Algonquin Township (part 1 of 2)

Algonquin Township

This is the southeastern corner township of the county. It is bounded by Kane County on the south, Lake County on the east, Nunda Township on the north, and Grafton Township on the west.

This township is perhaps more broken than any other in the county. While its general surface features are comparatively level there are many bluffs and hills to be found in the vicinity of Algonquin Village and along the Fox River. The township is nearly equally divided in prairie, timber and bottom lands, thus furnishing alike advantages to the stock and grain grower. In section 6 lies the noted Crystal Lake which extends across into Grafton Township. The outlet to this lake furnishes quite a valuable stream which courses its way through the township in a southeasterly direction till it joins the Fox River at Algonquin Village. Big Spring Creek running across the southeast corner of the township, also furnishes fine water privileges for stock. The placid stream known as Fox River, with its low banks, resembling the River Nile in its calm, steady flow through the low lands, passes through this township in a southwesterly direction, entering on section 17, range 8, and passing out on section 3L

This township has more miles of railroad than any other in the county. The main line of the Chicago & Northwestern, crosses it in almost a direct northwesterly direction, crossing six sections. The Fox River branch of the same road runs through the west side of the township, running the entire length of it.

Name

The name Algonquin was suggested as being appropriate by Samuel Edwards, from Philadelphia, who had at one time been a sailor on a boat called the Algonquin. This name was accepted by the citizens of that township, at a meeting held for that purpose. Prior to this it was called Fox Precinct.

Settlement

This township claims the honor of receiving the first settler in the county. Samuel Gillilan made his claim on the west bank of Fox River, on section 23, on the 18th day of November, 1834, which is the earliest date of settlement that can be found. Mr. Gillilan came from Virginia and made his home on his claim till his death, which occurred Sept. 6, 1837. His widow aud son Richard still retain the original Government title to the land. Mrs. Gillilan, the first white woman who came to McHenry County to make her home, has reached the eighty-seventh milestone on her life's journey. John Gillilan came soon after and made his claim on the east side of Fox River where he resided till 1882, when he moved to Nebraska.

In 1837 Levi Seebert came also from Virginia and located in this township. He married a daughter of Samuel Gillilan's and resides at Cary Station. Hosea Thropp came from Chautauqua, N. Y, in 1839 and now resides at Ridgefield, this county. Newman Crabtree and brother came from New York in 1836. Newman died in 1842, and his brother a few years afterward. Simon Chandler came from New York in 1836, and still resides across the river east of Algonquin Village. Thomas Chunn, of Virginia, came in 1836, and died in 1843. Isaac Denny, of Virginia, came in 1836, and died in 1848. Edwin Powell came from New York in 1837, and died in 1853. Major Beardsley came from New York in 1836, and died in 1842. John Kern came from New York in 1836, and died in 1847, while on his way to California. Among the early settlers of this township are found the names of Beman

Crandall, Isaac and William King, "Wesley Hickox, Dr. Plumleigh, and Dr. Cornish. In 1841 John Brink came with his compass and chain with which he has since laid off the plats for most of the villages in the county, and located the township and section lines throughout the county. He is still a resident of Crystal Lake, and has been County Surveyor most of the time since his settlement.

Early Events

First school was taught at Crystal Lake by Miss Hannah Beardsley, in 1838. The first school-house was the log one in which she taught. First religious services were held in the house of Samuel Gillilan, 1836. "William Beardsley, son of Abner Beardsley, was the first white child born in the township; this occurred in 1837. He is still living and resides in Nebraska. On the 10th day of March, 1839, the first marriage was solemnized in the township by Beman Crandall, a Justice of the Peace, Franklin "Wallace and Miss Hannah S . Beardsley being the parties married. She is now Mrs. Columbus "Wallace, and resides in Nunda Township. First death was Delia, daughter of Samuel. Gillilan, who died at the age of fifteen, on the 26th day of August, 1835. She was the first person buried in the Gillilan Cemetery.

The first public burying grounds were laid out at Crystal Lake in 1840. It contains two and a half acres and is kept in a splendid condition. The first person buried here was Ella King, daughter of Isaac King, it was at the instance of her death that the ground was set apart as a place of burial. In 1853 the Cemetery of Algonquin Village was laid out. It is situated north of the village and contains two acres, and is kept in moderately good condition. The land was donated by Samuel Edwards, whose wife died in 1853, and was the first person buried here. The third burying ground established in the township was at Cary Station, in the year 1862. It contains about one acre of ground, and is kept in good condition.

Grist And Saw Mills

mill in the township in 1839! It was situated on Crystal Lake outlet, about three-fourths of a mile from the Lake. In 1842 A. Dawson built a saw-mill at Algonquin Village. One was built in 1840, by Chunn & Toles, on Chunn Creek. These men, in company with Northrop erected a grist-mill on same creek in 1862. Burgess & Cornish erected a grist-mill on the Cornish farm. It received its power from the lake outlet, and was built in 1848. The grist-mill on the east side of the river at Algonquin was commenced by A. Dawson and completed by Henry Petrie, in 1849. In 1850 Dr. Plnmleigh built a brick grist-mill at Algonquin Village, on the lake outlet. It is still doing a good business as well as the other grist-mills, but the saw-mills have fallen into disuse and decay for want of timber.

School Statistics

Algonquin takes the lead in the number of school-houses, the number being ten. The value of school property is estimated at $12,800. The annual amount of salary paid teachers is $3,336.30. Number of children of a school age is 630. This township has a circulating library of 200 volumes.

The first township officers were : Elias A. Thomas, Supervisor; George W. Early, Clerk; Samuel Seebert, Isaac Filtz and Jonathan Dike, Commissioners of Highways; Chauncey Chapman and Bradley Shepard, Constables; S. M. Thomas, Collector; Allen Baldwin, Assessor; Samuel F. Foster, Overseer of the Poor.

The present officers are : C. S. Dike, Supervisor; John W. Adamek, Clerk; John Brink, Assessor; A. L. Boomer, Collector; Ephraim Pease, G-uy Frary and Ed. Morton, Sr., Commissioners of Highways; A. L. Brown and James H. Phelps, Sr., Justices of the Peace; Chas. Mandrack and J. L. Conover, Constables.

Human Skeletons

In the year 1873, when William Lade, of Algonquin Village, was digging a ditch on the west side of the railroad, with the view of carrying water to the cheese factory, which was then in process o building, he unearthed several human skeletons. The skulls were found only a few inches below the surface of the ground, while the bodies and lower limbs were found further down, indi- eating that the bodies had been placed there in an erect position. The bones were all in the same stage of decay, showing that they had all been placed there at or about the same time. The place was a springy spot of ground which had once been slightly excavated with the hope of procuring water, but the attempt was abandoned and the place known as a mud hole. Though cattle had tramped over these remains, three perfect skeletons were found; the rest had been broken by the cattle. In all there were seven skulls found. This circumstance, for a time, threw the community into quite a state or excitement and many conjectures were made, but having nothing tangible to base their theories on they at last settled down upon the opinion that thej knew nothing about it. If there was one conjecture that looked more plausible than another it is the one in which Duadee figures. The story runs as follows : Previous to this event, about twenty years, while grading the Fox River division of the Chicago & Northwestern Railroad, there occurred at Dundee a circumstance which many believe furnished the bodies of the skeletons afterward found here. It is said that John Moore, of Dundee, had some difficulty with some Irishmen who were engaged upon the railroad, and that one night a hundred or more banded together and went to Moore's residence for the purpose of killing him, and were only defeated by Mr. Moore accidentally hearing of their plans, and preparing for them. The mob shot several volleys through the windows at a dummy which Mr. Moore had constructed and placed in his rocking chair, with a newspaper in its hands, seated near a lighted lamp on the table, the While Irish were firing at this inanimate object, Mr. Moore and a friend, who had secreted themselves near a bridge, which was only a few feet in the rear of the mob, attacked the would-be assassins with shotguns loaded with buckshot and bullets. They were armed with several weapons and did effectual work. It is supposed several were killed owing to the fact that many near and direct shots were fired into the mob and many shrieks rent the midnight air, and through the dim light parties were seen carrying with them disabled persons. It is also stated that when the pay-roll was called several Irishmen came up missing, and never afterward responded. When these points are considered and cognizance taken of the fact that there was but one burial heard of after this event, and that being of a young Irishman who lay dead on the ground till the following day, when his father came and took him off the field of carnage, is it unreasonable to suppose that other dead bodies were secreted

Crystal Lake Village

This village was laid out in 1840 by B. Orandall and Christopher Walkup. The surveyor was Asa W. Bradley. In 1843 Benjamin Douglass made the Douglass addition. The village is situated in the northwest corner of Algonquin Township, near Crystal Lake, from which it lakes its name. It might be proper to here state that the lake received its name of Z. Beardsley in 1836, who took up the claim now owned by Charles Dale, which embraces the main body of the lake. After making his claim he remarked to a friend that the water in the lake was clear as crystal, and from that day to this it has been known as Crystal Lake.

The first house in the village of Crystal Lake was built by Benjamin Crandall; first wagon-makers, Smith & Parker; first blacksmith, William Jackson; first shoemaker, Daniel Duffy. These all came to the place soon after it was laid out. The first lawyer was S. R. Shoemaker, who came about the year 1863, and remained about three years, when he went to Kansas, where he died a short time afterward. The first hotel was a log structure, erected soon after the laying out of the village. It has since been remodeled and many frame additions made, till now it is one of the largest buildings in the place. It has passed through many hands, and is kept at present by T. H. Ashton, who has been the proprietor for the past fifteen years. The first landlord in this hotel was Lyman King. The first store was opened in 1840, by A. M. Anar.

