}- of Oswego. In the fall of 1S30 he came to Ottawa, Illinois, worked at his trade a few months, and then went to Chicago, where he remained till the next autumn. From there he went to Warrenville, then in Cook but now in Du Page county, took a claim and impioved it, and lived twenty-five years. He was married in that place to ^lary Louise Ward, who survived only two years. In 1.S56 he celebrated his second marriage, with Harriet E. Rogers, of Naperville. His two children arc L. Louise, and Mary E., now Mrs. W. A. Pratt. In 1862 Mr. Berrv came to Lee countv and bought 314 acres of land lying in Sees. 4 and 5, in Wyoming township, and

The civil township is cotcrminus with the congressional, which is 38 X., R. 2 E. of the 3d P.M., and comprises thirtj-six sections of the choicest fanning land in the most delightful prairie situation in the world. The physical features present a pleasing outline wherever one may go. Standing upon either extremity of the valley of Willow creek, he sees une(|ualed farms running ^back upon the Jong slopes and across the ridges, which lose themselves in the general elevation of the country, all stretching far away in gorgeous beauty of landscape. The morning sun in hazy autumn bathes the surface in sparkling tints and mellow radiance, and the blue horizon receding into faint lines displays a misty trace of groves and hedges against a background of watery sky ravishing to the view of animate brush or pencil. Elsewhere than upon the borders of this stream the country lies in bold undulations, excepting a narrow strip on the south side.

Four bodies of woodland are situated in the township, namely: Smith's Grove, Allen's Grove, and the Twin Groves. The first lies in Sees. 3-i and 35, niostlj' in the latter; the second chiefly in the N.W. ^ of Sec. 36, which it mostly covers, and the other two in Sec. 17. The larger of the Twin Groves belongs about equally to the southeast and the southwest quarters, while the smaller occupies the center of the northwest quarter. Side by side they stand ; their name had an obvious origin. The others are named from first permanent settlers.

Willow creek takes its source in Wyoming township, crosses the line into this a mile and a (juarter east of the southwest corner, and flows north in a circular course, passing through Twin Groves. On the farm of L. G. Durin, on Sec. 7, it bends directly west, and a little lower down on the same section is joined by East Branch. This cuts the east boundary at the southeast corner of Sec. 12, runs southwest to the corner of Sec. li, and thence northwest nearly to the point of union with the first stream. Native willows found growing upon the banks of this water-course suggested the name for it, and when the township was organized no more appropriate name for that could be adopted than the one borne by the principal creek.

The population is a mixture principally of Americans, Norwegians and Germans, the first predominating, and the second constituting one-third of the whole. The thrift, industry and intelligence of the

The enumeration was made in ISSO, by Thomas Xelson, Esq., and showed that tiiere were 1,214 souls in the township. One-half the number is of foreign birth. There were 172 farms and 190 farmers. Compared witii other sections, the improvements in Willow Creek township are of the first order. Hardly a farm but has a tasteful and spacious dwelling; and the favorite red barns, large and heavily built, contrast pleasantl}' with the wiiite-painted residences. Planted groves have been reared with universal care, and the willow hedges, which in this township so closely approximate perfection, are the glory of the landscape.

The township was settled nearly simultaneously at all the groves. Peter Gonzolas, a Frenchman, from Dutchess county. New York, came in the fall of lS3fi, and made a claim of the Slioudy farm, at Alien's Grove. He remained onl}' two or three years, and then disappeared suddenly; some say he went west to join the Indians. Before his departure he sold his claim to Richard M. Allen. Tliis was the first farm improve'd in Willow Creek township. To the neighboring grove came an excellent family in 1837. These were the Smiths. The head of these was John Smith, from Argyleshire, Scotland, who had been educated for the ministry. He arrived in August, and bought a claim in Sec. 35, from James Armour. A prior claim to tiiis land had been made by a man named Cameron, who sold it to Armour. Neither of these squattci's was here long, the stay of each being too short to com])el the erection of a cRbin. A few logs had been cut, and that was all that had been done. The claim which Mr. Smith purchased included all of "Dry" Grove (a name given because no creek was near it) except a few scattering trees. This name was borne until 1838 ; wlion tiie country was surve^'ed into townships in that year the grove was designated as Smith's Grove in the field notes. John Smith was the first settler at this place, and erected his cabin close to the spot wiicre his son David's house now stands. In December following the family suffered a great misfortime in the loss of this dwelling by fire, togctiier with their clothing, bedding, money, and a large and valuable collection of books. It was roofed with mowed grass, and in this covering the fire caught. This was the second house erected in the township and the first burned. Another was built right awaj-, some ten rods east of the first. Death entered the Smith household about three weeks after their settlement here. John, the second son, was the first to be laid in the familv burving-ground. This was the first death of any white person in the township. Robert and David Smith occupy parts of the original claim which belonged to their father, and together own the greater part or the whole of the grove. The fatlier died at the old homestead in ISCO. A part of tlie house where David Smith lives, on the home place, was put up in 1855. Uncle John Colvill, of Paw Paw, came from Scotland with the Smiths, to whom he is related, and made his home with tliem some years at first. With the national aftection of the Scotch for home-ties, and their tenacity to things of the past, John Smith, same in attachment as the ancient Scotchman who, on emigrating to Canada, tliought he could never sleep so well on any other as on his thistle bed, brought it with him only to throw away, by which last act lie propagated a dangerous pest, - brought also the favorite all-iron plow, supposing, doubtless, that not another plow in all the world could turn a furrow like that which turns the glebe in Scotland. But the Scotch plow, like manj' Scotch notions, had to be straightway abandone,d on reaching the new west. At that time the steel plow had not been invented, and the then common implement could not be used at this day, except its use should be compelled by imminent starvation. What glories shine about thy pathway, O Progress !

Dick Allen, who succeeded Gonzolas, and gave his name to the first settled grove in the township, was a character who could boast no savor3' reputation. Horse-stealing and counterfeiting w-ere the means of livelihood to the criminal class, whose ranks were full. These lawbreakers were not separated from the rest of men, if we except a few of the more diligent ringleaders, who were constantly roving in their occupation of crime ; but they were settled down and living, scattered everywhere among better people. This could not have been but for sparse settlement, which limited the power of the friends of order. To the extent of that limitation the immunity of the others was enlarged, and their ability to commit crime and avoid its consequences was still more augmented by their dispersion through every community. Each was deeply or not in the business, according to his personal energj^ ; and while these men could not so much escape observation as not to be suspected, it was generally impossible to discover enough against them to insure conviction. It was likewise quite impossible to calculate with certainty on bringing an offender to justice on evidence reasonably complete, because allies whom the penalties of perjury were powerless to restrain were not wanting in any place. Besides, officers of the law had been known to be confederates. Allen lived in a log liouse and kept tavern from the first. The grove was thickly grown up to hazel brush, and was a safe and easy trj'sting-place for these men. The neighboi'hood was exempt from their robberies, a shrewd precaution to render their retreat more secure. The tavern was simply a

We do not know the date of Allen's departure, hut he was followed at this place, we are told, by a man named Price. Israel Shoudy came in 1844, bought Price's claim, and has lived on the place until this time.

