Whiteside County, Illinois - Chapter 11, 1877

Chapter 11

Although this township was first settled at an early day, reference being had to the chronological history of the county, it never became a precinct by itself, and only attained a distinct organization when the Commissioners appointed by the County Commissioners' Court fixed the boundaries and gave names to the difi"erent townships of the county, in 1852, under the township organization law. Previous to that time it first formed a part of Van Buren Precinct, and then of Albany Precinct, the village of Albany being the voting place, and where for a long time grain and produce were taken, and marketing done. The township includes all of township twenty-one north of base line, range three east of the 4th Principal Meridian. A range of bluflfs extends diagonally through the north part, commencing near the Mississippi river on the west and reaching to the Fulton and Ustick line on the northeast, where it connects with the range running through the latter town. North of this range the land is partly sandy, and partly of a deep loam, skirted along the river bank by a growth of small timber. The western outlet of the Cattail runs through a part of this low, loamy land. In this part of the town is situated what is known as the Holland Settlement, made up of thrifty, frugal families from the land of dykes and canals. South of the bluffs the surface of the land is rolling, the soil of peculiar richness, and the scenery, dotted as it is by finely erected farm houses, ample orchards, and well arranged shade trees, is one great beauty. A ride through the town when the harvest sun has ripened the waving grain and given the towering corn its deepest hue of green, as witnessed upon the broad fields which stretch far away on either hand, is one of infinite pleasure, and never to be forgotten. The name of Garden Plain was rightfully and properly given to this township. Nature and man have both made it a garden, and he who owns a portion of its fertile acres can congratulate himself upon being one of the favored few whose heritage is in a goodly land. The honor of naming the town is attributed to Col. Samuel M. Kilgore.- The township is watered by Spring, Cedar, Lynn and Cattail creeks, and also by wells of unusual excellence. In both the east and west parts are groves of forest trees, and the same kind of trees are also scattered along the bluff.

The first settler in the town was Abel Parker, who came in the spring of 1836 from the town of Wells, Rutland county, Vermont, and made a claim and " built a cabin in what is now known as Parker's Grove, preferring, like nearly all of the settlers of that day, timber land to the open prairie. A few years of experience, however, drew them out of the groves to the broad, open expanse which nature had endowed with unsurpassed fertility, and there in the luxuriant prairie grass, and among the wild prairie flowers, they began to build their homes. Soon after he made his claim, Mr. Parker brought on his family, consisting of six sons, David, Jacob, Truman, Francis, Edwin and Hiram, and three daughters, Clarissa, Eliza and Mina, all of whom are now living except David and Mina. Mr. Parker died in IS-IO. Clarissa, the eldest daughter, married Samuel Bobbins in 1839, and Eliza married Henry M. Grinnold during the same year. Mina married John Grant some years after. Both Mrs. Robbins and Mrs. Grrinnold are widows, the former living in Carroll county and the latter in the city of Fulton. Mr. Grrinnold died and was buried on the plains of Colorado, while returning from the Rocky Mountains. The sons living are still residents of Garden Plain. Previous to Mr. Abel Parker's coming, a Mr. Cook had bought a claim on the bank of the Mississippi river, in the township, but as he did not reside there long he is not classed by the people as an old settler. It is supposed he purchased the claim of John Baker, the first settler of Fulton. The place is now used for a pasture by Dr. H. M. Booth, of Albany.

Charles R. Rood also came in 1836, arriving in October, at Albany, where he remained for three years. In 1839 he bought land on section 22 of the present township of Garden Plain, and improved forty acres of it the next year. In 1837 Ira Burch and Joseph Bacon bought claims on sections 12 and 13, although they resided on lands adjoining in Union Grove township. The former was the father of Messrs. Thomas J., Harrison D., and Ira S. Burch, and Mrs. George Cluif, now residing in Garden Plain. He died previous to 1840. Thomas Sey came in the same^year, and settled on a part of what is now known as the Ham farm. He died soon after, and in 1839 his widow married Stephen Sweet. She died in the fall of 1862. Mr. and Mrs. Sey had an only son, named Thomas, who was killed during the late war. John Redfern also came as early as 1837, and settled near the Ham farm. Both Mr. Redfern and [his wife are now dead.

