Ogle County, Illinois - The whole text, 1878 (part 12 of 25)

The mounds on the bluff have nearly all been opened within the last two or three years by Louis A. Rowley, Esq., Mr. W. M. Snyder and Mr. John Dowlinar, assisted by Sidney Hunkins and Dr. W. S. Crawford. These gentlemen have taken much interest in these pre-historic structures, and have very carefully investigated them. In all that have been opened the excavators have found in the centre a pit that was evidently dug about two and a half feet below the original surface of the ground, about six feet long and four feet wide, in the form of a parallelogram. The bottom and sides of this pit are of hard clay. The bones found in this pit indicate a race of gigantic stature, buried in a sitting posture around the sides of the pit, with legs extending towards the centre. In some cases the position of the bones indicate that they were placed back to back in the centre with their feet extending toward the walls of the pit. Over these bones are found layers of anhydrous earth of dark color, hard from pressure, but easily crumbles into fine powder. Above this is a strata of hard-baked clay or cement, on the top of which is found a layer of ashes mingled with burnt shells and bones, indicating that after the bodies were barely covered with dry earth, a layer of the clayey cement was spread over the earth, and a fire kindled upon it perhaps in the performance of some rite - perhaps to harden the cement, or both. This done, a huge mound of earth was with infinite toil heaped above the pit thus filled and finished, and what is remarkable, the most of it was evidently brought from a distance, as it is unlike the surrounding soil, and there is no evidence of excavations in the vicinity.

It will be seen that thus hermetically sealed from air and moisture, the bones became indestructible and will be preserved until the world ends or they are exposed to the action of the elements. Removing the superincumbent earth, penetrating the shell of baked clay and carefully removing the earth beneath, Mr. Rowley and his associates invariably found several skeletons at the bottom of the pit before described, and in most cases, but not all, mingled with the bones, or lying beside them, were found various implements of stone. Axes, arrow and spear-heads made of a species of flint not found in this region ; a singular and finely finished pear-shaped implement of stone, flat, four or five inches long and sharp at the edges, probably used for skinning animals ; large pearls perforated to be strung; very finely wrought copper chisels and wedges; great numbers of the large teeth of some carnivorous animal supposed to be the bear, in some instances with a piece of a jaw attached and carved, and each pierced with holes like the pearls; ornaments made of copper mingled with silver, indicating that the metal came from the Superior region ; copper implements somewhat resembling a bodkin, about the size and length of a lead pencil, pointed at one end and chisel-shaped at the other. Lastly, and most important as indicating some civilization and knowledge of arts, a piece of pottery, about twelve inches in height, urn-shaped, round on the bottom, and ornamented. This was made of clay, but when broken the fracture shows in the centre a substance like pounded lead or silver and ground flint.

The skulls found are packed with earth. Some of them testify that the original owners were killed, as they are pierced with holes made with some blunt, sometimes sharp, instrument. Generally they have low, receding foreheads, are long from front to back, narrow across the top, and indicate a preponderance of back brain; a patient, plodding people with some little intelligence, and a brain formation unlike the modern Indian.

The mounds in the Rock River Yallej are generally hardly as large as those above described; many of them are small, hardly more than ten or twelve feet in diameter, and two feet high above the surrounding surface, sometimes are almost eifaced. The plain where now stands the City of Oregon, is one of the " terraces " alluded to by Prof. Woodman. The mounds in this locality were generally small, and several of them are still to be seen within the city limits. One of them, which was opened a year or two since by grading a street near the river bank of the terrace, was found to be a sort of rude tomb, laid up with lime stones, and covered with earth, in which a few bones were found. This was unlike any others and is evidently of more modern date.

The mounds in this county are generally built like those described above on the Mississippi bluffs, except that as a rule no pit appears to have been excavated. Dr. W. H. Chappell, of Oregon, who has opened a large number of them and investigated them very carefully and intelligently, states that the bodies were evidently placed upon the surface of the ground as it then existed. After they were covered with earth the mound was covered with a coating of clay or some similar substance, which appears to have been burnt or baked after it was spread. Over this the mound of earth was heaped. In opening these mounds, says Dr. Chappell, "we almost invariably strike this layer of cement before reaching the original bottom, but in "many of them, no bones are found. While the bones, when any are found, are unquestionably upon the original surface of the ground, they are from twelve to eighteen inches below the present surface, and the mounds themselves appear to have been covered to about the same depth since they were originally built. I have, when opening them frequently found marine shells, often remains of leaves and twigs at a depth of twelve to fifteen inches from the top surface." These facts indicate that since the mounds were built this whole region has been submerged beneath the waters of an ocean.

About two miles southeast of Oregon, on the high bluffs on the east side of Eock Eiver, a short distance below the railroad bridge " Chimney Rock," there is a group of these mounds arranged in the form of a semicircle, the ends of the crescent resting on the verge of the bluff nearest the river, where the two largest ones were placed. They are all small, however, and were nearly all of them opened many years ago, when, it is said, many implements and utensils of copper were found. These mounds are circular in form, except one that is perhaps fifty feet long and ten feet wide. This one has been opened in one place, but probably many relics might still be unearthed in it. The lower and largest mound is also somewhat unlike the rest, being oval in form. It is said that when this region was first settled this mound was excavated and walled and covered with trunks of trees, which had evidently been placed there many years before, and which have decayed and fallen in since. But this was not the work of the mound builders. The mound they built had unquestionably been excavated by the Indians and fitted up either as a Winter dwelling place or as a sort of fortress. On one of these mounds in this locality is a large white oak tree that can not be less than 150 years old.

It must be admitted that whatever their uses - whether as dwellings or burial places - these silent monuments were built, and the race who built them had vanished from the face of the earth ages before the Indians occupied the land, but their date must probably forever baffle human skill and ingenuity to discover. There seems but little doubt that they are as old as the Pyramids, and indicate that before the days of " Cheops and Cephreres," the American Continent, at least this portion of it, was densely populated by a people perhaps more civilized than these pre-historic relics can now testify, swept from existence, it may be, by some mighty convulsion of nature that submerged their country beneath the waters of an ocean, or driven from their homes by the slow encroachment of the waters upon a sinking continent. At best, however, the origin of these mounds can be but a matter of speculation. Only the " Ancient of Days " can unravel the mystery.

The Yalley of Eock Eiver furnishes a field of surpassing interest to the geologist and student of natural history, for here are to be seen indubitable proofs of the repeated submergence and upheaval of all this region. Tlie limestone formations are full of fossil shells, many of them of extinct species; petrified coral is often found on the pebbly shore of this beautiful river; remains of the Mastodon Giganteum and other strange animals that

In the Spring of 1858, just after an unusually high freshet, Mr. Phineas Chaney found one of the teeth of a very large Mastodon lying on the bank of a litte creek, a branch of Stillman's Creek, in the Township of Marion, where it had been washed and left by the subsiding waters. This tooth, which is in a perfect state of preservation, was from the under jaw of the animal, and is now in the cabinet of Dr. Chappell, at Oregon. It weighs about 7^ pounds, and measures six inches across; eight inches lengthwise of the jaw, and is seven inches deep from the beautifully enameled points to the ends of the roots, that were once embedded in the massive jaw of the stupendous monster, which must have weighed many thousand pounds, and able to crush, like pipe-stems, the trunks of the largest trees now found in this locality. Doubtless the entire skeleton lies embedded in the ravine farther up.

On the east side of Rock River, about half a mile from it, and about one and one half miles above the bridge at Oregon is an old quarry, where the stone for building the dam was obtained. It is now called the " fossil quarry " from the immense deposits of fossil shells contained in some of the strata, and it is a locality of absorbing interest to the geologist. Here are to be seen the footprints of the Creator - made millions of years ago it maybe - with unmistakable and startling distinctness. Here are to be found the evidences'of the stupendous changes to which this Jittle wonderful globe we inhabit has been subjected, evidences, too, that never lie. Imbedded in the rock, and composing a large part of it, are myriads of shells of many curious and now unknown varieties intermingled with coral and the debris of an ancient ocean. One of the authors of this volume visited this intensely interesting locality with Dr. W. H. Chappell, of Oregon, on the 24:th day of March, 1878. Portions of the different strata had been laid bare by the labors of the workmen, and here we found some very fine specimens of fossil shells. At one point a ^bluish white limestone or marble is exposed, evidently largely composed of marine shells. A few years ago the attempt was made to burn lime from this rock, but it failed, but it is probable that, as marble, it might become valuable. If it is susceptible of being polished it would be very beautiful for mantels and marble ornaments. During this visit Dr. Chappell discovered one of the finest specimens of the Orthocera ever found. It was probably at least twenty inches in length, but it was broken in several pieces in removing it from the bed where it had laid for so many thousand years. But it was entirely crystallized, and hollow; the cavity in the centre was lined with beautiful crystals of carbinate of lime, and one piece about six inches long shows the entire formation, the shape and form of this wonderful animal, or fish, or whatever it may have been, with the cavity through it filled with and the very substance of the creature changed to crystalline limestone, a substance bearing close 'resemblance to quartz. One of the pieces when broken discovered a small shell that had evidently been swallowed by the animal while it was living. These valuable and beautiful specimens may be seen at Dr. Chappell's office in Oregon, and they constitute a very interesting addition to his already valuable cabinet. He is an enthusiast in this department of natural science, and omits no opportunity for close and critical investigation.

