Elgin Township (part 2 of 3)

The Universalist society, in 1874, raised their church building, on the corner of Center and DuPage streets, and constructed on the ground floor commodious parlors and school rooms for the use of the society. The improvement cost about $2,000, and has added materially to the appearance and utility of the building.

The colored Baptist church, situated on the corner of Dundee and Frank¬ lin streets, was burned in March, 1875, and has not yet been rebuilt, but funds are being raised for that purpose.

A new railroad enterprise, originating in Elgin, was commenced in 1871, and in December, of that year, a company was organized under the name and style of the Chicago & Pacific railroad company. R. M. Hough, presi¬ dent ; T. S. Dobbins, vice president; Geo. Young, John S. Wilcox, Geo. S. Bowen and Walter L. Pease, directors. The road was completed to Elgin in October, 1873, and is now running trains as far west as Byron, Ogle county, a distance of eighty-seven miles west from Chicago. The intended terminus of the road is Savanna, Illinois, on the Mississippi river. Although in process of construction, the earnings of this road are largely in excess of operating expenses. The present officers of the road are : T. S. Dobbins, president ; Geo. S. Bowen, vice president ; John S. Wilcox, W. L,

Pease, Geo. Young, A. O. Campbell and T. M. Bradley, directors. This new railroad outlet has added largely to the business facilities of Elgin, causing a competition which has reduced the rates upon freights and fares materially. It has also opened up communication with the country west of the city, the trade of which has heretofore been tributary to other towns.

The Elgin Gas Light Company

was organized in 1871, with a capital of $50,000. A. E. Swift, President ; N. O. Swift, Vice President ; P. J. Howard, Superintendent. The build¬ ings of the company are of brick, situated on the west bank of the river, about half way between the Chicago street and National street bridges, and between the tracks of the C. & N. W. and C. & P. railroads. The main building is 25x60 feet, the retort room being 25x35 feet, containing six retorts. Coal house, 25x35 feet. Purifying house, 16x30 feet. Gasometer, forty-five feet in diameter. Ud to this date, there have been five miles of street mains laid, and preparations are made for laying one mile more the present season. There are at present thirty-six street lamps in operation, the first being lighted in 1872. Most of our churches, public buildings and stores are lighted with this brilliant substitute for the ancient tallow dips. A large number of private houses are also replacing the explosive kerosene lamps with the more cleanly gas jets, to the manifest decrease of the mor¬ tality lists and the comfort of accident insurance companies. Dr. O. E.

History Of Elgin. 4 1 New Residences

Since 1870, the number of new buildings erected in this city will average about 200 per year. Among the most important private buildings we can only mention a few.

Mr. I. C. Bosworth built, in 1871, a fine brick residence, on the southeast corner of Center and Chicago streets, at a cost of $18,000. This fine prop¬ erty has just been sold, together with the furniture. J. A. Carpenter, of Carpenterville, is the purchaser, who will make this city his residence. Mr. Bosworth will erect another residence soon.

Hezekiah Gifford, referred to as one of the first settlers of the city, built, in 1873, a fine frame residence, with modern improvements - $15,000 - with seven acres of ground attached.

Benj. Cox, Horace French, Walter Kimball, B. Hagelow, Dr. Bennett, and a large number of others have each built residences within the same period, at a cost of $5,000 and upward.

Business Buildings

Fred Stolt and John Gieske have built a brick block on the southwest corner of Douglas avenue and Milwaukee street, 40x80 feet ; used for stores and offices.

J. Manly Adams, at the east end of the bridge on Chicago street, erected, the same season, a brick building, containing basement and ground floor stores, with photograph rooms on second floor.

Albert Mazel built, in 1874, on the comer of Milwaukee and River streets a two-story brick block, containing two stores, basement and dwelling.

But the principal additions to the business buildings of Elgin since 1870, were built in 1874, on the site of the fire of March, 1874, which destroyed about a dozen stores on Chicago street, at the corner of Douglas avenue and on Fountain place. We give cuts of several of these new buildings.

Arrangements were made to rebuild the burnt district before the ruins ceased smoldering, and by the first of November following six fine busi¬ ness blocks were ready for occupancy.

On the comer of Chicago street and Douglas avenue, Wm. G. Hubbard erected a building of white brick, 22x120, which is perhaps the best built block in the city.

The basement walls are cemented and the walls lined, rendering them rat and moisture proof, well lighted and suitable for offices. The two stores, one facing south and the other west, are among the best business sites in the city. The rooms on the second and third floors of this building communi¬ cate with those of the adjoining block.

Kelley & Todd erected, at the same time, on the two adjoining lots, a building nearly uniform in style with Hubbard's, and the upper stories of the whole have been finished for hotel purposes, containing thirty-six rooms for guests, beside all the necessary offices of a first-class hotel.

is of red brick, in the commercial-gothic style, with stone trimmings, iron pillars, metal cornices and composition roof. The ground floor is divided into five first-class stores with well lighted basements. The second floor furnishes about twenty business offices, and the third will be finished for some purpose hereafter.

The Martin Block

a three-story brick, with ornamental stone and iron trimmings and tin roof. The third story of this block is the hall of the German Turn-Verein Vorwaerts.

The Dubois Block

finished in 1870, and referred to in previous history. The lower part of this building is eighty feet square and contains three elegant stores. The two upper stories project over an alley ten feet, making them 80x90 feet. In the second story are offices, and rooms for a fine residence, and the whole of the upper story makes the largest and best public hall in the city, known as the "DuBois Opera House." The cost of this building was about $40,000.

The City Court House

was built in 1869, by the city, on River street, opposite the foot of DuPage. It is brick, 22x40. In 1873 another building was added to it, 22x60. The court room is in the second story, 44x40. The fire engine and hose company occupy the ground floor of the first named part and the new building furnishes offices for the city clerk, clerk of the city court and a large fire¬ proof vault for records. The whole cost of the building was $16,000.

Civic Societies Masonic

Elgin Lodge, No. 117, A. F. & A. M. - A. L. Clark, W. M. ; George R. Bassett, Sec'y. Regular communications second and fourth Fridays in each month, at Freemasons' hall.

Monitor Lodge, No. 522, A. F. & A. M. - N. J. Bloomfield, W. M. ; Ira M. Hastings, Sec'y. Regular communications first and third Thursdays in each month, at Freemasons' hall.

Bethel Commandery, No. 36, K. T. - Stated conclaves first Wednesday in each month, at Freemasons' hall. T. E. Lawrence, E. C. ; C. D. Dick¬ inson, Recorder.

Odd Fellows

Kane Lodge, No. 47, 1. O. O. F. - Was first established in Elgin in Feb¬ ruary, 1849, but during the war it became defunct. In July, 1870, through the instrumentality of R. P. McGlincy, Dr. H. W. Rice, H. C. Rogers, D. W. Hewitt and others, the lodge was revived and is now in a flourishing condition, having about seventy-five members. The principal officers of the lodge are : H. J. Page, Noble Grand ; A. Gustason, Vice Grand ; D. J. Diunser, Secretary ; M. C. Town, Treasurer ; R. P. McGlincy is District Deputy Grand Master for the year 1875. The lodge meets every Tuesday evening in Odd Fellows' hall, old postoffice block.

Elgin Encampment, No. 112, I. O. O. F. - Instituted Nov. 8, 1870. Meets in Odd Fellows' hall on the second and fourth Mondays in each month. C. H. McComb, High Priest ; H. J. Page, Scribe ; D. W. Hewitt, Treasurer ; D. W. Hewitt, Deputy Grand Master.

Temperan Ce Societies

Elgin Temperance Union. - G. P. Lord, President ; Thomas Perkins, Secretary ; I. C. Bosworth, Treasurer. Was organized in 1874. A very large number of citizens of all ages signed the " pledge," which constituted them members of this association - 1,260 in all - composed largely of the members of the leading churches and the educated portion of the community.

Ladies' Branch of the Elgin Temperange Union. - Organized April 27, 1874. Mrs. Holmes Slade was chosen President ; Mrs. A. G. Sears, Secretary, and Mrs. F. S. Bosworth, Assistant Secretary. The present officers of the society, elected April 26, are as follows : President, Mrs. I.

C. Bosworth; Vice Presidents, First ward, Mrs. John S. Wilcox ; Second ward, Mrs. H. Gifford ; Third ward, Mrs. R. P. McGlincy ; Fourth ward, Mrs. Dr. Whitford ; Fifth ward, Mrs. W. S. Balch ; Sixth ward, Mrs. G. B. Raymond ; Secretary, Mrs. F. S. Bosworth ; assistants, Mrs. S. J. Stiles and Mrs. A. Sherwin. The committees of this society have been very active in the work of promoting the objects of their organization, and have indirectly met with much success.

D. Nolan, President ; B. Lynn, Secretary. Organized in 1873. Meetings in Temperance hall, Hoagland's block, Douglas avenue, corner of Dexter avenue. Present number of members, thirty-two.

Young Men's Catholic Temperance and Benevolent Society. - Organized November 17, 1872. M. C. Tobin, President ; T. P. Sheehan, Secre¬ tary. Meets in same hall as above. Number of members, forty. These two societies number among their members many of the most influential and promising citizens of Elgin and vicinity, and are exerting a marked influ¬ ence upon the community.

Miscellaneous

Elgin Turn-Verein Vorwaerts. - Hall in Martin block, south side Chicago street. Organized May, 1871. Sebastian Ranzenberger, President ; Fred C. Kothe, Secretary. The society commenced with twelve members. It now numbers sixty. The hall of this society, with all its contents, has been burned out twice - once in 1873, and again in 1874. As now rebuilt in the third story of Martin block, it is 44x80 feet, and is being furnished at a cost of about $800. The present officers are : Caspar Althen, President, and Fred C. Kothe, Secretary.

