Forreston Township

Forreston Township

George W. Hewitt came to this county in October, 1848, from Pennsylvania, and entered a bounty claim. In 1854, he bought the site of Forreston of John Dement. The town was an outgrowth of the Illinois Central Railroad. The original town, now forming the western part of the village, was laid out in the Fall of 1854, on Mr. Hewitt's land. The Railroad Company made two additions, one in 1855, the other March 8, 1861. Mr. Hewitt made three additions, the first, November 14, 1861. West Forreston was laid out April 1st, 1868, by John Meyer.

The railroad had arrived in the Winter of 1854, and the first buildings erected were the depot and a house for boarding railroad employes, now occupied as a private residence by W. H. Robbins. In the Summer of 1855, Theodore Hewitt built a small boarding house on the site of the present Sherman House.

In the Spring of 1855, Mr. Daniels built and opened a store, near the depot on the west side of the track, where he also kept the first post ofiice. In the same Spring, Samuel Mitchell, who had come from Maryland to Lincoln Township, together with Jonathan Meyers, in 1837, and Matthew Blair, who came to Mount Morris from Pennsylvania in 1845, moved to the new village of Forreston with their families and built their residences. In this year, also, Mr. Hewitt brought his family from Pennsylvania, although he had previously built his residence.

In the Fall of 1855, Henry Hiller established the first store, of any importance, in the small building still standing just north of the Sherman House. This he sold to Mr. Woodruff, who in turn disposed of his business to David Reinhardt, in 1858. Mr. Reinhardt built the store now occupied by Hewitt & Rosenstiel in the same year, and continued his general store in that building.

In 1855, Mitchell & Blair established a store in a small building on the corner lot occupied by the present hardware store of Smith & Campbell, north of the site of that building. Thomas Botdorf began blacksmithirig in the same year.

In the Fall of 1856, a meeting was held at Brookville for the purpose of organizing the Township, at which the Baileyville people contended that the Township should be named "Mendora." When the Central Railroad was built, this station had been named " Forreston," and the people of this village succeeded in securing that name for th eTownship. The first officers elected were, Matthew Blair, Supervisor, and M.'B. Geer, Assessor. There were twentyeight names enrolled on Mr. Geer's first tax book. The first school house was built in the*same year.

In 1855, a warehouse was erected near the railroad, by Aaron Middlekauff" and Martin Heller. Another was built by I. B. Allen in 1857. In this year, also, Fred Meyer began shoemaking, and soon after M. DeWall and John Lang followed in that business. The latter is still a boot and shoemaker of Forreston.

About this time, John J. Hewitt and his brother-in-law, B. F. Emerick, opened a general stock of goods in the building which had been occupied as a tavern ; and Robert Long opened a saloon near and opposite the depot, which was afterward burned down.

In 1859, C. M. Haller purchased the business of Hewitt & Emerick and continued it until 1861, when he bought the stock of Frank Barker, now of Rochelle, who established the first drug business here. Since 1873, Mr. Haller, has engaged in the drug business exclusively.

Among the early settlers spoken of, Messrs. Blair, Mitchell, Philo J. Hewitt and others are still residents of Forreston. John J. Hewitt does business in Forreston, but resides in Freeport.

Thomas Botdorf came to Forreston in 1855 and started a blacksmith shop. In 1857, he began wagon making, which constituted the first manufacturing in this place.

Mr. Botdorf sold his wagon shop to Salter & Hunter, in December, 1868, and the present firm of Salter & Blair was constituted in September, 1873. They are now engaged quite extensively in carriage making ; have commodious workshops, including blacksmith, woodwork, finishing, painting shops and salesroom. They employ nine workmen and manufacture about fifty carriages a year.

The tavern built by Theodore Hewitt was soon transferred to Alonzo Campbell, after whom M. B. Geer took charge, but soon moved to his present situation.

SCHOOLS. The first school house was a frame building, located in the center of the original town plat, erected in 1856. It was first taught by Miss Maria Blair, followed by Thomas J. Hewitt and A. Q. Allen. This building is still standing nearly opposite the residence of Mr. Philo J. Hitt. School was continued here until in 1867, when the present elegant three-story brick school house was erected on Front street, in the southern part of the town. The building, grounds and furniture cost about $16,000. The records show the following instructors since 1860 : J. L. Spear, 1860-62 ; Assistant, Julia Saterlee, 1860-62 ; J. W. Clinton, 1862-63; Assistant, E. A. Lunt, 1862-63 (from this time until 1869 they have not been recorded) ; G. M. M. Glenn, 1869 ; M. L. Seymour, 1870-72 ; George Blount, 1872-75. The present teachers are J. Lawson Wright, Principal ; Eliza J. Wilson, Assistant ; Abram Myers, First Intermediate ; Nellie Perrin, Second Intermediate ; Lizzie D. Hiller, First Primary ; Addie E. Shyrock, Second Primary. For teachers' salaries, $2,610 is appropriated for the present year. The present Board of School Directors is Eli Schafi"ner, Levi J. Bowers and John Dovenbarger. The present school membership is 315.

was organized October 5, 1864, with the following charter members : Thomas J. Hewitt, Henry N. Clopper, N. E. Rogers, John W. Clinton, John W. Frazey,

Benjamin Savage, Miles N. Pritchard, Matthew Blair, Jeremiah Dean, M. H. Philbrick and Isaac Kimble. The following were the first ofiicers : Thomas J. Hewitt, W. M. ; Matthew Blair, S. W. ; Benjamin Savage, J. W.

For lack of sufficient local support, it was consolidated with Samuel H. Davis Lodge, No. 96, A., F. & A. M., of Mount Morris. The first Lodge was organized in 1860 by a Mr. St. John. This was discontinued after several years, and in 1877, the present Lodge was organized and is now in a prosperous condition.

