McHenry County, Illinois - Chapter 11: Journalism, 1922

First Newspaper

The 6rsl newspaper to be issued in this county was the Illinois Re publican, published al Woodstock, in 184G, by Josiah Dwight. This paper was continued under various aames and with several suspensions for ten years, Mr. Dwight continuing as its editor, but in 1856 the name was changed to the Woodstock Sentinel. Jn 1854 the paper was called t he Republican Free-Press.

The Woodstock Democrat was the second paper started in the county. It was issued until 185(5, in the interests of the Democratic party, its editor being V. I). Austin, a vm-v able editorial writer.

M. I., -loslyu and E. W. Smith founded the Woodstock Argus in the spring of 1856, and with its entrance into the field of journalism, the Democrat passed out of existence, the stock being bought op by the new firm. The Argus was later absorbed by the Free-Press, hut in turn it was ahsorhed hy the Woodstock Sentinel, in July, 1857, a .Mr. EdBOD then being its proprietor.

Mi-. Austin, after the purchase of the Argus, revived the Woodstock Democrat, and published it from August, 1S5S, to July. 185!), when it again fell by the wayside, thus leaving McIIenry County with but one campaign of lMiO, revived the journal, and ii was continued until L862, James L. .Martin becoming its editor in October, 1860. With its passage from the history of journalism in McHenry County in 1862, its demise was final.

organ of their party to educate the people in the principles of their platform. Mr. Webb sold his interest in the paper October 9, 1856, and Mr. Johnson was the sole proprietor. Be made Josiah Dwighl his editor, and the paper was intensely partisan. Iii April, 1857, J. W. Franks iV. Son became the proprietors hut .Mr. Dwighl continued as editor in charge. Another change was effected with the purchase of the paper in November, Ls.'iS, by Abraham K. and William E. Smith, who edited it as well. In lMiL'. the junior member of the firm went into the ranks of the Union Army, leaving Abraham E. Smith in sole charge. The Sentinel obtained possession on December 1, 1862, of the KfcBJenry County Union thai had been published for about a year, and was owned by J. II. Holder. Iii January, lMili, Mr. Smith sold to Frank M. Sapp and George B. Richardson, and in February of that year the size was changed from a seven-column folio to nine columns. Once more the paper changed hands, William E. Smith becoming its proprietor and editor. (!. S. Southworth bought the paper April 1st. 1*72, and enlarged it to a sevencolumn quarto, with "patent insides." In May. 1 .^7:{. the paper was changed to a six-column quarto, J. Van Slyke being then associate editor for five years. On June 5, 1879, B. T. Glennon purchased a half interest, and the firm became Southworth & Glennon. Prom that date on the various changes have been as follows:

On January 1. 1891. a corporation was formed which purchased the paper. This corporation was called the Woodstock Sentinel Company; L. T. Hoy, president and manager ; Judge ('. II. Donnelly, vice-president; E. ('. Jewett, treasurer, and E. T. Glennon, since a prominent capitalist of Chicago. Charles A. Lemmers was local editor and foreman of the office. The active management of the plant continued under Mr. Hoy as manager and Mr. Lemmers as local editor for about twelve years until November. 1902.

After .Mr. Lemmers lefl the Sentinel in 190'J, the paper had various editors daring the aea) few years, among the number being Walter T. Wl ler and I. C. Wells.

In 1906 the Sentinel Company purchased the local German paper <ailr,l Das Volkshlatt, which was established in Woodstock in 1885 by Fred Kenieli. After the deatb of Mr. Renich in 1890, the publication was continued by bis sons, Charles P. and Pred L. Renich. Later, Ernest P. I-'ues. now assistant cashier of the American National Hank, became the editor and manager, lint the ownership remained with the Renich estate, until its sale to the Sentinel Company. The Volkshlatt was a prosperous newspaper Eor many years and at one time had a circulation of 1 ">(>() subscribers. With the acquiring of the plant and business of Das Volkshlatt, Charles P. Renich, then postmaster at Woodstock, hecame editor and manager of botli the Sentinel and Volkshlatt, hut the latter publication was discontinued in August, 1916.

With the purchase of the German paper by the Sentinel Company, the capital of the corporation was increased from $6,000 to $12,000. The stock was widely distributed by sale among the prominent men of the community, the records of the company showing the following names as stockholders, on January 1. 1906: L. T. Hoy, Judge C. II. Donnelly, E. C. Jewett, E. T. Glennon (Chicago), Charles F. Renich, G. E. Still. R. J. Beatty, E5. B. Losee, G. F. Rushton, Fred G. Schuett, A. K. Bunker, F. A. Walters, W. S. Thorne, A. S. Wright, E. J. Heimerdinger, J. M. Hoy, S. L. Hart, The... llamer, W. S. McConnell, G. W. Conn, Jr., I Mto E. Seiler, .lames p. ( 'asey, Judge D. T. Smiley, Emil Arnold, George L. Murphy, 1). P. Quinlan, A. J. Dietz, W. T. Wheeler. L. T. Hoy, was elected president, Judge Donnelly vice-president, Theo. EEamer, Secre tary, E. C. Jewett treasurer and Charles P. Renich, editor and manager. With the passing of years the above stockholders all sold their stock to Mr. Renich, the editor.

In 1916 Editor Renich and others associated with him purchased tie' Woodstock Republican, ami in 1917 the subscription list and hiisiiicss of the Republican was merged with the Sentinel.

l':;, 1921. The Dailj Sentinel started as the little brother to Hi,' weekly Sentinel, which has been published continuously since 1S56. From the very beginning the daily received a hearty welcome by the people of Woodstock and vicinity, present indications are that the daily will soon brother eventually outstripping-the weekly in size.

