Alden Township

Name

This township was not named for some time after the first settlers came in. The postoffice was called Wedgwood for a short time, when it was discovered that another postoffice by the same name was already established in the State. It was then changed to Alden by the Wards, Bordwells and Bennetts, who came from Alden, N. Y. When the township was christened, some time afterward, it received the same name.

First Settlers

Nathan and Darius Disbrow were the first men who settled in this township; they came in the fall of 1836, and erected their dwellings the following spring. They settled on section 15, where the village of Alden is now situated. They came from New York State. Darius made Alden Township his home only about five years, when he moved to Milwaukee, where he died in 1849. Nathaniel is still a resident of the township, about three-quarters of a mile south of Alden Village.

Next came into the township Miles Booty, an Englishman, from Canada. He located on what is known now as the Capron farm, east of Alden Village one and a half miles. He came in the summer of 1837, and remained in the township till about the year 1841, when he moved to Woodstock, where he engaged in business a short time, and then moved West.

present there are four of his 6ons residents of the township, names as follows - Nathan, Orin, Sydney and Lucas. Asahel Disbrow died in 1854, and his wife in 1859. John Alberty, a son-in-law of Asahel Disbrow, came in 1838 from Greene County, N. Y. Dennis Ryder also came from New York State, locating here in 1838. James Owen and family came in 1838 and settled in the^ southwest corner of township; Zadoc Clark came at the same time - both from Vermont. About the same time came H. Bushford, Eansom Parish and T. B. Wakeman, all from Greene County, N. Y.

Location

Alden Township is numbered 46 in range 6. It is one of the northern townships, joining the State of Wisconsin on the north. Chemung Township lies directly west of it, Hebron joins it on the east and Hartland on the north.

This township is principally prairie, though it is by no means destitute of timber. It is well adapted to farming and dairying, buth avocations being extensively carried on.

Nippersink Creek

From a small sheet of water situated in sections 14 and 15, called Mud Creek, flows the famous Nippersink Creek. The head waters of the Nippersink have three small inlets. la this township, on sections 23 and 26, the Kishwaukee Creek also has its rise as well as the Piskasaw in the west side of the township.

First Happenings

The first marriage took place on the 7th day of January, 1839. Timothy M. Fuller to Esther Disbrow. They were married by "Wesley Diggens, Justice. In 1838 Darius Disbrow, a resident of Alden, and Sarah Cross, a resident of Hebron, were united in marriage in Milwaukee.

The first white child born in the township, was Lorain J., son of Darius Disbrow. When tbis child was small his father died, and he went with his mother to New York, her native State, and it is not known where he is or whether he is living. Twin daughters born to Mr. and Mrs. T. M. Fuller are known to be the second birth in the township.

The first death was that of a child belonging to a family who were passing through the country to find a home in the far West. The most of the family were sick and stopped a while at the house of Asahel Disbrow, where the child died. It was buried in the vicinity of Mud Lake.

There are in the township two cemeteries. The one lying north of the village about eighty rods was laid out for burial purposes in 1846. Mr. A. Broughton was the first person buried here. The grounds contain about two acres, and are kept in fine condition. About the year 1847 a grave yard was laid out east of Alden village three-quarters of a mile, and was used for many years, but is now abandoned, and bodies are being removed elsewhere, principally to the cemetery spoken of north of the village. The last mentioned grounds were originally the private property of Joel Brandaw. Their daughter was the first person buried there, and there lie the bodies of both Mr. and Mrs. Brandaw.

Educational Interests

The first school was taught in 1841, by Miss Clarissa Nelson, of Geneva Lake. The school was taught in the first school-house built in the township. It was a log structure and located near where the railroad station now stands. This building was erected in the spring of 1841, and its dimensions were only 12x14 feet, but plenty large enough to accommodate the little band of nine students. The following present school statistics show quite an increase since then. There are now in the township nine schoolhouses and 313 children of a school age. A salary of $1,430.99 is annually paid teachers, and the school property is valued at $3,340.

Religious Interests

The first religious services were held in the fall of 1838, at the house of Mr. Asahel Disbrow, by Eev. Leander S. Walker. At this meeting Eev. Walker organized the Methodist society, which continued as a band of worshipers till about 1845, when they became disorganized and scattered. The first break in their ranks was the event of their class-leader taking up with the Millerite doctrine. He left this region for the purpose of proclaiming to the world his new-found belief, and took with him the records of the Methodist society, and they have never been returned.