Religious

Methodist Episcopal Ohurch. - Forreston was made a station of the "Crane's Grove Mission" in September, 1853, Rev. H. Richie being appointed preacher in charge. Samuel Mitchell's family, who came in May, 1855, were the first representatives of this church to settle in the village. The first sermon was preached in July or August of that year, by Rev. Wm. Underwood, in the railroad depot. Meetings were held there until the Fall of 1856, when they were removed to the school house. Rev. C. B. Snedaker was appointed to this mission in 1855, but did not remain throughout the year, being succeeded by Rev. Christian First. In 1856, Rev. G. I. Bliss was appointed to " Crane's Grove" Circuit, and in this year the first class was formed at Forreston, consisting of Samuel Mitchell, Hannah Mitchell, Mr. and Mrs. H. G. Starr. Meetings were held in the school house for several years, and afterward in the United Brethren Church, until 1864.

The first Quarterly Conference was held at Forreston, March 21, 1857. Z. S. Kellogg preached frequently at Forreston during this year. Rev. Robert Brotherton was Pastor in 1857, and in this year Alonzo Campbell and wife, J. C. Gilbraith and wife, and others united with the church.

The church building was begun in 1863, and completed in May, 1864. It is a frame building, on the corner of . B and Second streets, and was dedicated by Rev. Dr. Eddy. The present parsonage was erected in 1873.

Evangelical Lutheran Church. - This church was organized, and a constitution adopted, on the 21st day of October, 1859. Rev. Ephraim Miller, Chairman. Rev. J. K. Bloom, Secretary of convention and pastor. Mission work had previously been done by Rev. J. G. Donmeyer, the pioneer minister in the northwestern part of the county. Members adopting the constitution : Thomas Botdorf, Matta Botdorf, Henry Dovenbarger, Ann Maria Dovenbarger, Charles M. Haller, Elizabeth Haller, Mrs. Sarah A. Garver, Mrs. Susan M. Hewitt, Mrs. Elizabeth Middlekauff", Mrs. Sophia Frost, Mrs. Ann Eichholtz, Mrs. John K. Bloom, and Benjamin F. Emrich. Charles M. Haller was elected Elder for three years, to which office he has been re-elected to the present date. Thomas Botdorf and Benjamin F. Emrich were elected Deacons. Provision having been made by the constitution to increase the number of officers as the needs of the congregation required to a limited extent, the present officers are : C. M. Haller, Nelson

Hover and Jonathan Meyers, Elders ; Henry Dovenbarger, Philip Smith and John Dovenbarger, Deacons. There have been added to the congregation since its organization 197 communing members, making the whole number 210, of whom sixty-four yet remain in good and regular standing within the bounds of the congregation. Five of the original members are in active service of the Master. The pastoral relation has been changed four times : Rev. John K. Bloom from 1859 to 1864 ; Rev. Reuben Weizer from 1764 to 1866 ; Rev. Nathaniel W. Lilly from 1867 to 1870; and Rev. W. H. Schoch from 1870 to the present time, having recently entered into the eighth year of service. The church building was built of brick, on the corner of " D " and Second Streets, in 1863 and '64; and in 1864, upon Rev. Bloom's leaving the charge, the society purchased his residence as a parsonage.

The Sabbath school was originally organized as a Union school on the 16th day of May, 1858. The first session was held in the district school house. Officers : E. J. Kingsbury, Superintendent ; C. M. Haller, Assistant. At the first meeting there were enrolled eighty-seven members, of whom five remain in the school as officers, teachers and scholars, to wit : CM. Haller, Superintendent ; Seaton Halsey, Secretary and Librarian ; Wm. S. A. Garver and Mrs. F. E. Halsey, Teachers, and Mrs. M. Clymer (then Mary Hiller) as a member of the Bible class.

There have been connected with the school, as shown by the records, 1,125 members, of whom 125 are now in connection therewith, making an average Sabbath attendance of 90.

The library numbers 434 volumes. The present officers are : C. M. Haller, Superintendent ; A. B. Savage, Assistant Superintendent ; Seaton Halsey, Secretary and Treasurer ; G. B. Covell, Librarian ; Frank Dovenbarger, Assistant.

The first withdrawal of membership was made by the organization of another Union school by the United Brethren and Methodist Episcopal, in the United Brethren Church. The next was by the Evangelical Association withdrawing and forming the Union Sunday School of the Evangelical Association. About this time, the school became virtually an Evangelical Lutheran Sunday School, if not in form, in fact, so that on the 11th day of September, A. D. 1871, a new constitution was adopted, and the name of Evangelical Lutheran Sabbath School of Forreston printed in its catalogues. Thus it has passed through two decades under the same superintendency, with the exception of one year, when Dr. J. B. E. Albright was Superintendent.

Zions Reform Church, of the Reformed Church of the United States, was organized about 1857, by Rev. George Weber, he having been preceded in mission work by Rev. John A. Leis. Then followed as Pastors: Revs. Henry Bassler, George Weber again in 1859, Charles W. Seaman, Francis A. Edmonds, Charles Kuepper, Cyrus Cort, a supply, and C. G. A. Hullhorst, for one year, after whom came Rev. Daniel Lantz, who has continued five years to the present time.

The brick church building, 38x54 feet in size, was erected in 1870 at a cost of $7,000, and is located on the corner of B and Third streets.

The United Brethren in Christ. - A local branch of this church was organized at the school house in Forreston, September 8, 1858, by Rev. A. B. Frazier. In the same year the church building on Fourth street was commenced. The class then consisted of Michael and Margaret Bovey, David and Catherine

Reinhart, Jacob Reinhart, Levi and Sarah Stouifer, Mary Ann Stouifer, E. 0. Baxter, Josiah Mullen, Elijah, and Catherine Detweiler. Then followed as preachers the following: Revs. S. S. Osterhoudt, 1858-9; T. B. Burrows, 1860; Moses Crura, 1861; Aquilla Davis, 1862; J. K. M. Looker, 1863-4-5; C. Wendel, 1866-7; J. J. Johnson, 1868-9; J. H. Young, 1870; Samuel F. Medler, 1871; T. F. Hallowell, 1872-3; W. H. Chandler, 1874; D. H. Healy, 1875, now Presiding Elder; J. W. Burd, 1876; E. D. Palmer, 1877; John Darr, 1878, who still continues in charge. The present membership is fiftyseven. A Sabbath school will soon be organized.

