Livingston County, Illinois - The whole text, 1878 (part 7 of 25)

By the census of 1840, the county had a population of 759, which had increased in 1860 to 12,000. Out of this number, scarce 1800 were subject to military duty ; yet Livingston County sent over 1,500 soldiers to the field. Fields of ripened grain were left to be harvested by women and children. Pastors of churches exhorted their parishioners to take up arms, and set them an example by placing their own names on the muster-roll ; clerks threw down the yard-stick to shoulder the musket, and, in several instances, even those hold- in<y public offices resigned their positions and went forward with their constituents to battle for the right. A number went singly and in twos and threes, and enlisted in various batteries and regiments, Avhich cannot find separate mention ; but, in addition to these, Livingston sent the following companies to the

August and September, 1861, Company C, Thirty-ninth Illinois Volunteers. 88 men, of whom 30 re-enlisted as veterans. Six Livingston County men also enlisted in the regimental band of this regiment ; and 8 men served in Company D.

In July, 1861, Company C, Forty-fourth Illinois Volunteers, 38 men ; 8 re-enlisted as veterans ; also 5 men from this county mustered in Company B of this regiment.

Company A, 100 men ; Company B, 62 men ; Company C, 94 men ; Company E, ItO men ; Company G, 101 men ; Company K, 21 men ; officers and non-commissioned officers, 28. Total, 496.

January, 1864, Company E, One Hundred and Thirty-fourth Illinois Volunteers, 13 men. April, 1864, Company F, One Hundred and Thirty-eighth Illinois Volunteers, 57 men. February, 1864, Company G, One Hundred and Fifty-fourth Illinois Volunteers, 6 men. February, 1864, Company G, One- Hundred and Fifty-fifth Illinois Volunteers, 9 men. August, ^864, Company A, Third Illinois Cavalry, 20 men. August, 1864, Company D, Third Illinois Cavalry, 20 men ; August, 1864, Company K, Third Illinois Cavalry, 118 men ; and in various other companies, 14 men.

The Twentieth Regiment contained many Livingston County men, among whom are such well remembered names as John A. Hoskins, John A. Fellows and Joshua Whitmore. Hoskins, who was a soldier in the Mexican war, was Captain of Company D. but was afterward promoted Major.

Fellows and Whitmore entered the service as First and Second Lieutenants of Company D. This regiment first engaged the enemy under Jeff". Thompson, at Fredericktown, Oct. 20, 1861, and in the battle there fought, gave proof of the splendid material of which it was composed. On the 2d day of February, 1862, it marched into Fort Henry, and on the 11th, it was before Donelson, and did excellent service in the famous three days' battle, which caused the surrender of that important post, together with 20,000 rebel troops. Livingston claims her full share in this important victory, which sent a thrill of joy to every loyal heart, and revived the fainting hope of the nation. It was here that Grant uttered his "Nothing but unconditional surrender, " and the nation took it up as a battle cry, and it rang through the land, until the last foe laid down his arras. Four naen of Company D were killed in this battle, and many were wounded. April 6th and 7th, this regiment fought at Shiloh, and remained in the service during the war. The troops were mustered out at Louisville, Ky., July 16, 1865.

About one-half of Company F of the Thirty-third Illinois Volunteers were from this county, and enlisted from the northwestern townships. The regiment had an eventful, perilous and toilsome service. It marched through Missouri, Arkansas, Louisiana and Texas, and did good service at Vicksburg, Port Gibson and Mobile.

Company C, of the Thirty-ninth Illinois Volunteers was raised in this county, in August, 1861. It was enlisted from the central townships, and was composed of the very best material. This celebrated reginient was better known by the name of the "Yates Phalanx," so named after the patriotic Governor of the State. It was not filled up in time to be accepted under the first call for troops, but it kept up its organization and drill, and after the battle of Bull Run it found no difficulty in entering the service. The regiment was marched to the Potomac, and was engaged in the various battles, marches and counter-marches on that historic ground. It afterward joined Gen. Foster's command, at Newberne, N. C, and was marched from there to Hilton Head,- S. C. It formed the advance of the brigade in command of Col. Mann, in the siege of Fort Wagner, and marched into one end of that stronghold while the enemy were marching out at the other. This regiment re-enlisted in March, 1864, and again started for the front. In May, it was under Gen. Butler, at Drury"s Bluffs, and participated in all the battles that followed, meeting with loss after loss, until the 18th of October, when it » was reviewed and found to contain only two hundred men, and the highest officer left was Lieut. James Hannum, who was promoted to Captain, and who is still living, and resides near Cayuga, in Esmen Township. These gallant men were engaged in tlie stormi^ig of Fort Gregg, where they made a daring charge and planted the Union colors on the heights of the parapet, and placed their name forever on the pages of national history. For their heroic conduct they Avere presented with an eagle by Gen. Gibbon. They fought in every battle in which their command was engaged, and were present at the final surrender, and were mustered out Dec. 6, 1865, a mere handful of battle-scarred veterans.

About half of Company C, Forty-fourth Illinois Volunteers, was raised in Reading Township, and served in the Missouri campaign, "mit Siegel." It was in the engagement at Corinth, and at Stone River nearly half of the regiment was lost ; it fought at Chattanooga, re-enlisted and again returned to the front in time to take part in the Atlanta campaign. It was in nearly all the battles which resulted from the bold attempt of Hood to overrun Tennessee and

In January, 1862, the old hero, Capt. Morgan L. Payne, recruited a company of men at Pontiac. which entered the service as Company G, of the Fiftythird Illinois Volunteers. Payne had served his country through the Black Hawk war, was in many a hard fought field in the Mexican war, and on the breaking out of the rebellion he closed his business engagements as soon as possible, and again took the field. In March, this regiment was ordered to Savannah, Tenn., and arrived at Shiloh just in time to take an active part in that engagement ; it was engaged in the siege of Vicksburg, and in the battle of Jackson fully one-half of the regiment was lost. The regiment re-enlisted and again reached the front in time to participate in the battle of Atlanta, and marched on to Savannah, and was engaged in the campaign in North and South Carolina. From thence it marched to Washington, D. C, and took part in the grand review after the surrender of the enemv.

The One Hundred and Twenty-ninth Illinois Volunteers was organized at Pontiac, and for some time camped on the old Fair Grounds, just south of tlie city. Five full companies were raised in this county, four in Scott, and one in Moline, Rock Island County. Half of its regimental ofiicers were from Livingston County, and when the regiment entered the service it was officered as follows : Colonel, George P. Smith, of Dwight ; Major, A. J. Cropsey, of Fairbury ; Adjutant, Philip D. Platenburg, of Pontiac; Sergeant Major, H. H. McDowell, of Fairbury ; Surgeon, Dr. Darius Johnson, of Pontiac ; Steward, J. A. Fellows, of Pontiac ; Chaplain, Rev. Thomas Cotton, of Pontiac. The Pastor and every male member of the Methodist Episcopal Church at Pontiac, save two, enlisted in this regiment. This church contained many leading men who believed in muscular Christianity, and in "the Sword of the Lord and of Gideon; " and strange to say, after fighting innumerable battles, and undergoing all kinds of hardships, every member of this church returned alive. This regiment numbered among its company officers such men as J. F. Culver, J. W. Smith, J. F. Blackburn, H. B. Reed, C. W. Baird, B. F. Fitch and John B. Perry, and made for itself a name that shall last as long as the history of the war shall be preserve!.

The One Hundred and Thirty-fourth and One Hundred and Thirty-eighth Regiments contained many men from this county ; they were 100-day men, and did service in Kentucky, Missouri and Tennessee, under the command of Col. J. W. Goodwin, of Pontiac.

The One Hundred and Fifty-fourth and One Hundred and Fifty-fifth Regiments were one year troops, and fought bushwhackers in Tennessee and Kentucky.

Company K, of the Third Cavalry, was raised in the vicinity of Fairbury, and was officered by Aaron Weider, John Zimmerman and Byron Phelps, This dashing company served during the entire war, and saw as much hard fighting as any 118 men in the service. Their regiment was better known as the Carr Regiment, and was officered as follows, by the Carr brothers : Eugene A. Carr, of the regular army. Colonel; Horace M., Chaplain, and Byron Carr, Quartermaster.

Livingston County also gave twenty men to Companies A and D, of the Seventeenth Cavalry, thirty-seven to Coggwell's Battery, and eight to Battery M, First Light Artillery.

The county may well be proud of her war record. The great majority who went from Livingston County were men of intelligence and thought, who were willing to lay down their lives for the preservation of a principle that was dearer to them than life itself; and to such men the word "failure" was unknown.

The city and township of Pontiac, as is supposed by many, must have been,, in some way, associated directly with the noted Indian Chief whose name they bear. It has been asserted by some that the site of the present city was ari ancient Indian burying place, and that the bones of Pontiac lie in its soil. By others, it has been said that, at one time, the old chief, when deserted by his followers, retired to this place and made it his temporary home ; and by still others, more ignorant of the life of this famous brave, it has been inferred that he actually resided in this vicinity at the time that the earliest settlements were made by the whites.

It seems a pity to spoil these pretty little romances, and one could wish that they were not fiction ; but truth compels a diflferent interpretation of the name of the city.

