Freeport Township (part 5 of 10)

A. V. RICHARDS, born May 1, 1841, in Morgan Co., Ill, near Jacksonville; his mother, Eleanor Swinnerton, was born in the same county and State, in 1818; his father, Truman P. Richards, was a native of Broome Co., N. Y., and was born in 1816 ; his parents lived in Illinois until 1847, when they removed to Hazel Green, Grant Co., Wis., drawn thither by lead-mine excitement, and lived there till the breaking-out of the rebellion ; his father was a mechanic. A. V. attended the public schools until 15 years old, then entered a "collegiate academy," and obtained fair education in common English branches; paid his own tuition, while attending this institution, by performing various duties and offices about the building, by teaching summer schools in the country, and working for farmers in harvest time, during vacations. In May, 1861, left home to enlist at Boscobel, that being the nearest point in the county where a military company was being organized, and to get there, walked from Platteville to Boscobel, a distance of forty miles, in one day ; did not succeed in getting into the threemonths service, but was sworn into the U. S. service Sept. 10, 1861, in Co. H, 7th W. V. I., one of the regiments which composed, in later days, the famous Iron Brigade of the Army of the Potomac ; in the latter part of December, 1861, while the regiment was encamped at Arlington Heights, was detailed, by peremptory order of the War Department, to report to Col. A. J. Meyer, at Signal Camp of Instruction, Georgetown, D. C. ; Col. Meyer was the inventor of the signal code, and Congress had authorized a detail of men and officers in order to test the value of the signal service, which was a new departure in the American army ; the Signal Corps soon became very popular with army commanders, and further details were made and the corps extended to every department of the army and to the gunboats, the new signal code proving far more useful than the old arbitrary naval code ; the duties of signal-men and officers, while very rigorous - as they were on duty night and day, always in small detachments and generally in exposed positions (often outside the picket lines), affi)rding, with their parti colored signal flags, excellent targets for rebel sharp-shooters and batteries - were also very interesting and enticing, as their duties involved more of a knowledge of the operations of both armies than was enjoyed by any other branch of the service ; but signal-men served for the first years of the war "without hope of fee or reward " beyond their monthly stipend, promotions being out of the question, as the corps was only nominally a branch of the service until Congress, by a law approved March 3, 1863, made it an arm of the service on the same basis as the regular army, the men and non-commissioned officers to rank as engineers, and the officers as members of the General Staff, all to be mounted ; soon after this law went into effect, Mr. R. was promoted to Quartermaster Sergeant, and served in that capacity until March, 1864, when he was ordered before an examining board of regular army officers, convened by order of the War Department, to be examined for a commission ; a large number of civilians and officers of volunteer organizations were permitted to compete in these examinations for appointment to the few positions to be filled ; but three enlisted men of the Signal Corps were recommended for commissions by this board, together with some nineteen civilians, most of whom were well re-enforced by Congressional or other political influence ; Mr. R. was one of the fortunate three who passed the ordeal with an average standing high enough to entitle him to promotion, though destitute of the "political influence," and on the day succeeding his examination was relieved from duty as Quartermaster Sergeant and assigned to duty as an acting officer ; he served in this capacity, performing the duties of signal officer in the field, for more than a year; the civilian appointees, being ignorant of the first duties of a soldier, spending most of the same year in camps of instruction, learning to be soldiers and becoming proficient in the intricacies of the signal code ; in the spring of 1865, the tardy commission finally came, with rank as 2d Lieutenant, to date from Feb. 14, 1865 ; he accompanied McClellan to Fortress Monroe and thence up the Peninsula in 1862, participating in all the hardships of that terrible campaign, from the evacuation of Yorktown to the final evacuation of the Peninsula, and taking a part in the battle of Williamsburg and also in the bloody seven-days fighting before Richmond, at Mechanicsville, Gaines' Mill, Bottoms Bridge, Savage Station, White Oak Swamp, Malvern Hill and Harrison's Landing, and, later, was in the battles of South Mountain and Antietam and numerous cavalry skirmishes and forays in the Boonesboro Valley about the time of the battle of Gettysburg. After the grand review at Washington, in May, 1865, the war with the South being ended, was ordered to Ft. Leavenworth, Kan., and thence to Ft. Laramie as signal officer on the stafi" of Gen. P. E. Connor ; accompanied Gen. Connor on his Powder River expedition against the Sioux, Cheyenne and Arrapahoe Indians ; had several engagements with the hostiles, the most important of which was the battle of Tongue River, Aug. 30, 1865, in which Gen. Connor, with about 100 troops, attacked and destroyed an Arrapahoe village of 100 lodges, killing forty warriors and capturing some 700 head of horses and mules, many of which had been run oif from the military posts ; in this engagement he was struck in the jugular vein by a spent ball, but not wounded ; mustered out of the U. S. service at Ft. Leavenworth, Dec. 9, 1865 ; after the war was over, was oflPered, by member of Congress, a brevet commission, but declined the honor ; settled in Galena, 111., where his parents had removed during the war. In February, 1867, married to Miss Flora L. Miner, of Galena ; resided in Galena and engaged in insurance and real-estate business continuously (with exception of about one year that he lived at Warren, from 1871 to 1872,) until 1873 ; in 1873-74 was employed by the Department of the Interior to survey and establish the southern and western boundaries of Wyoming Territory, a work of no small magnitude and requiring no small amount of energy and intrepidity, as the lines ran through the roughest mountains and across trackless deserts, inhabited only by wild animals and wilder Indians. Concerning this work and the manner in which it was executed, the Commissioner of the General Land Office says as follows :

Under the appropriation made by act of Congress, approved March 8, 1873, a contract made with Alonzo V. Richards, astronomer and surveyor, for the survey of this boundary . co-incident with the thirty-fourth degree of longitude west from Washington Observatory, and included between the forty-first and forty-fifth parallels of north latitude. The returns of the survey were made to this office during the last fiscal year, resting on fourteen different astronomical observations on Polaris and twenty-four for latitude at the terminal point of boundary. The field work was executed by Astronomer Richards, in the months of June, July, August and September, 1874, under his contract bearing date May 29, 1873, involving great labor, through a country devoid of settlements, and presenting formidable topographical features.

Sir: I acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 27th ult., requesting to be furnished with a testimonial as to the character of the work which you returned to this office under your appointment by the Hon. Secretary of the Interior, as U. S. Astronomer and Surveyor of the southern and western boundaries of Wyoming Territory, and in pursuance of your contracts with this office. In accordance with your desire, I have caused an examination to be instituted into the records of this office, and, finding that your observations for the determination of the astronomical boundaries have been correctly made, and boundary monuments planted in conformity with the deduced results of said observations and your instructions from my predecessor in office, who fully approved your work, I cheerfully bear witness to the excellence of the character and quality of the returns, consisting of the field notes, astronomical data and series of plats illustrating the topography along the southern and western boundaries of the Territory of Wyoming, involving 645 lineal miles of survey. Considering the distance of the lines determined, marked and sketched through the trackless country, and the many obstacles impeding the progress in your work, as is evidenced by the field notes of the survey, I cannot withhold the expression of my opinion as to your said work, and have to say that it is not surpassed by any survey of the kind on file in this office, and that it reflects creditably upon this office and yourself.

In September, 1875, Mr. R. removed to Freeport and purchased a controlling interest in the Freeport Journal, of which he became, and still is, the editor.

J. L. ROBIXSON, manufacturer of carriages, buggies and wagons, Bridge street, between Chicago and Van Bureu streets ; is a native of Pennsylvania, and was born in the city of Pittsburg, Aug. 9, 1848 ; he came to Illinois in infancy ; he grew up and learned his trade in this State; he came to Stephenson Co. in 1873, and was engaged in business in Eidott until 1876, when he established his business in Freeport, and is building up a large trade. In 1875, he was united in marriage to Miss Sarah A. Briggs. from Alton, 111.

HENRY ROHKAR, bakery and restaurant, 57 Stephenson street ; is a native of Germany, and was born in the Kingdom of Hanover, June 11, 1829 ; he came to the United States in 1850, and came to Stephenson Co. and settled in Freeport, m 1856, and established his present business on the corner of Mechanic and Stephenson streets ; he has occupied his present location for sixteen years, and has earned on the business here in the same block for twenty-four years. In October, 1862, he married

Caroline Yerks, from Pennsylvania; they have seven children - Henry, Georgiana, Freddie, Caroline, Katie, Euo;iene and an infant girl. He has one daughter, Anna, by former wife.

C. H. R0SE:NSTIEL, farmer and fine stock raiser. Sec. 5 ; P. 0. Freeport ; is a native of Germany, and was born in Saxony, April 18, 1821 ; he grew up and received his education there ; then pursued a course of study in building and architecture and received his diplomas; he came to the United States and landed in Baltimore, Aug. 17, 1840 ; he came to Stephenson Co. and arrived here July 15, 1842 ; he settled at Waddams Grove, near Eleroy, bought land there and engaged in building two years after coming here. On the 5th of October, 1844, he was united in marriage to Miss Anna C. Gilman, daughter of Daniel Gilman, one of the early settlers ; her grandfather was one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence. In 1842, Mr. Kosenstiel, at Eleroy, manufactured the first brick ever made in this county, and they were used in building here ; in 1845, he came to Freeport ; in 1848, he built the first steam-mill ever erected in this county ; in 1865-66 he built the woolen-mill, and in 1871-72, he built the large sugar factory for manufacturing beet sugar, and established that important enterprise, which is spoken of in another part of this volume. Mr. Rosenstiel has been interested and actively identified with various interests and industries connected with the city. Mr. Rosenstiel was the first to introduce blooded stock in this county ; he owns 600 acres of land, finely located, adjoining the city ; there are few grain and stock farms in Northern Illinois as finely improved and under as high a state of cultivation ; there are few men who more thoroughly understand the character of the soil, its nature and demands, and who are thereby enabled to increase its producing power to the fullest extent. Mr. Rosenstiel was a member of the State Agricultural Board nineteen years, and was prominent in organizing the Agricultural Society of the county ; he has been elected and served as a member of the Board of Supervisors, and other offices ; he was prominent in securing the erection, in this county, of one of the finest court houses in the State, though he was opposed to and prevented the county building it upon credit by the issuing of bonds ; he thought it much better to pay as they built ; he was active in aiding and securing the various railroads that have reached Freeport ; has been prominent in all educational matters, and has always given liberally to all church enterprises, not only in the city but throughout the county. When he began life, he had nothing ; by his industry, energy, integrity and liberality, he has become one of the most successful men in the county, or in this section of the State. Mr. and Mrs. Rosenstiel have five children, three of whom are married - Matilda, now Mrs. H. B. Carey, of Beloit ; Oliver E., engaged in business, Freeport ; Louise, now Mrs. H. S. Stevenson, of Freeport ; Jerome I. Case and Howard, both at home.