Bishop s Church of the Evangelical Associatian. - This society was organized in 1860, and services were held in the school house until 1869, when the present church was erected at a cost of $7,000. It is a frame building with commodious auditorium and a basement for Sabbath school uses, situated on the southwest corner of Front and "E" streets.

In 1860, Rev. Mr. Freeden became Pastor, and after two years was succeeded by Rev. H. Bucks, for one year. The following Pastors then succeeded to the charge in their respective order: Rev. J. Dangle, two years; Rev. A. Nebe, one year ; Rev. A. Staley, two years ; Rov. Mr. Stamm, one year ; Rev. J. W. Moore, two years ; Rev. S. Schwartz, one year ; Rev. J. G. Kleinheit, two years ; Rev. L. B. Tobias, two years ; Rev. C. H. Cramley, two years, who has just completed his term, and will be followed by another appointment. The membership at present is about seventy-five.

The Sabbath school was organized in 1869, with Rev. A. Staley as first Superintendent. The present officer in that capacity is L. J. Bowers.

Bishop J. Long was a resident of Forreston, at the time of the erection of the church building, and from him the church took its name as "Bishop's Church." He died in June, 1869, the beloved leader of the entire brotherhood.

The Reformed Church was organized some years before the coming of the first regular Pastor, by Rev. J. Muller, of Silver Creek, Stephenson County, and was then known as the " Reformed Protestant Dutch Church," but was changed to the present name in 1867. Rev. J. H. Karston settled as Pastor in 1865.

As the first records are in the Holland language, it is difficult to ascertain the particulars of this pastorate. Services were also conducted in the Holland language by the first Pastor, since when they have been held in the German tongue.

In 1866, the church was erected and dedicated the same year by Rev. J. Muller. The first officers Avere J. R. Heeren, B. Daneks, Jacob Smith and M. Reintsema.

In 1867, Rev. J. B. DeBeer was called to the charge and remained for two years. In 1871, Rev. F. J. Reichert served the congregation for a term of six months. The present Pastor, Rev. F. E. Schlieder, has filled this pulpit since 1872.

The Sabbath school in connection with the church was organized in 1869, but as many of the church members are residents of the country, it does not maintain a very large attendance.

Business Interests

The principal business interests of Forreston are embraced in the following list, giving the date of establishment where it could be obtained :

Editor And Pr Op'R Forreston Herald

Hardware. - Smith & Campbell, August, 1877 (Mr. Smith has been engaged in the hardware business here for eight years ; Mr. Campbell formerly dealt in Drugs and Dry Goods ten years) ; A. Middlekauff & Bro., 1866.

Restaurants. - B. Beubendall & Co., December, 1877 ; Conrad Sterling (also saloon, billiard hall and bakery), 1866 ; M. S. Dellinger, May, 1876 ; Thomas Ausherman, 1870 ; M. B. Geer (also grocery), 1862.

The Chicago And Iowa Railroad

In June, 1870, Forreston Township voted an appropriation of $75,000 in aid of this road, to be paid if the railroad was completed through the township by January 1, 1872. The road was finished to Forreston village by that time, but the bonds were not issued, as the road was not built through the township. After a legal contention of three years, the matter w^as compromised by issuing bonds to the amount of $35,000, with the provision that if the road was completed through the township within five years $15,000 more should be issued. That time has elapsed, and Forreston is still the terminus of the road. The same depot is used for both that and the Illinois Central Railroad. The "round house," or engine house was erected by both companies in 1872, each company having six stalls. It is in charge of A. R. McElhiney, of the I. C. R. R., and Henry Williams, of the C. & I. R. R. Miles N. Prichard has been the station agent for the past twenty years; J. M. Myers, baggage master; Henry Hough and F. D. Swett, telegraph operators.

Forreston has been visited by several fires of various magnitudes, the last and most important of which was on the night of January 16-17, 1878. It burned the following buildings : John J. Hewitt's two-story frame, occupied by the store of Bonn & C6.; H. Follrich's two-story frame, butcher shop; J. Z. Hunsicker's two-story frame building, occupied as a barber shop by G. De Graf; E. 0. Reedy's two-story frame shoe shop, and the residence of Moses Oppenheimer, owned by Wm. Minstermann.

Village Organization

At a meeting held at the school house, in the town of Forreston, on Saturday, September 21, 1867, to determine the question of village incorporation, G. M. M. Glenn was elected President, and Thomas J. Hewitt, Clerk. 172 ballots were cast ; 128 for incorporation, 44 against incorporation.

The first meeting for the election of village officers was held at the Pennsylvania House, October 15, 1867, when Simon Geeting, Levi J. Bowers, Absalom Eakle, Nehemiah E. Rogers and Miles N. Prichard were elected Trustees. October 21st, following, the Board organized by choice of Simon Geeting, President, and Thomas J. Hewitt, Clerk pro tern. At this meeting, Mr. Eakle resigned and Thomas J. Burt was appointed in his place. November 2d, Martin V. Saltzman was elected Clerk ; Philo J. Hewitt, Treasurer ; Thomas J. Hewitt, Corporation Attorney ; Edward H. Foy, Constable and Collector, and Simon Gross, Street Commissioner. November 18th, " An ordinance prescribing and defining the boundaries of the town of Forreston, County of Ogle and State of Illinois," was passed by yeas and nays. Yeas, Rogers, Burt and Bowers-3 ; nays, none.

October 15, 1868. - Aaron Middlekauff, Isaac H. Long, Henry S. Funk, Godfrey Pyfer and Charles Shuman were elected Trustees. This Board organized on the 26th of the same month. Isaac H. Long, President ; G. H. Richardson, Clerk : E. H. Middlekauff, Treasurer ; A. Eakle, Street Commissioner ; J. M. Meyers, Constable. W. H. Knodle was elected Clerk, November 6th, vice Richardson resigned.

December 15, 1868. - A special meeting was called " for the purpose of getting a special charter for the town of Forreston. Mr. Funk was appointed to see J. M. Bailey, and have a form of charter drawn."

February 17, 1868. - " The form of charter sent from Springfield " was adopted. May 11, 1868, the new charter was accepted by the people by vote of 67 to 55.

