Florence Township

Florence Township

This township is on the south line of the county, being bounded on the north by Harlem, on the east by Silver Creek, on the south by Carroll County, and on the west by Loran Township. Florence contains exactly the surveyor's township of six miles square. In the whole area, there is about 1,000 acres of woodland, the balance being prairie of the finest description. The timber lies principally on the north side of Yellow Creek, and the country there is very productive. The township is thickly settled, and as well supplied with churches and schools as any in the county.

The first settler to come into Florence was Conrad Van Brocklin, who removed from Western New York in the fall of 1835, and, after taking some time to explore the country, settled with his family on Section 17, in the month of March, 1836. He erected a cabin but a little distance from" the residence he subsequently occupied, and opened a farm. For some months he was without neighbors, other than those residing at Craine's Grove and Freeport, and was obliged to procure his supplies from Galena and elsewhere.

In August, 1836, Mason Dimmick emigrated into the neighborhood from Ohio, and settled east-northeast of Van Brocklin. That fall, Otis Love and family came in ; the next summer, Lorenzo Lee followed in the wake of Van Brocklin and the rest, and, in 1837, James Hart settled one mile and a half north of Van Brocklin's. These comprise the men who first settled in Florence and began the building-up of that portion of the county.

During 1838, a number established themselves at Liberty Mills. These were followed by others equally as venturesome and enterprising, including a bachelor named Wickham, William - better known under the pseudonym of " Saw-Log "- - Smith, etc., etc. A Mr. Strong came in about 1839, as also did Sheldon and Russell Scovill, and C. K. Ellis. Anson Babcock came in 1839, but returned to New York for his family before he improved his claim. There were others, doubtless, who emigrated to Florence during this year, but their names cannot be recalled. Mr. Strong remained there for some years, but eventually disposed of his property and departed for Lebanon, Ohio, where he united with the Shakers, it is said. Other of the early comers moved to Freeport, one or two joined the Mormons, and, prior to 1850, when there were some sixty families in the township, comparatively few of those who came at an early day remained.

From 1840 to 1845, the number of settlers was larger than it had been from 1835 to 1840. Among these were Elli Ellis, P. T. Ellis, the Sheets family. William Boyer, John Turneauere and others. Improvements were frequent and of a permanent character. Mills were built, and, in place of being obliged to visit Chicago, Galena, Mount Carroll and other points for supplies, the same were obtainable nearer home. Kirkpatrick's mills, at Mill Grove, and Van Valzah's, at Cedarville, were sought for the regular "grist," while " Saw Log" Smith furnished timber for houses, etc. The mail was procured at Freeport, and the luxuries and amusements of life were more readily accessible than they had been ten years before.

After 1850, the population increased rapidly, and the means of education and cultivation were visibly improved. The first school was opened in about 1840, Miss Flavilla Forbes being the teacher, and James Hart's old log house the "academy." The year 1850 witnessed a material increase in the number of schools and scholars, also an improvement in the system employed. Within ten years thereafter, the Western Union road was completed through the southeastern portion of the township, a station established, and an impetus given to emigration, improvements, schools, churches and social amenities. During the war, Florence contributed volunteers to the army, and in other respects aided in suppressing the rebellion.

The township to-day is among the most fertile in the county, thickly settled by an industrious and educated class of inhabitants, possessing every facility for excellence in any department of life, and a monument to the enterprise, intelligence and diliLTence of the pioneers who first assisted in rescuing the northern portion of Illinois from the wilderness.

The village of Florence is located on the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul road, eight miles southwest of Freeport. It was established when the station was located there, and, though it has been in existence for upward of twenty years, its proximity to Freeport has prevented its becoming more than a village of very moderate pretensions. The most important building to be seen there is the German Evangelical Church, erected during the summer of 1877, under the direction of Presiding Elder Byers. It is a frame, 30x40, with a steeple seventy-five feet high, and cost, ready for occupation, $2,000. The Rev. John Rife is the Pastor in charge, and services are held once in two weeks, the society numbering about fifteen communicants, though the congregation is very much larger, being made up of farmers and residents for miles around.