1838, and settled near Cedar creek, where they built a log cabin which stood on the same site now occupied by the house of Mrs. John Kilgore. Mr. Knowlton died in this cabin in 1838. Samuel Searle boarded with Mr. and Mrs. Crosby while they lived there, and improved a part of the farm now owned by Thomas Wilson. Mr. Crosby afterwards bought the farm, a little east of the Garden Plain Corners, on which he now resides. In 1839 James A. Sweet came from Seneca county. New York, and settled at Parker's Grove at first, and then purchased the farm at the Corners, where he still lives. Col. Samuel M. Kilgore also came that year, and settled in what is known as Baird's Grove. Col. Kilgore had a family of two sons and four daughters. The two sons, Ezekiel and Samuel P., are both married and live in Iowa. The eldest daughter, now Mrs. Barnes, lives at Lacon, 111.; the second, Mrs. Hugh Thompson, died in the winter of 1876; the third, Mrs. Susannah Grinnold, resides in Garden Plain, and has been a widow for several years; and Margaret, the youngest daughter, became the wife of Ithamar Johnson, and died some years since. Both Mr. and Mrs. Kilgore are dead, the latter dying only a few years ago at the age of 84 years. Mr. Stephen Sweet, uncle of James A. Sweet and William Minta, came in the same year. He died some years ago. Mr. Alpheus Mathews was also an early settler, arriving in 1837, and living near where the school-house now stands, in the Holland settlement. He is now a wealthy farmer, residing in the Lockhart district. After 1840 permanent settlers came in more rapidly, as the exceeding richness and fertility of the soil, and the beauty of its location, had become somewhat extensively spread.

The first white child born in the township was Mary Mathews, daughter of Alpheus and Abylcne Mathews, her birth occurring on the 20th of August, 1840. She married Samuel Montgomery, and died in 1872.

The first parties entering into wedlock were Mr. Samuel Robbins and Miss Clarissa Parker, eldest daughter of Abel Parker. The happy event occurred in

The first death occurring in the township was that of Elijah Knowlton. He died in March, 1838, and was buried in the grave-yard near Albany, being the first person interred there.

The first dwelling was built by Abel Parker, in Parker's Grove, soon after his arrival in 1836. It was of the usual pioneer size, and although room was scarce it sufficed even for a large family, until, by perseverance and hard work, a more commodious one could be erected. Joseph Bacon put up one of about a similar size in the same year, in what is known as the Burch district. The erection of frame houses commenced about 1842, although it was some time after 1850 before they began to assume anything like the proportions of the present spacious residences of the town.

The early residents of Garden Plain, coming as they did in a great degree from the Eastern and Middle States, took an earnest interest in the cause of education. Although there was no regular school house in town during the early years, yet the few inhabitants clubbed together and secured a little log house standing then a little north of David Parker's residence, and had a school opened there, with Miss Susannah Boynton as teacher. Seymour Knapp was the second teacher in that house. This was as early as 1843. The first building put up as a school house was the cement one now standing at Garden Plain Corners, and was erected in 1850. There are six school districts now in the town, with seven commodious and well furnished schoolhouses, the Cedar creek district containing two - one at Cedar creek, and the other at the Holland settlement. In the latter school the scholars are children of Holland parents, yet the English branches are exclusively taught, the parents desiring their children to obtain as far as possible a good English education. Many of these parents are yet unable to speak the English language intelligibly. The large building at the Corners was built for a graded school, and will be very soon used as such. This school house was dedicated February 9, 1869, at the occasion of the meeting of the Mississippi Teachers' Association there at that time.

The first preacher who ministered to the spiritual wants of the inhabitants, was Father McKean of the Methodist persuasion, living at Elkhorn Grove, who traveled through that section of the county, and held services for the few inhabitants wherever an opportunity afforded. These pioneer ministers were men of indomitable energy, of fervent piety, and great zeal in their calling, and no dangers of either "field or flood" could deter them from fulfilling an appointment. In Garden Plain he preached in the little log cabin used for school purposes. -

The earliest traveled road through the territory now comprising the township was the Rock Island and Galena road, running along the river bank, and was used as a stage route. This road was quite extensively traveled before any of the present cities and villages along its route were even thought of, much less laid out into lots and blocks. For many years it was the only overland route from Rock Island to Galena, and competed strongly with the river boats in the transportation of passengers. It is now known in Whiteside as the Fulton and Albany road. The second road used ran from Union Grove to Albany. In 1839 a company was organized to layout and construct a road across the Cattail, and subscriptions to the amount of $800 were obtained for this purpose. For three-quarters of a mile across the slough rails had to be laid side by side, and upon them was placed a thick layer of earth taken from the bluffs on either side. As this wore down more earth was drawn upon the road, until finally it became quite passable. Mr. C. R. Rood superintended the construction of that part of the road. Albany was then the large town in the county, to which grain and produce were taken for a distance ex- tending even to Sterling. Every road whicli could be opened to it was, therefore, a material benefit to botb the town and the farmer. After this road had been built the proprietors of the Frink & Walker stages opened a direct line from Chicago to Albany, thus connecting, as it may be termed, the lakes and the Mississippi river by an air line stage route. The road is now known as the Albany and Morrison road, and runs nearly through the center of Garden Plain township. This was also the first legally laid out road after the township organization.

