McHenry County, Illinois - Chapter 15: Railroads and Industrial Enterprises, 1922

Chapter 15: Railroads and Industrial Enterprises

This county owes much of its present prosperity to the railroads whose network traverse its entire area. These railroads were among the first to be built in Northern Illinois, which today has one of the finest railroad systems in the world. Every village in McHenry County has its railroad station, thus being afforded excellent shipping facilities. Each township, with the exception of Riley in the extreme southwestern portion of the county, has a railroad crossing some portion of its territory. By these roads the dairyman and farmer are brought into close touch with Chicago and other industrial centers. Milk is shipped every morning from practically every station in the county to Chicago, and milk trains are as common on the roads passing through McHenry County, as are the fruit trains on those of the Pacific Coast.

First Steam Railroads

The first railroad which was constructed through McHenry County was the old Galena division of the present Northwestern system, then known as the Galena & Chicago Union Railway. Completed in 1854. it had stations at Huntley, Union and Marengo, which are still maintained.

In June, 1855, the Chicago, St. Paul & Fond du Lac Railroad reached Woodstock, the following year was extended as far as Harvard, and was then rapidly pushed on to its terminus. This road is now the Wisconsin division of the Chicago & Northwestern Railroad, and maintains stations

About 1855 the construction work on the Fox River Valley Railroad was begun in the eastern part of the county, crossing it from north to south. This road was subsequently purchased by the Chicago & Northwestern system, and is operated under the name of the Elgin & State Line Division of the Northwestern. It has stations in this county at Algonquin, Crystal Rake. Mc -Henry. Terra Cotta, Ringwood and Richmond.

In RS61-62 The Kenosha & Rockford Railroad was built in the northern part, and this is now also a part of the Northwestern system with stations at Hebron, Alden, Harvard and Chemung, with ''sidings" at other places in the county.

The last railroad to be built in McHenry County was the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paid, which enters the county in the southeastern part of Burton Township and runs in a northwesterly direction through Richmond and Hebron townships, with stations at Spring Grove, Solon Mills, and at a junction point where this road crosses Kenosha & Rockford division on section 11, Hebron Township. The Chicago, Milwaukee & St, Paul Railroad was built through this county in 1900 and furnishes an additional outlet for the freight of the county. Through the merging of the several railroads into one or more of the great systems, the people of McHenry County are now afforded the best of train service and the finest of accommodations, and all of the traffic is handled by the two great systems, the Chicago & Northwestern and the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul.

Electric Railways

In addition to the many miles of steam railroads in the county, there are also two electric roads, one of which in the southwestern part, with stations at Union and Marengo, is operated as the Elgin and Belvidere; and one between Harvard and Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, is operated as the Chicago, Harvard & Lake Geneva. These two lines afford much satisfaction and accommodation to the people adjacent to them, for they can hoard a car for distant trading points at almost any hour of the day or night, and return within a few hours. The one between Harvard and Lake Geneva carries many passengers to the great summer resort in Wisconsin. Other lines have been projected, and one company graded a road between Marengo and Harvard over twenty years ago, but none of these enterprises reached fruition.

Railroad Mileage

The steam railroads have the following mileage: the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul, twelve and one-third miles, and the Chicago & Northwestern, IIS1/,-, miles.

The electric lines have the following mileage : the Chicago, Harvard & Lake Geneva, five and one-half miles; and the Elgin & Belvidere, twenty-one and three-tenths miles, making a total of 173Vio miles of steam and electric roads in the county.

Local Shops

When the Chicago & Northwestern Railroad was built to Harvard. a roundhouse and repair shop were erected there, but in the latter part of the last century were removed to Janesville. Woodstock also had a two-stall roundhouse for many years to house a special Chicago passenger train which ran as an accommodation, but when that was discontinued, the roundhouse was abandoned.

Industrial Activities

While there are a number of flourishing industrial concerns in the county whose products are shipped to far-distant points and some all over the world, the staple industry is of course dairying. However, it is with interest that the historian records the achievements in an industrial line during the past and present in the different communities of MeHenry County.

Prior to 1854 several mills were operated at Woodstock and produced much of the flour and rough lumber required by the community. The first saw-mill was constructed in 1852, although a flax-mill had been built in 1846, and this was subsequently converted into a planing mill in the early fifties.

In 1856 Gilbert B. Drake and Cornelius Quinlan built a grist-mill at Woodstock, which they operated by steam power. After several years of operation it was abandoned.

