Ogle County, Illinois - The whole text, 1878 (part 16 of 25)

The Sabbath school in connection with the church was organized in 1869, but as many of the church members are residents of the country, it does not maintain a very large attendance.

The principal business interests of Forreston are embraced in the following list, giving the date of establishment where it could be obtained :

Editor And Pr Op'R Forreston Herald

Hardware. - Smith & Campbell, August, 1877 (Mr. Smith has been engaged in the hardware business here for eight years ; Mr. Campbell formerly dealt in Drugs and Dry Goods ten years) ; A. Middlekauff & Bro., 1866.

Restaurants. - B. Beubendall & Co., December, 1877 ; Conrad Sterling (also saloon, billiard hall and bakery), 1866 ; M. S. Dellinger, May, 1876 ; Thomas Ausherman, 1870 ; M. B. Geer (also grocery), 1862.

The Chicago And Iowa Railroad

In June, 1870, Forreston Township voted an appropriation of $75,000 in aid of this road, to be paid if the railroad was completed through the township by January 1, 1872. The road was finished to Forreston village by that time, but the bonds were not issued, as the road was not built through the township. After a legal contention of three years, the matter w^as compromised by issuing bonds to the amount of $35,000, with the provision that if the road was completed through the township within five years $15,000 more should be issued. That time has elapsed, and Forreston is still the terminus of the road. The same depot is used for both that and the Illinois Central Railroad. The "round house," or engine house was erected by both companies in 1872, each company having six stalls. It is in charge of A. R. McElhiney, of the I. C. R. R., and Henry Williams, of the C. & I. R. R. Miles N. Prichard has been the station agent for the past twenty years; J. M. Myers, baggage master; Henry Hough and F. D. Swett, telegraph operators.

Forreston has been visited by several fires of various magnitudes, the last and most important of which was on the night of January 16-17, 1878. It burned the following buildings : John J. Hewitt's two-story frame, occupied by the store of Bonn & C6.; H. Follrich's two-story frame, butcher shop; J. Z. Hunsicker's two-story frame building, occupied as a barber shop by G. De Graf; E. 0. Reedy's two-story frame shoe shop, and the residence of Moses Oppenheimer, owned by Wm. Minstermann.

At a meeting held at the school house, in the town of Forreston, on Saturday, September 21, 1867, to determine the question of village incorporation, G. M. M. Glenn was elected President, and Thomas J. Hewitt, Clerk. 172 ballots were cast ; 128 for incorporation, 44 against incorporation.

The first meeting for the election of village officers was held at the Pennsylvania House, October 15, 1867, when Simon Geeting, Levi J. Bowers, Absalom Eakle, Nehemiah E. Rogers and Miles N. Prichard were elected Trustees. October 21st, following, the Board organized by choice of Simon Geeting, President, and Thomas J. Hewitt, Clerk pro tern. At this meeting, Mr. Eakle resigned and Thomas J. Burt was appointed in his place. November 2d, Martin V. Saltzman was elected Clerk ; Philo J. Hewitt, Treasurer ; Thomas J. Hewitt, Corporation Attorney ; Edward H. Foy, Constable and Collector, and Simon Gross, Street Commissioner. November 18th, " An ordinance prescribing and defining the boundaries of the town of Forreston, County of Ogle and State of Illinois," was passed by yeas and nays. Yeas, Rogers, Burt and Bowers-3 ; nays, none.

October 15, 1868. - Aaron Middlekauff, Isaac H. Long, Henry S. Funk, Godfrey Pyfer and Charles Shuman were elected Trustees. This Board organized on the 26th of the same month. Isaac H. Long, President ; G. H. Richardson, Clerk : E. H. Middlekauff, Treasurer ; A. Eakle, Street Commissioner ; J. M. Meyers, Constable. W. H. Knodle was elected Clerk, November 6th, vice Richardson resigned.

December 15, 1868. - A special meeting was called " for the purpose of getting a special charter for the town of Forreston. Mr. Funk was appointed to see J. M. Bailey, and have a form of charter drawn."

February 17, 1868. - " The form of charter sent from Springfield " was adopted. May 11, 1868, the new charter was accepted by the people by vote of 67 to 55.

Township Officers, 1878. - Supervisor - Cornelius Bowman ; Town Clerk - Simon Geeting ; Assessor - Levi Clark ; Collector - E. W. Derby ; Commissioners of Highway - I. B. Allen, Fred. Korf and N. D. C. Medbury; Justices of the Peace - W. W. Swett and Warren Lightheart ; Constables - Eli Rowland and C. W. Prince.

Byron

This village, situated on a horse -shoe bend of the Rock River in the northern part of the county, is one of the earliest settled localities, is favored by features of unusual value to its development, and will, without doubt, become one of the best towns on the river. For many years it labored under great disadvantages, having no railroad or capital to improve its water power, and in 1877, being visited by a conflagration which leveled to the ground the new growth which it had attained under the stimulus of the railroad.

About the first of July, 1835, Jared W. Sanford came up Rock River from Dixon, on horseback, en roufe (or Rockford - then called "Midway." Noting the excellent water privilege a mile west of the present site of Byron, on Leaf River, he laid claim to it by planting there a claim-stake, and proceeded on up the river. His brother, Joseph, and Perry Norton were then working on Kent's mill at Midway, and when told of the beautiful country south, they were induced to go down and examine it.

Mr. Norton still resides one and a half miles north of Byron, and is the oldest living resident. An account of his trip to the " far West," as it was then called, may be of some interest, showing, as it does, the vast changes time has made. From ocean to ocean is now but a pleasant ride of seven days, in palace coaches. Mr. Norton was from April 26 to May 26, 1835, in traveling from New York to Galena. The route was : to Buffalo by canal, to Detroit bv steamboat, across Michigan to Chicago by stage - all passage seats to Chicago were taken fifteen days in advance, such was the multitude seeking Western homes - from Chicago to Ottawa by stage. Ottawa had one tavern, one store, a few dwellings on the south side of the Illinois River, one on the north, and one between the Fox and Illinois Rivers. He went to Paw Paw Grove by private conveyance, and thence to Dixon on foot. Dixon consisted of a tavern, kept by a man named Black, in the old fort of the Black Hawk War, and five or six dwellings. He then went by stage to Galena, where he hired out to a Mr. Brush, agent for Germanicus Kent, of Midway. He arrived there on the eighth day of June. Rockford then consisted of two families and eight or ten young men ; Mr. Kent on the west, and Mr. Haight on the east side of the river. Mr. Kent had begun improvements there in the Fall of 1834; had commenced building a dam across the creek, near the Holland (now the Tinker) place. During the season of Mr. Norton's arrival immigration became more general ; among the settlers were Montague Dunbar, Fox Wood and family, Boswell and family,Thatcher Blake, still a resident of Rockford, and Joseph Sanford, who came in the Fall or Winter of 1834.

As before stated, Joseph Sanford, Jared W, Sanford and Perry Norton went down the river to the site of Byron, about July 10, 1835, and while there they claimed land to the amount of nearly two sections, on the southwest side of the river. They returned to Midway the same day. Joseph Sanford decided to continue work for Mr. Kent for a year, so J. W. Sanford and Mr. Norton returned to their claim with a horse and yoke of oxen, and established their claim by laying the foundation for two cabins. This, rude as it must have been, inquired four days' labor. Indians and mosquitoes were plenty, though the latter were by far the more troublesome. On the fifth day the two settlers returned to Midway, where Mr. Norton met, unexpectedly, his father and brother J. W. Norton. The former afterwards became a resident of Byron Township, where he still resides. Mr. Norton needed oxen to cultivate his land, and to purchase them he borrowed $100, each, of his father and Joseph Sanford. The latter was a partner in the claim. The next thing was to buy the oxen. Neighbors Kent and Haight had none to sell - other neighbors, where were they .' At

Dixon's Ferry, Cherry Grove - forty miles away - Buffalo Grove, Washington Grove, and on Old-Man Creek (now Kyte River). But no cattle were found for sale at any of these places, and Mr. Norton finally found three yoke of oxen at Indian Creek, fifteen miles north of Ottawa. For these he paid $45, $52.50 and $55. He also bought a plow and barrel of flour. In order to get these home he must have a cart, and, to make one, a friend sawed two circles from an oak log for wheels. The return road was a strange one and he received frequent directions from passing Indians. Much trouble was experienced by the settlers in keeping the cattle at home. When they were let out to pasture they would frequently stray away forty or fifty miles.

About the middle of October, M. M. York, who bought an interest in the claim, P. T. Kimball, - Rogers, and Mr. Norton returned to Fairview from Midway, to make rails for fencing their claim. They brought flour, bacon and coff'ee and made saleratus biscuits with the river water. Here they lived in a rail shanty and the wagon box for twenty-three days.

The Pottawattomie Indians frequented the river, which they called the " Sini-sepo," or Rock River, whence the name "Sinnissippi." The settlers obtained a log trough which the Indians had hollowed out to hold maple sap, or "sugar water," and used it as a canoe for crossing the river. Being cut square at one end, it was known as the bob-tailed canoe. Wagons were ferried across the river for travelers in this rude canoe. The present woods of that vicinity have grown up since that time, and it was necessary to obtain logs from the other (north) side of the river. ^^

They returned to Midway to pass the Winter, and when Mr. Norton returned in the next March, he found M. M. York, P. T. Kimball, Sebra Phillips and J. Sanford in a little log cabin of about ten by fourteen feet in size. This was the first house in the township, and was just across the river, opposite the village.

Here Mr. Norton took up his abode, sleeping on a wagon board at night, with boots for a pillow and overcoat for a blanket. This exposure resulted in an attack of the ague. In this Spring other settlers came in. L. O. Bryan, Silas St. John Mix, Asa Spaulding and others came in April. These filled the cabin unto overflowing, so that Messrs. Kimball, Bryan and Norton moved up and across the river, about one and a half miles. Here they built a log shanty near and northeast of Mr. Norton's present residence. To make this log house two tiers of rails were built up, leaving a space between them of one and a half feet. This was filled in with prairie grass, making a warm house. The roof was made of " shakes," * while the door was made by hanging up a blanket. Cooking was done out of doors, and a cow was purchased to furnish milk. The pioneers then began to think themselves living in fine style.

