Greenwood Township

Greenwood Township

Germans. - Presbyterians. - Baptists. - Cemeteries. - Saw and Grist Mills. - Butter and Cheese Factories. - - Greenwood Village. - Business Directory. - Biographical.

C. M. Goodsell had the honor of giving this township its name. At a meeting of the citizens for the purpose of naming the township, the name was proposed by Mr. Goodsell, and afterward confirmed by J. N. Barber, who at that time was Township Trustee. Greenwood is one of the four central townships of the county; bounded on the north by Hebron, on the west by Hartland, on the south by Dorr, and on the east by McHenry, being township 45, range 7, east of third principal meridian.

Topography

Greenwood Township, like the most of the townships of McHenry County, cannot be excelled for rich soil and surface features. No pleasanter landscape picture was ever beheld than is presented to the eye of the person riding over the township of Greenwood. The land is gently rolling, the farms are under a fine state of cultivation, and the residences indicate thrift and prosperity on every hand. To a stranger the township presents the appearance of being chiefly prairie land, so completely have the lands been cleared of timber. The western portion of the township and along the Nippersink in early day, was heavily timbered, but at present only second growth timber is to be found. The Nippersink, which courses its way across the northern portion of the township, affords many water privileges to those who live in that vicinity.

Organization

election was held in April of the same year, at which time the following officers were elected : J. N. Barber, Supervisor; G. T. Barrows, Clerk; ¥m. Willis, Assessor; H. J. Willis, S. Baldwin and Geo. Weller, Commissioners of Highways. The following are the present officers : Geo. Garrison, Supervisor; W. E. Wire, Clerk; C. K Willis, Collector; M. J. Wright, Assessor; G. E. Adams, Constable; S. Baldwin and Wm. Given, Justices of the Peace; A. ^0. Thompson, Burton Wright and Geo. Soudericker, Commissioners of Highways.

Henry Weston, who located in the township in 1833, is said to be the first settler. But little is known of him. He was an Englishman and came to Greenwood with his wife's sister, Miss Ann McQuinn, for whom Queen Ann Prairie was named, she being the first white woman who ever kept house in Greenwood Township. Shortly after Mr. Weston's arrival his wife joined them. She died a few years after coming here and was among the first buriecHn Greenwood Cemetery. Mr. Weston married Miss Watson soon after and this is said to be the first marriage that ever took place in the township. Some claim that Arestide Stevens and Charity Boon were the first couple married, but upon the best authority we can find upon the matter we are persuaded to believe that they were not. The first marriage recorded on the county records is Charles Frame to Miss Mary Dufield, on the 1st day of February, 1838, ceremony being performed by Rev. Joel Wheeler. Following Mr. Weston came the three Stone brothers, Alden, Almon and William. Then came Lewis Boon, Henry Westerman, Elijah Slaflon and James Watson; these all made their claims in 1837.

Mr. Boon in making his claim took in many acres, including both prairie and timber. A Mr. McCollum, believing that he was entitled to a portion of it, erected a cabin on one side and proceeded to make himself at home. Boon took the law into his own hands and demolished the cabin and even cut the logs in two. Meeting McCollum he accused him of jumping his claim and the interview resulted in a knock down in which Boon came off conqueror. The settlers took sides in the quarrel and McCollum and his hosts attacked the Boons and put them to flight. This unpleasantness resulted in a law suit, it being the first ever filed on the docket in McHenry County.

In 1837 came also George Weller, Amos Scofield, Daniel Cattle, Nathan Dufield. Following them came Jacob Eckert and his two sons Jacob and Henry, who are still residents of the county; Mr.

Herdklotz with his two sons Michael and Peter J., who are still residents of the township. Eldod Taylor came with a family of several children. He remained but a few years when he moved West. Squire Baldwin came in 1839. 0. J. and A. W. Murphy came about this time and are still residents of the township . These people located chiefly in the eastern portion of the township. Among the noted early settlers of Greenwood was Neill Donnelly, who came from Ireland and for many years was among the most prominent and prosperous business men of the county; his death occurred recently. Lewis Boon came from Ohio and remained"in the township till his death which occurred several years ago; his remains lie in the Greenwood Cemetery. Eldridge Boon, son of Lewis Boon, is said to be the first white child born in the township. His death occurred in 1838 and it is believed that he was the first person who died in the township, also the first person buried in Greenwood Cemetery.

Eakly Events

These remote incidents are often disputed questions and it is difficult to arrive at correct conclusions; hence we will state that some claim the first school was taught by Miss Melinda Pease, of Crystal Lake, in a school-house erected on section 35, in the year 1843. There are now seven school-houses in the township. Yalue of school property, $4,950, with an annual salary paid to teachers of $1,322. There are in the township 297 children of a school age.

The first postoffice established in Greenwood Township was in the year 1850. It was kept in the store of Mr. C. M. Goodsell, Mr. Goodsell being the first Postmaster. The postoffice was named after the township and is still known as Greenwood postoffice. The second Postmaster was a Mr. Robbins who clerked for Mr. Goodsell, followed by Baker Martin, John M. Barber, Mrs. J. M. Barber, J. H. Garrison and D. W. Soper, the present incumbent.

Religious

year 1840 by Rev. Hall, a Presbyterian minister from Geneva. For ten years afterward they continued to hold services at different houses in the neighborhood and in school-houses. The first house of worship was erected in 1848 on section 34, by the Methodist society. For many years it was used by a thriving society of about forty members, but finally was abandoned and in 1875 was torn down and hauled to Woodstock and converted into sheds to shelter the horses and vehicles of those who attend the Methodist church of that place.

There are in the township four houses of worship. The Norwegians built a good frame church in the north part of the township several years ago. Their number as a society is quite large aud they attend divine services quite regularly. Services invariably conducted in their own language, and in their old country style.

A German church is situated in the west portion of the township. It is a frame building of considerable size and has been built many years. Their society is not extremely strong, though they hold meetings regularly.

The Presbyterians erected their house of worship in 1850. It is situated in the village of Greenwood, and will seat about 300 people. It is a frame building and compares well in appearance to other churches in this section of the country.

Rev. I. A. Hart, a native of New York State, stood at the head of the enterprise, and it was through his instrumentality that the church was built. Previous to the erection of the church Rev. Hart preached to the people in private and school housed, and was their pastor four years after the church was built. He is at present a resident of Wheaton, 111., and has reached the advanced age of eighty years. He was succeeded at Greenwood by Rev. Thompson, who remained three years. After him came Rev. Downs, who remained one year. Rev. Clark then came and remained one year. These are substantially the preachers who have had the care of the Presbyterian church, though others have supplied the pulpit at intervals. For the past seven or eight years they have been almost forsaken by the ministry, seldom having any preaching. Their house of worship is occupied by the Methodist denomination who together with the Baptist, occupied the house alternately with the Presbyterians several years after the house was built. The Presbyterian church was organized with about fi een members, among whom were James Stewart and wife,

J. N. Barber and wife, G. T. Barrows and wife and F. W. Barlow and wife. Messrs. Stewart and Barber were the first Deacons chosen. A few years after their organization they became a flourishing body with a large membership, but the constant drain of removals and death thinned their ranks so they were compelled to disbandon.

The Baptist church was organized in 1847, by Kev. R. K. "Whittier (second cousin to Whittier the poet), who came from New Hampshire and remained as pastor of this church some seven or eight years and has made his home principally in Greenwood since coming West, and has recently returned to New Hampshire. The church was organized with only twelve members. John James and wife, B. F. Dake and wife, Mrs. Ann Washburn, O. E. Garrison, Mrs. Joseph Nealley and her daughter Susan were among the first members. They held their first services in the old red school-house which now stands vacant near Greenwood Village, This building they occupied several years and then for a short time occupied the Presbyterian church. They built their house of worship in 1871. It is a neat frame building situated in the village of Greenwood and will seat about 200 people. It was built at a cost of $3,300, including the lot it stands on. Their present membership numbers about fifty. Eev. J. Snashell was their pastor at the time they built their house. The following preachers have been in charge: S. F. Stimson, five years; A. D. Freeman, four years; Walter Boss, tbree years; Elder Rice, two years; Elder Cox, three years; John Young, three years; Kev. C. D. Fisher, now missionary in Japan; D. D. Odell and the present pastor, Bev. Happell.

The township of Greenwood contains four cemeteries. Greenwood Cemetery contains the first buried in the township. It is a beautiful "City of the dead," and favorably situated on a high elevation a half mile south of the village and contains about three acres. Here are to be seen many fine monuments erected to the memory of the departed.

The Soldiers' Monument towering over all speaks loudly of the patriotism and warm hearts of Greenwood's citizens who erected this beautiful memorial in honor of the brave men who died in defense of their country. It was unveiled on the 4th day of July, 1880, at which time appropriate speeches were made and services held. These grounds originally contained but little over one acre, and after the road was changed it was cut off from every means of access by a piece of land belonging to the farm of Mr. Thompson, which laid between it and the public highway. This piece of land had now become the property of a Mr. Peat, who> after considerable urging on the part of Jacob Eckert, Benjamin Baker, George Garrison and George Yan Hoozen, sold it to them. They immediately enlarged the ground to the present size.

In an early day a small burying ground was laid out in the vicinity of the Methodist church, which was built in the southern portion of the township. Those buried here are chiefly from Yirginia. The grounds are kept in good condition still.

