Rock Island County, Illinois - The whole text, 1885 (part 23 of 24)

The first class of United Brethren in Christ was organized in 1864. Meetings had occasionally been held for about one year previously, the first sermon being preached by Rev. John Wenger. There were only four members of the first class - H. S. Thompson and wife, M. M. Thompson and Cynthia Smith. Meetings were held in the school-house until 1869, when a house of worship was erected, at a cost of $1,900. It was dedicated Jan. 15, 1869. The Sabbath-school maintained by this Church had its origin in a Union Sabbath-school, organized May r, 1859. As the various churches grew strong enough, denominational Sabbath-schools were organized, and the Union School closed in the Baptist Church, Jan. 19, 1868, and opened Feb. 14, 1869, in the Union Baptist church.

The first Baptist Church of Andalusia dates its existence from 1867. Previous to this time meetings were held in the village in the school-house, which was subsequently purchased and fitted for the use of the Church. This Church is an outgrowth of the Edgington Baptist Church, 25 members being dismissed from that body to organize this one.

honor of the famous Sac chief, who here made his home for so many years, and was so JMl loth to leave it. In a state of nature the country round about was wondrously beautiful. It is no wonder the white men who visited this region at an early day were attracted by its lovel.ness, and dreamed of future great possibilities in its development and settlement by the "superior race." It is no wonder, either, that the red men, who have an eye for the beautiful, and who believe that all things were made by the Great Spirit for their good, did not care to go away to some unkno.n country when all around them was everything needful to supply their daily wants. But one day, while the Indians were away upon their annual hunt, the white man came. The winds must have carried the news to Black Hawk, for in a few days afterward, with one or two of his trusted followers, he made his appearance at his ancient village, and found the news too true: the white man was there, his own wigwam being occupied by Judge Pence. He began talking in a loud voice, but in the Indian language. Pointing to his wigwam, he ?aid: " Saukie wigeop ;" and then, pointing his finger to the ground, he raid, " Saukie aukie," repeating this many times. The Judge soon understood that he meant that the wigwam and land belonged to the Indians.

But the time had come for the Indians to move on toward the setting sun. In the preceding pages an account is given of the settlement by the whites, and what followed.

Joshua Vandruff, for whom the large island is named, was doubtless the first to make a permanent location in what is now Black Hawk Township, though Rinnah Wells and his four sons settled here about the same time. It is possible they may have preceded Vandruff a few days. Suffice it to say that when John W. Spencer, who was afterward County Judge of Rock Island County, arrived, in March, 1829, both families were here.

Joshua Vandruff became well known to all the early settlers of the county. For many years he ran a ferry across Rock River, near his residence. He died many years ago.

Rinnah Wells was a typical backwoodsman, one who feared neither man nor the Evil One. If necessary he would have unflinchingly faced a whole tribe of Indians. Many incidents are related of him in this particular. There was no love lost between him and the red men, at any time ; and it often seemed as if his life was endangered by his conduct toward the savages. Rinnah Wells has long been "gathered to his fathers," but his descendants in the

It was not until after the Black Hawk War of 1832 that the country began to be settled to any great extent. Among those who settled here after that event, none are better known than William Dickson, who made his first visit to this section in 1834, returning in 1836 for a permanent settlement. Mr. Dickson was a native of New York, and reared in Pennsylvania. In the State of his adoption he became quite an influential man, being at one time a member of the Board of Canal Commissioners - a very responsible position in that day. He resided on the site of the old Sac village till 1807, when he moved to Milan, where he died, Nov. 25, 1869.

Black Hawk Township was organized at the time the township organization law was adopted. Its dimensions were enlarged some years ago by the addition of several sections of land from Coal Valley.

From the report of the County Superintendent of Public Schools, for the year ending June 30, 1885, it is learned that in connection with South Rock Islland it has 1,007 persons under 21, of whom 698 are of school age. The enrollment for the year was 439. The highest wages paid any teacher was $80 per month, while the lowest received $25. The school property was valued at $12,575.

In 1885, according to report of assessors, there were of improved land, 13,594 acres; unimproved, 4,128 acres; total value, $214,685. Of town lots there were 201 improved and no unimproved, valued at $50,- 110. Of horses there were 395; cattle, 1,277; mules and asses, 14; sheep, 21; hogs, 1,028; fire and burglar proof safes, 8; billiard table, 1; carriages and wagons, 192; watches and clocks, 55; sewing and knitting machines, 10 r ; pianos, 8; melodeons and organs, 24. Total value of personal property, $.58,- 031.

south branch of Rock River, to which was given the name of Camden. There being a postoffice in Schuyler County, in this State, bear ing the name, and not caring to have the village and postoffice bearing different names, it was changed to Camden Mills. In 1870 it was again changed, taking the name of Milan. The name was adopted by a vote of the people.

The first business enterprise was that of a mill erected by Messrs. James Dickson and Felix Brunot the year in which the village was laid out. A dam was thrown across Rock River and a mill built, having four run of buhrs. This was a very popular institution and attracted custom for many miles around, the farmers in the neighborhood of Monmouth, in Warren County, making frequent trips to this mill. Dickson & Brunot continued as proprietors until 1852, when they sold out to Thomas and James Johnston. In 1853 Dickson & Bradley erected another mill, having three run of buhrs. This also passed into the hands of the Johnstons in 1854 Both mills continue to be owned in the family, the sons of James Johnston being proprietors.

Dichson & Brunot, while erecting their mill, opened a general store, being the first in the village. Philleo & Parker soon afterwards opened a store, and other lines of business rapidly followed until very soon a thriving town had sprung up, and a bright future was anticipated by the proprietor and the citizens who had already established, themselves in the place.

As soon as the village had been determined on, a petition was sent in to the Postoffice Department, praying for the establishment here of a postoffice. The prayer of the petitioners was granted and James Dickson was appointed the first postmaster. After serving a few years, he was succeeded by A. K. Philleo, who, in turn, was succeeded by Dr. Joseph Hayett, Thomas Kerr, Wm. Clarke, Lot Anderson,

G. H. Honens, Warren Sterns, G. H. Hon ens the second time, and R. B. Olmstead, the incumbent. A money order department was instituted in 1874.

As soon as it was apparent that a sufficient number of children were in their midst, steps were taken for opening a school. In 1844 a small frame schoolhouse was erected and occupied. This house was used until 1867, when it became too small to accommodate the large number of pupils desiring admission, so, in that year a larger and more commodious, as well as convenient, building was erected, at a cost of $6,000. Additions have since been made to this building Four teachers are now regularly employed.

The first settlers in Milan were a God-fearing people, and at once made arrangements to hold divine services. The first services were held in the mill soon after its erection. There are now three Church organizations, each having houses of worship.

The Presbyterian Church is an outgrowth of the First Presbyterian Church of Rock Island. It was organized in 1845, with 27 members, by Rev. Ithmar Pillsbury, though previous to this time services were occasionally held, Rev. Cyrus Dickson, D. D., ^ preaching the first sermon. Among those who formed & the original organization were Wm. Dickson, Marian ^ C. Dickson, James Dickson, Ruth Ann Dickson, Ed- ^ ward Hollister, Emma Hollister, Eliza Ann Dickson, «: Elizabeth Dickson, Wm. Clarke, Amelia Clarke, John , Gilmore and David M. Dickson. The first Elders were Wm. Dickson, Edward Hollister and John Gilmore. In 1846 Wm. Dickson erected at his own expense a house of worship, deeding the same to the Church. This house was used until 1868, when another building was erected by the congregation, at a , cost of $3,400, with a seating capacity of 300. Rev. -. Ithmar Pillsbury preached for the Church for several '. years. The present Pastor is Rev. G. C. Carson. The Church has had in the main a prosperous career, but has been decimated materially by removals. It now numbers 85, with James Dickson, G. H. Honens and Wm. McConnell as Elders.

The Methodist Episcopal Church was organized in 1848. Among the original members were David Kelso, Thomas Shires, John Thompson, James Thompson, Susan Brown, George W. Chaney, Mary Thompson, C. Routzong and M. Shinstrum. Services were held in the school-house until the erection of the church in 1854. Rev. F. Haney was the first

Eureka Lodge, No. 69, A. F. & A. M.,was organized in 1849, its charter members being numbered among the best men in the village. The lodge has had a prosperous career, with a present membership of 51. Meetings are held on Friday evening on or before full moon, in Masonic Hall, over Young's store. The officers for 1885 are: C. E. Smith, W. M. ; T. J. Medill.S. W. ; I. R. Palmer, J. W. ; Wm. Francis, S. D. , C. H. Brandenburg, J. D. ; Howard McCulloth, Treas. ; H. L. Franing, Sec.

Milan Camp, No. 67, M. W. A., was instituted Dec. 6, 1884, with 12 charter members. Its growth has been quite rapid, numbering at present 54. Meetings are held second and fourth Tuesday evening in each month. The present officers are: R. B. Olmstead, Consul; F. H. Harris, Adviser; C. E. Smith, Clerk; Thomas Johnston, Banker.

Rock River Lodge, No. 105, A. O. U. W., was instituted in 1879, with 30 charter members. The first meetings were held in Young's Hall. On the completion of the Town Hall a change was made to that place, where meetings are yet held. It has had a prosperous career, numbering now 70 members. It has lost one by death - George Lewis. The officers in July, 1885, were: F. H. Hairis, M. W.; Frank Corson, G. F. ; J. C. Johnston, Recorder and Finan-

Icier. J. W. Muse Post, No. 369, G. A. R., was mustered in 1883, with 20 charter members. Geo. E. Brown was the first Commander ; W. A. F. Ruge, S. V. C. ; G. A. Cooper, Adj. The Post has been very successful from its start, and now numbers 36 members. Meetings are held monthly. The present officers are: George E. Brown, Com. ; George Whitehead, S. V. C. ; J. D. Lafferty, Adj. J. W. Muse, in whose honor the Post was named, was a Sergeant in the 93d 111. Vol. Inf., and enlisted at this point. At the battle of Champion Hills he was wounded, and died ^ from the effects.