With the evidences here presented the careful observer must be convinced not only that this region has at some former period in the world's history been at the bottom of an ocean, but that it has been repeatedly submerged and uplifted. At this point the different strata, some of them very thin, indicate comparatively brief periods of submergence and exposure, and the mysterious forces of nature are yet in operation.

County, Officers

*Ogle County was in the the Ninth Judicial Circuit from Feb. 23, 1839, to Nov. 5, 1849 ; in the Sixth Circuit from Nov. 5, 1849, to Feb. 5, 1857 ; in the Twenty-second Circuit from Feb. 5, 1857, to March 28, 1873 ; in the Third Circuit from March 28, 1873, to July 1, 1877; and in the Thirteenth Circuit since the last named date. Previous to July 1, 1877, one judge presided in each judicial circuit, but since the present re-apportionment, provision has been made for three judges in each circuit. William W. Heaton, William Brown and Joseph M. Bailey were the first judges of the present circuit.

f Previous to February 12, 1849, a county recorder was elected in each county. James V. Gale, Dec. 24, 1836, was elected recorder, which office he held eleven years, and was succeeded by John M. Hinkle, who held the office at the time^it was consolidated with the circuit clerkship.

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Educational

The first schools taught in Ogle County were private or subscription schools. Their accommodations, as may readily be supposed, were not good. Sometimes they were taught in small log houses, erected for the purpose. Stoves and such heating apparatus as are in use now were unknown. A mud and stick chimney in one end of the building, with earthen hearth, with a fire-place wide enough and deep enough to take in a four-foot back log, and smaller wood to match, served for warming purposes in Winter, and a kind of conservatory in Summer. For windows, part of a log was cut out in either side, and may be a few panes of eight-by-ten glass set in, or, just as likely as not, the aperture would be covered over with greased paper. Writing benches were made of wide planks or, may be, puncheons, resting on pins or arms driven into two-inch augur-holes, bored into the loi»8 beneath the windows. Seats were made out of thick planks or puncheons. Flooring was made of the same kind of stufi". Every thing was rude and plain, but many of America's great men have gone out from just such school-houses to grapple with the world and make names for themselves, and names that come to be an honor to their country. Among these might be named Abraham Lincoln, America's martyred President, and one of the noblest men ever known to the world's history. In other cases, private rooms and parts of private houses were utilized as school-houses, but the furniture was just as plain.

But all these things are changed now. A log school-house in Illinois is a rarity. Their places are filled with handsome frame or brick structures. The rude furniture has also given way, and the old school books - the '' Popular Reader," the " English Keader " (the best school reader ever known in American schools), and " Webster's Elementary Spelling Book " - are superseded by others of greater pretentions. The old spelling classes and spelling matches have followed the old school-houses, until they are remembered only in name. Of her school system Illinois can justly boast. It is a pride and a credit to the adopted home of the great men this great state has sent out as rulers and representative men - men like Lincoln, Douglas, Grant, Shields, Lovejoy, Yates, Washburne, Drummond, and hundreds of others whose names are as familiar abroad as they are in the histories of the counties and neighborhoods where once they lived. While the state has extended such fostering care to the interests of education, the several counties have been no less zealous and watchful in the management of this vital interest. And Ogle County forms no exception to the rule. The schoolhouses and their furnishings are in full keeping with the spirit of the law that provides for their maintenance and support. The teachers rank high among the other thousands of teachers in the state, and the several county superintendents, since the office of superintendent was made a part of the school system, have been chosen with especial reference to their fitness for the position.

For several years it has been the policy of the superintendents of Ogle County, to raise the standard of requirements for certificates, even above those required by law. When the law was changed so that the natural sciences and physiology were no longer required in second grade certificates, Ogle County still asked her teachers to do the work.

In the first grade work, twelve branches are required, and many of the questions are said to be as hard to pass as those used for state certificates.

The graduates of the high schools are required, in addition to the prescribed course of study, to show the county superintendent's first grade certificate before graduation.

Notwithstanding the high standard of requirement necessary to secure a certificate, teachers are always found in abundance. This is owing to the fact that Ogle County, for the last six years, has held an annual drill', lasting at least four weeks. From two to three hundred teachers attend these drills, and receive instructions from the best educators of the State.

Ogle County has always believed in the policy of paying her educational workers liberally and well. The Board of Supervisors pay the Superintendent a fair salary and the school principals in her larger towms are paid from $1,000 to $1,600 a year.

Of their educators and their schools, the people have just reason to be proud. Such scholars, teachers and superintendents as E. L. Wells, P. R, Walker, J. H. Freeman, M. C. Dougherty, John T. Ray, and others that might be named, all of whom maintain an enviable reputation, are not only an honor to the county, but to the state at large, and to their labors and fostering care is mainh'^ attributable the proud position of the schools in 1878 - a position not only claimed by the people of the county, but which has been awarded to them by the representative men of the nation.

In the educational department of the Centennial Exhibition the Ogle County schools bore a conspicuous part. When the State Teacher's Association met at Rock Island, December 28 and 29, 1875, and decided to be represented at America's Great Centennial Exhibition in 1876, the teachers present from Ogle County called a meeting and organized by calling P. R. Walker, of Rochelle, to the chair; Miss J. F. Hathaway was chosen secretary and Mr. J. H. Smith was elected treasurer. During the month of February, 1876, about $200 was raised to defray the expenses of Ogle County's share of the exhibit - a larger amount than was assessed.

tfnder the efficient management of Superintendent E. L. Wells, assisted by the principal of the graded school, 24 volumes of examination work, averaging over 250 pages each, were prepared. Most of this work was done by the graded schools of Rochelle, Polo, Oregon, Forreston, Mt. Morris and Byron. In addition, three volumes were sent from the district schools of the county. Two from Rock River Seminary, and two containing teacher's examination work from the superintendent's office.

The exhibit compared well in quality and quantity with exhibits of the large city schools of the state, and far exceeded that of any county exhibit. As a result, the bronze medal and a diploma were awarded to Ogle County alone, over all other counties in the state. This work has since been returned and is now distributed in the several school libraries of the county. The bronze medal and diploma are (or ought to be) in the office of the county superintendent.

The medal bears this inscription: "Awarded to the Superintendent, teachers and Pupils of Ogle County for excellence of Teachers and Pupils' work."

John T. Ray, the present Superintendent of County Schools, was born, raised and educated (except while at college) in the county. He has grown up with the school interests, and has either been a pupil, teacher or principal in the schools all his life. He graduated from the Northwestern University at Evanston, with the class of 1875, receiving the degree of Bachelor of Philosophy. He is probably the youngest superintendent of county schools ever elected in the State of Illinois. He is a son of Hugh Kay (or Rea), one of the earliest settlers of the county, and one of six children of that old pioneer, four of whom, besides John T. - Ephraim, W. E., Kate E. and Jennie E. - are either engaged in teaching or preparing for educational work.

John T. Ray, Ph. B., was elected to the office of County Superintendent in November, 1875, and assumed the duties of the position December 3, following. The following extracts, showing the condition of the schools, school fund, etc., are taken from the superintendent's last report :

Grand total number days' attendance, 830,526; being equal in school time (z. e. nine months of four weeks each, and five days to a week) to 4,611 years and 5 months.

Rock River Seminary, Mount Morris

In 1838, Mr. A. Quinby Allen came from Maryland, with the Maryland colonists, having been engaged by 'Squire Samuel M. Hitt and Nathaniel Swingley to accompany them, as a school teacher, to their new settlement in the far West. He opened the first school in the vicinity of the present town of Mount Morris, in a log school house located in the grove about eighty rods, a little south of west of the present residence of Prof. D. J. Pinckney. His pupils, the children of the first settlers, numbered twenty-six. A more extended sketch of this school will be found in the history of Mount Morris. The settlement made here was generally known as the *' Maryland Colony," sometimes called the " Pine Creek Settlement." The colonists were determined to make ample provisions for educating their children. In September of the same year (1838), Rev. Thomas S. Hitt and his family removed to the Pine Creek Settlement, from Ohio ; and soon afterward, after consultation, it was deemed advisable that he should attend the Illinois Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church, then in session at Jacksonville, for the purpose of inducing that body to take the *' Pine Creek Grammar School" under its special charge, with a view to the development of an institution of learning of higher character in this locality.

Mr. Hitt laid the matter before the Conference, of which Rev. John Clark was Presiding Elder, and urged that body to become directly interested in the little school then just established by the Maryland colonists.

The Conference, however, while deeply interested in the cause of education, was inclined to consider such action of doubtful propriety ; but, after mature deliberation, appointed a committee to select a suitable location in Northern Illinois for a seminary. That committee was composed of Rev. John Clark, Rev. Leander S. Walker, Rev. Thomas S. Hitt, Rev. P. R. Borien and

- the seminary, and willing to contribute to .its foundation and support. Propositions were received from Joliet, Chicago, Roscoe, Kishwaukee and the Maryland Colony. Roscoe and Kishwaukee, then prosperous cities, now nearly forgotten, were, with the Maryland Colony, the principal competitors.

When Mr. Hitt returned with this proposition, a few large-hearted, farseeing and public spirited settlers living in the vicinity - Hon. Samuel M. Hitt, Hon. John Wallace, Rev. Thomas S. Hitt, Capt. Nathaniel Swingley, Mr. Martin Reynolds, C. B. Artz, Esq. ; David Warden, and two or three others - determined to secure the location for "Maryland Colony." Numerous consultations were held, a general line of action agreed upon, and each pledged a liberal contribution - so liberal that when the fact that they had hardly had time since their arrival to secure comfortable dwellings for their families, their enthusiasm appears indeed astonishing. Eight thousand dollars and 480 acres of land were pledged, a heavy burden to be boldly assumed on behalf of the rising and future generations by a little handful of men in a new country, where money was scarce and laborers few.

