Winnebago County, Illinois - The whole text, 1877 (part 10 of 17)

For many years there has been considerable difficult}' experienced during- dry weather, from want of water. At the September meeting of the company this year, it was thought best to purchase the water power and mills at the foot of the lake or swamp in Wisconsin, known as Lake Koshkenong, forty miles up Rock river. This lake covers a large surface of ground, that was not surveyed by government when the balance of the land was laid out. It is all overflowed in the spring and it has been the custom to open the sluice ways at Lidian ford, tive miles below the foot of the lake, ' and allow it to drain. It is proposed to change the order and allow the lake to fill, to be drawn off during the dry seasons, by this means maintaining an abundant supply of water throughout the year.

In 1875 the Water Power Company at Beloit and Janesville, Wisconsin, also Rockton and Rockford, Illinois, rented the warer privilege at Indian ford for two years, with the right of purchase at the expiration of the lease. This has now been effected, at a cost of $15,000, one-fourth of which the Rockford Company pay. Considering the mills at Indian ford, from which some return may be expected, the investment must be beneficial to all concerned.

Last year the cost of water to the user was only $6.00 per hundred inches. The massive masonry that is replacing some of the crumbling walls of the races, repairs on the dam, and the recent purchase of the reserve reservoir in Wisconsin, will increase the assessments this year, but these improvements will materially add to the usefulness and permanency of the water-power at this place.

There are forty-one water-wheels that are now using the water at this place, representing the varied industries mentioned in the sketch of manufacturers, by whose daily revolutions a thousand operatives find employment. Should all of these receiv^e the average daily wages of $1.50, it would make the modest sum of $39,000 paid out monthly for labor, or $468,000 per annum. Officers of the company : A. I. Enoch, President; Ralph Emerson, Secretary and Treasurer.

Holly Water Works

A number of years ago a company was organized to supply the city of Rockford with water, as well as provide for the extinguishment of fires, but it never amounted to anything. During the summer of 1874 the matter was agitated again, and a favorable vote of the people taken. A committee of construction was authorized, who began work upon the present structure in the fall of that year, and finished it some time during the winter, at a net cost of $34,012.81, including the lots and cost of preparation, building, pumping pit, foundations for pumps, fitter, smoke stack, etc. The machinery, or pumps, which began to pump for general use in March, 1875, cost $36,000, or laid down here with all the extras, $37,758.38. The hydrants, pipes and laying swell the total cost of all to |236,144.S2.

In digging for the foundations, a spring of large size was discovered, which has been utilized, most of the water ordinarily coming from it, while on extraordinary occasions the supply is drawn from the river, near which the works are located.

The Holly system has this distinguishing feature - that, by a set of powerful steam pumps, centrally located, and a system of pipes in all the streets, a steam fire engine is placed at every man's door, with a supply of water that is practically inexhaustable. A pressure of 45 .pounds per square inch is maintained in all the water pipes, the engines running fast or slow automatically, as it falls below or exceeds this point. Since the completion of the works, no tire has ever spread beyond the building where it originated. They are under the supervision of S. T. Holly, Chief Engineer, and Frank A. Holly, assistant, with two firemen. They give about thirty-seven gallons daily to each inhabitant of the city.

Fire Department

The fire department consists of a hose company in each ward, and one hook and ladder company. These were organized by ordinance in January, 18T6, and within two months were equipped and ready for duty. There are three hose houses, one in West Rockford, using the Second Congregational church bell for a fire alarm, and in which JN^os. 3, 4 and 7 meet; one in South Rockford, having its own fire alarm bell, and in which No. 5 meets; one in East Rockford, with its own bell, in which JSTos. 1, 2 and 6, as well as the hook and ladder company, meet. Thqre is one hand engine, for use in case of the breakage of a main. The depai-tment oflicers are as follows :

John T. Lakin. chief; Wm. Crotty, first assistant; Frank Conaughy, second assistant. No. 1, First Ward - Walter Haime, foreman; meets first Monday in each month. No. 2, Second Ward - John N. Hill, foreman; meets first Monday in each month. No. 3, Third Ward - P. W. Welch, foreman; meets first Tuesday in each month. No. 4, Fourth Ward - Jas. Butler, foreman. No. 5, Fifth Ward^-Wm. Holmes, foreman; meets first Monday in each month. No. 6, Sixth Ward - Wm. W. Wood, foreman; meets first Monday in each month. No. 7, Seventh Ward, W., T. Clark, foreman ; meets first Monday in each month. Hook and Ladder Company, organized in the fall of 1876; J. E. Ellison, captain.

Public Schools

Miss Eunice Brown, now Mrs. J. G. Lyon, of Rockton Township, was the first person who taught a school here. She taught in 1837, in a log school house which stood near the residence of Mr. John Early, East Side, and afterward on the West Side in several places. Miss Frances Bradford taught the same year on the West Side in a log cabin that stood near the present residence of S. C. Withrow. From this time, schools were taught from year to year, by difierent persons, in many places, until the graded schools were adopted, in 1857. The previous year the city was divided into two main districts, the river forming the dividing line. In each of these, a large, commodious stone building, four stories high, was finished in 1857, with a capacity to accommodate 650 pupils, and arranged to include all the grades from primary to high school, as well as some of the branches of academic education. These buildings cost about $22,000 each. From time to time, new buildings have been erected according to the needs of localities. In 1874-5, tlie South Rockford school was remodeled, or rather rebnilt, and an efiicient building for a granimar school prepared. Other smaller buildings are scattered over the city, at the present time arranged in three divisions, East Rockford, West Rockford, and South Rockford, each in charge of a principal, who is subject to the Board of Education.

The course of study embraces a thorough and systematic drill in the common branches and the elements of science and literature, including a preparatory course for college.

W. R. HigJi School Building. - J. H. Blodgett, A. M., superintendent; teachers: Miss Alice M. Dove, grammar department; Miss Nellie Gould, ungraded; Miss Ada Linderman, primary; Misslmogene S. Pierce, intermediate; number of scholars, 300.

Chestnut Street School - W. P. J. H, Blodgett, A. M., superintendent; Miss Maria Upson, principal; teachers: Miss Minnie P. Brouse, intermediate; Miss Carrie Blake, first primary; Miss Helen Williams, second primary; number of scholars, 160.

Third Wa/d School - We&t State street. J. H. Blodgett, A. M., superintendent; teachers: Miss Louisa Pells, grammar department; Miss Margaret Conaughy, intermediate; number of scholars, 90.

^Fourth Ward School - Erected 1874. J. H. Blodgett, A. M., superintendent: Charles Goddard, principal; teachers: Miss Carrie Drew, intermediate; Miss Ella Brainard, primary; number of scholars, 150.

East Rockford High School - Henry Freeman, principal; Andrew McPherson, first assistant; Miss Lilian Tappan, second assistant; number of scholars, 125.

East Rockford High School Building. - On First avenue. Henry Freeman, superintendent; Mrs. L. M. Gauss, principal, Miss Ida J. Arnold, assistant, first giammar department; Robert Pew, principal, Miss Trephena Carmichael, assistant, second grammar department; Miss Emma F. Marsh, principal. Miss Evalyn Chaney, assistant, first intermediate; Miss M. A. Russell, principal, Miss Eva Enoch, assistant, second intermediate; number of scholars, 425.

Sixth Ward School - Corner Second avenue and Eighth street. Henry Freeman, superintendent; teachers: Mrs. A. L. PichardsDu, principal. Room D; Miss Jenet Smith, Room C; Miss Jennie Brumbaugh, Room B; Miss Jennie Shepherd, Room A; number of scholars, 200.

Mockford Business College. - Prof. E. C. A. Becker, manager. Bookkeeping in all its forms, business practice, practical and ornamental penmanship, arithmetic, telegraphy, short hand, English, French, German, Latin, Spanish, and music are taught here.

Academic and Classical Institute. - Prof. C. W. Lownshury, principal. Established in 1867. Miss Mary E. Foot, assistant teacher academic senior department; Geo. E. Smith, assistant commercial and primary department. School building, corner Winnebago and West State streets.

Rockfokd Female Seminary

In 1844, at a convention of the Congregational and Presbyterian clergymen of Northern Illinois and Southern Wisconsin, which assembled August 6th, it was decided to found two institutions of learning, one for gentlemen, the other for ladies. It was thought best that they should not be located at the same place. Subsecjuently the college was iixed at Beloit, and the seminary at Rockford, on the pledge of the inhabitants of the latter city to contribute $3,500 for a building, and a suitable location.

A board of trustees was elected, who controlled both institutions. The first charter of the seminary bears date Feb. 25, 1847, but business interests interfered with the fulfillment of the pledges ot the citizens of Pockford, and the matter was delayed for a time.

In 1849, on the 11th of June, Miss Anna P. Sill, the present principal of the seminary, with two assistants, began to teach a select school, whose excellence revived the interest in the seminary. Accordingly in 1850, $5,000 was pledged by the people of Rockford and vicinity for a building, while the ladies gave one thousand more for the purchase of the grounds upon which the seminary now stands. Miss Sill's school took the name of the Rockford Female Seminary, and was held in an old building on the east side of the river, formerly used as a court-house. Here, in September, 1851, the first class of fifteen passed their examination, a regular collegiate course of study having been granted by the charter.

After the acceptance by the iDoard of trustees of the financial pledges of the people of Rockford, in 1850, it was thought best that each institution should manage its own afiairs, but a co-operation of the two has been preserved by retaining severaFof the same membeis in each board of trustees.

Rev. Aratus Kent, a Presbyterian clergyman, as president of the board of trustees, on the 15th day of July, 1852, laid the corner stone of the present edifice. He it was to whom the enterprise is most indebted, having retained the presidency of the board until his death, in 1869. This building, now Middle Hall, was occupied in 1853, and cost $15,000, paid mainly by the people of Winnebago County,

Increased patronage demanded more room. Accordingly, in 1854, "Linden Hall" was begun, and completed two years afterward. It was named from the residence of one of its j^ew England friends, from which place and New York the principal part of the funds were obtained with which it was erected.

In 1866, a third hall, with its connecting corridors, was begun, and finished the following year, at a cost of $21,000, secured mainly by donations from eastern cities, as well as renewed pledges from Rockford and vicinity.

cost of !^4,000, making a continuous brick front of 220 feet, with music and recitation rooms, library, labratory, geological cabinet, chapel, dormitory, dining-rooms, gymnasium, etc., ah in the best condition for effective work. The present curriculum embraces a preparatory, classical and scientific course of instruction, while after the first year studies may be selected at the option of the student. Miss Anna P. Lill, the principal, is assisted by two gentlemen professors and fourteen lady teachers, whose departments are suited to the various needs of the pupils. The president of the board of trustees is Prof. Joseph Emerson, of Beloit, Wis.; the secretary, Rev. Frank P. Woodbury, of Kockford, 111.

