Hebron Township

Hebron Township

While the naming of other townships has been ascribed to men this one Dears the honor of being named by a woman. Mrs. Bela H. Tryon, the first white woman who ever resided in the township, is said to have given the township its name, under circumstances something as follows: It always being customary in new countries for everybody to flock down to one house on Sunday, the young men and old bachelors who comprised the inhabitants of Hebron chiefly in an early day found it pleasant to meet at the residence of Mr. Tryon, for there was a woman, and a woman always makes a place seem more like home, and, besides, her willing hands were ever ready to stitch up a rent or sew on a button, and frequently she treated her visitors to a well-cooked dinner - something they seldom got at home, for, as a rule, bachelors are poor cooks. It was customary with these visitors at the Tryon house to engage in singing songs, and frequently they continued at this pleasurable exercise till the curtains of night had long been let down. Upon one of these occasions, while all hands were heartily singing the tune old "Hebron," Mrs. Tryon said, "That is my choice of all tunes, and I think the name Hebron would make a good name for our township." The idea was one favorably accepted by all, and at an early date a meeting was held at Mr. Tryon's house for the purpose of christening the township, upon which occasion it is said Mrs. Tryon distinguished herself by frying over a bushel of cakes, which were so palatable that they were taken by the guests directly from the skillet and eaten - each fellow helping himself. and scarcely giving his neighbor a chance.

Settlement

This township was settled in 1836, E. W. Brigham being the first man to take up a claim and build the first log house. He came from Yermont, and still resides in the township. Josiah H. Giddings also came from Yermont, and still resides in Hebron. He erected the first frame building in the township, which still serves as a part of his residence. Bela H. Tryon came from New York State also in 1836 and resided in the township till his death, in 1848. R. W. Stewart came from New York and made Hebron his home till his death, in 1876. A. H. Parker also came from New York, and after living in Hebron many years moved to "Woodstock, where he died in 1880. John Sawyer came from Washington County, N. Y., and is still a resident of Hebron. G. W. Giddings, C. S. and John Adams also came in 1836.

Location

This township joins the State of Wisconsin on the north, and the township of Richmond on the east, and Greenwood on the south, with Alden on the west. It is township 46, range 8.

Topography

The land is principally prairie, though some timber is found ia the west, northwest and southeastern portions of the township. No finer farms are found in the county than here. They are usually large, and under a high state of cultivation. While it is one of the finest grain-growing townships in the county, there are none that will surpass it for the dairy. It is one of the best watered townships in the county. The main stream of the Nippersink traverses the west portion of the township in a southeasterly direction, crossing sections 18, 19, 30 and 32. A lesser branch of the Nippersink rises in section 28, and joins the main stream in the township of Greenwood. In section 6 another small stream finds its way into this world, and flows through sections 8, 5 and 4, entering Wisconsin from section 3. Goose Lake lies partly in sections 10 and 11.

Railroad

The Kenosha & Rockford Railroad crosses this township nearly east and west, passing through sections 12, 11, 10 and 9, running the remainder of the distance on the line between sections 8 and 17 and 7 and 18, making over six miles of track in the township.

Fiest Events

The first birth was Mary Roblee. She is still living, and resides in the pine regions of Wisconsin. First death was Arabel Hihbard ; she died at the age of eighteen months, in September) 1842. She was a daughter of William and Julia Hibbard, who afterward moved to Wisconsin, where they both died. First marriage in Hebron, as found on the county records, was that of George C. Hopkins and Miss Eebecca Tuttle, Sept. 7, 1840 - ceremony performed by Rev. Samuel Hall. The first school was taught by Miss Emily Adams, in the chamber of John Adams's house, in 1844. Her school consisted of three scholars. The first school-house was a log building, located on section 10. It was built in 1845, and served as a school-house for nearly twenty years.

The first postoffice was established in 1839, and kept at the residence of Mr. Tryon, who was the first Postmaster. The route was from Chicago to Janesville, Wis., and the mail was usually carried on horseback. About three years later another postoffice was established in the western portion of the township. John Adams was the Postmaster, and the office was kept at his house. When the railroad came through the township, and the village of Hebron began to take on the appearance of a center of business both of these postoffices were abandoned, and one established at Hebron Station. Dr. J. H. Giddings was appointed Postmaster, and Munson Goodsell, Deputy, in whose hands the office remained some twenty years. He was succeeded by Frank Rowe, present Postmaster.

There are four cemeteries in the township including the private one on the farm of Robert Stewart. The largest burial grounds are at Hebron Village; these grounds were laid out about eighteen years ago; they contain about two acres and are kept in good order. The first grounds ever set apart for burial purposes are situated about two miles northwest of Hebron Tillage at the Presbyterian church. This cemetery was laid out nearly forty years ago. Mr. Duncan, a native of Scotland, was the first person buried here, and it is claimed by some that his was the first death in the town- ship. There is a small burying 'ground situated at the eastern side of the township which contains several graves, but of late years has become almost abandoned.

Butter And Cheese Factories

There are six butter and cheese factories in the township. The factory built in 1870 by H. W. Mead, situated in Hebron Village, is the largest in the township. Sixteen thousand pounds of milk are daily consumed at this factory. About one and a half miles east of the village is a cheese factory owned by George Conn. It was built about the year 1870 and is doing a good business. The first factory built in the township was erected on the Robert Stewart farm, on section 27, about two miles south of HebronVillage. It is the property of "W. H. & R. W. Stewart, and has been in active use most of the time since it was built, and is doing a good business still. A small factory situated in the southwest corner of the township is owned by Mr. Perrin. One situated in the eastern portion of the township is run by a Mr. McGraw.

At the first election held after the organization of the township, in April, 1850, the following men were chosen to fill the various township offices: G. H. Giddings, Supervisor; H. G. Ale, Assessor; E. "W. Smith, Justice of the Peace; Ira Nurse, Clerk; John Sawyer, C. S. Adams and H. W. King, Commissioners of Highways; Zenas Smith, Poor Master; D. W. Bates, Collector, and Henry King, Constable. At the last township election the following officers were chosen: H. W. Mead, Supervisor; Hamlin Fenner, Assessor; F. E. Gratton, Collector; M. S. Goodsell, Clerk; D. W. Conn, Road Commissioner; George Turner, School Trustee.

School Statistics

Number of school-houses in township, 7; amount of salary paid teachers annually, $1,874.45-; number of children of a school age, 272; value of school property, $5,750.

Hebron Village

About the year 1861 this place commenced to take on the form and shape of a village, and has steadily grown in numbers and business interests till to-day it is one of the good business centers and trading points of the county. H. W. Mead was the original wner of the land where the village stands. From time to time he laid off .lots which were found to be ready sale, and it was but a short time before many private residences and business houses were erected. Messrs. Clapp & Eddy built the first house in the village. It stood where Mr. Mead's residence now stands, north of the railroad.

