Alto Township (part 1 of 3)

Alto Township

This township is in surface gently undulating, or rolling prairie, the eastern portion being quite rolling, the western more level, and some portions low and flat. There is very little land but can be used either under plow or as pasture for stock. The soil is a rich, black loam. Plum Thicket, a grove of about twenty acres, situated nearly in the center, is the only natural grove in the township. The Plum

Thicket run is the only stream in Alto township. There are four or iive driven wells from 100 to 200 feet deep. There is plenty of good wholesome water, nearly soft, on every farm. Wells are from fifteen to fitty feet in depth.

Alto was first settled at Plum Thicket, The first house built there in 1847 by John Grimes, the first settler, is still standing. The old state road running from Ottawa to Galena passes through this township. On this road the early judges were wont to travel with pistol in hand (on their way from Ottawa to Galena), there being many hard, reckless characters, who roamed through this country engaged in horse stealing, and almost as dangerous as Black Hawk in his day and age. A wagon-road was laid out from Paw Paw to Rochelle, running through this township, in 1856. The above roads have since been abandoned, and wagon-roads are now laid out and well worked on most of the section lines ; one or two are on quarter and half sections. The first family settling in this township, in 1843, was that of John Grimes, now dead. The second, who came about two years later, was the Rev. J. Wood, a Baptist preacher, who remained two or three years and removed to Earlville, La Salle county, Illinois. The next coming into Alto was Mr. Jeddediah Loneridge, coming in about 1852, who remained about twenty 3'ears and removed to Nebraska, and has since died. Mr. Loneridge was noted for his skill at making baskets and various other useful articles. Mr. James Holcomb and father's family were the next comers, followed by Mr. Hubbel Williams and Mason Herrick. Soon after came the Mills family, James Tyler, and C. R, Hall, followed b}' the Kirbj^s, McDonnels, Stewards, Carpenters, and others, filling the township up quite rapidly.

Organization

A petition for organization was presented by the citizens to the supervisors of Lee county, and at a meeting held in the school-house, jSTo. 3, April 3, 1860, they organized by appointing Hiram C. Holcomb chairman ; Charles R. Hall was elected moderator, and James Tjder clerk. Being duly qualified by H. C. Holcomb, justice of the peace, the polls were declared open at nine o'clock. At this meeting a motion was made and carried that the town be divided into four road districts. A motion was also made to levy a tax of forty cents on $100 for road purposes; a motion was also made and carried to raise two mills on the dollar for town expenses. A motion was made and carried to keep up all cattle at night, and if left out and damage was done, for first oft'ense the owner to pay all damages, for second off'ense the owner to pay double the damage. A motion was made and carried that every man be his own pound-master. At the close of the polls

In the winter of 1869 and 1870 there was an agitation commenced as to a railroad through Alto township from the southeast to the northwest, known first as the Hinckley road, now the Chicago & Iowa railroad. Great excitement was caused and much opposition made toward the enterprise. A call was made for a meeting to see if the citizens were willing to subscribe for $32,000 bonds, payable when the track was laid, and cars running on the same. The meeting was held, and upon vote being taken it showed as a result nearly two-thirds in favor of the scheme, or 93 for and 50 against. A surVey was made and grading commenced on Monday, September 26, 1870, and the enterprise was pushed ahead rapidly, and on December 31, 1870, it was finished to Rochelle, Ogle county, and trains sent over. Then there was a lull and no regular trains were run till April 1871, and only once a day till 1872. The great Chicago fire and the panic occurring about that time had a depressing effect through this section, and a few years later the $32,000 bonds were compromised and reduced to $25,000, and at a lower rate of interest, and have since been reduced to about $15,000. The railroad offices and warehouse were in Wesley Steward's barn for some time after the road was in operation.

There are two creameries in Alto township, the Alto creamery being widely known. It is located on Sec. 5, half a mile south of the Ogle county line. In 1873 several farmers united, with a capital of about $5,000, erecting a suitable building for the manufacture of butter and cheese, milk being furnished from 125 to 250 cows. The creamery has been kept in continual operation since commencement. John H. Bacon is superintendent and salesman and Daniel Carey is secretary. There is a small factory called the Walnut Grove creamery owned and carried on by John Walker, and is located on the east line and about

There are seven school-houses in the township, costing $8,000. There are seven school districts, one a union with Willow creek in the southeast corner of Alto township, Alto has a school fund of $10,000. Miss Carrie Whitcomb, now Mrs. George Addy, was the first school teacher in Alto township. The school building in district No, 3, located at Steward, is one of the finest and best built structures for school purposes in Lee county. It cost nearly $4,000. It has four large, commodious rooms, on tw^o floors, beside ante-rooms, cloak-rooms, etc. The other six houses are also good substantial buildings, costing about $700 each.

The Steward Methodist Episcopal Church

A meeting was called and held in the railroad depot April 1874. At this meeting a building committee was chosen and elected. The committee were J. C. Curry, H. A. Robinson, II. Yan Patten, Y. W. Wells, Jeremiah Tyler, Jas. A, Smith, Merritt Miller, E, M, Piele, and John Yetter. M. L. Barnett was elected treasurer, and J. C. Curry clerk. The committee proceeded at once toward their work, having a plan drawn by Perkins Richardson, of Aurora. The plan was adopted and the contract was at once made with T. J. Labdell, of Paw Paw, for its erection. The building was completed and ready for dedication September 6, 1874. Trains were run free from Chicago and Mount Morris, and a free dinner was served on the day of dedication. The church is the finest building of its kind between Aurora and Rochelle. It is 36x52, and 28 feet high to the eaves, with steeple about 80 feet high. It has a fine basement room, the whole size of the building, for Sunday-school purposes. The church has seating for about 500. It is free from debt and both church and Sunday-school are in a flourishing condition under the pastoral care of Rev. W. H. Tibbals and T. J. Lawton, superintendent of Sabbath-school. The original cost of church building was about $5,000. Its present ofticers are Wesley Steward, T. J. Lawton, Y. W. Wells, IL Yan Patten, and C, W. Herbert, trustees, and T. J. Lawton, treasurer.

C. W. Younggren, secretary ; C. Yanderventer, treasurer. The other charter members were J. L. Dyas, H. W. Bryant, F. Fitzgerald, W. R. Baumbach, J. N. Prentice, J. Mullins, C. W. Yonnggren, and C Yanderventer. On May 22, 1880, the N.G. of Fidelia Lodge, No. 635, by request, appointed a committee, consisting of Brethren Harris, Hallet and Younggren, to confer with brethren of the order residing at Steward and vicinity to consider the propriety of removal of Fidelia Lodge to Steward. At a subsequent meeting the committee reported favorable, and upon vote being taken it was unanimously carried to petition the Grand Lodge for removal, and upon receipt of the petition the M.W.G.M., G. W. Berggren, deeming it for the best interest of the order, granted a warrant for removal. The lodge as now situated in the village of Steward is in a very healthy condition, being financially and socially strong. Its present officers are A. R. Michael, N.G. ; W. B. Griffith, Y.G. ; John Dunn, treasurer, and S. J. Whetston, secretary.

Alto township now presents such a contrast in comparison to its first settlement that one not accustomed to its beautiful groves and hedges would take it for a country well and naturally wooded. Most of the farmers are engaged in grain raising. Francis and Geo. Carey, Wesley Steward and Gardiner W. Thompson are largely engaged in sheep raising. Several farmers have put in drain tiling, finding a fine percentage of gain in crops. When this township was first settled the land was bare of tree, shrub or fence, Now there are several beautiful groves of walnut, maple and willow, as well as miles of fine hedge fences of willow, osage, maple, etc.

Steward

The village of Steward is situated a trifle west of the center of the town of Alto. Its location is excellently drained, the water supply is bountiful, easily obtained, and is justly celebrated for its purity. The town is located on the Chicago & Iowa railroad, just halfway between its termini, Aurora and Forreston. It was surveyed and platted just subsequent to the completion of the above named road, in the year 1870, and although its growth has not been rapid it has been of a healthy and substantial character. The village derives its name from Wesley Steward, Esq., upon whose farm the town was laid out. At this writing it contains a population of two hundred people. It has always been aided by its founder in all schemes for the promotion of the common welfare, and in these he has had the valuable assistance of an unusually intelligent community. The business of the village is extensive and of a growing character. As a grain shipping point it has few equals in the state, the large country tributary to it and the healthy competition in tlie business combining to make it a good market for the cereal crops. Live stock is also largely shipped, and it is a good distributing point for the lumber and coal trades. In the general merchandise line the business is veiT fair.

The grain trade is the largest in importance, and is represented by two lirms, whose combined business is very extensive. The first, as to timeof location, is that of Wesley Steward & Co. (Wesley Steward and G. F. Henning). They have a steam elevator with a capacity of 35,000 bushels. The others, Messrs. Christopher Jorgens e% Co., are later comers, but are doing a large business. Their elevator capacity is about 15,000 bushels. Both of these houses are largely engaged in other lines of trade, such as lumber, coal, lime, salt, etc., and their business is drawn from a wide-spread territory. Among other prominent business houses is that of H. A. Robinson, dealer in groceries, dry goods and drugs. Mr. Robinson has been postmaster of the village ever since its inception. W. T. Preston, groceries and notions; E. O'JSTeil, grocer; Y. A. Billion & Co., hardware and agricultural implements; W. P. Griffith, blacksmith and wagon shop; S. J. Bowles, harness ; O. I. Selgelid, boots and shoes ; G. A. Ruckman & Co., meat market; C. Foster & Co., churn manufacturers; S. J. Whetston, paint shop; A. A. Chilson, agent American Express Company, and Chicago & Illinois railroad.

The people of the village and surrounding country have reason to congratulate themselves on the high moral tone and general intelligence which pervades their community. That they have good grounds upon which to base their claims in this regard is evidenced by their church and school accommodations. The Methodist Episcopal church have erected in the village a handsome edifice at a cost of $5,000, and have also a neat parsonage for their pastor. The present occupant of their pulpit, the Rev. W. H. Tibbals, is very generally esteemed.

