Ogle County, Illinois - The whole text, 1878 (part 15 of 25)

Another large two-story block was erected in 1874, on the southeast corner of Seminary and Main streets, by Henry Sharer, John Sprecher and J. H. Nye. It cost about twelve thousand dollars, and has three store rooms below.

The grading of the Chicago & Iowa Railroad was completed to this place November 2, 1871. The track laying was finished nine days later. The first mail train arrived at Mount Morris July 9, 1872, and the old stage coaches disappeared.

Tornado. - At 5 o'clock on the morning of June 8, 1874, Mount Morris was visited by a tornado, which, for severity, has never been equaled in this vicinity. It came from the southwest, and apparently spent its force mainly in town. The barn and slaughter house of S. Mumma, together with two buggies, etc., were entirely destroyed. Mr. S. Redfield's dwelling was moved ten or fifteen feet from its foundation, and generally wrecked, while the family were in it. Mr. L. S. Walker's cottage and stable were very much damaged. The fences throughout the track of the tornado were generally destroyed. Mrs. McKean's dwelling was unroofed and otherwise damaged. The houses of Peter Glascow, Mr. Withers and others were badly damaged. Mrs. Elizabeth McCoy's residence was unroofed, and outhouses demolished. Elijah Lett's dwelling was neatly unroofed. The west half of the new Seminary building was unroofed, and the gable was somewhat injured. Fruit and shade trees in the course of the tornado were generally demolished, and much other damage was done in various parts of the town.

Polo Including A Sketch Of Buffalo

One of the old "Sucker" trails, or roads, from Southern Illinois by way of Ogee's (Dixon's) Ferry, to the lead mines, passed "Buffalo Grove," from which the township of Buffalo received its name, and therefore very naturally here were the earliest white settlements in Ogle County. Its history will be found at length in the general history (page 236), and only brief allusion is necessary here. John Ankeny, on his way to Galena, in the Spring of 1829, was attracted by the beauty of the spot and the fertility of the soil in this locality, and made the first claim* on the east side of Buffalo Grove, and proceeded on his way to the lead mining metropolis. Before his return, in the Spring of 1830, Isaac Chambers, the first permanent settler, had erected a log cabin near the site of Buffalo Village, on the south bank of Buffalo Creek, having previously stopped for a short time at White Oak Grove, about a mile and a half west of the town of Forreston. He was soon followed by John Ankeny, who returned to perfect his claim by making improvements.

In April, 1831, Oliver W. Kellogg and Samuel Reed, with their families, arrived. Mr. Kellogg purchased the claim and improvements of Isaac Chambers, who removed to the grove since known as Chambers' Grove, where he ttled, a little northwest of the present town of Brook ville, and kept a "stage vern," from the close of the Black Hawk War until 1837-8, who sold to harles Franks, who still occupies the premises. Chambers built a mill on i-Elkhorn Creek, near the present site of Brookville, removed thither, and emained until his death. The mill is now known as "Herb's Mill."

The following extract from a letter written by Mr. Franklin S. Beed, of Pontiac, 111., under date of June 16. 1877, in reply to an invitation to attend the Old Settlers' Re-union, on the 21st of June, 1877, at Polo, fixes the date of their arrival, and records some interesting facts :

On the 29th day of ""April, 1831, with my father's family, I arrived in Buffalo Grove, at the house of John Ankeny, and on the next day drove into the timber west of where William Reed now lives, set up our cloth tent, and commenced cutting timber, Mr. Ankeny assisting. The 2d day of May, the cabin was ready to move into. The floors were bark, slipped off the linn (basswood) tree, of the proper length and width, and laid on the level earth, the smooth side down, to prevent curling up and other accidents that might occur from a smooth floor. Large, flat stones were set up against the wall at one end of the house to build a fire, in case of wet or cold weather, until time could be spared to construct a chimney. My father's was the first family that settled in the country with the express purpose of agriculture. * ^- * *

Now let us go onto the prairie. Not a house ! not even a rail in sight 1 A wild wilderness of grass-burned prairie as far as the eye could see. No stock grazing in the distant view. Here on this wild prairie, by direction of my father, I set some stakes to indicate the place where to commence breaking prairie. Broke fourteen acres and planted it to corn, after making a garden.

The Indians were in council at or near Rock Island, to settle the question - war or planting corn. What few settlers were in the country became alarmed. Our household effects were loaded into wagons and drove to the nearest settlement for protection. We went to Apple River, near where the village of Elizabeth now stands. We had commenced cutting timber for building a stockade. VTe were here two weeks, when we got news from the council that they had smoked the pipe of peace, and were going to plant corn. We then returned to our homes, fenced our farms and gave attention to our growing crops.

This was, I may almost say, before the dawn of civilization. The Indians were lingering around their old hunting grounds ; it was their home, where they were raised, and game existed here in abundance. I have seen twenty or thirty deer in a drove. The Indians were our nearest neighbors during the Winters of 1831-32-33,

In the Spring of 1832, just as we were preparing for planting, the Black Hawk War began, and again we had to leave our homes. A dispatch was sent to us, ordering us to fly immediately to the army. The instructions were to meet at the tavern of 0. W, Kellogg, and go from there

* In those days, the first claims were invariably made in the timber. Ankeny planted his " stake " on a little knoll in the timber on the north side of Buffalo Creek, on the west half of the northwest quarter of Sec. 17, Town»hip 23, North Range 8 east, near a lime kiln now owned by Philo W. Newman.

in a body. As soon as arrangements were made, all started for Rock River. There had been a battle with the Indians at Stillman's Run, and excitement was running very high. Our forces had been defeated ; men that were supposed to be lost were coming in. The next day a small party returned to the grove, looking after some stock that had been left behind. This party found William Durley lying dead in the road, just in the edge of the grove. Durley was buried at the spot where he fell, and " Durley's grave" is one of the points of interest shown to the visitor, about a mile west of Polo. Out on the prairie was foiind the hat of John D. Winters, the old mail contractor. * * * -jt * * * *

Returned in September, sowed wheat, cut hay, and prepared in general for Winter. In the Spring of 1833, the Indian excitement ran high. The few settlers that were there became excited, and again all left their homes taking their families io places of safety. The lAen returned to their farms and carried on the farming business. In mid-summer the excitement died away, and our families returned. Who can come to Illinois now and complain of hard times or suffering, privations or hardships ?

Mr. Ankeny subsequently sold his claim and improvements to James G. Soulard, of Galena, and moved to what was called the " Towhead " Settlement (now in Elkhorn Township, Carroll County), where he remained for a time, and then removed to Mount Morris, where he permanently located.

In the Fall of 1832, Mr. Sample M. Journey and Julia Ann, only daughter of Mr. Ankeny, were married at the residence of the bride's father. This was the first matrimonial venture in the new settlement, and the first in the county.

From 1830 to 1834, the new settlement at Buffalo Grove received various accessions to its numbers, but their names have passed from memory as none of them remained to become permanent settlers. Among them, however, were Elkana B. Bush and John Brookie. In the Winter of 1833-4, probably, the Post Office of Buff'alo Grove, Jo Daviess County, was established, and Elkana B. Bush was appointed Postmaster. ''At least," says Col. Stevenson, "when I arrived in August, 1834, there was a post office here, and Bush was Postmaster."

In 1834, Mr. Elisha Doty and his family from Peoria came to the Buffalo Grove settlement. His son, Cyrus Doty, born September 4, 1834, was the first white child born in Ogle County. Mr. Doty subsequently removed to Tama County, Iowa, after building a wind-mill in Polo, and losing the accumulations of a life-time. That mill was built on the northeast corner of Division and Savanna streets.

In May, 1834, Albion Sanford arrived with his family, and his father, Cyrenus Sanford, and his two brothers, Ahira and Harrison, came in the following Autumn. Cyrenus Sanford died on the farm on which he first settled, May 28, 1858, aged 83 years. At the time of Mr. Sanford's decease, his posterity nnmbered eight children, ninety grandchildren, and about forty greatgrandchildren, forming no inconsiderable portion of the population of Buffalo Township.

In August, 1834, Col. John D. Stevenson, with his family, arrived from Louisiana, and settled near Mr. Kellogg. Col. Stevenson was born in New York City, but came West when he was 10 years old, and went to New Orleans in 1829. He brought a small stock of goods and " kept store " in his log cabin until 1836, when he built a new store, thus becoming the first merchant or "trader" in all the territory now embraced within the limits of Ogle, Whiteside, Carroll, Winnebago, Stephenson and Lee Counties. Col. Stevenson still resides in Polo, with his son-in-law, Samuel H. Shoop, Esq., a merchant of the city, who married his daughter Virginia H. Stevenson. Miss. Sarah Hackett Stevenson, a noted physician of Chicago, and well known in literary circles as the author of "A Winter in the West," is another of Col. Stevenson's daughters.

Among others who came in 1834 were Mr. Pearson Shoemaker (present proprietor of the " Orient " House at Polo), with his family, and Mr. Sackett.

In March, 1885, Oliver W. Kellogg and Hugh Stevenson surveyed and platted the town and called it St. Marion, although the name of the post office, then established, was Buffalo Grove. St. Marion was in Buffalo Grove Precinct, of Jo Daviess County, until 1836, when Ogle County was erected and it became a precinct of the new county.

Oliver W. Kellogg and George D. H. Wilcoxon built a saw-mill on Buffalo Creek, near the center of the grove, in 1836, which was of great service to the settlers. The mill w^as near the village of St. Marion (which, until the next year, was only a little group of log cabins), and was put in operation late in the Fall. This mill long since disappeared and now only very slight traces of the old dam and race remain to mark the spot where it stood. This was the first mill within the present limits of Ogle County, which was then a part of Jo Daviess County, although soon after their arrival, the Sanfords built a sawmill on a bend of the same stream, near " Two Mile Grove," within the present limits of Whiteside County.

In 1836, the permanent settlement of what is now the township of Buffalo may be considered as finally established, and immigration began to increase. This year, John Waterbury, Solomon Shaver, William Wamsley, B. Beardsley, Abram Schryver, Duncan A. Grant, Thomas Worden and William Nichols, with their families, came together from Delaware Co., N. Y., with teams, being seven weeks and two days on their toilsome journey, and settled in this vicinity.

During this year, also, the first frame buildings were erected in St. Marion, one, a house built by W^illiam Merritt, and the other a house and store by Col. J. D. Stevenson.