The following is the complete list of charter members: H. W. Mead, J. P. Erckenbrack, M. S. Goodsell, P. Erckenbrack, 0. Thayer, "W. S. Erckenbrack, C. Brandaw, D. Rowe, H. Rowe, D. A. Clary, H. H. Groesbeck, C. F. Prouty, G. ~W. Degraw, R. Begun, G. W. Colburn. First officers of the lodge were : H. W. Mead, W. M.;, P. J. Erckenbrack, S. W. ; M. S. Goodsell, J. W. Present offi cers: D. A. Clary, W. M.; H. Rowe, S. W.; O. A. Root, J. W.; H. W. Mead, Treas.; F. Rowe, Sec; D.J3. Blodgett, S. D.; R. W. Kane, J. D. ; J. O. Reynolds, Tyler. The lodge is in a flourishing condition with a membership of forty-five. Their hall is situated over a blacksmith shop, and though it is not gaudily decorated it is a comfortable place, and many a pleasant evening is there spent by the brotherhood.

A society of Sons of Temperance was formed in the fall of 1876, with barely enough members to constitute a quorum, butgradually it grew till it had a membership of nearly fifty. They held their meetings once a week and participated in literary entertainments, with the cause of temperance as the chief factor in the enterprise. For about three years quite an interest was kept up and considerable good accomplished, but one by one the members ceased to attend till finally it became a thing of the past. In January, 1881, Mrs. Peckham, a lady lecturer sent out under the auspices of the Sons of Temperance, delivered two lectures in Hebron which so aroused the people that again a society was formed with eight of the old members, who with renewed energy took up the old colors where they had been laid down, and are still waving them over a society of over 100 members. The new organization began with twentyfive members. This society is a recognized power for good in this community, and to them can be ascribed the honor of keeping Hebron a temperance village.

The Presbyterian Church of Hebron Township was organized Sept. 14, 1844, at a school-house near the residence of David Prime. Rev. L. Hall was chosen moderator at the organization meeting. The following is a list of the first members: John A. Ehle, his wife and three daughters; Ann Van Alstine, Alfred H. Farling, John and Lydia Adams, John Sawyer and wife, Daniel, Maria, Jane and Elisha Cornue, ¥m. F. and Olive Peake, Charlotte Streeter, Catharine Weaver, Jane Meyers, David Prime and wife, David Shaw, Adam Phillips and wife. The first officers were as follows: Elders, John A. Ehle, David Prime, Daniel J. Cornue and John Adams; Deacons, Adam Phillips, John Sawyer; W. F. Peake chosen Clerk. Up till the year 1849 they held services in private houses. At this date they built the parsonage which stands near where the church now stands, about one and a half miles northwest of Hebron Village, near the State line; in this parsonage they held all their meetings till 1868, when they built their church. It is a frame building and will seat about 250. It is a property worth about $4,000. In 1882 they built a fine parsonage in Hebron Village which cost $1,200 including lot. The membership of this society numbers sixty-five. Their present pastor, Rev. John Curer, came in May, 1879. His stay with this people has beeD much longer than that of any minister preaching here. The present Elders and Trustees are John Stewart, E. Water, Charles Cornue, Wm. Groesbeck, Benjamin Ball and John Sawyer; Charles Cornue is also Secretary and Treasurer. At the church organization a Sabbath-school was organized which has prospered equally as well as the church. Its present attendance is over 100.

give a history for the reason that the pastor was expected to furnish it and the matter was delayed so long that it became impossible to secure it in time. The most we can say of it is that they have a fine house of worship situated in Hebron "Village. It is a frame building, comparatively new, and will seat about 200 people. The membership is about seventy in number and the church is in a growing and prosperous condition. Eev. Grover C. Clark is the present pastor and resides at Richmond. The Stewards and Trustees of the church at present are as follows: John Brennan, Chapin Street, Joseph Stone, Geo. S. Wickham, Pearl Lines, Geo. Seaman, Augustus Morgan, H. W. Mead and Hiram Howe. Sabbathschool officers: S. O. Boughton, Superintendent, assisted by W. O. Boughton; S. O. Boughton, Treasurer; Josie Rowe, Organist.

Biographical

Eli W. Brigham, the first white settler of Hebron Township, was born in Franklin County, Yt., Jan. 22, 1810, a son of Eli and Mary (Harrington) Brigham, natives of Massachusetts. He came West in the fall of 1833 and spent one winter in Du Page County, 111. He then went to the headwaters of the Illinois River and in May, 1836, came to McHenry County and took up a claim about a mile and a half west of the present village of Hebron. He now owns 420 acres of choice land. In 1869 he moved to the village where he and his wife now reside. He was married in 1842 to Mary D. Collison, a native of Cheshire, Mass. They have had three children - Charles M., who is living on the old homestead farm ; Mary A. , and Eliza, who died in 1874. Mr. Brigham has served his township as School Director and Pathmaster.

John F. Brawn, proprietor of Brown's Hotel, livery, sale and boarding stables, Hebron, 111., is a son of Thomas and Charlotte Brown, who in 1854 came from Dover, Mass., and located in Genoa, Wis. They had a family of twelve children; one, Edward, died in childhood. Ten of their children came West with them. John F. remained behind, not wishing to try the fortunes of a new country, but in 1858 his parents sent for him and he followed them to Wisconsin. He worked on the farm three years, and then at the carpenter's trade three years. Nov. 22, 1864, he was married to Evalina Rotnour, and immediately began trying to make a home and has been successful in all his undertakings. He carried on farming for a time and then dealt in stock, and for several years was the principal shipper from this point. For four years he has been engaged in his present business, and no town of its size in this part of the country has better hotel accommodations than can be found at his house. He also has a fine farm of eighty acres adjoining Hebron. He has two children - Charles, born March 22, 1867, and Delia, born Jan. 11, 1873. His eldest child, Hattie, died in infancy. Mr. Brown was born in Manlius, Onondaga Co., N. Y., July 15, 1845. Her parents, John and Hannah (Rowe) Rotnour, came to Illinois in the fall of 1845, and are living in Richmond Township. They have five children - Sanford, William and Evaline, of McHenry County, and Adell and Arminda, of Iowa.

