Coloma Township (part 1 of 2)

Coloma Township

»LL that part of Congressional township 21 north, range 7 east, lying south of Rock River, comprises the township of Coloma. The surface of the township is somewhat broken, and the soil is generally a sandy loam. Edward Atkins and Isaac Merrill were the first settlers, locating here early in 1837. Noah Merrill and Daniel Brooks came the same year. Soon after came Samuel B., Frank and John J. Gushing, W. W. Durant, A. B. Wheeler, Ira Sillaman, Zerah M. Chapman, Herman Emmons, L. H. Woodworth, Artemus W. Worthington, Daniel F. Batcheller and Asa F. R. Emmons.

Edward Atkins was a native of Ireland, but came to this county from Canada. He was one of the proprietors of Rapids City. It is said that in Canada he went by the name of Watson, was there married and had a family of seven children. Leaving, his family there he came here, married again and by the second wife had seven more children. While he was in California the second wife obtained a divorce. Returning, he went to Canada, was reconciled to his first wife, re-married, and lived with her till her death. In the meantime his second wife secured a divorce from the man she married, and Mr. Atkins sought her out, and they were again married. After remaining here for a time the family removed to McDonough County.

Noah Merrill was a native of Connecticut. He located near the present village of Rock Falls, opposite Eagle Island. The land had been claimed by Elijah Worthington, and Mr. Merrill was ordered off by the Anti-Claim-Jumping Association, but declined to go. He afterwards sold his claim, went to California in 1850, returned and located at Sterling. Daniel Brooks was a native of Ohio. He was elected Justice of the Peace in Rapids Precinct at an early day. In 1849 he sold out, went to California, and died in San Francisco, of Asiatic cholera, after a few hours' illness.

L. H. Woodworth was born in Vermont. He was a well educated man, and was for a time a teacher in the military school at Perth Amboy, N. J., and afterwards Assistant Professor of Mathematics in Mississippi. In 1839 he located in this township. He held the office of County Surveyor from 1863 to to 1865, was a member of the Board of Supervisors for a time, and was also Swamp Land Commissioner.

Ira Sillaman located in this township in 1838. He was a native of Pennsylvania, and was generally esteemed by all who knew him. He has been dead many years.

A. W. Worthington was a native of Connecticut, and located here in 1840. He held several township offices, and died many years ago, from the effects of the bite of a rattlesnake. It is said that he had lost a number of cattle from the bites of the reptiles, and remarked that he would rather have been bitten himself, as he could be cured, while the cattle could not. He was bitten, but, unfortunately, not cured.

The first school was taught in an old store building in Rapids City, in 1845, by Miss Anastatia Sturtevant. The next year an old granary was bought of L. H. Woodworth, for $20, which was fitted up for school purposes. It was moved to the site of the present school building in the east district, and the first term of school held therein was

Colonia was originally a part of Portland Precinct, and subsequently part of Rapids Precinct. It was organized as a township in 1852, the first town meeting being held at the house of Richard Arey, April 6. As a- township it has " gone on the even tenor of its way " to the present time, the only real difficulty which it has had being in relation to the bonds issued in aid of the Rock River Railroad. The township of Sterling had been asked to assist in securing the road, but refused, and therefore Colonia was required to burden itself with a large debt, it voting $50,000 to the work. In 1873 it was charged that the bonds had been issued illegally, and their validity was contested. Bennett & Sackett were employed as counsel, and after expending nearly $1,200 the suit was abandoned, and on the nth of September, 1876, at a special town meeting, it was voted to issue $25,000 wortli of bonds to pay interest on the railroad bonds, together with costs.

From the abstract of assessments it is learned that there are 5,986 acres of improved land, valued at $135,588. The town lots are assessed at $139,782, and personal property at $78,989, - a total of $356,- 435. There were subject to taxation 398 horses ; 21 mules and asses; 796 cattle; 492 hogs; 6 steam engines ; 189 carriages and wagons ; 5 watches and clocks ; 85 sewing and knitting machines ; 16 pianos ; 58 organs and melodeons. SUPERVISORS.

N 1837, a portion of that territory now occupied by the incorporated village of Rock Falls, was known as Rapids City. The first building was erected by Edward Atkins, who came from Canada, and is the same now occupied by Deacon Arey as a residence. It fronts on Bridge Street, and stands between the river and Main Street,

At this time the State had made an appropriation of $40,000 for the improvement of Rock River, an account of which is given in the history of Sterling; and it. was thought a large city would eventually here be built. A town was laid out one mile square, which presented a beautiful sight on paper. The contractors for the improvement of the river opened a small store, and Rapids City had a beginning, and that is all it ever had. The hard times succeeding the panic of 1837 caused the State to withdraw all aid for internal improvements, the proprietors of the place gave up all hope of its future greatness, and in 1857 the plat was vacated.

In 1867, A. P. Smith, of Sterling, purchased an interest in the water power, including some 65 acres of land on the south side of the river, including a portion of the old site of Rapids City, and at once had surveyed and platted a town to which he gave the name of Rock Falls. Mr. Smith's intentions at first were to make the place an addition to Sterling, but he subsequently thought best to lay out a town independent of that place. In platting the town he was joined by W. A. Sanborn and the Sterling Hydraulic Company, owners of a tract of land adjoining that of Mr. Smith. The plat recorded in the office of the records at the county seat is dated Jan. 28, 1868.

Aside from the manufacturing interests, the first improvements made in Rock Falls were by A. D. Hapgood, who moved a house from Como, in which he opened up a small stock of general merchandise late in the summer of 1867. The venture was not profitable. The house now forms a part of the Brewer House, and has been used for hotel purposes a number of years. Oliver & Saxon and Charles Hoag now represent the trade.

In November, 1867, Truman Culver erected a building on the southeast corner of Main and May Streets, in which he opened a grocery store, the first in the place. His first day's sales amounted to 25 cents, his only customer purchasing a box of axle grease. At the end of three weeks the entire receipts amounted to $27. The old adage, " A poor beginning often has a good ending," was exemplified in his case, for, on the expiration of the first year, his sales amounted to, $35,000. "The people found out," says Mr. Culver, " that it was not necessary to go over the river to buy goods : that the little store on the corner was bound to do business."

In the spring of 1868 Newton & Muckeridge came from Como and opened a stock of general merchandise in a building erected for the purpose, opposite Culver's, on Main Street. The copartnership continued but a short time, Mr. Muckeridge taking the dry goods and returning to Como, J. L. Newton retaining the groceries and continuing the business. Mr. Newton still continues in business. A. C. Stanley, Enoch Long and C. K. Worrell also deal in groceries, in the spring of 1885.

firm name of Goodell & Ingalls, commenced the hardware trade in the summer of 1868. Scott & Van Vleet and Joseph Pennybecker are the present representatives.

R. H. Sheldon & Son were the first agricultural implement dealers. They began business in 1874, and yet continue in the trade. Scott & Van Vleet also deal in that line of goods.

The first physician was Dr. J. L. Morrill, in 1868. He still continues here, in the practice of his profession. Dr. W. M. Smith and J. W. Montgomery are also here.

The first hotel was the Rock Falls House, opened by Mr. Doty in 1868. The Rock Falls House and the Brewer House now entertain the traveling public.

The first meat market was opened by William L. Smith, in 1868. The present dealers are Pipperd & Woodford, George Hoffner and Mr. Mansfield.

A bank was established here in October, 1874, by Ephraim Brookfield, who came from Coleta. He continued the business until his death, in January, 1876, and was succeeded by George W. Nance, who had been with him since the opening of the bank. Mr. Nance was succeeded by J. L. Newton, who still continues the business.

The Rock Falls Progress was the first newspaper. Its career was short. The Whiteside Times, Ensign of Liberty and Rock Falls News have likewise been published here. The latter is still in existence. A history of the press is found elsewhere in this volume.

The postoffice was established here in 1868. Truman Culver was the first Postmaster. He held the position until 1872, when he was succeeded by C. K. Brown, who was in turn succeeded by Dr. J. P. Ralph and James Pettigrew. In July, 1874, a money-order department was attached to the office, which was and is a great convenience to the citizens of Rock Falls and vicinity.

In 1868 a meeting of the citizens of the township was held to consider its educational interests. It was voted to unite the whole township in one school district, with the understanding that at the village a high school was to be maintained. A school-house was erected on the corner of Elm and Bridge Streets, a two-story frame structure, with three rooms. M. R. Harris was the first principal. The school-house remained on this location until 1875, when a block of ground was purchased fronting on Florence, between Grove and Marr Streets, and it was removed to that point, reconstructed and a new one built. The schools are in a flourishing condition.

the general laws of the State in 1869. Its first election for village officers was held Feb. 4, of that year. The first ordinance passed was one prohibiting the sale of malt liquors in the place. In general the affairs of the village have been managed in a manner satisfactory to all concerned. The following named comprise the officers for 1885 : Trustees - R. M. Sheldon, President; W. H. Tuttle, Joseph Wright, J. M. Bickford, W. H. Kadel, S. M. Mingle; Clerk, W. H. Cadwell ; Treasurer, C. E. Doty ; Attorney, C. L. Sheldon ; Street Commissioner, H. N. Schaeffer; Policeman, H. L. Brown. SOCIETIES.

The secret and benevolent societies are not as well represented in Rock Falls as they would be if not in proximity to Sterling. Probably every society in that city numbers among its members citizens of this place. The expense of maintaining separate organizations is thus avoided. The Odd Fellows, United Workmen, and Women's Christian Temperance Union are well represented here, though the latter must not be classed among the secret societies.

Ancient Order of United Workmen, Industrial Lodge, No. 5, was instituted June rr, 1875, with 28 charter members. It has had a flourishing existence and now numbers 62 members. One member has been removed by death since its organization - D. L. McKenzie. Truman Culver was the first Master. Palmer Collins is the present Master Workman.

Independent Order of Odd Fellcnus, Advance Lodge, No. sgo, was instituted Sept. 22, 1875, and holds its meetings regularly each week. The lodge is in a flourishing condition and numbers among its members some of the best citizens of Rock Falls and vicinity. There is no encampment here, those taking the degrees of that branch of the order uniting with the Sterling Encampment. CHURCHES.

As in respect to benevolent societies, so it is in regard to the Churches. At present but three of the denominations are represented here, many uniting with the Church of their choice in Sterling. The Methodist Episcopal, Congregational and German Lutheran each have church edifices.