Messrs. Wales, Hunn & Chandler opened the second store at St. Marion, in 1836, followed by Elijah and Theodore Winn, in 1839-40; L. N. & C. B. Barber, in 1843 ; Job Arnold, in 1844, and Helm & McClure, in 1849.

Virgil A. Bogue came in 1836, with his family. His wife died soon after his arrival ; and he married Harriet Nichols. Mr. Bogue was a prominent and influential man and exercised considerable influence in the community; He was very peculiar, however, very social, but somewhat erratic and made many personal enemies. He was a man of ability, and afterward became Judge of the County Court.

The first school house was a frame structure, built by subscription, in 1836-7. This' building served the double purpose of school house and church. In 1858, it was converted into a United Brethren Church, and was occupied by that people for about two years, when it was sold. It is still standing, and is the present residence of Mr. Ephraim Isham.

About 1839, the name of the village of St. Marion was changed to Buffalo, and so continued until after Polo was founded by Zenas Aplington and others, when gradually it came to be called '' Old Town," and in 1878 was generally known by that name.

In 1843, tlie first public schools were organized under the laws of the State. The entire tow^nship was embraced in one school district. W^illiam M. Mason, Joseph Kellogg, Timothy Perkins, D. L. Henry and Horace Chatfield composed the first Board of School Trustees, and there were sixty scholars in the district. The first term of the district school was taught by Mr. Alfred M.

In 1852, a steam saw-mill >vas erected by Cornelius Woodruff, which was purchased by George D. Read, Esq., in the Fall of the same year, and the mill furnished a large number of ties for the Illinois Central Railroad, then being built.

In the same year, Alfred Helm erected a distillery, and operated it until 1856, when it was converted into a steam flouring-mill, by Theron Palmeter, and became useful to humanity.

When the railroad was completed and the new town of Polo, about one mile east, sprang into existence, Buffalo lost its prestige, became " Old Town," and in 1878 there was no store within its limits.

A brief sketch of an institution which Avas opened in 1853, and exercised a powerful and salutary influence in this part of the county and State, for two years, will form a fitting close for this brief history of the old town of St. Marion, afterward Buffalo. This was

The Rock River Normal School

This school was established at Buffalo, in 1853, by the energy and perseverance of Prof. John W. Frisbee. Mr. Frisbee was a native of Delaware County, N. Y., and graduated with honor at the State Normal School of Albany, N. Y., in 1847. He taught school in his native county until May, 1849, when he came West and located at Buffalo, full of enthusiasm in the noble work to which he devoted his life, engaged in teaching, and secured the confidence of the people and the affection of his pupils to a remarkable degree. In the Winter of 1849-50, he taught a private school in the building occupied by Isaiah Wilcoxon as a dwelling and post office, the school being '" up stairs." In the Winter of 1851-2, he taught in the old school house, a new one having been erected, and at the same time the Winter term of the public school was taught by Misses Phrocine (afterward Mrs. J. W. Frisbee) and Adelaide Whiteside. In the Winter of 1852-3, Mr. Frisbee's school was in a room over Johnston's shoemaker shop, now the residence of Charles E. Reed. But this did not fill the measure of his ambition. He had long cherished the idea of establishing a normal school, and to the accomplishment of which object he devoted all his energies. In the Spring and Summer of 1853, he erected, aided by subscriptions (in shares of $10, to be refunded in tuition), a building on the east side of the State road, a few rods south of the town plat, on the east half of the southeast quarter of Section 17, Township 23 N., Range 8 E.

This building was two stories inheight, and built of what is termed "grout," and, in fulfillment of his long cherished hopes, he opened the " Rock River Normal School " in August, 1853. Following is a copy of Mr. Frisbee's first circular, which possesses historical interest :

Rock River Normal School

This School will open Monday, August 8, 1858, quarter to continue eleven weeks. The Winter Term will commence the first Monday in November, and continue twenty-two weeks. This Institution is designed : 1. For those who have not had the advantages of an early education. 2. For those who are preparing to teach. 3. For those who desire a complete course of English Studies. Tuition per quarter of Eleven Weeks : For Common Branches, $3.00 ; for Higher Branches and Mathematics, $4.00. Persons may procure iheir tuition at one-fourth less than the full price by taking a share ($10) or shares in the Institution. The Principal will be happy to meet his friends at the School Building, on the opening of the Institution (Monday, August 8th), at 10 A. M., when he will explain more fully the plan of the School, and give opportunity to those desirous of aiding it to become subscribers.

The school was conducted with remarkable ability for two years, but the brilliant principal did not live to realize the full fruition of his hopes. He was elected County Superintendent of Schools, and while conducting a Teachers' Institute at Oregon, in October, 1855, contracted the seeds of disease, from over work, which terminated his useful life, November 26, 1855, at the age of 28 years. Hon. J. D. Campbell, in his Centennial sketch of Buffalo Township,

The deepest sorrow was manifested over the loss of this brilliant teacher and accomplished gentleman. The writer cannot forbear to record here his grateful memory of the kindness of this noble hearted man to him in his youthful days, when we roamed the flowery dells and climbed the beetling cliffs of " old Delaware County" together.

It is proper to add that his old pupils and friends, in 1858, subscribed a fund sufficient to erect an appropriate monument to his memory, which was erected over his grave in the old cemetery at Buffalo ; and his name is now mentioned gratefully and affectionately by his pupils of twenty-four years ago, who still remember his faithful and earnest devotion to the cause of education and religion.

After Prof. Frisbee's death, the school was continued until the following Spring by Dr. J^ H. More and Romeyn Whiteside. In the Summer of 1856, the public school taught by Mrs. Phrocine Frisbee and Hattie E. Frisbee (now Mrs. J. H. More) was, for convenience, held in the Normal School building. In the Winter of 1856-57, Mr. N. B. Heth taught school in the building, followed by Mr. Orello Cone, in the Winter of 1857-58, and by Mr. John W. Clinton in the Summer following.

Buffiilo Grove was called "Nanusha" by the Indians, the word signifying "Buffalo," from the fact that the grove called by that name was formerly a favorite resort for these animals, and immense quantities of buffalo bones were found in this locality after the arrival of the white settlers. Hence the name, " Buffalo Grove."

About 1849 or 1850, Zenas Aplington, who owned a portion of the land on which the original town of Polo was afterward built, moved the frame house built in 1836 by William Merritt in the old town of St. Marion (afterward called Buffalo) to his farm and located on the prairie about a mile, a little north of east of Buffalo. On the north side of the house he planted some locust trees. When the town was afterward surveyed, these trees were found to be in a street, which was named Locust street from that fact, and his house was about in the center of Lot 1, Block 21, near Franklin street. There was also a log cabin near the southern limits of the original town, occupied by Jared Webster, and these were the only buildings standing on the prairie at that time.

In the Winter of 1851, the Illinois Central Railroad Company was incorporated, and in the Spring and early Summer following, several routes were surveyed through Ogle County from Dixon to Freeport. These surveys were completed before August, and then before location was definitely made, right of way must be secured, as will be seen from the following copy of a letter to Chester K. Williams, Esq.:

Dear Sir: I take the liberty of enclosing you one of the relinquishments which the Central Railroad Company will require every man to sign who gives the right of way through his land.

Much will depend, so far as the location of the road is concerned, upon the cost of the right of way, and would recommend that you agitate the subject among those in. your vicinity who own land on the surveyed route from here to Freeport, and inform them of the necessity of giving the right of way. Your early attention to this matter may be the means of having the road located in the neighborhood of your place. I am, sir,

Cyrus Aldrich

The location of the road south of this point unmistakably indicates the original design to have been to pass through Buffalo, but owing to difficulty in securing the right of way, and objections on the part of some of the prominent citizens of that town owning real estate, the original design was changed and the road was located about a mile east of the original survey through Aplington's farm, where the present city of Polo was founded.

Early in the Spring of 1852, the road having been located, contracts ,were awarded and vigorous work commenced all along the line. Mr. Aplington had the contract for eight miles, extending northward from a point about a mile south of the present limits of the city. Soon after securing the contract, Mr. Aplington moved another frame building from Buffalo, placed it on the northeast corner of Block 21, corner of Franklin and Locust streets, and used it for an office and store, and here was the first store in Polo. He also built a blacksmith shop, which was, after the town was kid out, on the north side of Locust street, near the southwest corner of Lot 7, Block 22.

In March, 1853, or earlier, a town plat, called by the proprietors the " Town of Polo," in honor of Marco Polo, the celebrated Venetian traveler, had been laid out and surveyed by Charles W. Joiner, County Surveyor of Ogle County, assisted by Cyrus Torrey and John Nyman, chainmen. This town plat was " partly on the northeast quarter of Section No. 16, and partly on southeast quarter of Section No. 9, in Township 23, North Range 8 East of Fourth Principal Meridian." It was bounded on the north, on the west side of the railroad, by North street, and on the east side of the railroad by Dixon street ; on the east by Prairie street ; south, it extended to what is now Webster street, and the western boundary was marked on the plat as the "Buffalo and Freeport road," now Division street.

On the 21st day of March, 1853, Mr. Joiner certified on the back of the original plat that he had " laid out and surveyed the within town plat, called the Town of Polo;" and he further certified "that said town was laid out at the instance and request of Benjamin B. Provost, John Dement and Zenas Aplington, the proprietors of the same." Mr. Provost was the Chief Engineer of the Illinois Central Railroad, and Dement was a well-known citizen of Dixon ; Aplington, the farmer, whose farm had thus become the site of a future city.

The original plat embraces about one-sixth of the present territory of the city of Polo. Various additions have since been made, among which were Chatfield's First and Second, Aplington's First and Second, Luckey's, Hull's, Burns & Goodhue's, Rufus Perkins', Barber's, Fisher's, Waterbury's First and Second, Herrick's, Cutts' and others.

The first public sale of lots after the town was laid out was in May, 1853, but the plat was not acknowledged by the proprietors until February, 1854, and was recorded March 15, 1854, when those who had purchased lots began to want deeds.