Township Officers, 1878. - Supervisor - Cornelius Bowman ; Town Clerk - Simon Geeting ; Assessor - Levi Clark ; Collector - E. W. Derby ; Commissioners of Highway - I. B. Allen, Fred. Korf and N. D. C. Medbury; Justices of the Peace - W. W. Swett and Warren Lightheart ; Constables - Eli Rowland and C. W. Prince.

B AIIiE Y S AMUEIi JR. Farmer ; Sec. 5 ; P. 0. Baileyville ; born in Beading, Vermont, in 1830; located in this county in 1851 ; married Miss Beliefe Philbrick April 11, 1856; she was born in Waldo Co., Maine, in 1835 ; they have five children - ^George T., born Feb. 24, 1857 ; Mary Elizabeth, March 27, 1859 (she recovered damages at the January term of the Ogle County Circuit Court, at Oregon, Jan. 31, 1877, from the Directors of the public school, at Baileyville, from which she .was wrongfully expelled Feb. 8, 1877 ; she has taught school one or more terms, and was further preparing herself as a teacher, and not likely to be guilty of insubordination as a pupil, hence, in justice to herself, she was compelled to institute the above proceedings in order to set herself right before the public, which the verdict of an impartial jury of her peers has unqualifiedly done); - Ward A., March 1, 1862; Fred L., Jan. 13, 1865 ; Cora, March 25, 1875 ; Mr. Bailey established the first school in the immediate neighborhood of Baileyville, and was one of the first Directors ; he has been a Director for several terms ; he was Justice of the Peace from 1858 to 1862, and from 1876 to 1877, he and his two brothers laid out and surveyed the village of Baileyville, and named it after his family ; he owns 400 acres of land, worth $25,000.

BII^LKi} CYRUS, Farmer and School Teacher ; Sec. 25 ; P. 0. Forreston ; born in this county in 1840 ; married Catty Clock in 1865 ; she was born in Holland in 1844; they have four children (one deceased) - Ulysses H. G. C, born Oct. 29, 1865 ; Francis M.. Nov. 4, 1871 ; George Wash., Jan. 18, 1876; are members of the U. B. Church ; he has been School Director eight years, and teaching since 1863 ; he owns a farm of 160 acres of land, worth $12,000 ; Mr. Billig's father was one of the oldest residents of this county, having located here about 1836.

B;0WI:R!S AARIOIV, Retired Farmer ; P. 0. Forreston ; born in Dauphin Co., Pa., in 1813; married Miss Lidia Michiel in 1833 ; she was in Northumberland Co., Pa., in 1812 ; he located in Carroll Co., in 1854, and in this county in 1871 ; they had thirteen children, six living - Sarah A. born May 4, 1834 ; Levi J., June 20 1836; Henry W., Oct., 20, 1838 George E., March 26, 1841 ; Robert E. May 3, 1846; Mary A., Dec. 20, 1850 Mr. B. is a member of the Lutheran Church, Mrs. B. of the Reformed Church, two children of the Methodist Church, three of the Reformed Church, and one of the Evangelical Church ; he was Deacon of the Church and School Director in Pa., for ten years ; he has also been School Director in this county ; he has been a member of his church eighteen years ; he owns 80 acres of land, well improved, worth $5,000.

BROWX ROBERT B. Farmer, Sec. 11 ; P. 0. Forreston : born in Center Co., Pa., in 1820; married Nancy McClain, in 1843 ; she was born in Center Co., Pa., in 1820; they had one child, Harriet A., born Sept. 9, 1859. Mrs. B. is a member of- the Presbyterian Church ; he owns 80 acres of land in a good state of cultivation, worth $5,000 ; he located in Stephenson County in 1852, and this county in 1858.

Peterie May 15, 1841 ; she was born in Washington Co., Md., in 1815 ; located in this county in 1860 ; had four children (two deceased) ; living - Mary E., born Oct. 28, 1846; Ann R., June 28, 1844 ; Upton, Sept. 11, 1842. Upton enlisted in the 15th Illinois Infantry and served until mustered out through physical disability, although physically unfit for the army when his country called for troops he responded ; he died on the 3d of March, 1875, from the effects of a fever sore, from which he suffered during his army service ; Roman, born April 13, 1850; died May 22, 1850. Mr. Cahill's family are members of the Lutheran Church.

X. J. Proprietor Sherman House, Forreston; born in Canada East in 1840 ; located in this county in 1869, and in Michigan in 1873 ; he returned to this county in 1875 ; he married Miss Lavonia M. Fostick in 1863 ; they have one child. Nelson Burr, born Nov. 16, 1871 ; they are members of the Episcopal Church. Mr. Clark has been in the hotel business for nine years ; he is thoroughly familiar with the requirements of his peculiar business. The Sherman House is the principal hotel of Forreston ; is well kept and well patronized by the traveling public.

COYL,E BERNARD, Farmer; Sec. 17 ; P. 0. Forreston ; born in Caven County, Ireland, 1822; located in this county in 1855; married Miss Ellen Mathews 1860 ; she was born in Limerick County, Ireland, 1836 ; they are meifibers of the Catholic Church ; had seven children (two deceased), living - James, born August 20, 1861 ; Thomas, Oct. 6, 1862; Bernard, May 10, 1864; Michael, April 5, 1866 ; Nancy Emily, August 16, 1877 ; Mr. Coyle owns two farms, 160 and 120 acres, worth $16,000; all accumulated through industry, energy and enterprise ; he has been in the eqjploy of the I. C. R. R. Co. since 1863, and section boss since 1865 ; he is one

CRAWFORD MRS. FRANCES, Principal in Baileyville School ; born in Springville, Erie Co., New York, 1842; located in Mount Morris, this county, 1862 ; she taught school in Erie Co., N. Y., three terms, 1860-61 ; three terms near Byron in this county, and seven years in Mount Morris, this county ; thirty-three terms in all in this State ; her husband, Mr. Charles Crawford, to whom she was married in 1872, was born in Erie Co., N. Y. ; Mrs. Crawford is a lady of good attainments, and as a teacher of long practical experience, is one to whose care parents may safely confide the training and education of their children.