J. 0. Teeple and Eenry Eckerl established a machine shop, which was of greal value to the early settlers of this pari of the county, and also carried on a foundry and made many castings. This plant was finally owned by D. II. S. Barrows.

In 18(18 Dr. ( '. 15. Durfee began tin- manufacture of drain tile. This plant Later became the property of the Woodstock Brick, Drain. Tile and Peat Company, which used native peat for the fuel needed. This business closed in 1873.

The pickle factory of Squire Dingee & Company was first established by a stock company, formed in 1873, with a capital stock of $.70,000. The building was elected in 1874, and E. T. Hopkins was placed in charge. The business after a time was leased to Heintz, Noble & Company for five years, and this concern packed in large (plant ities. but after a long trial went out of existence as a producer of vinegar, although pickles were still packed. In 1880. under the ownership of Squire Dingee, the annual output was 55,000 bushels of cucumbers. The plant had fifty-five large salting vats, and employment was given to about twenty men. During the shipping season from eight to ten carloads were usually shipped per week.

Another early pickle factory was that operated by Norman frame & Company, and it was undoubtedly the largest one in the county at that time. Norman Frame and Judge T. D. Murphy entered into partnership in 1881, under the above name, and carried on an extensive pickle and vinegar plant at "Woodstock until they leased their plant to Squire Dingee, and the business was by him carried on until he went out of this line, a number of years thereafter.

The Pickle Growers' Union was formed in 1881, and had 100 members, at whose head was Edward Short. Associated with him were other representative pickle growers, whose object was to store the pickles produced by the members of the union so as to be able to take advantage of the better prices later in the season. During 1883, 1884 and 1885 this organization did a business of $40,000 annually in salted pickles. Their building was located near the depot, and had a capacity of 25.000. In 1884 the association had increased its membership, and had for its officers the following: T. McD. Richards, president ; Mark Hicock, treasurer; and Edward Short, secretary. As the years went on, however, the farmers changed their crops, and, no longer raising pickles, the business was discontinued.

Later it was owned by Arnold, Zimmer & Company, which purchased the founder's rights in 1868. The new firm was continued many years and operated a large plant, the original one having been expanded, until the mammoth brewing companies at Chicago, Milwaukee and other cities monopolized the brewing industry. A never-failing spring supplied the water used by the Woodstock brewery, and ice was produced in an artificial pond nearby. In 1885 the brewery was using 25,000 bushels of malt ; had three immense icehouses, fermenting rooms, cooling rooms, bottling rooms, stables and sheds for the large number of horses and wagons used in carrying on what was the largest brewing plant in this part of Illinois. Twenty-live men were employed for twelve hours a day, and 800 barrels of beer were produced monthly, including standard brands of Bohemian and export beer. This beer was sold at Woodstock, Harvard, Janesville, Rockford, Clinton, Elgin and Dundee. The brewing company also owned and farmed 180 acres of land on which they fed cattle for the markets. This brewery was destroyed by fire in 1902.

In 1897 Mrs. Edith Kingman Poyer established what was known as the "Northwestern Rabbitry" for the production of rabbits for their meat and skins, and was principally managed by Mrs. Poyer 's brother, C. F. Kingman. It was expanded and in 1901 was said to be the largest plant of its kind in America, and yielded good returns. The plant was located at the end of Washington street, and in the frame building there were 275 cages, usually filled with fine specimens of imported hares and rabbits. One animal, "Fiery Fox," took prizes all over the country, and his owner was offered .+2,000 for him. The Be'gian hares were especially valuable, and thousands of pounds of these animals were chipped in refrigerator cars to Eastern markets, where fancy prices were received. A fire destroyed the plant and it was never rebuilt.

It is as a center for the manufacture of typewriters that Woodstock has become known all over the civilized world, the plants of two of the leading machines being located in this city. They form the chief industrial factor of Woodstock, and are of great importance to the people here and throughout the county.

The Oliver Typewriter Company, the pioneer in this industry, has its plant near the railroad station, and it manufactures the Oliver typewriter. This machine is the direct materialization of a dream held for years by Rev. Thomas Oliver, a clergyman of the Methodist Episcopal Church. A natural mechanic, with a genius for inventing, he long worked over his ideas for improving the primitive "writing" machines. Probably because of his interest in them, he pursued his idea in his dreams, and one night had what he felt was a vision, and the following day put his recollection of it on paper. Prom this he worked oul through days of experimenting what was the firsi Oliver typewriter. He eonstructed several models before he was able to reach the fundamental principle of the now famous machine thai bears his name. His was the firsi visible typewriter known. He made his experimental type-bars of two strips of common tin, but his model worked well, and lie typed his sermons with it.