Sam. G. Ward Post, No. 18, G. A. R. - Organized July, 1874. Post Com¬ mander, Walter S. Joslyn ; Adjutant, Albert C. Ward; Quartermaster, Geo. H. Knott. The number of members of this order at its organization was twenty-three. The present number is fifty-two. Meets Monday even¬ ings at Temperance hall, Hoagland's block, corner Douglas and Dexter ave¬ nues. This post was named in honor of Capt. Samuel G. Ward, Company A,

Seventh Illinois Infantry, who was killed at the battle of Fort Donelson. The objects of this order are indicated in their motto : Fraternity, Charity and Patriotism.

Musical Societies

The Bluff City Band. - Organized in the spring of 1868, as u The National Watch Factory Band," with eighteen members. Reorganized as the u Bluff City Band," in 1871. Frank K. Preston, Pres't ; Milton S. Hayes, Sec'y and Treas ; Frank K. Preston, Leader and Business Manager. There are fourteen members at present, all but two of whom are employes of the National Watch Factory.

The Mendelssohn Society. - Organized Jan. 25, 1875, and held its first rehearsal in February following. Dr. A. L. Clark, President ; Mrs. Lois E. Hillis, Yice President ; Mr. J. A. Palmer, Treasurer; Mr. Geo. H. Daniels, Secretary ; Dr. S. E. Weld, Librarian ; Mr. Frank Perkins, Mrs. A. L. Clark and Mrs. D. P. Freeman, Executive Committee.

Literary Societies

The Burns Caledonian Club. - A literary and benevolent society, was organized on the 25th of January, 1875, and is the only chartered society of the kind at present in the city. The society's rooms are at Nos. 4 and 5, in Town's block. Thomas S. Martin, President ;

Elgin Shakespearean Club. - This is a purely literary society and was formed in September, 1874, Miss Flora Pennell being appointed Presi¬ dent and Miss A. H. Hussey, Secretary. A constitution and by-laws were drafted, but have never been signed. The club meets weekly at private residences only. It is contemplated to procure a charter and secure a per¬ manent organization.

Additional Items

In some of the preceding pages we have not always referred to events in their chronological order, preferring to group those which pertained to par¬ ticular subjects in paragraphs by themselves. In doing so, we have omitted some matters worthy of being remembered, which we now proceed to chron¬ icle, though we are obliged to omit many others which we should like to notice.

During all of Elgin's history death has been busy with our citizens, and many who were once active and influential among us have slept the " slept the sleep that knows no waking." One of the first to leave us since the beginning of 1870, was Mr. Abraham Hoagland, whose death occurred on the 4th of January in that year. He had been a resident of the place about sixteen years, during most of which time he was engaged in the lumber business, and was one of our most respected and valuable citizens.

As an item showing the longevity, as well as the social traits of Elgin's early settlers, we note, that on the 11th of January, 1870, a reunion of the Gifford family was held at the house of O. Davidson, on which occasion there were present eight persons of the first generation, thirteen of the second and eight of the third. Mrs. Ruth G. Dixon, a sister of the pioneer Giffords, having reached her seventy-fourth birthday, was made the recipi¬ ent of valuable presents.

Formerly, what is now South River street, south of Prairie street, was called Grove avenue, and intersected Prairie street at a point several rods east of River street, thus making an unseemly turn in the road and inter¬ rupting the view. Efforts were made as early as 1870 to have those streets connected in a straight line, but owing to the opposition of property owners it was not effected until 1873. Then the two-story brick house of Mr. R. Beckwith, which stood in the way, was raised with screws and removed se veral rods 'to the west side of River street, where it now stands. This was the first exhibition of this kind of modern engineering skill ever accom¬ plished in Elgin. Grove avenue thus became a part of South River street, and is now one of the finest drives in the city.

Much feeling was manifested and discussion had, as to the propriety of the appropriation for building the new bridge on Dexter, now National street. It was claimed that the expenditure was not then called for by any existing general public interest, but was beneficial, if at all, to local interests merely. Promises from private parties interested, to aid in the expense of erecting the bridge, have not been as yet realized, though private property has been largely enhanced in value thereby. The plea that such extension of available residence property is an indirect benefit to the city, is neutral¬ ized by the fact that the population was not yet crowded in other quarters already accessible.

In February, 1870, the death of Philip Lasher, son of Stephen Lasher, and formerly one of the proprietors of the Waverly house, occurred in New York city, where he was residing at the time.

On the 6th of April, 1870, the distillery on the west side, whicli had long been a prominent object in that part of the city and an extensive business concern, was burned down. The Chicago & Pacific railroad has since cut the property in two, and the remaining buildings and grounds will doubtless soon become the scene of other manufacturing industries, for which the location is very favorable.

The property known as the Lovell farm, on the east side of the river, was this year platted and brought into market. A large number of new streets and residences are now situated upon a portion of it. This property, lying along the track of the Fox River Yalley railroad, is admirably adapted to become the site of some of the new mammoth manufacturing establish¬ ments, which are seeking locations among us.

A mat and mattress manufactory was established and operated in 1870, on Douglas avenue, near Hoagland's block, employing a number of hands, but was unfortunately burned down during this year.

At the city election, in March, 1870, M. B. Baldwin was re-elected mayor. Local political feeling ran high on the subjects of appropriations, sumptu¬ ary laws, etc.

On the 3d of July, 1870, the old Baptist church was formally withdrawn from, with appropriate allusions by the pastor, Rev. W. P. Everett. Among the honored members and founders of this church were the Schoonhovens, Kennedy, Weston, Hull, Walker, S. J. Kimball, A. J. Joslyn, Philo Sylla and others. The society worshiped in this building twenty years. It was built of the material of which several of the best early residences were con¬ structed - cobble stones - found abundantly in our gravel knolls. Since its abandonment it has suffered much decay, but is still thought good enough to teach children in, though the parents worship in costlier houses.

In 1870, the late Dr. P. B. Pratt commenced the culture of fish, and inclosed a park of some seventy acres, of what was known to the early set¬ tlers as the " cedar swamp," lying on the east side of the river, one and a half miles above the city. The numerous springs in this " Trout Park " feed the ponds in which are reared the young salmonaide. This park was, also, at one time, stocked with elk and deer. Some of the springs are believed to have valuable medicinal properties. This park has since become a popular resort for pleasure seekers, especially Germans from Chicago. Dr. W. A. Pratt has continued to improve it since the death of his father, in 1872.

In the same year, Mr. D. S. Hammond, of Hammond station on the C. & P. R. R., near the southeast corner of the city limits, commenced the busi¬ ness of pisciculture in a scientific way, by building a system of capacious tanks and ponds of solid masonry, fed by bounteous springs of pure cold water, gushing up in a beautiful dell, surrounded by a grove of magnificent forest trees. Hammond's grove is also a popular resort for pic-nic parties from Elgin and Chicago.

In September, 1870, Mr. A. C. Lynd, a prominent young citizen, and for some time chief clerk in the postoffice of Elgin, died in Washington, D. C., where he was in the employ of the general government. His genial tem¬ perament won for him hosts of warm friends in Elgin, where he had been

The Franco-German war, which commenced in the spring of 1870, aroused the sympathies of our German fellow-citizens, and liberal donations were sent from Elgin to the fatherland during this year, to aid in assuaging the sufferings always caused by war.

The census of Kane county was taken this year, when it was found to contain a population of 39,000, an increase of 9,000 since 1860. The census of this city, giving 5,441, was taken this year instead of 1871, as we stated by mistake under the head of " population." This shows an increase of nearly 3,000 in about five years.

In September of this year, the Rock River Annual Conference of the M. E. church, embracing nearly 200 members, held its session here, being the only time our city has been honored with its presence.

On the 21st of September, of this year, the " golden wedding," or fiftieth anniversary of the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Horace Birge, was celebrated at their house, a short distance north of the city, an event which occurs so seldom that we deem it worthy of record.

The funeral of Mr. Colton Knox was held in the Congregational church Nov. 18, 1870. Mr. Knox was one of the very first settlers of Elgin, coming here in 1836, where he resided till 1862. He owned a fine farm on the west bank of the Fox, included in the present grounds of the Northern Illinois Hospital for the Insane, and sold by him several years ago to R. B. Chis¬ holm.

In 1871, a project was discussed for raising the head of water from four feet to six, by adding two feet to the top of the dam across Fox river. If such addition can be made without damaging other interests, it will double the available water power at this point.

The present city cemetery, being located at an early day, is now consid¬ ered too near the heart of the city. The question of its removal to some point further out, was discussed in the newspapers of Elgin as early as the spring of 1871, and this discussion will probably continue until its removal is effected.