UFFALO PRAIRIE Township lies in - the western portion of the county, and comprises all of town 16 north, range 4 west, and a few sections lying south of the Mississippi River in township 17 north, range 4 west. It is bounded on the north by the Mississippi River, on the south by Mercer County, and on the east by Edgington and Andalusia Townships, and on the west by Drury. The first settlement was made in 1834, by John Edgington, who located on section n, where he yet remains. Mr. Edgington is a native of Jefferson County, Ohio, born July 4, 1809. In February, 1834, he was united in marriage with Susan Crabs, born in the same county. Together they came West, a'nd in July located in this township, where they have spent 5 1 years.

John Kistler was the next to locate in the township. He became quite prominent in local affairs, serving some two or three terms as County Commissioner, and also as Associate Justice, when the county was governed by a County Judge and two Associate Justices. He died some years ago.

Jarne-5, son of John and Susan Edgington, was born March 20, 1835, being the firstborn in the township. He was raised on his father's farm, was united in marriage with Lucy A. Schriver, of Coe Township, and now resides on a farm in Edgington Township.

The first school was taught near the residence of John Edgington, about 1840. The teacher was a Scotchman about 70 years of age, and a gentleman of the olden time.

The Presbyterians were the pioneers in this township. Rev. John Montgomery was probably the first, and Rev. Ithamar Pillsbury the second to proclaim "Christ and Him crucified." Services were held at private houses,, that of John Edgington being more generally used.

There are three church edifices in the township. One, erected by the Methodist Episcopal brethren and used in common, is situated on the prairie. The other two are German churches.

The township is about equally divided between timber and prairie. The first growth of timber has mostly been cut off, the second growth now being very heavy. On the prairie are some fine and wellimproved farms.

Buffalo Prairie derives its name from the fact that in the early settlement of the township a portion of the prairie had been well trodden by some animals, supposed to be buffaloes : hence the name. It was 3 organized in 1857.

There is one village lying partly in this and partly 1 in Drury Township, - -Illinois City, - which was laid - out at a very early day, and in grand style, its owner fondly dreaming that at no distant day it would be the metropolis of the West. For some years a good trade was had by the merchants, but the completion of the railroad, and the trade being diverted from the river, ruined the prospects of Illinois City. At present there are two general stores, one pottery and one blacksmith shop to represent the business of the place. C. R. Ellsworth is the Postmaster.

The United Brethren and Methodist Episcopal Churches have each houses of worship in this place. There is also a fine two-story frame school-house, which is an honor to Illinois, City, and which would be creditable in a much larger and more pretentious town.

From the report of the Superintendent of Public Schools of the county the following interesting items are obtained: There were 501 persons under 21 years of age, of whom 320 were of school age. There were nine school districts, each having a good frame school-house, the total value being $9,000. The highest wages paid were $50 and the lowest $20 per /@) month.

19, range 3 east, and a little less than $fe three sections in township 18, range 3 east. /^ It is bounded on the east and north by Whiteside County and on the west by Coe and Zuma Townships. On the southwest it narrows to a point on section 18, township iS, rang-; 3 east, the Rock River separating it from Whiteside County.

John Walker came in 1835 and made claim to a large tract of land on section 31, but built his house just over the line on section 36, Coe Township.

Jonah Carter came about the same time, locating in the neighborhood of Walker, but in this township. Mr. Carter was a native of South Carolina, but came here from Tennessee. Many years ago he moved to Jo Daviess County, where he has since died.

Joseph Martin came in 1837 and located on section 18, where he remained till death. David M. Martin, his son, yet resides on the old homstead.

Thomas Spencer made a claim on the Meredosia in 1S35, lived there one winter, sold out and removed to Rock Island, where he died some years ago.

'"Squire" Sargent, from Ohio, was probably the next to locate in the township. He made his claim near Rock River, and tried farming. Not being a practical farmer, he found that he could not make a living at the business ; so he sold his farm and returned to his native State.

William and Beverly Beardsley came from New York about the same time. William remained a few years and then moved to Rock Island. Beverly died here some years ago.

The first school was taught by Mrs. Britton about 1837, in a log house, near Canoe Creek, erected for the purpose by the few persons then living in the neighborhood. A sufficient number of comfortable school-houses are now in the township to meet the demands and accommodate all who wish to attend school.

The first religious services were held about 1837 at the cabins of the pioneers, the house of John Walker, across the line in Coe Township, being more generally used. Among the pioneer preachers may be named Revs. Kiikpatrick, Hanna, McMurtry and Worthington. The first religious society that was formed in the township was in 1848, by Rev. Scott, a minister of the United Brethren Church, who organized a class, composed principally of citizens of Canoe Creek, in a school-house on Walker's farm. The school-house was used until 1852, when a small frame church was erected and used until 1868, when the present church edifice was built. This is a good, comfortable building and cost, including labor, about $2,500. Services are regularly held in this church.

A Methodist Episcopal class was organized about 1849, and a house of worship for the use of the society was erected in i860. It is situated on section

The second postoffice was that of Hill's Crossing, with James Hiss as Postmaster. At this crossing a station was established by the Sterling & Rock Island, now the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy, Railroad Company, and around this James Hill laid out a village in 1868, known as Hillsdale. It is the shipping point for a portion of Canoe Creek and Zuma Townships, as well as some of the citizens of Whiteside and Henry Counties. The village is small and unincorporated, but has at present two general stores, one grocery store, one blacksmith shop, one grain house and two hotels. Henry Wiggins is the present Postmaster of Hillsdale, the name of the office being changed to that of the village.

From the report of the County Superintendent of Schools for the year ending June 30, 1885, it is learned that in this township there are three school districts, with four frame school-houses, valued at $3,700. There were 181 persons under 21, of whom 118 were of school age, with an enrollment of 104. The highest wages paid teachers were $40 and the lowest $25 a month.

The assessor in 1885 reported the following items: Impioved land, 7,651 acres; unimproved land, 1,383 acres: total value, $81,002. Town lots, 27 ; total value, $3,495. Of horses there were 183; cattle, 671 ; mules and asses, 6; sheep, 137 ; hogs, 686; carriages and wagons, 49 ; watches and clocks, 17 ; sewing and knitting machines, 25 ; pianos, 1 ; melodeons and organs, 1 1. Tot.il value of personal property, $15,650. Canoe Creek was organized in 1857.

Hawk, and on the east by Henry County. It comprises a little less than 12 sections of land, though when organized it comprised one and one-half townships. Rural Township was setoff in 187 1, and subsequently nearly six sections were set off to Black Hawk. The land is very rough and broken, though there are some good farms here. The coal-fields have been the great attraction here and have been the chief source of revenue to the inhabitants.

William and Charles Bailey are said to have been the first settlers within the present limits of the township, while George E. Washburn is thought to be the next to have made a permanent settlement. The latter was the first to take to himself a wife, which he did shortly after his settlement.

The first school was in 1854, and was held in a small house owned by Thos. Lees. Mr. Doyle was the teacher. The patrons of this school were Thos. Lees, Wm. Bailey, Chas. Bailey, Geo. E. Washburn, Frederick Fittell and A. Edwards. The first district school was taught by A. M. Nichols. This township, with South Moline, are in one Congressional township. For report, see history of South Moline.

In 1 885 the assessor reported the following items : Improved land, 6,551 acres; unimproved land, 774 acres; total value, $73,816. Town lots, 232 improved and 61 unimproved; valued at $7,673. Of horses, there were 227 ; cattle, 726; mules and asses, 17; sheep, 104; hogs, 613; steam engines, 2 ; billiard tables, 3 ; carriages and wagons, 70; watches and clocks, 2; sewing and knitting machines, 64; pianos, 2 ; melodeons and organs, 16. Total value of personal property, $22,302.

In 1S57 the postoffice was established, with Thos. T. Jones as Postmaster. Mr. Jones held the office but a short time, and was succeeded by George E. Washburne, who, in due time, gave way to Fred Wayerhauser. In 1866 Dr. Thomas Martin was appointed and has served continuously to the present time. In 1875 a money order department was attached to the office. Orders to the amount of $10,000 are annually issued. About one-half that amount is annually paid on orders on this office.

In 1857 the first school-house was erected in the village. It was a frame building. Additions have since been made as the population of the village has increased. Three teachers are constantly employed, and at times four. The school is thoroughly graded and is doing a good work. Dr. Williams is believed to have been the first teacher. Wm. A. Kramer was employed as principal for many years.

When the village was first laid out it was quickly settled by Welsh people, who came here to work in the coal mines. At one time fully four-fifths of the population were of that nationality. At present there are but few here.

Dr. Williams was probably the first physician in the place. He located here in 1857, and, as already stated, taught a term of school, for the purpose of eking out a subsistence. Dr. Williams remained but three years.

Dr. Thomas Martin came next. Dr. Martin is a native of Ohio, and is at present one of the Elders of the Presbyterian Church, and is serving his fifth term as Postmaster. He came here from Milan, and has resided here continuously since 1858. He is now the sole representative of the medical fraternity in the place. Among those who have engaged in practice here have been Drs. Crawford, Bonax, Gibson, Roseberry, Jacobs, DeWitt and Wallace. There have generally been two, and at times four in practice here at one time.

The religious element has generally been well represented. At present there are six denominations represented, though none are in as flourishing a condition as they should be.

