Will County, Illinois - The whole text, 1878 (part 15 of 29)

It had been intended to take the cattle and all of their household goods ; but so great was their hurry that everything of the kind was left behind. The gads werg applied to the hides of the oxen, and the flight was as rapid as possible. Their way lay through the townships of Manhattan, Wilton and Rockville, crossing the Kankakee at one of its fords. After traveling some miles, finding that they were not pursued, two of the men determined to return and bring forward the stock which had been left behind. However, when they came to the settlement no stock could be found, having wandered off' into the woods. One of the men then bethought him of a bag of maple sugar which had but recently been manufactured from the sap of trees which grew here. Throwing this across his horse, he, with his companion, set out to overtake the main party. They had traveled but a few miles when they perceived, at a distance, two real Indians rapidly following them. They very naturally conjectured that these were only scouts of a large party of human butchers, and put spurs to their horses. On looking back, they found that the Indians were pursuing them rapidly. The bag of sugar was a real burden and difficult to carry, so it was allowed to slip to the ground. Thus relieved, horses and riders dashed forward with increased rapidity. Indians are notoriously fond of sugar, and this was quite a prize, and, as they stopped to examine, taste and eat, the pursued parties left their would-be captors far behind. As they came up with their friends, they were just crossing the Kankakee. As soon as the report that they were being pursued had spread to the company, confusion was worse than confounded, and the alarm vented itself in the shrieks of the women, the cries of the children and the curses of 'the men, mingled with the bellowing of the sharply goaded oxen. One team seemed to partake of the excitement, but instead of rushing for the other side, stood stock still, unable to move. The driver, in his desperation, believing the wagon mired, hastily unhitched the oxen from the load, and, placing his wife, who was the other occupant of the wagon, on one ox, he bestrode the other, and, applying the lash with renewed vigor, they gained the other shore and soon overtook the train. The relation of such incidents, at this date, causes no little merriment, but at the time of their occurrence were very serious indeed. Even those who were participants tell the story of " Five-Mile Massacre," and laugh heartily ; though it is said that the hero of the bag of sugar was ever afterward quite sensitive on that point, and, although a man of piety, no man could say " sugar" to him without running great risk of being knocked down. On the evening of the second day, having found that the last incident related was only a scare from some friendly Pottawatomies, the party halted, and it was proposed to have supper and a night's rest. But here, again, were enacted the scenes of the crossing of the Kankakee. Just as the fires had began to blaze, preparatory to cooking the much-needed meal, a horseman galloped into camp and stopped just long enough to say that the Indians were after them in earnest. Thus, their supper and sleep were dispensed with, and not until three nights and days had passed did they stop long enough to take a nap, or eat, except as they fled. After several days more of travel, during which they received no further alarms, they reached Danville, whence they learned troops had been sent to take care of the savages, and all fear and anxiety were at an end. Soon after, Black Hawk and his people were removed to the other side of the Mississippi River ; and, all fear of molestation having passd, most of the former residents of this neighborhood returned. They found the most of their cattle and hogs, and their crops were unmolested. The cows, however, "had gone dry," and the corn was sadly in need of cultivation. The wagon was recovered from the bed of the Kankakee, and even the greater part of the bag of sugar was restored by the hand of one of the friendly red men, who had only pursued them to inform them that there was not the least danger. In the Fall of 1832, arrived Jacob and Joseph Zumalt. The Zumalts removed to California some years ago. They were natives of Ohio.

The most systematic and extensive, and at the same time one of the most important, settlements of this part of the county was made in 1834. This colony consisted of R. J. Boylan, Peter Brown and two sons - John and Ara - and Smith Johnson. These parties were from New Jersey, .^ind came well prepared, and with a full understanding of the enterprise in which they were embarking. Most pioneers in those days " pulled up stakes," as the saying was, and moved with but little previous knowledge of the country to which they were going. In many cases they were guided by unreliable reports, sometimes seemingly by instinct and sometimes entirely by accident. But in the case of Boylan and his company, the greatest care was taken. Maps were consulted, the most reliable reports were procured and read, and all of the information obtainable was procured and used. R-. J. Boylan, a practical surveyor and a man of excellent judgment, was sent forward to select, survey and locate the land. He came to this neighborhood, and having located twenty-one eighties, or 1,680 acres, notified the balance of the colony, who came on at once, and occupied the land. Hardly a finer selection could be made than this, consisting of land on, and in the vicinity of, Jackson Creek. Of the original colonists, only Mr. Boylan remains. Mr. Boylan has been a very active man, having been identified with almost every enterprise of any consequence in this section of the country. He has held many positions of honor and trust, among which may be named that of County Surveyor and Township Treasurer, the latter of which he has occupied for the last sixteen years. In consequence of this activity, united with strictly temperate habits, he now enjoys, at an advanced age, perfect health and the exercise of his full mental faculties. His house is the only stone dwelling in the township, and is situated on the bank of the fine little stream named in honor of the " Hero of New Orleans." Though the original Browns and Johnson have passed away, they have left behind numerous descendants and kindred, who occupy the old and original selections, as made in 1834.

Henry Watkins and sons, Henry, Jr., Benjamin and Peter, arrived from New York in 1834. None of this family now reside here, all having moved away. About the last-named date, a schoolhouse was built at Reed's Grove, and Henry Watkins was employed to teach the first school therein.

Edward Kirk was also one of the oldest settlers in this part of the county. He had come to the county a year or two previous to his settling in Jackson

The Indian scare having blown over, the country began now to settle quite rapidly. Many soldiers who came with Gen. Scott in 1832, to assist in subduing the Indians, afterward came to the State to reside. Through their descriptions of the country, many more were induced to emigrate. The proposed canal doubtless had much to do with the settlement of this region. ,

As in all pioneer towns and neighborhoods, so in this, there was that notable feature of roughness, and yet accompanying it was universal kindness and hospitality ; so that, while the old settlers are willing to admit an improvement iit the manners and morals of the people, they are wont to disclaim against the lack of sympathy and brotherly feeling as compared with the times when their nearest neighbor lived miles away. In those times, they say, if any one was sick, everybody within a radius of twenty miles knew and manifested the deepest interest. Did one of the pioneers die, his funeral was attended by every inhabitant of the country, and births and marriages were subjects of universal congratulation. If a house or barn were to be raised, every man in the neighborhood was invited to assist and stay to dinner ; and if, perchance, a neighbor were overlooked in the invitation, it was taken as cause for serious affront.

Newspapers were not so plenty as now, and in the pioneer settlements a copy was seldom seen. Indeed only one small weekly was published in Chicago prior to 1835, and it was a number of years after that when a few copies began to find their way to this neighborhood. Not until about 1840, was a post-roiit& established through this part of the county, so that the settlement was in a measure isolated from the balance of the world. As before stated, about 1840, a post-route from Joliet to Danville was established, and an oiEce was located on Jackson Creek. James Gager was first Postmaster, and kept the office at his house. Though a great convenience to the community, it was a great nuisance to its keeper ; and consequently it had a precarious kind of migratory existence of about fifteen years, until it was finally .permanently located at Elwood, on the completion of the railroad and the location of that town.

The township of Jackson was one of the first to organize in 1850 as a separate precinct. A large number of the present townships contained such a, limited number of inhabitants that it was found necessary to attach them to others until they should be strong enough for separate organization. The first election was held April 2, 1850 ; but who the first officers were, or who have been their successors, is not so clearly remembered that we feel safe in giving them ; and as the township records were destroyed in the Elwood fire in 1874, the names are therefore not obtainable.

The names of the present officers are : Henry Spangler, Supervisor ; Jonathan Hougham, Collector ; Francis Shearn, Assessor ; Albert Linebarger, Clerk ; P. F. Dooley and Joseph Tehle, Justices of the Peace ; Robert Barnes, Constable ; R. J. Boylan, Jacob Palmer and Cyrus Hemphill, Commissioners of Highways, and R. J. Boylan, School Treasurer.

From the very first, the inhabitants of this township have manifested more than an ordinary interest in those two reforming and elevating iniiuences - religion and education. Hardly had the early pioneers unloaded their wagons before religious services of a public character were performed. Like the Puritans, when they had but just disembarked from the Mayflower, they fell down on their knees and thanked God for their safe journey through the trackless waste. As early as 1833, an organization for religious purposes was effected. This consisted of a Methodist class, of which William Thornburg was appointed First Leader. This little organization was what has since developed into the Elwood M. E. Church. From a paper prepared and read before the Elwood Church, by Rev. G. J. Kinne, we are permitted to lay before our readers a complete though brief history of this oldest Church in the township and one of the oldest in the county.