David Juvenall with his family, from Sangamon, 111.; Andrew Shepard, an uncle of Mr. Norton, with his family, from Ohio, and William Illingworth, arrived in May, 1836. J. L. Spaulding and - Kizer came soon after, and Simon S. Spaulding came in October. In the Spring of 1835, John Whitaker settled at Black Walnut Grove, where he resided with his family until his death. His son, William J., now resides there, having married the only daughter of Silas St. J. Mix. Another son, Solomon, is living near by, both in good circumstances. There are two daughters, Mary, who married John Millis, and Julia, the wife of Stephen B. Shuart. Peter Smith and James Scott also made claims at this grove in the Fall of 1835, ^wo or three miles southeast of Byron. Scott sold out to Dauphin Brown and S. Patrick in 1837.

Mr. Silas St. John Mix first came April 10, 1836, but returned to Jacksonville for his family, having emigrated there from Bradford County, Pa. Mr. * Shingles, about four feet long, split out of logs.

The claim of Mr. Norton and Jared Sanford on the north side of the river was divided and the site of Byron included in Mr. Sanford's portion. This' he disposed of to Miner M. York and Joseph Sanford. Mr. Mix built his (the first) house within the village site during that Fall. It is now used as the residence of his son William.

October 29, Lucius Reed arrived with his family. John Morrison, - Slavin, Lewis Carr and Samuel Patrick came in 1836. Seth Noble, a wealthy farmer of Marion Township, came in the Spring of that year.

Much trouble was experienced on account of claim-jumpers. The first prominent conflict of this kind was in 1837, between Wm. D. Johnson, a settler, and the notorious Aikens, Carrs and Morrison.

The first election was held in August, 1836, at Fairview, to elect precinct and county officers. This was then a portion of Jo Daviess County, and Col. Wight, of Galena, passed through on an electioneering tour. He made stump speeches wherever he could obtain a hearing, and furnished the proper papers and directions for holding 'elections. He was a candidate for the State Legislature. Mr. Moses Hallett, candidate for the office of sheriff, also visited Fairview, and both obtained the thirteen votes polled there, as the voters knew of no opposing candidates. A local justice and constable were elected. Mr. Norton was chosen to carry the poll books to Galena, a distance of over eighty miles.

Erastus Norton and family came to Byron November i, 1836. Doctor A. E. Hurd - the first physician - and Hiram Horton came during that Winter. " Deacon " Brewster, with a family of seven daughters and two sons (James and Mortimer), came in 1837. A large number of settlers came that year. We can not attempt to name them all, but a few have been remembered, among whom were Isaac Norton and family, consisting of his wife and five daughters (his four sons were already in the West). Col. Dauphin Brown and family, consisting of three sons and five daughters, who was a resident of Marion Township ; the first barn in the township), now gone ; Charles Tanner, Joshua White and James M. Clayton, of Marion Township ; F. A. Smith ; Allen Woodburn, still living on his place, three and one half miles north of the village ; Hiram Maynard, deceased, and many others.

Jared W. Sanford lived at Byron until within five years, when he moved to and died in Kansas. Joseph Sanford is still living. Perry Norton lives a mile and a half north of Byron. M. M. York now lives at Fort Scott, Kansas. Parton T. Kimball now lives at Rockford. Sebra Phillips died in this state. L. O. Bryan died in Marion Township. Asa G. Spaulding lives in Rockford. Andrew Shepherd died in this state. David Juvenall died in Marion Township. Silas St. John Mix, the oldest resident of the village, resides in Byron, aged seventy-nine years, and still retains all his business and physical faculties, unimpaired. His portrait appears in this work. I. S. Knowlton and T. P. Parker, still residents near Byron, came in the Spring of 1838.

For a long time, Dixon, twenty-five miles distant, was the nearest postoffice. The settlers took turns in going for the mail, once a week. When Frink & Walker established a stage route along the river, between Dixon and Rockford, the local post-office was established, and as the settlement was then called Bloomingville, that name was chosen for the post-office. The Postmaster General, however, suggested that the name be changed, as there was already a " Bloomington " and " Bloomingdale " in the state. It was then decided to call it Byron, a name it has since held. Asa G. Spaulding was the first postmaster, who was followed by Mr. Mix. Then Albert Wilbur was made postmaster, and Mr. Mix appointed his deputy, followed by John H. White as nominal postmaster. Mr. Mix succeeded him and still continues, efficiently, in that office.

The first saw mill was erected by Messrs. Sanford Brothers & Brown, in 1837. The first grist mill by William Wilkinson, of Buffalo, N. Y., who commenced building it in the Fall of 1837 and completed it during the next year. In 1837, it was sometimes necessary to go as far as Dayton, on Fox River, near Ottawa, to Elkhorn Grove or Newburg, on the Kishwaukee River, to have milling done. In 1835 and '36, supplies were obtained from Galena or Chicago. The first salt hauled from the latter place cost fifteen dollars per barrel. The first stirring plows used here were manufactured at Buffalo, N. Y., by Wilkinson & Sons. These were very good in a clay soil, but almost useless on the prairies of Ogle County. In plowing with such implements, knolls were left wherever a turn was^nade, making, finally at the edges of the field, quite an embankment. Deere, of Grand de Tour, made the first plows suitable for this country.

The Village. - As stated, its site was first claimed by Jared W. Sanford and Perry Norton ; allotted to Mr. Sanford in division, and transferred to Joseph Sanford and M. M. York. These two admitted Asa G. Spaulding, S. St. J. Mix and James L. Spaulding as partners, and at the time of the land sale Ebenezer Brown, as agent, bid in the land, and deeded it, equally divided, to the members of the company. Mr. Mix sold the first goods, in his house, in the Summer of 1837. The house of Mr. Mix has been called the first one in the village, which is true, although a Mr. Irvin had a shanty of logs, in which he sold some goods which he had brought from Canada. The next house was one which Mr. Kimball built for Lucius Reed. In this house the latter kept the first tavern. The next buildings were a house and blacksmith shop which Mr. Bradbury built in the eastern part of the town. The first regular store was built in the Spring of 1838, by Isaac Norton and his son, Hamilton. The first regular hotel was built by Samuel and Dudley Wood. It is a two-story brick building, and now used as the Pacific House, by Mrs. Brindley. The first ferry was established by J. W. Sanford and Miner York. It is now operated by James Cattanach.

Three years ago Byron Township voted to appropriate $15,000 for building a bridge across the river. At a special meeting of the Board of Supervisors, an appropriation of $12,500 was made for the same purpose, but at the next regular meeting of the board, the movement was re-considered and voted down. In the meantime, the township commissioners had made a contract with Mr. Fishier, of Elmira, N. Y., for $27,500. He sub-let the stone work to Mr. Boone, who put up the abutments, but suspended work when the appropriation was denied them. It v/as to be a suspension bridge of six hundred feet, having one pier. The present indications are that Mr. Fishier will complete his contract, and call on the township to fulfill their part of it. Hopes are still entertained of receiving assistance from the county treasury.

The Chicago 6^ Pacific Railroad Company first intended running a nairowguage railroad from Chicago to Elgin, but finally decided to run a broad- guage road from Chicago to Byron. Subscriptions were circulated four years since, by A. O. Campbell, F. A. Wheelock, E. H. Evans and others. Among the principal subscribers were Hiram Gitchell, $1,200; A. O. Campbell, Dr. Joseph Blount, E. H. Evans, I. S. Knowlton and W. S. Ercanbrack, $1,000 each ; John Kosier, Junius Rogers and many others subscribed very liberally. This place took $24,500 stock. The public spirit of the citizens of Byron in this matter is very unusual and highly commendable. The road was completed to the river at noon, March 19, 1875. An extra amount of $5,000 was found necessary to secure the bridge across the river. This Byron's people advanced to the American Bridge Company, and the cars commenced running to Byron in the Fall of 1875. The bridge company and citizens were to have the proceeds from Byron station until the debt was paid. This the bridge company secured, but nothing has yet been received by those who advanced the needed $5,000. The bridge is nearly 800 feet long, with three piers, and is a combination of wood and iron.

The company held a meeting for organization in February, 1876. Mr. Campbell was for two years a director of the road. The report shows the road to have been in a prosperous condition, although it is now in the hands of a receiver, J. M. Whitman. The local agent is Mr. A. B. Thompson.

The Fire. - The terrible conflagration which visited Byron on the night of November 13, 1877, swept out of existence nearly all of the business portion of the village. On the morning of Wednesday, the full sweep of the destructive element was made visible. Under the impetus given to the town by the completion of the railroad, many new store buildings had been erected on Second Street; all that were left on that street between Walnut and Union Streets, were Watson's grocery, Rogers' bank, George Kosier's hotel, and George Eddy's dwelling. Where others had been, were piles of blackened walls and gaping cellars.

Men and women were viewing in sorrow the places where years of toil and the gathered souvenirs of a life-time were heaped in ashes and smouldering timbers, never to be replaced. Women looked with tear-stained faces, and men nerved themselves again with courage to commence life's struggle anew, with nothing but hope to cheer and a God above to help.

The fire originated in the rear of Thompson & Kennedy's drug store. About II o'clock, P. M., some kerosene and turpentine which were stored in that part of the building were set on fire, and all efl"orts to stay its progress proved unavailing. Mr. Thompson rushed into his store, grasped his books, but, blinded and choked by the smoke, barely reached the door. G. W. Hawks and family, who occupied the second story for a dwelling, escaped without hat or bonnet; every thing in this building was a total loss. Next west, H. G. Stout's building, with his shoe shop, and J. R. Sensor's clothing store below, and Mr. Stout's residence above, were burned. Mr. Stout was badly burned in attempting to recover some of his household goods. Next west was Wm. Mix's dry goods and grocery store and the post-office. Mr. Mix saved a portion of his stock, but the mail bags and office were burned. The last building burned on the west side was Mr. Eddy's. Mrs. Wilbur and family occupied the upper story ; not more than half their goods were saved.