GEORGE RUSTON, buying and shipping butter and eggs, tallow and lard, No. 155 Stephenson street ; is a native of England, and was born in the city of London Dec. 18, 1840 ; his parents came to the United States in 1842 ; he grew up in New York ; after reaching manhood, he came to Illinois, and located in Freeport, in 1862, and established his present business ; before the close of the day he arrived in Freeport, he rented a store and bought over 600 dozen eggs ; Mr. Ruston haa successfully carried on the business for the past eighteen years, and has a large established trade ; by his energy and fair dealing, he has built up the business from $5,000 to $100,000 per annum, and for a long time has transacted the leading business in his line.

liUTHER B. I^AXBORN, master mechanic of the division of the Milwaukee & St. Paul Railroad ; is a native of Bristol, N. H., and was born March 16, 1829 ; he grew up and attended school there, then learned the trade of machinist and locomotive builder in Lawrence, Mass., and in Boston ; he came West to Milwaukee, in 1854, and engaged in railroading, and is now one of the oldest employes of this corporation ; he was foreman of the railroad shops at Watertown and at Horicon ; he was appointed master mechanic of this division of the line in 1871, and since then has held that position. In August, 1856, Mr. Sanborn was united in marriage to Miss Sarah E. Norris, a native of Kennebec Co., Me.; they have three children - J. Norris (attending college), Alice J. (attending college) and Anna Maud.

D. B. SCHUIiTE, manufacturer of and dealer in fine harness, saddles, etc., 88 Stephenson street, also a member of the firm of Hettinger, Collmann Brothers & Co., bankers, Freeport; is a native of Westphalen, Prussia, and was born Dec. 11, 1822; he grew up to manhood and learned his trade there ; he emigrated to America in 1850, and came to Detroit, Mich. ; he came to Stephenson Co. and settled in Freeport April 5, 1854, and engaged in manufacturing and selling harness, and has successfully carried on the business over twenty-six years - a longer time than any one in this line of business in Freeport or in Stephenson Co.; Mr. Schulte is a member of the banking firm of Hettinger, CoUman Brothers & Co. He has held the offices of City Treasurer and Assistant Supervisor ; he holds the office of School Treasurer, and is a Director in the German Insurance Company. Mr. Schulte married Miss Mary Hienz, a native of the Rhine Province, Prussia, May 31, 1853; they have five children - Herman, Emma, Otto, Mathilde and Albert. When Mr. Schulte came to this country, he had very little, and he owes his success to his own efibrts. He belongs to Freeport Lodge, No. 239, I. 0. 0. F., and to the Germania Society.

JOHN (SCHIfllCII, of the firm of Schmich & Voigt, dealers in groceries and provisions, Galena avenue, between Galena and Stephenson streets ; is a native of Erie Co., N. Y., and was born in February, 1843 ; his parents came to Stephenson Co. and located in Freeport in 1851 ; he grew up and attended school here ; he associated with Mr. Voigt and established their present business in July, 1876 ; they are building up a good trade. Mr. Schmich was united in marriage. May 4, 1869, to Miss Mary Theresa Deguinther, a native of Germany ; they have five children - Josephina T., John F., Mary M., Edmond Hugo and Oscar L. ; they have lost one daughter - Rosa A.

E. SEITZ, of the firm of Seitz & McGrath, publishers of the Freeport Daily Herald; is a native of Illinois^ and was born in Dupage Co. May 21, 1855 ; his parents came here the following year; he grew up and attended school here, and learned the printing business in the office of the Anzeiger ; he has been connected with the Herald since it was established, in April, 1877.

CHARLES SEYFARTH, of the firm of Baier & Seyfarth, corner of Adams and Jackson streets, proprietors of the Freeport Brewery ; is a native of Germany, and was born in Saxony, July 24, 1829 ; he grew up and learned the blacksmith's trade ; he came to the United States in 1849, and came to Stephenson Co. in 1852 ; settled in Freeport and engaged in blacksmithing ; he carried on that business until 1869 ; then Mr. Baier engaged in the brewing business ; they have built up a large business. In December, 1856, Mr. Seyfarth married Miss Elizabeth Hermann, from Silver Creek, in this county ; they have three children - Mary, Louis and Charles. Mr. Seyfarth has held the office of School Director, and is a member of Freeport Lodge, I. O. 0. F.

J. A. SHEETZ, insurance agent, Stephenson street; is a native of Lycoming Co., Penn., and was born Jan. 6, 1836; his parents came to Stephenson Co. in 1839, and were among the earliest settlers; he grew up and attended school here. After the war broke out, he enlisted in the 8th I. V. I., and was commissioned 2d Lieutenant of Co. F ; he was promoted for gallantry at the battles of Fort Donelson and Shiloh; he was brevetted Brigadier General for gallantry at Mobile ; after the close of the war, he entered the regular army, and served in the 30th and in the 4th U. S. I. until Decemeber, 1875. Col. Sheetz was united in marriage, July 3, 1879, to Miss Jennie Massenberg, of this city. One of the Freeport newspapers, speaking of the sudden death of his father, Jared Sheetz, says : " On last Sabbath, the 11th inst., just as the bells had broken the stillness of the morning, calling the people to worship in the various churches, our city was thrilled by the announcement that an old and esteemed citizen - Jared Sheetz - had been suddenly called to cross the dark valley, and had gone from the very act of devotion in the earthly sanctuary, to join the general assembly and church of the first-born in heaven. His demise, startling and unexpected as it was to us all, was a terrible blow to his loving family and friends, who had not dreamed that the somber angel of death was brooding over their peaceful home on that beautiful Sabbath morning. Only a few minutes before he had set out from his residence, on Clay street, in his usual health, to attend morning service, and, on going, remarked to his family that he thought he would go to the Lutheran, known as the Stone Church, and

is located on the South Side, a distance of about three-quarters of a mile from his home, a longer walk than he was accustomed to take. He had but just been seated in the church, and had taken up his hymn-book to join in the worship already commenced, when he was observed to swoon in his seat, his head dropped to his bosom, his book fell from his hand, he sank down and was found quite insensible. He was immediately carried out and every effort made to restore him to consciousness, but in vain. Dr. D. T. Buckley, his family physician, was immediately summoned, but before he reached the scene, life was extinct. He died of apoplexy. Mr. Sheetz was born in Berks Co., Penn., on the 6th day of January, A. D. 1805, and hence, at the time of his death, was in his 73d year. He was educated for the pulpit, and at an early age entered the ministry of the Lutheran Church, and labored successfully and with great acceptance in that office in his native State, until the year 1839, when he removed to this county. He spoke fluently both the English and German languages, and on this account found additional demand for labor in his calling, and often went long distances to attend funerals among people who could only repay him with grateful thanks. Coming here with the very earliest settlers, and by his talent and acquirements, it was but natural that he at once took a prominent and influential rank among the leading citizens of the county, and which, by strict integrity and kind helpfulness to others less favored, he maintained through life. His influence was uniformly on the side of the best moral and material interests of the community in which he lived. Though he never sought office for himself, yet he was called upon to fill various important public trusts. He held the office of School Commissioner for Stephenson Co. at a time when our public-school system was quite new, and by his efficient administration aided greatly to organize and establish the public-school system which has since become the pride of all our people. Mr. Sheetz was twice married, and leaves a widow surviving. He reared a large family of children, and so kind and generous was he in his care for them in all their best interests, that they may well feel they have lost one who was to them a father in the true sense of that relation."

JAMEI§ M. SMITH, of the firm of McMillan & Smith, dealers in lumber, shingles, sash, doors and blinds, 32 Stephenson street ; is a native of Union Co., Penn., and was born Dec. 4, 1819 ; he grew up to manhood there, and came West to Illinois in 1844 and settled in Stephenson Co. ; he entered land from Government and began making a farm. A few years after coming here, in the fall of 1850, he married Miss Mary A. Miller, a native of Pennsylvania ; in the fall of the same year he engaged in mercantile business at Buena Vista ; he continued in trade there fifteen years ; in 1872 he returned to Freeport, and in February, 1879, he associated with Mr. McMillan and engaged in the lumber business, and they have an extensive trade. Mr. Smith was the first Secretary of the Buckeye Mutual Fire Insurance Company ; he has held the office of Supervisor, Collector and Commissioner of Highways, and was Postmaster at Buena Vista for many years. Mr. and Mrs. Smith have three children - Charles A., Mary and Jennie.