Soon after the establishing of the class alluded to, a schoolhouse was built in the vicinity, and in this services were held for a number of years. Among the old pioneer preachers who visited the place and preached to the people, are mentioned the names of Jesse Walker, John Sinclair, S. R. Beggs, S. H. Stocking and others. Under their preaching, the Church prospered and grew in numbers, influence and wealth until, in 1852, they found themselves able to build a house of worship. The site selected was nearly a mile west of the village and of its present location. The cost of the building was f 1,800. In 1866, it was determined to remove the building to the village. It was thought that the location at the Grove, on account of the growing village at so short a distance, was not the most suitable site for an increasing membership. During the migration of the house which so many had learned to love, meetings were held in it daily. Like the travels of the tabernacle, which the Israelites carried from Egypt to the land of Canaan, the journey of the old church was consecrated from its beginning to its end by the prayers and praises of the people. By October of the year named, the house had been remodeled and was complete for re-dedication. At present, the building, inside and out, presents a neat and attractive appearance, and will afford accommodations for about two hundred and fifty sittings.

The next year after the removal, this branch was made a separate charge. The organization has continued to increase in numbers and importance. The membership is about one hundred, of whom William Clark is present Pastor. In connection with the Church is a flourishing Sunday school, under the Superintendence of William Nicholson. The school numbers about one hundred members.

The Baptist Church of Elwood was built in 1859, at a cost of about $2,000. Rev. Mr. Renfrew was the first preacher. For some years past, the society has not been in the most flourishing condition, and at times the building has been closed. At present, services are held twice each month, by Rev. Mr. Bradbier, of Gardner. A Sunday school is in operation, with Bateman Lloyd as Superintendent. The membership of the Church is about fifty, and of the Sunday school, about as many.

In 1863, the Reformed Lutherans of this township living in the vicinity of Jackson Creek organized and built a neat little church on the southwest corner of Section 15, at a cost of |1,200. Rev. Rufus Smith, Edward Loomis, S. Bosley, Henry and Christopher Lichtenwater and Christopher Faut were amongst the leading projectors of the work. Rev. Smith was the first preacher, and for a time labored in this corner of the Lord's vineyard with good acceptance ; but, by and by, his opinions in regard to the subject of religion underwent a change, and with him coincided many of his flock, and it was decided to abandon the organization. Accordingly, about five years after the house was built, the congregation assembled and a motion was made and carried that the house be deeded to the Lord," and that He look after its interest in the future. The instrument was drawn up in due form and regularly signed, but whether delivered or recorded we are not permitted to know. Since that event, the house has been occupied irregularly by different denominations ; at present by the Methodists, Rev. Olif Morse conducting the services.

The United Brethren have held religious services in the northeastern part of the township for over twenty-five years. In 1865, they erected, on the northeast corner of Section 11, their present house of worship, at a cost of $2,000. The building is a neat frame, 30 feet in width by 45 feet in length, and will seat one hundred and fifty to two hundred persons. Rev. Mr. Marglist is present Pastor, and Isaac Overholser is Superintendent of the Sunday school.

On the northwest corner of Section 24, stands the German Methodist, or, more properly speaking, the Church of the Evangelical Association. This is also a frame building, and was erected in 1865. It is 28x36 feet in size, and cost $1,400. It was erected at the instance of William Poleman, John Grise, Isaac Moyer, William Kriemier, Jacob Wible and other prominent members of the Association. Rev. Rieman Snyder is the resident Pastor, and M. Moyer is Superintendent of the Sabbath school. Preaching and other religious services have been held here for over twenty years by this denomination.

As intimated, the church and school go hand in hand in their influence for good on the human family ; and so we find in this and many other towns many instances where the schoolhouse and the church-building stand adjacent to each other, and many more in which one building answers both purposes. In 1834, the first school was opened in Reed's Grove, with Henry Watkins as teacher of fifteen boys and girls. School has been maintained in the township ever since; and, from the date named until 1870, there was a continual increase in the number of persons in attendance at the schools. Since 1870, the attendance has remained about the same. We have it on the best authority that the condition of the schools in this township is very good.

The attention of the reader is directed to the second and third items. A comparison of these two will disclose the fact that nearly 90 per cent of all between 6 and 21 have attended school during the past year ; and when we take into account that scarcely any over 18 years of age ever attend, the showing for those of from 6 to 18 is still better.

Another expressive item also appears in the table. There is not one person in the township between 12 and 21 who cannot read and write. In France, Spain, Italy and some other Eastern countries, usually termed enlightened nations, and several of the southern States, from 30 to 60 per cent of the adults cannot even read. The inhabitants of Jackson Township are proud of their schools, as they have good reason to be.

Jackson Township is bounded on the north by Joliet, east by Manhattan, south by Florence and west by Channahon. It is a full Congressional town, and is described as such as Town 34 north, Range 10 east of Third Principal Meridian. It contains thirty-six sections, or 23,040 acres. Most of the land in this township is first-class, of a deep rich soil, well adapted to the production of corn, rye, oats and vegetables.

Nearly all of the land is well farmed, and the neat and, in many cases, elegant dwellings and other buildings betoken a thrifty and prosperous population. Originally, about one-fourth of the township was covered with timber, but the early settlers cut off a large portion, not only for fuel, but for fencing, house and barn building ; and but for the railroad, which now brings lumber for the latter purposes, and the discovery of coal as a substitute for the former, hardly a tree would now be left. As it is, probably three or four sections may, with propriety, be denominated timber land. The township is well watered by Jackson and Prairie Creeks, the former of which flows through the central part, from east to west, and the latter through the southeast corner. The Chicago & St. Louis Railroad crosses the township in the western part, entering near the northwest corner of Section 4, and diverging toward the west, leaving near the southwest corner of Section 81.

Village Of Elwood

The year 1854 was eventful for numerous localities between Joliet and Bloomington, as it ;narks the completion of what was then called the Chicago & Mississippi Railroad, now called the Chicago & St. Louis, and the location of most of the villages and towns along the line. Before that date, a town in Jackson Township was not thought of; and, had it been, any other portion would have been as likely to be fixed upon as its present site. As soon as the road was completed, steps were at once taken to establisli a station at this point, and this being accomplished, the village followed as a consequence. A convenient trading-point was at once provided, and the country and its products demanded tradesmen, mechanics and professional men.

The town was surveyed and platted and lots offered for sale in 1854 and 1855, by Messrs. Spencer, Gardner and Myers, gentlemen interested in the road. The first house built in the town was erected by William Turner, formerly of New York, but at the date of which we write, a resident of the township. In this building he displayed the first stock of goods ever oiFered for sale in the township. Turner was also appointed Postmaster, and kept the office in his store. Joseph Partee, who had also been living in the neighborhood, built the first dwelling, and James Barrett built the second. George Blair built the first blacksmith-shop. To these were added stores, shops and dwellings, and the town grew quite rapidly, so that, in 1869, it was found advisable to incorporate the same. Only a few scraps of the original records and lists escaped the fire of 1874, so that no complete list of its officers or narration of its public acts can now be given. It is, however, remembered with certainty that William Muhlig was first President, and R. SpafFord, John Linebarger, William Eversoll and T. A. Mapps were members of the Board of Trustees. W. F. Keith was first Police Magistrate. In 1873, the town was re-organized under the general law of the State. The present ofiicers are: John H. Bridge, President; John Linebarger, C. D. Wickes, Bateman Lloyd, John Pinneo and J. J. Lichtenwalter, Trustees ; W. H. Kinne, Clerk ; and W. W. GifFord, Treasurer.

On the night of the 28th of May, 1874, a fire swept over the business part of the town, which, for destructiveness, taking into account the size of the place, exceeded that of Chicago of two years before. The fire broke out in the store of William Nicholson, which stood near the center of the business portion, and in a few hours every store but one and the hotel had given way before the fiery element. This was a serious blow to the little town. Prior to this, it had been, though slowly, yet steadily increasing. The loss of property was estimated at $30,000, of which not more than $1,000 was insured. Though some of the burned district has been rebuilt and business is carried on as before, some of the proprietors were so much crippled as not to be able to start again, and the village still feels the loss sustained. The present population is about four hundred. The schools of the village are in good condition. The first term taught in the village was by William Grant, who kept the same in the Baptist Church. The schoolhouse, which is the same now in use, was built a few years after the location of the town, at a cost of $2,500. In this building Thomas Greenlaw taught the first term. At present the school consists of three departments, of which S. B. Robins is Principal, and Nelson Wickes is Assistant. School is sustained about nine months each year.

Elwood Lodge, No. 410, I. 0. 0. F., was established at this place October 11, 1870, with William Muhlig, Sidney M. Stevens, Thomas C. Pennington,

Oharles H. Eddy and J. S. Hughes as charter members. During the time of its existence, but two of its members have died. The number of members now Tjelonging is thirty. The present N. G. is A. H. Linebarger; V. G., G. C. Wickes ; Secretary, Nelson Black ; and Treasurer, Robert Spafford.

The alarm of war, and that the country's life was in danger was not by the citizens of Elwood and of the township of Jackson. Like the namesake of the township, on a former occasion, when the serpent of rebellion raised its ghastly head, the strong men of this vicinity but stopped to utter the well-known and expressive sentence, "By the Eternal, etc.," and then rushed off to the nearest recruiting office to enroll themselves for " three years or during the war." The promptness with which they flocked to the standard of 'the country was not surpassed by any other township, and many of them sacrificed their lives to protect it.