The flames spread from the place they originated, across an eighteen-foot alley, east, to B. Kelsey's furniture store and dwelling above, leaving the occupants but little time to remove any goods. The flames then enwrapped the two buildings of Mr. Buck, one occupied by Barker & Stone, dry goods and grocery, below, Mr. Buck's residence above ; and the other by Mrs. Buck's millinery shop. Here the progress of the devouring fiend was arrested, but in the meantime it had sprung across the street three times, to Mr. Carter's building, and was three times extinguished, but the flames were finally victorious, and naught could save the long line of buildings which lined this, the north, side of the street. Mr. Carter was a heavy loser, and but little was saved of Mrs. Carter's millinery stock. Underwood's law office vanished at the touch of the destroyer. His law library, thanks to G. Stires and others, was saved. Next went Patrick's building on the east, containing Mueller's boot and shoe store and residence; apart of his stock was saved. J. D. Blomquist received a hasty notice to clear the track, and his large stock of clothing was much damaged. Still the fierce flame rolled eastward, consuming Weigle's harness shop and Sanford's flour and feed store. The upper stories of these buildings were occupied by I. B. Bickford's News office, M. S. Brown, barber shop. Dr. Hoadley, dental office. Here the fire was stayed in its course east. From Carter's building west, the flamas caught on the side of the brick fronted block, burning westward until It died from want of more material. The Times office first suc- cumbed to its effects. Foss' barber shop, Artz* drug store, Spaulding's hall, R. B. Throop's dry goods and grocery store, Fish & Sanders grocery, all shared the same fate.

Ere the fire had spent its fury, the rain came down on the shelterless goods, damaging what the fire failed to consume and thieves did not carry away.

The fire was evidently the work of an incendiary, as no fire had been within twenty feet of the spot where it was first discovered, for a month. The unknown faces that flitted here and there, hovering over goods which were scattered promiscuously about, and the large quantity of goods missing, add additional evidence that it was a work of malice or plunder. George Kosier's hotel, on fire several times, was saved by the cool and determined work of himself and friends, and afforded shelter for the homeless heads that night.

The following list of losses, compiled by the editor of the Byron Times, G. Wellington Hawks, can be relied upon as accurate : Thompson & Kennedy, drugs, etc., $3,200; insurance, $1,000. R. B. Throop, dry goods, $850; insurance, $3,000 ; received $807. Barker & Stone, dry goods, etc., $1,000; no insurance. W. J. Sanford, $250; insurance, $300; received $210. G. F. Hoadley, $50; no insurance. Fish & Sanders, stock and building, $2,000; household goods, $100 ; no insurance. M. S. Brown, barber, $180. R. F. Watson, $150; insured, $200; received $69. H. J. Wing, building, $800 ; no insurance. M. Buck, millinery and household goods, $3,500 ; no insurance. Wm. Weigle, building and stock, $1,500; insured for and received $600. W. F. Artz, drugs, $650; building, $906; received $435 insurance. Mrs. Wilbur, household goods, $200. J. R. Sensor, clothing, etc., $1,600. Wm. H. Mix, building, $1,050; stock, $1,600; no insurance. George Eddy, building, $500; no insurance. James Tyler, building, $400; received $200 insurance. P. Carter, building, household goods, millinery, etc., $2,309.65 ; no insurance. J. Mueller, boots, shoes, stc, $600 ; no insurance. G. F. Foss, barber, $125. J. F. Spaulding, buildings, $6,000; no insurance. J. D. Blomquist, stock and tools, $400. G. W. Hawks, household goods and printing office, $1,600; insured for $300; received $263. Band instruments, $200. W. J. Hawthorn, $100, J. P. Wayland, $50. H. G. Stout, building, tools and household goods, $1,698; no insurance. Geo. Kosier's shop and stock, $roo. B. Kelsey's building, household goods, stock, etc., $4,697.77; insurance, $1,600; George Patrick's two buildings, $3,400 ; insurance, $1,800. There was no insurance on property named unless so stated.

The footing up shows a total loss of $40,130.42; insurance, $6,160; adjusted losses, 5,702. From which it will be seen that the uncovered loss is the enormous sum of $34,428.42. Much assistance was tendered the unfortunate ones through a relief committee, composed of W. J. Bollinger, I. S. Knowlton, Geo. Walters, G. W. Hawks, Joseph Stone, J. S. Rosier, Wm. Weigle, Jno. T. Ray and E. A. Irvine. Many lost their all, and must again undergo the privations of starting their fortunes. Others were enabled to continue business - some through the aid of kind friends, and many buildings are already replacing those destroyed. Mr. Rogers built a small temporary bank building, and Barker & Stone occupy his building. Mr. Sensor, Mr. Throop and Mr. Mix reopened in little buildings on Main Street. Fish & Sanders re-opened just east of Bollinger & Close's store. The first to build, after Mr. Rogers, was Wm. Weigle, who put up a small temporary harness shop until he could build a better one, which will be of stone, 22^ by 50 feet, 20 feet high, on the old site.

Mr. James Sanford put up a flour and feed store near the corner of Second and Walnut, 16 by 30. Sherer's building on Walnut Street is 20 by 40, two stories high. P. Carter claimed a right to a representation in the process of re-building, and put up a building the same size and height as Sherer's, which is about done. Merchant & Bowles' livery barn, ;^6 by 80, 14 feet high, is a model barn, having stable room for eighteen horses, with a large sign, covering nearly the whole upper front, done by the sign painter, E. W. Thompson. J. F. Spalding wheeled into line, in putting up a building, 60 by 66, inside measure. The first story is divided into three stores ; two are 23 by 60, and the other 20 by 60 and 12 feet high. The upper story is divided to give three offices in front and a hall 40 by 66 and 17 feet high, which is reached by a broad stairway six feet wide. The roof will be of tin, and the walls will be covered with brick, thus making it nearly fire-proof. Mr. Spalding superintends the work himself. A. Morris, last Fall commenced what some called a big post-hole, on Walnut Street, 40 by 84, laying up the walls nine feet high, and things seemed to be in sfaiu quo; but Clint. Morris, his son, let the job of putting up a two-story building, 40 by 84. The whole upper floor will be a hall 40 by 84, 16 feet high. The lower story will be divided into two stores, 20 by 84^ and 12 feet high. The roof will be of iron, and the sides covered with brick. The basement cellars are under the whole building, and nine feet high. J. S. Kosier does the work. J. Mueller built himself a neat shoe shop on Second Street, 18 by 26, and H. G. Stout a little shop on Union Street. These buildings, with the two-story frame building to be built by B. Kelsey, the double two-story stone building, 45 by 60 feet, 20 feet high, on the Stout lot. Second Street, which will be commenced soon, and a frame building by G. W. Hawks, 16 by 24, 12 feet high, with iron roof, on the corner of Walnut and Second Streets, will make Byron appear like her old self, and doubtless encourage many others to follow in this live town.

Religious. - The first minister of the gospel. Rev. Mr. Abbott, passed through this vicinity in 1835, at which time a meeting was appointed at Mr. Norton's house. The next minister was Rev. Alexander Irvin, a local Methodist minister. Father McKean was the first to establish societies. He officiated in forming the one at Byron, in the Winter of 1837. It had sixteen members, and held services in a log house which Perry Norton built, just north of Isaac Norton's house, in the Summer of 1836. This was used for preaching for two or three years, by the Methodist denomination.

The Methodist Episcopal Church, a small, yet substantial, stone structure, was built in 1855, and dedicated in the Fall of 1856. Rev. Barton H. Cartwright, the pastor at that time, hauled all the stone, working zealously through rain or shine. Mr. Cartwright has been at Byron four different times, twice at a very early day and once since the erection of the church. Rev. Jewett preceded Rev. Cartwright, at which time services were held in the school-house. We were unable to obtain a complete list of the pastors, but among them were : Revs. Wiley, Hutchins, Cross, Walker, Penfield, Dunbar, Lynn, Trowbridge, W. R. Hoadley, George S. Young, Benj. Close, Barton H. Cartwright and the present pastor. Rev. J. W. P. Jordon. There are at present about fifty members.

The Congregational Church was formed in May, 1837, with eleven members, Rev. Morrell, of Rockford, officiating. Meetings were held at the house of Lucius Reed. Among its first members were David Holt, Lucius Reed and wife, L. O. Bryan, Luke Parsons, P. T. Kimball, Col. D. Brown, Mrs. Eleanor Mix. Rev. E. Brown, from North Hadley, Mass., took charge of the church in 1838, continuing nearly four years ; followed by George Gemmell, eight years ; and he by R. M. Pearsons, about eight years ; he by E. Root, one year ; succeeded by J. P. Stoddard in 1861, serving about ten years; temporary supplies for three years. August i, 1874, L. C. Beckman commenced labor, and supplied three years. October i, 1877, Rev. W. E. Holyoke commenced labor with the church. In 1846, the brick edifice now occupied by the church, 40 by 50, was erected, being the best one in the county at that time. Dedicated in August, 1847, Rev. Jonathan Blanchard, President of Knox College, officiating. Present membership, about eighty.

Rev. J. C. Beekman, formerly of the Congregational Church, holds religious services every Sunday and evening at the Reformed Club Room. Sabbathschool is also held at 12 M., every Sabbath.

The Baptist denomination have for several years had an organization at Byron, but are not now in circumstances to support a regular pastor. Until recently Rev. L. G. Carr preached in the M. E. Church in the afternoon of every other Sabbath.

Schools. - The first school-house was erected in the Winter of iZ'^d-']., by St. J. Mix, and school taught the Summer following, by Lydia A. Weldon, a sister of Mrs. Asa G. Spaulding, and afterwards the wife of Simon Spaulding. The house was located on the lot where now stands the Masonic Hall. It was afterwards torn away and a plaster house erected. This still remains as a portion of the hall referred to, and still contains a branch of the public school, being taught by Miss Agnes Kendall. About twenty-seven years ago, a stock company built the present two-story brick school building, as the Byron Academy. In the same year it was erected, the first fair in Ogle County was held near there, the academy building being used as the exhibition hall. The date and incidents were destroyed in the recent fire, as, indeed, were a great many matters of interest, rendering the gathering of historical facts more difficult. The public schools now held in this building are presided over by W. A. Reynolds; Assistants, Misses Ella Fisher and Cora F Wertz.

A. F. &> A. M. - Byron Lodge, No. 274, was organized in the Fall of 1856, with seven charter members : Charles Wertz, W. M.; Chas. F. Lewis, S. W.; A. O. Campbell, Treasurer ; George Wertz, C. Conner, E. Lockwood and Mr. Goodell. J. P. Martin was made a member at the first regular meeting, and became Secretary. The society owns its hall, a frame building 28 by 46, of two stories. The present membership is about thirty-five. Meetings are held each Thursday on or before the full moon. The present officers are : J. C. Davis, W. M.; E. W. Thompson, S. W.; W. A. Grove, J. W.; J. R. Sensor, Treasurer; G. Kosier, Secretary.