Free Methodist. - This society was organized in 1862, by Rev. Hooker, with a membership of about twenty-five, among whom are found the names of Thomas Hallerton, Charles Owles and wife, Isaac King and wife, Lizzie Haniford, Carrie Burlingame and others. They held services in what is known as the Brick Hall, till they purchased the Baptist church building, which they occupied but comparatively a short time when it burned down. They then, by subscription, built the fine house of worship which they now occupy. At the same time they built a parsonage, which together with the church cost $3,500. The following is a list of ministers who, at different periods, had this church in charge : Eevs. Hooker, Ira Gaul, Getchell, Erastus Ribble, M. V. Clute, S. C. Eoberts, John Whitney, W. H. Kelley, Chas. Frink, Chas. Eby, James Buss, Bonner and John Kelsey, their present pastor. The present Trustees are: George W. Dike, M. Best, Henry Andrews, Wm. Peet and Thompson Morris. Their church is in a flourishing condition with a fair membership. The Sabbath-school is well attended.

Baptist Church. - The first Baptist church of this place was organized May 4, 1839, by Rev. Joel "Wheeler, of McHenry, with the following members: Hiram Harris, Benjamin Grabtree, Sr., Benjamin Crabtree, Jr. Shortly after the organization of the church there were added to its members E. I. Smith, 0. L. Joslyn, A. and David W. Joslyn, Betsy Harris, Polly Crabtree, Clarinda Crabtree, Polly Wight, Mary Joslyn, and Mary Joslyn, Ann Smith, Ann H. Ormsby, Sarah M. Joslyn. Rev. Joel Wheeler, their first minister, preached to this congregation nearly three years, when he was succeeded by Rev. Alan son Pease. Next came Rev. Peter Free man, who in turn was succeeded by Elijah Freeman, R. R. Whittier, R. R. Gilbert, O. Adams, Brooks, John Young, A. W. Whitman, Taylor, P. B. Hewitt. This constitutes the full list of ministers who have had charge of this church prior to 1876, since which date they have had no regular minister, but have been supplied by theological students coming from the University at Chicago. The present one in charge is Mr. Millard. Their first house of worship was a small frame building which was erected by subscription in 1843. The first services held iu it were the funeral services of Mr. Pratt. It was the first church building in this section of the country, and was consequently used by all denominations. Prior to the building of this church they held services in a school-house near by. This church afterward burned down. They built their present house of worship in 1864, at a cost of about $2,300, and was dedicated by Rev. A. J. Joslyn. The first letter was granted to A. J. Joslyn, Nov. 8, 1841. Lyman King and wife were the first persons received by letter, May 24, 1839. The first baptism was performed Dec. 26, 1840, by Rev. Joel Wheeler, Fidelia King being the candidate. On the 11th day of March, 1843, this society was honored by the services of the great evangelist, Morgan Edwards. The church is in a fine spiritual condition with a lnOdersir

Saint Thomas Catholic, Crystal Lake, was organized in 1856, by Father McMahen, in Grafton Township. While it cannot be properly considered a branch of the Woodstock Catholic church, it might be called a part of it. It was organized by the same man and has ever since its organization been under the care of the pastors in charge at Woodstock. About the time of their organization they erected a small frame building in Grafton which they used as a house of worship till 1881, when the society was transferred to Crystal Lake where they erected a fine frame building worth about $5,000. It will comfortably seat 225. The present membership numbers about sixty-five families. The Sabbathschool was organized May 1, 1881, with a membership of about forty-five. The church is in a very prosperous condition as well as the Sabbath-school.

Emanuel German Lutheran. - This church was organized in 1869, by Eev. H. Schmidt, with a very small membership, viz.: C. W. Schroeder, H. and N. Rose, I. Bahl, F. Schmidt, B. Deetmann, Chas. Eitt, J. Berg, John Bitt, F. Westfahl, J. Erkee, and C. Erase. They purchased the old church of the Methodists for $400 and moved it to its present location ; to this they have added the steeple and vestry. In 1876 they built a school-house in which the German language is taught ten months each year by a teacher who receives a salary of $400.

Incorporation Of Crystal Lake

This village was incorporated in 1874, and at the first meeting held the following officers were elected: B. Carpenter, President; W. Butler, Clerk, and W. B. Fitch, Treasurer. The present officers of the village are as below designated: E. Pease, Chairman, James Crow, Treasurer; L. L. Smith, Clerk; Jas. Robinson, W. Fitch, W. Hill, Louis Kamine and H. Ford, Trustees.

Algonquin Village

The quiet village of Algonquin is pleasantly situated in a small, triangular valley at the junction of Crystal Lake outlet with Fox River. The bluffs are here of considerable height and the village, therefore, has little resemblance to the ordinary prairie towns of the West. The bluffs are well-wooded, and the place has many attractive and picturesque features.

The Indians once had a trail leading across this township. It crossed Fox River where the mill-dam now stands, at which place the stream was fordable. Abundant relics of the aborigines are found in this vicinity. Indian graves, arrow heads, stone hatchets, etc., have been found in great numbers.

The village was first known as Cornish's Ferry, from Dr. A. B. Cornish, an early settler near the ford above mentioned. Later, when a considerable settlement had grown up, by vote of the inhabitants the name Osceola was adopted. But it was learned that there was already a town of the same name in the State. Therefore the choice of a permanent name was left to Mr. Edwards, the chief property owner in the village, and he chose the name which it now bears.

The Fox River branch of the Chicago & Northwestern Railway gives direct railroad connection with Elgin and Chicago. The road was first known as the Fox River Railroad.

Early settlers state that this village was at one time frequented by a gang of counterfeiters, who were finally tracked to Bogus Island, about a mile further up the stream, where they were captured. It was in this affair that the late Allan Pinkerton first exercised his ingenuity as a detective and by his success laid the foundation for his celebrated career. Later, horse thieves took advantage of the thickly-wooded ravines along the river bank to conceal themselves and their booty. But all these things are of the

Algonquin is the shipping-point for a large and wealthy dairy region. The manufacture of butter and cheese and other industries of the village will be mentioned further on.

Mineral springs, the attractiveness of the scenery, the opportunities afforded for boating and fishing - all combine to render the place a very pleasant summer resort.

The village was first laid out about the year 1836. The original plat was made out by Dawson & Powell and afterward Plumleigh's addition was made. On the 17th day of December, 1844, the plat of the village was accepted and adopted as presented by Eli Henderson. The residence of Mr. Powell, which was erected before the village was laid out, was the first house reared on the site. The first store was opened in 1837 by Dr. Cornish. The first wagonmaker was Henry Tubbs, who is still engaged in the business ; first blacksmith was Henry Benthusen; first shoemaker, O. Leach; first tailor, Wm. Clark.

Thepostoffice was established at Algonquin in 1836 it being the first in the township. Dr. Cornish was-the first Postmaster appointed. He was succeeded by Isaac Denney, whose place was taken by John Peters, and he in turn was succeeded by John Sears. The present Postmaster is Charles Chunn. The following named persons are said to have at different times held the postoffice but the dates indicating their term of office or time of holding it we are unable to give: Eli Henderson, Peter Potter, Samuel Finch and Colonel Wm. Henry.

The land on which now stands the village of Algonquin was originally owned by Wm. Powell, who in 1840 built and ran the first hotel of the place. It was a log structure of moderate dimensions; this he ran about ten years when he added a frame part which, with the log building, served as a hotel till about the year 1858, when the entire structure was torn down and the present hotel building erected by James Dixon and John Griliilan,who owned it but a short time. Since then it has passed through many hands and is now the property of Charles Pingree. It is a frame building 33 x 50 and was built at an expense of about $1,400 and is the only hotel in the place. ~- ___ ...^

Algonquin School

In 1867 a fine two-story brick school building was erected in this place at an expense of $7,000. Previous to 1882 it had been run as a common district school but at this date became a graded school and has been run since with marked success under its able principals and teachers. Ernest Benson and Miss Mamie McKey were its two first graduates. R. H. Renney was the first Principal, who was succeeded by A. J. Kingman, formerly County Superintendent.

St. John's Protestant Episcopal Church was organized Feb. 24, 1844, under the instrumentality of Rev. Peter Arvidson. The following is a list of the first officers chosen: Dr. Warden, Senior Warden; Peter Arvidson, Junior Warden. The church made but little progress till 1850 when it became revived and lay reading was inaugurated in the log house of Peter Arvidson. The church was under the jurisdiction of Bishop Whitehouse. This log house of Mr. Arvidson was a double structure with a family occupying each end. On Sunday mornings they prepared room for holding services by carrying the furniture up in the loft. Their seats were constructed by procuring .blocks from the wood-pile and laying on them rough boards made comfortable by laying on them comforts, quilts, etc., etc. An arm chair with a board laid across the arms, covered with a white cloth, served for a pulpit. These meetings were well attended and finally the numbers became so large that they occasionally held services in a school-house and had now and then a regular minister of the gospel to preach to them. In 1863 Peter Arvidson was ordained as a minister and took charge of the St. John's Parish. At this time he was engaged in farming and he was compelled to prepare his sermons at odd times and at night. In 1864 they commenced the building of their church in the village of Algonquin and completed it in 1865 and made their last payment on it in 1871. Rev. Arvidson preached in this church till his death, which occurred Nov. 22, 1880. His age was fifty-eight years. Strange to say, the bell was hung in the church during his illness and was tolled for the first time at his funeral. This was the first house of worship built in the village. It was used for the first ime Nov. 5, 1865, and dedicated April 21, 1868. It is a frame building capable of seating 200 people. It cost, including lot on

One year after the death of Eev. Arvidson Rev. Edward Eichie became the pastor and remained till the fall of 1883. At present the church is supplied by Dr. Cleveland, of Dundee. The church officers are as follows: James Key and fm. Estergren, "Wardens; James Key, Edward Morton, "Wm. Estergren and James Marshall, Vestrymen.

The present membership is but twenty-five though it has- in the past reached a membership of fifty. A Sabbath-school was organized when the church was and has now an average attendance of twenty scholars.