Methodist Episcopal Church. - This Church was organized in 1868, and was connected with the Fourth Street Methodist Episcopal Church charge of Sterling. Several notable revivals have been held, re- suiting in large accessions to the Church. The erection of the church edifice was commenced in 1869, but it was not completed and dedicated until April, 187 r. Rock Falls embraced part of a circuit until 1872, when it was made a station. The Church has had a prosperous career and has accomplished great good in the community since its organization.

First Congregational Church. - This Church was organized Dec. 26, 1875, with 14 members, and held its meetings for nearly a year in one of the school buildings. In August, 1870, a house of worship, 40x75 feet, was commenced and a portion of it completed and occupied Dec. 3 of the same year. It was soon afterwards fully completed and is a very neat and commodious house of worship. The Church now numbers 65 members, and is in a healthy condition. Richard Arey and J. E. Durstine are the Deacons ; D. O. Coe, Superintendent of Sundayschool ; Rev. O. W. Fay, Pastor.

The Press

Rock Falls Progress. - In r87o Cadwell & Tuttle commenced the publication of the Rock Falls Progress, a seven-column folio sheet. This was the first paper established in the village. After a few numbers were issued it was changed to a five-column quarto. The paper was continued for seven years and then suspended, principally on account of the continued illness of Mr. Cadwell. A fair patronage was received, the proprietors making no complaint on that account.

The Whiteside Times. - In 1876, A. J. Booth & Co. removed from Morrison to Rock Falls and commenced the publication of the Whiteside Times, a six-column quarto, independent in politics. The firm continued the publication of the paper till May, 1878, when they leased the material of the office to Hyde & Searle, who continued the publication of the paper for one year, Booth & Co. refusing to longer continue to lease them the material. The paper was consequently suspended.

Searle's Times. - Elmer Searle, of the firm of Hyde & Searle, not being content with his experience in the newspaper line, commenced the publication of a paper known as Searle's Times, Cadwell & Tuttle

7%<r Ensign of Liberty. - On the 25th of February, 1879, the first issue of a paper under the foregoing title made its appearance in Rock Falls, with J. M. Foley as editor and proprietor, though the paper was printed by Cadwell & Tuttle. It advocated the principles of the National Greenback party, and as there were not enough holding the peculiar views of that party in this vicinity, within three months it died a natural death.

Rock Falls News. - Rock Falls had been without a newspaper for some time, the \Vhiteside Times having suspended. The field was a good one and must be occupied : so thought Wm. Parker. Accordingly, on the 5th day of July, 1882, the first number of the Rock Falls News made its appearance, with Wm. Parker as editor and proprietor. In his introductory, the editor said :

" We shall publish a paper devoted to building up and advancing every manufactory, trade and industry located in our town, encourage a spirit of public improvement and advocating a high standard of education. * Of politics we shall make a secondary consideration. While we are a working Republican and a firm believer in Republican principles, we also believe there are many of other politcal parties who are equally as sincere in their beliefs and entitled to respectful consideration; therefore our columns will always be open to give the political news of all parties, publish their announcements and report their proceedings. On the temperance question we are in harmony with the majority of the people of Rock Falls, having no use for saloons, and believing them to be a detriment to the moral and financial well-being of any community; to be prohibited whereverjmblic sentiment will enforce prohibition, as it seems to do in Rock Falls. Our business we shall conduct on business principles. We shall pay for all we get and expect pay for all Work we do for others. We want every one to understand that he will be expected to pay his subscription or printing bill with the same promptness as he does his grocer or his butcher. " .

The News was commenced as a seven-column folio and continued as such until Dec. 14, 1882, when it was changed to an eight-column folio. In April, 1884, it was changed to a five-column quarto, which form it yet retains. On the ist day of January, 1885, Miss Anna F. Parker was admitted as a partner in the publication of the paper. Miss Parker is the daughter of the original proprietor, and had been an assistant in the office for some time. She is a young lady of fine ability and wields a ready and fluent pen. The News has a fine advertising patronage, an increasing circulation, and the office has a good run of job work.

Rock Falls is noted for its man ufactories, there being several very extensive ones in the place. If the account which follows is not as complete as would be desired by some, it can be said that neither the publishers nor editor of this volume is to blame. There are some men who possess such an infinitesimal amount of public enterprise' that they will do absolutely nothing toward advertising the business interests of their town, or placing them in the best light before the public. Not only this, but should they be lucky enough to make a little money they become arrogant, selfish, and lordly in their bearing.

The Keystone Manufacturing Co. is the outgrowth of two distinct lines of business, in Sterling, one commenced in 1857 by Geo. S. Tracy, and the other in 1863 by Thomas A.|Galt. Mr. Tracy had a planingmill and engaged in the manufacture of sash, doors and blinds, while Mr. Gait engaged in the manufacture of farm implements. Shortly after Mr. Gait commenced, the two firms united under the firm name of Gait & Tracy, and subsequently the name of " Keystone Works " was adopted. The firm was very successful from the start, but in 1867 met with a serious loss in the burning of their manufactory. Another building was erected and the works put in operation and soon moved to the south side of the river. Later on, a joint-stock company was incorporated under the name of the Keystone Manufacturing Company, with a capital of $150,000, which was subsequently increased to $350,000.

The Sterling Manufacturing Company dates its commencement from the time George S. Tracy manufactured doors, sash and blinds before the war. It was organized in 1870, with a capital of $30,000, a joint-stock company, having its works in Sterling. In 1883 they moved to Rock Falls, and their works there are among the finest on the water power, the capac.ty being treble that of their old works in

Sterling. The plant comprises five acres of land, with ample water power and the best of railroad facilities. The company manufacture various agricultural implements. About 30 men are employed.

The Enterprise Works - In. 1859 H. F. Batcheller commenced the manufacture, on his farm, about one mile south of Sterling, of a hand corn-planter of his own invention, and during the year made 12 machines, of which he sold seven. Making some improvements in the implemeut, he exchanged those sold for the improved ones. Until 1873 he continued to make machines on his farm. In that year he erected buildings in Rock Falls, since which time he has continued their manufacture here, while at the same time he has added other implements to his manufactory. Among other articles manufactured have been churns, butter-workers, dog-powers and a general line of dairy and creamery supplies. For some tiroe A. M. Batcheller has been a partner, the business being transacted under the firm name of H. F. Batcheller & Son. The average sales of the corn-planters are 1,500 per year. In 1884 the company had the misfortune to be partially burned out, bat immediately rebuilt. In 1883 a foundry was added to the other departments of the business. The Enterprise Works is the name by which the institution is more generally known.

The Northwestern Barb- Wire Company, of which W. M. Dillon is President and Treasurer, L. H. Dillon, Secretary, and James Burke, Superintendent, made during 1884, 400 car-loads, of 20,000 pounds each, of the famous Kiltleson Barb Wire - enough to encircle the "wide, wide world." To do this the company employed, on an average, 65 men. There are 35 machines, which were kept running continuously night and day for six months. The works were not closed during the year except for repairs. Among the additions to the plant made in the past year, are a new fire-proof warehouse, 75x25 feet, and a new brick building 72x100 feet, with a twenty-inch wall, to be used for a warehouse, but built heavy enough for any kind of manufacturing. The company is a responsible one.

The Rock Falls Roller Mills of Dillon, Bowers & Strock, is one of the institutions of Rock Falls. The capacity of the mill is 100 barrels per day, and it is run up to its full capacity, making brands of flour equal to any made. L. H. Dillon, M. C. Bowers and M. C. Strock are the members of the firm. They employ on an average six men.

The Eureka Manufacttiring Company was organized in 1871, and is engaged in manufacturing various agricultural implements. About 50 men are employed. John M. Gait is President ; M. A. Bunn, Vice-President ; J. G. Crawford, Secretary; Alexander McCloy, Treasurer.

Church, Utley 6° Company. - B. C. Church, H. B. Utley and Samuel Patterson are the proprietors of the Rock Falls Mills, established in November, 1862. John E. West is the Superintendent. The capacity of the mills is six and a half tons per day. They make a superior article of straw wrappingpaper for grocers and butchers, at the average rate of three car-loads a week. They run day and night. The product is shipped in car-loads only, over a wide scope of country. The company enjoy the reputation of making an excellent quality of straw wrapping-paper, and furnishes employment to about 40 men.

The Creamery Package Company, as its name implies, are manufacturers of butter tubs, creamery supplies, etc., and occupy rooms in the east end of the Industrial Building. In 1884 they manufactured 400,000 butter tubs, in addition to other supplies. Employment is given to about 75 men. C. M. Gates is the President and general manager. The company was organized in 1882.

George W. Packer has for some years been engaged in the manufacture of patterns and models, affording employment to from three to eight men. In the spring of 1885 he purchased the establishment of E. F. Brock & Co., manufacturers of the Yankee hand-sled, butter-tub machinery and blacksmith punches. Some 15 men are now employed.

Smith 6° Goodell are manufacturers of bee-hives and apiary supplies, in the Industrial Building. They are successors to Dur & Harris, and have been in business but a few months.

A. S. Todd manufactures pruning shears, hedge trimmers, barrel carts and barn-door hangers, in one of the busy basements of that hive of industry, the Industrial Building.

Dyer &" Keeney are manufacturers of hand cornplanters, barb-wire spools, step-ladders, center-tables and flower-stands. The business was started in the Industrial Building in 1872, by Mr. Dyer. The company furnish employment to about 20 men. Farwell, Huling & Company began the manufacture of farmers', miners' and mechanics' garments, Dec. i, 1884. They are at present giving employriient to about 200 women.

Source changes here: from History of Whiteside County, Illinois from Its Earliest Settlement to 1908 : Illustrated, with Biographical Sketches of Some Prominent Citizens of the County, by Davis, William W, published 1908; 25,315 words in this source stream.