Pontiac was, indeed, a great Indian Chief, and that the town was named in honor of him is equally true ; but that he ever even passed through this part of Illinois is not probable. That he was buried in the neighborhood is still more improbable ; and that he still resided here when the whites first settled is out of the question, as he had then been dead more than half a century.

Pontiac, as has already been mentioned on page 42, was the chief of the Ottawas, and lived with his tribe, near Detroit, Mich., and, during the troublebetween France and England, otherwise known in this country as the " French and Indian war," was a strong ally of the French, neither bribes nor threats being sufficient to induce him to espouse the English cause. Even after the French had treated with the English and had transferred all of Pontiac's possessions to the English, he remained stubborn and spurned their proffers of friendship. On one occasion, after many of his followers and some whole tribes had given in their allegiance to the English, Pontiac answered a proposi- tion to take up arms against the French by saying, " When the French came among us, they took us by the hand. They lived with us in peace. They made us brothers. When the English came, they brought hornets. They -destroyed our houses. They called us dogs. The French have been true to us. We will be true to them. The English are our enemies, and we can never he friends."

However, one by one the followers of Pontiac were alienated, and joined the British cause, until he was left almost alone. Disappointed and disgusted, he abandoned his home and came to Illinois. But here he was not permitted to be at peace, for an Indian spy was commissioned by British authority to accompany him in all of his movements. He had partially assented to neutrality, but was still suspected of favoring the French. In 1772, some time after settling near Kaskaskia, he was invited to a party, given by members of a neighboring tribe ; and, though warned to go well protected and well prepared for trouble, he preferred to go unaccompanied. On this occasion he made a violent speech against the English, when the spy, who sat near, sprang to his feet and buried his hatchet in Pontiac's brain.

The town of Pontiac, like several others in the West, owes its name to this great chief; but the true version is, doubtless, that the original proprietors of the town, having lived for some years at Pontiac, Mich., fancied the name, and bestowed it on their new enterprise.

At the date when the history of this township begins, the county of Livingston had not been organized ; indeed, the number of residents in the county was not sufficient to warrant a separate county government.

In Avoca, Indian Grove, Rook's Creek, Amity, Reading and Oliver's Grove a few hardy pioneers had built cabins and cultivated little patches of ground, but the balance of what is now embraced within the limits of the -county was all a desolate waste, literally a " howling wilderness." The tall, rank grass, the few stunted oaks, the thick and briery underbrush and the marshy soil of the banks of the Vermilion at this point must have presented but few attractions as a location for a town, or, indeed, tor the opening of a farm, as, both up and down the river, settlements had been made before this point was selected by any one. Perhaps the shallow water at this point in the river, known as the '- Ford," had something to do with attracting to the place Henry Weed and the two Youngs ; but if their settlement was made with a -view of establishing a county, with this as the central point, their vision must have been prophetic, as but few points presented scantier natural advantages. Be that as it may, in 1837 the county was formed, and the Commissioners to locate the " Seat of Justice," in consideration of donations consisting of the Public Square and Jail lot, $3,000 to build a Court House, and the construction of a bridge across the Vermilion at this point, located the county seat on the land which had been pre-empted by them.

On the 26th of July, 1837, forty-one years prior to the present writing, n accordance with this arrangement, the town of Pontiac was surveyed and slatted by Isaac Whicher, County Surveyor of Livingston County, for " Henry Weed, Lucius W. Young and Seth M. Young, from the southeast quarter of Section 22 and part of the northeast quarter of the same."

The Court House Square, the Jail lot, six acres reserved for mill purposes, ivith all the streets as they now appear, were all designated. This, then, was ;he nucleus, the germ, the foundation of the first town in the county, and whose existence is co-eval with that of the county itself; and, though outranked in mtiquity as a settlement, is the point from which, in a measure, has emanated md grown all of its institutions. Settlements have been made, roads and other public improvements have been established, and locations have been selected, with regard to their connection with the county seat.

Henry Weed and the Youngs were from New York, and, as stated, settled (it this place in 1833. Weed was brother-in-law to the Youngs, having married their sister. They built the first cabin in the township, in which all, including an unmarried sister of the Y'^oungs, lived. A few years after their settlement, occurred in this family what proved to be the first marriage and the first death in the township. The wife of Weed died a year or two after coming to the place, and he soon after married the younger sister. Mrs. Weed was buried near their cabin, which stood adjacent to the spot on which C. J. Beattie erected his brick dwelling, a few years ago. Her coffin consisted of walnut slabs, hewed with an ax to a proper thickness. Her remains, with those of a few others, still lie there, but no stone or other indication marks their resting place.

The two Young boys died soon after the establishment of the town, in 1837. They were interred in a burying-place near Charles Knight's residence. These, with several others who were buried there, still lie in the place selected by themselves as a resting place for the dead.

Weed continued to reside here for some years. Though his county seat scheme turned out according to agreement, it did not seem to be as great a financial success as he had evidently hoped. Soon after its location, he made a sale of lots, and a few were disposed of to James Weed ; but they wore afterward bought by Henry Stephens for $5.00 each. Even as late as 1850, the whole block on which now stands the McGregor House, the Filkins' houses and several more, sold for $20 ; and the block on which stands the American Hotel, Dr. Darius Johnson's residence and others sold for $10.

In 1839, Weed entered the land on which stood his town, and, soon after, went away from the county to assist in the survey and construction of a railroad. While engaged in this business, he was attacked with pneumonia and bleeding of the lungs, from which he died at Binghamton, N. Y., in 1842.

Isaac Whicher, whose name has already been mentioned in connection with the laying out of the town, came to the place in 1834. He was employed by Weed, at $50 per month, to assist in surveying. He was the first County Surveyor, being elected to that office over C. W. Reynolds, by a vote of 47 to 35, May 8th, 1837 ; and when Weed left to engage in his railroad enterprise, resigned his office to continue in his employ.

Nathan Popejoy was from Ohio. He came to the township, and settled about two miles east of town, and opened the farm now occupied by Philip Rollings. The date of his coming is not quite certain, but was probably in 1884. He did not buy the land on which he settled, but turned over his claim to other parties and removed to Avoca Township.

Truman Rutherford and his son Erastus, with their families, emigrated from Vermont to this place in 1885. The elder Rutherford built a cabin near the place where Samuel C. Ladd's residence now stands. Erastus lived in a cabin which stood on the lot now occupied by the Baptist Church.

Although it might admit of a very reasonable doubt whether a Methodist preacher could properly be called a settler, yet John Hoi man, who was of that faith and of the profession named, came to the township and resided for a time, about the years 1835 and 1836. Holman preached at dwelling houses and in the grove, as the season and the occasion seemed to indicate. Holman's daughter married Isaac Whicher, who was also a Methodist, as were all who made professions of religion.

Truman Rutherford was, in the early times of the county, a man of more than ordinary character. At the first county election, held May 8, 1837, he was candidate for Recorder ; and though he received but twenty-one votes in the whole county, it was not considered an indication of his unpopularity, a» his opponent was elected by the small majority of forty-four. Mr. Rutherford was a man of strong religious principles, though somewhat liberal in his views. He was a Methodist, but about this time, Wm. Miller began to preach the "early coming of Christ," and Rutherford embraced the doctrine, and became so firm a believer that, in 1843, at the time set for the ''appearing of the Lord," and the " end of the world," he bid his neighbors all good-bye, and arrayed himself preparatory to taking his flight in the air. He, however, continued to reside here until 1845, when he died. His wife died three years later.

Of John Davis, who was the first physician in the county, but little else is known, except that he came to the township in about the year 1838, and lived a few miles east of town.

No doubt Cornelius W. Reynolds was the first physician who was an actual resident of the village. He had settled in Amity Township, in 1836, but in 1837, came to Pontiac, where he resided about four years'. He was for a time Clerk of the County Commissioners' Court, and was the first Postmaster. A dozen years later, it is related that the post office at Pontiac was kept in a man's hat. In Postmaster Reynolds' time, it must have been a very small

John Foster, familiarly known as "Uncle Johny," is the oldest living resident of Pontiac. He first came to the county in 1836, from New York. He lived for a year in Rook's Creek Township, and then returned to his home in the East to bring out his family, making his second advent into the township in 1838, this time settling on the farm adjoining the new fair grounds, and by some known as the N. T. Hill place. When Foster came the second time, he brought his father-in-law and family, which, with his own, numbered seventeen persons. Foster's father-in-law, at that time, was Jabez Shepard. This was a very sickly season for this country, and many people died of milk sickness and other malarious diseases. Among the number who died were Jabez Shepard and wife, and Foster's wife and two children. After residing in Pontiac a few years, Foster changed his abode to Avoca, where he remained about six years, when he again removed to Owego Township, to what is known as the Stinson farm, he in the meantime having married Widow Stinson. For the past dozen years he has resided in the city of Pontiac. "Uncle Johnny" is one of the few "old landmarks" yet remaining, and relates, with much precision, the events of the early days of the county. He takes special delight in relating how, during the time that he first resided in the village and kept a place of entertainment for transient people, he furnished accommodations for Judge Treat, Senator Douglas, President Lincoln, and many other celebrities. To some, whose acquaintance with Uncle John does not extend back many years, it may be interesting, if not surprising, that he organized and with his wife conducted the first Sunday School in the township. The school was held in the old Court House, and he was Superintendent by the authority of an appointment from the Presiding Elder of the Methodist Church.