Methodist Episcopal Church. - In 18.61 the Methodist society reorganized, and with a larger membership and under more favorable circumstances than at their first organization, and has proven much more successful. At this date, 1861, they built a house of worship, at a cost of about $2,000, which still stands, and is the only church in the township. While this buildiDg was in process of erection a wind storm blew down the frame, scattering the timbers in every direction. This accident ran the expense of building up to several hundred dollars more than was subscribed for the purpose. This debt was liquidated, however, by the means of a railroad excursion to Eockford, instituted for that purpose.

Presbyterian Church. - In 1861 a society of Presbyterians was formed by Prof. Hoi ton, who afterward became an associate editor of a religious paper in Boston, where he died several years ago. The church never became strong enough to build a house of worship, and only remained as an organized body till 1874, when, through the death and removals of many members, the remaining ones found it impossible to carry on the duties required of them, and disbanded. Their membership never exceeded twenty. Prof. Holton was their pastor two years. Then Rev. L. Clark two years. Bev. M. Willis preached two years. The church was then supplied by students four years.

The first postoffice was established in 1843, at the residence of Francis Wedgwood, who- was the first Postmaster, and the office took his name for the first three years. Mr. Wedgwood kept the office till about the year 1847, when a store was opened at the station, and the office was moved there. P. W. Lake was appointed Postmaster in 1849, having the two years previously run the office as Deputy Postmaster under Mr. Wedgwood. Lake was succeeded in 1850 by E". M. Capron, who held the office till his death, which occurred in 1858. George B. Andrews was the next Postmaster, and held the position till 1881, when the present Postmaster, E. S. Smith, was appointed.

Ceeameeies And Cheese Factoeies

There are in the township four butter and cheese factories. The first one was built near Alden station in 1869. It is still running, but not doing the business it did when it had no competition. In its best days it consumed as high as 15,000 pounds of milk daily. It is at present the property of Milo Munger, who built a factory in 1881 near the south line of the township. This factory takes in daily about 10,000 poundsof milk. In 1883 Ii. W. Oopeland built a factory about a mile southwest of the station, which takes in daily about 7,000 pounds of milk. The second factory erected in the township was builf in 1877, and situated near the one first built. After running two seasons these two factories were consolidated. In 1879 S. Ferris & Son built a factory about one and a half miles southwest of the station. It is doing a good business, and consumes about 8,000 pounds of milk daily.

This township, with all the others, held its first election (after its organization), in April, 1850. The following list of officers was the first chosen : Andrew Easton, Supervisor; M. D. Hoy, Clerk; B". P. Ward, Assessor; H. A. Sherman, Collector; N. M. Capron and T. B. Wakeman, Justices of the Peace; A. D. Blodgett, Alby Udell and Abraham Shafer, Commissioners of Highways; T. F. Sherman, Overseer of the Poor; Charles Hunt and Francis "Wedgwood, Constables. The present officers are: W. H. Groesbeck, Supervisor; H. W. Wright, Clerk; Daniel Sullivan, Assessor; James Scott, Collector; Elias Glass, O. K. Latter and Daniel Sullivan, Commissioners of Highways; Sydney Disbrow and B. M. McBride, Justices of the Peace; O. R. Latter and Walter Bradshaw, Constables.

Alden Village

The village of Alden was laid out in 1848, by Francis Wedgwood, and surveyed by John Brink, of Crystal Lake. The first house was built by Nathan Disbrow; first store opened by P. W. Lake, in 1847; first wagon shop run by C. JST. Jiles, in 1865; first blacksmith shop opened in 1840, by J. Wood; first shoe-maker, M. D. Hoy, came in 1844.

The following is a summary of the present business men of Alden: Blacksmith, Wm. Chapman; barber, J. C. Brewer; butter and cheese manufacturers, Ferris & Son, Julian Brothers; creamery, Copeland & Manning; wagonmaker, John Snell; carpenter, Edward Austin; harness manufacturer, C. H. Bennett; hotel, T. J. Disbrow; lawyer, Thomas Rushton; merchant, E. S. Smith; physician, G. R. Barringer.