The village contains a schoolhouse and about twenty-five houses, which, with the railroad buildings, constitute the improvements made thus far.

one of the most central townships in the county, was settled first by Benjamin Goddard, who came during December, 1835, accompanied by his wife, John Goddard and John Jewell.

The township contains upward of 17,000 acres of improved land, and is well supplied with an abundance of wood and water. Of late years, settlements have been made frequently in Lancaster, and real estate has consequently advanced rapidly in value.

Many of the early settlers became identified with the township and city of Freeport, which was set off from the southeast corner of Lancaster ; others went into Buckeye, Rock Run and other portions of the county subsequently laid out into townships. To Benjamin Goddard, then, with those who accompanied him, belongs the credit of first becoming permanently located in the territory now comprehended in Lancaster Township. For months the only neighbors in the vicinity were "William Baker, Levi Robey, the early settlers in Buckeye and Harlem, but none in what is now Lancaster, In 1836, Levi Lucas, Robert Jones and John Hoag visited Lancaster, but, after remaining a brief period only, removed to Buckeye and Rock Run. Subsequently, David Neidigh came in and removed to Buckeye. In 1837 George and Robert Hathaway are reported as settlers making claims about that time on Sections 11 and 32. Elias Macomber is said to have settled in the township in 1838, and during the same year a man named Sedam erected a hut on the town line between Buckeye and Lancaster. In 1839, L. 0. Crocker left Freeport and settled in Lancaster. Andrew Sproule came in later and settled near Section 12 ; Joseph F. McKibben and Dr. John Charlton on Section 16 ; John Stotzer on Section 24 ; Samuel Smith, second, on Section 23 ; W. B. Mitchell came in 1840, and was followed by Jacob and Mycene Mitchell two years later. All settled in the northern part of the township.

Lucy Goddard, born March 31, 1836, is reported as the first birth ; Reagan Lewis, who died in the winter of 1837, the first death, and Thatcher Blake to Jane Goodhue, in the same year, the first marriage.

From 1845 to 1849, the immigration to Lancaster was, with that of some of the remaining townships, reasonably numerous. Thence to the completion of the railroad to Freeport it fell off considerably, to be revived, however, with the celebration of that event, and soon was completely taken up.

In all respects, Lancaster will compare favorably with other townships in the county. In fertility, in its educational, moral and religious interests, it is unsurpassed, and the culture and wealth of the inhabitants are an evidence of the character of those who built up the vicinity and developed its almost inexhaustible resources. Three railroads course the township in various directions, and, with other public interests, are maintained in keeping with the county's development, while its people are continuing in a career of steady, even prosperity and happiness.

Biogkaphical Sketches

JOHN Q. ADAMS, farmer, Sec. 35 ; P. 0. Florence Station ; born July 12, 1831, in Orleans Co., Vt.; in March, 1851, he came to Stephenson Co.; he followed the carpenter's trade about two years ; he then went to California ; returned in 1858 ; has since been engaged in farming ; he owns 240 acres of land ; has been Township Superintendent during 1873-74, and has held about all the township offices ; his brothers, Newell H., Abel P., James C. and Orin J., served in the late war. Married Julia Van Brocklin in 1858 ; she was born in Lewis Co., N. Y.; have eight children - Morris, Hattie, Oscar C. A., Eva A., Lincoln, Florence J., Clara and William A. Republican in politics.

JOHN ASPINWALL, farmer. Sec. 6 ; P. 0. Freeport ; born July 21, 1817, in Saratoga Co., N. Y.; in 1817, he removed with his parents to Chautauqua Co., N. Y.; in 1845, he came to Stephenson Co.; he owns 225 acres of land, part he entered ; he owns a substantial stone house, three barns and other improvements. Married Lucy Shumwa,y, March 1, 1835 ; she was born in JeflFerson Co., N. Y., May, 1813 ; have seven children - Henry, John, Sterne, Homer, Milo (now a dentist and a resident of Chicago), Arvilla and Lucy A.; Junius died Oct. 21, 1874, aged 20 years. Republican in politics.