The Postoffice at Garden Plain was first established on the 13th of April, 1846, and Charles R. Rood appointed Postmaster. Mr. Rood continued to hold the position until 1851 when he resigned, and James A. Sweet was appointed in his place. The first mail was carried on a north and south route running from Peoria to Galena, but in 1850 it was delivered by the Frink & Walker line of stages running from Chicago to Albany and Rock Island. When this line gave way to the Dixon branch of the Chicago and Galena Railroad, the office was discontinued. In 1862 it was re-established, and J). H. Knowlton appointed Postmaster, who held the office until it was again discontinued in 1864. In the spring of 1876 it was re-established the second time, and L. P. Hill, the present incumbent, appointed Postmaster. The mail is now delivered by the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad.

The Wesleyan Methodists had the first religious organization in the township, but it was discontinued a number of jears ago. It is mentioned that this Society were favored with preachers of much more than ordinary talent, among them being Rev. Mr. Cross, and Rev. Mr. Goodwin. Some local preachers and laymen also officiated when the regular pastors were necessarily absent, and sometimes astonished their hearers by the doctrines taught. One, for instance, said "the doctrine of faith and repentance had become stale, so that it was necessary to present other themes for contemplation," and thereupon proceeded to deliver a regular old fashioned Anti-Slavery speech. But, notwithstanding this break, the gospel was preached in those days in all its purity and power, very little of the milk and water kind furnished so frequently now-a-days being dealt out. Such men as Phelps, Cross, Sinclair, Judson, Goodwin, Mitchell, Emerson, and Cartwright, would not have been at home in the pulpit without the privilege of dealing sledge hammer blows at all unrighteousness. The United Brethren had a standing in the township also at an early day, but like the Wesleyans have ceased to exist as an organization.