L. Richards officiating in its organization. There were 15 persons to sign the covenant. Meetings were first held at the house of Mrs. Sarah Williams. In 1862 a house of worship was erected, at a cost of $1,000. On account of removals especially, the membership of this Church has decreased until at present its membership is small indeed.

The Baptist Church was the next organized, its organization dating Jan. 11, 1866. Rev. T. M. Matthews officiated. Among its first members were R. Benjamin and wife, D. Prosser and.wife, H. Hill, D. Powell and wife, and Mary Davis. Rev. T. M. Matthews received an unanimous call to the pastorate and served the Church about four years. While he was laboring for the Church a small house of worship was erected. Like the Congregational Church, its membership has been lessened by removals, until to-day regular services cannot be maintained.

The Presbyterian Church was organized in May, 1867, with 29 members. John Barton, Albert Owens, F. Freeburg, Hugh Caughy and Robert Lee were elected Trustees, and Dr. Thos. Martin and L. Evans, Elders. In the following year, Wm. A. Kramer was added to the'Eldership. A church edifice was erected at this time, at a cost of $3,500. Rev. J. S. McClung assisted in the organization of the Church, and was the first stated supply. For a time the Church prospered, but latterly has not been doing so well ; though, as this work is being prepared, there is reason to believe it will revive, as several additions to the membership have been made. No regular services are held at the present time. Dr. Thos. Martin and John Barton are the Ruling Elders. The membership of the Church is about 25.

The Primitive Methodists were organized in 186S. Giles Hudson, Joseph Warmouth, Robert Wilson, George Wilsun and John Ranson, Sr., were among its first members. A church was erected in 1869, at a cost of $2,000. The first preacher was Rev. Charles Dawson, who came from Kewanee once a month. For several years the Church prospered. Its membership is very small at present. Rev. \V. Todd, of this Church, is the only resident preacher in Coal Valley. He preaches on each Sunday evening.

The Methodist Episcopal church was erected in 1869. The society was organized shortly after the viliage was laid out, and for a number of years was very prosperous. There has been no regular preaching for several years, and it may be said of it, like the Church in Sardis, it has a name to live, but is dead.

The Roman Catholic residents of Coal Valley previous to 1875 were connected with the Rock Island Mission. In 1870 they had completed a church at a cost of $2,000, which was formally opened for worship by Rev. Father Roles, under whose supervision the church was erected. The congregation is now served by the priest residing at Moline.

Enterprise Lodge, No. 47, A. O. U. W., was instituted Feb. 21, 1877, with 22 charter members It has prospered fairly well since its organization, though numbering now but 19 members. Two of its number have died, - John Degore and Wm. D. Crawford. The present officers are Hugh Martin, P. M. W.; James Clegg, M. W. ; John J. Ryce, G. F. ; Charles Clappenbach, O.; Wm. Myers, Recorder; John T. Hass, Receiver; Frederick Freeberg, Fin. ; Gustave Kropp, Guide; Louis Stafford, I. W. ; John J. Jurgens, O. W.

William L. Walker Post, No. 385, G A. R., was mustered Dec. n, 1883, with 20 charter members. J. \V. Gordon was the first Commander; Geo. Wilson, S. V. C. ; and T. J. Murphy, Acting Adjutant. The Post has been fairly prosperous, with 22 members at present, comprising the greater number of old soldiers living in the vicinity. Wm. L. Walker, in whose honor the Post was named, was a sergeant in Co. H, 126th 111. Vol. Inf., who died in the service. He was a true man, a good soldier and held in 'esteem by all who knew him. A number of the members of this Post were in the same regiment with Sergeant Walker. The Post meets on the first and third Thursday evening in each month in the Knights of Labor Hall.

The village can hardly be said to be as prosperous as in former years, though considerable trade is done here. At present there are three general stores, one grocery store, one drug store, one harness shop, one shoe shop, two wagon shops, two blacksmith shops, one hardware store, one tin shop, one lumber yard, one flouring mill, one agricultural implement dealer, four saloons and one physician.

h,OE is regarded as one of the best agricul- JMljEpljr tural townships in the county. It comprises all of township 19, range 2 east, and is one of the few full townships in the county. It is bounded on the east by Canoe Creek Township, on the west by Port Byron, on the south by Zuma, and on the north by Cordova Township and Whiteside County.

John Butcher also came in 1835, shortly after Walker, locating on section 5. Mr. Butcher was from Virginia and unmarried. He lived on his homestead until 1851, when he started overland for California, but died while on the way.

Burrall Butcher, a brother of John, came in 1836 and located on the same section. He had a family. Mr. Butcher died on his homestead about I en years after his settlement.

Samuel Allen, who had been residing on the place where the village of Port Byron was laid out, sold that place and moved to a farm near the center of the township in February, 1837. He lived but a few months after making the settlement. His death was doubtless the first in the township.

Samuel Ennison came to the township about six weeks after Allen and located in the same neighborhood. He was a native of Ohio, but came here from Indiana. He died on his farm about i860.

Isaac Hollister was another settler of 1837, coming from Indiana and locating on section 20. He is still living, about a mile from Port Byron.

Mrs. Charity Marshall, a widow, with a family of nine, came from New Jersey in 1838, and located on section 3. She died on the homestead some years after. The children all located in the neighborhood and all became quite wealthy. One died in the army. Seven of the number are yet living.

The first religious services "are unknown. While many in the township worship in villages near |by, there are yet two flourishing societies in the township - the Baptists and United Presbyterians. The Christians had a' congregation and a good house of worship, but no services are now held by them.

It is not remembered who held the first school. There are now eight school districts in the township, each having a good frame school-house. There are 349 persons under 21, of whom 321 are of school age. For the year ending June 30, 1885, there were enrolled in the schools 227. Fourteen teachers were employed during the year, the highest wages received by any being $60 per month, while the lowest received is $23. The school property is valued at $3-55°-

There were reported to the assessor in 1885 the following items: Improved land, 19,065 acres; unimproved land, 3,807 acres; with a total value of $263,884. There were also 39 town lots, valued at $985. Of horses there were 639; neat cattle, 2,081 ; mules and asses, 14; sheep, 163; hogs, 2,172; steam engines, 2 ; carriages and wagons, 166; watches and clocks, 3 ; sewing and knitting machines, 64 ; melodeons and organs, 34. The total value of personal property was $60,290.

Coe Township was organized in 1857. It was first named Fremont, but in 1858 was changed to Coe, in honor of one of its leading citizens, an early settler, though not a pioneer. The following named have

:|,ORDOVA lies in the extreme northeast of of the county. It is a fractional township. The first settlement was made in 1836 by Herdman East, who located on the site of the present village. Among those living here in 1838, as remembered by J. S. Phillips, one of the pioneers of that year, are the following named : Nelson Tripp, Chauncy M. Tripp, ffm Kelley, Dudy Buck, Peter Beardsley, Albram G. Adams, Wm. Armstrong, Jeremiah Rice, Robert Jenks, Wm. Jenks, John Marshall, Dr. Thomas Baker, Benoni Haskins, A. Whiting, Amazi Rathburn, Guy W. Rathburn. Each of these had families. The Tripps were from New York. After remaining here some 15 years they moved to Iowa. Wm. Kelley moved to Rock Island and there died. Dudy Buck moved to Albany and was among the killed in the tornado of June, i860. The whereabouts of Peter Beardsley is not known. A. G. Adams died here a few years ago. Wm. Armstrong moved south of the village of Port Byron, and has since died. Jeremiah Rice died during the first decade.

In 183S Wm. Marshall, Sr.,and family, Mrs. Elizabeth Cool and family, Jerry L. Cool and family, Joseph R. Sexton and family, and J. S. Phillips - in all, 20 persons - moved into the township, and located near the village of Cordova. Of the 20 persons 12 are still living.

A child of Benoni Haskins is supposed to have been the first death, dying in 1838. It was buried on the hill back of the village. Hugh Daily, who died about 1839, is supposed to have been the second.

The township is quite rough and broken, though there are some fine farms. One on the principal industries is that of the manufacture of lime, which is carried on quite extensively, there being several large kilns owned by the Pon Byron Lime Company.

For the year ending June 30, 1885, the County Superintendent of Schools reported 342 persons under 2i, of whom 284 were of school age, 250 being enrolled in the public schools. There were five school districts, with one brick and four frame schoolhouses, valued at $1,050. The highest wages paid were §So per month, while the lowest were $20.

From the abstract of assessments for 1885, the following facts are obtained: There were 9,616 acres of improved and 5,481 acres of unimproved land, with a total valuation of $119,177 ; town lots, $31,219. Of houses there are 362; neat cattle, 877; mules and asses, to; sheep, 60; hogs, 589; steam engines, 2; billiard tables, 1; carriages and wagons, 157 ; watches and clocks, 150; sewing and knitting machines, 112; pianos, 14; melodeons and organs, 29. Total value of all personal property, $45,812.

HE village of Cordova was laid out in 1837 by John Marshall and Dr. Thomas Baker. These gentlemen each erected a house, being the first on the village plat. Dr. Baker suggested the name given the vilage. The postoffice was not established here until 1839, Marshall receiving the appointment. S. J. Whitford is the present Postmaster.

Cordova was most prosperous the five years preceding the war, at which time quite an extensive besiness was done here. Like all river towns that have not become manufacturing points, the railroad has been no advantage to it. At the present time its business is limited, though almost all branches are well represented. There are four general stores, one grocery store, two drug stores, one restaurant, two blacksmith shops, two shoe shops, two wagon shops, one meat market, two grain-buyers, two stock buyers, with occasionally others, two physicians and one lawyer.

The first school in the village is said to have been taught by Dr. Thomas Baker in his own house. At present there is a good school-house, a thoroughly graded school with three departments. Prof. Vandusen is Principal, with Miss Phillips in the intermediate and Miss Grinnell in the primary department.