MRS. PATRICK BARRON, Sec. 32 ; P. 0. Shannon ; her husband, Mr. Barron, was born November, 1829, in Ireland; in 1849, he came with his father to Stephenson Co. ; he died, January,' 1876. He married Margaret Molton, Jan. 17, 1859 ; she was born in Ireland, May 20, 1839 ; have five children - William, John, Emily, Kate and Clara ; she owns 370 acres of land.

MICHAEL. BASTIAN, farmer, Sec 33; Florence Station; born in Alsace, France, May 27, 1827 ; in 1858, he came to Stephenson Co.; he first bought 80 acres, which he improved, then he added to this 70 acres ; now owns 150 acres ; he first built a frame house, which was burned ; he now owns a good brick hduse, which cost about $1,600, and barn, 36x56, cost $900, and other good improvements. Married Miss Katie Mallo, in 1858 ; she was born in Alsace; they had five children, four living - Katie, Michael, John and Ellen ; lost Mary in infancy.

ANDREW BLACK, farmer. Sec. 29; P. 0. Freeport; born March 1, 1834, in Ireland ; in 1852, he came to Vermont ; in 1854, he came to Stephenson Co.; he owns 160 acres of land ; has been School-Director. Married Ellen May, March 11, 1858; she was born in Vermont; had seven children, four living - Harvey W., Eddie N.; William Irvin, and Ettie A., whom they adopted.

JOHN BURCKHARDT, farmer ; P. 0. Florence Station ; born Nov. 14, 1844, in Baden ; when he was 4 years old, he came, with his parents, to Silver Creek Township ; hp enlisted, December, 1863, in Co. C, 46th I. V. I. ; served two years ; in 1866, he came to his present farm, consisting of 160 acres of land ; this farm he has improved with a good brick house, cost about $2,300 ; a barn, 40x72, cost $1,800, and other improvements. Married Albertina Waetzke in 1866 ; she was born in Germany; they have eight children - William H., Anna M., Alfred J., Charles F., Henry, Elizabeth A., Margaret A., and an infant not named.

ABRAHAM DIEHL, farmer, Sec. 36; P. 0. Florence Station; born March 24, 1835, in Albany, N. Y. ; in 1837, he came, with his parents, to Hancock Co., Ohio ; here he worked at the carpenter's trade about ten years ; he enlisted in 1861 in Co. E., 49th 0. V. T., and served three years; participated in the battles of Shiloh, Stone River, Perryville, Chickamauga, Mission Ridge, capture of Atlanta, and others; in 1870 he came to Ogle Co. ; in 1872 he came to Stephenson Co. ; he owns 80 acres of land. Married Elizabeth Leonard in 1864 ; she was born in Gallia Co., Ohio ; they have four children - Stephen A., Ida R., Anna Belle C. and Charles E. United Brethren in religion ; Republican in politics.

T. L. EAKIiY, farmer, Sec 19; P. 0 Freeport ; born April 23, 1813, in Whitley Co., Ky. ; in 1837, he came to Stephenson Co., where he has since lived ; he owns 125 acres of land, part he entered. Married Sarah Faris in 1844; she was bora in Knox Co., Ky., in 1830 ; they have three children - John F., William H. and Mary E. Republican in politics.

ELI ELLIS, farmer, Sec 19 ; P. 0. Freeport; born April 2, 1839, in Green Co., N. Y. ; in 1844, he came with his parents to Stephenson Co. ; he owns 131 acres of land, which was entered by his father. Has been School Director, Commissioner of Highway, Township Superintendent, Collector, and has held about all the township offices. He enlisted in 1864, Co. A, 46th I. V. I. ; served to the end of the war; participated in the battles of Spanish Fort, Blakeley and others. His father died in March, 1878, aged 61 years. Married Lucy Mabie, March 1866; she was born in New York; they have one child - Henry C Republican in politics.

