Clinton Township

Clinton Township

NGRESSIONAL Township 38 north, range 4 east, comprises the civil township % of Clinton. It is one of the most prosperous in the country. There is one small grove in

]l the southwestern portion of the township, the remainder being a beautiful rolling prairie. Hon. R. M. Pritchard thus speaks of the first settlement :

" The territory comprising the town of Clinton to the year 1835, was a part of the vast undisturbed, unbroken, and unsettled wilderness of the great Northwest. It is only the haunt of the red man, and the home of the wild beast. The little grove in this town, covering about 100 acres, was up to this year only occasionally seen by the white manas he passed it on his way to some other part of the State. The capture of the old Indian Chief Black Hawk in 1832, and the disposition of his tribe, opened up this wild region to settlement by the white man. On the 22d day of April, 1835, Oliver P. Johnson, a daring young man about 23 years of age, with his young wife Elizabeth and a babe a few weeks old, settled at this grove and gave it the name of Johnson's Grove. Mr. Johnson found at the south end of the grove three Indian houses or wigwams made of elm bark, each in size about 12x16 feet. These houses we're built by the Indians and occupied by them from time to time as they passed over the country in quest of game and during the summer months while cultivating their corn-fields which they had at this grove. Into one of these bouses Mr. Johnson moved and stayed until he could build him a log house, which he commenced at once ; he soon had a fine, strong double log house erected, into which he moved and where he lived for three years with the Indians alone for neighbors, who occasionally got up their drunken pow-wows or carousals, sometimes to the great annoyance of the young wife, who, in the absence of her husband, would become so frightened she would bar the heavy oaken door to her house, and pile all her furniture against it, and then brace herself again U the whole to keep the saucy, impudent red-skins out. In this way Mr. Johnson lived for three years, without a white man for a neighbor for many miles, and no prospect of any for many years to come. Awhile traveler would call upon him occasionally, and for a few weeks a young

County

Englishman by the name of C. H. Duck stayed with him, with the intention of making this grove his home. He made an excavation into the bank, at the northwest end of the grove, lined it up with split logs (the remains of which can be seen by the visitor to-day) ; this hut constituted the second habitation built by white men in this town. Dr. C. H. Duck, as he was called, soon got tired of his claim, deserted it and went to Chicago, where he now resides.

Among the earliest settlers after Mr. Johnson, were W. B. Fields, Parker Thomas, Alexander McNish, Silas Mines, John and James Walker, Preston Curtiss, William Robertson, C. B. Whitford, Shelburne J. and Tracy Scott, Felix and Baldwin Woodruff, Sylvester Hall, N. S. and Thomas J. Greenwood, Benjamin Matteson, William Sherman, Sylvester and Elbert Hall, J. L. Bailey, J. L. Mighell, Aruney Hill, John Secor.

Clinton, as a civil township, was organized in 1850. At that time it included much more territory, bat was reduced to its present dimensions in 1853. The name was applied to the township from the fact a number of the settlers were from Clinton, New York, and were attached to the name.

The first school is said to have been taught by H. C. Beard, in 1847. In 1885 the educational advantages of the township were of a superior character. According to the report of the County Superintendent of Public Schools there were nine school districts in this township, with one graded and eight ungraded schools. There were 512 persons under the age of 2 1 , of whom 35 3 are of school age. Of that number 297 were enrolled in the public schools for the year ending June 30, 1884. Eighteen teachers were employed. The highest monthly salary paid was $50, and the lowest $27.50. Each district is supplied with a good frame school-house, the total value of which is estimated at $9,050. The

The Methodists and Baptists were pioneers in matters pertaining to the religious welfare of the people. Societies were formed by the Methodists north of the present village of Waterman, and by the Baptists southeast of the same village. The people now worship in the neighboring villages.

Clinton township furnished 1 1 1 men for the war, and raised for war purposes $13,746. The names of those who lost their lives in the service were, Jonathan Morris, Egbert Matteson, M. C. Kirkpatrick, Seeley Simpson, Henry Kellogg, James Low, Asahel Childs, C. Rose, jr., Corydon Heath, Alfred Hodgkin, Charles Nears and E. A. Pritchard.