The school-house was built in 1S63, at which time the schools were conducted under the commonschool laws of the State. They were so conducted until Feb. 16, 1865, when a special charter was obtained, placing the control of the schools in the hands of a board of education, composed of six members, two of whom were elected each year to serve three years. The school has been conducted under this charter till the present time.

The Baptist Church of Cordova was organized Dec. 28, 1843, under the supervision of Rev. J. N. Seeley, with a membership of r6, among whom were J. R. Sexton, Mahala Sexton, J. L and Margaret Cool, A. S. and Mary A. Ege. A small church building was erected in 1844, which served its purpose until 1858, when a more pretentious building was erected, at a cost of $8,000. The Church has been quite prosperous, is the parent of two other organizations, and has given several persons to the ministry.

Cordova Lodge, No. 543, A. F. & A. M., was chartered Oct. 1, 1867, with 17 members - D. H. Mattice, W. M. ; John K. Glasscock, S. W. ; Orville N. Whitford, J. W. The lodge has been fairly prosperous, and is in good working condition. The present membership is 30, with the following-named officers : W. R. Freek, W. M. ; W. D. Webster, S. W. ; J. M. Heany, J. \V. ; R. C. Cool, Treasurer ; William Cool,

Cordova Lodge, No. 79, A. O. U. W., was organized May n, 1877, with 28 charter members: Jere Bryan, P. M. W. ; Robert Johnson, M. W. ; F. A. Hall, G. F. ; Henry W. Rathbun, O.; William D. Webster, Recorder; Howard Myers, Financial Secretary ; A. Bolinger, Receiver; Daniel T. Pinneo, G. ; Charles E. Bell, I. W. ; Samuel Slocum, O. W. The present membership is ^^. One has died, William G. Wendt. The present officers are : C. B. Marshall, M. W. ; John F. Simpson, G. F. ; D. J. Durbin, O.; R. C. Cobb, Receiver; \V. D. Webster, Financial Secretary ; D. T. Pinneo, Recorder.

Burr Oak Camp, No. 33, was organized in the spring of 1884. with 62 charter members. Its first officers were W. R. Freek, Consul; C. A. Phillips, Adviser; S. J. Whitford, Banker; George B. Spoor, Clerk. Meetings are held fortnightly. The camp now numbers 65. with the following-named officers: W. R. Freek, Consul; L. H. Gardner, Adviser; S. J. Whitford, Banker; George B. Spoor, Clerk. The The camp have about $300 in the treasury, and a nicely furnished hall.

A petition for incorporation was filed March 16, 1867, and an election was held to vote upon the question. It was voted down; but in 1877 the question was again subaiitted and adopted. The first Board of Trustees were elected in April, and on the 23d day of the same month it was duly organized. The following named composed the first Board; Daniel Zimmerman, President; Thomas Karr, J. B. Vandeburgh, W. D. Webster, A. Bolinger, F. A. Hall, Trustees; Theodore Abbott, Clerk. The following named have served as President of the Board : William Johnson, 1878; William Shew, 1879-81; John B. Vandenburg, 1882-84; Edgar Humphrey, 1883.

IgOWLING comprises all of Congressional Township, 16 north, range 2, west, and is bounded on the east by Rural, on the west by Edgington, on the north by Andalusia Township, and on the south by Mercer County. The township is about equally divided between timber and prairie, is quite rolling,

Tlie first settlement was made in 1838, Mr. Bowling, John Tyndall and Edmond Cropper being numbered among the pioneers. Of Mr. Bowling but * little is known. Sketches of the other gentlemen are found in the biographical portion of this work.

The next settlement was made in 1841, in the southeastern part of the township, by James, David and John Clarke, and John Johnston and Christopher Armstrong, all from Ireland, though the Clarkes were of English descent, being related to the celebrated Dr. Adam Clarke. The Clarkes located on section 36, Johnson on section 26, and Armstrong on section 25. The latter is still living on the old homestead, at an advanced age. Curtiss McKnight settled soon after.

The first school was held in a small frame house on section 26, some three or four years after the Clarke settlement was made. Mr. Phillips was one of the first teachers here. There are now six school s districts in the township, each having good frame school-houses, the total value of which is returned at $1,435. Of persons under 21, there are 359, of whom 269 are of school age. From the year ending June 30, 1885, there were 163 enrolled in the public schools. The highest wages paid any teacher was per month, and the lowest $30.

The first religious services were held soon after the building of the school-house. Rev. Mr. Taylor, a Methodist Episcopal minister, it is believed, conducted the first exercises in this house. At the present time the township is represented by the Presbyterian Church, whose house of worship is in the north part of the township, the McConnell Methodist Episcopal Chapel in the west part, and the Episcopal in the southeast part. The Episcopal was organized in 1854, and house of worship erected in

The Rock Island District of the Methodist Episcopal Church have fine camp grounds on section 12, consisting of five acres of nice timber, where annual meetings have been held since 1876.

2,6r3; carriages and wagons, 189; watches and clocks, 69; sewing and knitting machines, 93 ; pianos, 5 ; melodeons and orga is, 41. Total value of personal property, $57,076.

\ HIS township is situated in the extreme I western part of the county, having for its ^* northern and western boundary the Missis- ?ty3^ sippi River, its southern the county of Mercer and eastern the township of Buffalo Prairie. The township comprises a little more than a Congressional township, having 30,225 acres of land. It was named in honor of the Drury family, the pioneers of the township. About one-half of the township is unimproved land, much of it being very rough and broken, with some bottom land. Notwithstanding this, much of the land is of the finest quality, and it can boast of some as fine farms as are to be found in the county.

Among the pioneers of this township were: Isaiah Drury, Miles Drury, Reynolds Drury, Eli Drury, James Reynolds, Wm. Reynolds, Drury Reynolds, J. A. Stiver, Wm. Huff, Ithamar Reynolds, Anthony Rickett, Wm. Womacks, Solomon Simpson, Jeremiah Lequatte, Matthew Lequatte, I. B. Essex, Elijah Essex, James Essex, Benj. Essex, I. V. Reed, Valentine Reed, John Ballard, John Harbaugh, James McPherson, S. Prentiss, Henry Hampton, Chas. Bean, Wm. Peeney, Mr. Fox, Wm. Hays, M. H. Johnson, John Boruff, Joseph Blair, Antoine Blair. All were heads of families save one of the Blairs, who was a bachelor.

from that city, was at one time a most noted place. They had a large general store, bought grain and pork, and did a flourishing business. A postoffice was established here at an early day. Since. the advent of the railroads, which have monopolized the greater part of the river trade, business has been suspended, and the steamers that now ply the river pass by without stopping. The principal market place for the citizens of the township at present is Muscatine, in Iowa, a ferry plying between that city and the Illinois shore.

The township was originally settled by Americans, but since the war a large number of Germans have come in and now comprise a large part of the population.

In the spring of 1SS5 there were three postoffices in the township. Drury was the first established. Eli Drury is the present Postmaster. Ferdinand postoffice is in the southwest corner of the township, with John Kennedy as Postmaster. Wrayville is a new postoffice, established in 1883, with Helen Wray, wife of the Supervisor, as Postmistress. In the neighborhood of this office the German Methodists have a society, with a neat frame house of worship, erected in 1875, at a cost of about $1,000. Services are held regularly every Sunday. Rev. J. B. Wagner is the present Pastor. The society has a membership of about 60. The pastor resides herein the Church parsonage.

Win. Milton has a small general store at this point, which enjoys a fair patronage. The store was established in 1882 by Mr. Lequatte, in a room owned by Mr. Wray, and was purchased by Mr. Milton in January, 1884.

There are three other church edifices in the township. On section 17 the Baptists, on section 9 the Methodist Episcopal, and on section 12, the United Brethren, each have houses of worship, and assemble regularly for divine services.

The educational advantages are equal to those of any other agricultural community, there being good, substantial school-houses at convenient distances in every part.

tpart of the county, as well as in Drury Township. The County Superintendent in his report for the year ending June 30, 1885, says there were in the township 545 persons under 21, of whom 392 were of school age, and of the same number 311 were enrolled in the public schools. There were nine school districts, each having a good frame school-house, the total value of which were $7,500. The highest wages paid teachers were $45 and the lowest $22.50 per month.

In 18S5 the assessor reported the following items: Improved land, 1 ,542 acres; unimproved land, 14,- 799 acres; total value, $129,138. Town lots, 76, valued at $[,410. Of horses there were 607; cattle, 1,495; mules and asses, 37; sheep, 460; hogs, 2,- 095 ; carriages, 129; watches and clocks, 65 ; sewing and knitting machines, 70 ; melodeons and organs, 2. Total value of personal property, $44,614.

Drury Township was organized in 1857, since which time the following named have served as members of the Board of Supervisors for the time mentioned :

NE of the finest bodies of land in Rock Island County is acknowledged to be that of Edgington Township, comprising township 3 west. It is mostly a beautifully ig, level prairie, well drained to the west, north and east. The prairie soil is a black alluvium, of remarkable fertility, varying in depth from eight inches to three feet. In the northern part the land is more rolling, where it is drained by ravines leading to the Mississippi River. The low hills were formerly covered with a heavy growth of large trees, but now only about half the area is covered, and that mostly of a thick growth of young timber. The soil is a yellowish clay, mixed with the black alluvium, in which the former predominates in most localities. The southwest and east is also rolling, the former being drained by Copperas Creek into the Mississippi, and the latter by Mill Creek into Rock River, at Milan. Among these hills are numerous springs and never-failing supply of good water. A good supply of stone for building purposes £§L is obtained, mostly in the northern part of the township. In this locality there is an extensive deposit of sand, of a superior quality for the manufacture of glass, being remarkably pure and one of the deepest in the State, extending in a southwestern and northeastern direction through sections 4 and 5.