Free Methodist. - This society was organized in 1874. The first services were held Jan. 15, 1874, by Rev. D. P. Baker, who labored several weeks among these people. The class consisted of twentyone members, two coming from Crystal Lake charge and six joining by letter from the Congregational church. This class formed a part of the Crystal Lake circuit. They held regular meetings in the Congregational church from January to August, 1874, when they were forbidden further use of it by the pastor, Rev. Hill. The society then engaged Pingry's Hall, and occupied it about one year, when they were again granted the use of the Congregational church. In 1876 they erected their present house of worship. The lot was donated by Henry Vogler, and the church was built by subscription, costing $1,275. It is a frame building, and will seat 150 persons. After the building of the church Rev. Kelley became their pastor. Rev. F. H. Huley was the. pastor during the year 1879. After he left the church was for a time without a pastor, but was finally supplied by Rev. Charles Rawson, who was succeeded by Rev. David Seymour. After him came Rev. P. W. Newcomer, who remained two years. Rev. D. M. Sinclair is their present pastor. The church membership is only thirteen in number. Present officers: R. B. McKee, Class-leader; Wm. Head and Wm. S. Huntley, Stewards. In 1878 a Sabbath-school was organized with Henry Vogler, Superintendent. Its attendence has increased from a few scholars to twenty-five in number. Present officers: Myrtie McKee, Superintendent; Wm. Huntley, Secretary; EllaE. Lumm, Treasurer.

German Lutheran. - This church was organized about the year 1874 with a society of seventeen members. The first three years of their existence they held their services in the churches of other denominations. Kev. Stake, of Dundee, was their principal minister prior to the building of their house of worship, which occurred in 1877. It is a frame building, and will comfortably seat 200 people; cost, $3,450. The first two years following the building of the church Rev. Frazier was their pastor. Louis Yan Schenk succeeded him and remained three years. Their present pastor is "Walter Van Schenk, who has been with them for the past two years. The membership of the church numbers just forty. Present officers: Henry Table, Secretary; Henry Lesburg, Treasurer; Fred Denzing, Charles Benkoskee and Charles Geel, Trustees; Joseph Winke, Henry Henk and Charles Berkley, Directors. In connection with the church they have instituted a Sabbath-school, which has a small attendance. The pastor is the superintendent. On the church grounds they built a school-house in which the pastor teaches a day school nine months in the year. Here both English and German are taught, one-half of each day devoted to each of the languages.

Congregationalist. - This society was formed Feb. 9, 1850, at the residence of A. Dodd, under the charge of Kev. I. C. Beach. The following is a list of those who comprised the first membership of the church : James Humes and wife, Ambrose Dodd, Mrs. Allen Kerns, John Van Buren and wife, Horace Wells and wife, Mrs. Abigail Smock, Mrs. Jane P. Foster, Wright Warren and wife. At this date they were without a house of worship, and held services chiefly in school-houses till 1866, when their present house was built. It was dedicated Jan. 17, 1868. It is a frame building and will seat about 200 people. Rev. C. L. Hall was the first minister called; he occupied the pulpit half the time for one year. He was succeeded by Rev. N. C. Clark, who remained but a few months, preaching every four weeks. He was succeeded by Rev. 1ST. Shapley, who preached half the time, remaining till 1855, when Rev. E. C. Berge was called. Rev. J. D. Davis followed him May, 1867, making Rev. Berge's stay about twelve years. Rev. I. B. Smith came next; he resigned in 1868 for the reason that the congregation failed to raise his salary. He was succeeded by Rev. T. Gulespie, and he by Rev. W. W. Cutless, who preached half the time. In 1876 a Miss Newman came and preached six months. March 24, 1877, Rev. Hill, a Methodist minister of Dundee, preached for this people half the time, and afterward became a Congregational minister. He was succeeded by Rev. Alfred Wray, a student from Chicago, who came in 1878, and remained eighteen months. Rev. Andrich came in 1882, and remained hut three months. Rev. Huestis came after him and remained one year. He was succeeded by their present minister, Rev. C. 0. Campbell. First officers : Wright Warren and Horace C. Wills, Deacons; S. F. Foster, Clerk. Present officers : W. Rattray, Deacon; Miss Teenie Stewart, Clerk; Burnett B. Stewart, Treasurer. Sunday-school organized in 1882. Average attendance, eighteen scholars.

Algonquin Mutual Fire Insurance Company

The following is a summary of the business in the village of Algonquin : Agricultural implements, William Ogbin, John Adamek; blacksmiths, Joseph Johnston, P. N. Wallaver, H. A. Benthenysen; barber, M. Benthenysen; carpenters, Henry Keys, Charles Kubbank; cheese manufacturers, C. W. Gould; wagon manufacturer, Henry Toepel; druggist, Wm. A. Nason; feed store, George Low; furniture, John Johnston; groceries, Mrs. C. E. Miller; harness manufacturer, Charles Wandrack; hotel, Charles Pengrey, proprietor of Algonquin Hotel; hardware, Helm & Peter; merchants, Wenholz & Philip, John D. Furguson, C. C. Chunn; meat market, Ford & Smith; tailor, James Mattas; flourraills, George Marshall, Henry Leisburg, Andrew Doig, Jr. ; physician, W. A. Nason; shoemakers, Augustus Wolf, James Lund, G. Gjpert, Thomas Emerson; saloons, Joseph Wienke, James Derrick.

Biographical

of Stephen and Lydia (Devereaux) Abbott, natives of Vermont and Massachusetts. In 1844 he was apprenticed to learn the wagon-maker's trade. In 1847 he opened a shop of his own in Warren County, Pa. In 1856 he came to McHenry County and opened a shop at Cary's Station and carried on the blacksmith and wagonmaking business four years. He then began working at the carpenter's trade, and has since followed it at intervals, in connection with farming. In 1866 he bought 120 acres of land which he cul tivates, aud also runs a dairy of twenty-five cows. He was married in 1847 to Melissa, daughter of Koyes Wheeler. They have had eight children - Frank, Dwight and Minnie are deceased; Spencer married Ellen Fitz and has two children; Fred is a single man and resides at home - is employed on the railroad; Albert married Elizabeth Kelsie and has two children; Clara married Charles McNett and has four children; Capitola married Oscar Bute and has four children. In 1865 Mr. Abbott enlisted in Company I, One Hundred and Forty-seventh Illinois Infantry, and served till 1866. His father was a soldier of the war of 1812, and received a land grant in Nebraska of 160 acres. Mr. Abbott has been Justice of the Peace nine years.

E. H. Benson is a native of Massachusetts, born in 1832, a son of Hiram and Rhoba (Davis) Benson. He was reared in his native State and in 1855 came to Illinois. He stopped in Lake County a year and in 1856 came to McHenry and located on a farm in this township. In 1859 he bought his present farm of 312 acres, lying two miles north of the village of Algonquin. He runs a dairy, milking fifty cows, and owns seventeen head of horses, besides sheep and hogs. He has a pleasant residence and good farm buildings. He was married in 1861 to Alvira Miller, daughter of Jesse and Ruth (Klinck) Miller. They have had five children; but four are living - Lewis, Mary, Edwin and Grace. Frank, born in 1865, died in 1871. Mr. Benson has held the office of Supervisor two terms and of School Trustee ten years. His parents came to McHenry County in 1856, living here till the father's death in 1871. The mother is living in Maywood, 111. They had a family of six children - Almira, now Mrs. William Miller; Wallace, married Emma Hill; Orrin, of Maywood, 111; Philetus, married Maggie Shafer and lives in Minnesota; Climena, unmarried, of Maywood, and E. H. Wallace and Orrin enlisted in the late war. Wallace was wounded at Perry ville, and Orrin was taken pris-

Wallace P. Benson was born in Cattaraugus County, 1ST. Y., Aug. 2, 1836, a son of Hiram and Rhoba (Davis) Benson, and grandson of Consider Benson and Paul Davis. -He was reared a farmer, receiving a common-school education. He came West in 1856 and settled in Algonquin Township, where he has since resided. He enlisted in the war of the Rebellion in Company H, Thirty-sixth Illinois Infantry: participated in the battles of Pea Ridge and Per. ryville. At the latter battle he was wounded and still carries the ball in his left leg. He was discharged and returned home. April 18, 1866, he was married to Emma Hill, daughter of Benjamin Hill. They have had five children; but three are living - Ernest, Mark and Raymond. Mr. Benson owns a tine farm of 230 acres which is rented. Mrs. Benson owns a two-thirds interest in 226 acres of choice land. Mr. Benson's grandfather, Paul Davis, was a soldier in the Revolution and his descendants have his discharge papers.

8. L. Burton was born in Yermont in 1822, a son of David and Mary (Powell) Burton, natives of Vermont. He came to McHenry County in 1854 and settled in Nunda Township, on the farm now occupied by E. J. King. He owns 220 acres of good tillable land, on which is run a dairy of thirty cows. In 1883 he established a butter and cheese factory at Cary's Station and the first year turned out 240 pounds of cheese and 140 pounds of butter per day. His business is constantly increasing, and bids fair to rival the older established factories. Mr. Burton was married in 1843 to Lucy, daughter of Ransom and Sarah (Lott) Sawyer, of Canada. They have had nine children - Newman and Sarah are deceased. Horace married Celia Mudgett. Lewis married Susan Morlan. Wallace married Helen Bradley. Ellen is the wife of F. E. Cox. Purditta is the wife of A. Mink. Isabelle is the wife of E. J. King. Capitola is at home.