The Byron Relormed Men's Club was organized in January, 1877, by J. H. Hoofstetler, of Sterling. They have a membership of twenty-eight, who are supposed to know, at least, "how it tastes," - to use the words of an active member. Meetings are held every Saturday evening, over Hev^itt's meat market, where they have a Vvell-furnished room. The present officers are: President, Dr. W. C. Murray ; Vice Presidents, R. Hart, James Cattanach and A. W. Hetrick; Secretary, T. L. Johnson; Treasurer, W. J. Hawthorne.

The Byron Reform Club was organized about the same time, by the same gentleman. It includes all who desire to unite, and has a membership of about 350. President, G. W. Hawks; Secretary, Mrs. Hapgood.

1876, at a meeting held in Spaulding's Hall. A basket picnic was held on the last day of that month, in Ercanbrach's Grove, at which there were about sixty members present. The officers elected were: President, Perry Norton ; Treasurer, A. O. Campbell ; Secretary, Dr. W. F. Artz. The membership fee was fixed at fifty cents, the president and secretary having power to levy an assessment of fifteen cents /<?r capita for the purpose of defraying expenses. There is no stated limit in the constitution or by-laws as to the time of residence in the county required to become a member. The proceedings and list of members were burned. Another picnic was held at Spaulding's Hall, on August 30,

1877, at which time speeches from old settlers, music and a grand basket dinner were the order of the day. It is contemplated to hold the third annual meeting and picnic at about the same time in this year. The same officers still preside.

The Soldiers' Monument. - In the Spring of 1866, a movement was agitated in Byron for the purpose of erecting a monument in that village in honor, and to the memory, of the brave patriots who fell during the war of the Rebellion. Accordingly, an executive committee was appointed, after the necessary funds had been raised by subscription, with power to complete the work. This committee was composed of F. A. Smith, Silas Kidder, Wright C. Hall, Aquilla Spencer, A. T. Johnson, J. P. Smith, Dr. J. Blount, John S. Rosier and M. L. Seymour. They contracted for the monument with Heard and Lindsley, of Rochelle, for $950. The foundation, fence, etc., increased that amount to a total expenditure of nearly ^1,400. The monument was completed and dedicated Oct. 18, 1866. It is located in the centre of the crossing of Chestnut and Second Streets, and the entire village and vicinity were present at the dedication. The address was made by Adjt. Gen. Allen C. Fuller.

The monument is of Rutland, Vermont, marble, twelve feet in height, surmounted by an eagle, rising for flight, made of the same material. It is situated on a stone base, which rests on a grassy mound, four feet in height ; the whole being surrounded by a neat octagonal iron fence. On the plinth, which is 22^ feet square, and 2 feet 2 inches high, are inscribed in sunken letters, on the northeast side, the following: "In memory of the Patriotic Boys of Byron, WHO FELL IN SUBDUING THE Great REBELLION - 1861-1865." On the Southeast side appears the following : " Edwin M. Elliott, J. C. Norton, Wm. Cattanach, M. D. Swan, F. Monroe Ayers, members of Co. B., 92d I. V. I." On the northwest side are the names : "Levi Crawford, Co. G., 44th I. V. I.; Stephen Kingsley, Co. D., nth I. V. I.; Heman Coleson, Co. G., 44th I. V. I.; Zachariah Lake, Co. C, 65th I. V. I.; Perry Wilder, Co. E., 74th I. V. L" On the southwest side is the coat of arms, in carved figures of three inches depth.

The monument is a proud ornament to the village, and indicates the noble sentiments, love and devotion to those whose names are thereon inscribed.

War Bounty Claims. - On February 2, 1865, at a town meeting held in Byron, immediately after the President's last call for men, Byron's quota being seventeen men, it was ordered that the township pay a bounty of $300 to each volunteer. There were enlisted under that call, Jeremiah Jordan, Wilson Hunt, Henry A. Smith, Robert A. Sanderson, A. B. Knowlton, and Samuel E. Parsons. A. T. Johnson, Supervisor, and J. S. Kosier, Collector, raised by subscription, as it was needed immediately, the amount of $4,215 as a town fund, and $3,000 as a county fund. With that amount the following eleven men were put into the service : G. B. Scudder, J. Freesman, D. Spencer, J. Bradley, J. Boop, A. W. Grover, C. F. Piper, F. M. Canfield, L. Olson, O. Shoemaker, and R. A. Mc- Name.

Money was paid for that purpose by the followingfpersons : J. Love, R. H. and M. P. Bull, Robt. Bowie, $300 each; A. A. Johnson, J. Rood, Mr. Preston, Wm. Wright, $200 each ; J. Ives, A. Woodburn, D. W. Linn, F. A. Smith, R. E. Bradshaw, J. Doughty, Wm. Lockwood, J. P. Smith for Mr. Hunt, and J. Roberts, $100 each ; A. T. Johnson, $400, for which these parties received county bonds bearing ten per cent interest. These moneys were paid March 10, 1865. The expenses amounted to $166.29, which was paid by voluntary subscription. On the i8th of March, 1865, a special election was held at which the township voted against paying the bounty, and after that time all moneys collected were given as a voluntary subscription. August 23, at a special meeting of the township auditors, the amount of $4,215 was allowed. That amount included the $1,800 due the six soldiers who first enlisted, and was extended upon the tax books and returned to the Collector for collection.

At a special town meeting, held October 12, which was gotten up by those opposed to paying the bounty, the following resolution was adopted by a vote of 83 to I :

That proceedings in Court of Equity be commenced and prosecuted on the part of the inhabitants of the Town of Byron, in order to arrest and annul the collection of any tax levied on the property of said town for the pajrment of any military town bounties, and that a committee be appointed by the Board, consisting of three persons, to superintend the conducting said suit, and that they take such legal advice and employ such counsel as they may consider will be proper in conducting the same, provided, however, that said suit shall not be commenced unless such committee shall, after proper legal advisement, consider that such suit will be likely to prevail to accomplish the object of the same.

In December, 1865, this committee sued out an injunction to stop collection of the tax. The case was tried in Ogle County, and decision rendered against defendants ; was taken up to the Supreme Court on writ of error, and remanded for a new trial before Judge Heaton, who dissolved the injunction and the tax was paid.

The Press of Byron will be noted in a special chapter devoted to that important subject. The Byron Times, edited and published by G. Wellington Hawks, is a feature of the village, which is well appreciated by the citizens, as its large and increasing list of readers indicates.

Byron has never been incorporated. The township officers are : Supervisor^ L. B. Burch ; Toiun Clerk, M. H. Underwood ; Assessor, W. C. Hall ; Collector, Moses Coolbaugh ; Commissioners of Highways, J. F. Spaulding, Adam Hamaker and Henry Austin ; Justices of the Peace, George Kosier and F. A. Wheelock ; Constables, J. G. Bowles and Wm. C. Bunn. Postmaster, though not a township officer, is Silas St. John Mix.

Histobt Of Oole Coumty

The earliest settler in this township is said to be David Maxwell. He passed through this prairie in 1832, on his return from the battle of Stillman's Run, where he had gone with a Bloomington company, called McLain's Militia. He then was pleased with the fertile prairies of Ogle County. In 1835, with his brother-in-law, Samuel Aikens, of Franklin County, Ohio, he moved to Washington Grove. After locating their land, Mr. Aikens returned to Ohio, where he remained for two years, and then came back with his wife and others of the family, among whom were Dick, Charley and Tom, their parents, and a Ross family, connected by marriage. Of these, the three young men mentioned gained rather hard names, and will be referred to more especially in another iplace. The parents, youngest son (Samuel), and David Maxwell were respected as good citizens.

Mrs. Samuel Aikens is now living at Ashton, and her daughter, now Mrs. John Todd, is still living in Chana. The Aikens brothers kept the first blacksmith shop and built a saw mill on a small stream, at Washington Grove.

In 1835, Aaron Paine made a claim at Paine's Point, and settled there with his family. Benjamin Boyce settled near him soon after, but, after making some improvements, sold out to George Taylor from New York. Mr. Taylor lived on the same farm till the time of his death. His son. Mason, now occupies the farm.

Mr. Paine sold out to the father of Augustus Austin, who now lives there. Mr. Paine afterwards moved to Ox Bow Prairie, in Putnam County and from there to Oregon Territory, leaving his family behind. In Oregon he became a member of the state legislature. Mr. Paine learned his letters after he was forty years of age, of John Whitaker, an early settler at Black Walnut Grove.

The first post-office was kept near Paine's Point, by Mrs. Thomas Stinson, Here, also, the first church, Lutheran, was built, about 1852. This church was of stone, and was replaced in 1874 by the present frame building. Rev. Mr. Hill, of Oregon, now preaches there occasionally. The post-office, and also a store, are now kept by John Kizer. In 1856, a commodious frame church was erected there by the Wesleyan Methodist denomination. About 1843, a schoolhouse was built here, which was afterwards moved to another district, and the present frame school-house built.

Homan Morgan settled in White Oak Grove, south of Chana, in 1836. He had been a Baptist minister in Ohio. His oldest son, Lyman, built a grist mill on the Kyte River, and afterwards moved to Wisconsin, where he became known as the inventor of the Morgan water-wheel. His parents moved to Wisconsin and lived with him. Another son, Homan, still resides on section 25.

Soon after the Morgans, Captain Isaac Trask and family settled one mile west of White Oak Grove, on the Kyte River. Captain Trask left a sea-faring life to find a home in the wilds of Illinois, and for many years was seldom seen without a gun or fishing tackle for a companion. He has become one of Pine Rock's solid citizens. Israel, one of his sons, is now supervisor from that township. Nearly ten years since, Mr. Schoonhoven established a cheese factory on the east line of section 13, which is still in operation.

Among others, the following settled in Lafayette and Pine Rock before 1841 : John Weeks and wife, Charles Rice, James Clark, Wm. Bridges, John Gilbraith, John H. Stephenson, Mercer P. Carr, Harrison Ogden, Milton Burright, Lewis Williams, H. Hills and Riley Paddock. Mathew Bailey settled near Dr. Roe and has two sons, James and John, now residing in the township.

There are many other early settlers at Paine's Point worthy of mention, did space permit, among them Luman Taylor, Avery Taylor, Spirick Wellington, ' David Hazleton, Anthony Wood, (his brother Enoch, now of Chicago, lived in Nashua Township,) Thomas, Harrison and Langdon Stinson, their mother and sisters, Horace Grant and family, John Ely and family. Mrs. Thomas Stinson, a lady who was highly esteemed by all, died in May, 1877.