In the Spring of 1839, the committee visited all the locations from which propositions had been received, closing their tour with the Maryland Colony, where they arrived about the 1st of May. May 3d, 1839, the members visited Mr. Allen's school and after witnessing the exercises, requested the school to retire that they might have the room for consultation. It is needless to add that the teacher and pupils did not go far, but gathered in groups around the building where they could hear the discussions within. Several of the citizens, in their anxiety for the result, also lingered near. The discussions were animated. Some of the members favored Kishwaukee, others Roscoe, and the session was protracted far into the night. But at last the Chairman threw his influence in favor of the '' Maryland Colony," and this settled the question. The anxious listeners outside gave vent to their feelings by throwing up their hats and making the " welkin ring " with their joyous hurrahs.

The next day. May 4, 1839, the committee proceeded to select a site for the future seminary, which was destined to exercise such an important influence in Northern Illinois, and "drove the stake " on the summit into which the grandly rolling prairie crested, where the committee had a commanding view of a large extent of country of almost marvelous beauty, dotted on every side with near approaching groves, where the "old seminary building " now stands.

No time was lost. The energetic founders of the Institute held a meeting at once, and selected a building committee consisting of Messrs. S. M. Hitt, N. Swingley and C. B. Artz. This committee received plans and proposals from James B. McCoy and Mr. Elias Etnyre. That of Mr. McCoy was accepted, and the contract was awarded to him for $18,000.

Work was commenced at once and pushed with such energy, that arrangement was made to lay the corner stone on the 4th day of July following, with appropriate ceremonies. Efforts were made to secure an address from some distinguished speaker from abroad, and invitations were extended to Rev. John Clark, who had rendered the building committee eflBcient aid ; to Rev. P. R. Borien, of Chicago, and to Judge Thomas Ford, but unfortunately neither of them could be' present.

On the day appointed, the basement walls were partly laid, and at the southwest angle the walls had been raised sufficiently high to support the corner stone. The people collected from far and near, for it was an occasion of intense interest to them. It was estimated that there were over five hundred people present, which was an immense throng for such a thinly populated - almost unsettled - country. For to the pupils of that little pioneer "grammar" school it was a glorious gala day, and "dress parade" is no adequate appellation to designate their appearance, marshaled in double file, in front of that old log school house, with their teacher at their head and provided with a banner, bearing upon one side the words " United we Stand, Divided we Fall," and upon the other, " Science and Virtue," the wild delight of their young hearts leaping forth from their sparkling eyes, and speaking through their very feet that kept willing time to the music of the hour, as they marched with proud and elastic step to the beautiful spot where the corner stone of a magnificent temple of instruction for their benefit was to be laid.

In the receptacle prepared for the purpose were deposited copies of all the Methodist papers and periodicals of the day, a sample of the silver coin of the United States, a full history of the enterprise to that date, with the names of the building committee, enclosed in a glass bottle and hermetically sealed, etc.

In testimony that more than Methodists were heartily engaged in this noble work, the interesting fact is noted that when these memorial articles were being deposited, a Baptist lady, Mrs. Dixon (wife of John Dixon the old pioneer of this portion of our great commonwealth, who recently died, as full of honors as of years), stepped forward and asked permission to deposit with the other papers a copy of a Baptist publication, which was cordially granted.

The half dozen families then residing within a radius of five or six miles had spread tables on the grounds east of the building, bountifully supplied, and here, at the close of the services, they fed the multitude.

The following copy of a letter, written by Rev. Mr. Borien to Rev. T. S. Hitt, soon after this occasion, indicates the interest that was felt in this, for that day, great undertaking. For his efforts and labor in its j^ehalf he had received a donation of eighty acres of land, to which he refers :

Chicago, July 9, 1839. Bro. H. : I know you were all disappointed on the " Fourth." Clark, I presume, was not there to address the people, and your letter requesting me to prepare and speak on that occasion, did not come to hand until the evening of the 3d of July, and I was then preparing to speak the next day in our city. You have no idea how I regret the way matters have turned out. I had engaged my services for the " Fourth" long before, even before I heard of your intention of laying the foundation on the " Fourth." I would have given much to have been present ; first, because I never witnessed the like ; second, because I want to watch closely the progress of the *' Institution," through every stage of its being, until it takes its stand among the first institutions of the country. 1 hope, however, that the day passed oflF in a manner better than was expected. I thank^you and your two brothers, Capt. Swingley, and all concerned, ten thousand times for my land. * * * You must pardon this scrip, for I am sick with a cold.

During the Summer and Fall of 1839, a portion of the prairie around the building in process of erection was surveyed and platted by D. Fletcher Hill, and the embryo town was named Mt. Morris. The Bock River Register^ in 1842, stated that the town was named in honor of Bishop Robert Morris, and this is the prevailing impression among the present survivors of that day. Professor Pinckney states, on the authority of Horace Miller, Esq., of Kishwaukee, that he. Miller, gave this town its name in honor of Mount Morris, Genesee County, New York, his former residence. Mr. Miller was a prominent and influential member of the Methodist Church at Kishwaukee, who had been active in his efforts to secure the location of the Seminary at that point. He had failed, but he was still deeply interested in the enterprise ; was one of the first trustees of the institution, and, under the circumstances, it is very natural to suppose that he might have been permitted the honor of naming the town where it was located. It seems probable that both may be correct. Judge Miller, having suggested the name of his old town, the Methodist Elders at once adopted it, because it was in honor of Bishop Morris as well.

The first ineeting of the Board of Trustees of which record now exists occurred November 18, 1839. Present, Rev. John Clark, Rev. B. Weed, Rev. Thomas S. Hitt, John Wallace, Horace Miller, C. B. Artz, Dr. J. J. Beatty, Capt. N. Swingley and S. M. Bowman. Rev. John Clark was elected President, Rev. B. Weed, Vice President, Samuel M. Hitt, Treasurer, and S. M. Bowman, Secretary.

At this meeting, Rev. Thomas S. Hitt, who had been appointed agent of the institution, and who was its agent for a long time afterward, and to whom was largely entrusted the management of its affairs, reported the amount of contributions that had been pledged, and was authorized to raise money upon the sale of scholarships - for one year, $25 ; for two years, $50 ; for four years, $100 ; perpetual, $500. In conjunction with the Building Committee, he was authorized to negotiate a loan of $4,000, and clothed with power to call future meetings of the Trustees. In an historical sketch of this institution, written a few years ago by Robert R. Hitt, Esq., it is remarked, "The facility with which this institution glided into debt was a marked characteristic in its history." It simply followed the universal custom of running in debt which has been a great drawback upon the prosperity of the American people and American institutions.

At this November meeting, it was resolved to apply to the next Legislature for an act of incorporation, and a committee, consisting of Rev. John Clark, Hon. Thomas Ford and C. B. Artz, was appointed to draft a charter to be submitted to the General Assembly of Illinois.

Another committee, consisting of Revs. John Clark, B. Weed, Thomas S. Hitt, James J. Beatty and Horace Miller, was appointed to employ a Principal and teachers.

A special meeting of the Board of Trustees was held in Oregon City, January 27, 1840, at which John Clark, Thomas S. Hitt, C. B. Artz, N. Swingley, M. Reynolds, John Wallace, Thomas Ford and Horace Miller were present. At this meeting, the following resolution was adopted :

Resolved, That a circular be drafted and addressed to the several Presiding Elders of the Methodist Episcopal Church in the northern part of Illinois, and the Territories of Wisconsin and Iowa, setting forth the present condition and ultimate design of the Rock River Seminary, and earnestly requesting them to use their influence with the several traveling and local preachers and others in their respective districts to take up, as soon as practicable, collections in small sums from all individuals who may be willing to contribute to the erection of said Seminary.

The Agent reported that he had " obtained a loan of John Sanburn of four hundred dollars, to be returned 1st April, A. D. 1840, in Land OflSce money " - gold.

At the regular quarterly meeting of the Board, April 20, 1840, at Mt. Morris, the Agent was authorized to endorse the notes of J. B. McCoy (contractor), for $2,500, payable September 1, 1840, this amount to be a part of the loan of $4,000, and the Board were to responsible for the endorsement. He subsequently reported that he had endorsed only $60 of Mr. McCoy's paper. In anticipation of the opening of the school, it was ordered that the price of board for students under 15 years of age should be $1.50 per week ; over that age, $1.75. The prices of tuition were also established, and it was agreed that John Wallace should act as Steward of the Seminary.

The efforts to raise money were energetically continued through the Winter of 1839-40, with considerable success, and the originators of this bold scheme to establish a seminary in the wilderness began to feel confident of success.

At an adjourned meeting of the Board, May 30, 1840, the committee reported the engagement of Prof Joseph N. Waggoner, of the Genesee (N. Y.) Wesleyan Seminary, and an arrangement was made with him to allow him $30 for his traveling expenses to this county, and $20 per month for his services as teacher, for three months, from June 1st.

A survey of the seminary ground was ordered, and Rev. John Clark, S. M. Hitt, N. Swingley, G. D. H. Wilcoxon,. John Wallace, M. Reynolds and S. M. Bowman were appointed an " attending committee," to instruct the surveyor.