Garret M. Blue came to the township in 1836, from Rook's Creek Township, where he had previously located, and settled a few miles northwest of town. He was, at one time, Sheriff of the county. In his canvass for election he had for his opponent John Foster. The candidates were, doubtless, equally popular, as, on counting the ballots, it was found there was a tie. The usual method of casting lots was resorted to, and the "lot fell not upon John," but upon Garret. Blue resided here until 1849, when he died of cholera.

The first stock of goods brought to this vicinity was hauled, by ox team, from Pekin, Illinois, and displayed for sale by C. H. Perry, who had come to the place from Jacksonville, in 1836. He had his store and dwelling in a little log cabin, which stood on the bank of the river, at the north end of the bridge, on the spot now occupied by John Schneider's dwelling. He kept the store and the records of the court for M. I. Ross, for about two years, and then followed the fortunes of Henry AVeed in his railroad enterprise, and never returned. While residing here, he was also interested in the mill site, and he and James McKee erected a saw-mill.

James McKee was from Joliet. He came to this point about a year later than Perry, and, as mentioned, built the saw-mill. McKee had been one of the earliest settlers at Joliet, and at one time was proprietor of all of the West Town, which, before the completion of the Chicago & Alton Railroad, was the main town. McKee was also engaged in a mill project at Joliet, and erected, in

1833, and settled a few miles northwest of town. They pre-empted land and, in 1839, bought of the Government. The latter died about the last mentioned date, but '' Uncle Jo." continued to reside here until his death, which occurred October 7, 1865.

Dr. James S. Munson must have been one of the first inhabitants, for while M. I. Ross was Clerk of the Commissioners' Court, he was appointed to fill the place of Ross, who had been removed. Ross had been elected in 1837. and had served a year, when it was ascertained that he was not eligible to hold the office, as the law required that officer to reside at the county seat. On the 5th of June, 1838, the court made an order that, ''the above facts appearing, M. I. Ross be removed for this cause and for no other;" whereupon James Munson was duly appointed to fill the vacancy.

Thus far we have noted the settlements of what may, with propriety, be termed the pioneers of the community, and, in most instances, have noted their nativity, advent and location with some precision. In addition to these are also remembered James Campbell, Thomas Campbell, Daniel Blue, Andrew S. McMillan, Leonard Franklin, David Demewitt, Wm. H. Wells and Joseph Hefner. Some of these are so indistinctly remembered that nothing more than the name can be recalled, while others lived such a short time in the township, before removing to another, that it is thought best to mention them in connection with their later residence. All, however, mentioned in the list had located prior to 1839.

It will, doubtless, be entertaining to any having a real estate interest in the town of Pontiac, to follow, for a little distance, the chain of title of the lands which they now occupy, and which, as we have seen, were primarily vested by right of pre-emption in Weed and the two Youngs. The three men were originally equally interested in the town site, and in some of the adjoining lands ; but, before a patent was obtained from the Government, the Youngs both died. Weed then, in 1839, entered the land and the title of the whole tract was consequently in his name. Soon after this, Isaac Fellows, a brother-in-law to the Youngs, came out from New York for the purpose of administering on their estate, and of securing to himself, as heir, their interest. Amicable settlement was made, by Weed transferring an undivided one-half interest in the tract to Isaac Fellows. Thus Fellows and Weed became joint proprietors of the town. Subsequently, Isaac Fellows conveyed to Augustus Fellows all of his interest, and some other parties, who laid some claim to the

Young estate, quit-claimed to him. The title then vested in Henry Weed and Augustus Fellows. In 1842, Henry AVeed died, leaving, as his heirs, Henry Weed, Jr., John P. Lewis and Henry Stephens - the last two by virtue of their marriage with Weed's daughters. In 1849, Augustus Fellows died, leaving the undivided half interest to his wife, who subsequently married Nelson Buck. A few years later, a suit was instituted for the purpose of dividing the property. Commissioners were appointed, and what Avas considered by them as an e({uitable portion was set off to the heirs of Weed - Lewis, Stevens and Weed - and the remainder to Mrs. Buck. This will explain how some of the oldest titles run from Weed, and some from Weed and Fellows, and why some of the more modern primary titles run from Stevens, Lewis and Weed, and others from Mrs. Buck.

The Court House which the Youngs and Weed agreed to build for the county was erected in due time, being completed in 1841 and occupied, for the first time, July 23, 1842. Though but a modest affair in the extreme, being simply a small frame building 22 feet wide and 30 long and a story and a half in height, and though much inferior to the $3,000 Court House that had been promised, it gave great satisfaction.

Previous to this time. Court had been held in a small log cabin, in which the Weeds had lived, in the east part of the town, and this was comparatively commodious and convenient. It had a court room above, which was 22x20 feet, and a small jury room 10 feet square. Below were small offices, for the various county dignitaries ; and. on the whole, it answered the wants of the county. It was, too, a great local convenience. In it have been held political meetings, debating societies, churches, Sunday schools and public schools, indignation meetings and ratification meetings, and assemblies of all sorts and sizes except large sizes.

Another reason why the people of this vicinity rejoiced was that, as it was then believed, the county seat question was settled. Though Livingston County has been afllicted comparatively little with the removal malady, yet in the very infancy of the count3% a severe attack was experienced. On the 30th of August, 1839, an election was held for the purpose of moving the " Seat of Justice " several miles up the river. The arguments urged in its favor were numerous and forcible. Among the reasons given by the "movers" were that Pontiac was not the most central point ; that it was an unhealthy locality, being low and marshy ; and, finally, that the proprietor of the town was not fulfilling his contract in making the improvements proposed. On the other hand they proposed a better site, being high and dry, a central location, being the nearest the center of any on the river, and that the Court House should be erected forthwith. The result of the election Avas a large majority in favor of removal - 80 in favor and 56 ajrainst.

The vote, though insufficient to remove the county seat, was sufficient to infuse into the parties interested in real estate at Pontiac a disposition to hurry

Though the removal question was settled, though the Court House was built and though the destiny of the town seemed to be fixed, all failed to produce results equivalent to the expectations of its friends ; and its progress was marked only by its absence. It is true the country was receiving some accessions to its farming population, and that occasionally, on the retirement of a store keeper or a county officer, or, which was generally the case, of both - being united in the same individual - a new settler was noticed ; and at the end of the first decade after its foundation, which brings us to 1847, the town of Pontiac was but a little more than a name. Travelers frequently stopped at the store, and, in earnest, inquired " how far it was to Pontiac ; " and, on being informed that they were now within the precincts of that classic metropolis, gazed with looks which indicated mingled feelings of wonder and disgust. It consisted, even at the day mentioned, of only a half-dozen cabins beside the Court House, and these so scattered and hid among the clumps of bushes that they were thereby rendered

In 1842, Samuel C. Ladd came from Connecticut, and settled in the village. No accessions of any consequence had been made for two or three years, except such as remained but a short time, and are not entitled to mention as permanent inhabitants. Mr. Ladd proved indeed a valuable addition to the settlement, as he was a man of education, social culture and large business qualifications. Mr. Ladd resided here until the time of his death, which, at the time of this writing, has just occurred; and to tell the story of his life is to give the history of the town. He was, in one sense of the word, here at the beginning, and has continued to reside at the place until the present year. He has held almost every position of trust, and has been more intimately connected with the growth and development of the place than almost any other man. He taught the first school in the neighborhood, in 1843, in the old Court House. He was the first real merchant ; he held numerous offices, among which were those of Postmaster, County Clerk, Circuit Clerk and Assessor of Internal Revenue, the duties of which offices he performed to the entire satisfaction of all. He was for many years engaged in agricultural pursuits, and was one of the originators of the Livingston County Agricultural Society. He died at his residence, June 22, 1878.

Willet Gray, who was associated with Mr. Ladd in his mercantile enterprises, came to Pontiac, in 1844, as clerk for John & Williara'K. Brown, of Bloomington. He continued with the Browns for a couple of years, when they sold out and Ladd & Gray engaged in the business. They together, for a time, also owned and operated the saw-mill which had been built by McKee & Perry. In these branches of business they continued for several years, when they sold out to B. T. Phelps, of Ottawa.

John A. Fellows had come to the county from New York, in October, 1847, and lived in Avoca until 1849, when he came to Pontiac to work on the farm for Augustus Fellows, and Avhen Ladd & Gray sold out, aa has already been stated, Allen "laid down the shovel and the hoe" and took up the yard stick. He made a popular clerk, and in all branches of business, society, politics and war, his peculiar faculty, then developed, of making himself agreeable has marked his life as his distinguishing feature. He has held the office of Postmaster of Pontiac, Circuit Clerk and many other minor positions, all of which have been filled in a most acceptable manner.

John Wolgamot was from Ottawa, and came to the place as manager of Phelps' store. He has been Justice of the Peace, Township School Treasurer and Schoolmaster by terms. He was a good business man and, though of <|uiet habits, made ^any friends.