SYDNEY SMITH, of the firm of Smith & Porter, grain and stock dealers ; is a native of the State of New York, and was born in the city of Buffalo Feb. 21, 1837 ; he grew up and attended school there ; he came West and located in Stephenson Co. in 1855, and entered the grain warehouse as clerk, and Mr. Smith has been connected with the grain trade since then, a period of a quarter of a century ; the firm of Smith & Porter are the oldest dealers in grain on this line of the road ; they buy and ship from Ridott, Pecatonica, Winnebago and Baileyville ; they have an extensive shipping trade. In 1860 Mr. Smith was united in marriage to Miss Sarah M. Davis, of Brooklyn, N. Y. ; she died in 1871, leaving three children - John S., Fannie and Lulu ; his present wife was Theoda Knapp, from Cayuga Co., N. Y. ; they have two children - Geor2;ie and Theoda.

MRS. CHRISTINE SNOW, formerly Miss Christine Hilderbrand, is a native of Germany, and was born May 4, 1826 ; she came to the United States in 1847, and came the same year to Stephenson Co. The following year, in October, 1848, she was united in marriage to Mortimer Snow, a native of Hamilton Co., N. Y. ; they moved on a farm in Silver Creek Township and engaged in farming. When the war broke out he enlisted in 1861 in the 46th I. V. I. ; he was wounded in the battle of

Shiloh, and was afterward discharged on account of wounds received in that battle. He subsequently died in 1870, leaving five children - Ella, Carrie, Frank, Hattie and Fred. There are few persons who more fully understood the hardships of early settlers than Mrs. Snow ; when they began farming, she lived in a small cabin without any floor, or doors, or windows, except blankets ; having enjoyed the advantages of a good education, ahe was determined that her children should not sufier for want of similar advantages ; they left the farm and came to the city. Ella, now Mrs. John Hea, and Carrie were both graduates of the high school in 1878. Mrs. Snow is a lady of energy and good business management ; she still owns the farm in Silver Creek Township, and also owns city property.

CHARLilil^ P. SNOW, gardener and grower of small fruits; is a native of Madison Co., N. Y., and was born July 22, 1829 ; his parents came West to Illinois, and arrived in Stephenson Co. in September, 1837, and settled in Silver Creek Township ; after reaching manhood, he lived in Iowa for some years. After the war broke out he enlisted in the 38th Regiment I. V. I., Co. C; he was in the siege of Vicksburg, and at Yaxoo City. Black River and Banks' expedition, and at other places ; he was slightly wounded before Vicksburg ; he served over three years. Since the war he has lived in Freeport, and engaged in fruit-growing. In April, 1851, Mr. Snow was united in marriage to Miss Sarah Brown, from New York : they have nine children - Luella, John, Oscar, Arthur, Philo, Minnie, Katie, Roxina and Melvina.

W. H. SXOOKS, of the firm of Galloway & Snooks, proprietor of the Freeport Soda-water Manufactory, corner Jackson and Walnut streets ; is a native of Bedford Co., Penn., and was born Nov. 20, 1838 ; when seven years of age he came to Michigan, and grew up to manhood there; he came to Stephenson Co. in 1864, and located in Freeport; he associated with his present partner in 1873 and engaged in their present business, and they have established a good trade. In 1859 Mr. Snooks was united in marriage to Miss Sarah Snyder, a native of Ohio.

J. H. SNYDER, proprietor of steam planing-mill and pump-factory, corner Adams and Bridge streets ; is a native of Lewisburg, Penn., and was born July 13, 1836 ; he grew up to manhood there ; he came West to Stephenson Co. in 1853, and remained in Freeport one year, and then returned East; in April, 1857, he came to Freeport and located permanently ; the following year he entered the dry goods store of William Walton, where he remained three years ; in 1862, he established his present business, and has successfully carried it on for the past eighteen years, and has built up a large trade. He has held the ofl&ce of City Alderman. In October, 1859, Mr. Snyder was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth E. Chapman, a native of Ohio ; they have six children - Cora A., W. G., Hattie J., Eugene I., Carrie and Laura Belle.

PROF. C. C. SNYDER, Superintendent of Schools of the city of Freeport ; is a native of Clinton Co., Penn., and was born Feb. 22, 1842 ; he came West in boyhood ; he attended the common schools and completed his education at the Northwestern University, at Evanston, 111., and afterward engaged in teaching in Belvidere," in this State, and in Lyons. Iowa ; he came to Freeport in 1872, and accepted the position of Superintendent of Schools of the city, and under. his able management the schools of the city have been raised to a high standard. Prof Snyder was united in marriage, Jan. 1, 1868, to Miss A. Vernette Forbes, daughter of J. S. Forbes, one of the earliest settlers of Stephenson Co. ; Prof and Mrs. Snyder have four children - Waldo S., Maud, Karl F. and Vernette.

DR. K. T. STABECK, editor of the Freeport Budget; is a native pf Stephenson Co., and was born Feb. 20, 1853 ; he grew up and received his education in this State ; after completing his literary course he began reading medicine ; he pursued his medical studies in Philadelphia two years and in Chicago for two years, and graduated at Rush Medical College in 1873. After graduating he engaged in the practice of medicine in this county. In 1875, he went to Europe, and took a special course in medicine at the Government State University at Christiania, the capital of Norway ; upon his return he resumed the practice of his profession. In 1873, Dr. Stabeck established the Davis Budget, and conducted that paper until 1876, when he came to Freeport. In March, 1877, he bought the Illinois Monitor, and changed its name and established the Freeport Budget, and has successfully conducted the paper since then, and, through his energy, it has the largest circulation of any paper in the county.

J. H. STAVER, of the firm of Staver & Snyder, dealers in boots and shoes, Stephenson street; is a native of Clinton Co., Penn., and was born March 23, 1832; he grew up to manhood in that State ; he came West and located in Freeport in 1855, and established his present business in 1861, and has successfully carried it on for the past nineteen years. In 1861, Mr. Staver was united in marriage to Miss Amelia Jewell, daughter of Hollis Jewell, one of the oldest and most honored residents of Freeport ; Mr. and Mrs. Staver have six children - Charles, Mary, Nellie, Anna, Willie and Bertha.

J. H. STEARXS, attorney at law, of the firm of Neff & Stearns, Stephenson street ; is a native of New Hampshire, and was born Jan. 9, 1841 ; his parents came West to Wisconsin during his early boyhood ; he attended school there, and entered Harvard College, and graduated in 1862; he came to Freeport in 1871 ; studied law with Judge Bailey and Hon. J, I. Nefi", and was admitted to the bar in May, 1878, and the following September he became a partner of Mr. Neff, Judge Bailey having been elected to the bench. Mr. Stearns holds the office of City Attorney. In May, 1869, he was united in marriage to Miss Ruth Chapin, of the city of Dubuque.

OWEN E. STEARXS, homoeopathic physician ; was born in the town of Phelps, Ontario Co., N. Y., Aug. 20, 1827, his parents being Joel and Nancy (Edmonston) Stearns ; he was educated at the Phelps High School, and, upon leaving this institution, commenced the study of medicine, for the practice of which he developed early an inclination ; he entered the Homoeopathic Medical College of Cleveland, Ohio, pursued its full course, and graduated with a fine record in 1850. In the spring of the following year he removed to Freeport, 111., where he began his practice, and soon acquired a substantial reputation for skill and efficiency, and secured a very large and lucrative patronage. He was subsequently elected Vice President of the first Homoeopathic Medical Society of Northern Illinois, being then quite young in the profession. He has at all times a deep interest in movements for promoting and perfecting the existing systems of popular education, and was President of the Board of Education of Freeport, having been a member of this body six years. In a very great measure to his efforts is due the high standard attained by the schools of that city. Both professionally and socially he stands in high estimation, and ever since his residence in Freeport has been regarded as one of its leading citizens. He is one of the senior practitioners of that place, and the success of his labors has, to a very large extent, popularized the system of homoeopathy.

H. S. STEVEXSON, dealer in groceries and provisions. No. 93 Stephenson street; is a native of Morgan Co., 111., and was born July 1, 1846; he grew up to manhood, and received his education in this State. During the war, he enlisted and served in the 146th I. V. I. He came to Freeport in 1872, and established his present business in 1875 ; he has two stores, one on Galena street and one on Stephenson street ; has built up a large trade. In 1871, Mr. Stevenson was united in marriage to Miss Louise Rosenstiel, daughter of C. H. Rosenstiel ; they have three children - William, Edward and Clare.

W. A. STEVENS, dealer in dry goods and notions. No. 102 Stephenson street; is a native of Castine, Hancock Co., Me.; he grew up and attended school there ; after reaching manhood he went to Boston, and remained there about ten years ; he came West to Stephenson Co., and located in Freeport in 1862, and engaged in the dry goods trade, and has continued in the business for the past eighteen years, and has built up a large trade. In 1859, Mr. Stevens was united in marriage to Miss Mary W. Wells, a native of Maine ; they have two children - one daughter, Mary, and one son, William.

ISAAC STINE, deceased ; was a native of Wurtemberg, Germany, and emigrated to the United States in 1847 ; he came to Stephenson Co. in 1852, and located in Freeport, and, with his brother, engaged in the clothing business ; they were the pioneers in this branch of trade, and carried on the business here for twenty-seven years, until his death, which occurred Sept. 11, 1879. W. A. Stine isa son of the late Isaac Stine, the pioneer clothing dealer of Freeport, and was born May 18, 1857 ; he grew up, and during boyhood he entered his father's store; in February, 1880, he engaged in his present business, the firm being Stine & Kern, and they are building up a good trade.

liEONARD STOSKOPF, attorney at law, corner Stephenson and Chicago streets; is a native of Canada, and was born Oct. 5, 1840; his parents came to Illinois and located in Stephenson Co. in 18-41 ; he grew up and attended school here, and studied law with Mr. Mitchell, and was admitted to the bar in 1873 ; after being admitted, he engaged in the practice of law, and since then has practiced his profession here. He has held the office of Police Magistrate. In 1874, Mr. Stoskopf was united in marriage to Miss Susanna Hunt, daughter of Thomas Hunt, Esq., of Ridott Township, one of the early settlers of this county ; they have two daughters - Florence and Mary.