In 1839 Horatio G. Howlett came from Dixon, where he had been living two years, and settled at this grove. He is still on the same ground enjoying the golden autumn of a busy life. Having spoken of the insecurity of property in the first settlement of the country, an anecdote of Howlett is apposite to the subject. David A. Town was elected justice of the peace, and Mr. Howlett constable, with the understandin<r that neither should e.xact anv fees in civil cases. These two men were the inspiration of vengeance in the eyes of those who set the law at defiance, and were chosen to their offices because it was well known that they would act with vigor and decision. One day Town sent Howlett a warrant for the arrest of a man named Lovelin, charged with horse-stealing. He went to Allen's house and was told that Lovelin was in the field plowing. Securing the horse, and putting him under guard of another, whom he instructed to take deadly aim with his rifle on Lovelin the moment he should give the order, he went to the field and read the warrant to the man. He was pointedly told by the criminal that he would not go with him. Howlett, unperturbed by this, told him that he could do as he pleased about submitting; that he supposed Lovelin was armed, while he himself was not ; but he should take the horse, saying this with much determination. Lovelin, feeling that he had been victorious thus fai-, promptly replied that Howlett would have to pass over his dead body before he could touch the animal, and both started for the stable. The instant they arrived Howlett demanded his surrender, and receiving a defiant refusal ordered his man to draw a bead at his heart, and to tire when ordered ; then taking out his watch gave him barely a minute to submit to arrest. His hands began to twitch nervously in token that bravado had given place to fear, and he tamely yielded to be liandcufFed. Then was taken from him a huge bowie-knife, and pistols. He was bound over, but gave bail and was released. Soon after, he further complicated his situation by stealing Allen's wife and horse. He was caught by his bondsmen, with Allen's assistance, and lodged in jail at Sycamore, lie broke out, and lay in a stream of water until nearly dead, to avoid discovery, but was subsequently retaken and lodged in jail at Galena. One day when the jailor's little boy carried his victuals to him he succeeded in getting out of his place of continement, and catching the child in his arms ran to the top of the clift near by. When the sheriff started in chase he halted him below, and, holding the child between them, made a clever speech in which he conceded the right and duty of the sheriff to pursue and recapture him, but pointed out that he could have no personal motive in so doing beyond that involved in his otficial obligation, and added that liberty was dear to himself; that he was now free and should continue so at any cost ; and wound up with the terrible threat that if followed another step by the officer he should dash the child down the precipice upon the rocks below. Without recourse, the sheriff naturally enough desisted from the pursuit, and the desperado escaped. The only word of him ever received here was when he was in jail in St. Louis on another charge of stealing. Judges Caton and Drumraond, who used to pass Allen's Grove traveling from court to court, told Mr. Howlett of this last episode. This was the first arrest of a horse-thief in Lee county.

The Lidian trail from Ottawa north to the hunting grounds in Wisconsin ran through Allen's Grove. The Indians were once paid their annuities by the government at this place.

Twin Groves were first named Moore's, from William Moore, the earliest settler there, who began his improvements in 1837 at the south grove. James Thompson and Levi Lathrop came together as early as 1842, and in partnership bought Moore's claim, on which he had thirty acres of plowed land. Moore was paid $50 for the timber claim where the Thompson homestead has always been and aunt Amanda still resides. It is described as the N.W. ^ of S.E. i Sec. 17. Not long afterward Mr. Thompson bought out Lathrop's interest. He received a patent for this land, dated July 1, 1845, and three years later another for the S.W. J of S.E. J. Eobert Blair, by marriage brother-in-law to Mrs. Thompson, came here from Malugin's Grove with those we have mentioned, and bought a claim to part of the north grove, but never purchased it from the government. About 1850 he moved back to Malugin's. He died at the house of Mrs. Thompson in the present year, 1881. The first birth at Twin Groves was a son of his, Robert Blair, in 1846. On his settlement here Thompson improvised a shelter with rails^a rail pen, - and covered it with straw; lived in it several weeks. This was succeeded by a log cabin, scarcely better tor some time than the pen, but after chinking the crevices with rags and sliutting out the free and often raw winds, they lived along in unchecked comfort until the rank grass and weeds, which grew in the humid atmosphere of the grove to the height of a man's head, began to decay and give their juices to the air; then every one of them fell with ague except Mrs. Blair.

Then George Wise and Isaac Gardner, brotliers-in-law, started improvements at the north grove; tliey did not stay long, but sold to Mark R. Averill. Wise went to California, and Gardner to Florida. Averill's residence here was also short, for in the winter of 1853-4 he moved to Paw Paw, and embarked in trade, having first sold his land to Jacob B. Fisher, who came in the antnmn of 1853.

Cummings Noe was an early man at Twin Groves, and settled there, as near as we can learn, in 1846. He first set up in a pen similar to Thompson's, wiiich he did not think of calling a house. His home for many years was on the place now owned by B. F. Ellsworth. He and Mr. Thompson and James Smith entered, from the government all of the south grove. Tiiis is now owned by Mr. Thompson's widow and William Dunkelberger. Jacob Fisher's widow and L. H. Durin are the present proprietors of the north grove.

The settlers here had at first only Indian trails to guide them across the billowy prairie. The earliest white man's road, though never surveyed, was one staked out by Erastus Noe, from Twin Groves to Hickorj' Grove, and used many years. Hogs were found running wild in these woodlands before any person came to make a home. They probably strayed away from a distant owner, or were lost from a passing drove.

In the summer of 1847 James Smith and Nathan Koons left Franklin county, Ohio, and came to this township. The latter made a home in the extreme southwest corner, and still owns the original homestead. The former settled at Twin Groves on a tract of 300 or 400 acres which he had previously entered. Joseph Barnhardt came in company with these men. The only buildings at the groves on their arrival was Noe's hasty cabin, already noticed, and Thompson's log cabin and hen-house. Tiie immigrants made a descent on the hennery, drove out the fowls, and occupied the building to sleep in, wiiile they still took their meals in their wagon. It is said they were homesick. Doubtless. Next day Shabbona and his tribe came that way. It was in the month of June, still the wind was raw and chilly, and this grand old chief, and as many of his followers as could, huddled behind the wagon for shelter.

Before departing from Ohio Smith cut a willow walking-stick and announced his intention to plant it when he should arrive at his prospective home; and, unmoved by the jibes of his skeptical friends, he predicted over and over again with great confidence that he should raise an immense quantity of timber from it, and realize thousands of dollars. He was not wide of the mark. Cutting the cane into four pieces, he set them in the ground, and in a few years had willows forward enough to furnish a good many cuttings, which the people were glad to get. During the war a man from Galesburg, named Piatt, bought up the trees growing in this region, prepared and shipped the cuttings in car-loads to all parts of the west, selling them at a good figure, persuading patrons that in willows were just the right qualities for live fence. For some two years this was a thriving speculation, and gave many hands employment. This townshij) has miles upon miles of willow hedge growing in great beauty and perfection. It has been so much a tavorite for the reason that it furnishes a great amount of wood and timber in a short time, as well as a tolerable enclosure of land, that osage orange has not been able to make any considerable headway against it, although vastly superior for the single purpose of fencing.

Samuel Eeese, a 3'oung man, came now to live at Mr. Thompson's. Probably the next year, James Stubbs, a bachelor, and a married brother reached this community ; the latter died not long after, and the other moved to Mendota. Cyrus and John Goff came as early, and lived here a few years. The former located his house between the two groves, and kept tavern on the route of travel between Ottawa and Pochelle. L. H. Durin and Gilbert Durin, brothers, came from Vermont in 1849, and settled here, the former on his present homestead. The latter has removed to Steward. These are men of substance and great respectability. Ira Durin did not come till some years afterward. He was a useful citizen and office-holder, who has now moved away.

"Wesson Holton, another Green Mountain Yankee, located his family northwest of the groves in 1S52, and was many years employed in millwrighting. He has taken an active part in the public afiairs of the township and held various" important offices. He sent three sons to the army in time of the late war.

"William L. Smith arrived in 1853, or earlier, and James A. Harp the next yeai'. Mr. Harp held township office several terms. The first arrival of Byrds, who settled on the north side of the township, was in 1853. They were from "Virginia. There would be nothing to say of them had they s^'mpathized with their country in the dark hour of pro-slaverv, treason and rebellion. Louis P. Braithwaite came in 1853, and Louis P. Smith in 1854.

Returning now to the neighborhood of Allen's and Smith's Groves we mention the later settlers without regard to the order of their arrival. Dr. Basswood came about IS-K) and remained four or five years. Na thaniel Allen and his family came in 1845. His sons were Harrison, Nathaniel, Chandler, Ephraim, and Alonzo ; and he had four daughters.

Chandler did not reach here until the following year, when he entered tlie land where he now lives, the S. i of S.W. ^ See. 26, and the X. ^ of N.W. ^ See. 35. Benjamin Nettleton had settled here as early as this period. Isaac C. Ellsworth, a Vermonter, emigrated from Ohio in the spring of 1846. His son Benjamin he had sent in advance the autumn before with a drove of stock, being compelled by tlie extreme drouth of that year to remove it from that state. Ellsworth settled on Sec. 34.