Rockfokd Public Libeart

The importance of such a fruitful means of education is appreciated in this county, and soon after the passage of the state law (March 7, 1872), authorizing; cities to provide by a tax of one mill on the dollar for their establishment and maintenance, the city council of Rockford hastened to avail themselves of its privileges. In June of that year, an ordinance was passed, establishing a library and reading room for the general public. The mayor, S. G. Bronson, appointed the followinof directors: Melancthon Starr, Elias Casper, S. C. Withrow, D. S. Clark, Frank P. Woodbury, Henry C. Mabie, JSf. C. Thompson, J. G. Knapp, and C. L. Williams, who were to hold office for three years, three retiring annually. N. C. Thompson was elected President, and Elias Casper, Secretary and Treasurer, at the first meeting of the Board, on the 24th day of June, 1872. Two committees were appointed to select a rooui and prepare an appeal to the citizens for assistance to advance the enterprize, whose reports were subsequently carried out, by renting an apartment in Wallach's Block, now occupied by the Young Men's Christian Association, for $350 per annum, and the free distribution of the address as well as its publication in the city papers.

The reading room was nicely fitted up, and, on the occasion of the formal opening, a goodly number of periodicals having been provided, the Board called a meeting of the citizens, which was largely attended. On this occasion (Tuesday evening, July 2, 1872), $2,000 was subscribed, and Miss Mary B. Rankin elected temporary librarian. Among other donations at and before this time may be mentioned those of Mrs. W. P. Dennis, eighty-six volumes, thirty-eight being bound volumes of jSTew Monthly Magazine," from Vorume I to XXXYIII inclusive, and that of H. P. Holland, sixty volumes of Universal History. At this time tjie library did not contain over two hundred volumes.

The general management of the rooms was delegated to the executive committee appointed at the August meeting of the Board, and the by-laws, rules, and regulations were adopted in September, as well as the election of the present efficient librarian, Mr. W. L. Rowland, whose appointment bears date Sept. 17th, 1872. On the 30th of this month. $2,000 worth of hooks were ordered. November of that year found 1,313 books in the library, six hundred and seven of which were acquired by donation, the remainder by purchase. From this date there was a steady increase in the number of volumes until the opening of the library for loaning, Feb. 1st, 1873, when there were 2,326 books which had been catalogued in writing, and 91 peri-

In Aug:ust of that year, Mr. Rowland, having associated with himself Miss Lizzie J. Williamson, as assistant, prepared an accurate S6-page catalogue of the 8,000 volumes in the library. This was supplemented by another in March, 1874, of twenty-four pages, and in April, 1875, by still another, of sixty pages, containing in all the titles of 6,000 volumes.

In July, 1876, the library was transferred to its present commodious location over the post office, with the addition of only $150 to its expenses, making the annual rent $500. The rooms are finely fitted up, the greater proportion of the expense being borne by voluntary subscription. In the reading rooms there are four daily papers, thirty-five weeklies, sixteen monthlies, and five quarterlies. During the past year it was estimated that there were over one hundred thousand persons who visited them, including the citizens of the city. At the present time there are in the library 7,028 volumes in all, whose large circulation is indicative of the reading habits of its patrons.

Churci-Ies

First Methodist Ejnscopal Church was organized as a class at the house of D. S. llaight, in September, 1836, by the Rev. William Royal, and numbered five members. Rev. Dr. Arnold was the first preacher in charge. In 1845 the present church edifice was erected, and in 1872 and 1873 the parsonage was built. Number of members, 170. Pastor, Rev. H. Crews. T. G. Lawler, Superintendent of Sunday-school.

Court Street M. E. Church was organized in 1853, with forty members, being originally a part of the First M. E. Church, assuming its present name under the charge of R. F. Read. During the next year, under the pastorate of Rev. W. F. Stewart, its present house of worship was erected. Number of members, 500; average attendance at Sunday-school, 325; Superintendent, S. C. Withrow.

Third Street M. E. Church was organized by Rev. Hooper Crews, in 1841, with a membership of 80 persons, and their present edifice was erected soon after, while Rev. P. Heath was pastor, at a cost of $8,000. In 1866, it was remodeled and refitted. Number of members, 230; Rev. W. H. Burns, Pastor; average attendance at Sunday-school, 188; Superintendent, W. H. Worthington.

South Bockford M. E. Church was organized March 24, 1864, with 22 members. It grew out of a Sabbath-school, formed by W. T. Stewart, of Court Street M. E. Church, which was begun in 1858. During 1864-5, the present' edifice was erected, at a total cost of $14,000. Number of members, 260; Rev. R. S. Cantine, Pastor; average attendance at Siindayscliool, 250; 33 officers and teachers; H. M. Skinner, Asst. Superintendent.

fSwedish M. E. Church. The first meetings of this church were held in tlie Westminster Presbyterian Church, an old building formerly occupied by that society. Oct. 22, 1860, Rev. Victor Witting perfected the organization, with a list of 12 members. The new edifice was dedicated Oct. 22, 1876, and cost, with parsonage, about $11,000. Number of members, 140; Rev. John Wigrew, Pastor; average attendance at Sunday-school, 100; G. A. Johnson, Superintendent.

First Gonyregational Church. This cliurch was oi-ganized May 5th, 1837, with eight members. Soon afterward, under the pastorate of Rev. John Morrill, a plain frame church was built, and in 1845 another, still Larger, of brick, was erected, at a cost of $8,000, where the Church worshipped twenty-six years. During the years 1870-1, the present edifice was built, at a cost of $50,000. Number of members, 755; Rev. Wilder Smith, Pastor; average attendance at Sunday-school, 250; Superintendent, N. S. Robinson.

Second C ongregational Church. This church was organized Nov. 7, 1849, by 42 members, who had obtained their dismissal from the First Coft-- gregational Church for the purpose. Rev. Lansing Porter was the first pastor. The present church edifice was dedicated in 1858, and in 1871 it was practically rebuilt, at an expense of $12,000. Number of members, 445; present Pastor, Rev. F. P. Woodbury; average attendance at Sundayschool, 250; Superintendent, William* A. Talcott.

First Baptist Church was organized Dec. 22, 1834, with 17 members, who began their worship in a small frame building. Rev. Solomon Knapp was their first pastor. From 1848 to 1850, services were held in the courthouse, and during the latter year their present stone building was completed. Number of members, 150; Rev. John S. Mabie, Pastor.

State Street Baptist Church was organized in 1858, with 34 constituent members. They worshipped in a small trame building, at the corner of Peach and North Fifth streets, for a number of years, erected during the pastorate of Rev. E. C. Mitchell, who was called soon after organization. November 18, 1868, their present house of worship was dedicated, and cost $30,000. Number of members, 333; Rev. E. K. Chandler, Pastor; average attendance at Sunday-school, 185; Superintendent, L. A. Trowbridge.

Emanuel Church - Episcopalian. Organized by Rev. Dudley Chase, May 4, 1849. The first edifice was dedicated August, 1853, but has been enlarged several times since. They are without a pastor at the present time.

First Presbyterian Chttrch. This church was organized in the courthouse, Feb. 1, 1854, with 35 members, under the pastoral supervision of Rev. Hugh A. Brown, a minister sent here by the presbytery. In 1868, their present edifice was erected. No pastor at present. Number of members, 200.

Westminster Preshyterian Church was organized January 3, 1856, with 22 members, 14 of whom were from the First Congregational Society. Their present house of worship was erected in 1858. Number of members, 174; Rev. John Ritchey, Pastor.

St. James'' Catholic Church, Rockford, at one time, was at the head of the mission that embraced the county of Boone, as well as parts of McHenry and Ogle Counties. The church here was organized bj Rev. Father John A. Hampton, in 1850, and two years later it erected a frame structure, in which it worshipped seventeen years. Rev. John Dorelan, who was pastor from 1860 to 1866, when he died. Number of communicants, -100 families, about 2,000 souls. Present Pastor, Rev. Dr. Thaddeus J. Butler. The Sunday-scliool is largely attended.

Church of the Christian Union. Organized in September, 1870. The first services were held Oct. 9, 1870, in Brown's Hall, by the Rev. Dr. T. Kerr, and in a few days thereafter 115 signed the roll. Number of members, 225 ; Rev. T. Kerr, Pastor.

Church of the Disciples. Organized February, 1854, with 22 members. Their church edifice was built in 1856, and cost $2,400. Present number of members, 60; Sunday-school, about 50. Pastor, L. D. Waldo; Superintendent, B. H. Whitmer.

Swedish Lutheran Church. Rev. E. Carlson, of Chicago, in 1S53 began to preach to his countrymen in an old school house, on the East Side, which stood near the public square. On the 15th of January, 1854, the church was organized, with 45 members. A churcli was built, but soon became too small, owing to the great tide of immigration, and January 15, 1870, their present church edifice was dedicated. It cost $25,000. Number of communicants, 920; Sunday-school, about 400. Rev. G. Peters is Pastor and Superintendent. Connected with this church is a parish school, that has an average daily attendance of 60 scholars; C. A. Johnson, Principal.

Ageicultukal Implements

N. C. Thompson began business at this place in 1859. His principal manufactures are: "Badger" hay rake, "Coming's" hay press;' "John P. Manny" self-rake, reaper and mower; "Gorham" sulky and walking cultivator; the "Diamond" plows, of all sizes; "Sears'" sulky and gang plows; "Richardson's" attachment for inaking at will, a sulky out of an ordinary plow; corn-stalk cutters, and "Thompson's" string binder for harvesters, that for the last four seasons has been well received. His sales are principally in Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Wisconsin, Iowa and Minnesota. He employs 175 men, and his productions are favorably known in the localities mentioned above.

Briggs & Enoch, Plow-makers. This firm was established some years ago by a Mr. Skinner, the first patentee of the snlky plow, under the name of Skinner, Briggs & Mead. Mr. Mead having sold out to Mr. Enoch in 1866 or 1867, and Mr, Skinner dying in 1872, the business has been sustained by the above named gentlemen. Their principal productions are plows, of all kinds and sizes - riding, walking, gang, and breaking. Their sales are made west of the Ohio and Mississippi rivers. They employ sixty men, and average about fifty plows per day.