The railroad was practically completed in December, 1853. Memoranda in the possession of C. K. Williams, Esq., enable him to state that the contractors had completed their work before December 1, 1853. The bridge across Rock River, at Dixon, however, was delayed, and was not completed for the passage of trains until about a year later, the first train crossing about January 1, 1855 ; but trains were previously run on the new road from Freeport south to Forreston and Polo, and the road was ironed further north. Mr. Bassett states that he shipped lumber, and other materials for building, from Chicago, via the Galena & Chicago Union, from Freeport, thence to Forreston, on the Illinois Central, in the early Spring of 1854. The road was completed, ready for traffic, before the completion of the bridge at Dixon.

In the total absence of reliable records from which to obtain accurate information, it is impossible to determine from the memories of those who were here at that time, how much the town was improved during the Summer of 1853, while the railroad was approaching completion. It does not seem probable that the purchasers of lots in May, 1853, would permit them to remain unimproved for any considerable time. Western towns were not built in that way. Mr. Martin F. Bassett, who came to Polo in August, 1853, states that Harrison CoUer commenced building a house on the west side of Franklin street, just north of the stone building occupied in 1878 by J. D. Campbell, Esq., in the Fall of 1853, and pushed it to completion as rapidly as possible. How many others were engaged in similar work cannot now be determined, but it is certain that some improvements were made during the Summer and Fall of 1853. The first brick building erected in Polo was built by Zenas Aplington, at the northeast corner of Mason and Franklin streets, which is still standing. There is a difference of opinion, or of remembrance, rather, in relation to the date of the erection of this building, but from the best information at hand it appears probable that the excavations were made and the foundation walls laid in the Summer of 1853 ; that the walls of the brick superstructure were erected later in the same year; and that the building was so far completed that late in the Fall Mr. Aplington moved his goods from the old store into the basement, and added a new stock soon after. Mr. Bassett states that Mr. Daniel Higley bought a small stock of goods and occupied the old store vacated by Mr. Aplington, shortly after the latter moved into his new building. Mr. Aplington finished his building during the Winter following, and in the Spring of 1854, opened his store on the first floor.

Among the first wants to be supplied in a town just springing into existence, as Polo was at that time, was hotel accommodations. The first to be built was a story and a half house, with a wing, on Lot 12, Block 14, on the east side of Franklin street, north of the alley in the rear of Aplington's building. It was built by Aranda Kellogg, in the Fall and Winter of 1853-4, who afterward sold it to Ahira Sanford. About the same time, John Jay built a public house on the southeast corner of Block 23, corner of Franklin and Dixon streets. The precise date of the erection of these taverns cannot now be determined, but they were both said to be open to the public in the Spring of 1854.

In the Spring of 1854, the larger part of the town was yet owned by Messrs. Provost, Dement and Aplington, but from that date the work of building the new town was vigorously prosecuted. The music of the saw and the hammer was heard on every hand. During that season, a large number of buildings were erected, and the population had increased so rapidly that, in the Winter of 1854-5, a school was opened, by Lucy A. Bassett, in a small building erected by Mr. Williams, known as the "'Williams Building," on the north side of Mason street, near Division. The following Summer, she taught school in a building near the corner of Division and Locust streets.

In 1855, Harrison Sanford built a two-story brick building on the southeast corner of Block 21, corner of Mason and Franklin streets. This building was designed for a hotel, and, when completed, was opened as the "Sanford

House." Subsequently, another story was added to this house, and a new wing was built ; but it was considered unsafe, and was razed to give place to a better structure about 1870. Soon after the Sanford House was built, in the Fall and Winter of 1855-6, Mr. Pearson Shoemaker built a hotel on the southwest corner of Block 9, on the corner of the railroad way and Depot street. This, in 1878, is called the Orient House, and the original builder is the proprietor.

In 1856, the first printing office was established in Polo. From it was issued, for a few months, a Democratic paper called the Polo Sentinel^ F. 0. Austin, publisher. [See '' Press," on page 447].

The act incorporating the town of Polo was approved February 16, 1857, and this act was amended February 18, 1859. Soon after its incorporation, the charter was accepted, and the town was legally organized by the election of a Board of Trustees. [See "Political Organization."]

The first Station Agent at Polo was S. Y. Perce, until the road was completed. The first physicians were Drs. Wm. W. Burns and Robert Fisher. The first attorney was T. 0. Baird, who remained but a short time ; the first to locate permanently was the Hon. John D. Campbell, in 1855, followed by J. W. Carpenter soon after.

In 1858, Messrs. Goodwillie, Cairns & Jimmerson erected a steam planingmill, sash, door and blind factory, at a cost of ^4,000, which has been in operation but a portion Of the time since.

In the Fall of the same year, Mr. F. 0. Wilder commenced the manufacture of melodeons, but abandoned the enterprise about a year afterward. Mr. Cornelius Woodruff erected a stone building on the east side of Franklin street, a short distance south of Mason, at a cost of $5,000. Polo Lodge, I. 0. 0. F., added the third story to this building, finished and furnished it for an Odd Fellows' Hall, which at that time was considered one of the finest in the State. During the year 1858, fifty-five buildings were erected, valued at $35,000.

In 1868, Mr. William Illingworth erected a flouring-mill in Polo, at a cost of some eighteen thousand dollars, which was subsequently purchased by Messrs. Black Brothers, and has proven to be a profitable enterprise and a great convenience to the citizens of the township and surrounding country.

In the Fall and Winter of 1870-1, "Exchange Block" was erected, on the northwest corner of Mason and Franklin streets, on the site of the old Sanford House, by Messrs. Wayne & Schell, at a cost of $23,000. It is a fine brick building, three stories, 44x88 feet. The Exchange National Bank occupies the southeast corner of the building, on the first floor. The Post Office and Mr. Chafiee's confectionery store occupy the first floor fronting Franklin street, and the store fronting Mason street is occupied by H. W. Fagley as a dry goods store. The Exchange Hoter occupies the two upper stories and the north room on the ground floor. This hotel was opened by Col. J. H. Prescott, in May, 1872 ; and in 1878, under his management, it is one of the best managed, coziest, most home-like hotels in the State.

In 1877, the City Building was erected on the east side of Franklin street, a short distance south of Mason. It is a handsome brick building, one story high, and contains the city offices and police station.

From 1844 to 1858-9, the growth of the town was vigorous and rapid. In 1857, the new town contained an estimated population of 1,000 and at the close of 1858 its business interests were summed up as follows :

Two printing offices and newspapers, three hotels, nine grain dealers, seven dry goods stores, two drug and book stores, two hardware stores, two millinery stores, one melodeon factory, one wind grist-mill, one steam planing-mill, three blacksmith shops, two bakeries, fifteen carpenters, four shoe shops, three lawyers, two coal yards, one wagon factory, one wood turner, three tailors, one cooper shop, three harness shops, one tin shop, one paint and oil store, two painters, two dentists, four practicing physicians, one funiture room and cabinet shop, and four lumber yards.

Confectionery, Fruits, etc. - G. Chaffee, 1863 ; Jacob M. Powell, 1877. (It is to be remarked that there is no "saloon" for the sale of beer or stronger liquors in the city of Polo, and has not been for more than thirteen years. The establishments above mentioned are elegantly fitted up, with ice cream parlors attached, and furnish fashionable resorts for the young people of the city.) Mrs. G. Chafi"ee, 1878 ; J. Bamborough, 1869.

Coal and Wood. - Patrons of Husbandry, Joint Stock Association, 1876; F. 0. Newman, 1875 (succeeded his father, P. W. Newman, who commenced in 1860) ; Yeakle & Snyder, 1877.

Insurance. - Schryver & Clark, Life and Fire Insurance and Loans, corner Division and Mason streets ; James Lawson, 1866 ; John Mickler, 1871.

The commercial importance of Polo will appear from the following statistics : Amount of dry goods sold by her merchants during 1877, $135,000 ; groceries, $131,000 ; hardware, $50,000 ; farming implements, $73,000.

There were shipped by cars from the railroad depot, during the past year, 290 head of horses, 2,261 head of cattle, 1,082 head of sheep, 19,909 head of hogs, 327,000 pounds of butter and 370 car loads of grain of all kinds.

During two weeks ending April 10, 1878, two car loads of eggs were shipped from Polo. Large quantities of cheese are shipped from this point. The business of Polo would be largely increased by a more liberal policy on the part of the railroad managers.

Banks. - The Exchange National Bank of Polo was organized under the national banking act, in 1871, with a capital stock of $60,000. R. Wagner, President ; H. W. McClure, Vice President ; W. T. Schell, Cashier. In April, 1872, its capital stock was increased to $80,000. Present officers, Reuben Wagner, President ; Romanzo G. Shumway, Vice President ; William T. Schell, Cashifer.

The banking house of Barber & Trumbauer was organized March 2, 1874, located in " Aplington Block," on the northeast corner of Mason and Franklin streets.

Polo Manufacturing Company was organized under the general law of the State, in 1874, with a capital stock of ^25,000. It was organized for the purpose of manufacturing the " King-Funk Polo Harvester " invented by Lauranus

F. King, and improved by H. M. Funk, both citizens of Polo. Its large and commodious manufactory and warehouse are located just south of the corporate limits of the city, on the west side of the railroad, south of Oregon street. In 1876, this company manufactured five hundred of these popular machines.

The present officers of the company are Reuben Wagner, President ; H. M. Funk, Vice President ; L. F. King, Secretary and Treasurer ; Directors, R. Wagner, H. M. Funk, L. F. King, Herman Barthell, Elias Baker.

Polo Harvester Company, organized in 1874 with a capital stock of $25,000, for the purpose of manufacturing the "Porter Harvester," invented by Mr. Henry Porter, a citizen of Polo. In 1876, this company manufactured 250 of these excellent implements ; in 1877. 125. Its shops and warehouse are located on Dixon street, just north of the depot.

Buffalo Mutual Fire Insurance Company. - This company is a township organization under "An Act to Incorporate and Govern Mutual Fire Insurance Companies in Townships," approved April 3, 1872, authorized by C. E. Lippincott. Auditor of State, ex officio Insurance Commissioner, March 3, 1874 ; organized March 14, 1874, in the Grange room. Polo. Present : N. P. Scott, James Frazier, James Reed, Wm. Illingsworth, F. G. Jones, C. G. Holbrook,

First Board of Directors : Francis G. Jones, President ; A. J. Sanborn, Secretary ; E. S. Waterbury, Treasurer ; A. F. Moore, Jordan Lawrence, C.