The graded school is another evidence of the general thrift and prosperity. The building, just completed at a cost of $4,000, is an ornament to the village, and one of which more pretentious towns might justly be proud.

The Norwegian Evangelical Lutheran church, located in Alto township, was organized June 25, 1870. At the meeting Michael Knutson was chosen chairman and Rasmus O. Hill secretary. Prayer being offered they proceeded to adopt articles of faith and confederation and to elect officers. Peter O. Espe, Peter O. Hill, and Elias O. Espe were

The church is prettily situated on the southeast corner of four corners, one mile west of De Kalb county line, and three miles south of Ogle county line, and three miles directly east of Steward ; its size is 36x56, 16 feet high, and it has a seating capacity for about 400. It has yard and sheds for teams. Its cost was about $3,300, and it is clear of debt. Public services are held twice a month. The Sunday-school averages about fifty. The society is in a quiet and healthy condition.

The present officers are Rasmus O. Hill and John Abelson, pastors ; Peter O. Hill, John Oleson, and Nels Ullestad, deacons ; Elias O. Espe, Ole J. Kroe, and C. J. Knutson, trustees, and S. H. Sanderson, secretary. The Sunday-school superintendents are Peter O. Hill and Nels Ullestad.

Biographical

Wesley Steward, grain and stock buyer and shipper, lumber, coal, etc.. Steward, was born in the Susquehanna valley, at the foot of the Alleghany mountains, Pennsylvania, October 27, 1837. He removed with his parents to Illinois, locating in Kendall county, in June 1838. His mother, eighty-two years of age, is still 'living. His youth and early manhood, till twenty-two years old, was spent at home on the farm. He removed to Lee county, locating in Alto township in August 1858. He received a limited education, mostly in a saw-mill, from a Dabach arithmetic, Webster's speller and reader. He has held every office in the gift of his township. Mr. Stev/ard was married December 3, 1862, to Julia A. Short, who died in August 1869. He was again married January 6, 1873, to Mary A. Billion, who died March 14, 1881. He has two children: Bertha and Guy. Mr. Steward is one of the largest farmers and stock raisers in this township. He has about 1,000 sheep. Has raised in one year 840 acres of wheat, and has over 2,100 acres in this township and vicinity. He has also control and management of about 1,300 acres belonging to his brother Lewis, living at Piano. He is also largely engaged in grain and stock buying and shipping and dealing in lumber and coal. He has one of the largest elevators between Chicago and the Mississippi river. Mr. Steward was largely influential in getting the Chicago & Iowa railroad (formerly known as the Hinckley road) through this township. Mr. Steward is one of the most enterprising and influential business men of this section. The village and post-office were named in his honor.

Gardner W. Thompson, farmer, Lee, was born in Pittston, Wyoming Yalley, near Wilkesbarre, Pennsylvania, July 11, 1841. His worthy parents are both living, his father, Isaac Thompson, whose portrait represents Alto township, eighty-four and mother at eighty-two years of age. He received a common school education in Pennsylvania, and spent his youth and early manhood till twenty-four in that state. He came west and located in Alto township, Lee county, Illinois, in 1864:. Mr. Thompson tried hard to serve his country in the late civil war, enlisting five times, but every time was taken with severe sickness, disabling him for service. He is at this writing supervisor of Alto township, making the seventh consecutive time elected to this office. He has held other local town offices. Mr. Thompson was married April 26, 1873, to Mary E. Howell. They have one child, Frank G. The aged and worthy parents of Mr. Thompson are now living with him ; they are the parents of fifteen children, the one now living with them being their youngest. The father of Mr. Thompson was born, reared and lived on the old homestead in Pennsylvania fifty-eight years. They have been worthy members of the Methodist Episcopal church about sixty-five years. Mr. Thompson has a 240 acre farm, and is largely engaged in sheep raising, having about 200. He also has 30 head of horses and other stock, and a well cultivated farm, and is one of Alto's most popular citizens.

Maj. Thomas J. Lawton, farmer, Steward, was born in Jefterson county, New York, August 11, 1813. He received a common school education in his native county, but he spent his youth and young manhood in western New Yoi'k, at Rochester and Buffalo. The title of major he won during a fillibustering expedition in the years 1836 and 1837, it being at the time of the Canadian rebellion against the queen of England, and had many thrilling adventures during these months. At an evacuation from Navy Island about forty were barely saved from going over the falls at Niagara. On March 4, 1837, they had a skirmish on the ice near Point ^-^^ Pellee Island on Lake Erie. In the spring of 1838 he went to Cleveland, Ohio, and in 1839 removed to Circleville and engaged with M. L. Barnett in the grocery business, (they also owned and run boats on the Ohio canal from Portsmouth to Cleveland,) remaining till 1841, when he removed to Piqua, Ohio, and with M. L. Barnett engaged in the forwarding and general grain and commission business till July 1871. In 1871 he removed and located in Alto, Lee county, Illinois. In 1861 Maj. Lawton raised Co. K, 1st Ohio, remaining with his company about one year, when he was ordered to headquarters and promoted and served as brigade and division quartermaster during his term of enlistment. He has been local justice of the peace of Alto at Steward for several years, and has also held other local town offices. In the year 1850 he went with a company of ninety persons on an overland trip to California with ox teams for mining and trading purposes, where he remained two years. Politically he is a republican. He was married in 1840, to Angeline E. Crocker. They have one daughter, Mrs. Gilbert F. Heming, of

Steward ; have buried four sons. He has, since locating west, been engaged in grain and stock buying and shipping. Mr. Lawton is a Royal Arch Mason, a leading member of the Steward Methodist Episcopal church, and, for one of his age, one of the most active business men of this section.

Rev. "W. H. Tibbals, pastor of the Steward Methodist Episcopal church, Steward, was born in Athens county, Ohio, May 28, 1829. His mother, seventy-nine 3^ears of age, is still living. His youth, till nearly twelve years of age, was spent in Ohio on a farm. His father and fomily moved to Illinois in 1841, and he consequently knew many of the hardships of early pioneer life, having to go eighty miles to mill. In 1850 Mr. Tibbals went to California in search of gold, going overland and returning by the Isthmus and New Orleans to Delaware, Ohio. Upon his return he commenced study at the Ohio Wesleyan University at Delaware, graduating in 1855 ; he then joined the Pittsburg conference, Pennsylvania, and remained twelve years in that conference. He then came west and joined the Rock River conference, Illinois, in 1867. In tlie spring of 1862 he was elected captain of Co. L, 14th Penn. Cav., going to the front on the Potomac with his regiment. After about eight months he resigned to accept the colonelcy of the 2d Ohio Inf., at the hand of ex-Governor Todd, of Ohio. At the expiration of the six months for which the regiment was enlisted he was engaged for about two years in making speeches and recruiting men and taking them to the front. Mr. Tibbals is a leading member and preacher in the Methodist Episcopal church and has never lost a Sunday or an appointment during his ministerial life. March 24, 1857, Mr. Tibbals married a niece of ex- Governor Ford, of Ohio. They have three children living: Mary, Dilla, and William, and three dead. He has a 331 acre farm in Alto township clear of debt, and has put up a new windmill and a large new barn this season. His farm is beino- well manao;ed.

HoLDEN P. Ely, Lee, was born in Norway, April 17, 1832. He received a common school education at home, where his youth was spent till twenty-two years old. On April 24, 1855, he started for America, landing at Quebec, Canada, and coming directly to Bradford, Lee county, where he worked at the blacksmiths' trade for three years and then commenced farming. In 1865 he removed to Alto township. He is a member of the Evangelical Lutheran church, Lee county congregation. He was married January 1, 1858, to Julia G. Sexy. They have seven children : Peter, Julia, John, Bertha, Helle, Carrie, and Martin. He has a good farm of 160 acres stocked and under good cultivation.

father still lives, June 1, 1830. He received a limited common school education in his native country. His young manhood till twenty-five years of age was spent as a sailor. In 1855 he came to America, landing at Quebec, Canada. Coming directly west he located in Bradford townsliip, Lee county, Illinois, and commenced farming, remaining about ten years. He then removed to Alto township. He is a member of the Evangelical Lutheran church, Lee county congregation. He was married June 21, 1863, to Thurbor Oleson. They have five children: Gury, Peter W., John O., Martha M., Johanna M. He has a farm of 320 acres, under good cultivation, with good buildings, and is a leading citizen of the townsliip.

YiNCENT W. Wells, farmer, Rochelle, was born in Sullivan, Madison county, New York, November 21, 1826. His parents are dead. He was educated in the State of New York. His youth till about fifteen was spent in Madison county. New York, on a farm. About 181:1 he removed M'ith his parents to Orleans county, New York, remaining till twenty-three years of age. He then went to Yirginia and remained one year and returned, removing with his parents in 1850 to Pembroke, Genesee county. New York. In 1856 he came west, locating first at Piano, Kendall county, Illinois, where he lived four j-ears. He then removed to Lee county. He has held several local town oflices. He was married January 13, 1856, to Elizabeth Rawley. They have one child, an adopted daughter. He has a fine 200 acre farm, well stocked, having some very fine Norman horses. Mr. Wells is also specially engaged in the manufacture of butter, having a fine building, with all modern improvements, for the business. Mr. Wells started with about $600 when he located in Illinois, but he has grown to be one of Lee county's best farmers. Mrs. Wells had a brother killed by the Cheyenne Indians in Chase county, Nebraska, about October 7, 1878.