Coloma Township

As Paris is France, so Rock Falls is Coloma. For a long time, there was no Rock Falls. It has shot up like a gourd within the memory of the present generation. After Sterling was a goodly city, the opposite bank, the site of Rock Falls, was a sand waste. It was open commons for sham battles. It was like Ethiopia on maps of Africa in 1850, a sort of unoccupied territory. In looking across, there stood the Arey House, a solitary landmark, like the lone tree of the prairies, the lone star of Texas. It is today the historic building of Ifack Falls. It has been removed from the original site, and is now on the street west of the Methodist church. It was built in 1837 by Edward Atkins, an Irishman, and had, says John Arey, walnut shingles, oak floor, and siding of various timber from the woods. Another early house but remaining on the original situation is the homestead erected by L. H. Woodworth, who came in 1839, as surveyor for that wonderful canal. But this dwelling was built later. . It is the same as first erected, says Mrs. A. S. Goodell, with the exception of a porch added afterwards. It is on the river bank in eastern Rock Falls, and is still surrounded by the trees of the early woodland.

Rapids City

Our early settlers were men of large ideas, immense plans. In 1837 Edward Atkins, A. B. Wheeler, Isaac Merrill, and Daniel Brooks, laid out a tract a mile square to be called Rapids City. It was in keeping with the spirit of internal improvement that prevailed throughout the state. Rock river at this point was selected as a favorable stream for better navigation, and the scheme comprised a canal up and down the rapids to enable boats to pass by means of a lock. The canal was located along the south bank of the river, and $40,000 expended. This gave the south side a great advantage in future prospects, and led to the project of Rapids City. It was on the south side of Rock river opposite Chatham, west of Broadway, and while the state canal work was in progress, seemed to have a more prosperous future than Chatham and Harrisburg on the north bank. The work done on the canal was one-half mile long, between avenues A and D in the present city of Rock Falls. A dry stone wall, eight feet wide at the bottom, and four feet at the top, was laid along the margin of the river far enough from the bank to give the canal the proper width. The stone was quarried from the bank to build the wall, and the stripping from the quarries deposited on the river side, making a bank fifty feet wide and a little higher than the wall. When the work was stopped, the wall was from six to eight feet in height, But no part of it was completed. WTith the failure of the canal, all further progress ceased in Rapids City. Business was suspended, and" the parks and palaces of the paper city vanished in thin air.

Rock Falls

A. P. Smith was the founder of this hive of industry. Originally a music teacher, in 1867 he purchased of the Sterling Hydraulic Company, which controlled a dam built in 1854, one-half interest in their water power, and forty acres of land on the south side of the river, as well as 25 acres from other parties, and laid out the town. He constructed a race, and wisely offered tempting inducements to capitalists to make investments. His business sagacity was abundantly rewarded, and soon numerous factories were in operation. One of them was his own mitten factory, which employed eighty persons, mostly girls, producing $100,000 worth of goods annually. In 1871 the railroad was completed, giving Rock Falls direct communication with Chicago. The largest concern to be established in the young town was the Keystone Works, 1867, formerly Gait & Tracy, in Sterling. In 1876 W. E. Lukens platted his nursery, and began to sell lots. The first new store was built by T. Culver in 1867. The- village was organized in 1869 under the state law. The Rock Falls House, kept by Barnard Doty, was opened in 1868. The postoffice was established in 1868, Truman Culver, postmaster. He held the office three years, and during the last year, the business amounted to $1,500. A bank was established in 1874 by Ephraim Brookfield from Coleta, and after his death, George W. Nance took charge. The different ferries and bridges by which the two sides of the river have always had communication are considered under a separate head. As Como was declining, her buildings no longer in use, were removed to Rock Falls, whose star was in the ascendent. In the spring of 1867, A. C. Hapgood opened a' store in a structure thus transported over the prairie. This was afterwards the Baltic House. Subsequently A. Woodworth became partner in a building also transplanted from old Como.

The Churches

The Rock Falls M. E. church was organized as a class during the winter of 1868-69 by Rev. J. H. Ailing, then pastor of Fourth Street church, Sterling. Religious services were held in the Industrial building, and later in the upper room of the Dr. J. L. Merrill building. Ailing with Mr. Denning of Broadway church held a revival, assisted by Presiding Elder Moore, and the society began its career. The need of a building was urgently felt, subscriptions were asked for, a lot was purchased from Merrill for $300, and the structure was occupied in the spring of 1870. An organ was secured in 1869 for $140, and in 1870 the mission committee at Elgin appropriated $100 to the support of the work. John A. Stayt was appointed first pastor, Oct. 11, 1870. The dedication of the church which had now cost $4,189 took place in April, 1871, under direc-. tion of Dr. J. H. Moore. The first bell was cracked and taken down. The present bell, hung March 22, 1872, has been faithfully ringing its call to worshipers. In the early part of Stayt's pastorate, preaching points were established at Hume Center and Banes' Corners. A lot was bought for a parsonage, and the house completed in 1872, at a cost of $1,104. At the close of 1872 the charge had grown to a membership of 87, with three Sunday schools, Rock Falls, Hume, and Banes, which had a total attendance of 388. Rev. Thos. Chipperfield became pastor in 1872, the membership increased to 158, and the S. school to 214. During the pastorate of Rev. M. M. Bales, the church was completely remodeled and a new parsonage constructed at a combined cost of $5,146. During the 36 years of her history, 1,164 persons have united on probation, and since 1883, more than 1,800 have been converted at her altars, an average of 61 conversions a year. The total enrollment of membership for 36 years is 8,795, an average yearly enrollment of 244. Total benevolence contributed $5,896. Last year it amounted to $506. The present pastor, Rev. F. W. Nazarene, is the seventeenth in this flourishing field.

In connection with the church proper, are numerous societies. The Sunday school has 286 pupils with 29 officers and teachers. The Epworth League has a membership of more than a hundred. Then there is a Junior Epworth. Four societies of the gentler sex: Woman's Home Missionary, Woman's Foreign Missionary, Ladies' Aid, and Social Auxiliary. Rev. C. A. Gage, appointed to the charge by Bishop Andrews in 1903, gathered the various items in regard to the history of this congregation and issued in a neat booklet, from which much of our information has been derived.

The Christian church, one of the last on this field, has had a phenomenal advance. Although only organized in 1904, the present membership is 200. Rev. Mr. Spicer of Sterling, and State Evangelist Monser took a leading part in its establishment. As a nucleus, a Sunday school had been started in 1897, which has an enrollment of 250. There is an Endeavor Society and Ladies' Aid. Rev. Roy Stauffer, now in an eastern pastorate, contributed largely by his unceasing efforts to the development of the work. A young man of unlimited energy. His successor, Rev. C. F. Ladd, was associated for a time with the Volunteers of America. He and his wife are both from Rhode Island, and find an earnest people to strengthen their hands. One of the active men of the young society is M. T. Mouck. At a recent prayer meeting officers were elected for the ensuing year as follows :

There were ninety families in connection, but some have withdrawn to the Lutheran church in Sterling. There is German preaching in the morning, but no evening service, as so many of the people are farmers. The pastor, E. Hafermann, as we gleaned in an interview, came from North Germany, was educated at a gymnasium, came to America in 1888, and after thirteen years in Kansas and Wisconsin, accepted this place in 1903.

The First Congregational Church

Mrs. Delia L. James and Mrs. Allpress, James and Mrs. Mary Arey, Mrs. Sarah E. Phelps, Miss Hattie L. Arey, Mi's. Sophia E. Wright, Mrs. Emeline A. Dyer, Miss Fannie Wright, and Rev. S. D. Belt. Certificate of incorporation filed July 27, 1876. The services were held in the fourth district schoolhouse until Dec. 3, 1876, when the first service was held in the church building, on the corner of First avenue and west Third street, Rock Falls. The Sunday school was organized, Jan. 2, 1876, with a membership of one hundred, Rev. S. D. Belt, Supt. A long succession of Ministers : Rufus Apthorp, W. Cone, 0. W. Fay, C. B. Ludwig, J. R. Kaye, A. W. Safford, E. A. Fredenhagen, H. A. Kearn, S. S. Healey, R. W. Purdue, W. A. Elliott, E. W. Murray now in charge. The present membership is 143, S. school, 183, Y. P. S. C. E., 25. Junior, 20. There are 24 members in the Woman's Miss. Society, Mrs. S. Atkins, president. In the Ladies' Mite Society, 60, Mrs. Ella Limerick, president. The officers of the church consist, besides the pastor, of four deacons, James Arey, J. Meckling, Aaron Fluck, E. Slater. Trustees, E. R. Nims, F. Lukins, F. H. Geyer, Fred Shuler, G. Fields. Treasurer, John L. Newton, clerk, G. H. Jennings, supt. of S. school, J. H. Meckling. The church is built of frame, neatly painted, and occupies a conspicuous position in the heart of Rock Falls.

The Browning Club

The Browning club celebrated the tenth anniversary of its organization at the home of 0. E. Maxson, Tuesday, Jan. 8, 1908. The house was beautifully decorated with festoons of club colors, purple and gold.

The club was organized January 7, 1898, at the home of Mrs. A. J. Mc- Neil with Mrs. McNeil president, Mrs. Robert McNeil vice-president, Mrs. C. C. Woodworth secretary and Miss Mary Geyer treasurer. The membership was limited to twenty. The object was the study of Browning and other poets. Of recent years the membership limit has been placd at thirty. About twenty of the charter members are still members, and during the ten years over sixty ladies have availed themselves of this opportunity to study the poets. The club is essentially a study class and in the past ten years has studied the Brownings, Scott, Tennyson, Homer, Emerson, Lowell and Shakespeare. Over four hundred study classes have been held besides the evening meetings for gentlemen and afternoon socials.

On the occasion of this anniversary the members and their guests to the number of fifty assembled at 1 o'clock when an elaborate four course luncheon was served. Several of the young lady daughters of the members assisted. Each guest received a beautiful souvenir in the shape of a folder prettily decorated and containing a striking photograph of the esteemed leader, Miss Gould, and the names of the present members. This was a surprise to the leader and shows the love and reverence in which she is held by those who have been helped and cheered by her close companionship during these ten years while she has given so freely of herself to meet their varied needs.

After luncheon the president, Mrs. Mae Smith, called the meeting to order and. in a neat speech offered a toast to "The Brownings - may their shadows never grow less and may they live to celebrate their one hundredth birthday." Miss Farena Hubbard opened the program with a difficult selection on the piano. Miss Gould read one of her scholary papers entitled "Literature; its place in Civilization." Under the general title "People Whom We Have Met," the following characters were discussed :

These circles in which ladies meet to discuss literary subjects and at the same time enjoy social recreation cannot be too highly commended. Afternoons at cards leave no valuable thoughts to occupy the mind, and waste time that should be more profitably employed. The name, too, is full of inspiration. None of the nineteenth century poets have done more to ennoble and sweeten the thought of the world than have the Brownings, Robert and Elizabeth Barrett.