Patrons of Husbandry Joint Stock Association, of Polo, was organized under the general law of the State, January 23, 1876. Section 2 of its by-laws declares that the time this corporation shall exist shall be ninety-nine years from the 26th day of January, 1876. It was organized with a capital stock of $1,000, divided into shares of $10 each, subscribed by eighty-three stockholders. Officers elected Directors, Wm. Apple, Jonathan Meyers, Sr., George Yates, D.

F. Miller, F. G. Jones, James F. Frisbee, William T. Porter, President ; D. F. Miller; Secretary, J. F. Frisbee ; Treasurer, F. G. Jones ; Business Manager, E. S. Waterbury. These officers have been continued without change to the present time (April, 1878).

The object of this corporation was declared to be to supply the members of the " Patrons of Husbandry " or others who may desire, with agricultural implements and machinery, and such other farm supplies as are generally required by farmers, at the lowest cash price ; to buy and sell such farm products as may be deemed advisable, etc.

The profits are divided semi-annually after paying the running expenses, as follows : Ten per cent, per annum to the stockholders on the capital stock, and

Political Organization

An act of the General Assembly of Illinois, entitled " An act to incorporate the town of Polo, in the county of Ogle and State of Illinois," was approved February 16, 1857. At a meeting of the citizens, held in the basement of the store occupied by Zenas Aplington & Co., April 16, 1857, J. B. Moore, George Swingley and R. H. Van Santford were chosen Judges, and Nathan J. Betts and John R. Phelps, Clerks, of the election, to whom the oath of office was administered by Virgil A. Bogue, Justice of the Peace. The charter was accepted ; 127 ballots were cast - 84 for the charter and 43 against the charter. On the same day, Zenas Aplington, John B. Moore, Cornelius Woodruff, J. M. Reed, James Brand, S. E. Treat and H. N. Murray were elected Trustees of the Corporation. April 18, the Board organized by the choice of Zenas Aplington, President, and J. B. Moore, Clerk. Jonas M. Reed was elected Treasurer ; Philo W. Newman, Street Commissioner ; John J. Wood, Constable. Mr. Newman resigned the office of Street Commissioner, and on the 25th, John R. Phelps was appointed.

The first ordinance passed was one fixing license fees for shows and entertainments, as follows : Circus, $15.00 ; traveling vocalists, each performance, $5.00; "jugglers," thimble players, rope dancers, sleight-of-hand performers, each performance, $5.00 ; panoramas and paintings, $1.00. A poll tax of two days' labor was levied " upon each and every man over 21 years of age not exempted by law." A penalty of $1.25 was imposed for refusal, but the tax might be commuted on payment of $1.00 per day. April 25, the Board appropriated $10.00 for the purpose of stationery and candles. By an ordinance passed June 27, it was made unlawful for any person to appear within the corporate limits of the town in a state of drunkenness ; penalty, a fine of not less than two or more than ten dollars. July 25, J. B. Moore and J. M. Reed were appointed to "wait on the Street Commissioner and invite him to resign," and on the 8th of August that official tendered his resignation, which was accepted. August 15, it was ordered that " the porch of H. Sanford, on Mason street, be lowered one foot." September 25, the office of " Fire Warden " was created, and G. D. Read and Daniel Buck were appointed. December 17, Campbell & Carpenter were appointed Corporation Attorneys. George D. Read was the first Police Justice.

I do solemnly swear that I will support the Constitution of the United Slates and of the State of Illinois and the charter of the town of Polo ; and that I will, according to the best of my judgment and ability, diligently, faithfully and impartially perform all the duties enjoined upon me or us, as Trustees of the Town of Polo, County of Ogle, State of Illinois. We, and each one of us, do solemnly swear that I have not fought a duel nor been sent or accepted a challenge to fight a duel, the probable issues of which might have been the death of either party, nor been a second to either party nor in any manner assisted in such duel, nor been, knowingly, the bearer of such challenge or acceptance since the adoption of the Constitution, and that we will not be so engaged or concerned, directly or indirectly, in or about any such duel during our continuance in oifice. So help us God.

This was under the old Constitution, under which a duelist could hold no office in the State. A similar oath was taken by all civil officers in the State until the adoption of the new Constitution.

An informal ballot was had upon the question of license or no license, which resulted in a tie, when the President cast his vote against license.

August 12, 1859, an ordinance creating a Fire Department was passed. This ordinance provided that " every person in said corporation who shall have or keep a store, shop, office, or other place of business, shall furnish a common bucket, keep the same at all times filled with water in such store, shop, office or other place of business, for the purpose of extinguishing fires." October 15th, a Police Department was established, consisting of four policeman and a night watchman. Edwin G. Ferris, Marshall D. Higley, Jonathan C. Speilman and George J. Kinney were appointed policemen, and Nicholas Welden, night watchman. November 28th, George Weaver and Walter Carpenter were "elected to have licenses to sell spirituous liquors." December 23d, an ordinance was passed locating a " lock-up " in the center of Colden street, west of Franklin street.

June 8, 1860, the license for selling "spirituous, vinuous and malt liquors" was fixed at $250 per annum, payable quarterly in advance ; for selling beer and ale, $40. Persons taking out licenses were required to give bonds that they would keep " orderly houses and not allow gambling under any circumstances in their houses."

1864. - President, Reuben Wagner ; Treasurer, W. S. Goodhue ; Trustees, Walter T. Pierce (Clerk), William W. Barnes, William Pine, William Barkman, John P. Miller, James C. Burbank ; Attorney, Morton D. Swift. This Board refused to grant licenses for sale of liquors, and none have been granted since. 1865. - (March 11, the President and Board of Trustees being of opinion that a legal election could not be held on the 13th, in accordance with the notices posted, ordered the election deferred " until the Judges of Election make the proper register of voters," consequently the election was not held until January 5th. President, William W. Burns; Treasurer, Robert S. Hitt; Trustees, Carlos Herrick (Clerk), William Pine, John R. Phelps, Joseph Watson, Thomas B. Benedict, Stephen M. Slade ; Attorney, M. D. Swift.

City Of Polo

The "Act to incorporate the City of Polo, Ogle County," was approved February 19, 1869. At this time, the population was about eighteen hundred. On the 27th of February, a meeting was held at the Sanford House, and the charter was accepted - 190 votes were cast *'for city charter," and 137 " against city charter."

The provisions of the charter of the city of Polo are essentially the same as those of all other city charters, except one section, which distinguishes it from all others in the State.

Section 43 provides that "No person or corporation shall sell, barter, exchange, dispose of or give away within the boundaries of said city any whisky, rum, gin, brandy, wine, ale, beer, porter, lager beer, nor any strong, fermented, spirituous, vinous, malt or mixed liquors, nor any Drake's Plantation Bitters, Hostetter's Bitters, Jockey Club Bitters, Red Jacket Bitters, brandy peaches, or any so-called patent medicines composed in part of intoxicating liquors, for any purpose, without a license so to do from the Common Council. Any person violating the provisions of this section shall be fined therefor not less than ten dollars nor more than seventy-five dollars for each offense."

This law, adopted by the people and generally enforced by the authorities, has given this fair young city a wider and brighter fame than any other act. It is indeed the brightest jewel in her coronet of glory.

By the terms of the charter, the President, Trustees and Police Magistrate of the town of Polo were constituted Mayor, Aldermen and Police Magistrate of the city. Consequently, upon the acceptance of the charter, John D. Campbell became Mayor ; Messrs. Beard, Parmalee, Preston, Wagner, Gallagher and Lawson, Aldermen ; Hamilton Norton, Police Magistrate ; S. Beard, City Clerk.

June 25, 1877, the people of the city voted to abandon the old charter, and re-organize under the general law, by a vote of 148 for to 15 against such reorganization. The City Council declared " that the city of Polo is re-organized as a city, under the General Laws of Illinois, relating to cities, etc.," and the ofl&cers elected in March "hold over " until next election, in April, 1878. Estimated population of Polo, in 1878, 2,500.

Township of Buffalo was organized in 1850, and at that time embraced the territory of the present township of Eagle Point, which was erected into a new township in 1871. The first Supervisor of Buffalo Township was Zenas Aplington.

The present township officers are : Supervisor, Charles W. Sammis ; ^1.^- sistant Supervisor, Wm. L. Fearer; Town Clerk, J. C. Palmer; Assessor, Martin F. Bassett; Collector, Stephen B. Lowe; Road Commissioners, J. C. Aplington, Samuel W. Powell and Jeremiah Rand ; Justices of the Peace, J. H. Anderson, John Mickler and M. R. Trumbauer ; Constables, W. G. Atkins, J. Rand and R. S. Cornelius.

Post Office

The post office of " Buffalo Grove, Jo Daviess County, Illinois," was established in the Winter of 1833-4, and Elkanah B. Bush appointed Postmaster. The office was on the mail route from Peoria, via Dixon, to Galena. John D. Winters was the mail contractor, and carried the mail each way once a week. He had established a regular stage line on this route, and at that time run coaches and "four." Oliver W. Kellogg was Deputy Postmaster under Bush, and the office was kept at his tavern, near the north end of the town, at the southern edge of Buffalo Grove. After a few months, in 1834, Bush resigned. Kellogg was appointed Postmaster, and held the office until 1839, when Col. John D. Stevenson was appointed. Daniel Higley was appointed April 1, 1840; George D. Read, January, 1842. Read resigned and Joseph Kellogg was appointed, September 1, 1846 ; C. R. Barber, 1847 ; Isaiah Wilcoxon, 1849 ; Chester K. Williams, 1850 ; George D. Read, 1853 (was also appointed

Mail Agent at the same time, and had supervision of all the post offices and routes in the Northern District of Illinois). In 1855, the people of the new town of Polo, on the Illinois Central Railroad, wanted the post office at Buffalo Grove removed to Polo, or a new office established. The people of " Old Town " wanted to retain the office there. The authorities wisely decided that one office must serve for both towns, and a lively contest ensued ; but in November, 1855, the name was changed to Polo, and Postmaster Read removed the office in the night, for the purpose of avoiding trouble and litigation, to a building on the south side of Mason street, about half way between Franklin street and the railroad, now occupied by Joseph Geeting, where it was opened the next morning, as if nothing had happened. The people of Old Town, sub mitting to the inevitable, soon became reconciled to the change. The office was afterward removed to Dr. More's drug store, on the northeast corner of Franklin and Locust streets ; and in 1858, to the north side of Mason street, about midway between Franklin and Division streets. Hamilton Norton was appointed Postmaster in 1861, and removed the office to Division street, three doors north of Mason. He was succeeded by John W. Clinton, the present efficient Postmaster, in April, 1875. The office is now located in Exchange Block, northwest corner of Mason and Franklin streets.