At this meeting, Rev. Alexander Irvine, an earnest and active Methodist preacher; was appointed to visit Chicago, to solicit donations. At a subsequent meeting, Mr. Irvine reported that he had obtained subscriptions amounting to $186.75, including a stove from Mr. J. K. Botsford, of Chicago; whereupon the Board voted that Mr. Irvine should have the stove and his stage fare, $35, as compensation for his services and expenses. Traveling by stage was expensive in those days.

The seminary building was not ready for occupation on the 1st of June, and Mr. Waggoner taught school during the Summer in the log school house, near Prof Pinckney's present residence, where Mr. Allen had first wielded the birch.

Mr. S. M. Bowman, Secretary of the Board, then a merchant at Dixon, since of San Francisco and New York, was appointed to write the history of the Seminary, for publication. Mr. Bowman was subsequently the author of a volume of European travels, but his history of the Seminary was never presented to the public.

The annual session of the Rockford Conference was appointed at Mount Morris, in the Fall of 1840. It was expected that the Seminary building would be so far completed that the meeting could be accommodated beneath its roof But in this the people were disappointed ; the plastering was not done, and they held a camp meeting in the grove, about two miles northwest of the unfinished edifice.

At the session of the Rock River Conference, at Mount Morris, September 2, 1840, the following Board of Trustees for Rock River Seminary was appointed, viz. : John Clark, Samuel M. Hitt, John H. Rountree, J. B. Crist, Anthony Pitzer, Nathaniel Swingley, Leander S. Walker, James Mitchell, John Sinclair, C. Burr Artz, Thomas Ford, Bartholomew Weed, Thomas S. Hitt and James J. Beatty, and on the evening of the same day the new Board organized by the choice of John Clark, President, and Thomas S. Hitt, Secretary.

October 2, 1840, Rev. John Sharp was appointed Steward ; T. S. Hitt, John Wallace, Anthony Pitzer and John Sharp were appointed Executive Committee. Thomas S. Hitt was appointed to make a final settlement with Mr. McCoy. Mr. Waggoner's wages were continued as first agreed upon until the commencement of the first term, when his salary was to be fixed at $300 a year.

October 28, 1840, the Board resolved, " with the permission of J. B. McCoy, to take possession of the Seminary edifice as tenants during one session, to close in April next."

The first term of the Rock River Seminary commenced on the first Friday in November, 1840, and continued twenty-two weeks, with a goodly number of students when the fact is remembered that the country was very sparsely settled. The first Board of Visitors consisted of Rev. John Clark, of Mount Morris ; Rev. John T. Mitchell and Rev. Hooper Crews, of Chicago ; Rev. S. H. Stocking, of Rockford, and Rev. B. Weed, of Plattville, W. T. Board of Instruction - Prof. Joseph N. Waggoner, Principal and Professor of Languages ; Rev.

The second term commenced the first Friday in May, 1841, with the same Board of Instruction and a primary department in charge of Mrs. Fanny Russell. This was the town school, under the charge of the Seminary, and of course increased the number of students. The primary department was discontinued in 1843.

Resolved, That lots be donated to applicants applying until the 1st of June next, who shall build a house of stone, brick or frame not less that 16 by 24 feet, IJ stories, high, to be fit for occupancy by the 1st of January, 1842, or sooner.

Resolved, That all lots in the town of Mount Morris be deeded with the proviso that houses of ill fame, gambling and retailing of ardent spirits be prohibited.

January 3, 1841, the Seminary was formally dedicated, the address on the interesting occasion being delivered by Samuel N. Samples, Esq., a lawyer, of Oregon.

Whereas, D. F. Hitt, Esq., proposed to the agent to do all the necessary work in surveying on the Seminary lands, such as laying off the town of Mount Morris, the Botanical Gardens* and the grave yard, and give a level, compass, chain and necessary fixtures for fitting out an engineering and surveying department in the institute, in consideration of a certificate of perpetual scholarship The above proposition laid before the Trustees was accepted, the instruments received, the certificate given and a part of the work accomplished.

By act of the General Assembly of Illinois, approved February 18, 1841, the Rock River Seminary was incorporated. The corporators named in the act were John Clark, Leander S. Walker, Thomas S. Hitt, Jacob B. Crist, C. Burr Artz, Samuel M. Hitt, John Wallace, Nathaniel Swingley, Anthony Pitzer and James J. Beatty. The number of Trustees was not to exceed twelve, exclusive of the Principal, or presiding officer of the Seminary, who was made, ex officio^ a member of the Board.

At a special meeting of the corporation, April 29, 1841, the charter was unanimously accepted ; and on the 6th of May, J. Clark was elected Chairman ; T. S. Hitt, Secretary, and A. Pitzer, Treasurer.

Ladies

Mr. Catlin, who remained in the institution several years, was a good teacher. Miss Cornelia N. Russell was an accomplished teacher, and a lady whose sweetness of character and skill as a teacher will never be forgotten by the hundreds of students who attended during her term of service. Professor Waggoner proved himself to be an able and faithful instructor. He is now, and has been for many years, a prosperous bookseller at Galena. The following extract from a historical sketch, contained in the catalogue of the Institution for 1874, will not be out of place in this connection :

The country was then very sparsely settled - a wide region of far-sweeping prairies, with winding strips of woodland following the course of the streams - the few people scattered here and there were mostly persons with narrow means, working diligently to open farms, living in small, inconvenient, temporary houses, with the pressure of necessity - clothing, food, the improvement of the land, their stock and crops - to divert their attention from the future value of education to their sons and daughters. They generally possessed more individual energy and force of character than is found in the average citizen nowadays, and responded readily to the appeals of the agents of the Seminary and the enthusiastic Methodist circuit riders, who entered upon this cause as heartily as they do upon every other good thing. The students who came were, many of them, crude and awkward beginners ; a few were advanced by previous advantages in the East, but they were generally of good families, and their education in the school was preceded and supplemented by home and social education, rendering it ten-fold more valuable. They grew up with the spirit of the period upon them, the energy characteristic of a new country, and, as a result, there is a surprising proportion of those whose names occur as students in the catalogues of those days who have risen to distinction as clergymen, lawyers, merchants, politicians, editors, influential and substantial citizens, or accomplished, useful and honored women. Among those who appeared in the first catalogues were Dr, Augustus H, Ankeny, now a leading and wealthy citizen of Clinton, Iowa; T, C, Ankeny, Esq,, of Viroqua, editor of the Wisconsin Independent; Rev. Jno. Emery Clark, a well known Methodist educator; John B, Cheney, Esq., afterward a brilliant lawyer; Albert Deere, the manufacturer of the Deere plow, at Moline; Prof. S, M, Fellows, long a teacher here, a man of great worth and thorough scholarship ; Richard N, Hamilton, Esq., of Chicago ; James C, T, Phelps, Esq., William J. Mix, Esq., of Oregon ; Rev, Wm, R, Irvine, Hon, James D, Turner, Gen, W, H, L, Wallace, afterward a prominent lawyer, a soldier of distinction in the Mexican war, and in the late war rising to the rank of a General officer, fell gallantly fighting at Shiloh ; Gen. M, R. M, Wallace, brother of the preceding, now at Chicago and Judge of the Cook County Court ; Capt, John F. Wallace, another brother, who served in the army and died at Galveston, Texas, Among the ladies, Margaret C. Hitt, now wife of Hon. D. J. Pinckney ; Helen M. Judson, now wife of Gov. Jno. L. Beveridge ; Elizabeth Reynolds, now wife of Hon. L. P. Sanger. Scores of others, equally well known and honored, might be mentioned from the 156 names in the first catalogue.

In addition to the above, may be mentioned the name of the author of the above sketch, Hon. Robert R. Hitt, now (1878) Secretary of Legation at Paris, France ; John W. Hitt, Esq., the present faithful Supervisor of the town of Mount Morris; Robert S. Hitt, Esq., of Chicago ; Dr. Benjamin G. Stephens, of Mount Morris ; Almira M. Robertson (now Mrs. A. M. Bacon, of Oregon) ; Ann E. Swingley (now Mrs. J. C. T. Phelps, of Oregon) ; John Hitt, Esq., - now and for several years past Deputy Collector of Customs at Chicago ; 'James Martin, afterward a professor in the institution and now Principal of a seminary near Sacramento, Cal.

March 16, 1841, L. S. Walker, J. Sharp, John Wallace and Thomas S. Hitt were appointed a committee to manage " the Teaching Department for the present term."