Biographical

D. Bordwell, farmer and stock-raiser, Alden Township, was born in Erie County, N. Y-, Jan. 15, 1828, a son of Benjamin R. and Mary (Huntley) Bordwell. "When he was ten years of age his parents moved to Buffalo, and in 1815 came to McHenry County. He worked two years for T. B. Wakmau, for $13 a month, when most men were getting $12. In 1849 h6 bought eighty acres of partially improved land and added to it from time to time, till he now owns 260 acres of improved land and has given each of his sons a good farm. He was married Nov. 13, 1849, to Jane Burns, daughter of Hugh and Nancy (Rapp) Burns, who came from Yates County, N. Y., to McHenry County in an early day. Mr. and Mrs. Bordwell have had six children - Charle3, a farmer of Alden Township; George, a butcher of "Woodstock; Emma, wife of Carlos Douglas, of Walworth County, "Wis; Minnie, died when two years of age; William and Frank are at home. Politically Mr. Bordwell is a Republican. He and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church.

James C Brewer, blacksmith and wagon-maker, Alden, 111., was born in this township, June 10, 1851, the second of three children of Daniel and Jane M. Brewer, his father a native of Chautauqua County, and his mother of Canajoharie, N. Y. He remained with his parents till manhood, receiving a good education. In 1875 he went to Harvard and engaged in the coal and ice business a year. In 1876 he went to work with James Wood at the blacksmith's trade and served an apprenticeship of one and a half years. He then went into business for himself, and has been successful, having the trade of all the surrounding country. He was married June 10, 1874, to Maria Brando w, daughter of John Brandow. They have one child - Frank "W. Mr. and Mrs. Brewer are members of the Methodist Episcopal church. Politically he is a Republican. '

George T. Clawson, farmer and stock-raiser, is a native of Indiana, born in Warren County, Dec. 29, 1836, a son of Thomas and Julia (Ives) Clawson, his father a native of Montgomery County, Ohio, and his mother of New York. His parents were married in Ohio and in an early day moved to Indiana. Thomas Clawson represented Fountain County, Ind., in the Legislature in an early day. He moved to Big Foot Prairie in 1S46, where he lived twenty years, when he moved to Indiana, and a year later moved to Jasper County, Iowa, where he died. His wife still lives in

Iowa, aged eighty-four years. George T. was ten years of age when his parents moved to Illinois, where he was reared and educated. He was married Sept. 29, 1866, to Amanda M. Helm, daughter of James Helm. In January, 1870, he moved to the old homestead of his wife's father. He owns a good farm of 131£ acres well improved. Mr. and Mrs. Clawson have four children - Nathan B., Lottie M., Walter L. and Katie. They are members of the Methodist Episcopal church. Politically he is a Republican.

E. W. Copeland was born in Albany County, N. T., Feb. 2, 1824, the eldest son of Jacob and Amanda (Wait) Gopeland, natives of New York and descendants of an early Puritan family. His greatgrandfather, Jacob Copeland, lived to be 100 years old. His maternal grandfather, George Wait, was a revolutionary soldier. When he was eighteen years of age he began working by the month, and when he reached his majority, in the fall of 1845, emigrated to Illinois and entered eighty acres of land. After paying the squatter $76.50 for a log-house and fifteen acres of breaking in Alden Township, went to work for $10 a month. As soon as he got $50 he walked to Chicago and entered forty acres more land; this he did four times. In the spring of 1850 he started for California, and was six months crossing the plains. He remained till the following April, when his health failed, and he returned to Illinois. The following fall he bought the farm where he now" lives. He has been a hard-working man aud is the owner of 820 acres of land, well improved and stocked with horses, cattle and hogs. In 1876 he moved to Dakota and entered 320 acres of land. He w&s there at the time of the Custer massacre, the Indians passing his dwelling. In 1876 he and his wife visited the Centennial at Philadelphia and friends in New York. Mr. Copeland was married February, 1852, to Emily Alberty, daughter of John Alherty, who came from Greene County, N. Y., to Illinois, in 1840. They have no children; have an adopted son, Louis Alberty, who is Superintendent of Public Instruction' in Turner County, Dak. He crossed the plains in 1850, in company with slave-holders and their slaves and helped make California a free State, in the fall election of 1850. Returned with the defeated slave holders, in 1851; was in company with the Marengo boys that were murdered by Indians in the Humbolt Mountain in 1850.