Saw And Grist Mills

In 1841 Lake &Scolield built a saw-mill on section 11, which received its power from the Nippersink. For nearly twenty-five years this mill was in constant use and did an occasional job of sawing up till five years ago, but at present is torn down and the old site scarcely bears evidence of there ever having been a mill there.

About a mile below, on the Nippersink, Toles & Brown built another saw-mill, and in 1845 the same firm built a grist-mill, at an expense of about $5,000. In 1862 this mill was burned. Mr. Job Toles built the present grist-mill situated in the village and has found it a paying enterprise. It is in good repair and doing a good business.

In 1848 Abbott & Thompson erected the first cheese factory in the township. It was a capacious building and a good business was carried on, manufacturing annually about 100,000 pounds of cheese.

Mr. Job Toles built the second cheese factory in 1870; it is located near his grist-mill. Both of these factories are doing a good business and are among the first enterprises -and industries of the county.

Greenwood Village

never made. It was laid off in lots by Job Toles, in 1842, and an addition made in 1845. Though it contains a population of about 150, it has never been incorporated. The village is very beautifully located, situated in the northeastern portion of the township, on the south branch of the Nippersink. The surrounding country, together with the beautiful natural scenery closely surrounding the little villa, and the trim and tasty residences and the clean streets and walks, all combine to make it a pleasant spot to look upon and a most desirable place of residence. The first house built iu this place was erected by Lake & Scofield. The first store was opened by C. M. G-oodsell. It was a general store, and the stock was large. The first wagon-makers to set up business in this village were Burr & Go. Greenwood Village has always been a good business point for a country town. One store has always found a good trade. From time to time different branches of business have been added to the place, till now quite a list of industries are to be found here.

The following is a list of the business interests of Greenwood: Blacksmiths, James Crookshank, John Crookshank & Son; carpenter, R. M. Goddard; butter and cheese, J. A. Carlisle, Fink Brothers; wagon manufacturing, John Crookshank; groceries and tinware, Levi Cowdry; hotel, John Barber; lumberman, J. H. Garrison; lawyer, C. Marble ; merchant, D. W. Soper; flour-mills, Job Toles; physician, W. B. Hart; veterinary surgeon, E. G. Adams.

Hakvest Picnic

The people of Queen Ann Prairie, in the town of Greenwood, feeling that the great tendency of the laboring classes was to adhere too closely to toil and its drudgery, thought that anything that would jar the laboring classes once a year, and cause them to forget for one day in the year the busy scenes of life and allow the illuminating influence of society to change their countenances, would be a step toward the elevation of the class and an addition to the happiness of mankind. With this object in view the Harvest Picnic was instituted late in the summer of 1877, and the first gathering was held Aug. 23, 1877, in Michael Senger's grove, where it has been permanently located ever since. The gathering was a success,from a social standpoint, but when the harvest of 1878 returned there was added to this a literary programme, sustained entirely by the young people of the vicinity, which interesting feature has been a part of each annual festival since that time, and with each succeeding harvest there is an increased interest [_felt in its success, until now in 1884 it exerts an influence upon the growth and development of McHenry County.

Biographical

His grandparents were natives of Massachusetts; his great-grandparents, of England. In 1823 his parents moved to Ohio, and settled in Mayfield Township, Cuyahoga County. In 1845 he came to Illinois, and settled in McHenry Township, McHenry County, where he lived till 1868, when he moved to the farm he now owns, in Greenwood Township. In 1857 he abandoned wheat-growing, and turned his attention to the raising of stock and dairying. He is now breeding Scotch and English Polled cattle, and has a fine herd of black Aberdpen-Angus and red Polled animals, mostly imported from Scotland and England. Mr. Abbott was married in 1844 to Emeransa L. Tanner, of Ohio, the only child of Henry and Lucinda (Winsor) Tanner. They have three children - Francis A., Trus man A. and Charles T.

George Allen is a native of England, born in 1821, a son of Joseph and Elizabeth (Sykes) Allen. Of a family of seven children but three are living - George, Thomas and Mary. John, Anna, Ann and Eliza are deceased. Mr. Allen remained in his native country till twenty-four years of age, and in 1845 came to America, and located in McHenry County, 111. He entered forty acres of land from the Government, and by industry and economy has increased his possessions to 400 acres. He has 160 head of sheep, sixteen cows, and thirteen horses. His residence and farm buildings are commodious and comfortable. He has been an enterprising, progressive citizen, and is now one of the most influential in the township. He was married in 1845 to Elizabeth, daughter of Robert and Jane Harrison. They have had nine children - J. Elizabeth (wife of A. Still); Mary A., Harrison, Mary (2d), Ann Eliza and Harrison (2d) are deceased; William married Nellie Pierce, and has two children; Eliza and Fred are at home.

Sebrean Baldwin was born in "Windsor County, Vt., Jan. 15, 1813, a son of Levi G. Baldwin and a grandson of Jesse Baldwin. His father was a minister in the Baptist church, and died at the age of eighty-six years. He was physically a large, strong man, but with a mild, amiable disposition, yet possessed of admirable powers of command. He was a native of Massachusetts, but moved to Vermont when young, and there married Rebecca Taylor, daughter of Benjamin Taylor. They had a family of nine children. Betsey married George Wade. She died in Missouri, aged sixty years. Chancellor, a farmer of Bradford County, Pa., aged seventy-three years. Sebrean, our subject. Rebecca married George Franklin, and is still living, aged sixty-nine years. Levi, a mechanic, died at the age of sixty years. Frederick, a farmer; died at the age of forty years. Olive B. married Solomon Snell, and died aged forty years. Eliza married John Squire ; is sixty years of age. Irena married Isaac Cook, and died when thirty years of age. Sebrean Baldwin left home when seven years of age, and lived with strangers till sixteen. He received a good education, and taught five terms of school. He went to Pennsylvania, and worked at farming till 1839, when he came to Illinois and settled in McHenry County. He has held the office of Justice of the Peace sixteen years, and Town Collector several years. He was married Oct. 1, 1835, to Lovina Stevens, a native of Pennsylvania, born Sept. 11,1816, a daughter of Albigence and Thankful (Goff) Stevens. They have had twelve children, nine of whom grew to years of maturity. Norman enlisted in Company H, Ninety-fifth Illinois Infantry, and died at Memphis, Tenn., Feb. 19, 1862, from disease contracted in th army. He was married about a year prior to his enlistment, and left one daughter - Nellie, now of Kansas. Lucy married William Lee, now of Hebron, and has five children - Norma, Elizabeth, William, Carrie, and Bertie. Flora died at the age of eight months. Levi died in 1860, aged nineteen years, while teaching school in Logan County, 111. Helen died aged five months. Seth enlisted in Company K, One Hundred and Fortyfirst Illinois Infantry, and died at Columbus, Ky., in August, 1864, aged nineteen years, of disease contracted in the army. He is buried in Greenwood Cemetery, McHenry County. George F. is unmarried, and resides in McHenry County. Sebre died in September, 1883, aged thirty-four years. He was married, and left four children - Jessie, Louis, Sebre M., Florence and Bertha. Aristodes is a dentist, of Chicago. He was for three years a practicing physician of Stark County, III. He is married, and has one child - Alice. Jesse A. is an attorney at law in Chicago, 111.; married and has one child - Louisa. Julia died aged five years. Henry R., a school teacher, of Hebron, is now filling the place of

D. IT. Branson was born in Barrington. Yates Co., N. Y., Dee. 23, 1822, a son of Cyrus and Susan (Maxwell) Branson. In 1836 he came to Illinois and settled in Lockport, Will Couuty, remaining there nine years. He then went to Kane County, and in 1847 came to McHenry County, and. settled on the farm in Greenwood Township where his family still reside. The farm contains 120 acres of land, seventy-five of which are under cultivation. He made a specialty of dairying, milking nineteen cows. Mr. Branson was married in 1845 to Sarah E., daughter of Frederick and Mary (Green) Schryver, of New York. They had nine children - Cyrus M., the eldest, was killed at Whitesford, Md., in August, 1864. M. S. married Ira Strickland, May 16, 1868, and is now living in Dakota. She has three children - Frank, Ida and Adelbert. Phcebe L. married Charles L. Elsworth and is living in Missouri. She has four children - Mabel, Lewis, Ernest and an infant. Marshall, now of Kankakee, was married in 1880 to Clara "Walton. He has two children. Elmer, Edmund W., Amy L., Maxwell and Libbie are at home. Mr. Branson had six brothers and two sisters, of whom only three brothers and one sister are living, viz. : Montreville, Cyrus M., Elial and Susan E. D. H. Brunson died at his home, Nov. 15, 1884.

Mrs. S. T. Bryan is a native of Norway, born Sept. 5, 1820. She was married in Chicago, 111., to S. T. Bryan, being his third wife. They had no children. In 1843 Mr. Bryan came to Illinois and settled on the farm now occupied by his widow. He was one of the first Norwegian settlers of the county, and was one of its most respected citizens. He was influential in promoting many of the improvements of the township. The church opposite his farm was commenced and nearly finished by him. He was born Jan. 1, 1808, and died March 10, 1884, and was buried in the Scandinavian Cemetery. Mrs. Bryan's property is very valuable, being situated near Woodstock, and in the best farming portion of the county.

Samuel E. Clark is a native of New York State, born in Sullivan County in 1848, a son of James and Frances (Hollister) Clark. His parents came to Illinois in 1850 and settled in Mc- Henry County, on the farm now occupied by him. His father died in 1880 and is buried in Greenwood Cemetery. The mother is still living on the old homestead with her son. Samuel E.