The township of Crete is one of the two largest in the county, being about nine sections more than a Congressional town. The Congressional survey describes it as Town 34 north, Range 14 east, with all of Town 34, Range 15 -east, lying in Illinois - the balance of last-described town lying in the State of Indiana. The township is bounded on the north by Cook County, on the east by Indiana, on the south by Washington Township, and on the west by Monee. Plum Creek, which flows from near the southwest corner and leaves the township at the northeast corner, cuts it diagonally into two unequal porticms. Lying along the banks of this and a small southern branch of the same, is a heavy 'belt of timber, formerly named and still known as Beebe's Grove, from one of its earliest settlers. The northwest corner, along Thorn Creek, is also covered Tvith timber, and is called Thorn Grove. Ten or twelve sections, therefore, of the township of Crete are woodland ; not so heavy, however, as formerly, the largest trees having fallen before the woodman's ax. The injunction of the poet, "Woodman, spare that tree," was unheeded by the early settler, and most of the noblest of the forest's representatives entered into the construction of their dwellings, or were consumed in the shape of fuel. Strange as it may seem, land was actually cleared for agricultural purposes ; though just outside and adjoining were thousands of acres better adapted for farming than the land thus labori- 'ously prepared for the plow ; but then, they had seen it done so in the East or South, from whence they had come, and the prairie would have been an experiment, and they had no time or disposition to try it.

ering about a section. Successful drainage has redeemed this land and made itgood pasturage. Prior to 1869, the market was Chicago, with occasional trading with Monee, on the Illinois Central Railroad. In the year named, the Chicago & Eastern Illinois, or Danville & Vincennes, line was completed through the western portion of the township, making a direct outlet for produce. The village of Crete had already been laid out and built up ; but on the completion of this line, it took a new growth, and is now one of the most thriving places in this part of the State. Another town in the southwestern part also sprang up, and the convenient trading-point of Goodenow waa established.

The original settlements of Crete Township were four, and quite distinct. The settlements of Thorn Grove, Beebe s Grove and Wood's Corners, on the State road, were almost identical as to time, but divided as to locality more definitely than are the townships of to-day. Especially was this the case with the two grove settlements ; while Wood's Corners, now the village of Crete, being just on the borders of Thorn Grove, partook more of the identity of that settlement. The German settlement, which began a few years later, though not confined to any one locality, was yet distinct, in that the people were from the same country and spoke a different language ; and, too, their settlements were made mostly on the prairie, the borders of the groves having generally been previously occupied.

If any of these settlements can claim priority, probably the advantage, on that score, lies with Thorn Grove, David Haner being the first permanent settler of that locality. His location here was certainly as earlv as 1834. There may have been some one in that part of the Grove east of the Monee Township line ; but, as this family was permanent, members of it still residing here, the claim, if for no other reason, appears good. One or two other names have been suggested ; but, as the evidence in the one case is conflicting, and in the other case the parties having removed at an early date, we give them other places in the matter of chronology.

Mr. Haner died many years ago, perhaps as many as thirty, but his interests were closely identified with the neighborhood. He was the first Constable in this section, at a period following closely on the organization of the county. He was from the State of New York.

Following soon after, came to Thorn Grove, James Rice and William Brooks - Rice from Indiana and Brooks from New York. In the cabin of the former are said to have occurred the first death, the first birth and the first marriage iA this township. Very soon after the arrival of these two men, with their wives, James Rice, Jr., was born, and almost coincident was the death of James Rice, Sr. Very shortly after, Mr. Brooks' wife died, and Mr. Brooks and Mrs. Rice each being in want ol a partner, their marriage was celebrated in the aforementioned Rice mansion. The united family removed to Minnesota some years ago.

A. R. Starr and Erastus Cole, both from New York, came in 1835. Both these men are dead ; but a son of the former now resides in Joliet, and a son of the latter still lives here, and is a large farmer of this township.

In 1838, A. Wilder, formerly of New York, but more recently of Ohio, moved into the neighborhood. Mr. Wilder still resides in this neighborhood. He has always been and still is one of the most prominent of the citizens of Crete Township.

In the mean time, the State road, mentioned in Washington Township, was attracting some settlers. Doubtless from its very publicity, and from the desire of the human kind for society, or even the frequent sight of his species, the "Big Road," all along its extent, became a continuous settlement. Willard Wood was the nucleus or founder of the Corners, or what has developed into the village of Crete, and, in 1849, laid out the town. Mr. Wood has probably been more closely identified with the interests of this vicinity and of the wholfr township than any other man. Willard Wood taught the first school, in the Winter of 1837-38, a short distance north of the Corners ; and, in 1840, was appointed first School Treasurer. Charles Wood was a brother, but does not reside here now, having removed to Minnesota. Luman Hewes came, with a large family, from Vermont, in 1837. The family consisted of Mr. Hewes and wife, sons John, Austin, William, Benjamin, Luman, Jr., Daniel and Wallace, and one daughter. Four of the sons - John, Benjamin, Daniel and Wallace - are still residents of the township; the balance are all dead. They have all been successful men. All bought farms and improved them, though some are at present engaged in other business.

Enoch Dodge came from New Hampshire, in 1838. He is dead, but the family still reside here. Asa Lyttle was also an early settler in this neighborhood. He was a native of Vermont, and is now a resident of Minnesota. B. Boardman, now of California, was also from Vermont. B. Staiford was another Vermonter. He was the father of Gov. Stafford, of Arizona, and also of Mrs. Dr. Mary Blake, Medical Lecturer in one of the medical colleges of Boston. During the late war, Mrs. Blake repaired to the scene of battle and engaged in the work of nursing and caring for the sick and wounded soldiers, and, in that capacity, gained the enviable title of " Le Petite Angel."

In the eastern portion of the township, where lies the longest stretch of timber-land, quite an extensive settlement was being made at the same period. Minoris Beebe is credited with being the pioneer, and his advent was, no doubt, as early as 1834. In honor of him the grove was named. He was a man of more than ordinary intelligence and worth, and was one of the first Justices of the Peace in this section of the county. Following him but a short time after, was Hardin Beebe, uncle of Minoris and father of Judge Beebe, of Kankakee. Quartos Marsh, with five sons - Edwin, Jonathan, Henry, Nelson and Frank - came about the year last named, or a very short time after. Of

Maj. John Kyle was one of the earliest residents of the Grove, and was the first death. He was from the Green Mountain State. His son Merrill was Colonel in the late war. He is now a resident of Blue Island, near Chicago. Several other members of the family live in the city, and are all wealthy.

J. E. Burritt and son, Elisha, son-in-law Henry Mulligan, and Norman Northrup, came together from Connecticut. Mr. Mulligan subsequently removed to the western part of the county. His oldest son is Superintendent of one of the railroads of Michigan, and resides at Detroit, in that State. Northrup removed some years ago to Monee, where he died. His widow, who afterward married Willard Wood, has also recently died.

Shipman Frank and James L. Dean were both from New York. Frank was the first Postmaster in the township and was commissioned to take charge of the oiEce of Endor, which was the first established. The post ofiice has been, with the exception of a couple of years, from 1856 till 1858, in existence ever since. Mr. Frank died many years ago. His son, Augustus, is in the Treasury Department of the United States, at Washington.

While the war with Mexico brought a large number of settlers to this country, they having been in the service and received warrants for land, which they located here, so, also, the result of that war having opened up the extensive Pacific Slope to emigration, it was the means of removing many others to the gold-fields of California. The treaty of peace with Mexico had scarcely been signed, when there was almost an exodus from some of the Eastern States to dig for the precious metal. Among the number from this section who thirsted for gold was James L. Dean. He did not realize his bright anticipations, however, but died on the way. His family continued to reside here, until about 1859.

Rev. David Ripley was the first preacher who located in the township. He was from Connecticut, and had been preaching in that State and New York, prior to his coming here. By him the first church organization in the township was effected, itbeingthat of the Congregational denomination, in 1839. Hiram Rowley and John Pease were from New York. The father of Rowley was one of the contractors for the building of the Erie Canal. It is said of him that on one occasion, while in the discharge of some of his duties, Gov. Clinton and some other gentleman were on the ground inspecting the works. Mr. Rowley not being acquainted with the gentlemen or their business at the place, and noticing that they were somewhat in the way of the laborers, ordered them to stand aside, not to interfere with the work. Gov. Clinton, instead of taking offense at the seemingly rude treatment of His Excellency and companions, complimented Mr. Rowley on his zeal and energy in carrying on his business. Pease carried the first mail from Chicago to Iroquois, in 1836, at which time the post oiBces of Endor and Crete were established. Moses Cook and John Williamson were also here before 1839. They are still residents of the township.