The First Presbyterian Church of Garden Plain was organized November 5, 1863, and the act of incorporation duly recorded immediately afterwards. At that time James A. Sweet, C. S. Knapp and Alexander Wilson, were chosen Trustees. This action was had by the counsel of Rev. Josiah Leonard, who presented the preamble and resolutions which formed its basis. The Society was organized, however, at a much earlier date. The first meeting for consultation was held in the school house at Garden Plain Corners, on the first of March, 1850, and was presided over by Rev. J. J. Hill, Rev. H. L. Ballen acting as Scribe. At an adjourned meeting, held March 16, 1850, Francis Parker, James Delay, Samuel M. Kilgore and Mrs. E. Zoins, agreed to unite together in the organization of a church, to be known as the First Presbyterian Church of Garden Plain. Articles of faith and a form of church covenant were then adopted, and the meeting adjourned to Saturday, March 23, 1850, at which time S. M. Kilgore was duly received as an elder, and entered upon his duties. The first sacrament of the Lord's Supper was administered by Rev. J. J. Hill, March 24, 1850. From that time to the present it appears that regular services have been held, and the ordinances of the church enjoyed, except at short intervals. Rev. W. T. Wheeler commenced his labors as stated supply in the fall of 1850, and continued regular services until the fall of 1851, when he was removed by death. Rev. J. Walker was then engaged for one half of his time, commencing December 1, 1851, continuing his labors for about one year, and was succeeded by Rev. E. K. Martin, who in turn was succeeded by Rev. W. S. Johnson. After Mr. Johnson closed his pastorate, the desk was irregularly supplied until Rev. Nathaniel Pine was employed. Mr. Pine commenced his labors in January, 1856, and continued to preach until the fall of 1857. During this period there were several additions to the church, and a good degree of interest manifested in the Sabbath School, the meetings of the Society being still held in the school house. In February, 1858, Rev. Jo.siah Leonard became pastor, and continued with slight interruptions until the fall of 1871. The church was increased in numbers, and greatly encouraged and strengthened during Mr. Leonard's pastoral charge. In April, 1869, the following entry was made in the record: " The past year there have been twenty-four additions, twenty-one of which were by profession. The church at the close of the year numbered fifty-six - four have left without letters, and two were regularly dismissed. Seventeen adults have be^n baptised." At the conclusion of the labors of Mr. Leonard, Rev. E. E. Bayliss was invited to become the pastor of the church, and accepting, entered upon his duties in October, 1871. He continued as pastor until the spring of 1874, when the change of his views on the subject of baptism caused his dismissal. After that the pulpit was in the main supplied by Rev. D. E. Wells, pastor of the Presbyterian Church in Fulton, until the middle of August, 1875, when arrangements were made for a union with the Presbyterian and Congregational Societies at Albany, for the services of Rev. N. D. Graves, onehalf of whose time should be devoted to the charge at Garden Plain, and the other half at Albany. Mr. Graves is the present pastor. It should also be stated that the names of several other clergyman appear upon the record, besides those already named, as supply for brief periods, and among them honorable mention should be made of Rev. J. Coon, of Albany, and Rev. Mr. Prime - the former officiating at different times as supply in the intervals of no regular pastoral service, and the latter as supply alternately for a year and a half. The records show the following summary: Ten elders have been ordained; whole number of members, 124; regularly dismissed. 30; died, 3; expelled, 3; dropped from the roll, 3; total number now enrolled, 80. The records also show fifty baptisms, about half of which were those of adult persons. Of the present number enrolled, several have moved away without taking letters, leaving the actual membership not far from seventy. As there is almost a total absence of any record of benevolent contributions, and of items incident to the support of preaching, it is impossible to approximate even the amounts given. Tbe church edifice is located at Garden Plain Corners, and is a neat and commodious structure. It was finished in 1870, and dedicated to the worship of God on the first Sabbath in October of that year. The whole expense in erecting and furnishing the building amounted to $3,944,96. In addition to the church edifice the Society have erected a beautiful parsonage at an expense, including the lot, of $1,750. The parsonage stands a little to the south of the church. Ample horse sheds have also been erected, which stand as witnesses of hopeful progress, and receive, as they deserve, the commendation of passers by, as well as the thanks of the horses that perform so important a service for the comfort of those who weekly visit this place of prayer and solemn convocation. The present Trustees are James Burnett, Robert R. Murphy and Andrew Stowell.

The first M. E. Church society in Garden Plain was organized about 1848, Elder Sinclair and Rev. Charles Babcock forming a class of twelve members. The Society became connected with the Albany circuit. In 1860 the church edifice was built at a cost of about $2,000. It is centrally situated in the south part of the town, is a well-finished building, and was the first church structure erected in the township. Mr. William Minta, father of the late John Minta, was the principal person who secured the erection of the building, and eonti-ibuted liberally toward its construction. It was built on his land. In 1862 the Society was transferred to the Fulton circuit, and has remained a part of that circuit until the present. Rev. W. H. Smith was then the pastor in charge of the Fulton circuit. The present pastor is Rev. J. S. David. A Sabbath-school is connected with the church. There is an M. E. Society also in the north part of the town, at Cedar creek, which is supplied by the Fulton and Albany preachers. Besides the Presbyterian and M. E. Societies, the Dunkards hold meetings in Garden Plain.

The Temperance Reform Club of Garden Plain was organized at Lockhart's school-house, in the north part of the town, April 1, 1875, with Elisha Lockhart as President, and William E. Smith, Secretary. The Club started with only fifteen members, but the number increased afterwards very rapidly. The present officers are : William Snyder, President, and V. B. Stowell, Secretary. It was here that the zealous and successful Garden Plain Missionaries, Elisha Lockhart, John W. Baker, Francis Parker, and Thomas J. Burch, organized for their work. These Missionaries started out in the spring of 1875, and visited places throughout the entire surrounding country, holding meetings in churches, school houses, or wherever they could, carrying the pledge with them, earnestly exhorting all to sign, and organizing similar Clubs to the one at Lockhart's. Their manner of work is so devoid of pretension, their addresses so pointed, fervent, and convincing, and their zeal so earnest, that they secure the signatures of hundreds to the total abstinence pledge, which otherwise could not have been obtained. Much of the good done by them becomes immediately apparent, but much of it, though none the less efi"ective, is not publicly exhibited. This latter is the case with the moderate drinkers who as yet do not show the efi'ects of liquor because of the small quantities taken, and that only at intervals, but who are saved from becoming drunkards by the influence of the Missionaries. Many a man, and many a family, blesses this noble band of men to-day for the reformation that has been caused by their labors. Unlike the majority of temperance lecturers they give their time and talents gratuitously to the great cause in which they are engaged. It is only necessary to point out to them a place where they can do good by holding a meeting, and they throw aside business and pleasure alike to attend. Such men are true reformers, and merit the encouragement of the good and pure everywhere. A Division of the Sons of Temperance was instituted at Lockhart's school house in 1875, by Dr. W. C. Snyder, who also installed the first officers.