JLOUIS STOSKOPF, physician and surgeon, corner Stephenson and Exchange streets ; is a native of Stephenson Co., and was born in the city of Freeport, Nov. 14, 1842 ; he grew up and attended school here, then went to Ann Arbor, Mich. ; after attending the high school there, he entered the classical department of the University of Michigan, and remained two years, then entered the same class in Yale College, and graduated in the class of 1865 ; while in Yale College, he was a member of the university crew, and rowed in 1864 and 1865 ; after completing his collegiate course, he studied medicine, and attended lectures at Rush Medical College, Chicago, and graduated in the medical department of Columbia College, in 1869 ; after graduating, he engaged in the practice of medicine in his native city, and has, since then, practiced his profession here ; he has served as Secretary of the Stephenson County Society of Physicians and Surgeons, and is now Vice President of the society. Dr. Stoskopf was united in marriage, Oct. 1, 1873, to Miss Caroline H. Brewster, daughter of Daniel S. Brewster ; they have two children - one son, William, and one daughter, Alice Louise.

VALENTINE STOSKOPF, wholesale and retail dealer in flourand feed, corner Galena and Exchange streets; was born in Strasbourg, France, April 4, 1817; he came to the United States in 1837, and lived in New Jersey a short time, then removed to Canada. While living there, in October, 1839, he was united in marriage to Miss Catharine Schoup, a native of Strasburg, France ; they came West to Illinois, and arrived in Stephenson Co. in July, 1841, and settled in Freeport; he engaged in working at his trade of blacksmith ; he and M. Hettinger had a shop located on the Branch, on Spring street ; they have done good work, and they often speak of the times when they used to work early and late in the little shop on Spring street ; Mr. Stoskopf carried on the business successfully for many years ; in 1872, he engaged in the milling business, and has carried it on since then ; when he came to this country, he had but very little ; he has, by his own efforts and good management, become one of the most successful and substantial citizens of Freeport ; he has done much to build up and improve the city. He has held the office of Assistant Supervisor, and other town offices. Mr. and Mrs. Stoskopf have eight children - Leonard, Louis, Michael, John, Mary A., Sarah, Emma and Ella.

D. C. STOVER, inventor and manufacturer, corner of Stephenson and Walnut streets ; is a native of the State of Pennsylvania, and was born in Greencastle, Franklin Co., May 9, 1840 ; he grew up and attended school there ; after reaching manhood, he came West t,o Illinois, in 1862, and settled in Carroll Co., where he remained a few years, then came to Stephenson Co., and located in Freeport. Mr. Stover has given much time and study to invention, and has taken out several valuable patents; he invented and has been engaged in manufacturing "cultivators"" Stover's wind-mill," and Stover's machine for manufacturing barbs and placing them on the wire for fences, the most complete and the principal machine of the kind now in use : the manufacturing interests of Freeport owe more to Mr. Stover than to any other person. Mr. Stover was united in marriage to Miss Mary Clare Porter, daughter of the late Dr. Porter, of Lanark, Carroll Co., Ill; they have two children - one daughter. May, and one son, Porter.

D. H. SUNDERLAND, Supervisor of Census for the Second Census District of Illinois, Opera House Block; is a native of Addison Co., Vt., and was born

July 26, 1822 ; he grew up and received his education in that State ; after reaching manhood he came West to Illinois, and arrived in Stephenson Co., in July 1845 ; he engaged in teaching, and afterward entered as clerk in the store of 0. H. Wright. In 1855, he was elected County Clerk, and he held that office for ten years; he was elected a member of the Board of Supervisors, and was afterward elected Mayor of the city ; he -was appointed, in March, 1880, Supervisor of the Census of the Second Census District. Mr. Sunderland has lived in this county thirty-five years ; he was much interested in educational interests, and has been actively identified with the interests of the county. He was united in marriage June 4, 1850, to Miss Frances Barrett, a native of Essex Co., Vt. She died in April, 1861, leaving two sons - Byron H., in the postal service, and David E., studying dentistry in this city.

GrFiORGE F. S WARTS, of the firm of Swarts& Stockings, wholesale and retail dealers in drugs and medicines, paints and oils, 137 Stephenson street; is a native of Centre Co., Penn., and was born April 21, 1839 ; he grew up and attended school there, and when 16 years of age, came West to Illinois, lived two years in DeKalb Co., and in 1857 came to Stephenson Co. ; in 1861, he entered the drug store of Emmert V. Burrell and served an apprenticeship of four years, and became thoroughly familiar with the business; in 1865, he associated with J. W. Nefi" and engaged in the drug trade; after four years he sold his interest to Mr. Neff; he established his present business, and has, by his energy and close attention to business, built up a large trade ; he had nothing when he began life ; he has been successfully engaged in business for the past fifteen years. Mr. Swarts was united in marriage, April 18, 1864, to Miss Cornelia M. Smith, a native of Newport, N. Y.

CHARIiFS F. TAOGART, clerk, railway postal service, is a native of Northumberland Co., Penn., and was born Dec. 8, 1822 ; after reaching manhood he came West to Illinois, and arrived in Stephenson Co. in Dec. 1846 ; he entered land and engaged in farming. In 1858, he was elected Sheriff of Stephenson Co. and held that office two years. After the war broke out, he raised a company, which became Company D, 93d I. V. I., and was elected and commissioned Captain without a dissenting vote ; he was slightly wounded before Vicksburg ; he participated in a number of battles ; their battle-flag bears the record of nineteen battles ; he served until February, 1865. Since his return he has held the office of Assessor, and is now in the railway postal service. In October, 1853, Capt. Taggart was united in marriage to Miss Margaret Smith, of Northumberland Co., Penn.; they have three children - Frank, engaged in business here; Anna B., and William H., practicing dentistry.

F. S. TAGGART, proprietor of Taggart's machine shop and foundry, corner Mechanic and Spring streets ; is a native of Stephenson Co., and was born in Ridott Township, Aug. 21, 1848 ; when 10 years of age his parents removed here in the city, and he grew up and attended school here, and graduated at the high school ; after graduating, he engaged in teaching for a short time ; having a taste for machinery, he went to Chicago and entered the machine shops of the Chicago & Northwestern E,. R.; in January, 1876, he established his present business ; he had very little to begin with, but, being a thorough, practical machinist, he, by close attention to every detail of his business, has established a large trade ; he is a natural mechanic ; when only 14 years of age, he built a small steam engine, perfect in all of its parts ; he had only poor, imperfect tools to work with, yet the engine ran perfectly. He has held the position of Assistant Fire Marshal. In November, 1875, Mr. Taggart was united in marriage to Miss Minnie Rowell, a native of Stephenson Co.; she was born in Ridott Township.

W. H. TAGGART, dental surgeon, corner Stephenson and Van Buren streets ; is a native of Stephenson Co., and was born March 23, 1855 ; he grew up and attended school here, and is a graduate of the high school ; after graduating he studied his profession in the city of Philadelphia, and, graduating at the Philadelphia Dental College in the class of 1878, he returned to his native city, and since then has practiced his profession here, and has taken a leading position in his profession.

HORACE T ARROX, Western pioneer, operator in real estate ; was born in Onondaga Co., N. Y., Dec. 7, 1817 ; his parents were Peter Tarbox and Mary (Woodruff) Tarbox ; his education was acquired at the common schools, located in the vicinity of his home ; in early life he was engaged, for a time, in working on the Erie Canal ; in 1841, he turned to the West, and, settling in Freeport, 111., established himself there in the hotel and livery business, which he prosecuted for several years ; he interested himself at the same time, also, in the lumber trade, and in building operations; in 1850, he went to Council Bluffs, Iowa, and to Omaha, Neb., where he found employment in opening up farming lands, and in pioneer and settler work generally, while dealing largely, always, in stock of every description ; he was the first to carry a plow into Colorado, and with it to break the virgin soil, formerly the camping-ground of the Indian or the bed of wolf and buffalo; in 1859, he settled in Boulder City, and engaged there in his customary pioneer work, buying land, which he would improve and sell; in 1865 and 1866, he returned to Freeport, III., and speculated largely in land, buying, building and other real estate operations; in 1870, he again went West, to Sioux City, Neb., where he was similarly occupied; from that locality he traveled to Sidney, Col., and thence to Grand Island, Neb., continually engaged in land speculations, and in buying, selling and raising stock; his hom2 and family have, since 1841, been in Freeport, but from that date down to the present time the greater portion of his life has been passed in the further Western section of the country, where he has continued to open up prairie land, form farms, build, deal in stock, and to interest himself in pioneer frontier labors in general ; he has spent several winters in Florida, and owns property in Grainesville, and also has two orange groves near there. When Mr. Tarbox came here he had only $500, and, by his energy and good management, has become one of Freeport's most successful citizens. In 1841, Mr. Tarbox was united in marriage to Miss Mary Van Pelt, a native of Penn Yan, N. Y.; they have three children - two daughters, both married Mary, (now Mrs. Moore, living in Sidney, Neb.), Jennie (now Mrs. Bridge ford, living in Chicago), and one son, Frank, at home.