J. \V. Dyer, Formerly of Mount Carmel, Illinois, an experienced daily aewspaper man. is city editor and with the hearty co-operation of the publisher and the entire organization of the Sentinel plant, ia putting (nit a newspaper with which the people of Woodstock and McHenry County are well pleased. The Daily is receiving libera] support from the merchants, is filled cacti day with the day's news, and bids certain to l ii ii success.

punching machine, dust-proof type cabinets, large quantities of new job and advertising type, and everything else needed or useful in an up-todate country newspaper office. Although only printing a twelve-page weekly paper, the company is mechanically prepared to launch a daily paper at any time the company consider the field will warrant such a venture. The property is under the personal management of Charles P. Kenieli. president of the company and editor.

In 1916 editor Renich received the award and prize money for the best "first-page" newspaper in Illinois, the same being given by the department of Journalism in the Illinois University.

The Franklin Printing Company of Chicago founded a paper issued in the interest of the Orange movement, at Woodstock, and named it the Anti-Monopolist. Its first issue bore date of October, 1873. and on November 6, 187:5, the Sentinel made notice of its demise.

Another Orange organ was the New Era, founded on Thanksgiving Day. is?:!, under the management of Ringland & Price, the latter a clergyman, being the chief organizer. In a short time he left the management, and in February, 1874, W. 1). Ringland became its sole proprietor. Later, it embraced the doctrines of the Greenback party, and still later, like all of that class of mushroom newspapers, espoused the cause of the then dominant political party, and the "loaves and fishes" there might be in it, thus it became a Republican paper. In 1876, it suspended publication, for a time, hut was resumed later in the year. In October.

lii April, \>11. the McHenry County Democral came into existence, being established by A. K. Bradbury, and it passed into the hand's of John A. and M. C. Dufield, in October of thai year. On Augusl 12, 1882, .M. c. Dufield retired, Leaving -1(11111 A. Dufield as sole proprietor. Among ilir early employes of the Democrat under Mr. Dufield were M. P. Walsh, who in December, 1877, founded the Harvard Herald and whose career i> covered in another paragraph. Another employe was Charles A. Lemmers, who for many years afterwards, was destined to play an important pari in the newspaper activities of the community. Mr. Lemmers became local editor of the Democrat, which at thai time was an influential factor in the political affairs of its party in the northeastern counties of Illinois. On .January 1, 1891, Mr. Lemmers left the Democrat, taking up a similar position with the Sentinel, the opposing Republican newspaper. The Democrat continued under Mr. Dufield 's ownership, with several changes among its editors, until Mr. Dufield 's appointment as postmaster at Woodstock, under President Cleveland's second administration. At aboul that time John W. Metzger took charge of the paper and conducted it successfully until 1902. At the present time .Mr. Metzger is employed with the Sentinel.

In November, 1902, Charles A. Lemmers left the Sentinel and associated himself with seven other men: C. P. Barnes, P. B. Bennett, P. R. Jackman, V. S. Lumley, -lames P. Casey, D. R. Joslyn and George L. .Murphy, in the purchase of the Democrat from John A. Dufield. They changed the name to the Woodstock Republican. With this change the Democratic party l">-t its only newspaper in this part of Illinois. .Mr. Lemmer's co-partners gradually sold out until the ownership of the paper was virtually in his hands. In 1913 Mr. Lemmers was compelled to relinquish the management mi account of ill health and removed to Colorado where he has since resided, and is now secretary to Governor Shoop. W. IP Simpson took charge of the Republican when .Mr. Lemmers left it. and a year later the paper was sold to George W. Conn, Jr., Mr. Simpson continuing as manager.

Renicfa and Theo. Earner and April 1, 1 * * 1 T. the Sentinel and the Republican were combined under one management by the Sentinel Company, both papers being continued for a number of months until January 1, 1919, when the uame Republican was dropped.

This is the latest newspaper publication in the county. It was established in 1918 by Al K. Bock, of Random Lake, Wis., and James E. Brown, of Sauk Center. .Minn., assisted by prominent Woodstock men. It is a well-printed, ably-edited weekly paper which seeks to gather and print all of the important news of the county. Its up-to-date office is opposite the City Building. Its first issue was run from the presses -May 31, 1918. In October of that year Mr. IJrown withdrew and is now publishing a weekly paper at Walker, Minn. The American's plant is equipped with excellent and thoroughly up-to-date machinery. The subscription rate is $2.00 per year iu advance. Al S. Hock is the present editor and manager. This newspaper is of the seven-column eight page quarto class.

The McHenry Plaindealer was established August 4. 1S7:>. by J. Van Slyke, an early-day newspaper man of this county. It was launched in the interest of the Republican party, and was later purchased and conducted by a company which had for its president the now retired banker. James B. Perry. This company sold the plant to the present owner, November 1, 1906, and since thai date the Plaindealer has been published and edited by F. (!. Schreiner. In size and form it is an eight-page paper and is half home and half "patent" print and is published in a leased building. Its circulation is largely in McHenry, Johnsburg, Ringwood, Volo, Spring Grove, Solon Mills and Terra Cotta. It has a subscription rate of +'_>.iiil per year in advance. Its publication day is Thursday. The equipment of the office, newspaper1 and job department, is a lit by 15 Chandler & Price jobber ; a 24 inch paper cutter, hand stapler. Cranston cylinder press, a No. 1") Mergenthaler linotype and the whole is operated

The only newspaper now published a1 the thriving city of Marengo is the Republican-News. This paper is a combination of the old Republican ami the News and has in brief the following history In lsiiT the Republican was established by J. B. Babcock, an able writer and publisher and a veteran of the Civil War. The same continued until 1!I0(J when both the News and the Republican were purchased by the Republican-News Company, with Charles Scofield as editor and principal owner. Charles Scofield purchased the News in 1896 from M. C. Dufield.

In the summer of 1919 Mr. Scofield sold the paper to Albert I.. Johnson, who had previously been associated with the Sentinel at Woodstock, as manager of the job printing department. -Mrs. Albert L. Johnson has personal charge of the editorial and news department, while .Mr. Johnson looks after the business ami mechanical department. Mrs. Johnson is a gifted writer, ami had seven years' experience in newspaper work as associate editor of the Sentinel.