Cliristopher Vandeventer, formerly from New York, arrived here from Michigan in 184S, coming with a two-horse team, and driving sheep and cattle. He made his home where he at present lives, on the S. E. ^ Sec. 24, and built a log cabin. At that time not a house stood between his own and Broady's Grove, 17 miles north. His father settled at the same date east of the grove, in De Kalb county.

As near as we can ascertain the following persons located themselves in the neighborhood of these groves between 1846 and 1855: Matthew Atkinson, Perry Atkinson, Amos Atkinson, McNabb, Richard R. Walker, Andrew Stnbbs, Freeman Crocker, Daniel Maxwell, Sylvanus Staples, Prince Stevens, Hugh Wells, George Clark, Richard Clark, John Piatt, and AHonzo Osborne. Jeptha P. Mittan settled in the southwest part of the township about 1850, and is still residing there.

In the first half of the middle period, as we regard it, German immigration set in, and the first of that nationality to settle in Willow Creek was Gotlieb Hochstrasser, in 1854. A little later, and probably the same year, was Joseph Herman ; in 1856 Frank Bates, Frank Herman and John Herman came, and in 1857 a second Frank Bates and Areheart Hochstrasser. These were all the Germans who arrived up to this date; after a short interval others made their appearance, the most conspicuous of whom is John Yetler, in 1859. Xext year George Erbes, one of the solid and reliable men of the township, brought his family.

attributes of a Scandinavian deity, and a little notice of him at the head of this article will not be out of place. He reached our shores in 1837, and walked all the way from New York to Chicago. From the latter place he started for the Norwegian settlement on Fox river on foot, but being overtaken by a covered wagon filled with men, women and children, and being invited to ride with them, got in. He was by this time able to understand a little English, and when two of the men got out and walked behind and talked together about his money, their real character and intentions were revealed to him. He had some money, and no doubt his situation was uncomfortable, until a man and a woman driving a team providentially overtook them, when he leajjed out as the charmed bird flies when the spell is broken, and sprang into the other wagon without a word of parting to the one or of introduction to the other. His leap in the dark had brought him to good footing, for this time he had not fallen among thieves, but among some of his own people going home to Fox river, and his journey thither was happily relieved of further unpleasant incident. It has a singular seeming, but is nevertheless a verity, that with scarcely any knowledge of the English vernacular he left all his countrymen behind and pushed forward to Lee Center among strangers, not in habit, sentiment and nationality only, but in language also. This shows him to have had the truly pioneering spirit ; he could not have been less than a pioneer. Having obtained work there, it was not long till he was able to start independently, and he settled in Bradford township, where he became wealthy, and his widow, Elizabeth Hillison, yet resides. In course of time, as a certain consequence, other Norwegians came and settled ai'ound him, and as their numbers increased they scattered out, many going early to Sublette township. The first to go was Lars Larsen Eisetter, in 1847, who was also the second to come to Willow Creek.

The earliest Norwegian settler here was Amund Hilleson, a single man, who emigrated to Sublette in 1851, and having saved enough from his first years wages, in 1852 bought the N. E. J Sec. 15, his present home, at the government price of $1.25 per acre, and in the spring of 1855 came on it to make his permanent residence. Toiling here year after year with the patient, unrelaxing industry of his class, he has increased in worldly goods and grown in the regards of the whole community until there is no man who stands fairer, and none could more justly so than Amnnd Hilleson. He was followed early in 1856 by Lars L. Risetter, from Sublette, who had at this time been in the country long enough to secure a considerable start, and who located his femily on the S.W. J Sec. 15, which is now occupied by his son Lewis. The story of how Mr. and Mrs. Risetter labored with unflagging perseverance in and out of doors, and bought and sold crops and land, combin- ing calculation with severe labor, and making for themselves in a few years a handsome fortune, as well as adding greatly to the consequence and prosperity of the township, is one that cannot be told in our narrow space. But his neiglibors say, "No man made nionej- so fast and BO fairly by hard work and economy, and from large crops and the rise in values, as Mr. Risetter."

The third Norwegian settler was Edwin O. Winterton, who improved the N.W. J Sec. 15 ; the fourth was Amund Cragowick ; the fifth was Thomas Hilleson ; the sixth was Lars Salmonson, who began his home in the center of Sec. 16 in the winter of lSGO-1 ; the seventh was Ole Olson ; then came Edwin Edwards in the spring of 1862, and bought the N. i of N.E. J Sec. 11 ; Lars Oleson in the spring of 1863, and settled with his family on Sec. 10, where he at present resides. Christopher Oleson came about the same time, and in lS6-t Jacob Oleson began to improve the N.E. ^ Sec. 1. Heldor Nelson came to the N. E. i Sec. 2. and William Oleson to Sec. 16. Later arrivals, without regard to date or order, were Edwin Edwards, N.E. ^ Sec. 11 ; Heldor Eden in the same location; Lars Hilleson, S.E. J Sec. li ; and Nels Oleson, Peter Johnson, Allen Johnson, Andrew Eskland. Lewis P. Boyd, Lars Knutson, A'ick Winterton, Thomas Oleson, Christ. C. Alsager, Hans Johnson, Jacob Edwards, Hawkin Risetter, Newt Boyd, and Thomas Nelson.

There are now 400 of this nationality in Willow Creek township; and concerning the cultivation of the humbler arts of peace and the practice of the soldierlv virtues in war, this writer can say from personal knowledge that few equal, while none e.xcel, them.

Pioneer Facts

Chicago was the first trading point for this part of the country, and people went with o.x and horse teams, singly and in companies, but generally in companies, as it was not often that a team could make a trip without getting stalled at least once on the road, and it was of no little advantage to have hel]) at hand for every distress. Forty bushels of wheat made an ordinary load. When stuck in a slough the bags of grain had to 1)0 carried over on the teamster's back, and the fewer there were to divide the task, the longer and more arduous were the labor and detention. Sometimes the water was deep; then if there were wagons enough they were unloaded, placed end to end across the stream, and with the end-boards taken out formed a bridge that answered well the object of its improvisation.

One time, when uncle John Colvill and David Smith were hauling grain to Chicago, their wagons got set in the mud and thej' had to carry the bags of wheat across the slough on their backs. In doing this uncle John pulled off his boot-soles and had to go into Chicago barefooted. The hostler, just from Erin, viewing him from head to foot, in innocent wonder broke forth : "Where in the dickens part of the world did ye come from?" The bootless man felt that he must be in sorry plight indeed, but was skeptical of Pat's judgment when, in feeding tlie horses the rank, coarse slough-grass, then so common, he volunteered the information: "And sure and 'tis the biggest timothy that grows in this country."

Usually a horse-team made the round trip to Chicago in seven days, stopping there just long enough to feed and do trading. Teamsters not infrequently took along cooked provisions and camped out at night the weather was good. Taverns were not wanting on the road, but the patronage dispensed to them made a heavy inroad into the profits and sometimes wholly consumed them. A pioneer of 1845 says there was then no room in Chicago to put up teams, that he had to sleep and feed his team in his wagon, because accommodations were inadequate. That was thirty-five years ago in a city than which not another in the world, say travelers, is better supplied with facilities for public entertainment. He had taken to market forty bushels of wheat, which sold for sixty cents a bushel, and he received twenty cents per bushel for hauling. His expenses were $3.50, leaving $4.50 for seven days on the road with his team. But occasionally a load of merchandise was brought back for hire, and this made a more profitable trip.

After the opening of the Illinois and Michigan canal, Ottawa and Peru became trading centers, and when the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy railroad was constructed to Mendota, in 1853, a market was established still nearer, at Earlville. Only wheat and pork were hauled by teams to Chicago, the latter to be sold for $1 to $3.50 per hundred; but when these other points were opened to trade, corn and oats were sold there. Aurora was an important trading place, and a good many did business there, especially as it was where they often went to get grinding done. The grist-mills at Dixon, Fox Kiver, Binghamton, and Dayton's above Ottawa, drew custom from all this region. When one went to mill he took a full load, all the neighbors sending a grist by him ; he would be gone two or three days, and would not have to renew the journey until each of his neighbors had been to mill in the same manner. Cooperation was practiced in everything. In getting stock to Chicago neighborhoods made up droves together. How beautiful was the spirit of this period ! The pioneers avow in sad agreement that if they had the power they would

The first roads in the country were laid ont ou Indian trails. The Chicago and Galena, and the Ottawa and Rockford roads were surveyed mainly along such traces.

