Whiteside County, Illinois - Chapter with an unread heading (no. 23 of those read), 1877 (part 1 of 2)

Chapter with an unread heading (no. 23 of those read)

Bill of Rights - Descent op Property - Exemption Law - Limitation Law - Organization of Corporations - Fence Law - Estray Law - Weights and Measures - Marketing Products - Game Law - Fish Law.

In this chapter will be found the "Bill of Rights" contained in article one of the Constitution of the State, together with as many laws of special importance to the people as can be given in this work. They have been carefully abstracted by L. Gr. Johnson, Esq., a member of the Bar of Whiteside county, and can be relied upon for their accuracy at the present time:

Sec. 1. All men are by nature free and independent, and have certain inherent and'inalienable rights - among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. To secure these rights and the protection of property, governments are instituted among men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed.

2 3. The free exercise and enjoyment of religious profession and worship, without discrimination, shall forever be guaranteed; and no person shall be denied any civil or political right, privilege or capacity, on account of his religious opinions; but the liberty of conscience hereby secured shall not be construed to dispense with oaths or affirmations, excuse acts of licentiousness, or justify practices inconsistent with the peace or safety of the State. No person shall be required to attend or support any ministry or place of worship against his consent, nor shall any preference be given by law to any religious denomination or mode of worship.

§ 4. Every person may freely speak, write and publish on all subjects, being responsible for the abuse of that liberty; and in all trials for libel, both civil and criminal, the truth, when published with good motives and for justifiable ends, shall be a sufficient defense.

§ 5. The right of trial by jury as heretofore enjoyed, shall remain inviolate; but the trial of civil cases before justices of the peace by a jury of less than twelve men may be authorized by law.

§ 6. The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated; and no warrant shall issue without probable cause, supported by affidavit, particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized.

§ 7. All persons shall be bailable by sufficient sureties, except for capital offenses, where the proof is evident or the- presumption great; and the privilege of the writ of habeas coiyus shall not be suspended, unless when in cases of rebellion or invasion the public safety may require it.

? 8. No person shall be held to answer for a criminal offence, unless on indictment of a grand jury, except in cases in which the punishment is by fine.

or imprisonment otherwise than in the penitentiary, in cases of impeachment, and in cases arising in the army and navy, or in the militia, when in actual service in time of war or public danger; Provided, that the grand jury may be abolished by law in all cases.

19. In all criminal prosecutions the accused shall have the right to appear and defend in person and by counsel, to demand the nature and cause of the accusation and to have a copy thereof, to meet the witnesses face to face, and to have process to compel the attendance of witnesses in his behalf, and a speedy public trial by an impartial jury of the county or district in which the* offense is alleged to have been committed.

§ 11. All penalties shall be proportioned to the nature of the offence, and no conviction shall work corruption of blood or forfeiture of estate, nor shall any person be transported out of the State for any offence committed within the same.

I 12. No person shall be imprisoned for debt, unless upon refusal to deliver up his estate for the benefit of his creditors, in such manner as shall be prescribed by law, or in cases where there is strong presumption of fraud.

^ 13. Private property shall not be taken or damaged for public use without just compensation. Such compensation, when not made by the State, shall be ascertained by a jury, as shall be prescribed by law. The fee of land taken for railroad tracks, without consent of the owners thereof, shall remain in such owners, subject to the use for which it is taken.

I 14. No ex post facto law, or law impairing the obligation of contracts, or making any irrevocable grant of special privileges or immunities, shall be

I 16. The soldier shall not, in time of peace, be quartered in any house without the consent of the owner; nor in time of war, except in the manner prescribed by law.

l\1. The people have a right to assemble in a peaceable manner to consult for the common good, to make known their opinions to their representatives, and to apply for redress of grievances.

§ 19. Every person ought to find a certain remedy in the laws for all injuries and wrongs which he may receive in his person, property or reputation; he ought to obtain, by law, right and justice freely, and without being obliged to purchase it, completely and without denial, promptly and without delay.

'i 20. A frequent recurrence to the fundamental principles of civil government is absolutely necessary to preserve the blessings of liberty.

By the revised Statutes of 1874, estates, both real and personal, of resident and non-resident proprietors in this State dying intestate, after payment of debts descend as follows:

To his or her children and their descendants in equal parts; the descendants of the deceased child or grand-child taking the share of their deceased parents in equal parts among them.

When there is no child or descendant of such child, no widow or husband, then to the parents, brothers and sisters of such intestate, and their descendants in equal parts, allowing to each of the parents, if living, a child's part, or to the

Abstract Of Laws

When there is a widow or surviving husband, and no child or children, or descendants of a child or children, then one half of the real estate and the whole of the personal estate shall descend to such widow or surviving husband, as an absolute estate forever.

When there is a widow or husband surviving, and also a child or children or descendants, then such widow or husband takes one-third of all the personal estate absolutely.

If there be no widow, husband, child or children, parent, brother or sister, or descendant of either, then the estate descends to the next of kin to the intestate, in equal degree (computing by the rules of the civil law). There is no representation among collaterals except with descendants of brothers and sisters, and there is no distinction between the kindred of the whole and half blood.

If there be a widow or husband, and no kindred, such survivor takes the whole estate. If there be no kindred, and no widow or husband, the estate shall escheat to the State.

Illegitimate children inherit from the mother and any maternal ancestor, and any person of whom the mother might have inherited if living. The lawful issue of an illegitimate person shall represent such person, and take by descent any estate which the parent would have taken if living.

A posthumous child of an intestate shall receive its just proportion of its ancestor's estate, in all respects the same as if born in the life-time of its father

Homestead: - Every householder having a family in this State is entitled to a homestead to the extent of one thousand dollars in the farm, or lot of land, and buildings thereon, owned or possessed and occupied as a residence, which is exempt from attachment, judgment, levy or execution, sale for the payment of debts or other purposes, and from the laws of conveyance, descent and devise. Such exemption continues after the death of such householder for the benefit of the surviving husband or wife, so long as the same continues to be occupied as a homestead, and for the benefit of the children, until the youngest child becomes twenty-one years of age. In case of the desertion of either husband or wife the exemption continues for the benefit of the one occupying the premises. The homestead is not exempt from taxation or from debts for the purchase or improvement thereof. The proceeds arising from a sale of the homestead to the amount of one thousand dollars is exempt for one year from the receipt thereof, and when re-invested in a homestead is exempt, as in the original homestead.

The necessary wearing apparel, bibles, school books and family pictures of every person, and one hundred dollars worth of other property, to be selected by the debtor. When the debtor is the head of a family, and resides with the same, three hundred dollars worth of other property, to be selected by the debtor. Such selection cannot be made from any money due the debtor from any person, persons or corporation.

In order to avail himself of the benefit of the exemption law the debtor is required to schedule all his personal property of any kind and description, including all debts due him, and money on hand, and deliver such schedule to the ofl&cer having the execution, writ of attachment, or distress warrant. In case the head of the family die, desert, or fail to reside with the same, the family is

Nothing, however, is exempt from attachment or execution where the foundation of the writ is the wages of a laborer or servant. If any officer shall seize exempt property, on execution or other process, such officer is liable to the party injured for double the value of the property so illegally taken, to be recovered in an action of trespass, with costs.

The following actions can only be commenced within the periods hereafter specified, except in cases where a different limitation is prescribed by Statute:

Actions for damages for injury to the person for false imprisonment or malicious prosecution, or for a statutory penalty, for abductioU; for seduction, or for criminal conversation, within two years.

Actions on unwritten contracts, expressed or implied, or on awards or arbitrations, or to recover damages for an injury done to property - real or personal, or to recover the possession of personal property or damages for the detention or conversion thereof, and all civil actions not otherwise provided for, within five years.

Actions on bonds, promissory notes, bills of exchange, written leases, written contracts, or other evidences of indebtedness in writing, within ten years. Any new promise or payment takes the case out of the statute, and it begins to run again from the date of such payment or promise. The statute does not run during absence from the State of the promisor or obligor.

When a cause of action has arisen in a State or territory out of this State, or in a foreign country, and by the laws thereof an action can not be maintained by reason of the lapse of time, an action thereon can not be maintained in this State.

Persons under age or disability are allowed two years within which to bring their actions after arriving at full age, or after the disability is removed.

If a person liable to an action fraudulently conceals the cause of such action from the knowledge of the person entitled thereto, the action may be commenced at any time within five years after the person entitled to bring the same discovers that he has such cause of action.