M. L. Baknett, book-keeper and cashier for W. Steward & Co., Steward, was born in Herkimer county. New York, April 2, 1814, where his youth till eleven was spent. His education to a limited extent was received in Brockport, New York. In 1825 he removed to western New York, remaining till 1836 in a commercial office. He then went to Cleveland, Ohio, where he was also employed in a commercial office till 1839, and then removed to Circleville and engaged in the grocery business till 1843. In 1844 he removed to Piqua and commenced in the grain, provision, and transportation business, continuing till 1870. In 1871 he came to Illinois, locating at Steward, Alto township, there being but one family here at that time. He was married January 4, 1836, to Sarah E. Crocker, who died October 30, 1868, He has three sons and three daughters. His family is largely above the average in intelligence and worth. His children are: Helen A., now Mrs. William C. McClure, of East Saginaw, Michigan ; Mary Kate, housekeeper for father; Mattie L., now Mrs. H. T. Chappel, of Zilvvaiikee, Michigan; Charles C, auditor of Miami county, Ohio; Sam O. and Frank P. at home. He is one of the staunch men of honor, holding several trusts for different parties, and is a self-made man.

Ole I. Selgelid, boot and shoe business, Steward, was born January 2, 1849, in Norway. His parents are still living. He received common school advantages in JSTorway, where his youth was spent till sixteen at home on farm. He then learned the boot and shoe makers' trade and was thus employed in his native country till 1875, when he emigrated to America, landing in the city of New York and coming directlj^ to Creston, Ogle county. Soon after he came to Alto and worked for three years on a farm. He then located at Steward and engaged in the boot and shoe business, which he has since continued. He is a member of the Evangelical Lutheran church and in politics a republican. He was married in 1879 to Cari'ie Sandvek. They have one child, Ed. Christopher.

Y. A. Billion, hardware and agricultural implements. Steward, was born in Onondaga county, JSTew York, June 6, 1858. His father died in 1860, and his mother March 14, 1881. His youth till ten years of age was spent in his native town. His education was received principally in Illinois. In 1868 he moved to Rochelle, Ogle county, Illinois, with his mother, where they lived nearly eight years, and then moved to Steward, Alto township. He was married September 29, 1879, to Carrie E. Chambers. They have one child, Oved. He keeps a full line of goods ; is carrjnng on a lively trade, and shows the usual energy manifested by Steward's merchants. Mrs. Billion's mother was burned out of house and home about eight years since, at Rochelle, losing all their personal effects.

John Seveeson, farmer, Lee, was born May 17, 1836, in Norway. His parents are both living, at an advanced age. Mr. Severson spent his young days, till twenty-one, at home on the farm. He had the advantage of the common school in Norway. June 20, 1857, he landed in America at Quebec, Canada, and came directly to Illinois, locating in Kendall county, where he remained about twelve years, working a farm on shares. He then moved to Alto, Lee county, and bought a larm of his own. He now has 320 acres under good cultivation. He has held local town offices ; is a member of the Evangelical Lutheran church, and in politics a republican. He was married November 21, 1862, to Martha Newton. They have eight children living.

20, 1840, and came with his father and mother to this country about six years later, landing at the city of New York, and locating soon after at Albany, where they remained three or four years. They then came west and settled in McHenry county, Illinois, and commenced farming. Mr. Patterson remained at home till about lifteen years of age and then came to Ogle county and worked out on a farm till 1861. He then rented a farm and worked it till fall, when he enlisted in Co. H, 46th 111. Vol., Inf. and reenlisted in January 1863, as a veteran, and remained till February 1866, when he was mustered out of service. He had limited common school advantages in Illinois. His parents are both living. He is a Baptist in religion and a republican in politics. He was married in February 1863, to Eunice Carpenter, and they have six children. He has now a 190 acre farm.

W. E. Hemenway, farmer, Steward, was born in "Will county, Illinois, January 3, 1845. His mother is still living. His youth, till sixteen, was spent at home on the farm. In 1848 he moved from Will to De Kalb county. In 1861 he enlisted in Co, F, 27th 111. Inf., serving three years, and was honorablj' discharged in J^ovember 1864. During 1866, 1867 and 1868 he was lumbering in Wisconsin and Michigan. He is a member of Sunbeam Lodge, A.F. and A.M., of Piano, Kendall county. In politics he is independent. In 1860 he was married to Cyntha Dewey, who died September 1876. He was married again in December 1878, to Elsie J. Cox, He has three children, two by first and one by second marriage. Mr. Hemenway is working 160 acres on shares, and is a breeder of Hereford bulls and Berkshire hogs. His farm is under good cultivation.

A. H. Todd, farmer, Creston, was born in Stamford, Connecticut, August 1827. He had common and select school advantages in Connecticut, where his youth and early manhood, till twenty-five years of age, was spent. At that time he came west and located at Sandusky, Ohio, being employed on the Mad River railroad as civil engineer, to Tifiiin, Ohio, remaining about one year. The cholera raged so badly that all parties scattered, Mr. Todd returning east to Connecticut. About 1860 Mr. Todd came west again, locating at Dement (now Creston), and bought a farm, as now located, in Alto. In religion he is an Episcopalian, and in politics a republican, Mr, Todd is an own cousin to the late Com, Foote, His father was a distinguished Episcopal clergyman at Stamford for forty years,

Meeeitt Millee, farmer, Steward, was born in Luzerne county, Pennsylvania, October 4, 1842. His youth, till fifteen, was spent in that state in a mill with his father. He was educated partly in Pennsylvania and partly in Illinois, and removed west in 1857, locating in Willow creek, and commenced farming. In the fall of 1865 he re- moved to Alto townsliip, as now located. He has taught school several terms during the winter since coming to Illinois. August 24, 1862, he enlisted in Co. K, T5th 111. Yol. Inf., and was mustered out June 24, 1865. He has held several local town offices, is a chapter Mason, and a republican in politics. He was married October 11, 1867, to Carrie Norton. He has 320 acres of land well stocked and under good cultivation.

Morris Cook, farmer. Steward, came to Illinois in 1856, locatingfirst at Piano, Kendall county, where he remained ten years, and then removed to Alto, Lee county. He was born in Monmouth county, New Jersey. He received his education in New Jersey, and his youth was spent at home on the farm. Mr. Cook married. May 16, 1844, Elizabeth Cooper. They have eight children living. His family are above the average and among the progressive. Mary (Mrs. C. Van Noat) lives at Mason City, Iowa; Cassie (Mrs. Owen Kenney) at Scranton, Iowa ; James and John are also at Scranton ; Jane (Mrs. Barton Neer) at Alto, and George F. at Alto; Libbie, and Morris, jr., are at home. He has a splendid farm of 320 acres, stocked and under good cultivation. Mr. Cook is of a retiring nature, but highly esteemed among his neighbors and townsmen.

Henry Southard, farmer. Steward, Lee county, was born in Green county. New York, April 4, 1825. He was educated to a limited extent in YanBuren county, Michigan, where his youth and young manhood, till twenty-one years of age, was spent engaged at farming. He removed in 1835, when about ten years old, to Cayuga county. New York, living there three years. In 1846 he came to Big Rock, Kane county, Illinois, and engaged at farming. In 1849 he caught the gold fever, and in April, 1852, went to California, remaining about four years, and returned in September 1856. Until 1859 he lived at Big Rock, Kane county, when he removed to Alto township. He is a Chapter Mason, and a democrat in politics. He was married February 24, 1850, to Esther S. Reed. They have three sons and two daughters. He has 420 acres of land, all under good cultivation and well stocked, and is among the leading farmers of this section.

Charles B. Davis, farmer. Steward, was born in Lewis county, New York, March 29, 1844. His parents are living in Lewis county, New York. He received common school advantages in his native county. His youth was spent at home on a farm. He came to Illinois in 1869, and located at Piano, Kendall county, where he remained live years on a farm, and then removed to Alto. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church and is a republican. He was married March 24, 1864, to Mary A. Dewey, and they have two children living : Cynthia A. and Edna M. Mr. Davis is managing a 440 acre farm, the property of

Milo C. Dewey. He is largely engaged in butter-making and milks forty cows. Their butter, through the skill of Mrs. Davis, brings always the highest market price. Mr. Davis is one of the pushing young farmers of Lee county.

W. T. Fkeston, general merchant Steward, was born in Kendall county, Illinois, near Newark, December 6, 1839. His youth and young manhood, till twent^^-one, was spent there on a farm. He received district school advantages only in his native county. His venerable and worthy mother is yet living on the old homestead. In March, 18G(), Mr. Preston removed to Reynolds township, Lee county, living there on farm till spring of 1876, when he moved to Steward, Alto township, and engaged in the general goods business. April 2-1, 1861, he enlisted in Co. K, 20th 111. Vol. Inf., going at once to the front. January 4, 1864, he reenlisted as a veteran and marched with Sherman from Atlanta to the sea, and was mustered out July 24, 1865. He is a member of the I.O.O.F. and a republican in politics. October 3, 1866, he was married to Corrilla A. Coleman, widow William Coleman. Mrs. Preston has three children by first marriage. Mr. Preston carries a full line of general merchandise and also owns two residences and lots, is doing a prosj^erous business, and is among the leading business men of Steward.

Heney "W". Dunning, firmer, Creston, was born in Orange county, New York, February 23, 1828. He had the advantages of a common school, principally in his native state, where his youth till sixteen was spent on a farm ; moved to Tompkins county, New York. In 1843 he came west and located at Rockford, Illinois, and farmed for about five years, and then engaged in milling at New Milford, near Pocktbrd, for two years. In 1861 he n^moved to Lee county, locating in Alto township. He is a Master Mason and also belongs to the I.O.O.F. In politics he is a greeubacker. He was married in March 1856, to Emma A. Morse, who died in February 1866. He was again married, July 4, 1868, to Mary Millenger, from whom he was divorced in October 1876. In February, 1880, he was married to Louisa Bennett. He has two children. He has a 220 acre farm under good cultivation, and other property in Creston, Ogle county. Mr. Dunning is now permanently located at Creston. His son, Irving H., manages and lives- on the farm in Alto. Hattie M. (Mrs. B. Rice) now resides at Ellsworth, Kansas.