Philip Rollings and family came from Highland County, Ohio, in 1846, and settled on the farm two miles east of Pontiac, on which they still reside.

Chas. Jones, familiarly known as " Old Charley," who was the orjginal owner of the land on which the town of Forrest is built, came to Pontiac and lived from 1843 till 1850, He now resides in Belle Prairie,

In 1846, Augustus Fellows, having come into possession of half of the town of Pontiac, and having removed to the place, erected the first hotel. Though accommodations for man and beast were obtainable, even in the more primitive times, yet this was the first attempt to make a specialty of serving the transient public, for a compensation. The hotel, which was afterward known as "Buck's Tavern," was ready for occupancy in 1848, and, though still incomplete; was hailed by citizens and travelers as an invaluable addition to the institutions of this part of the country. And, indeed, it proved so to be, as many a weary traveler who yet survives attests. The " tavern " was rented in the first year to Champlain, brother-in-law of Gen. Gridley, who occupied it, while Mr. and Mrs, Fellows went on a trip of business and pleasure to their former home in New York. On their return from the East, they took charge, and it was during the administration of this landlady that the tavern gained its greatest popularity.

And now this brings us to one of the most eventful periods in the history of the township. This year, 1849, was the "cholera season," and the ravages made in this section were terrible ; and, for the number of inhabitants in the settlement, the fatality was greater than in almost any locality in the county. Out of a total population of seventy-eight within the limits of the township, thirteen died. Among the number who perished by the awful scourge were Augustus Fellows and two children. In all, five died at the hotel. When Fellows was stricken down. Dr. Holland, who then resided in Rook's Creek, was called to attend him, was attacked with the disease and lived but a few days. Ann Oliver, sister of Franklin Oliver, mentioned in Chatsworth Township, was leaching school in Owego, and came in to nurse the Fellows family, and was

80on numbered with the dead. Garret M. Blue, who lived northwest of town, dropped in to see the afflicted family, and while conversing with some of the attendants at the house, felt some of the symptoms of the disease. He hurried out and, mounting his horse, galloped rapidly home, where he arrived with only sufficient strength to crawl to bed, from which he never rose. In this house, five died - Blue, wife, son, daughter and grandchild. John Blue lived on the farm known in later years as the Miller farm, two miles east of Pontiac. In this family occurred three deaths out of the four members. Blue and wife and one child all perished. These were truly dark days, and no one but an actual observer can picture the gloom that settled on the little community, or describe he alarm and excitement that prevailed. At times, the number of persons afflicted was greater than the number of those who were well, and much greater than those who were willing or could be induced to wait upon them ; and the disposition of the dead was a very serious question. Business of all kinds was stopped. Intercourse with the outer world was entirely cut off. as those having business at this point invariably avoided the route through this part of the county.

This proved a real drawback to the prosperity of the township, as several of its most enterprising citizens had died, and the reputation of this locality for health had suffered greatly. However, an emigrant occasionally alighted upon the place. A relative or friend, writing back to the old home in the East or South, would induce some one to come out on a visit, see the country and perhaps work a year, and once here he would likely continue.

In 1852, Jacob Streamer arrived at the place. Mr. Streamer had left his native State, Pennsylvania, in 1844, and had come to Illinois, stopping, for a time, at Magnolia. In 1850, he came to Livingston County, and clerked two years for Jerry Mathias, who wa^ then running a store at Reading. He arrived at Pontiac May 8, 1852. Perhaps Pontiac has never had a better example of what perseverance and industry will accomplish than that presented by Mr. Streamer. When he arrived at Pontiac, he found a poor opening for business. There were not a dozen families in the place, and, including the Court House, there were but six houses. The manners and style of the inhabitants were of a primitive character, and but poorly prepared to support a man in the business which Mr. Streamer proposed to carry on. With physical disabilities that would have discouraged almost any young man just setting out in life, and with but ^15.00 in his possession, he yet went to work, and by constant and untiring energy has built up a large business, made himself a good home, and provided amply for his declining years. Not only so, but his house is crammed with books and other evidences of culture and refinement. His store, as well as his library, is packed with curiosities. He makes a specialty of such goods as improve with age. His old wines, brandies and cigars have become noted to such an extent that, to illustrate, the following story is current. Some years ago, he took into his store a young man to learn the business, and who was advised that the best way to gain such knowledge was simply to "keep his ears open." The young man soon learned that many of the articles were the more valuable as they increased in years, and soon became habituated to offering to his customers that argument in favor of the wares he desired to sell. One morning, a lady entered the store, desiring to purchase some butter of a good quality, and inquired of the young man if he had any of the desirable article on hand. With promptness, the bright and rising merchant replied : " Yes, ma'am, we have some that is very fine - none like it in town - an article that we have had on hand over fifteen years.'' The story does not go further to indicate that the lady was thereby convinced of the desirable qualities to such an extent that she was induced to purchase.

After the death of Augustus Fellows, l\is widow married Nelson Buck, who came about this time, from McLean County, and who has since figured largely in the affairs of Livingston, and especially in the local politics and business o* Pontiac. Mr. Buck was the President of the first Board of Trustees elected in the town. He was, for many terms, elected Surveyor of the county, in the the discharge of which duties he took the greatest pride. A few years ago, he received an appointment from the Government to proceed to the West and survey some lands that were to be brought into market. Mr. Buck raised his force of assistants in Pontiac, and made his way to his field of labor. They had, however, but just begun operations, when, as is supposed, the Avhole party were massacred by the Indians. No positive trace of him or any of his men has ever been discovered, but indirect information has been obtained, which leaves little doubt that the above are the sad facts.

The reputation gained by the town, during the year 1849, brought an influx of doctors, and, among others. Drs. John Hulse and C. B. Ostrander. The former was from Kentucky, and practiced in Pontiac several years, and then removed to Oregon.

Ostrander remained here but a short time, and changed his location to Avoca, where he still resides ; and, in the history of that township, he receives further attention. The Doctor was formerly very fond of playing practical jokes upon his friends ; and in the largeness of his stories he had a reputation that was not excelled in the country. A story, illustrating both of these peculiarities of his character, is here related :

After he had removed to his farm, in describing the good qualities and fine features of his plantation to some of his Chicago friends, he alluded to a wonderful fish pond that occupied a corner of it, from which "barrels and barrels" of fine fish had been taken by him, in an incredibly short space of time. His friends, not dreaming that it was simply a fish story, and desiring a little rural sport, concluded to pay the Doctor a visit, and try their luck wnth the hook and the net, and wrote the Doctor accordingly.

A few weeks later, the party, duly equipped with fishing tackle of various kinds, drove up to the door. They were entertained over night, and the next morning, contrary, perhaps, to the Doctor's hopes, inquired for the fishing ground. Ostrander was equal to the occasion ; and, without betraying the least hesitation, conducted them to the back of the place, to an old well, which had been dug for supplying water to the cattle. When arrived within a short distance of the well, with seeming surprise, he said to the fishers, " Well, gentlemen, this is the place where the pond has been, but," pointing to the well, "I think it must all have leaked out at that hole."

The first resident lawyers were J. H. McGregor and J. H. Dart. It is not intimated that there was no litigation in this vicinity prior to their arrival, for the records of the court show that the contrary was the case. Counsel, however, was obtained from Bloomington and Ottawa, and, in many cases, lawyers from Chicago practiced in this court.

About this time, or a little later, Lee & Cowan opened up, on the west side of the square, their general store. The store occupied a position near where the Livingston County Bank now stands. The former of these gentlemen, Charles M. Lee, was somewhat of a politician, and was, at one time, Judge of the county.

J. W. Reraick came from Pennsylvania, and, after arriving in this part of the county, followed the trade of miller for several years. In 1856, he was elected Sheriff' of the county, in which capacity he served two years. After two years, during which time he was engaged in farming, he was elected to the office of Circuit Clerk, serving as such officer for eight years.

The Garner family, consisting of Samuel and sons - William T., Jerome and James - arrived at this place about the year 1851. Jerome was a lawyer, and practiced here until 1861, when he removed from the county.

Henry and Ira Loveless made their advent about this time. They were from Ohio. The former came through the county first as a peddler, and being pleased with the location of a little town that was being started just east of Pontiac, located there and opened a store. But the town failed, and Loveless went into politics and was elected Sheriff". Ira had aspirations for office, also, and was one of the Justices of the Peace before the adoption of the Township Organization Act. Both are long since dead.