A number of families of the Tiltons settled more recently in the southeastern part of the township. They occupy almost the entire territory of that vicinity.

In 1846, Oliver W. Canfield settled at Washington Grove. His son, Geo. E., is now Justice of the Peace at Ghana. John H. Stephenson at one time had a grist mill and distillery on the creek running through Washington Grove. R. T. Haines was a partner in the distillery business. Wm. J. Keyes kept school in 1841, at a cabin on the west side of Washington Grove. Mrs. Cryder afterwards taught near there.

In 187 1, the Chicago and Iowa railroad was built through the township. Phineas Chaney bought the west half of the southwest quarter of section 15, half of it from John C. Ober, and the remainder from Benjamin Canfield, for $4,000. Mr. Chaney made a stock company of this property dividing into twenty shares. The railroad passed through these eighty acres ; they were laid off for village purposes, :ind called " Ghana," after its founder, whose name was originally spelled in that way.

A station was established here, and on July 4, 1871, the first building, the grain warehouse of Phineas Chaney, was completed. This warehouse was run by Benjamin, a son of Phineas Chaney, who was also station agent. A car was first used as depot. It is now used as a tool house.

The first storehouse, and second building, in Ghana was a wagon shop, 18 by 35 feet in size, moved by Mr. Chaney from Paine's Point and fitted up for store purposes. It was first occupied with a general stock by Joel Matson.

The next buildings were the dwellings of Allen Eichaner, on Main Street, and of Charles Long, in 1872. Thomas Emerson built the first blacksmith shop, just east of the village line, in the Fall of 187 1. This he afterwards moved into town. It is still continued by Mr. Emerson.

The next season, John Cumins built the largest storeroom now in Ghana, on the north end and west of Main Street. Mr. Matson sold out to A. E. Kemper, who sold to Watson and Ball. They moved the stock away. The second store was built by A. J. Butterfield and occupied by Lyman Phelps, with a stock belonging to Perry Brothers, of Rochelle. George Proctor had a saloon in the basement.

John Rine, Daniel Sprecker and John Todd now keep general stocks of goods. J. P. Lilly recently established a hardware store. William Mclntire and James Pool now have billiard halls. Blacksmiths, George Trombly and Thomas Emerson. James Miller, Attorney at Law. Dr. Newton, an old resident, lives three miles west of Ghana, at the site of an old town called Watertown. Dr. U. C. Roe has practiced in Ghana for four years.

A substantial hotel building, called the Valley House, was erected in 1875 by John Todd, who built several other houses, and did much to increase the prosperity of Ghana. The hotel is now occupied by Samuel Tilton.

Watertown, above referred to, had, at one time, a saw mill and carding mill, on the Kyte River. The anticipations of making it a manufacturing point were never realized. Major Chamberlain and John Carpenter were among the prominent citizens there.

Davis Junoton

The only school-house in the vicinity of Ghana is one which was built north of the middle of section 22, in 1869. In this, Miss Nellie Putman first taught. She was hired by Asabel Burricht. It is a small frame building, and is now taught by Samuel Howe. It is very detrimental to the growth and best interests of Ghana, that no school has ever been established in the village.

When the school-house was built, a station of the Methodist circuit was there established. Meetings had previously been held at the Ganfield schoolhouse. The following pastors have officiated since that time : Revs. A, P. Hatch, Schoonmaker, Z. Paddock, T. R. Satterfield, and the present minister, Rev. Wm. Gross. The present church building was erected in 1875, at a cost of $1,800, under the pastorate of the Rev. Mr. Paddock. It was dedicated by the Rev. Luke Hitchcock, of Ghicago. The present membership is about seventy-five. A Sabbath-school was established in connection with the church, with Alexander Knapp as superintendent. The present superintendent is Rev. E. H. Ganfield.

The elevator, a frame building, was erected in 1874, by Andrews Brothers, who were early residents at Paine's Point. It 'is now owned by David H. Weltz, Sr.

Ghana has borne no enviable name in some social respects, but this Winter marks a new epoch in its history. Besides a great religious revival, by which about twenty-five members were added to the church, the temperance wave has reached the village, and restored many to sobriety and respectability. A large number of the youth, temperate men, and a majority of the hard drinkers have joined in the movement. There is now a membership of 125. Meetings are held Saturday evenings, with the following officers : President, Gapt. F. W. Pike; Vice Presidents, R. K. Hawley, S. L. Aikens and Gharles Glapp; Secretary, J. P. Lilly; Treasurer, Samuel Mitchell, Financial Secretary, John Eakle, and other minor officers.

On Tuesday, March 12, 1878, while the writer was visiting Ghana, a horrible accident occurred which wrapped the little village in a cloud of sorrow not soon to be effaced from memory. Lizzie, the beautiful, bright-eyed little daughter of George Trombly, was burned to death by catching her clothes on fire while in the house alone. She was four years of age, and beloved by the entire neighborhood.

On the night of November 29, 1876, John H. Rine was assaulted by William Maxwell, robbed and left for dead. Maxwell had seen Mr. Rme count out about $165, and take with him when leaving his store at night. Near the church Mr. Rine was knocked down with a car coupling-pin, robbed and dragged to the rear of the church, where he was left senseless. He recovered only after a long period of prostration. Maxwell was tried, convicted and sentenced to thirty years in the penitentiary, where he is now in durance vile.

The present township officers are : Supervisor., Israel Trask ; Town Clerk^ John G. Ober ; Assessor^ John Bailey ; Collector^ E. R. Gooley ; Constables, Henry Emmons and William P. Deets ; Commissioners of Highway^ Samuel Mitchell, Sheldon Burright and Scott Gale ; Justices of the Peace, George E. Ganfield and Frederick W. Pike.

The first permanent settler within the limits of Dement Township was John Brodie, who, with his family, settled on section 12 in 1836. In this family there were several sons and daughters. Mr. Brodie was a brother-in-law of one of the notorious DriscoU clan. These characters had evidently left Ohio to avoid the odium of a somewhat tarnished record. They enjoyed the grim pleasure of twitting each other of their Ohio home - the penitentiary. To the Driscoll family, whose connection with this vicinity was at one time much too intimate to be pleasant, a separate chapter will be devoted. They lived across the line, in Dekalb County.

At the time of the early settlements, it was customary for settlers to make claims near groves of timber, for protection from the cold, biting blasts of Winter on the prairies. The grove at which Brodie settled still retains the name of Brodie's Grove. He af.'erwards moved away, being threatened with death for his misdeeds if he remained.

Two years after Mr. Brodie, William Youngs, with his family, settled on Kilbuck Creek, a mile and a half northwest of Brodie. He afterwards moved to Iowa.

Samuel Brock, with his family settled east of, and adjoining, Mr. Young's claim, about two years later. Mr. Brock has since died, and his family now reside in Creston.

The next settler at the grove was Baltz Niehoff, who occupied land for Snively, Sharer & Company, a company who had purchased Brodie's land when he departed. The men of this company, Elias Sniveley, Henry, Sharer, Nathaniel Swingley and Samuel Hitt, had come from Maryland to Mt. Morris, and all became actual settlers of Dement Township afterwards.

Mr. Niehoff moved to Carroll County. Mr. Snively returned to Maryland, Mr. Sharer and Mr. Hitt returned to Mt. Morris, where the former still lives. In 1850, Nathaniel Swingley went to California, but, after three years and a half residence in the land of gold, he returned to Creston, where he still resides, a prominent, influential and democratic citizen.

In 1850, Thomas Smith came from Canada and occupied the farm of Mr. Swingley during his absence. Mr. Smith was made postmaster a few years after, and he, as well as nearly all those living along the public road between Chicago and Oregon, kept open house for the accommodation of passing travelers.

In 1852, Norman Payne and Barzilla Knapp, brothers-in-law, located at Brodie's Grove, section 12, then in Flagg Township. After selecting their lands, they returned to their homes in Connecticut, where they remained two years, and then brought their families to Dement Township. Both are now residents of Creston. Robert Benson, who was absent when Messrs. Payne and Knapp first came, although he had been there and selected his land, returned and was living there when they came back.

These constitute most of the early settlers of Dement Township. From that time the prairies began to fill up more rapidly, and, though it would be our pleasure, it is impossible to name the many settlers following. Many amusing stories are told of those pioneer times, and many a tale of hardship and privation is remembered.

The building of the Chicago & Northwestern Railroad, described in another portion of this work, caused a settlement at a point on its route, which has since developed into the thriving Village of Creston.

The village is located principally upon the northwest quarter of section 23. The north half of this section was entered by Col. John Dement, of Dixon, after whom the township received its name. Gordon Hewett entered section 24 for Thomas Smith. " Uncle Tom," as he is called, built his house - the first one within the town corporation - a short time before the railroad was built.

Here the first preaching was done, by an Episcopalian minister named Todd. Mr. Smith then kept a public house and post-office, and, when the railroad came through, he was made station agent, the station being called " Denaent." A car was soon left there for a depot.

The next building erected was a storeroom, by Anson Barnum, near and northwest of the site of the present McCrea elevator. The following year he built a house near the south end of Main Street. Mr. Barnum afterwards became county judge, and died in Oregon.

In 1856, James Richards also built a house near and opposite Barnum's, on the west side of Main Street. Soon after, houses were built by Levi Howard, Asa Rice, B. R. Pierce, Deacon Gillett, Joseph Foreman, Isaac Bickford and others.

The second store was opened by H. H. Clark, in 1857, in a building which he erected on Main Street, where now stands the store of Wm. H. Rowe. In the same year, the first hotel was built, at the north end of Main Street. It is not now used for hotel purposes, but is owned by M. D. Hathaway. The only hotel now in Creston is managed by Wm. Koeffer, near the depot.

Alexander Parmalee bought out Mr. Clark, who built a new building, now occupied by Dr. Robbins' drug store. Frank Hanson started the first blacksmith shop, north of the corner where the drug store now stands.

Schools. - The first school-house in Creston was a frame building 26 by 32 feet in size, which was built by B. R. Pierce, in 1857. In this house W. W. Washburne first taught. School was held in that building until 1869, when the present beautiful and substantial school-house was erected at a cost of $10,000. P. R. Walker was the first Principal of the school. The present teachers are : Miss Jane Hathaway, Principal ; the two Misses Allen, Assistants. The present School Board consists of Messrs. Upton Swingley, L. W. Young, and Asa Dimon.