Doctor Oliver commenced making his typewriters while living at Epsworth, Iowa, a short distance west of Dubuque. His first shop was on the second floor of a wooden building, the lower floor of which was used for a restaurant. Here he made twelve experimental machines, placed them on trial, thereby gaining a full dozen recommendations, and he was then able to organize a stock company with a paid-up capital of $20,000, or its equivalent. His fellow-townsmen so appreciated the value of Doctor Oliver's invention and its importance to their community that they built him a brick shop, and employment was given to sixteen employes including: Charles Fay, who accompanied him to Woodstock. The business so increased that it was deemed expedient to look for a permanent location near Chicago, and in December, 1S96, the business was moved to Woodstock and the plant established in the quarters formerly occupied by the Wheeler and Tappan Pump Company. With the understanding that the plant was to remain at Woodstock for a period of five years, the city donated the buildings above referred to. Many years have elapsed since then, and the plant is still at Woodstock, and employment is now given to about 1,400 persons, the output being 325 machines daily. This contrasts vividly with the 100 machines which were the sole output of the first eight months' work of the company after coming to Woodstock. Six of the original employes came from Iowa to Woodstock with the company, namely: A. C. Peavey, Irving Greenlee, Robert Edwards, S. Horr, Charles Fay and Lester Carr. The Oliver Building at No. 159 North Dearborn street is the Chicago headquarters of the company.

The present officers are: Henry K. Gilbert, president : Delevan Smith, vice president; William B. Stewart, Jr.. vice president; John Whitcomb, vice president, who is in charge of sales: E. II. Smith, secretary and treasurer, who is in charge of production: and Frank M. Farnsworth, auditor.

tember 14. 19(19, and its plant was at Momence, 111., and the Emerson typewriter was manufactured. Until the plant was moved to Woodstock in 1910, George M. A. Fecke was president of the company.

In December, 1910, the company was reorganized, and in June, 1911, discontinued manufacturing the Emerson typewriter, scrapping the tools, and commenced the production of the Woodstock typewriter according to the designs of Alvah C. Boebuck, the inventor. This machine was first placed on the market in 1915 and has proved to be very popular. The company erected a spacious brick building in the eastern part of Woodstock, which contains 44,270 square feet of floor space, and additional space will soon be afforded. About 350 persons are employed and the output is about fifty-five machines per day. Approximately fifty percent of these machines are sold in the United States, the remainder being shipped to foreign countries.

Marengo

In 1861 a flour-mill was built at Marengo by Butsford, Howe & Spencer at a cost of .$10,000. It was operated by steam, and an excellent custom business was carried on. In the eighties it was still operated, being then owned by S. K. Bartholomew, who, however, only produced feed. With changes in methods of production and the growth of the great flour and feed corporations, this mill, with similar ones, went out of existence.

A foundry and machine shop was established at Marengo in 186S, by Henry Deitz, but it later became the property of C. E. Kelley who enlarged the plant, added much modern machinery, including small engines and a line of pumps. About fifteen men were usually employed.

A cheese-box factory at Marengo was the outgrowth of a sash and blind factory which was started about 1878. It did not pay and so was converted into a coopering shop. After two years this coopering business was purchased by Wood & Sherwin, of Elgin, who began manufacturing cheese boxes. When butter and cheese were no longer produced by the farmers who found it more profitable to sell their milk, this factory ceased making butter tubs and cheese boxes for which there was no longer a local market.

A canning factory was established at Marengo in 1875 by E. F. and K. L. McKinney. It was started in a small way. bul was expanded as the volume of business warranted, and here for years were manufactured jellies anil jams; all kinds of vegetables ami fruits were canned, ami several changes were made in location. All of the products were sold to Chicago grocers at excellent prices. From twenty to sixty persons were employed according to the season. At one time the output was sold direct to the United States government for use in the army. This factory has not been in operation for many years.