On Monday, the 9th of October, 1871, when the news came flashing over the wires that the city of Chicago was still in flames, and thousands of her people were driven homeless and hungry into the open air, or crowded into the remaining houses of the suburbs, the citizens of Elgin at once called a mass meeting at DuBois Opera House, and appointed a committee to visit every bakery in the city and set them at work preparing bread for the out¬ casts. Of the names of this committee we have learned, positively, only two - Messrs. A. B. Fish and John Coburn. So many others acted in con¬ cert with these gentlemen, and such was the eagerness and enthusiasm of all, without regard to appointment or priority in the generous rivalry of doing something to provide for the terrible exigency of fellow mortals in distress, that no one now can remember, for certain, whether he acted by authority as one of that committee or not. We could give the names of a score of citizens who were constantly on the alert for several days and nights in providing, shipping and delivering the donations of the people. Certain it is, that " the ovens were heated seven times quicker than was their wont," and all flight long on Monday night, not only every bakery in the city was worked to its utmost capacity, but at private houses women and men were busy baking bread, meats, beans, and cooking all kinds of portable pro¬ visions, so that by 4:30 o'clock on Tuesday morning the first car¬ load of " relief, " that was shipped from any point on that memorable morning, was dispatched to the scene of suffering, and distributed to the famished and frightened refugees from the flames. Over 2,000 loaves were thus sent by lightning express on this first train ; and as the day broke over the supperless, shivering, shelterless crowds, who had all night long looked despairingly up into the face of the cold sky, over which hov¬ ered the smoke of their smoldering homes, they must have fancied that the old-time fable of bread dropping from heaven had been realized. We note the fact of our priority in providing bread to break the fast of that starving multitude, more from pride in the generous impulses of human nature, than to give any peculiar credit to our single city, though, in that connection, it is an item worthy of the historian's pen. To boast of being first in perform¬ ing a charitable act, which was so spontaneously and universally seconded by the entire civilized world, would be invidious as an estimate of our benev¬ olence, while it may be no more than a just meed of praise to the spirit of practical activity and " push," which pervades our community. The first car-load was followed by another batch of bread and provisions on the 7 o'clock a. m. train, and by another full car-load in the afternoon, con¬ taining clothing and blankets as well as food. Three times a day, for over a week, fresh provisions were sent in, with citizens in charge to see them safely and properly bestowed. The whole energies of the entire people were virtually given up to the task of assisting the sufferers from this great calamity. The amount of value in dollars aud cents thus contributed by the citizens of Elgin, in money, time and material, was never computed nor accounted. But aside from this, fully $1,000 in cash was raised by citizens and paid over to the bakers and victualers, who charged only for the bare material. Though our gifts were small, in comparison with the gratuities which flowed in from every quarter of the globe in such liberal streams, amounting to millions in the aggregate, yet we think this an appropriate place to chronicle the fact that, both in amount and in promptness, the citizens of Elgin have cause to remember with pride their pre-eminence on this occasion.

Dear Sir - * * We have been duly placed in possession of the truly generous donation of $1,591.50, from the liberal and sympathizing employes of the National Watch Company. * * made up to a considerable extent by contributions from young ladies who necessarily had to make great sacrifices for the accomplishment of so noble a charity." What higher praise could be paid to the liberality and intelli¬ gence of our industrial population ?

On the night of the 18th of April, 1872, Collin Root, nephew of C. P. Gilbert, of this place, was shot with two pistol balls in the head and killed, by unknown parties, on the railroad track near the West Side station. He was a young man about twenty-one years of age, just reaching Elgin with the intention of settling here. No certain motive for the deed or clue to the perpetrators, have as yet been discovered. Much excitement was caused in the city at the time, and a reward of $500 is still pending for the capture of the murderer. The sleepless eye of the law is still watching for the guilty one.

On the 14th of May, 1872, appeared the first number of The Lady Elgin , a monthly newspaper edited and published by the lady operatives of the National Watch Factory.

Mr. Asa Barrows died on the 25th of June, 1872, soon after having com¬ pleted the new Baptist church edifice, of which he was the architect. The funeral ceremonies were according to the ritual of the Masonic fraternity, and among the most imposing ever witnessed in Elgin.

Mr. George Saulsbury also died on the same date. He was elected to the office of town collector in the spring of 1871. Having been a soldier of the republic during the late civil war, his remains were buried by the members of the G. A. R. with imposing ceremonies.

In July, 1872, the new temperance law of Illinois, which is still in opera¬ tion, took effect. There were some prosecutions under this law in Elgin, some of which resulted in favor of the prosecutors, and some in favor of the defendants.

The Rev. Nathaniel Catlin Clark, one of the earliest, if not the very first, minister of the gospel in the Fox river valley, died in Elgin on the 3d of December, 1872, aged 71 years. Frequent reference has been made in other parts of this history to the life and services of this most estimable man, who had resided here most of the time since 1S38, and had been pastor of the Congregational church at three different times. Aside from his great influ¬ ence as a clergyman, he was honored by his fellow townsmen, during the latter part of his life, with the civic offices of superintendent of public schools and of town collector, the duties of which he discharged with singular ability and fidelity.

The Hon. Isaac W. Swan came to this city in 1870, and died here on the loth of August, 1873, aged fifty-six. Mr. Swan was bom at Waterloo, N. Y., but had lived for over thirty years in Medina, N. Y. His eminent finan¬ cial activity was appreciated in this city, and his death at an age when his powers were as yet unimpaired, constituted a loss to the business com¬ munity.

On the 4th of September, 1873, a convention of mill-owners and gentlemen interested in the water-power at various points along the Fox river, was held in Elgin for the purpose of discussing the most feasible plan of increasing the water power of Fox river. A committee was appointed to visit Geneva Lake and ascertain its size, amount of water, etc., and whether there was any feasible means of drawing water from that lake for the supply of power along the river. They visited the lake but failed to make any formal report, and the project appears to have been abandoned for the time being.

William Todd and his wife, long respected residents of this city, were lost on board the ill-fated steamer Atlantic, which was sunk about twenty miles off Halifax on the morning of the 1st of April, 1873, by which catas¬ trophe over seven hundred lives were lost. Mr. and Mrs. Todd were return¬ ing from Europe, where they had been on a visit to friends in Scotland.

Captain Elisha Lee, a resident of Elgin from 1853, died on the 11th of April, 1873, in the sixty-sixth year of his age. In early life he commenced the business of steamboat navigation on the St. Lawrence river, and was the second oldest engineer on the great lakes, which business he followed during his lifetime up to 1871, and during all that period when the waters of our great inland chain of lakes and rivers formed the grand channel of travel and commerce between the east and west. He was chief engineer at the Northern Insane Hospital at the time of his death.

The question of granting license to liquor saloons, has at various times agitated the people of Elgin. In 1S68 the experiment had been tried of refusing license. Litigation followed, and either through the fault of the law or the apathy of its supporters, it failed to secure the results antici¬ pated.

On the 16th of May, 1873, a petition was presented to the Common Council signed by 1,5S7 persons, praying them " not to grant license to saloon¬ keepers." The petition was reported upon adversely by two of the mem¬ bers of the committee on license, E. S. Joslyn and W. F. Lynch, giving at length the arguments against any attempt to prohibit the traffic, and recom¬ mending a license at S100 per annum. Aid. R. P. Jackman moved to substi-

On the 28th of May, 1873, the' Illinois State Association of Congregational churches held their annual meeting in Elgin, continuing four days. During the session frequent reference was made to the late Rev. N. C. Clark. For twenty-nine years he had met regularly in the state association, and all seemed to miss his kindly presence and fatherly love.

The Elgin National Watch Factory, in October, 1873, caused a large num¬ ber of medals to be struck off, with the representation of an Elgin watch on one side and the Chicago worlds' exhibition building on the other. Large numbers of these were sold at the Chicago exhibition and elsewhere at ten cents each, and the proceeds given to aid the sufferers from yellow fever at the south.

John W. Ranstead was nominated for the office of county judge by the farmers' convention, on the 16th of October, 1873, and at the county election, on the 4th of November, following, was elected by 1,246 majority, out of a vote of 2,876.

E. W. Vining died on Sunday, 2d of November, 1873. At Jiis death he held three positions of honor, viz. : mail route agent, from Elgin to Geneva, Wis. ; police justice, and master in chancery of the Elgin City Court.

Mr. Phineas Smith died on the 21st of November, 1873. He was the pioneer dairyman of Elgin, having commenced shipping milk to Chicago in 1852.

Another item, to which we allude with melancholy interest, is the death of the first white woman who ever saw the banks of the Fox river at this point. This lady was Mrs. Mary Jane Gifford, wife of Hezekiah Gifford, whose name is familiar in these pages. Her death occurred on the first day of January, 1874, just thirty-eight years and a half from the date of her first appearance upon the spot where her career was ever afterward marked with all the respect and esteem due to a brave pioneer, as well as a pious, kind and gentle woman.

Gail Borden died on the 13th of January, 1874, in Borden, Texas, where he had gone but a few days before from this place, and after having made arrangements to permanently reside here. A fuller reference to this excel¬ lent and enterprising man will be found in our article on the condensing factory.

Lysander Beverly, a prominent member of the Baptist church of this place, died at his residence near the city on the 1st of February, 1874. He had contributed largely toward the erection of the Baptist church edifice, and also donated $1,000 to the Chicago university.

On the 1st of February, 1874, occurred the death of Mrs. Bessie C., wife of Frank H. Moseley, from consumption. On the 3d of that month the death of her husband occurred from the same disease. They were buried in the same grave. They had been residents here since the establishment

On the 27th of February, 1874, Mr. James P. Knott, an old and highly respected citizen of Elgin, died instantaneously at his residence, after hav¬ ing just come in from a ride and attending to business in the city. Mr. Knott was an Englishman by birth, and a gentleman of the old school.

At the city election in March, of this year, D. F. Barclay was elected mayor over A. H. Barry, by a majority of 369, and was re-elected in the spring of 1875 without material opposition. #

The public library of Elgin was formally opened March 19, 1874. The rooms were densely filled by the cultured citizens of Elgin, and speeches were made by several leading gentlemen of the city, amid much enthusiasm and enjoyment.

On Monday morning, March 23, 1874, Elgin was visited by one of the most destructive fires which ever occurred here. The ground burned over was the two prominent business corners of the city, fronting on Chicago street, Douglas avenue and Fountain place. The total loss was estimated at $150,000. , Insurance on this property, buildings and goods was paid to the amount of nearly $100,000, and by October, of the same year, the entire ground, with the exception of one lot on Chicago street, was entirely rebuilt in a much more substantial and ornamental style.

In April, of this year, Major D. W. Whittle and Prof. P. P. Bliss, of Chicago, who have since become somewhat famous as lay evangelists, held a meeting of several days in this place, which was one of their first.