Clinton Township in 1884 had 22,231 acres of improved land, valued at $331,551. Town lots were assessed at $25,480; personal property, $91,295; total $448,326. This amount was reduced by the State Board of Equalization to $396,809. Among the items of personal property, reported by the Assessor for that year, were the following : Horses, 632 ; cattle, 2,856; mules and asses, 26; sheep, 160; hogs, 3,501; steam engines, 3; safes, 4 ; carriages and wagons, 250; watches and clocks, 71; sewing and knitting machines, 138 ; pianos, 9 ; organs and melodeons, 50. Of hogs Clinton reports a larger number than any other township in the county, and of cattle, the largest number save South Grove, which reports 2,897, and Corlland, 2,857.

HE village of Waterman was surveyed and platt;d by S. T. Armstrong, County Surveyor, in March, 1872. It comprised a portion of the north half of the northeast quarter of the southeast quarter; and the south half of the southeast quarter of the northeast quarter of section 16, the property of Humphrey Roberts. Three additions have since been made. The village at the present writing presents a neat appearance, and has about 400 inhabitants.

of the railroad, and a temporary depot building erected. The village was named in honor of D. B. Waterman, of Aurora, general solicitor of the road.

In the spring of 1872 David Chapman erected a dwelling-house, the first in the village. Soon after, Martin Fancher erected a small building just above where the depot is now located, and opened a stock of groceries. Mr. Fancher was soon followed by A. Bradbury, who also opened a grocery and provision store ; Coy & Giles, who carried a miscellaneous stock; Hill & Fancher, with groceries. Humphrey & Samson commenced retailing lumber in the winter of 1871-2. They also brought in the first coal during the same season. They put up the first scales, the same which are now in use at the stock-yards. With the foregoing in business, and the erection of a number of dwelling-houses, Waterman had a fair start in 1871. For some time it had a good, steady growth.

The first grocery store was by Martin Fancher in the spring of 1872. The present representatives in that line are A. Bradbury and F. Schrader. The latter has a restaurant in connection.

Coy & Giles were the first to keep drugs in stock, while Giles^ Bros, were the first exclusive druggists. E. Dean is now engaged in the trade, and is the sole representative in that line. "^

David Orr was the first to engage in the hardware trade exclusively, in 1872-3. In connection with his sons, he still continues in the business.

In the spring of 1873 Mrs. Austin opened the first millinery store in the village. The present dealers are Mrs. J. R. Griffith, Mrs. R. Ostrander.

Humphrey & Samson were the first to deal in lumber and coal. In January, 1885, the Minnesota Lumber Company, with G. G. Kopp, manager, conducted the business.

The stock dealers early in 1885 were H. L. Fuller & Co., Roberts Bros, and E. H. Baie. The first buyer was Robert Humphrey, of the firm of Humphrey & McCleery.

The first hotel was erected in 1872, by John Fulle, now known as the Clinton House, standing just opposite the depot. H. Leifheit is the present proprietor. The Irving House is run by Robert Irving.

Richard Anderson for some years had worked near the present village at his trade of blacksmithing. When the village was started he moved into it with his shop, and became the pioneer in that line. Charles Tompkins and Isaac Edwards are the present blacksmiths.

The village of Waterman was incorporated under the general act in March, 1877. The following-named comprise the Board of Trustees since that date :

The village is provided with a council-room and calaboose combined. It has a well 55 feet deep by 6 feet in diameter. The well is a never-failing one, and, doubtless, lies over a subterranean lake. Within two minutes after striking water it filled up. For the extinguishment of fires the village has 300 feet of hose, with a lever force-pump at which ten men can work.

T Waterman the Christian religion is represented by the Methodist Episcopals, Baptists and Presbyterians. In 1855 a Methodist Episcopal class was organized north of the present village, to which was given the name of Malugin and Twin Grove class. It comprised the following named : Hiram Greeley, Leader ; Ora Greeley, O. G. Greeley, Ezra Samson, Catharine Samson, W. W." Fuller, Evaline Fuller, Lydia Fuller, M. S. Fuller, H. L. Fuller, L. K. Fuller, and Eber Greeley. In 1859 a class was organized known as the North Clinton class, of which Eber Greeley was Class-leader. For some time meetings were held at private residences and then in the school-house. Becoming strong, numerically and financially, it was determined to erect a house of worship, in which both classes might unite. Accordingly, in 1867, a beautiful structure was erected and dedicated to the service of Almighty God. In the winter of 1873- 4, the building was removed from the farm of Robert Humphrey to the village. In 1884 the house was newly furnished and now presents a very attractive appearance. The Church is known as the North Clinton Methodist Episcopal Church. The present membership of the Church is no. The pastors since 871 are as follows: Revs. N. O. Freeman, 1871 ; J. R. Allen, 1872; Joseph Wardle, 1873; J. J. Tobias, 1874; J. Hartman, 1875; W. R. Beans, 1876-7; C.