N. F. TAYIjOR, dealer in surgical instruments. Opera House Block, 118 Stephenson street ; is a native of New Hampshire ; he grew up and received his education in that State ; he came West to Minnesota in 1855, and engaged in the mercantile business ; remained in that State nine years, and in 1864 came to Stephenson Co., and located in Freeport. In 1846, Mr. Taylor was united in marriage to Miss Esther W. Colby, a native of New Hampshire ; she received her education there : she studied medicine, and is a graduate of Hahnemann Medical College, Chicago, and has, since graduating in 1872, successfully practiced her profession in this city. They have one daughter - Vashti C.

OSCAR TAYLOR, attorney at law and senior member of the firm of 0. Taylor & Son, abstractors and insurance agents, corner of Clay and Exchange streets ; is a native of Saratoga Co., N. Y., and was born Feb. 16, 1822 ; when only 16 years of age he came West to Joliet, 111. in 1838, and lived one year in Joliet and then came to Rockford, and was one of the early settlers of that place ; he was elected Town Clerk, and was the first person elected to that office in Rockford ; he remained there three years, and came to Freeport in 1842, and was connected with mercantile business for five years ; he studied law, and was admitted to the bar in 1850, and engaged in the practice of law. Mr. Taylor has a complete set of abstract books for Stephenson Co., and also transacts insurance business ; he was elected Justice of the Peace in 1850. Mr. Taylor was united in marriage, Aug. 2, 1842, to Miss Malvina M. Snow, a native of Madison Co., N. Y.; they have had six children, three of whom are living - Louise W.. Oscar L. (now in college), and Sallie J.

JOHN'B. TAYLOR, manufacturer and wholesale and retail dealer in leather, shoe-findings and saddlery hardware, 41 and 43 Stephenson street ;,is a native of Madison Co., N. Y. ; he came to Stephenson Co. and settled in Freeport in 1852, and began currying leather within the next two years ; he became a member of the firm of F. Baker & Co., which was succeeded by the firm of Taylor & Rubel, which continued for seven years, and since then Mr. Taylor has conducted the business ; in 1865, he built a tannery, and engaged in the tanning business; in 1878, the tannery was destroyed by fire ; he rebuilt the following year, in a very substantial manner ; Mr. Taylor's large and commodious double store, Nos. 41 and 43 Stephenson street, erected for conducting his business, is one of the finest in the State, and he has a large established trade. Mr. Taylor is one of the most public- spirited citizens of Freeport ; he laid out and equipped, at his own expense, what is widely known as "Taylor's Driving Park,' which is acknowledged to be the most complete in its arrangement of any track in the West ; when Mr. Taylor began life he had nothing, and he owes his success to his own efforts ; he has done his full share in building up and beautifying the city, contributing liberally to all the various enterprises in that direction ; he has no taste for office; though he has been repeatedly solicited to accept the nomination for Mayor of the city, he has steadily declined.

S. F. TAYLiOR, proprietor livery, sale and boarding stable, corner of Bridge and Chicago streets; is a native of Strafford Co., N. H., and was born June 5, 1821 ; he grew up there until 17 years of age ; he came West to Illinois, and located in Stephenson Co. in December, 1855 ; he engaged in the staging and livery business, and has carried it on for twenty-five years, a longer time than any one else in the same business. In 1846, Mr. Taylor was united in marriage- to Miss Franceno Prescott, a native of Bristol, N. H. ; they have two children - Julia M. (now Mrs. S. 0. Clayton, living here), Ellen F. (now Mrs. L. J. Philip, living in Polo).

W. B. THOMAS, foreman of the printing office of the Freeport Journal; is a native of York Co., Penn., and was born Feb. 21, 1843 ; his parents came to Stephenson Co. in 1848 ; he grew up and attended school here; entered the Journal office in the fall of 1861, and learned the printing trade, and, with the exception of one year in Pittsburgh, and one year in the office of the County Clerk, he has been connected with the Journal office since then. In 1867, Mr. Thomas was united in marriage to Miss Mary F. Welch, a native of Delaware, Ohio ; they have one son - Freddie G-.

FRAH^K J. TRUJfK, brick manufacturer. Galena avenue ; is a native of Germany, and was born April 1, 1843 ; his parents came to America in 1847, and came to Freeport in 1851 ; he grew up to manhood here ; his father established the business; Frank has carried on the business since 1868, and has a large trade. He married Miss Annie Marks, a native of Jo Daviess Co., June 8, 1869; they have four children - John, Matilda, Nellie and Eose.

E. VAN SliOOTEN", wholesale dealer in leaf tobacco and foreign exchange ; residence corner Galena avenue and Galena street ; is a native of Germany, and was born in the Kingdom of Hanover Sept. 25, 1828 ; his father was a merchant, and he grew up and became educated in that business ; he emigrated to the United States in 1850, and came the same year to Stephenson Co. ; in 1857 he engaged in mercantile business, and for some years transacted a large trade ; his sales have amounted to $150,- 000 in one year ; in 1873 Mr. Van Slooten, with his family, went to Europe and made an extended visit, and since then he has been engaged in his present business. Mr. Van Slooten married Miss Jette Kroeger, a native of Hanover, Germany ; they have two children - Nattie and Adele.

AUGUSTUS F. VOIGT, of the firm of Schmich & Voigt, dealers in groceries and provisions. Galena avenue, between Stephenson and Galena streets ; is a native of Stephenson Co., and was born in the town of Lena, Feb. 1, 1852 ; he grew up and received his education here ; he associated with Mr. Schmich, and they established their present business in July, 1876, and they are building up a good trade. Mr. Voigt was united in marriage, Nov. 18, 1879, to Miss Mary Seyfarth, daughter of Charles Seyfarth, of this city.

JOHN R. WADDELIi, of the firm of Waddell Brothers, manufacturers of sash, doors and blinds, corner Liberty and Spring streets ; is a native of Stephenson Co., and was born March 27, 1846 ; his parents were early settlers ; they came here in 1843 ; his father was a contractor and builder here until 1871, when he went to Ch - cago after the great fire, and is engaged in contracting there. John R. grew up to ma - hood and learned his trade here ; engaged in building until 1876, when he engaged with his brother in their present business, and they are building up a large trade. After the breaking-out of the war, he enlisted in Co. A, 46th I. V. I.; he participated in a number of severe battles; he served three years. In November, 1869, he was united in marriage to Miss Hattie Chapman, a native of Ohio.

W. H, WAGNER, publisher of the Deutscher Anzeiger ; ia a native of Germany, and was born in Baden, March 14, 1841 ; he came with his parents to the United States, in 1852 ; his father established the Deutscher Anzeiger in 1853. The subject of this sketch entered the printing office when only 12 years of age; he has been connected with the paper since then, a period of twenty-seven years ; in 1863, he became a partner with his father, the firm being William Wagner & Co. ; upon the death of his father, in November, 1877, he assumed editorial management of the paper, and since then has occupied that position; in 1871, Mr. Wagner was elected City Treasurer, and in 1876 and 1877 he held the office of Assistant Supervisor. Mr. Wagner was united in marriage, May 14, 1861, to Miss Wilhelmina Seyfarth, of this city; they have seven children, all sons.

WILlilAli WALTOX, dealer in dry goods, carpets, clothing and merchant tailoring, notions, etc., 104 and 106 Stephenson street; is a native of Birminge ham, Eng. ; he grew up to manhood and was educated to his present business ; he cam, to the United States in 1855 ; he came to Chicago, where he remained a short timeand in the fall of 1858 he came to Stephenson Co. and located in Freeport and engaged in the dry goods business at 88 Stephenson street; in 1860 he removed to the store now occupied by E. L. Cronkhite ; in 1869 he removed to his present location, where he could have more room to meet the demands of his trade ; he occupies two stores packed full of goods, and employs forty men ; he carries the largest stock of goods of any merchant in Northern Illinois, and has the largest established trade of any dry goods house west of Chicago in this State. When Mr. Walton began life he had very little ; he owes his success to his own efforts.

JOHN M. WAIjiZ, manufacturer of barrels and firkins, No. 71 Galena street; is a native of Germany, and was born Sept. 10, 1833 ; he came to this country in 1853, and came to Stephenson Co. in 1856, and settled in Freeport and began working at the cooper's trade ; in 1863, he engaged in business for himself, and has carried it on since then ; he employs ten men, and has established a good trade. In 1862, he married Miss Lena Freidag, from New York State ; they have seven children - Mary, Lena, Herman, Willie, Laura, Emma and an infant daughter not named. Mr. Walz belongs to the Germania Society.

E. C WAKNER, book-keeper and cashier of the wholesale leather and saddlery hardware house of J. B. Taylor, 41 and 43 Stephenson street ; is a native of Cook Co., 111., and was born in the city of Chicago Feb. 10, 1841 ; he grew up and attended school there, then went East and completed his education. After the breaking-out of the rebellion, he enlisted in the 89th I. V. I.; after serving in the ranks three months, he was ordered on detached service ; he served at the headquarters of Gen. Rosecrans, Gens. Thomas, Sherman and Garfield ; after the war, he came to Freeport, and entered the employ of Mr. Taylor, and since then has occupied his present position. Mr. Warner was united in marriage. May 17, 1866, to Miss Jeannot Bigger, a native of Michigan ; they have four children - Edwin, Hubert, Burt and Roy.

li. A. WARNER, manufacturer of Warner's patent door-springs, Chicago street, north of Jackson street; is a nati\fe of Montgomery Co., N. Y.; he was raised in Connecticut, and came West to Illinois in 1855, and located in Stephenson Co. ; he engaged in contracting and building, and carried oa that business about twelve years; he patented the door-springs in August, 1875, and engaged in their manufacture, and has built up a good trade. ' Mr. Warner married Miss Sarah D. Whittlesy, a native of Connecticut ; they have five children - Carrie (now Mrs. Harrison, of Chicago), Andrew Clinton (now living in Dixon), Charles (now in Beloit College), G. Wilberforce (in business with his father) and Emma L.