In the year last named, Samuel Gushing, or Deacon Gushing as he is more .generally called, arrived from New York. He has a history that would make a respectable appendix to "Uncle Tom's Gabin"; and all of the interesting incidents of his pioneer life, which was at a period when the Antislavery movement in this country was just beginning to assume shape, and when the underground railway, for the transfer of colored passengers from bondage to a land of freedom, was just being established, would make a volume. Notwithstanding the laws of Illinois imposed severe penalties on any convicted of in anywise aiding or abetting a fugitive in his efforts to gain his liberty, Samuel Cushing accepted the position of agent and conductor, and his house was a real station. Mr. Cushing thinks he has helped to place beyond the reach of their pursuers, about eighty or ninety of these fugitives. The usual method of operation was to receive the " human chattels " from the hands of a former conductor, from Wilmington or Joliet, before daylight, keep them concealed in the upper room of his cabin through the day ; and then, as night came on, convey them to Grown Point in Indiana, arriving there before light the next morning. Many incidents of an exciting and interesting character took place, which, but for want of space, are worthy of mention here. Suffice it to say that Mr. Gushing's operations finally culminated in 1843, in his indictment and arrest for ''harboring slaves." It seems almost incredible that such a proceeding should have taken place so short a time ago. Thirty-five years have barely passed, and there is not a slave in the land. Then the poor, trembling fugitives came, seeking shelter and protection from such as were adjudged outlaws in the free State of Illinois. The following is a copy of the original indictment, still in the possession of Mr. Cushing, and is certainly, to say the least, considering the character of the man, the time and place, and the nature of the offense, a

Of the October term of the Will Counly Circuit Court, in the year of our Lord, one thousand «ight hundred and forty-three. State of Illinois, Will County :

The Grand Jurors, chosen, selected, .and sworn, in and for the County of Will, aforesaid, in the name and by the authority of the peop'e of the state of Illinois, on their oath present that Samuel Cushing late of said county, at the county aforesaid, on the first day of July, in the year of our Lord, one thousand eight hundred and forty three, four negroes, then and there slaves, and owing service to a person to the jurors unknown, residing in the state of Missouri, one of the United States of America, then and there, to wit : on the day and year, and at the county aforesaid, in the dwelling house of him the said Cushing then and there situate did harbor, he the said Samuel Cushing, then and there well knowing the said negroes then and there to be such slaves, and fugitives from service as aforesaid ; contrary to the form of the statute in such case made and provided, and against the peace and dignity of the same people of the state of Illinois.

And the Grand Jurors, chosen, selected and sworn, in and for the county aforesaid, in the .name and by the authority of the people of the state of Illinois, on their oaths aforesaid, do further present, that one Samuel Cushing, late of said county, on the first day of July, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and forty three, at the county aforesaid, one female negro, and one male negro, there and then being slaves and owing service to a person to the jurors unknown, in the state of Missouri, one of the United States of America, then and there to wit: on the day and year aforesaid at the county aforesaid in the dwelling house of him, the said Samuel Cushing then and there situate did harbor, he the said Samuel Cushing then and there well knowing the said female negro and the said male negro, then and there to be sucb slaves and fugitives from the said state of Missouri; contrary to the statute in such case made and provided, and against the peace and dignity of the said people of the state of Illinois.

And the Grand Jurors chosen, selected and sworn, in and for the county aforesaid, in the name and by the authority of the peopl e of the state of Illinois, on their oath aforesaid do further present that one Samuel Gushing, late of said county, on the first day of July in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and forty three, at the county aforesaid, two colored persons then and there being slaves and owing service to a person to the Jurors unknown in the state of Missouri, one of the United States of America, then and there, to wit : on the day and year last aforesaid, at the county aforesaid, in the dwelling house of him, the said Samuel Gushing, then and there and then situate, did harbor, he the said Samuel Gushing, then and there well knowing the said two colored persons, then and there to be such slaves as aforesaid, and fugitives from their said service as slaves aforesaid ; contrary to the form of the statute in such case made and provided, and against the peace and dignity of the same people of the state of Illinois.

It would, doubtless, be injustice to some of the names of the grand jurors whose signatures are given as indorsing this action, to suppose that they sympathized with the spirit which incited the movement. On the contrary, some of them will be recognized as leaders in the very cause for which Mr. Gushing was called upon to answer. On this indictment Mr. Gushing was arrested, taken to Joliet and held to bail until the next term of Gourt. At the term mentioned, though Mr. Gushing would have acknowledged to ten times as much as charged, the Prosecuting Attorney was not ready for trial ; and an immediate trial being demanded, a nol. pros, was entered, and the law-breaker allowed to return to his work of " aiding and harboring slaves, contrary to the form of the statute in such case made and provided, and against the peace and dignity of the people of the State of Illinois." At the session of the grand jury mentioned, Col. Peter Stewart, of Wilmington, was indicted for a like offense and with like results. Fifty years hence, in the absence of records, it would be exceedingly hard to cojivince any one that such proceedings ever took place ; and, indeed, at the present time the relation of the event sounds like a story of a century past. Mr. Gushing still resides here at an advanced age, and expresses no regret for the part he took in feeding the- hungry, clothing the naked, and sheltering the cold and weary, worn traveler, remembering that the Master had said, " Inasmuch as ye have done it unto the least of these, ye have done it unto me."

The first German who made l^is appearance on the prairie was William Rinne. His first habitation was, if anything, of a more primitive character than any of its time. It consisted simply of what might be denominated the <'ellar of a house, lacking the very material part, the building, or, in other words, simply a square hole in the ground, with a low wall of sods built above the surface and covered with prairie grass, supported by poles. In this burrow he lived five or six years, the while toiling and economizing until he had not only paid for his land, but had saved sufiicient to build a more comfortable abode.

John 0. Piepenbrink is one of the richest, if not the wealthiest, men in the township. He came to the township in 1849, and began the manufacture of butter and cheese. The business, though at first a small matter, has developed into a concern of large proportions, from which Mr. Piepenbrink has realized a fortune.

Conrad Tatge was one of the first German settlers, and, through his influence, probably, more of that people have come to this neighborhood than through that of any other man. Mr. Tatge served the county for eight years as Circuit Clerk, in which position he merited and gained the esteem of all with whom he transacted business. The German settlement grew most rapidly from 1848 till 1856, at the end of which period most of the Government, railroad and speculators' lands had been bought by them. Since then the German population has steadily increased by settlers in the village, and also by those who buy out the original purchasers of the land, they, in turn, removing to newer localities further west. The German people of Crete Township have proved to be most industrious, intelligent and honorable citizens, and the indications of their prosperity are observed on every hand.

Gustavus Brauns was the first German merchant. He came to Crete and opened a store in April, 1857. He has been a very successful man in business, and has the confidence and respect of not only his own people, but of all of his fellow-citizens. Beside these already named, among the early German settlers, were John Windheim, Conrad Weinhofier, Henry Scheiwe, Philip Jurdining, Henry Ohlendorf, Conrad Hecht and Christopher Batterman, settling in various portions of the township, and mostly before the year 1850.

The history of the churches of Crete Township is almost a history of the township itself, as nearly all of the leading citizens - especially of the early Qjjgg were, directly or indirectly, connected with these enterprises ; and to this fact, in connection with the deep interest taken in educational matters^ must be attributed the excellent state of morals and intelligence found here- Like the Puritans, when they landed from the Mayflower, the first thing was to set up the altar in the wilderness ; and_, like the Israelites, when they had safely landed on the borders of the promised land, they erected to God a tabernacle.

Though, as before stated. Rev. David Ripley organized the first churchthat being a Congregational- society - the Methodists really organized the first class for religious culture and teaching. A class of this denomination wasformed by the noted pioneer preacher, S. R. Beggs, at Thorn Grove, in 1836, with fifteen members. This was the first religious organization in the east end of the county. Five years later, it was transferred to the village of Crete, but no building was erected until 1852, the meetings of the society in the mean time being held in schoolhouses and, in warm weather, in the open air in the grove. The building erected at the date named cost $1,500. The present Pastor of the Church is Rev. U. C. Reynolds. I. C. Reed is Superintendent of the Sunday school. The present membership of the Church is 123, and of the Sunday school, about as many.

The Congregational Church at Beebe's Grove was organized in 1839 by Rev. David Ripley, with Nathaniel Frank and wife, Mrs. Beebe, James L. Dean and wife, Moses Cook and wife, John Kyle and mother and Samuel Gushing and wife as members. Of these original members. Cook and Cushing and their wives are all that are now living. Soon after the organization of the Church, Rev. David Ripley died, and Rev. J. Thompson was called to fill his place. It is related that once the minister's horse strayed away from his stable, and, for over a week, no trace of him could be found. At the end of the period named, however, some one, in passing the church-building,* heard a noise within, and, supposing some one was inside preparing the room for Church services, pushed open the door, when lo ! the poor horse confronted him with looks and actions which indicated that, though he had not been holding religious meetings, he ha.dheen fasting for a long time. The horse, after leaving home, had, doubtless, from force of habit, taken the road to the church, and, finding the door ajar, had pushed it open and walked in for the purpose of protecting himself from the inclement weather. " Old Dick " was always afterward dubbed the "Pious Horse."