This is a Republican newspaper of the seven-column quarto style. It has six page home and two pages of "patent" print. Its circulation is largely in the southwestern part of the county. Its subscription rate is $2.00 per year; its publication day is Thursday: the power for running the machinery of the printery is electric. The equipment includes a Model 8 Linotype, Potter and Gordon presses, folder, etc. The Republican-News is a bright, snappy and clean home paper, giving all the news id' the community in which it is published, that is suitable for insertion in a high class local newspaper.

Marengo had a newspaper as carls- as ISo'J, in which year the Marengo Journal was established. It was continued for five years by Edward Burnside, and suspended in 1857. It was succeeded by the Marengo Weekly Press, but it too. passed out of existence in a few years.

In 1S67 (one account states) the Marengo Republican was first published, although the plant was located at Iielvidere. being moved to Marengo in May. lSfiS, when 1). ('. Potter was its editor. In the same year J. B. Babcock became its editor, and continued to hold that position for many years. A large job office was opened when the paper was moved to Marengo. The subsequent history id' this paper has already been shown above.

Beveral experiences with newspapers and among these early journals are: the Nunda Berald, established in July, 1880, by I. M. Mallqry; the Weekly Advocate, established in November, 1883, by .M. C. Dufield, as a neutral organ, bul in 1884 il became the advocate o£ the principles of the Prohibition party, ami Rev. ('eorge K. Hoover of W'ooilstock assumed the editorial duties. It was not many years before these newspapers ceased to exist, doubtless having partly tilled the high mission for which

Newspaper Op Harvard

The city of Harvard, has been the home of excellent local aewspapers from its earliest days. The Harvard Herald was founded December 23, 1 s.sT, !>y M. K. Walsh. It has been owned and published continuously by -Mr. Walsh and P. E. Whittleton ever since it was established about a third of a eentury ago! At present its form and size is that of an eighl and ten page, seven column paper. It is handsomely printed on electric motor power propelled presses and is issued each Thursday at a subscription rate of $2.00 a year, strictly in advance. It has a g I circulation iii Harvard and surrounding territory. It was the first newspaper long sine.' been an all-home-print newspaper. Its equipment is strictly modern as its pages testify. The office is within a handsome building erected by .Mr. Walsh expressly for a newspaper office. With Mr. Walsh as its founder and present editor, it noes almost without saying that the Herald is a Republican newspaper.

"One star differeth from another," and the same is true of newspapers whether published in the city or country towns. The Herald is an exceptionally well edited, well managed, mechanically perfect and clean local newspaper of which any community may well he proud. Not alone does it stand bigh in McHenry County as a lirst class journal, hut

Harvard Independent

The Independent at Harvard was established in 1866, just at the end of the great Civil War. by Rev. II. V. Reed and Don McLaughlin. It had many owners within a decade from 1S70 to 1SMI. Among those who owned and conducted it were J. C. I'dake. George H. White. A. M. Leland

Tbs Harvard Herald la the best country newspaper X hare ever ciulntd. 1 can eay that without any quel If icatlen. By a country newepeper 1 aeen on* that X* published but once a week in a comparatively email coamunlty.

At one tin* I edited a country newspaper In western weeblngton which is today regarded as eoe of the noet creditable weekly newepapere In the weet. Because of Its clean typographical appearanoe. our newspaper gained national recognition. X shall be glad to obtain a copy of this paper for you.

The Harvard Herald appeals to Be because of Its clean, typographical appearance, Its splendid makeup. Ite excellent ad makeup and lastly beoauee of the high quality and clean character of your advertisements. If the people of Harvard are cot giving you their unqualified aupport-.a study of your advertising columns would le*dAto believe that they are--then there Is indeed something wrong somewhere. A newspaper euoh as yours ought to be regarded as the town's principal asset.

I am going to send the copies of the Herald which you sent to as. to friends of mine who are teaching classes in country Journalism in some of the state universities.

1 would be indebted to you if at some time you would write to me and let as know something about your town. Its population, what opposition you have, how far are you from a large city, do city newspapers oome into your town, how many men do you employ and how large a plant have you.

It is 1 1 1 1 w ;i seven-column quarto, all home-print. It is run from presses propelled by an electric motor. Its publication day is on Thursday ol each week, and the yearlj subscription rate is $2.00. Its circulation is mostly in Harvard ami surrounding towns and country.

with modern machinery, such as a two-revolution Potter job and newspaper press; three Chandler & Price Gordon printing presses, cadi equipped with the Kimble motors; a 33-inch Chandler & Price paper cutter, riewesl style stapling machine, etc. In every detail the Independenl is fitted i" 'In almosl any kind of job work thai may come to its office.

Concerning some of the men who have helped to make the Independent what it is today the following may be recalled bj the older men of the community :

George II. White, now a Chicago lawyer, was city prosecutor during the administration of .Mayor Fred Busse; A. M. Leland, was an old time printer who passed away iii Woodstock a few years ago; N. B. Burtch, who was a Civil War soldier and deeply interested in politics, died in recent years; O. M. Eastman, an eastern printer, learned his trade in Boston and formerly edited a paper in Fairbury. 111.; Rev. II. V. Reed, founder of the Independent, was father of the late .Myrtle Reed McCulloch, the poet and writer: Lon McLaughlin, who was prominent iii state polities; and J. C. Blake, who was a manufacturer and real-estate man.

The Crystal Lake Herald was established in 1876 as the Nunda Herald, by I. M. Mallory, who conducted it till 1898. The next proprietor was .1. V. Beatty who owned and operated the plant until his death. June 11. 1912, after which it was edited and managed by Frank LaTulip, for the widow until July. 1913, when it was purchased by L. W. Cobb and A. M. Shelton who ran the paper until August, 1915, after which .Mr. Cobb continued alone until the Herald Publishing Company was

It is a Republican organ, runs eight pages, seven columns to the page, 22-inch column. The plant is equipped with a CottereU cylinder. Chandler and Price jobber; also a Pearl paper cutter and best of all the

The Herald circulates In Crystal Lake, Cary, Algonquin and throughout all southeastern McHenry County. Its subscription rate is $2 per year. It is published each Thursday. Prom six to eight pages of this paper are home print.