Clark was reared and educated in McHenry County, and on attaining manhood turned his attention to agricultural pursuits. He now owns 340 acres of land. He also makes a specialty of sheep-raising, having between 500 and 600 head of the celebrated Spanish Merino breed. Mr. Clark is a highly respected citizen of the township. He has never married.

Peleg Dailey was born in New York State in 1824, a son of Thomas and Prudy (Egelston) Dailey. His father's family consisted of thirteen children; three died in infancy. The living are : Hannah, now Mrs. Charles Van Schaick; Lois, now Mrs. H. Wilson; Maria, now Mrs. William Wilson; Mary, now Mrs. Orvil Anderson; Martha, now Mrs. George Van Schaick; Eliza, now Mrs. Fred Brown; Charles, married a Miss Nichols, who died, and he then married Mrs. H. Dickenson; Samuel, married Betsey Dickinson; James and Peleg. Our subject came to Illinois in 18 - and located in McHenry County. He owns a fine property in Greenwood Township, where he is now living, retired from active business life, although he superintends his farm. He was married in 18 - to Polly A. Dake, daughter of Henry and Hannah (Spicer) Dake. They have had a family of ten children - Harriet is deceased; Ida, now Mrs. William Wilson; Delia, now Mrs. Henry Soudericker; Alvin, married Lina Dickenson, of Detroit; Charles, married Hattie Clement; Henry, married Nettie Garrison, who died, and he afterward married Dora Self; Fred is in Chicago; Arthur, in Iowa; Herman and William are at home. Politically Mr. Dailey is a Republican.

Henry Deitriech, son of Henry and Margaret (Schmidt) Deitriech, was born in France, Feb. 13, 1812. His parents died in the old country. He had two sisters, both deceased. He came to the United States in 1849 and located in McHenry County, 111., in McHenry Township. He remained there five years and then moved to Greenwood Township, where he has since resided. He has been successful in his pursuits and owns a good farm; also pays considerable attention to dairying, milking thirteen cows. He was married in 1833 to Barbara Delenbach, who died in November, 1883, after a married life of fifty years, and is buried in Queen Ann Cemetery, Greenwood Township. To them were born two daughters - Margaret, who was married in 1854 to Jacob Warner, and has three children - Mary, Jacob and Dora; and Lena, who was married in 1858 to Henry Herdklotz, and has three children - Laura, Henry and Fred.

Henry Eckert. - Jacob Eckert and wife, whose maiden name was Margaret Smith, sailed from France in March, 1838, with one son, Henry, who at that time was but eleven years of age. In the fall of the same year he located in what is now called Greenwood Township, McHenry County, 111. His first purchase consisted of 160 acres of land which he at once set about to improve and resided there till his death in L872, at the age of eighty-six years and six months. His wife died in 1860. To them had been born three sons, two of whom came to America, Jacob and Henry, and one, Michael, died in France. Henry now owns and occupies the old Eckert homestead, half of the property coming by heirship, and the balance he purchased of his brother Jacob at $6 per acre, which at present is all under cultivation with line improvements comparing well with the best in Greenwood Township. Mr. Eckert has been constantly adding to the pioneer home until his possessions now number 466£ acres, comprising three separate farms, two of which are carried on by his sons William H. and Frank. The home place is conducted by George W . Our subject, until attaining his majority, was under the kind care and guidance of fond parents, which he in turn reciprocated when old age bade them retire from active life. Mr. Eckert was. married in 1847 to Miss Catharine Senger, daughter of Jacob and Magdaline (Neuhardt) Senger. To them were born seven children, four sons and three daughters - William H., George W., Frank, Charles F., Catharina (deceased), Catherine (deceased), and Linda, the wife of George Burger, of Hebron, who has two children, a son and daughter. George W. married Miss Bertha Sigwald and has two children, a son and daughter. Charles graduated from Northern Indiana Business Institute, Valparaiso, in 1884. Our subject is of pioneer stock and is one of the most prosperous and influential citizens of his town and county. Shortly after his marriage he was elected the second Tax Collector of his town, iu which capacity he acted two years. At the expiration of this service he was chosen by the people as Commissioner of Highways, which position (although not lucrative) he enjoyed for a period of fifteen years to the full satisfaction of all fair-minded citizens; was afterward elected Assessor, but declined to act, owing to the fact that he had previously decided to conduct the foundry and machine works in Woodstock, which he continued three years when he again returned to his farm, and the year following was elected as Supervisor of his town, thus bespeaking for him'the full confidence

Harry Fosdich is a native of New York ; was born in Cazenovia, April 7, 1811, a son of John and Philena (Eoberts) Fosdick, natives of Vermont, and a grandson of "William and Polly (Sension) Fosdick. His grandfather came to America at the time of the Kevolutionary war. Harry Fosdick left New York in 1827 and settled near Cleveland, Ohio, remaining there seventeen years. He then moved to McHenry County, 111., and settled on the farm in Greenwood Township where he now lives. He was married July 19, 1835, to Pattie Francisco, who was born in Mayfield Township, Cuyahoga Co., Ohio, June 16, 1819, a daughter of John A. and Elizabeth (Near) Francisco. They have a family of eleven children - Leroy married Frances B. Grace and has two children; Margaret married Edwin Merritt and has seven children; Marion married James Murray and has two children; Milan marriedLucy Singer and has two sons; Chloe married Thomas Skillicom who died in the war of the Rebellion and she afterward married Al. Bellows; Hester married C. H. Fairchild and has had five children, one of whom is deceased ; Charity A. married John A. Murphy and has four children; Henry A. is at home; Nellie C. married M. J. Wright and has two children; Charles M. married Etta Barrows; John A. is at home. Mr. Fosdick was one of a family of ten children, three sons and seven daughters, but six of whom are living. Mrs. Fosdick's parents were natives of New York, her father born June 9, 1783, and her mother Dec. 28, 1780. They were married Jan. 27, 1803, and to them were born eight children, three sons and five daughters, of whom Mrs. Fosdick and her brother Abram, of Nunda, 111., are the only ones living. Mrs. Fosdick was one of triplets, all of whom lived till maturity, one living to be thirty and another to be fifty-three years of age. The father died April 13, 1827, and the mother Dec. 20, 1870.

George Frey is a native of France, born in 1843, a son of Peter and Charlotte (Deitriech) Frey. He came with his parents to the United States in 1845, landing in New York, and from thc.-j coming direct to McHenry County, where his mother died in 1861 and his father in 1884. He was married in 1875 to Lena Schaff, daughter of George and Lena (Soudericker) Schaff. They have one son - William, born June 30, 1877. Mr. Frey owns 180 acres of choice land; 110 acres are under cultivation, thirty acres in

Peter Frey is a native of France, born in 1831, a son of Peter and Barbara (Deitriech) Frey. His parents came to the United States in 1845 and located in Greenwood Township, McHenry Co., 111., where the mother died in 1861 and the father in 1884. They were the parents of four children - Michael died in 1850; George married Lena Schaffin 1876 and has one child - Willie; Margaret married Fred Bertchey in 1857, who died in 1858, and she afterward married John Buckley, and has one child - Etta. Mr. Buckley died in 1866. Peter was married in 1857 to Elizabeth Soir dericker, daughter of Henry and Charlotte (Senger) Soudericker. They have had eleven children - Michael W., Carrie C, Lizzie S., Emma M., Peter H., Ida M., George J., Jennie I., Charles B., Lillie B. and Nettie A. Lillie B. died March 14, 1884, aged six years and four months. Mr. Frey bought the farm where he now resides in 1861. He owns 300 acres of land, 150 of it under cultivation, and fifty acres in corn. He has twenty cows. He is one of Greenwood's most enterprising citizens.

William D. Crimen was born in Bath County, Va., Jan. 11, 1818, a son of Henry Given. In 1839 he came with his brother Musto B. Given, and Jesse Slaven (the latter] now of Missouri), to McHenry County, 111., and located on section 35, Greenwood Township, where he has since resided. He was one of the first settlers of the county, and was obliged to endure many hardships incident to a new country. He has been prosperous and is now enjoying the fruits of his labors, having a fine farm of 191 acres. He during his long residence in McHenry County has made many friends. He has held the office of School Director and Trustee and of Road Commissioner. For many years he has been a worthy and influential member of the Masonic fraternity. He was married in Highland County, Va., May 1, 1838, to Rachel B. Slaven. After a married life of thirty years they were separated, death claiming Mrs. Given in 1858. She left a family of seven children - Margaret Jane, wife of Amos Steveson, of Hartland Township; Charles Alexander, married Susie Rider, of Greenwood Township; Anna E., married Henry Barlow, of Greenwood Township; Musto J., married Rowena Hakes, and resides in "Woodstock; William B., is unmarried and makes his father's house his home; Kittie, married E. T. McCoy, and lives in Virginia; Stewart,

George Herdklotz, son of Michael and Sally (Schmidt) Herdklotz, came to McHenry County, 111., in 1839, his brother P. J. having preceded him one year. When he first came to this county he was without means, but by industry and energy has accumulated a good farm of 156 acres, and has a dairy of seventeen cows. He was married in 1853 to Effie Kuhn, daughter of Jacob and Catherine (ISTeighardt) Kuhn. They have had seven children - "William, married Charlotte Soudericker, Dec. 25, 1874, and has four children^ - Mary, Charles, Gustave and Isabelle; George; Jacob, died in in. fancy; Sarah, married Fred Schneider May 13, 1880; Kattie, Edward nd Ida. Mrs. Herdklotz has one brother, Jacob Kuhn, who married Elizabeth Highsman and has seven children - George, Jacob, Henry, Emil, Willie, Charlie and Frank. His daughter Laura died at the age of three years.