Samuel Cutter, one of the most prominent farmers of Alden Township, was born in Groton, Tompkins Co., N. Y., March 17, 1826, the youngest of seven children of Jesse and Rachel (Stras- burg) Cutter, natives of New Jersey. His parents being in limited circumstances, he was obliged when quite young to depend upon his own exertions and worked by the month for farmers. He saved his wages and in 1856 came to Illinois and located in McHenry County. He taught school in the winter, and in the summer worked for the farmers till after the breaking out of the late war, when, Aug. 5, 1862, he enlisted in Company C, Ninety-fifth Illinois Infantry. He was appointed Sergeant, and ten months later was promoted to Second Lieutenant. May 22, 1863, at the charge on Vicksburg he was wounded, the ball passing through his shoulder blade, and was disabled for active duty till the following September. He served till the close of the war and was discharged Aug. 16, 1865. Soon after his return home he bought the farm, where he now lives. He owns ISO acres of choice land, with a good residence and farm buildings. Mr. Cutter was married Dec. 21, 1867, to Mrs. Helen (McLane) Cutter, widow of Richard Cutter, of Oswego County, N. Y. She has had eight children, five of whom are living. Mr. Cutter bas been a prominent man in the township and has served in many official capacities. He was Supervisor from 1877 till 1883. Politically he is a Republican. Mrs. Cutter is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church.

George A. Earl was born in Kent County, England, July 4, 1826, the youngest of seven children of John and Sarah' (Ralph) Earl. He remained in his native county till twenty years of age, and then went to London, where he was employed six years as butler for a wealthy family, and while with them visited many points of interest in the British dominion. In 1852 he came to the United States and was six weeks making the voyage from London to New York. From there he went to Albany, thence to Buffalo, and across the lakes to Kenosha, Wis.; thence to McHenry County, and bought the farm in Alden Township, where he has since resided. He was married in March, 1849, to Emma, daughter of William and Charity (Knight) Downs, of Kent County, England. They have had three children; but two are living - Emma and John A. William died at the age of five years. Politically Mr. Earl is a Republican. He and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church.

Sylvanus Ferris was born in Greene County, N. Y., Aug. 27, 1809, a son of Nathaniel and Nancy J. (Goodyear) Ferris, natives of New York, of English descent. He followed farming in his native county till 1850, when he came to Illinois and bought a farm in Alden, McHenry County. Seven years later he sold his farm and returned to Steuben County, N- Y, where lie remained three years, when he moved to Tioga County. In 1869 he came to McHenry County and bought the farm where he now resides. He owns 210 acres of well-improved land, with a good residence and farm buildings. He was married Jan. 19, 1835, to Sarah Brandon, daughter of "William and Sarah (Sawyer) Brandon, early settlers of New York. They have six children - Nancy J., Lucy, Mary F., Roxie, Henry L. and "William R. Politically Mr. Ferris was originally a "Whig, but ndw affiliates with the Republican party.

Elias Glass, one of the most prominent farmers of Alden Township, was born in Shaftsbury, Vt., March 10, 1821, a son of Alexander and Lucinda (Hawley) Class. When he was an infant his parents moved to Oneida County, N. Y., where he was reared and educated. In the fall of 1842 he came West and located in "Walworth County, Wis., but the following year entered eighty acres of land in Alden Township, McHenry Co., 111. In 1844 he went to Knox County, 111., and three years later returned to McHenry County, sold his land and bought the farm where he now lives. He has been industrious and frugal and has accumulated a large property. He was married March 22, 1848, by Esquire Frueman to Ann Eliza, daughter of Samuel and Emily (Hawley) Steward, of Hebron. They have had five children - Delia C, wife of Uriah Thomas, of Buchanan County, Iowa; Harriet A., wife of H. F. Manly, of Alden Township; Ellen, wife of F. H. Baird, of Hebron; Alexander, of Hebron, and Mary Ann. Politically Mr. Glass is a Republican. He has held many township offices and has been Commissioner of Highways a number of years. He is a member of the Baptist church.

G. L. Kingsley was born in Norwich, Conn., Feb. 25, 1836, a son of "William L. and Mary P. (Latroth) Kingsley. He received a good education, completing it at the Norwich Normal School. After attaining his majority he went to New York City, and was employed in a dry-goods store two years. In June, 1859, he came to Illinois and the following fall bought his present farm. He own3 170 acres of choice land, all well improved. He has about forty head of Jersey cattle and pays special attention to dairying. May 18, 1883, the cyclone that passed over Northern Illinois unroofed his house, broke the windows and blinds and damaged his barns and out-buildings. In connection with his farming in- dustries, Mr. King6ley has taught several terms of school and worked at the carpenter's trade. He was married Dec. 2, 1856, to Nancy Harris, daughter of Sylvanus and Cynthia (Minor) Harris, of Salem, Conn. ' They have three children - Frank, Minnie L. and Albert S. Politically Mr. Kingsley is a Eepublican. He has served as Commissioner of Highways several years. He and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church.