Six years after the organization at Beebe's Grove, another church of the same denomination was started at Thorn Grove, by Rev. E. C. Brige. Eight or ten years later, the two organizations were united, and steps taken to erect a building for religious worship at the village of Crete. The building was completed a short time thereafter, at an outlay of $2,000. The membership at present numbers about sixty persons, though more than one hundred others have been dismissed by letter to other organizations. Rev. J. F. Smith is present Pastor, and Mrs. Smith is Superintendent of the Sunday school.

The German Lutheran denomination has been exceedingly prosperous since its establishment here. Trinity Church, of this denomination, is the result of the union of two branches - the one at Beebe's Grove and the other near the village. Rev. 0. Weil was the first minister, and preached here a year, in 1849. He was succeeded by Rev. August Selle, who labored with the Church for eight years, and did most of the work in systematizing the enterprises with which the society has since been connected. Mr. Selle organized the first Lutheran Church established in the city of Chicago. In 1860, their present house of worship was erected. It stands nearly a mile south of the village of Crete, is a neat structure of the kind and cost $2,640. The society also owns two schoolhouses, one southeast and the other southwest of the village, in which schools are kept open the most of the year. At each of the schoolhouses, and at the church, they have ten acres of land. They, also, by special agreement with the school authorities, have a school in the public school-building in the village, in which the religion of the Church, the German language and some of the primary branches taught in the common schools are learned. Rev. Gottlieb Traub has been, for the last twelve years. Pastor of the Church. At its first organization, the Church consisted of thirteen families; the present membership is 131 families. The Albright Evangelical Church, located in the southeastern corner of the township was established in 1856, by Rev. George Fetters, with twelve familes. The society has not been very prosperous, the Lutheran Church located a quarter of a mile south, in Washington Township, completely overshadowing it. In 1862, under the pastorate of Rev. Noah McLain, a small house of worship was erected for $800, on land owned by Conrad Hecbt. Seven families at present belong to the organization, and Rev. William Gross is minister. Willard Wood. Esq., now a resident of the village of Crete, taught the first school in the township, in the Winter of 1887-38, and public action looking toward the establishing of a public school system was taken in 1840, On April 11, of that year, the school township was organized, with Luman Hewes, M. H. Cook and Norman Northrup as Trustees, and James L. Miner as Treasurer and Clerk. Miner, however, refused to act, and so Willard Wood was chosen in his place, and continued in oiEce until 1846, when Richard Brown was appointed. The first business done^by the Board was the division of the township into three school districts, with the six northeast sections, or Beebe's Grove, as District No. 1 ; the northwest twelve sections, or Thorn Grove, as No. 2, and the south half of the township as No. 3. Thefirst two of these districts organized at once, and under the public system Miss Eliza Burrit taught during the Summer of 1840 at Beebe's Grove. This was the first term taught in this neighborhood, and was held in the schoolhouse previously mentioned, in which Elder Thompson's " Pious Dick " kept his forced fast. This schoolhouse was a very simple affair indeed ; and, as it was a fair sample of the architecture that prevailed in those days, a brief description of it will doubtless prove interesting.

Interested parties to the number of eight or ten came together by appointment, bringing with them their axes, saws and whatever implements they happened to possess, and built it on the mutual assistance plan. Small trees were felled and cat to the length of twenty feet. Notches were cut in each end to admit others designed to rest thereon. Then the logs were laid up, in the manner of constructing a rail pen. When the building had been raised to a sufficient height, openings were cut for a door, fireplace and windows. The craclis between the logs were "chinked" - that is, partially filled with small pieces of wood, wedged in, and then daubed with mud. The roof was made of "clapboards," or very large shingles, split from the bodies of straightgrained trees, and these were held in their places by the weight of poles laid thereon. In the building of King Solomon's Temple, it is found worthy of record that it was constructed " without the aid of ax, hammer, or any tool of iron." In our temple of learning it is worthy of note that, with the exception of a few nails in the door, not a piece of iron entered into its composition. The door was made of the boards of which, formerly, a dry goods box had been constructed ; was hung on wooden hinges, and fastened with a wooden latch, which only the ingenuity of the backwoodsman could invent, being raised by means of a leather thong attached to it, and hung through a small auger-hole a few inches above. The floor was made of "puncheons," or logs split in two parts, each of which, with it flat surface turned upward, rested on the ground. The desks were broad boards, resting on pins driven into the wall. The seats were constructed of slabs, into the ends of which were inserted wooden pins, serving as legs or supports. These benches were placed in front of the desks, and while the children studied from their books the sharp edges of the desks served as supports for their backs. The chimney and fire-place were composed of small sticks, built up after the manner of the house, and plastered with mud, the fire-place being very ample to admit of large logs used for fuel. The same Summer that the public school was opened at Beebe's Grove, a school was taught by E. Smith in District No. 2. The next year (November, 1841), District No. 3 was organized and school established there. The school land, being the section cornering with the village of Crete, on the southeast, was sold in 1841, at an average of about $2.00 per acre. In 1850, the number of districts had increased to six, since which time no new districts have been formed.

The following items, extracted from the books of the Township Treasurer, Willam L. Adams, and of the Treasurer of the fractional township, J. C. Doescher, will doubtless prove interesting to many readers, as indicating the present condition of the schools :

Formerl Y Of Frankfort Tp

By no means least among the enlightening and elevating influences in a community is a good newspaper, and as such deserves to be classed with the pulpit and the rostrum. The Unterprise, which is all that its name indicates, was established at Crete in 1875. Its first number appeared on the 25th of December of the year named. C. E. Carter, who had been in the newspaper l)usiness in Wisconsin, originated and founded the paper, and by him it has been edited and published ever since. The Enterprise is a sprightly eightcolumn quarto, full of local and foreign news, and enjoys a good patronage, both by way of subscriptions and advertising. It is issued every Friday. It is independent in politics and religion.

The Crete Sash, Door and Blind Factory, located at the village, is worthy of more than a passing notice. This institution was founded in 1869 by Messrs. Conrad Tatge, Christopher Knabe, William Hahnlein and F. Sennholtz. Two years later, a stock company was formed, with a capital of $21,000, with Walter Looct as Manager, and Gustavus Brauns as Secretary and Treasurer. Twenty hands are employed in the manufacture of the articles before mentioned, and also of moldings and stair-rails. Lumber for use is brought directly from the pineries. The product of the factory finds sale in the southern part of the State and in Indiana.

A fire insurance company, called the Crete Farmers' Mutual, with a capital of $20,000, is one of the institutions of this township. Conrad Tatge, Henry Scheive, John 0. Meier and Gustavus Brauns were the originators of the scheme, the last-named being the first Agent and Secretary. Its province is to insure farm-buildings and other careful risks, the rate being about 1 per cent.

The call of the President for soldiers to suppress the rebellion was heard by many in this township, and hearing, they left all - homes, firesides, friends and kindred - and followed the beat of the drum to the field of battle. A number of the brave boys who left us never returned. Their bones lie mingled the soil of the country which they went out to rescue from the hands of traitors. The names of some of them are here given. Among those who were tilled or died of wounds or disease contracted in the army are remembered : A. Quackenbush, John W. Cole, Robert Cave, M. H. Cook, Orlando Hewes, William Conskay, Conrad Ingleking, August Myer and James M. Mulliken. Whether there were others or not, we could not learn, but surely this was enough; and, though the prayers of brothers, sisters, parents and friends ascended day after day for their safe return, the sacrifice was demanded, and it

In 1850, the township of Crete, embracing all of what now constitutes the townships of Crete and Washington, was formed. The first township election occurred on the 2d day of April of the year named. The meeting was called to order by Willard Wood. Moses H. Cook was elected Chairman or Moderator and E. W. Beach was chosen Secretary. They were sworn to perform the duties of their oflBces according to law, by J. Marsh, a Justice of the Peace. At this first election, there were 109 votes cast, of which the following persons received majorities for the respective offices : N. Brown, Supervisor ; Z. Handerson, Clerk ; J. Luce, Assessor ; D. Wilkins, Collector ; Horace Adams, Overseer of the Poor ; A. Wilder, S. W. Chapman and William Hewes, Commissioners of Highways ; H. E. Barret and 0. H. Barret, Constables, and H.. Sprague and J. Marsh, Justices of the Peace.

The present township officers are : John 0. Meier, Supervisor ; Emit Walter, Clerk ; Henry Hattendorf, Collector ; Henry Cole, Assessor ; A= Darling, William Diersen and H. N. Doescher, Highway Commissioners; Charles Smith and D. E. Hewes, Justices of the Peace, and Frank Pease and. Lorenz Tillotsen, Constables.

Village .Of Crete

The village of Crete was laid out in 1849, by Willard Wood, who lived here, occupying the site since 1837. Mr. Wood built at the place now occupied by the Hewes House, at the last-named date, and kept the house as a hotel. As mentioned in the history of Washington Township, places for the accommodation of the traveling public sprang up all along this great highway, and among the number was the Wood Tavern. Of course it was not the commodious hotel that now occupies the corner, but a small log structure ; though the use of that corner, with numerous changes and additions, has always been devoted to that purpose. Until about the time of the laying-out of the town, the same log cabin was the hotel ; but, at the date named, it gave place to a more pretentious afiair. Wood then erected a building 26x36 feet, which he occupied until 1865. In 1873, the Hewes brothers, Daniel and B. F., came into possession, and built the main part of the house, and have occupied it ever since.