REV. SANFORD WASHBURN, Pastor of the Embury Methodist Episcopal Church ; is a native of the State of New York, and was born in Dutchess Co., at Fishkill, on the Hudson, Oct. 24, 1830 ; he grew up to manhood in that State, attending school there ; he came West, and entered the Garret Biblical Institute ^ at Evanston, where he pursued his theological studies and graduated in the class of 1861 ; after completing his studies, his first pastoral charge was at Momence ; he has served acceptably and successfully as pastor in this conference at Wilmington, Plattville, Piano,

Chicago, Plainfield and Morris, and came to Freeport in October, 1879. On the 19tb of November, 1861, Mr. Washburn was united in marriage to Miss Mary Frances Booth, a native of Westfield, Ohio ; they have four children - two daughters (Mina A. and Emily C.) and two sons (Frank B. and Arthur S.).

I>A VID WEARY, contractor and builder. Pleasant street ; is a native of Union Co., Penn. ; and was born on March 1, 1829 ; he grew up to manhood in that State, and learned the trade of carpenter and joiner in Lycoming Co. ; in 1860, he came West to Wisconsin, and in 1866 came to Freeport, and since then, for the past fourteen vears, has been engaged in building here. In 1855, Mr. Weary was united in marriage to Miss Christiana Erwin, a native of Lycoming Co., Penn. ; they have three children - Elsie, Jennie and Arthur ; they have lost four children - Alvaretta, William, Edgar and Eugenia.

THOMAS WEBSTER, proprietor of the Freeport City Mills, east end Bridge street ; is a native of Yorkshire, England, and was born Feb. 4, 1806 ; he grew up to manhood; lived there until 1851, when he came to this country, and during the same year came to Freeport ; invested in farming lands ; in 1866, he engaged in his present business, and has conducted the milling business for the past fourteen years, and they have an established trade. In 1841, Mr. Webster was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth Bentley, a native of Yorkshire, England ; they have eleven children, four sons and seven daughters. Mr. Webster and his family attend the Episcopal Church, and he has held the position of Senior Warden over twenty years.

DAVID T. WELiD, photograph artist, 137 Stephenson street; is a native of Steuben Co., N. Y., and was born March 22, 1840 ; he grew up to manhood in Winnebago Co., 111., and studied his profession there ; after the breaking-out of the rebellion, he enlisted and served in Co. C, 16th Iowa V. I.; was wounded in the battle of Corinth ; he came to Freeport in 1863, and established his present business, and his gallery is the oldest in the city ; he has had a large experience and has superior facilities for making fine work.

JOHN WERTMAX, wagon manufacturer. Van Buren, north of Bridge street ; is a native of Mercer Co., Penn., and was born in 1833 ; he grew up to manhood in that State, and learned his trade in Berks Co.; he came to Stephenson Co. in 1858, located in Freeport and engaged in wagon-making, and since then has continued in the business; he owns the place where he carries on his trade. In 1867, he married Sarah A. Ault, in this city ; they have two children - Florence and Frances.

THOMPSON WIL.COXON, pioneer settler of Illinois, and capitalist, was born in Milledgeville, Ga., Aug. 22, 1800 ; his parents were Thomas Wilcoxon, form erly engaged in farming and agricultural pursuits, and Mary (Hardy) Wilcoxon ; he received a common-school education at Portsmouth, Ohio, to which locality his parents had removed while he was in his infancy ; he was brought up upon his father's farm, laboring in the summer, and in the winter months attending school ; subsequently, he was engaged in a partnership connection with three brothers in farming and sending produce to the market of New Orleans, La.; while thus occupied, they constructed their own boats, called " flat-boats " and in person piloted them down the Ohio River ; in 1835, he visited the Northwestern district, accompanied by one of his brothers, on a prospecting tour, traveling on horseback, and guiding himself, in many cases, by following the Indian trails, for, in those days, roads were few and poor. In 1837, he again came to the Northwest, purposing to settle in a desirable locality, and decided to remain at the spot now known as Cedarville, distant about six miles from the present city of Freeport ; associated with his brother, he purchased a claim there, took possession of the appropriated land and gradually transformed it into a well-cultivated farm ; the district was then unsectionized, almost in a primitive state, and very sparsely settled ; he continued farming until 1854, when he removed to Freeport, disposing of his land in Cedarville about three years afterward ; he has since then resided permanently in the former town and engaged in real estate and building operations ; among other enterprises which he has conducted to successful issues is the Freeport Opera House, of which he is the builder and owner. Mr. Wilcoxon was united in marriage Dec. 23, 1830, to Miss Cyinda Mitchell, daughter of Judge Mitchell, of Scioto Co., Ohio ; they have four cliildren - Mary D., now married, living in Chicago; Thomas D., living here; Martha E., now married, living in Richmond, and Mitchell H., engaged here in the' insurance business.

JACOB WIIiLIAMS, grain dealer, east side River, is a native of New York, and was born in the city of BuflPalo Feb. 28, 1842 ; he grew up to manhood and received his education here ; he came West in 1870, and located in Freeport and established his present business, and has a large shipping trade. In 1865, Mr. Williams was united in marriage to Miss M. A. J, P. Davy, from Niagara Falls, New York ; they have one son, James D.

ADAH WIIiSON, retired. Galena avenue ; is a native of New Jersey, and was born on Nov. 16, 1813; grew up to manhood, mostly in Pennsylvania; came West to Illinois by wagon, and located on Fox River, and was one of the early settlers there ; he came to Stephenson Co. in 1843, and settled at Crain's Grove ; he entered several hundred acres of land, and engaged in farming, which has since been his principal business, and he still owns a farm there. He has held the office of magistrate in this county for twelve years, and has also held other town and school offices. In 1835, Mr. Wilson was united in marriage to Miss Priscilla Lott, a native of Luzerne Co., Penn. ; they have four children - Nancy, Lucy, Stephen and Frances.

JOHN H. WIIiSON, yardmaster of the Illinois Central R. R., at Freeport; is a native of Union Co., Penn. ; he came West to Illinois and entered the employ of the Illinois Central R. R. in 1857. After the breaking-out of the rebellion, he enlisted in the 11th I. V. I., Co. H; after his return from the service he again resumed his connection with the Illinois Central ; in 1867, he was appointed yardmaster, and since that time, for the past thirteen years, he has held that position in this city.

E. B. WINGER, manufacturer of the Stover Wind Engine and Winger Feed Grinder, Stephenson street, corner Adams ; is a native of Pennsylvania, and was born in Lancaster Co., on Sept. 24, 1837 ; he grew up in Franklin Co., and received his education in that State ; after reaching manhood he was successfully engaged in the mercantile business at Greencastle, Franklin Co., for fourteen years ; he came to Stephenson Co. in March, 1877, and located in Freeport, and engaged in his present business; he is building up a large and extensive trade throughout the diflferent States. Mr. Winger was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth B. Stover, a native of Greencastle, Penn., in April 18, 1861 ; they have four children, all sons.

GEORGrE WOIjF, Justice of the Peace and collecting agent, and has abstracts of titles to lands in Stephenson Co., Galena avenue, opposite court house; is a native of Centre Co., Penn., and was born Dec. 3, 1827 ; he grew up and attended school there ; after reaching manhood he came West to Illinois and located in Stephenson Co.; in May, 1849, engaged in teaching during the winter seasons; in 1851, he

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; 78,959 words in this source stream.

Religious First Presbyterian Church

The First Presbyterian church of Freeport enjoys the distinction of being the oldest Protestant church, not only in Freeport, but in the county. It was organized in 1842, with Rev. Calvin Waterbury as pastor, November 24th being the traditional date of its founding. At the meeting said to have been held on that date Rev. Mr. Waterbury presided as moderator, Samuel Spencer acted as derk, and a resolution was adopted setting forth the confession of faith in the form and government of the Presbyterian church of the United States. Of the fifteen men and women who assembled on that memorable day, not one is today alive. They included, besides the pastor, the following persons, all of them names of importance in the early history of the county : Philip Reitzell, Mrs. Mary Reitzell, Orestes H. Wright, Mrs. Emmaretta Henderson, Mrs. Elizabeth Lucas, Mr. and Mrs. A. W. Lucas, Mrs. Sarah Young, Asa W. Rice, Mrs. Nancy Rice, Orrin B. Munn, Mrs. Jane L. Wright, Samuel Spencer, and Mrs. Elizabeth Spencer. The Rev. Calvin Waterbury was formally installed as minister by his congregation of fourteen, and the records state that his annual salary was fixed at $400, probably an extraordinary sum for the year 1842. For some time worship was held in the courthouse, but as the congregation grew, the trustees felt the need of a regular place of worship, and accordingly two lots were secured on the southeast corner of Walnut and Stephenson streets, where the Y. M. C. A. building stands today. One of these was purchased for the sum of $40, the other was donated by Kirkpatrick and Baker.

Plans were immediately drawn up for a church edifice of brick and stone, to occupy a space 40 by 65, and to cost $460. A subscription was undertaken and before long the directors felt safe in proceeding with the work of building. The stone for the foundation was quarried across the river and hauled to the place of building by an ox team driven by L. L. Munn. The wood timbers were also cut in the neighborhood, and the workers started out with zeal to finish their labor in a short space of time. They never finished it, however, for sufficient funds were not forthcoming, and when only half completed, the church was deserted, the pastor resigned, and with him fifteen members of the congregation left the church. It was a critical period in the history of the church, but the church survived. In December, 1847, shortly after the resignation of Rev. Mr. Waterbury, Rev. J. C. Downer was called to take charge. During the years 1847-1853 when Rev. Mr. Downer was with the church, a phenomenal growth was experienced. Work was re-commenced on the deserted church, and it was finished for occupancy in 1851. To years later, the pastor received another call and left Freeport, to be succeeded by the Rev. Isaac E. Carey. Mr. Carey remained in charge for three years, and was followed by the Rev. C. B. Van Zandt who left two years later, in 1860. Rev. Mr. Waterbury, the first pastor of the church returned again for the space of one year, and at the close of that time, resigned, leaving the church without a pastor for a whole year. In 1862, Mr. Carey was again called to the charge.