Caroline Hill, farmer, Creston, widow of Peter Hill, was born in Norway, August 31, 1826. She had limited common school advantages in Norway, where her j^outh was spent. She emigrated to America in 1849, landing in the city of New York and coming directly west to a Norwegian settlement on Fox river, La Salle county. In the spring of

1850 they went to Leland and bought eighty acres of land, remaining fifteen years. They then removed to Alto, Lee county, in 1865. She is a member of the Evangelical Lutheran church. Siie was married to Peter Hill in 1848. Mr. Hill died October 31, 1875, aged fifty-five years, leaving Mrs. Hill with ten children, three of whom are now married, and the other seven are at home. Mr. Hill was an invalid for many years, and the management of the farm largely depended on Mrs. Hill. The children are: Peter P., of Lee station; Ole, of Capron ; Julia Ann (Mrs. Thorson), of Alto; Caroline, Bertha M., Charles, Andrew O., Benjamin, "William P. and Nels at home.

Clang Osmundson, farmer, Creston, was born in Norway, February 17, 1834. He was educated in his native country, where his younger days were spent at home on a farm. He came to America in 1854, landing at Quebec, Canada, in June, and going directly to La Salle county, Illinois, where he remained about six years. He then removed to Fillmore county, Minnesota, staying about five years, and improving a farm. He then sold out, and in the spring of 1865 returned to Lee county, and located in Alto township. He has held several local town offices, and is a republican politically. He belongs to the Evangelical Lutheran church. On July 1, 1858, he was married to Carrie O. Hill, who died March 29, 1878. He has six children, and owns a good farm of 280 acres, well cultivated and stocked.

William S. Herriok, farmer and physician. Steward, was born in West Kandolph, Orange county, Vermont, May 3, 1838. His parents are both dead. He received common school and academic advantages in West Kandolph, Vermont, also attended the University of Vermont, at Burlington, through the sophomore year. Then going to Dartmouth College, Hanover, New Hampshire, he graduated in 1860 with the degree of A.B. He also graduated from Push Medical College, Chicago, in February 1866. He left Vermont in August 1860, going to Natchez, Mississippi, where he stopped a short time and then went to New Orleans, Louisiana, where he staid till December 1860, and returned north to Mendota, La Salle county, Illinois. In June, 1861, he commenced reading and the study of medicine with Dr. E. P. Cook, which he continued till July 1862, and then entered the quartermaster's department, under Gen. Buell, but returned to Chicago in October of the same year, and in December, 1862, entered the navy, enlisting as an able-bodied seaman. At Cairo, Illinois, he was promoted to hospital steward, serving as such and assistant surgeon till February 1865, when he was honorably discharged. Returning to Vermont he attended medical lectures at the University of Vermont, as before stated, a season of about four months. He then went to Chicago and attended Rush Medical College. After graduating he went to

Troy Grove, La Salle county, Illinois, and practiced for two years, and at Meriden, same county, one year. In the spring of 1869 he removed to Willow creek, Lee county, and in 1871 to Alto township, his present home, where he has been farming and practicing since. He is a Master Mason and in politics a republican. He was married in September 1870, to Lucy Ann Reams, widow of Charles Reams. She is the daughter of the late Robert Thompson. They have three daughters,

Hakmon Yan Patten, farmer. Steward, was born at Glenville, Schenectady county, New York, July 14, 1830. He received a good education in his native town and at Mount Morris Rock River Seminary, Illinois. His youth and early manhood, till twenty-two, was nearly all spent at Glenville on the farm. Coming west, he lived for about nine months in Detroit, Michigan, and then came to this county and located in Willow creek, being employed in a nursery for one year. In March, 1861, he located in Alto township, where he has since remained engaged in agricultural pursuits. He has held several town offices ; is a Master Mason, a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, and in politics is a republican. He was married March 17, 1861, to Hannah Nettleton, who died January 6, 1875. He was again married September 4-, 1878, to Nettie Fuller. They have five children. He has a farm of 280 acres.

William F. Carpenter, farmer. Steward, was born in Elmira, Chemung county. New York, March 25, 1838. His education was received partly in New York and partly in Illinois. Until about eighteen his youth was spent at Elmira on a farm. In March, 1856, he moved to Illinois, landing at Rochelle, wliere he remained one year and then came to Alto in 1857. He has been school director, is a member of the Baptist church, and is a republican in politics. In 1864 he was married to Gertrude Foster, who died January 17, 1872. He has a fine farm of 240 acres, under high cultivation. Mr. Carpenter has seen some trj^ing seasons since locating here, having lost his wife and two children by death. He has paid in an early day nearly as much for seed wheat as the crop brought, on account of failure of crops. Mr. Carpenter had, when starting, $300, and after hard work for a year, had his creditors pressed him, he would have been $500 in debt, but keeping on in his usual determined way, is now one of the substantial farmers of Alto township. In 1868, Mrs. Carpenters health failing, they started for Minnesota in the hope of regaining it, but in the spring of 1869 they returned, Mrs. Carpenter not being benefited. In the fiall of 1869 they went to California, remaining eighteen months, and returning in 1871 to their farm, where Mrs. Carpenter lingered till 18T2, when she died. Mr. Carpenter, with Miss Carrie Whitcorab (now Mrs. George Addj^, of Wisconsin), were the first to organize a Sundaj'-school in this township in the year 1858.

Gilbert F. Henning, farmer. Steward, was born at Piano, Kendall county, Illinois, May 5, 1847. His mother is still living, but his father died June 1881. Mr. Henning's father was one of the oldest settlers in Illinois, coming west in 1836. Mr. Henning received a common school education, mostly at Piano, where his youth and nianhood, till the age of twenty-four, was spent. In 1871 he moved to Alto. In politics he is a republican. He was married in October 1875, to Angie S. Lawton. They have one child, Burt. Mr. Henning has a 275 acre farm, and also owns an undivided half of 270 acres in Alto township, and 160 acres in Reynolds township. He is also half interest holder in the firm of Wesley Steward & Co., in the lumber and coal business. He also buys and ships grain and stock. He is an enterprising young business man, and stands well among his townsmen.

H. A. Robinson, postmaster and general store, Steward, was born in Onondaga county, New York, in 1841. His parents are both living. He received a common school education, partly in New York and partly in Illinois. Till fourteen his youth was spent in New York on a farni. In 1866 he removed to Illinois, locating at Paw Paw Grove, and engaged in the cultivation of hops, and also at the carpenter trade. One year was also spent in Bureau county. In 1871 he removed to Steward, Alto township, building the first store in the town, and commenced merchandising. He has held the oflice of town clerk four years, is a Master Mason, and in politics a republican. He was married February 1879, to Ceriah F: Morris. They have one child, Lester. Mr. Robinson has an eighty acre farm in Reynolds township, and carries a full line of general merchandise.

Not more than one or two sections of this township but that is under partial cultivation. A portion of what is known as Brush Grove is the only natural grove in Reynolds township. It is located on the north border line in the northwest corner; Reynolds township was first settled at this point. It is in surface a ridge of undulating or slightly rolling of about one half of the township, running through it from east to west. The north and south of this ridge of about the other half of township is fiat, and in some parts swampy and wet. The soil is a rich black loam. It has a good many miles of willow and maple hedge, making it appear to the unaccustomed visitor as covered with groves. There are quite a number of small' artificial groves of maple, willow aud walnut planted by its residents. There is to all appearance an inexhaustible stone quarry, located one mile from the east line and nearly in the middle of the township known as stone ridge. In an early day parties came for miles around and quarried stone free. It has had several owners, among them E,. M. Peile. It is now owmed by P. Culkin. The Illinois Central Railroad Company once sent an engineer corps to this place to test the strength, but found the stone at that time unfit for abutments.

The peculiar beauty and attractiveness of this township is the good class of outbuildings, fences, extra good water and roads, there being a strong feeling toward bringing this portion of Lee county up to the highest possible state of cultivation and value. Its inhabitants are above the average in culture and intelligence. It is claimed as an actual fact that although the youngest in the county as to settlement it is leading in almost every direction. It is only within a few years that the wild ducks and geese were so troublesome in these parts that dogs and boys were employed to save crops from their destruction, and even now they call in such numbers as to cover acres.

The early settlers were Sewell Reynolds, now living near Rochelle. Thomas Manier, living now in Wisconsin. Jonathan Whitehead moved to Iowa, and since dead. John Herrington also went to Iowa, and is now dead. Dudley C. Whitehead was an early settler, who moved to Iowa and has since died. Daniel Brink, jr., now living at Rochelle, was an earl}^ settler, as was Charles Gooch, now living on Sec. 17. The latter is one of the largest stock operators and farmers in this township.

There are eight school districts in the township, one of tliese being a union district, part of which is in Ogle count}^ The township has a school fund of nearly $9,000 with seven school-houses, all nearly new, costing about $5,000. The school trustees at present are J. C. Piper, George Baley, and Thomas Patterson.

Sewell Reynolds was the first settler in Rej^nolds township, locating in what is known as Brush Grove. Simeon Reynolds, now living six miles north of Rochelle, was the first child born in same. Nelson Morgan was the first death.

The electors of the township met April 5, 1859, at the school-house in district No. 1, and organized by choosing Peter Mills moderator, and R. M. Piele clerk. They then proceeded to elect the following ofiiers by ballot: for supervisor, Thomas Minier; town clerk, John C. Piper; assessor, Thomas Minier; collector, Dudley C. Whitehead; overseer of poor, Daniel Brink, jr. ; commissioners of highways, E. F. Gatten, Job Whitehead and David Douthett ; constables, Dudley

C. Whitehead and John C. Piper; justices of the peace, Peter Mills and Robert M. Piele. Thej then appointed E. F. Gatten, John Herrington and John C. Piper as a committee to divide the town into road districts. The present town officers are supervisor, E. Wiener ; town clerk, Thomas Paterson ; assessor, J. C. Piper ; collector, Jacob Yauple; commissioners of highways, George Boley, Francis O'Rorke and L, D. Wilcox ; constables, Eugene Horton and Charles Yauple ; justices of the peace, R. M. Piele and Charles Ashenbrenner.