Any three or more persons, citizens of the United States, may make, sign and acknowledge before any person authorized by law to take acknowledgments of deeds in this State, and file in the office of the Secretary of State, a certificate in writing, stating the name or title by which such corporation, society or association shall be known in law, the particular business and object for which it is formed, and the number of its trustees, directors or managers selected for the first year of its existence. When such certificate is filed, the Secretary of State will issue a certificate of organization, which is then to be filed with the Recorder of Deeds of the county where such corporation, society or association is located. When thus organized, such corporation, society or association, can sue and be sued, take and hold real and personal property, may make and enforce contracts in relation to the legitimate business of the corporation, may have and use a common seal, and make all by-laws for the government of such corporation not inconsistent with the constitution or any law of the State, or United States.

Religious Corporations: - Any church, congregation or society formed for the purpose of religious worship, may become incorporated in the manner following:

By electing or appointing, at any meeting held for that purpose, two or more of its members as trustees, wardens, or vestrymen, and adopting a corporate name, and upon filing an affidavit by the chairman or secretary of such meeting with the Kecorder of Deeds of the county in which such congregation or society is organized, in the following form: on the day of A. D. iS , for that purpose, the following- persons were elected (or appointed) trustees, etc., according to the rules and usages of such ; And such

Such church, society or congregation shall then be deemed organized. The by-laws or rules of such society may determine the term of service of the trustees, and failure to elect does not work a dissolution of the organization. Such society, church or congregation, may acquire by gift, or purchase, real estate not to exceed ten acres, may lay out and maintain thereon a burying ground, and may erect such buildings as are deemed necessary for the comfort and convenience of such society. Societies so organized may take and hold real estate not to exceed forty acres for camp-meeting purposes.

In counties under township organization in this State, the Assessor and Commissioners of Highways are fence viewers ex officio of their respective towns.

A lawful fence is four and one half feet high, in good repair, made either of rails, timber, boards, stone, or hedges, or anything that the fence viewers shall deem equivalent thereto.

Where two persons own lands adjoining, each is required to make and maintain a just proportion of the division fence, unless the owner of either adjoining lands shall choose to let such land lie open. If, however, such owner shall afterwards desire to enclose his tract, he is liable to contribute a just proportion of the value of any division fence then existing. The value of such fence is ascertained by two fence viewers of the town, who also are by law constituted a tribunal to settle disputes between adjoining owners as to the proportion of fence to be made and maintained by each. The viewers are selected by each party choosing one; in case they cannot agree, the two chosen select a third, the decision of any two being final. The decision of the fence viewers must be reduced to writing and filed in the office of the Town Clerk. In case the party liable shall neglect to repair or make his proportion of the division fence, the party aggrieved may construct or jepair the same at the expense of the party liable, first giving, in case of erecting a new fence, 60 days' notice, and in case of repairing, 10 days' notice. When a division fence is injured or destroyed, the party liable to its maintenance is required to repair the same within 10 days; any person interested may make such requisition. In case of refusal or neglect, any injured party may make or repair the same at the expense of the party liable. Division fences can be removed in case an adjoining owner shall desire to let his land lie open; but one year's notice must be given of such intention; if

Fence viewers are authorized to examine witnesses, and may administer oaths and subpoena witnesses upon any question submitted to them. They are entitled to one dollar and fifty cents a day each for the. time necessarily spent on any matter submitted to them.

Horses, mules, asses, cattle, swine, sheep, or goats, found straying at any time during the year in counties where such animals are not allowed to run at large, or between the last day of October and the fifteenth day of April in other counties, the owner thereof being unknown, may be taken up. Estrays may be taken up only by a householder in the county where the estray is found, and not unless such astray is upon or about his farm, or place of residence. The estray must not be used until after advertising. Within five days after the taking up of an estray. notices must be posted in three public places in the town; the notice must give the residence of the taker up, and a particular description of the estray - its age, color, and marks natural and artificial, as near as may be, and stating before what Justice of the Peace of the town, in not less than ten nor more than fifteen days, he will apply to have such estray appraised. The notice must be recorded with the Town Clerk, in the "Town Estray Book."' On the day fixed in the notice the estray is appraised before the Justice by appraisers appointed for that purpose. The appraisement is by the Justice noted in his docket, and if the value of the estray exceeds twenty dollars, the Justice must within ten days forward to the Clerk of the county a certificate stating the description of the estray, the name and residence of the taker up, and the value of said estray; this is entered in the "Estray Book." The County Clerk then publishes an estray notice for three successive weeks in a newspaper published in the county, and also causes three copies to be posted in three public places in the county. If the estray is not claimed within one year, if it be a horse, mule, ass, or head of cattle, or within three months if it be a sheep, goat, or swine, the same is sold at public sale after giving twenty days' notice. From the proceeds is deducted the costs, and reasonable compensation for keeping such estray; the balance is deposited with the County Treasurer, and may be reclaimed by the owner of the estray at any time within three years.

Lost Goods, Money, Etc. If any person or persons shall hereafter find any lost goods, moneys, bank notes or other choses in action, of any description whatever, of the value of $5 and upwards, it shall be the duty of such person or persons to inform the owner thereof, if known, and to make restitution of the same without any compensation whatever, except the same shall be voluntarily given on the part of the owner; but if the owner be unknown, such person or persons shall, within five days after such finding as aforesaid, take such goods, money, bank notes or other choses in action, before some Justice of the Peace of the proper county and make affidavit of the description thereof, the time and place, when and where the same was found, that no alteration has been made in the appearance thereof since the finding of the same, whereupon the Justice shall enter a description of the property thus found and the value thereof as near as he can ascertain, in his estray book, together with the affidavit of the finder, to be taken as aforesaid, and shall also within ten days after the said proceedings shall have been entered in his estray book as aforesaid, transmit to the County Clerk a certified copy thereof, to be by him recorded in his estray book and to file the same in his office.

In all cases where such lost goods, money, bank notes, or other choses in action shall not exceed the sum of $15 in value, it shall be the duty of the finder to advertise the same on the door of the court house and in three other of the most public places in the county, and if no person shall appear to claim and prove such money, goods, bank notes or other choses in action within twelve months from the time of advertisement, the right to such property where the same shall consist in goods, money or bank notes shall be vested in the finder; but if the value thereof shall exceed the sum of $15 it shall be the duty of the County Clerk within twenty days from the time of the reception of the Justice' said certificate at his office, to cause an advertisement to be posted upon the court house door and in three other of the most public places in the county, and also a notice thereof to be published for three weeks successively in some public newspaper printed in this State; and if the said goods, money, bank notes or other choses in action be not reclaimed within six months after the advertisement thereof as aforesaid, it shall be the duty of the finder, if the property shall consist in money or bank notes, to deliver the same to the County Treasurer after deducting the necessary expenses hereinafter provided for; and if in bonds, bills, notes of hand, patents, deeds of conveyance, articles of apprenticeship, mortgages, or other instruments of value, the same shall be delivered to the County Clerk to be preserved in his office for the benefit of the owner, whenever legal application shall be made therefor. If in goods, wares or merchandise, the same shall be delivered to the Sheriff of the county, who shall thereupon proceed to sell the same at public auction to the highest bidder, for ready money, having first given ten days' notice of the time and place of sale; and the proceeds of all such sales, after deducting the cost and other expenses, shall be paid into the county treasury.

Weights and Measures. In this State, when any of the following articles are contracted for, sold, or delivered, and no special contract or agreement shall be made to the contrary, the weight is as follows:

The Secretary of State is ex officio State sealer of weights and measures, and the County Clerk is ex officio sealer of weights and measures in his county.

Contracts, hereafter to be executed, made within this State for any work to be done, or for any thing to be sold, delivered, done or agreed for by weight or measure, shall be taken and construed to be made according to the standard weight or measure ascertained as above.

Marketing Products. Every farmer, fruit and vine grower, and gardener, shall have an undisputed right to sell the produce of his farm, orchard, vineyard and garden, in any place or market where such articles are usually sold, and in any quantity he may think proper, without paying any state, county or city tax or license for doing so, any law, city or town ordinance to the contrary notwithstanding. Corporate authorities may prohibit the obstruction of streets or alleys for any such purpose, and this law does not authorize the sale of spirituous, vinous or malt liquors contrary to law prohibiting the sale thereof.

Game Law. Between the fifteenth day of January and the first day of September, in every year, it is unlawful for any person to kill, trap, net, ensnare, or destroy any prairie hen or wood-cock. Any deer, fawn, wild turkey, partridge or pheasant, between the first day of February and the first day of October; or any quail between the first day of February and the first day of November; or any wild goose, duck, snipe, brant or other water fowl between the first day of May and the fifteenth day of August. No person, not a resident of the State, shall at any time kill, net, trap or ensnare any of the above enumerated species of game for the purpose of selling, marketing or removing the same outside of this State. Any violation of the game law is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of not less than five dollars nor more than twenty-five dollars for each and every separate bird or animal unlawfully killed or destroyed. The ofi'ender shall stand committed to the county jail, until the fine imposed on conviction is paid, provided that the imprisonment shall not exceed ten days. It is also unlawful to sell or expose for sale any of the above enumerated animals or fowls after the expiration of five days next succeeding the first day of the period in which it shall be unlawful to kill or destroy such animals, wild fowls or birds. The penalty for violation is the same as above. Taxidermists are exempted from the operation of this law when the animal, wild fowl or bird is killed for preservation in either a public or private collection.