In the beginning Galena exceeded Chicago in size and importance, the lead mines there attracting men in pursuit of labor from parts as remote as the Wabash and the lower Mississippi. Mr. H. G. Howlett has seen as many as twenty teams togettier pass Allen's Grove in the spring going to Galena, where they would remain through the summer and return in the fall.

For many years buffalo bones were numerous in low places, and the first settlers were told by the Indians that before any of the whites came the buffjiloes perished one hard winter. This was the winter of 1830-1. Snow fell to great depth and blew into immense drifts ten and twelve feet deep. The cold was intense and prolonged. For more than forty daj's under a beaming sun the eaves of the cabins farther south did not run. The buffaloes resorted to the low places for tall grass, and great numbers never got away. The following winter, though less severe, was remarkable as well for exceeding inclemency.

Educational

The first school at Allen's Grove, the earliest in the township, was taught in 18-18 by Miss Martha Vandeventer, sister to Christopher Vandeventer, in one of Israel Shoudy's log houses. Mr. Shoudy had several of these and was keeping tavern at the time. A Miss Nettleton and Miss Laura Brace kept school in the same place a little later. In the autumn of 1819 a frame sciiool-house was built by subscription on nearly the site .of the present one, the land being donated by Shoudy; and the next winter the first school was taught by Miss Clara Price. Miss Smith, of Shabbona, was an early teacher in this house, and Israel Shoudy says uncle John Colvill trained the shooting ideas of the young in the same place.

Tiie first school ever taught at Twin Groves was in a log cabin in James Thompson's dooryard, the one which he put up on his settlement there. The name of the first teacher is swallowed up in time unless, as has been suggested, it was that of the widow Stubbs, who was an early tutoress. Miss Maria A. Ilolton, now Mrs. B. F. Ellsworth, tauglit in this cabin in the summer of 1853. The Twin Groves school-house was built in 1851 by the joint efforts of a number of individuals, and in the autumn of 1857 was purchased by the district at auction. In the winter of 1863-1 it was burned down, and the present house was erected the following summer. Miss Mary J. Fisher taught the first term in the new house.

Mrs. Eilswortli, who kept the first school tliat summer. Joseph McCoy hauled the shingles and finishing lumber from Earlville, and the house was regularly used for religious worship. Another occupies the old site, and David Smith has the old building for a shop.

The Norwegian parochial school was established in 1866 as a part of the Lutheran church system, having for its object the education of the children so that the}' can be taught the catechism in the language of their fathers. In the beginning the sessions were held in private houses; next in school-houses during public vacations. The Lutheran community embraces parts of Alto and Willow Creek townships, and is divided into three private districts for select school purposes. Six months' school are held each year, one half in the spring and the other in the fall. Those living in Alto, and nine families in Willow Creek near the town line, constitute the Alto district, and hold their school in Union district. No. 10. They have had two and one-half months' every year since it was instituted. The third, or south district, which has occupied the school-houses in districts No. 5 and 7, has had two and a half months', leaving one month for the village of Lee, where the term is held in the public school building. The school was organized by the Rev. C. G. P. Peterson, preacher in charge, an able scholar and divine. Rasmus Rasmusson, a good old man in the congregation, took control of it for a month and until a regular teacher could be found. The first was Thomas Nelson, u'ho has taught more or less up to tlie present time. The following other teachers have also been employed at various times: Hendrickson, Christopherson, J. Gossendal, Iver Faiiebust, E. Teffre, S. W. Weeks, J. J. Maakkestad, and another who was a student at the time. Only one instructor is employed in the same period; he teaches first in one district and then in another. The school is maintained by subscription, and has about 100 pupils, divided among the three districts. The scholars attend the English public schools regularly. The south district built the present year (1881) a private school-house, 18x26, on the southeast corner of Sec. 15, at a cost of nearly $500, including furniture and fixtures, neat patent seats being among the latter. Holden Risetter donated one-half acre of ground for the building site.

The present township treasurer is E. W. Holden. His report for the school year ended June 30, 1881, shows nine public school-houses in Willow Creek, and an estimated value of school propertj' of $5,550. Number of children under twenty-one years of age, 581 ; between six and twenty-one, 372; enrollment, 304; principal of township fund $6,525.08; tax levy for schools, $1,558.68.

Post-Offices

This township has had two country post-offices. The first was the Willow Creek office, called b^' the people " Twin Grove," where it was established, as near as we can ascertain, about lb49. llobert Blair was appointed first postmaster, but as he moved away about that time he never handled any mail. It was actually established at tlie house of one of the Gofis, who liad it for a short while, and until he removed, in ISoO. Gilbert E. Darin now took it until some time in 1853, wlien it passed into the hands of William L. Smith. After keeping it for a time he deputized a man named Beckwith, who turned out to be a peculator, and tiien he took it back to his own house. It is said that James Harp was the next postmaster, and that when the office again changed hands it went to Squire Ira Durin's. We cannot follow all the changes with certainty, but are told that a William Moore was postmaster at one time. B. F. Ellsworth was the incumbent from Jul}', 1866, to 1S73 ; the office then went to A. H. Knapp's, and from there to Adam Miller's, when it was discontinued about 1875.

The South Willow Creek post-office was established in time of the war, and was kept by Hiram J. Abrams, on the south line of the township, and on Sec. Si. It was kept up until about 1873.

Pioneer Worship

Pious hearts raised altars to the Most High, and companies of people came together at convenient intervals for public devotion. Elder Baker, a transient Presbyterian, was the earliest regular preacher at Allen's Grove that we have heard of, and held meetings in the Shoud\' school-house. Occasional services by the Rev. Cantield and Elder Wood, of Earlville, and an e.xhorter named Olmstead, antedated Elder Baker's ministrations. Wood and Olmstead were Methodists. It was the custom of these men to visit all the neighboring settlements, and the}' preached at Twin Groves as well as here. Elder Smith and the Rev. James Price should also be mentioned. Classes were formed at the school-houses after the inhabitants had become numerous enougli to have such meeting-places and to establish an orderly system, but all we can say is that what was done was for the good of souls and the glory of God, for few traces remain of actual occurrences, and the recollections of the good fathers and mothers in Israel refuse these treasures out of the abundance of their forgetfulness. How quick is the good forgotten ! How long doth the evil remain !

The first sermon at Twin Groves was preached by a Methodist minister from Rochelle. The Rev. Richard Haney was the first circuit preacher, and came there with tolerable regularity. He was extremely fond of wolf-hunting, and never missed an appointment when circumstances flivored a good catch. On one occasion he secured seven of the animals, which he dug out of their burrow. Elder Wood preached at the groves several years subsequent to 1853; when he began we have no means of knowing. The Revs. Davids and Roberts labored there regularlj' anterior to 1860.

Political And War History

Formerly what is now embraced in Wyoming, Willow Creek and Alto townships was a part of Paw Paw precinct, and elections alternated between Malugin's and Paw Paw Grove. After the adoption by the county of township organization, in 18-±9, this territory was formed into Wyoming, whose dimensions were not changed until 1855, when Willow creek was organized with its present bounds, including the area of Alto township.

The first annual town meeting was held at the Twin Groves schoolhouse in district No. 3, April 3, 1855, and was organized by the appointment of Ira S. Durin as chairman ; A. N. Dow was elected moderator, and G. Bishop clerk, and they were qualified by E. Woodbridge, justice of the peace. The recorded proceedings show that besides the election of officers, the running at large of stock and penalties relating thereto were the chief subjects acted upon.