Simeon Chandler was born in Oneida County, 1ST. Y., in 1804, a son of Simeon and Elizabeth (Bigelow) Chandler, natives of Virginia. He is the only one living of a family of six children. He was married in 1836 to Almira Bradford, daughter of Joseph and Martha (Miller) Bradford, natives of Connecticut, and immediately after his marriage started for the then far West. He left his wife in Michigan and. proceeded to Chicago, then a hamlet, where he was offered $5 a day by the Government to take Indians West. He declined the offer and, following the Indian trail to Fox River, stopped and bought a claim of Charles Cuttler for $3,000. He then went for his wife and on his return brought wagons from Chicago. He had a log house near where the depot now stands. Their only neighbors were Mr and Mrs. CHUilan. In the spring of 1837 he cut about 100 tons of hay. He raised about 300 bushels of wheat, 1,700 bushels of oats, 800 bushels of potatoes and 400 bushels of buckwheat. He sold his oats and buckwheat for $1 a bushel, his wheat for $1.50,and his potatoes for 50 cents, the buyer digging them. He had four yokes of oxen, and was exceptionally prosperous for an early settler. He now owns 217 acres of land and thirty dairy cows. He has been a resident of the county about forty-eight years and has seen the country grow from a wild, uncultivated state to that of improvement and culture. He is a prominent citizen and by his progressiveness and public spirit has gained the esteem of the entire community. In 1879 he had a stroke of paralysis that resulted in partial helplessness and total blindness. Mr. and Mrs. Chandler have had six children - Elizabeth, wife of John Keene, of Spring Valley, Minn.; Henry H., now of Iowa, married Hannah Woolover; Albert, married Mary Gardiner, and lives in Kansas; Lewis, of Algonquin, married Elizabeth Polk; Emma, wife of John Gardiner, of Kansas; Jeannette, wife of Justice Chapman, lives on the homestead.

William Orabtree was born in 1827, a son of Newman and Sally (Hicks) Crabtree. He is one of a family of eleven children, five of whom are deceased. In 1840 Mr. Crabtree came to Illinois with his brother George and settled in Algonquin Township, where he has since lived. He now owns 160 acres of fine land and runs a dairy of sixteen cows. He was married in 1854 to Betsey A. Weaver, daughter of David and Sally (Heath) Weaver. They have six children - Effie, wife of Joseph Shales; Minnie, Guy D., Glen, George and Asa.

O. F. Dike is a native of Rutland County, Va., a son of G. W. and Elizabeth (Wallace) Dike, natives of Vermont. He came to Illinois with his parents in 1841 and settled on the farm where he now resides. Their journey West was via the canal to Buffalo; thence via the lakes to Chicago, and thence to McHenry County by teams. His father was a prominent man of the county and has held many of the offices of trust. The family consisted of four sons - Henry (died in 1848), William W., Edward, and C. F., our subject, who married Frances, daughter of Augustus and

Mary (Penfield) Hammond, of Virginia. They have had six children - Flora, died in 1875, aged three years; Hammond, Elizabeth, Mary, Frank and Edith. In 1861 Mr. Dike enlisted at the first cal three-months' men and served under Captain Joslyn, of Elgin. At the expiration of his term he re-enlisted and was appointed First Lieutenant. He was a faithful soldier and has been one of McHenry's best citizens.

J. L. Dodge was born in Boston, Mass. , in 1851. His parents still reside in Boston. His father, James S. Dodge, is engaged in the jewelry and fancy goods business at 102 Tremont street. He graduated from the Boston High School in 1866 and in 1867 came West and located in McHenry County. He has been a steady, industrious young man and now owns 155 acres of good land on which he resides. He runs a dairy of twenty-five cows. Mr. Dodge was married in 1871 to Mary Page, adopted daughter of Eben and Elizabeth (Pray) Snow. They have five children - James F., Minnie E., William H., MaryE. and Flora May. Politically Mr. Dodge is a Republican. He has held the office of School Di. rector six years.

H. P. Dygert was born in New York in 1814, a sonof John and Elizabeth (Deboise) Dygert. His fraternal grandparents came from Germany prior to the Revolution, and lived at Fort Plain, N. Y. His grandfather was taken prisoner by the Indians during the war, but the chief was acquainted with him, and gave him a wampum belt and set him at liberty. Our subject's maternal grandparents came from England prior to the Revolution. H. P. Dygert is one of live children. Nicholas and Eliza are deceased. Abraham lives near Woodstock. He married Rhoda Snook and has ten children. Elizabeth married John Helegal and has eight children. H. P. has been married twice. In 1834 he married Laura Peck, daughter of diaries Peck. She died in 1863, leaving three children - Charles, married Lucina Lucas; Emma, married James Marshall and has six children; Ellen, married Harvey Carr and has two children. In 1864 Mr. Dygert married Miss Eliza Tibbett. They have had four children - Laura, deceased; Edwin H., Cora and Lorena. Mr. Dygert came to Illinois in 1839 and located in Algonquin Township. He is one of the oldest pioneers of the county, and thinks his son Charles the first white boy born in the county. He helped build the first bridge across Fox River; was one of the first County Commissioners; was one of the first School Directors, and hel 1 the office about twenty years, and thinks the schopl building in District No. 7 was the second in the county. He owns a tine farm of 120 acres, well improved, with good buildings, and runs a dairy of twenty cows.

William Estergren is a native of Sweden, born in 1817, a son of Johan Magnus and Anna Maria (Wessen) Estergren. His father died in 1832 and his mother in 1837. The father was a minister of the Lutheran church. In August, 1841, Mr. Estergren embarked for America and landed in New York the 12th of October. He proceeded to Cincinnati where he worked till the next spring, burning charcoal for his board, and after that received $4 a month for his services. From Cincinnati he went to Middlebury, Ohio, and worked in the woolen factory, having learned the trade in Sweden. In 1814 he came to McHenry County and entered eighty acres of Government land, to which he has since added and now owns 200 acres of fine land. lie has his farm well stocked, running a dairy of twenty-five cows. Mr. Estergren has been one of the most enterprising men of the township. He is well educated, graduating with honors at the Royal College of Linkoping, and has held several of the township offices. He was elected School Director at the first organization of District No. 8, and has been Road Commissioner nine years. In the spring of 1855 he went to Europe and was married in the spring of 1856 to Fredericka A. Grandahl. They have three children - Charles Frederick William; Anna Mathilda Maria, married Dec. 30, 1884, to S. J. Dahlborn, of Carpentersville, Kane Co., 111., and Carrie Emily Sophia. The family are members of the Protestant Episcopal church.

E. A. Ford is a native of Algonquin Township, born in 1845, a son of Hiram and Lucy (Brown) Ford, natives of New York. They came to Illinois in 1841 and settled on the farm where our subject now lives. The father died in ] 848. The mother lives with a son in Algonquin. They had a family of seven children: but four are living - Henry, now of Elgin, married Alice Goodsen and has four children ; Roselle, married Dodd and has five children; Yernon, married Nelia Dodd and has three children, and E. A. Diautha, Julia and Yolney are deceased. Diantha married Daniel Wanser and left one son. E. A. Ford married Jeannette, daughter of John and Ellen (Fitchey) Penny. He lives on the home farm where he owns ninety-four acres of good land, and carries on a dairy of thirty-five cows. He has been running a meat market in Algonquin five years and one in Carpentersville

S. F. Foster was born in East Machias, Me., in 1809, a son of Samuel and Comfort (Scott) Foster. His grandfather was one of the first settlers of the United States. His father emigrated to Cincinnati, Ohio, when there was but one building there. One of the party was scalped by the Indians and the others returned to Maine. Mr. Foster's parents died in 1859 within ten days of each other, the father aged ninety-five years and the mother eighty-seven. In 1841 Mr. Foster came to Illinois and settled on the Crystal Lake South Prairie, where he entered eighty acres of land from the Government, and a few years later added forty acres to it. For two years his nearest neighbor was two miles from him. He was married in 1835 to Jane P. Fletcher, of New Hampshire, daughter of Joshua and Sarah (Pulcipher) Fletcher. Her father was at that time Secretary of State of Texas, the State being under dispute of Mexico and the United States. Mr. and Mrs. Foster have had six children; but three are living - Alveno, who left home for California in 1859 and has not been heard from; John, now living in Chicago, 111.; and Julia, wife of John Sullivan. Angeline, wife of George Wallace, Eleanor and Joseph are deceased. In 1881 Mrs. Foster lost her eye-sight from the effects of neuralgia, the optic nerve becoming paralyzed. Mrs. Foster has been a member of the Congregational church since 1843, and Mr. Foster since 1858. He has been Clerk of the church for twenty years. He has served as School Director of the township twenty years and Pathmaster several years.

0. S. Frary, one of the most highly respected citizens of this township, was born in York State in 1829. His parents, Alonzo and Maria (Thuman) Frary, were parents of four children, of.whom Mr. Frary is the only one now living. His parents came to Mc- Henry County in 1843, and settled upon one of the farms which is now the homestead of Mr. Frary. They were poor, but by years of arduous toil they accumulated a considerable property and at the decease of Alonzo Frary, which occurred in 1861, the family were in good circumstances. Guy Frary began life for himself when a lad, and worked early and late for small wages, yet managed to save a part of the wages earned each month, until he had a few hundred dollars which was well invested, and this formed the nucleus from which has grown an income far surpassing his m^st sanguine expectations. Mr. Frary was married to Miss

Elizabeth, daughter of Newman and Sallie Hicks, in 1854. For many years they lived on a farm purchased by Mr. Frary one mile west of Cary, where their children were born. Their eldest daughter, Emma, is now the wife of Jas. H. Philp, a prosperous merchant in the village of Algonquin. Two other daughters, Letitia and Laura, are yet members of Mr. Frary's family. Maria, the mother of Mr. Frary, after the death of her husband made her home with her son, and the kind care bestowed upon her by Mr. and Mrs. Frary during the many years in which she remained almost a helpless invalid proved conclusively the love and esteem in which she was held by her children. Every comfort and luxury which money could procure or willing hands devise was secured to promote her welfare, but notwithstanding these means, and the most efficient medical talent, her death occurred in April, 1884. Mr. Frary erected a fine residence upon his farm which adjoins the pleasant village of Cary, and removed his family from the farm-house where so many happy days were spent, to the new and modern structure, in 1883. If ever there was a home in which contentment reigns supreme, 'tis in the household of our subject, and never was there a more happily mated couple than the parties mentioned. Books, music and the air of refinement which pervades every thing connected with their pleasant home, and the hearty welcome accorded every visitor, be they old-time friends or strangers, make it a desirable place to visit in the village. The several offices of justice, trustee, and supervisor of the township, were held for years by Mr. Frary, and their duties were faithfully discharged. No more efficient official has ever served the people of Algonquin Township, and would he accept further honors of this character his popularity would carry a vote far in advance of the party ticket which he represents. We have no words of flattery to give any one, but as a conscientious, upright, and strictly honest business man, there is no name mentioned in this work that carries with it a greater in fluence in business circles than he whose name heads this sketch. He is the senior member of the firm of Frary & Goodwin, who deal largely in salt pickles, which industry is one of the chief factors in Cary. They purchase and salt annually from twelve to fourteen thousand bushels of cucumbers, thus making Cary one of the first markets in the county for this product. Mr. Frary has been a resident of Algonquin Township from early boyhood, and ably represents it in a business and social way.