No person shall hereafter place or erect any dam, seine, net, weir, fish dam or other obstruction, in or across any of its rivers, creeks, streams, ponds, lakes, sloughs or bayoasor other water courses in this State in such manner as shall hinder or obstruct the free passage of fish up or down or through such water course. It is also unlawful to use a seine or net for catching fish (except minnows,) the meshes of which are less than one and one half inches. Violators of this law are arrested on complaint and warrant; and dealt with in a summary manner. The penalty for violation is for the first oflFense a fine of not less than ten or more than fifty dollars; for the second or any subsequent oft'ense, the fine may be increased to $100. Execution issues on such judgment for fine; if returned "not satisfied," a warrant for the commitment of the defendant issues, and he is liable to incarceration for a period of not less than ten or more than sixty days in the county jail.

Dams erected according to law for the purpose of navigation, or running mills or other machinery, are alloAved. Upon dams hereafter erected, fish-ways must be provided in such a manner as to allow the free passage of fish up or down the stream.

Supplement Precinct Organization

When the article on Precincts which appears on pages 55, 56 and 57 of this volume, was written, \ve had procured copies of all the records in relation to them then known to exist, but since that time we have been fortunate enough to find in the County Clerk's office of this county, while searching for other old documents, the proceedings of the March, June and September terms of 1837 and 1838, of the Ogle County Commissioners' Court, in which the names and boundaries of the Precincts in Whiteside county are given - Whiteside being then attached to Ogle for judicial purposes. It was supposed that all the proceedings in relation to Whiteside had been destroyed with the other records at the time the Ogle County Clerk's office was burned, but these had fortunately been secured by the Commissioners of Whiteside county, but not filed, and by that means escaped the attention of the Publisher of this work. Below we give the names and boundaries of the Precincts as originally laid down by the Ogle County Commissioners, as they should have appeared after the word "follows" in the eleventh paragraph, page 56 of this volume:

Albany Precinct, bounded as follows: Beginning at the mouth of the Meredocia, and thence running east through the center of the Meredocia and to continue in an easterly line until within one mile of the east line of range 4, east of the 4th Principal Meridian; thence north on the north line of township 22 north; thence west to the Mississippi river, and thence down the river to the place of beginning.

Elkhorn Precinct, beginning one mile west of the northwest corner of Township 20 north; thence east along the north line of said township to the northeast corner of township 22; thence west along the north line of township 22 one mile west of range 5, and thence south to the place of beginning.

Little Rock Precinct, beginning at the southeast corner of Albany Precinct; thence running up Rock river to the south line of township 20; thence east to the east line of the county; thence along said county line to the north line of township 20; thence west along said line to the northeast corner of Albany Precinct, and thence south to the place of beginning.

At the March term, 1838, of the Ogle County Commissioners' Court a petition was received from citizens of Albany Precinct asking that it be divided, and an order was accordingly made establishing a Precinct to be called Fulton Precinct, which embraced all of township 22 north, ranges 3 and 4 east of the

At the same term of the County Commissioners' Court an order was entered that Little Rock Precinct be more definitely bounded as follows: All the territory north of Rock river, and south of Albany and Elkhorn Precincts.

It was also ordered that the name of Portland Precinct be changed to that of Prophetstown, and be more definitely bounded as follows: embracing all the territory in Whiteside county south of Rock river.

At the same term of Court a petition was received signed by sixty citizens of Elkhorn Precinct, in Whiteside county, asking for the formation of a new Precinct to be called G-enesee. The action upon the petition was favorable, and an order entered establishing Genesee Precinct, with the following boundaries: Commencing at the northeast corner of township 22 north, range 6 east of the 4th Principal Meridian; running thence south on the township line six miles; thence west nine miles to the southwest corner of section 34, township 23 north, range 5 east of the 4th Principal Meridian; thence north to the north line of said township, and thence east on the township line to the place of beginning. Elections to be held at the house of Wing & Fowler.

A petition was also presented at the same time from sixty-seven citizens of Elkhorn Precinct asking for the formation of another new Precinct from it, to be called Union Precinct, which was likewise favorably acted upon, and an order made establishing it, with the following boundaries: Beginning one mile west of the southwest corner of township 21 north, range 5 east of the 4th Principal Meridian; thence north along said section line to the north line of township 21 north; thence east one mile; thence north six miles; thence east to the middle of range 5 east; thence south along said section line to the south line of township 21 north, and thence west along said line to the place of beginning. Elections to be held at the house of Jonathan Haines.

Old Settlers' Association

In our article on the Old Settlers' Association which appears on page 100 and 101 of this volume, the facts as to its organization, etc., were obtained from several of those present, but as they had to rely entirely on memory, the data were not as full and accurate as we could have desired. We had searched through the files of the newspapers published at that time, but owing to missing numbers, were unable to find the account of the prodeedings. Since then, however, we have obtained them through the kindness of Dr. L. S. Pennington, who had preserved them in slips cut from the Sterling Gazette at the time of publication. The meeting was held on Washington's birthday, February 22, 1858. We give below the account as it then appeared:

"At an early hour in the day, the 'Old Settlers' began to gather at the Wallace House in Sterling. The morning train brought delegations from the western part of the county, and before the hour appointed for meeting, several hundred had assembled. Large numbers came by teams from the surrounding country. Conspicuous among the delegations was that from Jordan, made up of the Coe family - the most numerous family in the county, as well as among its 'oldest' and most respected citizens. Their outfit consisted of a large sleigh, with canvas cover, camp kettles, and all the paraphernalia of the 'Western emigrant,' drawn by six large horses, geared with the old-fashioned Pennsylvania harness, with saddle and driver on the nigh wheel horse. At about four o'clock P. M., a preliminary organization was affected at the Wallace House, at which John Stakes, of Prophetstown, was chosen president of the meeting, and Simeon M. Coe, of Jordan, was chosen secretary. After this the assembly repaired to Wallace Hall, under the direction of Col. E. Seely, of Portland, marshal of the day. Nelson Mason, as Chairman of the Committee of Arrangements, presided, and Col. K L. Wilson acted as Secretary.

The following Old Settlers reported themselves, many of them with their wives and families, together with the date of their location in the county:

The audience was then called to order by Col. Seely, who made a brief statement of the objects of the meeting - that it was for the purpose of having a re-union of the "Old Settlers' of Whiteside County," renewing their early acquaintance, and holding a general social visit, and to accomplish this in the most effectual manner, he recommended that the audience mingle together as their tastes and inclinations might dictate, until the hour appointed for the supper. Upon this suggestion, evei-y individual present seemed to act with the greatest good feeling and cordiality. There was a general greeting and shaking of hands - renewing old acquaintance, reciting reminiscences - laughing, talking and chatting. Years of pioneer life were lived over again. Recollections of hardships, privations, hair-breadth escapes, were awakened; the almost magic development of the country - from the rude and isolated cabin and wide expanse of unsettled and unclaimed prairie, to the city and villgge, with their evidences of civilization, the church and school houses; the thousands of farm houses and well improved farms dotting the whole surface, where no hand of industry had ever stirred the soil; the railroad, the manufactory; the commerce of our lakes and rivers were talked about by middle-aged men and women, who had witnessed these great changes, and had labored to bring them about.

At about 5-|- o'clock a procession was formed, directed by the Marshal, which marched to the dining-room of the Wallace House. About four hundred were seated at the tables. A benediction was pronounced by Rev. E. Erskine, after which the bounties provided by McCune was discussed in a most hearty manner. Ample provision had been made for the large number present, and they were served in a style that elicited unqualified commendation.

In the meantime the hall had been lighted and fitted for the reception of the large audience that assembled to listen to the sentiments and responses. One hundred and sixteen lights, including the gas burners, had been arranged in a most eifective manner, giving to this large and splendid hall a truly brilliant appearance.

After the audience had become seated. Col. Seely, introduced, as the first settlers of Whiteside county now living, Mr. John W. Stakes and family of Prophetstown. Also, as the first born male child, Mr. Wm. Tell Hopkins of Como, now about twenty-two years of age, and first female child, Mrs. Wm. Wright of Morrison, daughter of John W. Stakes. Their appearance on the speaker's stand was greeted with much enthusiasm.