P. J. Herdklotz was born in France, Feb. 27, 1820, a son of Michael and Sarah (Schmidt) Herdklotz. His parents came with their family to the United States in 1839 and settled in Dorr Township, McHenry County, 111. The father was killed by lightning in 1853 and from that time life lost all its charms for the mother. She died of a broken heart in 1S55. They had six children, but four of whom are living - Michael was married in 1846 to Maggie Herdklotz; they have three children - Maggie, Michael, and Henry. George was married in 1853 to Effie Kuhn; they have had seven children but six of whom are living - William, George, Edward, Sarah, Kattie and Ida. Henry married Lena Dietreich and has three children - Laura, Henry and Fred. Barbara maraied John Neimeyer, who was killed in the war of the Rebellion. She has one son - Henry, now of Chicago, 111. P. J. Herdklotz was married in 1848 to Katie Soudericker, of McHenry County. They have seven children - Katie, married Fred Buchmann, of Chicago; Maggie, also of Chicago; Christina, married Emil Pfeiffer in 1874, and has one child - Henry A.; Eliza, married Jacob Dellenback, of Seneca Township; Peter H., Sarah C. and Emma are at home. Sarah is a school teacher and devotes her spare time to the study of music. P. J. Herdklotz moved to the farm where he now lives in 1849. He had nothing left after paying $40 for his claim but now owns 207 acres of fine land all well improved.

in Ireland. They had a family of ten children - Cornelius and Patrick (deceased), John, James, Peter, Thomas, Joseph, Bridget Mary and Mathew. John, James and Bridget are in Ireland, the others in America. Mr. Howard left his native home April 16 1835, and came to the United States. In 1838 he came to Illinois and entered 160 acres of land in McHenry County. He was one of the first Irish settlers in the county. He was a poor man when he came to this country but has been industrious and economical and now has a fine property. He owns 320 acres of good land in this county. He was married in 1842, to Catherine Short. She died in 1849, leaving three children - Johanna, who married Patrick Nolan and has two children - Mary and John; James S., and Thomas, married Mary Ryan. In 1855 Mr. Howard married Mary Griffin, of Chicago. They have two children - John J. and Edward .

Gary Howell is a native of Monroe County, N". Y., born Feb. 27> 1817, a son of John and Phoebe (Cary) Howell. He was reared in his native county, remaining there till 1870 when he came with his family to Illinois and located in McHenry County on the farm he still occupies. He has 100 acres of land, ninety of it under cultivation. Mr. Howell was married in 1841, to Mary A. Baird, daughter of Byron and Catherine (Combs) Baird. They have had three children - Sarah J., died in 1868; John was married in 1868> to Maria Warren, of Canada, and now lives in Jo Daviess County, 111.; Helen D., married W. A. Baker, of this township. She has three children - Rhena, Bessie and Benjamin C. Mr. Howell's parents had a family of eight children, viz.: Cary, Sydney, Emerson, John H., Spencer, Eliza, Vienna and Martha J.

James McDonald is a native of Ireland, born April 25, 1843, a son of James and Mary (Gall) McDonald. His parents came to the United States in 1849 and settled in Vermont where they remained four years. They then moved to Chicago, 111., and eighteen months later to Richmond, 111. They had a family of eleven children - Alice and Patrick died in Ireland; William died in- Chicago; John; Anna, now Mrs. William Brooks; Bridget, now Mrs. John Darnrody; Ellen, now Mrs. Tim Hayes, of Jackson ville, 111.; Thomas, in parts unknown; Mary, now Mrs. Michael Powers, of Kansas; Alice, married John Holian, of Richmond, 111., and died in 1880; James, lives in Greenwood, McHenry Co., 111. The father died in 1859, and the mother in 1875. Both are buried in Jacksonville, 111. Mr. McDonald has now made

McHenry County his home for thirty years. He enlisted in 1861 in the Nineteenth Illinois Infantry, and served three years, under Generals Thomas and Rosecrans. He participated in the battles of Stone River, Chickamauga, Lookout Mountain and Missionary Ridge, at which battle he was wounded in the right thigh. After his recovery he returned to his regiment and participated in the battle of Resaca, Ga. He was then mustered out, in July, 1864, and returned home, and was soon after married to Rosana, daughter of John and Ellen Braidy. In 1881 Mr. McDonald bought his present farm, which consists of 218 acres - 178 acres being cultivated and the rest timber land. He has a good residence and farm buildings. His farm is well stocked, having thirty cows, nine horses and a number of sheep and hogs.

A. W. Murphy was born in Braxton County, "W". Ya., April 3, 1816, the son of John J. and Luvica ("Wilson) Murphy. When twenty-two years of age he left his native State and came to Illinois locating on the farm in McHenry County, where he still lives, on sections 22 and 23, Greenwood Township. He has 187 acres of choice land, 100 acres under cultivation. He was married Oct. 10, 1839, to Caroline M. Squires, daughter of Elijah and Elizabeth (Gip6on) Squires. They have had seven children, five of whom are living - E. B. H. married Josephine Hicks and has seven children. Col. A. was married in 1879. His wife died in 1883 leaving one child. Frank lives in Minnesota where he was married and has one child. Charles B. was married in 1879 to Myrtie Barnes and has two children - Roy and Lora M. P. W. is living at home. John W. died in infancy. James N. enlisted in Company H, Ninety-fifth Illinois Infantry, and died at Memphis, Feb. 8, 1862. Mr. Murphy had four brothers and seven sisters; five sisters - Felicity, Nancy, Fannie, Susan and Betsey A. are deceased. Jane married Charles Duffield. Melvina married Marshall Johnson.

Jeremiah Quinlan was born in County Cork, Ireland, a son of John and Ellen Quinlan, both long since deceased. He came to the United States in May, 1838, and located in McHenry County. In 1841 he bought a part of the land where he now lives, and has by additions from time to time increased his possessions till he now owns 54A acres. He has 120 acres under cultivation. He has made a specialty of dairying, and has a fine pasture. He milks thirty-seven cows, but at present sells his milk at the factory. He has been industrious and has accumulated a good property.

He is one of the most enterprising and public-spirited men of the township. He was married July 16, 1862, to Mary A. Scully, of Hartland Township, a daughter of John and May (Dougin) Scully. They have had nine children - Nellie A., born Jan. 25, 1864; John J., born Jan. 23, 1866; Mary D., Feb. 14, 1868; Daniel F., Oct. 14, 1870; Catherine £., Nov. 19, 1871; Jeremiah F., Dec. 10, 1873; Cecilia M., Nov. 21, 1875; Lucy, June 20, 1878; Alphonsus, Nov. 7, 1880. Mr. Qninlan had four brothers and two sisters, viz.: Catherine is deceased; Humphrey married Helen O'Hand; Cornelius married Mary Murphey; John married Catherine Higgins; Dennis, now of Chicago, married Catherine Galvin; Ellen married Joseph Raycraft.

William H. Rider is a native of Virginia, born Nov. 20, 1844, a son of Rev. William J. and Rosanna (Sharp) Rider. His parents came to Illinois in 1845. His father was one of the first ministers of the Methodist Episcopal church in this county. He died in 1878. They had a family of twelve children, but seven of whom are living - S. S., married Mary Lockbridge, who died in 1878; Aaron, married Theresa Burlingame (now deceased), and has two children; Eldridge Y., of Denver, Col., married Justina Wood and has four children; Margaret A., married A. W. Green of Kansas, and has three children; Tilda, married James Shelley, of Kansas, and has had five children (one is deceased); Susan E., married Charles A. Given of this township; and William H. John died in 1830; James, in 1835; Eliza, in 1838, Morgan, in 1883; and Sarah, in 1884. William H. Ryder was reared and educated in McHenry County, and with the exception of seven years spent in Minnesota and Iowa has made it his home since 1845. He has always followed agricultural pursuits and now owns 140 acres of land all under cultivation. He was married to Martha N. Brown, daughter of Charles and Johanna (AmonsoD) Brown, of Minnesota. They have four children - Ross B., Earl E., Myrtle M. and Reuben, all at home.

Michael Senger was born in Alsace, France, in 1839, a son of Jacob and Magdelina (Neihardt) Senger, and in 1845 came with the family to the United States; landed in New York; thence to Chicago and to McHenry County. They located in Greenwood Township, where he was reared and educated. He was married in 1864 to Caroline Schneider, daughter of Adam and Barbara (Kochersperger) Schneider. They have two children - Edward A., born in 1865, and Nellie A., born in 1867. Mr. Senger is one of the most energetic and industrious men of the township. His farm shows the result of a thrifty manager. He owns 139 acres of land, fifty-five acres being tillable. His location is one of the best in the township, having a fine view of Queen Ann Prairie.