Emerson, Talcott & Co., manufacturers of agricultural implements. J. H. Manny invented the combined reaper and mower, and in 1852 formed a partnership with Wait Talcott, for their mannfacture. In 1856 or 1857, Ralph Emerson came in as a partner, and Mr. Manny died soon after. The firm has changed somewhat since their first organization, and recently became a stuck company, with the above caption. They make hand and horse corn-planters, "Ceres," "Star," and "Standard" corn cultivators; riding, walking and combined "Standard" broadcast seeder, four sizes; "Economist" self-raking reaper; new "Manny" combined self-rake reaper and mower; "Acme" mower; besides a variety of smaller articles of iron, among which are brackets, hitching posts, etc. Their trade extends east as tar as New York, west to California and the Sandwich Islands, and south to Texas, the greater proportion being in the Northwest. They employ from one to two hundred men. Officers of the company: Ralph Emerson, President; Daniel Goodlander, Vice President; Wm. A. Talcott, Secretary and Treasurer; J. Herva Jones, Superintendent.

Wm. A. Knowlton, farm machinery; began business here in 1872. He makes "Knowlton's" combined and single reaper; "Paddock's" sulky hay rake, as well as pne of his own pattern; "Eclipse" riding and walking cultivators; "Dexter," and "Dexter, Jr.," walking cultivators; besides doing general machine and foundry work. His business, from $60,000 to $75,000 per annum, is well scattered over the Northwest. His manufactory, on Race street, furnishes labor for seventy men.

Bertrand & Sames began the manufacture of their "Riding Corn Cultivator" at this place in 1860. Their business, of from |15,000 to $30,000 per year, extends all over the corn growing states.

John P. Manny, manufacturer of reapers and mowers. In 1848, J . H. Manny and his father made the first "header," and in the succeeding year manufactured them quite largely, but lost money, the machines being too cumbersome and costly for general use. In 1850, J. H. Manny invented the combined reaper and mower, which, in after years, brought about the law suit with C. H. McCormick, upon which Abraham Lincoln and Edwin M. Stanton were employed. It resulted in Mr. Manny's favor. This year, defective sickles caused the failure of the machines. J. H. Manny and his father becoming bankrupt, J. P. Manny then began their manufacture, and in 1852 he made the sickles. The machines were a complete success this year, receiving at Geneva, N. Y. (the first public trial when reaping and mowing niachin«;s were demonstrated to be economically useful to the general farmer), the first prize as mowers and secojid prize as reapers. Mr. J. H. Manny, then upon flattering representations of the "Water Power Co. at Rockford, settled in this city and continued the making of reapers with Mr. Talcott, J. P. Manny having the contract to furnish the sickles. This he continued to do until Mr. jrH. Manny's death, the last of January, or first of February, 1856, when he began manufacturing for himself, the twowheeled combined reaper and mower, which he had just patented. A few ' years afterward he contracted with N. C. Thompson, for their manufacture, the territory west of the Mississippi reverting to him in 1866, and IlUnois and Wisconsin in 1877. He makes from 500 to 1,000 machines per annum,

Mr. F. H. Manny began business in this place in 1859, manufacturing the "J. H. Manny" reaper, and a fanning mill. Shortly afterward he introduced the "Manny" seeder, and then a riding corn cultivator. He employs about seventy-five men for ten months in the year. His shop is on Race street.

Pumps. - Wells of from fifty to one hundred twenty-five feet in depth are common in this country, and necessitated a well-constructed pump. W. D. Trahern be2;an this branch of industry in this city in 1862. He makes pumps of all kinds at his shops on the corner of Wyman and Mill

A. W. Woodward also makes pumps for the wholesale trade. He began here in December, 1872. A water-wheel governor is also one of his leading articles.

Paper-mills. - Building paper is, in an economical point of view, assuming considerable importance. The Kenny Brothers began this industry at Rockford in 1872. They supply largely several paper box makers in !New York, Boston and Philadelphia, with straw board. They have eighteen men, and their mill on Hace street has a capacity of from four to five tons daily.

The Pockford Paper Company, of Messrs. Rhoads & Utter, established here in 1865, make fine and coarse wrapping papers, which, besides their local trade, are sold in Iowa, Minnesota, Illinois and Wisconsin. They employ thirty men.

Flour and Grist Mills. - Of these, there are four. T. Derwent & Son, on the West Side, employ seven men, and produce flour in large quantities at their mill on Mill street. They have eight run of stone, and the necessary machinery, including that used in making the "New Process" flour.

On the East Side, the Forest City Mills of J. Cox & Son, and the Reaper City Mills of J. G. Chick, were controlled by the firm of Chick & Cox, beginning business here in November, 1871. August 16, 1877, they separated. The Forest City Mills employ ten men, producing about 100 barrels of flour per day, which is principally sold to the citizens of Rockford and vicinity. The Reaper City Mills have a capacity of 400 barrels per day, and, at present, a force of fourteen men. Their sales are principally in the North-west.

The grist-mill of Joseph Rodd was a saw-mill in 1844, owned by Willard Wheeler. It became a grist-mill in 1856, when Mr. Rodd purchased it, and for a long time was the only mill doing custom work in this part of the county. It employs three men, and is managed by T. G. Lawler.

Rockford Bolt Works. - This firm became a stock company last July, having begun business here in 1866. Their sales are local - to the agricultural implement manufacturers here. Their works are on Race street, and furnish labor for thirty-five employees.

Knitting Factory. - This is indeed a curiositj^ Here are machines that knit the whole sock, toe, heel, and all; when one is completed, drop it into a receptacle below, and, without stopping, begin another. The proprietors, Messrs. Burson & Nelson, are pioneers in this department, having invented and pertected the first successful machine of this kind in the United States. They began in 1868, and now employ seventy-five hands, who turn out 100 dozen socks per day of all grades. Their business extends from Cleveland and Cincinnati, Ohio, to Denver, Colorado. They are also makers of the seamless sock knitting ma,chine.

Scroll Saws. - One of the enterprises that started from small beginnings in 1870, is the scroll saw shop of Messrs. W. F. & John Barns. They make a number of kinds of foot power saws for amateurs, as well as shop work. They have received orders from most of the civilized countries of the globe. Their shops in the Emerson building give employment to twenty-five men.

Hi8Toky Of Winnebago County

Extension Rules. - A new industry was originated, November, 1876, Mr. E. D. Waterbury, who had patented an extension rule, a very useful article, formed a partnership with Mr. E. Smith, for its manufacture. The machinery for making was yet to be made - it could not be bought - but the inventive minds of the firm were equal to the occasion, and have succeeded in this as well, the machine that rivets on the pins that hold the brass sides being quite a novelty. Recently Mr. Smith has bought out the others, and now controls the business. He employs fifteen men at liis sliop in the Emerson building.

Brushes. - The Rockford Brush Company make everything in this line, from a small sash tool to a seven or eight-inch kalsomining brush, including scrubbing, horse, shoe, and clothes brushes. The company was organized in April, 187T, but enjoy quite a trade.

Barrels. - O. A. Crandall began the making of this important adjunct to the flour producing interests here, in 1865. He employs ten men, who turn out annually 45,000 barrels, mostly used here. In this same shop, also, Messrs. Crandall & Durham make the " Seamen's "Washer," employing four men, who complete about 1,500 of these useful articles yearly, which find a sale in the neighboring States.

Steam Bakery. - The Rockford Steam Bakery was operated for some years as a bread making establishment, but in 1872 began the exclusive manufacture of crackers, of which they produce about 100 barrels per day of all varieties. These are distributed on a parallel west from Rockford to Yankton, Dakota. They employ twenty-five men.

WooLKN Mill. - Dyson & Yan Wie own the only woolen mill in the place. This mill began to be used for this purpose in 1864. At present, the iirm employ twelve men, who make cassimeres, flannels, yarn, etc. Their goods are sold in the Northwest.

Pattern Making. - In a manufacturing centre like Rockford, pattern and model makers are not only desirable, but necessary. For the last year there have been about 60 applications to the patent oflice ot the United States for patents from citizens of this county. This is indicative of the business of model makers here. Messrs. Savage & Love began this class ot work in June, 1874. Their shop on Mill street furnishes employment for three workmen. They are also general millwrights.

Wm. Jent also is engaged in the making of models, and pays special attention to the building of wood working machinery. He employs twelve men in his shop on Mill street. One of his specialties is a machine for making barbs for fence wire.

Wire "Works. - Messrs. Lockwood & Lyman are interested in the weaving of wire cloth, beginning here in a small way about four years ago. They make screen wire of all kinds, with a power loom, said to be the only one in the United States, paper-makers' wire cloth being their specialty. Their annual sales of $30,000 are principally made in the Northwest and South. They employ twenty men in their shop on Wyman street.

SpafFord, Parmele & Co. are on the East Side, at the corner of North First and Market streets, and are engaged in the same occupation, making wire goods of all descriptions. Their sales average about $30,000 annually, and are made in California and the Northwest. They employ twenty-seven men.

making a specialty of mill machinery. They also malve the "Gorham" Broad Cast Seeder and Cultivator, as well as a corn cultivator. Their works on Race street are the oldest on the water power. They work sixtyfive men.

Mr. F. Ward established himself here as a foundryman in 1874. He employs fifteen men at his shop, on Wyman and Main streets, making the "Boss" Corn Planter as a specialty, the greater part of his work being for local trade.

KocKFORD Malleable Iron Works. - Until a few years ago, it was thought that any implement or part of a machine that ought to have extra strength must be hammered out of wrought iron. Now malleable iron is cast like cast iron, with the exception that the castings are annealed for some length of time before they are fit for service. Messrs. D. Forbes & Son, who had established a foundry here in 1854, began this branch of the business in 1864, when there were none like it west of Cincinnati. This industry has grown into considerable importance. This firm, under the name of Rockford Malleable Iron Works, employ fifty men and make plow attachments of all descriptions, and other implements of like character.

RocKFORD Watch Company. - This company was organized March 4, 1874, with a capital that was shortly afterward increased to $165,000. Their factory on South Main street. East Rockford, manufactures twenty grades of the "Quick Train" watch. They employ 120 operatives, with a monthly pay roll of $6,000. The building is heated by steam and derives its power from the same source. Oflicers of the company: Levi Rhodes, president; H. W. Price, vice president; H. P. Holland, secretary and treasurer.