The jNIendota branch of the Chicago, Burlington and Quincy Railroad enters the town near the southeast corner, on section twenty-five, and ends on section four, near the Mississippi river, where there is a depot to which a regular line of omnibuses run from Fulton. There is also a depot at Garden Plain Corners. The one at the latter place is a very neat structure. The Western Union Railroad enters the town in the northwest part, on section four, and following the river passes out on section nineteen. The Chicago & Northwestern Railroad also runs a short distance through the town, entering on section four, and passing down to the bridge across the Mississippi river. This bridge, commonly known as the Clinton bridge, abuts on the territory of the township of Garden Plain. The Garden Plain and Clinton ferry starts on the east side of the river, on section seventeen of the township. The Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad when first built through the town^ ran down to Cedar creek where a small depot was built. The old ferry, the first one started from Garden Plain to Clinton, and known as the Aiken ferry, was then running from that point, and upon this ferry the railroad transferred its freight and passengers to and from Clinton. It was at this point the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Company actually drove some piles in the river, and made other preparations to construct a bridge to Clinton, a few years ago. The work did not progress far, however, before it was abandoned. Whether the Company fully intended to build the bridge, or simply commenced operations to induce the Chicago & Northwestern Company to enter into an agreement allowing them to run their cars over the present bridge at Clinton, the public were never informed. It was conjectured at the time that the latter was the object in commencing the work, as the C., B. & Q. Company had made several attempts to cross the bridge, but were at each time frustrated by the vigilance of the Chicago & Northwestern people. That the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Company desire to cross the Mississippi at or near the Narrows, there can be no doubt, and we predict it will be done in the near future.

The first town meeting, after incorporation under the township organization laws, was held April 6, 1852. The following is a list of town officers from that date to the present :

On Tuesday afternoon, May 11, 1875, quite a severe tornado swept through Garden Plain, destroying considerable property, but fortunately without doing any personal injury. The storm came from the southwest, originating as near as can be ascertained in that portion of the township, and gathering strength as it progressed destroyed trees, fences, and some out-buildings, and killed hogs, cattle and poultry, until it reached the barn of Jacob Parker, part of which it completely demolished, and unroofed the balance, so that Mr. Parker was obliged to build almost entirely anew. Passing on toward the northwest it lifted the windmill on John Hudson's farm from its foundation, carried it over the fence a few yards, and then let it fall, breaking it into fragments. Mr. Parker and Mr. Hudson were also sufferers to a considerable extent in hogs, poultry, fruit and shade trees, fences, etc. Keeping its course to the northwest it carried away more trees and fences, and cut up various other pranks, until it reached Union Grove township, where it did considerable damage. Then, as if satisfied with its work, it ceased further destruction. The tornado of June 3, 1860 -which did such terrible execution at Albany, and in some other parts of the county, also passed through a portion of Garden Plain, a full description of which is given in chapter lY of this History.

Garden Plain contains 17,430 acres of improved land, 1,692 of unimproved. The Assessor's book for 1877 shows the number of horses in the township to be 676; number of cattle, 1,956; of mules and asses, 16; of sheep 373; of hogs, 3,231; carriages and wagons, 227; sewing and knitting machines, 86; watches and clocks. 205; piano fortes, 6; melodeons and organs, 25. Total value of lands, lots and personal property, $-161,432; value of railroad property, $174,676. Total assessed value of all property in 1877, $636,10.8.

The population of the township in 1870, as shown by the United States census reports of that year, was 1091, of which 905 were native born, and 186 foreign. In 1860 the population was 816. The estimated population in 1877 is 1,200.