In the spring of 1874, what is known as the temperance crusading wave, reached Elgin. Mass meetings were held in the churches and at DuBois opera house, at which the pledge was circulated and signed by large num¬ bers of our citizens. The ladies were especially active in promoting the cause of temperance during the spring and summer of this year. On the 15th of April a petition was presented to the city council by a committee of prominent ladies, praying that no license to sell liquor be granted. The petition was considered at the next meeting of the council, April 22, and rejected by the casting vote of the mayor - six aldermen voting in favor and six against it.

The death of Miss Foneta A. Newcomb, only child of J. B. Newcomb, who had been a most successful teacher in our public schools for several years, and was very much respected, occurred on the 30th of April, 1874.

A few days after, viz. : on the 2d of May, Miss Ada J. Joslyn, daughter of the late Rev. A. J. Joslyn, and also one of the teachers in our public schools, was called away by death, and on the same day Mrs. Jane E. Lar¬ kin, wife of C. H. Larkin, who had been a resident of our town from her childhood.

About the 1st of May, 1874, the Elgin Gazette , which had been published longer than any other paper ever started here, ceased to exist, from mis- management and consequent financial difficulties. Its office and a portion of the material on which it was printed, were soon after secured by Mr. S. L. Taylor, proprietor of the Elgin Advocate, who has made it one of the best country newspapers in the state. Mr. E. Keogh, the last editor of the Gazette , immediately after its demise started the Elgin Times.

The Elgin watch factory was partially closed for repairs and putting in newr machinery on the 10th of June, 1874, and remained so until the 1st of August, when it opened with increased facilities, and the whole city again felt the throb of its pulsations.

On the 4th of June, 1874, the old settlers held their annual gathering at the fair grounds, where speeches were made by several of the old residents of the vicinity, and by Governor Beveridge, who was present by invitation.

The death of S. P. Burdick, one of our oldest and most respected citizens, occurred on the 7th of July, 1874. He settled on a farm near Elgin as early as 1838, but for several years of the latter part of his life was a resident of the city, and part owner of the City mills.

On the 2d of August, Stafford McOsker, another old resident, departed this life. He carried on the merchant tailoring business here longer than any other man, with perhaps a single exception, and by attention to business and wise investments amassed a competence.

In the month of November, 1874, an agent from Smith county, Kansas, visited Elgin, and presented the claims of the sufferers from drought and grasshoppers in that region. The agent being known to Dr. Joseph Tefft, of this city, the appeal was met by the citizens of Elgin in the most liberal spirit. Upward of $1,000 worth of goods, clothing, etc., were donated and shipped to Smith county, and $530 in cash was raised and paid over to the agent for that purpose.

Building operations in Elgin during 1874 were unusually active. In addi¬ tion to rebuilding the burnt district, a large number of other business build¬ ings and private residences were erected. Not far from half a million of , dollars were expended in this way, including $150,000 upon the Asylum.

Important matters which have taken place in Elgin since the commence¬ ment of 1875, are so recent as to be fresh in the memories of our readers. But we record a few of them, as we have recorded some before, not simply for present information but for future reference.

Mr. Martin Coney, another of the old residents of Elgin, and father of Mrs. P. J. Kimball and Mrs. J. N. Truesdell, died January 10, 1875, aged nearly seventy-seven. The death of Miss Libby Tuck occurred on the 21st of the same month.

During the last few years dairymens' conventions have repeatedly been held in our city. The ninth annual meeting of the Northwestern Dairy¬ mens' Association convened here on the 9th of February, 1875, and con¬ tinued in session three days.

License or no license was to some extent an issue, and although the com¬ plexion of the Common Council on this subject was not materially changed, they soon after raised the price of license from $125 to $300, and the number of licensed saloons has been reduced about one-half. The city sexton's report was read at the first meeting of the new council, showing the number of deaths in the city during the past year to have been 108. This, in a pop¬ ulation of 8,000, speaks well for the health of the place. With the com¬ mencement of this year, ft. W. Padelford, who had been clerk of the council ever since the establishment of the city government in 18-54, and had given universal satisfaction, ceased to act as such, and W. F. Sylla was appointed in his place.

On the 25th of March occurred the death of Jonathan Hinsdell, aged eighty-four. He had resided in the vicinity about thirty-eight years, and was one of the original trustees of the Methodist church.

The Chicago & Pacific railroad, to which Elgin is so much indebted, was during this month completed to Byron, on Rock river, fifty-eight miles west of our city.

The deaths of Wm. C. Kimball and Roswell Smith, the former aged sixty-nine and the latter sixty-one, and both of them old residents of the city, occurred at nearly the same hour on the 6th of May. We notice Mr. Kimball in our article on " The Merchants of Elgin," on a succeeding page. Mr. Smith was also for several years a merchant here, and one of our most respected and valuable citizens.

On the evening of May 13, another large meeting of citizens was held at the court house to hear a report from the Board of Education, relative to the contemplated new school-houses already referred to. They recom¬ mended an expenditure of $90,000 for this purpose, and we expect that ere long Elgin will be provided with school buildings which will be an honor to the city, and attract hither persons who have children to educate.

From information lately received, we are able to correct a statement that has heretofore been current, that the first white child bom on the site of our present city, was Joseph Kimball, who now resides among us. It appears that Louisa, the daughter of John and Lydia Kimball, and Char¬ lotte, daughter of Sidney and Martha Kimball, were both born in the spring of 1836, and consequently saw the light sooner, by some months, than Joseph. After having borne these natal honors for so many years, putting on heirs in the belief that he was the first of his race in Elgin, it seems hard to strip the laurels from his brow and bind them upon the forehead of the feebler sex. But Louisa being still alive and the wife of one of our citizens, Mr. Louis Little, the progress of the age demands that women should have u their rights." " Sic transit gloria mundi ."

ESIROUS of presenting certain subjects more at length and more consecutively than could well be done in the general history, we have invited several of our citizens, who were well qualified for the purpose, to furnish articles on these subjects, and have also prepared several ourselves. These will be found on the following pages, and, while there may be some repetition, we trust the information contained in them will be both interesting and valuable.

The Schools Of Elgin

Miss Harriet E. Gifford, who is still a resident of this place, taught the first school ever kept in this city. Mr. James T. Gifford lived in a little log house which stood just in front of Mr. O. Davidson's present residence, and here, in 1837, Miss Gifford gathered a few children of those early settlers for instruction in the necessary branches of an education. In the following year she taught in the Union church, a small building which had been erected by the Baptists, Congregationalists and Methodists, where the old cobble-stone church or school-house now stands. Miss Gifford was followed, in 1841 or 1842, by Adin Mann and wife. School was continued in this church several years. Just before this time, the Methodists had withdrawn from the union congregation and put up a small house of worship where their present church now stands. In this house Mr. Mann taught in 1840. Subsequently, Mr. Bolles, the pastor, and others, taught in the same place.

About 1844, the first regular school-house was built. It was erected by private subscription, and stood on the ground now occupied by Dr. Tefft's residence. Miss Harvey, afterward Mrs. Paul R. Wright, taught in this building two or three years, and then was succeeded by others. But the rapid growth of the town made additional school accommodations necessary, and in 1845 Mr. R. W. Padelford circulated a subscription paper to raise funds for the erection of a new school-house. As a result, the old brick was commenced soon after, although it was not completed until 1847, nor formally dedicated until January, 1848. The building was opened January 3, 1848, with Mr. Ballard, principal of high school, salary $400 per year, and Mrs. Bal¬ lard and Miss Esther M. Graves, now Mrs. Jay J. Town, of Des Moines, Iowa, assistants. At that time it was the finest school building in this part of the state, and, far and near, there was no little talk about the " big school-house at Elgin." Before the building w*as fully completed, Mrs. Lucy Lovell taught a select school in one of the lower rooms, being the first school taught in the building. From this time educational matters pro¬ gressed, marked by nothing of special interest till 1851. It should be noted, that up to this time all the schools had been sustained by the payment of rate bills. No tax for educational purposes had been levied ; no public revenue had been received ; 110 " free schools " had been known in the state. A radical change was now inaugurated. The legislature passed an act authorizing the levy of a tax for the support of free schools, and the next year, at a school meeting held in the old brick, the first tax levied in the state of Illinois for free schools, was voted in this city, and the tax afterward collected.

The Elgin Seminary was established in the spring of 1851, by the Misses E. and E. E. Lord, now of Chicago. It was designed, principally, for the education of young ladies, though, during part of the time, several young gentlemen were admitted. The school was first taught in the basement of the Congregational church, and a house on DuPage street, now owned by Mr. C. K. Anderson, was used for the boarding department. In January, 1852, the " Elgin House " was purchased, and soon after fitted up for the purposes of the seminary. It then embraced not only the most of what is now known as the " Elgin Boarding House," corner of Chicago and Center streets, but the house next east of it, and afforded ample accommodations for a large number of pupils. In its new quarters the school was well pat¬ ronized, and hundreds now in middle life are living in this and other places who shared its benefits. Among its principals were Rev. Daniel S. Dick¬ inson, since deceased, and A. R. Wright, Esq., now of Sioux City, Iowa. Among its teachers were Miss Emily Lord (who was also the business man¬ ager), Miss Ellen E. Lord, Miss A. Town, Miss Towner, Miss Ballard, Miss L. Graves (now Mrs. Hey wood), Mrs. Mary L. Dickinson, Mrs. Martha A. Lord, Miss Mary Blair, Miss Clara Edgecomb, Miss Irene Perine (now Mrs. Converse), and others. The school was continued until the summer of 1856, when it was decided to use the building for other purposes.

The establishment of the Elgin Academy was commenced in 1854, and a school opened in the new academy building in 1856, but as its history will appear in another part of this volume, we do not dwell on it here.