DIFHIi JOHIV H. Farmer ; Sec 25 ; P. 0. Forreston ; born in Worms, Germany, 1840 ; located with his parents in N. Y. City, 1 844, in the grocery business ; located in this county in 1852; married Emma Schnell in 1868 ; she was born in Union Co., Pa., 1845 ; have five children - Margaret L., born Jan. 10, 1870 ; John H. F., Feb. 13, 1871 ; Ida B., June 16, 1873; Harvey L., Sept. 9, 1874 (died August 16, 1874) ; Clara A., Nov. 14, 1855; Minnie E., May 5, 1877 ; Mrs. Diehl is a member of U. B. Church ; Mr. Diehl of the Evangelical Church ; he owns 240 acres of land worth $18,000 ; he is a successful fish culturist, having produced from 8 speckled trout imported from Minnesota an unaccountable number of smelt; he has excavated a pond on his farm supplied with pure spring water, which is ample to supply millions of the fiuny tribe ; he is also engaged in breeding thoroughbred stock ; he has now an imported English draft stud, a fine black, for which he refused $2,000 - "Sir Roger Tichborne;" he has the celebrated Alderney bull ; he has a nursery, and is the most successful hedge fence man in the county, having succeeded where all the companies had utterly failed ; he has a great many miles of fence set out for farms now on contract ; Mr. Diehl is a little man in stature, but all soul, life and energy, and ready to assist any laudable enterprise of public interest which is brought to his notice. Diver Clarence, P. 0. Forreston. Diver John, Sec 19 ; P. 0. Forreston. Dirksman John, P. O. Shannon. Dirkson D. P. 0. Forreston. Disher W. P. 0. Forreston. Disher W. S. P. 0. Forreston. Door S. B. P. 0. Forreston. DOVENBERC^ER CHRISTIAN, Farmer ; Sec. 5 ; P. O. Baileyville ; born in Washington Co., Md., in 1822 ; married Miss Elizabeth Puterbouh, in 1846 ; she was born in Bedford Co., Pa., in 1827 ; located in this county in 1848 ; are members of the Lutheran Church; he owns 166 acres of land and a fine brick residence in Baileyville, also a farm in Iowa, in all worth $24,000 ; he lived seven years in Mt. Morris, and six years in Adeline, in this county; in 1862, Mr. and Mrs. Dovenberger visited their parents, whose farms were near the battle-field of Antietam; 30,000 troops, under Gen. McClellan, camped on the property of their parents for over six weeks, appropriating a great deal of their property to the government use, for which they have never received any compensation. Dovenberger H. P. 0. Forreston. Dovenberger John, P. 0. Forreston. Drake Christian, Sec. 8 ; P. 0. Forreston. Duncan J. N. P. 0. Forreston. Dyer Eugene, P. 0. Forreston, nrpAKLE M. p. 0. Forreston.

FREI JOHX, Farmer ; Sec. 9 ; P. 0. Baileyville ; born in Friesland, Hanover, Germany, in 1 831 ; located in this county in 1869 ; married Miss Geske Menders, in 1869 ; she was born in Friesland, Hanover, Germany, in 1838 ; have three children - George, born June 30, 1871; Lamke, Nov. 23, 1873; Heske, Oct. 28, 1875; he rents 160 acres of land from Louis Fasha.

;;. City, Frederick Co., Md., 1849 ; located in this county in 1856 ; he married Miss AHee Walker in 1875 ; she was born in Menard Co., 111., 1849; he is a member of Lutheran Church ; Mrs. Gibbs is a member of Presbyterian Church ; they have one child, born Jan. 3, 1878 ; he has been teaching school three years ; Mr. Walker, father of Mrs. Gibbs, located in Menard County, Illinois, 1828, and is one of the oldest residents of the county.

1865 ; Sievert, Sept. 20, 1866 ; Peter, Jan. 20, 1872 ; Nanno, Feb. 24, 1874; Freerk, January 2, 1876 ; Harmkelina, Nov. 15, 1877 ; he and family are members of the Holland Dutch Reformed Church ; he was Deacon of this church two years in Forreston, and has been Deacon live years here ; he is School Director ; he owns 154 acres of land worth $70 per acre.

OROf^8 SIMOX, Farmer; Sec. 25 ; P. 0. Forreston ; born in Northumberland Co., Pa., 1823 ; married Mary Hartman in 1 864 ; she was born in same county and State in 1828 ; had five children (two deceased), living Emelia, Mary M. and Abraham S.; they are members of Dutch Reformed Church ; he has been School Director for nine years, and Street Commissioner five years; he owns 160 acres of land, near the town of Forreston, worth $12,000.\

HACKETT CLARA, Farmer; Sec. 34 ; P. 0. Forreston ; born in Somerset Co., Pa., in 1826 ; was married to William Hackett, in 1858; he was born in the town of Burbage, Leicestershire, England, in 1816, and located in Jeiferson Co., Ohio, in 1844, and in this county in 1854 ; he died in 1864 ; they had six children - Thomas R., Mary J., George B., Lemuel I., F. Ralph and Abbie H. ; Mrs. Hackett owns 360 acres of land, beautifully located, and kept in a high state of cultivation under her own personal supervision ; she is making expensive improvements to her already valuable farm ; it is worth about $20,000.

HAIiliERCHAIiES M. Druggist and Merchant ; Forreston Village ; born in Washington Co., Md., in 1819 ; married Elizabeth Nikirk, in 1846 ; she was born in Washington Co..Md., in 1827 ; they located in this county in 1846 ; had seven children (three deceased) - Susan A., born in 1851 ; Theodore F., born in 1855 ; C. Martin and Edward

E., twins, born in 1858 ; are members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church ; he has been an Elder in that church since 1858, and Superintendent of the Lutheran Sabbath school for twenty years ; he was Justice of the Peace in Mt. Morris twenty years ago ; has been Notary Public for the last four years ; has been recommended for the ensuing term ; he taught school in the Pine Creek Township in 1853 ; he owns town residence, three lots and stock of drugs, etc., worth $2,000 ; he is an old resident of the county and successful in business.

Medberry Ivathan D. C.