James Burgett, a native of Steuben County, N. Y., came "West to La Porte County, Iud. , in 1850 and thence the same year to Mc- Henry County. Having a desire to see the couutry famed for its wealth of precious ore, he, in company with Jonathan Buckland and his brother Henry, started overland for the Pacific Coast. The journey was made with horse teams, four mustangs to each team. The roads were lined with emigrants and they experienced severe hardship while crossing the Sierra Nevada Mountains. The provision of the party in question gave out and they had to stop at Salt Lake and work in the harvest field to procure more. As soon as the man for whom they worked could thresh his wheat he took a grist to mill and gave them all the flour they needed. James Burgett spent four years working in the mines in California, and in the fall of 1854 returned to McHenry County, and made his first purchase of land on section 11, Hebron Township. That his choice was a wise one is proved by his prosperity. In January, 1855, he was married to Edna A., daughter of Nathan and Annie A. Harrison, early settlers of the township. They came from Michigan in 1846 and settled on the farm owned by Mr. Burgett. Mr. and Mrs. Burgett have ten children - George, Annie E., Elizabeth, Harry H, Nathan C, Chester V., Myrtle L, Charles W., Ella 0. and Louis N. George was married Jan. 1, 1814, to Mary Marchant. of La Porte County, Ind., and lives on one of his father's farms, Annie was married in 1878 to Francis Whitney, of Walworth County, "Wis.

Melvin J. Cole, one of the most prominent citizens of Hebron Township, was born in Berkshire County, Mass., where he lived until twenty years of age. He obtained a good education, and then devoted his time to the study of medicine and surgery, and in the fall of 1847 graduated with honors from the Pittsfield Medical College. January, 1848, he went to Stephentown, Rensselaer

Co., K Y., where he had a lucrative practice five years. April 24, 1852, he was married to Esther, daughter of Gale and Sarah (Pratt) Bigelow, of New Lebanon, Columbia Co., N. Y. Mr. Bigelow's death left his large farm without a manager, and Dr. Cole was induced to relinquish his practice and assume the 6uperintendency of the farm. He remained there two years when his wife died, and he disposed of his interest in the farm, and a year later married Mary A., daughter of Benjamin and Catherine (Corey) Whitman. He bought a farm in Stephentown, which he managed successfully5 sixteen years, when he disposed of it and moved to McHenry County, 111. Dr. Cole is a Republican, but does not take any active part in politics. He and his wife are members of the Baptist church. He has one of the finest libraries in the county, comprising medical and surgical, historical, scientific and miscellaneous works, and the care with which they have been selected shows the breadth of the Doctor's mind and tastes. He has three children, born in Rensselaer County, N. Y. - Mary E., Ellen Eudora and Alson J. Ellen is the wife of Delbert Holmes, and lives near her father. Dr. Cole's parents, William and Lucy M. (Greene) Cole, were natives of Massachusetts. Mrs. Cole was a distant relative of General Greene, of historic fame. They came to McHenry County in 1861, but two years prior to their death moved to Aurora, 111., where they died, but their remains were brought to McHenry County, and interred in Hebron Cemetery. They had a family of five children - William Edwin, Lucy Minerva, Melvin J., Ellen Adelia and Frances. William Edwin came to McHenry County in 1844, and located in Hebron Township, where he died in 1870. Lucy Minerva married John F. Pettibone; and Frances married G. W. Conn; both are residents of Hebron. Ellen Adelia is deceased, unmarried.

George W. Conn, proprietor of the Prairie Cheese Factory, Hebron, 111., was born in New Hampshire in 1834. In 1861 he came to Illinois and bought a farm in Hebron Township, Mc- Henry County, where he has since resided. Although a poor man when he came to the county, he has by his business integrity been successful and now owns 584 acres of choice land, the greater part of it under cultivation. In 1872 he built his factory, located a mile and a half east of the village of Hebron, and has given the most of his attention to the manufacture of butter and cheese. He makes about 10,000 pounds of butter and 125,000 pounds of cheese annually. He ships his goods to the larger cities, and receives the highest market price for them. Mr. Conn, was married in Massachusetts to Frances E. Cole, who'.died in 1858, leaving one daughter - Ellen, now the wife of H. F. Jones. In 1862 he married Lena C. Woolfrow, of Lanesboro, Mass. They have had six children - Frances L., Delia J., Howard H., George W., Ida M. (deceased), and Erma G. Mr. Conn has taken an interest in all county and township affairs and has been called upon to represent the people in various official relations. At present he is serving as Highway Commissioner.

Henry Bike, farmer, Hebron Township, is a native of Vermont, and a worthy representative of that State, noted for its sturdy sons and daughters. He remained in his native State till the breaking out of the Rebellion and in 1862 enlisted in Company G, Twelfth Vermont Infantry. In the battle of Gettysburg he was a member of the First Army Corps, commanded by General Reynolds, who made the last grand charge, and took 12,000 prisoners. He participated in many engagements, but during his whole term of service never failed to "report for duty. After his return home, in 1865, he came "West, with the intention of going to Minnesota, but stopped in McHenry County and purchased land in Hebron Township. He then returned to Vermont and purchased a large number of tine merino sheep, which he brought to the county. It did not prove a profitable investment, and he disposed of them and has since given his attention to the dairy and grain business, which he considers the best industry of the township. He manufactures a large amount of butter per annum. In 1866 he was married to Matilda, daughter of Loren and Jane (Ward) Bordwell, of Alderi Township. They have three children - Bertha, Frank and Cyrus. Politically Mr. Dike is a Republican. He is liberal in his religious views. He is a member of Hebron Lodge, No. 604, F. & A. M.

Hamlin Fenner is a son of Thomas and Louisiana (Hanley Fenner, the former a native of Philadelphia and the latter of New York. His parents were married in New York and remained there till 1846 when; they came to Illinois and located on the farm now owned by our subject. They paid at that early day $10 an acre for the land, although there was plenty of Government land in the county, but this was partially improved and was one of the best sites in the county. They had a family of seven children, all born in New York - Hamlin; Helen, now Mrs. William Parsons; Mary E., deceased, married Robert Sibley; Harriet, wife of Peter Whitney, of Woodstock; Lawrence A., married Amanda Spicer and resides in Virginia City, Mon.; Thomas, enlisted in Company A, Thirty-sixth Illinois Infantry, and was killed at the battle of Murfreesboro; Isabella R., wife of Otis Porter. Hamlin Fenner was eighteen years of age when his parents came to McHenry County. He was reared on a farm, but received a good education, attending school both in New York and Illinois. Feb. 23, 1859, he was married to Phoebe Hodge, daughter of Benjamin and Minerva (Farwell) Hodge. Her parents came to this county from New York in 1857 and resided here till 1883 when they moved to Nebraska. They had five children - Minerva, James A., Roderick M., Sarah L., and Georgiana M. Mr. and Mrs. Fenner have three daughters - Elizabeth H, wife of Walter V. Andrews; Isabella M. and Sarah G. Politically Mr. Fenner is a Republican. He has served in several of the township offices, and in the performance of his official duties has given perfect satisfaction.