By this time the congregation had outgrown its quarters again and a movement was started for the erection of a new edifice across the street on the spot where the present building stands. In 1866 the comer stone was laid with appropriate ceremonies, and October 31, 1867 it was completed and dedicated by Professor F. W. Fiske, of Chicago, who preached the sermon, and Rev. J. W. Cunningham, who offered the dedicatory prayer. On the evening of the same day, Rev. Carey was installed as pastor, the sermon being preached by Rev. C. A. Williams of Rockford, and the charge to the pastor being given by the Rev. A. Kent, of Galena, and that to the people by the Rev. C. Marsh, of Mount Carroll. The church building cost $50,000 and on the day of dedication $17,000 was raised by subscription to pay the building debt.

This same building, erected in 1866, is still standing, and is still one of the most beautiful structures of the city, a credit to the community and especially to the brave band of followers whose labors helped to raise the pile. The First Presbyterian church is today in a flourishing condition, having a membership of nearly five hundred persons. The Sunday school, founded in 1844, by John Rice as superintendent, with only eleven pupils, is today one of the largest in the city. The church property is valued at $60,000.

St. Mary'S Church

In October, 1827, before the first white settlers had permanently located in Stephenson County - before that historical event known as the Black Hawk War, the first mass was offered up to God by Father Stephen Vincent Baden. This event, so notable in the history of Catholicity in the county, occurred at the cabin of a man named Simon Brady who was then living in the vicinity of Kellogg's Grove. Father Baden did not stay long in the county, as he was on his way to visit Galena and Prairie du Chien to administer the spiritual needs of the miners who were beginning to throng to those regions.

The next six years are a blank. It was not until 1843 that further developments took place. At that time, the Bishop of St. Louis, who had under his jurisdiction all the western part of Illinois, sent Father John McMahan to locate his dwelling in Galena and care for the spiritual welfare of the settlers who were beginning to appear in large numbers in that section of the country. At first Father McMahan went to Dubuque, Iowa, where he remained for a short time only, presently departing to fulfil his mission in Galena and the surrounding counties. Stephenson County was included in his charge and for the next ten years had no resident priest of its own. Father McMahan found the labors of his position excessive. In less than a year he had completely worn himself out and in the ninth month of his stay he died and was succeeded by Father Fitz Morris. Father Fitz Morris' labors were even more brief, for in three months he also went to his everlasting rest. Father Shanahan the third priest at Galena also died soon after coming to these parts and was buried beside his predecessors. In 1843, tne connection of Stephenson County Catholics with the Galena congregation ceased, and they received their first resident priest, Farther Derwin, whom the Bishop of St. Louis appointed to the. parish of New Dublin. His parish was extended over the counties of Stephenson, Lee, Ogle, and Winnebago, with his residence at New Dublin. The welcome pastor made his home with a family named Murphy and offered the holy mass in a log church "16x24 feet and seven logs high," which had been erected in 1836. In 1844 the Bishop of Chicago was given jurisdiction over all Illinois and in 1846 he appointed the Rev. James Cavanaugh to the charge of New Dublin' and the Missions in its vicinity. This clergyman was succeeded by Rev. F. Kalvelage, who erected, in 1855, the church now in use at New Dublin.

In 1854, Father Cavanaugh came to Freeport to reside permanently, but the history of St. Mary's Parish dates back farther than that. Four years before, the priest had succeeded in organizing the present parish, but no church was built, and instead mass was offered up at the home of one of the members of the parish. It was in the little parlor of the home of Thomas Egan, at a time when there were but few houses in the city of Freeport, that a number of Catholics met one afternoon to form a congregation. It was in that same little parlor, thanks to the generosity of Mr. and Mrs. Egan, that services were held by Mrs. Egan's brother, Father Cavanaugh. Mrs. Egan passed away only a short time ago and was for a long time the only surviving member of the first parish. Among those who attended the first meeting in her home were Father Cavanaugh, Richard and Thomas Barren, Robert Balow, Mr. Tuhey, Edward Cavanaugh, James Manion, George Cavanaugh, Thomas and John O'Connor, Thomas Egan, Mr. Nagle, William Barren, and Mrs. Catherine Egan. One of the first steps taken was a proposal to build a church, and the congregation all put down their names for contributions in accordance with their means. A few hundred dollars were raised but the sum was inadequate for the building of a church.

In the meantime the brave little congregation was granted the use of a hall belonging to J. K. Brewster. The hall proved large enough for the Catholic citizens to assemble there to assist at the holy sacrifice on Sundays, and there they worshiped, until the little frame church, begun nine months later, was completed.

Various materials were voluntarily furnished, and thus the expense was materially lessened. Robert and Thomas McGee furnished the sills, others gave shingles, glass, nails, putty, etc., and so, after much labor and self denial, the little structure was completed, and who shall express the happiness of a

Library Of The

During Father Cavanaugh's pastorate in Freeport there were no railroads. Early in the fifties, the Illinois Central was not completed, and he had to travel almost incessantly with horse and buggy. The cholera made his work yet more laborious, because of the great number of sick people he was called upon to see. He met with many ludicrous, and some very dangerous experiences in his travels over the wild country. Everywhere he found opportunities open for earnest work, and it is no wonder that he was greatly beloved by the members of his flock, for he was untiring in his efforts in their behalf.

Father Ferdinand Kalvelage, who succeeded Father Cavanaugh, remained in charge of St. Mary's Parish until 1859. It was during his pastorate at St. Mary's that the second church, a brick structure, was built. The new edifice was a decided improvement on the old one, and was considered a very excellent building at the time of its erection. The cornerstone was laid in July, 1855, and in it was placed a tin box containing copies of the weekly papers of the city, some manuscript, 3, 5, and 10 cent pieces, and a copy ol the New York Catholic Zeitung. The lumber used in the building was brought down the Mississippi to Savanna and was hauled from there by oxen. The material was hewn out with the ax. The structure was 40x80 feet and was severely plain and unadorned. It continued to meet the needs of the congregation somewhat inadequately for thirty-five years until the present edifice was built in 1890.

Father Thomas O'Gara was Father Kalvelage's successor. He came to St. Mary's in August, 1859, and during the seven years of his pastorate he showed himself an indefatigable worker and a most zealous pastor. Not being acquainted with the German language he engaged from time to time the services of a German priest, for the benefit of the German half of the congregation, who did not leave St. Mary's until 1862. This event occurred in Father O'Gara's pastorate, the German's building St. Joseph's church and the Irish retaining the use of St. Mary's after having given a certain sum to aid in the building of St. Joseph's. It was also at this time that the first parochial residence was fitted for use, the old frame church being used for the purpose. Father O'Gara likewise secured property for St. Mary's Cemetery west of town, and succeeded in raising funds sufficient for the purchase of a pipe organ which has ever since remained in use.

Following Father O'Gara, two priests, Father Kennedy and Father Rigby filled the charge for brief and uneventful periods, and in 1867 Father Michael J. Hanley came. He stayed for only two years, but accomplished a great deal in that short time. The old frame church having become unfit for the parochial residence, it was moved away, and on a newly purchased lot was erected a twostory brick building, which remained in use until vacated by Father Stack for the use of the Sisters. In 1868 the first school was organized, later to be improved and enlarged.

Father P. L. Hendriek succeeded in 1870 and remained a short time only, to be succeeded by Father Murtaugh, who bought the brick building converted into St. Mary's school, and also painted the interior of the church building. In June, 1871, Father Stack came, and turned his attention to the school which he immediately began to improve and re-organize. Money was raised, with which the building was repaired and duly furnished. Application was made to the Dominican mother house at Sinsinawa Mound for instructors who were supplied and immediately took charge of the school. Father Stack vacated his own house that the Sisters might have a home, and then began to build them the present convent, which at that time was considered one of the most comfortably furnished structures of its kind in the northwest.

In 1877, Father Thomas F. Mangan came to take charge. He was a very diligent worker and effected a number of desirable changes and improvements. He repaired and remodelled the church and added a considerable piece of land to the church cemetery, now in very respectable condition. Father Mangan remained in Freeport for ten years, to be succeeded by Father Michael Welby. Father Welby was a man of great learning and was warmly welcomed by St. Mary's Parish. It was during his time that the matter of building a new church was considered, and a fair was held to create a fund for that purpose. The new priest was not, however, a man of robust strength and in 1890 he took a trip to the City of Mexico for the purpose of regaining his health. His quest was unsuccessful and he died while in Mexico.

Father W. A. Horan succeeded Father Welby. He was a most able and energetic worker, and much beloved by all the members of the parish. During his occupancy many changes were brought about. Most important of these was the building of the new church. There had been talk of building a new church during Father Welby's stay, and even earlier but nothing definite had been done. Father Koran's perseverance and courage led to the raising of sufficient funds and in April, 1890, a sum had been raised large enough to warrant immediate progress on the work. On August 3, 1890, the corner stone was laid, with appropriate exercises, Father McLaughlin of Rockford and Father Horan conducting the simple but eloquent exercises before an audience of three thousand people.