MEDBERRY IVATHAN D. C. Farmer; Sec. 14; P. O. Forreston ; born in Otsego Co., N. Y., April 5, 1815 ; married Mary Campbell, January 3, 1841 ; she was born in Ontario Co., N. Y., May 9, 1817 ; located in this county in 1864 ; have two children - Albert G. born Nov. 28, 1842 ; Laura E., Dec. 17, 1843 ; he has been School Director for the last nine years, and Commissioner of Highways three years ; he owns 80 acres of land, worth $5,000.

MEYERS PETERS. Farmer; Sec. 31 ; P. 0. Forreston ; born in Dauphin County, Penn., 1832 ; married Sarah Adams, 1857 ; she was born in Northumberland Co., Pa., 1830 ; had three children - Wm. K,born Dec. 11,1857; Louis J., March 22, 1859 ; Alfred A., March 6, 1860 ; Mrs. Meyers died in 1871 ; he married Melinda Hoffa in 1872 ; she was born in Northumberland Co., Penn., 1848; have four children by second marriage - Sarah A., born Nov. 24, 1872; Wm. H., May 29, 1874; Hannah M., Aug. 22, 1875 ; Martin A. Dec. 29, 1876 ; are members of Reformed Church ; he has been a member of Masonic Order for fourteen years; was Commissioner of Highways three years, and Treasurer two years ; he owns 320 acres of land, worth $20,000; he enlisted in 15th 111. Infantry Feb., 1863, then in Raleigh, where he joined it ; was 4th Corporal in Co. F ; took part in the grand review at Washington, and in the march over the plains to the Smoky Mountains, and in the marches and countermarches of his regiment, until mustered out with it at Fort Leavenworth, Kan., Sept. 1, 1865.

MYERS ABRAM, Teacher; Forreston ; bom in Hagerstown, Washington Co., Maryland, Oct. 16, 1846 ; married Miss Sarah Ellen Gibbs, 1873; she was born in Franklin Co., Md., June 20, 1852 ; have two children - Sarah Jane, born Nov. 24, 1874; John Claude, Nov. 12, 1876 ; they are members of the Lutheran Church ; Mr. Myers has been teaching eleven years in this county ; he enlisted Dec. 12, 1863, in the 4th 111. Cavalry, and served in all engagements with his regiment until Aug. 31, 1865, when he was mustered out ; his health was materially impaired during his service, and has never fully recovered. Myers Rhineheart, P. 0. Forreston.

tired Farmer ; P. 0. Forreston ; born in Bedford Co., Pa., in 1819; he married Miss Margaret Fouse in 1842 ; she was born in Huntington Co., Pa., in 1822 ; he located in this county in Oct., 1867; they had thirteen children two of whom are deceased ; those living - are Westley F., born April 26, 1846 ; Susanna F., Dec. 25, 1847; Reuben F., May 16, 1850; Mary Agnes, June 14, 1852; Frederick F., Sept. 1, 1854; Theobald F., May 12, 1856 ; Esther F., April 24, 1858 ; WiUiam F., Feb. 27, 1860; Jacob F., Feb. 6, 1862; Catherine F., Feb. 26, 1864; Margaret E. F., June 22, 1866 ; they are members of the Reformed Church ; he has been School Director in Pa. several years, and four years in this county ; and has been Elder ten years in Pa., and ten years in this county ; he has been a member of this church for thirty-three consecutive years; it is a remarkable fact that Mr. Nicodemus' last nine children are born with an interval (of unusual regularity) of two years between the date of their birth ; Mrs. N. is a hale, healthy, fresh looking matron, looking not more than forty, although fiftysix years of age.

RIIiEY EDWIN H. Clerk in I. C. and C. & I. R. R. Co. Office, Forreston ; born in Boston, Mass., in 1828 ; married Hattie M. Berry in 1863 ; she was born in Shefford Co., Canada, in 1842 ; they have two children - Gertrude Laura, born Jan. 27, 1867 ; Jesse Avis, June 25, 1876. He located in Herkimer Co., N. Y., in 1840 ; in Toledo, Ohio, in 1855, and in this county in 1857. He enlisted as musician in the 15th Illinois Infantry, May 24, 1861 ; discharged at Pittsburg Landing by special order of the War Department, mustering out regimental bands on April 18, 1862 ; re-enlisted in the same regiment March 2, 1865 ; discharged by special order of the War Department March 16, 1865, and commissioned 1st Lieutenant Co. F, 15th Illinois Infantry ; he was appointed on the staif of Gen. Stolbrand, June 10, and served in that position until the dissolution of the command; he was mustered out with his regiment at Springfield, III, Sept. 30, 1865 ; he commanded a company at the grand review in Washington at the close of the war.

ROWI^A]^D L.EWIS F. Farmer and Teacher of No. 3 School ; P. 0. Forreston ; born in this county in 1852; married Miss C. Zoller in 1872; she was born in Monroe Co., N. Y. ; have one child living - Amos (one deceased). Mr. Rowland has been teaching for the last seven years ; his father, Andrew Rowland, located in this county about 1842, and his grandfather in 1836 ; he is farming 160 acres of land, owned by his father, in Sec. 17.

Source changes here: from Portrait and Biographical Album of Ogle County, Illinois, Containing Full Page Portraits and Biographical Sketches of Prominent and Representative Citizens of the County, by Various, published 1886; 2,585 words in this source stream.

Forreston Township

N the extreme northwestern part of the county lies: the township of Forreston, x? ¥ bounded on the north by Stephenson County, on the west by Carroll County, on the east by Maryland Township, and on the south by Lincoln and Brookville townships. The township of Forreston is almost exclusively prairie, White Oak grove, lying a little west of the village of Forreston, being the only timber init. To this grove effecting here a permanent settlement, but concluding there was not enough timber he went to the grove lying on the line between Brookville 'Township and Carroll County, which was given the name of Chambers' Grove.

In 1838 Jacob Hilsinger is remembered living at the grove. When he first located there or when he left is not known by those interviewed. Matthew Blair remembers the log cabin in the grove, some years after, which was then unoccupied, and states that hunting parties would occupy it over night. It is believed that when the survey of the Illinois Central Railroad was made, there was not a single person living in the present township limits.