School was first taught in the township by George Swingley, in Nathaniel Swingley's house. The first school room in the township was built by Gilbert Campbell and Hiram Barnum, in 1855. Miss Cummins first taught the school, and in the two Winters following the school was instructed by Barzilla Knapp*.

Religious. - The Congregational Church was organized September 21, 1856, by Rev. Flavel Bascom, agent of the Illinois Missionary Association, with fourteen members. Rev. Richard C. Bristol became the first pastor, December i, 1857, on a salary of $250. S. B. Gillett was the first Deacon. The church edifice was built in the Spring of 1866, principally through the energetic labors of its Pastor at that time. Rev. Henry Buss. The society now numbers seventy members, and its Pastor is Rev. Hadley M. Crosbie. The Deacons are F. H. Gillett and E. H. Miller. The Sabbath-school, organized in connection with the church, has a membership of about seventy-five.

The Methodist Episcopal Church of Creston was organized at Brodie's Grove April 19, 1857, by Rev. John Nait, who was then in charge of Lane Mission. There were nine members. Martin Webb was first Class-leader, and N. H. Morse, District Steward. Class met at Mr. Webb's and preaching was held in dwellings - generally at Mr. Webb's. The Presiding Elder was Rev. Luke Hitchcock, now agent of the Western M. E. Book Concern. The first preacher in charge of this circuit, then connected with Malta, was Rev. J. Frost, deceased, late husband of Mrs. Julia Frost, now living in Creston. It was then in St. Charles District Rock River Conference, now Dixon District Rock River Conference. The church was built in the Fall of 1866. Rev. D. Appleford was preacher in charge, and there were 51 members. Present Pastor, Rev. J. H. Thomas. Number of members, 62.

Dement Lodge No. 515, A. F. &> A. M. - Was established in Creston October I, 1867, with the following charter members: V. M. Southgale, H. M. Webb, J. White, C. H. Robbins, E. L. Wells, H. Dunning, J. L. Padgett, Elias Mead, A. Miller, A. Dimon, J. W. Fay, J. V. Dimon, F. Leach, W. A. Washburne, C W. Fay, Geo. Payne, J. E. Lawson, N. P. Fay, S. Woodard, A. B. McCrew, J Campbell, C. F. Chapman, T. Y. Frost, I. F. Mettler, C. E. Adams, D. Dimon The first officers were : A. Dimon, W. M. ; C. E. Adams, S. W. ; J. Oakley, J W., who were also charter members. The present officers are : D. Dimon, W M. ; U. Swingley, S. W. ; E. Hooper, J. W. ; C. I. Bewley, Secretary ; J. Gomon, Treasurer ; F. A. Campbell, S. D. ; J. Smith, J. D. ; C. B. Horton, Tyler. The present membership is fifty-six.

Creston Lodge, No. 572, 1. 0.0. F. - Was organized April 21, 1875, with six charter members as follows : B. Knapp, N. G. ; T. Y. Frost, V. G. ; C. H. Frost, Secretary; James Harde^ian, David Fowler, and J. B. Cobb. There! are now about thirty- five members. Its present officers are : W. H. Pratt, N. G. ; John Harbison, V. G. ; Joseph Cole, Secretary; E. E. Overholtzer, Treasurer. The society has a nicely furnished hall and fine regalia.

The Creston Cornet Band. - Was organized in April, 1874. In the Fall of the same year the band purchased a new set of fourteen instruments at an expense of about %zoo. It is the prize band of Ogle County, having received the first premium of $75 at the County Fair in 1877. Instructor, Prof. D. S. McCosh ; leader, M. R. Wolcott.

The present township officers are : Supervisor^ Joseph White ; Town Clerk, Wm. H. Pratt ; Assessor, A. Lewis ; Collector, Daniel Overacker ; Commissioners of Highways, B. R. Pierce, W. S. Lyon, and Thomas Brown ; Justices of the Peace, George W. Allen and Joseph White ; Constables^ D. Overacker and C. B. Horton ; Treasurer, Albert Lewis.

The present village officers are : Trustees, Albert Lewis, President ; Upton Swingley, George W. Allen, C. I. Bewley, C. C. Benjamin ; Village Clerk, Wm. H. Pratt; Justice of the Peace, B. Knapp.

The following list embraces the principal business interests of Creston at present writing, April, 1878 : G. W. Allen, carpenter and builder, and manufacturer of Allen's Patent Barb Fence Wire; C. E. Adams, postmaster and news depot ; Fred L. Anderson, harness shop ; G. A. Aurner, physician ; L. Barling, clothing ; G. W. Blackmer, coal and hay dealer; Bohlander Brothers, general merchants ; Mrs. Davis, dressmaker; Asa Dimon, agricultural implements ; Daniel Dimon, wagon shop ; Drake & Cobb, general merchants ; Martin Dunn, drug store ; D. E. Edington, general merchant ; Charles Emrich, blacksmith ; H. Fogleman, Fogleman House ; Fogleman & Dimon, livery stable ; D. Fowler, tailor; Wm. Koerfer, Creston House; J. McCortney, boot and shoemaker; J. A. McCrea & Co., grain elevator, stock, and lumber dealers ; Jacob Mitchell, meat market; J. H. Nelson, blacksmith; E. E. Overhaltzer, restaurant ; Jane Rickey, millinery and dressmaking; H. C. Robbins, drug store, jewelry, books and stationery ; - Sheer, harness shop; H. T. Thompson, general merchant ; Joseph White, grain elevator, coal dealer and Justice of the Peace ; Wm. Waterman, loan and collection agent; C. E. Whitten, physician and surgeon ; B. Knapp, Justice of the Peace, loan and collection agent.

Davis Junction

This village is situated in Scott Township, midway between Rockford and Rochelle, at the crossing of the Chicago, Rockford and Northern, and the Chicago and Pacific railroads. It was laid out in May, 1875, by Jeremiah Davis ; is situated in the heart of a rich agricultural section, and is a place of much promise. It has a population of about two hundred. The York River Butter Factory was built and commenced operations May 14, 1877. It has a capacity for working 16,000 pounds of milk ner day, and is as complete an establishment as can be found. T. H. Baker, President; G. W. Eraser, Secretary; Israel Boyes, Manager. James Martin runs a steam feed mill with an engine of forty horse power, capable of turning three runs of stones. There are also other business interests, as follows : Burdick & Wilson, carriage and wagon makers ;

J. K. Dentler, general merchant; P. Brace, hardware; Joseph Kendall, drugs, groceries and books; Frank Eaton, grocer; J. P. Eddy, meat market; Miss Agnes H. Canning, milliner, dressmaker and postmistress; Frank Morse, livery stable ; Henry Woodworth, blacksmith; Junction House, built by Peter Tilton, run by Wm. Hills; Central Hotel by Frank Eaton. An elevator is situated on the Chicago, Rockford & Northern railroad, having a capacity for_ handling 5,000 bushels of grain per day. There are two express offices, the American and United States. Four mails arrive each day. The public school building is a fine, large brick structure of two stories. The two railroads crossing at right angles make this place very desirable for manufacturing purposes, on account of the facilities offered for distribution of products. In this township is Big Mound, an eminence visible for a distance of fifteen miles in every direction.

Grand De Tour

This village was one of the earliest in the county. It is situated in a sweeping curve of Rock River, opposite a green and fertile island, and in the midst of romantic, picturesque scenery. Having an excellent water power, it was sought by many for manufacturing purposes, and at one time bade fair to become a thriving city. Extensive manufacturies were begun, and Grand de Tour was well known, but the Chicago & Northwestern Railroad Company decided to pass through Dixon, nine miles south, placing the former village at a disadvantage from which it never recovered. In 1834 Leonard Andrus started from Dixon's Ferry up Rock River in a canoe. The present Lee County was then a portion of Jo Daviess, and Dixon was not laid off as a village until the following year. The inhabitants then were few in numbers, and it is probable that Mr. Andrus was the first white man to explore that beautiful portion of the Rock River Valley. The river is dotted with green islands, while the banks present an endless variety of towering cliffs and mystic caverns. About nine miles above the ferry Mr. Andrus landed and made claim to the beautiful vale which now forms the site of Grand de Tour. The next season he and W. A. House, with their families, took up their residence there and built a log cabin. Their kitchen was located out doors, and culinary operations were often watched by lounging Indians. They were soon joined by Amos Bosworth, Russell Green, Wm. G. Dana, Marcus and Dennis Warren and others. The first white women were Mrs. Sarah I. House and Sophronia Weatherby, who came July 4, 1835. Mrs. E. G. Sawyer, Mrs. Hill and Mrs. Huston, came in the next year. Mrs. Esther G. S. Sawyer is still a resident of Grand de Tour, and is its earliest living settler. In November, 1835, the first child was born in Grand de Tour, a daughter, Gertrude, of W. A. and Sarah I. House. Mr. House established the ferry and was made postmaster.

Much general advancement was made in 1836. The village was laid out and a Hydraulic Company was organized for the improvememt of the water power and erection of mills. The company, which consisted of Amos Bosworth, Leonard Andrus, Russell Green, W. A. House, W. G. Dana and Marcus and Dennis Warren, built a saw mill the same year, three miles from the village, on Pine Creek, where the bridge now stands. The Fourth of July, 1836, was celebrated by digging the town well. When Mrz. Sawyer came in 1836 there was a tavern kept by Irad Hill and a store by House and Green. The only other house in the village was the residence of W. A. House, which consisted of one small room, and was used as a kitchen, dining and sleeping room. For a dressing room, a patch of tall grass near the river bank was cut down, and there they made their toilets, using the water of Rock River for a mirror. In 1837 the Hydraulic Company commenced to build the dam, race and saw-mill. The grist-mill was begun at this time, but was not completed until 1838-9, and was soon after purchased by Solon Cumins, who, indeed, purchased the greater portion of the village, and became postmaster and a prominent man. The first frame house, known as the "Red House," was erected by Mr. House in the Spring of 1837. In the following summer five other houses were built - one a large hotel, by the Hydraulic Company, and kept by Robert McKenney, and afterwards by Henry L. Merrill. It was taken down in 1864 and a store-house erected on the same site. The second frame house was a dwelling built by E. H. Shaw, and is now used as a barn. The third was built by Calvin Turner, now owned by Mrs. S. H. Wilson ; the fourth by Mr. Martin, afterwards bought by A. T. Stoneburner, and the fifth building was a store-house built by the Hydraulic Company, and now owned by James Rogers.