The cabin, 12x16, six feet high, used and built as a residence by Horace Stearns, where the few first residents met to organize Reynolds township and select its first officers, still stands near its original location. It is now used as a pig-pen, and has been used as a corn-crib. The first meeting was small, and consisted in part of J. C. Piper, R. M. Piele, C. K Reynolds, Simeon Reynolds, Silas Shipee, W. M. Hawkins and others. The building is located on Sec. 10.

The Methodist Episcopal church of the Flats, located on the south line of Reynolds township and about four miles east of Bradford township, is a neat church building, 33x42, 16 feet high to eaves, and has a seating capacity for about 200. Previous to the building of this church a meeting was held in the fall of 1875 at the house of C. W. Ament, the following persons being present : F. F. Farmlow, C. W. Arnent, C. F. YanPatten, John A. Edgar, Daniel C. Miller, B. F. Parker. The meeting was opened by prayer, and after this resolutions were offered and passed toward an organization. F. F. Farmlow was chosen chairman and C. W. Ament secretary ; C. W. Ament was chosen clerk and treasurer, and he, with F. F. Farmlow, C. F. Yan Patten, John A. Edgar, Daniel C. Miller and B. F. Parker were elected as a building committee. They immediately went to work and a building as above described was ready for use that fall. Soon after the building was occupied meetings were held and church officers were chosen and elected, consisting of A. N. Dow, treasurer, C. F. Yan Patten, secretary, and John A. Edgar, C. W. Ament, A. N. Dow, C. F. YanPatten, B. F. Parker, trustees. Since its organization the church has been in a healthy and prosperous condition. It is now essentially free from debt. It has a Sabbath-school every Sunday, averaging forty members. The present officers are C. F. YanPatten, treasurer and clerk, John A. Edgar, Chester Fosgate, B. F. Parker, C. F. YanPatten, trustees. R. W. Records is its present pastor.

The Emanuel Church, of the Evangelical association (German), is beautifully situated in Reynolds township, one mile east of Bradford town line and four miles south of the Ogle county line. At a meeting of fifteen members held in the school-house in district No. 4, Januarj^ 5, 1872, steps were taken toward building a church edifice. C. Gagstetter was chosen chairman and Ernst Wiener secretary. A committee was then appointed to canvass and see whether funds could be raised to build the church and repoi-t. The committee met at a subsequent meeting held at the same place, January 20, 1872, and reported favorably. They then appointed a building committee, as follows : John Kersten, George Sandrock, George Boley, Martin "Wagner and Ernst Wiener. At the same meeting trustees were elected, as follows : Ernst Wiener, George Kersten, John Neuman, George Sandrock and George Boley ; Ernst Wiener was chosen treasurer, John Kersten president, and George Boley secretary of building committee. The building is 34x50, 18 feet high to eaves, having a steeple with bell about 18 feet in height. The seating capacity is about 400. The cost of building and furnishing was about $4,000. It is now (1881) being renovated, the interior all being replaced by wood ceiling, at a cost of about $900. It will then be one of the neatest country churches in Lee county. Its present pastor is A. Goetschel : the trustees are E. Wiener, George Boley, John Greise, Geoi'ge Kersten and Martin Wagner. The Sunday-school averages about 150, The church was dedicated October 13, 1872, clear of debt, by raising $1,100.82. The church and Sabbathschool are in a very flourishing condition.

BIOGRAPHICAL. Robert M. Peile, farmer. Steward, was born in County Kilkenny, Ireland, March 7, 1832. His parents died from cholera in 1848. He was liberally educated in County Waterford. His youth, till nineteen years of age, was spent at school. November 1, 1850, he removed to this country, landing at Boston, Massachusetts. He soon came to Illinois, locating at Mendota, and taught school near there for two years. He then removed to Reynolds township (then called Brooklyn), and was among the first to introduce the herding of cattle in this county. He commenced herding 900, and has had 2,700 under his care at one time. While herding in June, 1801, the tornado of that year struck this section, devastating the country and killing many cattle and other stock. He has held nearly all important offices in the township, has bought and sold several thousand acres of land, improving a part of the same and bringing it up to a high state of cultivation. He has now a fine farm of 320 acres. Mr. Peile assisted largely in recruiting men during the late civil war. He was married May 31, 1853, to Mary Landers, who died February 14, 1872. He married again, June 17, 1874, Lydia J. Banning. He has six children, four by first and two by second marriage. Mr. Peile is a nephew of the late Robert

Moore Peile, M.D., F.R.C.S., and inspector-general of hospitals to the forces in Ireland, senior surgeon to the Richmond hospital and house of industry, and consulting surgeon to Dr. Stevens' hospital. This eminent man died February 4, 1858, aged ninety-three years. Mr. Peile is the oldest settler residing in this township. In June, 1880, his barn, 100x50, blew down during a tornado, also several trees. He has since rebuilt. He has now about 200 head of cattle and 100 sheep. Mr. Peile has one of the finest maple groves in Lee county, the plants for which were brought from Des Moines, Iowa, about fifteen years ago. His farm has fine hedge fences of osage and willow. He is one of the best known men in Reynolds, if not in Lee county. The names of Mr, Peile's children are: Maria M., Mrs. A, V. Sanborn, of Steward; Ellen R., Mrs. William B. Sutlifi", of Beatrice, Nebraska ; Kittie A., John J., Minnie E. and Lydia J.

Martha E. Sandeock, farmer, Ashton, was born in Hesse-Cassel, Germany, August 16, 1835, and is widow of George Sandrock. She was educated in Germany, going to school from the age of six to fourteen years. In 1848 her father with family (except herself, then living with grandparents,) emigrated to America. After her school days Mrs. Sandrock went out to work till nearly twenty-two years of age. She then emigrated, landing at the city of New York in 1857, coming directly w^est and locating in Bradford township. She removed to Reynolds on October 4, 1867. She belongs to the Evangelical Association. She was married to Mr. Sandrock June 6, 1857. Her maiden name was Thiele. She has five children living. Mr. Sandrock died suddenly from lung fever, March 7, 1872, being sick only ten daj's. Since then Mrs. Sandrock and children have managed the farm, with a little hired help during harvest. She has had much sickness in the family since her husband's death, and has had a struggle to meet payments, there being $5,400 due at Mr. Sandrock's death, but is now in a fair way to have all clear in two years. She has a 240 acre farm well under cultivation and fairly stocked. The children are George, Charles, Christina, Annie C. and William.

Martin Wagner, farmer, Ashton, was born in Hesse-Cassel, Germany, June 18, 1836. His parents are both dead. He had the usual school advantages from six to fourteen years of age in Germany. His youth till eighteen was spent in his native country. He w^as a tailor for three years. He emigrated to America in 1854, landing in the city of New York and coming directly west he located at Lee Center. Remaining there two years he engaged at his trade as tailor, and then he went to Chinatown and engaged at farming, working out five years and renting two years. He then moved to Reynolds township. He has held several local town ofiices and is a member of the Evangelical association. He is a republican in politics. Mr. Wagner was married in March 1863, to Martha Henert, They have six children. He has a 240 acre farm under good cultivation.

John Trotter, farmer. Flag Station, Ogle county, was born in Scotland, January 3, 1835. His parents died while crossing the ocean emigrating to America, nearly 300 out of 400 passengers dying from ship fever on the passage. Mr. Ti'otter had a partial education in Scotland, but finished at Newburg Seminary, Vermont. His youth till thirteen was spent in Scotland at school. In the year 1848 he emigrated to America, landing at Quebec, Canada, June 4; remained till November. His father being a high Mason and having died on the way over with his wife and three children, he was taken in charge by Masons of Quebec, and correspondence commenced with friends in Scotland, who were thus found living in Orange county, Yermont. These came and took charge of the children. Mr. Trotter remained in Yermont about three years, working summers and attending school winters. He then went to Massachusetts, acting as foreman of hands engaged in cutting timber, and remained about one 3^ear. He then returned to Yermont and attended the Newbury Seminary till 1855, going in November of the same 3^ear to Rockton, Illinois. Here he worked summers and taught winters till the spring of 1860. In February of that year he removed to Reynolds township and farmed till the fall of 1862, when he enlisted in Co. I, 14th 111. Cav., remaining till the close of the war. He has since been teaching, buying grain and farming. He was town assessor for five years; was census enumerator in 1880, and is a republican in politics. He was married July 6, 1873, to Sarah Patterson. They have three children. The house now occupied by Mr. Trotter is the first one built in Reynolds township by C. N. Reynolds.

George Boley, farmer, Ashton. Mr. Boley was born in Germany, April 14, 1834. He was in school from six to fourteen in Germany, and spent his youth till sixteen at home. After this for about six years he worked out among farmers. When nearly twenty-three years of age he emigrated to America, landing in New York city in May 1857 ; came directly west and located at Franklin Grove. Here he worked out among farmers for about eighteen months, and then rented land in Lee Center for three years. He removed to Bradford township, living three years, and then located in Reynolds. He has held local town offices for over sixteen years. Mr. Baley is a member of the Evangelical association, and has always been a republican. He was married in October 1854, to Catharine Bawer. They have three sons, George W., William, and Jacob, and three daughters, Martha E., Catharine, and Mary. He has a 160 acre farm well cultivated and stocked.

