Whiteside County, Illinois - Chapter with an unread heading (no. 6 of those read), 1877

The Township of Clyde is situated in the north part of Whiteside county and contains 22,925 acres. The land is rolling prairie and bluffs, interpersed with numerous groves of timber, especially along the water courses. The soil is a mixture of sandy and clayey loam, exceedingly fertile, and well adapted to the production of most varieties of grain and vegetables, common to this climate. The timber is now largely second growth. The pioneers found an excellent quality of timber, but it has been largely cut off. The township is well watered by Rock creek, which flows in a southerly and southwesterly direction through the entire township. Little Rock creek also flows nearly across the township. Numerous brooks and fine springs also afford unlimited supplies of water. The farmers are now largely engaged in breeding stock and raising corn. Formerly large quantities of wheat were produced, but this industry has been abandoned for the more lucrative business of corn and stock raising. In Clyde, as in most other towns of the county, "Corn is King." The first settlers produced magnificent winter wheat. This crop gave way for spring wheat, and now neither, in point of quantity, compare with the production of years gone by.

The township is now densely settled, since] 1860, in addition to] the pioneers, a substantial class of farmers having made improvements upon the rich prairie land. It was the rule for the pioneers to locate in the groves and along water courses, thus leaving what has proved the finest lands, the prairie, for more recent settlers; as a consequence the farms of those first to locate are not so fine as the farms of those who followed when the way was broken.

Clyde was originally a part of Union Precinct, the voting place of the people being at Unionville. When township organization was adopted Clyde was formed, and is described as township 22 north, range 5 east of the 4th principal meridian. The name was chosen from a postoffice of that name. About 1844 a postoffice was established and the name agreed upon was "Watertown," but there being a postoffice of that name in the State, the Postoffice Department conferred the name of "Clyde" upon the new office. This office was at Milnes' Mill, and Thomas Milnes was the postmaster. An office was subsequently established at Brothwell's Mill, and called "New Clyde." The township was surveyed in 1839, and in 1842 the land came into market. The town was originally settled by English and Scotch people, many of them coming from Canada to Clyde. A few Americans made improvements in the neighborhood of Brothwell's Mill, notable, Jesse Hill, his sons, and Mr. Wick, natives of North Carolina, who were then settled in what is now Genesee township.

Probably the first claim was made in the northeast part of the township. Mr. Jesse Hill carved his initials on the trees on a certain tract of land in 1835, making a "Jack' Knife Claim." Subsequently, Wm. Wick plowed furrows around a body of land, claiming all the territory within its boundaries

About 1838 settlers began to come into the town, among others Henry W. Daniels and Hugh Hollinshead. A Mr. Wing of New iTork, and Dr. H. H. Fowler of Indiana, then residents of Fulton, built a saw mill where the Brothwell Mill now is. This was managed by Butler E. Marble and his son Levi. Hugh Hollinshead, a millwright, and H. W. Daniels were engaged in erecting the concern. In connection with it was a grist mill or "corn cracker," which worked so slowly that it is said a man waiting for his grist could eat all but the toll while the grinding was being done.

In 1838 Wing laid out a "city" at the mill which was called "Genesee City." The "city" was great in its immensity. Lots were sold to eastern people, and several came on to inspect the new metropolis. They found a magnificent array of stakes, and but little else to speak of.

Butler E. Marble, the miller, went to Oregon where he died. The next mill erected was by Wni. P. Hiddleson, who had a carding machine in connection with it. The mill is best known as Houghs Mill. The mill now known as the Little Rock Mill, and owned by Joseph Milnes, was the next built. Early in 1840 some adventurous spirit put up an oil mill, and the general opinion was that all would make their fortunes from castor oil. The castor bean was extensively planted, but the early frost hurt the crop, and no great amount of wealth was realized, and Clyde added but little to the general supply of physic. The flax fever seized the settlers also, but proved no better speculation than the castor bean.

Among the first settlements was that of Samuel Wressell in the east part of the town, on Section 14. He made his claim in 1838 and sold out to Z. Dent. The same year H. W. Daniel made a claim and built a cabin. The HoUinsheads came about this time. In 1839 Richard Beswick made a settlement in the south part of the township. Samuel Carrie made a claim the same year on Section 30. In 1839 also came Wm. Wilson, Donald Blue and John Wilson; the two last named gentlemen located pretty well north in the township, on Section 17, and were for a long time the only residents of their part of the town. Not until after 1850 did settlers begin to rapidly take up the valuable lands in the parts of the township i-emote from the groves of timber.