Josiah H. Giddings, one of the first settlers of McHenry County, was born in Franklin County, Vt., Aug. 2, 1805, a son of William and Betsey (Harris) Giddings. In 1832 he came West, and soon after his arrival in Chicago enlisted in the Black Hawk war and served till its close. In June, 1836, he moved to McHenry County and took up a claim a mile and a half west of the present village of Hebron, and lived there over forty years. In 1882 he retired from farm life and moved to the village of Hebron. Mr. Giddings was married in Vermont to Elvira Stevens, who died in Napierville, 111. He is now living with his third wife. Politically Mr. Giddings is a Republican.

George W. Hunt was born in Genesee County, N. Y., July 16, 1835, and at the age of four years came with his parents to Walworth County, Wis.; was educated at Milton College, and was engaged with his father in the mercantile business at Big Foot ' Corners, Wis., and on the 31st day of March, 1859, was married to MissLouville M. Parker, of Hebron, 111., soon after which event he made that town his home, where he was engaged in the occupation of farming and continued to reside until his death. As a farmer and stock breeder he was very successful, and had succeeded in establishing a business in that direction that had placed him in the front. As a neighbor he was social, generous, kind and accommodating, strictly just and upright in all his dealings and relations. As a citizen he was public-spirited, taking an active part in all measures calculated to promote the interests of the county, especially in all things pertaining to its agricultural developments; was one of the leading and most active members of the Agricultural Society, always filling a large space with the exhibition of his own stock; had filled several public positions of trust and honor, and at the time of his death was one of the Justices of the Peace of his town. He died Sept. 9, 1882. His family consisted of his wife and five children - Carlton C, George A., Mary D. (deceased), Byron E. and Libbie E. Mrs. Hunt resides on the homestead with her children.

Hunt Bros., Hebron Township, 111.; postoffice, Greenwood, 111. - Carlton C. and George A. Hunt are among the leading stockmen of Northern Illinois. They reside on and have charge of the old homestead which is a part of their grandfather's, A. H. Parker's, farm. Their present stock consists of choice individuals of the leading strains of short-horn cattle, Poland-China swine, merino sheep and langshan fowls. Their short-horns are registered in the American Herd-Book, their Poland-Chinas in the American and Ohio Poland-China Records, and their sheep in the Vermont and American merino sheep registers. Their stock is first-class and they find a ready market in all the Western States. A. H. Parker came to McHenry County from Ontario County, N. Y., in 1841 and entered land from the Government to which he added until he owned 1,000 acres. He was an extensive and successful wheat-raiser. He died in Woodstock in 1878. His wife died on the farm in 1861. Their five children - James F., Clara E., Emily S., Louville M. and Ellen L. - are all living.

Cyrus L. Mead was born Aug. 13, 1827, in Sandy Creek Township, Oswego Co., N. T., a son of Jeremiah and Anna (Cline) Mead. He remained on the farm with his parents till twenty-one years of age, and then went to Wayne County, N. T., and worked by the day and month three years. Although his wages were low he managed to save part of them all the time, and March 17, 1853, came to McHenry County'. He went to Wisconsin and worked on a farm six months and then with his brother Henry purchased the tract of land adjoining the village of Hebron, which is now his home. For seven years the brothers worked together and theQ divided the land which was all well cultivated. Jan. 27, 1855, Mr. Mead was married to Finette A. Carman, a native of Blue Mound, Sauk Co., Wis., born Feb. 20, 1837, a daughter of Sidney and Mary (Harrington) Carman. They have had five children - Charles H, died in infancy; Anna O, wife of George Goddard; Henry J., of Nebraska, married Mary McCauley; Darwin G. and Luella, are deceased. Mr. Mead has been industrious and has improved his property, making it one of the best farms in the county. For the past two years he has given up the management of his farm entrusting it to the care of his son-in-law, George Goddard, a successful farmer and one well worthy to become a member of one of the oldest and most highly respected families of the village. Mrs. Mead went with her sister Martha to Clyde, N. Y., to live with an uncle. Martha is now the wife of Henry Rowe.

John Pierce, deceased, was one of the active and successful business men of Hebron Township. He was born in Steuben County, N. Y., May 10, 1833, the seventh of eight children of Zenas and Harriet Fierce. In 1847 his parents moved to McHenry County, 111., and made Hebron Township their home till death. John Pierce received a common-school education and having been reared to the life of a farmer, chose that vocation as his life work. He was successful and accumulated a large property. The homestead contains over 500 acres of choice land and the farm buildings are commodious and comfortable. The residence is a two-story frame with all modern improvements, built in 1881. Mr. Pierce also paid considerable attention to stock-dealing, buying his stock in the country and shipping to the larger cities. He was married in 1858 to Ellen Hyde, daughter of David and Dolly Hyde. She was born in Washington County, N. Y., and moved to McHenry County, 111., with her parents when fourteen years of age. To Mr. and Mrs. Pierce were born two sons - Lyman Z. and Perry O. Mrs. Pierce has been an industrious, economical woman, and has at all times [performed her part faithfully and well. Mr. Pierce died Dec. 3, 1884.

Lyman Pierce has been a resident of McHenry County nearly forty years. He is the youngest of eight children of Zenas and Harriet (Stewart) Pierce, viz.: Anice, Benson, Betsey, Lavin a, Zenas, Lydia, John and Lyman. Anice was married in 1840, to Oliver P. Standish and came West and located in Geneva, Wis. Benson soon followed, and settled near the State line, and when the rest of the family came, in 1845, worked for his father. The latter bought 160 acres of Mrs. Coleson, whose husband was the first settler of the township, and erected a frame house, which is still standing, into which the family moved before the shingles were on. Benson went to Pennsylvania and married Hannah Frazier; then returned to Wisconsin, but a few years before his death moved to Hebron Township. They had three children - George, and Willie and

Willis (twins who died in infancy). His wife died and he after ward married Esther Hutches, by whom he had two children - Benson and Carrol. Betsey married Allen Potter, of New York. Zenas married Hanna Van Winkle, and resides in Pennsylvania. He has seven children - Theodore, Ellen, Martha, Anice, Lucretia, Clarence and Addie May. Lavina married V. R. Begun, of Hebron. Their son resides in Nebraska. John married Helen Hyde, and resides on the Pierce homestead. He has two children - Lyman Z. and Perry. Lydia married Simeon Standish, and has one child - Hattie. Lyman, our subject, was married Dec. 1, 1863, to Maria A. Reed, a native of Steuben County, N. Y., but a resident of McHenry County, coming here with her parents in 1844. They have had three children - Harriet, John and Maria; the latter is deceased. They lived in Wisconsin two years after their marriage and then bought a farm in McHenry County, on the Wisconsin line, where he has since lived. He' is a successful man and by his honesty and integrity has gained the esteem of all who know him.