Boots and Shoes. - R. Anglemyer manufactures boots and shoes of the heavy grades. His shop, near State street, has a capacity of 100 pairs of men's, women's, misses' and children's shoes, as well as twenty-four pairs of boots, per day. He employs at the present time twelve men.

Furniture. - The Rockford Union Furniture Company was organized as a co-operative association of twenty-five members, Feb. 15, 1876. Their capital, $40,000, is divided among twenty-four members at the present time, one of their number having sold out. They employ thirty-five men, and make bedsteads, bureaus, center and dining tables, and book-cases, which are sold in the Northwest. Officers: John Erlander, president; John Pearson, vice president; P. A. Pederson, secretary; Joseph Peters, treasurer; Jonas Peters, superintendent.

Forest City Furniture Company. - Gilbert Woodruff", president; C. H. Keith, secretary and treasurer; A. C. Johnson, superintendent. This company was organized in October, 1875. They have a capital of $50,000, and employ seventy-five men. They make bedsteads, chamber suits and tables. Their works and office are at the corner ot Seventh and Rail Road avenues.

C. G. Burnap, at the water power on Main street, makes a specialty of book-cases, as well as finishing offices, churches, etc. He employs five men, and began this branch a year ago last April.

Brewers. - The Rockford Brewery, J. Peacock proprietor, was established in 1849. At present it furnishes labor for five men, but with a double force, can make 5.000 barrels of ale and beer annually. Location, North Main street. East Rockford.

Cotton Mills. - Graham & Company, manufacturers of grain bags, batting, twine, hosiery, etc., began business in this city in 1865. They employ 150 operatives. Their sales last year, which aggregated $250,000, were principally made in Iowa, Minnesota, Wisconsin and Illinois.

Oat Meal Mills. - This industry was organized Sept. 14, 1872, by A. M. Johnston & Co. They manufecture from 25,000 to 30,000 barrels of oat meal yearly, which is sold in all the larger cities of the United States, with an occasional shipment to Great Britain. They have fourteen hands.

Planing Mills. - Of these, there are three principal ones - T. J. Derwent, who also makes sash, doors and blinds, and J. F. Landus (estate), next to Briggs & Enoch ; both on the water power. Geo. Bradley, 303 and 305 South Main street, who uses steam.

Tanneries. - Messrs. Munthe & Haegg, tanners of buckskins, furs, and string leather; also manufacturers of gloves, mittens, etc. They began operations here in October, 1875. They employ five men, and have recently moved into the building owned by H. W. Price.

iless & Stone are also tanners of harness, calf, kip and upper leather This establishment was built by Geo. D. Edson, in 1859, and was owned and operated by several parfies for a number of years as a chemical tannery, until the present firm ado])ted the old fashion oak process. They emplov six men, and make their sales in the Northwest.

Miscellaneous. - West's Enamel Carriage-Top Dressing has become quite popular. Mr. L. M. West, inventor, began the business in 1863, and now does a wholesale trade principally, making 100 gallons daily, at $4.50 per gallon. ,

G. A. Shoudy, soap and candles, bought out, in 1869, J. H. Morrill, who opened this"^ business here in 1857. Mr. Shoudy has increased the capacity of the works until they are worth $15,000. He makes hard, sott, and toilet soaps, employing from ten to twelve men for the purpose.

Rockford Gas-Light and Coke Co. - Mr. T. Butterworth bought out this company in 1856 or '7, and has continued the business ever since. He makes 10,000,000 feet per year; 8,000,000 to private consumers, and 2,000,000 for the street lamps, of which there are 161.

property only. Its business is confined to the Northwest. They employ fifteen persons in their office, in the Second National Bank building. Officers of the company - S. M. Church, President; Wm. Watson, Sec'y.

Forest City Insueance Company^ - Organized August 13, 18T4. Chartered capital, $500,000. This company also insures dwellings and farm property only. Business in the Northwest. Officers of the company - Gilbert Woodruff, President; C. W. Sheldon, Sec'y.

RocKFOED Museujne. - Dr. E. C. Dunn is proprietor of this collection. It contains a variety of instructive objects of interest, being especially rich in coins, guns, and works of Chinese art. It also has the tablet taken from a mound near here, an engraving of which appears elsewhere in these pages.

Lodges, Associations, Etc

KocKFOBD Lodge, No. 102. - Organized Feb. 13, A. D. 1851, under a dispensation from C. G. T. Taylor, Grand Master, the following members constituting its first membership: Alfred E. Ames. W. M. ; William Lyman, S. W. ; Henry Carpenter, J. W. ; Charles Spafford, Treas. ; Wm. Hulin, Secy; Edward H. Baker, S. D.; Ansel Kenfield, J. D.; John Fraley, Chaplain; Jas. P. Burns, Tyler; Wm. F. Ward, Jesse Blinn, Buel G. Wheeler. This lodge was constituted under its present charter November 26, 1851. Present officers - Seely Perry, W. M.; John S.Johnston, S. W.; H. H. Stone, J. W.; E. B. Perry, treas.; J. B. Nash, Secy. Number of members, 175. Meets the first and third Thursday evenings of each month.

Winnebago Chaptee, No. 24. - Hall, No. 124 South Main street, west side. Regular meetings, first and third Tuesdays of each month. This Chapter was organized Dec. 12, 1854, under a dispensation from Louis Watson, Grand High Priest, the following constituting its first oflScers and members, viz: A. Clark, H. P.; Chauncey Eay, K.; W. F. Parrish, S.; H. Miltimore, Sec; John A. Holland, L. P. Pettibone, R. H. Cotton, Abram Morgan, G. D. Palmer, Ansel Kenfield. The Chapter was constituted under its present charter, Dec. 18, 1855. Present oflBcers: Frank H. Austin, H. P.; C. A. Kitchen, K.; Walter Van Alstine, S.; E. K. Conklin, Sec; Wm. Van Arnam, Treas. Number ot members, 185.

Odd-Fellowship

Y. G.; Mrs. E. J. Turner, Secy; Mrs. J. Beal, Treas. Number of members, 79. Meets the third Saturday of each month, alternately, in Winnebago and Social Lodge halls.

RocKFORD Encampment, No. 44, L O. O. F. - The dispensation for this encampment was granted by Most Worthy Grand Patriarch Chas. Trumbull, Aug. 5, 1857, to the following Patriarchs as charter members: James Fleming, J. H. Clark, Hugh Strickland, Enos. C. Clark, G. A. Stiles, Jos. Schloss, and Robt. Smith, and was instituted by Deputy Grand Patriarch A. E. Jenner, Aug. 26, A. D. 1857. Present officers: L. A. Weyburn, C. P.; Henry Cox, S. W.; A. S. Atchley, H. P.; E. A. Roberts, Scribe; W. A. Prouty, Treas. Number of members, 75. Meets the second and fourth Tuesday evenings of each month.

Washington Camp, No. 1. - Organized June 6, 1876. Officers: S. F. Weyburn, P. P.; John H. Warren, Pres.; Solomon Lane, Y. P.; Lorenzo Bunt, M. of F. & C; Paul L. Mayo, R. S.; Geo. W. Sherer, Treas.; Joseph Bacharach, F. S. Number of members, 40. Meets the first and third Thursday evenings of each month

Washington Camp, No. 3. - Organized July 3, 1877. Officers: Frank W. Gerould, Pres.; John Hamilton, Y. P.; Frank Noble, M. of F. & C; Charles Penfield, Sec; Arthur H. Frost, F. S.; E. B. Perry, Treas. Number of members, 39. Meets the second and fourth Tuesday evenings of each month.

Ancient Order Of United Workmen History Of Winnebago Oottntt

St. James Total Abstinence Society. - Organized April 2, 1873. Officers: W. J. Johnson, President; Thomas Weldon, Yice President; Thomas McGrath, R. S.; Arthur McKneely, C. S.; P. H. Walsh, Treasurer. Number of members, 100. Meets the first Wednesday evening of each month, and the third Sunday afternoon.

Rockford "Burns" Club. - Organized Nov. 5, 1858. Officers: D. H, Ferguson. President; Wm. McGregor, Yice President; John Micklcjohn, Secretary; Archibald Smith, Treasurer; Geo. Wilson, Librarian. Number of member's, about 60. Meets the second and fourth Tuesday evenings of each month.

Y. M. C. A. - Organized Mav 19, 1876. Their rooms are in Wallace's Block. Officers: H. L. Tupper, President; L. A. Trowbridge, E. P.Thomas, Yice Presidents; C. E. Sheldon, Secretary and Treasurer. Meets Monday evenings, and Sundays at 5 p. m.

Rockford Germania Gesang Yerein. - A German singing club. L Bacharach, President; C. Henry, Yice President; T. Radecker, Secretary; Philip Minsinger, Treasurer; August Dedrickson, Leader. Number of members, 40. Meets the first Tuesday evening of each month.

This township, one of the best in the county for general agricultural purposes, is bounded on the north by the town of Burritt, east by the town of Rockford, south by the town of Byron (Ogle County), and west by the town of Seward, and contains an area of 21,089 97-100 acres of land. The first settler was David Adams Holt, who settled here in 1835, making his claim on Section 34.

What may seem a little singular, the first death and the first birth occurred in the family of the first settler in the township. Harriet Holt, now deceased, was born in June, 1836, and her father, David Adams Holt, died July 13, 1839. It was also in the house of this first settler the first school was taught.

William Holt came some time during 1836, and settled on Section 26. He was a man of great physical powers of endurance, and every way a good man, and one who took an active part in the dissemination of religious truths among the people of that early day, being a consistent and devoted member of the Methodist church. Another brother, Elijah Holt, also came the following year, 1837, and settled on Section 35. Like his brother William, Elijah was a man of strong religious convictions, and to the Holt brothers, perhaps, may be attributed, in a great measure, the founding of that deep-seated and permanent moral influence that has always p]-evailed in this township.

In 1838, Alby Briggs, also from J^ew York, settled on Section 33. In 1839, Duty Hudson and two of his brothers, Kichard L. and Horace, came in and settled on the same section (33) with Briggs. To Duty Hudson is due t"he honor of opening the first public house in the township, which was known from Chicago to Galena, in fact in all parts of the country from which travelers to this part of the country came, as the "Buck Horn Tavern." It was made a station in the stage route between Chicago and Galena, and was generally known as Westfield Corners. It was the first post-oflice established in this part of the county, and when it was established. Duty Hudson was appointed Post Master. It is now inarked on the map as Elida. The first store in the township was also opened at Westfield Corners, by Albert Wilson, in 1853. It was a small grocery store, and carried on with limited means.