The pioneers of Clyde experienced the incidents common to the pioneers. Wheat and oats were threshed out with flails and the chaff winnowed by the prairie breezes. Large sieves were made from tanned hides of sheep through which the grain was also passed. The markets were at Albany, Fulton, Gralena, Savanna and Chicago. Bowman & Jacobs, at Savanna, purchased much of the grain. Pork was sold at Galena. Religious consolation was obtained at Genesee Grove where church services were maintained after a fashion. There were but few claim fights, although an organization to prevent claim jumping was in existence. The law of honor prevailed among the pioneers of Clyde, and but little difficulty was experienced. All were neighbors, and the first settlers of the town frequently refer to "the good times of old" that they enjoyed with the hardships.

The first child born in Clyde was George R. Beswick, son of Richard and Belinda Beswick; he was born February 10, 1840. Hiram Hopkins had a child born to him about the same time.

The first marriage is supposed to have been that of Samuel Currie, who was married September 17, 1840, to Julia Thomas. A. C. Jackson, Justice of the Peace, performed the ceremony, it being the first marriage at which he officiated.

The first deaths in the settlement were those of John and Margaret, children of Donald and Margaret Blue, both of which occurred in the fall of 1839. The former was seventeen years old, and the latter eleven. The deaths occurred shortly after Mr. Blue came to the settlement.

The first school in the township was taught by Miss Lucy A. Exley, at her father's residence on section 28, in the summer of 1846. The first school building was erected about the year 1848. At the present time there are eight school districts in the township, each district having a good school house.

A Sunday School was organized in Clyde, in 1841, the exercises being held at the residence of William Wilson. This was the first Sunday School held in the township. The school was continued at the same place for several years.

The early settlers of the county were many of them professors of religion, and brought with them deep-seated and lasting reverence for the Bible, the Sabbath, and the ordinances of the church. Nor were they long without religious services. The Methodist circuit riders - men who were full of zeal and faith, pressed forward to the very outposts of civilization, preaching the word of life, gathering the scattered settlers into churches, and administering the ordinances of the church. The services were generally held in the cabins of the settlers, and sometimes at a stated place. Those religiously inclined in Clyde, besides their home meetings, generally attended worship at Glenesee Grove, Unionville, or at the grove where Morrison now stands. In 1869, however, a Methodist Episcopal Society was organized in the town, and during the same year a church edifice was built on section 7 at a cost of $2,500. Kev. L. C. Conant was the first pastor to whom this charge was given. Rev. J. Kellogg is the present pastor. There are now twenty-five members belonging to this church, and the Sunday School numbers about fifty members, with Thomas Gulliland as the Superintendent. When the Sunday School was first organized, J. M. Snyder was the Superintendent.

A church building was also erected several years ago by the Adventists, in the southeast part of the town, but was afterwards purchased by the Dunkards, who refitted it, and now hold regular meetings in it.