It ni.i \ be stated thai the Herald was one of the first papers, if not the Hist in McHenry County to cast aside self-interest and devote its entire energies to the interest of the country during the World War, regardless of the consequences tii itself from a business standpoint. The Herald was an American newspaper, first, last and all the time during the war, having one aim, to stand by our country and devote its energies to the winning of the war.

Hebron Tribune

This loeal newspaper was established at the village of Hebron, September 1, lS'tti. by James II. Turner and Hurley B. Begun. I toe year later .Mr. Begun purchased the interest held by .Mr. Turner and conducted it five years; he passing away in aliout L897, one year later; (ieorge S. Houghton and Dr. E. V. Brown bought the Tribune and eonducted the paper for one year, then selling it to Orson Houghton. <J. ('. Lemmers boughl the paper of .Mr. Houghton, in 190:J, and operated it until 19H). The publication has had a continuous issue, save for a few months in 1913 just before the purchase of the pfant by its present owner, Arthur D. Wiseman, in August, 1913.

It has an excellent circulation in' Hebron, Alden. Richmond. Greenwood, Dorr. Chemung, Burton townships, and in Walworth County. Wis. Its publication day is Thursday and its subscription rate is $2.00 per year. It is a four-page i sometimes increased to six i journal of home print, and four pages "patent." Its machinery is propelled by electricity and includes a Prouty newspaper press, Gordon Jobbers and power

The Richmond Gazette was established in 1876 by II. B. Begun. Among the numerous owners ,,t' this local news-sheet may be recalled <; -ge liter. .1. Nethercut, P. K. Wright, Fred E. Holmes, Roy E.

It U a seven column, eighl to twelve page paper, issued every Thurs day ;it a subscription rate of $2.00 per year in advance. It lias a good circulation in this county and also in Walworth County, Wis. Four pages of this journal are "patent" print ami the remainder is set np al borne. The equipmenl consists of modern machinery including a linotype and up-to-date presses, both in the newspaper and job departments. Politically, the Gazette is Republican. It- machinery is operated by means of an electric tor.

Chapteb Xii Banks And Banking

pibst onited states hank first hank of chicago - woodstock banking institutions - state hank op woodstock - american national bank of woodstock - farmers' exchange state hank - woodstock national hank - banking vi crystal lake - united states bank - home state hank of crystal lake - harvard banking institutions reminiscences of ml' henry - fox river state hank - rinowood state hank - first national hank of marengo - dairyman 's state bank of marengo - state hank of union - hebron state hank - state hank - spring grove state hank - cary state hank - state hank of richmond - victory loan subscriptions - patriotic ser1 ice acknowledgment - war work executive committee - hank

Summary

A bank is an indispensable ad j unci in any community. The wealthiest men in the country have I'm' years followed a practice now being adopted by the majority of their fellow citizens, of carrying mi their business transactions by means of checks, drawing against their accounts with the bank of their choice, instead of carrying Large amounts of money on their person. The hanks of the country, however, play a much more important part in the commercial and industrial life than merely to afford accommodation for the personal needs of their customers. They determine the stability of every undertaking; stand hack of all industry merchant who sell it direct to the consumer. Through their medium foreign trade is stimulated ami encouraged; intries, as well as individuals and corporations, are financed, and the future of a nation often times lies in the hands of the capable and astute financiers. Therefore historian i- handling one of the mosl importanl subjects of his record, and too much emphasis cannol be accorded to the value to the people of all classes, of the services rendered by these institutions within Its confines.

that the Bank of New York is the oldesl bank in this country, its clearing house number being "1." while the Hank of Manhattan is number "2" and the Merchant's National Bank is number "3." There are now nine hanks in the United States reaching hark into the eighteenth century. Of these, two arc in .Massachusetts, two in Connecticut, one in Pennsylvania, one in Delaware, one in .Maryland, and two in New York. The Bank of Manhattan was organized by Aaron Burr in 17''''. and the Merchant's National Bank of New York, was organized hy Alexander Hamilton in 1803.

Corporate banking in New York began with the organization of the Bank of New York hy Alexander Hamilton in 17S4. It obtained its first charter in 1792, and for fifteen years this hank, together with the New York branch of the Firsl Bank of the I'nited States, were the only banks doing business in either the city or state of New York. With General Hamilton and the Federal party in control of the New York State Assembly, new hank charters were not obtainable hy outside parties, and this gave rise to contentions on the part of the Anti-Federali-K led by Aaron Burr. By 1800. however, the I'nited States had in opera tion twenty-seven hanks, and a decade later the number had increased to one hundred.

but during December of that year, a branch of the State Bank of Illinois was located in that city. It was opened for business in a fourstory building at the corner of LaSalle and Washington streets, where it was continued until 1843.

Banks And Banking

Cinder the above caption, the late Lyman .1. Gage, one of the most distinguished bankers of Chicago, wrote in pari as follows for a contemporary history :

"So long as a man uses his own wealth he is a capitalist ; it is only when he begins to employ money belonging to others and [nits forth an organized systt DO of credit that he becomes a hanker.

"The different banking functions of deposit, discount, exchange and circulation do not arise simultaneously, hut are put in operation successfully as the operations of husiness become diversified, and its which may he required at some unexpected moment, calls for a place of deposit where it may he kept safely and withdrawn at a moment when it can he profitably employed. A growth of manufactures calling for a temporary use of capital, or an enlargement of trade, giving occasion for the employment id' money, while products arc transported from point of production to that of consumption, give occasion for discount; the need to realize at one point, the avails of sales at a distant place, or the transmission of funds for the purchase of the rawmaterial of manufactures or the supply of trade, furnish a demand for exchange; while the requirements of daily transactions of traffic in the store, the simp, the farm, at home and abroad, call for a circulating medium less ponderous than the precious metals, and yet eon vertible at once into them.