County of Whiteside, - Responded to by Col. E. Seely, of Portland. - The Col. stated that he located in Whiteside County in the year 1836. That the first county election was held in August of the same year and that about thirty votes were cast. The only roads then in existence were the trails of the Indians, and the only evidences of civilization, was here and there a log cabin. Although there were many hardships and privations, there was much hospitality and good feeling among the settlers. He spoke of the present position of the county and its future destiny, and concluded with an amusing anecdote.

The Town of Union Grove. - Responded to by Henry Boycr. Mr. B. stated that he located and made the claim on which he now lives, in what is now the township of Union Grove, in the year 1836. The population then comprised two families; it now numbers about 10 or 1200 inhabitants. There are in the town three churches, four school houses and schools, attended by about one hundred and fifty scholars. He spoke of numerous improvements - the hydraulic power, supply of timber, which is adequate to all reasonable wants, the excellent quality of the soil, and the abundant resources of the township to sustain a large and prosperous population.

The Town of Lymlon. - Responded to by R. G. Clendenin. Mr. C. said that this town was first settled in 1835, by A R. Hamilton, Wm. D. Dudlej and Chauncy G. Woodruff. They endured the hardships incident to the settlement of a new country. The town was noted for the steady habits of its people, and for their devotion to the cause of education and good morals.

Garden Plain. - Responded to by James A. Sweet. Mr. S. stated that he was the only representative of his town present; that the town of Garden Plain was first settled in the year 1836 by Abel Parker; its present population is five hundred; it has four schools, with an average attendance at each of about forty scholars. The township is second to none in point of its advantages.

The Toion of Jordan. - Responded to by Dr. L. S. Pennington. The Dr. spoke of the appropriateness of the time - the birth day of the Father of our

Country - for the early settlors to gather together and recount the incidents of the first settlement of Whiteside county. He said that the town of Jordan was first settled in the year 1835, by Simeon M. Coe, who built the first l»ousc. It was constructed of logs - rough in its exterior, but there was abundant liospitality within. James Talbot was the next settler, who broke the first prairie in the township. Joseph M. Wilson commenced the construction of a flouring mill in 1835, which was completed the next year. This was built of logs and has long since given place to the mill now well known as "Wilson's Mills." The next building was erected by S. M. Coe and the first store was opened by John Brookie in the year 1837. This town has increased in population and wealth, slowly but surely. Its soil is good, it is well watered and supplied with an abundance of stone. The present population number about one thousand. But twelve deaths have occurred in the township since its first settlement, indicating remarkable heathfulness. There are six schools and school houses. No grog shop or saloon desecrates its soil. In conclusion he said ''that our Jordan is not the Jordan of the Canaan of old, yet we trust at no distant day, when science and industry shall have developed her resources, it will be equally celebrated, for her vines and her fruits - for her milk and her honey."

The Toion of /'or^/a^f?. - Responded to by P. B. Besse. Mr. B. stated that the first settlement of the town of Portland was made in June of 1834, and that the first prairie was broken in the August following. The first election was held at the house of Asa Crook, at which he acted as Clerk. Twelve votes were cast. The town contains the largest amount of timber land of any town in the county. There are nine schools and school houses in the township.

The Town of Frophetstown: - Jles^onded to by Mr. Nichols. Mr. N. claimed that Prophetstown is second to none in the county for its agricultural resources. Its educational and religious advantages will compare favorably. It was the site of an old Indian village, where the chief, Prophet, had lived. The town is justly celebrated for the enterprise of its males and the beauty of its females. The Totcn of Sterling: - Responded to by Nelson Mason as follows: "I came to the town of Sterling in the fall of 1836, in company with John D. Barnett. I found John Chapman and Wright Murphy living in the cabin now on the farm of Capt. Woodburn. Here I spent my first night on Rock river. The first thing that attracted my attention as I left the cabin door in the morning, was a prairie wolf. We stood looking at each other a short time and parted, each taking his own path. The next attraction was on the bank of the river, at the rapids; there were the remains of the wigwams of the Indian, and great quantities of fish bones, indicating that the aborigines had but recently given place to the white man, and that Rock river afforded an abundance of fish. At the head of the rapids I found three families, H. Brink, E. AVorthington, and S. Gear. I spent two or three days with my new friends very agreeably. The county was very sparsely settled, but I found the people very hospitable and kind. Mr. H. Brink was the man who built the first cabin; broke the first prairie, and raised the first corn in the town of Sterling. I left for a few days - going to Savanna - and on my return came in by Gap Grove. When I reached the height of land above where 3Ir. Wetherbee now resides, and took a view of the beautiful landscape before me. with Rock river on my left, the Elkhorn on my right, skirted with timber, with nothing but nature's adorning, I gazed upon it with wonder and astonishment. And that fair land is now the township of Sterling. Since that time I have traveled north and south, east and west, and have yet to see a more beautiful spot. Late that fall J. D. Barnett and myself opened the first store in the town of Sterling; the nearest Postoffice to us i\t that time was Dixon. We applied for one in Sterling in the spring of 1837; it was granted; J. D. Barnett was appointed P. M., and I had the contract for carrying the mail. In the spring of that year there was considerable emigration, and in May we formed ourselves into an association, which had for its object the protection of individual claims on government lands. This Association continued until August, 1841, when our lands came into market. Let us contrast what it was then with what it is now: Then, a man with a family of five or six had to grind all his grain in a coflfee mill, or boil it whole. Now, our mills send 1400 barrels of flour to market every week, and supply all home demands. Then we had to import most of our breadstuffs; now we will ship from our depot over two millions of bushels of wheat, or its equivalent in flour, during the present season. Then we wei-e glad to see or hear of a log cabin being erected; during the last year over two hundred thousand dollars have been expended in improvements in our city. Then we had neither churches, schools, or clergymen; now we have four churches, as many clergymen, and six schools. Then we had no newspaper printed nearer than Chicago or Peoria; now we have two weekly newspapers, ably conducted and well sustained. What will it be when all her natural resources are developed, her vast water power improved, and her beautiful prairie all in the highest state of cultivation? What will the hardy pioneers and their intelligent and industrious sons and daughters do for Sterling during the next twenty years? They stood shoulder to shoulder and braved the hardships of a new country without a murmur, and your wives, few in number, who would leave their good, comfortable homes, and endure all the privations and inconveniences incident to a pioneer life, with cheerful countenances and encouraging words, I am glad to meet them here on this occasion. What, I say, will such a people do for Sterling the next twenty years, requires not the tongue of a prophet to tell."

The Town of Coloma: - Responded to by Frank Gushing. Mr. C. commenced by referring to the location of Coloma on the 'other side of Jordan,' opposite Sterling, on Rock riyer. It is a small town, settled by honest men. The first settlement was made in the year 1836, by Isaac Merrill, A. R. Whitney, now of Franklin Grove, and Mr. Atkins. He claimed for Coloma unrivalled agricultural facilities. Her sand banks furnished Sterling her sand with which to cement together her brick blocks; her stone quarries furnished Prophetstown with stone for the foundation of their houses, and her prairies supplied the whole surrounding country with hay. He suggested that one day in each year be set apart for a re-union of the 'old settlers' of Whiteside county.

The Town of Hume. - Responded to by Chas. Wright, Esq. Mr. Wright spoke for several minutes in a most happy and pleasant manner. We should be pleased to give a more extended sketch of his remarks, but have not the notes from which to write it. He closed by oflFering the following sentiment: - "As Jacob of old loved Benjamin above all his sons, because he was youngest, 80 may the Town of Hume, being the youngest of nineteen sisters, stand highest in the estimation of old Father Whiteside."

T/ie Toicn of Eric. - Responded to by S. 1). Carr. Mr. Carr said that he located at Erie in 1836. There was then but one house, built and occupied by Orville Brooks. Peter Guile, David Hunt and L. 1). Crandall were among the first settlers. The town now contains from three to five hundred inhabitants. It is well timbered - has coal beds near at hand, and what is not usual in the northwest - the wells and springs afi"ord abundant supplies of pure fresh water. He spoke of the flourishing condition of the schools, the industry and good morals of the inhabitants.

Supplement 515

The Toiim of Clyde. - Responded to by Samuel Currie. Mr. Carrie remarked that he was not the oldest settler of Clyde and was not prepared to make a statement of its early settlement. He thought the first settlement was made by Messrs. Wing and Baker. The township contains four schools, which are well attended. He spoke of the good morals of its inhabitants and of the wealth and fertility of its soil.

The Town of Mt. Pleasant. - Responded to by H. A. John.son, Esq. Mr. Johnson did not claim to be an old resident of the County, and was included in the invitation for the reason that his wife, a daughter of Royal Jacobs, was among its first settlers. He was not familiar with the early history of the town of Mt. Pleasant, but could say much in praise of her many advantages. Her soil is unsurpassed for its fertility, there is an abundance of timber, and excellent manufacturing facilities. He also spoke eloquently of the character of the inhabitants, their educational and religious advantages, and the future prospects of the town.