April 8, 1842, Rev. Daniel J. Pinckney, A. B., was elected Principal of the Seminary. He was, when elected, a professor in the Genesee Wesleyan Seminary (N. Y.) Prof. Pinckney arrived at Chicago on the 5th of August, 1842, where the Rock River Conference was in session, and at Mount Morris the Saturday night following. The next day. Sabbath, he addressed the people. Upon his arrival, he found the institution heavily burdened with debt (over $16,000), the building unfinished, and only sixteen students in attendance. From that time until the commencement of the Fall and Winter term in November, he traveled extensively and lectured in the principal towns of Southern Illinois and Wisconsin in the interest of the institution and for securing students. The Fall term opened with one hundred and fifty students, and from that time onward it was successful in its literary and scientific departments, but, for reasons already shown, was much embarrassed financially ; there seems to have been no lack of students, the great difficulty being the want of sufficient accommodations for those who desired to attend. During his administration, a large number of young men received their education at this institution, remaining several years after they entered, until they graduated. Of these, many subsequently occupied and some of them still occupy prominent positions in State and nation ; among whom were Gen. John A. Rawlins, Secretary of War under President Grant; Gov. John L. Beveridge; Gov. Shelby M. Cullom ; Hon. G. L. Fort, now Member of Congress : Hon. James L. Beveridge, ex-Governor of State ; Hon. Henry L. Magoon, Member of Congress for the Darlington District, Wis. ; Rev. Dr. Fowler, now Editor of the Christian Advocate and Journal^ New York ; Daniel H. Wheeler, afterward professor at Cornell College and in the Northwestern University at Evanston, now Editor of the Methodist^ New York ; Hon. Moses Hallett, now United States Judge in Colorado ; John V. Farwell, Esq., now a prominent merchant in Chicago, and many others who since attained distinction in the ministry, as educators, and in other walks of life.

In March, 1845, in consequence of ill health. Prof. Pinckney left the institution, temporarily, in charge of Prof. S. R. Thorpe, his able and efficient assistant, for the remainder of the term. At the end of that term. Prof. Pinckney and P. Judson, Secretary of the Board, were appointed to secure the services of Dr. J. C. Finley, formerly of McKendree College, who became Principal and remained in charge about a year, when Prof. Pinckney again resumed his position.

In 1847, Prof. Pinckney was elected a member of the Constitutional Convention, and, during his absence, left Prof. Fellows in charge of the Seminary.

August 21, 1847, Rev. Carmi C. Olds was elected Principal of the Seminary, who continued until March 6, 1850, when he tendered his resignation, and Prof. S. M. Fellows was elected Acting Principal for the then present term. May 7, 1850, Prof. Pinckney, J. J. Beatty and E. Wood were appointed a committee to make arrangements in regard to the formation of a new faculty.

June 26, 1850, Prof. D. J. Pinckney was again elected Principal ; but as he could not take full charge of the Seminary until the commencement of the Winter term of 1850-1, on the 29th of July, Prof. S. M. Fellows was appointed Acting Principal for the Fall term of 1850.

The old Seminary building was no longer large enough to accommodate the large number of students who flocked to this institution, which had become the leading literary institution of Northern Illinois, and it was necessary to enlarge it or erect a new one. At a meeting of the Board of Trustees, September % 1850, action was taken, and the following resolution adopted :

Resolved, That we advertise in the Mount Morris Gazette to receive proposals for stone and brick work, and other materials, for the walls of a new Seminary building, forty by one hundred and twenty feet, four stories high, until the 1st of October, 1850.

At the meeting of the Trustees, Nov. 11, 1850, resolutions of respect and sympathy were adopted on the death of John Wallace, who had been connected with the Seminary from its first organization. At the same session, Daniel J. Pinckney, F. B. Brayton and Enoch Wood were appointed a Building Committee, who were instructed to make a plan and advertise for the erection of the new building. This new building was located, by vote of the Trustees, December 23, 1850, "thirty-six feet south" of the old structure.

May 12, 1851, the Executive Committee were authorized to close a contract with Jacob Myers for the erection of the walls of the new Seminary building, and work was commenced soon afterward.

June 7, 1851, the scholarship system was adopted for the purpose of endowing the Rock River Seminary. The scholarships were to be made perpetual, and sold for $60. Messrs. Pinckney, Crews and Wood were appointed a committee to draft a plan for issuing them, and make the necessary preparations for doing so.

March 1, 1852, it was ordered that the " Botanical Garden, containing thirteen and a half acres, be surveyed, divided into forty-eight lots, and recorded as an addition to the town of " Mount Morris."

December 30, 1852, the Trustees resolved to apply to the Legislature for an act of incorporation as an University ; appointed Messrs. Pinckney, Fellows and Little to draft a charter, and requested Mr. Pinckney to go to Springfield in the interest of the movement, which he did, and secured the passage of an amendment conferring University privileges upon the institution.

In January, 1853, Mr. Pinckney resigned as Principal, and Prof. George L. Little was elected. He was succeeded by Prof. Spencer S. Matteson, at the commencement of the Fall term, who died in November, 1853 ; and Prof. Pinckney again assumed active control of the school.

The records of the Board of Trustees thus far do not indicate the progress of the new building, but it had been progressing, for on the 28th of June, 1854, it was estimated that $6,000 would be sufficient to complete it, and the following resolution was unanimously adopted :

Resolved, That we raise twelve thousand dollars on well secured pledges, to be appropriated to the payment of the debts of the R. R. Seminary, and to the finishing and furn shing of the new building. Provided the said sum of twelve thousand dollars shall be thus pledged and secured by the 20th day of September next.

In June, 1855, Prof. Pinckney resigned, and his active connection with the Institution ceased. For more than thirteen years he had devoted his time, energies and money to advance the prosperity and usefulness of the Rock River Seminary, and had been its Principal most of the time during that period.

It must be remembered, in reviewing the progress of this institution, that its pupils were gathered from a very wide extent of territory. There are probably more young men and women now in one-half of Ogle County who desire and need the advantages of such an institution, than there were then in all Northern Illinois and Southern Wisconsin, and Rock River Seminary at Mt. Morris was the only institution of the kind then in existence in all this great territory. For this reason, if for no other, the Seminary exerted a more commanding influence in all this region than is now exerted by it or any other institution of similar character. It had a broader field. It is not strange, therefore, that during Prof. Pinckney's long and successful administration, it exerted a powerful influence in moulding the destinies of this, the comparatively unknown Northwest, which will continue to be felt through all coming generations. It is to be mentioned he never expelled a student from the Institute, and he enjoyed to a remarkable degree the respect, confidence and affection of his pupils, and the esteem of his associates. Although he was no longer connected with the Seminary as its Principal, he remained a member of the Board of Trustees until 1858.

Prof. Pinckney was succeeded as Principal by Prof. W. T. Harlow, who was elected in June, 1855, and soon after, the school was opened in the new building.

A loan of $12,000 was obtained of the Northwestern University, secured by the Seminary property, and a sufficient amount of notes on other property to '' pay the Allen mortgage." This loan was payable in five years.

January 26, 1857, the Executive Committee were requested to finish the new building during the next ensuing vacation. The same committee was authorized to settle with D. A. Potter for work done and materials furnished on his contract made with the Trustees, August 8, 1855, " as they may deem just and proper."

Resolved, By the Board of Trustees and Conference Visiting Committee, met in joint session, June 25, 1858, that we hereby tender to Prof. D. J. Pinckney this expression of our high regard and appreciation of him in all his former relations to us, and services rendered to us. Also, as a man of superior talents and scholarship, and as a most able educator. And we most sincerely regret the necessity that has led to his official separation from us ; and we shall ever after be more than pleased to hail him as a brother in all the relations of life.

June 25, 1858, an arrangement was made with Profs. Harlow and Pope to take the educational and boarding departments on their own responsibility, employing and paying their assistants, they to return the buildings at the end of the year, in good condition.

June 23, 1859, the Executive Committee were authorized to " confer and negotiate with any stock company that may be formed, for the purpose of purchasing and running the Seminary as a stock concern."

June 27, 1860, W. T. Harlow, H. L. Martin and F. G. Petrie were appointed to prepare and report suitable resolutions on the death of Samuel M. Hitt, Esq., a Trustee of the Seminary. The next day they reported the following :

Resolved, That we take unqualified pleasure in expressing thus our testimony of respect and aff"ection to the memory of the deceased, viz. : that he was safe and efficient in counsel, courteous in bearing, generous and prompt in sharing the pecuniary burdens which the Board has, from time to time, been called upon to bear.

Resolved, That while we remember with pleasure the associations of the past, we feel deeply and mournfully the loss we have sustained in his death.

June 28, 1860, the Board resolved to "let Profs. W. F. Harlow and W. S. Pope have the institution on the same terms for the coming year as they have had it in the past."

October, 1867, Rev. J. M. Caldwell was elected Principal for one year, and he was re-elected in 1868, upon condition that he employ and pay his associates.

June 25, 1868, a communication was received from the Trustees of the Northwestern University, stating that they had resolved to " release all claims against the Rock River Seminary."

June 23, 1869, the entire Faculty having resigned, Prof. Brush, of " Upper Iowa University," was elected Principal, "he to select his own assistants," but did not accept the position, and on the 22d of July, Rev. R. H. Wilkinson was elected, who served until June, 1870, when he resigned ; and on the 28th of September following, a contract was made with Rev. S. H. Adams to " run the Seminary according to the provisions of the charter, and to have all the revenues from the same," until said revenue reaches the sum of* $4,000, with elaborate provisions for the disposition of any surplus that might accrue in excess of that amount.

June 21, 1871, John Williamson and Sarah H. Stevenson were requested to assume control of the institution, but it does not appear that they complied. The school was suspended and no further meetings of the Board are recorded until May 7, 1873, when the following resolution was adopted:

Resolved, That the Executive Committee be authorized to make, in connection with R. R. Hitt, such arrangements with Wm. Harrison or some other person or parties, as will " secure the opening of the school and running the same, without incurring expense or liability to the Trustees."

September 16, 1873, the Executive Committee reported that "they, together with R. R. Hitt, had secured the services of N. C. Dougherty, as Principal, together with a full and competent faculty, under whose management the school had been opened with the most satisfactory results," and recommended that they be elected and confirmed.