On the preceding pages appears a sketch of the first schools in the township, taught when the present site of Polo was an open prairie. The town was surveyed and laid out in the Spring of 1853, and in the Winter of 1854-5, Miss Lucy A. Bassett opened a private school in a building built by Mr. Williams on the north side of Mason street, near Division. Miss Bassett also taught in the following Summer. In the Fall and Winter of 1855-6, John Savage kept school in Williams' Hall.

April 1, 1856, School District No. 2, of Buffiilo Township, including the entire town of Polo, was organized, and Rev. J. H. More, L. S. Allen and John Jay were elected Directors. This Board at once made arrangements with the Trustees of the Presbyterian Church, and secured the basement of their church building for a school room, and occupied it until the new school house was erected, in 1867-8. In the Summer of 1856, Helen Bogue was employed as teacher, followed in the Winter of 1856-7 by Alfred M. Webster ; Winter of 1857-8, Matthew Van Buskirk ; Summer of 1858, 0. Cone (private) ; Winter of 1858-9, R. Whiteside; 1859-60', J. W. Clinton; 1860-61, Page.

In the Spring of 1857, District No. 2 was divided, and all that part of the town south of Mason street was organized as School District No. 9 of Buffiilo Township, with Allen C. Mason, Theron Palmeter and Seymour E. Treat, Directors. In this district a small one-story brick building was erected in the Fall of 1857, at a cost of $1,200, and the first school was taught by Miss Sarah H. Stevenson (now Mrs. Dr. Hackett-Stevenson, of Chicago).

These two districts remained until 1867, when they were consolidated by an act of the General Assembly, entitled " An act to incorporate Polo School District," approved February 14, 1867. The act provided that Dr. William W. Burns, Col. Morton D. Swift and Andrew M. Hitt, Esq., should constitute the first Board of Education, to hold one, two and three years respectively, terms to be determined by lot. The Board met on the 19th of February and determined, by lot, the term of office of each, as follows : Dr. Burns, three years ; Col. Swift, two years, and Mr. Hitt, one year. Dr. W. W. Burns, Chairman; A. M. Hitt was elected Clerk, and J. C. Luckey, Treasurer.

February 28, 1867, offers for the erection of a new school building were received and placed on file from John H. Mowry, Daniel E. Baker, Salathiel Hibarger and Moses E. Sammis. At this meeting, Mr. Alexander Smith, of Chicago, presented a plan, with elevations, which were approved and adopted by the Board. Mr. Smith was appointed " Superintendent of Buildings " and authorized to contract for stone, lumber, etc. The building was located, by vote of the people of the district, on Lots 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7, Block 8, Barber's Addition, on the northwest corner of Locust and Congress streets, and work was commenced at once and prosecuted with such energy that the building was completed during the Autumn of the same year. This handsome building is of blue limestone, rock-work style, and cost about $20,000. Until the completion of the new school house, the school was continued in the basement of the Presbyterian Church. Prof. Luman B. Searle was the first Principal ; Assistants, Misses Carrie Ford, Dora Ford, Annie More, Annie Coleman and Julia E. Bogue. In the Winter of 1867-8, the school occupied the new building.

In June, 1868, Reuben Wagner, Esq., was elected a member of the Board of Education, vice Hitt, term expired ; and in 1869, Hon. John D. Campbell succeeded Col. Swift, and since that time Dr. Burns and Messrs. Wagner and Campbell have served continuously, and constitute the present Board.

March 12, 1869, Prof. Searle resigned, and the Spring term of that year commenced with Prof. Joshua Thorpe, Principal, and Misses Carrie Ford, Annie Kendall, Mary Mason, M. E. Daines and Lucy Webster, Assistants.

April, 1870, Prof. Joseph H. Freeman succeeded Mr. Thorpe, with Misses Martha Scoville, Mary Jessup, Mary Mason, M. E. Daines and Annie More, Assistants. In May, 1874, Prof. Freeman resigned, and Prof. H. H. Smith became Principal, who remained until September, 1876, when Mr. Freeman again assumed control of the school. April, 1878, the Board of Instruction was as follows : Principal, Prof. Joseph H. Freeman ; Assistants, Misses Emma R. Pearson, Flora Carll, Mary L. Mason, Frankie M. Luckey, Inez Sammis, Annie Parmalee and Julia E. Read. There are six school rooms, four recitation rooms, and 526 scholars are enrolled.

As the transformation of any country from a condition of barbarism to a state of civilization is the work of long time, so that branch of civilization, Religion, must be of slow development.

For many years after the cabins of the immigrants began to dot the beautiful prairies, religious worship was known only at the home firesides of those who, in distress and privation, had not forgotten their devotion to Him who had provided their dwelling place. The earliest public worship in Buffalo Township of which trace remains in history was conducted in the Fall of 1834, in the log house which Brookie and Bush were then building. The floor was not laid, and the audience, consisting of about twenty persons, sat on puncheons. The preacher on that occasion was a settler of Lynn Grove, now in Whiteside County, named John Tomlinson, who had been a local Baptist preacher.

The M. E. Qkureh was organized in 1836. Its first pastor was Rev. James McKean. His salary was about $100. Number of members, five. This society built a commodious church edifice in Polo in 1859. The present pastor is Rev. J. 0. Cramb, with a salary of $1,200; number of members in this church now is 245. A good parsonage is also owned by the society. J.

The Independent Presbyterian Ohureh in Buffalo Township was the outgrowth of the old Congregational Church, and was organized May 5, 1848, with eleven church members, by Rev. Calvin Gray, D. R. Miller and R. M. Pearson, and occupied the Buffalo Grove Union Church. Rev. Mr. Gray first supplied the church and, after an interval, was succeeded by Rev. Wm. Todd, who received a salary of about $400. October 3, 1858, Rev. Wm. E. Holyoke took charge of the station, followed by Revs. A. Hyde, Robert Proctor, James Vincent, and the present pastor, Rev. J. L. Granger, whose salary is $1,200. The society was removed to the village of Polo in the Spring of 1855, and the corner stone of its present commodious brick church building was laid July 4 of that year. The Trustees elected after the removal of the society to Polo, at a meeting held in the school house June 5, 1855, were : Zenas Aplington, L. N. Barber, Samuel Waterbury, V. B. Webster and Wm. Haynes. The church cost $10,000, and was dedicated to the worship of the "Triune God" on August 7, 1857. The present membership is 150. The Sabbath school has been in operation since the society was established in Polo.

T?te Episcopal Church was organized July 9, 1858, and commenced the erection of its building on November 14 of the year following. It was completed at a cost of $3,100, December 23, 1862, and all indebtedness paid within one year from that time. At the time of organization the church had sixteen communicants. To this number there have been added by profession and letter seventy-four, and lost by removal and death, sixty-eight, leaving a present (March, 1878) membership of twenty- two. The following is a list of rectors who have held a settled charge here: Chas. J. Todd, Dec. 5, 1858, to Mav 2, 1859, died May 2, 1859; S. T. Carpenter, Sept. 24, 1859, to April 27, 1863; Byron McGam, July 26, 1863, to July 17, 1864; Geo. H. Jenks, Sept. 11, 1864, to April 9, 1865; S. Y. Johnson, Sept, 22, 1867, to Feb. 8, 1869; T. M. Eddy, Oct. 1, 1869, to Oct. 1, 1870; A. W. Gla^s, Nov. 26, 1870, to April 1, 1872; G. W. Dean, April 28, 1873, to June 10, 1874, and N. W. Heermans, who is the present rector.

Church of United Brethren in Christ - Its Origin. - About the middle of the eighteenth century, the Lord remembered ^the Germans in America, and raised up men to preach to them in their own native language. Among others was William Otterbein, who was the founder of the church. The first society was organized in Baltimore, and the first conference was held in the same city in 1789, with seven members present. Their polity is partly Congregationalism and partly Presbyterianism. Secret societies, slavery and the manufacture and sale of ardent spirits are expressly prohibited. The doctrines of the church are acknowledged purely orthodox. They had, in 1877, 4,078 organized churches; a membership of 150,000; ministers, 2,059 ; church buildings, 2,003; conferences, 42; Bishops' districts, 5; foreign missions, 3 - two in Germany and one in West Africa. The latter has seven missionaries and two teachers, and the former one each. Educational institutions of the church: Colleges, 4; universities, 3; seminaries, 3; academies, 2; theological seminary, 1. Periodicals - the Religious Telescope^ their church organ, and Heavenly Messenger^ their German paper. Sabbath School literature - Missionary Visitor^ Children's Friend and Our Little One. Their book concern and printing house is located at Dayton, Ohio. They operate from the Atlantic to the

Pacific Ocean, and in Canada. They have in Ogle County, 111., five charges, with a membership of about 600, the most important of which is at Polo. This was organized in 1863, by Rev. L. B. Peck, pastor, who was succeeded by Rev. E. A. Vansant, I. K. Statton, S. Healey, G. A. Coalman, J. W. Robertson and the present pastor. Rev. J. H. Grimm. The society numbers 171, and has a good church building, which was erected in 1863 at a cost of $3,000; a Sabbath School with five officers; eight teachers and one hundred pupils; David N. Johnson, Superintendent.

The Evangelical Lutheran Church was organized August 7, 1870, in the Methodist Church building, where meetings were held, principally, until in 1872 the Society erected in Polo a church edifice of blue limestone at a cost of $17,- 000. In architectural beauty and finish this edifice is not surpassed by any other in Ogle County. There were thirty-six members at the time of organiza^ tion, and the first pastor was Rev. P. G. Bell, with a salary of $750. The church was dedicated by Rev. F. W. Conrad, D. D., of Philadelphia. Mr. Bell remained until April, 1875, and he was superseded by the present pastor. Rev. J. S. Detweiler, January, 1876. In September, 1876, the Society purchased the present parsonage and lot for $1,400. The church is liberally supported and largely attended, having now a membership of 175.