Biographical. Charles E.. Rood is a native of Grandville, Washington county. New York, and was born July 24, 1813. He came to Whiteside county in October 1836, and settled first in Albany where he remained three 3-ears. During this time he located his present farm on section twenty-two in Garden Plain, then a part of Albany Precinct, and in the fall of 1840 went back to the East, remaining until 1844, when he returned with his wife and settled permanently in his new home. Mr. Rood was married to Miss Sarah S. Churchill at Mooers, Clinton county, New York, on the 27th of October, 1842. Mrs. Rood is a native of Champlain, Clinton county. New York, and was. born November 11, 1815. The following are the names of their children: Myra, born August 12, 1845; Albert Lawrence, born October 11,1847; Nellie, born November 12, 1848, and Julia, born March 11, 1856. Albert Lawrence died January 3d, 1848. Nellie married James Nimon, and is living in Leavenworth, Kansas. Myra and Julia are residing at home. Probably no man in Whiteside took a more prominent part in the aflfairs of the county at an early day than Mr. Rood, or was more thoroughly acquainted with its people. In 1837 he was appointed Deputy County Surveyor by Mr. Crawford, the County Surveyor of Ogle county, Whiteside being then attached to Ogle for county purposes, and in 1838 received the appointment of Deputy Sheriff from the Sheriff of Ogle county. Upon the complete organization of Whiteside in 1839 he was elected its first County Surveyor, the term being for four years, but vacated the office in 1842 during his absence at the East. Soon after his return he was appointed Deputy Surveyor for the county, and holds that position at present. Mr. Rood surveyed and laid out the towns of Harrisburg and Chatham (now Sterling), Lyndon, Albany, and a part of Fulton, and has surveyed and located most of the leading roads in the county. Besides these public surveys, his services have been very frequently in demand since he first came to the county, to make private surveys of lands, lots, and blocks. As a Surveyor he has no superior in this section of the country. His knowledge of the profes.sion, and his accuracy are unquestioned. Of township offices he has been Supervisor several terms, also Highway Commissioner, School Director and Township School Treasurer. When the Postoffice was established at Garden Plain he was the first Postmaster. He has always been an ardent friend of the Temperance cause, and as early as 1837 assisted in forming a Temperance Society in Albany, which was probably the first organization of the kind in the county. This Society was organized in the spring, and by the following June it numbered over forty mem- bers, showing that the leaders were not only zealous, but effective in their labors. Mr. Rood is the owner of one of the finest farms in Garden Plain township - a town, if we may use the expression, running over with splendid farms. The land is rolling, the soil rich and deep, and under his careful management produces abundant crops. His talent and success as an agriculturist are only equalled by those exhibited and attained in his profession. When the Order of the Patrons of Husbandry came into being he took an active part in organizing subordinate Granges, and was the first Master of the County Grange. He is at present connected with the Farmers' Co-operative Manufacturing Company, whose works are at Lyndon.

James A. Sweet was born at Fayette, Seneca county. New York, March 9, 1812, and is one of the earliest settlers of Garden Plain, arriving there on the 20th of September, 1839, and locating at Parker's Grove. He afterwards settled at his present place, at Garden Plain Corners. Mr. Sweet was married at Lyndon, Whiteside county, February 29, 1845, to Miss Judith Greenhorn, a native of Greensborough, Vermont. This estimable lady, so long and so favorably known in Garden Plain and the surrounding towns, died on the 8th of April. 1877. Her excellence as a woman, and her devotedness as a christian, had endeared her to all, and her death was widely mourned. The children of this marriage are as follows: James L., born May 14, 1847; Sarah E., born March 24, 1849; Margaret, born September 20, 1850; Hiram E., born April 16, 1852; Esther, born October 24, 1853; Edward S., born February 3, 1857; Emma, born October 5, 1861; Willie, born July 19, 1863, and Ernest, born December 10, 1866. Of these Esther died January 22, 1864, and Willie, March 20, 1865. James L. married Esther Emmons, October 19, 1869, and lives in Garden Plain; Sarah E. married Lilburn Slocumb, July 2, 1873, and lives in Kansas; Margaret married Freeman Hanna, September 20, 1872, and lives in Garden Plain; Hiram E. married Mary George, December 29, 1875, and lives in Garden Plain. Edward S., and Emma, reside at home. Mr. Sweet is one of the representative men of Whiteside county. Active, clear headed, vigilant, and of undoubted integrity, he was early selected by his fellow citizens to fill positions of public trust. In 1844 he was elected Sheriff of the county, and held the office two years. The duties of this important position were never more faithfully performed than by Mr. Sweet during his term. For nearly ten years he was Postmaster at Garden Plain, and has also been Supervisor and Assessor of the town for several terms each. He has always taken a deep interest in education, and has been a member of the School Board formany years. His residence is at Garden Plain Corners, and most of his land lies in that immediate vicinity.