Until 1860 the polls were held at the Twin Groves school-house ; the next two or three meetings, including two special ones, were at tiie Yroraan school-house ; then they were moved to Allen's Grove ; and in 1865 back to Twin Groves. In 1867 and 1868 the Vroman house was again the polling place, and in 1869 the Center school house, the meetings going back again for two years to the Vroman, and in 1873 to the Center house. In 187-1 the election was at the red school-house, and the ne.xt year at Adam Miller's. At the town meeting in 1874 a resolution was presented by C. M. Bacon and adopted, instructing the town board to take the initiatory step toward ]nocuring a building lot for a town-house near the center of the township, and to report to the next annual meeting the probable cost of each, a site and a hall. John Tetter, supervisor ; L. G. Durin, assessor; Dwight Davenport, town clerk, and Robert Tliompson and H. G. Hewlett, justices of the peace, reported that one acre on the southeast corner of Sec. 16 could be purchased for $150, and that a building 20x34, with 12-foot posts, would cost about $800. A vote was taken whether to buy and build, resulting witli 50 in the affirmative and 47 in the negative. The house was erected the same season, the whole property costing the township $1,100.

At a special meeting held at the Vroman school-house October 16, 1S69, to vote upon the cjuestion of subscribing to the capital stock of the Rock River railroad, 1 vote was cast in favor of and 2i against the proposition. Another called meeting was held at the same place on March 26, 1870, to vote for or against taking stock of the Chicago and Iowa Railroad Company to the amount of $50,000, on the condition that they should construct their line within one mile of the center of the township. On this proposal 75 votes were recorded in its favor to 51 against it. The company failed to comply with the condition of the agreement, and the township was thereby released from its obligation. Willow Creek is flanked by these two roads, which furnish all the inhabitants convenient markets without their taking any of the burdens.

In 1861 C. M. Bacon was appointed town clerk, vice A. C. Smith, who moved awa}-. The following have been elected justices of the peace, and possibly a few others whom the defective records do not enable us to identify: in 1855 Ira S. Durin and Henry Bishop; 1858, H. C. Holcomb; 1860, Joel C. Jackson ; 1S6l>, Ira S. Durin and C. M. Bacon (the latter did not qualify); 1865, R. II. "Walker; 1866, M. G. Phillips; 1867, L. G. Durin ; 1868, H. Dow and Hugh Wells; 1870, "William H. Dow; 1872, H. G. Howlett; 187?., "W. Holton : 1874, H. G. Howlett; 1877, R. Thompson; 1881, "W. H. Emmett and Thomas Nelson.

During tlie war the tires of patriotism burned briglitly on the altars of tiie country, but nowhere more brightly than in Willow Creek. She lavished the flower and strength of her yeomanry upon the greedy appetite of war, and the anguished rents in her Spartan firesides tell what woful work was done in the ranks of her sons by ghastly disease and red-handed carnage. Those who remained at home - the old men, the wives, the mothers, the sisters -upheld the hands of the government with exalted devotion.

A Union League was organized late in 1862, when it was feared that the state would be invaded by foes without, and convulsed by enemies within. A membership of about seventy was formed into a company, of which Nathaniel Nettleton was the captain-president. Andrew Stubbs was the marshal of the organization, which assembled generally at Allen's Grove and Vroman's school-house, and was drilled by John Edwards, of Paw Paw, a veteran of the Mexican war. After the presidential election, in 186i, the league fell into neglect.

Before the close of the war the township voted a bounty of $600 to every volunteer who should be credited to Willow Creek after that date. No draft soiled her garments.

We annex a list of the soldiers who went from this township in the time of the war, and though it may not be without error, it is believed to be as correct as it can now be made with no records for authority.

The toi'nado of Sunday, June 3, 1860, struck tliis township about 9 o'clock at night, midway of the west line of Sec. 18. William Cutts was within eight}- rods of it when it left the township; he says the noise was not unlike the rattle and clatter of a freight train when standing close to it, except that the former was tremendous in vohime. Boards, plows, harrows, timbers, reapers, stoves, furniture, earth, stones, animals, - everything that it could gather in its way was whirling, dashing and crashing with a thundering roar and force that filled the ear with a sound of picturesque terror, as much as if heaven and earth were battling for the same space at once. Andi'ew Stubbs, standing out of its range as it went by, saw it first several miles west, and describes its appearance as it approached and passed.

The night was moonlit, and from where he watched the tempest the moon was visible throughout. Massive pillars of flaming cloud were piled from earth to sky; the top was a sheet of fire; shafts of electricity, as large to view as a stovepipe, poured in hideous currents down the seething mass of inky blackness, presenting a sight of sublime horror.

The first liouse in Willow Creek which received its fury was Abram Miller's near the township line. It was unroofed, then taken up, carried over the well and the stable, but failing to clear a straw-stack was overturned and scattered in all directions. The occupants were Mr. Miller, Mrs. Miller, and two small children. The mother lay some time under a part of the roof in an insensible condition, having sustained considerable injtirics. None of the others were much harmed. The children, sound asleep in their beds when the shock occurred, were blown twenty-five rods into a wheat field, where one of the little fellows was found shouting lustily that all the windows were broken out. A tin boiler standing beside the house, full of water, was not disturbed ; and a book of receipts, brought from Iowa, was picked up on the farm. Gilbert E. Durin's place was the second reached. His house stood nearly out of the path of the electric monster, but a small addition was snatched awav and dashed into fragments. James Nealis and another man were blown into the tops of some locusts in the dooryard, and the former was cut so badh' in the thigh, on a scythe hanging upon a limb, that he bled nearly to death. A. X. Dow's premises were the ne.xt to sufier. His house was seized as if it had been a toy, carried into the air and turned roof downward, going to pieces in utter

The moving column raised slightly at Twin Groves, through the south one of wliicli it tore a gap ten to twenty rods wide, leaving the undergrowth but little disturbed, while twisting, splintering and interlacing the taller trees, mostly stalwart black walnuts, in the wildest disorder. The damage to the timber fell chiefly on "William Smith. Thompson's house, a very heavy structure, was unroofed, and the large building moved on its foundation. His strong corn crib and two log stables shared the general ruin. A man named Schieler, living on Thompson's land, had his house demolished, and all seven of the family were severely injured, and horribly begrimed as if violently rolled and dragged in fine dirt.

From this point to Sec. 14 lay a stretch of prairie, and no injury to life and little damage to property were done ; but there a house belonging to William Bacon, occupied by Allen Johnson and his sister, Norwegians, was wrecked. The inmates, on the first appearance of the storm, had luckily gone to a neighbor's, and thus escaped its terrible fury and danger.

The county line was reached midway of Sec. 13, and here at Allen McConeky's the most painful 'destruction was accomplished. It was now between nine and ten, and the family had retired. Rain had been falling hard but calmly before the crash came, and Mrs. McConeky arose to attend to keeping it out of the windows. The wind began to rise, and in a few moments so increased that she remarked to her husband tliat the house would blow away. He sprang to her side at the window, and at that instant, she relates, she saw the east side of the house coming in upon them, but can remember nothing more, save that she was conscious of lying on the ground with a heavy weight resting upon her body. The house was shivered to^ atoms. Mr. McConeky was killed outright, also the eldest and the youngest boys. Another little son was terribly bruised, and all hope of his recovery was for some time abandoned. Mrs. McConeky had an arm broken. Horses and cattle were killed here as elsewhere in the path of the destroyer.

In this vicinity a boulder weighing half a ton was lifted from the ground and carried some distance; but the most curious exhibition of power was at the point where tlie storm ended its work, three-fourths of a mile east of the county line. At this place was a piece of newl}' broken prairie. The farrows lay parallel with the direction of the tornado, and the toiigli sods were lapped up, twirled into a close bod}', and deposited forward in a pile of ten or twelve wagon loads. As if glutted with disaster, the storm now raised, and carrying on its dismal and solitary energies high up in the air, moved on to Lake Michigan, where it lost its identitv.