Three Pioneer Mothers

"Mother Wright" is a remarkably strong and cheerful woman for eightyeight. She gave the writer a cordial reception. Mary Mahaffey was born near Belfast, Ireland, 1819. Queen Victoria's year, for whom she has a warm admiration. Her grandfather was a Scotchman. She was married in Philadelphia in 1847 to Hugh Wright, who died at 51. She has lived 31 years in Rock Falls. A loyal Presbyterian. No matter what the weather, she crosses the river to attend the church of her fathers in Sterling, shaming the younger people who are afraid to turn out. Somewhat older and also quite bright is Mrs. Asa Emmons, or "Aunt Nancy," who occupies a room with her daughter, Mrs. Hewitt. She was born June 22, 1814, at Beverly, West Virginia. Her father, William Booth, was in the War of 1812. She came with her father to Albany, this county, in 1837, and was there married to Asa Emmons, an expert stair-builder. A devout Methodist, and happy in her religious hopes. She prefers to receive callers in her own apartments, where she reads, sews, writes, and meditates. In pleasant weather, she takes a walk. This paragraph appeared in a Sterling paper:

Mrs. Asa Emmons, Rock Falls, ninety-three last June, 1814-1907, in a conversation yesterd'ay with W. W. Davis related an incident that gives her a remote connection with 1776. Her mother's father, Edward Hart, was a brother of John Hart, signer of the Declaration of Independence. He was from New Jersey, and the Hessians in 1777 burned his property. Singular enough, Mr. Davis happens to have among his curios, a piece of Continental Script with the signature of John Hart.

One morning in February, 1908, the writer called upon Mrs. Phebe Worthington, doubtless the oldest woman in the county. She was born on Long Island, July, 1812, and was in her 98th year. The venerable lady was sitting in a low chair by the window, and readily engaged in conversation. Her sight is failing so that she is no longer able to read the Bible, but her hearing is perfectly good. She retires at nine, and rises at eight, partakes of three meals a day, enjoys oatmeal for breakfast, uses tea instead of coffee. In earlier years, she attended the Baptist church in the pastorate of Elder Mason in Sterling. She came with her husband in 1839, who died long ago, and is now living with her son Alf, on the original homestead. A gracious picture with her kindly face and loving manner.

Death Of A Pioneer

Josiah S. Scott, mentioned in the history of Hume township, died at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Bernard Miller, in Rock Falls, Jan., 1907. As he was born in Ohio in May, 1819, he was in his 89th year. After carrying on his farm in Hume for nearly forty years, in 1883 Mr. and Mrs. Scott removed to Rock Falls, where she died in 1899. Josiah cast his first vote for Van Buren in 1840, but in 1860 he voted for Lincoln and was a Republican ever since. A carpenter in early manhood. His father had thirteen children, and he had twelve. Dr. F. J. Scott is a prominent physician in Rock Falls. Josiah united with the Methodist church, and in every relation of life was an honored citizen. A broken hip some months before his death increased the weakness of his advanced age.

The G. A. R.

There are thirty-two members. It is known as Will Enderton Post, No. 729, and is named for its first commander in 1891, of the 34th Illinois regiment. It was originally a part of the Will Robinson Post, Sterling, but for convenience, the comrades withdrew, and organized their own. The writer met two of the boys in the office of J. G. Limerick, and gathered several incidents from their career. H. L. Brewer, present commander of the post, belonged to the 12th Illinois Infantry, Col. John McArthur, afterwards general. He was a Scotchman, had the boys wear Scotch caps, and the slogan was "Mc- Arthur and his men." Hard fighting. They were in the assault at Fort Donelson, at Shiloh, Atlanta, the march to the sea. Mr. Brewer was in the grand review at Washington, May 24, 1865, the military pageant of the war and the century. Adam Brown joined a battery in Pennsylvania, Capt. Stevens was at Stone River, Franklin, Chickamauga, Lookout Mountain. He spoke of Grant's marching the 21st Illinois regiment to St. Louis to break them in. He remembers seeing above a shop door in Greenville, Tennessee, the sign "A. Johnson, Tailor." This should be in some Historical Society.

The latest member of the post to answer the solemn roll call was Captain William Parker, who died at his home in Rock Falls, Dec., 1907. Like Lincoln, he was born in Kentucky, but spent most of his life in Illinois, as editor of papers in different towns of the state. At the time of his death he was postmaster, and shortly before had sold his interest in the Rock Falls News. He enlisted as second lieutenant of Co. A, 75th Illinois Infantry, was promoted to captaincy, and served until mustered out. A brave soldier. Public funeral .services at the Congregational church, conducted by Rev. Edwin Weary of the Episcopal, and Rev. F. W. Nazarene, of the Methodist. Burial at the Rock Falls cemetery in charge of the Masonic order, of which he was a member. He was born in 1835.

The Public School

From a humble beginning thirty years ago, the school has kept pace with the development of the city. It was started in the brick building now used for city purposes, corner of Second street and Third avenue. The present main edifice, containing eight rooms, was erected in 1888. The other building on the side was erected in 1895. It contains the high school and the seventh and eighth grades. In the year 1907-1908 there were 525 pupils enrolled, with ten subordinate teachers and one musical director. The Board of Education consists of Ward Lincoln, president, A. A. Thome, J. W. Hatch, P. G. Kelsey, -C. L. Hubbard, A. L. Coe, and Dr. F. G. Scott, secretary. An excellent corps -of teachers. E. 0. Phares, superintendent. Mathematics and biology, and principal, Etta E. Grunewald. Latin and German, Madge V. Knevels. English and General History, Nellie H. Davison. U. S. History, civics and science, E. 0. Phares. In the grades are principal, Mrs. Ella Brown, Myra E. Jennings, Margaret Hax, Josephine Dundon, Harriet Scott, Maude E. Williamson, Bessie McNeill, Louise Pfulb, Mrs. Genevieve Pierce, Blanche Emmons, Urs. Nellie Halsted. Music, Miss Muriel Price, Sterling. Drawing teacher to be supplied. Janitor, M. J. McAllister.

"High Life," the new publication of the Rock Falls high school, is a four page folder containing some interesting reading matter for pupils and patrons of the school, and no advertising. The paper is to be published once a month during the school year.

In the form of maps, globes, charts, apparatus, the school is gradually increasing its equipment as means will allow. In 1907 the Turner Art Loan realized $184, which were invested in pictures for the decoration of the various rooms. The school steadily increases in numbers and efficiency, and already ranks among the best in the county.

Prof. Phares, who succeeds Prof. Haney, began his career in a country school in Indiana, and after graduating from the Greentown high school, took a four years' course at the Indiana State Normal School at Terre Haute, graduating in the spring of 1901. He spent the summer at Cornell University. He has taught in all thirteen years, and is in his second year at Rock Falls.

The Cemetery

That familiar name, L. H. Woodworth, pioneer of 1839, has the widest record from 1806-1902, being ninety-six at his death. Also, P. P. Woodworth, 1807-1844, and A. H., 1820-1902. The names appear of various old families: Worth, Glassburn, McFalls, Payson, James Mason, Paisley, Scotland, 1830-1892, and his wife, Lois. William Rae, Scotland, 1818-1894, and wife, 1898. Several soldiers. J. E. Van Densen, sergeant Co. F, Third Michigan Infantry. George Rae with flag on grave. Also, D. G. Lindsley. Charles Lahram, London, England, 1830-1871, no regiment given. L. H. Linn, Swede, Henshaw's Battery. The freshest heroic mound strewn with wreaths is that of Capt. Wm. Parker, 75th Illinois, 1835-1907.

In its stanch weekly, the young city has always had an ardent supporter. The Rock Falls News was established by Captain William Parker in 1882, and was first located in rooms over the postoffice, still in the same place. In 1884, his daughter, Anna F., became his associate. On her marriage two years later to Charles Lee Mentzer, he purchased a half interest in the business. They then bought the building on the corner of Third avenue and Second street, which was burned with all its contents, Jan. 3, 1896. A new outfit was at once secured, and business was resumed in the Industrial building, until the new office was erected on First avenue, the present site. Here they moved in the summer of 1897, with a new equipment. The business was carried on by Parker and Mentzer until Oct. 1, 1907, when, on account of failing health, Capt. Parker sold his interest to Emery L. Bond, Mr. Mentzer still retaining his interest. The next change was the formation of the News Publishing Company, E. L. Bond, president and treasurer, and Anna F. Mentzer, secretary. The capital stock is $7,000. With new job type, an improved press, and steam heating plant, the operations will be conducted on a larger scale than ever before.

The Factory District

factory by fire near the railroad in Sterling in the summer of 1867, and at once crossed the river to Rock Falls and laid the foundation of new works, they put the young town upon its feet, gave it a place on the map, and made the beginning of that conglomeration of shops, chimneys, and warehouses that are crowded along the river bank. Gait and Tracy grew into the Keystone Company in 1871, whose cornplanters and other farm machinery had an astonishing popularity for years throughout the west. After the death of George Tracy, several changes occurred, and now the. commercial title is the International Harvester Company. Among the machines made are corn shelters, mowers, harrows, side-delivery rakes. The plant covers seven acres, and the buildings proper, averaging three stories, occupy five. The yearly production is between 45,000 and 50,000 machines of various kinds. The foundry makes yearly 1,500,000 castings, or eight million pounds of iron.

The trollsy hanger, made by Lawrence Brothers, is the best article of the kind sold in the trade in the United States. It is intended for stable or "barn doors, by which they roll smoothly to the side, without binding, sticking, or scraping. In the manufacture of door butts they rank second, and for hinges of another type, third, in the entire country. The Messrs. Lawrence, John and Edwin, began operations in 1876, and have steadily enlarged until there is now a floor space of 74,000 square feet in the shops. Both in the prime of life, and reside in Sterling.

One of the newest works is fast growing into huge proportions. That is the branch of Russell, Birdsall and Ward Bolt and Nut Company, of Port Chester, N. Y. In 1896 the business started here on a small scale in the Industrial building, and four years ago was moved into a new factory built for the purpose, with 60,000 feet of floor space. The business has increased ten fold in a decade, a hundred men are employed the year round, and an enlargement of space will be necessary. The product of this factory is confined to rivets and bolts of small sizes, as can be made cold.