AlJOrST FR05JIIVG, farmer. Sec. 22 ; P. 0. Freeport ; he was born in 1830 in Prussia; in 1857, he came to Stephenson Co. ; he owns 280 acres of land ; is Township Treasurer. Married Margaret Bowhen in 1854 ; she was born in Prussia j they have seven children - John, Katie, Henry, Herman, Lizzie, August and Douglas.

GEORGE HAMM, farmer. Sec. 34 ; P. 0. Florence Station ; born Dec. 24, 183], in Alsace, Gei'many ; in 1851, he came to Stephenson Co. ; he owns 143 acres of land; has been twelve years School Director His brother Valentine enlisted in 1864; served about eight months ; was discharged on account of sickness. Married Elizabeth Garman in 1860 ; she was born in Lebanon Co., Pa. ; they have ten children - five sons and five daughters.' * -

AUGUST HOEFER, farmer, Sec. 29 ; P. 0. Florence Station ; born Nov. 8, 1838, in Prussia ; in 1856, he came to Stephenson Co. ; he owns 120 acres of land- He is Township Clerk and School Director. Married Miss Mena Petermeier in 1866 ; she was born in Prussia.

JOHN HOLLER, farmer, Sec. 22; P. 0. Freeport; born June 15, 1842, in Erie Co., N. Y. ; in 1859, he came with his parents to Stephenson Co.; he owns 200 acres of land. Has been School Director the past six years. Married Mary Mowrer in 1869; she was born in Canada; have four children - John, George, Charles and William.

JACOB HOFFMASfX, farmer, Sec. 34; P. 0. Florence Station; born April 23, 1826, in Baden; in 1853, he came to Stephenson Co.; in 1864, he came to his present farm; he owns 140 acres of land. He married Barbara Heilman, in 1853; she was born in Baden ; they have seven children - five living - Lizzie, Mary, John, Louis and Katie.

CHRISTOFER MAYER, farmer. Sec. 12; P. 0. Freeport; born Sept. 4, 1823, in Wurtemberg, Germany ; in 1845 he came to Ogle Co., 111. ; in 1854 he came to Stephenson Co. ; he owns 205 acres of land. Married Margaret Baecher in 1849 ; she was born in Germany in January, 1823 ; they have eight children - Louisa, Amelia, Mary, Rebecca, Samuel, Rosa, Louis and Laura.

JOSEPH MEYER, farmer. Sec. 14 ; P. 0. Freeport; born March 1, 1822, in Germany ; in 1852 he came to Stephenson Co. ; he owns 160 acres of land. Married Kate Alert in 1855 ; she was born in Germany ; they have three children - John, Joseph and Lizzie.

GEORGE A. MOORE, farmer. Sec. 8; P. 0. Freeport ; born Jan. 2, 1817, in Berks Co., Pa. ; when about 10 years old, he came, with his parenrs, to Lycoming Co. ; in 1850 he came to Stephenson Co., where he has since lived ; he owns 160 acres of la^id. Married Christina Cole in 1839 ; she was born in 1820, in Berks Co., Pa. ; they have eleven children - Mary, Catharine, Delia J., George W., David, William W., Isaac, Franklin, Elias, Charles H. and Ira Lincoln ; George W. enlisted in 1862 in the 46th I. V. I., and served to the end of the war. Free Methodist in religion ; Republican in politics.

SOIOX PETERMEIER, farmer. Sec. 21; P. 0. Florence Station; born Jan. 12, 1846, in Germany; in 1860, he came to Stephenson Co. ; he owns 240 acres of land ; his brother Fred enlisted in 1862, 92d I. V. I., served three years. Married Amelia Schroadermier, March, 1871 ; she was born in Stephenson Co.; they have four children - Limon, Edward, Lydia and Henry.