In 1854 the schools, by special charter from the legislature, were brought under the control of the city, and Edmund Gifford was elected superin¬ tendent. The schools opened with Mr. Curtiss principal in district No. 1, and Mr. Cole in No. 2. Mr. Curtiss failing, he was succeeded by Mr. Bicknell, Oct. 18. In turn, Mr. Bicknell was discharged by the superintendent at the close of the term. Mr. F. S. Heywood became his successor, Jan. 21, 1856. Nov. 10, 1855, the new school-house in district No. 3 was dedicated, and Mr. Dagget employed as principal of the school, Oct. 26. Feb. 28, 1856, Mr. Dagget was discharged and Miss Jenques employed to take his place. July 3, 1856, Paul It. Wright entered on the duties of superintendent. The schools opened Sept. 1, with F. S. Heywood principal of grammar school in Second ward, and Harry Cole principal of south school. Mr. Wright resigned the superintendency Nov. 18, 1856. No successor was appointed until Dec. 10, when Dr. Thomas Kerr filed the necessary bond, and entered upon the duties of the office. The winter term opened Jan. 10, with an enrollment of 450 pupils. To curtail expenses, the services of Mr. Cole were dispensed with at the close of the spring term of 1857. Dr. Kerr resigned the superintendency Aug. 4, 1857, and Mr. Edmund Gifford was elected his successor, Sept. 1, 1857. The schools opened Sept. 7, with the following Board of Education : Rev. A. J. Joslyn, Jerome J. Smith, Charles Mor¬ gan and H. Hamilton. There were five schools on the east side of the river and two on the west side. Mr. Canfield was principal at the old brick, but he so signally failed, that as early as Sept. 20, he was discharged, and F. S. Heywood, the former teacher, was employed to fill the vacancy, at a salary of $1,000 per year. During this year, 1857, the new brick was erected, and, Nov. 14, the high school moved in procession from the old brick to their new quarters. Nov. 18, the building was dedicated with a good deal of eclat. Addresses were made by several gentlemen and a good time was had. On the whole it was a prosperous year for the schools. In June, 1859, Robert Blenkiron was elected superintendent, but kept no records of the schools. He resigned April 10, 1860, and Mr. J. B. Newcomb, who still survives to do good work in the cause of education, was elected his suc¬ cessor. Mr. Newcomb served as superintendent till July 3, 1866. During a portion of this time the schools were conducted with a view to the strictest economy. Mr. Heywood taught during the spring term of 1860 as principal of the high school, at a salary of $1,000, and from the fall of 1860 to the spring of 1861, at the rate of $900 a year. Mr. E. C. Lovell became principal of the high school in the spring of 1862. During that term the principal of the grammar school received $1.25 per day and the assistants $1.00 per day. Mr. Lovell was continued in 1862-3 at a salary of $475, and the female teach¬ ers at $200. In 1863-4, Mr. Lovell was paid $600 ; his assistants $250, and the other teachers $212.50. In the spring of 1865, Mr. Lovell laid aside the " birch " and took the sword in defense of his country. He was succeeded by Mrs. Wing, a teacher long and favorably known to this community. Mr. Burr Lewis succeeded Mrs. Wing in the fall of 1865, but remained only two terms, when in turn Mrs Wing was appointed his successor. The num¬ ber of public schools taught during the successive years, from 1859 to 1866, was nine ; number of teachers employed, ten ; the average attendance dur¬ ing those years was, respectively, 427, 420, 410, 420, 474, 440 and 468. In 1860, there were 754 children in the city, between five and twenty-one years of age ; in 1862, 1,096, and a total population of 3,012 ; in 1864, 1,221, and a pop¬ ulation of 3,201. In 1866, Rev. N. C. Clark became superintendent. A. S. Barry was appointed principal of the high school, and N. E. Leach prin¬ cipal of the north school, west side. Mr. Barry failing to accept the appoint¬ ment, J. Thorp became principal, with Mrs. Wing as assistant. Jan. 7, 1867, Mr. James Sly succeeded Mr. Thorp, and Mary E. Raymond Mrs. Wing. The next term, April 15, Mr. W. H. Brydges, an accomplished scholar and a thorough teacher, became principal, at a salary of $1,000. He remained the following year at $1,200. Mr. C. E. Lee took charge of the grammar school in the old brick, and Miss S. E. Lawrence began, for the first in this city, her labors in the primary department, north school, east side, at a salary of $300. She is now principal of the grammar school in the old Baptist church. Jennie C. Cox (Jennings), began her labors in 1862. She has taught much of the time to the present. In 1864, Helen M. Keogh (O'Neil), who is still teaching, was employed. In 1865, Nellie Lynd engaged in the work of the teacher, but retired in 1873. Cecil C. Harvey, who is still remembered among our teachers, began in 1866, during Mr. Clark's superintendency. About 1867, two new school-houses were built, one in the First ward and the other in what is now the Sixth ward. The two would accommodate ninety-six pupils. In the fall of 1867 Sanders' old readers were exchanged for his new Union Readers, and Warren's Geographies were adopted, thus securing a greater uniformity of text books. A fuller and more definite course of study was prepared for all the schools. In the high school a three years' course was adopted, which included all the branches usually taught in high schools.

In the summer of 1868 Rev. H. Slade was appointed superintendent, and Mr. C. F. Kimball principal of the high school, with salary of $1,200 per year, and Miss Emily J. Brigham assistant, salary $500, which positions they filled till the summer vacation of 1869, when Mr. Kimball was appointed superintendent, but still remained principal of the high school (salary $1,400), continuing as such till the summer of 1873.

During the summer vacation of 1869, Mr. Kimball was directed by the trustees to take the enumeration of the children, for school purposes, to which he added a complete census of the city, with the following results :

The schools were regraded during the year and a more systematic course was adopted, including a two-years' course each for the primary and inter¬ mediate departments, a three-years' course in the grammar school, and a four-years' course in the high school. As thus organized the pupils made good progress. More school room was needed, and the old stone, or Baptist, church was purchased by the city council for $5,000, and three schools were opened in 1870, enrolling nearly 200 children, forming a primary, inter¬ mediate and grammar department. Mrs. A. S. Wing was employed as principal of the grammar school, which position she held till the close of the fall term of 1871, when she resigned.

In September, 1871, Mr. W. W. Kennedy was employed to teach vocal music in the schools, with a view of making it one of the branches of educa¬ tion. Although at first many doubts were expressed as to the feasibility of teaching young children to read music, and to sing by note, yet a fair trial has been given, and he has continued his work with good success, teaching in all the grades, from the primary to the high school.

In 1872 the course of study was revised, and published in pamphlet form ; also a 44 Syllabus of Oral Lessons " for primary and intermediate schools. As revised, there are eleven grades from the primary to the high school. The first, second, third and fourth compose the primary department, the fifth, sixth and seventh the intermediate, and the eighth, ninth, tenth and eleventh the grammar department. Two courses of study were adopted for the high school - the English course and the classical course, each requiring four years for its completion. At the close of the school year of 1872, the first class of three young ladies, Misses Helen C. Kimball, Euphemia A. Martin and Julia A. DuBois, graduated from the high school. The exercises were held at DuBois opera house, June 27th. Each graduate read an essay, and received a diploma from the superintendent.

At the municipal election held in March, 1873, the question whether the schools should be organized under the general school law of the state or remain under the control of the city, was submitted to a vote of the people, the result in favor of the change.

At a subsequent election held in April, M. B. Baldwin, J. B. Newcomb, E. S. Joslyn, A. S. Barry, W. F. Lynch and A. S. Moxon were elected a Board of Education, who came into power the following] July. During the summer vacation, the new board erected a two-story school building, adjoin¬ ing the high school, to be used for primary and intermediate schools. Mr. Kimball was re-employed as superintendent, and Miss A. A. Clement prin¬ cipal of high school, which positions they still hold. A class of five young ladies graduated from the high school June 28, 1873. In the graduating class of 1874 were six young ladies, and one young man - Edward S. Doney - he being the first male graduate from the high school. This year (1875) a class of ten - seven ladies and three gentlemen - will graduate. At present, there are connected with the schools a superintendent, and a corps of twenty-two teachers, and an enrollment of 1,103 pupils.

We close this article by referring briefly to our school buildings. How¬ ever much we may prize our graded course of instruction, we must acknowl¬ edge that our school buildings are very inferior, and lack the capacity to accommodate all the children. But we are glad to chronicle the fact that the school board are taking steps to procure the erection of suitable build¬ ings, and we trust that when the next History and Directory shall be pub¬ lished, this city can boast of as good school accommodations as any in the state.

The Elgin Academy By Prof. A. G-. Sears

The original charter of Elgin Academy was granted to Solomon Hamil¬ ton, Colton Knox, George McClure, Vincent C. Lovell, Luther Herrick, Reuben Jenne, and Burgess Truesdell, by an act of the general assembly of the state of Illinois, approved Eeb. 22, 1839. In 1843, an unsuccessful attempt was made to erect a building and establish a school under this char¬ ter, as appears from the records of that date.

In 1848, the Free Will Baptists laid, on the grounds now occupied by the academy, the foundation of a college, to be called the Northern Illinois College. This property was purchased in 1855 by a stock company, organized under the charter of 1839, asamended-Eeb. 14, 1855, with the following board of trustees : B. W. Raymond, B. Truesdell, Wm. C. Kimball, A. J. Joslyn, O. Davidson, M. C. Town, A. Adams, Solomon Hamilton, John Hill and Dr. Joseph Tefft.

wSec. 7. The said institution be open to all religious denominations, and the profession of no particular religiou faiths shall be required, either of officers or pupils."

That it contemplated a school of a high order may be inferred from an ex¬ tract from Sec. 2 : "The corporation shall have power to confer on such pepsons as may be worthy, such academical or honorary degrees as are Usually conferred by similar institutions in like cases. 5>

The initiatory steps toward the above mentioned transfer, were taken in 1854, as is seen from the report of the proceedings of the trustees, at a meet¬ ing held at the Waverly House, Aug. 12, of the same year :

"Resolved, That a committee of three, consisting of A. J. Joslyn, Dr. J\ Tefft and O. Davidson, be appointed to examine the propositions made by the trustees of the Northern Illinois College, to transfer their property to this board.