The N. Clinton Center Baptist Church was organized in 1856. A preliminary meeting was held in Tuttle's school-house, two and a half miles southeast of the present village, Sept. 27, at which the following named expressed a willingness to enter into mutual covenant for the formation of a Baptist Church in that neighborhood : E. Mighell, John Curtice, Alexander Henderson, J. C. Miles, Mrs. Julia A. I. Henderson, Mrs. Ellen Miles, Mrs. Harriet Swift, Mrs. Benevolence Maple, Mrs. Eliza Mighell, Mrs. Delana Mighell. On the nth of October a meeting was held for the purpose of perfecting the organization by adopting articles of faith and covenant. J. C. Miles first served the Church as its minister, while E. Mighell was its deacon. On the igth of May, 1858, a meeting was held at the Swift school-house, at which the organization was recognized as a Baptist Church. Among those serving the Church as pastor or supply, were : Elders Persons, H. R. Hicks, Paul Kinney, D. T. Richards, M. J. Martin, E. W. Hicks, S. P. Davis, P. Reynolds, Nelson Crandall and A. S. Orcutt, the present pastor. The present membership is 30. The President *ofthe C. & I. Railroad, soon after the village of Waterman was projected, offered to transport material for the erection of a church edifice free of charge, if the congregation would remove here. The offer was accepted and work was commenced on the building in July, 1872, and completed in January, 1873.

;HE school district of which the village of Waterman forms a part was organized about 1856. The first school remembered by those consulted was in that year, Miss Reynolds being the teacher. The school was held in a small frame building that had been used as a dwelling. The first school-house was erected in 1858, Tilda Kirkpatrick first occupying it as teacher. This house, which was a frame structure, stood about one-fourth mile south of the present one. In 1875, a new building was erected within the corporvSft&gA® ate limits of the village, and the school became a graded one. Charles W. Rolph was the first principal in this new house, with Sarah Anderson as assistant. Ella York succeeded Rolph, Miss Anderson r remaining as assistant. The following year C. W. Curtis was made principal and Miss York was given the primary department. Hattie L. Norton was the successor of Mr. Curtis, with Finette Norton as the primary teacher. The latter is now in her fourth year as teacher in this department. Miss Frank Hutchinson succeeded Hattie L. Norton, and in turn was succeeded by Wirt F. Weston, the incumbent. The school is in a flourishing condition, with an enrollment in January, 1885, of 109.

N 1873 members of the Masonic fraternity living in the neighborhood, desiring to organize a lodge, and there being no place in which they could meet, organized the Masonic Building Association, and erected a two-story frame building, 26 x6o, with 24-foot posts. The lower room was destined for mercantile purposes, while the upper was to be used as a lodge- room. The building was completed; in 1874, and a dispensation was secured, under which they acted until October 5, 1875, when a charter was granted to Waterman Lodge, No. 628, A. F. & A. M. The followingnamed were the charter members: Nathan S. Greenwood, W. M.; Irving W. Pritchard, S. W.; Richard P. Rowley, J. W.; E. P. Rowley, I. J. Reynolds, Joseph Gilchrist, O. F. Matteson, E. Dean,. George Hall, D. Horton, Milton Kain, George Greenwood, R. Humphrey, R. Telford, C. P. Sage, J. W. Giles, Martin McCleery, Edwin Reynolds, Kirk Anderson, John Deacon, R. M. Pritchard, C. F. Greenwood, H. N. Rose and J. H. Phillips. The following named have since served as W. M.: I. W. Pritchard, E. F. Greenwood, E. P. Rowley, J. M. St. John and, Enoch Rowley. The latter is the present W. M.,with Robert Humphrey, S. W.; A. J. Kirkpatrick, J. W.; George W. Wakefield, Sec.; R. P. Rowley, Treas. The lodge has lost the following named by death : N. S. Greenwood, J. W. Porter and J. W. Giles. The present membership is 45.