JACOB PFIEL, farmer, Sec. 24; P. 0. Freeport ; born Sept. 18, 1827, in Germany ; in 1843, he came to Milwaukee ; first worked on a farm, then worked at the carpenter trade about two years; in 1851, he removed to Washington Co., there started a store ; in about eighteen months he sold out his store and bought 100 acres of land and built a brewery ; he carried on this business about five years ; he then sold out the brewery and continued farming till 1868, when he sold his farm and removed to Stephenson Co. ; he now owns 185 acres of land. Married Angeline Everly, in 1852 ; she was born in Ohio ; they have six children - Henry, Elizabeth, Frances, Mena, Edward and Jacob William. Democrat in politics.

J. H. PIERCE, farmer, Sec. 30; P. 0. Freeport; born Sept. 13, 1830, in Clarion Co., Pa. ; in about 1842, he came to Trumbull Co., Ohio ; here he was apprenticed to learn the carriage trade ; worked at this business about seven years ; in 1 854, he came to Stephenson Co. ; he owns 240 acres of land, well improved, with three good barns and other improvements. He is Superintendent of the township, has held this office four years. Married Miss Mary J. McKee, in 1862 ; she was born in Crawford Co., Penn.

EDWIN SCOVIIili, farmer, Sec. 18; P. 0. Freeport; born Sept. 22, 1846, in Florence Township ; his father came to this county in about 1837, and died December, 1876, aged 59 years; he owns 202 acres of land. He has been Township Treasurer. He married Julia Roberts, Jan. 4, 1872 ; she was born in Ogle Co.; they have three children - Phebe, James and Elnora.

?fATHAX SHEETZ, farmer, Sec. 4; P. 0. Freeport; born June 21, 1811, in Berks Co., Penn.; May 28, 1837, he came to Stephenson Co.; he remained here till March 17, 1850, when he went to California ; he left California Nov. 25, 1850, sailing by the way of Cape Horn ; arrived here March 14, 1851, where he has since lived ; he owns 1 65 acres of land, part entered. He married Sophia Hiser, in 1834 ; she was born in Union Co., Penn., in 1812 ; died in 1836 ; had three children, one living- William. His second marriage, to Catharine Martin, occurred in 1844; she was born in 1819, in Germany ; died July 22, 1872; they had seven children, six living - George W., Sarah E., Robert V., Harris, Cyrus L. and Daniel M. His third marriage was to Mrs. Stumer, on June 17, 1875 ; she was born in Virginia ; Democrat in politics.

GIIiEIS TURIVEAURE, farmer. Sec. 17; P. 0. Freeport ; born June 18, 1829, in Genesee Co., N. Y.; in 1833 he came with his parents to Crawford Co., Penn.; in 1843 they came to Boone Co., 111.; in 1850 they removed to Stephenson Co.; he owns 80 acres of land ; is Justice of the Peace ; his brothers, Jacob M., George B. and William H., served in the late war. He married Sophronia C. May, Jan. 10, 1855; she was born in Vermont ; they have three children - Effie S., Florence and Fred E. Baptist in religion ; Republican in politics.

CONRAD VAN BROCKL.IN, Sec. 17; P. 0. Freeport; he was born Feb. 21, 1802, in Montgomery Co., N. Y.; he died Nov. 3, 1877 ; in the fall of 1835 he came to Kendall Co., 111.; the following spring he removed to Stephenson Co., where he remained till the time of his death ; he had been School Treasurer about twenty years, and had held about all the township offices ; they own 380 acres of land, which he entered. He married Harriet Searl, Jan. 1, 1832 ; she was born in South Hampton, Mass., Dec. 13, 1803; they had eight children, six living - Julia, Phebe C, Lucy A.,

WILHEIiM WIIiHELMS, farmer, Sec. 35 ; P. 0. Florence Station ; born in 1840, in Germany; in 1856 he came to Stephenson Co.; he owns 240 acres of land ; has been School Director. Married Henrica De G-root in 1865; she was born in Germany; they have five childrea - Christopher, Henry, Oltman, Christian and William.