The first annual town meeting in Clyde under township organization was held April 6, 1852, with Thomas Exley as moderator, and Thomas Milnes, clerk. Twenty-one votes were polled. Officers elected : William P. Hiddleson, Supervisor; Thomas Milnes, Clerk; Thomas Exley, Assessor and Collector; Eli Wick and William Wilson, Justices of the Peace; Commissioners of highways, Eli Wick, William Aldritt and Robert Wallace; Constable, John McKinley. Simon Stapleton and Joseph Milnes were afterwards appointed to the office of Constable. The township was divided into four equal road districts, and Wesley Robinson, David E. Brown, Richard Aldritt and W. P. Hiddleson, appointed overseers. Richard Aldritt was appointed overseer of the poor. It was voted that hogs should not run at large, and that a Pound should be provided, with William Wilson as Pound Master. A lawful fence was defined to be five feet high, with no space between boards of more than eight inches, except twelve inches under the top rail or board, and fifteen inches at the bottom. In 1853 a tax of $80,00 to pay township expenses for that and the preceding year was voted. In 1854 $50,00 was voted for annual expenses. Town tax voted in 1855 - $75,00. A lawful fence was defined to be four and a half feet high with no space between or under the rails larger than ten inches. Fifty-two votes were polled. The Supervisor's office for 1855, becoming vacant, Thomas Milnes was appointed Supervisor. Mr. Milnes dying soon after his appointment, the office was then conferred upon William Wilson. Joseph Milnes was appointed Clerk in the place of Thomas Milnes. In 1856 a tax of $200,00 was assessed for town- ship purposes. Fifty-six votes were polled. In 1857 a fence four and a half feet high of four rails or four poles was declared to be lawful. In 1858 $125,- 00 was voted for town expenses. In 1859 fifty-seven votes were polled and $150,- 00 voted for township purposes. In 1860 sixty-three votes were polled, and $200,00 voted for the annual township expenses. Appropriation for town expenses in 1861, $100,00; for 1862 the same amount. In 1863 a tax of $100,00 was voted for township purposes, and $100 for building a bridge across Rock creek near the west line of section 27. The town Auditors were asked to levy a tax of $300,00 for the same bridge, and requested to lay the same before the Board of Supervisors of the county. Fifty-one votes were polled. In 1864,104 votes wei-e polled, and $100,00 appropriated for township expenses.

In 1865 it was voted to levy a tax of $300,00 to build a bridge across Rock creek, near Hough's mill, also $100,00 for township purposes. In 1866 it was voted that the Supervisor be allowed one and a half per cent, on the amount collected as a town bounty tax for 1865. Fifty dollars was voted to pay township expenses in 1867. In 1869 a tax of $150,00 was voted to defray general expenses of the town, and $150,00 for building a bridge across Rock creek between sections one and twelve; also $400,00 to build a bridge on the road running east and west past Steinmyer's mill. In 1870, 84 votes were polled, and $150 voted for town expenses. In 1871 it was resolved that horses, mules, cattle, hogs, sheep and asses, should not be allowed to run at large. In 1873, $100,- 00 was voted for town purposes. The proposition to levy a tax of $300,00 to build a bridge at Huffman's ford was lost. In 1874, $200,00 was voted for township purposes. In 1875, $250,00 wasvotedfor town expenses. In 1876, $250,- 00 was voted and 84 votes polled. In 1877, 94 votes were polled, and town appropriation placed at $250,00. Twenty-five cents was assessed upon each $100,- 00 of real estate and persoiuil property for road purposes; also two day's labor upon each man subject to road labor.

The books of the Assessor for 1877 present the following figures in regard to Clyde township. Number of acres of improved land, 20,836; unimproved, 2,089; horses, 448; cattle, 1,141; mules and asses, 15; sheep, 113; hogs, 2,761; carriages and wagons, 188; sewing and knitting machines, 71; melodeons, organs and pianos, 23; assessed value of personal property, $57,381; assessed value of all property, $342,185.

According to the census of 1870 the population of Clyde was 1,093, of which number 884 were natives and 209 foreigners. At the Presidential election in November, 1876, the township east 146 votes. As nearly as can be estimated without an actual enumeration, the population is now about 1,400.

The following, as near as we can ascertain, is a list of the pioneers of Clyde township, they having settled within its limits previous to 1840: Samuel Wressell, Harmon Hopkins, John Hollinshead, Hugh Hollinshead, Henry M. Daniel, Samuel Currie, Richard Beswick, William Wilson, Zachariah Dent, Donald Blue, John Wilson, Butler E. Marble.

Zachariah Dent was born in the village of Buckingham, Norfolk county, England. July 26, 1806. In 1832 he settled in Canada, and clerked in a store in New Market. He participated in the ''Patriot War," and then left Canada and settled in Clyde in June, 1830. He at that time bought the claim where he now lives. The grove where he resides is known as '- Dent's Grove." He married Eunice Montgomery in 1843. She died in 1869. No children.

Henry W. Daniel was born in Norfolk county, England, and settled in Canada. In 1838 he located in Clyde. Mr. Daniel married Lydia Hollinshead in 1835. He was instrumental in the building and running of the mill now known as ''Brothwell's." It is said that a machine used in connection to grind grain was stolen and carried ofi', a very extensive theft in those days. Children: Robert, Hugh, Alfred, John, and Mary. John and Alfred are still living upon the homestead. Robert is in Kansas City. Mary is in Iowa, teaching school.