Country Churches

In 1868 a church under control of the Methodist Episcopal denomination was erected on the soutliwest corner of Sec. 16, jointly' bj' the Methodists, Congregationalists, and United Brethren, and is called the Twin Groves Metiiodist church. The ground on which it stands (one acre) was conveyed by James Thompson and his wife Amanda, to James Thompson, Henrj' Lewis, Aaron Smith, L. G. Dnrin, and M. A. Eice, trustees, in trust for the Metiiodist Episcopal church. In consideration of certain subscriptions by the Congregationalists and United Brethren, they have a guaranty of use upon certain conditions set forth in the deed. A reservation in favor of the Methodist denomination empowers them to annul the joint ownership by refunding to the other societies the respective amounts invested by them in the edifice, whenever they shall deem the sole occupancy of the house necessary. The building is 30x40, neat and shapely, with a high spire, and cost $3,500. Over half of this sum was subscribed in advance, and the remainder was secured at the dedication, delivering the societies from debt. Mr. James Thompson and aunt Amanda enjoyed the privilege of being the most liberal donors. Besides the site, the former contributed $1,000, and the latter $630. The house was built by the Rev. Seeley, Methodist contractor, who had taken to supplying pulpits in a manner not contemplated by Holy Writ; the terms of the contract were disregarded, yet the work was accepted, and in 1874 it had become necessary to make extensive repairs, which amounted to $600. The dedication was on November 9, 1868, and the services were conducted by the Revs. F. A. Hardin and A. P. Beach. The first regular Methodist preacher in this house was the Rev. C. C Combs,'aud tiie Rev. Brewer represented the Congregationalists. Tlie Rev. Wendell was one of the first, if not the first, who preached for the United Brethren. Among his successors there have been the Revs. Young, Bender, and two Lewises. Following Combs there have been the Revs. Curtis, Farmiloe, Stoddard, Davis, Hoffman, Tibbals, Record, and others whose names cannot be given. Tiie Rev. Record began his ministry in 1879. The most important incident in the history of tiiis church was the protracted effort in tiie winter^of 1868-9, lasting seven weeks and resulting in over 130 conversions. The Rev. Combs conducted the revival on the part of tiie Methodists. Over 100 united with iiis societ}-. When he came on the circuit the Methodists here had only nine members, and these were all women ; but during his pastorate the number was swelled to more than 130, including those on probation. These were divided into classes, some of which have had regular preacliing, and have become as strong as the parent church. The membership has been reduced by removals to about eighteen. The Congregationalists have nearly all left, and the United Brethren no longer have a class, but the neighborhood keeps up a Sabbath-school. The present trustees of the church are James Fisher, E. M. Pettenger, George A. Brittain, Richard Phillips, L. G. Durin, Caleb M. Bacon, and one or two others.

The Congregational society, now disorganized, was first formed about 1S59. Some of the original members were Ephraim Durin and his wife. Harper B. Davenport and wife, Woodbridge, the Rev. James Brewer and wife, and Simon Cole and wife; Caleb M. Bacon became a member subsequently. The membership at no time exceeded seventeen. This was organized under the Home Mission, from which it obtained aid ; and the first preacher was the Rev. Brewer; the second was the Rev. Henry Buss, and the third and last was the Rev. Breed. A salary- of $-200 a year was paid the pastors, and services were held in the Twin Groves school-house until the erection of the church. The society was involuntarily disbanded by the removal of members.

In the spring of 1864 the Rev. Jacob Fowler revived the Protestant Episcopal society which had formerl3' been in existence, and brought together some fifteen constituent members. He was a man of kindly spirit and excellent character, and left behind him a reputation as an able and faithful minister. Under his pastoral labors the infant organization grew to respectable numbers, not fewer than thirty or forty, including in the list of the principal ones Adam Miller, Samuel Argrave and wife, Winfield Argrave and wife, Abram Rosenkrans and wife, Lydia Miller, Joseph McCoy and wife, Henry Abrams, Jeptha Mittan, Nathan Koons and wife, and Alexander Beemer and wife. This work belonged to the Shabbona mission, and the first two years the worshiping places were the Ellsworth and Beemerville school-houses. In 1866 the society, with the outside help furnished, felt itself able to raise a house of worship, and accordingly undertook that object. The house, 30x40, was built at an expense of S2,600 ; but a contribution of $1,800 was obtained in Chicago through the exertions of Elder Fowler. The dedication took place on Sunday, August 6, 1866. The Rev. Madison Handy succeeded as the second pastor, and during his charge also the church prospered. He, too, was a man of gentle spirit and manners, and was followed by the Rev. A. C. Wallace, whose earthly warfare unhappily brought the tottering society to a violent fall. Having become too weak to maintain preaciiing without assistance from other people, and being in arrears to the pastor in the sum of $500, he ])rocured a judgment in the circuit court, levied upon the church, and sold it under execution. It fell to him under the hammer, and he disposed of it in 1874, to the United Brethren society,

The membership of the society now owning this building is contained almost entirely in Willow Creek, whicli name the society bears. The organization dates from 1857, with twelve original members. The tirst pastor was the Rev. Adams, the first class-leader C. Xoe, and tiie first trustees R. Hall, C. Xoe and PI. Lewis. The number of members is twenty-four. The present minister is J. L. Harrison ; class-leader, J. M. Able ; trustees, R. Hall, J. M. Able and C. Allen. Fifty scholars form the Sabbath-school.

The Norwegian Evangelical Lutheran church of Lee county was first organized in the fall of 1858, by the Rev. Didrikson, who made one visit to Bradford township. The members were widely scattered in Sublette, Bradford, Lee Center, and Willow Creek, and meetings were at first held four times a year, and distributed to the several townships. The Rev. A. C. Preus came after the church was put in working order, and ministered to all the people of this faith. Meetings began to be held more frequently, and the worshipers here assembled at the Byrd and Twin Groves school-houses. The Lutherans gradually left the other townships and settled in this and Alto, and when they erected their present church, in 1861, twenty or more families were in the community. We can mention the following: Amuiid Hillison, Lars L. Risetter, Lars Salmonson, Jacob Olesoii, Heldor Nelson, Jacob Peterson, Holden Peterson, Lars Oleson, William Oleson, C. Christopher, Edwin Winterton, Lars Hillison, Haakn Risetter, Thomas Hilleson, Christian Hillison Se.xer, Omund Oleson Cragvick, and the Boyds. The Rev. Preus remained over the congregation a year or two and gave way to the Rev. C. J. P. Peterson, under whose charge the church was built and the parochial school established. This church is the most graceful and stately edificoof the kind in the township. Its location, in a beautiful and commanding spot from which one may view the country for miles in almost any direction, adds much to its attractive appearance. A lofty, beautiful spire pierces the clouds, and arrests the eye at a great distance. The house is 34xC0 feet, substantially built, and cost §3,500. It is situated on the northeast corner of the W. -J of X.E. ^ Sec. IL A parsonage of twenty acres on the town line is the property of the church, and is described as the E. ^ of N.W. ^ of N. W. J Sec. 2. It was purchased in 1870, for $40 per acre, and the same year the south part of the residence was built. In 1875 the main or front part was added, completing the building for §1,700. The present year (ISSl) a barn has been put on the premises at an expense of §200. The place is neatly kept and ornamented with evergreens and the common varie- ties of deciduous trees. Tiie deacons are H. Nelson and Vick Williams, and the trustees are Thomas Nelson, Einar Bner, L. Helland and O. P. Boyd. Since the Rev. Peterson the following pastors have been settled here : G. O. Jukam, P. A. Rasmusson, J. Tackle and J. Nordby. The salary paid is $450, which is increased by incidentals from baptisms, funerals and marriages to $600. The congregation numbers 460. A Sabbath-school is kept up through the pleasant part of the year, and at the present time it has a membership of seventy,, under the superintendency of the pastor, who, according to the custom of this church, has tiie charge of such schools. Instruction of the children for one year, beginning at the age of fifteen, is attended to one day in every week by the pastor, and is called " preparation for coniirraation." At the end of the course they are confirmed, and become a part of the visible membership of the church. In the churchyard a few graves have been made. The first burial was tliat of Thomas, son of Lars L. Risetter, who died September 23, 1864.