David Parker was born in Wells, Rutland county, Vermont, December 12, 1811, and came with his father, Abel Parker, to Whiteside county in 1836. He was married to Miss Elizabeth Shurtleff, in Garden Plain, the children of the marriage being: Charles D., Henry L., Lizzie, and Herbert. Charles D. married Miss Amanda Sutherland, at Fulton, January 6, 1876, and lives on the old homestead at Garden Plain Corners; Henry L. is dead, and Lizzie and Herbert live at Fulton. At the death of Abel Parker, David, being the eldest son at home, took charge of the estate. He was always a careful manager, a thrifty, hard working man, and during his lifetime accumulated a large property, owning at the time of his death four hundred and eighty acres of finely cultivated farm land, and seventy-four of timber. Mr. Parker could not be induced to accept ofiice, preferring to attend strictly to his private business. He died February 10, 1875.

Isaac Crosby is a native of Shrewsbury, Worcester county, Massachusetts, and was born March 11, 1805. He came to Garden Plain, then Albany Pre- cinct, Whiteside county, in May, 1838, and settled first on the farm now owned by Mrs. S. M. Kilgore. Here he remained until 1844, when he purchased his present farm, situated on section 14, on the Albany and Morrison road, a little east of Garden Plain Corners. When he purchased the land it was all wild prairie, and the hard work of breaking it was done by himself. He has now one of the most beautiful farms in the township, and upon it one of the largest and most thrifty orchards. Mr. Crosby was married to Miss Lury B. Knowlton, at the town of Grafton, Worcester county, Massachusetts, December 2, 1830, the Rev. Otis Converse, a Baptist clergyman, tying the nuptial knot. Mrs. Crosby is also a native of Shrewsbury, Worcester county, Massachusetts, and was born January 31, 1810. There are no children to bless this union, as there ought to have been, for a more amiable couple do not reside in Whiteside county. Mr. Crosby has followed farming since his residence in this county, and has held no office, always saying, when he was solicited to accept one by his fellow-citizens, that he would rather pay a fine than be troubled with tte duties of a public position. It is needless to say that he has never been troubled in that respect, nor been called upon to pay a fine, as office-seekers and officeholders are not rare birds in any community. He states that in going from Albany to his first place on the Kilgore farm, he hitched a yoke of oxen to a tree and had it dragged there, so as to make a trail by which he could return without getting lost. For three weeks, during the year 1839, he did not see a living person, except his wife, and was on his bed sick at that. Mr. Crosby is one of the hale, genial pioneers of Whiteside county.

John W. Baker is a native of Queen Anne's county, Maryland, and was born on the 26th of April, 1812. He came to Fulton in December, 1836, being attracted thither by the glowing accounts of the wonderful Mississippi Valley, sent to him by his uncle, John Baker, the first settler in Fulton and in "VMiiteside county. These accounts were so seductive that he bid good-bye to " My Maryland," and, with his wife, three sisters, and a niece, undertook the laborious journey to the then far West. Arriving in the winter and finding only a small cabin on the Cattail creek in which to place his family and household goods, he made up his mind that " Uncle John " had drawn considerably upon his imagination when he wrote about the beauty and delights of the great Mississippi Valley. Added to his other troubles was the death of his niece during the winter, an account of which is given in the history of Fulton township. But with the advent of spring things began to look more cheerful, and it was not long before he, too, began to chant the praises of the beautiful valley. Mr. Baker was married to Miss Mary H. Wright, in Queen Anne's county, Maryland, on the 24th of December, 1833. Their children have been as follows : Annie, died in 1836, in Maryland; John T., died in Fulton, in 1843; Albert J., married, and lives at Denver, Colorado; John W., Jr., living in Oregon; Ellen, married, and living in Marshall county, Iowa; Thomas, living in California; William H., living in Utah; Edward M., Ramsay M., Mary, and Lizzie E., all living in Garden Plain. Mr. Baker remained in Fulton until 1843, when he purchased his present farm in section 11, in Garden Plain township, where he has since resided. He also owns land in sections 3 and 10 in the same township. During his residence in Fulton he was one of the Constables of the Precinct, and in Garden Plain township he has held different offices. He was elected School Director in 1845, with David Parker and David Mitchell, the three being the first School Directors of Garden Plain. Mr. Baker is one of the famous Garden Plain missionaries, and is one of the most zealous and effective temperance workers in the country.