DARIUS WINTERS, farmer, Sec. 19; P. 0. Freeport; born Feb. 20, 1838, in Kingston, Delaware Co., Ohio ; in 1847, he came with his parents to Winnebago Co., 111. ; in 1850, they removed to their present farm ; he owns 98 acres of land ; his father died in 1879, aged 76 years. Married Mary J. Cronkrite in 1868 ; she was born in Saratoga Co., N. Y. ; have one child, Hattie E. ; he enlisted in 1862, Co. A, 46th I. V. I. ; served to the end of the war ; participated in the following engagements : Siege of Vicksburg (here he was taken prisoner - afterward paroled), Spanish Fort, Blakeley, Mobile and others.

DR. CHARLES B. WRIGHT, physician and surgeon. Sec. 17 ; P. 0. Freeport; born July 4, 1820, in Green Co., N. Y. ; at about the age of 21, he commenced the study of medicine with Dr. Huyck, at Stevensville, Albany Co., N. Y. ; graduated at the Albany Medical College in 1849 ; in 1855, he came to Stephenson Co. In 1863, he was elected County Judge, to fill a vacancy ; on the expiration of this term, he was re-elected, and held this position four years ; he was commissioned Surgeon, in 1861, in Fremont Body Guard; held this position till the removal of Fremont; he he has been Postmaster at Loran, and held other minor offices. Married Miss Augusta M. Shepard, daughter of Dr. Shepard, in 1840 ; she was born in Green Co., N. Y. ; they have one daughter, Angelia A., now Mrs. William A. Van Brocklin. Republican in politics.

Source changes here: from History of Stephenson County, Illinois : a Record of Its Settlement, Organization, and Three-quarters of a Century of Progress, by Fulwider, Addison L, published 1910; 2,044 words in this source stream.

Florence Township

Florence Township forms one of the southern tier of the county. It has an area of exactly six square miles, and is bounded on the north by Harlem and Freeport, on the east by Silver Creek, on the west by Loran, and on the south by Ogle and Carroll Counties. The township is well wooded, but there is also a large acreage of fertile and valuable farm lands. The water supply is good, and the streams are numerous. Yellow Creek flows through the north central portion of the township from west to east, and is joined by one or two smaller creeks of greater or less importance, which flow down from the south. The rills and brooklets cover the township with a network of small watercourses, and at certain seasons of the year become flooded with the heavy rains. Two railroads enter Florence Township. The Chicago, Milwaukee, & St. Paul cuts across the southeastern corner of the township, and has a station at the village of Florence Station. The Chicago & Great Western cuts across the central part of the township in a straight line from east to west, with its only station at Bolton.

The lands about Yellow Creek are heavily timbered. Especially on the north side of the creek are there woods of considerable extent. Near the village of Bolton, formerly Van Brocklin, the County Woods, a stretch of almost virgin wilderness, are situated. Farther toward Freeport are Beebe's Woods, and, adjoining them, the forests and hollows of Krape Park, formerly Globe Park, where the Freeport Chautauqua is held each year. Oakland Cemetery, Freeport's new cemetery, a beautiful stretch of wooded land, is located in Florence Township, on the Pearl City road, about three miles west of Freeport.

The first claim taken up in Florence Township was entered upon by Conrad Van Brocklin, who settled on Section 17, near the site of the future village of Van Brocklin. He had come to this county from western New York in the fall of 1835, a°d after a long, hard winter's journey he arrived at his new home in March, 1836. His first log cabin was built but a short distance from the farm house which he afterward built and which his descendants have continued to occupy for many years. For most of the first year he had no neighbors nearer than Thomas Craine, at Craine's Grove, and at Freeport. In August of the same year, Mason Dimmick, of Ohio, emigrated to Stephen son County, and took up his claim northeast of the cabin of Mr. Van Brocklin. Otis Love and his family soon followed, and these three conclude the list of settlers of 1836.