Charles Throop came to Grand de Tour in 1838. In 1843 he opened a general store with Mr. Dana, and has continued alone in business since 1848 to the present time.

The settlement, for a time, progressed very rapidly. The brick tavern, known as the Clinton House, was built and kept by Clifton C. Colburn in 1839. Mr. Cumins' purchases of goods in this year amounted to $40,000. Settlers came from Elkhorn, North, Washington, Brodies, and many other groves to do their trading. John Deere, now the noted plow manufacturer at Moline, Ills., opened a blacksmith shop in Grand de Tour, with a set of tools purchased on credit in 1837. In 1839 he made his first plow, and two years later Andrus and Deere started the Grand de Tour plow works on a small scale. This factory was moved to Dixon, where the business is extensively prosecuted by Cumins, Noble & Dodge. During the financial crisis of 1857 the factory was burned down, but was rebuilt in ninety days. The first wagon maker was S. E. Hathaway ; the first carpenter, George Gushing ; the first cabinet maker, Mr. Henry ; the first mill-wright, Ebenezer Day ; first shoemaker, O. F. Palmer ; G. Clements manufactured tinware, George L. Herrick doing the labor as first journeyman tinker; first Justice of the Peace, Erastus Hubbell; first constable, Calvin Turner. The first school was opened in the winter of 1838 by Mr. Goodrich, and in the summer of 1839 a school was taught by Sophronia Weatherby in a slab house. The first physician was William Bass ; the first wedding, that of Reuben Prichard with|Mary Rathburn in March, 1840 ; the second, that of John Cutshaw with Willmot Brown ; the third, George L. Herrick with Julia Muzzy. The first death was that of Mrs. Gardner. The first birth has been referred to ; the first boy born in Grand de Tour was Charles, son of John and D. Deere, in

Religious. - On the 8th day of July, 1837, a meeting was held at the residence of E. H. Shaw for the purpose of organizing a Congregational society. Revs. Colvin W. Babbitt and E. Hazzard were present at the organization, and the former became the first pastor. The society, as formed, consisted of twelve members, two only of whom are now living - Mrs. Esther G. Sawyer, of Grand de Tour, and Mrs. Susan Hamilton, of Moline. Five of the number rest in the village cemetery. E. E. Gardner was the first clerk, and Reuben Pritchard and Samuel Anthony, the first deacons.

The Congregational Church was the first to be erected in Grand de Tour, and cost nine hundred dollars. It was commenced April 18 and dedicated November 12, 1848. Rev. L. H. Loss, of Rockford, preached the dedication sermon. The first trustees, Ruel Peabody, N. C. Tyrrell and G. W. Southwick, were appointed April 12, 1848. On the 21st day of that month W. G. Dana and wife, members of the church, presented the lot on which the building stands. The building committee were F. W. Southwick, J. M. Gould and R. M. Pearson, the latter of whom was the first pastor. The lumber was bought in Chicago and hauled out by Ruel Peabody. The society is now disorganized and the church used as a society and town hall.

The fir $1 Rphcopal minister^ Bishop Chase, preached in the house of E. H. Shaw on an evening of June, 1837. The pulpit was a three-legged stool set upon the table and covered with a towel, while the light was reflected from tallow candles.

The Episcopal Church was commenced in April, 1849, and completed in the year following. The Ladies' Sewing Society paid the first one hundred dollars for lumber, which was bought in Chicago by E. W. Dutcher, who hauled the first load. In June, 1849, the corner-stone was laid in the presence of twelve ladies and fourteen gentlemen. In an excavation in that stone a tin box was placed containing the following articles : a Bible, prayer-book, a copy of the Constitution of the United States, of the Declaration of Independence, of the Constitution of Illinois ; the names of the resident minister - A. J. Warner ; Bishop of Illinois - Philander Chase ; church wardens - S. M. Harris and Carlton Bayley; vestrymen - S. C. Colton, Solon Cumins, Leonard Andrus, H. H. Paine and E. W. Dutcher; building committee - S. M. Harris, H. H. Paine, E. W. Dutcher, Leonard Andrus, Solon Cumins and George Cushing; the names of subscribers to the church fund, of communicants twelve in number, the names of the founders of the town, also gold and silver coin of the United States, from ten cents, silver, to |io, gold, in all, $19.35. The box was then hermetically sealed and placed in the stone, which was located at the southwest corner of the building. The house was consecrated by the name of St. Peter's Church, by Bishop Henry J. Whitehouse, October 22$ 1855. It cost $1,800, and was first occupied by Andrew J. Warner, pastor. Rev. Jones, of Dixon, now officiates. This church was the fifth of its denomination in Northern Illinois, the others being one at Galena, St. Paul, and two at Chicago, the St. James and Trinity.

The first Methodist minister was O. F. Ayres, who formed a class in 1839. The Methodist Episcopal Church edifice was built by Cyrus Chamberlin, who commenced it in April, 1857, and completed it that year. It was dedicated January 23, 1858, by Rev. P. M. Eddy, assisted by the presiding elder. Rev. Luke Hitchcock, and the circuit minister, Henry L. Martin. The church cost $2,500. The people of that vicinity paid Mr. Chamberlin $500 during the next year. Trustees - J. H. Winans, Joseph Cunningham, J. C. Boyd, Joseph Liney, John Cool, J. L. Brown and Jacob Myers. The present pastor is James L. Backus, of Dixon. Joseph Cunningham is Superintendent of the Sunday School. The first temperance society was organized February 25, 1839. The first officers were : President, Samuel Anthony ; Vice-President, Cyrus Chamberlain ; Secretary, Chester Harrington ; Treasurer, Moses Crombie ; Directors, Joseph Cunningham, N. C. Tyrrell, Hugh Moore and Edward Wright. Number of members - males, 42 ; females, 29 ; total, 71.

The Sons of Temperance now have a society there. They meet each Wednesday evening in their town hall. The first abolition society was organized February 8, 1839. The officers were : President, Hugh Moore; Vice-President, Joseph Cunningham ; Recordmg Secretary, Chester Harrington ; Corresponding Secretary, S. N. Anthony ; Treasurer, A. B. Atwood ; Directors, N. C. Tyrrell, Moses Crombie, Cyrus Chamberlain and Samuel Anthony. Number of members - males, 29 ; females, 23; total, 52.

Schools. - 1^\\Q first school-house of brick was built in 1839, and was used for school meetings, elections, etc. The present school-house was commenced in 1856, and finished in 1858 ; Directors, W. T. House, J. F. Legro and C. D. Sawyer; its cost was $4,200, and was at that time the best one in Ogle County. The present teacher is D. C. Sears.

The stage line between Dixon and Freeport and Grand de Tour was maintained for many years by Joseph Cunningham. Recently, however, he was superseded by Joseph Mumma.

The Press. - The first newspaper established in Grand de Tour was the Rock River Register, by Stephens & Knodle, in September, 1842. D. C. Dunbar was the editor. This paper had been located at Mt. Morris, where it was started in January of that year. It was a five-column folio. On October 7 the paper was dressed in mourning on account of the death of its editor, D, C. Dunbar, aged twenty-eight years. He was buried at Mt. Morris.

The first number of the second volume was dated January 27, 1843, showing that omissions had been made during the year previous. It was " published by the proprietors," but fails to state who the proprietors were. In February the commencement of the Winnebago Foru?n^ a new Whig paper at Rockford, was noticed. In the latter part of March an act was published in the .Register incorporating Solon Cumins, Wm. G. Dana and Williard A House, and their associates and successors, as the " Grand de Tour Manufacturing Company," with $100,000 (?) capital.

On the loth of May the names of Charles H. Lamb and A. G. Henderson appeared in the paper as proprietors. In July Mr. Henderson withdrew, leaving Mr. Lamb sole proprietor.

In the issue for October 14, 1842, an article appears regarding *' Our Village." After boasting of the healthfulness of the place and the energy of its citizens, it says :

" We have two stores, one of which has sold upwards of thirty thousand dollars' worth of goods the past season and furnished a market for a large quantity of wheat, pork and other produce, and a third to be filled within two weeks. One good hotel, two blacksmith shops, one plow factory, tin shop, cigar factory, one painter and glazier, two coopers and two carpenter shops, two shoemakers, cabinet shop, broom factory, one wheel-wright and wagonmaker's shop, one turning shop for wood and iron, one tailor, one physician, etc. ; one grist and flouring mill, which turns out for export from six to eight thousand barrels of flour per year ; one saw-mill and one printing press. Water wheels are now being put down for propelling a carding and cloth-dressing machine and the manufacture of cloth.

" In addition, our water power, which is already sufficient for present purposes, can be improved to any extent, and will be another season.

The Register was superseded for a short time by the Illinois Tribune^ November 14, 1844, with John W. Sweetland, publisher. Its publication was soon discontinued.

Township Organization. - The legal voters of the township of Grand de Tour held their first election April 3, 1850, at the village school-house. S. C. Cotton was chosen moderator and L. E. Hemenway, clerk. The following officers were elected : Supervisor - S. C. Cotton ; Town Clerk - S. M. Harris ; Assessor - Solon Cumins ; Collector - E. W. Dutcher ; Overseer of the Poor - S. C. Cotton; Commissioners of Highway - Samuel Bovey, G. L. Herrick and D. A. Brown; Justices of Peace - S. Cotton and Solon Cumins; Constables - J. T. Hunsdon and E. W. Dutcher; Overseers 0/ Highway - G. L. Herrick and James Weaver. The present township officers are : Supervisor - Samuel Young; Town Clerk - James Rogers; Assessor - C. D. Sawyer; Collector - G. S. Fox; Commissioners of Highway - A. A. Sheffield, John Bovey and C. T. Wordsworth ; Justices of Peace-^]2,xnif& Rogers and Charles Johnson; Constables - Samuel Young and A. A. Sheffield.