Chas. Gooch, farmer, Asliton, was born in the county of Suffolk, England, September 1, 1835, but removed with his parents to Somersetshire when two years old. Here he remained till 1855, and then emigrated to America, landing in the city of New York June 12, 1855. He came directly to Ogle county, Illinois, via Rockford, and commenced work for Henry Mix at spile-driving on Rock river. There being a disagreement as to wages, Mr, Gooch engaged a ferry, continuing about six weeks, and then went to Beloit, Wisconsin, to see a brother whom he had not seen for live years. His brother was foreman in a stone quarry and he went to work for four weeks with him. Then both went about four miles east of Beloit and worked about twelve months on the Racine & Mississippi railroad. In the winter of 1856 he went to Rockton and was engaged that winter in feeding stock, going in April to Ashton and working for William Hodges in a stone quarry for about three years until Mr. Hodges died. He then commenced farming, renting land of Col. John Dement in the spring of 1861 at Washington Grove, remaining there four years. He then rented a farm of Col. Dement in Reynolds township for four years, and then he bought it and lived there four years. He then bought the next adjoining land, his present home and farm, of M. J. Braiden. Mr. Gooch is now owner of one of the best sections in Reynolds township. His mother is still living, is ninety-one years old, and hale and hearty. He has been school director for seventeen years ; is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, and a republican. He was married April 23, 1855, to Charlotta Gardner. They have eight children. When Mr. Gooch landed in Chicago in 1855 he had but $2 as a starter.

Margaret Yaupel, widow of John Yaupel, farmer, Steward, was born in Baden, Germany, March 25, 1833. She went to school till thirteen years of age, then for nine years was employed as house servant in different homes, remaining from one to three years in a place. She emigrated and arrived in the city of New York July 1855, going directly to Mendota. Here she remained a short time and then went to Amboy and remained one year employed in a hotel, going then to Binghamton, near Amboy, where she was employed in a hotel, where she married Mr. Yaupel, who was employed in a plow shop. After marriage Mrs. Yaupel took in washing, beside her household duties. They remained between two and three years, and a short time at Sublette, then removed to Bradford township and rented a small farm, remaining about five years. He then came to Reynolds and bought eighty acres near the Evangelical church, living there about five years. Here Mr. Yaupel died in 1868. Previous to his death he sold the eighty acres and bought 160 acres about four miles directly east in Reynolds at $50 per acre. Mrs. Yaupel being left with seven small children from three months to twelve years of age, and fearing payments could not be met, sold back eighty acres at $40 per acre, leaving the eighty costing $60 per acre. The first two years after her husband's death she kept hired help during the summer. After this, Mrs. Yaupel with the children struggled alone until all of the $2,800 debt was paid. She then bought 160 acres more at an average of $45 per acre. She has paid $1,600 on one 80, and on the other $800. Her second son is tax collector. They are members of the Evangelical association and are among the industrious and worthy farmers of this tow^nship.

John Griese, farmer, Ashton, was born in Hainebach, Germany, April 15, 1831. His father and mother, both seventy-four years old, are living with Mr. Griese. He received the usual education given in Germany, and his youth and early manhood till thirty-three years old, except five j^ears in the German army, were spent at home on the farm. He came to America in 1864, landing in New York city, and came to Reynolds township, Sec. 19, Lee county, the same year. He has been collector two years, school director two terms. Is a member of the German Evangelical association, and in polities is a republican. He was married April 1857, to Dora Lizzie Ivlunchmidt. They have four children. He has a 250 acre farm stocked and under good cultivation.

Eenst Wiener, farmer, Ashton, was born in Hesse-Cassel, Germany, March 24, 1834. He attended school in Germany from six to fourteen, and spent two years at Bremen painting. The rest of the time till 1858 he was at home on the farm. On his arrival in America he came to Lee Center, Lee county, Illinois, i-emaining about two years, and then came to Bradford township and afterward to Reynolds, in 1864. He has held the office of school trustee three years, town clerk six years, school treasurer four years, and supervisor two years. He is a leading member of the Evangelical association, and is a republican. He was married in 1860, to Elizabeth Huhnstock, and has a fine family of eight children (one married). Just in harvest time in 1878, about a month after finishing a new barn, it caught fire by some unknown cause and burned up with its contents, including several colts. It has since been rebuilt. He has a 200 acre farm, well stocked and under good cultivation. Mr. "Wiener lives near the Evangelical church building in Reynolds township, and was mainly instrumental in its erection. Lie is one of the leading farmers in the township.

Henry Speek, farmer, Ashton, was born in Wurtemburg, Germany, June 11, 1820. He attended school in Germany till fourteen years of age, after this he hired out and worked on a farm till he was twenty-six. He then emigrated to America, landing in the city ot New York. Going at once to Buffalo, he hired out as a wood-chopper at 37|- cents per cord, pajnng 25 cents per day for board, working one winter. In the spring he engaged in a shingle-mill at $8 per month and board, remaining two or three years. He then engaged in a sawmill and worked abont three years. Then he removed to Illinois, locating in Bradford township, working one 3'ear for John Gatner. He then rented the farm, Mr. Gatner furnishing one pair of oxen the first year, and a pair of horses the next. He remained on this farm about ten years, having cleared $600 and his team. He then bought his present home of 120 acres. May 11, 1854, he married Mena Kept. They are members of the Evangelical association. They have two children, Hannah and George, and have lost four by death. His farm is clear from debt, and is under good cultivation.

J. A. Gkiese, farmer, Ashton, was born in Hainebach, Germany, November 4, 1838, and attended school from six to fourteen, and then till eighteen lielped his father on the farm. His parents are both living. In 1857 they came to America, landing in thecity of Baltimore, Maryland, with $80 capital. Coming directly west to Franklin Grove, he hired out as farm hand during the summer and hauled wood in the winter, going ten miles for his load and chopping the same himself. He continued in this work about five years, after which he rented eighty acres, vvorking it for four years. While working the rented farm he first bought eighty and after forty acres and fenced the same and built himself a house. At the expiration of his rented farm in 1866 he bought more land, and moved on his farm where he is now living. He has held several local town offices, is a leading member of the Evangelical association, and is a republican. He was married February 28, 1863, to Anna Katy Kerst. They have seven children and a farm of 447 acres well under cultivation.

Lydia a. Hoeton, widow of Nelson J. Horton, farmer, Rochelle. Mrs. Horton was born September 29, 1832, in Otsego county. New York, and spent her youth till fourteen at school. About 1847 she moved with her parents to Bradford county, Pennsylvania. In 1851 she was married to Mr. Horton, and came west, locating in Ogle count}^ and remained till 1863, when they removed to the present home. In October, 1861, Mr. Horton enlisted in Co. H, 46th reg. 111. Yols. (Capt. Stevens), and served through the war, being honorably discharged as a veteran. He went from Fort Henry to Mobile, the last struggle of the war. On his return he was found to be bi'oken in health. Everything was done to raise him, but he continued an invalid. In January, 1877, Mr. and Mrs. Horton, after selling all their personal eftects, rented their farm and went to Wisconsin, hoping to regain his health. He lingered till June 19, 1878, on their way toward home. He died from hemorrhage of the lungs on the cars.

The first settlements in China township were made at or near the head of what is now known as Franklin Grove. In June, 1835, Cyrus Chamberlain, Lockwood Minor and Col. Nathan Whitney arrived in Dixon. These parties were formerly near neighbors in Genesee county. New York. Whitne}^, a few years before this, had moved into Ohio. Chamberlain located a claim near Grand Detonrin wliat is now Nachusa township, and Minor stopped with him. Mr. Whitney came along the north side of the grove to near the present site of Franklin, but not finding running water he made no claim, nor did he see or hear of any others who had claimed in this vicinity. He returned to Ohio in July, and in the fall came back to Rocky Falls, Whitesides county, where he spent considerable time looking for a good location. He wintei'ed in Joliet, and in the spring of 1836 he again visited this vicinity, this time claiming a large piece of prairie three-quarters of a mile square, the farm now owned by his son, A. R. Whitney ; he also bought a timber claim of twenty-eight acres. Mr. Whitney hired about ten acres of prairie broke in August. After arranging with Lockwood Minor for the breaking of twenty acres the following June, he again went back to Ohio, where he spent the winter of 1836-7. In the meantime a few families had settled at the head of the grove. The first who made claims there were James Holly and Cliarles Harrison. This was in 1835. They soon sold out to Adam Yroman and went to Iowa. The same year David Holly with his family settled on the S.W. ^ Sec. 35, T. 22, China. His house was built where Jacob Miller lives, and Cummins Noe settled on the Creek south of the grove about one and a quarter miles west of the railroad depot at Franklin Grove, and about eighty rods north and a little west of Henry Hansen's house. Early in 1836 Edward Morgan, from Indiana, settled farther up in the grove near the middle of the S. ^ of Sec. 27, T. 22, China. Late in August or early in September, 1836, Nathaniel C. Yale and his family, of New York, came here and moved into a log house which stood nearly opposite the " Dunkard " church, on what is now David Lahman's premises. This house was built by James Holl}^ Here they lived till the spring of 1839, when they moved to the south side of the grove. When the Yales came there were three families, numbering sixteen souls, living at the grove : Cnmmins Noe, his wife and two children ; David Holly and wife, and father, Jesse Holly, two children, and Samuel Ayerhart, who lived with them ; Edward Morgan and wife, his three children, and Nicholas Kinraan, a nephew of Morgan. In the spring of 1836 Cyrus R. Minor, father of Lockwood Minor, came to the new settlement, and from a man named Brown bought a claim to eighty acres of timber and " all the prairie he could see." In the following December Minor came west with his family. During this month they lived with Morgan. January 1, 1837, the family moved into their new house, which was built on the corner east of the Hughes' Hotel, where Gabriel Miller lives. This j)rimitive dwelling had neither floor nor windows, and for a door a blanket was used. Rails were laid down upon which to place the bedding.