On the adoption of the township organization law, in 1857, the commissioners appointed to divide the county into civil townships gave this one the name of Edgington, in honor of a pioneer family of that name.

In the spring of 1834 John Edgington, Daniel Edgington, James Robison and Joseph Dunlap came West to seek a location. John Edgington selected a claim in what is now Buffalo Prairie, where he yet lives, a much respected pioneer. Daniel Edgington selected and entered land upon section 6, and then returned to Steubenville, Ohio, for his family, returning the following spring. Early in the summer of 1834 James Robison built a log house and broke the first prairie in the settlement. He then returned to Warren County and moved his family here in the fall. During the summer Joseph Dunlap built a double log house on section 5. After entering land for himself and other parties and completing his I house, Mr. Dunlap returned to Steubenville, Ohio, and moved his family here in the spring of 1835.

When Mr. Dunlap returned he was accompanied by Geo. W. Kell and Henry Eberhart and family, who settled in the same vicinity. Chas. Eberhart and family came the following fall. The Eberharts were from New Jersey. John Titterington and family, together with Moses and Charles Titterington, also came in the fall of 1835, from Ohio.

In the spring of 1S36 B. McNutt and family, from Ohio, joined the settlement, and in the fall of the same year Win. Snell and family, from Mississippi, came in and also located in the same neighborhood. In the fall of 1S36 Daniel Montgomery, a brother of Rev. John Montgomery, located on the prairie, making a claim on section 26. He was soon followed by Alexander Hazlett and family, W. D. Hatton, and shortly afterwards by Parley Laflin and family, Joseph Asquith and family, who formed the first settlement on the prairie.

Parmenter, Allen Parmenter, Lorenzo Parmenter, Seth Parmenter, H. H. Parks, A. J. Webster and Timothy Dutton. A few others came in from time to time, James Taylor locating on section 12. He had no neighbors for two or three years, but in time others came in, and every part of the township was settled and improved.

Like those of other sections, the pioneers of Edgington suffered many privations on account of the great distance to market, cost of transportation, and low prices, which generally prevailed for all kinds of agricultural products. When the settlement was first formed, the settlers had to go to Hendersonville, Knox County, to mill, a distance of 45 miles. It required from one to three weeks to make the trip, as each man had to wait his turn, there always being many ahead. All this time the people manufactured much of their bread stuffs by pulverizing grain in iron kettles and hominy blocks.

The first mill erected here was by Joseph Dunlap. The buhrs of this mill were made from a granite boulder. The lower one, to which was attached an iron shaft and pulley, was driven by horse-power, consisting of a heavy, upright timber, about 20 inches in diameter and about eight feet long, held in position at the top by a large cross-beam, resting upon crotches between two oak trees, and the lower end by a log on the ground, in which it revolved. Arms projected from this shaft like the spokes of a wheel, and within their circle a horse, hitched to one of them, drove the mill by means of a very long rawhide band, passing around the mill pulley and the arms near their outer ends. This mill was in a cabin, 16 feet square, near the horse-power. Its capacity was about 50 bushels of corn or other grain per day. The bolting was done by hand, with a hair sieve, when an extra quality was desired, but usually it was used without bolting. No toll was taken, the patrons of the mill hitching on their own horses and doing their own grinding. In the winter people brought grists to this mill from the Iowa side of the river, crossing on the ice. After milling at Hendersonville for awhile, they changed to Wethersfield Colony, then to Drury's Mill, on Copperas Creek, subsequently to Miller's Mill, on Edwards River, and then to Milan.

The first religious services were held al a very early date in the cabins of the pioneers. Rev. John Montgomery was doubtless the first to preach the gospel in this region.

The Presbyterian Church of Edgington was the first Church organized in the township, and is the oldest Presbyterian Church in the county. It was organized in the fall of 1837 by Rev. John Montgomery. The first sermon was preached by him in the fall of 1836, in the log house of Joseph Dunlap, where he held services occasionally during that year, and subsequently in the house during the winter and in the barn during the summer until 1842 or 1843, when a house of worship was erected, at a cost of about $2,000. The lot upon which the church was built consists of three acres adjoining the village of Edgington, donated by Daniel Edgington. In 1870 a parsonage was built at a cost of $1,400.

The Baptist Church of Edgington was organized Aug. 10, 1846, and has had a remarkable career, being the parent of several Churches within a radius of six or eight miles. Rett's History of Rock Island County thus speaks of this Church: "This Church has enjoyed an extensive religious influence, sustaining at one time ministerial services at no less than six stations and acquired a membership of 555 in the aggregate, of whom 330 were received by baptism, 150 by letter and 75 by experience. From this central Church three others, - the Baptist Church at Antioch, in Mercer County, in 1866; the Hamlet Baptist Church in Perryton Township, and the Andalusia Baptist Church in Andalusia, in 1867 - assumed separate organizations. The meeting at which the Church was organized was held in Geo. Parmenter's barn, where the village of Edgington is now located. The congregation, when organized, consisted of seven members. The success of the Church is in marked contrast with its organization. Subsequently their meetings were held in a log school-house and later in a frame school-house, both of which stood where the present school building of District No. 3, known as the Center School-house ; now stands. Rev. Mr. Brabrooks, of Davenport, preached the sermon at the organization of the Church, and Rev. Mr. Clark, of Mercer County, was the first regular minister, and preached about every month until 1848. Rev. Mr. Clark was succeeded by Rev. Chas. E. Tinker, from 1848 to 1850, Rev. A. G. Eberhart took charge in 1 85 1 . This year a meeting was held to devise means by which to provide a suitable meeting-house, and Joseph Seavir, Henry Cline and Elder Eberhart were appointed a building committee, and they erected the present church building, at a cost of $2,000, including labor, most of which was provided within the means of the Church. Rev. A. G. Eberhart's pastorate continued into 1853. He was succeeded by Revs. P. Watts in 1854-5, W. Whitehead in 1856, John Cummings, 1857-8, O. T. Conger, 1859-67, J.

D. Ross, 1871-2, Mr. Wylie in 1873. Rev. Ansel Post, 1874, son of Rev. J. C. Post, preached a few months in 1875. The present Pastor, Rev. T. A. Williams, was born in Gibralter, April 21, r823, where his father was a soldier in a corps of sappers and miners in the British service until he was soon afterwards killed, the family then removing to England. Mr. Williams was early brought to a knowledge of the truth, and commenced his ministerial services at the age of 17 years, in South Devon. He was educated for the ministry at Houghton, Huntingtonshire. He was ordained as Pastor over his first charge at Haddenham, Cambridgeshire, in 1859, remaining six years. He was then called to the Baptist Church at Smaffham, in Norfolk, in 1865, for seven years. His two last years in England were spent as Pastor of the Baptist Church at Uxbridge, near London. He came to this country in r874, and settled as Pastor of the Baptist Church at La Salle, and in 1875 came to his present charge, having preached the gospel continuously for 27 years. Wm. Cline was the first Deacon. The present membership is 54. A comfortable parsonage was built in 1863, at a cost of about $500. The parsonage and church building are located near the Center Schoolhouse."

In September, r839, the first Scoool Trustees were appointed in this township. They were Daniel Edgington, Charles Eberhart and James Robison. On the 29th day of February, 1840, a petition was made for the sale of the school section, which was sold April 30, 1S40, for $1,200. The township was made a school district and the first school was taught by Mrs. Amanda Cushman, sister of Lorenzo Parmenter, one of the earliest settlers. This school was taught in the cabin of Mr. Cushman, which stood one and a half miles north of the village of Edgington. There are now seven districts in the township, each with good school-houses, there being one brick and six frame, the total value being $9,000. For the year ending June 30, 1885, there were 446 persons of school age, of whom the greater number were enrolled in the public schools. The highest wages paid were $60 and the lowest $30 per month. In 1S85 the Assessor reported the following items : Improved land, 22,472 acres; unimproved land, 437 acres; total value, $317,392. Town lots, 81 improved and 74 unimproved, valued at $21,155. Of horses there were 732; cattle. 2,239; mules and asses, 15 ; sheep, 18S ; hogs, 4,692 ; steam engines, 1 ; fire and burglar proof safes, 9 ; carriages and wagons, 220; watches and clocks, 83; sewing and knitting machines, 112; pianos, 9; melodeons and organs, 47. Total value of personal property, $77,-

HIS village is located on the corners of sections 7, 8, 17 and 18, and is surrounded by as fine an agricultural region as can be found in the State. On account of the building of a railroad a few miles distant on the east, its growth was stopped, and to-day the village can scarcely be said to exist more than in name. At one time it was quite a flourishing place, considerable business being done by its enterprising merchants.

Being somewhat remote from market or a base of supplies, and much of the surrounding country having been taken up by a thrifty class of citizens, George D. Parmenter, about 1843, opened a stock of general merchandise, his place of business being the log house in which he lived. He soon afterwards built a somewhat larger house, in which he lived and still sold goods, and still later built the old red store, as it was called. After continuing in this place for some years, he sold out to Isaac Negus and E. Burrell. The firm of Negus & Burrell subsequently erected a larger and better building on the corner. They were succeeded by Charles R. Ainsworth, who in turn sold to Rufus Walker, one of the proprietors of the village of Reynolds.

About 1853 Fish & Lee commenced doing business here, erecting a store building for that purpose. Other business houses were erected and others engaged in the mercantile trade at different times, as the county increased in population and wealth.