Peter Senger, son of Jacob and Lena (Neihardt) Senger, was born in France (now Germany) in 1834. He was one of a family of six children, his brothers and sisters being as follows: Kate, born in 1828, was married in 1844, to Henry Eckert; Jake, born March 22, 1830, was married in 1857, to Antionette Wheeler (they have had fifteen children; two are deceased); Henry, born in 1837, was married in 1864 to Johanna Niewirth, and has seven children; Michael, born in 1840, was married in 18.65 to Caroline Schneider, and ha6 two children; Lena, born in 1848, was married in 1869 to Milan Fosdick and has two children. Their parents came to the United States in 1841 and located in McHenry County, on the farm now owned by Frank Eckert. Two years later they moved to the farm now owned by Peter Senger. He was reared and educated in this county and on attaining manhood engaged in agricultural pursuits. He has been successful in his dealings, and now owns 300 acres of land, 240 being under cultivation. He has a fine pasturage and milks twenty-two cows. He is one of the most thriving farmers of the township, and is one of the most forward in advancing all public interests. He was married in 1854 to Dorothea, daughter of Henry and Dorothea (Vogas) Niewirth. They have four children - Peter H., born April 7,1856, was married in 1883 to Lizzie Hansman; Josephine H, born June 6, 1858, was married June 6, 1875, to John Zimphleman, and has one child - Dora; Charles M., born March 21, 1864; Otto Henry J., born Nov. 28, 1876. Peter Senger is a member of the Presbyterian church.

Dwight Smith was born June 20, 1827, in ISTew London County, Conn., a son of Ezra B. and Harriet M. (Rogers) Smith, his father a descendant of Elder Brewster, one of the Pilgrim fathers, and his mother a descendant of old John Rogers. He was one o eight children, seven sons and one daughter, six of whom are living. When he was seven years of age his parents moved to Castile, Wyoming Co., JST. Y. He remained at home till he was of age, and in October, 1848, came to Illinois with a brother, and worked on a farm near Ridgefield, McHenry County, by the month, two and a half years. His health failing he went back to his old home and remained a year. In the spring of 1852 he went to Ohio, and in April, 1856, came to Illinois, and on the 26th of the same month was married to Mary A. Condry, a native of Litchfield, Conn. , born April 20, 1833. The first year of his married life he lived at Ridgefield, but in March, 1857, moved to Greenwood Township and settled on the farm where he now lives. He owns 200 acres of choice land, 100 acres under cultivation and the rest rich pasture and meadow land. He runs a dairy of twenty cows. He has a pleasant residence, large and comfortable farm buildings. He is a great lover of horses and always drives a good team. He is one of the most enterprising men of the township, his farm showing the care of an energetic and thrifty owner. Mrs. Smith died May 25, 1884, leaving three children, a son and two daughters. She was a loving wife, an affectionate mother, and a kind neighbor, respected by everybody.

George SouderioJcer was born Aug. 25, 1827, a son of Henry and Charlotte (Senger); Soudericker, natives, of France. He married Henrietta Butchler, of Prussia, a daughter of Henry and Henrietta Butchler. They have had five children; one, Henrietta, died in 1853. Charlotte was married in 1875 to William Herdklotz and has four children - Mary, Charles, Gustave and Isabella. George married Lucy Pflugardt and lives in Wisconsin. Henrietta married Charles Pflugardt, of Wisconsin. Edward is at home with his parents. Mr. Soudericker owns 124 acres of land, eighty acres under cultivation. He has a fine pasture and milks eleven cows. Politically he is a Democrat. He is a member of the Presbyterian church. He had five sisters and two brothers. His sister Margaret married Henry Harmon and had three children. She died in 1879. Lena married George Schaaf. Peter lives in Woodstock. Henry married Sophia Niswert. Katie married P. J. Herdklotz. Eliza married P. Frey. Charlotte married a Mr. Yench. One of his brothers was in the French army in 1845, serving under King Louis Philip.

Aristedes Stevens is a native of Pennsylvania, born in 1818, the son of A-llegiance and Thankful (Goff) Stevens. His mother died when he was quite young. He remained with his father in Pennsylvania until 1839, when the family came to McHenry Connty, where the father died the following year. Mr. Stevens entered forty acres of land in Greenwood Township, and soon after increased it to eighty acres. The first year after coming to the county he worked in the mill at Greenwood. The next three years he rented the mill and ran it four years. Since then he has turned his attention to farming and has increased his landed estate to 170 acres, ninety acres being tillable, balance pasture and timber. He lias been prosperous, and has made his farm one of the best in the township. He has a pleasant residence and commodious farm buildings. Mr. Stevens was married in 1843 to Charity M., daughter of Lewis and Julia (Page) Boone. They have had four children; one, Lillian, is deceased. Mary L. married George W. Baker, who enlisted in the late civil war, and while in the service contracted a bronchial disease from the effects of which he died. They had one child - Nellie M., now Mrs. Charles Smith. She in 1876 married John Mansfield, and to them have been born three, children - George, Ella and Mary. Charlotte A. married Frank Mansfield and has two children - Edith and Eltine. Lavina S. married Joseph M. Garrison, son of George H. Garrison, and has three children - George, Bertie and Charles.

A. O. Thompson was born'in Vermont in 1820, a son of Apollos and Lucinda (Dexter) Thompson. His parents moved to Ohio in 1821, remaining there till 1842 when they came to Illinois. His mother died Dec. 25, 1842, in Lake County, 111., near Long Grove. His father died in March, 1.861, in Dorr Township, McHenry County. They had three sons - Erastus G., A. C. and Mark. Mr. Thompson was married in 1847 to Mary J. Neely. They have seven children - Herbert N., of Greenwood Township, was married in 1874 to Cora Carr, and has two children - Clifford and Lester. Edwin H., of McHenry Township, was married in 1871 to Rose Barrough and has four children - Frank, Lavern, Evaline and Irene. MerrittW., a physician, graduated from Rush Medical College, Chicago, in 1878, and now resides at 286 and 288 W. Indiana St., Chicago, 111. He married Sarah Gibson, of Chicago and has two children - Mary and Walter M. Frank G. and George E. are living at home. A. Eugene is in Chicago, 111., studying pharmacy. Mary L. is at home. Mr. Thompson has held the office of Justice of the Peace live terms, Supervisor two years, and School Trustee the most of the time since coming to the county.

James Watson was born in New York State in 1818, a sou of Lotus and Olive (Arnold) Watson. His parents had a family of seven children; but two are living - Hannah, now Mrs. Orison E wings, and James. The deceased are - Stephen, who married Mary A. White; they had five children, all deceased. A. Lansing married Louis Kinney and had five children. Samuel married Sallie Arnadon; had two children. Mary A. married L. Finch and had five children. Susan married Joel Norcross and had seven children. Mr. Watson came to Illinois in 1836, and in 1837 came to Mc-

HenryConnty and settled in Greenwood Township where he now owns 219 acres of choice land with large and commodious farm buildings. He milks forty cows. He was one of the first settlers of the township and has always done all in his power toward advancing her interests. He is an enterprising public-spirited man, and always takes a prominent part in anything that tends to the promotion of mankind. He was married in 1846 to Lcfuisa Button. They had four children; bnt three are living - Olive, now Mrs. John Adams ;Orville, married Eva Brown, nd Nellie, now Mrs. John Pringle. His wife died in 1878, and in 1883 he married Emeline McCune.

J. E. Wesson is a native of Canada, born in 1839, a son of Nathan and Mary (Mosier) Wesson. His parents had a family of eight children - Lydia, married John Mansfield and died in 1876 leaving five children; Maria, married William McClure and died in 1869, leaving two children; Caroline, married Norman Ford, and died leaving three children; Lucy, died in infancy; Betsey, married C. C. Hewitt, now of Washington Territory, and has three children; Sarah, unmarried, lives in San Jose, Cal. ; Mary, married Judson Hyde, of Clinton, Iowa; James E., married Helen Nelson, of Barrington, 111., in 1872, and has two children; Frank and Hettie. Mr. Wesson came to McHenry County in 1874, and bought the farm known as the Hines place. He owns 163 acres of land, 150 acres being under cultivation. He is a thrifty, energetic farmer, and has one of the best homes in the township.

Burton Wright was born in Geauga County, Ohio, a son of Ransom and Elizabeth (Thompson) Wright. He was one of eight children, two of whom are dead - Cyrus J., died in 1852. Louisa, died in 1872. She was married in 1852 to Walter Marshman. She had five children; but three are living - Ella, Willie and Arthur. Lenora and Leroy are deceased. Of those living, Leroy was born in 1830 and married Lucinda Justus. He has three children - Ida, Estella and Bertha. Columbus P. was born in 1832 and was married in 1856 to Mary Lyon. They have six children - Jerome, Yivia, Ellsworth, Delos, Omar and Nellie. Elizabeth was born in 1834 and was married in 1858 to George Kennedy. They have had six children - Willie (deceased), Emma, George, Arthur, Stewart and Lula. Charlotte was born in 1836, and was married in 1857 to Horace Gray. They have had two children - Adalia (deceased) and Frank. Ransom was born in 1838; now lives in Stevenson County, 111. Burton Wright came to McHenry

County in 1869, and settled on the farm where he now lives. He owns 315 acres of land, 255 of it tillable, and the rest is good pasture. He milks about forty cows. He has been a prominent man in the township since coming here, bis energy and enterprise being appreciated by his fellow townsmen. He has held the office of Assessor three years, School Trustee seven years, Director eight years, and Township Commissioner two years. He was one of the grand jury which met in Chicago in 1880 and 1884. He was married in 1849 to Sophia Byrum, of Ohio, who died in 1861, leaving three children - Rosalia, married Dewey Thompson in 1870 and has four children - Leslie, Ina, Minnie and Guy; Myron and Byron (twins). Myron graduated with high honors at the State University, Champaign, in 1877. He married Nellie Fosdick and resides on the farm adjoining his father's on the north. He has two children - Ward and Edith. Byron married Julia Ellsworth and has two children - Cleo and Bessie. In 1863 Mr. Wright was married to Hulda Coon. They have two children - H. P. and Charles. H. P. graduated with high honors from the Woodstock Public Schools and is now taking a scientific course at the Northwestern University, Evanston, 111. Charles is still at home.