In March of 1837 Jeremiah Whipple came with his family in wagon from western New York. Otis Timothy, then a young man, drove his team from Buflalo, leaving there the latter part of January. Whipple was ont here in 1836 with a buggy, and at that time made arrangements with Jesse Holly for the construction of a saw-mill, for which he (Whipple) brought machinery on his return in 1837. Joseph, a bachelor brother of Jeremiah Whipple, came out with him, and lived in the family for several years. They settled in the grove near the creek, near what is now known as " Whipple's cave." In July of this year Nathan Whitney returned to his claim accompanied by Jacob John. They went to work getting out timber for a house to be built on Whitney's claim. This is said to have been the first frame-house between Chicago and the Mississippi river; it was framed and partly inclosed in the fall of 1837, and completed the following spring. It was put up at a great cost of labor and money (for those times). All the lumber not made by hand was purchased in Chicago at nearly $200 per thousand. The family of Mr. Whitney arrived from Ohio in February of 1838, and lived in the "Noe house" (log) on the south side of the grove till the new house was completed ; this is now used by A. R. Whitney for a vinegar house. Jacob John, who had a family, settled where Joshua Lohman now lives.

In 1848 Harrison and W. Henry Hansen came from Maine, also Philip Stahl. The three purchased a large claim from Erastus De Wolf, which the}' paid for chiefly in labor. Most of it is land now owned by the Hausens, wlio live west of the village of Franklin Grove. It was first claimed by Noe, by whom it was sold to Bowman, of whom it was bought by De Wolf, who, after disposing of it, settled farther south on the Lee Center and Dixon road.

In 1839 Thomas Brown came here with DeWolf, the latter having been here before, and made a large claim, intended for a Rhode Island colony. Dr. Gardner was also connected with this projected enterprise, but the original plan was not carried out. In 1838 Amos Hussey, ot Pennsylvania, with his wife and two children, came to the grove in a wagon. He lived in the "Noe house," on the south side of the grove, during the winter, 1838-9, and then moved to near where he is now living, a few rods north of the corporation of Franklin Grove, and built there soon after. The same year Silas P. Tolinan located a few rods east of where the Methodist Episcopal church stands, and bought from A. Vroman a claim to half a section. About this time James Holly returned from Iowa, and, together with Hussey, bought from Yroman a large tract, for which they paid $1,400. In 1839 F. DeWolf claimed the E. i Sec. 24, T. 21, China, the south half of which he entered. E. 0. Thomas, who settled in the grove, a family of Coopers, Michael Brewen, or " Little Mike," as he w^as called, and John Durfee, were early settlers. The Coopers at first lived near the mill-dam, in JSTachusa township, on land now owned by Samuel Lahman. Mike made a claim east of the grove, and Durfee settled south of Whitney, where Gilbert lives. In 1843 W, C. Robinson claimed his farm in Sec. 10, T. 21, on the south side of the Dixon and Lee Center road, and built on the same. In this year C. Lahman and family came, in company with the Emmerts, all of Pennsylvania. Lahman settled on the farm now owaied by his son David, a little north of A. Hussey, having bought the property from J. Holly, who then left the settlement. Then only the Hollys, Morgan and Ayerhart lived on tlie north side of the grove. Two or three years after his arrival Emmert built a grist-mill on the creek, wdiich in a few years was bought by the Lalimans, who ran it many years. In 1844 the Riddelsbargers came, and settled on the north side of the grove. From this time till 1854 the settlement grew^ slowly, but when the railroad came through there w^as a marvelous change.

Most of the first settlers came from their eastern homes in wagons, sometimes drawn by four-horse teams. Their life at that period was simple and earnest. The spot they had chosen for their homes was one of the fairest portions of Illinois. None thought that the beautiful prairie spread out around them would ever all be settled. Fi-anklin Grove, around which tliey built their cabins, was so named, it is said, after the youngest son of " Father Dixon."

The creek which flows through it into the Rock river affords much picturesque scenery. Along its banks, in places, the sandstone walls reach a height of fifty feet. The beauty of this stream is unsurpassed, if equaled, by anything in northern Illinois, excepting only a little of the Illinois river. " The different varieties of oak, hickory, walnut, elm, cherry, maple, and the soft woods except pines were found here in large trees by the early settlers. Much of the large timber has been cut off, and some of the ground is now tilled, but the area of the grove b}' the growth of young trees has been increased." For several years after the pioneers came deer were seen in the grove ; there were also a

Tragedy

TRAGEDY. The history of China records but one criminal murder, and this, too, in the pure, primitive days. In the fall of 1847, or early the following winter, Moody Thompson, a widower, had bought a small place on the bank of the creek, in the grove, about one and a half miles " west of town." During the winter Thompson lived with the family of whom he had purchased. In June this family left for St. Charles, Illinois. Thompson being alone, sent for his friend Olig Gamerson to come and stay with him. Accordingly on Wednesday evening the latter went, having come from Inlet that afternoon. On the following Saturday Jacob Wingert, while out hunting, had occasion to call at their dwelling. He found their dead bodies in bed, where they had been brutally murdered with their own axe. Their heads were split open, and they had apparently died without a struggle. Their chest was found broken open and rifled of its contents. Gold coin to the amount of $60 or $70 was found remaining in the chest. Wednesday evening Thompson had been to Mr. Riddelsbarger's to get a bag of corn. He was not seen alive after this; but one feed for his hogs seemed to have been taken out of the bag of corn. It is thought they were murdered on the night Gamerson came. This was only three days after the family left to go to St. Charles. They were ISTorwegians by birth, and had been known here for nearly a year. They were thought to be upright and peaceable. Considerable effort was made to find the criminal or criminals, but the perpetrator of the crime has never been found, and a veil of mystery hangs over the horrible deed.

For several years the dwellers at the grove got along without a school-house of any kind. One of the settlers of 1836 says that Louisa Cooper taught a school near Whipple's, about 1839; and the next was taught by Lorenzo Whiting, in a little log cabin in Tolman's timber; the next in a little log house on the south side of the grove, by Harry Godger. One winter Nathan Whitmore taught a school in the house of T. L. Minor. He was hired by a club of boys in the neighborhood. Girls and small boys were excluded. John M. Crawford at quite an early day taught in the James Holly log house. In 1851 the log school-house was built a little east of where Amos Ilussey is living. The settlers each hauled a certain number of logs. One of their number is reported to have said : " By G - d if there is going to be any quarreling about this, I will jerk my logs out."

The town of China was organized under the state law April 2, 1850. It was previousl}^ called Fremont. Russel Lynn, an early settler in the south part of the township, whose native township in Maine was China, urged the adoption of that name. China originally included T. 21, and the S. i and Sees. 17 and 18 of T. 22 K, E. 10 E. of the 4tli P. M. In 1870 the west half was set off as the town of Naeliusa, leaving the present area of China nine by three miles. Town meetings were held at the house of II. S. Buckman till 1855, and subsequently, with two exceptions, for several years at the Hughes Hotel. At the first meeting Geo. It. Linn was elected supervisor, receiving thirty votes; Josiah Wheat, clerk, forty-five votes; Christian Lahman, assessor, thirty-nine votes ; Moses Curtis, collector, tw^enty-two votes ; overseer of the poor, B. Hunnura ; commissioners of highwaj^s, Jesse Hale, W. C. Robinson, Nathan Whitney ; justice of the peace, Robt. B. Sprout ; Moses S. Curtis and W. C. Robinson, constables. Forty-six was the highest number of votes cast for any one ofiice. At this meeting the town was divided into ten highway districts; a fence law was passed ; decided measures were adopted to prevent stock from running at large. At the next annual meeting seventy-seven was l^ie highest vote cast for any ofiice. At a special meeting held at the Plughes Hotel, March 1865, seventy-six votes were cast for raising a bounty, and three votes were cast against the same. The census of 1880 shows for China, exclusive of the village of Franklin Grove, a population of 681 souls. There are six school districts in the township. China is strongly republican in politics, having given, in the election of 1880, 196 votes for Garfield, 97 for Hancock, and but 5 for the Iowa candidate. Of 262 votes polled at a general election in 1870, 199 were republican. There were then about 450 legal voters in the township. In 1873 China had 90 per cent less delinquent tax than any other township in the county of Lee. Besides her fine farms, large and costly barns, elegant houses, China has for several years been noted for blooded stock, including cattle, sheep, swine, and less notably, horses. In 1854: or 1855 C. Lahman brought some high-grade short-horns from southern Illinois. Henry Hansen commenced improving his cattle soon after with good results. In 1867 Henry Hansen and Samuel Dysart brought the first thoroughbred cattle here from central Illinois. These were short-horns. In 1871 Joseph Lahman began breeding that kind of stock. Mr. Dysart now has a herd of about fifty, one of the finest in the state. He has at difiTerent times taken many diplomas. Twice at the Iowa state fair his herd has come oflf victorious. In 1873 Mr. Dysart, at five different fairs in northern Illinois, took thirty-five first premiums, and eighteen second premiums, in a total of thirty-nine contests, losing only four first premiums. These and other similar victories have made the "Pines Stock Farm" one of the most noted in the northwest. In the fall of 1873 Mr. Hansen took premiums at Rochelle, Illinois, on everything he had on exhibition from the "Grove Stock Farm." Mr. Hansen has recently sold his entire herd. The breeding of choice swine and sheep has been pursued by several stockmen and farmers. In 1870 Sam. Dysart introduced the first pure-bred Berkshire swine. The varieties of sheep include Cotswolds, Merinos, and Lesters. Horses for speed were bred by Dr. Hewitt and George Gilbert. The Norman and Clydesdale blood is now being introduced. From these and other sources the improvement of stock has been much advanced. The assessment value of stock in China township in 1875 was $70,000.