At one time Grand de Tour was the largest village on Rock River and had every indication of continued prosperity, but when the Chicago & Northwestern

Railroad was built through Dixon it drew the business to points on the line of the road and killed the growth of Grand de Tour. At present there are three general merchants, C. F. Throop, who established his business there in the Fall of 1837, and who has continued from that time ; W. M. Palmer and James Rogers. The latter is also postmaster. J. L. Fine now carries on a blacksmith shop. June i, 1877, a butter and cheese factory was incorporated with authority to issue certificates of stock to the amount of $3,000. It is managed by W. S. Crowley, and has the following officers : President - James Rogers ; Secretary - -YxdiXicis Hemenway; Treasurer - C. F. Throop; Directors - E. T. Gates, A. A. Sheffield, Francis Hemenway and Wm. Cox.

Daysville, once a thriving, prosperous village on the banks of the Rock River, is another of those of which the historian must write : " It was killed by a railroad."

The Township of Nashua was first settled about 1836, by Dr. John Roe, who moved to Lighthouse Point, and lived there with his family for many years. He died in Nebraska, and has several sons who sre practicing medicine in this and neighboring counties. The exact order in which the following settlers came, between that time and 1838, is not known. Ruel Peabody settled on section 28, where he still resides; Major Chamberlin, with family, who is yet living on his old farm, settled in section 13 ; John H. Stevenson settled southeast of him, but just across the line in Pine Rock Township ; Stephen Bemis also lives where he settled, on section 25. Besides these there were : John Carr, who died in the township, and family ; Levi Dort, who died at La Salle, and family; Henry Farwell, who died at Sterling, and family; John Carpenter, who died at Watertown ; James Hatch, who died at Dixon ; Alanson Bishop, who died in the township ; Joseph Williams, who lives now in Iowa ; Riley Paddock, who now lives at Ashton ; Seth H. Hills, who died in California ; Daniel McKinney, Richard McKinney and John McKinney, with their families ; Wm. J. Keyes, who now resides in Daysville. The elder McKinneys are now deceased, and the sons have moved west. Mrs. Wm. J. Mix is a daughter of Richard McKinney.

The Village. - Austin Williams first made claim to the land on which Daysville is situated, and built there a log house. This claim he soon sold out to Jehiel Day, Jonathan Rawson and James Moore, who laid it out as a village in 1837.

Soon after came John Taylor and family. Brown and family, Henry Stiles, Wm. Jackson, Lyman Reed and Daniel Day. Mr. Taylor died at St. Charles, Ills. Mr. Brown returned to the East soon after. Mr. Stiles now lives near Rochelle. Lyman Reed continued to reside in the village until the time of his death. Daniel Day died in DeKalb County. Jehiel Day, after whom the village was named, died there, where Mrs. Day still resides. Mr. Moore died in Dixon. Mr. Rawson, although a partner, lived in the East.

Daniel Day built, on the site of the house now belonging to heirs of John M. Hinckley, the first frame house, in i837-'38, for a store, which was kept by him for a short time, when he sold out and built the first hotel, in about 1839. This was cailed, for a time, " The New England House," and is the two and a half story building now owned by Mrs. Dr. Morton McKinney. A few years after the erection of this house, James Moore built the house standing just west of it, and now owned by Wm. Stevens. The title " New England House " was transferred to this hotel. These have been kept by many different persons, but at present there is no hotel in Daysville.

The second store was opened by Wm. J. Mix and son, and Henry A. Mix, who moved the storeroom of Mr. Day to the northeast side of Main Street.

This was afterwards torn down. This firm dissolved, and stores were continued by Wm. J. Mix, Sr., and by the two others, who built a storeroom on the west side of Main Street. This," also, has been torn down.

The only store at present is that of George M. Reed, which is a continuation of the store established by his father, Lyman. Mrs. Lyman Reed is still living in the village. George M. Reed is now postmaster. The office was first established with Daniel Day as postmaster, at the time he began keeping tavern. When the settlement of Watertown sprang up a few years later, the office was removed to that place, and James Mitchell made postmaster for about two years. It was then returned to Mr. Day's tavern.

Dr. Gregory was the first physician. Many years ago, Dr. Addison Newton resided in Daysville, but he removed to Watertown, where he now resides.

Henry Stiles ran a pole ferry boat in 1837 ; Aaron Baldwin, Wm. J. Mix and others continued it, but there has been no ferry since that of Simon Wilson, about a dozen years since.

Lyman Reed built the first school-house about 1846, and in this Miss Dusenberry first taught. School had been peviously held in private houses and taught by Miss Hue, Mr. Light and many others. The present school-house was built on the same lot on which the old one stood. Miss Agnes Bunker, of Oregon, is the present teacher.

As Daysville was one of the earliest of Ogle County villages, it was made one of the stations of the Methodist circuit soon after it was laid out. Leander S. Walker was among the first to hold regular service, and Barton H. Cartwright, was the last to preach regularly. For many years. Rev. Erastus Woodsworth has preached in the school-house on every fourth Sabbath.

At one time the prospects of Daysville were quite flattering, and an active trade was carried on by four stores, but, as stated, the business was taken away when the railroad came so near without passing through the village.

In the northeastern corner of the township. Honey Creek station, was established on the Chicago & Iowa Railroad, and a village plat laid off by Major Chamberlin in May, 1873. Wm. T. Wilson was made'postmaster and station agent. He was superseded, in the Fall of 1877, by Alonzo Wood, who has opened out a stock of groceries at that point.

Watertown, a mile and one half east of Daysville, is another settlement at which a village was attempted. It at one time had a saw mill, a carding mill and furniture shop, and, like the Village of Goldsmith, the future promised fair,

" But now the sounds of population fail ; No busy murmurs fluctuate the gale, No busy steps the grass-grown footway tread, But all the blooming flush of life is fled.

Other Villages

Flagg Station. - A post-office was established by this name, March 6, 1866, with George C. Steele, Postmaster, on the Chicago and Northwestern Railroad, near the south county line. The present Postmaster is Alfred Thorp.

A warehouse was built in the same year by Lauren and Alvin Chamberlin. It is now managed by A. A. Thorp, and the business, in 1877, amounted to nearly $33,000.

In the same year, also, a school-house was built, which was taught the first Summer by Miss Louisa Randall, and the next Winter by M. S. Moore.

A Methodist Episcopal Class was organized in 1862, by Rev. Jesse Penfield, although they had no building except private houses in which to hold meetings until the school-house was erected.

Taylor. - This post-office is in Taylor Township, at a settlement called Carthage. There are several residences, a blacksmith shop and a general store by Joseph Stevens, an old and esteemed resident.

Flagg Center is the station in Flagg Township, about three and a half miles northwest of Rochelle, at the junction of the Chicago & Iowa and the Chicago, Rockford & Northern railroads. The post-office there located is called Kyte River, and the station is building up into a village, though yet but little developed.

Kings. - This village was laid out in July, 1875, by William H. King, when the Chicago, Rockford & Northern Railroad was completed through that point. As recorded, the plat was made March 31, 1877. The first building to be erected was an elevator followed by an small hotel and store, all in 1875 and by William H. King. The store is operated by R. W. Schadle and Robert W. Oaks, the former being, also, postmaster. Mr. King soon after built a dwelling, which is rented to Charles Ringquest, shoemaker. The depot was next erected, in the Winter of 1875 and 1876.

In the following Spring, C. T. King, Patrick Malone and W. H. King, each put up small dwellings. Charles Hangland, carpenter, and William Sechler built dwellings in 1877. The latter carries on a neat market and hotel. A. B. Sechler and W. H. King are now building houses. John Doden is the only blacksmith. The elevator is run by West & Andrus, and a lumber and coal business is carried on by King, Kline & Co.

The Township officers at present are : Supervisor^ Geo. Stansbury ; Town Clerk, R. W. Schadle; Assessor^ Charles Eyster ; Collector, E. C. Hayes; Commissioners of Highways, Austin Noe, Julius Elliott and Jacob Gates ; Justices of the Peace, Samuel Doctor and D. H. Hayes ; Constable, J. Q. Bower.

White Rock Berg. - This post-office, situated about three miles northwest of Kings, is a much older settlement. It has a church which has been built about sixteen years, a school-house, wagon and blacksmith shops, and a general store by Hathaway Brothers.

HoLCOMB. - When the Chicago, Rockford and Northern Railroad was completed through Scott and White Rock Townships, a village was laid out on the line between these two townships, and named for an officer, the present receiver of the road, W. H. Holcomb. Joseph Sheafflaid out this village on July 15, 1875, and Jacob Goldenbaum established an Addition on the same day. Mr. Sheaff soon after made another Addition to the plat. This land had origmally been entered by Phineas Chaney, for John Sheaff in December, 1849.

It has a general store, by Peter Hastings, an elevator, which was built by David Sheaff, and is run by West & Bros., a German Lutheran Church, a tavern, by Perry France, two blacksmith shops and a number of dwellings.

This, as well as Kings Station, is in a healthful, growing condition. The railroad, the same power that killed the growth of many Ogle County villages by passing near but not through them, has brought forth these villages, and a great meed of their prosperity is due to it.

Lynnville, with Lindenwood post-office, three miles east, on the Killbuck Creek, is an older place than Holcomb. It has quite a little settlement, with a church, school-house, etc.

Maryland Station. - This station is an outgrowth of the Chicago & Iowa Railroad, and was established, between Forreston and Mount Morris, in i872-'73.

There is a depot, store, and several other buildings. It was laid out April 3 and 4, 1873, by A. Q. Allen, Surveyor, on the land of Samuel Long, David Plum and Emanuel^tover, and has sometimes been called " West Branch."

Adeline. - This village was laid out on the land of John Rummell, about 1846, although the exact date is not recorded. In 1837-38, Mr. Oliver erected a saw mill on Leaf River, about one mile below Adeline. In 1839, John C. Fosler purchased this mill, and in i84o-'4i he erected a grist mill with a stone basement. This mill afterwards burned down, and another was erected by Freadline and Samuel Fosler, sons of John C. Fosler. - This is still in operation under the management of Tilman Treisbaugh. The saw mill was moved to Mud Creek, and has since been torn away.

About the time the village was laid off, Mr. Rummell built a saw mill at the village site, which was purchased by Jacob Dovenbarger, and operated by him until within a few years, when it was discontinued.

The first general store was opened by M. H. Philbrick followed by that of George W. Mitchell. A grocery had previously been established by Mr. John Rummell, who was postmaster. Henry Ausherman, George W. Mitchell, Emanuel Morrison and others succeeded as postmasters. Mr. John Mumma has held that office for several years, but is about to resign. George W. Mitchell has continued there in business until the present time. Christian Fosler succeeded Mr. Philbrick, and is now in business there.