Samuel Currie was born August 15, 1810, in Roxburyshire, Scotland. He, with his family, emigrated to Canada in 1829, and settled at a place called York, near Toronto. He was engaged in the " Patriot War," and received a wound which caused a permanent injury to his arm. In June, 1838, he came to the United States, and settled in Clyde in 1839. He married Jane Patrick, June 15, 1833, in Canada. She died May 27, 1840. Mr. Currie was remarried to Miss Julia Thomas. About twelve years ago Mr. Currie sold his farm in Clyde, and is now a resident of Morrison.

Richard Beswick was born in Yorkshire, England, September 12, 1810. He emigrated to Canada in 1830, and followed the occupation of a farmer while in that province. He was also a volunteer in the " Patriot War." In 1839 he came to Clyde and settled on section 32; he remained there but a few months, when he removed to section 30, where he has since resided. Mr. Beswick has secured a fine property in Clyde, and has been well rewarded for the privations of pioneer life. From 1859 to 1872, inclusive, he represented his township upon the Board of Supervisors. Mr. Beswick married Miss Sarah Patrick, near Toronto, Canada, in 1836. She died in 1844. In 1849 he married Mrs. Anna E. Humphrey, of Fulton township, Whiteside county. Children: Belinda, born January 29, 1838 - married Richard Trye in 1860, and lives in Da-

Samuel Wressell was a native of Lincolnshire, England. After emigrating, he first settled in Canada. In 1838 he located in Clyde township, making his first claim on section 14. He afterwards took up the claim where Mr. Z. Dent now lives, the latter gentleman paying $100 for it. Mr. W. died at the age of eighty years. His wife died several years before him.

William Wilson was a Scotchman by birth. He first settled in Canada, and became involved in the "Patriot War." He was taken prisoner, and experienced the " pleasures of a Canada jail." In 1839 he settled in Clyde. He was married in Canada. His wife died a number of years ago. When last heard from Mr. Wilson was in California.

John Wilson was born February 9, 1812, in Renfrewshire, Scotland. He emigrated from his native country in 1832. November 28, 1841, he was married to Jane Blue. In September, 1839, after the " Patriot War," in which he was engaged, he came to Dent's Grove, in Clyde, and made his first claim on section 17. He now has a fine farm on section 5. Children: Sarah, who married E. M. Bechtel; Thomas, who married Miss Elsey; John, who married Belle Leggett; Alexander, who married Deborah Fletcher; Maggie, Kate, Lizzie, and Charles - who all live in Clyde. Two children died in infancy.

Chester Millard was born in Cumberland county, Pennsylvania, April 20, 1818. He first came west in the employ of S. M. Bowman, to attend the mill in Jordan township, known as the "Wilson mill." This was in May, 1838. In the fall he went to Milledgeville, and was employed in Knox's mill one year. He then returned to the Wilson mill for seven months, and in 1839 assumed the charge of the Cantrell mill, at Sterling, where he remained until 1842. He then went to Pine Creek and worked in the Boardman mill until 1844. In 1847 he run Bryan's mill, where he continued until 1850, when he took charge of the Brothwell mill, in Clyde, which he managed until 1867. Since then he has conducted the Little Rock mill, owned by Joseph Milnes. Since the commencement of his apprenticeship, Mr. Millard has steadily followed milling - over forty years. He married Anna Milnes, December 25, 1853. One child was the fruit of the union, Sarah, now the wife of Thomas Beswick, whom she married December 27, 1875.