S. S. Gates, a descendant of one of the patriots of Revolutionary fame, was born at Stockbridge, Vt., Oct. 1, 1799. Shortly after his birth his parents removed to Worcester, where his early days were passed in the routine of boyhood. Having the advantage of the best academic institutions then in the East he availed himself of those opportunities until he became possessed of a liberal education. In the spring of 1838 he visited McHenry County on a prospecting tour, returning in the fall, the entire journey being made on horseback. The spring of 1839 again finds him returning to the fragrant prairies of this county, this time to make investments, which were laid at Crystal Lake. After making his purchase he returned to his home in Massachusetts. In 1840 we find him elected to the Legislature of his native State. As a politician he was actuated by the noble resolve to do right; and this honesty of purpose, connected with an extensive knowledge of the principles which nnderlie our free Government, rendered him peculiarly fitted for the position he was elevated to. In 1844 he was married to Miss Sylvia Day, daughter of Jabez and Sarah (Eddy) Day, of Webster, Mass. Mrs. Gates was the fourth daughter of a family of four sons and eight daughters, and now the only one living. She passed her early days at the academies of Eastern Massachusetts, graduating therefrom with honors. Her ancestors were among those who fought for our liberties in '76, her grandfather holding a commission as General under Washington. Jonathan Day, her brother, held a General's commission in his State, and a man well known in the political history of his county. John E. was a merchant of Dudley. Erasmus, a merchant of Roxbury. Mr. and Mrs. Gates's family consisted of three daughters and two sons, viz. : Sarah R., married Loren Andrews, (deceased), formerly President of Kenyon College, a man of rare intellectual attainments, and ranked among the leading men of Northern Ohio. Abbie E. married J. A. J. Kendig, a prominent lawyer of Chicago. Summer E. (deceased) was a member of the Eighth Illinois Cavalry ; was taken prisoner by Moseby, and placed in Libby Prison; when exchanged his health was wrecked. His likes and dislikes were extreme, but his heart was as large as time, and his generosity as broad as eternity. William D., a graduate of Wheaton College and the Law School of Chicago, married Miss Ida Babcock, of La Grange, 111., the daughter of a gentleman well known in the business circles of that State. In boyhood William D. was one whose fellowship was sought by all; that trait to-day finds him the genial, courteous attorney, as well as the designing, calculating manufacturer. Mary 0., wife of G. W. Oakly, located at Madison, Wis., and connected with the State Journal, the leading paper of the State. In 1852 Mr. Gates, with his family, came "West, and permanently located on the property bought at Crystal Lake in 1839. He now gave his attention to the improvement of his prairie home. The zeal and good judgment which characterized his early life soon became manifest here, by his accumulating one of the largest landed estates in the county. For upward of sixty years he was Deacon in his church and an earnest worker in the cause of Christ. To-day we hear the words of gratitude spoken by many who are now classed as wealthy, that they owe their success in life to his assistance and words of encouragement. In his expenses he was honorable but exact; liberal in his contributions to whatever promised utility, but frowning and unyielding on all visionary projects. His heart was warm in its affections. He exactly calculated every man's value, and gave him a solid esteem proportional to it. In private life of spotless character, morally without a blemish, his life was thoroughly domestic. In all, a remarkable man; his character was, in a mass perfect, in nothing bad, in few points indifferent, and it may be truly said, that never did nature and fortune combine more completely to make a great business man, and to place him in the same constellation with whatever worthies have merited from man an everlasting remembrance. On June 24, 1876, he died at his home, in the village of Crystal Lake, the place that had witnessed the active life of his more matured manhood . When such men pass from our midst their, loss seems irreparable.

Mrs. Margaret Oillilan is the widow of Samuel Gillilan, who died Sept. 6, 1837, and is buried on the farm where Mrs. Gillilan lives. She is the daughter of Richard and Nancy (McNeal) Hill, and came with her husband from Pocahontas County, W. Ya., in 1834. She is the only one living of a family of ten children- She has had a family of nine children, six of whom - Deida, Lydia, Chauncy, Nancy, Martha, and James - are deceased. The living - Electa, now Mrs. Levi Seibert; Tabitha, now Mrs. Floyd Clanson, of Missouri, and Eichard, who is living with his mother. Mrs. Gillilan owns 430 acres of land two miles north of Algonquin. She came to McHenry County in 1834, and was probably the first white woman to cross Fox River. The Indians were rather friendly, enough so to steal their horse, which was afterward recovered. They lost the first crop of corn planted on account of sickness. At one time when a party of Indians were in her house, one of them spat in a pot of boiling meat. Mrs. Gillilan sprang on him and put him out of the house which very much delighted the rest of the savages.

John Helm is a native of Cook County, 111., born in 1843, a son of John and Sarah B. (Tuttle) Helm. Six of a family of seven children are living - John, Daniel, Arthur, Nancy, Eliza and Emily. George enlisted in the Eighty-eighth Illinois Infantry, and was killed at the battle of Murfreesboro, Tenn., in 1862. The father died in Chicago, in 1872, aged sixty-three years. The mother is living in Algonquin. In 1861 John Helm enlisted in Company C, Sixty-fifth Illinois Infantry. From Chicago they went to Yirginia, and three months later the command was captured at Harper's Ferry, but were paroled on the ground and given two days' rations. They went to Annapolis and from there they were ordered to Camp Douglas, Chicago, where they remained about five months. From there they were sent to Lexington, Ky., where they were quarantined six weeks, on account of small-pox in the regiment. They then went to the Big Sandy River, and engaged in hunting bushwhackers; thence to East Tennessee. They were the first troops to cross the Cumberland Mountains to Knoxville, where they were surrounded by the rebels, and for twenty-one days their rations a part of the time consisted of one ear of corn a day. At last assistance came from Chattanooga, aud the siege was ended. They subsequently participated in several battles, the most notable being Atlanta and Nashville. After serving three years and three months, in 1865 Mr. Helm was discharged and returned home. In 18 69 he came to McHenry County, and, with John Peter, engaged in the hardware business. They also deal extensively in lumber and coal. Mr. Helm has, by his integrity and uprightness, won the esteem of the community, and for six years has held the office of School Director. He married Mary De La Montanye, who is of French descent. They have four children - George H, Millie M. "Walter M. and Leon J.

Mrs. E. M. Huntley was born in New York State in 1814, a daughter of Cornelius and Tamar Carman. But two of eight children are living - Mrs. Huntley and a brother Michael, now of Iowa. The deceased are - Charles, William, Lot, Mary, Sarah and Judith, She was married in 1832 to S. M. Huntley, of New York, and in 1847 they came to Illinois, and settled on the farm now owned by

Mrs. Huntley. They had seven children, three of whom are deceased - David, A.lbert and Emory. David enlisted in the Ninetyfifth Illinois Infantry, and was killed at the battle of Shiloh. Emory was drowned at Elgin in 1881. "William served four years in the Rebellion. He was wounded in the neck, from the effects oi which his right side is partially paralyzed. Nancy married Henry Head, now of Iowa. Frank married Louisa Williams. Charles married Mary Vetchen, who died in 1865, and in 1868 he married Miss Smith. Mr. Huntley died in 1872. He was one of Mc- Henry County's most honored and respected citizens. Mrs. Huntley's farm contains 136 acres of choice land. It is well stocked, and the improvements are all in good repair.

James Kee was born in the north of Ireland in 1814, a son of James and Elizabeth (McHaffey) Kee. When seventeen years of age he came to the United States and remained in New York City sixteen years. In 1836 he was married to Rachel Morton, daughter of Robert and Margaret (Fee) Morton. Of his twelve children, nine are living - Elizabeth, wife of Fred B. Keys, has two children; Robert, married Mary Goodsin, and has three children; James, married Ellen Pingrey, and has three children; Margaret J., wife of William Kee; Joseph, now of Kansas, married Jane Mitchel, and has one child; Morton K, of Nebraska, married Emily Hutquist; Mary E., Charlotte L. and Edward J. are at home. One son, William, married Miss Howe, and located in Nebraska, Aug. 7, 1884. A telegram called Mr. Kee to the death-bed of his son, who died before the father reached him, leaving five children. He was a young man of more than ordinary ability, and was held in high esteem by all who knew him. Mr. Kee came to McHenry County in 1849, and settled on the farm where he now lives. He owns 214 acres of fine land, and runs a dairy of forty cows. In 1850 he united with the St. John's Protestant Episcopal Church of Algonquin, and in 1859 was elected Vestryman. He is now filling the office of Senior Warden. For twenty-five years Mr. Kee has served as School Director of his district. He is one of the earliest settlers of the county, and is one of the most prominent and influential citizens.