N the line of the Rock Island & Mercer ; County Railroad, and laid out on section 12, Edgington Township, ^nd section 7 of Bowling, is the village of Taylor Ridge, named in honor of James Taylor, who gave the right of way and $r,ooo towards the building of the railroad. It is very pleasantly situated and presents a neat and attractive appearance. The railroad was completed to this point in September, 1876, and on the day of its completion there were 23 car loads of stock, and on the next day 17 car-loads, shipped to Chicago.

"^; HORTLY before the completion of the ~\' railroad to this point, Wait & Walker had . surveyed and platted a portion of section li\C 3^1 f°r a village, which was given the name of Reynolds, in honor of E. P. Reynolds, the railroad contractor of Rock Island. The village is situated in the midst of a good ( agricultural country, and in proximity to the coal ( fields of Mercer County.

The first plat contained three blocks and 40 lots. Several additions have since been made, until at present the village plat includes 160 acres in all, divided into blocks and out-lots.

The railroad was completed to this place, Oct. 6, 1876. On the morning of that day the rails had been laid within one-half mile of this point, which half-mile was completed and a switch track laid by 3 o'clock p. M., and before 6 o'clock there were ^ cars loaded with stock for the Chicago markets !

The first building erected on the village plat was the depot, in which Rufus Walker sold the first goods in the place. This was before the completion of the road. Mr. Walker soon after sold the stock to R. B. Olmstead, who continued the business about two years, and then sold to Montgomery Bros., who retained it but a few months, when Rufus Walker again purchased the stock. Mr. Walker some three months after sold to Mr. Schoonmaker, who continued rS months. Wait & Walker then became proprietors of the store, but soon sold to McLaughlin & Miller, who continued in partnership about two years, when M. M. Miller became sole proprietor, and yet continues the business.

A. Crandall, also before the railroad was completed, erected a one-story frame building, the only onestory building ever erected in the place for business purposes, and opened a store, the principal stock of which was drugs. He subsequently sold the stock to Wilford Pitman, who carried a general stock.

W. D. Goodner erected the first hotel, - the Commercial House, - in the fall of 1876. He ran the house for some time and sold to John Boney, who was succeeded by G. F. Brayton, who continued till 1883, when Clifton Stanley purchased the house, and is yet running the same. The building is a good one, and Mr. Stanley keeps a good hotel.

The first physician was Dr. F. Stuart, who came in 1877, and yet continues in the practice of his profession. Dr. Ashbaugh was the second physician. He remained but a short time. Dr. James Cozad was the third. He came in the fall of 1882 and is still here.

Wait & Walker were the first grain-buyers, loading grain directly into the car. In 1877 a warehouse was erected by Montgomery Bros. It has since been enlarged and is now an elevator with a capacity of 30,000 bushels of grain. In 1878 Wait & Walker put up a building for baling hay. This has since been converted into an elevator, having a storage capacity of $60,000 bushels. The grain trade of the place has always been good, the shipments being very large.

M. Wait was the first stock-buyer and made the shipment spoken of. He still continues in the business and ships annually about 300 cars of stock.

The postoffice was established in the fall of 1876, with R. B. Olmstead as Postmaster. Mr. Olmstead retained the office about two years, when Wm. Mc- Laughlin received the appointed. He retained the office until M. C. Crandall was appointed. A money order department was established July 1, 1883.

District No. 7 was formed in 1877, comprising the village of Reynolds, together with some out-lying territory. The first school was taught that year, in the house of Weaver Kuhns, by Miss Jenny Kuhns. A brick two-story school -house was soon afterwards erected, which is still in use and is an honor and credit to the place. It has two school-rooms and two recitation-rooms. Two teachers are constantly employed. M. McPhail is the Principal for the year 1885-6. The school is a graded one. There are two church edifices in the village and

The Methodist Episcopal Church of Reynolds was organized the first Sunday after the annual conference in the fall of 1877. A house of worship had already been erected, at a cost of $2,500, which was dedicated Oct. 14, iS77,by Rev. F. M. Chaffee, assisted by Elder E. Wasmuth. In the evening after the dedication a class was organized, with S. Honeycutt as Leader. It was assigned to Pre-emption Circuit, at that time under the charge of Revs. V. C. Atherton and F. Doran, the latter taking up his residence in this place. Rev. Parmenius Smith was assigned to the circuit and served one year. He was succeeded by Rev. Thos. F£. Pryor for two years. John Small then came and remained one year. Rev. John Q. Adams was next assigned, serving two years. In the fall of 1884, Rev. W. H. H. Witter was appointed, and is now serving the Church. In the fall of 1881 a two-story frame parsonage was built, which, together with the ground, is valued at $2,500. In July, 1885, there were enrolled 120 members and ten probationers. A Sunday-school, with J. B. McConnell Superintendent, is connected with the Church, having an average attendance of 100.

The Baptist Church of Reynolds was organized in 1869, some two and a quarter miles southwest of Reynolds, in Mercer County, under the name of the Hamlet Baptist Church, with a membership of 30. Many of its members came from the Edgington Church. Their first meetings were held in schoolhouses, but soon after its organization a church edifice was erected, at a cost of $2,500. In the fall of 1880 the congregation resolved to move to Edgington. The building was accordingly placed on wheels and moved to the village and re-fitted, at a cost of $800. The Church has now a membership of but 40, having dismissed many of its members who moved away. A Sabbath-school has been continued since the organization of the Church, which has now an average attendance of 50. At present the Church is without a pastor, but prayer services are regularly held. The name of the Church was changed on its removal to Reynolds. Alvah CofFman, A. H. Smith and H. N. Sellers are the present Deacons. A. H. Smith is Superintendent of the Sunday-school.

In the fall of 1885 the business of Reynolds was represented by four general merchandise, one hardware, one millinery, two drug and one furniture stores, one harness, one shoe, one blacksmith and one wagon shop, one stock and one grain buyer, one hotel, one restaurant, one feed mill, one barber shop, one livery and two physicians.

HAMPTON was one of the first townships in the county to attract the attention of the permanent settler. It comprises a portion of township 17 and 18, range 1 east, and is bounded on the north by Port Byron Township and the Mississippi River, on the south by the Rock River, on the east by Zuma Township and on west by Moline.

Martin Culver, it is claimed, made the first claim in 1827. Soon after John Kinney and his two brothers made claims, locating here soon after, probably in the spring of 1828. Henry McNeal, Joel Thompson,Michael Bartlett, Asaph Wells and Joel Wells, Jr., settled in the same vicinity. The township rapidly settled up. When J. B. Cox came, in 1S36, he remembers then living here the following named :

Lucius Wells, residing on section 3, near the village of Hampton. Mr. Wells came to the county in 1832, remained a time near Milan, and in 1833 located in Hampton. He was a prominent figure in the early history of the country, serving as County Commissioner, Sheriff and in other local offices. He lived to a good old age, dying on his homestead in 1876.

John Y., Horace R.,Eliphalet, William and Nelson Cook, residing on the prairie south of Hampton. They were natives of Tolland Co., Conn., but removed to Wayne Co., 111., in 1824. They located here at different times from 1833 to 1835. John Y. died on his homestead a number of years ago. Horace R. yet resides on the old homestead, regarded as one of the few old settlers yet living. Eliphalet is dead. William is still living on his homestead. Nelson is dead.

Geo. McMurphy, a native of Vermont, but for many years a citizen of New York, who resided for a time in the southern part of this State, whence he came to Hampton.

Samuel Knight, also living between Hampton and Rapids City, who came from Indiana. He resided on his homestead some 10 or 12 years, then moved to Iowa, and has since died.

Andrew Devine and Elisha Devine, living in the same neighborhood, who came from Pennsylvania. Both have since died where they originally located.

Francis Yost, a native of one of the German provinces under F rench dominion. He had been a soldier under the great Napoleon, had great love for the man, and would fight on the " drop of the hat " if any man said aught against the old commander. He was a musical genius, and died many years ago.

Asaph, Eri, Merritt, Ira, Nelson and Daniel Wellsi living with a maiden aunt. They were natives of Vermont. Asaph, Eri, Ira and Daniel moved to Oregon. The latter is dead. Merritt moved to Nebraska, but is supposed now to be in New Mexico. Nelson is dead.

Samuel Bowles, in the south part of the township, a native of Virginia. Mr. Bowles yet resides in the township, and is a well respected citizen.

Wm. Porter, also in the south part of the township, a native of Virginia. Mr. Porter resided here till his death, which occurred a few years ago on the old homestead.

Mrs. Wilshire and her two sons, Wm. XV. and George. Mrs. Wilshire has since died. Wm. W. removed to Arkansas, where he became a very prominent politician. George removed to California.

The first death occurred on board the steamer Josephine about 1829. A lady from England was on her way to Galena to visit her son, and died just as the boat was landing. She was buried at Hampton.

Rev. John Kinney, a local Methodist Episcopal minister, preached the first sermon and continued to officiate for several years, or until this part of the county was placed in a circuit and other preachers were sent to the charge. Rev. B. H. Hanna was one of the first on the circuit. Services were usually held in private houses, that of Lucius Wells being more generally used. There are now a number of church edifices in the township and divine services can be attended every Sunday.

Lucius Wells taught the first school in a log cabin that had been used as a dwelling in the winter of 1833-4. Larger and commodious school-houses are to be found at present in the village and in some country districts. According to the report of the County Superintendent of Schools for the year ending June 30, 1885, there were 1,375 persons under 21 years of age, of whom 941 were of school age,

Of this number 737 were enrolled in the public schools. There were 11 school districts, with 10 school-houses, valued at $19,630. The highest wages paid were $60 per month and the lowest $22.

Hampton Township is well supplied with railroads. The Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific runs through the south part and has about four miles of main track, with one station - Carbon Cliff. The Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad runs east and west through the central part, with nearly seven miles of main track. Barstow and Port Byron Junction are stations on this line. The Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul track extends along the Mississippi the length of the township, with Watertown, Hampton and Rapids City as stations on the line.