The Baptist Church was organized, at Buffalo, in 1860, with a membership of 15. Its first pastor was Rev. Edward O'Brien, with a salary of $400. In 1870-71, this society re-organized and erected a church edifice at a cost of $7,000. Number of members at present, 82. At the time the church was erected. Rev. John N. Young was pastor. It was dedicated by Rev. N. F. Ravlin, who remained as pastor for some time, and was followed by Rev. J. Cairns, then P. 0. Shirley, who was succeeded by the present pastor. Rev. A. A. Russell. Mr. Russell came in October, 1876. During several vacancies, the pulpit was occasionally filled by stated supplies, the last time by Rev. J. H. Pratt, of Sterling.

The Catholic society erected a church edifice in Polo at a cost of $1,500, in 1858. It has a membership of about 75. This church has never had a local priest nor any stated time for service.

Masonic

Mystic Tie Lodge, No. 187, A. F. ^ A. M., was organized at Polo, under dispensation, November 13, 1855. The first meeting was held on this date, on the second floor of the store occupied by Daniel Buck, on the north side of Mason street, third building east of Franklin. The first officers and members were as follows :

Secretary ; Zenas Aplington, Treasurer; Marshall D. Higley, S. S. ; Samuel C. Peek, J. S. ; James Lawson, Tyler; and Robert Fisher. Subsequent meetings were held in the Normal School building, at Buffalo, then occupied by Professor J. W. Frisbee's school, until February 27, 1856, when, in connection with the gentlemen who soon afterward organized Polo Lodge, No. 197, I. 0. of 0. F., the Lodge fitted up a small hall on the north side of Mason street, four doors east of Division. The Lodge was regularly instituted under charter from the Grand Lodge, November 2d, 1856. April 1, 1857, the Lodge removed to Mosher's Hall on the east side of Division street, second door north of Mason street. About January 1, 1858, the Lodge again removed to the new Odd Fellows' Hall, on Franklin street, where it remained until about September, 1868, when it occupied its own new hall on the east side of Franklin, midway between Mason and Locust street.

T7/rian Chapter No. 6, R. A. ilf. - Organized U. D., April 23, 1861. Instituted under charter, September 28, 1861. Charter members, who were also first officers : James C. Luckey, H. P. ; Francis A. McNeill, K. ; William K. Palmer, S. ; Samuel Y. Perce, C. H. ; James G. Brown, R. A. C. ; Leander Gordon, P. S. ; Joseph F. Ingalls, 3d Y. ; Thomas Robisnson, 2d Y. ; Edward P. Sexton, 1st Y. ; Rev. Benjamin Close, Chaplain. All meetings were held in the hall occupied by Mystic Tie Lodge.

Polo Lodge^ No. 19 Jf.^ was instituted under dispensation March 13, 1856, by P. G. E. W. Hulburt, of Star Lodge, No. 77, assisted by P. G.'s John Autis and L. P. Lott, in a small hall fitted up for lodge purposes on the north side of Mason street, near Division. The original members were : Robert Fisher, Benjamin W. Walkey, Ira Demander, John H. Jay, Hiram Gregory and Emanuel Hepler ; and the following officers were elected and installed : Dr. Robert Fisher, N. G. ; Ira Demander, Y. G. ; B. W. Walkey, Secretary ; John H. Jay, Treasurer. In 1858, the Lodge added the third story to Woodruff's stone building, brick front, on the east side of Franklin street, a short distance south of Mason, and furnished a beautiful hall at a cost of $1,700. This fraternity, worthily symbolized by the triple links of " Friendship, Love and Truth," has increased from its modest beginning to a present membership of 94, and has in its treasury an accumulated fund of $2,200 for the relief of its members, widows and orphans. April 10, 1878, its officers were : M. R. Trumbauer, N. G. ; William Strickler, Y. G. ; Oliver Z. Hicks, Recording Secretary ; J. G. Clopper, Permanent Secretary ; Henry Wolf, Treasurer.

Patrons Of Husbandry Associations And Societies

Polo Library Association. - On Saturday Evening, April 15, 1871, a meeting of the citizens of Polo was held at the City Hall to adopt measures for organizing a Library Association under the general law of incorporation. At that meeting 169 shares of stock, at $5.00 each, were subscribed, and on the 12th day of May, 1871, the Polo Library Association was regularly organized by choice of Chanceford R. Barber, J. Leavitt Moore, Wayland S. Groodhue, Rev. J. H. More, Hon. John D. Campbell, Prof. Joseph H. Freeman and Col. Morton D. Swift, Directors. This Board organized by the choice of Rev. J. H. More, Chairman, and Morton D. Swift, Secretary. B. H. Barber was elected Treasurer, and Miss Barber, Librarian.

Its stock subscriptions were procured mainly through the earnest and untiring efforts of Hon. G. M. Hunt and Daniel Buck, Esq. It commenced at once on a vigorous and brilliant career, and had, up to April, 1858, accumulated about 1,300 volumes of choice and valuable books, and is one of the most eminently useful institutions in the city.

May 24, 1871, the Association purchased the building and ground on the northwest corner of Mason and Congress streets. Eleven public-spirited and generoushearted citizens contributed $100 each for the purpose of paying for the library building, viz. : J. Leavitt Moore, Chanceford R. Barber, Dr. Wm. W. Burns, Miss Relief R. Barber, Bingaman & Cunningham, Carlos Herrick, Edward G. Smith, C. F. Barber & Co., Reuben Wagner, John Weller, and Thomas T. Schell. The building and grounds Avere purchased for $1,000, and $100 was expended in fitting it up. The building was subsequently enlarged and refitted and is now worth about $1,500.

Although the property of this association belongs to the owners of its stock, yet by liberal by-laws its benefits are extended to the citizens of Buffalo Township, free of charge.

During the Winter of 1877-78, the association inaugurated a course of eight lectures, and, with season tickets sold at $2.00 each, realized $100 for the benefit of the Library. The Public School Library is kept in the same building, and much interest is manifested by the young people of Polo in the success of this beneficent institution. In April, 1878, the ofiicers were : Trustees - W. W. Pierce, President ; Wm. T. Schell, Secretary ; J. H. Freeman, J. L. Moore, R. D. Woolsey, D. L. Miller, Henry D. Barber ; Treasurer, B. H. Barber ; Librarian, Miss F. Barber.

Polo Cemetery Association was organized April 21, 1857. The first officers were : Rev. William Todd, President ; Zenas Aplington, Hamilton Norton, Seymour E. Treat, Directors ; Alfred M. Webster, Secretary. Area of cemetery, eight acres, comprised in 110 blocks, or 440 lots. Officers of

1858 : Chester K. Williams, President ; C. R. Barber, Norman Hawks, C. W. Sammis, Directors ; J. C. Luckey, Secretary. The grounds are situated on the beautifully sloping prairie just outside the northern limits of the city, are well enclosed, and beautified by shrubbery, elegant monuments and enclosures of smaller divisions.

Polo Literary Society was organized, in the High School room, September 30, 1870, by the election of Prof. Joseph H. Freeman, President ; Rev. J. Young and I. S. Struble, Vice Presidents ; Secretary, Miss Anna More (now Mrs. 0. B. Dodge, of Dixon); Treasurer, Mrs. Thomas Treat. The first regular meeting was held October 7, in the lecture room of the Presbyterian Church. On this occasion, the programme was an essay on Chemistry, by W. S. Millican ; debate on the question, " Resolved, that the war waged by Prussia against the French nation is unjust, and should be stopped by the intervention of other powers," Orris Mosher, aflSrmative ; R. C. Bassett, negative; select reading by Miss Julia E. Read; declamation by Miner Swearengen. The Association continued weekly meetings every Autumn and Winter until the Spring of 1875, but still maintains its organization. President (1878), J. W. Clinton, Esq.

Buffalo Decoration Association^ organized April 28, 1874, " to honor, by proper observance, the memory of the soldiers and sailors who gave their services and lives in defense of our country." First officers : President, Capt. Joseph H. Freeman ; Vice Presidents, Rev. J. Cairns, Dr. J. Maltby ; Secretary, Capt. R. D. Woolsey ; Treasurer, Sergt. F. B. Pierce ; Marshal, Capt. H. C. Peek ; Assistant Marshals, Col. M. D. Swift, J. W. Lunt, A. M. Webster, J. J. Thompson and Leander Griffin ; Chaplain, Rev. P. G. Bell.

Polo Relief Association was organized on Tuesday, January 15, 1878, at City Hall, having for its object an united effort to give aid and relief to the poor and destitute, to furnish labor to the unemployed, and to alleviate, as far as possible, the sufferings of the unfortunate. The following board of officers were elected : President, Hon. George M. Hunt ; Vice Presidents, D. B. Moffatt, S. Beard, M. F. Bassett, Pearson Shoemaker, John Mickler, J. R. Phelps, John Atley, Geo. W. Harshman and Samuel Yeakle ; Secretary, D. L. Miller ; Treasurer, R. G. Shumway ; Executive Committee, John D. Campbell, Joseph H. Freeman, H. D. Barber, James C. Luckey and R. D. Woolsey. The Executive Committee met on Thursday afternoon, January 17, and appointed the following Relief Committee: Relief R. Barber, Chairman; Mrs. R. G. Shumway and D. L. Miller, North Polo ; Mrs. G. M. Hunt and C. F. Cush man. East Polo ; Mrs. J. R. Phelps and H. D. Heally, South Polo and Old Town. The donation of twenty-five cents or more constitutes the admission fee to this benevolent association.

Old Settlers Association of Buffalo Grove and vicinity. - February 18, 1873, at a meeting of the old settlers, C. K. Williams was called to the chair and J. W. Clinton appointed Secretary. C. G. Holbrook, C. W. Sammis and C. K. Williams were appointed a Committee to draft a Constitution. February 25, 1873, they met at the office of the Press, adopted a Constitution and elected Col. John D. Stevenson, President; William Illingworth, Daniel Hoffhine,

March 6, 1877, the association was re-organized, a new Constitution adopted, admitting to membership all who were residents of Ogle County prior to 1840 as honorary members and making them Vice Presidents of the organization.