In 1852 Orville, Samuel and Ransom Bailey located in the north part of the township, their homesteads being upon the county line, the site of the village of Baileyville forming a part. After the railroad was surveyed, others came in, but it was not until the cars had begun regularly to run that any. large numbers came to make for themselves a home. The villages of Forreston and Baileyville were laid out, business houses started, and farms were soon opened.

At this time the territory comprising the township formed part of Brookville. The settlement rapidly increasing, in the fall of 1856 a meeting was held at Brookville for the purpose of organizing the township. The Baileyville people proposed the name of Medora, while the Forreston people asked that it should be called after their village. The majority favored Forreston and this it was called.

YESS than a third of a century ago the site of the village of Forreston was a wild prairie and for miles around there was no sign of civilization. A single log cabin standing in the grove was the only evidence that man had been here. The iron horse came

Geo. W. Hewitt was the owner of the original town plat and laid out the village in the fall of 1854. Several other additions were subsequently made, two by the Railroad Company, three by Mr. Hewitt, and one by John Meyer.

The first buildings erected were a depot and a house for boarding railroad employes. These were erected in the fall of 1854. In the winter following John J. Hewitt erected a small warehouse for grain and purchased and shipped the first from this point. These were all the buildings erected on the town plat in 1854. Early in the spring of 1855, or late in the winter previous, a German by the name of Shuey erected a building designed for a stable, but into which he moved his family until he could erect a dwelling house. When John J. Hewitt and others came in the early spring of 185s, Mr. Shuey was living in this stable, and here he boarded a number of the early settlers.

The next building erected was also during the early spring of 1855, by Mr. Daniels, who opened a small stock of groceries therein. Mr. Daniels was the first postmaster. He remained in business but a short time.

Theodore Hewitt, a son of the founder of the place, erected the first dwelling house in the place in the spring of 1855. This house was framed in Chicago and was soon raised after the material was on the ground. It was used as a tavern. Mr. Hewitt died in the summer of 1855 of typhoid fever, and was the first adult person to die in the village or probably in the township.

Henry Hiller erected the next house, a two story frame structure, the lower part used for mercantile purposes, while the upper was used as a dwelling for his family.. Mr. Hiller's store was the first of any consequence, the stock of Mr. Daniels being rather small. Mr. Hiller sold out to Mr. Woodruff, the latter, in turn, selling to David Reinhart, in 1858.

As already stated, John J. Hewitt erected a mel warehouse and shipped the first grain from this station. Aaron Middlekauff and Martin Heller erected another warehouse near the railroadin 1855. J. B. Allen erected one in 1857. The first regular elevator was erected by Jacob Rodermel, though before his was built Mr, Hewitt had put up a novel elevator, consisting of an inclined plane, with a car in4 which to throw the grain from the wagon. A team was hitched onto thecar, and by means of a chain attached to the car and over a pulley at the top of the building, the grain was hoisted to the top and dumped into the building. The present elevator, which has a capacity of 28,000 bushels, was erected in 1875 by Wm. Hewitt. Steam power is used in carrying the grain to the top of the building. Wm. Poole purchased the elevator in 1882, and is now engaged in the grain trade. This is one of the best ' points for grain on the Central Road. ; .

Thomas Botdorf came in 1855 and erected ia blacksmith shop, soon afterwards adding a wagon | shop. About 1858 John J. Hewitt and B. F. Em- - rick opened a stock of general merchandise, but sold a out in 1859 to C. M. Haller, who continued. it a number of years. Mr. Haller for many reateeee been engaged in the drug trade.

The house erected by Theodore Hewitt was f many years used as a hotel. In 1857 the Forresto House was erected, and soon after what is no known as the Central House. The hotels of 'the place are an honor to the village. :

Post Office

Thomas Botdorf soon developed into a first-class wagon and carriage manufactory, and for many years a very large business was done by the proprietor. In 1868 Mr. Botdorf sold to Salter & Hunter, who continued till 1873, when the present firm of Salter & Blair was formed. The firm is well known, and its work is always first class. A corn-planter manufactory, a planing-mill and a flouring-mill have also been operated here. POST OFFICE.

The post office was established here in the spring of 1855, with Wm. F. Daniels as Postmaster. He held the office but a short time, and was succeeded by Samuel Mitchell, who served till 1861, when Matthew Blair was appointed, and continued in the office four years. Samuel Rockwood was the next incumbent, and was succeeded in turn by John C. Galbraith, Dr. Thomas Winston and Dr. J. D. Covell, the latter receiving his commission in the fall

J. B. Kimball and B. C. Whitlock started a private bank in 1867, known as the Bank of Forreston. They continued ~about four months when J. J. Hewitt purchased Whitlock's interest, and the firm of Kimball & Hewitt continued about one year when J. J. Hewitt purchased Kimball's 'interest and continued alone until 1872, when he sold to Reuben Wagner, of Polo. Mr. Wagner secured as a partner Mr. McClure, the firm of Wagner & McClure continuing some six years, when Mr. Wagner became sole proprietor, continuing the business alone until his failure, in the summer of 1885.

The Farmers & Traders' Bank was started by J. J. Hewitt June 1, 1880, in a room over the Bank of Forreston. In 1882 Mr. Hewitt erected the present bank building, which is well suited to the business, and moved thereto. This bank has always had the confidence of the community, and its business has been uniformly good. Chas. McCullough was the first clerk, or cashier, and remained with Mr. Hewitt one and a half years! T. D. Hewitt, a son of the proprietor, was the next cashier and served up to June, 1885, when he retired to take charge of some mining operations. D. Scott Garver is the present in 1856, It wasa frame structure, and is still standing, but has not been used for school purposes for a number of years. Miss Maria Blair was the first teacher in this house. She was followed by Thomas J. Hewitt and A. Q. Allen, the latter being well known as the first teacher in Mt. Morris. In 1867 the present three story brick building was erected, at a cost of $16,000. Among those serving as principal of the public schools of this place are J. L. Spear, J. W. Clinton, now editor of the Polo Press, G. M. Glenn, M. L. Seymour, Geo. Blount, now Superinintendent of Public Schools in Macomb, J. Lawson Wright and O. S. Davidson, the latter being the present Principal. Mr. Davidson is now in his third year, and is an efficient Principal. He is assisted by Miss Frane Pierce, Miss Fannie E. Countryman, Miss Lizzie L. Hiller, Miss Belle Albright, Miss Sylvia Balsbaugh and Miss Alice Hauptfuehrer. The schools are very prosperous. One room is rented in the Evangelical church.