The L. Woodard Pickle Company was founded in l!SSL> by Loren Woodard, uncle of W. P. Woodard, the present executive head. This company is incorporated, and the present officials are: W. C. Woodard. president; M. R. Woodard, secretary; and A. B. Woodard, treasurer. The L. Woodard Company are packers of salt pickles and fancy dill pickles, and in addition to the plant at Marengo, have plants at Harvard, III., and Covert, Hartford, Kingsley and Beulah, Mich.

Harvard

In 1 S7l2 Burbank & Law erected at Harvard a malthouse which stood about twenty rods north of the depot, and its capacity was about 100 bushels per day. The product was sold at Chicago, Milwaukee and in Pennsylvania. On only a $5,000 capital the firm did an excellent business, exceeding 45,000 bushels of malt in their sales, but after three years closed down, and the building' was converted into a grain warehouse.

Another malthouse was established about the same date by the Harvard Malting Company, and it had a capacity of 250 bushels daily, and the business was under the management of E. E. Ayer. Three years later the malthouse was closed, but was soon afterwards sold to a Kenosha firm who made a number of improvements on the plant, erecting buildings costing .+25,000. At one time this firm had on hand 60,000 bushels of malt.

A pickle factory was started at Harvard in the spring of 1883, which had a capacity of 30,000 bushels of pickles. That same season Clark & Brainard built a factory of about the same size as the Sawyer factory, and for some years both concerns did a large business.

The Harvard Flouring Mills were erected in 1857, by Jonathan WTells, and in 1860 the building was sold to Colonel Blandin, and in 1870 he .sold to (i. II. Wood, A. S. Gournee and P. C. Farnum who enlarged it and converted it into a flouring mill of the old millstone type. Early in the eighties it was changed to a modern roller process mill where "patent" flour was made.

The Hunt, Helm & Ferris Company was established in 1883 and incorporated in 1902. The original founders were C. E. Hunt and N. B. Helm, and II. L. Harris was the inventor and designor. The company manufactures barn equipment and builders' hardware of the "Star Line*' brand. During busy seasons employment is given to about 300 men. Shipments are made all over the United States and to South America and Europe. The present officials are: C. E. Hunt, president; H. L. Ferris, vice president; H. J. Ferris, vice president; B. B. Bell, secretary and treasurer; H. B. Megran, assistant secretary; and W. J. Heatley, assistant treasurer. The company has a branch at Albany, N. Y.

The Church I lay Barrier "Manufacturing Company manufactured a hay carrier, invented by E. L. Church, and patented in 1874. He was then living in Wisconsin, and was not much more than a lad, but was a born inventor. His first carriers were manufactured at Rockford, 111., but in 1880 he came to Harvard, bought a building at the corner of Ayer and Church streets, enlarged it, and increased his production to about 4,000 carriers annually. He had traveling men in all parts of the country and he did a big business, his sales extending even as far west as California. Subsequently this business was merged with the Hunt, Helm & Ferris Company.

In 1914 H. C. Beardsley founded what is now the Beardsley Candy Company, manufacturers and jobbers of the "Fern-Bee" confections, the latter name having been assumed in 1919. In the busy season employment is given to thirty people. Sales are made to jobbers and retailers. The present officials are : II. C. Beardsley, president, and E. G. Fernholz, secretary and treasurer.

The Harvard Garment Company was established in 1920 by F. W. Banning. This concern manufactures dolls and doll dresses, and sells to jobbers and retailers over the United States and Canada. About 200 dozen dolls are produced weekly, and employment is given to about thirty-four people.

Algonquin

Benjamin Douglas and Colonel Hoffman built the first saw-mill in Algonquin Township in 1839, and it was located on Crystal Lake. In 1842 A. Dawson built a mill in the village of Algonquin. Another mill was also built on Cliunn Creek in 1840 by Oliunii & Toles. These men, with Mr. Northrop, erected a grist-mill on the same creek in 1862. Burgess iSc Cornish built a mill, on the Cornish farm, in 1848, which was propelled by the water from the outlet of Crystal Lake. The gristmill on the east side of the river at Algonquin was commenced by A. Dawson, and completed by Henry I'etrie. in 1849. In 1850 Doctor Plumleigh built a brick grist-mil] at Algonquin village on the lake outlet, and it carried on an excellent business way into the eighties.