Source changes here: from Past and Present of DeKalb County, Illinois, by Gross, Lewis M, published 1907; 2,525 words in this source stream.

Clinton Township

Being one of the inland towns with but scanty inducements in the way of timber and water for the early settler, the now prosperous township of Clinton was late in being settled. It was not until the year 1835 that the first white man made this place his home, and it wa9 several years later before any considerable number of people had taken up their abode. A small grove about one hundred acres in extent occupies the southwest corner of the present township. In bygone days a portion of the Pottowattomie tribe of Indians lived here, but in 1832 when Black Hawk was captured the band left this domain, only visiting it occasionally on hunting expeditions and living here long enough to cultivate the corn that they raised. Three wigwams which they used while so employed were left uninhabited a greater part of the year.

It was into one of these vacant wigwams that Oliver P. Johnson, a daring young man of twentythree years, brought his wife and young baby, April 22, 1835, and they lived in the deserted Indian home until a log house could be built. Into the newly made home they moved and for three years had only the Indians and wild beasts for neighbors. They endured privations of every kind. but held their claim and made the beginning of the present Clinton township. Among the other early settlers were W. B. Fields, Parker Thomas. Alexander McXish. Silas Hines, John and James Walker. Preston Curtiss, William Eobertson, C. B. Whitford, Shelbume and Tracy Scott. Felix and Baldwin Woodruff. Sylvester and Elbert Hall, \ . S. and T. J. Greenwood, Benjamin Matteson, William Sherman. J. L. Bailey, J. L. Mighell, Wiiiiev Hill, John Secor. Later on came Messrs. Phillips, Congdon, Humphrey, Brown, Roberts, ton and a hosl of others who are at present reckoned among the old settlers.

Clinton as a civil township was organized in 1850 and it then included a part of the townships of Victor and Afton. Beuben Pritchard was the first supervisor and held this responsible position at intervals for sixteen years. In 1853 the township assumed its present proportions. It took its name from the almost universal wish of the early settlers, the majority of whom came from New York.

Clinton was known as a flourishing farming district for many years before it was known as anything else. In March of 1872 the village of Waterman was surveyed and platted by County Surveyor S. T. Armstrong, from land owned by Humphrey Roberts and additions from the Roberts. (Jreelv and Congdon farms have since been made.

The village was named in honor of T>. B. Waterman, general solicitor of the C. & I. Railroad, and as soon as the depot was located the present town of Waterman commenced to thrive. David Chapman erected the first house in the spring of 1872 and about the same time Martin Fancher erected a small house and conducted the first general store. Among the other pioneer merchants were A. Bradbury, Coy & Giles, Humphrey & Sampson, dealers in lumber; David Orr, hardware; Alexander Wallace, furniture; J. B. Griffith, harness; Mrs. Austin, milliner: E. Dean, meat market; George Wakefield. grain and coal: Newell Persons wagon maker; Richard Anderson, blacksmith; John M. St. John, barber.

From the time of its first appearance, in 1872, Waterman has never had a boom, but the growth has been a steady one and is still continuing. The business street reveals the fact that the merchants are a wide-awake set, who endeavor to please their customers by keeping a large assortment of seasonable and up-to-date goods.

The first school is supposed to have been taught by H. C. Beard in 1847, and from this beginning the educational interests developed into nine school districts, one of which, the village school, is graded. Its history dates back to the year 1856, when Miss Reynolds was the teacher, in a small frame building formerly used as a dwelling. Two years later a schoolhouse was built and Miss Tilda Kirkpatrick first occupied it as teacher. The building stood about a quarter of a mile south of the present one and continued to do service until 1875, when the one standing today was erected.

The building is a two-story frame structure situated in a quiet and healthful part of town. It became a graded school in 1876, with Charles W. Rolph as its first principal. It continued for a number of years with only two rooms. In 1887 a third teacher was added. At present it consists of the primary, intermediate and high-school departments. By alternating and combining classes a large amount of the higher branches can be completed, thereby making this school rank well with other schools of more grades. The principal and his assistants have all had normal training and several years' experience in teaching. They bring into their work earnestness and thoroughness and are making the school second to none in the county. The school is being more closely graded and a course of study is being prepared for it.