David Knickerbocker, deceased, was born in Columbia County, ]ST. Y., in 1799. When he was twelve years of age he went to live with John Stall and remained with him till twenty-one years of age. He then bought a lease of land and followed agricultural pursuits till 1844, when, thinking the West offered better opportunities for supporting his family, he moved to Alden, McHenry Co., 111., entered forty acres of land and bought forty acres. He added to his land from time to time till he now owns 200 acres of choice land. When he first came to McHenry County he had but $100 in money. He invested it judiciously and has been successful. He was married in 1833 to Susan Conse, a native of Dutchess County, N. Y. They had a family of four children - Isaac D. ; J. C, Probate Judge of Cook County; J. J., of the firm Knickerbocker & Holden, attorneys, Chicago; Hannah M., wife of P. Bowen, of Laporte City, Black Hawk Co., Iowa. Mr. Knickerbocker was an honorable, upright gentleman, and was esteemed by all who knew him. He died Feb. 22, 1874, aged seventy-five years and nine months. His wife died Aug. 12, 1874, aged sixtynine years. Their eldest son, Jerome D., was born in Dutchess County, N. Y., in 1836, and was eight years of age when his parents came to Illinois. He remained with his parents till their death, and since then has carried on the old homestead. Politically the sons, as was their father, are Republicans.

Victor Lrv Brec, deceased, was born in the Province of Quebec in 1809, and was there reared and married to Saloma Bombard, a native of Montreal. Soon after his marriage he moved to Vermont, where he followed farming till 1849, when he moved West and settled in Alden, McHenry Co., 111. He rented land five or six years and with the assistance of his sons was successful. In 1856 he bought fifty acres of partially improved land, to which he subsequently added ninety acres. His family consisted of eleven children, eight born in Vermont and three in Illinois - Victor, William, Joseph, Rosella, Augustus, Henry, Edward, Alfred, Elizabeth, Charles, Josephine. At the breaking out of the war five sons enlisted, Victor, Augustus and Henry in the Ninety-fifth Infantry, and "William and Joseph in the Eighth Cavalry. Victor and Henry gave their lives for their country. The mother died in September, 1862, while her sons were in the army. The father lived to see their return. He died Nov. 16, 1868. Mr. and Mrs. La Brec were active members of the Catholic church. Politically he was a Eepublican.

William La Brec, farmer and stock-raiser, Alden Township, was born in Grand Isle ^County, Vt., April 20, 1838, a son ot Victor and Saloma (Bombard) La Brec. He was eleven years of age when his parents moved to McHenry County, and here he was reared and educated. Sept. 18,1861, he enlisted in Company H, Eighth Illinois Cavalry, and was assigned to General McClellan's command, Army of the Potomac. After serving two vears and nine months he re-enlisted and served till the close of the war. He participated in many severe battles; among them were Antietam, Fredericksburg, Gettysburg and Williamsburg. He was discharged July 18, 1865. Since his return home he has engaged in farming ; after the death of his father he took charge of the homestead which he now owns. He was married Nov. 16 1867, to Susan Drew, daughter of Samuel and Sally (Hutchens) Drew, of Steuben County, N. Y. They have had three children; but one is living - Frank Irwin. Mr. La Brec has held many local offices of trust in the township. Politically he is a Republican. He and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church.

Eli Merry, deceased, was born in Florida, N. Y., March 29, 1811, a son of Malcolm Merry, who was of English descent. He was married Sept. 4, 1833, to Catherine Sweet, a native of Florida, N. Y., a daughter of Dr. "Waterman Sweet. She died Sept. 22, 1840, leaving two children - Elizabeth, now Mrs. P. H. Inman, of Highland Park, 111., and "W. S., of Alden Township. Mr. Merry engaged in the mercantile business a few years and then moved to a farm where he lived till 1840, when he again engaged in the mercantile business till 1848. Nov. 10, 1845, he married Almira C. Smith, of Oswego County, N. Y. She died Nov. 29, 1846, leaving a daughter, Almira, now Mrs. Charles H. Parkhurst, of Centralia, 111. In 1849, with his three children, Mr. Merry moved to "Wisconsin and settled on Big Foot Prairie, in "Walworth County. In 1852 he moved to Alden, 111., and in 1857 to Chemung, where he engaged in the mercantile business three years. He then lived on a farm in Alden Township three years, when he moved to Harvard, and again engaged in the mercantile business till 1875, when he was stricken with paralysis, from the effects of which he died Feb. 4, 1881, never again being able to engage in business. He was married April 3, 1851, to Mrs. Cynthia (Holden) Tiffany, who died Dec. 27, 1863. They had four children - Luzina L., born April 18, 1853, died Aug. 25, 1854; EllaM., wife of Frank Hogan; Cora B. and Elma E. Mr. Merry was an active member of the Methodist Episcopal church forty years. Politically he was Republican.