After the cholera season, for five years, nothing of importance or interest occurred worthy of record. A few changes in business took place, a new family arrived once in a while, and a new house or shanty made its appearance ; but, at the end of the period mentioned, but little change had been made in the general aspect of the village and its surroundings. But during the year 1854, an event occurred which proved to be of the utmost importance, not only to this community, but to all of Central and Eastern Illinois - an event which, had it happened in any other way, or had in the least varied from the original design, would have so affected the destiny of the town as to have made it almost useless to have written its history. Of course it will be guessed that reference is made to the completion of the Chicago & Alton Railroad, then known as the Chicago & Mississippi. For nearly twenty years had the county seat been located ; but with the lack of commercial advantages, the progress of this part of the State had been extremely slow. Not only in growth and population had there been but little perceptible change, but the morals of the people in general were not what we find them in later years. True, there were well-meaning and honest people, but society was fashioned after the frontier style. Fights were common, drinking, horse-racing and gambling were usual pastimes, and the Sabbath was almost wholly disregarded. Commerce is said to be the great civilizer and educator, and by many is deemed the Christianizer of communities as well as of nations. In this instance, it proved to be all of the above and more ; it brought the people here, and improved their condition more than the most enthusiastic could have imagined. With the railroad, came the people, and with the people came schools and churches, and to these came teachers and books and ministers and Sunday schools. With the railroad, came improved methods of farming, better plows, better means of harvesting grain, better prices for grain. With the railroad, came lumber, which enabled those who would settle on the prairie to protect their grain from the stock which roamed at large, and to protect their cattle and horses and themselves from the inclemencies of the weather. This made it possible to utilize all of that vast extent of country which, till then, was thought to be useless, except for a boundless pasture field. As a consequence, we find that, within the period of two years from the time that the road became a fixed fact, ten times as much land was entered in Livingston County as had been during the fifteen years before.

As an illustration of the state of society which existed here at that time, it IS related that, at one of the stations on the road between this and Chicago, an individual who had evidently taken a drop too much got aboard the train and took his seat. By the time the conductor came around, he was somewhat overcome, and to the request of the conductor to satisfy the demands of the company in regard to fare, replied in a very unsatisfactory and unintelligible manner. The conductor allowed him to remain until after having passed a few stations, hoping that he might, in a measure, regain his senses, and then again requested his ticket or its equivalent ; but the passenger was still oblivious, and answered only in words, the meaning of which was obscure. At last, the ofl5- cial becoming discouraged and somewhat irritated, asked him " where he was going to, anyway?" To this question, the traveler answered, with more than ordinary lucidity, that he was ''going to the City of Destruction." The con- ductor, after cogitating a moment, replied, " Well, my friend, that station is not on this road, but I will put you off at Pontiac, which is the nearest point, and I have no doubt you will find parties there who will do all in their power to assist you to your destination." As before intimated, a new era was dawning upon the community, and a new impetus seemed to be imparted to the whole country. New houses sprang up in Pontiac ; demands were made for a school house ; the old Court House was soon found inadequate for its purpose; churches were in requisition, and everything had an encouraging appearance.

The first train of cars passed through the place July 4, 1854. It was a grand holiday and fuller of importance than any had dreamed. A year later, the population of the little village had increased to over three hundred ; and in eighteen months the town was organized. A newspaper was started, the first number appearing March 14, 1855, only eight months after the completion of the road. As further indicating the condition of affairs at the seat of justice, a few items gleaned from its pages are here given. The first item noticed is one which shows an improved sentiment in regard to the morals of the people. A meeting had been called at the Court House to take into consideration the means of suppressing the sale of intoxicating liquors. J. H. Dart was Chairman and Samuel C. Ladd Avas appointed Secretary. After duly considering the matter, a resolution was adopted, to the eff'ect that a committee be appointed to wait on the liquor dealers and request them to stop the business. The committee consisted of Wm. T. Garner, AVm. B. Lyon, H. H. Norton, Robert Aerl and I. P. McDowell. The committee to draft the resolution was composed of George Bishop, Nelson Buck, J. H. McGregor and Darius Johnson. Indicative of the state of business at this time, cards are inserted in the psiper showing that Ira Loveless was Justice of the Peace ; McGregor & Dart were in the law and real estate business, as also was George Bishop ; J. M. Perry and Darius Johnson were practicing medicine, the latter having lately come to the town; Jacob Streamer had quit tailoring, and had been elected Justice of the Peace, and was selling drugs and groceries ; Buck & Gray were selling clothing, dry goods and groceries - Buck had but a few years before married the widow Fellows, had been keeping the tavern, and now desired to sell the same ; Buck & Gray were also buying grain ; Ladd was still in the mercantile business, but with another partner, I. P. McDowell ; B. J. Phelps had a general store, which was under the supervision of John Wolgamot ; H. G. Challis was here then, and was carrying on the blacksmithing business, and advertised it. John Kingore, "sir," then kept the hotel "sir." A few months later. Dr. Sheldon and Dr. Thomas Croswell had arrived. Attorney Simeon DeWitt had located here. A lumber yard was opened, by Ellis & Olmstead ; A. Stephens had opened another hotel ; Z. H. Nettleton was finding some sale for jewelry, and clocks and watches were needing repairs. Alexander Scott found sufficient demand for harness, to induce him to set up in business here. And last but greatest^ the Livingston County News, the paper from which this information has been gained, had three hundred subscribers.

Certainly this is a good showing for so short a time. It shows that there was beginning to be a demand for almost all kinds of goods. It shows that there were people throughout the county to use the goods, and that there was money, or its equivalent, with which to purchase them. It indicates, too, that a taste for reading and a desire for information were being developed.

I have broken inj land, fenced it, built a house and stable, dug a well and paid for the land and all of the improvements, from the first crop, and have $144.00 overplus.

This was said of what is still known as the Taylor farm. Mr. Taylor had broken his land and sowed it to wheat, and the yield had been enormous, averaging over thirty bushels to the acre ; and, as the land had been bought cheap, and the price of wheat that year was over f 1.00 per bushel, the result was easily accomplished. This item was copied into the agricultural papers, and from them into many of the Eastern journals, and by them commented upon ; so that it was brought to the notice of many who were thereby induced to emigrate to the county.

Another newspaper, the Sentinel^ was established. The old Court House had, as a temple of justice, outlived its usefulness, and a new brick one had appeared. A school house, costing $2,000, had been built; and nearly all of the north side of the public square was built up. The west side of the square was almost solid. Two new church buildings, the Presbyterian and Methodist, furnished relig-ious privileges for all who desired them, and manv convenient and tasty residences had begun to appear.

In 1857, the county voted to adopt what is known as the Township Organization Act ; and accordingly, the first township election held in this township took place April 6, 1858.

The election was held at the Court House, Dr. Darius Johnson being called to the chair. A motion was made and carried that Ira Loveless act as Moderator, and Nelson Buck was chosen Clerk. After being sworn by J. W. Remick, the polls were opened and 179 votes polled.

The result of the first election was the choosing of Wm. T. Russell as Supervisor ; E. R. Maples, Clerk ; S. L. Manker, Assessor ; Jerome Garner, Overseer of the Poor ; Wm. Manlove, James Nelson and A. D. Eylar, Commissioners of Highways ; Jacob Streamer and Adams Morrow, Justices of the Peace ; E. H. Masters and Joseph H. Virgin, Constables. Samuel McCormick and James W. Remick were candidates for Collector, and, each receiving eighty-nine votes, a tie was declared. The candidates agreed to a new election, which was

The first road authorized by the Commissioners was that known as the Avoca Road, and " extended from the south end of Locust street, in Pontiac, running south, east and south, to a point at the township line, being the southeast corner of the Taylor farm." Five other roads were also authorized and surveyed during the year.

The following shows the names of the principal officers elected at each subsequent township election, and, also, the number of votes cast at each :

In addition to the last named, completing the list of township officers elect, are the following : Township School Tre:isurer, D. M. Lyon ; Justices of the Peace, J. VV. Woodrow, M. I. Brower and Henry Hill ; Constables, John Gibbons, Charles Watson, John Egan ; Road Commissioners, John Wallace, Arthur Marsh and N. W. Kellogg.

It will be noticed that, while there has been no sudden increasings of the vote (which is a fair indication of the population), there has been gradual and decided growth in that respect. Whatever falling off there may have been at any time can be easily accounted for by temporary causes ; and the next election will show a corresponding addition. In 1862, the poll was 262. The next year, quite a number of the voting population were " off to the war," and the vote decreased to 237. The next year, the One Hundred and Twenty-ninth Regiment took nearly a hundred voters from Pontiac and vicinity, and a corresponding lack is noticed in the poll. In 1866 the war had ended, and the soldiers, whose lives were spared, had returned, and from that time forward the usual increase is noticed.

Though Pontiac Township was considered, for some years, a little backward in the attention paid to the education of the youth, in later years, ample amends have been made, and Pontiac Township has expended moi*e money in the last dozen years, for school purposes, than any other in the county. Not until 1858 was there more than one school house. In 1856, but one school was supported, and that at an expense of but $100. There were in attendance but fifty-eight scholars, though there were one hundred and sixty-seven in the township. The highest wages paid to the teacher that year was $20.00 per month. The following table will show at a glance, better than a page of sentences,, the growth of the school system for this locality :

Date

The most encouraging feature of the foregoing table is the evidence, not only of increase in per cent, of persons in school, but the present proportion of those of school age, who receive the benefits offered by the public school system. While the attendance is not as general as that attained in States where a compulsory law is in force, it is still much greater than in most other States, and, as compared with other portions of Illinois, stands much higher in this regard than the average.

In the late war, this township took no unimportant part. Several almost entire companies were raised here, and this is one of the few townships that raised their full quota without being drafted. Notably, the M. E. Church of Pontiac sent, with the exception of two, all of its male members, including the Pastor, with the One Hundred and Twenty-ninth Regiment ; and a remarkable fact may be added that, though engaged in many and fierce battles, every one returned alive.