The American Ironing Machine Company was founded in 1906, and they manufacture ironing machines, skirt boards, safety tapping attachments, abrasion metal cutters and clothes extractors. When running full capacity they employ about 250 men. and make about 200 ironing machines a day. They have branch offices in New York; Chicago; Pittsburgh; .Minneapolis; Omaha; Denver; San Francisco; St.. Louis; Rochester, N. Y. : Woodstock, Ontario ; and have dealers in nearly every state in the United States. The present officers are: Herman G. Groose, president; Edward C. Peter, vice president; Joseph W. Taft, secretary and treasurer; and the board of directors is composed of the following: Herman G. Groose, Edward C, Peter, Joseph W. Taft, Willis T. Peter, and W. W. Armstrong. The trade mark of this company is "Simplex."

As late as 1885 the butter and cheese industry was active at Alden, and there were four factories for the production of butter and cheese in Alden Township. The first one was built at Alden Station in 1869, and during its most flourishing period it used as much as 15,000 pounds of milk daily. The second of these factories was built in 1877, and was subsequently consolidated with the first. In 1879 F. Ferris & Company built a factory several miles beyond the town limits, and it had a daily consumption, in 1885, of 8,000 pounds of milk. When a change came in the milk industry, these factories went out of. existence, the milk now being shipped to Chicago through the several milk companies operating in the county.

Mc Henry

The first saw-mill was built in the village of McHenry in 1S37, by a Mr. Barnum, who later sold it to James Salisbury and several associates. James Salisbury was instantly killed, while beneath the mill looking after the machinery, at which time the water was accidentally turned on, and this was said to be the first death in the county of a person to whom a regular Christian burial was given. Rev. Joel Wheeler w<is the officiating clergyman.

The first grist-mill in McHenry was erected in 1851, by Owen Brothers, and they operated it until 1858. At that time E. M. Owen bought his brother's share. Changes were made until in 1885 it was a first-class, roller-process mill, with a capacity of fifty barrels daily, employment being given to twenty-five men.

In 1882 Richard Bishop established a pickle factory at McHenry. Its capacity was 30,000 bushels, and employment was given twenty persons during the season. Richard Bishop also established, and for many years operated, a wagon factory, but his plant was totally destroyed by fire July 31, 1874. His loss was $30,000, and he had no insurance. In 1878, however, this plant was rebuilt upon a much larger scale, and for many years thereafter Mr. Bishop carried on an excellent business in making wagons.

George Gribbler built a brewery at McHenry, but did not long remain the owner, and after several changes, G. Boley bought the plant for $1,400, and at once rebuilt it to a capacity of 1,200 barrels annually. He also had a malthouse in which he made his own malt. Until within recent years this business was a large and profitable one.

West Mc Henry

West McHenry, formerly known as Georgetown, had several factories in the past, and also a grist-mill, the latter having been erected in 1872 by William Hanley. For years it was operated as a custom mill, and frequently took in 500 bushels of wheat a day.

A butter and cheese factory was started in 1881 by Oatman & Sons, at a cost of $5,000, being when completed the finest plant of its kind in McHenry County. Its location, near Hanley Mills, was a convenient one for the farmers, and 12,000 pounds of milk were used a day in the making of butter and cheese.

The brick-making industry had its commencement at West McHenry in 1882 when 900,000 brick were made. The following year 1,800,000 brick were burned and sold, and employment was given to twenty-five hands.

Crystal Lake

At present the importance of the iee industry at Crystal Lake does not compare with what it was in former years, when an immense business was carried on, "Crystal Lake Ice" being then a household term with Chicago and McHenry County people. For many years Crystal Lake was the great natural source of the ire supply I'm- this portion of the state. In 1855 the Crystal Lake Ice Company was organized and its members comprised Messrs. Joy and Frisbie and several others. During that year the company stored about 8,000 tons of iee which Mr. Joy sold at Chicago. The ensuing year Joy & Frisbie became the sole proprietors ami from then on they shipped annually to Chicago about 10,000 tons of ice. until 1860, when their warehouses were destroyed by lire. These gentlemen then organized another iee company, and for six years more carried on extensive operations, and then again were burned out.