Aaron Howe, section 17, Hebron Township, was born in Onondaga County, N. Y., April 18, 1841, a son of Hiram and Susan (Furback) Rowe. In 1850 his parents moved to McHenry County, 111., and located in Hebron Township, and here he grew to manhood and received the greater part of his educatiou. He was reared a farmer, and after reaching manhood made agriculture and dairying his business. He subsequently abandoned the dairy, and has paid special attention to raising horses, having a fine grade of Norman stock. He owns eighty acres of land where he resides, and eighty-five in another tract, all of which is well cultivated. He has a pleasant residence and comfortable farm buildings. He was married in 1860 to Olive Carney, a native of Will County, 111., daughter of Reuel and Martha L. Carney, early settlers of McHenry County. They have one daughter - Josephine A., and an adopted daughter, Minnie E. Mr. and Mrs. Rowe are members of the Methodist Episcopal church, of Hebron.

J'ranh Howe, merchant and Postmaster, Hebron, 111., is a native of Onondaga County, N. Y., born Sept. 17, 1852, the eldest son of Peter and Ellen (Merritt) Rowe. He attended the common-school of Hebron Township, and then entered Rockford Commercial College, from which he graduated in 1871. After his graduation he was employed as clerk for H. W. Mead eight years, and then bought the stock of general merchandise of M. S. Goodsell. He has a good trade, and is one of the most promising young business men of Hebron. He has been Postmaster of Hebron since 1879. Mr. Kowe is a member of Hebron Lodge, No. 604, F. & A. M., and Harvard Chapter, No. 91, R. A. M.

John Sawyer was born in Franklin Cjunty, Mass., March 29, 1805. He was married in New York State in 1835 to Elvira King, and the same year came to Illinois. He lived in Kane County seven years, and then moved to Mc Henry Cjunty, and settled on section 18, Hebron Township, where he has since lived. He owns 200 acres of choice land, with good buildings. To Mr. and Mrs. Sawyer has been born five children; but two are living - Frances M., now Mrs. Cyrus Duffield, and Julia, now Mrs. P. S. Lines. The family are members of the Presbyterian church.

George W. Seamans, farmer, Hebron Township, is a son of Leonard and Lydia (Breed) Seatnans, the former a native of Rutland County, Yt., and the latter of Madison County, N. Y. They came to Hebron Township in 1844, and entered the land now owned by George Conn. They had a family of five children, all born in Oswego County, N. Y. - Philander, died in infancy; Leonard B., married Alzina Stewart, of Hebron; George W. ; Thomas J., died in Vernon County, Wis. ; Betsey C, married A. C. Clarey, of Yernon County, Wis. The parents are dead, but left a record of honesty and integrity. George W. Seamans was married Oct. 1, 1849, to Jane Currier, daughter of Abram and Margaret Currier, early settlers of Hebron, coming here in 1847. They have four children - Susan F., married Orville A. Root, of Howard, Neb.; Charles H., in the employ of the Chicago & Northwestern Railroad, Argyle,IU.; George E. and William G., at home. Mr. Seamans is an indefatigable worker, and is one of the best farmers of the township. He is a first-class mechanic, having a knowledge of all kinds of carpenter's tools and machinery. He has served as Road Commissioner and Collector a number of years. Mrs. Seamans' parents had a family of seven children, all born in Pennsylvania - Susan, Sally (died in infancy), Nancy, Jane, Phidelia, Samuel and Alexander. Phidelia married Thomas J. Seamans, brother of our subject. Susan married Ezekiel Hopkins, of Nebraska. Nancy married Thomas Brown, also of Nebraska. The sons live in Vernon County, Wis. Their mother lives with them, aged eightyfour years.

tieth year. In infancy he removed with his parents to Manlius Four Corners, Onondaga Co., N. T., (now Fayetteville), then almost a wild wilderness hamlet, where he resided until twenty years of age. In 1837 he struck out for the then wild West, and the next year made a squatter's claim on the farm where he has since resided, and where he died. Here he was the owner of about 900 acres of land, and by economy and untiring industry he passed through the hardships and privations of pioneer life, made the wilderness to blossom, and a farm that was a joy to own. For many years he engaged in wool-growing, and made himself the leading flock-master of the section. In 1866 he disposed of his sheep, and engaged in dairy farming ; as in everything, he went into this with his whole soul. In connection with his brother, under the firm style of Stewart Bros., he built one of the finest cheese factories in the country, and made it a success from the start. With his push and enthusiasm he has contributed his full share toward making the dairy interest what it has become in the Northwest. He was one of the first movers and founders of the Northwestern Dairymen's Association, and his ever-genial and unpresuming presence helped make sunshine always at their meetings, where he never failed to put in an appearance. He was also one of the founders of the Elgin Board of Trade for dairy products, whose transactions have come to demand national quotations, though yet in early infancy. He was also as much as any one man the father of the McHenry County Agricultural Society, and he ever assisted in maturing and guiding it as a father would a favorite and loved child. He was from boyhood an enthusiast in everything pertaining to agriculture, and his enthusiasm was eminently guided by good sense. With all his go-ahead-ativeness, he was entirely unselfish. No call was ever made upon his patriotism or sympathy that did not meet a hearty response. He never sought prominence for himself, and ever refused positions of leadership - yet leading while he knew it not. Those who knew him best loved him most, and he will be mourned and missed, as he lived without ostentation, in heart communing when alone, in little circles about the hearth, in neighborhood gatherings in coming days. Peace to his ashes.

John Stewart, one of the most successful and genial farmers of Hebron, has been a resident of the township since 1841. His brother Eobert came to the county in 1837, and pre-empted the land before it came into market, and in 1841 the family came the father locating adjoining our subject. The father, James Stewart, was of Scotch descent, and the mother, Sarah (Wright) Stewart, was a native of New York. They were the parents of four sons and one daughter. The latter died three days after reaching Hebron, having been an invalid for some time. Robert W. was the eldest son, followed by William H., John and James M. Captain W. H. Stewart is a resident of Woodstock; Eobert and James are deceased; John J., the son of Robert, still lives on the old farm. In 1847 John Stewart was married to Harriet W. Ehle. They are the parents of eleven children, of whom six are living - James E., Richard H., Alfred H, Walter S., Edward M. and Carl S. Sarah C, RobertW., Anna M., Lizzie A. and an infant are deceased. James E. was married in 1874 to Nettie Vanderkar and has three children - Erank C, Glendora and Clyde Irwin. Mr. Stewart has one of the finest farms in the township, having spared neither money nor labor to improve and beautify it, and holds the patent direct from the Government. Politically he is a Republican, and in religious faith a Presbyterian.

John J. Stewart, the fifth of seven children of Robert W. and Susan A. (Ross) Stewart, was born in Hebron Township, Dec. 24, 1854. He attended the district schools, and subsequently Todd's Seminary at Woodstock. After leaving school he returned to the homestead, and has since devoted his attention to agricultural pursuits. His farm contains 740 acres of valuable land. His residence, a fine three-story brick, was built by his father, and is one of the best in the township. He is the owner of the Stewart Cheese Factory, one of the best of its kind in the county, and also has an extensive dairy, milking over eighty cows. He has some of the finest Norman horses in the township. Mr. Stewart was married in 1880, to Frances E., daughter of Samuel and Mary A. Nichols. They have two children - Mary E. and Robert W.