The First Settler of Whiteside Cotinty. - Responded to by John W. Stakes. Mr. Stakes stated that he wished to correct a wrong impression. There is a lady present - the wife of P. B. Besse - who had resided in the county longer than he had, and consequently is the oldest settler now living in Whiteside county. Her father settled here in May, 1834. At the time he came here, the county was a wild waste, inhabited only by roving Indians. He procured the first provisions for his family - flour and groceries - at Peoria, and packed them eighty miles on a horse, following an Indian trail. There was no store nearer than Galena, and Rock Island was an Indian trading post. He rejoiced to recognize here so many faces that he had seen in earlier days.

The Hardships of the Early Settlers, and the Secret of their Success. - Responded to by Col. R. L. Wilson, as follows: "In the land of our nativity, surrounded by kind friends, schools, churches, and the scenes of our childhood, why are we not content? Many causes contribute to alienate our att'ections, and offer a compensation for the privations incident to the life of the pioneer. Some are prompted by curiosity, and a love for the romantic grandeur of nature; but the largest portion seek retirement on the frontier for the purpose of bettering themselves and families. They can there obtain a home that they can call their own; although it may be a log cabin, it is still 'sweet home.' When we have fully made up our minds to emigrate, the work is almost done. All that remains is to 'wait for the wagon,' and we 'take a ride' to our future home in the West. The wagon box serves for a house - being at once the parlor, the kitchen, and the pantry - a place for everything. We finally arrive at our claim, and then comes the raising of log cabins, on which occasion every pioneer within twenty miles is on hand. By and by a school house and church are wanted; and if, in the West the husband is not able to assist in building the school house and church, and he may not yet have paid his last payment so as to relieve his home from the Shylock's Trust Deed, his wife calls a meeting of the ladies, when the work is done; for who ever heard of an enterprise failing when pioneer ladies undertook it. The secret of the success of the pioneer is explained by his determination to leave his loved home, to endure the privations of the journey, the discomforts of the log cabin, the want of suitable food and clothing, the absence of schools and churches, and the recollection of dear ones who 'miss them at home.' The man or woman who encounters all these privations, with the fever and ague of the early days, will succeed anywhere and

The Hospitality of the Early Settlers. - Responded to by Marcus L. Coe. Mr. Coe said that "nowhere does the stranger meet with a more hearty welcome than with the -old Pioneer.' To his 'corn dodger,' or 'roast turkey,' you are alike welcome and will ever be greeted, with a hearty 'I reckon.' His 'latch string is always out.' 'Old Settlers,' may their corn and bacon always equal their hospitality."

Teachings incident to the Early Settlement of a Kew Country - the Pioneer Baby of Ste7-ling. - Responded to by Col. Hugh Wallace. Mr. Wallace gave an amusing sketch of some of his experiences in the early settlement of Sterling; the practical lessons he received by being placed in a position where he had to depend entirely upon his own resources and efforts. He came here fitted for the practice of law - equipped with ruffled shirts and his law books. He found that the only tools of real utility consisted of the plow, the hoe and such implements as belong, to the farm and workshop, and with these his old friend Gear was well supplied and ready to accommodate his neighbors. His Chitty and Blackstone were not adapted to his immediate uses. They would not cultivate the soil or build the cabin. It was labor with the hands that was required, and this must be performed by each individual with his own hands; it could not be hired of others. After the conclusion of his remarks. Col. Wallace presented to the audience the "Pioneer Baby" of Chatham, now part of the City of Sterling, Mrs. John A. Bross, of Chicago - the eldest daughter of Nelson Mason, Esq. The appearance of Mrs. Bross upon the stand was greeted with much applause and in response to calls from the audience Mr. Bross responded in a neat and appropriate speech. The speaker closed with the suggestion that the whole audience rise and sing,

The Pioneer Farmers of Whiteside County. - Responded to byL. B. Wetherbee. Mr. W. said: "The pioneers of Whiteside County left happy homes and pleasant firesides in other lands to make new farms and homes, and, we may hope, to build up the cause of education, of virtue, of temperance, of morality and piety, until Whiteside county shall stand as a proud monument in the history of our country. The calling of the farmer is one which all will readily agree is the basis of society. It is an occupation upon which all others depend. Annihilate the farming interest, and where would be the cities, the towns and the villages? Annihilate the farming interest, and what branch of mechanical industry, what profession in life could be sustained? Who, then, is the farmer? Not simply he who turns the furrow or sows the seed, but he whose mind directs and controls the operation. And here it may not be amiss to take a retrospective glance over the county, and sec what the farmers of Whiteside have been doing for the last eighteen years. We shall see that within that time all the land of the county has been bought, and if we estimate the cost to the present owners at five dollars per acre, it will amount to about $2,910,000; if we estimate the same amount for improvement, it will amount to the sum of $5,820,000, which the farmers of Whiteside County have paid out within the last eighteen years. If, then, the farmer is the foundation of society, it becomes of paramount importance that his energies be directed in the most skilful and enlightened manner. He needs all the assistance which education, science and inventive genius can give; he will no longer carry the stone in one end of the bag to balance the grist in the other because his father did, but will be guided by reason, discretion and judgment. With such a soil as Whiteside county possesses, farming may be made profitable, and we may soon expect to see farmers wending their way to wealth and fame in that department."

Pioneer Mechanics of Whiteside County. - Responded to by A. McMoore, as follows: "I, your humble fellow citizen, have the honor to respond in behalf of an important class of the early settlers of Whiteside county. They were few in number but diligent in business. Some of them have gone to their rest - others are here present on this occasion. Mr. Chairman, you have heard this evening of the changes and improvements in the county. Permit me to speak of some of the improvements that the mechanics have set in motion. The first improvement of any importance in the way of plows, was the Dimon or Slinker, by Wyatt Cantrell, an old settler. Jonathan Haines, a pioneer mechanic of Union Grove, invented a harvester that is not surpassed by any in this section. Builders: John Ogle was among the first and did much to make the first cabins comfortable; and in this department, allow me to name H. Wallace, Esq., and myself. The first named, we called a wood butcher, but he could make a batten door. Pioneer Cabinet Makers, Mr. Allen of Albany, and C. C. Judd and John Enderton of Sterling, all good workmen."

The Youth of The Pioneer Fathers of Whiteside County. - Responded to by Wm. M. Kilgour, Esq.. a first-rate specimen of Western production. Mr. K. spoke as follows: "I don't know, Mr. Chairman, that any occasion could arise, or any time or circumstances occur, under which I would more willingly attempt to make a speech were I possessed of the ability to make such an one as the audience is deserving of and as they are capable of appreciating. I am called upon to respond, on the part of the children of the 'old settlers,' one of which I am; and, when I attempt to look back to March, in the year 1837, a period barely within my recollection, and the time when I first saw the beautiful prairie on which Sterling now stands, I am confused, and such a multitude of incidents and changes crowd upon the imagination that I scarcely know where to begin or what to say. But this is not a place for long, dry speeches, and I don't know that I can do better than, so far as growth of men physically is concerned, to exhibit myself as a specimen, as one who has grown to the height of six feet two and one-half inches, upon the soil of Whiteside, and in this very town. But to the text, 'the children of the 'old settlers'.' It is true, we have not had what, in the East, they call 'advantages,' that is, the advantage of learning to twirl a cane gracefully, to carry a heavy watch chain and seal; of learning the names of the streets in some city; of learning the different qualities and quantities of liquors a man can carry; and all under the pretence of attending college for the space of three or four years. We get our education in the old log cabin school house, where the pupils are free at least from the vices of a higher (as some would call it) state of civilization. Where we get up in the morning and do our chores, and off to school, learning at once the lessons of industry and economy, as well as the lessons in the books - perfecting the physical as well as the mental faculties. And I think the biographies of men in this country bear out the truth of the assertion that more men of sterling worth have sprung from .«uch origin, and such training, than from colleges and schools. Then Hurrah for the heirs apparent - the children of the 'Old Settlers!' May we follow the example of our fathers in good works, and imitate their virtues. More we need not ask."