Religious

The first religious services were held in the depot building, in the winter of 1854-5, and were conducted by Rev. Wm. Underwood, a Methodist Episcopal divine. Societies were soon organized, houses of worship erected, and now the village boasts of the following named organizations: Methodist Episcopal, Lutheran, German Reformed, Evangelical Association, Dutch Reformed and United Brethren 1n Christ.

The Methodist Episcopal Church was the first organized. A class was formed here in 1856, and services were held in the depot building, where they continued till the erection of the school building. It was first made a part of Crane's Grove Circuit. Meetings were held in the school house for a few years, and then in United Brethren Church till 1864, when their house of worship was erected and dedicated by Rev. Dr. Eddy. A parsonage was erected in 1873. On account of many removals and the large German population that has come in, the membership has been materially reduced.

The United Brethren in Christ effected an organization here September 8, 1858, and at once commenced the erection of a church building, which was soon afterwards completed, and was the first house of worship in the place. The house was used by

The Evangelical Lutheran Church was organized Oct. 21, 1859, by the adoption of a constitution. Rev. J. K. Bloom was elected Pastor; Chas. M. Haller, Elder; Thos. Botdorf and B. Emrick, Deacons. A house of worship was erected in 1863-4, and a parsonage purchased the latter year. A Sabbath School has been continually in existence since the organization of the Church, though for r2 or 13 years it was run as a Union School.

Zion's Reform Church was organized in 1857, but a church edifice was not erected until 1870, when the present house of worship was built at a cost of $7,000.

The Evangelical Association was organized in 1860, services being held in the school houses until 1869, when the present church was erected at a cost of $7,000. Bishop J. Long was a resident of Forreston when the church was built, and in his honor the church was called Bishop's Church.

The benevolent and secret societies have not a very large representation at present, there being but one Odd Fellow Lodge and a Camp of Modern Woodmen. The Masons were at one time represented by Forreston Lodge, No. 413, which was organized Oct. s, 1864, with 11 charter members. It was subsequently

White Oak Lodge, No. 667, I. O. O. F., was organized Dec. 23, 1879, with seven charter members. It has had a prosperous career and now numbers 53 members, with over $1,ooointhe treasury. Its principal officers are John Miller, N. G.; Samuel Sears, NG Sin). Pi Plattenberg; Ri. $60 sPi/ Saab eae len, Treas. The interest on money loaned pays rent of hall.

Business Interests

The trade of Forreston is usually good and it has a good class of business men engaged variously. In the fall of 1885 its business was represented by the following named firms; The general merchants were Wm. W. Robey, M. A. Trei, J. T. Campbell, R. Cirksena, Peter Aykens. The grocery trade was rep resented by D. A. Glasgow, T. F. Nicodemus, Gaw- ger & Son. The clothing trade is represented ug wie T. Campbell, while the merchant tailoring trade is represented by R. Cirksenia and J. A. Boerner. The shomakers are F. C. Lampreit, R. Kooper, A. Shipley and John Lang; while D. N. Byers, M. George, Hie ram Anderson and Salter & Blair do the blacksmith | work. Chas. McNett supplies the village withmeat, | and Mrs. C. E. Miller with millinery. The physicians are Drs. J. W. Emmons, Thos. Winston, J. D. Coveland, R. C. Shultz; while Frank Wertz is the sole representative of the legal fraternity. A. B. Ansberman is an insurance agent. Nicodemus & Myers are livery men and S. P Sears keeps a restaurant as does S. E. Brown. There are two harness shops, run by Robert Schums and Henry Cramer. A. Shipley is the photographer, S. M Mc- Lain and C. E. Nicodemus carry a line of jewelry and watches. L. DeGraff is the only dealer in furniture. John Kuney & Co., W. G. &. W. Barnes and Marr & Deuth are dealers in agricultural implements. J. A. Kuepper is a dentist. Poole Bros. and Fred Plate | are grain buyers. F. T. Binkley & Co. are millers; y while S. H. Sears and H. Colvin are barbers. The hotels are run by Wm. Vely of the Central and Wm. Brown of the Forreston House.

y Al HIS village lies upon the north line of the ©) township and county, and a part of it lies" > in Stephenson County. Orville, Samuel. and Ransom Bailey located here in 1852, and when the railroad was completed here in 1855, a village was laid out. A Mr. Philbrick was appointed station agent by the railroad company and soon after opened a small store. A post office | was also established about the same time with Orville Bailey as Postmaster, the office being kept in ine store of Mr. Philbrick.

The village has never made any rapid progress, : proximity to Freeport and Forreston, together with short-sightedness on the part of the original propri-_ etors of the town, keeping it back. A good sch maintained, a good two story brick building being used for that purpose. The Germans in the village and vicinity have a fine organization, holding Baptist views. The Methodist Episcopal Church has also an organization.

The business interests of the place are represented by Reinders & Neelen, D. Aykens and A. Zeiger, general merchants; C. Dovenbarger and A. E. Kraus, coal dealers; A. E. Kraus, lumber dealer; C. Kilker & Co., agricultural implements; C. S. Hill & Co., grain buyers; J. Roskam, shoemaker and dealer in boots and shoes; B. DeVries, ornamental painter ; Peter Symmers, meat market; Frank Moore, carpenter John D. Coffman, Justice of the Peace and Notary Public; Aykens & Muntinga, proprietors of the creamery; Rev. E. Graalman, Pastor of the Baptist Church; P. Brandt, shoemaker; M. Vasberg, blacksmith; B. Neihaus, clothier and tailor; S. W. Spencer, harness maker; D. H. French, druggist; Dr. E. A. Carpenter, physician; C. W. Bergner, peddler; E. A. Geiger, Postmaster; Misses Dena Myer and Bertha Zimmerman, dress-making.