Accordingly Prof. N. C. Dougherty was elected Principal ; R. Arthur Edwards, Professor of Latin and Greek ; Miss Lottie M. Smith, Preceptress ; Miss Maria Hitt, Teacher of Music.

Since that time the Institution has been under the charge and control of Prof. Dougherty, who has managed its affairs with skill and ability, and it is now (1878) in a prosperous condition.

The present Board of Trustees are Hon. F. G. Petrie, President; Frederick B. Brayton, Esq., Secretary; Hon. Robert R. Hitt, N. C. Dougherty, A. M. (ex officio), Andrew^ Newcomer, Esq., Rev. Richard Edwards, Rev. W. H. Tibbals, Rev. W. A. Burns, Gen. B. F. Sheets, Capt. John W. Hitt, Hon. Chas. Newcomer, Hon. Isaac Rice and Jackson Farwell.

Faculty. - Newton C. Dougherty, A. M., Principal; Richard A. Edwards, A. B., Instructor in Latin and Geeek ; John H. Parr, Instructor in Natural Science and Mathematics ; Florence Farnsworth, Instructor in Reading and Grammar ; Edward L. Wells, Instructor in the Science and A rt of Teaching ; Florence Brayton, Instructor in Instrumental Music ; Lillian D. Brayton, Instructor in Penciling and Painting.

In closing this brief history of this important institution, it is proper to record the names of some of the principal teachers employed during its long and useful existence. Among the Professors and Teachers may be mentioned

In connection with the Seminary several literary societies have been maintained among the students. In 1843, there were three societies for the improvement of the students in composition and extemporaneous speaking, one of which had a small library. Periodicals were issued weekly by them, as also by the young ladies. In 1850, there were several of these societies. There were three manuscript papers issued by them, each of which was issued semi-monthly. The year previous, in 1849, there were four of these papers. The principal of these societies were the " Amphictyon," organized by Prof. Pinckney during his first term in 1842, and the " Philorhotorian," organized, probably, about 1848.

Old Settlers

Forty-eight years have come and gone since white men began to exercise dominion in the Rock River Valley - erst the home of the Winnebagoes and their kindred. These years have been full of changes, and the visitor of to-day, ignorant of the past of the county, could scarcely be made to realize that within these years there has grown up a population of nearly thirty thousand in 1878, that, in all the accomplishments and acquirements of life, are as far advanced as are the people of the counties of the older States. Schools, churches, colleges, palatial-like dwellings, beautiful grounds, large, well-cultivated and productive farms, as well as cities, towns and busy manufactories, have grown up and occupy the hunting grounds and camping places of the native tribe of red men, and in every direction there are evidences of wealth, comfort and luxury. There is but little left of the old landmarks. Advanced civilization and the progressive demands of revolving years have obliterated all traces of Indian occupancy, until they are only remembered in name.

Of the voters and heads of families representing a population of 3,479 in 1840, many removed from the county to find homes in other States, while the spirits of others were called to join the immortal throng gathered around the great white throne in the far-away realms of eternal life and light. Others preferred to remain in the homes they commenced in the lands of the Winnebagoes, and, by the goodness and mercy of God, have grown in wealth, wisdom and usefulness, until, in their declining years, they are respected and honored patriarchs in the community that owes much of its character to the influences they established in pioneer times.

It is not strange that among the pioneer settlers of any new country a deepseated and sincere friendship should spring up, that would grow and strengthen with their years. The incidents peculiar to life in a new country - the trials and hardships, privations and destitutions - are well calculated to test not only the physical powers of endurance, but the moral, kindly, generous attributes of manhood and womanhood. They are times that try men's souls and bring to the surface all that there may be in them of either good or bad. As a rule, there is an equality of conditions that recognizes no distinctions. All occupy a common level, and, as a natural consequence, a brotherly and sisterly feeling grows up that is as lasting as time, for "a fellow feeling makes us wondrous kind." With such a community, there is a hospitality, a kindness, a benevolence and a charity unknown and unpracticed among the older, richer and more densely populated commonwealths. The very nature of their surroundings teaches them to "feel each other's woe, to share each other's joy." An injury or a wrong may be ignored, but a kindly, generous, charitable act is never forgotten. The memory of old associations and kindly deeds is always fresh. Raven locks may bleach and whiten ; full, round cheeks sinken and hollow ; the fires of intelligence vanish from the organs of vision ; the brow become wrinkled with care and age, and the erect form bowed with accumulating years, but the true friends of the "long ago" will be remembered as long as life and reason endure.

The surroundings of pioneer life are well calculated to test the " true inwardness " of the human heart. As a rule, the men and women who first occupy a new country - who go in advance to spy out the land and prepare it for the coming of a future people - are bold, fearless, self-reliant and industrious. In these respects, no matter from what remote sections or countries they may come, there is a similarity of character. In birth, education, religion and language, there may be a vast difference, but imbued with a common purpose - the founding and building of homes - these differences are soon lost by association, and thus they become one people, united by a common interest, and no matter what changes may come in after years, the associations thus formed are never buried out of memory.

In pioneer life there are always incidents of peculiar interest, not only to the pioneers themselves, but which, if properly preserved, would be of interest to posterity, and it is a matter of regret that the formation of the " Old Settlers' Association " has not been continuously maintained in Ogle County. The presence of such associations in all the counties of our common country, with well kept records of the more important events, such as dates of arrivals, births, marriages, deaths, removals, nativity, etc., as any one can readily see, would be the direct means of preserving to the literature of the country, the history of every community, that, to future generations, would be invaluable as a record of reference, and a ready method of settling important questions of controversy. Such organizations would possess facts and figures that could not be had from any other source. Aside from their historic importance, they would serve as a means of keeping alive and further cementing old friendships, and renewing among the members associations that were necessarily interrupted by the innovations of increasing population, cultivating social intercourse, and creating a charitable fund for such of their old members as were victims of misfortune and adversity.

Actuated by the purposes suggested in the last preceding paragraph, the pioneers of Ogle County organized a society in 1869, that was known as the " Ogle County Old Settlers' Society." The first formal meeting was held in the town of Rockvale, at the house of Hiram Reed, February 10, 1869. John Phelps was elected Chairman, and James V. Gale, Secretary. James V. Gale presented the following constitution, which was adopted :

The name of this Society shall be the Ogle County " Old Settlers' Society." Its objects shall be to revive and establish the harmonious social relations once existing, and to perpetuate among themselves a remembrance of the trying and eventful scenes through which they passed in the early settlement of the county.

Section 1. The Society shall consist of those who settled in the county up to the year 1841 inclusive, and shall pay to the Treasurer annually the sum of one dollar.

Sec. 2. The officers of the Society shall consist of a President, one Vice President, Secretary, a Treasurer, and an Executive Committee of five persons, all of whom shall hold their position for one year, or until their successors shall be elected.

Sec. 4. The Treasurer shall keep the funds of the Society, and disburse them on the written order of the President, or Chairman of the Executive Committee.

Sec. 5. The Executive Committee shall take charge of all papers transmitted to the Society, designed for publication, or otherwise. They may also establish such by-laws, rules and regulations as they may deem necessary for the government of the Society. Provided, the same do not conflict with the constitution.

Sec. 6. There shall be an annual meeting of the old settlers of the county, at the County Seat, at such times as the Society many think proper.

After the adoption of the constitution, the following named gentlemen were elected to the various offices : President, John Phelps, of Rockvale ; Vice President, A. 0. Campbell, of Byron ; Secretary, James V. Gale, of Oregon ; Treasurer, William J. Mix, of Oregon ; Executive Committee, William P. Flagg, of Flagg ; Hiram Reed, of Rockvale ; Albert Brown, of Marion ; Virgil A. Bogue, of Buffalo, and Isaac Trask, of Pine Rock.

The Reporter contained a sketch of the second meeting, as follows : Mr. Phelps was not apprised of the event, but he was one of that class of individuals who cannot be carried by storm or captured by surprise. Shortly after the arrival of the guests, a presentation of an elegant and finely wrought silver cup was presented to Mr. Phelps and a pair of gold spectacles to Mrs. Phelps. James V. Gale, of Oregon, made the presentation, and accompanied the same with an elegant and well-timed speech. Mr. Phelps responded briefly, reviewing the past history of the county and the trials endured by the early pioneers. Supper was announced at short intervals from 9 till 12 ; the table fairly groaned under delicious burdens. Mr. Gale then read a short sketch concerning the manner in which Mr. Phelps made his claim. * * * r^\^^ guests were thanked for their visit, and they retired in company with the " small hours," feeling that the ties of friendship had been strengthened and their hearts made lighter for having "auld acquaintance brought to mind."

The first annual meeting of the association was held at the court house in Oregon, May 27, 1869. The meeting was called to order by the President, Mr. John Phelps, who delivered a welcome to the old settlers. He was followed by Mr. William Artz, of Oregon, who spoke at length. At the conclusion of the speaking, Mr. John James moved that, on account of the stormy weather, the festivities of the occasion be postponed until some future time, and that the Executive Committee be empowered to call another meeting at such time as they might think best. On motion, all those who came into the county prior to 1842 were invited to sign the constitution, when the following gentlemen recorded their names, giving, also, the year in which they immigrated to the county, their place of nativity and their ages.

Tear. Names. Place Op Birth. Aqb

The next reunion was held October 12, 1869, at the fair grounds. We are unable to state any of the proceedings of that meeting or any that have been held since the above date, owing to the fact that the records have not been preserved, or, if preserved, were not rendered accessible to the writer.