Of those who thus took their lives in their hands, as it were, to fight their country's battles, seventy-two either died on the field in actual conflict, of wounds or of disease contracted while in the service.

The township of Pontiac is described in the survey as Congressional Town 28 north, Range 5 east of the Third Principal Meridian. It is one township west of the center of the county, and twenty-nine miles from the farthest corner.

The land is quite level, but not so much so as to render any part of it unfit for cultivation. Formerly, some portions were Hat and marshy ; but, by good drainage, have become tillable, and prove to be of the best quality for agricultural purposes. At present, there is scarcely an acre in the whole township, except what is occupied by the bed of the Vermilion River, that is not well adapted to farming.

The Vermilion River flows through the township, from the southeast to the northwest, dividing it into two nearly equal parts. Wolf Creek runs through the northern part, and empties into the Vermilion after leaving the township. These furnish an abundance of excellent stock water to the farms near which they pass, and Vermilion River affords good water-power for the mill located at Pontiac. Fish, in some variety, abound.

The timber at this point is mostly oak, walnut, maple and linn, and covers the larger part of Section 7 and small portions of 17, 25 and 36. Building stone, suitable for foundations, is found in the western part ; and on Sections 25 and 36, gravel, of a good quality for building roads, is obtained.

The Chicago & Alton Railroad, from the northeast to the southwest, and the Chicago & Paducah, from northwest to southeast, cross each other and the Vermilion River at Pontiac.

City Of Pontiac

The village of Pontiac was incorporated under the general law of the State, February 12,^ 1856, by the election of a Board of Trustees, consisting of Nelson Buck, J. W. Strevelle, S. C. Ladd, Z. H. Nettleton and H. Jones - the first named being chosen Chairman or President.

Under this organization the town continued for nine years. During the time much discussion arose, and much bitter feeling was engendered, in regard to the sale of intoxicating liquors. Indeed, the local politics of the town consisted almost wholly in this question ; and, upon this, the two parties were almost evenly divided. Sometimes the license party elected the Board, and sometimes the anti-license party succeeded.

At last, in 1865, an attempt was made, by way of legislation, to set the question at rest by obtaining a special charter, which prohibited, not only the sale of liquors, but restrained the Trustees from granting any authority Avhatever to saloon keepers to vend such article. The charter, however, was satisfactory to its friends only in so far as they were enabled to elect Trusetes who would enforce its provisions in accordance Avith their views of its merits ; and the temperance question was not fully settled.

The other provisions of the charter were much the same as those in effect in other towns of like size; but on account of this peculiarity, it was obnoxious to a portion of the inhabitants. Attempts were therefore made to obtain a new special charter, but Avithout effect ; and the Princeton Charter, as it was denominated, continued in force until 1872.

In 1870, the people of the State, at a general election, adopted a new Constitution, in which was a clause prohibiting " class legislation ; " and under this Constitution, the Legislature passed a general law in regard to the government of cities and towns, in the Winter of 1870-71.

On the 11th of September, 1872, the city of Pontiac was organized under the new law, by the election of R. W. Babcock as first Mayor ; F. C. Brown, W. H. Clelland, Martin Dolde, L. E. Kent. William Perry and Charles Gross as Aldermen : and A. W. Cowan as Clerk.

An important measure, adopted that year, has had a marked effect upon the appearance of the city, rendering it, at the same time, more substantial and handsome than it otherwise ^ould have been. An extensive fire, consuming a large portion of the business houses northwest of the public square, had just been experienced ; and, to prevent, in a measure, the repetition of such a catastrophe, the Council passed the ordinance known as tlie " fire limits law," which prevented the erection of wooden buildings, not only in the ''burnt district," but in any part of the business portion of the city. The consequence has been that the new buildings about the square are all of brick, making this part of town not only much more solid, but adding greatly to its fine appearance.

The present officers of the city are : A. F. Fisher, Mayor ; M. A. Renoe (Acting Mayor), B. Humiston, E. Wilson, H. H. Norton, J. P. Turner and Samuel Hancock, Aldermen; Z. Winters, Clerk; W. S. Lacey, Treasurer.

Until 1874, the schools of Pontiac were under the control of a Board of Directors, consisting of three persons, and ranked in their government with the otlier district schools of the county ; but, at the date mentioned, the town having a population of over 2,000, and the friends of the schools realizing that some advantages would accrue from the adoption of the general law authorizing a Board of Education, organized under this act, electing as the first Board Jonathan Duft", J. W. Woodrow, E. W. Capron, S. 0. Pillsbury, Aaron Weider and Martin Dolde, the first named being President, and the second, Secretary. Under the new system, the schools have worked with great satisfaction. A better method of grading has been adopted. Teachers have been selected more with reference to qualification for the particular positions to be filled. Better rules and regulations for their government have been adopted and enforced, than formerly.

The school buildings, though yet scarcely adequate for their purpose, are the best in the county. The main building, near the center of the north side of the city, was erected in 1866, at a cost of $23,000. It is a fine building, three stories in height, containing five principal and two class rooms, and is capable of of accommodating nearly four hundred pupils. A principal and six assistants are employed for this building. A primary school on the south sideof the river, and one on the west side of the Chicago & Alton Railroad, are also maintained.

The present corps of teachers consists of R. B. Welch, Superintandent ; Belle Borin, E. 0. McCulloch, Mary Sumner, Rose Rilea, A. W. Kellogg, Josie Schneider, H. M. Fursman and Rose Camp, Assistants.

A few items taken from the Principal's report for 1876, though two years past, will not vary greatly from the report of the present year, which has not yet been submitted.

But few towns of the size of Pontiac are better supplied with church privileges than this. At a very early day in the history of the place, church services were held, but not till a comparatively nij^lern date was there a church organization, or even regular service. A MethOTlist class was organized in 1850; and irregular services by Presbyterian clergymen were held in the old Court House, and in the Buck Hotel a little later; but no building was erected, or even an organization effected, until 1855. The first preaching by a Presbyterian minist'^r was in 1852, by Rev. Amasa Drake, of Chicago. The services were conducted in the hotel named, and were at irregular intervals. Rev. Mr. Day, of Morris, preached a few times in the old Court House, as did also Parson High. The first regular preaching was by Rev. L. H. Loss, in 1855, when he organized the Presbyterian Church of Pontiac. The church was organized October, 1855. The original members were William J. Murphy, Sen., and wife, Abel C. Kidder and wife, and Mrs. Maria Buck ; the total number being but five. The Rev. I. T. Whittemore, was the first pastor chosen, in 1856. Under his administration, was the first church building in the town and (with one exception) in the county erected. This was built in 1856, at a cost of nearly $3,000. It was considered, in its early days, a very handsome and commodious edifice, and doubts were entertained whether the society needed so extensive a structure, or would ever see the time when its capacity would be equalled by its congregation. Not only did it outlive its usefulness, but it saw during its existence the erection of five others, four of which are larger and much more expensive. In 1872, it Avas decided by the society to replace their old building, by one commensurate in size to their increased wants; and their present neat and substantial house of worship was erected. The old building was sold to Wallace Lord, and is used by him as an opera house, and though it is no longer a place of worship, it is still the Lord's house. The new building was constructed at a cost of a little over $18,000, including grounds. Its size is fortytwo feet in width, and, including the chancel, ninety in length ; and it is capable of seating about four hundred persons. The present membership of the church is 162. The Pastors in charge of the society since Whittemore have been Adam Johnson, Alonzo P. Johnson, J. McConnell, W. H. Gardner, R. Kesslar, and the present Pastor, Rev. Benjamin L. Swan. The Sunday school in connection with this church was organized in 1855, with forty scholai's, and with Rev. W. J. Murphy as Superintendent. The next year, J. W. Strevelle was elected Superintendent, and held the office continuously until 1870. The present Superintendent is A. W. Kellogg. The school numbers at this time 180 scholars.

The M. E. Church was organized in 1861, but a class had been formed nearly ten years before, and, in 1858, they had built a house of worship. The old house, which has since been sold to the Catholic society, cost $2,600. The society, at its first organization, numbered sixty persons, and was under the pastorate of Rev. M. Spurlock. Under his preaching, and that of his success- ors, the society grew rapidly in numbers, influence and wealth, until, in 1866, its demands were found to be largely in excess of the old building, and a new one, adequate to the wants /and means of the congregation, was decided upon. This was the centennial year of Methodism in the United States ; and, though building materials were never before nor since so high, a building worthy of the church and the year was founded, and, in due time, completed. The structure was erected at an outlay of $22,000, is forty-three by seventy feet in size, and will accommodate a congregation of 480 persons.

The society has increased steadily and rapidly, numbering at this time 265 members. In 1872, a neat and comfortable parsonage was erected at a cost of $2,000, thus making, in value, the largest church property owned by any one society in the county. The Sunday school, in connection with this church, was organized at the time the first class was formed, and consisted of about forty scholars, with Mrs. Sarah Remick as Superintendent. The school has grown to number, at present, nearly three hundred. J. F. Culver, present Pastor of the Church, is Superintendent, and has occupied the position for eighteen years.