W. S. Merry was born in Glenville, Montgomery Co., N. Y., Sept. 24, 1836, a son of Eli G. and Catherine (Sweet) Merry. In 1852 his parents came to Illinois, and he resided with them till his majority. He then went to Wisconsin and worked on a farm near Janesville. He was married March 20, 1860, to Pleaides Wilkinson, daughter of Burns and H. (Badger) Wilkinson, who came from New York to Ohio, and thence, in 1840, to Wisconsin. Mr. Merry lived on a farm near Janesville two years after his marriage, and then returned to McHenry County, and lived on the Wilkinson homestead two years. In 1864 he bought the farm in Alden Township, where he still resides, which contains 160 acres of choice land. Mr. and Mrs. Merry have five children - Melville W., bora Jan. 6, 1862; Hersey Dell, Aug. 20, 1863; Maggie Edith, Feb. 27, 1868; Lydia Maud, Nov. 4, 1870, and Mabel J., April 24, 1877. In 1862 Mr. Merry enlisted in Company C, Ninety-fifth Illinois Infantry, and served till Oct. 10, 1865. He participated in all the battles of the regiment, and was a brave and reliable soldier. Mr. and Mrs. Merry and their son and eldest daughter are members of the Methodist Episcopal church. Politically he is a Republican.

George S. Rector, a prominent farmer of Alden Township, is the only resident of the township who came here prior to 1845. He was born in Waynesburg, Schenectady Co., N. Y., Nov. 8, 1815, a son of William and Phoebe (Sherman) Rector, natives of New York, of German and English descent. He remained on the old homestead till 1840, when he bought a farm in the same town and resided there till the spring of 1844, when he came West, and arrived in Alden, May 5. He entered 120 acres of land and built a log cabin, which is part of his present residence. He bought two cows and a yoke of oxen. His chairs, tables and bedsteads he made himself. He has been industrious and has been successful, having now one of the best farms in the township. His wife made all their clothing from the raw material, both woolen and linen. They have many relics of their pioneer days. To them have been born thirteen children; eleven are living - William H., Sherman, Edwin, Amos, Theodore, Frederick, Sarah J., Esther A., Alice, Mary and Emma. Mr. and Mrs. Rector are members of the Wesleyan Methodist church. Politically he is a Republican.

E. 8. Smith, merchant and Postmaster, Alden, 111., is a native of Schoharie County, N . Y., born Feb. 22, 1859, a son of Ezra and Adaline (Story) Smith. When he was eight years of age his parents moved to Illinois and settled in Harvard, and there he was reared and received his early education, subsequently attending Bryant's Business College, Chicago . When nineteen years of age he opened a meat market in Harvard, which he carried on two years and a half. In 1881 he came to Alden and bought the general mercantile store of G-. B. Andrews. He carries a good stock, valued at $6,000, and has an extensive trade, it being the only Btore in town. He has been Postmaster since 1881. Mr. Smith was married May '22, 1884, to Eva Goodsell, a daughter of Asher and Julia (Dunham) Goodsell, who were among the earliest settlers of McHenry County. Politically Mr. Smith is a Republican. He was elected Treasurer of Alden Township in 1882. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church.

Alby Udell, one of the most prominent farmers of Alden Town- Bhip, was born Feb. 13, 1812, in Strafford, Vt., a son of Oliver and Lucretia (Grow) Udell, natives of Vermont, of English descent. He was married Jan. 22, 1834, to Jane A. Wilson, a native of Massachusetts, daughter of John and Anna Wilson. The first year after his marriage he kept a tavern in Alden, N. Y. He then engaged in farming till 1815, when he moved to Illinois and bought 160 acres of unimproved land on section 17, Alden Township, where he has since lived. He has improved his land and added to it till he now owns 400 acres of choice land. Mr. and Mrs. Udell have four children - Oliver J., Josephine L. (wife of Wm. H. Groverbeck), George and Asa W. Mrs. Udell died Feb. 10, 1879, on her sixty-sixth birthday. Mr. Udell was the first Road Commissioner of Alden Township, and has served as Magistrate several terms. Politically he has voted the Republican ticket since 1864.

has since followed that vocation, making his home on the old homestead. He was married Dec. 21, 1870, to Frances Ferris, daughter of Sylvanus and Sarah Ferris. They have two children - Otis and Effie. Politically Mr. Udell is a Republican.