The first merchant to locate here was H. H. Huntley. He opened his store directly after the town was laid out, in 1849. Z. Handerson came in a year later, and opened another store. George Gridley had been blacksmithing here for some years before the town was laid out.

Dr. H. H. Hitchcock, now of Chicago, was the first physician at the Corners, but removed from here about the time the village started. Dr. G. W. Minard, who still resides in the place, was a student of Hitchcock's, and succeeded to his practice.

The post office was established at the Corners in 1836, and was named Crete; and from this the village, in 1849, and the township, in 1850, have derived their names. Crete is one of the most enterprising towns on the line of the Chicago & Eastern Illinois Railroad. It is composed of men of ability and thrift, as indicated by buildings, both public and private, which are of a superior charac-

Village Of Goodbnow

This town was the direct product of the building of the Chicago & Eastern Illinois Railroad, and was laid out by George W. Goodenow the same year. Mr. Goodenow, at the same time, built a storehouse and put in a general stock of merchandise. The same year, William Kophmeir erected a hotel and saloon, and Herman Brinker built a wagon-shop and dwelling.

Next year James Darling built a blacksmith-shop, which was at once occupied by Samuel Rose. Darling removed to Kansas. Mr. Goodenow was first Postmaster, and still occupies the position. The village is situated on the southeast corner of Section 32, about four miles south of Crete. It is a fine location for a town, and but for the hard times which have intervened since its beginning, would doubtless by this time present a greatly improved appearance.

The " war of the races " came to a crisis in 1832. Probably no year in the history of Illinois has been more eventful than the one named. Certainly, no year has brought so much anxiety and excitement to Northern and Northwestern Illinois, as did the year 1832. Previous to this time, it is true, there was considerable unrest and fear experienced by the inhabitants from their red neighbors, the Indians. Though to all outward appearances they were on friendly terms, yet the farmers, conscious that they were encroaching on the assumed rights of the others, and knowing full well their treacherous dispositions and their sensitiveness on the subject, were all the while apprehensive of trouble. During the year named, all their forebodings and much more were realized. Black Hawk and his allies had been wrought up to such a pitch, that neither threats nor promises by the Government or the State would longer avail, and war between the two races seemed inevitable. The State and nation were prompt to deal with the belligerents, but not until a number of wholesale butcheries had been perpetrated were the Indians brought into subjection and removed from the State. In the mean time, though no actual demonstration occurred in this section, yet all were in such a state of suspense and anxiety that the county was for a time entirely deserted, some going to the nearest fortifications for protection, and others returning to the East to be out of harm's way until the trouble might blow over. After peace and order had been restored, those who for a time had left their pioneer homes returned, bringing with them many new settlers. Among the number who emigrated to this county soon after the close of the troubles alluded to, were a number of families from Ohio. John S. Dilly, John M. Chase, S. W. Cooper, S: W. Gaines, Nicholas Young and Aaron Bonell, were the original and first settlers of Monee

Township, and, like all early emigrants from the heavily timbered regions of the East, sought the neighborhood of the little groves, found here and there throughout this part of the State. All of these men, with their families, settled in the northeastern part of the township, in the vicinity of Thorn Grove. A notable feature of many pioneer settlements is the rough character of its members. Many early settlers have been people who, having been reduced in means and character in their original dwelling-places, have fled to a strange and new country, in the hope of recuperating their fortunes, and either to run away from their characters or reform their doubtful habits. Then, too, in a new country, the restraining influences of church and society, added to which may be counted that of the law, are much less felt than the older settled sections. But this settlement seems to have been a notable exception to the rule, every man of the primary settlement proving himself worthy of the name of a " good citizen." Indeed, one of the number bore the title of Parson, and as such ministered to the people in things spiritual, while he at the same time cultivated the soil. Of these old pioneers only two still remain. The rest are all gone to other parts, or have departed to that " bourn from which no traveler returns." S. W. Cooper still resides on the old place. He has from the first been ranked as one of the soundest men in the township, and as such has enjoyed the respect and confidence of his fellow-citizens to an unlimited degree. He was the first Supervisor of the township when the two townships now denominated Monee and Will were a single precinct, and were known as CarcY- S. W. Gaines is the other survivor. Whatever can be said of a man of good reputation also attaches to his name. He has accumulated a handsome property, and now enjoys the fruits of his hard toil and early hardships incident to a pioneer life.

John M. Chase is credited with building the first house in the township. Chase was a well-to-do farmer, and a man who enjoyed the confidence of his neighbors, as witnessed by his election to the ofiice of Justice of the Peace and several other honors conferred tipon him. However, he did not remain here long enough to merit the title of permanent resident, but sold out his improvements after a few years' residence and returned to Ohio.

Aaron Bonell and sons continued to reside here for a number of years, and then removed to the southern part of the State. Dilly and Young are both dead. Young was the preacher alluded to. After his death, the balance of the family all removed further West.

In 1834, William Hollis Newton came from the State of New York. He is also dead. He was a good citizen, and was well liked by all who knew him. W. H. Newton, Jr., is one of the wealthiest men in the township, and enjoys the reputation of being the model farmer in this portion of the country. His residence, with the numerous houses and barns for poultry, stock, grain and tools, almost equals the number found in a respectable-sized village.

Otis Phillips was also from New York, but came a year after Newton. He lived here several years and then removed to Wisconsin, where he has since died. He is, without doubt, entitled to the honor of being the pioneer educator, as he taught the first school established in this part of the grove. J. E. Phillips, now residing near the village of Monee, came from New York the next year - 1836 - and settled at Thorn Grove. Mr .'Phillips has proved to be one of the reliable citizens of this section, and has been as intimately associated with all of the events transpiring in this vicinity as any other man ; and to him we are, in a great measure, indebted for whatever may be valuable in this narrative. The same year, came from Ohio, William Kinney. He was a farmer, in moderate circumstances, but spent much of his time in hunting. Indeed, we may well believe that many of the early residents were wont tp obtain a subsistence from the use of the rifle.

Thorn Grove, in the time of which we write, abounded with game of different kinds, and the tables of the early settlers were generously spread with meats that are now rare, and are only eaten as a luxury. And yet; while thus well supplied with venison, turkey, wild chickens and ducks, many articles of food, now common, were almost entirely dispensed with. Tea, coffee, most spices and sugar were obtainable at greater expense than many of them could afford, and home-prepared substitutes took their places. Rye coffee, sassafras tea and corn bread instead of wheaten, with mush and milk, constituted their fare. In the matter of clothing and furniture, their allowance and quality were still more primitive. Silks and broadcloths, furs and kids, were reserved for a later generation. There were no fine carpets on their puncheon floors, no expensive pictures on the walls or tapestry at the windows. Such luxuries were neither obtainable nor desired. The little marketing that was done required long journeys to the nearest stores ; and goods of every kind, owing to slow and expensive transportation, were very dear.

The houses of the pioneers were not stately or imposing structures, such as have more recently taken their places. A one-story, one-roomed log cabin was about the most stylish house in the neighborhood. In the construction of the first houses, there was not used a sawed board in the whole building, and, in some, not a single piece of iron - not even a nail. Wooden hinges and latches (with the string out) for doors, puncheons for floors, clapboards for roofs, and wooden pegs, on which to hang clothing, were some of the makeshifts to which they were obliged to resort. Perhaps none but those who have experienced the events witnessed and passed through by them, are fully competent to describe them ; and, certainly, none but such as have witnessed them can fully comprehend the changes which have taken place, both in the appearance of the country and the condition of its inhabitants. The people are accustomed to cry " hard times ; " but if they could be placed back in time forty years, and be required to fill the places of those old pioneers, deprived of all social and commercial privileges, as were they, they would learn a lesson that neither essays nor speeches can teach. Even in the new settlements of the now Western country, things are very different. Now the railroad and telegraph precede

The year 1837 was one of the worst in the financial history of the country, and especially of Illinois, that ever occurred; and for a time emigration to these parts was, in a measure, checked. Occasionally a new settler made his appearance. Guided, some by letters and others, as it were, by instinct, they dropped in from time to time, but not for several years after the earliest date mentioned did the township settle rapidly. At first, all the settlements were made in the edges of the timber, but when all of the Jand in the vicinity of the wooded portions had been occupied, shanties here and there on the prairie began to appear. By the year 1850, seventeen years after the first settler made his appearance, the following additional residents are noted : John S. Holland, Stephen, Jacob and James Goodenow; George, Emerson and Minet E. Baker; A. J. Smith, Eugene Lashley, August Klien and Simeon Abbott. Of these, some are dead, some have removed further west or returned to their native States, and some are still residents of the township.

The Bakers were from Ohio. They lived here a few years after the date last named, and then again took up their line of march toward the setting sun, their last resting-place being in the State of Iowa.