As early as 1854, Rev. Washington Houston, a pioneer preacher of the Christian or Disciple Church, preached at this place, and organized a society of this denomination about a year later. The primary organization consisted of John Powell, William Perry, Dr. J. M. Perry, Wilson Hull, Robert Sample and their wives. Irregular services were held in the Court House and in the school house until 1865, when they united with the other denomination of Christians, sometimes called "New Lights," in the erection of a church edifice. The house was put up at a cost of about five thousand dollars, and occupied by both societies for a few years, when the latter abandoned their organization, and both societies, through financial difficulties, relinquished the building. The loss of the house proved to be a great discouragement to the society, and its organization was in a measure discontinued. However, on January 1, 1874, through the efforts of a few of the members, the society was reorganized, and Elder Chfirles Rowe was chosen Pastor. He served in this capacity oneyear, and was then followed by Elder W. F. Richardson, who has since ministered to the Church. Although they own no church property, they meet in the building formerly occupied and owned by them. The society numbers about one hundred members. The Sunday school, under the Superintendency of John Bell, numbers about sixty.

Catholic services were held here for the first time in July, 1857, by Rev Father Hurley, and occasionally thereafter Fathers Kennedy, Sherry, Cahill and Lonergan visited the town and preached at William Cleary's house. In 1866, the Catholic Church bouglit of the Methodists their house of worship for $2,000, and fitted it up for the use of themselves. The first mass celebrated in this house was by the Rev. Father O'Neill. Since this time, regular services have been held here by Revs. Quigley, Fanning, Hanley and the present priest, Rev. Father Finch.

The Baptist denomination had held meetings here, with varying regularity, for a number of years before an organization was effected. Rev. Frederick Ketchara came and preached for them during the year 1861, and organized the society, and, in 1862, he moved to Pontiac and took charge of the public schools, and also of the church, as its Pastor. He continued to preach for the congregation until the year 1865 ; and during the last year of his ministry a house of worship was erected. The building is a neat frame, substantially constructed and nicely furnished, and will accommodate about three hundred sittings. After its dedication, Rev. Geo. A. Simonson was called to the pastorate. He was followed in turns by Revs. William B. Watson,* C. E. Taylor and the present Pastor, J. W. Icenbarger. The Sunday school connected with the denomination is under the superintendence of Randolph Zeph.

In addition to these, the colored people have two small places of worship. The colored Methodists occupy and own the building originally erected as an Academy ol Music or Turner Hall. The colored Baptists Avorship in the old school house, which they have bought and fitted up for the purpose.

A Universalist Society was organized here about twelve years ago. They purchased and fitted up the Academy of Music for $1,000, and held meetings there for a few years. They finally sold their house to the colored Methodists, and dispensed with church services, though the organization remains intact.

A history of the press of Pontiac would not only be almost a complete history of Pontiac, but a history of the county as well, as a paper was established here very soon after the town and county really began to grow. As a faithful record of passing events, in the succeeding issues of a newspaper, must contain everything of importance not only in the town, but in the vicinity, so files of such papers must be the most complete and reliable history obtainable. To these files we are greatly indebted for whatever worth these pages shall prove to be, as from them has been drawn, largely, the matter contained herein.

The first newpaper was established here in 1855, by J. S. France, a lawyer, from Ottawa. The first number made its appearance March 14, 1855. The paper was independent in politics, and was to be devoted to the interests of the community, regardless of sect or party. The publication, however, either lacked financial strength or editorial ability ; for, within a few months, the enterprise was so involved that it was found impossible to proceed, and the sureties of the concern were obliged to turn it over to other parties. This date marks the advent of one of the very few successful newspaper men that have carried on the business at this point.

M. A. Renoe came to the place June 9, 1855 ; and he, with Philip Cook, took possession of the office. Reno had $100, which he invested, and Cook, having nothing, gave his note in an equal amount, and with this capital the Livingston County News was again on its feet. The firm continued the publication of the paper for several years, when James G. Albe came into possession, and continued its issue until the beginning of the war. The News, in the meantime, had become a Democratic paper, and during the war the popular feeling in this county being largely in favor of an aggressive prosecution of the struggle, and the Neivs being quite conservative, it met but poor encouragement, and was abandoned.

In 1858, the Sentinel was started, by Cook & Gagan. Philip Cook had retired from the News, and William Gagan having recently arrived, the two formed a partnership to start a Republican paper in opposition to the News. They continued the publication until 1860, when, Cook having been elected County Treasurer, they sold out to M. E. Collins. Collins was, two years later, also elected Treasurer, and the paper then passed into the hands of H. S. Decker and James Stout. Later, it was published by Stout & Denslow, and again by Stout alone.

In 1867, Henry Jones and M. A. Renoe commenced the publication of the Free Press, in opposition to the Sentinel. They afterward bought out the Sentinel, and merged the tAvo publications into one, calling it the Sentinel and Press. A short time after, the latter part of the name was dropped, and the old name Sentinel only was retained ; and by this name it has been known ever since. In 1875, F. L. Alles. having bought out the establishment, took control as editor and proprietor.

In the meantime, quite a number of cotemporary papers had been founded, but none were entirely successful until the Free Trader was established. The first number of this publication appeared May 11, 1870. A national political campaign was approaching, and it was desirable that the Democratic party should have an organ to advocate the claims of that party in this county; hence the Free Trader, with A. L. Bagby as editor, was established. The enterprise, however, was but partially successful, until it came into the hands of McGregor & Johnson. They came into possession of the office October 28, 1871. About this time, a great wave of feeling on the monopoly question began to sweep over the country ; and this county being in the midst of the flood, the time was auspicious, and the proprietors being possessed of both means and ability, the success of the enterprise was fully assured. After a short time, M. A. Renoe bought out McGregor, and the firm of Renoe & Johnson published the Free Trader as an advocate of the Farmers' Movement. A little over a year ago, Renoe retired from the firm, and John Stuff became a partner.

The Democrat was established at the request of the Democratic Central Committee, by Messrs. Milton & Organ. This was the Democratic organ until near the establishment of the Free Trader.

In the Spring of 1870, Thomas Wing issued a fcAv numbers of the People's Advocate. This was to be a Prohibition paper, but it lasted but a few weeks.

The first number of Ford's Livingston County Democrat has just made its appearance. It is published by the authority and in the interests of the Democratic party of this county. The editor and proprietor is J. B. Ford, formerly of the Democrat, of Marshall County.

Philip Cook was from New York, and came to Pontiac to work f.)r the assignees of the News. After the expiration of his term of office as Treasurer, he removed to California, where he has resided until the present. He is now connected with the paper known as the Evening Call, at San Francisco.

William Gagan was an acquaintance of Cook's in New York, and came to Pontiac to establish a Republican paper. After closing up his affairs at this place, he also removed to California, and published the Oakland Daily News. He continued its publication until a few years ago, when he died.

Henry Jones is a son of Judge Jones, and was raised in this county. After his retirement from the Sentinel, he went to Dallas, Texas, where he is engaged in the business of publishing.

James Stout, formerly from Ohio, came from Ottawa to Pontiac in 1855. He engaged for a time in farming, and betimes practiced his profession - that of a lawyer. Mr. Stout was an Abolitionist of the most ultra character, and at a time when it was anything but popular to promulgate the doctrine. After his connection with the Sentinel ceased, he received from the Government the appointment of Receiver of Moneys of Idaho Territory, and removed thither with his family.

Henry S. Decker was from Chicago, where he had acted as foreman of the Journal office. Decker was a man who sacrificed everything for his friends, and died in want. After his connection with the press of Livingston County had terminated, he returned to Chicago, just before the great fire, broken down in health, discouraged and poverty-stricken. He and his wife both died within a few days of each other, and were buried by charity. Decker was at once one of the hardest workers and the least appreciated of all who were connected for any length of time with the press of this city.

Pontiac Lodge, No. 294, A., F. & A. M., was instituted in October, 1858- The charter was granted to William Manlove, J. R. Wolgamot, Samuel B. Norton, Aaron Weider, S. C. Ladd, A. E. Harding, I. T. Whittemore and George P. Olrastead, of which Aaron Weider was appointed first Master; S. C. Ladd,

A charter was granted by the Grand Master of the I. 0. 0. F., to establish a lodge of that order in Pontiac, to be known as Pontiac Lodge, No. 262, in 1858. The charter was granted to R. W. Babcock, B. W. Gray, Jacob Streamer, John A. Fellows and F. H. Bond. Prior to 1870, the Lo'lge had erected a neat and convenient hall for their use ; but in the year named, it, with a large number of other buildings, was consumed by fire. Immediately after its destruction, steps were taken to replace it by the present handsome and commodious building. The structure is thirty feet by eighty, and is three stories high. The first story is used for a store-room, the second for offices, and the third is the Lodge room, used by this and other secret societies. The present officers of the Lodge are E. L. Wilson, N. G.; Thomas Bowden, V. G.; J. W. Daman, Rec. Sec; Z. Winters, Per. Sec; M. Dolde, Treas.

Company A., of Tenth I. N. G., was organized at Pontiac in June, 1877. The company, at present, consists of seventy three men, including officers.