Bolph, first principal; Sarah ('. Anderson, first primary teacher; 1877, C. W. Curtis, principal, four months; Ella B. York, principal and primary; Sarah C. Anderson, primary; 1878, C. W. Curtis, principal; Ella R. York, primary; E. M. Hicks, primary; 187!), ('. \V. Curtis, principal; Kittie Decker, primary; 1880, C. W. Curtis, principal; Kittie Deckei'. primary; Susie Poland, primary; 1881, D. D. Kail, principal, three months; Harriet Norton, principal and primary: Finette Norton, primary; 1882, Harriet Norton, principal; Finette Norton, primary; 1883, Frank Hutchinson, principal; Finette Norton, primary; 1884, W. F. Weston, principal; Finette Norton, primary; 18S5, A. J. Long, principal: Ellen Hopkins, primary; 1886, N. A. Graves, principal; J. F. Van Vorhies, principal: Emma Warren, primary; Carrie Graces, primary; Nellie Fulle, primary; 1887, N. A. Graves, principal; Belle Wheeler, intermediate; Ida M. Sage, primary; 18S8, same as 1887; 1889. M. M. Young, principal ; Phoebe Allbee, intermediate; Ida M. Sage, primary; 1890. J. H. Clark, principal; Minnie Tucker, intermediate; Ida M. Sage, primary; 1S92, J. H. Clark, principal; Hattie C. Spencer, intermediate; 1893, G. L. Spalding, principal; Charles E. Husk, principal; Minnie Tucker, intermediate ; Ida . M. Sage, primary ; 1894, Lester Bartlett, principal ; Minnie Tucker, intermediate; Ida M. Sage, primary; Jennie Flanders, primary; 1S95, Lester Bartlett, principal; Carrie Wormley, intermediate ; Mildred Gray, primary; 1896. P. W. Warner, principal; Carrie Wormley, intermediate; Mrs. Carrie Warner, primary; 1897, P. W. Warner, principal; Blanche Wormley, intermediate; Mrs. Carrie Warner, primary; Mertie Kirk, primary; 1898, J. B. Wallace, principal; Harriet Brainerd, intermediate; Frances Merk. primary.

Waterman lias reason to feel proud of its publicspirited men and the work they have done for their town. The town board expends time and energy in looking after the interests that will promote the growth of the place.

The fire protection of the village has always been adequate to all needs and the town has never suffered a disastrous fire. Several have started in the business center, but they have been discovered and extinguished before any considerable amount of damage has been done. A gasoline engine with hose carl form the main part of the fire outfit, and water is obtained from the town pump, which has a supply coming from five hundred feet below ground. The town is also supplied with a system e-f- water works erected by a combination of private parties and a stuck company, and a large elevated lank holds the supply. Private residences and public places are furnished with city water at a n inal cost.

Croquet, tennis and base ball occupy considerable of the leisure time of many Waterman people, and although the former two games are somewhat on the wane there is much interest in the latter. One thing that makes the latter game still popular is that Waterman is the home of several rack players. Frank Griffith, who was at one time known in more than a local \\a\ as the left hand pitcher, passed all of Ins life at Waterman. On account of an injury a few years ago he is now unable to play, but the enthusiasm is -till kept up.

Waterman was the only small town in this vicinity of the state that followed the idea promulgated by larger places, that of holding a miniature world's fair. The summer of L894, a year after the World's Pair closed, the place united in making a world's Pair on a slightly -mallei- scale than was the one at Jackson Park the previous year. The relics that were collected were intensely interesting and many of the articles which iln \ exhibited bad had a place in the big fair. Tlie young people who had charge of the enterprise deserved the praise which they received for so successfully planning and executing the affairs, and the churches were richer by quite a sum as a result. It was held two days and one night in the Masonic Hall, which had keen divided into two he scarcely recognizable. Everything imaginable was on exhibition ami for those to whom curios were uninteresting a refreshment hall and Japanese tea room were most welcome additions to the fail' proper.