"As the husiness of hanking is the outcome of the need of its facilities, so the men who assume control of its operations are usually those not trained by a long course of apprenticeship at the counter or desk, but such as happen, by reason of natural aptitude and the circumstances surrounding them, to he drawn into the vocation. Thus, the first hankers in a community are usually drawn from other callings - successful merchants, lawyers and men of versatility and ready adaption.

"As a community passes out of its embryo, and assumes a more stable condition, when the frontier settlement becomes the metropolis of a great and productive region, these conditions change, and there arises a call for banking institutions, with large capital, carefully regulated by law; and for managers learned in the principles of monetary science. and trained in the intricate business of the bank.

"Daring this period, a most heterogeneous mixture of paper had greater or less circulation. There were banknotes issued by Eastern and Southern hanks. ><><1 and others ranging through all degrees of depreciation to utter worthlessness. The city issued scripl which had local use as money, as it was receivable in payment of taxes, ('anal scripl constituted a considerable part of the local circulation. There was also State Auditor's script, and St. Louis script, and the scripl issued

Such, then, was the condition of money affairs, nol only at Chicago, hut throughout the state, including McHenry County, until the enactment of the national banking system which went into effect in March, 18b:?. after which "greenbacks" and banknotes were circulated as a medium.

Before 1852 this county had no regular hanks in organized form. Such transactions as usually go through the local banks had to be executed in some outside city where there was a hank. Much of the trade prior to the civil War was carried on by barter, one commodity being exchanged for another. The farmer trailed his butter. eggS, meat and potatoes to the home merchant for their value in sugar, coffee, tobaCCO, cloth and similar commodities, for use by himself and his could obtain from such a man what he needed by paying the prevailing rate of interest which until about 1880, amounted to from ten to fifteen percent per annum. The amount in excess of the legal state interest was th]* county, the following conditions prevailed prior, to the establishment of regular banking institutions in the county. S. R. Ward of Richmond recalls Judge William A. McConnell, commonly known as

"Squire" McConnell, and Col. G. II. Gibbs, as gentlemen bo circumstanced as to lie able In render service to their fellnw citizens in the matter of making leans to them.

"Squire" McConnell lived in a grove a considerable distance northwest of the village of Richmond, and used to keep his money in a small iron safe, hut his neighbors, including Doctor Ward, told him thai he whether mi account of the advice proffered him so freely, or hecause of his own excellent business sense, is only a matter of conjecture, lie nih for many years a justice of the peace, and for sixteen years was an assoe judge of the county. Col. C. II. Gibbs was proprietor of the

Richmond House, and both of these gentlemen loaned thousands of dollars on short and longer loans, to people in the vicinity of Richmond and Hebron.

J. C. Crumb carried on a banking business in a small way at Harvard, in the general merchandise store of A. E. Axtell, during 1866, 1ml the following year he erected a bank on the corner still occupied by the banking institution in which the Crumb family is represented by the third generation as a stockholder. Before that date money had to be borrowed of individuals, or from some distant bank.

At Cary, the firsl banking was carried on by L. E. Mentch, who. in October, 1902. organized the Cary Exchange Bank. It was his practice to keep about $3,000 in his safe, which was in a small frame building. At midnight, in .July, 1903, his safe was blown open and his capital stolen. The criminals were never brought to justice. While his losses amounted to $5,555, he was insured, and was able to continue his business. He erected the present brick bank building, and continued in the banking business until in April. 1914, when he sold his interest to thirty-seven stockholders, who organized the present Cary State Bank. .Mr. .Mentch then turned his attention to the real-estate business at Cary.

hood, deposited their wages with him, and this money, on which he paid .1 -i i i;i 11 rate of interest, enabled bin to enlarge his operations.

-lock, hut. in 1869, C. B. Durfee & Co. again commenced business and continued as bankers lor several years thereafter. In May. 1ST."). T. I). Murphy and Richard Bishop opened a private bank, which was continued

The state Bank of Woodstock was established December 19, 1889, by B. E. Richards. E. C. Jewett, A. P.. McConnell, (i. K. Hunker. A. K. Bunker, M. L. Joslyn, William II. Stewart, B. S. Austin. <; -ge McConnell ami F. W. Buell. The original officials were: F. F. Richards, president; VV. II. Stewart, vice president, and F. C. Jewett, cashier. The Original capital of $25,000 has been increased to $50,000, and there is a surplus of $50,000, with undivided profits of upwards of $8,0011. A recent statement -hows the following condition:

American National Bank Of Woodstock

The American National Hank of Woodstock was organized -June 'I 1903. It was founded by John J. Murphy and George L. Murphy. The former was president of the First National Bank of Woodstock until ISSit when that institution was liquidated. The first officials of the American National Hank were: George L. Murphy, president; Charles II. Donnelly, vice president, and \Y. C. Eichelberger, cashier. The present officials are: George E. Murphy, president; Charles H. Donnelly. vice president; George F. Rushton, vice president; Charles E. Quinlan, cashier; E. F. Fness and Eyron D. Cheasbro, assistant cashiers. George L. Murphy has been president of the institution ever since it was established in 1903. Charles L. Quinlan succeeded W. C. Eichelberger as cashier in 1908.

The present capital is $30, 1 )( )l ) ; the surplus is $30,000. Added to ibis amount are the undivided profits of over $13,000. The deposits are about $700, 000. The latest statement shows the following condition:

Farmers Exchange State Hank

Originally a private bank, established in 1887, the Farmers Exchange State Bank was re-organized under its present name in January. 1916. It was founded by M. I). Boy and George H. Hoy, under the name of the Farmers Exchange Bank, M. D. Hoy & Son, proprietors. The original capital was $25,000, but this has been increased until it is today $75,000, with surplus and profits shown of $26,000. The private hank did not require officials by title, but all papers were

Signed M. D. Hoy & Son. Several years later Fremont Hoy. John M. Hoy and William P. Hoy were admitted into partnership under the name of -M. I>. Hoy it Suns. Fremont Hoy disposed of his interest in the firm of M. I). Hoy & Sons, in 1915, and retired from banking in both were .1. I). Donovan, president; M. II. Fitzsiinmons. vice president; and Walter V. Conway, cashier. The above named hank was converted and became the Woodstock National Bank in 1920, the former officials being placed in charge.

successively. Wellrknown business men of the county are members of the board of directors, they l>< big : Theo. Hamer, B. C. Hughts, II A. Stone, M II. Fitzsimmons, William Zimmerman, J. I). Donovan, ami .1. T. Bower.