The officers' roster is as follows : B. E. Robinson, Captain ; R. J. Johnson, First Lieutenant ; J. C. Reach, Second Lieutenant; James Fenton, Orderly. The company is nicely uniformed, and armed with breech-loading needle guns. The regimental headquarters are at Dwight, Col. J. B. Parsons, commanding.

Numerous and destructive fires ip. the city demonstrated the fact that Pontiac had not only suffered severely from a lack of efficient means of controlling the element, but from this her citizens realized the necessity of more thorough organization. A fire engine of excellent quality and fine powers having been purchased by the city authorities, a company to operate it was formed shortly after. The organization took place in February, 1874. James E. Morrow was chosen Chief Marshal ; J. II. Smith, Assistant ; John K. Clark, Foreman of the Engine, and R. D. Folks, Assistant ; James Briglit, Foreman of Hose Company ; Charles Bigelow, Foreman of Hook and Ladder Company, and F. D.

Cannon, Assistant; C R. Wheeler, Engineer, and D. Kavenaugh, Assistant The Avhole number of men in the service at the time was about sixty. Bj June of the year named, the most of the men and some of the officers had dropped out of the organization, and in reality the companies had been almost

On the 4th of July of this year occurred the most destructive fire in the history of the city, and this, with the proposition from the Council to grant privileges and pay, which the old company had not enjoyed, had the effect of bringing about a new organization. On the 9th of the same month, the new organization was effected, which, with immaterial change, has existed to thepresent. J. E. Morrow was elected Chief Marshal; J. II. Smith, Assistant; John Clark, Foreman of Engine ; F. Armstrong, Assistant ; C R. Wheeler, Engineer; D. Kavenaugh, Assistant.

No single instrumentality has had more to do with the appearance of thecity than that of fires; and, while they have entailed hardships on the individual owners of the property destroyed, their effect has, in the end, been to add greatly to the beauty and safety of the city.

The first fire of any considerable proportions was that which consumed the row of wooden buildings on the south side of Madison street, December 8, 1867. The fire originated in the office of the Pontiac Sentinel, and destroyed, besidethis, Croswell's drugstore, Schneider's meat market and several other buildings. The loss occasioned by this fire was estimated at about $20,000.

On the night of July 7, 1870, happened one of the most destructive conflagrations that have visited the city. The fire broke out in the store of Herbert & Son, which stood north of the place now occupied by the Odd Fellows' H:ill, extending to the hall, consuming it, the City Hotel, and continuing its course to the corner of Mill and Madison streets, and thence west on Madison, more than Half the length of the block. Twelve stores and other property, amounting in value to about $50,000, were swept away.

Where now stands a fine row of brick buildings, known as Union Block, stood prior to November 2, 1871, a row of ungainly wooden structures. On the day mentioned, these were burned. The loss was estimated at $10,000. As soon as the debris was fairly cleared away, a movement was set on foot to replace them with a fine block of stores and a hotel, that should be a credit to the town. The buildings were soon up and occupied, and the proprietors and the citizens felt almost glad that the fire had taken the old row away - certainly all felt proud of the new. However, their congratulations were of but short duration, for on the 4th day of July, 1874. they, too, with several other buildings, including the Court House, were totally consumed. It is supposed the fire originated from torpedoes, that were being thrown about promiscuously. This was doubtless the most disastrous fire, taking into account the size of the town, th;it had occurred in the central part of the State. In the amount lost, the rapidity of the destruction, and the completeness of its devastation, it could hardly be equaled. The buildings were new and had been but recently filled with new goods, and the hotel, which bad just received its finishing touches, and was occupied, was furnished in a most elegant manner. In less than three hours, this, the finest part of the city, was entirely annihilated.

On the night of the 3d of July, 1875, a saloon and two other buildings oik the corner of Mill and Washington streets were consumed. All of these, including the Court House, have since been replaced with structures of such a character as makes one almost cease to regret that the fires took place. The Court House, especially, had become an "eyesore," not only to the citizens of Pontiac, but to everybody interested in the safe keeping of the county records ; and in further consideration of the beautiful Temple of Justice which now graces the spot, but little sorrow is manifested for the misfortune.

The second Court House was built in 1856, at a cost of $30,000, and, at that time, was considered a very creditable affair, and such as would answer for many generations to come. Many thought it larger and more expensive than necessary. It served for a long time, not only for Court House, but for post office, and most of the lawyers found room Avithin it for their headquarters. Its hall, until the last, was used by those denominations of Christians without houses of worship, as a place to hold church services ; and public meetings of various other kinds were accommodated here. In time, as the county grew in importance and population, it began to be realized that, at no distant day, it must be replaced by something more commodious and more in keeping Avith thewants and ability of the county.

It is the opinion of all who have examined, and have had opportunities for comparing, thu,t the present structure is, without exception, the best for the money in the State of Illinois. The work of rebuilding was entered upon, immediately after the fire, and within a year it was ready for occupancy.

The Committee on Building consisted of J. E. MorroAV, C. G. Greenwood. Jacob Phillips and W. S. Sims. They employed J. C. Cochrane, of Chicago, as architect, and Colwell, Clark & Co., of Ottawa, as builders. The cost of the building was $63,406.00, and the architect's fees were $3,173.30, making a total cost of $66,639.30.

Contrary to the usual custom, even where officials ai*e honest, there has never been a hint that either committee or contractors " made anything" out of the job. On the contrary, it is supposed that the contractors lost heavily. Certain it is, that the splendid edifice which now adorns the Court Square is a credit to the committee, an honor to its builders, and a source of congratulation to the people of the county.

- Previous to 1866, the prisoners of the county had to be taken to other counties for safe keeping, as no jail had yet been provided. The jail lot provided for, by Weed and the Youngs, had been occupied only by a temporary building used by the town as a calaboose. Thirty years had elapsed before the county authorities found the necessity of occupying the lot. In the jear named, having realized the expensive method of caring for prisoners, and not being desirous longer of depending on other counties for such accommodations, the Board of Supervisors erected upon the spot designed for the purpose a building eminently fitted for the purpose. It is a built of massive stone, thirty-five by fifty feet, and cost ^32,000. It has been called a "model jail," and committees from various counties have been sent to examine it, with a view of making it a pattern for similar buildings.

Perhaps the case which has produced the greatest excitement - and on account of recent developments excites additional intei'est - that ever came before the courts of Livingston County, was a trial for murder committed in the vicinity of Pontiac, in 1858.

In October of that year, the body of a young woman named Mary Murphy was found near the railroad track, a short distance south of town. She had been missing about eighteen days, and certain suspicious circumstances occurring at the time led to the arrest of a colored man, who gave his name as Wiley J. Morris. lie was brought to Pontiac and examined before Jacob Streamer, Justice of the Peace, and by him committed to jail to await trial. He was confined in the jail at Bloomington, where he lay until the Fall of 1860, when his trial came off".

It was shown on the part of the prosecution that Morris had been seen walking on the railroad track, about a mile behind the girl afterward found murdered; that the rate at which he was walking, as compared with her pace, would cause him to overtake her at the point ^here the body was found ; and that he had just been in a murderous brawl in Bloomington, and was of desperate character. The evidence was wholly circumstantial, but quite strong. He was ably defended by A. E. Harding, Esq., of this city, who, however, labored greatly under the disadvantage of a popular feeling, which then existed in the community, against the color of his client.

In the meantime, the counsel for defense made application for a change of venue, which being granted, the case was carried to Kankakee County.

The second trial came off April, 1861. In this trial he was still more unsuc- .<3essful, and he was adjudged guilty of murder in the first degree, and con- <iemned to hang, in May of the year named.

The doomed man protested his innocence to the Inst, declaring that he was teing murdered on account of prejudice against his race; and on the scaffold, his last words were, " You murder me ! You murder me ! You murder me ! "

Subsequent revelations show that probably Morris was an innocent man ; .and, though otherwise a bad character, that he was not guilty of the murder of Mary Murphy.

A short time since, Hawkeye Bill, a notorious desperado and murderer, on his dying bed made confession that, at the time of the murder of Mary Murphy, he was fully cognizant of all of the facts - that he was a confederate of Bill Britt, Jo. Montana and Charles Logue. He says that these three men were on a horse stealing expedition, and were camping for a few days in the timber, near Pontiac, and that the three were the g'lilty parties. He gives dates and circumstances with so much precision as to leave but little doubt that they were the actual murderers. He further states that Britt and Montana have since been hung for other crimes, and that Logue has died in prison.

The Reform School at Pontiac, though a State institution, is mentioned here for the reason that the city and township of Pontiac were interested largely in securing its location at this place. The Legislature had passed an act allowing certain towns, possessing specified natural and already acquired advantages, to compete for the establishment of the school in their midst. After due examination by the commission appointed for that purpose, and hearing the propositions from each locality, they settled on Pontiac ; and the building was completed and ready for occupants in 1870. George W. Perkins, former Warden the Illinois Penitentiary, was selected as Superintendent, and in his charge the school remained until 1872, when the present efficient Superintendent, J. D. Scouller, was appointed. Through his kindness we are able to give the folloAving items in relation to the institution :