Leroy Wright is a native of New York, born in Ohio, the son ot Pansom and Elizabeth (Thompson) Wright. He was reared in his native State, receiving a common-school education. He came to Illinois in 1862, and settled in McHenry County in 1875, where he now owns 140 acres of land, 120 acres being under cultivation. He is one of the most substantial and public-spirited men of the township. He was married in 1852 to Lucinda Justus, daughter of John and Abigail (Townsley) Justus. They have three children - Ida Belle, Estelle M., and Bertha M. Ida B. was married in 1876 to William Bourne, who died in 1879 leaving two children. In 1883 she was married to Luther Landon.

M. J. Wright was born in Stockton, Jo Daviess County, 111., Jan. 23, 1855, a son of Burton Wright, of Greenwood Township. He received a common-school education and in 1873 entered the Illinois Industrial University, at Champaign, from which he graduated in June, 1877. After completing his college course he returned to his home in McHenry County and engaged in teaching a short time but since then has turned his attention to farming- He lives on section 27, Greenwood Township, where he has one of the best farms in the county. He also pays considerable attention to stock-raising; has sixty head of graded short-horn cattle. He has a fine creamery and manufactures a good grade of butter. He rents land which he cultivates in addition to his own land. This year, 1884, he has land cultivated as follows: Thirty-five acres in oats; fifty-five acres in corn; sixty acres in grass, and seventy acres in pasture land. Mr. "Wright is one of the most intelligent and best informed men of the county. Fitted for any position in life, he makes his chosen vocation a profitable one. He was married Dec. 10, 1879, to Nellie Fosdick, a daughter of Harry Fosdick, of Greenwood Township. They have two children - Ward Ellis, born Sept. 13, 1880, and Edith Huldah, born May 26, 1882. Politically Mr. Wright is a Republican.

Chapter Xxii

Location. - Physical Features. - A Good Site fob a Village. - Settlement. - Origin of Name. - Organization. - First Events. - Officers. - Schools. - Mail Facilities. - Cemeteries. - Early Dispute about Claims. - Counterfeiters. - Catholic Church. - School Statistics. - Biographical.

This is the northwest township of the four central ones. Bounded as follows: On the north by Alden, on the east by Greenwood, on the south by Seneca and on the west by Dunham, being township 45 north, range 6. Originally this township, was principally timber land with scarcely a patch of prairie in it, and to-day is one of the best timbered in the county, though fine farms are to be found all over the township, especially on the north and east sides. The improvements are good throughout and it ranks well with other townships in the county as a grain-growing and stock-raising township.

Settlement

It is not positively known who .the first man was who settled in this township. Some claim Mr. F. Griffin and others contend that it was George Stratton, while some declare that John Quinlan was the first to take up his residence here. It is known that they all came in an early day as well as P. W. Tower, and a Mr. Smith, afterward known as "Whisky Smith." Mr. Quinlan came from the County of Cork, Ireland, and settled in the southern portion of the township where he still resides. P. M. Dunn, also from Ireland, settled in this township in a very early day, but remained only a few years when he went to Iowa. ¥m. Fanning came from Ireland, stopped a short time in Hartland, and then moved to Iowa where he died many years ago. AlvinJudd settled in Hartland, in 1836; after residing in the township a short time he moved to "Woodstock, where he remained till his death, which occurred in 1880. He was a native of New York State. He bought the land where Woodstock now stands and laid it off in lots. He built the first house there, where the First National Bank nowstands. James Judd, a brother of Alvin Judd, was also one of Hartland's early settlers, but he remained only a short time when he moved to Iowa.

Andrew J. Haywood came from Connecticut, and after making Hartland his home a few years moved to Chicago, where he died. Apollos Hastings, from Vermont, was for several years a resident of this township. He moved to "Wisconsin where he was killed by falling timbers in his barn while engaged in unloading hay.

About the date of the settlement of this township the enterprise of constructing the Illinois & Michigan Canal fell through for the want of funds. This threw a great many laborers out of employment and they sought other fields of labor. Some of them having friends in Hartland came to this township; their coming induced others, and it was not long till the township was settled principally by Irishmen and has ever since been known as the Irish township.

The Name

was chosen at a meeting of the citizens for that purpose held in 1840. It was named for a township called Hartland, in New York State. Some of the sons of Erin, true to their fatherland wanted it called Antrim for a county in Ireland on which the sun can scarcely shine for the hills.

In 1850 this township with the others throughout the county was organized and the following officers elected: Alonzo Colder, Supervisor; Patrick Hayes, Clerk; Patrick McCafiery, Assessor; Cornelius Desmond and Dennis Haley, Commissioners of Highways; Joel "Wood, Justice of the Peace; Cornelius Collins, Constable; Daniel Blair, Overseer of the Poor.

Present officers: D. H. Flavin, Supervisor; Patrick A. Nolan, Clerk; Wm. Desmond, Assessor; Mike McCabe, Collector; Mike Sheahan and Cornelius Nolan, Commissioners of Highways; Wm. Desmond, School Trustee.

First Events

white child born in the township. Mr. John Short, now a resident of "Woodstock, and known to every one as Squire Short, is the said child. Mr. Francis Short made this township his home till a short time previous to his death, which occurred recentlj7.

Some claim that Kate Donnelly, daughter of Andrew Donnelly, was the first child born in the township. She is now a resident of Kansas. The first death in the township occurred in 1840, Mrs. Debbit being the person ; her remains were the first interred in Hartland Cemetery.

The county records show that Wm. Fanning and Catherine Donnelly were the first couple married in the township who were residents of it, but it is thought a wedding took place at the residence of a Catholic priest previous to this, Walter Gibbs and "Widow Sutton, from McHenry, being the contracting parties.

The marriage of "Wm. Fanning took place on the 4th day of February, 1842; ceremony performed by J. Gregory, a Catholic priest. Fanning is now dead and his widow resides in Iowa.

The first school-house was built in 1841; it was located about a half mile north of where the Catholic church now stands. It served as a school-house for many years and was torn down several years ago.

First religious services were held in the house of Andrew Donnelly by Father Plunkard, the worshipers being exclusively of the Catholic faith.

Saw- Mill

About the year 1839 or 1840 Mr. Wesley Diggins built a sawmill on section 20. It was run by the waters of Kishwaukee Creek, which enters the township on section 3, and passes out on section 32. While the timber lasted this mill did a flourishing business, but has long since fallen into disuse and decay. It was situated at the forks of the road, where a store was opened in 1845, and did a good business for about three years, when it was discontinued. This little business point gave promise at onetime of growing into a village of some note, and was called by the people in the vicinity Brookdale, but to-day the name is all that remains of the once-promising little nucleus of a village. About the year 1842 or '43 a store was opened at Oliver's Corners, and was run about one year. At present the township is without a store, the trading points being Harvard and Woodstock.

Mail Facilities

For many years these people were compelled to get their mail at McClure's Grove, about a mile southeast of Dundee, it being about twenty-five miles distant. After a time they were enabled to get their mail at Crystal Lake; finally they got a postoffice established near the middle of Hartland Township, at the residence of Alvin Judd. About the year 1854 Eden postoffice was established, near the eastern side of the township. Henry Oliver was first Postmaster, and Peter McFarland the second. In 1855 a postoffice was established at Deep Cut, on the railroad, and continned till 1865. From 1865 to 1879 they got their mail at Woodstock and Harvard. At this date a postoffice was established at Kishwaukee, and is still in existence. Philip Gafner has been the Postmaster since it was established.

In 1843 a rail pen, surrounding a single grave, was Hartland's only burying ground . In 1844 a Mr. Brocken donated a plot of ground in section 13 for burial purposes, and here is the Hartland Cemetery now located. There is another small private burying ground in another portion of the township.

In this township, as well as most of the townships, the first settlers took up much larger claims than those who followed them thought they were entitled to, and consequently many a bitter dispute arose and many meetings were called with a view of harmonizing matters, and many attended these meetings with firearms in their possession, ready, if necessary, to maintain their rights through that means; but we are happy to state that all difficulties were amicably adjusted, without resorting to any extreme measures.

In an early day there were parties in this township who were caught in the act of counterfeiting silver coin. Their lair was a sort of a cave in the timber, covered over with planks and sward. About a mile distant was their shanty, situated in the timber. It is not known to what extent they carried their counterfeiting, but they found that their manner of doing business was not approved of by their new neighbors, and concluded to take their departure, which was done between two days, and they were never seen or heard of again in Hartland Township.

Catholic Church

There is but one church in Hartland Township, and that is the Catholic. It was established in 1840, when the first church was built. It was a frame building, about 20 x 30 feet located near the present fine brick church, which was built about twenty years ago, at a cost of over $8,000. Its dimensions are 95 x 45 feet Among the first members of this organization were Andrew Don. nelly and family, John'Donnelly, Frank Short and family, Mathew Howard, Neill Donnelly and family, John and Jerry Quinlan, Philip Debett and family, Dennis Lawn and family, Morris Sullivan and family, Humphrey, Cornelius and Dennis Quinlan, John Sullivan. The present membership exceeds 100 families.