O. Street c& Son, proprietors of the Lake Defiance Herd, and breeders and dealers in the celebrated Poland-China swine, are known throughout the West and Northwest as reliable and well in ormed in their branch of business. They have been engaged in the business since 1868, and their herd comprises selections fr the best herds of Indiana, Ohio and Michigan. The ancestry shown will command the attention of all breeders and traders, as they comprise animals of first premium grades, viz.: Old Dave, 79; Old Beants, 348; Lady Butler's Black Hawk, 413; Perfection Queen, 2,114; Young Perfection, 135; Black Jim, 853; Black

"World Beater, 851; Bess Stibbens, (O) 1,168; Oorwin Prince, 1,929; Hoosier Tom, (O) 1,625, and many others of equal repute. The best blood in the country was introduced to form their herd, and fhe same watchful attention has kept up the standard of excellency. Their present herd of breeding animals descends direct from Corwin Prince, 1,929; Gold Dust, 2,117; Boneparte, 3d, 1,865; Hoosier Tom, (O) 1,625; B. Alexander, 3d', 1,755; Corwin Queen, 1st, 2d, 3d, 4th and 5th; Golden Queen, 1st, 2d and 3d. Their stock has given perfect satisfaction wherever shipped, and they have sent it to all parts of Michigan, Indiana, Kentucky, Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Nebraska, Iowa, Minnesota and Wisconsin. They have taken first and second premiums and sweepstakes at State and county fairs. Their stock is recorded in ''American Poland-China Record," and "Ohio Poland-China Record." All parties interested in this industry would be benefited by calling and examining their herd. Henry F. Eastman, of the Breeders' Gazette, writes thus of them: "C. Street & Son are among our oldest and most reliable breeders of Poland-Chinas in the West. They are located two miles east of Hebron and at the time of visit their herd numbered thirty sows, as even a lot as one would see in a day's ride, and from the very choicest strains. Black Jim, Jr., is at the head of their herd. He was sired by Black Jim, (O 711, out of None Such, (O) 2,088, and at one year old weighs 400 pounds. * * * Black Jim, his sire, was never beaten, and his dam, None Such, was a prize winner wherever shown, and was in first prize litter at the great Chicago fair. They have a choice lot of young pigs, sowu and boars for sale." Their swine pens are unequaled in the county. The building is 30 x 64 feet with nine-foot posts. The first or front space contains a water tank, supplied from a well, and also a stove for heating purposes. A four-foot alley runs the entire length of the building. At the rear end is the corncrib. There are six pens on each side of the alley-way, each pen having a nesting place 6x6 feet. Size of pen, including nest, 8 x 13. The floor of nest is raised two inches above the floor of pens, with 2x4 inch pieces on edge of nest. One end of the nests are inclosed with swinging partitions; the front is open; all other partitions are made so that they can be swung up, and thus make large or small pens as the occasion may require. There is a floor laid over the pens, for storage of bedding and to make warmer in winter. In the cupola is a slide that covers the opening for ventilation, which can be opened or closed by cords from the first floor. Every detail of their pens is constructed for convenience and health. The farm contains 200 acres of choice land. The residence and farm buildings are large and commodious. In addition to their large herd of swine they have about thirty dairycows and a few choice Clydesdale horses.

C. Street was born in Springfield, Mass., in January, 1797, and was married April 16, 1825, to Dolly Brown, who was born in Peru, Mass., Oct. 22, 1799. Immediately after marriage they moved to Barre, Orleans Co., N. Y., and in 1865 sold their farm and removed to Hebron, 111., where he and his son S. G. now reside. His wife died Dec. 17, 1879. They had a family of three children- Sarah A., born Sept. 6, 1826, died Sept. 18,"l 845; Selden G., born Jan. 12, 1828; Avalin H., born April 29, 1833, is a dentist and extensive land-owner in Albert Lea, Minn. S. G. Street was married April 22, 1851, to Mary D. Sanford, a native of Orleans County, N. T., born Jan. 8, 1829. He moved to Hebron, 111., in the spring of 1854, and settled on the farm where he now lives. Mr. and Mrs. S. G. Street have four children - Sarah A., born April 12, 1853, was married Oct. 18, 1872, to Porter C. Bliss, of Barre, N. Y.; Carrie L., born June 7, 1857, was married March 13, 1878, to Russell Holmes, of Hebron; Ella T., born Aug. 24, 1859, resides in Eockford, and is a successful artist, enlarging photographs by the use of the air brush; Henry G., born May 10, 1865, is a musician, and at present is a clarionetist in the State Line Cornet Band.

G. Fred Tryon, farmer, Hebron Township, is the eldest son of George and Jane (Downs) Tryon, and was born Nov. 21, 1854, in McHenry County. He has always resided on the farm and been engaged solely in agricultural pursuits. He was married Dec. 5, 1877, to Frank B. Lumley, who was born June 6, 1859, a daughter of Thomas E. and Eliza (Mitchell) Lumley, of McHenry Township. They have two children - Hattie Glenn, born Dec. 7, 1880, and Floyd O, born May 7, 1883. Politically Mr. Tryon is a Eepublican, and has attained considerable prominence as a leader in local as well as national campaigns. In religious faith a liberal. He is a member of Eichmond Lodge, No. 143, F. & A. M.