The church is 53x137 and is built of native stone, with trimming of terra cotta. On Wednesday, October 28, 1891, the solemn opening of the church occurred, the dedication not being accomplished until somewhat later.

In 1896 occurred the Golden Jubilee Festival commemorating the introduction of the Catholic religion into Siephenson County. High festival was held, a triumphal arch was erected on State street spanning the thoroughfare from the school to the church, and many Catholics from out of town were present.

In 1903, the school building and hall were completely repaired, remodeled, and rebuilt, making of the structure a thoroughly up-to-date school and auditorium.

Shortly after the accomplishment of these labors, a great sorrow came to the parish in the death of Father Horan, who had been for some time in poor health. His decease was mourned not only by his own church people but by the community at large, for Father Horan, like few of his predecessors, had been a most active influence for good in the various departments of social and charitable work in the city.

First Baptist Church

In December, 1845, twenty-six men and women, at that time the whole of the Baptist population of the city, met in the kitchen of the Rev. James Schofield, who had been commissioned by the American Baptist Home Missionary Society to found a church in Freeport. In Rev. Schofield's kitchen, which was the only living room of the house, the organization of the First Baptist church of Freeport was effected. The twenty-six who were instrumental in establishing the church were: Rev. James Schofield and his wife Caroline, his son, John M. Schofield, and his daughter Miss Caroline Schofield (now Mrs. H. H. Wise), Mr. and Mrs. Robert Schofield, Mrs. Catherine Jones, Miss Elizabeth Jones, Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Stacks and their son and daughter, Mr. and Mrs. John Stout, Mr. and Mrs. Timothy Stout, Mr. and Mrs. James Craft, Mr. and Mrs. William Perkins, Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Plainer, Dexter A. Knowlton, and Royal Durfee.

Rev. James Schofield was subsequently elected first pastor of the church, the following year a lot was secured on Williams street, where St. Joseph's church stands today, and the work of building a place of worship was begun. The early history of the Baptist church in Freeport, especially that portion which deals with the building of the first church, is full of interest. Perhaps there is not a church in the city which fought harder for its existence in the days of its infancy than did the First Baptist church. It so happened that those who made up the congregation were poor men and could not aid financially in the building of the church. Instead they did manual labor, and led by their pastor, they went to work upon the edifice and built it with their own hands. Rev. James Schofield was one of the most remarkable men in the early history of the community. An unusual personality, combined with unflinching courage, a resolute will, and a devout faith made him an inspiring and energetic leader. Had it not been for his unceasing labor, the little flock would have experienced an insurmountable difficulty in surpassing the labors and trials which beset them. Fortunately for himself and for the church, Mr. Schofield had made a sufficient fortune to support himself and his family before entering the ministry - fortunately, we may say, for his salary was only $300, half of it paid by the American Baptist Home Missionary Society, and half by the local church. After a great deal of labor, Mr. Schofield succeeded in raising enough money to buy the lumber and shingles for the church. These were purchased in Chicago and brought to Freeport by wagon. As the roads were bad, and the distance a tremendous one to haul lumber, many of the planks and bunches of shingles were scattered along the road. Rev. Schofield had, however, carefully marked each separate plank and bunch of shingles "FOR THE FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH AT FREEPORT" and ultimately every lost piece found its way to its destination. The church building was forthwith completed and dedicated on Christmas day, 1850, with a board of trustees consisting James Schofield, Alfred Dan, Joshua Springer, Job Arnold, and John Montelius.

The excessive exertions of the pastor had brought on an attack of ill health and he was forced to resign his charge at the close of the year 1851. At the close of his pastorate the original twenty-six had swelled to one hundred and the outlook was becoming prosperous. Before the building of the church the Baptists met in the old courthouse which had furnished a first place of worship for so many of Freeport's churches. Later they moved temporarily to a brick schoolhouse in Knowlton town where they remained until the completion of their new edifice.

After Rev. Mr. Schofield came Rev. T. L. Breckenbridge during whose occupancy the congregation was nearly doubled. He was succeeded by the Rev. Thomas Reese who stayed two years. It was at the close of these two years that another misfortune befell the church. The cholera plague which was then raging in Freeport seemed to attack the Baptist church with unwonted ferocity. Many of the members died and the doors of the church were closed. It was two years before meetings were again resumed and during that time the Sunday school had been discontinued, prayer meetings had been given up, and the congregation was scattered far and wide. To the Rev. Ichabod Clark, who visited Freeport in June, 1855, belongs the credit of the re-organization. Rev. O. D. Taylor came to fill the pastorate and was succeeded by Revs. A. G. Thomas in 1858, N. F. Ravlin in 1859, and William Crowell in 1861. While Mr. Crowell was pastor of the church plans were made for the erection of a new church building. The old church was sold to the German Catholic organization, and the Stephenson street lot which the Baptist church still occupies was purchased. In February, 1863, a chapel was completed and dedicated on this ground just west of Cherry street. Four efficient pastors succeeded Mr. Crowell: A. W. Tousey, C. W. Palmer, S. B. Gilbert, and W. H. Dorward. Then another calamity appeared in the shape of a conflagration which destroyed the almost new chapel on the day after Christmas, 1875. The members of the church were beside themselves at this new misfortune, but bravely resolved to build again. On the very day of the fire, a meeting was held at the home of Judge J. M. Bailey, at which it was decided to immediately rebuild. Plans for a somewhat more elaborate structure were formulated, and after four years of building, during which time the congregation worshipped in the lecture room of the First Presbyterian church, the present building was finished and dedicated June 29, 1879, the dedicatory sermons being preached by the Rev. Galusha Anderson, president of the University of Chicago, and the Rev. G. W. Northrup, president of the Morgan Park Union Theological Seminary. In 1878 Rev. D. H. Cooley was called and became pastor of the church. In 1882 he resigned and has been succeeded by the Rev. E. P. Savage, R. L. Halsey, W. H. Parker, A. W. Fuller, William C. Spencer, Orlo J. Price, William H. Beynon, and F. E. Webb, the present pastor.

The First Baptist church edifice of red pressed brick, valued, together with the small lot on which it stands, at about $20,000. The auditorium is located on the second floor of the building, the first floor being given over to the lecture and Sunday school rooms. The Sunday school is in a flourishing condition having a roll of about two hundred. The congregation numbers nearly three hundred.

St. Joseph S Church

As we have elsewhere stated, in the early history of St. Joseph's Parish, the congregation was merged with that of St. Mary's. The Germans and Irish were members of the same congregation, but many cf the former being ignorant of the English language, it was deemed advisable to form two parishes. Father John Westkamp at once set about selecting a suitable place of worship for the Germans and on June 4, 1862, purchased the old Baptist church, which stood on the present site of St. Joseph's church. The price given was $2,000, and the congregation which paid for it numbered about one hundred and twenty-five families. The old church was repaired and fitted up as well as possible, but, in 1868, finding that it was too small to hold the rapidly growing congregation, a large gallery was built in it, and in the fall of 1871 it was decided to erect a new building.

Father John Westkamp who had been the first pastor of the church had remained only one year, after which he was succeeded by Father Ignatius Baluff. It was under Father Baluff's direction that the work of building the church now went forward. During the winter before the church was built, the members of the church living in the city quarried the stone for building purposes, and those who lived in the country hauled it to the site of the new edifice in their farm wagons. Early in the spring the old building was moved back to Pleasant street and used for church purposes until the new structure was completed, after which it was torn down, and the lumber sold. Early in June the cornerstone of the new church was laid by Bishop Foley of Chicago, before a large audience of Freeporters and Catholics from other parishes. In December, 1872, it was completed, and dedicated on the fourth Sunday of advent, by Bishop Foley in the presence of a great many priests from all parts of the diocese.

St. Joseph's church is modern Gothic in style, its dimensions 50x140 and its cost $35,000. The church is built of brick and faces northeast, being located on the old Baptist church lot on Williams and Pleasant streets near Walnut. The seating capacity of the auditorium, including the gallery, is eight hundred and fifty. The stained glass in the windows of St. Joseph's is particularly beautiful, and the building from basement to spire is one of which Freeport's German population may justly be proud.

In 1874, the charge was taken by Father Clement Kalvelage who has remained up to the present day and is deeply loved and revered by his congregation. He has made numerous improvements and changes during his occupancy. In 1881 the appearance of the church was greatly enhanced by the erection of the new steeple, one hundred and seventy-five feet in height and containing a set of four chimes which cost $1,000. Since that time numerous improvements and new constructions have been made in the church.

Scarcely had the new church been completed and paid for when efforts were made to improve the educational advantages. At first a small frame building which had been purchased of St. Mary's congregation and which stood on the present site, was used, but this became too small and was unsuited for the purpose. In 1883 the present schoolhouse was built at a cost of $5,500. Father

Kalvelage has taken a very great interest in the school and has brought it to a high standard of excellence. The school has an enrollment of about three hundred pupils and is taught by Franciscan Sisters from Joliet.

Within the last few years two other notable improvements have been made. In 1895 a new parochial residence was built next to the church at a cost of about $8,500. Behind this, facing on Pleasant street a convent of similar design has been constructed at a like cost. Both buildings are of brick with white marble facings and trimmings and marble steps.

The Franciscan Sisters are also in charge of St. Francis' Hospital, which was erected in 1889 and dedicated on February 12, 1890. It has since been increased and enlarged by the addition of a southern wing. The Sisters have also charge of St. Vincent's Orphan Asylum, which was founded and blessed on May 25, 1896. The orphan asylum at first occupied a small cottage on South Walnut street but has since moved to the former residence of August Bergman on Jefferson street.

St. Joseph's congregation numbers about two hundred families at present. The total valuation of the church property including the church and attached buildings, is about $75,000.