Biographical

1839, and settled on section 33. He had a large family of children, thirteen in all, but all are dead except two sons, Dixon and Wesley, and one daughter, Julia, who are in California. Mr. and Mrs. Minta both died of consumption, as did the ten children. Those now living are afflicted with the same fell disease. When the Methodist Episcopal Church was erected in Garden Plain, Mr. Minta generously donated the land upon which it is built, besides donating freely toward its construction. He was a fervent Christian, and a man of irreproachable reputation.

Alpheus Mathews is a native of the town of Hector, Tompkins county, New York, and was born January 12, 1812. He lived at his old home until September 12, 1837, when he started for the West, and arrived in Whiteside county in October qf that year. In the spring of 1838 he commenced improving a small farm in uarden Plain, which he sold in 1844 to Joseph Snyder, and purchased his present farm on sections 2 and 11. On the 10th of November, 1839, Mr. Mathews married Miss Abyleen Bethea, in Lee county, Illinois. Their children were: Mary, born August 20, 1840; William, born March 3, 1842; Carrie, born May 27, 1843, and one who died in infancy. 3Irs. Mathews died in October, 1844. Mary married Samuel Montgomery, and died in May, 1872. Carrie married Daniel Greorge, and died in March, 1877, in Kansas. In 1846 Mr. Mathews married his second wife. Mrs. Louise Patrick. Mr. Mathews was Justice of the Peace of Garden Plain township from 1864 to 1872.

David Mitchell was born in Sciota county, Ohio, October 7, 1804, and moved from his native place to Putnam county, Illinois, in September, 1835, settling on what is called Round Prairie, six miles east of the town of Lacon, on the Illinois river. In 1838 he came to Albany, being one of the earliest settlers of that place, where he remained until he purchased his farm in Garden Plain. Mr. Mitchell married his first wife, Miss Harriet Murphy, in Sciota county, Ohio, May 31, 1827. The children by this marriage were: Thurmuthie Amanda, born May 6, 1828; Mary Jane, born December 12, 1829; William Luther, born September 23, 1831; Abraham David, born January 10. 1834. and John Calvin, born February 12, 1836. Mrs. Mitchell died December 21, 1837. On the 25th of September, 1838, Mr. Mitchell married Miss Isabella Work, his second wife, the children by this marriage being: Margaret Elizabeth, born October 19, 1842, and Martha, October 21, 1844. Of the children by the first marriage, Mary Jane died November 14, 1863, aged thirty-four years. Thurmuthie Amanda married John Hudson, at Lacon, Marshall county, Illinois, December 12, 1848, and resides in Fulton; Mary Jane married Daniel F. George, at Garden Plain, in September, 1851, and died as above mentioned. The husband and children are living in Garden Plain. William Luther married Miss Margaret E. Blean, Deceniber 13, 1859, and resides in Newton. Abraham D. married Miss Mary Murphy, at Garden Plain, December 11, 1867 and resides in Fulton. John C. married Miss Carrie Van Etten. of Sidney, Iowa, August 22, 1864, and resides in Fulton. Of the children by the second marriage, Margaret Elizabeth died August 19, 1845. Martha married Dr. Alex. Cozad, December 11, 1867, and resides at Andulasia, Rock Island county, Illinois. Mr. Mitchell died December 27, 1850, and his widow in January, 1864. During his lifetime, Mr. Mitchell took a very prominent part in the affairs of the county, being the first County Treasurer, serving from 1839 to 1841, and was afterwards for a number of years a member of the County Commissioners' Court. In both of these positions he displayed an ability of a high order, and in the latter, especially, aided very much by his clear judgment and keen foresight in placing Whiteside county in a condition to ensure the future growth and prosperity which it has attained. Such men are needed at the helm at the incipient stages of a municipality, county or commonwealtli, to steer clear of the breakers into which reckless or misguided hands are sure to run the governmental craft. Mr. Mitchell was also engaged in connection with his brother Samuel, for quite a period, in conducting the ferry between Albany and Camanche. His farm in Garden Plain was situated on section 9, on the Fulton and Albany road, and is now owned by his son, Aid. A. D. Mitchell, of Fulton. His death, occuring as it did when he was in the prime of life, was widely mourned.

Jacob Parker, Truman Parker and Francis Parker, all sons of Abel Parker, the first settler of Garden Plain, still reside in the township, and rank among its most substantial farmers and citizens. P. B. Vannest, who settled in Albany at an early day, has resided in this township for a good many years. Capt. a. M. George, Joseph Snyder, Ithamar Johnson, Dr. E. D. Stone, Richard Storer, Elisha Lockhart, Samuel Montgom^y and David Miller, are among the prominent citizens of the township.