A large majority of the above-named pioneers came here before 1840, and saw the wild prairies disappearing year by year before the well-directed industries of themselves and their followers. Nearly all of those whose names appear in this catalogue are well preserved intellectually and physically, and surrounded by all the necessary comforts of life, and in their declining years are enabled to take life easily - to sit beneath their own vines and fig trees and enjoy the accumulations of the industry and economy of their pioneer days.

Swamp Lands

An act of Congress, approved September 28, 1850, and an amendatory act, approved March 2, 1855 [see Vol. 10 U. S. Statutes at Large], entitled " An act to enable the State of Arkansas to reclaim the swamp lands within its limits," applied also to certain lands in the State of Illinois. That act virtually, and to all intents and purposes, vested the title to these lands in the several States in which they were located. Provisions were also made for the appointment of State agents to examine the country in which the swamp lands were situated, and report thereon to the Commissioner of the General Land Office, at Washington City. Under these provisions, certain lands in dififerent parts of Illinois were condemned or reported as swamp lands, within the meaning of the acts of Congress already quoted.

An act of the Legislature, approved June 22, 1852, declared, in Section 1, that all the swamp and overflowed lands so granted to the State of Illinois " be, and the same are, hereby granted to the counties respectively in which the same may lie or be situated," etc. The lands in Ogle (as in all other counties) were surveyed and found to cover 4,848.62 acres, of which 3,928.94 acres had been purchased at the district land office, leaving 919.68 acres unpurchased and as belonging to the county, which were subsequently sold, the largest part of them being purchased by Henry A. Mix.

In September, 1857, the Board of Supervisors being in session, and having the management and disposition of the funds arising from the sale of the swamp lands under consideration, it was resolved that the funds arising from the sale of the swamp lands of the School Commissioners of the county be loaned as other school funds, and that the interest on the same be distributed by the School Commissioners among the several towns in the same manner that other school funds are distributed ; and it is further resolved that the Drainage Commissioner is hereby directed to pay over to the School Commissioner of the county all moneys which are now or may hereafter be in his hands arising from the sale of swamp lands as aforesaid, and take his receipt for the same, to be filed with the Clerk of this Board.

The net amount derived from the sale of the swamp lands in Ogle County was $2,000, which was placed in the hands of the School Commissioner, as provided in the above resolutions. It was a wise provision of the Board, and auxiliary to those other measures that placed th.e educational interests of the county a little in advance of the other counties of the State, and secured for the schools a national reputation, as evidenced in the award of the diploma and bronze medal at the Centennial Exhibition.

River Improvement

For many years the improvement of Rock River, so as to render it navigable, was an enterprise that enlisted a good deal of attention from the people, not only of Winnebago, but of all the counties along the banks of this beautiful tributary of the Mississippi. In Winnebago County a river improvement fever would break out every once in a while, and spread its contagion through Ogle ; meetings would be called, resolutions adopted, committees appointed, petitions drafted, signed and forwarded to Congress, and great plans inaugurated for this purpose. And indeed, it seems almost a pity that after so much time, money and labor spent in this direction, the efibrts were not rewarded as the people hoped. But then, there is this consolation : what they failed to accomplish by these efforts and expenditures was at length compensated by damming the river, building up large manufacturing establishments, and securing railway communication with every part of the country.

Failing to obtain assistance from the national government to aid in the improvement of Rock River, the Legislature of Illinois was invoked, and a special law passed by that body, about 1845-6, to enable the people of the several counties along the river, from Rock Island to the Wisconsin State line, to vote for or against the assessment of a river improvement tax. The measure carried in all the counties, a tax was assessed and collected and the work commenced.

These undertakings were probably as much inppired by the appearance of a steamboat in Rock River once in a while as by anything else. The steamer Gypm made a trip up the river in April, 1838; and the memory of that event was revived in July, 1844, by the "puffing" and "snorting" of the Lighter^ that ascended the river as far as Janesville. Wis. She made two or three trips, mostly as a " ireighter." In those days there was a greater volume of water in Rock River than at present, and the people had more to encourage river improvement schemes than in later years, when the volume of water began to grow perceptibly less.

W. W. Fuller, Esq., Treasurer of the " Board of Commissioners for the Improvement of the Navigation of Rock River," appeared, and filed his bond as such Treasurer.

September 2d, of the same year, Spooner Ruggles resigned his position as a member of the same Board, and was superseded by Silas St. John Mix, of Byron, who was afterward made Superintendent of active operations for the river's improvement near its mouth.

At Rockford, a part of the money collected was expended, in 1846, in attempting to cut a channel through the rapids, where the dam has since been built. Work was also commenced at Sterling, and other points, but was finally abandoned. What money remained on hand was paid back pro rata to the counties from which it had been collected, and public attention generally turned to railroad enterprises. Now the river is damd from Milan, near its confluence with the Mississippi, far up into Wisconsin.

Ever since the organization of the county, the unfortunate, the infirm and the poor have been generously and humanely provided for by the county authorities. Under the management and direction of the County Commissioners, the care and sustenance of the unfortunate was secured under contract to the lowest responsible bidder. When the management of county affairs passed under the supervision of a Board of Supervisors, they became agents for the care of the poor of their respective townships, with full power to provide for their wants, supply them with all needed necessaries, etc., the accounts for which were submitted to the full board at stated periods, duly audited and ordered to be paid out of the proper funds.

From time to time, propositions were submitted to the voters for the purchase of a poor farm and the erection of necessary buildings, etc., but were always defeated until November, 1877. At that election, the proposition prevailed by a majority of 654 votes, and the Board of Supervisors proceeded to purchase of Henry A. Mix a tract of fifty acres of land, one and one-half miles below Oregon City, for the sum of $3,300. To provide for the payment of this purchase money and the erection of buildings, the Board of Supervisors, at their February session, 1878, directed an issue of county bonds to the amount of $13,300, payable in two, four and six years from the 1st day of May, 1878, bearing interest at the rate of seven per cent, per annum. To meet the payment of the principal and interest on these bonds, the following drafts will be made on the county treasury : May 1, 1880, $4,606.68 ; May 1, 1882, $5,166.68 ; May 1, 1884, $7,587.83. Total cost of county farm and infirmary, $17,361.19. Of this amount, $4,061.91 is interest.

The reader and other interested parties should bear in mind that these figures do not include the cost of furnishing the buildings, stocking the farm or numerous other expenses that must be provided for before the farm will be ready for occupancy. It should be borne in mind, also, that the assessed valuation of the taxable property of the county is $18,633,943, and that a tax levy of 7.15 cents on each one hundred dollars would have raised the required amount of $13,300 in one year, thus saving to the taxpayers $4,061.19 that will go into the pockets of the " bondholders."

The committee on selection of lands suitable for poor farm were Messrs. C. W. Sammis, W. T. Curry, James D. White, W. J. Braiden, John W. Hitt and

D. H. Talbott. This committee reported in favor of the Mix place February 26, 1878. On a motion to adopt the report, the ayes and nays were called. Those voting in the affirmative were Messrs. Bertolet, Bowman, Braiden, Brown, Burch, Clark, Curry, Donaldson, Fearer, Mitchell, Newcomer, Perrine, Bolph, Sammis, Stanberg, Talbott, Trask, White, of Scott, White, of Dement, and Wright - 20. Those who voted in the negative were Messrs. Bailey, Good and Young - 3.

The report was adopted, and on the 18th day of March, 1878, the contract for the erection of the County Infirmary buildings was awarded to Thomas and Hugh Colwell, of Ottawa, at $9,800, the buildings to be completed by the 1st of September, 1878.

Oregon City

To Mr. John Phelps, who died on Thursday, the 2d day of April, A. D. 1874, belongs the honor of founding Oregon City. He first visited the Rock River Valley in the Fall of 1829, and returned in the Fall of 1833, and located a claim on the land that, a few years later, was subdivided into town lots by himself and others and christened Oregon City.

In a written sketch read before a meeting of Old Settlers, in 1870, Mr. Phelps submitted a history of his first and second visits to this country, from which the following extracts are collected :

" In the Fall of 1829, I first traveled through the Rock River Valley. Leaving Gratiot's Grove, in the lead mines, I took a southeasterly course and passed not far from where Freeport now stands ; continued down the prairie and passed about one or two miles east of Bufialo Grove ; came to the Galena trail about half way from the Grove to Ogee's Ferry, where Dixon now stands. I arrived there about sunset, stayed that night with the Indians, and was treated by them with much kindness. This was my first view of the Rock River Valley. I did not at that time have the least idea of settling in this part of the world, yet these beautiful undulating and rich prairies left an impression on my memory that no time could erase.