Charles H. Tryon. - Bela Hopkins Tryon was born in Franklin County, Mass., in 1797. His early ancestors were English. Edward Hopkins, having come from Shrewsbury, England, to Boston in 1637, removed to Hartford and was chosen Governor of Connecticut, - repeatedly, from 1640 to 1654. He afterward went to England, where he was chosen Warden of the English Fleet and a Member of Parliament. Many of his descendants have been distinguished men in Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, and Pennsylvania. Stephen Hopkins, one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence, was a delegate to Congress in 1774, and remained in that office until after the establishment of independence. He died in 1785, aged seventy-nine. Samuel Hopkins, D. D., graduated from Yale College in 1741, studied theology with his kinsman, Jonathan Edwards, of Northampton, and became a very eminent minister. His chief publication was a system of theology, in two volumes, octavo. In connection with Edwards he revolutionized many old ideas in theology, and helped to lift the human mind to a higher plane of thought. Of the latter, Barber, in his "Biographical History," says: "His essay on the 'Freedom of the Will' is considered by many as one of the greatest efforts of the human mind." Mr. Tryon bore a strong resemblance to the last two gentlemen in many ways, physically and mentally. Although home was the place where his best affections were centered, his mind was constantly reaching out to solve the reasons of mysterious events in the Divine government; and although a man of learning and ability he never made any pretentions as a writer. His ideas were broad in scope and elevating in sentiment, but his chief ambition was to be cherished most by those who knew him best, believing as he did that a genuine loyalty to truth, that dares to speak it and live it, is one of the grandest features of manhood. His father, William Tryon, served through the Revolutionary war, and many of his family did efficient service during the Indian massacres in Western Massachusetts. In 1837 he came to McHenry County, III., and laid the foundation for a permanent home. He owned at this time 1,000 acres of land, on part of which he built a small log cabin in which his family could stay while he was building a house. A.s soon as material could be collected e built a large, commodious residence, which, without repairing (excepting with paint) is in good condition to-day, and a credit to his energy when we understand that all the material of which it is built was brought on wagons from Chicago. During his life he was identified with all the leading movements, socially and politically, of this section; had laid broad plans for future success, and seemed in a fair way to see them realized, when death entered, and the strong man bowed to that decree before which all human efforts are powerless. He left to his descendants the legacy of a good man's life, and the verdict of his many friends is and always has been, " His heart was the throne of honor, and his brow the witness of manly integrity." In 1825 he was married to Miss Harriet Billings, who was also a native of Franklin County, Mass., and a woman of more than ordinary ability. Without a murmur she left the enticing scenes of her childhood and youth and accompanied her husband to the then far West. She gave this town Hebron) the name it bears, being the first white woman to settle within its limits. A party was gathered at her house when the subject of naming the town was proposed. They had been singing, and the words of that grand old hymn seemed so appropriate to her own case that she requested them to call the town ' Hebron." The appropriateness of her selection can be better understood by a reference to the hymn itself. She always enjoyed relating to her friends the varied incidents of her Western life, which were many and interesting, but most she cherished the memories of her logcabin home. She never quite recovered from the shock caused by her husband's death. Although he lingered for days under the best medical treatment the family could procure, to her the blow was sudden, and many times she remarked to her friends that she "forgot, when beside him, that he was only mortal."

Mrs. Tryon was a woman whose natural abilities marked her as a leader in society. Keenly alive to whatever would entertain and advance her associates, her home was the center of hospitality and good cheer. But those scenes of early years are sleeping in the sepulcher of the past ; and they who loved in youth, toiled side by side through the changes of maturer years, have left the fields of their labor, and the marble shaft and billowed earth at its base tell us they have reached that farther shore against whose golden sands the great wave of humanity is forever surging.

Charles Hopkins Tryon, whose name heads this sketch, is the eldest son and last surviving member of the family. He was' born June 2, 1826, at South Deerfield, Franklin Co., Mass., and came with his parents to Illinois when only ten years of age. He received his education in the public schools of his new home, and at an academy in Kenosha, Wis. Being eager to learn, and possessing a retentive memory, his mind soon became stored with a general knowledge of the passing events of life. Good books were his constant companions, and their influence was very marked. Transplanted from the scenes of refinement, the home of schools and churches, to the almost uninhabited section of the West, he was thrilled with a boy's enthusiasm at the novelty of his surroundings. The belts of woodland, the prairies waving verdure and bloom, where Indians roamed and wild birds sang, where deer sported and wolves made their lairs, growing up amid scenes of rapid and extensive progress, his mind became as untrammeled as the wind that swept the broad prairies of his Western home. He could draw no sectional lines anywhere; humanity was his kindred, the world his home. At the age of twenty-one he took his father's place as Justice of the Peace and a short time after was elected Supervisor. In 1848 he married Laura A. Hodge, who died in 1876 leaving two children - Jessie M., who is still living, and Bela H., who died in 1877. In the opening of a promising manhood Bela fell a victim to consumption and his young head lies pillowed beneath the blooms of a world that had yielded him much of joy and more of sorrow. In 1862 Mr. Tryon raised a company of volunteers of which he was Captain ; his company belonged to the Ninety-fifth Illinois Infantry. In 1882 he was elected a Representative to the Thirty-third General Assembly, and assigned to the committees on agriculture, horticulture, dairying, drainage and State institutions. Of his career in the Legislature the Illinois State Journal of June, 1883, says:

" Among the quiet, unobtrusive members of the General Assembly during the recent session, there has been none who looked more faithfully or conscientiously after the interests of his constituents and the people of the State generally than Hon. Charles H. Tryon, Representative from the Eighth District. Mr. Tryon resides on a farm in the vicinity of Richmond, McHenry County, and is identified in interest and vocation with the agricultural class of Northwestern Illinois. Though an infrequent speaker and seldom calling attention to himself on the floor, his industry and close attention to business secured for him a degree of influence exerted by few members on either side of the House. He was particularly influential in securing the passage through the House of two measures - one a bill providing for the more certain conviction and effective punishment of persons guilty of burglary, forgery, etc.; and the other an act authorizing the erection of private telegraph and telephone lines and protecting the same - of much importance to suburban and farming communities. It is doubtful if any man leaves the General Assembly with more earnest friends on both sides of the House, while the respect and confidence won by his high character for honesty and fair dealing have placed him in a position to serve his constituents even more efficiently in the future than in the past." He is a most inveterate hater of any kind of shamming in politics or religion, believing that an unprincipled politician is the most authentic type of human depravity. He still lives where he located forty-six years ago, in one of the finest farm residences in the county, justly enjoying the confidence and respect of all who know him. In person he is tall, has light complexion, very fine wavy hair and a true Grecian nose, and wears no beard except a mustache. His eyes do not so much sparkle as beam on you a full sun-glow of integrity and honor, sheltered by a lofty and over-arching brow. The face expresses gravity, good sense, collectedness and discretion, in nhysical outline less distinguished for beauty than for its moral fire and quality of character. He is a Master Mason. Has been a Republican since the organization of that party; prior to that he was a Whig. In theology he is a Universalist, but tolerant to all other denominations. Being convinced that life itself suggests a higher good than life itself can yield, he does not presume to dictate by what path, thorny at best, humanity shall reach the goal of its hopes. After carefully studying the relation of man to his Maker, and both to the Universe, he comes to the conclusion for himself that

July 4, 1877, he was married to Marion E. Sherman, a native of Oswego, N. Y. She is well educated, and in her younger days a teacher. Like her husband, she occasionally writes for different county papers.