The Hudsons were men of great force of character and influence, and are credited by their fellow citizens and neighbors with giving shape and character to the public undertakings of their town. Richard L. Hudson served as C^ounty Commissioner two years, being elected in August, 1847.

In 1844 Alonzo Hall came here from London, Canada West, and settled on Section 34. Subsequently he purchased 1,500 acres of land, and engaged largely in agricultural pursuits. At one time he had 600 acres under cultivation, and at another time, between 1846-9, he had in his pastures 1,500 sheep. In 1849 he raised 300 acres of wheat, but it became badly injured by rust, which so discouraged him that he abandoned wheat growing. In 1850, together with some of his friends, he made an overland trip to California, where he died, Nov. 21, of that year. John Burch, another Canadian, settled on Section 32, in 1839. John Burch, Jr., came at the same time. The senior Burch was another man of religious convictions and practices, and was a class leader in the first M. E. church society organized in the township, In 1845, Demos W. Grippen came in from New

York, and settled on Section 31. When the war of tlie rebellion came on, he was an old man, but he made himself look young, enlisted in the armv without bounty, served his time, and again enlisted. David Vanston came from Canada West in 1839, and settled on Section 30, and always exercised a liealthy and beneficial influence in religious and political circles. He was a generous and hospitable citizen, and strangers and neighbors always found a warm welcome at his table and at his fireside. David C. Lewis came here from Michigan, in 1845, and commenced life among the Winnebago settlers by working for fifty cents per day. Afterwards he worked at his trade, that of carpenter, and subsequently moved into the village of Winnebago, and probably did more in the way of building, to improve the town, than any one man.

This embraces a list of the early and more influential citizens of the township, as we have been enabled to gather them. There are, no doubt, many qthers equally worthy of special mention, but their names are not recorded on the paper so kindly submitted for the benefit of this book.

The county of Winnebago was organized under an act of the Legislature, January, 1836. An election for county oflicers was held on the first Monday in August of the same year, which was the first day of that month. On Wednesday, the 3d, the first meeting of the Board of County Commissioners was held. Amon.g the first business of the Board was the establishment of the boundary lines of precincts for election and other municipal purposes. Seven precincts were thus established, among which was Rockford, which was made to include township 26, range 11, east of the fourth principal meridian, and township 44 and the south half of township 45, ranges 1 and 2, east of the third principal meridian, embracing all of the present towns of Winnebago and' Guilford, the most of Rockford, and the south half of Owen and Harlem. July 9, 1839, the County Commissioners ordered that ''all of town 26, north of range 11, east of the third principal meridian, except the north tier of sections of said township, together with sections 5, 6, 7 and 8 in town 43 north, range 1 east of the third principal meridian, and section 31 in town 44, range 1 east, should be detached from the Rockford and Kishwaukee precincts, and erected into a separate precinct, to be known as La Prairie." Edward Warren, Asa Weldon and John Emmerson were appointed to be judges of elections, and the house of David A. Holt designated as the place where the elections should be held. The first election was held the first Monday of August following. As shown by the old poll-book, on file in the county clerk's ofiice, Asa Weldon did not appear as one of the three judges appointed in the Commissioners' order erecting the precinct, and Elijali Holt was chosen to the vacancy, and Andrew Malcolm and Abram E. Palmer were chosen as clerks of the election. Fourteen votes were polled, and thirteen candidates voted for. Edward Warren and Abrara 'E. Palmer were candidates for justices of the peace; the former received 13 votes, and the latter received 10 votes, and Francis A. Stowell received 13 votes for constable. These were the first precinct oflicers elected in La Prairie.

July 6, 1843, Joseph Folsom and others, petitioned the Board of County Commissioners for authority to change the voting place from Holt's to Duty Hudson's, at Westfield Corners (now Elida), and to change the name of the precinct from La Prairie to Westfield. The prayer of the petitioners was granted, and a corresponding order entered upon the Commissioners' journal of proceedings. August 7, 1843, the first election was held after the change. Duty Hudson and Elijah Holt were judges, and Daniel C Howell and J. C. Fuller were the clerks. Twenty-seven votes were polled at this election, and twenty-six candidates were voted for. Of the twenty-six candidates voted for, four of the number were elected justices of the peace - Matthias Davis, D. C. Howell, Elijah Holt and John Burch. In August, 1847. another election for justices of the peace was held, when Alonzo Hall was elected to succeed Elijah Holt, and Reuben Alworth, who came to be called the "Ragged Justice," was elected to succeed John Burch, Sr. Hall had no opposition, but Rev. James Hodge was pitched against Alworth. The election of the latter was a surprise both to himself and the voters of the precinct at the time, on account of his strong, outspoken Democratic sentiments. A large majority of the voters were Whigs, and how Alworth succeeded to the election with such strong odds against him, was a mystery that has never been solved. It was one of those political marvels past all finding out.

February, 1849, the General Assembly passed an act to enable the people of the State to vote "for" or "against" the adoption of the township organization system at the fall election of that year - 1849. In the northern part of the State the township plan was generally adopted, hut in most counties in the southern part of the State the old system of county management by a board of county commissioners, still preyails. The emancipation from the old order of management, involved many details and changes of names of precincts or voting places, the establishment of new voting places, etc. In carrying out the measures necessary to perfect these changes, Messrs. Duncan Ferguson, Stephen Mack (who settled among the Winnebago Indians in 1829, and married one of their women), and Henry Crandall were appointed commissioners to define and establish the township boundaries and also to name them agreeably to the wishes of their respective citizens. By some misunderstanding, the name of Elida was given to Westfield, under which name it was recorded, and continued to be knoM^n until 1855, when the citizens petitioned the proper authorities, and the name was changed to Winnebago.

Elida held its first meeting under the township organization law April 2, 1850. Rev. James Hodges was the moderator, and B. F. Upson the clerk. The first officers elected were: Supervisor, Chauncy Ray; Town Clerk, Joseph L. Bruce; Assessor, Calvin Briggs; Collector, Horace Hudson; Commissioners of Highways, Demos W. Grippen, Thomas Hall, and Elijah Holt; Justices of the Peace, Reuben Alworth and Benjamin F. Ifpson; Constables, William Hartwell and Jos. D. Warren; Overseer of the Poor, Alby Briggs.

A record of the proceedings of the Board of Auditors was read at the next regular town meeting, April, 1851, but was not entered on the register; consequently the amount paid for township services is not definitely known. The second year the same omission appears, and it is not until 1854 that any such record Avas entered, when the following exhibit is made:

The first land purchase made at the Galena Land Oflice was by Henry Schoonmaker, who, on the 26th of July, 1841, entered by pre-emption the east half of the southwest quarter of section twenty. The same day Joseph Folsom entered the west half of the southwest quarter of section twentyeight. The last entries .were made in 1853,

The first school was commenced in a part of the house of 'David A. Holt, on section thirty-four, op^^osite where W. L. Wright now lives, Aug. 3, 1839, by Miss Mary Treadwell, who afterwards married Elijah Holt. It was a subscription school, and the house in which it was taught is still standing. In 1844, a frame school house was erected, by subscription, and Miss Treadwell (or rather Mrs. Elijah Holt, for such she had become by marriage), was again employed as teacher, at a salary of $2.00 per week, and to board herself. Forty scholars were enrolled, and, by this time the mother of two small children, she often rocked the cradle and heard lessons recited at the same time.

In 1851, according to the local exhibit from which we quote, the real estate valuation of the township was returned at $48,595; personal property, $24,518; total, $73,113. Against this there was an assessment for taxes as follows:

In 1875 the same local statistics show the following figures: Real estate valuation, $409,022; town lots, $59,402; personal property, $94,313. Total valuation, $562,737. Against this valuation the tax assessment was as follows:

May 31, 1851, a terrible hurricane swept through this township - striking it near the southwest corner, and, traveling in a northeast direction, its course was marked by destruction and desolation. The residence of William Burch was torn to atoms, and his wife, Catharine, one daughter aged four years, and another one aged twenty-one months, killed by the flying timbers. Next the house of Curtis Briggs was unroofed, a house belonging to William Hartwell was blown down, as also that of Deacon Alonzo Gorham, and then a house near the present residence of Jacob Hoi- ' lenbeck. Horses, cattle, sheep and hogs were picked up and carried for miles by it, and then dashed to pieces. Another vein or branch of the destroying fiend blew down the house of Abraham Sweezy, in the western part of the town. Before it struck Winnebago, it swept down a, grout house in Seward township, about twenty-five rods from the township line. Seeing the monster rushing on toward their house, young Asher Miller and his wife sprang to the door to close it, but their united strength was as but a straw. With the door, thej were thrown out into the open air, and Asher Miller, senior, after the storm had passed over, was found in the cellar, covered with dehris.

War Record. - Of their patriotism in the years of their country's peril - from the spring of 1861 to 1865 - the people of Winnebago township, without regard to age, sex, condition, or partisan prejudices, may well be proud. July 4, 1861, a great celebration of American Independence was held in the village of Winnebago. Melancthon Smith, an attorney of prominence of Kockford, was the orator of the day, and in the course of his oration said: "More Colonel Ellsworths may be murdered, more Lieutenant Grebels may fall, but the war must go on." " How little," continues the local historian, "did any of us dream when listening to those stirring words that they were almost prophetic of the sad death of the speaker himself. Speeches were also made by T. A. C. Beard, and others, and a spirit of patriotism aroused that manifested itself in the large number of subsequent enlistments from the town. From that time forward the quota of the town was for the most part quickly filled, and it seemed that when the 74th Regiment was being raised the question was not who could be sent, but who could be kept at home." Not more than nine men were hired by the town to fill its various quotas, and these were hired almost at the close of the war.

This township raised $3,000, to be expended for war purposes under its own supervision, besides paying its full share of county war tax, amounting, as estimated, to $10,000 more, making in all, $13,000. Besides this sum, large amounts were contributed to the Sanitary and Christian Commissions, of which no accounts were kept. And once during the war, Amos Miller was sent to the front with a large supply of provisions and delicacies for Winnebago's Boys in Blue. In the dark days of the "cruel war" - in all the undertakings of the husbands and fathers, the wives and mothers and daughters were just as active and self-denying. To recount all \X\dit Winnebago people accomplished, would make a respectable volume in itself. Their good deeds are too numerous to be recounted in full in a work of this character, however gladly we would like to do so, hence we can only summarize a few of the most important.