In 1837, Lorenzo Lee arrived, as did James Hart, who settled a mile and a half north of Van Brocklin's. A few more came in this year, whose names are now lost, but the influx of settlers was not very great as yet.

In 1838 the emigrants began to arrive in large numbers. A few of them settled at Liberty Mills on Yellow Creek. They were followed by one Mr. Wickham, William Smith, known to the farmers roundabout as "Saw-Log" Smith, a Mr. Strong, who came in 1839, Sheldon Scoville, Russell Scoville, and C. K. Ellis, who came the same year, and others. In 1839 Anson Babcock came to Florence Township, but the prospects were not encouraging enough, and he returned to New York state with his family. Strangely enough, many of the early comers to Florence did not remain and improve their claims. The Van Brocklins were permanent fixtures, as the lapse of time has proved, but the others came more or less as a matter of experiment, and many of them departed sooner or later for other parts. Mr. Strong, who had come in 1839, stayed several years, but at the end of a period of reasonable prosperity he departed for Lebanon, Ohio, where he became a member of the sect of Shakers. Several of the other early settlers are said to have become Mormons, and a few of them moved to Freeport.

After 1840, the number of settlers suddenly increased surprisingly, and the claims began to be improved. Eli Ellis, P. T. Ellis, Mr. Sheets, William Boyer, John Turreaure, and a few others came in 1840. Improvements began to be made everywhere, and the condition of the township was greatly bettered. Mills were built along Yellow Creek, some of which are still standing, such as Liberty mills and Hess' mills. All of them have long been silent.

1 The growth of Freeport offered an impetus to settlements in Florence Township. Formerly farmers had sought the more distant parts of the county, such as Rock Grove Township, and Winslow and West Point, owing to the fact that agricultural prospects in those portions of the country were brighter. Now they began to discover that Florence Township contained a goodly extent of tillable land, and the nearness of a base of supplies at the county seat quickly boosted the price of land. Also the proximity of Kirkpatrick's mills at Mill Grove, in Loran Township, and the comparative insignificance of the distance to the old Van Valzah mills at Cedarville.

By 1850 the claims were taken up, and the township was about filled up. In that year, and within the next four years, the country in the northern part of the township, along the banks of Yellow Creek, suffered greatly from the plague of Asiatic Cholera which fell upon Stephenson County at that time, and a large number of deaths were reported. Gradually the plague wasted itself, and, since 1854, it has never visited these regions.

By 1840 there was a demand for schools in Florence Township, and, in response, the first school was opened, in James Hart's log cabin, with Miss Flavilla Forbes as teacher. By 1850 the school census of the township showed such an increase that other schools were imperative necessities. In 1857 tne nrst railroad, the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul, then known as the Western Union Railroad, surveyed its line across the southeastern corner of Florence Township. In 1859 their line was built, and with the coming of the Iron Horse the pioneer history of Florence Township is past. Later the Great Western surveyed its line through the county, and immediately the village of Van Brocklin, at Liberty Mills, then rechristened Bolton, sprang into prominence as a settlement of importance.

The farm lands of Florence Township today present a neat and orderly appearance. It is a well known fact that when the Freeporters have friends 01 out-of-town guests to whom they wish to show the fine farming lands of the county, they invariably take them out on the Pearl City road, and down south through Florence Township. And this is not wholly on account of the ac-

There are a number of Freeport enterprises, connected with the growth and development of Florence Township, which deserve mention in connection with the history here presented.