Johii S. Holland came here in 1845, made some improvements, and died a few years after. The family have all removed - one son to Chicago, where he now resides.

A. J. Smith was here before 1845, and resided in the township until about 1855, at which date his death occurred. He was a native of Ohio, was a good man, and was one of the earliest Justices of the Peace.

Ebenezer Lashley, for the last fifteen years a resident of Douglas County, of this State, came to this township from Ohio. He was one of the best informed of the early residents of the county, and his removal was a source of regret to all his neighbors.

Stephen Goodenow and brothers (Jacob and James) were from the several States of Michigan, Pennsylvania and Indiana, and came to this part of the country about 1845. George and Franklin Goodenow, relatives of the above, settled in the adjoining township, the former of whom is proprietor of the town of Goodenow, on the Chicago & Eastern Illinois Railroad. Stephen Goodenow now resides in the village of Monee.

As before intimated, the first land occupied was that in the eastern portion of the township, in the vicinity of Thorn Grove. In 1854, however, the Illinois Central Railroad was completed, and a station being established in the western part, on that line of road, improvements began to be made in that neighborhood. Since that date, the west side of the township has taken the lead in population. By an act of Congress, each alternate section of land in this and other townships through which this railroad passes (excepting lands already entered, the school section and the "reservation") was transferred to the Illinois Central Railroad Company to assist in building the road. In transferring the land to the Company, the price of the remaining Government land was raised to $2.50 per acre, being double its former price, and at that price nearly one-third of the land was purchased by settlers. The lands occupied by settlers prior to the road was bought at fl.25 per acre, and that from the Railroad Company from f2.50 to $10.00, according to location and date of purchase. The Indian reservation, sometimes called Coon Grove, consisted of about three-fourths of Sections 28, 29, 32 and 33. This land had been deeded by treaty to a small family or tribe of Indians, and by them was held until a comparatively recent date, when it was put upon the market by their agent, Henry M. Ward, and sold to different parties who now occupy it. The ancient aborigines, to whom the land belonged, have long since removed from this part of the country.

Monee Township is bounded on the north by Cook County, on the east by Crete, on the south by Will and on the west by Greengarden. About onefourth formerly consisted of timbered land : but the supply of fuel and building material in former times demanded the sacrifice of a considerable portion, and the amount of woodland is now much smaller. In 1850, the township was included with Will in a single precinct, though not that Will added anything to the voting population, for at that date Will had not within its bounds a single inhabitant. So, in reality, considering the population, Carey Township was what is now called Monee. The township of Carey was organized, with all others of the original townships named in the first division of the territory, in 1850, on the 2d day of April of the year named. From a few miscellaneous papers still in existence in the Clerk's office, we find that C. W. Cooper was first Supervisor ; J. E. Phillips, Assessor, and W. H. Newton, Clerk. The records of Carey Township have been lost, and we are, therefore, unable to make any further definite statements in regard to the first organization. In 1859, that portion of Carey now known as Will was struck off, in accordance with the wishes of its inhabitants ; and, the village of Monee having been established and so named, the old name of Carey was dropped and the name to correspond with the village was adopted. The organization of the township, as at present constituted, is : John 'Kolstedt, Supervisor ; E. R. Freese, Clerk ; Fred. Rave, Assessor ; Jacob H. Barlage, Collector ; Adam Gorman, Henry Deters and George Kolstedt, Commissioners of Highways ; John A. Heins and Henry Conrad, Justices of the Peace ; Peter Bischman and Gustav Kettering, Constables, and August Ehrhardt, School Treasurer.

As before intimated, the first school was taught at the " Grove " by Otis Phillips. Like the township records, the school records of the township have been lost, and nothing positive can be stated in regard to this school except that it was in a little cabin owned by Mr. Phillips, the teacher. The date was, no doubt, about 1836. All schools in the State of Illinois at that date were supported by private means, and of course this was a subscription school. It is

In 1855, a system of reports from Township School Treasurers was adopted, and from an old report, dated 1858, from the Treasurer of this township, we are able to give some interesting statistics, indicating the condition of schools at that time. It is therein stated that there were in the township :

Formerly, churches were organized at the Grove ; but since the towns of Crete and Monee have been established and movements made toward organizing church societies there, these organizations have either been abandoned or removed to the villages.

The war record of this township is bright with many honored names. A large number of the best and strongest men, when the call for troops to suppress the rebellion was made, entered the army and followed the old flag even to the mouth of the cannon, and some into the very jaws of death. John Clark, Isaiah Cook, Charles Bergen, C. J. Garret, T. J. Kemp, G. A. Baker and A. F. Clark were among the number who lost their lives to save the life of the Union. Henry Carstons was reported missing, and, as supposed, was killed. There were, doubtless, others, but we are unable to learn their names. Surely,, these were a large and costly sacrifice, and worthy of the cause in which they fell.

Village Of Monee

The year 1853 was an eventful one for this section of the State, which had, prior to that time, been without commercial privileges, except as carried on, by means of wagons, with Chicago. The enterprise of building a railroad through this part of the State had long been talked of, and some legislation had resulted therefrom ; though but few realized the importance of the scheme until the road was completed. In a few years, towns sprang up all along the line, and lands heretofore unoccupied were taken up in a short time. In a very few years, this Avhole region was almost as thickly settled as it is to-day. The western part of the township soon became the most densely populated, and the town of Monee has sprung up from what was, prior to that event, an open plain.

The village of Monee was laid out by Henry M. Ward, for August Herbert, in 1853. August Herbert was in the Mexican war, and, being honorably discharged at the close, he was given a warrant entitling him to 160 acres of the unoccupied Government land, wherever he might choose to locate. So, in 1849, he found his way to this township, and located the southeast quarter of Section 21. When the railroad was located, though it did not run through Herbert's land, it ran so close that his land became available as a part of thetown site. He therefore sold to the railroad company forty acres ; and this, together with what Herbert laid out, embraces the principal part of the village. In 1853, Herbert built the first house in the village. He also built, in partnership with others, a warehouse ; built a storehouse and opened a general store, in which he continued until about two years ago, when he removed to Grant Park^ where he now resides. Though Herbert erected the first building (now a portion of Kettering's Hotel), a house had been brought by Simeon Abbott, from the south part of the township, which was used by the employes of the railroad company as a lodging-house. This house is still standing and occupies one of the most prominent corners in the village, and is used by Messrs. Sonneborn & Son for a tailoring establishment. Mr. Abbott lived in the house for a time, and then removed to Iowa, where he still resides. The first store building was erected in 1853, by 0. B. Dutton, the same now being in use by August Schifiier. Among the other early residents of the village were Adam Vatter, Bronson Wiley and Theodore Wernigk. Of these, Vatter was a carpenter, who gave most of his attention to the erection of churches ; and nearly all of the German churches in this, Greengarden, Peotone and Crete Townships are works of his. He still resides here.

Wiley was the first blacksmith, and Wernigk was the first physician. Laban Easterbrooks is also one of the oldest residents, having resided in the village for twenty-one years. " 'Squire Brooks," as he is familiarly called, is a native of Rhode Island, and has always enjoyed the friendship and business relations of Gen. Burnside, of that State. Mr. Easterbrooks was a carpenter, and Burnside was Cashier of the Land Department of the Illinois Central Railroad ; and, through that relation, came to possess large tracts of land in the township of Greengarden. The General, having been acquainted with the 'Squire, and wishing some improvements made on his land, employed him to look after his estate - have it fenced and build houses on the same.

The schoolhouse was built in 1854, and Margaret Wilson was installed as first teacher. Five years ago, an addition of one room was made to the original building, and three teachers, of whom F. Stoflflet is Principal, are now employed. In 1866, Joseph Koenig and Oscar Kohler built a steam grist-mill ; but the enterprise did not prove a great success and it has not been in use for several years.

In 1865, August Schiifer built a warehouse and began handling grain. Two years later, Messrs. Tatge, Miller & Herbert erected their building for handling grain ; and following them, in 1872, F. Luehrs, of Greengarden Township, also erected a warehouse.

An attempt to establish an academy for a higher and special course of instruction was made in 1872. The building, called the Monee Academy, was erected in that year, named by Messrs. Janzen & Stassen. Prof. Janzen was put in charge of the institution, and hopes were entertained that this would develop into one of the leading institutions of the country. But after a short time, it was found that the encouragement received was not sufficient to warrant its continuance, and was abandoned.

The leading church of the village is the Lutheran. The German element is largely in the majority, and nearly all adhere to that faith. The Church was established in 1857, by Rev. William Schaefer, and a house of worship in 1858. The cost of the house was $1,500. It stands in the midst of the burial ground, where lie the remains of Christian Schurz and wife, father and mother of Carl Schurz, now a member of President Hayes' Cabinet. The congregation consists of about eighty families, of which Rev. C. F. Hafheing is Pastor.

The Congregational Church, which stands in the north part of the village, Tvas the second built, and the society was the second organized. The house was built at an outlay of $2,100, in 1866, the society having been formed five years earlier by Rev. W. B. Atkinson. Rev. George Dunlap officiates as minister.