Donald Blue was born in Argylshire, in the Highlands of Scotland, January 18, 1799. He married Catharine McFarlain, January 15, 1815. She was born January 1, 1801. Mr. and Mrs. Blue have lived together now over sixtytwo years. In March, 1820, Mr. Blue, with his family, emigrated to New Brunswick, where he resided eight years, and then settled about thirty miles from Toronto, Canada. After taking part in the " Patriot War" in Canada, in 1839 he settled and made a claim upon section 17, in Clyde. He was warned to abandon the claim, but replied to the committee that he was in peaceable possession, and would hold it at all hazards. He was allowed to remain. In 1852 Mr. Blue went to California, where he remained three years, and then returned to his farm. For the past twelve years he has resided in Morrison. Children: John, Jane (now Mrs. John Wilson), Alexander, Donald, Margaret, Isabella, Charles, Catharine. Three children died in infancy; eleven children in all. Charles and Alexander died upon the plains, from starvation, during

Joseph Milnes was born in Lowell, Massachusetts, August 17, 1831, and in 1812 came with his father's family to Clyde, where he has since resided. On the 8th of March, 1860, he married Miss Jennie Mason, of Chicago. Their children are: Thomas H., born March 25, 1861; Lizzie M., born April 12, 1862; George S., born July 10, 1864: and Cora A., born April 18, 1866. Mr. Milnes has held the position of Town Clerk of Clyde township for twelve years, Collector three years, and has been annually elected Supervisor of the township since 1873. These public positions so repeatedly bestowed, show the high estimation in which he is held by his fellow citizens. During his residence in Clyde he has accumulated a valuable property, lying in sections 21, 27, and 28. As a member of the Board of Supervisors, he is active and vigilant in the discharge of his duties, and brings to the position a sound judgment, and an intelligent understanding of the needs of the county.

John Alldritt is a native of Armitage, Staffordshire, England, and was born April 24, 1814. While quite young he came with his parents to Lowell, Massachusetts, where he remained until May, 1846, when he came to and settled in Clyde, Whiteside county. Mr. Alldritt married Miss Nancy Kingsley, at Lowell, Massachusetts, in May, 1846. Mrs. Alldritt was born at Athens, Summerset county, Maine, November 16, 1817. The children of this union are: Ann, born February 23, 1847, now married; Mary, born May 16, 1849; Thomas Jackson, born October 19, 1851; Isaac, born April 1, 1854; and John Henry, born December 10, 1856. All the children live in Clyde.

Richard Alldritt was born at Armitage, Staffordshire, England, January 4, 1819. He came to America at the same time with his brother John, and lived at Lowell, Massachusetts, until 1844, when he moved to Clyde, in this county. Mr. Alldritt married Miss Orrilla P. Bosley, a native of Farmington, Trumbull county, Ohio, on the 31st of December, 1848. The children of this marriage have been: Emily C.,born January 17, 1850; Albert. October 5, 1851; Lucv A., August 11, 1853; Edward, June 2, 1858; Alonzo E., July 6, 1860; Henry R., March 31, 1863; Orrilla B., April 9, 1865; Benjamin F., January 22, 1867. Of these, Lucy A. died September 14, 1859, and Edward, September 17, 1859. Mrs. Alldritt died March 21, 1875, aged nearly 47 years. Albert lives in Friendville, Saline county, Nebraska, and the rest in Clyde.

William Alldritt was born October 6, 1824, in Braidley, Staffordshire, England, and also came to Lowell, Massachusetts, with the rest of the family, when quite young. In May, 1845, he settled in Clyde, and was married in that township to Miss Mary C. Griffin, his first wife, in January, 1856. She died, and in 1860 he married his second wife. Miss Julia A. Hiner. His children have been: Charles J., born May, 1864; William R., born June, 1866; Benjamin F., born August, 1868; and Nathan G., born July, 1870; all of whom live in Clyde. Mr. Alldritt has been Justice of the Peace of the township.

Thomas Alldritt is a native of Lowell, Massachusetts, and was born August 27, 1831. His early years were passed in Lowell, and in May, 1845, came to Clyde. He was married in that township to Miss Lavinia T. Heacock, on the 13th of January, 1858, the children of this marriage being: Emma A, born August 13, 1859; Annie E., born May 9, 1862; DelbertT., born December 6, 1864, and Samuel D., born February 22, 1868.

Wesley Robinson is one of the early residents of the county; Benjamin West has been Supervisor of the township; J. F. Demmon is the largest farmer in Clyde, and these, with A. Puddifoot, James and Slmon Stapleton, Wm. J. Trye, J. Wood, Fred. Wood, W. W. Horning, John Platt, and R. M. Kennedy, are among the active, influential citizens and farmers of the township.