The assessor in 1885 reported the following items : Improved land, 19,416 acres; unimproved land, 1,190 acres; total value, $235,27 1. Town lots, total value, $31,324. Of horses there were 520 ; cattle, 1,665 ; mules and asses, 3S; sheep, 179; hogs, 1,585 ; steam engines, 4: billiard tables, 5; carriages and wagons, 155 ; watches and clocks, 26; sewing and knitting machines, 99; pianos, 9; melodeons and organs, 69; total value of personal property, $66,490.

3|HE village of Hampton is located upon section r7. It was surveyed and platted.soon alter the organization of the county. Joel Thompson was doubtless the first to do business. Among the other early business men of the place were J.B. Clapp, Dower & Hammond, Samuel and David Lambert, M. W. Wright and Francis Black, the latter being yet in the business. The postoffice was established it; the winter of

1837-8. A petition for the establishment of an office, under the name of Milan, was sent to the Postoffice Department at Washington. There being at that time an office in the State by that name, the prayer could not be granted. The office was established, to which was given the name Hampton by the Department. Joel Thompson was commissioned the first Postmaster. He was succeeded by Francis Black, who in time gave way to Samuel Heagy, in 1865. E. Baker is the present Postmaster.

Before the completion of the railroad, Hampton was a great shipping and trading point, seeming trade as far east as Geneseo, in Henry County. Grain and pork were bought in large quantities. The railroad cut off this trade. The coal interests are now, and for some years have been, the principal reliance. For many years Heagy & Stoddard were extensive dealers and operators in coal, having extensive mines on sections 16 and 22. They built a railroad from their mines, connecting with the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railroad at Watertown, in the winter of 1872-3. This road was used up to 1884, when it was taken up, the mines no longer making its use profitable. In the fall of 1884 the Northern Mining and Railway Company, of Hampton, was incorporated for the purpose of mining and shipping coal. This company are successors to Heagy & Stoddard. The officers are : G. D. Toothaker, President ; Samuel Heagy, Secretary and Treasurer; A. R. Stoddard, superintendent of mines. The company employ from 50 to 100 men and have built a railroad from their new mines to Port Byron Junction, from which place shipments are made. Considerable coal is yet shipped from Hampton. The company operate a store in this village.

The Methodists are the pioneers of the place, a class being organized in 1842 or 1843, consisting of 11 members, among whom were Harmon G. Reynolds, E. F. Arcularius and wife and Nancy Thompson. The class was first attached to the Moline Circuit, then Port Byron, and finally, in 1865, the Hampton Circuit was organized. In 1870 Hampton

The Congregational Church of Hampton was organized Feb. 15, 1853, by Rev. A. B. Hitchcock, with a membership of 14 persons, among whom were Luther Pearsall and wife, Elihu Barr and wife, Milton Ward and wife, David Jennings and wife. A house of worship was erected in 1856-7, at a cost of $2,500. Rev. A. B. Hitchcock was the first Pastor. Rev. A. Harper, of Port Byron, now ministers to the congregation.

The United Workmen have a lodge and the Modern Woodmen of America have a camp at this place. The Odd Fellows were formerly represented with a flourishing lodge, but it has ceased to exist.

Laurel Camp, No. 30, M. W. A., was organized April 20, 1884, with 22 charter members. It has now a membership of 25, and is in good working condition. The officers in the summer of 1885 were James Howard, Consul; Chas. Livergood, Adviser; George Heagy, Clerk; R. H. Coomes, Banker. Meetings are held fortnightly, in Baker's Hall.

Hampton is an incorporated village. In the spring of 1885 the business of the place was represented by three general merchandise, two drug stores, three shoe shops, two wagon shops, two blacksmith shops, one hotel, one lumber depot, five insurance agents, one furniture dealer, one boat builder, one agricultural implement dealer, one coal company, two physicians and three churches.

GRIST-MILL was built at this point at a very early day, probably 1833, by the Wells Brothers, who operated it for a time, and then sold it to Ezra Blanchard, who sold it to Mr. Barber. A saw-mill was subsequently added, and other improvements were made from time to time ; but it was finally torn down, and

Barber & Williams erected the present mill, which subsequently passed into the hands of A. B. E. Adams, the present owner. Joseph Cox also built a grist and saw mill here in 1838. The erection of this grist-mill on the rapids was the commencement of Rapids City, which was laid out in T838.

A Mr. Runkle, it is thought, sold the first goods here, before the laying out of the village. He carried a very small stock of general merchandise. At the time he operated the mill, Mr. Blanchard also sold goods.

A postoffice was established here in 1857, Henry S. Shurtleff receiving the appointment of Postmaster, his first commission bearing date March 12, 1857, Mr. Shurtleff served three terms, and was succeeded by J. L. Perkins, who held the office but a short time, moving from the village. Dr. Samuel Gast was the next appointee; John Hannegan, Peter McCarls and George J. Rowe each held it in succession, the latter being the present incumbent.

The village is incorporated, the officers for 1885 being R. M. Mitchell, President of the Board; Casper Maurer, William Scherschell," James Graham, Abram Lloyd, Adam Hoffstetter, Trustees; A. Lindstrom, Clerk.

Rapids City is part of School District No. 8, which was formed after the village was laid out. A schoolhouse was built at the time. Josiah Rickel was the first teacher in this house. In 1875 a new schoolhouse was erected. Two teachers are constantly employed. There are 200 children of school age in the village.

Coal was discovered near this village at an early day, but mining was not done to advantage until the completion of the railroad. There are now two shafts in the neighborhood, and a large quantity of coal is annually mined. The mines here have brought in many foreigners, that element being at present largely in the ascendency.

In the summer of 18S5 there were in the village 3 general stores, 1 grocery store, r restaurant, 1 hotel, 2 shoe shops, 1 blacksmith shop, 1 agricultural implement dealer and 1 millinery store. There is neither lawyer or physician in the place; so the good citizen boasts of its peacefulness and its healthfulness. The population is about 500.

HEN the Sterling branch of the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad was completed through Hampton Township in ? 1869, a station was established upon section 26, on land owned by Joel G. Franklin. A postoffice was soon afterward established here, to which was given the name of Franklin Crossing. When the main line of the railroad was run to this place, the name was changed to Barstow by the company, and subsequently the name of the postoffice was changed to that of the station.

J. G. Franklin was appointed Postmaster when the office was established, and continued to discharge its duties until June, 1884, when he resigned in favor of William J. Swisher, who was duly appointed.

With the exception of a boarding-house, established in 1877, by William Golden, and the stationhouse, no improvements were made here, or any attempt really made to secure a village until June, 1884, when William J. Swisher opened out in the mercantile business, and soon after erected a blacksmith shop, which he rented to other parties. Dr. McLouth located here in the fall of 1884, in the practice of his profession.

A large transfer business is done at this point from the Sterling branch to the main line for St. Louis and intermediate points, as well as from the main line to the Sterling branch.

here at a time when coal-digging was the chief industry. Now but little is done here, with no shipments from the station at this place. The place is now noted for its tile works and pottery. The Argillo Works manufacture tile and fire-brick quite extensively, their shipments by rail averaging two car-loads per day. The works are managed by a stock company, with Mylo Lee as President and manager, and Cornelius Lynde, of Rock Island, Secretary. The capital stock is §100,000. About 60 men find employment in these works. In addition to these works, there are three potteries, each of which do a good business.

There is but one store in the place, owned by C. Corbin, the store building being used as a depot and postoffice. Mr. Corbin is also Postmaster.

In educational matters, the village has a good frame school-house, in which school is regularly held. There is an enrollment at present of 55.

There is no church edifice here, though the Methodist Episcopal people hold services regularly in the school-house, and have a regularly organized society.

ATERTOWN village was platted in 1857, by Henry McNeil, Alfred Sanders K&L ' and Alonzo Nourse. It is located on ~|yS' section - , Hampton Township. The village taFN has never attained any distinction, being in proximity to several other villages and cities, which deprive it of its trade. The first store was started in 1857, shortly after the platting of the village, by Lucius Curtis. A postoffice was established about the same time, with Mr. Custis as Postmaster. He held the office until i860, when Dan. McNeil was appointed. Mr. McNeil about a year previous commenced the mercantile business in the place.

He still occupies the position of Postmaster, but has retired from the mercantile trade. Wm. E.Crawford is the only representative of the general trade at the present time, though A. C. Sible carries a small stock, principally of peddler's goods.

A new school district was formed in 1857, of which the village became a part, and a school-house was erected at this point. There are now about 60 pupils in the district, school being regularly maintained.

The Baptists have here a house of worship, erected in 1879, which is used jointly by that body and the Methodists, each of which have organizations, and which have been in existence for many years.

_T an annual town meeting held in 1867, |[ J. H. Lyford, N. Belcher and Archie Allen were appointed a committee to write a history of Port Byron Towinship In 1869 |^* they made a report, from which the principal facts in this sketch are taken. The gentlemen were each of them early settlers and active men, and all have since passed away.