Besides the agricultural implements made by the Keystone branch of the International Harvester company, there is the Sterling Manufacturing Company, who manufacture a large line of corn planters, disc harrows, stalk cutters, hay rakes and loaders, feed grinders, bob sleds. A. J. Platt company turn out a superior potato planter, one of the most efficient on the market, and which has a gratifying sale everywhere. Of the five carriage works in the two cities, the Eureka company is the most extensive, turning out yearly 5,000 light vehicles in the form of buggies, surreys and light Concord wagons. Their trade extends over the United States and to foreign countries.

One of the heaviest concerns is the Illinois Straw Products Company in the west end. Eleven and a half tons of straw is used daily in making Manila, rag, and straw wrapping paper, 300 tons a month, 3,600 tons a year. Besides straw, twenty-one tons of paper stock is daily consumed. A welcome opening for the waste paper of offices, stores, houses. A market for the collections gathered by the ladies in various towns, of odds and ends. Although water power is used some months of the year, the average daily consumption of coal is fifty tons, or 18,250 tons annually. The yearly output is between 4,200

The Northwestern Barbed Wire Company, of which W. M. Dillon is a prominent member, manufactures a great variety of ingenious and convenient goods in the shape of square mesh field fence, diamond mesh fence, diamond poultry fence, plain and ornamental gates, portable chicken coops, and other articles handled by the wire trade.

Among the new concerns is the Evan Reed Manufacturing Company, occupying the stone mill of the old Dillon Milling works. Their list is various and desirable, comprising rat and mouse traps, racks, cracker box covers, automatic pulleys. Thirty men will be employed during the next year, with an expected output of over $100,000.

The First National Bank has a capital of $25,000, and does a general banking business. Four per cent is paid in the savings department, as well as interest on time deposits. Hours from 9 to 4. C. L. Hubbard is prasident, and 0. E. Maxson, cashier.

The Odd Fellows with the customary forethought and thrift of the order, purchased a lot two years ago, corner of Second avenue and Third street, and are considering the erection of a handsome structure, three stories high.

The city of Rock Falls is one of the best equipped towns for sidewalks in this part of the state. It now does not have a board walk or a wooden crossing within the city limits.

The bridge over Rowland creek east of Rock Falls was completed in 1908. The floor is of concrete and the remainder is of stone and steel. It is said that the bridge is one of the best in this section of the state. It was erected by the Clinton Bridge & Iron works and the work was under the supervision of John Rosengren.

The Old Brick School

In Boston, the Old South church is still standing, but the Old Brick School, east of Rock Falls, on the Dixon road, is only a dream. On its site is a white frame, 1906, with cupola and bell, vestibule and furnace. Miss Etha Scanlan, with 23 pupils, is teaching her second year. She is a graduate of the Rock Falls high school. In the Historical Society is a large photograph of the early brick, taken at a picnic of the old patrons in 1897. There are twenty-eight men and women, patrons and pupils of the institution, all standing or sitting in front. Grove Wright presented the picture, and has indicated by numerals the different people. The faces are life-like, and you can pick every one at a glance. . Among them are Deacon Arey and James Arey, L. L. Emmons, Henry Batchellor, Bird Emmons, Robert McNeill, Alf Worthington, Ed Macomber, Nettie Yeoward, Alice Shirley, Mary King, Mary Ninis, Walter Fox. Some have already fallen into the shadow. The old brick had three windows with blinds on each side, and a roof projecting in front for a portico, supported by four square columns. What associations this building and this spot have for these silver heads. Here they studied, played, and enjoyed many a spelling match. Whittier must have gone to just such a place.

On the back of the photograph is a poem of 26 stanzas, written by Grove Wright, and read by Mrs. Nancy Macomber at this merry picnic. We give the first and last:

Rock Falls Building And Loan Association

Incorporated February, 1887. Authorized capital, 10,000 shares of $100 each. Officers: A. C. Stanley, pres. ; Robt. McNeil, vice-pres. ; Isaac I. Bush,

The city officers are A. A. Thome, mayor. Aldermen in first ward. Joseph Wright and Henry Longfellow; in second, E. L. Adams and Charles Grady; in third, Samuel Lowry and John Goeffroy. Henry Longfellow claims no relationship with the popular poet. Joseph Wright is a son of Mother Wright, the most active octogenarian in Rock Falls. City attorney, Jacob Cantlin; treasurer, John Kadel; city marshal, Charles Billings; superintendent streets, Richard Arey; health officer, Dr. F. J. Scott; chief fire department, John L. Washburn ; electric light, 0. M. Aarvig.

Lodges In Rock Falls

I. 0. 0. F. - Hall corner Third avenue and E. Third street. Ark Encampment No. 143 - Meets first and third Friday of each month. E. J. Pierce, secretary.

Germans And Hollanders

The Germans and the Dutch form a large element in the population of Whiteside. They are not the same, but are often confounded. The Germans are from Germany, the land of Goethe, Schiller, Humboldt, and Unser Fritz. The Dutch are from Holland, the country of canals, William of Orange, and Admiral Tromp. Sometimes called Low Dutch, by way of distinction.

The Germans are most numerous in Jordan, Hopkins, and Genesee, eastern Whiteside. Many have come since the Civil war. Indeed, they were soldiers, and were anxious to settle down after years of march. Most came directly from the old country with little means, and worked as day laborers until they secured enough to make first payment on the land. After twenty or thirty years they owned their farm, often two or more, and were able to spend their declining days in comfort. Their children struggled with the old people, and are cultivating the same soil, or perhaps land they bought for themselves. No race suicide, but families generally like Jacob's.

The German takes to the soil as a duck to water. He is a natural farmer. It seems to be in the blood. He is thrifty. Wife goes to the field, and husks corn in busy times. The children are put to work as soon as they are able. No waste, everything turned to account. They live well, plenty of plain" food, no luxuries, work early and late, no rest or visiting except on Sundays.

They believe in large barns, spacious corn cribs, warm shelters for stock. Red is a favorite color. Both men and women are portly and ruddy because of outdoor life and generous larders. The smoke house and the cellar stored with abundance of meat and vegetables.

Next to his comfortable home, the German has a high regard for religion. As a child he was baptized in the church, received catachetical instruction, and must have a place of worship on Sunday. Jordan, Genesee, and Hopkins, all have their churches, where services are regularly held. Part of the time, English service is given in obedience to the desires of the younger generation. It is surprising how soon the children become Americanized, speaking our language as fluently and as correctly as the native^ of the east. To show the steadiness of the German, the son of a tenant, who cultivated a farm 25 years, west of Sterling, and left for one of his own, has married, and taken his father's place on the boyhood farm.

The Hollanders are invading Whiteside from the west. They started in Fulton, and have advanced to Morrison. Their church, the Dutch Reformed, is larger than any of the other denominations in Fulton, and the same condition is true in Morrison. The sermons are preached in Dutch morning and evening at the request of the people. Like the Germans, they are farmers, and drive with their families long distances to church. They have brought from the mother country that excessive neatness which distinguishes Holland above the rest of the world. They set abundant tables, dress well, and are a very estimable class of citizens. Like the Germans they are thriving, and manage to get ahead rapidly in the battle of life.

Whiteside In The Wars

When the South trained her batteries on Fort Sumter in 1861, she fired the heart of the nation. An electric current of patriotism seemed to spread

Our county as everywhere else, caught the spirit of loyal enthusiasm, and young men and old men were eager to rally around the banner of the Union. The Board of Supervisors met promptly in April, 1861, and passed stirring resolutions to voice the sentiment of the people. After several resolutions endorsing the action of the government to sustain the integrity of the constitution and maintain the unity of the states, they

Resolved, That the people of Whiteside County do, without regard to party, unanimously pledge to the ggvernor of the state the entire resources of our county for the defense of our state and the Union, and that we pledge the entire credit of our county to furnish men or money as the government may require.

Resolved, That we hereby appropriate a fund of $20,000 to be placed in the hands of five commissioners, to be appointed by our chairman, to be used for the support of needy families of volunteers while said volunteers are engaged in the service of their country.

As the war progressed, and men were wanted, the secretary of war ordered an enrollment of the militia, to make a draft if necessary. To secure volunteers, the supervisors passed an order offering each man a bounty of sixty dollars. Private citizens offered premiums, rousing meetings were held, and our quota of 359 was filled with many additional men offering their services. This was August, 1862. Proud Illinois! Some states had repeated drafts.

By August, 1862, the county had furnished 1,600 men for the war. To provide for the bounties of the soldiers and meet the necessary expenses, the supervisors sent a committee to Chicago to make a loan of $40,000. In September, 1864, a bounty of $200 was offered, and $10,000 appropriated for the families of volunteers. By Sept. 27, 1864, eighty-seven men were due on the county's quota, and a draft was appointed for Oct. 5. Much money was raised by private subscription to add to the public bounty, and avoid a draft. This was successful in all the townships except Hahnaman, with a small population, where three citizens were drafted, the only case during the war.

Whiteside's quota under the last call for 300,000 men, Dec. 19, 1864, was 250 men. At the December term, the supervisors voted a bounty of $500, and in February, $100 more. The townships voted $100 additional to each volunteer, and the quota was secured. Several men were recruited for the old regiments in the field.

credit under last call, 516. Entire credit during the war, 2,535 men. Deficit under all calls, only four men. The total indebtedness of the county caused by the war was $529,402. Immediate steps were taken to reduce the obligations, by September, 1867, seventy per cent was paid, and a few years afterwards not a dollar of indebtedness remained.

Fifty-Second Illinois Infantry

This regiment had its first severe experience in the battle of Shiloh, April 6-7, 1862, where it lost 170 men, and next at Corinth in May, where seventy were swept from the ranks. In an expedition to intercept Forrest, the boys marched one hundred miles in four and a half days. Jan. 9, 1864, three-fourths of the men re-enlisted, and returned home on furlough. After Chattanooga, they marched with Sherman through Georgia, fought the rebels at Resaca, Dallas, Kenesaw, Decatur, Atlanta, continued the march to the sea through the Carolinas, participated in the triumphal procession at Washington in May, grander than any martial pomp Roihe ever saw in the proudest days of the Caesars. J

For company F of the Fifty-second, sixty-six men were enlisted from Whiteside, mostly from Fulton and Albany. Nine recruits were received, afterwards. The captains were Nathan P. Herrington and Oscar Summers. First lieutenants, Lucien S. Kinney and Luther A. Calvin. Second lieutenants, John Dyer and Stephen Withrow. The regiment was mustered into service Nov. 19, 1861, with 945 men, moving first to St. Louis, then to Cairo and Fort Donelson. It was mustered out July 5, 1865.