Mrs. Ann Kerns was born in New York in 1799, the daughter of James and Catherine (Peek) Schermehorn, her father a native of Holland and her mother of England. She is the only one of ten children living. She was married in 1820 to William Kerns, who was of Irish descent. To them was born eight children - Samuel

Augustus, Susanna, Jane, Sarah, Catherine, "William, Stephen and Edward. Augustus and Stephen enlisted in the late civil war, and Augustus died from the effects of fever contracted while in the service. Mrs. Kerns came with her husband to McIIenry County in 1837, and is the second oldest resident of the township. They entered 120 acres of land, where Mrs. Kerns has since resided, and where her husband died June 2, 1845. Mr. Kerns was a soldier in the war of 1812, and served five years and seventeen days. In 1881 Mrs. Kerns had a severe stroke of paralysis which greatly impaired her memory. She is well known and respected throughout the county.

Henry Lye is a native of "Merrie England," yet of him much may be said of interest to the readers of this history. It is not necessary that a man be native born to figure prominently in a work of this character. It is not of Americans, nor of those who were bred and born in McHenry County, to whom this work is dedicated, but to the people who, by reason of their energy and success in a business way, have made McHenry County one of the foremost in the grand State of Illinois, that we wish to speak. To those who have by the sweat of their brow made our beautiful prairies bloom and blossom like the garden of Eden shall the credit be given, and to no one does the historian more cheerfully accord it than to the person whose name adds greater luster to this work than if he were purely an American, and had been reared upon the broad Western prairies. Henry Lye was born in Yorkshire, England, in 1828, and emigrated to America in 1851. He landed at New York City, and soon afterward proceeded to Albany, where he resided four years. He was married during the first year of his residence at Albany, to Miss Sarah Cowlan, daughter of William and Hannah (Rider) Cowlan, who has ever been a faithful and loving wife, and to whom much credit is due for the success Mr. Lje has made of his business. Possessed of a cheerful and energetic nature she has always stood faithfully by his side, and has helped save what he so hardly earned, until they now have ample means to live a life of luxurious ease should they desire. In 1855 Mr. Lye determined to seek a home in the West, and, with his wife, came to Elgin, 111., which place was then only a small village. In July of that year he engaged with Elisha Buck for a short time to work upon his farm. In the autumn of the same year he concluded to engage in business for himself, and rented a farm of L. L. Smith, which place he managed successfully for two years. Renting a farm at the expiration of that time of Mr. S. 8. Gates, he pursued the occupation of farming and management of stock for three years longer. Firmly believing that it was more profitable to own his own land than to pay rent to a landlord, he purchased ninety acres, ten of which were timber, the balance of the land was raw prairie, upon which neither house nor fence had ever stood, but Mr. Lye made the purchase upon advantageous terms. His bank account at that time consisted of $100 in cash, the whole of which was paid upon the land, and an agreement entered into to raise each year twenty acres of wheat, which, when threshed, became the property of the person to whom the land belonged. A rude cabin 16x24 was built, and Mr. Lye lined the inside with brick to keep out the cold. Both worked like slaves, as they were $2,400 in debt when their first payment was made. From time to time his possessions were added to until his acres numbered 294. By this time from being owner of only two cows and one calf when purchasing the first tract of land, his herds and flocks had largely increased, and no more prosperous farmer could be found in the country than Mr. Lye. Both himself and wife are numbered among the most charitable persons in the neighborhood, and those in need have never been turned empty handed away. Never having had children of their own, they have reared to man and womanhood two children, both of whom are highly respected and worthy persons. The longevity of the family from whom Mrs. Lye is a descendant is remarkable. Her mother was ninety-two years of age at the time of her death; Jonathan Rider, her brother, was ninety-five, and her father eighty-four at the time of decease. Mrs. Lye is a representative of one of the early settlers of Mc- Henry County, as her Grandfather and Grandmother Newman and Sallie Hicks emigrated from Allegany County, N. T., to Algonquin Township in 1840. Mr. Lye recently sold one tract of land for $1,100, and yet retains a homestead of 140 acres, upon which are an elegant residence, fine barns and out-buildings, with excellent arrangements for conveniencies in handling his stock. In addition to his farm work he keeps a dairy of sixty-five milch cows, from which a substantial revenue is derived. Men who have earned a better record for honesty and uprightness than Mr. Lye are very scarce in any country. Of his parentage but little need be said. He is descended from a family who were second to none in the district in which they lived, and were Henry and Jane (Elgie Lye yet living, they could truthfully say : The son whom we so tenderly love is the delight of our hearth and comfort of our years. If here be taken into consideration that $120 was the sura total of their wealth when first coming to Elgin, the success Mr. and Mrs. Lye had 'in a financial way seems almost phenomenal. Honor and energy have done for them a perfect work, and of a truth it may be said, that Mr. Lye is a self-made man. The portraits of Mr. and Mrs. Lye appear in this work, and none are more worthy to represent the prominent agriculturists than they, for a lo lifetime has been spent in such service, and nobly has their part been performed.

Thompson L. Morris is a native of New York, born in Chemung County, in 1836, the son of Ezekiel and Nancy Ann (Barack) Morris, natives of New Jersey. He came to McHenry County with his parents in 1846, making the journey with teams and covered wagons in twenty-eight days. His father died in 1852 and his mother in 1865, and are buried in Crystal Lake Cemetery. He was married in 1862 to MaryS. Lincoln, daughter of Apollos and Melissa (Wait) Lincoln, who came from Genesee County, N. Y, to McHenry County, 111., in 1846. They have had five children ; but two are living - Kichard B. and Mary E. Freddie, Omar, and an infant are deceased. Mr. Morris received a good education and became a successful teacher. Taught his first school in Scott County in 1857, and his last in Seneca, in 1875. In the winter of 1862 was employed in the Crystal Lake school, assisted by his wife. His wi e commenced her teaching in 1857, and has taught fifty terms, all in McHenry County. Mr. Morris is a strict temperance man; became a member of the Good Templars in 1864. He has been a successful farmer, now owns forty acres of choice land, thirty-two acres under good cultivation. His residence and farm buildings are well located and commodious. He is a man of Christian in tegrity, a member of the Free Methodist church, and a staunch Bepublican in politics.

Edward Morton was born in Sing Sing, N. Y., Aug. 18, 1821, a son of Bobert and Margaret Morton, natives of Ireland, the former born Nov. 14, 1791, and the latter Dec. 9, 1798. They came to America in their early life, married and settled in Westchester County, N. Y., and in 1847 moved to Algonquin, McHenry Co., 111., where the mother died Jan. 28, 1869, and the father March 31, 1880. They had a family of eleven children - Rachel, Edward, Charles, David, Margaret Ann, Mary, Jane, Elizabeth, Bobert, John, Elnour and William. Edward remained in his na- tive State till 1849, and then moved to Illinois and bought a farm of eighty acres, to which he has added from time to time till he owned 300 acres of the best land in the county. In November, 1883, he sold his farm and moved to Algonquin, where he now lives retired from active business. He was married Nov. 27 1842, to Charlotte Brewer, who was born March 16, 1821, a daughter of James and Mary (Purdy) Brewer, natives of New York, her father of German and her mother of Swiss-German descent. Mr. and Mrs. Morton have had seven children ; but four are living - Edward; Charlotte J., wife of Henry Keys; Charles "W. ; and Seraphina, wife of D. W. Thomas. Their second child, Charlotte J., died at the age of two years; Mary E., at the age of twenty-three years, and George, aged six years. Politically Mr. Morton is a liberal Kepublican. He has served his township as Road Commissioner two years.

S. H. Nash was born in Portage Township, Livingston Co., N. Y., a son of Edgar J. and Esther (Olmstead) Nash. In 1853 he came to Illinois, and in 1854 settled on the farm where he now lives. He owns eighty-three acres of land, seventy acres being under cultivation. He runs a small dairy, having the Jersey graded cows. His father came to McHenry County in 1853 and died in 1883. His mother died in Portage, N. Y., 1840. His maternal grandparents, Silas and Penninah (Hickok) Olmstead both died in this county, the former in 1870 and the latter in 1883. Mr. Nash was married in 1863 to Mary J. Simpson, daughter of Squire and Elvira (Whitmore) Simpson, both of whom are deceased. They have two children - Clara M., born in 1863, and Charles E., born in 1871, both at home. Politically Mr. Nash is a Republican. He and his wife are members of the Congregational church.

Willi ami A. Nason, M. D., is a native of Maine, born in Hallowell, June 21, 1841, a son of William and Mary A. (Wingate) Nason. His paternal ancestors were of Scotch-English descent, and earlier still were Romans, going to England at the time of the Roman conquest. Some of his ancestors were friends] of Shakespeare, and their names are carved on the wall with his. Their names and date of death are carved on the old church walls; one - Steven Nason, was Vicar of the parish and died in 1787, aged sixty-nine years; another is Mary, wife of Robert Nason. Some members of the family came to America in an early day and settled in Maine, where many of the descendants now live. His pa- ternal grandfather, Bartholomew Nason, was one of the most prominent men of his county. His family consisted of eight children - Elizabeth; Edward, still a Deacon in the church in Augusta; William; Henry; Hannah, wife of John Norton, of New York City; Elias, for many years a merchant of Fall River, Mass., now of Minnesota; Martha, wife of O. F. Santford, of Boston, Mass., and Frederick, of Hallowell, Me. William was born in Augusta, Me., and has been a prominent business man of Boston, Buffalo, Chicago, Bloomfield, N. J., and Alpena, Mich. He was at one time a Director of the Board of Trade, Chicago. He is now living retired at Alpena, He married Mary A. Wingate, a descendant of the Stevens and Wingate families of Massachusetts. They had a family of five children - William A.; Edward, a member of the Board of Trade, Chicago ; Elizabeth ; Mary, wife of William H. Johnson, of Alpena, Mich., and Carrie, who died in 1855. William A. was four years of age when his parents moved to Boston. He attended the public schools and finished the grammar department. When sixteen they went to Buffalo and he entered the High School there and prepared for college. In the fall of 1859 he entered Williams College, Williamstown, Mass., and graduated in the summer of 1864. In the fall of 1864 he began the study of medicine with Dr. R. N. Isham, remaining with him two years. In the meantime he served as House Physician and Surgeon of the United States Marine Hospital, Chicago, and attended two full courses at the Chicago Medical College, graduating in the spring of 1866. In the fall of 1866 he went to New York and entered the Bellevue Hospital College, remaining till February, 1867. He was then appointed United States Assistant Surgeon, and took charge of the hospital at Gordonsville, Va. Five months later he was transferred to Yorktown, Va., and had charge of the Government hospital till February, 1868. While there he quartered in an old house, built of brick brought from England by the British during the Bevolution. In 1868 he came to Illinois, and after a short stay in Chicago located in Algonquin, where he now has a large practice. He is one of the most successful physicians of the county, and stands at the head of the profession. He is President of the McHenry County Druggists Associaion. He early took an interest in scientific research, and when in school began a collection of insects, shells and botanical specimens. His cabinet is valued at several hundreds of dollars. He has a talent for literary pursuits which places him in the front ranks, and is a frequent contributor to many of the popular journals. He has very large medical, scientific and miscellaneous library. June 29, 1874, Dr. Nason was married to Anna, daughter of William and Elizabeth Goodson. They hare three children - Mary E., William Edward and Charles. In his political views the Doctor is a Republican, He has been a mpmber of the Masonic fraternity several years.