Krape Park. Globe Park, in the possession of the Order of the Knights of the Globe, was established about ten years ago, and named from the organization of which W. W. Krape was founder and supreme captain general. It is a portion of the wooded land lying on the banks of Yellow Creek about a mile west and two miles south of town. Just adjoining the tract are Beebe's Woods, noted for their popularity as a picnic ground for Freeporters.

When the Cosmopolitan Life Insurance Company went out of existence, and the Order of the Knights of the Globe suffered in consequence, Globe Park passed from the hands of the fraternity into Mr. Krape's own hands, and the park was rechristened Krape Park. For several years it has been the seat of the Freeport Chautauqua, of which Mr. and Mrs. Krape were the instigators and advisory committee.

A number of improvements have been made, which improve the park as a camping and chautauqua ground, but somewhat mar the natural wilderness. The necessary park buildings, including a very attractive and commodious little lodge for the keeper of the park, have been built, a windmill on the banks of the creek supplies the place with drinking water, and a large iron bridge spans the creek near the park lodge. Formerly a bridge was built across the dam, farther down stream, but four years ago, it was deemed unsafe and removed, and the present structure forthwith built. Across stream are located the Chautauqua buildings. No large auditorium has been built as yet, but one is contemplated. Several cottages have been built on the cliffs, and swings and park benches add to the comfort and convenience.

Nature had done her best to render the site of Krape Park attractive. Yellow Creek, at other points a very ordinary muddy prairie streamlet, is here transformed into a sylvan river of exquisite beauty. On the south side of the creek the limestone cliffs tower to a height of two hundred feet, indented with numberless caves and tiny indentures. A natural bridge of considerable proportions spans the dry bed of a stream, which formerly made its way down the cliff side in the form of a tiny waterfall, and which, at times, becomes gorged with the spring rains. Two large caves in the rock are accessible from the river and by pathway from overhead. One of these is known as Krape's Cave, while a smaller but more picturesque opening, far above, half covered with trailing vines and shrubbery, is known as Bear Cave. A huge cliff, rising above Krape's Cave, and surmounted with a growth of evergreen, has become known as Cedar Cliff, and the point of land on the heights overhead, from which an extended and lovely prospect of the park and surrounding country is visible, is christened Lookout Mountain. Until recently animals have been kept in the park, but not long ago the deer were taken away. Krape Park is about two miles from the heart of the city, and is accessible by an automobile transfer line from the courthouse.

Oakland Cemetery. The new cemetery, four miles from Freeport, covers about one hundred and fifty acres of wooded land, extending southward about a mile from the Pearl City road. The landscape gardener has done his most to beautify the locality, and a large part of it is now laid out with winding drives and carriage paths. A large stone gateway half hidden by vines and trees forms the entrance to the cemetery and from the entrance, the drive leads down into the hollow and up on the hill where most of the lots now sold are located.

Several stone buildings have been erected on the premises. There is a stone receiving vault, built into the hillside, down in the southern end of the cemetery, a stone chapel where services can be held, and one marble mausoleum erected by Jacob Schaetzel. Many of the lots of the city cemetery have been transferred to Oakland Cemetery, and the place is now regarded as one of the most beautiful spots in the neighborhood of Freeport.

Bolton comprises two villages: the original village, known as Van Brocklin, which contains a church and originally contained the store and post-office, and the new village, called Bolton, which is built about the Chicago Great Western station, nearly a mile south of Van Brocklin. The old village is of early foundation, and marks the site of the first permanent settlement in Florence Township. The new village dates from 1887, when the railroad station was erected and the plat of the town laid out south of the station.

There is nothing of interest at Bolton. The town contains a grain elevator, a creamery owned by a farmers' stock company, and a distillery, which caters to a local trade. The population of the town is about fifty, with small signs of an appreciable future increase. Yellow Creek winds through the old village of Van Brocklin, now almost deserted, but for the country church. The site is very picturesque, lying a short distance southwest of the limestone cliffs and caves of Krape Park. The old village is interesting as the site of an early settlement in the county's history, but the new village is practically without life or interest.