A custom which was not only followed that year, Juit has keen one of annual occurrence for the past twenty-two years, is the old settlers' meetings or reunions, which are held the first Wednesday in September in Johnson's or 1'ritchard's grove, the place where the Johnsons and Pritchards first located. This reunion brings together all of the earl] settlers of the county from the north, south. east and west. It is the custom for whole families to pile into their carriages, wagons, or whatever conveyance they possess and start early in the day for the grove. The forenoon programme consists of the greeting of old friends, and as this occasion is an opportunity to meet the friends of long ago. as well as the new ones, everybody is there. Such a lot of handshaking and "Do you remembers" are exchanged that day that the reunion has come to he looked upon as one of the most enjoyable holidays of the year. The first reunion was held in 1876 and then the programme consisted chiefly of a picnic. Every family brought a lunch basket containing dinner enough foi double the number in their own keeping, so that old time friends spread their dinners together on the ground or on the planks which formed the temporary -eats. Now- the order of the day is more on the plan of a celebration, and the program from year to year is in the hands of an organization, of which S. I). Wesson i- thi' president. Some oratoT i- engaged to make a speech, reminiscences by the pioneers are given, vocal and hand music interspersed throughout the day. and an exciting hall game usually played. Thus in the history of Waterman comes an incident of interest in the history of the country.

In the line of societies, Waterman is not behind the times. Iter churches will be given space in the chapter set aside for them, hut these societies form only a portion of the social life. Secret societies form another part. The Masons are the pioneers in the secret society line, having founded their organization in is; 4. They built the Masonic Hall, a two-story frame building, twentysix by sixty feet, that they might have a place for meeting, and the building has since served as a public hall. It is often the scene of many a pleasant dance and entertainment by both home and traveling talent. During the winter a dramatic club is usually organized and by combining talent and hard work, they have given very creditable plays. Other secret societies are doing all in their power toward the upbuilding of the town in a social and material way, hut evidences in the latter are more marked with the Masonic than any other organization.

In her quiet and yet progressive way the little town of six hundred inhabitants is in the ascendency. Many of her young people are attending high educational institutions, some are gracing the professions and others are holding positions of trust at home and abroad. The men and women who have made the town and have built up the farming community can now rest from their labors and hear the verdict of ''Well done."

The town of Clinton sent one hundred and eleven men into the service to suppress the rebellion. They appropriated by contribution and luxation thirteen thousand, seven hundred and forty-six dollars for war purposes. Among those from Clinton who lost their lives in the war were Jonathan Morris, Egbert Matteson, M. C. Kirkpatriek, Seeley Simpson. Henry Kellogg, James Lowe, Ashael Childs, C. Pose, Jr., Corydon Heth, Alfred Hodgekin. Charles Nears and E. A. Pritchard. The latter, a captain in Company H, of the Thirteenth Infantry, was a bright example of the Christian soldier, lie came to Clinton in 1845, studied law at Aurora and Cincinnati, practicing in Aurora. He left his young family at I ho outbreak of the war, served three years most honorably in the gallant old Thirteenth, and participated in every one of its battles. He lost his health in the service, fell a victim of consumption and just when the people of DeKalb were about to eled him to an honorable city office he died of that dread disease. His brother, Pueben Pritchard, was a man of more than local prominence, served his town six years as supervisor and was a member of the legislature from this district. Charles Wesley and William Wallace Marsh settled in Clinton and have gained both fame and fortune by the invention of the famous Marsh harvester.

N. S. and Charles F. Greenwood were early settlers of this township, both served as supervisor, while N. S. was county school commissioner, Charles F. county treasurer and afterwards state senator.

J. D. Poberts, a resident of Clinton, and one of the boys raised in that community, is a remarkable example of the successful financier, lie has been engaged in farming all his life and with but little assistance from outside owns over three thousand acres of land in Illinois. James McCleery was a man of honor and integrity. Had a happy disposition ami keen wit, but was a sound man in public and business affairs and was an exemplary man in the homo and a true Christian. The supervisors from this town have been Reuben Pritchard. James R. Eastman, Arunah Hill, Cyrus B. Whitford, <>. A. Tubbs, N. S. Greenwood, W. ('. Macey, J. P. MighelL Robert Humphrey, George Greenwood, Edwin Fraser, Charles Greenwood, James McCleery, Humphrey Roberts, William Randall and Wilder Potter.

In 1855 the Methodist Episcopal class was organized, which was named the Twin Grove class. and in 1867 a church was erected on the Harvey Fuller farm, north of town. In the winter of 1873 it was removed to the village of Waterman. The Baptist church was organized in 1856. the church was erected in 1872. The Presbyterian church has been organized since the building of the village of Waterman.