John Peters was born in New York in 1842, a son of John and Margaret (Turnbull) Peters, natives of Dundee, Scotland, who came to the United States in 1842. They stopped a short time in New York and then came West and resided in the towns of Bloom and Elk Grove, Cook Co., 111., till death. The mother died in 1861 and the father iu 1876. They had a family of seven children; two died in infancy and five are living - John; David, of Arlington Heights, 111. ; George S., of Colorado; James C, of Chicago; Margaret, wife af G. P. Tewksbury, of Arlington Heights. John was reared and educated in Arlington Heights. In 1868 he went to Caledonia, 111., and engaged in the hardware business a year. He then came to Algonquin and opened a hardware store, with which he has since combined the lumber and coal business, in partnership with John Helm, the firm name being Helm & Peters. He is also a member of the firm Peters & Coltrin, dealers in dry-goods, groceries, crockery and general merchandise. Mr. Peters was married in 1871 to Lida M. Helm, daughter of John and Sarah (Tuthill) Helm, of Chicago. They have three children - Grace H., Edward C. and Willis T., all at home.

Robert Phillips was born in Bucks County, Pa., June 1, 1797, a son of Thomas and Sarah (Eastburn) Phillips, natives of Pennsylvania. His paternal ancestors were of English descent. In an early day two brothers, Robert and James, were persuaded to go on board a vessel, bound for America, and before they were aware of the fact she set sail. When they reached America the boys were sold to a planter. Robert's son, Aaron, the grandfather of our subject, was a millwright and built the first mill on the Delaware River. It is still in possession of the family; now run by the fourth generation. His maternal grandfather, Robert Eastburn, was a Quaker farmer, and at his death was very wealthy. Our subject's parents had a family of eight children - Elizabeth, married Aaron Paxton; Aaron, Mary, Moses, Thomas, Robert, Samuel, David. Robert remained in his native country and followed milling after leaving school till 1847, when he moved to Illinois and located in Algonquin Township, McHenry County, where he has since resided. He was married March 3, 1831, to Naomi, daughter of William and Ose Garrison, natives of New Jersey. They have six children - Edward, born April 7, 1832, is a physician of Cape May, N. J. He married Jennie Spinning who died and left one child - Kussell'F. In September, 1868, he married Anna Hughes, by whom he has four children - Walter H., Edward, Albert and Willet. Willet, born June 11, 1843, was married Dec. 24, 1862,to- Melinda Balch,and has two children - Nettie E., born Dec. 14,1863; Fred E., born May 14, 1869. Harriet, born M rch 20, 1836, was drowned when a child. Maria, born July 1, 1839, married Isaac Griswold and died Nov. 28, 1877, leaving six children. Emma, born Feb. 19, 1844, married William Sorter and has one child - Kobert G. Howard, born June 26, 1846, married Frilla Adams, and has two children - Eobert K, born Sept. 6, 1870, and Walter L., born Sept. 6, 1874. Politically Mr. Phillips is a Republican. Mrs. Phillips's great-grandmother, Elizabeth Douglas, was the daughter of Lord Douglas, of Edinburgh, Scotland. She ran away from home to get married, but not meeting her betrothed was sold in America for her passage. She was bought by Lewis Fortner and after serving her time was married to his son, Benjamin Fortner. Mrs. Phillips's mother died in 1814 and her father in 1833. They had a family of five children - John R. P.; Ura, wife of Walter Kellman; Abigail, wife of John Sorter; Sarah, wife of Spencer S. Weart; and Naomi.

James thilp was born in Cornwall, England, Oct. 28, 1828, a son of John and Philippa (Hooper) Philp, natives of England. His father was born May 2, 1797, and died Nov. 10, 1876. His mother was born Sept. 9, 1799, and died May 11, 1879. His greatgrandparents, John and Susannah Philp, were farmers of Pemrose, Parish of St. Bernard. They had a family of four children - John, Eichard, Hugh and Robert. The latter was born in 1773, and died in 1848. He had two children - Ann, wife of William May, and John, the father of James. The maternal great-grandfather of Mr. Philp was John Hooper. His grandfather, James Hooper, was a native of St. Tudy, and one of the wealthiest men of the place. He had a large family, one of whom was Philippa, mother of our subject. John and Philippa Philp had a family of three children - James; Elizabeth, who died in England in 1850, aged eighteen years, and Robert now of Nnnda, 111. James Philp spent his boyhood in his native town. When twelve years of age he began to learn the shoemaker's trade of his father and worked at it four years. When sixteen years of age he wanted to go to sea but his parents objected; he then learned the blacksmith's trade and worked at it till 1851, when he came to America. He embarked in August and after a voyage of forty-eight days landed in Quebec, Oct. 1. From there went to Toronto and thence to Algonquin, reaching this place Oct. 12, where he remained till the next spring, when lie went to Chicago and worked a short time for H. A. Pitts. Inducements were offered him to settle in Algonquin which he accepted, and carried on a carriage manufactory twenty years. Since then he has dealt extensively in real estate, buying and selling for himself and on commission for others. In 1883 he handled $50,000 worth of property. He has been associated with the Algonquin Fire Insurance Company since its organization. He has been Justice of the Peace sixteen years and School Director and Trustee several years. July 12, 1849, he was married to Jane, daughter of James and Ann Cornelius, of England. They have had six children - Elizabeth, wife of Edward Chapel; Volney,of Canton, Kas; Jennie, died in 1874,aged twenty years; James H., of the firm Wenholtz & Philp; Thomas and Annie. Politically Mr. Philp is a Republican.

Ephriam Seymour was born in New York in 1815, a son of John and Elizabeth (Wright) Seymour. He was married to Mary, daughter of Joseph and Ruth (Wright) Patterson, in Tyrone, Steuben County, New York, on the 6th of April, 1836. He came to Illinois in 1841, and stopped at Miller's Grove, Cook County, where he remained six months. He then came to McHenry County aiiJ located on Crystal Lake Prairie, on the farm now occupied by his son Joseph. He has a fine farm of 167 acres which is well improved. He is one of the oldest citizens of the county, and an honest and influential man in the community in which he lives. They have had eight children - Huldah, wife of Giles Seward; Henry (deceased); Martha E, wife of Judson Snooke; Joseph; Alice, wife of Henry Edick; John; Ephriam H., married Rhoda M. Arvedson; Mary E., wife of Harvey Peacock.

Robert Shufeldt was born in Albany County, N. Y., in 1839, a son of Harmon and Marietta (Jones) Shufeldt. His father died in 1871; his mother lives in Barrington, Cook Co., 111. They had a family of nine children - Amelia died March 10, 1866, aged fifteen years; Theodore enlisted in the Fifty-second Illinois Infantry, and died at Memphis, Tenn., from the effects of measles

March 9, 1864, aged nineteen years; Marietta married Albert Meade, of Saline County, Neb. ; Henry married Martha Long, lives in Stanley, Kas. ; Hiram, now of Saline County, Neb., married Margaret Love; George and Lester live in Mound City, Mo.; Charles and Emma live in Barrington, 111.; Robert is the only one residing in McHenry County. He was married March 6, 1861, to Excy, daughter of Henry and Dollie (Edwards) Clawson. They have six children - Ellen, born Jan. 26, 1863; Herbert, Nov. 22, 1864; Flora, May 19, 1866; George, Feb. 15, 1868; Robert F., Oct. 8, 1869, and Frederick, March 27, 1871. Mr. Shufeldt's parents came to Illinois in 1854, but soon after moved to Butler County, Kas., where the father died. In 1872 Robert Shufeldt came to McHenry County, and settled on the farm where he now lives. He owns a fine farm of 260 acres and carries on a dairy of forty cows.

Ji. R. Sherwood was born in New York in 1799, a son of Zeddick and Abigail Sherwood, natives of New York. His father was a teamster in the Revolutionary war. In later life he moved to Illinois, where he died July 6, 1859, within two months of 100 years old. R. R. Sherwood was a farmer, and while in New York was Superintendent of the Geneva Canal. He came to Illinois in 1844 and died in McHenry County, June 18, 1884. He married Polly Brunson, of Amsterdam, N. Y., and to them were born six children - Granville, born in 1824, came to Illinois with his father, but subsequently went to Galveston, Texas; Anson, now ot Detroit, Mich. ; James A., born April 23, 1830; Harriet, wife ol Jorten Forbes, of Michigan; N. B., a veteran of the Rebellion, enlisted as private in Company H, Thirty-sixth Illinois Infantry, and was promoted to First Lieutenant. He received a wound at Stone River which eventually caused his death. He died in February, 1882, leaving a wife and one child. David B. is an attorney of Elgin. Mr. and Mrs. Sherwood reared an adopted son. James A. Sherwood came with his father to Illinois and remained in Algonquin a year. He then went West, and after reaching manhood began auctioneering. He is now one of the best auctioneers in the State. In January, 1859, he was married to Esther, daughter of Joseph and Lucy Grant, of Michigan. Politically he was a Democrat, as was also his father. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity.