Miss Tryphena Pettis, now Mrs. Wilcox, of Rockford, left a good position as school teacher, to offer herself and be accepted as a nurse in a smallpox hospital at the South. Such devotion to the cause of one's country and its suffering heroes, rises above ordinary human nature, and deserves to be recorded amon^ the higliest and best deeds of the world's noblest women. Mrs. Alba Miller was also at one time a nurse in the hospital at Camp Douglas, Chicago, leaving the comforts and pleasures of home, that she, too, might contribute to the relief of suffering, languishing soldiers. These are the names of two of the noble women of Winnebago; but the noblest one is yet to be mentioned. The name of that woman was Mrs. M. J. Marchant, afterwards Mrs. M. J. Upright. Of the 150 volunteers contributed to the army of the Union from Winnebago, she sent ten sons - one-fifteenth of the whole number - and only regretted the fact that she had not ten more to send! There is, perhaps, not another instance of the kind on record in the war history of the world! On being complimented on the number of volunteers she had provided for the defence of the Union, she replied that if she had known thirty years before that the war was coming, she would have had ten more to respond to the country's call! Of such stuff were "Winnebago's women made. Two of these ten sons were killed in battle; one returned on sick furlough and died at home, and another was wounded and crippled for life. At last accounts Mrs. Upright was living in the State of Iowa.

The 150 men thus furnished the army from this township, were distributed to the 15th, 44th, 45th 74th and 92d Illinois infantry, and the 8th and 9th Illinois cavalry regiments. Their names will be found in the War Record of Winnebago County, which is elsewhere published in this book.

Winnebago Village. - Joseph D. Warner built the first house on the village site. In 1853, the Galena and Chicago Union - now known as the Chicago and jS'orthwestern railroad - was completed through Winnebago County, and on the 30th day of December, of that year, T. D. Robertson, of Rockford, surveyed and platted the village. About the same time a postoflUce was established here, and Warren Shed appointed post-master. Situated in as fine an agricultural district as can be found anywhere, it is the centre of a good trade, and a depot from which a large amount of grain, stock, etc., is annually shipped to Eastern markets, it being estimated that the railroad traffic alone amounts to $25,000 ^^early. The population is very nearly 600, made up of intelligent, refined and industrious people. In 1853, Albert Wilson opened the first general store, which was followed by other trading houses and shops of various kinds, until now there are about thirty-five business places, whose aggregate yearly transactions amount to $152,528.57. The annual shipment of cattle and hogs is set down at 12,000 head, and of grain, 35,000 bushels. We append the names of a few of the heaviest dealers and the yearly aggregate of their respective business transactions, as far as reliable data can be had:

J. B. Alexander, dry goods, $12,000; D, C. Lewis, general store, $10,- 000: M. M. Swann, general store, $25,000; N. & F. Corl, carriage manufacturers, $5,000; W. E. Canniford, pump manufacturer, $5,450; Jerry Jordan, furniture, $2,000; Prescott & Vanston, meat market, $4,000; Grippen & Mellen, druggists, |6,000; Bert. Cross, livery, $1,600. There are others whose business is large, but for want of reliable data, their names are omitted, although they are none the less worthy of mention.

In 1855, the first school. Miss M. Webster, teacher, was taught in Winnebago, in the basement of the M. E. church. In 1858, the first school house was built, at a cost of $1,325.00. The present graded school house cost $9,200; its current expenses are $2,200 per annum, with an average daily attendance of 122. Teachers: James Ellis, Principal; Miss Emma Moore, Grammar Dep't; Miss Sarah Weld, Intermediate; Mrs. Lettie Treadwell, Primary.

Churches. - The M. E. Church was organized as a class, with nine members, in 1839, by Rev. Mr. Worthinwton, who became the pastor. John Buch, Sr., was the class leader. When Rev, Barton Courtwright was pastor, in 1855, the church at Westfield Corners was built, at a cost of $2,200, the society having 100 members. Rev. Barton Courtwright is now pastor again.

The Congregational Church was organized July 11, 1846, with eight members. On the 3d day of July, the following year, Rev. James Hodges was elected pastor, and remained ten years. Rev. S. P. Sloan was then called to the pastorate, and in October, 1854, the "stone church " was dedicated. Three years afterward it became self-supporting, and during the summer of 1867 was rebuilt. Mr, Sloan remained until November, 1870.

Rev. Henry M. Daniels, from that time to Julj, 1875, and Oct. 1, 1876, Rev. Theodore A. Gardner was ordained and has since continued pastor. Number of members, 127. Average attendance at Sunday-school, 100.

The M. E. A¥innebago Church grew out of the class of R. S. Hudson. It was organized as a church, with eleven members, in 1855, by Rev. Barton Courtwright. Their present church edifice was began in 1854, and completed in 1860. Pastor, Rev. A. B. Smart. Number of members, 100. Average attendance at Sunday-School, about 70. E. G. Stiles, superintendent.

The Middle Creek Presbyterian Church was organized in Ogle County, June, 1855. Of the sixteen original members, fifteen came from the Presbyterian Church in Rocklord. In 1861 the society moved into this village, and in the same year erected a church edifice, at a cost of $3,000. The first officers of the church were: Rev. W. P. Carson, pastor; Thomas Meredith and Robert Douglass, elders; H. B. Roberts, Robert Bulland, M. Elliott, trustees. Present membership, about 165; Sunday-school, 150. Rev. J. S. Braddock has been pastor twelve years, and is also superintendent of the Sunday-school.

The Presbyterian Chtirch of Winnebago was organized Aug. 23, 1868, with twenty-four members. J. J. Smith and S. C. Grippen were chosen as the first elders; and Robert Prescott, C. Coneley and H. B. Roberts, trustees. Rev. Joseph Braddock was the pastor from 1868 to 1870; Rev. Wm. A. Gay, from 1870 to 1873; Rev. Paul H. Pitkins, trom 1873 to 1875; and Rev. John M. Linn, from 1875 to the present. Present membership, 140; Sunday-school membership, about 125. Superintendent, J. W. Goddard. Their present house of worship was built in 1869, at a cost of $4,300.

The Free Methodist Church of Winnebago was organized, with ten members. May 29, 1865. The following year a church costing $3,500 was erected. Pastor, C. P. Miller. Number of members, 88 ; average of Sunday-school membership, 60.

The last church organized was by the Adventists, in 1872, with fortythree members. The first officers were: C. C. Marston, pastor; - Butman, elder; Robt. Spotswood, deacon; J. M. HofiTman and Frank Scott, trustees. Present membership, 25. They have no permanent Sunday-school organization.

Thus there are seven distinct church organizations, with a total membership of 578, and a Sunday-school membership of 438. Cost of the six church edifices, $19,000. Pastors per year, about $5,500. Since the village was commenced, in 1853, nearly seventy difiTerent preachers have officiated for a longer or shorter period of time.

Lodges, Etc

Winnebago Lodge No. 745, A. F. and A. M. - Organized Oct. 3d, 1876, with sixteen charter members, as follows: Lyman J. Corbin, John R. Wells, Wesley R. Gearhart, Stephen I. Searls, John Tanner, Ambrose K. Searls, Robt. Prescott, Daniel M, Sargent, Wm. H. Patton, Jeremiali Jordon, Peter H. Seal, Hezekiah H. Felch, Hiram T. Thorne, Porter J. Lawrence, Oliver T. Holcomb, Wm. H. Keith. Present officers: John Tanner, W. M.; John R. Wells, S. W.; Ambrose K. Searls, J. W.; Wm. H. Patton, Treasurer; Wesley R. Gearhart, Secretary. Number of members, 22. Meets the first and third Thursday evenings of each month.

bj Daniel Reed, Sr., in 1846. Soon after purchase, Mr. Reed settled upon it and commenced reducing its wild sward to farm tillage. In 1852, after the line of the Galena and Chicago Union, now the Chicago and Northwestern railroad, had been established, and the grading, etc., well under way, T. D. Robertson and John A. Holland, of Rockford, appreciating the advantages it offered for a i-ailwaj station, being in the heart of a rich and rapidly developing agricultural district, bought from Mr. Reed an interest in the land, and "laid off" the town, the plot of which was filed and entered of record in December of that year. Before this, however, while the railroad was building, 'N. F. Maynard built a small house on the west side of Main street, a little north of the railroad track, in which he opened a small stock of groceries, provisions, etc. That building - the first business house in Pecatonica - is still standing, and is now occupied as a tenement house. Some time about December, of the same year, Messrs. Reed & Smith opened a dry goods store on the opposite side of the street from Maynard's grocery. Those two business houses were the only trading places known in Pecatonica until after, or at least until about the time the railroad was completed, in August, 1853. In the late part of the summer, or early fall of 1852, Mr. Reed commenced the erection of the Pecatonica Hotel, now kept by James O'Brien, at the corner of Main and Third streets. Until after the completion of the railroad, it was occupied as a residence - notably so during the winter of 1852-3, when the three Eastman families. Dr. B. D.,Samuel C. and Stephen S. Eastman lived there; the latter died in March, 1853, his funeral obsequies being the occasion of the first sermon preached in the embryo village, hi the summer of 1853, Dr. Eastman opened a drug store on the east side of Main street, in the building now occupied by R. B. Coleman as a grocery and provision house.

A short time after the opening of the railroad to public traffic, Sullivan Daniels, Reed's son-in-law, took possession of the hotel building, christened it the " Pecatonica House," and opened its doors to the entertainment of the traveling public. The first shipment of freight from the Pecatonica station, Josiah Stephens, agent, was made September 1, 1853. From that time forward, during the period of the Crimean War, and until the financial panic of 1857, the growth and prosperity of Pecatonica was wonderful. At one time there were twelve to fifteen large dry goods stores in successful operation. Crops were good. Wheat at that time was the staple production, and commanded two dollars per bushel. Money was plenty, and everybody was liapp3\ But the panic came, and failure followed failure, and, for the time, Pecatonica's glory departed. Notwithstanding it has always been a place of considerable local trade importance, those were its palmiest and best days. To enumerate, there are now three large dry goods stores; one clothing (exclusively) store; twelve grocery and provision stores; three millinery estabhshments; three hardware stores; one boot and shoe store; three harness shops; six blacksmith shops; five carriage and wagon making shops; two meat markets; two butter houses; one large grist mill; one eg^ house; one brewery; one book store; one hotel; five carpenter shops; two tailor shops; two drug stores: three dressmaking establishments; one steam machine shop; one saw mill; one grain elevator; one livery stable; two large turniture establishments; two agricultural implement warehouses; two jewelry stores; one bank; one lumber yard; one tine, large art gallery; two barber shops; three restaurants; one bakery; and one good local newspaper, established in December, 1872, by the Colby

Brothers, publishers and proprietors: making a total of sev^entj-eight well established business houses. Besides these there are a dozen or fifteen other shops, such as shoe shops, paint shops, etc., etc., that are well sustained.