Miscellaneous

The Underground Railroad. - One of the moral influences which in later days exerted a powerful political influence and swayed the destinies of this great nation, was the agitation of the slavery question, and, as in other parts ot the country, a few of the early settlers in the vicinity of Buffalo Grove took a strong anti-slavery position. Most prominent among them were Dea. Timothy Perkins, Virgil A. Bogue, Esq. (afterward Judge of the County Court), Dea. John Waterbury, Solomon Shaver, and a few others. The slaves of the South, in attempting to escape from bondage, were not beyond the reach of their masters until they trod the soil of Canada. In their efforts to reach a land where they could own themselves, where the cross of St. George and not the Stars and Stripes was the "flag of the free," they were assisted by the earnest workers like those above mentioned, and there came to be established certain lines of travel over which the fugitives would be sent from one friend to another, until they were beyond the reach of overseers and bloodhounds, beneath the flag of Great Britain. From 1842 to 1860, Buffalo and Polo were stations on, and the noble spirits above named were actively connected with, the Illinois branch of the Gfreat Underground Railroad, extending from all parts of the Slave States to the Canadian frontier.

At first they were obliged to act with great caution, traveling in the night and concealing their passengers in the bottom of their wagons, under straw or buffalo robes. The depot at Buffalo Grove vibrated between Bogue's and Perkins'. They received passengers from Sugar Grove, Lee County, and delivered them to Rev. George Gammell and others, at Byron. At first, Mt. Morris was carefully avoided, because the early settlers there were from Maryland. But the earnest appeals of Lovejoy, of Codding and other anti-slavery agitators - ''fan atics " - soon brought about a different state of feeling, until in 1856-7, they used to " run their trains "in by daylight, making little or no effort to disguise their business. They were approaching the culmination of one of the grandest events in history - a history they had been helping to make - the abolition of human slavery on American soil, when the self-sacrificing devotion to the bondmen would be no longer needed. But they knew it not, nor felt that the hour was near, until the first gun at Fort Sumter startled the nation and sounded the death knell of slavery.

Bogue, Shaver and Waterbury have gone to their reward, but Dea. Timothy Perkins still lingers on the banks of the river, and at the ripe age of 83, he retains an unwonted degree of that mental and physical vigor which made him as modest and unassuming as he was and is a moral power in the community in which he lived.

These men were "characters," every one. Much might be written of the jollity, warm, social characteristics of Judge Bogue, and more of his inborn, unconquerable propensity to tease and torment the young folks, who both feared and loved him, and who ever hovered around him, fascinated by his brilliant conversational powers. His life experiences were varied in the extreme. Failing in business in the East, in 1836 he sought a new home and a fresh start at Buffalo Grove, where he excited considerable influence as a lawyer, Justice of the Peace, school teacher, Bible agent and exhorter. Generous, social, unstable, sarcastic, devout, talented, he was both loved and respected, and hated and feared, believed in and trusted, suspected and watched. He died at his residence in Polo after an illness of one week, November 25, 1869, aged 66 years. The immense concourse which attended the funeral attested the high esteem in which he was held. H& was borne to his grave by twelve of the old settlers.

Great Fire

On Monday night, February 13, 1865, the great conflagration of Polo occurred. The fire broke out in a saloon kept by Geo. K. Reynolds, on the north side of Mason street. Fourteen business houses and one dwelling house were destroyed, comprising one -quarter of the business part of Polo. The editor of the Polo Press, on closing an account of the fire, said: "Now let us pocket our loss and gain wisdom from the bought experience. Let no more such wooden rows be built, but see to it that stone or brick buildings take the place of this defunct range of shanties." This fire had the effect to abolish saloons in Polo, and since that time none have been allowed in the city.

The Founder Of Polo

Zenas Aplington, the founder of Polo, came to Buffalo Grove about 1839, from Broome County, New York, and settled at the old town of Buffalo. At first he worked part of the time at farming and a part at his chief trade, carpenter, but subsequently engaged in blacksmithing in connection with Edward Helm, and manufactured plows for several years. About 1849 or 1850 he purchased a portion of the school section, settled on it and engaged in farming, as stated in the early history of Polo. When the Illinois Central Railroad was surveyed, he was shrewd enough to take advantage of the action of some of the leading citizens of Buffalo, secured the location of the road through his farm, and laid the foundation for a new town that might have been very properly called "Aplington," instead of Polo. Mr. Aplington was emphatically a self-made man. He was a man of much more than ordinary ability, but started in life with very little education, and has left a record that can never be effaced. He was a genial, great hearted, public spirited man, active and energetic, but, like other men of like character, was disposed to entrust the details of his business too much to other hands. Mr. Aplington was a member of the Baptist Church, and was very highly esteemed and respected in the community in which he exercised a powerful influence. When the civil war commenced, he was a member of the Senate of Illinois, and actively aided in raising troops for the suppression of the rebellion. After aiding in raising and sending several companies for the vicinity of Polo, he enlisted himself in the Seventh Regiment Illinois Cavalry, was elected Major, and fell, says Col. Anderson, "shot through the head, while charging the enemy at the head of his battalion in one of the skirmishes that marked the advance on Corinth."

Maj. Aplington married Miss Caroline Nichols, daughter of William Nichols. His widow now resides in Chicago. One of his sons is an attorney at Storm Lake; another son has chosen the medical profession. His daughter, Harriet (since dead) became the wife of Col. M. D. Swift.

The Old Buffalo Taverns. - In the years 1831 and '32, John Ankeny and Isaac Chambers built and kept houses of entertainment on the old trails at Buffalo Grove. In 1832, Oliver W. Kellogg purchased the house of Chambers, and in 1833 moved the building south, on the lands afterward laid out as the village of St. Marion, and kept the Stage House until 1837, when he sold to Frederick Cushman. Afterward, the house was kept by a man named Barr, and then by Simmons. 0. W. Kellogg built a house in 1838, and opened the " Kellogg House, "^ and in a short time leased it to Moses C. Hatfield. In the meantime the said Hatfield erected a new house, which he and Joseph Kellogg kept until 1850, when Harrison Sanford build a house and kept the principal hotel until the business left the town of Buffalo and went to the city of Polo, in the years 1855 and 1856.

The First Baptist Church of Buffalo G-rove. - (The following sketch of a church once prominent in Buffalo was furnished by Greorge D. Read, Esq., after the church history was in type) :

The church known as the "First Baptist Church of Buffalo Grrove " was organized in the year 1840 by the Rev. Wm. Howell, and the Rev. Barton B. Carpenter was the first pastor. This church was connected with the Baptist Church of Dixon, and Mr. Carpenter preached at each place every alternate Sabbath for five years, when the two churches separated, and the Rev. Mr. Carpenter, father of Barton B. Carpenter, presided for one year over the Buffalo church. Then Rev. A. S. Leavitt for one year. The Rev. John Van Vleck for three or four years. Under the ministry of the first Carpenter, this church became the largest and most popular church of the place. This church and the Methodist Church held alternate services in the old school house for several years, and was disorganized about the time Polo was founded. The Rev. Barton B. Carpenter was perhaps one of the most beloved and respected pastors that ever preached at the old town of Buffalo, and has long since passed to spirit life.

George W. Hewitt came to this county in October, 1848, from Pennsylvania, and entered a bounty claim. In 1854, he bought the site of Forreston of John Dement. The town was an outgrowth of the Illinois Central Railroad. The original town, now forming the western part of the village, was laid out in the Fall of 1854, on Mr. Hewitt's land. The Railroad Company made two additions, one in 1855, the other March 8, 1861. Mr. Hewitt made three additions, the first, November 14, 1861. West Forreston was laid out April 1st, 1868, by John Meyer.

The railroad had arrived in the Winter of 1854, and the first buildings erected were the depot and a house for boarding railroad employes, now occupied as a private residence by W. H. Robbins. In the Summer of 1855, Theodore Hewitt built a small boarding house on the site of the present Sherman House.

In the Spring of 1855, Mr. Daniels built and opened a store, near the depot on the west side of the track, where he also kept the first post ofiice. In the same Spring, Samuel Mitchell, who had come from Maryland to Lincoln Township, together with Jonathan Meyers, in 1837, and Matthew Blair, who came to Mount Morris from Pennsylvania in 1845, moved to the new village of Forreston with their families and built their residences. In this year, also, Mr. Hewitt brought his family from Pennsylvania, although he had previously built his residence.

In the Fall of 1855, Henry Hiller established the first store, of any importance, in the small building still standing just north of the Sherman House. This he sold to Mr. Woodruff, who in turn disposed of his business to David Reinhardt, in 1858. Mr. Reinhardt built the store now occupied by Hewitt & Rosenstiel in the same year, and continued his general store in that building.

In 1855, Mitchell & Blair established a store in a small building on the corner lot occupied by the present hardware store of Smith & Campbell, north of the site of that building. Thomas Botdorf began blacksmithirig in the same year.

In the Fall of 1856, a meeting was held at Brookville for the purpose of organizing the Township, at which the Baileyville people contended that the Township should be named "Mendora." When the Central Railroad was built, this station had been named " Forreston," and the people of this village succeeded in securing that name for th eTownship. The first officers elected were, Matthew Blair, Supervisor, and M.'B. Geer, Assessor. There were twentyeight names enrolled on Mr. Geer's first tax book. The first school house was built in the*same year.

In 1855, a warehouse was erected near the railroad, by Aaron Middlekauff" and Martin Heller. Another was built by I. B. Allen in 1857. In this year, also, Fred Meyer began shoemaking, and soon after M. DeWall and John Lang followed in that business. The latter is still a boot and shoemaker of Forreston.

About this time, John J. Hewitt and his brother-in-law, B. F. Emerick, opened a general stock of goods in the building which had been occupied as a tavern ; and Robert Long opened a saloon near and opposite the depot, which was afterward burned down.

In 1859, C. M. Haller purchased the business of Hewitt & Emerick and continued it until 1861, when he bought the stock of Frank Barker, now of Rochelle, who established the first drug business here. Since 1873, Mr. Haller, has engaged in the drug business exclusively.

Among the early settlers spoken of, Messrs. Blair, Mitchell, Philo J. Hewitt and others are still residents of Forreston. John J. Hewitt does business in Forreston, but resides in Freeport.

Thomas Botdorf came to Forreston in 1855 and started a blacksmith shop. In 1857, he began wagon making, which constituted the first manufacturing in this place.

Mr. Botdorf sold his wagon shop to Salter & Hunter, in December, 1868, and the present firm of Salter & Blair was constituted in September, 1873. They are now engaged quite extensively in carriage making ; have commodious workshops, including blacksmith, woodwork, finishing, painting shops and salesroom. They employ nine workmen and manufacture about fifty carriages a year.

The tavern built by Theodore Hewitt was soon transferred to Alonzo Campbell, after whom M. B. Geer took charge, but soon moved to his present situation.