Banking At Crystal Lake

Prior to 1891 Crystal Lake, or Xumla. had uo banking institutions; only being accommodated in the matter of exchanges through the mercantile establishments operating there during that period.

United State Hank

In 1891 Qebrge E. Hallock, concerning whom very little, if anything, was known by the citizens of that community, opened a banking house which operated for about two years, and without much support from the public. No bank existed subsequent to the discontinuance of the Hallock Hank, until 1S95, when George K. Bunker, Burton Wright, Emery E. Richards, Emilus ('. Jewett and Charles B. Wright, all of Woodstock, recognized the necessity, and the favorable oppor-

K. Bunker as vice president, and E. C. Jewett as cashier. <*n Octoher 29, 1901, this bank was incorporated as the Citizens state Bank of N'miila. and the capital increased to $25,000. Charles B. Wrighl became cashier, of the re-organized bank. On November -_'. 1908, the title of the bank was changed to the Citizens State Rank of Crystal Lake, and subsequently, Augusl L2, L910, the capital was increased to $50,000. The bank continued under practically the same management up to July, 1915, excepting that !-'. C. Jewetl bad disposed of his interest in 1908, and therefore was ao longer connected with it. George K. Bunker had

Certain large investments having been made, which the board of directors and the majority of the stockholders believed would result in heavy losses, the hank was closed July 8, 101."), and the state auditor took charge. The hank remained closed for about a month, during which time the stockholders and directors arranged to make good the impairment claimed, taking out of the bank all paper that had been questioned. At ihis juncture, fearing that liquidation of the hank through a receivership was imminent, which would lie up more than

*:;( >().()( Ill of the depositors' funds, and entail greal loss and hardship through delay, Fremont Hoy anil Clarence F. Hoy, his son, who had

Bank of Crystal Lake, acquired a majority of tin' stock of the Citizens State Bank, and its management was assumed by them. Clarence !-'. Hoy was made its president and Fremont Hoy its temporary cashier and vice president. W. H. Wilbur became cashier in September of that same year.

Through the succeeding year the State Bank of Crystal Lake ami the Citizens state Bank were operated under the direction of Fremont Hoy and Clarence F. Hoy. with the able assistance of .Messrs. Lynn the result that the depositors of the citizens stale Bank were saved from the loss of money, and the community from shock to iis honor and reputation as a banking center, and most of all the confidence of the people in banking integrity was retained. The Citizens state Hank

.'iid the State Hank of Crystal Lake were consolidated AiejiiM 14, L916, becoming the United State Bank of Crystal Lake, capitalized at $75,000; by this consolidation the hank at once look rank among the more important banks of the county. It is boused in it- own fine building, equipped in a modern manner. The Messrs. Eoy disposed of their banking interests ;it Crystal Lake in January, 1919, to W. II. Wilbur ami Lynn Richards, thus terminating their successful banking experience of >-ix years at CrystaJ Lake.

Lake, was founded and opened for business by .James K. Jaeknian. t (ctoher 20, 1910, with a capital of $'J5.( Mltl. Mr. Jaekman was president ; .1. ('. Nonllin<r. cashier, and F. L. Colby was vice president. Lynn Richards, former deputy circuit clerk, became cashier, January 1, 1911. In October, 1915, Fremont Boy, having acquired control of the majority of the stock of the hank, became its president, and his son, Clarence F. Hoy. its vice president. Mr. Richards was continued as cashier. Under this management the hank had quite a gratifying growth, having deposits of about $210,000 at the time of its consolidation with the Citizens state Hank in August, lfllli. The strength of this bank was never questioned, and was amply proven when in July, 1915, it was found di sary for it to provide for the financial requirements of the entire community. The bank and its officials proved able to cope with the stiuation in a capable and satisfactory manner, and without any discrimination. The following is the statement made by the bank March 31, 1921 : lii 1915 the Borne State Bank of Crystal Lake was organized with its presenl capital of $25,000. Its firsl officials were William Pinnow, president ; Edward Malone, and J. II. Parks, vice presidents, and A. II. Benderson, cashier. These same gentlemen arc still holding the positions of responsibility they entered when the bank was opened, excepl that J. W. WiiiL'at is now second vice president, vice J. II. Parks, deceased.

The building in which the bank is operated is owned by the bank, and was erected for banking purposes, of terra cotta material, at a cost of $13,500.

Harvard Banking Institutions

following year he boughl a building at the corner of Brainard and Ayer streets and removed to it. He came through successfully the panic days of Is"-'!. and kept pace with the growth and prosperity of his county, and in 1880 had deposits with the Fifth National Bank of Chii amounting to $500,000. In 1881 his deposits with the Importers and Traders Bank of New York City amounted to $46,755. The bank ha^ been conducted by representatives of three generations of the Crumb family, namely: Joseph <'.. the founder; Berber! D., Ids son. and Edward A. Crumb, his grandson, who is now assistant cashier. This hank occupies the largest banking room in McHenry County. The building is at the corner of Ayers and Brainard streets, and was rebuilt in 1904 i" conform to modern banking ideas. It was a private institution, until converted into a state bank in 1920, and has bad a very successful history. The statemenl of March 31, 1921, shows the following condition :

First State Bank Of Harvard

In 1>77 A. I'",. Axtell established a private hank and operated it under his own name in connection with other lines of business. In April, l^ys he commenced taking deposits and prospered so thai by 1880 his depo were $40,000. On Maj 20, 1909 the Axtell Bank was taken over by the Pirsl State Bank of Harvard, which had been established, and re-organized with a rap it a I stock of $50,000, which with the surplus and undivided profits, of '>\rr $97,000, 'jives the bank a working fund of $147,000, and greater than thai of any other bank in McHenry County. In 1!)'_'l in deposits were $1,432,549.69.