To the subscriptions thus obtained were added the smaller contributions of those who, thinking such an institution almost a necessity in the commu¬ nity, made willing sacrifices in its behalf. Yet a claim (since extinguished) of nearly three thousand dollars incumbered it, as late as 1858. The school was opened for students Dec. 1, 1856. Robert Blenkiron, a ripe scholar and successful teacher, was its first principal. He was followed in succes¬ sion by James Sylla, Clark Braden, C. C. Wheeler, Dr. Nutting, W. T. Brydges, B. C. Cilley, A. S. Barry and A. G. Sears.

Though the frequent change of principals, made necessary sometimes by death and at others by failing health, has been a Serious obstacle in the way of the prosperity of the school, yet the useful and responsible positions in life filled by many of its graduates are the best possible evidence that it has been in the hands of earnest and able educators.

Its war record, comprising, as it does, seven commissioned officers, six non-commissioned staff-officers, twenty-one non-commissioned officers, and twenty-three privates, is alike honorable to teachers and students. Nine of its volunteers sealed their devotion to their country with their blood.

In 1872 the law, known as the " new school law," was passed, requiring teachers to be examined, in addition to the common English branches, in u The Elements of the Natural Sciences, Physiology and Laws of Health." Elgin Academy introduced into its previously established normal depart¬ ment these studies, making them a specialty, and has sent out, since that time, a large number of teachers - a fact shown by the records in the county superintendent's office, and also recognized in the state superintendent's report for 1874.

During the years 1873-4, the grounds were graded, a front fence built, walks constructed and new rooms fitted up, at an expense of nearly $1,500. These more recent improvements, as well as the payment of the debt of 1858, are due to the determined efforts of the trustees (who have, from the first, in addition to the ir contributions of money, given freely of their time and labor, with no compensation but the knowledge that they were furnish¬ ing to the youth of Elgin and the surrounding country increased facilities for obtaining an education), aided by the friends of the institution, both in the city and in the country. The board of trustees now (Feb., 1875,) con¬ sists of Dr. Joseph Tefft, president ; O. Davidson, secretary ; M. C. Town, Wm. C. Kimball, Hon. S. Wilcox, Wm. G. Hubbard, B. W. Raymond, A. B. Hinsdell, Henry Sherman, I. C. Bosworth, Henry Bierman, and Col. John S. Wilcox.

The Newspapers Of Elgin

A history of Elgin would be incomplete without mention being made of the names and fate of the various newspapers published. In no country in the world as America does the press wield so large and effective an influ¬ ence. Neither is a town considered located and established until it contains a paper, especially adapted to its wants and devoted to its interests. The mission of the newspaper man is an important one, and it is but justice to say that, in most American communities, he is a welcome guest and receives a fair reward for his labors. Elgin is no exception to this general rule, and the press of the city has usually been so conducted as to be a subject of legitimate pride to the citizens.

The first issue of a paper in Elgin was in 1845, when the Western Christian was established. It was edited by Spencer Carr, Rev. A. J. Joslyn, and Rev. Wareham Walker. In political belief, it advocated the most advanced anti-slavery ism, and in religious opinion it was strongly Baptist. The paper was subsequently removed to New York state, and after various mutations, was legitimately succeede d by the Baptist Weekly.

About 1847 the Elgin Gazette was issued, and never failed to appear weekly until March, 1874, when it lapsed and was m erged in the Advocate.

In 1853, the Elgin Palladium was started by a Mr. Hough. It was after¬ ward published by John H. Rowe & Bro. About 1855 or 1856, it was changed to the Kane County Journal , and published by Lyman & Smith. This was Henry M. Smith, who has since been managing editor of the Chicago Tribune , and now occupies the same position on the Brooklyn Union.

The Gazette , however, outlived them all, and was edited, at various times, by E. Owen, E. S. Joslyn, Prof. Blenkiron, A. J. Joslyn, Gershom Martin and Birney Hand, until, in 1865, it was purchased by E. C. Kincaid and L. H. Post. The partner of Mr. Martin in the publication of the Gazette, was Mr. E. W. King, who came here in 1854, and is now the oldest practical printer in the place. In 1868, F. T. Gilbert and L. H. Post succeeded the old firm of Kincaid & Post, and about six months after Mr. Gilbert purchased the interest of his partner. In 1871 the Watchman was consolidated with the Gazette and a stock company formed, consisting of Z. Eastman, F. T. Gilbert, G. H. Daniels and E. C. Kincaid (the latter being proprietor of the Watchman at the time). In 1873 F. T. Gilbert purchased the whole concern, and the following year it was sold out and succeeded by the Advocate , owned by S. L. Taylor, who had established the latter paper in 1871.

The Advocate has one of the best appointed offices in the state outside of Chicago, and is in a very flourishing condition. S. L. Taylor is proprietor and chief editor, and is ably assisted by R. P. McGlincy, who officiates as city editor.

In May, 1872, the Lady Elgin, a monthly paper, was started by operatives in the watch factory, and for about two and a half years edited and publish¬ ed by Bertha H. Ellsworth, Alida V . Ahle and Lydia A. Richards, when the senior partner withdrew. In March, 1874, a one-third interest in the paper was purchased by the Watch Factory Company and donated to the opera¬ tives. The paper represents these operatives, and is an honor to them. Its present circulation is about 1,500.

In the fall of 1874, the publisher of the Dundee Citizen issued an edition in this city, called the Elgin Bepublic. It was commenced as a daily on the 17th of October and changed to a weekly on the 26th of No vember.

press, and their aggregate circulation is nearly 600. The Journal leads them all, it being delivered here at 6 p. m. and carriers distributing it throughout the city.

The Religious History Of Elgin By Rev. C. E. Dickinson

Most of the first settlers of Elgin were Christian men, who aimed to plant Christian institutions in the new settlement. The four or five families who were here during the summer of 1835, met every Sabbath at the house of Deacon Hezekiah Gifford for Bible class and prayer meeting.

The family of James T. Gifford arrived in September of the same year. The first Sabbath after their arrival services were held in his house, Miss Harriet E. Gifford leading a sermon. This small log house, consisting of one room, was the place of Sabbath worship for three years.

The religious character of the settlers Was so well known in the vicinity, that when a stranger once asked an inhabitant of a town a few miles down the river about religious privileges, he was told that he must go to Elgin to find such things.

The first sermon preached in Elgin was during the latter part of the year 1835 by an itinerant Methodist preacher (name unknown). The second was February 14, 1836, by Rev. John H. Prentiss, then of Joliet, and the third February 15, 1836, by Rev. N. C. Clark. The first revival meeting in Elgin was held in a large tent, July, 1837, conducted by Rev. Ralph W. Gridley and Rev. Chauncy Cook. Several hopeful conversions resulted. The religious character of the settlement was quite marked for many years.

In 1854 a city charter was secured from the legislature, one of the leading objects of which was to prohibit the sale of intoxicating liquors. This was made an issue in the vote upon adopting the charter, and also in the first city election. A prohibitory law Was passed by the council in June, 1854, and slightly amended in September of the same year. This law was enforced during the two years of the administration of Dr. Joseph Tefft, the first mayor. During this time no liquors were publicly exposed for sale in the city. It was thus clearly demonstrated that the affairs of a city can be well managed without saloons. Soon, however, men were elected to the council who were pledged to the liquor interest. The year following Dr. Tefft's administration, saloons again began to appear, and in May, 185S, a license ordinance was passed. During most of the time since that date licensed saloons have cursed our city. These must always meet the decided disap¬ proval of the religious element of the people.

The Elgin Bible society, organized in 1847, and still in existence, has, like the temperance work, been a bond of union between the churches, and has raised an aggregate of nearly $8,000 for the dissemination of God's word, besides an annual visitation of families in the city and township.

During the year 1858 the Elgin Christian association was organized, and for several years did very efficient work in the city and surrounding country. The annual report presented May, 1861, shows that during the year religious reading had been distributed every month to about 700 families. Over 8,000 tracts and 10,000 religious and temperance papers were thus distributed. These, together with books loaned from the library, made an aggregate of 200,000 pages of religious reading circulated during the year. The cash expenditures for the year were $138.36, which was raised by the different churches.

During the years of our civil war the sympathies and efforts of the people were turned into other channels, and this organization was given up. But the stores and supplies which found their way to the camps and hospi¬ tals during those years, told our boys in blue that the hearts of the Christian people of Elgin had not lost their sympathy nor their hands their skill.

During the fall of 1866 the Elgin Young Men's Christian association was organized, and for a time was a very effectual element in the Christian work of the city. It revived the work of tract distribution, organized several mission Sabbath schools and neighborhood meetings, and sustained a young people's prayer meeting, which was well attended and productive of good. This, like too many other religious organizations, fell a victim to poor finan¬ cial management. January 1, 1873, this association was so far resuscitated under its efficient president, J. S. Adams, that it opened a public reading room, which was well sustained till it was merged in the Elgin public library and reading room.

Though the ascendency of the religious element is not now so marked as in the early years of the settlement, owing to the increase of population, Elgin is still a center of Christian influence in the various denominations here represented.

It is to be hoped that the efforts now being made by Christian men and women to reform inebriates and close the saloons, may be so successful that saloons and drunkenness may be banished, and the principles of the religion of Jesus Christ prevail in our beautiful city.

The Elgin Bible Society

The present Elgin Bible society is not the first one of its name. Eor some time previous to 1S47 one had existed here, auxiliary direct to the American, and not to the county, society.

days of Elgin, was prominent in the religious and benevolent enterprises of the place, but has since gone to his reward. How long this society had been in operation or what it had accomplished, is to the writer unknown.