One Hundred Forty-Seventh Illinois

1865. Company B was from AVhiteside, and a large part of company G. George H. Fay was captain of B, and W. H. H. Jones and Charles Bent, lieutenants. A. C. Bardwell was captain of G. Frank Clendenin of Morrison, was major. For its short term, the regiment had numerous skirmishes and passed through many historic points in the Southland, Chattanooga, Dalton, Ringgold, Marietta, Andersonville, Savannah. It was mustered out Jan. 20,

One Hundred Fortieth Illinois

Strike till the last armed foe expires; Strike for your altars and your fires; Strike for the green graves of your sires ; God and your native land ! - Halleck.

In the spring of 1864 President Lincoln issued a call for 100,000 men to do garrison duty at various points, and relieve the veterans for the grand forward movement in preparation. The time was for one hundred days. Two full companies and part of a third were recruited in Whiteside. Company A had 81 men, company B had 83, and company D the cadets from Fulton college. The regimental officers from this county were: Michael W. Smith, lieutenant-colonel; L. E. B. Holt, adjutant; W. A. Lipe, chaplain. Officers of company A were J. A. Morgan, captain ; Charles M. Worthington and Benjamin Gurtisen, lieutenants, all of Sterling. Lipe was pastor of the Lutheran church there. In company B, Charles W. Hills was captain; George H. Fay and Erastus Fuller, lieutenants. The regiment was mustered into service at Dixon, June, 1864, and sent to Memphis. From this point, companies were sent to different posts on the Memphis and Charleston railroad to relieve the veteran troops. The rebel general Price was in Missouri, and St. Louis needed the presence of Union troops to assure her safety. For weeks the regiment was stationed along the Iron Mountain railway, and was finally discharged Oct. 29, 1864. As a pleasing and precious memento of, their readiness to serve their country in this emergency, an engraved certificate of elegant design, signed by President Lincoln and Secretary Seward, was presented to each member of the regiment.

One Hundred Fifty-Sixth Illinois

This regiment was in service six months of the one year for which it enlisted, being discharged Sept. 20, 1866. It was chiefly engaged in garrison duty and the escort of prisoners. Company G with 100 men was from Whiteside. Captain, Chauncey B. Hubbard. Lieutenants, Wm. H. Shears and Peter R. Boyd. Several of the boys died from disease.

Forty-Sixth Illinois Infantry

This regiment had its share of hard fighting and hard luck. At the slaughter of Shiloh, April 6-7, 1862, with Hurlburt's Fourth Division under Grant, one-half of its officers and men were killed, wounded and missing. They were at Corinth in May when Beauregard retired before Halleck, and at the siege of Vicksburg when Grant starved Pemberton into surrender, July 4, 1863. In May previous, five companies were captured by the rebels while on picket.

After the unsuccessful Peninsular campaign, the regiment returned to Alexandria, and Sept. 4, 1862, moved across the Potomac, and entered upon another series of lively engagements. At Monocacy church they captured the colors of the Twelfth Virginia Cavalry. At South Mountain a hand-to-hand fight with Fitzhugh Lee's troopers. Then came Antietam, Sept. 17, 1862, when Lee, after repeated onsets upon McClellan's army, was driven after a stubborn resistance across the Potomac. Over the gallant men who fell here the national monument has this sublime inscription :

The regiment was organized at Camp Butler, Springfield, Dec. 28, 1831, by Col. John A. Davis/ of Stephenson county, who was mortally wounded at the battle of Hatchie.^ Company E was from Whiteside. Wm. Lane, of Morrison; Wm. N. Haney of Hopkins, Albert Seizick of Morrison, and Samuel V. Boyer, of Fulton, were lieutenants. At the close of the service, only thirtyone was left, and thirty of these re-enlisted. About twenty of the company perished during the war.

Forty-Sixth Illinois Veteran Volunteer Infantry

In the fall of 1861 an attempt was made to raise a regiment from Whiteside and adjoining counties, under John Dement, of Dixon, as Colonel, and was called the Dement Phalanx. Enlistments were very slow at that time, but the few that did enlist were rendezvoused at Dixon, in tents on the river bank north of where the College now stands. When the weather became too cold they were moved to the building that is now the Grand Detour plow works, being the first soldiers to occupy the building. Late in December this nucleusof several companies were organized into four companies, and were then consolidated with the Forty-sixth Illinois Infantry, then at Camp Butler, and were lettered D, E, N and I. Colonel Dement dropping out and retiring.

These companies remained in Dixon until Feb. 5, 1862, drilling in company drill and manual of arms, as best they could, officers and men being very green in military affairs. On Feb. 5th joined balance of regiment at Camp Butler, under Colonel John A. Davis, of Stephenson county. On Feb. llth started for Fort Donelson, only just having received their arms, consisting of old Harper Ferry muskets, and without having any battalion drill. Embarked at Cairo and were part of that fleet that followed Foote's gunboatsup the Cumberland river to Fort Donelson. The regiment saw long and hon- orable service. Participated in the following engagements, and sieges: Fort Donelson, Feb. 15 and 16, 1862; Shiloh, April 6-7, 1862; Siege of Corinth; Hatchie, or Metamora, Oct. 5, 1862; Siege of Vicksburg; Siege of Jackson, Miss; Jackson's Cross Roads, July 5-6, 1864; Siege of Mobile, including Spanish Fort and Fort Blakely, April 9, 1865, the latter being the last general engagement of the war. Besides these engagements the regiment was almost /constantly moving from place to place, never having any "soft snap" or easy V duty. In Dec., 1863, and Jan., 1864, the Forty-sixth was organized into a veteran regiment, a large portion of the men remaining at that time, re-enlisting for three years more service. Later it received many recruits at various times. The regiment with others was sent up Red River at the time of the surrender of the rebel forces, under General Kirby Smith, and remained, to keep order, until 1866, being mustered out at Baton Rouge Jan. 20, 1868, and discharged at Camp Butler Feb. 2, 1866. The veterans having served four years and from three to five months, according to date of enlistment.

Peter Gillespie, Morrison. Vet. Trans, to Co. K, Dis. May 22, 1865. David Hays, Union Grove. Died April 9, 1862. Jesse Hill, Clyde. Dis. Aug. 15. 1862. Robert Imlay, Ustick. Vet. killed in battle July 7, 1864. William T. Hopkins, Genesee. Dis. Dec. 25, 1862 of wounds, battle of Shiloh.

Ninety-Third Illinois Infantry

This was another of the regiments that passed through the Vicksburg campaign with Grant, climbed Mission Ridge at Chattanooga, drove the Confederates at Dalton and Allatoona, marched to the sea, and through the Carolinas to Washington, participating in the memorable review at the capital. / The regiment was organized in September, 1862 by Col. Holden Putnam, | of Freeport, afterwards killed at Mission Ridge, 1863. Whiteside contributed \company F of ninety men, recruited from Garden Plain, Fulton, Mt. Pleasant, Newton, Albany, Erie, and Fenton. Alfred F. Knight, who died April, 1863, Wm. A. Payne, and Wm. M. Herrold, were captains. John Dyer and Henry M. Eddy, first lieutenants. Second lieutenant, Robert A. Adams, who died of wounds. Dr. C. A. Griswold, of Fulton, was surgeon. He is still living there in the enjoyment of his books and the practice of his profession. The Ninetythird was discharged July 7, 1865. By the official record, the casualties were 446 killed, one officer and 31 men accidentally wounded. The men marched 2,554 miles, traveled by water, 2,296 miles, by rail, 1,237 miles, a total of 6,087. By death, company F lost 18 of its soldiers.

Eighth Illinois Cavalry

No other branch of the army, east or west, saw so much strenuous service as the Eighth Illinois cavalry. It was aggressive, always on the move. Gen. Sumner once remarked, "Go as far to the front as you dare, and you will find the Eight Illinois ahead stealing horses."

The regiment was recruited in northern Illinois, and mustered in September 18, 1861, at St. Charles. John F. Farnsworth, from 1857 to 1861, our representative in congress, was the first colonel, but he soon resigned to form , another regiment. Company C was raised by D. R. Clendenin of Morrison, » afterwards major and lieut. colonel. Companies G, H and I also, had members from the county. Alpheus Clark, of Lyndon, commanded Company C till May ^ 24, 1863, when he was made major. He died July 5, 1863, from the effects of a wound at Beverly Ford. Daniel D. Lincoln and Porteus J. Kennedy succeeded Clark in command. The first lieutenants were John C. Mitchell, Truman Culver, and Delos P. Martin.

After two months' drill in Washington which they reached in October, the winter was passed in camp in Alexandria. Here Company C lost by disease Asa W. Shelby, Joy T. Canfield, W. J. Davis, John Porter, and Rollin C. Sholes.

When spring came, the Eighth entered upon four years of steady and splendid heroism in the Army of the Potomac. They were with Stoneman's Light Brigade at Williamsburg, May 5, 1862, when Hooker's single division held the whole rebel army in check. They were at Games' Hill, Malvern, and in a continuous skirmish with the Confederate cavalry.

When Burnside made his disastrous attack on Lee's strong entrenchments under Longstreet and Jackson, at Fredericksburg, Dec. 13, 1862, the Eighth crossed the pontoons over the Rappahannock, exposed to a heavy fire. The loss of the regiment to this time is given at twenty-seven killed, seventyone wounded, twenty missing.

The campaign of 1863 was one long succession of raid, skirmish, and battle from Sulphur Springs, Warrenton, Rapidan to Gettysburg, July 1-3, where Lee met his Waterloo, and Meade was Wellington. In this campaign, the loss was twenty-three killed, one hundred and sixteen wounded, thirty-seven missing. In 1864, the regiment assisted in the defenses of Washington, and in the pursuit of the assassins of President Lincoln.