Tree culture had here an early history. In 1843 Father Whitney established the Franklin Grove nursery, and began grafting on stock raised from seed that was brought from Ohio in 1838. In 1846 he sent forth his first advertisement. From that time until the present his nursery has had a steady growth, until now he has an orchard covering more than a hundred acres. He also added other fruits, and ornamental shrubs and trees. This, at present, is an attractive spot. To this nursery, and the thrift and enterprise of residents in this vicinity, must be attributed the beauty of shade and ornamental trees for miles around. In September of 1872 W, H. Hansen shipped to the Iowa state fair ninety-seven varieties of apples and fifteen varieties

Military

Of the noble war record of Lee county China claims a full share. Two companies were organized at Franklin Grove. Besides these, several men went from China in other regiments. Co. G, 75th 111. Inf., enlisted at the grove, and organized by choosing Joseph Williams captain ; David Sanford first lieutenant, and Robert L. Irwin second lieutenant. They were mustered into the United States service August 22, 1862, with the legal number of non-commissioned ofticers and seventy privates. We do not know how man^^ of these were from China, as it then existed ; but probably much the greater part, if not neari}^ all, were from this township. At Perry ville, Kentucky, the 75th suff'ered terribly. Here, in their first fight, twenty-two of Co. G fell. Co. C, 35th 111. Yol. Inf., was organized at Springfield, Illinois; mustered into the United States service for three years September 7, 1861 ; reenlisted as veterans December 23, 1863. The original officers were: captain, Alexander P. Dysart, promoted major April 18, 1862, colonel 1863, resigned July 1863 ; first lieutenant, Benson Wood, promoted captain May 1, 1862, resigned January 29, 1863 ; second lieutenant,

Daniel Riley, promoted first lieutenant May 1, 1862, wounded 1863 ; sergeants: fii'st, Peter F. Walker, promoted second lieutenant May 1, 1862, captain January 26, 1863, major October 5, 1864; Adaniram Keen, discLarged August 5, 1862; Lindsey Black, veteran, promoted first sergeant July 20, 1863, first lieutenant October 5, 1864; David A. Glenn, discharged January 15, 1862; Wesley J. Williams, promoted first sergeant May 1, 1862, second lieutenant January 20, 1863, first lieutenant January 30, 1863, resigned October 5, 1864; corporals: B. F. Dysart, promoted quartermaster-sergeant September 9, 1862, second lieutenant Co. C, January 29, 1863, resigned October 5, 1864; John 0. Lahman, promoted sergeant February 1862 ; Samuel S. Worley, veteran, reduced per request; William Seitz, promoted sergeant January 1, 1863, wounded at Stone River; Sidney Davis, tratisferred to the regular service December 10, 18f)2 ; George E. Crumb, Thomas Flynn, and Samuel Fish. Of this company the following deaths are noticed : Daniel Riley, first lieutenant, January 20, 1863, from wounds ; J. Lindsley Black, first lieutenant, March 19, 1863; Charles Santee, killed November 31, 1862; Jacob C. Sunday, July 20, 1864; Henry Hoifmaster, May 17,1862; John Fahey, killed April 7,1862; John Adams, December 19, 1861 ; Charles H. Evans, June 1862; Jeremiah H. Stevens, killed December 31, 1862; Geoi'ge W. Schmucker, June 17, 1864; Joseph Lascert, killed June 27, 1864; John Rousch, 1«63 ; George W. Conrad, killed May 19, 1865; Luther D. Wood, April 28, 1865 ; Aurelius Gaslin, 1864. Of the 115 about 30 did not live in China township when they enlisted. The larger part of these came from Ashton ; a few from Ogle county. During their service the company were in more than twenty engagements, beginning with "bloody Shiloh" and ending with Goldsboro and Raleigh, North Carolina, including the siege of Corinth, Mississippi, Stone River, Tennessee, Kenesaw Mountain and Peach Tree Creek, Georgia, siege of Atlanta, march through Georgia, and the Carolina campaign.

The village of Franklin Grove is situated in the N.E. J Sec. 1, T. 21, R. 10. The first movement toward making a town here was in 1848 or 1849, when Christian Lahman, who owned the southern part of what is now Franklin, laid out in lots about ten acres in the southwestern part of the village. The only building then in this vicinity was the Minor House, which was used by various parties as a hotel until the new one was built on the same site.

In 1851 George W. Pense came to this place, and built a blacksmith shop near the corner south of the hotel. At the same time Webster came, who succeeded Thomas in the hotel. Davis also came, and moved into the Minor log house. In the fall of 1851, or the following spring, Webster built a stone building for a store on the corner west of where

George Engel is living. In this building Charles Ambrose opened a dry-goods store, and L. Yale clerked for him. In 1852 Charles Bill put up the first shoe shop, and Dr. Clark put up a barn where Charles Hansen is living. In May of 1851: H. I. Lincoln brought a stock of goods from Kendall county, and bought from L. Yale the store occupied by Ambrose. Ambrose then built for a store the present residence of F. A. Zoeller; sold out to Lahman & Bill ; went to Texas in 1855, and soon died of consumption. All who knew him speak highly of the pioneer merchant. In 1856 Lahman sold out his interest to Bill, and built a large store on the corner, now occupied by the residence of G. Miller. He failed the same fall, and was closed out at auction. He is now a successful farmer in one of the western states.

The first post-office was established about 1848. A. Brown was the first postmaster, A. R. Whitney mail carrier. The route then was from Rockford to Peru. "Whitney brought the mail once a week from Dixon on horseback ; for this he received half the emoluments of the office, which amounted the first quarter to thirty-seven cents. Dr. Clark was the second incumbent, and during his term the name of the office was changed to Chaplain. A. R. Whitney received the next appointment. His deputies were Ambrose, Bill and Merritt. Whitney's gross receipts for the first quarter amounted to only $4.75. In May of 1854 Dr. George W. Hewitt located here, and sold drugs on a small scale. A. L. Merritt soon succeeded him in this line of business, and in the fall of 1855 John C. Black located here and bought in with Merritt. The next year Black was made postmaster.

Franklin Grove had now fully attained the dignity of a country village. But in the meantime the new town had begun to develop. This was laid out in 1853, by A. W. Tolman, C. Lahman, and F. D. Robertson, The land in the northern part was owned by Tolman, the other by Lahman. In 1854 the Dixon Air Line of the Chicago & Galena Union railroad was completed through here, and the first regular train run to Dixon December 3, 1854. The same day A. B. Fitch came and began as agent for the railroad company. This position he has held nearly ever since. This fall Reuel Thorp built one of the first houses in the new town, and began in the grain business. Joseph Williams built on Spring street where Thomas lives. L. M. Blaisdell built on next lot south. At this time Simmons was living in a little house where Gilbert now lives. W. J. Leake started a harness shop in the small building now occupied by U. C. Roe for an office and medicine room. The building was then owned by John D. Chambers, who worked for Leake. In 1854 Williams put up the first building on Elm street south of the railroad. This was an elevator on the site of Smith's new elevator. In the rear of this building he kept a small grocery store. S. J. Smith & Co. and L. M. Blaisdell began in the lumber business. In the winter of 1854-5 Rufus Covell came from Rochelle and started a small furniture store just south of William's elevator. The following spring Robert Scott built on Spring street, where Dr. Roe, jr., now lives, and also the warehouse now owned by H. I. Lincoln ; Conrad Durkes built on Elm street, and in the fall brought a stock of dry goods from Oregon, Ogle county, the first sold in the new town. Mix & Losey built the store on the corner of Whitney and Elm streets, and a few weeks later began selling dry goods. Lagerquist opened the first shoe shop ; Jonas Clisbee built, for a hotel, the house in which Dr. IJ. C. Roe lives, and this year Josiah Hughes put up his three-story stone hotel building in the old town of Chaplain. The work on this building was done by George Engel, who came to the town in 1855. The men who settled the village of Franklin Grove were young or in the prime of life. They had small means, but were energetic. The changes that have occurred here in business circles are too numerous to mention. Rufus Covell went to Iowa in the spring of 1864, and died there near his home at Nevada the following August, Mix is living in Oregon, Ogle county, a retired merchant. Losey returned to Ohio, and died of consumption soon after he settled here. When the town was incorporated the streets had received but little attention. The names of those running north and south, naming from the west, are State, Spring, Elm, Walnut, and Sycamore; from the north, North, Middle, Whitney, Franklin, South, and Lahman.

Incorporation

In 1857 the town of Franklin Grove was incorporated under a general law in force at that date. On May 11, 1857, the citizens of the incorporated district met to vote on the question of incorporation ; and after a president and clerk were sworn, 36 votes were cast for and 17 against incorporation. Josiah Hughes, Jonas Clisbee, L. M. Blaisdell, S. J. Smith and A. W. Tolman were elected trustees, with L. M. Blaisdell president ; S. J. Smith was chosen clerk, and Jonas Clisbee was appointed street commissioner for the ensuing year. The boundaries of the corporation corresponded to those of the N.E. ^ of Sec. 1, T. 21. At a meeting on October 6, 1857, a petition signed by fifteen citizens was presented, calling for sidewalks on some of the principal streets. October 8 it was ordered that a tax of fifty cents on the liun dred dollars be levied on all real estate for building sidewalks, crosswalks, etc. December 28 C. Durkes was appointed treasurer of the corporation. At a meeting May 12, 1858, the following financial report was adopted: bills allowed and ordered paid, $161.17; moneys received, $124.97 ; dues unpaid, $34.05. In 1864 alleys were opened and about two miles of sidewalk was laid.

A special charter for the town of Franklin Grove was approved by the state legislature in February 1865. It provided for the election of six councilmen and a president, a police magistrate and a town constable, each for four years ; and fixed the date for the first election under the same March 1, 1865. The limits of the town were but slightly changed, a small strip south of the i-ailroad on the east side being omitted. Small additions have since been made on the southern side.

The first election under the new charter resulted in the choice of C. Durkes for president ; Josiah Hughes, J. J. Lichty, Joseph Williams, Jonas Clisbee, Geo. W. Brayton and Geo. H. Taylor were elected councilmen. On motion, Oscar Hughes was elected clerk and W. C Robinson treasurer for the ensuing year.