The following is a list of priests who have had this church in charge from its beginning up to the present time: Father Plunkert, FatherDupontarvis, Father St. Palla, Father Gagin, Father Mc- Mahen, Father Braidy, Father Hampston, Father O'Hara, Father Maher, Father Karden, Father Shedy, Father Fitzsimons, Father Eagen, and Father Gavin the present priest in charge.

School Statistics

The school report for 1884 shows the following for Hartland: Seven school-houses; annual amount of salary paid teachers, $1,639.76 ; No. children of school-age, 395; value of school property, $6,000.

The Chicago & Northwestern Railroad traverses this township in a northeasterly and southwesterly direction, passing nearly through the center of the township. In 1877 a depot was established near Deep Cut and named Kishwaukee. Though the site is a good one for a village, capital seems to avoid the enterprise of establishing one, owing, probably, to, the nearness of the two thriving cities of Harvard and Woodstock.

Michael Burke, an intelligent and successful farmer of Hartland Township, was born in County Mayo, Ireland, in 1839. In 1862 he bade his friends good-bye and started for America. He landed in New York City, and a few days later proceeded to Ohio, thence to Indiana, and in 1867 to McHenry County, 111., and settled in Hartland Township, on the farm where he has since resided. He owns 120 acres of valuable land and is engaged in general farming. Although a poor man when he came to America, he has by his energy and good management been successful and has accumulated a good property. By his business integrity he has won the confidence and esteem of his fellow- citizens. He is a strong advocate of the common-school system, and one of its most liberal supporters. He was married in 1867 to Ann Harraghty, a native of Ireland. They have five children, one son and four daughters. Mr. and Mrs. Burke are members of the Catholic church.

Martin Cooney, deceased, was born in Ireland, March 15, 1815. He was married in November, 1843, to Mary McConna, who was born April 20, 1820. In 1845 he came to America and located in McHenry County, 111., near what is now Kishwaukee Station. He was a very successful farmer and stock-raiser, and accumulated a large amount of property. He died Dec. 16, 1866. His widow is living on the old homestead. She has been a hard-working, economical woman, and is one of the most esteemed of the early settlers. She is the mother of eleven children - Roderick D., Patrick J., John H. (deceased), Thomas F., James, Mary A. (deceased), Anna (wife of F. E. Kennedy), Martin, Michael E. (deceased) Frank P., and "William. James is managing the homestead, making his home with his mother. They have a large stock of cattle and hogs of the best grades, and also carry on a large dairy, milking about forty-five cows. Mrs. Cooney, as was her husband, is a prominent member of the Catholic church.

Frederick Eppel, a successful farmer of Hartland Township, was born in France, Nov. 25, 1842, a son of Jacob and Margaret (Fry) Eppel. He remained in his native country till thirteen years of age, and was there educated in both the French and German languages. In 1855 he came with his parents to the United States landing in New York City, and coming thence to McHenry County. They settled on a farm in Hartland Township where the father died in 1872. The mother is still living. They had a family of seven children; all are living - Jacob, Frederick, Henry, Christian, Margaret, wife of William Miller; Catherine, wife of Michael Schaaf, and Magdaline, wife of Henry Harman. Frederick remained with his parents till manhood, and after coming to this country attended the district schools. In 1864 he enlisted in company H, Ninety-fifth Illinois Infantry, and served eight months.

He was taken sick at New Orleans, and was discharged. After his return home lie devoted his attention to agriculture, and has made a success of his chosen occupation. He was married in 1870 to Lena, daughter of George and Margaret Griebel, of Hartland Township. Soon after his marriage he settled on the farm now occupied by Michael Griebel, and lived there four years; then moved to the farm where they now reside. His farm contains 240 acres of valuable land and he has a good house and barn and farm buildings, built since he moved to the farm. He is a neat and thrifty farmer, and his enterprises have been lucrative. He has some of the finest stock in the township, and has also paid considerable attention to the dairy, milking twenty-five cows, disposing of his milk at the factory. Mr. and Mrs. Eppel have three children - Ida M. , George F. and Laura. They are prominent members of the Presbyterian church.

Daniel H. Flavin, one of the most prominent and influential citizens of Hartland Township, was born in Chicago, 111., May 10, 1845. In 1846 his parents, John and Margaret (Sullivan) Flavin, moved to McHenry County, and settled on section 20, Hartland Township. His father was twice married and had a family of five children by the first and two by the second marriage. Daniel H. was reared on the farm, receiving his early education in the district schools and later attending school in Chicago. After leaving school he remained on the farm till 1872, when he went to Chicago and engaged in contracting on the public works of the city and county, remaining there till 1879. He designed and built under contract the Jockey Club race track, west of Chicago, and several other important public improvements. In 1877 he moved his family to the farm, and in 1879 followed them and has since devoted his attention to agricultural pursuits. He owns 160 acres of choice land, with a good residence and farm buildings. He has devoted considerable attention to stock-raising and has some of the finest bred cattle of the short-horn breed in the township; also his Poland China hogs are surpassed by none in the township. He has been prominently identified with the town and county's interests and has been elected to fill several positions of trust and responsibility. In 1881 he was elected Supervisor of Hartland Township, and is still holding the office. In 1882 he was elected Justice of the Peace to fill a vacancy, occasioned by a party failing to qualify, and has served thus far with perfect satisfaction to all. Mr. Flavin was married in 1866 to Margaret E. Quinu, daughter of John and

Margaret Qninn, of Hartland Township. Five of the seven children born to them are living. Mr. and Mrs. Flavin are members of the Eoman Catholic church. Mr. Flavin's father was foreman under Captain McClellan of the United States Engineer Corps who with his corps of engineers built the Chicago Harbor prior to the year 1844.

Robert Forrest, one of the most successful farmers of Hartland Township, was born in Canada, Oct. 14, 1836, a son of William .and Jeanette (Drynen) Forrest. His parents moved to McHenry County, 111., in 1840 and settled in Hartland Township, on the farm now occupied by our subject. The father died in Chicago in 1851. The mother died in 1882. They had a family of three chil. dren - Eobert, Jessie, wife of James Vanarsdale,of Iowa; Mary E., wife of Z. Riley, of Topeka, Kas. Eobert Forrest was reared and educated in McHenry County, and after reaching his majority began life as a farmer, and also deals extensively in stock. He has some of the finest short-horned cattle and Norman and Clydesdale horses in the county. He owns 506 acres of choice land, mostly under cultivation, with a pleasant residence and good farm buildings. Mr. Forrest was married in 1854 to Nancy, daughter of William and Margaret Mitchell. They have four children - Mary J., wife of C. D. Judd; William H, Charles T. and Frank E. They have one adopted daughter - Hester S. Mr. Forrest has always taken an interest in every enterprise of benefit to the county, and is a liberal, public-spirited citizen.

John O. Gillies, a representative of one of the pioneer families of McHenry County, was born in Hartland Township, May 29, 1849, the youngest son of John and Ellen (Nolan) Gillies. His parents were natives of Ireland and came to the United States in 1839, and settled on the farm in Hartland Township, McHenry Co., 111., where our subject now lives, on the Woodstock and Hartland gravel road. The father died in 1877 in the sixty-fourth year of his age. The mother is living; aged seventy-three years. They had a family of nine children - Michael; James; Catherine, wife of D. T. Eing; Ellen, wife of James McGee, deceased; Mary A.; Sarah, wife of Dennis McGee; John C; Margaret, wife of G. C. Hunter; Elizabeth, wife of William Eoberts. John C. lives on the old homestead in the log house built by his father. It is one of the few old land-marks of pioneer days in the county. He has 240 acres of land and is engaged in general farming, stock-raising and dairying. He is energetic, industrious and economical, and one of the promising young farmers of Hartland Township. He was married Nov. 24, 1875, to Mary A., daughter of Patrick and Catherine Green. They have three children - John, Mary and Maggie. Mr. Gillies has served a number of years as School Director and Pathmaster of his township.

Michael Griebel, a prominent and successful farmer of Hartland Township, was born in France, Aug. 23, 1834, the youngest son of George and Margaret Griebel. When nineteen years of age he came to the United States, landing in New York after a voyage of fifty-six days. From New York he went to Stark County, Ohio, and the next spring came to McHenry County, 111., where he found employment as a farm hand. The first year he worked for $8 a month, the next for $13, and the next for $130 a year. He then sent for his parents and rented land and began farming on his own account, at the same time giving considerable attention to stockraising. After renting a farm seven years he had saved enough to buy 130 acres of land, and soon after bought eighty acres adjoining the first purchase. He has since added to his land from time to time till he owns 476 acres. He has a large two-story residence and a large barn 50 x 100 feet in size. Although a poor boy when he came to the county, he has been prosperous, and is now one of the wealthiest and most influential men in the township. He has been obliged to endure many hardships and priva. tions, but his perseverance has enabled him to surmount all difficulties. When he landed in New York City he had but five cents in money, but being determined to succeed, he has worked his way to affluence. Mr. Griebel has one of the finest vineyards in the county, having over an acre of choice varieties of grapes. He was married in 1865 to Miss Margaret Zimplemann, a native of France, who came to America in 1864. She was educated in her native country and speaks both the German and French languages. Mr. and Mrs. Griebel have five children - Edward G., Albert Philip, Emma C, Anna M. and Birdie M. They are active members of the Presbyterian church.