The Eighth was mustere'd out at Benton Barracks, Missouri, July 17, 1865. It was a good training school for military supplies, furnishing twemytwo officers for colored regiments, three colonels, two majors, two surgeons, for other Illinois regiments, two brigadiers and five brigadiers by brevet. Clendenin became major in the regular army. The aggregate strength was 2,412 men. The original Company C had ninety-seven men, and in 1864, forty-nine re-enlisted. Eighty-six were recruited during the war. The total enlistment from Whiteside for the company was 172 men exclusive of officers. Besides those killed, several died subsequently of wounds received. How sleep the brave who sink to rest, By all their country's wishes blest.

Thirteenth Illinois Infantry

How the Lumbard Brothers, of Chicago, as they sang this famous song of George F. Root, used to rouse the enthusiasm of the mass meetings in the first years of the war. It was the American Marseillaise for

No finer regiment in personnel and gallantry ever wore uniform than the (Thirteenth. Always ready, always efficient. Two of its best companies were furnished by Whiteside, B from Sterling, G from Morrison. On Saturday -evening, April 20, 1861, a week after Sumter was attacked, a meeting was called in Wallace Hall, Sterling, to organize a company. Fifty men signed the roll. D. R. Bushnell was elected captain, and Cooper Berry, first lieutenant. Captain Beattie, a veteran of the Mexican war, was appointed drill master, and day after day the boys under his direction went through the evolutions on the green in the center of the city. The citizens furnished blankets and uniforms, and on Thursday afternoon, May 9, the company now numbering ninety men, left on the train for Dixon. Here in Camp Dement they met nine other companies from Dixon, Amboy, Rock Island, Sandwich, Morrison, Sycamore, Aurora, Chicago, and Naperville. As no rations were ready, the officers of. -Company B gave the agreeable order for the boys to inarch to the Nachusa House for supper. A vote taken the next day, May 10, resulted in the choice of John B. Wyman of Amboy for Colonel, B. F. Park of Aurora for Lieut. Col., and Adam B. Gorgas of Dixon for Major. Joseph C. Miller, a Baptist minister of Amboy, was appointed Chaplain. Hev. W. W. Harsha, of Dixon, Pres. pastor, preached a sermon in camp on the first Sunday.

Company G came from Morrison, and was formed from a troop of cavalry that had been started in the western part of the county. Several rousing meetings were held until there was an enrollment of one hundred and fifteen men. George M. Cole from Fenton was elected captain, William M. Jenks first lieutenant, and Silas Jackson second lieutenant. The monotony of camp life was broken on the night of June 12 by the death of Berry, then acting as sergeant-major. Going outside the camp to ascertain the cause of some disturbance, he was shot through the neck by one of the guards, and instantly killed. His body was taken to Sterling for burial.

After five weeks at Dixon, orders at last came to move, and marching to the Illinois Central, twenty-two cars of men and baggage started for the long campaign in the South. Passenger cars, too, writes the historian of the Thirteenth, but the last style of that genteel transportation the boys enjoyed in the service. This was June 16, 1861. Caseyville near St. Louis, their first stop, and next Rolla, Missouri. Here they were held for nearly eight months, July 7, 1861, to March 6, 1862. The boys grew very tired of the "masterly inactivity" and in their letters home always closed with, "we are spoiling for a fight." It came soon enough. The winter at Rolla, too, was snowy and disagreeable, and it required much engineering to make their tents comfortable.

Now began a terrible march of over a thousand miles to Helena, Arkansas. When summer came on, the sun was scorching, the dust blinding. Their throats were parched. Few wells. Two dollars offered for a canteen of water. At Helena, the regiment was embarked on the steamer John Warner, and sailing up the Yazoo, was landed on the Johnson plantation near Vicksburg. Sherman's army at this point, consisted of four divisions, the fourth commanded by Brig.-Gen. Frederick Steele. The first brigade of the latter was under Gen. Frank P. Blair, and its first regiment was the Thirteenth Illinois. On Dec. 28, 1862, the brigade had a hot engagement with the enemy at Chickasaw Bayou, and Col. Wyman, while surveying operations with a field-glass, was killed by a sharp-shooter, the ball passing through his breast.

When elected colonel, Wyman was division superintendent of the Illinois Central at Amboy. He was fond of military tactics from a youth, and enjoyed the warm regard of his associates. Over his grave in Rose Hill Cemetery, Chicago, the men of his regiment erected a handsome monument to his memory.

The next day, Dec. 29, the brigade made an attack upon the Confederate works, but was repulsed. Then followed the expedition against Arkansas Post, and various movements about Vicksburg until its surrender, July 4, 1863. Decisive events followed in quick succession. The pursuit of Gen. J. E. Johnston, the battle of Lookout Mountain, Rossville, the fierce engagement at Ringgold, where Major Bushnell received a bullet in the brain.

Major Douglas R. Bushnell was from Connecticut, a civil engineer by profession, and had superintended the construction of various railroads in the east and the west, and at the outbreak of the war, was residing with his family in Sterling. An ideal home. A wife of rare culture, and three young daughters to gladden a father's heart. It was a precious sacrifice on the altar of his country.

Sergeant Samuel Harvey was detailed to take the body to his desolate home, and Riverside cemetery holds all that is mortal of a fond husband and father.

General Hooker in speaking of the fight at Ringgold calls the Thirteenth, ' "that brave regiment", and Osterhaus says they "executed the order in magnificent style".

New Years, 1864, terribly cold, after steady rains, found the regiment at Woodville, Alabama, preparing to stay for the winter. The boys decided to be comfortable, and made genuine log cabins with fire places and shingle roofs. Checkers and chess men were constructed for games, schools held for the negro children who were eager to learn, pipes whittled out of laurel root, foraging expeditions undertaken for corn and pork, every device employed to keep minds and hands in healthful activity.

The end of three years' faithful service came at last, and on Thursday, May 26, 1864, the Thirteenth started for the north by way of Decatur, Nash- ville, down the Cumberland, to Cairo, up the Illinois Central, to Springfield and Camp Butler, where the boys were mustered out. The Fourteenth, Fifteenth, and Eighteenth Illinois were there, also, and the ladies of Springfield and the state officers invited the regiments to a picnic on the grounds of the new state house. Governor Yates, Adjutant Gen. Fuller and Major Gen. Oglesby made addresses of welcome. On Saturday, June 18, the boys received back pay and bounty in full, and the Thirteenth Regiment of Illlinois Volunteer Infantry became again plain and honored citizens of the United States.

Of the original members of Company B who enlisted at Sterling, only three are left in Sterling, Andy Haberer, Gordon Pierce, and John Aurr.ent;' and three in Rock Falls, John Davis, James Arey and Richard Arey.

Andy Haberer has the original pay roll of Company B which the writer has had the privilege of examining. It is on heavy paper, and in good preservation. Here it is

Original Muster Roll Of Company B.

George Russell, private, farmer, Ohio. John Rhodes, private, farmer, Ind. 0. D. Reed, private, farmer, N. Y. Jesse Rood, private, farmer, England. Cyrenius Stewart, private, farmer, Penn. Nathaniel Sipes, private, farmer, Ohio. John H. Sulsh, private, shoemaker, Germany. James B. Smith, private, farmer, Canada. Homer Sillanton, private, mason, 111. Calvin Smith, private, farmer, Mass. Lake Tuttle, private, farmer, Conn. William Thomas, private, farmer, Maine. George F. Tobie, private, R. R. R. Island. David Ustis, private, farmer, Penn. Henry Weaver, private, clerk, Penn. Horatio Wells, private, farmer, Mass. Francis Willard, private, farmer, Mass.

The Seventy-Fifth Illinois

On August 15, 1862, Capt. Wm. M. Kilgour received orders from Gov. Yates to take command of the volunteers who were to assemble at Dixon for organization and drill. In due time the several companies reported.

Company D was started under the auspices of the Chicago Board of Trade, x/but returned to Sterling. It was composed of men from Sterling, Coloma, Genesee, Hume, Hahnaman, Hopkins, Montmorency, Portland, and Prophetstown.

Company E was raised almost wholly from the towns of Lee Center and Sublette. Companies F, G and K also from Lee county, /y Company H was recruited in Sterling, Como, Genesee Grove, and Jordan. V Company I was enlisted principally in the townships of Sterling, Erie, Fulton, and Ustick.

Thus it will be seen that the Seventy-fifth was preeminently a Whiteside regiment, from the strong preponderance of our county boys in its membership. In the other regiments, Whiteside being represented simply by one or two companies. Kilgour was well qualified for drill master, having already had a year's service in Missouri with the Thirteenth Illinois.

On Sept. 2, 1862, George Ryan of Co. K was elected colonel, John E. Bennett of Co. C, lieutenant colonel, and Wm. M. Kilgour, major. The^. were sworn in for three years or the war by Capt. Barri of the U. S. army.

Camp Dement now became a schoolof instruction. Several other companies were assembled, and there was regular drill in the whole round of military tactics, in everything pertaining to camp, garrison, the march, the field. Like pupils at school, the boys had to practice every motion connected with the manual of arms, position and step, loading and firing, facing and wheeling, the order of company, battalion, and brigade. This was well, and as events speedily proved, the noble boys needed all their discipline. Orders came for a movement to the seat of war, and on Sept. 27 the regiment left Camp Dement for the South. The route was by Chicago and Indianapolis, and on Sept. 29 they reached Jeffersonville, Indiana, meeting thousands of other new troops to repel the threatened capture of Louisville.

At this stage of the war the border states seemed to be the battle ground, and the rebels prepared to resist the advance of our troops from the north. Buell was in command of the Army of the Ohio with three army corps. The Seventy-fifth was assigned to the Thirtieth Brigade, ninth Division, of the Third, commanded by Gen. Gilbert. Bragg had posted his army on a range of low, wooded hills in front of Perryville. The battle was opened on the morning of October 8 by an artillery fire from a rebel battery, but the desperate fighting began in the afternoon and raged till dark. The carnage was awful. Men fought like demons. Rousseau's division, after being engaged for three hours with dreadful loss, was appealing for help, and a fresh brigade, Col. Gooding, from Mitchell's division, was rushed to the rescue.

When this brigade formed in line of battle, the Seventy-fifth was in the center. Soon the tremendous conflict raged fiercer than ever. The roar of cannon and musketry was deafening. A sheet of fire blazed between the opposing lines. Now it was a hand to hand grapple, now a charge with fixed bayonets. But our boys never wavered, although their ranks were thinned.