Oliver J. Udell, farmer and stock-raiser, theel aest son of Alby and Jane A. ("Wilson) Udell, was born in Alden, IS. Y., Oct. 3, 1835. He remained with his parents till twenty seven years of age, assisting his father on the farm. He was married Feb. 19, 1862, to Frances A. Butler, the first white child born in Chemung Township, a daughter of Burnam R. and Ehoda Butler. After his marriage Mr. Udell settled on his present farm, which contains 147 acres of improved land. Mr. and Mrs. Udell have had nine children, eight of whom are living - ClaraM., Herbert O., William, Alby, Alva, Maud M., Howard V., Nellie L. and Elsie A. Politically Mr. Udell is independent, giving his suffrage to the man he considers the most worthy.

G. 8. Wickham was born in Hartford, Washington Co., N. T., Jan. 12, 1819, a son of Stephen and Sally (Jinks) "Wickham. His father was a native of Hudson, N. Y., of English descent, born March 8, 1786. His mother was a native of Vermont, of Spanish and German descent, a daughter of Dr. A. J. Jinks, a prominent phj'sician of "Vermont. His mother died in 1846, aged fifty-two years, and his father March 26, 1873, aged eighty-seven years. When he was eleven years of age he went to live with a friend of his father, Samuel French, and remained with him till his majority. He then was employed by a widow to superintend her farm, which he did successfully four years. In June, 1845, he came to Illinois, and the following August returned to New York, and in the spring of 1846 came, with his family, to McHenry County, and settled on the farm where he now lives, a part of which he entered from the Government. He owns 360 acres of land all well improved. He has made a specialty of stock-raising, dealing in Durham cattle and Norman horses. He was married Nov. 22, 1844, to Fanny Palmer, a native of Greene County, N. Y., born June 5, 1828. They have had eleven children, ten of whom are living. Flora was born April 10, 1847, and died March 25, 1868. Their sons - Hiram, George, Stephen, John P. and Royal S. S. - are in Hand County, Dak. Homer is in Harvard, 111. Addie is the wife of F. B. Everett, of Columbus, Ohio. Charles A. is in St. Louis, Mo. Fanny, Joseph and Clinton are at home. John P. married Emma Ayers, of Hebron, who died in April, 1882, leaving two children - Flora A. and George

P., who live with their grandparents. Politically Mr. Wickham has affiliated with the Kepublican party since its organization, prior to that being a Whig. He and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church. Mr. Wickham's father, Stephen "Wickham, was a soldier in the war of 1812, and his grandfather (Stephen "Wickham) was a soldier in the war between the mother country and the colonies, called the Revolutionary war, receiving wounds which caused his death.

Source changes here: from History of McHenry County, Illinois, published 1922; 1,099 words in this source stream.

Alden Township

Alden Township is bounded on the north by the State of Wisconsin; on the east by Hebron Township: on the smith by Hartland Township; and on the west by Chemung Township. It comprises all of congressional township 46, range 6.

Origin Of Name

Like many other townships, Alden took its name from its first post office. Originally, the post office was named Wedgewood, but on account of another in Illinois by the same name it was changed to Alden after Alden, N. Y., from which place several early settlers to this township had emigrated.

First Settlement

The very first settlers in Alden Township were Nathan and Darius Disbrow, who came here in the fall of 1836, and built cabins in the following spring. They located on section 15, which later was destined to become the site of the village of Alden. Miles Booty, a native of England, was the third to locate in Alden Township, he arriving during the summer of 1837, settling on what later became the Capron farm, east of the village. Ashael Disbrow, with his wife and eleven children, came here from Greene County, N. Y., about the same time. Another settler, John Alberty, from the same location, came in 1838, and Dennis Ryder of York State arrived about that same year.

Topography

Alden Township is a prairie township, although originally some tracts of very fine timber were found growing within its borders. There are to be seen considerable artificial timber planted by the hands of the hard}- pioneers, which trees have come to tower up some twenty, thirty and even forty feet, providing shade in the heated seasons and a windbreak in winter. Nippersink Creek is the principal water course, it rising from Mud Creek, and from it flow Kiswaukee Creek and Piskasaw Creek.