The Zion church of the Evangelical Association belongs to the Rochelle circuit, and holds services once a fortnight. Its thirty-three members are all Germans. For six years prior to the organization, in 1868, at the Byrd school-house, regular preaching was had there every two weeks by one or other of the following ministers : J. M. Sindlinger^ Henry Messner and L. B. Tobias. Some of the most prominent original members of the class were William Dunkelberger and wife, John G. Yetter, John Yetter and wife, Philip Yetter and wife, Gotlieb Hochstrasser and wife, George Hochstrasser, Julia Yetter, and Mary Hochstrasser. William Dunkelberger was the first class-leader. The society was organized by the Rev. John F. Shnee, who continued a& the first pastor. His successors iiave been the Revs. G. M. Young, John Schweizer, A. Gotschel, A. Strickfaden, C. Ghestatter, J. K. Schulz, and the present pastor, J. J. Lintner. The first trustees were John Yetter, William Dunkelberger, and J. L. Lutz, and the present ones are John Yetter, Christ. Rothe, and Peter Wagner. A flourishing Sabbath-school is well attended the year round ; seventy-three scholar* are now enrolled, with John Yetter as superintendent. Mr. Yetter ha» filled this responsible position ever since before the organization, and has been a class-leader in the church several years. The society ownsa tasteful and substantial house of worship, standing on the southeast corner of Sec. 5. It was erected in 1875 at a cost of $3,000, including the lot which it occupies. Tiie dimensions of the building are 32x46 feet, and the dedicatory services were held by Bishop Jacob J. Escher.

Mass was first read to the German Catholics by Father Westkam^ of Mendota, at the house of Peter Kimbler, about 1863. At that time there were Peter Buchholze, Peter Schneider, John Herman, Joseph

Herman, Frank Herman, Frank Bates, Thomas Down, Frank Bates, jr., Peter Kimbler, and six other families who joined in tlie organization. Only ten of these were permanently settled in the township. Father Westkam advised the immediate building of ajchurch, and nearly $2,000 were at once subscribed. The next year a house built of stone and costing some $3,000 was erected on the northwest corner of the S.W. i Sec. 16; the main building is 26x40, with an addition sometimes used for a school in which the children receive instruction in the technical education required bv their religion. John Harman donated four acres of ground for a churciiyard. The lirst priest who celebrated mass ill tins church was Father Nigg, of Mendota. Fathers Goldsmitii, (4obbels, Antlion Butter, Frank Schriber, Fralech, Joseph Baenak and Charles Halin have been the later celebrants. Father Ilahn, the officiating priest at the present time, comes from Chicago once a month. Fifteen families now constitute the membership of the church.

A German Lutheran society was organized in 1S70 by the Rev. William Ilalleberg, at the Byrd school-house, with the families of the following-named persons: George Erbes, Ehrhard Ilochstrasser, George flochstrasser, Godford Ghei'ich, Lewis Ghcrich, William Hackmann, Henry Schultz, Jacob Rubel, Jacob Scheinholtz, and John Scheiuholtz. Preachers have served this society in the following order: Kevs. William Halleberg, Charles Weinsch, John Feiertag, H. H. Norton, W. O. Oeting, and W. Krebs. There are now eight families who hold meetings at the Byrd school-house once in five weeks. They have a Sunday-school superintended by the pastor on preaching Sabbaths. George Erbes has been the trustee from the beginning.

A society of Dunkards was organized at the Byrd school-house in 1863. Occasional meetings had been previously held in other places. Tiie original members were eight in number, as follows: John Toft and his wife Margaret, Alva R. Harp and his wife Amanda, William Vroman and his wife Elizabeth, and D. C. Vroman and his wife Catherine. Their numbers finally increased to eighteen. The Rev. John Fillmore settled in the township soon after the organization and was the only minister the society ever had. A. R. Ilarp was the first deacon. Services were held at the Byrd, Beemerville and Twin Groves school-houses. At the end of three or four years the members removed to Marshall county, Iowa. An organization of Dunkards holds regular services still at the Byrd school-house.

The subjoined notes relating to pioneer history should have appeared under their proper heads. As early as 1844, and from that date for eight or ten years, regular preaching was had at Allen's Grove. About 1848 a Presbyterian society was formed, and maintained an existence several years. The Revs. Baker, Breed, and another, were the preachers.

A family of Littletons came to Smith's Grove near 1845, and the younger members lived there until recent years. A Scotch family of Platts arrived about 185-i from Aurora, but were originally from Prince Edward's Island.

Besides churchyards and some private burial lots there are the Ellsworth and Twin Groves cemeteries, both desirable locations for sepulture. The former is on the south side of the public road and of Sec. 34, and obtained its name from Isaac C. Ellsworth, on whose farm it was laid out. The other is situated on the S.W. ^ of S.E. J Sec. 17, adjoining the public road, on a prominence falling off on every side, and washed on the north by Willow creek. Mrs. James Thompson gave one acre and sold half an acre more for this site. It is held in trust by the school trustees of the township, who sell the lots for $5 apiece. Several handsome monuments have been set up in this beautiful city of the dead. Each, Dnrin, Miller, Reesand Tetter, have one, and the Thompsons two.

Village Of Lee

This flourishing village is situated in the counties of Lee and De Kalb, the part on this side of the line being on the northeast corner of the S.E. ^ Sec. 1. The Chicago and Iowa railroad was completed to this point in the autumn of 1871, and at once a movement was begun to inaugurate business. From a slight beginning has grown a live town, bristling with activity, running over with trade, and from which more produce is shipped than from anj' other station on the line. The population is largely, if not principally, Norwegian.

The first building put up was a small one by Christopher & Jorgens, which was used for a grain office and grocery. J. Cheasbro built an ofhce at the same time and started trading in grain, coal and lumber. Both firms had tlieir offices up in the i'all, but transacted no business until after New Year's. R. J. White built the first store in the spring of 1872, on the northeast corner of Main and B streets, and soon after a post-office was established and he received the appointment of postmaster. His partner, named Knight, sold out after three months to A. B. Trask ; the latter disposed of his interest to Ilenr}' Moore, and he to W. H. Bryant. The firm then added farm machinery to their trade. In 1874 White retired, and Mr. Bryant accepted the appoint- ment of postmaster, and has been the incumbent of the office until now. After three years he disposed of his store, and lias since dealt only in agricultural implements.

After "White, J. Johnson started next in a general store on the west side of Main, between A and B streets. In July, 1872, the railroad switch was finished ; freight began at once to be delivered, and tiien the place took a sudden advance. Abel Downer opened the third general store, including a stock of drugs, on the southwest corner of Main and B streets. Ostewig & Leyder started the same season in hardware.

The first dwelling was built by James Minnihan in 1872; the next March W. H. Emmett erected the second; and in 1874 others went up, among these Mr. Christopher's, east of the track.

Frank Bacon built a hotel on B street, in the early winter of 1872-3 ; in 1874 A. B. Trask built the second, which is now the only place of public entertainment, and is called the Clifton House, a well kept establishment, of which John A. F. Lambert is proprietor.

The north elevator, built by J. Cheasbro, went up in the tall of 1872, and immediately in the winter following Christopher & Jorgens erected the south one. The first butcher shop was opened on B street, east of the track, in 1872; next year William Finton moved it onto Main street, north of B, where he has enlarged it, and now occupies it for a market and dwelling. Miss Margaret Edsall, first milliner and dress-maker, opened rooms in 1873. The present drug store, kept by W. F. Forbes, was built in 1873 for a saloon, and the next year moved to its present location on B street. In 1873, also, Lars Holland put up a wagon shop, and Iverson & Espe a smithy. These shops and the elevators were on the east side. The same year X. D. Schoenholz built a harness shop, L. L. Risetter a store and dwelling on the southeast corner of Main and B streets, Lars Midnes a notion store, Knudt Tyson a photograph gallery, and Trask a store and dwelling, first occupied by C. H. Eathburn, and afterward sold to John Dyas for a saloon. Cheasbro sold his elevator and lumber-yard this year to McLean, West & Co.

Stevens and Prestegard built a hardware store on Main street in 1875, and B. II. Skoyles began the grist-mill, finishing it the next year. In 1879 Christopher & Jorgens remodeled their elevator and put in a stationary engine and wood-working machinery. Tlie present year (1881) Sardis Vosburgh erected a handsome brick store on the northeast corner of Main and B streets. This is the first brick structure raised in Lee.