Prom 1869 to 1873 there were no iee companies operating at Crystal Lake, with the exception of one small, private concern, whose total annual output did not exceed 2,000 tons shipped to Chicago. About 1873-4 C. S. and J. II. Dole put up and filled six mammoth icehouses, each having a capacity of about 1,250 tons, or a total capacity of 7,500 tons. In addition they shipped out 3,000 tons. The next year the capacity was increased to eight icehouses with a total capacity of 19,000 tons. During the winter of 1875-6 the partners filled their icehouses and shipped 1.20(1 carloads, a total output of 24,400 tons. In 1877 they erected a number of large icehouses, and placed in operation a twentyfive horse-power steam engine for use in the various branches of the ice industry. These great icehouses were located on the south end of Crystal Lake, in a beautiful grove near the outlet, and were fenced in with a tight board fence, eight feet high. Employment was given to many men who were occupied in the winter with [Hitting up the ice, anil in the summer, with shipping it to outside points.

There came a time, however, when the question arose as to the legal title to the waters of the lake, and court proceedings were instituted. Thereafter smaller, more shallow and marshy lakes, or ponds in the vicinity of Crystal Lake, were utilized for ice-getting purposes, and the 1 roduct was sold in Chicago for a number of years, but as soon as it became generally known that the ice was not from Crystal Lake, the consumers in Chicago and elsewhere sought and easily found places from which pure ice could be obtained.

Much enthusiasm was shown in 1879-80 over the proposed manufacture of sugar from sorghum. The government commission of agriculture came to Crystal Lake from Washington City, and encouraged the enterprise. A sugar refinery was erected at Nunda, now Crystal Lake, and was owned by F. A. Waidner & Company, under the supervision of J. B. Thomas, of Baltimore, Md. The first year's results were indeed encouraging. A barrel of this sugar was sent to President Hayes, and after he had tested it, and given some of it to his friends, he wrote a very nattering letter to the company. For some unknown reason this project was discontinued.

A clover and fruit dryer was another project of the earlier history, but like the ones above mentioned, is not represented in the business life of Crystal Lake today.

In 1916 the Express Body Corporation started business at Crystal Lake. They make commercial bodies for automobiles, porch swings and pergolas, and sell in the United States and Europe. During the busy season employment is given to from fifty to sixty men. The present officers are : 0. C. George, president ; M. B. George, vice president ; and J. K. Seifert, secretary and treasurer.

Spring Grove

Large amounts of washed sand and pebbles are produced at an extensive plant at Spring Grove, on the Milwaukee Railroad. This product is used in ornamenting walks, lawns and residences in the larger cities. All foreign matter, dirt, grass, moss and roots, is washed out by a process requiring skill. The product is shipped in trainloads over a wide area.

Terra Cotta

The American Terra Cotta & Ceramic Company was founded by William D. Gates about 1885, and incorporated in 1887, and manufactures architectural Terra Cotta and Teco pottery. The product is shipped throughout the United States and Canada, the greater portion within the Middle West. The number of employes of these works is from 200 to 400, with an average of about 300. This is the largest plant of its kind in the United States. The company has another factory at

Richmond

The Nippersink Valley Creamery and Cheese Pactorj was built in 1880, at a cost of $1,800, and conducted by J. S. Overton & Sen. In 1885, its capacity having in the meanwhile been greatly enlarged, this factory was producing 15,000 pounds of butter and 60,000 pounds of cheese.

G. W. Eldridge and John McConnell established a pickle factory at Richmond in 1872, erecting their plant at a cost of $5,000. Its capacity was 25,000 bushels. This plant, or a similar one, is still in operation, and its product of many cars of salted cucumbers is shipped to large pickle factories at different points.

The Richmond Flour Mills were the outgrowth of a mill built in 1844 by Cotting & Purdy, and subsequently acquired by W. K. Bacon, who, in 1871 sold to Cole, Cooley & Company. At that time the property was valued at $15,000, having been enlarged and improved. For a number of years this was the principal industry of the village.

The Farmers New Era Telephone Company

On the evening of April 23, 1904, a small company of farmers met at the home of J. H. Turner in Hebron Township and organized a telephone company. This company was christened The Farmers New Era Telephone Company, and was incorporated under the laws of Illinois May 25, lf»04. This company had a very small beginning in everything except its name which covered quite a territory and proved to be in keeping with the later developments of its lines.