The village was incorporated, by an act of the Legislature, in 1868-9. The Iirst village election was held April 9, 1869. Ojfficers elected: President, Frank Saulsbury; Trustees, S. Hyan, J. M. Leland, Putnam Perley, and J. French: Police Magistrate, Peter Shaffer; Police Constable, Kuel "Wells. Present (1877) officers: President, J. L. Hastings; Trustees, Jno. Wolven, David Mitchell, J. W. Fisk, J. P, O'Laughlin; Police Magistrate, Alexander Campbell; Police Constable, Charles Rogers.

In 1874, Messrs. E. Sumner and James Holmes constructed a dam across the Pecatonica River, a short distance above the village, which is of great importance, in a manufacturing point of view, to the country. While the dam was being constructed, Messrs. Sumner and Campbell were also engaged in the erection of a large four story grist and flouring mill, the undertaking costing them about $20,000. If this water power was improved as it might be improved, Pecatonica would soon gain a hundredfold more than was lost by the panic of 1857. The water is lasting, and its present capacity could be more than doubled, and a power derived that would drive any number of wheels and manufactories.

While the people of Pecatonica, from 1836 to 1877, were busy in maturing plans that would insure full coffers and comfortable livings, they were not neglectful in proN'iding for the spiritual welfare of an increasing population.

Five church edifices grace the village, to wit: The Methodist, Cong-reo-ational. Universal ist, (jrerman Evano^pljcal, and Swedish Lutheran.

The three first named are handsome and commodious structures, and a credit not only to the societies that worship in thein, but to the people in whose midst they are built.

The M. E Church was organized in 1853, Revs. Cortright, Barton and H. N. Irish taking an active part in the work. The names of only eight persons appear as members of the class or society at the date of its organization. It now numbers one hundred and twenty.

The first meetings were held in a small warehouse. Rev. Mr. Irish was a resident of Pecatonica, and his house was a regular Methodist hotel - a home for every Methodist that came along and claimed his brotherly hospitality. The good old man long since was called to join the innumerable throng around the great white throne.

The society now worships in an $8,500 church, and is in good condition for usefulness. The Sabbath-school numbers about seventy scholars, of which Rev. W. H. Haight, the pastor, (second year) is superintendent.

they built a house of worship, at a cost of $3,000. In 1876 this building was reconstructed and remodeled, at a cost of $2,700. Up to 1857-8, the society had increased to a membership of seventy, but at the present time (Oct., 1877,) only numbers about twenty-seven. The Sunday-school is in prosperous condition, Putnam Perley, superintendent. Rev. Mr. McCardle is tlio present pastor, his pastorate commencing October 1st.

The Swedish Lutheran Church was organized in 1857, and a church edifice built soon after. Their church property is estimated to be worth about $1,000. It has 129 communicants, and fifty members of its Sunday-school. Rev. J. M. Nelson, pastor; A. Kellner, superintendent of Sunday-school.

The Universalist society was organized in 1859, with seven members, by Rev. Dr. R. G. Hamilton, who was for a long time its pastor. The church was built in 1862, when there were eighty persons enrolled as members, at a cost of $2,500. It was refitted in 1875, at a cost of $800. At present there are forty members. Rev. S. F. Gibbs, pastor. Sunday-school membership, titty. John D. Jackson, superintendent.

The German Evangelical Lutheran Church was organized some two or three years since, with a small membership, mostly (we might say wholly) non-residents of the place. The pastor. Rev. C. F. Th. Eisseldt, resides at Belvidere, 111., and comes to this place every two weeks, to hold services, A peculiarity of the Sunday-school held in connection with this church is the fact that it is held on Saturday, every other week.

The Catholic society was organized in 1871-2, with fifty members. The number has since increased to about 100. Rev. Dr. O'Callaghan is in charge of the work, and although the society has no church building, services are held regularly at the residence of the Priest, at the corner of Reed and Fifth streets. Arrangements are now being perfected for the erection of a church building.

A. W. Rawson Lodge, No. 145, A. F. and A. M. - Held first meeting under dispensation in July, 1854. A charter, ^however, was not granted until 1856. The following were the charter members: J. M. Plum, A. S. Yan Dyke, J. H. Reed, Hez. Brown, John Morrow, J. E. Cole and S. C. Eastman; J. H. Hubbai-d, Grand Master. The present ofiicersof the Lodge are H. B. Farwell, G. M.; C. C. Stevens, S. VV^.; E. D. Pettibone, J. W.; D. A. Stitseil, Treas.; Benj. D. Perley, Sec. Membership, 43. Meets second and fourth Mondays of each month.

The township of Cherry Valley was first known 'on the records of the county as Butler Precinct. The name was changed to Cherry Valley upon the adoption of the township organization law. Its settlement commenced in 1836, Joseph P.|Griggs being the first settler of whom direct trace can be found. Embracing a good deal of timber, it attracted a liberal share of immigration, as it is a fact that all the pioneers sought the timber districts in which to locate their claims, believing that it would be easier to make farms by grubbing and clearing the lands than it would be to reduce the prairie land to tarm tillage and remunerative returns. But as time advanced, and the later settlers were forced out on to the prairies and began to experiment upon them, the first settlers were made to realize that they had made a somewhat costly mistake by selecting timbered claims. They had been pitching brawn and muscle against nature, for all that the prairies needed was to be tickled with the plow to make them yield living crops the first year, and heavy and remunerative returns the second.

Where the Chicago & Noi-thwestern Kailway crosses the Kishwaukee river, there is a beautiful little valley - a picturesque and romantic basin of a mile in width, extending up and down the river, that, in its natural condition, must have been an attractive resort for the red men whose homes were along the banks of that easy and gracefully-curving stream. Even now, when dotted over with fields and houses and barns and lowing herds, its stillness broken by the hum of mill machinery, and anon by the rumbling of long, heavily-laden trains of steam-drawn cars, one cannot help but admire its rare beauty, and almost sigh that the work of nature's floraculturalist should have been swept down before the march of the pale faces. In this little basin cosily nestles

The Village of Cherry Valley, with its eight hundred men, women and children; three church edifices, a graceful and elegant graded school building, about twenty stores and trading places, and numerous shops of industry of local merit. Joseph Griggs,* the father of Calvin, Lendon and Horace" Griggs, settled on the hill overlooking the village in 1835. The site upon which his cabin was erected was not far removed from the ground now occupied by the Universalist Church building. His domicile was built from poles ^nd thatched with straw or prairie grass. A. C. Gleason came soon after Mr. Griggs, and in 1836 Mr. Gleason was joined on the Kishwaukee by his brother, Mr. W. Gleason; aud in 183T, S. W. Gleason, a third brother, and the present Post Master, also put in an appearance and claimed a home '' in this new country." Densley Kiser came in 1836 or 1837, making five claimants to homes in this valley at the date of Mr. Kiser's coming,

The first school houses were built about 1848-9. About this time the building of a railroad from Galena to Chicago began to be agitated and the settlers or citizens were urged to take stock in the contemplated road, either by subscribing individually as they were able, or by voting a tax. In 1851 a railroad meeting of the citizens was held in one of these school houses to take counsel together and to hear the conditions upon which the embryo railroad company would make Cherry Yalley a point. This meeting resolved that no aid would be rendered the undertaking unless upon the express condition that it should cross the Kishwaukee at this point. The conditions were not agreed to by the representatives of the company, while the citizens remained equally firm in their conclusions. But the road was built and Cherry Valley made a station "all the same." In August, 1852, the road was completed from Chicago to the east side of Rock river, and on the second day of that month the first passenger train from Chicago to Rockford, passed over the road.

As a local trade centre. Cherry Yalley is an important point, and a station from which a large quantity of grain, etc., is annually shipped to Chicago and other markets. The country around is naturally rich, and under thorough and scientific cultivation, is very productive and largely remunerative. The people, farmers and villagers, are intelligent, refined and eminently social and. hospitable.

The growing of broom corn is an important industry among the farmers. During the present season of 1877, Messrs. Hugh Mackey and John Brown cultivated about 300 acres each of this important material, in the care and cultivation of which they gave employment to from twenty-five to thirty men each. Two broom manufactories are in successful operation.

The Cherry Yalley Mills of John Fisher (for which the Kishwaukee furnishes the power) do a large custom work, besides manufacturing largely for merchant interest.

The best index to the character of any people is in the architecture and finish of their church and school buildings. In Cherry Yalley there are three of the former, which are neat and elegant, while their graded school house - presenting more the outside appearance of a college than a people's school house - is one of the best in Northern Illinois outside of the larger towns. It is a brick structure, was built in 1869, at a cost of $18,000. Of this building, not only the people by whom it was built, but the people of the entire country may justly be proud. School is sustained about nine months of the year, and the system of teaching of the most thorough and practical order.

Present Corps of Teachers. - A. Andrew, principal; Miss Mary A. Earl, first assistant. Grammar Department. Miss Josephine Hale, Intermediate. Mrs. Wm. Craig, Primary ^Department. There is an average daily attendance of 220 pupils.

Churches. - The M. E. Church was organized by Rev. H. L. Martin, in 1854. The same season, their church edifice was built, the builder being Mr. - Powell. The society now numbers 108 members. The Sabbathschool is the care and pride of the church. Fifty-two scholars are regular attendants. D. J. Hussey is the superintendent.

The Universalist Church edifice was bailt in 1854, under the ministerial supervision of Rev. Simon Park. After a few years of prosperity, by reason of removals from time to time, and a combination of other unfavorable causes, the society became too weak to support a pastor, and as a church organization was finally abandoned. The building is now occupied by a Swedish religious organization, that has preaching at stated intervals. - The Free Will Baptist Church was built in 1874, at a cost of $3,500. It has a membership of sixty to seventy. Rev. H. S. Cross is the pastor. Their Sabbath-school numbers about sixty scholars. David Case is the superintendent.

Among the earliest settlers of this town were Wm. Talcott and sons, Thomas, Sylvester, Wait and Henry, some ot whom landed here July 4, 1835. taking a claim on Section 23. They were attracted by the magnificent water power of the Rock river at this point, the flow of water then being nearly double the present capacity. This water privilege the Talcotts be^n to improve, using it for a saw mill in 1838, and in the following year conpleted a grist mill, probably the pioneer of the county. It was soon bu5y, grists coming to it even from Fort Winnebago, over 100 miles.