The Pioneer Pomologist of Whiteside County. - Responded to by Dr. L. S. Pennington, in a few neat and appropriate remarks, as follows: "This, sir, with me has been a passion. There is something in the growth and development of trees and plants, so enchanting - so full of interest, that wherever Divinity has left its impress, can it but be admired? The development of the bud is. of itself, a wonder of wonders, and exhibits the secret springs of a vital energy, which man, as yet, has never been able to penetrate. What would a country be without the great family of fruits? What the physical and moral condition of that people, whose existence has never been regaled by the apple, the peach, and the pear? and what the condition of that community, whose homes have never been blessed by their cooling and agreeable shade? Every plant, not indigenous, is untried, in a new soil and climate, consequently many plants and trees that may grow and give promise for years, owing to our great climate changes, may be cut off in a day - thus blasting in a moment the hopes and prospects of years. Such reverses of fortune belong to the pioneers of every enterprise, especially those of pomology. On emigrating to this State, in 1836, I was at once struck by the luxuriance and healthy aspect of the trees, and by the great abundance and luxuriance of the fruit. It was such as I had never seen before. It excited my youthful imagination, and I at once resolved, as soon as circumstances would admit, to engage in it (fruit raising). I counted largely on the pleasure and profit I should surely reap when my plans were fully consummated. I had not then counted the cost of the winters of 1842-3, of 1855-6. The first fruit trees I was able to plant, were on my present farm, in the fall of 1839. N. Mason and Jcfhn D. Barrett planted some in Sterling at the same time, which were, perhaps, the first cultivated trees planted in this city. They are now owned by J. Rice. Among those who took an early and lively interest in the cultivation of fruit and trees, I cannot refrain from naming that old pioneer, known to many of you, Harry Burlingame. He commenced the business, in conjunction with myself, in the town of Jordan, in the spring of 1842, prosecuted the same, although a man of many years, with all his might, and had it not been for the cold winters of 1842-3, 1 doubt not but many years of prosperity would have attended his eflorts. In fact, I owe to him the first words of advice, in the fall of 1841, for prosecuting the nursery business on a large scale (large for the time), and, so far as I know, this was the first effort at raising cultivated fruit in Whiteside county. This business we commenced, without any previous knowledge but the dim light at that time gained from books. Although Mr. Burlingame has, with many of our early settlers, long since passed away, the trees which he planted will long remain, his most enduring monument. The man who planted the first fruit-bearing tree in the county of Whiteside, perhaps, never will be known. Many blessings rest upon his head. May he eat of its fruits, and rest under its shade for a thousand years."

Whiteside county note and as she ivas when her sons wore Buckslcin trotosers and Wolfskin caps. - Responded to by Joseph Ware, Esq., in the following neat and appropriate manner: "It is useless for me to speak to this audience of Whiteside county as it was. You have all seen it in its original beauty. You have looked upon these prairies before they were marred by the plow, or dotted with buildings, as they lay in green luxuriance -

Their fertility and beauty were sufficient to cause you to give up your comfortable homes, and induce you to brave the toils and dangers of a pioneer life; but to one whose boyhood has been spent in their midst, who has no other recollections to fall back upon, who has recognized no other spot as home, their beauty is doubly attractive. Of the earliest settlers, of the men who wore the coonskin cap and buckskin hunting shirt, I doubt not your recollections are as broad as mine. That they were good men and true, hardy, enterprising and honest, you all know. I have one in mind who would serve as an excellent example of the class. Doubtless many will recollect him, John B. Dodge, of Mt. Pleasant. How I wish he could stand before you this evening in his pioneer dress, with buckskin moccasins and hunting shirt, surmounted by that veritable coonskin cap. He was a man of matchless proportions, had seen some active service in the Black Hawk war, and had the reputation of being the strongest man in Northern Illinois. He had been known to kill a wolf with his naked hands, and to conquer a savage and frightened horse by mere force of strength and will. John B. Dodge was one of the members of the first Board of County Commissioners that was elected in our county, and in that capacity officiated at the first court. The court house on that occasion was one room of a double log house, near Lyndon. Mr. Dodge, as one of the commissioners, opened the court; and, standing in the door of the cabin, arrayed in all the glories of buckskin and coonskin, he announced in a loud voice - '0 yes! 0 yes! 0 yes! the first Hon. County Court of Whiteside is now setting, and will soon hatch!' Of the future of our county it is useless to speak. Her present prosperity and past success are sufficient guarantees that she will continue to advance. All the elements of wealth, prosperity and greatness lie thick around us, and literature, science and art will assuredly follow in their train. Then honor to old Whiteside - " We'll plow the prairies, as of old

After the sentiments and responses were concluded, a vote of thanks were offered to Col. Hugh Wallace for the use of his hall, which had been granted to the meeting free of expense. Also, to Mr. McCune, of the Wallace House, for the excellence of his entertainment.

In response Col. Wallace tendered the free use of the Hall for the annual meeting of the 'Old Settlers' of Whiteside county, for all coming time. It was resolved that the next meeting should be held at the same place on the 22d day of February, 1859.

Presentation By Hon. E. B. Washburn E Of The

On Wednesday, October 24, 1877, Hon. ElihuB. Washburne, fonnerly for many years Representative in Congress from the District of which Whiteside county formed a part, and for the past nine years Minister Plenipotentiary from the United States to the Court of France, presented to the people of Whiteside county a portrait painting of the Indian Chief, Wa-bo-kies-sheik, or White Cloud, more commonly known as the Prophet, which had been painted at his special order by Healy, from the original by Catlin. The portrait is one of great historic value to the people of this county, as the Prophet had his home within its borders, near the present village of Prophetstown. Mr. Washburne arrived at Morrison on the day prior to the presentation, and was received by the Board of Supervisors, and escorted by that body to the Revere House, where the formal welcome to the city of Morrison and the county of Whiteside was tendered him by Mr. P. B. Reynolds, Chairman of the Board, who made the following address:

E. B. Wiishburue, Sir: In behalf of the Board of Supervisors of Whiteside county present, I. as Chairman of the same, welcome you to this city and county and tender you their hospitalities. In looking over the history of your life among us, I find that you were among the first settlers of this great West; and I presume it had much to do in forming the high career that has followed you to this date. You, in those early daysof log cabins, had your privations; but, like a soldier's life, I have no doubt they are among the happiest of your memory. What an age of improvements you have lived to see ! No railroads then; stage coaches and two-horse wagons were the traveling conveyances. This is truly an age of improvement in everything but morals. Many great men have fallen. We have seen some that at one time were within but a step of the highest honors that this nation could confer; but with their mistakes they fell, and now are not taking any part in government affairs. Although you have traveled upon that great highway, your honor, your wisdom, carried you safely through. You saw the end from the beginning, while many were blinded by the great offers of wealth. You stand to-day without a charge against you. You have met us under different circumstances than you do to-day. A^ e have no political issues to discuss. You meet us as an honored citizen, honored by all parties, and we all meet on the same level, all claiming the right to honor whom the people delighteth to honor. I presume that there is not a man in the United States that all parties can find so little to complain of, in his political life, as yourself. How well you have done your work! No man has done it better. I know of no mistake. You were always among the first to take your stand upon questions of great importance, and, in the heated moments, it seems your mind, like Andrew Jackson's, always came to right conclusions. You saw that the railroads were getting too strong a hold in legislation, and in courts, and with that prophetic vision of yours foretold what has come to pass. They are common carriers now. They were not then. You stood by Gen. Grant when, in his dark days, he needed just such a friend. You stood by him until he accomplished all you could have wished, until the war closed. You were brave during the siege at Paris. You did not leave your post because they were burning powder, but stood your ground like a soldier. There are citizens in the United States that remember you in those trying times, shut out from the world by one of the bloodiest sieges of our day. All Germany could not speak too highly of you. You were not only brave, but generous; you looked after the wants and rights of all without expectation of any other pay than that you had discharged your whole duty. When I read of the reception of your successor as minister in Paris, I was never more delighted with our countrymen than I was then. It was not the language but the sentiment put forth; it was not any acts of your successor; but it was that he might do as well as our honored friend, E. B. Washburne, laad done. I hope you will excuse me for occupying so much of your time, and allow me the pleasure of introducing you to our Honorable Board of Supervisors of Whiteside county, individually."

At the conclusion of his remarks Mr. Reynolds introduced each member of the Board to Mr. Washburne, and a few moments were spent in social conversation. During the afternoon of Tuesday and the morning of the next day Mr. Washburne spent the most of his time in receiving visits from varous gentlemen of the county.

The proceedings attending the presentation commenced about noon on Wednesday, when Mr. Washburne was escorted from the Revere House to the Fair Grounds by the Board of Supervisors, County oflScers, Board of Education of the city of Morrison, members of the Press, and by citizens in carriages and on foot, the procession being under the marshalship of Mr. Ed. A. Worrell, and preceded by the Fulton Cornei Band. Arriving at the stand erected at the Fair Grounds, the large assembly was called to order by Mr. P. B. Reynolds, Chairman of the Board of Supervisors. Capt. John Whallon, Supervisor from Lyndon tovrnship, then introduced Mr. Washburne to the citizens of Whiteside county, with the following address:

" Mr. Chairman, Ladies and Gentlemen of Whiteside County: - I have this day the honor of presenting to you a gentjemen whose eminent services in sustaining constitutional government, and establishing personal liberty, have rendered his name a household word in his native land, and given him a reputation as extended as civilization, and who in token of those generous and kindly feelings which should ever exist between the worthy public servant and his fellow citizens, will do himself the pleasure, and you the honor, of presenting to you the portrait of the Indian chief, "The Prophet," - a magnificent work of art, stamped with the genius of both a Catlin and a Healy - whom I will now introduce to you in the person of the distinguished Minister, the able Statesman, your illustrious countryman and honored citizen, Hon. Elihu B. Washburne."