SCHOOLS. The first school house was a frame building, located in the center of the original town plat, erected in 1856. It was first taught by Miss Maria Blair, followed by Thomas J. Hewitt and A. Q. Allen. This building is still standing nearly opposite the residence of Mr. Philo J. Hitt. School was continued here until in 1867, when the present elegant three-story brick school house was erected on Front street, in the southern part of the town. The building, grounds and furniture cost about $16,000. The records show the following instructors since 1860 : J. L. Spear, 1860-62 ; Assistant, Julia Saterlee, 1860-62 ; J. W. Clinton, 1862-63; Assistant, E. A. Lunt, 1862-63 (from this time until 1869 they have not been recorded) ; G. M. M. Glenn, 1869 ; M. L. Seymour, 1870-72 ; George Blount, 1872-75. The present teachers are J. Lawson Wright, Principal ; Eliza J. Wilson, Assistant ; Abram Myers, First Intermediate ; Nellie Perrin, Second Intermediate ; Lizzie D. Hiller, First Primary ; Addie E. Shyrock, Second Primary. For teachers' salaries, $2,610 is appropriated for the present year. The present Board of School Directors is Eli Schafi"ner, Levi J. Bowers and John Dovenbarger. The present school membership is 315.

was organized October 5, 1864, with the following charter members : Thomas J. Hewitt, Henry N. Clopper, N. E. Rogers, John W. Clinton, John W. Frazey,

Benjamin Savage, Miles N. Pritchard, Matthew Blair, Jeremiah Dean, M. H. Philbrick and Isaac Kimble. The following were the first ofiicers : Thomas J. Hewitt, W. M. ; Matthew Blair, S. W. ; Benjamin Savage, J. W.

For lack of sufficient local support, it was consolidated with Samuel H. Davis Lodge, No. 96, A., F. & A. M., of Mount Morris. The first Lodge was organized in 1860 by a Mr. St. John. This was discontinued after several years, and in 1877, the present Lodge was organized and is now in a prosperous condition.

Methodist Episcopal Ohurch. - Forreston was made a station of the "Crane's Grove Mission" in September, 1853, Rev. H. Richie being appointed preacher in charge. Samuel Mitchell's family, who came in May, 1855, were the first representatives of this church to settle in the village. The first sermon was preached in July or August of that year, by Rev. Wm. Underwood, in the railroad depot. Meetings were held there until the Fall of 1856, when they were removed to the school house. Rev. C. B. Snedaker was appointed to this mission in 1855, but did not remain throughout the year, being succeeded by Rev. Christian First. In 1856, Rev. G. I. Bliss was appointed to " Crane's Grove" Circuit, and in this year the first class was formed at Forreston, consisting of Samuel Mitchell, Hannah Mitchell, Mr. and Mrs. H. G. Starr. Meetings were held in the school house for several years, and afterward in the United Brethren Church, until 1864.

The first Quarterly Conference was held at Forreston, March 21, 1857. Z. S. Kellogg preached frequently at Forreston during this year. Rev. Robert Brotherton was Pastor in 1857, and in this year Alonzo Campbell and wife, J. C. Gilbraith and wife, and others united with the church.

The church building was begun in 1863, and completed in May, 1864. It is a frame building, on the corner of . B and Second streets, and was dedicated by Rev. Dr. Eddy. The present parsonage was erected in 1873.

Evangelical Lutheran Church. - This church was organized, and a constitution adopted, on the 21st day of October, 1859. Rev. Ephraim Miller, Chairman. Rev. J. K. Bloom, Secretary of convention and pastor. Mission work had previously been done by Rev. J. G. Donmeyer, the pioneer minister in the northwestern part of the county. Members adopting the constitution : Thomas Botdorf, Matta Botdorf, Henry Dovenbarger, Ann Maria Dovenbarger, Charles M. Haller, Elizabeth Haller, Mrs. Sarah A. Garver, Mrs. Susan M. Hewitt, Mrs. Elizabeth Middlekauff", Mrs. Sophia Frost, Mrs. Ann Eichholtz, Mrs. John K. Bloom, and Benjamin F. Emrich. Charles M. Haller was elected Elder for three years, to which office he has been re-elected to the present date. Thomas Botdorf and Benjamin F. Emrich were elected Deacons. Provision having been made by the constitution to increase the number of officers as the needs of the congregation required to a limited extent, the present officers are : C. M. Haller, Nelson

Hover and Jonathan Meyers, Elders ; Henry Dovenbarger, Philip Smith and John Dovenbarger, Deacons. There have been added to the congregation since its organization 197 communing members, making the whole number 210, of whom sixty-four yet remain in good and regular standing within the bounds of the congregation. Five of the original members are in active service of the Master. The pastoral relation has been changed four times : Rev. John K. Bloom from 1859 to 1864 ; Rev. Reuben Weizer from 1764 to 1866 ; Rev. Nathaniel W. Lilly from 1867 to 1870; and Rev. W. H. Schoch from 1870 to the present time, having recently entered into the eighth year of service. The church building was built of brick, on the corner of " D " and Second Streets, in 1863 and '64; and in 1864, upon Rev. Bloom's leaving the charge, the society purchased his residence as a parsonage.

The Sabbath school was originally organized as a Union school on the 16th day of May, 1858. The first session was held in the district school house. Officers : E. J. Kingsbury, Superintendent ; C. M. Haller, Assistant. At the first meeting there were enrolled eighty-seven members, of whom five remain in the school as officers, teachers and scholars, to wit : CM. Haller, Superintendent ; Seaton Halsey, Secretary and Librarian ; Wm. S. A. Garver and Mrs. F. E. Halsey, Teachers, and Mrs. M. Clymer (then Mary Hiller) as a member of the Bible class.

There have been connected with the school, as shown by the records, 1,125 members, of whom 125 are now in connection therewith, making an average Sabbath attendance of 90.

The library numbers 434 volumes. The present officers are : C. M. Haller, Superintendent ; A. B. Savage, Assistant Superintendent ; Seaton Halsey, Secretary and Treasurer ; G. B. Covell, Librarian ; Frank Dovenbarger, Assistant.

The first withdrawal of membership was made by the organization of another Union school by the United Brethren and Methodist Episcopal, in the United Brethren Church. The next was by the Evangelical Association withdrawing and forming the Union Sunday School of the Evangelical Association. About this time, the school became virtually an Evangelical Lutheran Sunday School, if not in form, in fact, so that on the 11th day of September, A. D. 1871, a new constitution was adopted, and the name of Evangelical Lutheran Sabbath School of Forreston printed in its catalogues. Thus it has passed through two decades under the same superintendency, with the exception of one year, when Dr. J. B. E. Albright was Superintendent.

Zions Reform Church, of the Reformed Church of the United States, was organized about 1857, by Rev. George Weber, he having been preceded in mission work by Rev. John A. Leis. Then followed as Pastors: Revs. Henry Bassler, George Weber again in 1859, Charles W. Seaman, Francis A. Edmonds, Charles Kuepper, Cyrus Cort, a supply, and C. G. A. Hullhorst, for one year, after whom came Rev. Daniel Lantz, who has continued five years to the present time.

The brick church building, 38x54 feet in size, was erected in 1870 at a cost of $7,000, and is located on the corner of B and Third streets.

The United Brethren in Christ. - A local branch of this church was organized at the school house in Forreston, September 8, 1858, by Rev. A. B. Frazier. In the same year the church building on Fourth street was commenced. The class then consisted of Michael and Margaret Bovey, David and Catherine

Reinhart, Jacob Reinhart, Levi and Sarah Stouifer, Mary Ann Stouifer, E. 0. Baxter, Josiah Mullen, Elijah, and Catherine Detweiler. Then followed as preachers the following: Revs. S. S. Osterhoudt, 1858-9; T. B. Burrows, 1860; Moses Crura, 1861; Aquilla Davis, 1862; J. K. M. Looker, 1863-4-5; C. Wendel, 1866-7; J. J. Johnson, 1868-9; J. H. Young, 1870; Samuel F. Medler, 1871; T. F. Hallowell, 1872-3; W. H. Chandler, 1874; D. H. Healy, 1875, now Presiding Elder; J. W. Burd, 1876; E. D. Palmer, 1877; John Darr, 1878, who still continues in charge. The present membership is fiftyseven. A Sabbath school will soon be organized.

Bishop s Church of the Evangelical Associatian. - This society was organized in 1860, and services were held in the school house until 1869, when the present church was erected at a cost of $7,000. It is a frame building with commodious auditorium and a basement for Sabbath school uses, situated on the southwest corner of Front and "E" streets.

In 1860, Rev. Mr. Freeden became Pastor, and after two years was succeeded by Rev. H. Bucks, for one year. The following Pastors then succeeded to the charge in their respective order: Rev. J. Dangle, two years; Rev. A. Nebe, one year ; Rev. A. Staley, two years ; Rov. Mr. Stamm, one year ; Rev. J. W. Moore, two years ; Rev. S. Schwartz, one year ; Rev. J. G. Kleinheit, two years ; Rev. L. B. Tobias, two years ; Rev. C. H. Cramley, two years, who has just completed his term, and will be followed by another appointment. The membership at present is about seventy-five.

The Sabbath school was organized in 1869, with Rev. A. Staley as first Superintendent. The present officer in that capacity is L. J. Bowers.

Bishop J. Long was a resident of Forreston, at the time of the erection of the church building, and from him the church took its name as "Bishop's Church." He died in June, 1869, the beloved leader of the entire brotherhood.

The Reformed Church was organized some years before the coming of the first regular Pastor, by Rev. J. Muller, of Silver Creek, Stephenson County, and was then known as the " Reformed Protestant Dutch Church," but was changed to the present name in 1867. Rev. J. H. Karston settled as Pastor in 1865.

As the first records are in the Holland language, it is difficult to ascertain the particulars of this pastorate. Services were also conducted in the Holland language by the first Pastor, since when they have been held in the German tongue.

In 1866, the church was erected and dedicated the same year by Rev. J. Muller. The first officers Avere J. R. Heeren, B. Daneks, Jacob Smith and M. Reintsema.

In 1867, Rev. J. B. DeBeer was called to the charge and remained for two years. In 1871, Rev. F. J. Reichert served the congregation for a term of six months. The present Pastor, Rev. F. E. Schlieder, has filled this pulpit since 1872.