The first directors of the company were as follows: H. R. Hatch, J. J. Stewart, J. II. Turner, F. N. Torrance, C. C. Hunt. P. J. Weter, George A. Hunt, I). M. Weter, H. F. Jones. At the first annual meeting J. T. Bower, Richmond, S. C. Johnston and J. II. Turner were elected, the first two succeeding H. R. Hatch and J. J. Stewart. At the second annual meeting P. N. Torrance, C. C. Hunt, Hebron, and Charles Kruse, Richmond, were elected, the latter taking the place of P. J. Weter. At the third animal meeting George A. Hunt, H. F. Jones and Gustav Miller of Richmond were elected, D. M. Weter retiring. The fourth year J. II. MeYey of Silver Lake took the place of S. C. Johnston, J. T. Bower and J. H. Turner being reelected. The fifth year M. R. Cole of Richmond took the place of F. N. Torrance and C. C. Hunt and Charles Kruse were reelected. The sixth year George A. Hunt, F. N. Torrance and F. E. Holmes of Dundee were elected on the board, Gustav Miller aud H. F. Jones retiring. Since that time no changes were made ou the board until the annual meeting in February, 1921, when Dr. C. "W. Bailey was elected to fill the vacancy caused by the resignation of F. N. Torrance.

Since the company was incorporated George A. Hunt, now of Woodstock, has been the president and C. C. Hunt, general manager of the company. The first vice president, D. M. Weter of Hebron, served three years or until 1907 when he was succeeded by J. T. Bower of Richmond who has served continuously since that time. P. J. Weter was elected secretary of the company at the first meeting and served in that capacity two years. He was succeeded by W. I). Cornue who served four years, and he in turn was succeeded by F. N. Torrance who served as secretary and treasurer from February, 1910, to July, 1920, when lie resigned and moved with his family to Minnesota. E. H. Lines, who succeeded Mr. Torrance, entered upon his duties as secretary August 1, 1920, and is the present incumbent of the office.

The original capital stock of the company was only #5,000, distributed among forty stockholders. This capital was increased, December 20 of the same year to $15,000. May 5 of the following year it was again increased to $30,000 ; again July 10, 1906, to $50,000, and since February

7, 1904, from The Citizens Telephone Company, of the Hebron Telephone Exchange with seventeen subscribers and the farmer lines extending from Greenwood to Hebron and Bissel. A second purchase from The Citizens Company March 1, 1905, included the toll lines extending from Hebron to Alden, Harvard, Woodstock, McHenry, Richmond, Solon Mills and Spring Grove.

A temporary agreement for the interchange of business was made with The Chicago Telephone Company, August 19, 1904. A more complete agreement was concluded with the Chicago Company (now The

Illinois Bell) July 19, 1905. A similar agreemenl was made with the Wisconsin Company September 26, 1905. These agreements, in addition to nt her considerations, provided an opportunity for long distance connection between New Era subscribers and all outside points.

The initial directory of the company issued November 23, 1904, contained the names of seventy-three subscribers. In September, 1906, there were 380 subscribers. In February, 11)07. the number of subscribers had increased to 480 in the two exchanges, 200 at Richmond and 280 at Eebron, and the Qumber of stockholders had increased from forty to 129.

The territory around Wilmot, Wisconsin, was acquired during the spring of 1907, and an exchange established at that point. During the same year the company erected a brick building at Richmond at a cost - ^S.1'00. The local office was established on the second floor, the main floor bringing in a good revenue from rentals. A building lot was purchased in Hebron -Ian. l.">. 1916, on which it is proposed to some day build a home office for the company. The central office being now located in the building used for the local exchange. The number of subscribers have increased since July 7, 1904, from seventeen to 1,117. These subscribers are now being served through the exchanges at Hebron, Richmond and Wilmot.

The Farmers New Era Telephone Company has been beset by many storms and difficulties. Especially during its early history was its horizon clouded with dire forebodings and prophesies of misfortune and ultimate disaster. The clouds have blown away however after every storm leaving no sign of calamity or of reverses excepting losses of several thousands of dollars occasioned by sleet storms, and the company has continued to grow ami prosper during the seventeen years of its existence until it now owns, in addition to the lot in Hebron and the building in Richmond, 325 miles of poles, 1,500 miles of wire. 38.000 feet of cable and 1,132 telephones. Service is being furnished subscribers of the company through these telephones and over lines of the company extending from the Hebron Exchange four miles to the north, eight miles to the south, six miles to the west and eighteen miles to the east and reaching patrons of the company in and adjacent to the following towns: Alden, Hebron, Greenwood, Richmond, Ringwood, Solon Mills and Spring Grove, 111., and Basset, Camp Lake, Wilmot, Silver Lake, Twin Lakes, Trevor and Zenda, Wis.