-lames B. Perry, who came to McHenry in 1864, ami i- still residing here, furnishes the following interesting data relative to the banking history of McHenry.

vicinity were Samuel II. Walker and Freeman Whiting, who were ac customed to make loans. The firm of Owen Brothers, composed of Herman X. and Edward .M. Owen, located at McHenry, to which they ramr prior in 1850, firsl being engaged in general merchandising and dealing in grain, but later branched out and built and operated a mill which they used for flouring and saw-milling. In connection with other business transactions they sold Borne exchange, hut, as far as is known.

ago is still in McHenry and in use. only, however, for the purpose of protecting hooks and papers against a possible fire. The mercantile business of Owen Brothers was continued hy them until 1874, when it was purchased hy .lames B. Perry and Alfred A. Martin, and they, too. issued exchange. About ISSlMi .Mr. .Martin disposed of his holdings to Oliver X. Owen, and the (inn of Perry and Owen was formed, and in 1SSS hetran doing a regular banking business, under the name of the Bank of McHenry, with a capital of $15,000, and deposits in 1913 of £1. ">().( 100. The bank was operated in a substantial brick bank building, erected by the firm in 1901.

This bank, with dames T. Perry at its head, did a conservative and satisfactory business. Mr. Terry lived in the community for so long a period that he was intimately acquainted with all of the people, and they relied upon him for advice in financial matters. Among the substantial early hankers of this county Mr. Perry is an excellent example.

In 1913 Messrs. Terry and Owen, desiring to retire from active business, negotiated a sale to Fremont Hoy and Clarence P. Hoy. who took control of the bank, November 1, 1913.

Fox River Valley State Hank

The Hoy Banking Company succeeded the Tank of McHenry, the name being changed in 1914 when the capital was increased from $15,000 to $25,000. That same year the bank building was remodeled. In October, 1920 a charter was granted to the Pox River Valley State Tank. Mc- Henry, Illinois, for the purpose of taking over the business of the Hoy Banking Company, with a capital of $50,000. Fremont Hoy became its president; dames B. Perry and Clarence P. Hoy, vice presidents, and

Ringwood State Bank

The Lank of Ringwood was established February 3, 1916, by Fremont Hoy and Clarennce F. Hoy. The first officials were: Fremont Hoy, president; Clarence F. Hoy, manager, and Henry F. Wharton, cashier. Mr Wharton died in October, 1918, of influenza, which was then epidemic. His place was tilled by George H. Johnson for several months, the other officials remaining the same.

a capital of $25,000. Clarence F. Hoy became president; Fremont Hoy, vice president; and Kenneth O. Hoy, cashier, all of whom, together with a board of seven directors, now manage the affairs of the bank. This bank now receives, as it always has, a good patronage, as is shown by its statement which appears herewith:

First National Bank Of Marengo

On A.ugus1 8, 1871, Richard M. Patrick and <:. V. Wells organized the First National Bank of Marengo to succeed the private banking house of R. M. Patrick. V. Wells was the firsl president, and be was succeeded by the following: R. M. Patrick and E. I>. Patrick; while R. M. Patrick, the original cashier, has been succeeded by X. V. Wi ben, E. I). Patrick and A. C. Smith. The present assistant cashiers

In 1890 '/.. E. Goodrich, Loren Woodard, William Dougherty, C. S Robb, I. If. Curtiss, I. X. Muzzy, X. Buck, A. A. Ryder, R. Dalby, a Bopkins, G. B. Richards, A. \V. Kelley, Will Pringle, C. Buchte, C. E. Eelley, 1". B. Smith, I,. Barber, A. s. Norton, A. J. Shurtleff, John Cray. c. B. Kimball, E. 1". Sperry, A. II. Penny. George Samter and T. M. Bager organized the Dairyman's state Dank of Marengo with a capital of $25,000. This has remained the same bul there are now undivided profits and a surplus 0f $50,244.96. The officials were: '/.. E. Goodrich, president; Da R. Curtiss, vice president; I. ester Barber, cashier; and

G. \V. Redpath, while Mr. Norton and C. J. Coarson, have more recently filled the place of Mr. Barber, as cashier. J. E. Williams acted as vice presidenl for a time; however, C. J. Coarson is now the present \ ice pres ident, and Carleton S. Robb and B. J. Eintz are the assistant cashiers. The !>;mk building occupied by this bank was erected in 1915 of brick and stone.

Iii 1911 O. E. Schuette, H. E. Pranzen and A. F. Pottratz organized the State Bank of Onion with a capital of $25,000, which remains the same, to which lias been added $9,819.53 in surplus and undivided profits. The resources and liabilities of the bank in March, 1921, were $301,825.14, and its deposits were $247,005.61. The building in which this bank is operating is a brick structure erected in 1911. II. A. Stoxen and YV. II. Deneen have been its presidents, and O. II. Schuette lias continued its cashier. George L. Torrenee is the vice president, and C. M. Siems is the assistant cashier.

Hebron State Bank

(i. W. Conn. Jr., and F. X. Torrence, with a capital of $7,500. These gentlemen operated the bank quite successfully for a short time, when the ownership passed to a syndicate composed of W. B. Wite and four other prominent local men. Mr. Wite, who has served as county superintendent of schools of McHenry County for several terms, became cashier and A, J. Cole, president. Those five gentlemen '.rave to the bank a prestige which was a great factor in its steady growth.

In 1920 this lucrative business passed to the present Hebron State Hank which, to conform to the present law, had been organized to take over and continue the business. The present officers are: A. J. Cole. president; F. C. Slavin, vice president ; J. W. Smith, cashier; and \Y. R. Giddings and Lora C. Mead, assistant cashiers.