William Haley, one of the most successful farmers of Hartland Township, was born in Ireland, Feb. 22, 1828, the eldest son of Dennis and Johannah Haley. His parents came to America in 1833, and in 1836 moved to Chicago, 111.; thence in 1844 to McHenry County and settled on a farm in Hartland Township, where the father died in October, 1851, and where the mother still resides. Six of a family of eleven children are living. William spent his boyhood in Cook and De Kalb counties, 111. After his father's death the care of the family and the settling: up of the estate devolved on him. He performed this duty faithfully, and in 1852 went to California and remained six years, engaged in mining. He was very successful, and after his return to McHenry County bought a farm and has since followed agricultural pursuits. He owns 320 acres of choice land on section 32, the greater part being under cultivation. He has a good residence and commodious farm buildings. Atone time he was extensively engaged in sheep-raising, but of late has given his attention more to cattle and hogs. He runs a dairy of over thirty cows. When Mr. Haley commenced life he was a poor boy, but he has been industrious and economical and has acquired a large property. He has always taken an interest in the public affairs of the county and township and has held various offices of trust and responsibility. He was married in 1859 to Ellen, daughter of Dennis and Catherine Quinlan. They have twelve children, seven sons and five daughters. Mr. and Mrs. Haley are members of the Catholic church.

Sylvester McGee, Sr., one of the earliest settlers of Hartland Township, was born in Ireland, March 17, 1804. He remained in his native country till manhood, and then married, in 1829, Mar}' McGee. In 1832 they came to America; landed at Quebec, and from there went to Boston, Mass., where he obtained employment on the railroad. In 1841 they moved to McHenry County, 111., and bought 320 acres of land in Hartland Township. They had few neighbors, and these not near, .but with a determination to have a home they made the best of all discomforts and went bravely to work, and as the years rolled on they were rewarded with abundant harvests and a full storehouse. They had a family of twelve children - Ellen, deceased, was the wife of Michael Gillies; James, William, Ann, John, Dennis, Mary E., Sylvester, Jr.; Alice, wife of Dr. C. H. Fegers; Owen K., Lena and Thomas. Mrs. McGee died in August, 1884, in the seventy-sixth year of her age. Mr. McGee is hale and hearty, and is enjoying a happy old age. He has been a life-long Democrat, and cast his iast Presidential vote for Cleveland and Hendricks. He and his wife were among the prominent members of St. Mary's Catholic Church, Woodstock, and whenever the weather permits he is still found in his place. His son Sylvester, a young man of fine business ability, has charge of the farm, and thus relieves the father of care and labor.

Jeremiah J. Nihan, a successful and prominent farmer of Hartland Township, of which he is a native, was born June 16, 1845, a son of Daniel and Catherine Nihan. His parents were natives of Ireland, and came to America and settled in McHenry County in 1842, where they have since lived. They have five children - three sons and two daughters. Jeremiah received a good education, and when not in school assisted his father on the farm, and after reaching manhood began farming for himself. He also carries on quite an extensive dairy, selling his milk at the factory. He has been successful, and when caring for his own family is not unmindful of the needs of others, giving with a liberal hand to all worthy of his aid. He has always been foremost in advancing all projects of a public interest, and has gained the confidence and esteem of his fellow-citizens by faithfully fulfilling every trust imposed on hiin. He has served two terms as Collector and two terms as Commissioner of Highways. He was married in 1874 to Hannah, daughter of David and Margaret Cookly. They have three children - John, David and Maggie. Mr. and Mrs. Nihan are prominent members of the Catholic church.

John S. Pierce, section 35, Hartland Township, was born in Broome County, N. Y., July 18, 1818, a son of Elkanah, grandson of James, and great-grandson of James Pierce, a native of "Wales, and one of the early settlers of Middlebury, Mass. In 1837 he came West, and lived for a time in Calhoun County, Mich. The same fall he came to Illinois and located in Du Page County, but the next spring, 1838, moved to McHenry County, and entered 160 acres in Hartland Township. He also entered eighty acres in the name of John Bracken, of whom he borrowed money at twentyfive per cent., compound interest. As soon as he was able he sent for his parents, and they made their home with him the rest of their lives. Mr. Pierce was married in 1856 to Lucinda A. Pierce, who died in 1858. In 1860 he married Lucretia A., daughter of John Harrington. He has five children - Alta, Laura A., Eva, Minnie and Grace. Politically Mr. Pierce is a Democrat. He has been a member of the Masonic fraternity thirty years.

Humphrey Quinlan, one of the pioneers of Hartland Township, was born in County Cork, Ireland, in 1803. Wheu he was thirteen years of age his father died. In 1823 he came with his mother and the rest of the family to America, landed at Quebec, Canada, and from there came to the United States and settled in Oswego, JST. Y. In 1842 he came to Illinois and worked three years on the Illinois Canal. In 1845 he moved to McHenry County and settled in Hartland Township, where he has a fine farm of 160 acres. He also owns 110 acres in Greenwood Township. Mr. Quintan's mother died in 1874, aged ninety-two years. He was married in 1843 to Ellen O'Hern, a native of Ireland. They have had eight children - Catherine, wife of James Short ; Nellie, deceased; Cornelius; John; Mary, wife of John Sweeney; Maggie, wife of John Cramer; Lizzie and Dennis.

Michael Schaaf is a native of France, born April 7, 1825, a son of George and Mary Schaaf. He was reared in his native country, and was educated in both the French and German languages. In June, 1845, he came with his brother to America, landing in New York City after a voyage of thirty-six days. From New York he came West to Chicago, and thence to McHenry County, and settled in Hartland Township. He found employment asa farm laborer, receiving $6 a month, and later $8 a month, for his services. In 1847 he worked a farm on shares, and two years later, in company with his brother, bought 160 acres of land, but subsequently sold his share to his brother, and bought sixty acres. In 1860 he bought the farm of 130 acrss where he now lives. He also owns another farm in this township and land in Seneca Township, having a landed estate of 295 acres. His residence and farm buildings, on the homestead, are among the best in the township, and the farm is in a high state of cultivation. His stock are all of the best grades, and he has some of the finest animals in the township. He was married in 1859 to Kate Eppel, a sister of Frederick Eppel, of Hartland. Theyhave four children - Charles, Josephine, Minnie and Emma. Mr. Sehaaf's parents came to America in 1846, and settled in Hartland Township. The mother died in 1873, aged eighty-four years, and the father in 1883, aged ninety-six years. But two of their three children are living.

John M. Scully, the youngest son of John and Mary (Duggan) Scully, was born in Hartland Township, McHenry Co. , 111., Nov. 5, 1844. His parents were natives of Ireland, coming to America and McHenry County, 111., in August, 1843. The father died Oct. 3, 1875, in the eightieth year of his age. The mother is still living, in the eighty-fourth year of her age. She is one of the few old pioneers living, and has lived to enjoy the fruits of her early years of toil and privation. She is a devoted member of the Catholic church and a regular attendant at the services. She is the mother of four children - Daniel; Margaret, wife of J. Yaughn;

Mary, wife of Jeremiah Quinlan, and John M., who has always lived on the old homestead. He has 180 acres of valuable land, with good buildings. His farm is well stocked with the best grades, and he carries on an extensive dairy. He is one of the most enterprising young men of Hartland. He was married in 1867 to Mary E. Hayes, a native of Paterson, N. J. They have eight children, four sons and four daughters.

Frank L. Short was born in Greenwood Township, McHenry Co., 111., Aug. 8, 1844, the youngest son of Frank and Catherine Short. He was reared on the homestead in Greenwood and obtained a good education in the common schools. Attaining his majority he began life as a farmer and has followed this calling assiduously to the present time. He owns a fine farm of 202 acres in Greenwood Township, which is well stocked with the best grades of cattle and hogs. He carries on quite an extensive dairy, milking about twenty-five cows. In 1877 he moved his family to the city of Woodstock, but still superintends his farm. He has been twice married. First to Miss Nellie Quinlan, daughter of H. Quinlan, who lived but six years after her marriage. In November, 1877, he married Rose P. Kennedy, daughter of John A. Kennedy. They have three children - Gertrude H, Louisa and Clarence. Mr. Short is one of the most practical and successful farmers of McHenry County. He is an enterprising, progressive citizen, and always gives his support to all interests of public benefit.

Cornelius Sullivan, one of the most successful young farmers of Hartland Township, is a native of the township, born May 1, 18_50, the youngest of seven children of John and Ellen (Duvine) Sullivan, natives of Ireland. His parents came to America in 1841, and in 1842 moved to McHenry County, 111., and settled on the farm now owned by our subject. His father was born in 1803 and his mother in 1813. Both are living, in the enjoyment of good health. Cornelius Sullivan spent his early life on the farm, receiving a common-school education. He has always followed agricultural pursuits, and by industry and good management has made a success of his calling. He owns 160 acres of choice land on section 20, and rents forty acres adjoining, thus making 200 acres cultivated by him each year. His farm is well stocked and his farm buildings and residence are commodious and in good repair. Mr. Sullivan was married in 1876 to Anna, daughter of John and Margaret Quinn. They have one daughter - Lizzie. Mr. and Mrs. Sullivan are prominent members of the Catholic church.