" In the Summer of 1833, I again visited the lead mines, and during that Fall I came to the conclusion to explore the Rock River country, with the determination that if it pleased me as well as I thought it would, I would make a permanent location for my future home. With this object in view, I hired a Frenchman, who had been a clerk for a fur company in the Rocky Mountains, to accompany me, knowing that he was well suited for such an expedition, as he was acquainted with the Indian character, and a pleasant traveling companion. About the 1st of November, 1833, we set out from the lead Mines to descend the Pecatonica River, in a small canoe, supposing we would reach Rock River by that course of travel. In consequence of the meanderings of the Pecatonica and the time we devoted to an examination of the country through which we were passing, we were seven days in reaching Rock River, at Rockton. * * * When we arrived about one mile above the present site of Oregon City, we discovered a tent on the bank of the River, a short distance back from the water's edge, and, supposing it to be an Indian tepee or wigwam, I told my companion du voyage to go up to it and see if we could get something to eat. He replied that it was a white man's tent, and upon going up to it I found that my companion's declaration was correct, and was much surprised to meet there my old friend Col. W. S. Hamilton, the son of Alexander Hamilton, who was killed in a duel with Aaron Burr. (Col. Hamilton subsequently went to California, probably about 1849-50, where he died some years later.) I had not seen him for five years. He seemed surprised to meet me, and asked me what brought me here. I told him I was out exploring, and if I liked the country, I intended to make a location for my permanent home. He replied that if that was my object I need not travel farther, that I was on the right spot. He informed me that he had a Government contract to survey the Rock River country into townships, and that he knew of a location about three miles west of where we were that could not be surpassed in point of beauty, embracing all the advantages that were necessary to make a comfortable and convenient home. He then gave me a note, with directions where to find it. I made my first claim where my present house now stands, according to Col.

*' Being now supplied with one week's provisions, there was nothing to hinder our making a thorough examination of the surrounding country, on both sides of the river; and being fully satisfied that it was susceptible of a good settlement, and that a good crossing at the river could be made, 1 made my next claim where Oregon now stands. We spent a week here. Our camp was just above the fair grounds. Having accomplished our desires, the weather becoming cold and our provisions short, we packed up and steered our course for the lead mines, leaving our canoe and such articles as we could not take with us. We spent part of the first day in hunting in West Grove. During that night, it commenced snowing. We started on our course next morning ; struck White Oak Grove, a little west of Forreston ; from that grove we bore northwest, until we reached Cherry Grove (now in Carroll County), a distance of twenty-five miles. It was severely cold, and in crossing streams our clothing would get wet and freeze on us, and we suffered severely. The next day, we reached White Oak Springs, worn out with fatigue.

"Thus ended my first exploring expedition in the valley of Rock River. In the Summer of 1834, I raised a crop and built a house on the farm on which I now live, and in the Spring of 1835, I moved my family into the same, from Schuyler County."

When Mr. John Phelps moved his family up from Schuyler County, in the Spring of 1835, he was accompanied by two brothers, B. T. Phelps and G. W. Phelps, and a hired man named Johnston. In the Summer of that year, Fletcher Hitt, a surveyor, was employed to subdivide the land embraced in Phelps' second claim into town lots, and the prospective town was christened Oregon City. The town site was regularly laid out in 1836.

The first house erected on the town plat was built by Jonathan W. Jenkins, in July or August, 1836. The site of that house is now included in the lot occupied by the Reporter printing office buildings. It was a log structure, 18x22 feet, and about one and a half stories high. It was used as a family dwelling, hotel, boarding house, "meeting house," etc., as occasion required. The first sermon ever preached in Oregon City was preached in that building ; the preacher was John Baker, a so-called "Hard Shell Baptist," and one of two brothers who came up from Schuyler County about the same time Mr. Phelps brought his family. Time of the sermon, during the Summer of 1837.

There were neither lumber nor saw-mills in all this region of country when Jenkins built the first house in Oregon City. The floors were made of puncheons split out of large trees. The under side of the puncheons were dressed down at the ends, so they would rest evenly on the sleepers. The upper sides were also dressed off with the broad-axe. If the floor was not smooth, it was at least substantial. The roofing was made of clapboards or "shakes," and the doors were made from the same kind of material used for flooring. Strong arms, chopping axes, broad axes, cross-cut saws, hand saws, mauls, iron wedges, "gluts," or large wooden wedges, and a hammer or wooden mallet were about all the tools used by the pioneers in the erection of the first cabins in the Rock River Valley, and with such tools the first cabin erected in Oregon City was fashioned and finished.

The second house was commenced by John Phelps in the Summer of 1836, and finished that Fall. It was a double log house of two stories, built of hewed logs, and, in its " day and generation," was famous throughout the Rock River

Valley. Its finish was a little more elaborate than the Jenkins cabin, from the fact that the Phelps saw-mill on Pine Creek, which had been commenced in the Spring of 1836, had been completed and was in operation, which furnished lumber for the floors", doors, etc. That house was built on the corner lot of the block now occupied by the cheese factory of George A. Mix. The old house was torn down about 1845 or 1846, and moved away by the party to whom its logs had been sold.

John Harris commenced and completed another house on the ground now owned by Edward F. Dutcher, about the time Phelps commenced building. When a better class of buildings began to be erected, the Harris house was torn down, the logs hauled away and re-erected on a farm a short distance below town. As soon as Harris had completed this house, being a blacksmith, he erected a shop near by, which long since gave way, and its place is also included in the grounds of Major Dutcher.

The first frame barn in Oregon was built by Mr. Phelps in 1838. It was erected on the west side of Third street, a short distance north of the double log house just mentioned.

In 1835, Mr. Phelps also established the first ferry at Oregon City. The lumber used in the construction of the ferry-boat was sawed out by hand with a whip saw, by himself and his brother, George W. Phelps. After the boat was completed and ready for use, it was managed for some time by Jonathan W. Jenkins.

The first trading place was opened by Messrs. Mudd & Brown in 1836. They kept a small stock of groceries, whisky, eatables, etc., in a small building which they erected very near, if not included in, the grounds now occupied by the stone residence of Henry Burchell.

The first dry goods store was opened in 1836, by Harvey Moss, in a small frame building not far from the site occupied by the Mix cheese factory. The building was afterward removed and now stands on Third street, a little south of Washington, and is occupied as a harness shop by Samuel Roat.

The early schools of Oregon were subscription schools, the first of which was taught in the Winter of 1837-8, in a small building on the Jenkins lot (before mentioned as the site of the first house built on the town plat), by Dr. Adams, a young disciple of Esculapius.

In the Summer and Fall of 1839, the first school house was built, and occupied a site on the west side of Fifth street, between Washington and Jefferson streets. The building was long since abandoned as a school house, and is now included in the residence building . of Jonas Seyster. Alfred Marks was the first teacher in the new school house.

In 1836, Edward S. Leland, now Judge Leland, of Ottawa, came to Oregon, and hung out his "shingle" as "Attorney and Counselor at Law." To the best knowledge and belief of the " oldest inhabitant," Mr. Leland was the first " lawyer " to claim Oregon as a field for the practice of his profession.

The first physician to prescribe cures for the ills Of the people of Oregon and vicinity was Dr. William J. Mix, who commenced compounding medicines in 1836.

The first white male child born in Oregon was Lamoil T. Jenkins, son of Jonathan W. and Rebecca Jenkins, who was born in July, 1837. Lamoil died in California in 1865, from the effects of a pistol shot wound received in Montana soon after the assassination of Abraham Lincoln, the trouble growing out of a difference of political opinion between himself and others by whom he was surrounded.

The first female child born in what is now Oregon Township was Martha E. Mix (daughter of William J. Mix), who was born on the 28th day of November, 1836. When Martha grew to womanhood, she was given in marriage to G. M. McKinney, and is now his widow. She has always lived in the county, and now lives within three or four rods of the site occupied by the cabin in which her eyes first saw the light of day.

The first death occurred in the family of George Rosecrans, July 13, 1837, when his youngest child, aged one year, three months and three days, was beckoned away to the presence of Him who said, ''Suffer little children to come unto Me, and forbid them not, for of such is the kingdom of heaven."

The post office was established early in 1837, with Harvey Moss as Postmaster. The mail was supplied once a week (Saturday) from Buffalo, on the Galena and Dixon mail route. Jackson Jenkins, now of Shelby County (111.), then a boy of twelve or thirteen years, was the mail carrier.

Such were some of the first events in the history of Oregon City, now a town of 2,000 inhabitants, with four handsome church edifices, an excellent union school building, many handsome and elegant residences, broad streets and avenues, handsomely shaded grounds, and numerous stores, shops and manufacturing establishments, railroads, telegraph offices, etc., etc. The people are refined, intelligent, sociable and hospitable, and, as they have reason to be, proud of their homes and their surroundings.

Oiti/ Organization. - The City of Oregon first organized under an act of the General Assembly of the State of Illinois, entitled " An Act to incorporate the City of Oregon" (approved April 1st, 1869), by an election held on the 21st day of March, 1870.

Hon. James V. Gale was chosen Mayor, and Christian Lehman, W. W. B*.nnett, George M. D wight and George P. Jacobs were elected as Aldermen. I'he first meeting of the Council was held under a call of Mayor Gale on the evening of the 10th of May, 1870. The Council was called to order by the Mayor, after which, on motion, the Aldermen proceeded to draw for terms, as provided in the charter, with the following result :

The organization being fully perfected, Mayor Gale submitted his inaugural address, which was ordered to be spread upon the Council's journal of proceedings, and, being the first and last address (to date) of an Oregon City Mayor, we transcribe it to these pages :

"According to the provisions of Sec. 3 of Art. 4 of the City Charter, it becomes my duty as Mayor of the City of Oregon, to make to you such suggestions and recommendations as seem to me calculated to promote the prosperity of our new city.

" Your first duty will be to ordain and publish such ordinances and regulations as are contemplated by the charter, and as will secure for us a simple, economical city government.

" The legislative powers of your body are somewhat extensive and cover a variety of subjects, but they need not all be exercised immediately.