Pioneer Events

Timothy M. Eller and Esther Disbrow were married on January 7, 1839, by Wesley Diggins, a justice of the peace, and this was the first wedding celebrated in the township, although in 1838, Darius Disbrow, who lived in Alden Township, was married in Milwaukee, to Sarah Cross. a resident of Hebron Township. Their child, Lorain J. Disbrow was the first white child born in the township, the date of his birth being in 1839. Twin daughters of Mr. and Mrs. Timothy M. Fuller, were the next white children born in the township.

Burial Places

The first burial in Alden Township took place near Mud Lake, it being that of a child who died at the home of Ashael Disbrow. This infant belonged to the family who were going on further west to settle. The lirst cemetery, however, was that located in 1846, and A. Broughton was I he first to be buried there. This tract originally had two acres set off as a cemetery. In 1847 a graveyard was platted to the east of the village of Alden, and there repose the remains of scores of pioneers, but later this tract was abandoned, and the bodies were transferred to other cemeteries, chiefly to the one originally laid out as above noted.

First Schools And Churches

Miss Clarissa Nelson of Geneva Lake taught the first school in Alden Township, in the spring of 1841, in the first schoolhouse which was built of logs.

in the fall of 1 >.*!>. at the home of Ashael Disbrow, and there he organized a Methodist society, which held meetings until 1845, when it was disbanded.

Post Offices

The firsl posl office was established in 184:? at the home of Francis Wedgewood, and he continued as postmaster until 1847, when the of was transferred to the railroad station. In 1849, P. W. Lake was made postmaster, and he was followed by X. -M. ('apron in 1850. In 1858 Mr. Capron died, and he was succeeded by George B. Andrews, and in 1881, E. S. Smith was appointed. The later postmasters are generally well recalled by the present patrons of the office.

Alden Village

The village of Alden was laid out in 1848 by Francis Wedgewood, and John Brink of Crystal Lake made the survey. Xathan Disbrow built the first house at that point; and the first store was opened by P. W. Lake, in 1847, prior to the platting of the village. The first wagon shop was run by C. X. Jiles ; J. Wood was the first blacksmith and M. D. Hoy was the first shoemaker. Other early business and professional men included these: J. C. Brewer, barber; Ferris & Son and Julian Brothers, butter and cheese factory ; Copeland & Manning, operators of a creamery ; John Snell, wagon maker; Edward Wright, carpenter; C. II. Bennett. harness maker ; T. J. Disbrow proprietor of the hotel ; Thomas Rushton, lawyer; E. S. Smith, merchant: and Dr. G. R. Barringer. physician.

The village has never grown to any considerable extent, and now there are a few stores and small shops for the accommodation of 1 lasurrounding rich farming community. Alden Township has many beautiful and valuable farms and fine herds of excellent milch cows, the milk from which is sold at the station of Alden where a large collecting station is conducted by one of the great milk companies mentioned in the chapter (in dairying. In 1877 Alden had a cheese factory, built in 1870, and used the milk of 500 cows, but it has been long discontinued.

The early settlers from Xew York being great fruit lovers demanded fruit trees in this new country and a Mr. Easton in 1848 planted out a good sized nursery from which the farmers were soon able to get trees. The first apple seeds were planted by Sidney Disbrow. in 1838, and these trees thus started, come to be excellent bearing trees within a few years.

The Alden Mutual Fire Insurance Company was organized at the village of Alden, in 1874, but since then it has enlarged its scope and takes in the townships of Alden, Hebron, Richmond, Burton and Mc- Henry.

It now has in force 500 policies, with insurance amounting to $1,800,000. The rate for insurance is a trifle more than one per cent for a five year period.

The officers are : James H. Turner, Hebron, President ; Arthur D. Cornue, of Alden, Vice-President ; A. G. Dickerson, Hebron, Secretary ; The board of directors are: H. E. Street, Hebron, Arthur D. Cornue, E. G. Kingsley, H. G. Durkee, Alden; E. G. Turner, Spring Grove; J. B. Richardson, Richmond.

Population

The following are serving as the township officials of Alden Township: supervisor, H. G. Durkee; assessor, J. L. Baldock; clerk, E. M. Fink; highway commissioner, E. C. Hammond; justices of the peace, A. L. Disbrow and William W. Fleming; constable, J. H. Carbrey.