Hundreds of instances of heroism. James Blean, wounded, refused to be carried off the field, exclaiming, "I'll take care of myself; fight on; give the rebels the best you have." Crawling to the rear, he was again wounded, and expired the next day.

Among the wounded were Major Kilgour, and Captains Whallon, Frost, and Roberts, and Lieutenants Barber, Thompson, Irwin, and Blodgett. Lieut. Col. Bennett commanding the regiment, had a horse shot, but was himself unhurt.

Compared with their other home regiments, the Thirteenth and the Thirty-fourth, the Seventy-fifth had a cruel experience. Those two were in camp or on the march for six months before a battle. Six months of soldiering had what may be called military acclimation, while the Seventy-fifth was rushed from the plow or the shop in five weeks to the bayonet thrust and the

It was certainly a calamity. Forty-three of the boys were left dead on the field, nine mortally wounded, one hundred and fifty received hospital treatment, twelve taken prisoners. All through the night the injured soldiers were brought from the field, and the surgeons were kept busy dressing their wounds. Thus thro' the night rode Paul Revere.

Our regiment's next encounter was with their former antagonist of Perryville, Braxton Bragg, decidedly one of the busiest warriors of the Confederacy. It was the fierce fight of Murfreesboro, in which the 34th Illinois made a brilliant record, and where Kirk received his mortal wound. When the smoke of battle lifted, the ground was covered with mangled masses of men and horses, dead and wounded. For eight hours the conflict raged, and no regiment did more valiant service than the Seventy-fifth. Finally on Jan. 3, 1863, Bragg retreated, and our army occupied the town. Here the losses of the regiment were two killed, 25 wounded, and 21 prisoners, among the latter, Capt. McMoore of Co. D.

After Chickamauga the regiment had its share in the famous campaign at Chattanooga. Bragg was on the heights, and controlled the railroads, while our army was in the town, suffering for supplies. When Gen. Grant telegraphed Thomas to hold the place, Thomas replied, "I will hold the town until we starve." Food was scarce. The half-famished soldiers ate moldy bread, picked coffee and rice from the mud, devoured greedily offal from the slaughter yards. Provision trains could not reach the beleagured city. But all this ceased when the stars and stripes on Nov. 25, 1863, floated from Old Lookout and Missionary Ridge, amid the cheers of the brave men who had stormed the rebel entrenchments.

Winter of 1863-64 was spent at Whiteside, on the Charleston and Memphis railroad. Meantime Grant and Sherman had arranged their chessboard. Grant was to move towards Richmond, and at the same time, Sherman was to strike for the heart of the Confederacy. This was the Atlanta campaign, and the Seventy-fifth was in it. A series of stubborn fights, Buzzard Roost, Resaca, Dallas, Kenesaw, Peach Tree Creek. September 2 saw Hood in retreat, and Sherman in possession of Atlanta. This was one of the strategic movements of the war, perhaps the longest running conflict of modern warfare. Napoleon's invasion of- Russia was a failure. Think of an army on forward move for four months, and one hundred days under fire.

While Sherman started on his spectacular march to the sea, Hood began a counter movement into Tennessee. The Seventy-fifth was now with Gen. Schofield, who had a fierce fight with Hood at Franklin. At the battle of Nashville, Dec. 16, 1864, the regiment was in the command of Gen. Grose, and after a bloody assault, Hood's army was a wreck, and fled across the Tennessee. Gen. George H. Thomas, the hero of the day, commanding the Army of the Cumberland, issued an order congratulating the soldiers on the glorious results of the long campaign.

Hail, happy day! White the Fourth Army Corps was lying at Nashville, orders came for the payment and mustering out of the veteran, troops, and on June 13 the Seventy-fifth was en route for Chicago. July 1 they were paid and discharged, departing for home to resume the common duties of the American citizen, after two years and nine months in the Southland.

Of the regiment, sixty-four were killed, thirty-one died of wounds, ninety-one of disease. Besides, 216 were discharged for disability, and 184 wounded. A grand total of 586, or nearly 57 per cent.

Many of the prominent officers were spared to enjoy the peace of the land they struggled to save. Col. John E. Bennett, Brevet Brigadier-General, who afterwards accepted a lieutenancy in the regular army. General William M. Kilgour died in 1887 in California. Dr. Henry Utley, second assistant surgeon, practiced his profession in Sterling until his death a few years ago. William Parker published the Rock Falls Progress until his death in Dec., 1907. Andy McMoore was a merchant in Sterling, and then removed to the south. F. A. Caughey is still living in Sterling. There are, of course, others in the county and elsewhere of whom we have no knowledge.

Thirty-Fourth Illinois Infantry

Early in the summer of 1861, Mr. and, Mrs. Kirk gave a party on the lawn of their elegant home, now the property of Wash Dillon, opposite the Hennepin dam. As the writer and Mr. Kirk stood on the piazza, he remarked, "It does not seem right to be quietly at home while men are needed at the front." He soon was to put his thought into execution.

proceeded to make arrangements, muster rolls were opened, and in a short time the companies had their complement. vEdwin N. Kirk was commissioned Colonel, Amos Bosworth of the Grand Detour Plow Works, Lieut. Colonel, and Charles N. Levanway, of Dixon, Major. David Leavitt, of Sterling, Adjutant, and Francis McNeil of Rochelle, Surgeon. The various companies, except H, G and K, assembled at Dixon, September 3, 1861, took the Illinois Central, and the next day arrived at Camp Butler, near Springfield. The other companies came later.

While on a trip to Springfield that autumn, the writer visited Camp Butler, and found the boys in excellent spirits. They spoke in the highest terms of Mrs. Kirk, who had accompanied the Colonel, and took a motherly interest in the quality of the coffee and food that were furnished.

After a month of drill, the regiment started, October 3rd, on box, coal and stock cars, with soft planks laid across for seats, for Cincinnati. Crossing the Ohio river to Covington, Kentucky, they enjoyed a bountiful supper provided by the citizens. At Frankfort hot coffee and lunch were served by the best ladies of the city. They reached Camp Nevin, near the Louisville and Nashville railroad, Oct. 11, in the midst of a chilly rain.

Gen. W. T. Sherman with headquarters at Louisville, was in command of the Union army in Kentucky, having relieved Gen. Robert Anderson, of Fort Sumter fame, who was in poor health. Sherman was soon succeeded by Buell. At Camp Nevin the boys suffered from various diseases induced by the rainy season and the change in diet, and twenty per cent of the regiment were unfit for duty. Even both of the assistant surgeons were sick. Intermittent fever and measles were the prevailing ailments. Camp Nevin was evacuated Dec. 9 for Mumfordsville to the south on Green river, where the regiment remained to Feb. 14, 1862, when the advance of Grant's army on Forts Henry and Donelson made necessary a move in another direction.

Few, few shall part where many meet, The snow shall be their winding sheet, And every turf beneath their feet, Shall be a soldier's sepulchre.

Events henceforth moved rapidly, and two terrific battles were ahead. Past Mammoth Cave, across the Cumberland at Nashville, Columbia, Savanna, up the Tennessee river on boats to -Shiloh, where the men landed at sunrise on the morning of April 7. They had marched 27 miles the day before, and were very tired, but forming their lines they were soon in the midst of a deadly conflict which had begun the day previous. Gen. Albert Sidney Johnston had marched with an army of 50,000 from Corinth and attacked Grant with 32,000 troops, driving the Union army towards Pittsburgh Landing. Johnston was killed on the first day, and Beauregard was in command of the rebels. Gunboats on the river and artillery on land covered our line of defense, the Confederates fell back, and when Buell came on the morning of the 7th with 13,000 fresh troops, the battle was renewed, a general assault made, and the rebels, after a tremendous conflict, driven from the field. It was one of the fiercest contests of the war, both sides losing in killed and wounded from 10,000 to 12,000 men. Major Levanway was killed by a canister shot in the neck, and Col. Kirk was severely wounded. The regiment lost 35 killed and 92 wounded.

Shortly after this a recruiting squad was sent north to secure men for the ranks which by battle and disease had been lessened twenty per cent in seven months. Capt. Miller of Company H, Adjutant Leavitt, and a Sergeant from each company formed the detail. Gen. Bragg was now the foe in front. After the battle of Perryville, where the 75th Illinois lost so heavily, he had retreated southward, and taken position along the railroad at Murfreesboro, his cavalry operating between that point and the outposts of Rosecran's forces, covering the pikes south of Nashville. Gen. R. W. Johnson 'was in command of our Second Division of McCook's corps, and Gen. Kirk in com- _ mand of the Second Brigade. No Christmas for the boys, for an hour before daylight, Dec. 26, 1862, the bugles rang out, and in cold and rain, the forward movement began from Camp Andy Johnson.

Soon after breakfast on the morning of Dec. 31, the advance of the enemy in overwhelming force moved on the pickets of the Thirty-fourth Illinois, the batteries on both sides) opened, and in five minutes the contest was terrific. The rebels charged with a yell and with the dash of a tidal wave. For the Thirty-fourth it was a hand-to-hand conflict. With twelve men killed, sixty wounded, five color bearers falling in quick succession, the regiment still struggled to maintain its line. Kirk had a second horse killed, and although severely wounded in the thigh, continued cheering his men, until his strength failed, and he was borne bleeding to the rear. Col. Dodge o£ Thirtieth Indiana, then took command. After an operation in the hospital in July, to gain relief, Gen. Kirk seemed to rally and smoked a cigar, but he soon sank into the last sleep.

y Edwin N. Kirk was born in Ohio, 1828, and was in the prime of life. Tall and handsome with black hair and beard, an agreeable presence, of impetuous bravery, his early loss was sincerely lamented.

Meantime the battle waged everywhere over the field. Bragg was on Stone river, with Breckinridge holding the right, Polk the center, Hardee the left. On the first day, Rosecrans lost 28 pieces of artillery, and was forced from his position, on Jan. 1 there was a lull, but on the second the Confederates were repulsed with dreadful slaughter. There was no fighting on the third, and on Jan. 4, Bragg evacuated Murfreesboro. Of 354 men in the regiment at the beginning of the battle, 36 were killed, 92 wounded, 74 taken prisoners.