John M. Hoy as president; A. P>. Brinkerhoff, vice president; William P. Hoy. cashier; and W. F. Bartlett, assistant cashier. The presenl officials are: John M. Hoy, president; John T. Kelley, vice president;

This hank is the outgrowth of the Hank of Huntley, founded May 1. 1901 by M. 1). Hoy & Sons, successors to a banking business conducted for a few years as the Farmers Exchange Bank, by Charles E. Cook, and B. II. Cook, who sold to M. I). Hoy & Sons.

600. The resources and liabilities are $518,558.60, deposits are $390,- 670.68. I' stands for all that represents the highest banking standards. This hank was equipped with i lern new fixtures a few years since.

Bistort Of M. Iif.Xuv County L89 Algonquin State Bank

En June, 1913 B. C. Getzelman established the Algonquin state Bank, and has always been its president. E. C. Peter is vice president. This bank succeeded the Dank of Algonquin. The present cashier. George D. Keyes has always held his present position since the hank became a state bank. The capital is $25,000, surplus and undivided profits $16,625.70.

On September 10, 1906, the West McHenry State Bank was established by P. S. Webster with a capital of $25,000, which lias since been increased to $50,000. This thoroughly modern banking institution is the fust bank of West McHenry, and its only one. B. L. Wagner and C. II. Pegers have served in turn as its presidents, and Carl W. Stenger has always been its cashier. The present vice president of the bank is Parker S. Webster and the second vice president is Simon Stoffel.

Spring Grove State Bans

On December 1914, the Spring Grove Hank was organized by .1. I-;. Meredith, J. II. Gerbrachl ami Anion Sahaefer. The presenl officials are: Anton Sahaefer, president and cashier; ami M. A. Sahaefer, in a small village, and, in the past has had ample facilities I'm- transacting all necessary business in its line I'm- the surrounding neighborhood, ami its management have had the good will of the people of this vicinity.

and since that time has conducted a banking business at that place, with considerable success. Joseph 0. Wagner is the president; -John ('. Furlong, vice president ; and Arthur II. Pranzen, cashier. Mr. H. II. Franzen of Du Page County, Illinois, a banker of considerable experience in several localities, is financially interested and is a director of this bank.

The Cary State Bank is located in the village of Cary and was organized April 3, 1914, with T. II. WultV as president; C. W. Stenger, \ ice president; and Joseph J. Sutton, cashier. It- original capital of $25,000 has in it been increased, bul it has surplus and undivided profits

$12,430.26. In March, L921, its deposits were $193,001.62. The Cary State Bank owns its own banking building, erected at a cosl of $6,000, This bank has transacted its affairs from the Btart in an honorable and upright manner, and its officials have the confidence of the surrounding country.

A banking business was formerly conducted by L. E. Mentcb under the title of the Cary Exchange Bank, but after several years went out of existence.

State Bans Ok Richmond

'I'lie Bank of Richmond was organized in 18(10 by George and John McConnell, who associated with them John W. Eaythorn. The original officials were: George McConnell, president; John McConnell, vice president; and John W. llaythorn. eashiur. The officials immediately prior to its organization as a state hank in 1920, were: Susan Mc- Connell, president: Cora II. Covell, vice president; May L. Parsons, vice president; Prank B. McConnell, cashier; and William A. McCon nell. assistant cashier. The present officials are: Prank B. McConnell.

The original capital of $10,000 had not been increased np to 1920, but the bank had a surplus of *4.">.< 153. 7(i. On March 31, 1921, shortly after re-organizing, its resources and liabilities were $399,280.76, and at the same date its deposits were $349.2*0.76. In September, 1890, the present substantial bank building was erected at a cost of $5,000, by George and John McConnell. It is our understanding that the presenl State Hank of Richmond will occupy the building under lease.

The newly-incorporated state bank has a larire number of the most influential and substantial citizens for stockholders, together with the former owners, and it is our belief that the institution will continue to enjoy, to the fullest extent, the confidence of the community. The present capital is $50,000.

Victory Loan Subscriptions

The following: is a complete list of the subscriptions received from each bank in McHenry County for the Victory Loan issued by the government, which drive was on during April, 1919. These subscriptions foot up to 110.25 per cent of the county's quota. This list is given in full to prove that no section of the county failed in doing its full patriotic duty at a time when the country had need of real Americanism.

It has been carefully estimated that the total amount subscribed in this county during the several drives of the World War amounted to over $5,000,000.

Patriotic Service Acknowledgment

"Woodstock, 111., May^ 24, 1919. "We, the undersigned banks of Woodstock, desire to take this means of extending our thanks to the committee, which handled the drives of the Third, Fourth and Fifth Liberty Loans, of which Charles F. Renich was chairman, for the manner in which they conducted the solicitations for subscriptions. The entire amounts were taken by the patriotic people of this community, thus relieving the banks from subscribing and carrying the bonds.

"We believe that this was only made possible through the efforts of Chairman Renich and his committee, who worked continuously in the interest of the loans, many times at the expense of their own private business.

"Woodstock and vicinity has 'gone over the top' on every Liberty Loan, and this 100-per-eent-reeord was made by the hearty co-operation extended to the banks by the above-mentioned committee. We feel that public acknowledgment of all due credit to these loyal workers should be made, now that the war is over and the government has announced the Victory Loan to be the last issue of Liberty Bonds. "Signed,

"The State Bank of Woodstock, E. C. Jewett, president. "The American National Bank, G. L. Murphy, president. "McHenry County State Bank, J. D. Donovan, president, "Farmers' Exchange State Bank, G. H. Hoy, president."

War Work Executive Committee

The executive committee which had charge of these various campaigns in Woodstock, working always under the direction, leadership and inspiration of national, state and county direction, were Charles F. Renich, chairman, D. R. Joslyn, O. G. Mead, F. J. Green, F. A. Walters, F. B. Bennett, A. J. Mullen, G. E. Still, C. Percy Barnes, F. E. Howe and F. W. Hartman. Carl W. Stenger, of West McHenry, was county chairman of the four campaigns, while D. R. Joslyn was chairman of the Fifth or Victory campaign.