In the summer of 1847 a meeting was held in the basement of the Congre¬ gational church, at which a Bible society was formed for Elgin, auxiliary to the Kane County Bible society, which took the place of the previous one, and has lived until this time. It is the oldest benevolent society at present existing in the place. Other benevolent and reformatory societies have existed here for a few months or years at a time, and then died from unmerited neglect. The Elgin Bible society has outlived them all, and for twenty-eight years has not only diffused blessings in the city and township, but made its influence felt in other parts of our country, and on other conti¬ nents. It is an institution which is sustained by most of the religious denominations of the place, and serves a good purpose as a bond of union between them. Its aggregate receipts amount to some $7,000 or $8,000, and its circulation of Bibles and Testaments here and elsewhere to many thousands.

By E. W. Padelford, Clerk

The constituent members of this church consisted of thirteen persons, five of whom hold their church relationship at the present time, to wit : Hezekiah Gifford, Abel D. Gifford, Harriet E. Gifford, Clara J. Kimball, and Nancy Kimball. Three are identified with other churches, and five have passed into eternity.

The Sunday services of the church were held in a barn and in private dwellings for several months, and afterwards, until 1843, in a small frame building called the Elgin chapel, which was owned and occupied conjointly by the Congregationalists and Baptists.

From 1843 onward it was owned and occupied solely by this church until the erection of their cobble-stone edifice in 1849, which was their church home for twenty-one years.

About the first of June, 1870, their present church edifice was com¬ menced and pushed with such vigor as to enable them to occupy the base- ttient for worship on the' 18th of December following, and was fully com¬ pleted, furnished and dedicated on the 5th of October, 1871, at a cost of about $35,000.

During the period of their church history, embracing about thirty-seven years, they have enjoyed a good degree of spiritual and temporal prosperity. Five hundred and twenty-four persons have been added to the church by baptism, and 508 by letters from other churches.

Twelve ministers of the gospel have been sent forth from their member¬ ship, to declare the unsearchable riches of Christ. Seven pastors have served as under-shepherds of the Lord, as follows : Rev. Joshua E. Ambrose, five years and a half, from 1838 to 1843. He baptized sixty-three, and received by letter sixty-three. Rev. Adoniram J. Joslyn, eleven and a-half years, from 1844 to 1855. He baptized 198, and received by letter 194. Rev. Levi Parmely, about four years, from 1856 to 1860. There were baptized in the time, thirty-four, and received by letter, sixty-one. Rev. Benjamin Thomas, one and a half year, from 1860 to 1862. Fifty-two were received by baptism, and twenty-six by letter during his pastorate. Rev. Charles K. Colver, four years, from 1863 to 1867. He baptized seventeen, and received by letter sixty. Rev. Wm. P. Everett three and a half years, from 1869 to 1872. He baptized eighty-five, and received by letter sixty-six. The present pastor, Rev. Leo M. Woodruff, commenced his labors in September, 1872. He has baptized seventy-five, and received by letter thirty-eight.

The officers of the church are as follows: Leo M. Woodruff pastor; Abel D. Gifford, R. W. Padelford, Hezekiah Gifford, Wm. F. Sjdla, deacons ; R. W. Padelford, clerk ; A. D. Gifford, R. W. Padelford, Wm. E. Bent, Increase C. Bosworth, Hezekiah Gifford, trustees. Present number of members 380.

The Second Baptist Church

In the autumn of 1862, Rev. B. Thomas, formerly pastor of the First Bap¬ tist church in Elgin, but then an army chaplain, brought to this place from the south about 100 contrabands or newly-liberated slaves.

Their advent among us was by many regarded quite unfavorably, and one of our citizens who was afflicted with chronic colorphobia, procured a war¬ rant for the arrest of Mr. Thomas, on the charge of violating an old state law which prohibited bringing colored people into Illinois without giving bonds that they should not become a public charge. But the resolute chap¬ lain refused to be arrested, claiming that he acted by authority, and finally both he and his proteges were suffered to remain unmolested.

The number of colored residents was increased by subsequent arrivals, and although they suffered much from sickness while becoming acclimated, and much from prejudice which, for a time, was so strong as to exclude their children from equal school privileges with the whites, they have become a permanent and valuable element of our population.

organized, and for some time fostered by the late Rev. A. J. Joslyn and others. They soon after purchased a portion of the old Methodist church, removed it to a lot on Dundee street, and fitted it up for a place of worship. This they occupied until it was burned, March 28, 1875, since which they have met in the city court house. The present membership is thirty-three. They have preaching once a fortnight, and a sabbath school of about fifty, super¬ intended by Geo. H. Knott, who for several years has labored assiduously for their spiritual welfare.

The First Congregational Church By Bey. C. E. Dickinson

Rev. N. C. Clark came to Illinois under a Home Missionary commission in 1833, two years before the settlement of Elgin (some months before there was a white settler in Kane county), and first located at Naperville, DuPage county. February 15, 1836, Mr. Clark visited Elgin by invitation, for the purpose of consulting with the settlers here respecting the organization of a church. Mr. Clark preached a sermon in the log house of Jas. T. Gifford, Esq., where Rev. John H. Prentiss, of Joliet, had preached the day before (Sabbath, February 14). This house stood near the present intersection of Villa and Prairie streets, a few feet north of the west end of the small trian¬ gular park.

Three months later Mr. Clark again visited Elgin by invitation, and, on the 12th of May, 1S36, the Congregational church, the oldest in the city, was organized, composed of the following members, who presented letters from sister churches : George McClure, Sarah E. McClure, Julia McClure, Philo Hatch, Reuben Jenne, Jas. T. Gifford, Laura Gifford, Experience Gifford, Ruth G. Dixon, Relief Kimball, Mary Ann Kimball.

In September, 1837, this church assumed the support of Mr. Clark for onehalf of the time, he dividing his labors between Elgin and St. Charles. In 1839, this church assumed his whole support.

During the first years of the existence of this church, Sabbath services were held in the house of Jas. T. Gifford ; when there was no preaching a sermon was read. In 1838, the " Elgin chapel " was built, and occupied jointly with the Baptists. This house stood on the northeast corner of DuPage and Geneva streets ; its dimensions were 24x28 feet.

In 1843, the Congregationalists sold their interest in this chapel to the Baptists, and July 1, of that year, the corner-stone of the present edifice was laid. The basement of this building was occupied for worship from May, 1844, till July 29, 1847, when the completed building was dedicated to the worship of God. This house was rebuilt and enlarged in 1869 and 1870. The audience room in its present form, was occupied for the first time Octo¬ ber 9, 1870.

During the thirty-nine years of the existence of this church, it has had nine pastorates and seven pastors, as follows : Rev. N. C. Clark, from

This church has enjoyed fourteen or fifteen seasons of revival. The years 1839, 1857 and 1874, witnessed the largest accessions to its membership, but some have been added during almost every year of its existence.

In the spring of 1841, sixteen members were dismissed to be organized with others into the Congregational church of Dundee. May 28, 1848, twenty were dismissed to be organized into the Congregational church of Udina, and Eeb. 5, 1853, twenty- three were dismissed to be organized into a Presbyterian church in Elgin. The whole number of members from the first has been 980. Present membership, 300.

The church is now in a prosperous condition. Their pleasant and commo¬ dious house is open to all worshipers. All the sittings are /ree, and the revenue is derived from weekly offerings.

Preaching every Sabbath at 10:30 a. m. and 7:30 p. m. Sunday school at 12 m. Sunday school teachers' meeting, Sabbath evening, one hour before service. Young peoples' meeting, Monday evening. Prayer meeting, Wednesday evening.

The Presbyterian Church By Rev. W. L. Boyd

The first Presbyterian church of Elgin Was formed by the Chicago pres* bytery (N. S.) February 8, 1853, with twenty-five members from the Congre¬ gational church. The congregation bought and occupied a small building on Center street, south of the Methodist church. Rev. A. W. Henderson served them as pastor from June, 1854, till August, 1856, and Rev. J. Y. Downs from March, 1858, till March, 1861.

The organization flourished and promised success for some years, but on account of removals, became weak, and was finally disbanded in March,

The present organization was organized May 14, 1855, by the Chicago presbytery of the Reformed Presbyterian church, with twenty-five mem¬ bers. The first board of elders were James Christie and George Kirkpat¬ rick. Rev. J. B. McCorkle was elected to the pastorate September, 1855, and faithfully and acceptably served them till April, 1864. The house of worship on the corner of Center street and Dexter avenue was built in the spring of 1856.

After the resignation of Mr. McCorkle the pulpit was vacant for about three years, being supplied by the presbytery, when Rev. D. C. Cooper was called May, 1867, and served as pastor till September, 1868. August 18, 1867, the congregation, with their pastor, Mr. Cooper, withdrew' from the synod of the Reformed church, and united with the general assembly of the Presbyterian church (O. S.). Rev. Samuel Hair then served them as stated supply from October, 1869, till January, 1871, when Donald Fletcher (a student) was sent from the Northwestern Seminary to supply them, during wiiose administration the old church on Center street was sold and an elegant new one built on the corner of Chicago and Center streets, which was dedicated July 11, 1872, and the following December 5 burned down.

Mr. Fletcher vacated the field October, 1872, viien Robert McKenzie was called and settled as pastor. The congregation immediately commenced the erection of the present chapel, wilich was dedicated in December, 1873. February, 1874, Rev. Robert McKenzie wras dismissed from the charge, and the following May Rev. W. L. Boyd was called and settled pastor, wiio contin¬ ues to serve them. The congregation met with a severe trial in the burn¬ ing of their new church, wThich cost near $14,000, leaving them without a church and heavily in debt ; but, by noble, self-sacrificing efforts, they are nowr in a safe and prosperous condition. There are at present about 100 members. The present board of elders consists of James Christie, Wm. Fra¬ ser, Wm. Kirkpatrick, W. W. Kennedy and Peter McKinnel. The board of trustees are Wm. Fraser, James Christie and E. L. Gilbert.