The M. E. Church was organized by Rev. Mr. Ross, and the building erected in 1868, at an expenditure of $1,500. The building stands in the west part of town, and is occupied part of the time only, by Rev. W. H. Crawford. This society has not been in as flourishing a condition as formerly, and, for a time, the house was closed.

Rev. Charles Steisabei'ger organized the German Catholic society of this place in 1866, and two years later they built their house of worship. The building cost $1,500, and stands in the eastern part of the village near the Congregational Church. This society has never been strong here, and services are now held only occasionally.

Some years ago, perhaps about 1860 or 1861, a newspaper called the Monee Eagle, was started here by J. G. Scott. The Eagle soared high for a

Histoky Of Will Couiity

-while. It continued its flight for about three years, when it drooped, folded its ^ings and died. The village of Monee was incorporated in 1874, by the election of officers on the 9th of November of that year. The first Board consisted of Edward Wernigk, President; Henry Hoffman, Charles Plagge, Philip Vollmar, Christopher Schoenstedt and August Schiffer, as Trustees ; William T. Hutchinson was Clerk, and B. Hayen, Treasurer. The present officers are Simeon Miller, President ; John A. Heins, Charles Mertz, Christopher Schoenstedt, Gustav Jordans and William Kohlstedt, Trustees ; Charles Pragst, Clerk ; John Kohlstedt, Treasurer, and Laban Easterbrooks, Police Magistrate.

It is claimed for this township, that it is the best, in many particulars, in the whole county. In soil and in society, in thrift and in intelligence, the inhabitants of Florence acknowledge their superiority. After a careful examination into the several items enurperated, we are not disposed to attempt to change public opinion, in regard to the good qualities of this locality, for certainly a finer place for the display of all that is desirable in a farming community would be hard to find. The land is exceedingly rich, and the soil deep and very productive. The surface is gently undulating - -just sufficiently so to render drainage easy, and, at the same time, prevent the washing from heavy rains incident to rolling or broken groundi Thrift and prosperity are manifested on every hand, in the well-cultivated fields, fat and fine-bred stock, comfortable and, in some instances, elegant dwellings, and in the well-graded and "well-kept highways. The queerest part of the story, perhaps, is that much of the best land in the township was not occupied until long after the little strips of timber along the streams - though of a greatly inferior character of soil - was occupied and improved. The reason for this becomes apparent, when it is considered that the first inhabitants of this country were all from the heavilyr wooded States, that it was then apparent that the little bits of timber here and there must answer for both fuel and building purposes, until artificial forests could be grown, and that the prairie land was as dear as the timbered. In the minds of many Eastern people contemplating emigration, the timber question is yet an important one. Now, however, inhabitants of the prairie experience but little inconvenience from the lack of this former essential, the "depths" producing an unlimited amount of fuel, and the railroads supplying from other sections building material of a better character than ever was produced here. In early times, a saw-mill was one of the first institutions to appear in the new settlement. These have nearly all disappeared - not because the timber is completely exhausted - but rather that the lumber brought from the pineries of Michigan and Wisconsin is more easily worked and of a more suitable quality for building. The whole township is devoted to farming in connection with

Stock-raising and dairying. Immense crops of corn, oats and rye are produced; considerable pork is raised, and within the past few years, a good deal of attention has been devoted to butter and cheese making.

The township is a full Congressional town, containing thirty-six full sections, and is described in the survey as Town 33 north, and 10 east of the Third Principal Meridian . It is bounded on the north by Jackson Township, on the east by Wilton, on the south by Wesley, and on the west by Wilmington. It is watered by Prairie Creek flowing through the northwestern part, and by Forked Creek and its branches flowing through the southern portion. These furnish excellent stock water to the farms lying adjacent. Stone, adapted to foundations for houses and for making lime, is found in some parts, and quarries are worked for these purposes. Some dispute as to who was the first settler of this township has arisen in consequence of the nearness of some of the first settlements to the northwest corner, across the line from which other early settlements were made in adjoining townships. We have no doubt, from close investigation, that Lewis Linebarger is justly entitled to that honor. Several others of the Linebarger family came to Jackson Township in the year 1832, and, as we have seen in the history of that township, returned to Indiana on the appearance of the Indian troubles. The next Spring, Lewis moved out and settled at what has since been known as Starr's Grove, though the neighborhood was then really considered a part of Reed's Grove. Perhaps, from this circumstance, Linebarger has been incorrectly accredited to Jackson Township. Linebarger built a log cabin, which was the first, and made other improvements. He did not enter the land, but subsequently sold his claim to Arthur Potts, and removed to Oregon, where he still resides.

Arthur Potts, though not the next to make his appearance as a settler, was yet in the township of Wesley in 1834, and moved on the claim purchased of Linebarger a year or two later. Potts was a native of Indiana. He lived here until 1854, and then removed to Iowa, having sold his farm to Duncan Mclntyre.

Another of the Linebargers also settled in here in 1834. He, too, has removed to Oregon. Henry Moore was here in 1834. He was a native of Indiana, a good farmer, and removed to Iowa a number of years ago.

In 1835, the township received an addition to its population that proved to be an addition, not only as to numbers, but in worth, in energy, in industry, and in general benefit to the community. Henry Althouse is a native of Prussia. He came to this country in 1819, landing in Baltimore that year. All that he had in the world, when he stepped ashore, was the clothes on his back, plenty of energy and a thorough knowledge of the baking business. In the business of baising he engaged, working at the trade in Maryland, Virginia and Ohio. In 1821, he married the lady with whom he has now lived fifty-seven years. In 1835, he concluded to turn farmer, and, with that intent, came to this place and laid claim to a piece of land. To this he has, by the utmost energy and industry added, until, at one time, he has owned 1,500 acres. He would own it now, but having a view to the comfort and welfare of a large family, has divided it up and given to each of the nine surviving children a good farm and -other property of value. He now resides at Wilmington, occupying the fine residence of the former banker, Daniels. He is 80 years of age; but, with the exception of his loss of sight, retains his faculties, and seems a quarter of a century younger.

James Martin came in 1836. He was a native of Ireland, and proved to be a first-class citizen of this community. When he first came to the neighborhood, he assisted in the building of Dr. Bowen's mill at Wilmington. The school records show him to have been one of the first School Trustees, in 1842. His son William still occupies the old homestead, though the father has lain in the cemetery seventeen years. James W. Martin, another son, has filled the office of County Treasurer to the satisfaction of all parties.

About this time came Walter and Thomas Monteith. They were from New York. They lived here about ten years, and then removed to Oregon. Since their removal to that State, report says they have become very wealthy. David Bell was one of the next to settle here. He is a native of New York, and came first to Wilmington, where he earned a little money working at the trade of carpenter, bought a little land in the southwest part of the township, and by constant industry and good management has become wealthy.

In 1837, Duncan Mclntyre and Daniel Stewart came from New York. Mclntyre took a claim on Section 28, the farm now belonging to Selah Morey, and built a cabin. Being unmarried at the time, he took to live with him Nelson Wright and family, who had emigrated from New York with him. Subsequently, Wright removed to Oregon, and Mclntyre sought elsewhere for a housekeeper ; and in this connection a little romance is related. Some years before, Mclntyre and some friends, while on a tour of inspection in the neighboring township of Wesley, were suddenly surprised by seeing coming toward them a man leading a little girl, then a mere child. The man informed them that they were emigrants from Michigan, and had just arrived at the place; that their wagon, with the balance of the family, had been left a little way behind, and they were seeking a place to spend the night. The man was Joseph Hadsel, and the little girl was his daughter. All of the gentlemen were struck with the quiet and simple beauty of the little girl ; but no one dreamed that this was to be the future Mrs. Duncan Mclntyre. But when Mr. Mclntyre's tenants, the Wrights, left his place, he then brought to mind the modest, intelligent face of Joseph Hadsel's daughter, who was then living with her father in the adjoining township. An opportunity was not long in presenting itself for Mclntyre to renew the acquaintance of the now young lady, and his estimation of her growing as their acquaintance increased, and her regard for him being of an equally high character, they were married in 1840. Three years later, Mclntyre and his wife returned to New York, where they lived fourteen years, and then returned to Florence, where he died some years later. Mrs. Mclntyre still resides at Starr's Grove, and with her lives her mother, the former Mrs. Hadsel, now verging on to her fourscore years, and one of the oldest residents of this part of the county.

Daniel Stewart, mentioned in Wilmington Township, was one of the stanchest and most honorable citizens of this neighborhood. In his line of business he was most successful, and accumulated a large amount of property. His death occurred about three years since.

Walter W. Monteith. cousin of the Monteith before mentioned, came about the year 1841, aftd worked for a time in Gov. Matteson's woolen-factory at Joliet. On coming to this township, he settled near the center. He was one of the most popular (and deservedly so) citizens. He was the first Supervisor of the township, and held numerous other positions of honor and responsibihty, in all of which he discharged the duties of the same in a most satisfactory manner. He has been dead about eighteen years.