Mr. Washburne then came forward in response to the introduction, and was greeted with hearty applause. When quiet was restored he proceeded to deliver the following

"The occasion of this gathering of so many of the officials of your county and so many of your citizens is well known to you all. On the threshold of the proceedings, however, you must permit me to tell you how great is my pleasure after an absence of nearly nine years from the country to find myself again at home and among my old friends and constituents of Whiteside county which so long honored me by their generous and abiding confidence. After a public service of more than a quarter of a century I have laid down the honors and responsibilities of official position and am once more a private citizen. I do not, therefore, come to the county to-day to seek your suffrages, though I would fain have your good will, but on the other hand to testify to you my sense of the obligation for all your kindness and all the support you gave me as your Representative in Congress.

The general object of this occasion is also well known to you all, but you may expect from me some explanation in connection therewith. It was during my absence in Europe that I found at Brussels, Geo. Catlin, now deceased, the well-known American artist and one of the most distinguished painters of Indian portraits of the time. Residing among the Indians for years, he had lent his gifted pencil to the work of putting on canvass the most celebrated Indians of the period. He was a great deal with the tribes of the "Northwest," and he painted one of the most remarkable scenes which preceded the Black Hawk war, of which this whole county became the theatre. This was a scene between Black Hawk and Keokuk, the two great chiefs of the united Sac and Fox nations of Indians, which was then divided into two parties. Black Hawk commanded the war-like band; while Keokuk headed the band which was in favor of peace. His name being so intimately associated with the early history of the Rock river country, and which carried terror into all the humble cabins of our early settlers, the life, character and career of Black Hawk will always be objects of interest to our people. No^Indian of his time made so great an impress upon the public, and his name will live when those of so many other distinguished chiefs and warriors will have been forgotten. The originator and leader of the Indian hostilities in 1832, the war has always been known as the

" Black Hawk War." More than sixty years of age at the time, he had all the fire and energy of his earlier days. He was bold, able, cunning, cold, morose and vindictive, and hatred of the whites was with him a supreme passion. In the war with England in 1812, he was the head and front of all the Indian forces in the then " Northwest" who joined the British, and who disfigured the contest by all the atrocities of savage warfare. He was at the battles of River Eaisin, Lower Sandusky, and other engagements. It was from his connection with the English that his band was always afterwards known as the " British Band." After the war was over he i^turned to his village near the mouth of Rock river, always known as the " Sac village," but only to stimulate still further the hatred of his tribe towards the white men, and to inspire terror at the mention of his name. He had on his side most of the young men, and the turbulent and ambitious spirits, all participating in his hostile sentiments, and all guided by his own strong will. Keokuk had more sagacity and prudence than his rival chief. Black Hawk. He was gifted with a persuasive eloquence rarely found among Indians, and by which he was enabled to retain a hold on the larger part ot his people, and keep them in amity with the whites. It is impossible for me here to go into a history of the Black Hawk war, or the causes which led to it. In 1804 Gen. Harrison, then Governor of Indiana Territory and when Illinois was a part of it and embraced in St. Clair county, made a treaty with the Sac and Fox Indians by which all this section was purchased from them, and which included the old Sac village which I have, spoken of, the stamping ground of Black Hawk and his band. This prominent chief was not present at the treaty, though it is alleged that he agreed to it in the year 1816, for he once admitted that he "touched the goose quill" confirming it. Yet the idea of giving up his land and country to his hated enemy rankled in his heart, and he never ceased to assail the treaty as fraudulent, invalid, and insulting to his race. Though the greater portion of the Sac and Fox Indians had, in conformity to treaty stipulations, removed from this section to the west of the Mississippi, Black Hawk had determined to retain at all hazards the possession of the Rock river country. The land all about him having been surveyed and sold by the United States, the white settlers came in close proximity with his immediate possession at the Sac village. It was then that he vowed vengeance, put on the war paint, and sharpened the scalping knife and tomahawk. Having taken the deliberate resolution to make war on the whites, he saw the importance of detaching his old rival, Keokuk, from them, and making him and the portion of his tribe who went with him his allies. Hence with all the form and ceremony, which under important circumstances characterized what might be called ofiiciai intercourse between great chiefs, a solemn interview was arranged between Black Hawk and Keokuk, these noted chiefs. Keokuk had two warriors with him, and Black Hawk was accompanied by the " Prophet." Catlin was present and made a sketch from life. The recollection of the event was never efi"aced from his memory. It was no quiet talk between these savages before the fire in the wigwam, but it is in the open air, and under the vaulted arches of the clear blue heavens. Keokuk gravely seats himself, and the two warriors stand pensively behind him. Black Hawk commences his speech, and for an hour and a half appeals in persuasive accents to his brother chief for help. In a wild and rude eloquence he portrays the fated destiny which impends over their race, threatened with being driven from the magnificent domains held from their Fathers. He paints their villages burned, their wigwams scattered, their wives and children torn from their country and homes, and the bones of their warriors killed in battle left to bleach on their hunting grounds. Warming up as he proceeds, great drops of perspiration roll out from his swarthy skin and fall like rain heavily upon the earth. The Prophet, mastering his feelings, listens with silent emotion. But the words of Black Hawk die away amid the breezes, and they awaken no echo of sympathy in the stoic heart of Keokuk. Cold, impassable, immovable, with far-reaching sagacity, he foresaw the consequences of a war with the whites, and refused to lend himself to any scheme hostile to them. But Black Hawk, less prudent and more impetuous, launched himself and his people into that bloody contest which resulted in freeing forever this whole country, then known as the "Northwest," from the presence of the hostile savages.

We whose lots have fallen in these pleasant places can perhaps imagine the agony which pierced the hearts of these original lords of the soil, when driven from the land of their fathers they cast a lingering glance behind to see their council fires extinguished and their monuments torn down.

"Interested in all that pertains to the Black Hawk war and in all that which concerned the earlier history of our section, I became somewhat enamoured of this historic painting. I had heard much of the Prophet. I was familiar with the country of the Winnebagoes and had been captivated with the romantic valley of Bock river which had been the paradise of the Indians. Thirty-five years ago, in the leafy month of June, I had followed up the bank of the river from Dixon's Ferry to Rockford, and the impressions of the unrivalled beauty of the country will never be efi'aced from my memory, and they will be to me a "joy forever." I bethought myself of the pleasant relations I had so long held to the people of Whiteside county, of the kindness and indulgence they had extended to me, and the confidence they had reposed in me as their Representative to Congress. I did not forget that I had made a speech in the town that bears the Prophet's name, in the canvass of 1868, nor the cordiality with which I was welcomed. I therefore applied to Mr. Healy, the distinguished American artist, now residing in Paris, and who is without a superior as a portrait painter, to see if he would not undertake, from the original study of Catlin, to paint for me the portrait of the Prophet. Devoting himself to the peculiarities of the Indian character and providing himself with a large number of Indian portraits and photographs to aid him in his difficult task, he has produced the portrait I bring to you here. Large numbers have seen it and admired it as a splendid work of art in the artist's studio at Paris; but it will be for you to judge how much his marvelous pencil has done to rescue the memory of the Prophet from oblivion through the speaking canvass which may illustrate the history of your county in the far away ages. The portrait finished, I made the proposition to your Honorable Board of Supervisors to present it to the county as a historic souvenir. By a formal vote of the Board a resolution was proposed, couched in the most graceful terms, accepting it. I am now here for the purpose of performing what is a most agreeable mission, that of presenting the portrait of the Prophet to the county of Whiteside, through its official organ, the Board of Supervisors.

" On this occasion it is natural that there should be a desire to know something of the character and history of him whose name is the center of so much interest here to-day. The Great Spirit sung long ago the death note of the Prophet. The incidents of his life and his career have mostly passed into forgetfulness, and I have been able to glean but little of his history. But you all know the beautiful town in your county which was his home, bearing his name and which will be perpetuated so long as its shores shall be laved by the clear blue waters of Rock river. The Indian name of the Prophet was Wa-bo-Jcies-sheik. He was a son of a chief of the Sac and Fox tribes, but two of his wives were "Winnebagoes. He became one of the most distinguished chiefs of that tribe and second in power and influence only to Black Hawk. He was a splendid specimen of his race, tall, well-proportioned, and graceful in all his movements. He had a keen, intelligent mind and an even and well-balanced temper. Dignified and self-possessed he always imposed by his presence. Cool, intelligent, clear-headed and of a serious character, he always exercised a great influence with his people. The lieutenant and right arm of Black Hawk, the courage, activity, and sagacity of the Prophet made him an invaluable aid though he did not indulge in the same hatred of the whites. His marriage with women who belonged to the friendly Winnebagoes had softened his prejudices towards the white man with whom he held intercourse. He was accessible to influences which could never reach Black Hawk. In his hunting expeditions, for some years before the breaking out of hostilities, he was in the habit of visiting that section of country now known as Gratiot's G-rove, Wisconsin, where Col. Henry Gratiot, agent of the "Winnebagoes, one of the earlier and most distinguished of the early settlers of the Lead Mines then resided, and by whom he was always warmly welcomed, and for whom he entertained a strong friendship.