The Methodist Episcopal Church

The first sermon ever preached in Elgin w'as by a Methodist minister, in 1835. In the summer of 1836, one or two families by the name of Hammers, and others favorable to Methodism, settled at Hoosier Grove, four miles east of Elgin, and during this year Rev. Wm. Royal, who was then on Fox River circuit, established an appointment here and formed a class. It had seven members, viz. : Joseph and Mrs. Russell, his son Joseph Russell, Jr., and his wife, George Hammers, Rebecca Hammers and Elizabeth Hammers. Geo. Hammers was the leader in 1836, and was succeeded by Benjamin Burritt. This wras the beginning of the Elgin Methodist church.

On the 12th of December, 1836, Rev. Washington Wilcox preached at the house of Solomon Hamilton, about two miles west of the village, being prob¬ ably the second Methodist sermon in the towm of Elgin. Mr. Hamilton was one of the chief pillars in the Methodist chiuch of Elgin from its formation until his death, nearly twenty years afterward. After his year of labor, Mr. Wilcox reported 280 members on his circuit, a territory which now embraces over 15,000.

was located on the east side of the river, and for a time worship was held in the union chapel, corner of DuPage and Geneva streets, a part of which is now the residence of Dr. Jseger. A camp meeting was held this year, which greatly advanced the interests of the church. The circuit now embraced all that part of the country lying between Fox river and the lake, north of a line drawn from Chicago to St. Charles. During this year, measures were taken to erect a church, which, however, was not completed until 1840, and when done was a small affair, only 25 by 42 feet, but amply large for the congregation.

The land on which this house stood, and which is the present church lotwas donated by J. T. Gifford. The timber for the frame was given by the Hammers. George Hammers shaved the oak shingles for the roof, and Horace Benham did the carpenter work for $150, receiving $3 in cash and the balance in sundries. When the present brick church was built, the old frame building was sold to the colored Baptists, and removed to their lot on Dun¬ dee street, where it was occupied by them until its destruction by fire on the 28th of March, 1875.

In 1839, Bev. John Nason and Rev. J. M. Snow were sent to the circuit. In 1840, it was made a station, with one or two outside appointments, and Rev. Sias Bolles, now of Minnesota, designated to labor here. In this latter year the following persons were elected as the first trustees of the society : Solomon Hamilton, Burgess Truesdell, James P. Corron, Benjamin Burritt and Jonathan Hinsdell.

The next year Rev. Wm. Yallette was sent to the charge. He afterwards located, on account of ill heath, and for several years practiced medicine in this place.

In the fall of 1850, Rev. S. Bolles was again sent from the conference as pastor, and in the summer of 1851, the congregation had increased to such an extent, that an addition to the church was built for their accommodation. Mr. Bolles was continued in charge another year, and in the summer of 1852, still another addition was built in the form of a wing. The preacher's salary at this time was $500, about one-third of what has been paid during the last few years. Pastors in succeeding years were S. Guyer one year, W. P. Jones one year, and Silas Seal two years.

In 1856, Rev. C. M. Woodward became pastor, and in 1857 some efforts were made to build a house of worship. Three hundred dollars were ex¬ pended for plans, etc., but the project was dropped for want of sufficient subscriptions to warrant going on with the work. In the fall of 1857, Mr. Woodward was reappointed for another year.

Rev. G. L. S. Stuff was again pastor from the fall of 1858 to the fall of 1860, when he was succeeded by Rev. E. Q. Puller, now editor of the South¬ eastern Christian Advocate , at Atlanta, Ga., who continued here two years.

In 1861 the twenty-fifth year of Methodism in Elgin was completed, and its establishment celebrated. An interesting meeting was held to commem¬ orate the event, when addresses were delivered by Rev's E. Q. Fuller, A. D. Field, H. Crews, J. W. Agard, M. Sherman, and N. C. Clark.

Butin this year the war of the rebellion broke out, and while it continued, everything of a moral and religious nature suffered from its blighting influ¬ ence. In 1864 there were only 116 members in the society, with a church and lot valued at $1,000, and a parsonage at $1,200.

The pastors succeeding Mr. Fuller were Rev. W. P. Gray, from the fall of 1862 to the fall of 1864; Rev. John Gibson from the fall of 1864 to that of 1865, and the Rev. W. D. Atchison from the fall of 1865 to that of 1868. While the latter was in charge it was agreed at a meeting of the official mem¬ bers held March 17, 1866, to erect a church, and on the 1st day of May fol¬ lowing the work was commenced. It was so far built that the congregation occupied the spacious basement the next winter, and during the succeeding summer it was completed and dedicated on the 8th of September, 1867. The sermon on the occasion was preached by Rev. T. M. Eddy, then editor of the Northwestern Christian Advocate, who, with the help of others, secured pledges on that day to the amount of some $15,000 to liquidate the indebt¬ edness. Some of these pledges proving unreliable, and interest, etc., in¬ creasing the indebtedness, it was found in 1871, that the obligations of the society were still some $10,000 or $12,000, but this amount was greatly reduced by the persevering efforts of Rev. D. J. Holmes, who was pastor at that time.

The presiding elders until the conference of 1851 were Rev. John Clark, Rev. John T. Mitchell, Rev. James Mitchell and Rev. A. S. Risley. Since 1851, they have been Rev. John Sinclair, until the conference of 1855 ; Rev.

The membership of the church is now about 400. The Sabbath school, under the superintendence of Mr. John S. Adams, is large and prosperous, and the various departments of church work are well cared for.

The Free Methodist Church

The first Free Methodist society in Elgin was organized in the fall of 1865, with four members, by Rev. C. IT. Underbill, who, about this time, was appointed to this field of labor by the Illinois annual conference of the

Free Methodist church, and remained until the spring of 1867. During this time a lot was purchased on the corner of Center and Milwaukee streets, and a fine church edifice erected, 40x60 feet, at a cost for building and lot, of about $7,000. The membership at this time was about forty-five, and the society in a prosperous condition. Mr. Underwood being called to another field of labor, Rev. E. P. Hart was his successor, until the sitting of the following conference, which was held here in October, 1867. At this time Rev. N. D. Fanning, with Rev. Julius Buss as his colleague, was appointed to the work, and remained until the spring of 1868. His health having failed he was compelled to resign the work to others, and Rev. J. Buss being called away, Rev. C. E. Harroun supplied the pulpit until the sitting of the next conference, in the fall of 1868. This appointment becom¬ ing connected with the Belvidere and Marengo circuit, Rev. Lewis Bailey and W. W. Kelley were appointed to the circuit. But it was thought advis¬ able to divide the work, and Rev. D. M. Sinclair, of the Susquehanna con¬ ference, was appointed to this place by the superintendent, and remained until the fall of 1870. During his administration the church became very much weakened and divided on account of injudicious management on his part, in persisting in the sale of the church property at a great sacrifice, which came near destroying the society, and caused many of the largest contributors to withdraw entirely. In the fall of 1871 Rev. J. W. Dake suc¬ ceeded Mr. Sinclair, laboring with acceptability for one year without any very marked success in reinstating the church to its former position. In 1872 Rev. M. Y. Clute was appointed his successor, filling the place with acceptability until, his health failing, he was compelled to withdraw. In the fall of 1873 Rev. N. E Parks was appointed to the work here and in Clintonville, which place he has filled with acceptability until the present time. In the fall of 1874 Rev. E. C. Best, a young man, was placed on the work as a supply, whose labors have been divided between this place and Clintonville in connection with Rev. Mr. Parks. The society is now worshiping in the small church obtained in exchange for the former church building from the German Evangelical brethren. The present membership is about 20.

The Episcopal Church By Rev. S. J. French

The records in existence do not state when the first church services were held in this parish. Official consent was asked of the bishop of Illinois to the formation of a parish by a committee appointed at a meeting of the church members on Jan. 24, 1858. This committee consisted of the followingnamed gentlemen : Robert Blenkiron, Buel Sherman, Benj. II. Lobdell, E. Hawley Sherman and Z. H. Adams. In reply, the consent asked was given in a letter from Bishop Whitehouse, dated Feb. 8, 1858. On Ash Wednesday of that year (Feb. 17), after divine service and the holy communion, a parish was organized under the name of the Church of the Redeemer. The follow- ing were chosen as the officers : Wardens - Buel Sherman, Robert Blenkiron ; vestrymen - Benj. H. Lobdell, Zopher H. Adams, E. Hawley Sherman, Robert Yasey, W. J. Tillottson. The Rev. J. H. Waterbury was elected rector. It was determined to depend solely on free offerings for the support of the parish. At the Easter following there were fourteen communicants.

The following is the succession of rectors, with dates of the beginning and close of each rectorate : Rev. J. H. Waterbury, now at St. John's church, East Boston, Mass., from Eeb. 17, 18-58, to Aug. 21, 1859; Rev. J. F. Esch, now of College Point, Long Island, from Aug. 26, 1859, to Feb. 20, 1860 ; Rev. Samuel D. Pulford, now of Portage City, Wis., from March 5, 1860, to Dec., 1860 (at this time there were twenty-eight communicants) ; Rev. D. C. Howard, now of Pittsburg, from June 1, 1866, to Oct. 10, 1866; Rev. George Wallace, now of Janesville, Wis., from Aug. 1, 1870, to June 1, 1871 ; Rev. S. J. French (present incumbent), from Aug. 1, 1874.

Communicants 65. Sunday school 40. Services every Sunday morning and evening in Odd Fellows' hall. Sunday school and Bible class after the morning service.