"Welsh and Scotch descent. In the spring of 1835 he came "West and worked on a farm near Algonquin three years. He then carried on a hotel at Algonquin a short time, and subsequently engaged in farming till 1872, when he retired to a more quiet life. He was married in 1842 to Almira, daughter of Joshua and Mary French. They have three children - Albert, engineer at Danville, 111.; Mamie, and Lemuel, conductor on the Chicago & Northwestern Railroad. Politically Mr. Thomas is a Republican.

W. P. Thompson is a native of Louisiana, born in 1842, a son of William and Katie (Bristol) Thompson. His mother died in Louisiana. His father removed to Chicago, aDd was drowned in the Chicago River, in 1849. He was a contractor, and built the first packing house in that city for Huff & Co. W. P. Thompson has been a resident of McHenry County since 1880. He bought that year the farm of Mrs. Allen, which contains 240 acres of good land. Some of the best springs in the county are on this farm; one, near the house, furnishes an abundant supply of water for all their needs. Mr. Thompson carries on a large creamery, making 12,000 pounds of butter per year, which commands the highest market price in New York City. He has a herd of seventy cows, of the best grades. He owned a large flouring mill five stories high, situated on Rock River, Dixon, 111., whic was totally destroyed by fire in 1880. It had a capacity of grinding from 250 to 300 barrels per day. The wheat was obtained from Dakota and Southern Illinois and the flour found a ready market in all parts of the world, the majority of it being shipped to Scotland and London. Mr. Thompson enlisted in 1861, and served till the close of the war. For two years he kept the Government books, remaining at his post at a time when 275 were dying of yellow fever in a day. His brother, James E. Thompson, served during the war, under the command of Major Cheney, and participated in the battles of Island No. 10, Vicksburg, Shiloh, Atlanta and others. At Atlanta he was called on to dislodge a rebel battery, and was awarded a gold medal by General Sherman for his bravery. In 1871 W. P. Thompson was married to Aurora, daughter of Henry and Almina (Moon) Coe. They have three children - Nora A., Edward H. and William C.

Thomas Whittaker was born in Canada in 1818, a son of Samuel and Jane (Blythe) Whittaker, who were of English descent. In 1824 his parents moved to New York City where his mother died in 1827. His father died in 1859. He served an apprenticeship at the brass founder's trade and in 1843 opened a foundry on Church and Reed streets, New York, remaining in business till 1849, when he came to Illinois and settled on the farm where he now lives. He owns 120 acres of fine land, and runs a dairy of twenty cows. Mr. Whittaker has been School Director twenty-five years. In his political views he is Independent.

Source changes here: from History of McHenry County, Illinois, published 1922; 2,508 words in this source stream.

Algonquin Township

Iii the southeastern part of McHenry County is found Algonquin Township; it is bounded on the north by Nunda Township; on the east by Lake County; on the south by Kane County, and on the west by Grafton Township.

Origin' Of Name

Before the adoption of the township organization, this section of the county was known as Fox Township. When a name was required for this new township, Samuel Edwards, formerly of Philadelphia, suggested the name Algonquin. In his youth he had been a sailor on a boat by that name, and he desired to thus commemorate a happy period of his life. The name met with the approval of all who had charge of such naming, and it was adopted.

Topography

Algonquin Township is more broken than any other township within the county, there being many bluffs and hills in the region of Algonquin village and in fact all along the Fox River. The land is about equally divided between prairie and timber. It is adapted to both small grain and pasture lands and is used for such purposes. Crystal Lake lies in section 6 of this township, and runs over into a portion of Grafton Township. From it flows the outlet of the lake thai joins the Fox River

Early Settlers

The first settler to locate in this county chose Algonquin Township for his new home. He was Samuel Gillian, and he located in section 23, on the west bank of Fox River, November 18, 1834. John Gillian came soon thereafter, and he settled on the east bank of Pox River. Levi Seebert arrived in 1837 ; Hosea Throop was a settler of 1839 ; and Newman Crabtree, Simon Chandler, Thomas Chunn, Beman Crandall, William King, Isaac Denney, Edwin Powell, Major Beardsley, John Kern, Isaac King, Wesley Hiekox, Dr. Plumleigh, Dr. Cornish and John Brink with possibly others made up the first, settlements.

Pioneer Events

The first white child to be born in this township was William Beardsley, son of Abner Beardsley and wife, who came into the world in 1837. Franklin Wallace and Hannah S. Beardsley were married by Benjamin ( 'randall, a justice of the peace, in 1839, and theirs was the first marriage in Algonquin township. The first person to die in the township was Delia, daughter of Samuel Gillian and wife, when she was about fifteen years old, August 26, 1835.

The first saw-mill was built on Crystal Lake outlet by Benjamin Douglas and Colonel Hoffman in 1839; and the second one was built in 1842, by A. Dawson, who located at Algonquin in 1848. This last was completed in 1849 by Henry Petrie. A brick-mill was built in the village in 1850 by Dr. Plumleigh.

Population Algonquin Village

in 1844. Prior to the hiving out of the place Mr. Powell had erected a residence on the present site of the village. The first store was eonducted in L837 by Dr. Cornish. Henry Tubbs was the first wagonmaker;

Henry lienl husean. was the first blacksmith; and < >. Leach the first shoemaker, while William Clark was the first tailor. At one time William Powell owned all of the original site of Algonquin and he built the first hotel in 1840. It was a log structure, to which he added a frame building, in 1850. In 1858, the whole building was torn down and a new one erected by James Dixon and John Gillian, and later it became the property of Charles Pingree.

Post Office

A post office was established at this point in 1836, and it was the first in the township. Dr. Cornish was the first to serve as postmaster. He was succeeded by the following: Isaac Denney, John Peter (deputy), John Sears, Charles Chunn, Eli Henderson, Peter Potter, Samuel Finch, Col. William Henry, C. C. Chunn, John Adamak, C. C. Chunn, John T. Kalahan, Nettie Threadgold (many years) with present postmaster John T. Kalahan.

This is a third-class post office and has one rural free delivery route extending to the surrounding country. To show that this is an early post office it only need be stated that the office was established under President Andrew Jackson.

Present Officials

The following are the present officials of Algonquin : president, Willis T. Peter; clerk, George Dewitt Keyes; treasurer, Louis J. Lehky; magistrate, Harvey J. Weir ; marshal, John Dvorak, Jr. ; attorney, Charles T. Allen ; trustees, Clarence Franke, Frank Dvorak, Ernest Reimer, Fred Duensing, Albert Wilbrandt and Herman Mertens.

The enterprising little city in 1907 erected a fine two-story brick city building at a cost of $10,000. This provides a home and protection for all the city property, fire department, city offices and jail. In the western portion of the village is found a nice public park. Nature has made the spot charming and a gushing spring of pure water offers an appreciated refreshment.

In 18D6 the city installed its first and really its present system of water works which consists of piping from the business part of the town to a distance of seventy-three feet above the river-bed, to a point on the hillside when' was discovered a strong spring of the best drinking water to be had anywhere in Illinois. For fire purposes other lines of piping extend further on up the hill to a distance of 147 feet, where was erected a basin in which sufficient water is forced to meet any demand in case of tire. This whole system is "natural direct pressure"' and affords a splendid water system, such as is seldom found in prairie sections. The common pressure is about eighty pounds per square inch. The fire company is the ordinary volunteer company of fifteen men, with Peter Serrs as present chief. The city has two hose carts, each having 800 feet of good hose ; a chemical engine holding forty-five gallons ; hook and ladders, and other appliances.

City Op Crystal Lake

What was first known as the village of Crystal Lake is now a city and governed by a board of aldermen and a mayor. This place was platted by Benjamin Douglas and others in August, 1837, but not recorded until 1840. From an old county directory it is learned thai in 1877 the village then had three general stores. Hill, Fitch & Marlow ,and Buckholtz & Dj-deman were early business firms. T. G. Ashton conducted a hotel. It will be understood that a part of present Crystal Lake city was once within the incorporation of Nunda village and its early history will be treated in the history of Nunda Township.

Aside from the above named business interests it should be stated in this connection that for many years the ice taken from the lake near Crystal Lake has been cut and shipped to Chicago, where the name sells the product, while it is said, however, that much sold under this catchy name came from some dirty pond much nearer Chicago. The land containing this beautiful lake has been the subject of much recent litigation, and the question of ownership is still in the courts.

Three miles distant from the city of Crystal Lake is located the celebrated Terra Cotta plant, where sometimes 300 men are employed, although during the World War the number was cut down materially. Where this plant stands is known on railroad maps as Terra Cotta.

The great bottling plant of the Bowman Dairy Company is located right in the town and handles all the vast amount of milk produced in the surrounding country, instead of it being shipped direct to the city. At this plant are bottled and shipped to Chicago four carloads of bottled milk daily.

An exact list of postmasters at this office cannot be now obtained with any degree of certainty, but it is known to be an old post office and Mrs. De Grushe was in charge of the office many years ago. It was probably about 1840 when the office was established. Among the postmasters recalled by present settlers were: Mrs. De Grushe. E. G. McCollum, A. s. Corl, John McWhorter and present postmaster, Henry shales. The office is now of the third class. At one time it had three rural free deliveries hut of late only two routes are provided by the department.

Municipal History

From the revised ordinance book of the City of Crystal Lake, published in 191o the following historic facts have been gleaned. The history of certain incorporations, under the name of Xunda.. North Crystal Lake and Crystal Lake, make the understanding to present-day people quite difficult, but the following will serve to make all clear. The names and dates can be relied upon, coming from authority of mayor and councilmen.