In the spring of 1828, two brothers, Robert and Thomas Syms, made the first permanent settlement in what is now the township of Port Byron. They were bachelors, and came from Sangamon County, 111., engaging in the keeping of a wood-yard, supplying such steamboats as occasionally passed up and down the Mississippi River. The Syms soon had competition in the wood trade, which led to a serious difficulty and to a lawsuit, being the first appeal to the law in this vicinity. A man by the name of Kinney located about three miles below on the rapids and went into the same business. As there was no landing there, or an available place for one, he hauled his wood to the head of the rapids, and offered it for sale near the Syms' wood-yard. The wood offered by Kinney was superior to that of Syms, so that he soon monopolized the trade. This led to unpleasant feelings. It so happened that one night Kinney's wood pile was burned up, and shortly after Sym's cabin was destroyed by fire. The next ttme Kinney and one of the Syms' met after this occur rence, a quarrel ensued, and in the fight Kinney was stabbed with a knife. Syms was arrested and taken before Joel Wells, a Justice of the Peace, who resided just below what is now the village of Hampton, Joseph Danforth, who lived just aDove the present city of Moline, being the Constable who executed the warrant. Syms was required to give bail for his appearance at court, and not being able or willing to do it, was ordered committed to jail. The nearest jail on the north was at Galena, and on the south at Alton, and Constable Danforth started with him for Alton on foot. After going some miles, the Constable happened to fall behind the prisoner, who, on getting out of sight of the officer, struck for the timber and beat him back home. This was the end of the proceedings. In the same year, 1828, Archibald Allen, Conrad Leek and Geo. W. Harlan, with their families, made a settlement in the township. Geo. W. Harlan was afterwards elected Justice of the Peace, the first residing within the limits of the township. A. Allen (more familiarly known as Uncle Archie) was a native of New York. He removed to St. Clair Co., 111., in 1813, and in 1823 to Fort Clark, now Peoria, and from thence to this place. Mr. Allen built his cabin on what is now the southwest fractional quarter of section 24, and commenced trading with the Indians, trafficking for their furs and skins. Shortly after his coming he was appointed Supervisor of Roads. He was elected Constable for Jo Daviess County, Rock Island County forming a part of that county, which extended almost over the northern part of the State. In 1833 and 1834, he was mail-carrier from Rock Island to Galena. Once a week this hardy backwoodsman would make his way on foot to and from his appointed destination. He traveled on foot for the reason that the travel was often attended with great difficulty, the sloughs and streams at times being impassable for a horse. At that time he was appointed postmaster, the office being known as Canaan postoffice, and kept at his house. The postoffices which he supplied on his route were Rock Island, Canaan, Savanna and Galena. From Canaan to Savanna, a distance of 45 miles, there was no house, and from Savanna to Galena, about 40 miles, there was but one house, and that was at Apple River. Mr. Allen built the first frame house that was erected between Quincy and Galena. This house was destroyed by fire some years afterward.

In 1830, Mr. Harvey, Thomas Hubbard, H. East and Mr. Britton settled in the precinct. In this year a son was born to Mr. and Mrs. Conrad Leek, the first birth in the township.

In 1832 Edmund A. Philleo came from Galena and located here. He was a bachelor, gentlemanly, well educated, and a lawyer by profession. While at work in his garden he was shot and killed, in 1843, by Wm. McKinney.

In 1834 Walter Phillips, Geo. R. Allen and Harvey W. Smith, with their families, located in the township. In 1835 Samuel Allen, Wm. McKinney and Mr. Hathaway, with their families, made a settlement. Samuel Allen lived in a double log house " and kept tavern," and as Mrs. Allen (Aunt Candace as she was known) was a good cook, those who patronized the house had plenty to eat, and though the variety was not large it was good. As for lodgings, not only were the beds brought into use each night, but " shakedowns "on the floor had frequently to be resorted to in order to accommodate all their patrons. Mr. Allen also started a grocery store, which was patronized a great distance.

The year 1836 witnessed the coming of Moses Bailey and family, B. B. Chase, Nathaniel Belcher, J. H. Lyford and wife, A. N. Philleo and wife and Miss Lucretia Philleo. Mr. Bailey came from Indiana and was a blacksmith by trade. He built the first blacksmith shop in town, and worked at his trade some years. B. B. Chase was from Maine, and was the first stone-mason and plasterer to locate here. He was afterwards extensively engaged in the manufacture and sale of the celebrated Port Byron white lime. Nathaniel Belcher was from Vermont. He built a frame building for a store, and for a number of years was engaged in the mercantile business. He built the Port Byron House, which for many years was the only hotel in the village of Port Byron. He also erected a number of other substantial buildings, among them being a large brick block. He was an energetic man, and held many local offices. Dr. J. H. Lyford, a native of New Hampshire, and a graduate of the Medical Institute at Dartmouth College, was the first physician to locate here. At that time the nearest physician on the north was at Ga- lena, and on the south at Rock Island. Dr. Lyford's rides were extensive, his practice extending to the northern part of Rock Island County, Whiteside and Henry Counties, and in the northern part of Scott County, Iowa, with occasional calls still further north in Iowa Territory. At that time there were few roads and few bridges. The sloughs and streams were crossed where they could best be forded. Intermittent and bilious fevers, and occasionally cases of a more complicated nature and of surgery called the doctor frequently on long journeys of a week's duration. The conveniences for the sick were quite limited, as the houses or cabins generally consisted of but one room ; but, in consequence of the early settlers being possessed of good consitutions or of good nursing, good doctoring, or of all combined, there were but few deaths.

On Aug. r, 1836, the first election was held in the precinct, at the house of S. Allen. It was a general election for Congress, the Legislature and county officers. There were 52 votes cast. For Congressman, Jonn T. Stuart, Whig, received 35, and Wm. L. May, Democrat, 14. The Port Byron election precint included all the northern part of the county from a short distance above Moline to the Meredosia. Previous to this election all the voters had to go to Rock Island in order to cast their ballots. The second election in the precinct was in November, 1836. There were 42 votes cast, of which n were for Martin Van Buren, Democrat, for President, and the remainder for Wm. H. Harrison, Whig.

In 1837 came Warren Wilcox and family, Nathaniel Dorrance, G. S. Moore, Silas Marshall and family and Miss Harriet Dodge. Mr. Wilcox was the first carpenter and joiner that settled in the township. He built most of the best houses erected in the village and vicinity at that lime. Nathaniel Dorrance, by industry and economy, amassed considerable money and made valuable improvements in the village and country, afterward engaging in the lumber trade and running a saw-mill. Silas Marshall for a number of years kept the Port Byron House, and was also engaged in farming. G. S. Moore engaged in the mercantile business, and was the leading merchant in Port Byron for many years. He built a number of good houses, among which were a large brick store, a handsome dwelling house and a large public house known as the De Soto Hotel, which was destroyed by fire in 7869.

Port Byron is a small township, but boasts of good schools. In addition to the academy mentioned elsewhere, it has two good public schools, one of which is graded. There were in 1885, according to the County Superintendent, 423 persons in the township under the age of 21, of which number 304 persons were of school age, 231 of whom were enrolled in the public schools. In the two districts are two good school-houses, one frame and one brick, valued at $10,000. Five teachers were employed during the year. The highest salary paid was $75 per month and the lowest $35.

The Assessor, for 1885, reported the following items: Improved land, 1,965 acres; unimproved land, 108 acres; total value, $44,239. Of town lots there were 425 improved, and 202 unimproved, having a total valuation of $36,655. Of horses there were 131; cattle, 215; mules and asses, 9; hogs, 220; steam engines, 3; safes, n; carriages and wagons, 118; watches and clocks, [65; sewing and knitting machines, 1 10 : pianos, 22; melodeons and organs, 51. The total value of personal property was assessed at $51,719.

HIS beautiful village was laid out in 1836, by Samuel Allen Dr. P. Gregg, N. Belcher ^ and Moses Bailey, on land owned by Samual Allen, but purchased and held in common by the four gentlemen mentioned. The original village was laid out on the northwest quarter of section 25, but now embraces in addition the southwest fraction and the east half of section the northwest fraction of section 36, and a

At the time the village was laid out there was but one log house and a small log store on the land, the property of Samuel Allen. The store was started by Walter Phillips, and with the land was sold by him to Mr. Allen. Robert and Thomas Syms lived on the spot where the depot now stands, in a log house, and kept a wood yard for the passing boats.

Shortly after the village was laid out Nathaniel Belcher built a frame store and put in a stock of general merchandise. This was the first general stock. Mr. Belcher continued in business for many years, and was a most enterprising citizen. In his first mercantile effort Mr. Belcher was associated with Mr. Hambaugh, under the firm name of Belcher & Hambaugh.

As already stated, a postoffice had been established about one mile from the village, known as Canaan, with Archibald Allen as Postmaster. In March, 1837, the office was removed to the village, its name changed to Port Byron, and N. Belcher was appointed Postmaster. For a period of thirty years, though not successively, Mr. Belcher retained the office. The office has been held by Geo. S. Moore, David Zeigler and John Zollinger, the incumbent.

About this time N. Belcher erected a hotel known as the Port Byron House, opposite Devore's bank. As stated, the house burned some years after.

The panic of 1837 retarded the growth of Port Byron, and it took many years to recover, but it was first settled by an -enterprising people, who were determined to make of it a neat and attractive if not a populous town. Their efforts were crowned with success.

The first grist-mill in the village was erected in the spring of 1849, by T. G. Temple and N. Dorrance, between the hotel and river. It was run by steam and had one set of buhrs for wheat and one for corn.

The first school was held in the old log store building that had been owned by Samuel Allen, in the summer of 1838, Harriet Dodge being the teacher. In the winter following Wm. Kelley "wielded the birch."

The first school-house was of brick, and erected in front of the present Congregational church". This house becoming too small to meet the wants of the district, the present building was erected in 1863-4, at a cost of $12,000. Four teachers are constantly employed.

In addition to the public schools an academy was started in 18S1, with E. T. Harper as principal, who held the position for three years, and was succeeded by Isaac P. Tracy, who served one year. W. H. Williams is the Principal for the year 1885-6. The institution was started under the auspices of the Congregational Church of Port Byron, but is undenominational. For two years a room was rented for school purposes, but in 1883, a building was erected especially for its use. The school has had an everage attendance of 50, and apparently has a bright future before it.