In the year 1832 the Polish exiles were granted by Congress several townships of land for settlement, and Clopeski, one of their number, was sent out to locate them. The act specified that no lands upon which settlers had made a beginning could be taken, and, indeed, Clopeski, who came to Rockton, promised the people that he would not select their township. He was not faithful to this agreement, and the township was under the shadow of this claim until 1844, when the matter was adjusted. The town was platted by Talcott and Adams, in 1840, but it was not entered for record until May 30, 1844, because of the above claim. The first paper mill was erected in 1851, by Mr. T. L. Wright and Mr. Merritt. From this beginning, the present manufacturing interests have grown.

Is managed much upon the same general plan as the Rockford water power. There are 15,000 inches of water, of an eight-foot head, which are divided into ninety-six shares.

In 1836, Sylvester Talcott was appointed Justice of the Peace, and in his official capacity, married, it is said, the first couple in the county - Mr. Jerry Roberts and Miss Langdon, who now reside in Rockford.

"On the tenth day of Se]»tember, 1872, Rockton became an incorporated town. Town trustees: David Carpenter, president; Aaron Shores, George Ellis, J. W. Cowles, Jas. McDonald.

Mechanical Industries

The " Enterprise" Paper Mill was originated by Mr. Keems some years ago. About a year since, Messrs. Booth, Hinmen ifc Co. rented it. They employ ten men, and make wrapping paper, although they will soon run their mill on felting for i-oofs, etc.

The Winnebago Paper Mill was first built in 1853, by a company known as Merrill, Young & Co., who ran it two years, when it was sold to Bradner, Warren & Co., of Chicago. In 1857 the firm changed to Bradner, Smith & Co., and recently became a stock company. On the tenth day of February, 1876, it burned down, but was rebuilt, and running in the November following. The mill averages about three and one-half tons of wrapping paper during every twenty-four hours, and employs twentyfive men.

The Rockton Iron Works and Machine Shops employ four men, and began here in 1866. They manufacture three sizes of paint mills, and do general repairs in iron. The works are carried on by Wideson & Cox, the foundry and machine shop being owned and operated separately, by ';heir respective owners.

The mill owned and operated by Messrs. Cowles & Gates was iirst erected for an oil mill. About 1857, it was changed to a flouring and grist mill. At present it averages 130 barrels of rye flour for every twenty-four hours, as well as a large amount of gristing. There is also a cooper shop in connection, which works four hands, while the whole force employed varies from ten to twelve mea.

The first school house was erected for the joint uses of worship and education, in 1840. The present graded school house was built in 1851, and cost $2,000. Average daily attendance, 175. Teachers: Charles Kinne, principal; Miss Bell Clement, intermediate; Miss Emma McConnell, primary.

The First Congregational Church was organized March 23, 1838, with fourteen members, among whom were Deacon Wm. Talcott and family, five of whom were constituent members. The first pastor was Rev. Wm. Adams. The " Stone Church" was built in 1849 or 18dO, and cost $5,000. Present number of members, 65. Rev. H. J. McArthur, pastor. Average of Sunday-school attendance, 56; Chauncy Pettibone, Superintendent.

nately at Roscoe and Rockton, under the ministerial charge of one pastor, Elder James Vaness. Shortly afterward the church was located at Rockton, and the present churcli edifice dedicated, January 13, 1858. The structure cost $2,000. Members at the present time, 100. Pastor, Rev. A. Whitman. Average of Sunday-school, 80; E. J. Vaness, Superintendent.

The M. E. Church was organized in 1855, by the Rev. H. W. Richnrdson. The present house of worship was begun in 1857, and dedicated in 1859. It cost $5,000. Present membership, 55. Pastor, Geo. A. Erving. Sunday-school average attendance, 65; J. C. Truman, Superintendent.

Lodges And Societies

RocKTON Lodge, No. 74, A. F. and A. M. - Organized Jan. 5, 1849, with twenty charter members. Officers: John B. Rockwood, W. M.; E. L. Styles, S. W. ; Seth Jenkins, J. W. ; Edwin Kingsley, Treas. ; S. S. Snider, Secy. Number of members, 47. Meets Friday evening on or before the full moon.

RocKTON Temperance Alliance. - Organized in 1874. Officers: Chauncy Pettibone, Acting President; Miss Hattie Men ill. Secy. About 200 members. Meets the third Monday evening of each month.

RocKTON Grange, No. 1012. - Organized in 1874. Rock River Grano-e was consolidated with it January 1, 1877. Officers: J. 0. Truman, M.; Win. Farmer, O.; Edward Collier, Secy; John Morse, Treas. Number of members, 30. Meets Thursday evening before full moon.

Roscoe is the northeast township of the county, bounded on the north by the Wisconsin State line. The first permanent settlement was made in the fall of 1835, but some Indian traders had previously erected and occupied cabins in the grove on Section 32. The remains of the cabins and the track made by the wagon train that accompanied General Atkins in his campaign against the Black Hawk Indians in June, 1832, were still clearly defined when the first settlers came. The maple trees also showed that the Indians had tapped them for sugar- tnakiiig purposes. August 3, 1835, R. J. Cross, of Coldwater, Mich., and Colonel Yon Hovenburg, with a Pottawatomie Indian for a guide, came into the township from Milwaukee. _ Col. Yon Hovenburg returned to Michigan; Mr. Cross bought a claim of Lavec, an employee of Stephen Mack, upon which he subsequently settled. This claim was covered by the grove in the southwest quarter of Section 32.

In September of the same year, Elijah H. Brown, James B. Lee and WilHam Mead came in from La Porte County, Indiana, and selected claims. Brown built a house on the left bank of Rock river, a little above the mouth of the north branch of the Kinikiuick, on the northeast quarter of Section 32, which, was the first house built in what subsequently became Roscoe township. In the winter of 1835-6, Messrs. Brown, Lee, Cross and Logan were the only settlers in that part of the county. Mr. Cross had the only horse team in the settlement, and it was kept on the road nearly all the time when the roads were passable, hauling Hour and groceries from Chicago. Mr. Reynolds, of Rolling Prairie, La Porte Count}^, Indiana, bought Lee's claim, and was the lirst blacksmith to forge and hammer in that precinct, and in the winter of 1836-7 there were only eight families. Until a postoffice was established at Beloit, the settlers got their mail matter at Chicago; but in the spring of 1837, a post-office was established at Roscoe, and R. M. P. Abell was appointed post-master. In 1837, Henry Abell and his son, Franklin, built a saw-mill, the first in the neighborhood. This mill was built at the mouth of the north branch of the Kinikinick, where they proposed to build a village, which they named Roscoe, in honor of Roscoe, an eminent English historian, and when the names of townships were established in 1850, the name was given to the municipality. Under the new order, the first town meeting was held at the house of James K. Knowland, April 1, 1850. J. G. Prentiss was chosen Moderator; John J. Rhodes was elected Supervisor, and Nathaniel Howland, Town Clerk. Mr. Rhodes was continued in office for sev^en years, and until his death. At the first town meeting or election, 180 votes were polled.

Church Notes. - September, 1836, at a meeting at the house of Smith Jenks, Rev. Mr. Pillsbury, a traveling missionary, of the M. E. Church, took the names of those who wished to unite as a church society. They were: Henry Abell, Smith Jenks, Clarissa Jenks, B. Richardson, Mary Ann Richardson, Albert Tuttle and Simeon Pettibone and wife. These were organized into a class, and for many years it was the only church society known to the settlers. It subsequently grew into prominence and wealth, as it had always been influential for good.

November 7, 1843, a preliminary meeting in the interest of the Congregational Church was held at the house of Alvan Leland. At that meeting the following named representative ministers were present: Revs. Wright, Belvidere; Ebenezer Brown, Byron; M. Benedict, Rockton; M. Hicks, agent of the American Home Missimary Society, and M. Pierson, of the New Haven Theological Seminary. November 28th, the organization was perfected and a society formed composed of the lollowing named members: Alvan Leland, John Bradley, Horace K. Leonard, Thomas R. Whipple, Eunice Bradley, Minerva J. Leonard, Delia Whipple, Edmund Bradley, Charles Kerr, John Moir, Hannah Cross, Ann Frances Kerr, E. Moir, Cora Briggs, George Kerr, Sol. W. Leland, Thankful Briggs, and Lydia Meirs - 18. Alvin Leland was chosen Deacon; Sol. W. Leland, Clerk. January 3, 1844, Rev. Ebenezer Brown was employed as minister. Of these members. Deacon Leland died February 8, 1845; Deacon John Bradley, Roscoe, August 14, 1854; his wife Eunice Bradley, Roscoe, February 14, 1852; S. W. Leland, in Massachusetts, and Delia Whipple in Roscoe.

The first school was taught in Reynolds' old blacksmith shop. The Widow Warner was teacher. May 14, 1840, the township was divided into six school districts. The school section was mostly sold in 1847.

June 3, 1858, the wife and seven children of Kev. Mr. lllsley, pastor of the Congregational Church, were killed or drowned. In building the Madison branch of the Chicago and Galena railroad, a high embankment had been thrown up at the crossing of the creek about half a mile above the village. The culvert was too small for the volume of water, and up to the afternoon of the day of the sad and awful death catastrophe, a pond two miles long, a half a mile in width, and from 25 to 30 feet in depth, had formed above the embankment. About midnight the culvert caved in, the embankment gave way and the water rushed down in one mighty torrent, carrying away several houses in its maddened rush, among which was the brick house occupied by Mi-. lllsley and family, which toppled over and buried beneath its ruins the mother and seven children. Mr. lllsley, who had lost a leg and was comparatively helpless, was carried by the flood nearly down to Rock river, where he caught in a tree and held on until he was found by L. W. Richardson, who M^aded in and carried him out. In the Roscoe Cemetery, near the northeast corner, the eight bodies of one family, who had not all been united for some time till the day on which their death came, were buried in one day.

The first birth in the town was B. F. Richardson, son of Benjamin and Mary Ann Richardson, May 8, 1837. The first marriage, William H. Riley and Ruth Brown. The first death, William Hale, who was drowned in Rock river, at the mouth of ISTorth creek, June 27, 1837. The first store was opened by Alvan Leland in the house of Albert Tuttle, 1838.

Village of Roscoe. - The history of the village of Roscoe is so closely interwoven that an attempted separate history would be a work of supererogation, all the pertinent and important events being recited above.