" It was the circumstance of the good relations and the high respect in which Col. Gratiot was held by all the Indian tribes of the Northwest, that after the breaking out of the war he was deputed by the military authorities to visit the Prophet at his village, Prophetstown, in the interests of peace, and with a view to some accommodation that might spare the inhabitants the horrors of a warfare with savages. He bore a letter from Gen. Atkinson, who was in command at Fort Armstrong. This was an important though a dangerous mission. Col. Gratiot took with him his secretary and several Winnebago chiefs, all his fast friends, and all on good terms with the whites of the country in that time of so much peril. It is interesting to know who they were. There was Brokenshoulder, an Indian of stalwart frame, great intelligence, courage and sobriety. He had previously been an enemy of the whites and was shot in the shoulder while scalping a white man near Fort Edwards, at Warsaw, in this State. Hence his name, Brokenshoulder. Whirling Thunder was a man of great repute for his sagacity and wisdom in council. White Crow was an Indian of bad character, tall, slim, with a hawk nose and with as much of a sinister look as a man could have who had only one eye; for one of his eyes had been put out in a brawl. He was addicted to gambling, fighting, drinking, and other disreputable practices, Little Medicine Man was a fine looking man, rather under ordinary size, quiet, subdued, gentlemanly. Little Priest was one of the most reputable of all the chiefs, able, discreet, wise, and moderate, and always sincerely friendly to the whites. The party took their canoes at Dixon Ferry and descended Rock river to the Prophet's village. No sooner had the canoes landed than the Indians surrounded the party with every demonstration of violence and made all of them prisoners. At the moment of the seizing of Col. Gratiot, the Prophet appeared on the scene. Seeing his old friend in danger he rushed upon his people and interfered in his defense, crying out "good man, goo^man, my friend, I take him to my wigwam, I feed him, he be good friend of my Indians." Col. Gratiot being connected with the Choutcaus of St. Louis, the founders of the "American Fur Co." which vast concern wielded an immense influence among all the Indian tribes both east and west of the Mississippi, was called by the Indians ^'Chouteau." Arriving as a pri.soner at the wigwam the Prophet said to him that if he camo as "Chouteau" he should welcome him to his village, but if he came as a white man he must consider him, like all the whites, an enemy, and detain all the party as prisoners. Col. Gratiot explained to the Prophet the peaceful object of his mission, which was in the interest of all the Indians, and how great would be the perfidy if he and his party should be detained or harmed. The situation of the Prophet was very embarrassing. He wanted to serve his friend, but the young men and warriors who were behind him were clamoring for the scalps of the prisoners, and would never consent to their departure. After keeping the prisoners two or three days, the Prophet, uneasy, restless and disturbed by conflicting emotions, finally said to Col. Gratiot: "Chouteau, you have always been my friend, and the friend of my people, and you and your party must not be harmed, but there is great trouble, my young men will never consent to give you up and so you must leave without their knowledge; your canoes are on shore, go to them at a moment when I shall indicate, and leave instantly, and go with all speed, the news will spread like wild fire and the young men will give you chase. All will depend on the strength of your good right arms." The Prophet was right. Hardly had they reached their canoes when the alarm was given, and all the young men of the village raised the war cry, rushed to their canoes to follow the prey they saw about to escape them. And never before, nor since, have the placid waters of Rock River been the theatre of such an excited contest. It was literally a race for life. A score of young and maddened warriors were in pursuit, amid shouts and cries and imprecations. But a sense of the overwhelming danger nerved the arms of the pursued, for to be taken was certain death to all. And the pursuit continued with cheers and savage yells through long and dreary hours. Silence fell at last upon the pursuers. In the stillness of the night no sound was heard except the quick and regular stroke of the paddle wielded with gigantic strength. Sullen, resolute, determined, nothing could divert the attention of these red men of our prairies, who gave no heed to anything but the vital matter in hand. The race was at last to the swift, and the victory to the strong. As daylight appeared, the shores of the river revealed to the exhausted party that they had passed the point of danger and were within the limits of the white settlements. Doggedly, silently, the warriors gave up the chase, and the pursued were in a short time safely landed at Rock Island.

" I have these relations from the sons of Col. Gratiot; Col. Charles H. Gratiot, of Gratiot, Wisconsin, and Lt.-Col. Edward H. Gratiot, of Platteville, Wisconsin; who had often heard their father recount the story of his dangerous mission. It was the Prophet who on this occasion protected from violence, aid probably saved the life of Col. Gratiot, who was the honored father of Mrs. Washburne. In this fact, so interesting to me, I am sure all the people of Whiteside county will readily see another reason for my interest in the Prophet.

"I have spoken of the relations which Black Hawk during the war bore to his trusted friend and adviser, the Prophet. All here may not know that the present village of Prophetstown was in the theatre of hostile operations in the spring of 1832. Black Hawk, organizing his forces at the old Sac village, marched up Rock River and formed a camp at the Prophet's village. Col. John A. Wakeful, who was an officer in the Black Hawk war, and who wrote a history thereof, speaking of the Illinois troops in pursuit of Black Hawk, says: "Wo encamped in sight of the oM Prophet's village; next morning we went through the town, and saw where Black Hawk had encamped with his whole army. His encampment was laid off in a manner showing great skill in warfare. No American General could have laid it out in a more military style; from the appearance of the encampment, we were induced to believe that they remained there a week."

"The Prophet accompanied Black Hawk during the whole war, to whom he was a sort of "Chief of Staff." After the battle of Bad Axe, which ended in a complete rout of the Indian forces, Black Hawk and the Prophet escaped up the Wisconsin river. They afterwards gave themselves up to two Winnebago chiefs, "One Eyed Decorri" and "Chaetar" - who took them to Fort Crawford at Prairie Du Chien. It was a moment of much interest, and many of the officers of the Fort were present. The account published at the time says that the prisoners appeared "in a full dress of white tanned deer skins." From Prairie Du Chien, Black Hawk and the Prophet and some subordinate chiefs were sent to Rock Island under charge of Lieutenant Anderson of the regular army - afterwards General Anderson of Fort Sumter memory - and delivered to the military authorities at Fort Armstrong. They were afterwards sent to Jefferson Barracks and confined till the Spring of 1833. Here Black Hawk and the Prophet attracted much attention. In his misfortune, Keokuk visited his old rival Black Hawk, and made great exertions for his release, and the release of the Prophet and other warriors; but the Government refused this and ordered them sent to Washington in April, 1833. In an interview with the President, Black Hawk closed his speech delivered on this occasion in the following words: "We did not expect to conquer the whites - they have too many houses, too many men. I took np the hatchet for my part, to avenge injuries which my people could no longer endure. Had I borne them longer without striking, my people would have said, 'Black Hawk is a woman! he is too old to be a chief ! he is no Sac! ' these reflections caused me to raise the warwhoop." From Washington the warriors were sent to Fortress Monroe, where they were detained till the Fourth of July following, when President Jackson directed they should be sent home. They were taken to Baltimore, Philadelphia, and other cities, to show them the numbers and power of the white people. They everywhere attracted great attention. Among others, the ladies universally sought their acquaintance, and one young lady in her admiration of Black Hawk's son, actually kissed him before crowds of people. In return for their politeness and sympathy, Black Hawk told them that they "were very pretty squaws." All this is recounted by Governor Ford in his History of Illinois.

"There were no further Indian troubles in our country after this. In the Spring of 1838, Black Hawk moved to Des Moines river, Iowa, about twenty miles from its mouth, where he lived until the 3d of October, 1840, when he was gathered to his fathers at the age of eighty years.

"While there is not much in the life and history of the Prophet generally known, I have found nothing to his discredit. In his relations towards the whites it might be said of him, "An enemy in war, in peace a friend."

"An old Indian trader, Thomas Forsythe, and for many years prior to 1830, Agent of the Sac and Fox Indians, says, "many a good meal has the Prophet given to people traveling past his village, and very many stray horses has he recovered from the Indians, and restored to their rightful owners, without asking compensation therefor."