The village was incorporated in 1874, and the first board of trustees, consisting of James G. Boardman, Arthur McLane, William R. Baumbach, A. B. Trask, and W. H. Bryant, held their first meeting

August 11. McLane was chosen president, and Jolm Johnson clerk of the board. The trustees for the current year are P. P. Hill, president; William W. Hallett, clerk; W. H. Enimett, T. P. Dalton, H. W. Johnson, and K. O. Ostewig. This town, no more exempt than others from annoyance, has been, like them, plagued with the saloon nuisance. In the spring of 1S7S the party opposed to licensing the sale of liquors came into power, and have since that time been in the ascendancy. This good achievement was originally due to the revival efforts of Mrs. Trego, from Ohio, a temperance lecturer who came and held meetings two weeks.

The first school was opened in December 187-i, in the Dyas building, with W. H. Emmett as teacher. In the summer of 1875 Miss Eva Brj'ant taught the school in the Midnes building, and the following winter it was kept in the same place by Henry W. Davidson. In the spring of 1876 Miss Margarett Edsall taught a term in the shop she had formerly occupied in the millinery business; and that summer the district built the present school-house. In this building Miss Hampton kept the first terra ; J. L. Johnson then had the school two years, and the later teachers have been Miss Mary Griftin, J. W. Shanks, William H. Hallet, and Mrs. George Lattin. This is a union district, and Henry E. Daniels, Charles Childs and A. B. Trask were the first directors.

A converted Jew, calling himself Prof. Kyder, delivered the first public discourse in the fall of 1874, in the Dyas building, which had been used for a saloon. The room was not yet cleared of the rubbish of the ungodly traffic, and the seats were made by laying planks upon the empty beer kegs found on the premises. The same day a union Sabbath-school was organized in this house, and W. H. Emmett was elected superintendent. Preaching was now begun here by the Rev. Nicholson, of Shabbona, for the Methodists, and the Pev. Clouse, of the same place, for the Baptists. The next summer the public and the Sabbath schools, and the religious meetings, were removed to the Midnes building, where each was regularly held until the school-house was erected, in 1876. The two denominations held alternate services up to the time that the Methodists built their church, in 1877, when the Baptists discontinued their meetings about a year. They have since used the Methodist church every other Sabbath. Elder Clouse preached until January 1, 1870, and the Rev. E. W. Hicks since that date. The Methodist ministers after the first have been Pomeroy, one year ; A. B. Metier, two years ; Dickens, one year, and W. H. Records, one year. The Sabbath-school has always been a union one. W. H. Emmett was the first superintendent, for two years, the school then lapsed the same length of time and was revived with Samuel Hender- son for superintendent. He was followed after the second year by J. W. Shanks for one year; then W. H. Einmett returned to the position six months, and now T. P. Dalton lias it.

The Methodist church, built in 1877 and dedicated December 30, cost nearly $2,000. In the following April the steeple was struck by lightning, causing a damage of $125. The house is a gothic, 28x42, durably constructed, with a chaste e.xterior, and surmounted by a neat spire. It stands in De Kalb county.

Before the Catholic church was built in Lee, people of that faith had to travel long distances to attend mass; the nearest was at Twin Groves on the west, where services are held but once a month. It was thirteen miles to Rochelle, eighteen to De Kalb, and twenty to Sandwich. In view of the needs in this matter, in the spring of 1878 M. P. Harris, John Kennedy, James Kirby and Bernard Malloy started the scheme for building a church in this place. Kirby was designated by them as treasurer, and Harris acted as secretary. These men went to the Catholics living in the adjoining country, and from those who would give to the object they took good notes, bearing ten per cent interest, and in three days raised $3,000. John Kennedy, James Kirby and Stephen Kirby divided the notes equally among themselves as collateral, and each advanced $1,000. The men first named now went forward and built the church. John Kennedy gave one acre of ground where the building stands, and this, with his cash contribution, amounted to $500, the largest sum donated by any person. The house cost $3,200. It occupies a sightly location in the west part of the village, and is 40x60 feet on the main foundation, with an extension in the rear running back eighteen feet. It was dedicated in tlie autumn of 1878 by Father Verdin, vice-president of the St. Ignatius College, Chicago. Father Edwards, of Rochelle, was the priest in charge when it was built. Mass is celebrated ever}' other Sabbath by the Rev. Father Trac}', of the same place.

Robert Smith, farmer and stock raiser. Paw Paw Grove, son of John and Jane (Colvill) Smith, was born in Argyleshire, Scotland, June 22, 1822. Emigrating with his parents in 1837, he reached Ottawa in July, and the next month arrived at Smith's Grove, so named from his father, the first settler. This designation was given by the government surveyors. Prior to this the place had borne the name of Dry Grove, for the reason that it was watered by no stream, and two claimants had been in possession, namely, Cameron, who sold to James Armour and he in turn to John Smith. The claim included all the woodland except a scattering growth, and lines called for no attention at this period, for none had yet been established by survey. Neither house nor cabin had been built and only a few logs cut. The family located on Sec. 35, Willow Creek township, and erected a cabin on or near the present site of David Smith's house. In December tliey were rendered houseless by fire, but the loss of house was the smallest damage, for with plenty of timber at hand that could speedily be replaced, but not so with the gold and silver coin lost in the ruins, and the clothing, and bedding, and fine large library of books dissipated in smoke and air. This was the second house built in this neighborhood and the first burned in these parts. A second cabin was erected by the Smiths a few rods east of the first, and soon they had relapsed into routine ways, with too many frontier cares for time to contemplate sadly their diminished wardrobe and furniture, but it was no easy matter for a reading family to become reconciled to the loss of their books. Besides the subject of this sketch the Smith children were John, Alexander, Martha, and Jane. Ale.xander was born on arrival at Ottawa, and John died in August, immediately after the settlement at Smith's Grove. This was the first death in "Willow Creek township. The family remained together until Martha's marriage to William Hopp, about 1840. Mr. Smith's present farm is a part of the original claim. He made entries of land at different times directly from the government. The first pieces were the S.E. J and the N. W. ^ of S.W. J Sec. 35. He owns 290 acres, in the highest state of improvement, hedged with willow and osage orange, containing valuable orchards, and a beautiful two-story residence, with arcade in front and elegantly furnished throughout. This place, known all over the country as Willow Farm, has a high reputation for the natural beauty of its location and a variety of cultivated attractions, which denote the rare taste of its possessor. In an article upon this delightful country seat the " Amboy Times " says : " The Willow Farm, the residence of Robert Smith, two and one-half miles north of West Paw Paw, is an exhibition of art and nature combined, to show what could be done to harmonize discordant elements and to grow into symmetry a beautiful homeresidence in this great State of Illinois. Mr. Smith's father came to this country in an early da}' and selected this choice spot now matured into a paradise. . . . All in all this impresses one with a love for a country home." Mr. Smith was united in marriage with Miss Harriet M. Baisley, daughter of John H. and Jane M. (Low) Baisley, of Wayne county, Pennsylvania, December 26, 1856. Mr. Baisley was reared in Philadelphia and Mrs. Baisley was a lady of French e.xtraction, from whom, doubtless, Mrs. Smith inherited her exquisite love of the beautiful. Three children have blessed their union and inspirited their home with the sunshine and gladness of domestic joy : Ella G., a graduate from the Jennings Seminary, at Aurora, whose accomplish- merits in tlie fine arts are of a liigli order, is the wife of Teal Swarthont, of West Paw Paw. Bertha B., now Mrs. William Crompton, living near Chatsworth, Livingston county, displayed at a verv early age a delicate poetic taste and power, which suggests at once a recollection of those fairies of verse, the Davidson sisters. When fifteen years old her poems, appearing under the name of "Bertie." were admired and received appreciative comment. One piece, written wiien she was fourteen, entitled "Would that I were a Child Again," leads the reader to think ot the writer as one of mature years. Clyde W., the youngest child, is living at home. He has been about two years in attendance at the Classical Seminary at East Paw Paw, and this season will enter the Chicago University to fit himself for the practice of the law. Mr. Smith is a republican in politics. He has held township office and was the first supervisor of Willow Creek township.