George F. Tryon. - Among the early settlers of McHenry County there was not a better man than George F. Tryon. Socially and financially he ranked with the first, and while always freely asserting his convictions on any subject and never lowering his independence as a man, he died without an enemy, and in his death McHenry County lost a citizen whose every ambition was identified with its interests. He was an agriculturist from choice, and found unbounded pleasure in waving fields of grain, quiet grazing herds, and orchards laden with their ripening fruits. He was a good musician and possessed a strong love for the beautiful in nature and art; and the manly acts of his life were but an index of the pure aud generous soul within. In 1852 he was married to Jane Amelia Downs who six years later, with the name of her idolized husband trembling on her lipe, passed to that

" other world" from all that made her heaven of this. Their children - Hattie A., C. Fred and Ira B. - still live in Hebron. Several years after the death of his first wife he married Sarah Kood, who with their two children, Frank Q. and Luella, still survives him. Although having little to do with politics and caring less for its favors, he was a strong Republican, and always ready to discharge whatever duties devolved upon him as a citizen and a man. He belonged to the Masonic fraternity. His daily life gave expression to his religious creed. He died Nov. 5, 1868, just at the close of a lovely autumn day. But the shadows of night that gathered around him were not so dark as the shadows that fell across the lives of those who loved him. He had no sisters and only one brother, Charles H., whose name appears in this chapter, and in the old home of his boyhood "Charley" was his idol. And the unusual attachment between them can perhaps be no better described than by a few extracts from a poem written by the surviving brother entitled, "Fare Thee Well."

" How oft with dimmed and weary eyes I seek thee in the living throng, While memory gilds again those hours Of kindred feeling shared so long.

" Fame's temple gleamed before us high, And soul to soul, as hand to hand, We longed to stand beneath those domes, Where stood the honored of our land.

" "lis past ! Oh, these thy titles are ; A heart did others sufferings feel ; A soul from which dishonor fled, As flies the breath from burning steel.

" Oh, fare thee well ; no words can breathe How close, how dear the mystic spell, That bound our lives in one strong bond ; My noble brother, fare thee well.''

August Walters was born in Ortenberg, Hesse-Darmstadt, Germany, May 9, 1828. When he was two years of age his parents died, and he was reared by an uncle, Fredrick Stoffel, who afterward came to America and died at the home of our subject. He received a good education in his native country, attending school eight years continuously. When he reached manhood he resolved to come to America, and although with limited means persuaded his betrothed, "Wilhelmine Nogel, to accompany him. They landed in New York, Sept. 30, 1849, and were married there May 8, 1850, and then came to McHenry County, 111., and had but $3 in money, but went to work with a determination to make themselves a home. He found employment at $8 a month, and after working two years earned enough to send to Germany for his wife's mother and brother, who are now residents of Hebron Township. He was prosperous from the beginning, but in July, 1855, lost his young wife and companion of his home in a strange land. To them had beeD born three children - Harry, Kate, and an infant, deceased. Three years later he married Catherine Hoffman, a native of his home in Germany. To them have been born seven children, five now living - Fred, Emma, August and Belinda (twins), and Edna. George died aged three years and one died in infancy. In 1858 he made his first purchase of land, which is a part of the farm where he now lives. Every improvement has been made by him, and he has added to his original purchase, till he now owns 115 acres of the choicest land. In 1884 he purchased eighty acres adjoining at a cost of $5,000, for his son. In 1872 Mr. "Walters visited Germany, but was glad to return to his American home. Although so poor that all his possessions were in a trunk when he came to this country, he is now one of the most substantial citizens of the township and has a beautiful home surrounded by all that makes life pleasant.

William H. Woodbury, section 18, Hebron Township, is a native of Massachusetts, a son of John and Lucretia (Herrington) Woodbury. "When he was an infant his parents moved to Vermont and there he was reared and educated. In the fall of 1844 he came "West on a prospecting tour; returned home the same fall, and in February, 1845, was married to Allury Bains, a native of Vermont, and soon after again came West and lived in Bingwood one summer. The next fall he moved to Hebron Township, where he had entered a tract of land from the Government. He went to work to improve his land and now has one of the finest farms of 160 acres in the township. He also owns ninety acres in another tract, forty acres of it lying in Alden Township. He has a pleasant residence and substantial farm buildings. Mr. and Mrs. "Woodbury have four sons - Andrew J., George E., John M. and Charles F., the latter being the only one at home. They are members of the Presbyterian church and among its most liberal supporters.

H. W. Mead is one of the wealthiest and most energetic business men of McHenry County. From the time of his coming to the present he has been actively engaged in agriculture, mercantile and other pursuits, and probably no man in the county has done more to advance the business interests of the neighborhood in which he has resided so many years. He was born in Oswego County, N. Y., May 10, 1823, and came to McHenry County in October, 1844. His parents, Jeremiah and Annie (Cline) Mead, were natives of Berkshire County, Mass., of English descent, being lineal descendants of a family that came over in the Mayflower. They were the parents of eleven children, eight of whom are living - Emily, wife of D. P. Conklin, of Hebron; Daniel P., of Oswego County, N. Y., married Hannah Snyder; H. W., our sub. ject; Jesse H., married Miss Ormsby, and resides in Waupaca, Wis. ; Cyrus L., of Hebron, married Finette A. Carman; Jeremiah C, married Lucinda Spurling; Stephen P. ; George H., of Oswego County, N. Y., married Maria Hoffstetter. The early life of our subject was interspersed with, many incidents of a thrilling nature. The county being new everything was bent toward helping to develop the fertile lands. His first purchase of land was made near Sheboygan, in the fall of 1845; the second, nearBloomfield, in 1848. In 1853, with his brother, he purchased 450 acres of land where the village of Hebron is now located. In 1860 he had it surveyed and platted, and M. S. Goodsell erected the first house and store. In 1850 he, in company with Barnett Burdick, Ed. Purdy and Charles McConnell, started overland for California, reaching Placerville, Aug. 14. He engaged in mining eighteen months with Mr. Burdick, in which they were prosperous. The return journey was by water. He walked across the Isthmus from Panama to Gargona, and from there to Chagres in a bungalow, when they again boarded a steamer. After the completion of the railroad he erected the present depot, and for eighteen years was agent, although he was also engaged in the general mercantile and lumber business. He has built up a large trade, his sales now averaging $45,000 per annum. In 1858 Mr. Mead was elected Town Clerk, and served continuously till 1881. He has served as Justice of the Peace since 1860, Township Treasurer since 1863, Supervisor a number of years and Notary Public. He is one of the charter members of Hebron Lodge, No. 604, F. & A. M., and is a member of Woodstock Chapter, No. 36, E. A. M., and Calvary ommandery, No. 25, K. T. Politically he is a Republican. In

1868 Mr. Mead built a factory for the benefit of the dairy farmers of the neighborhood and now produces an average of 1,300 pounds of cheese per day. Jan. 22, 1862, he was married to Ann M. Turner, who was born in Hamburg, Erie Co., N. Y., Dec. 7, 1828. They have had three children - Frank, Minnie and Emma C, the latter the only one living. Aug. 22, 1884, Mrs. Mead died, after a lingering illness, during which she was an uncomplaining sufferer, and although all that money and skill could accomplish was done nothing availed to relieve her sufferings. She was buried in Hebron Cemetery. Mr. Mead is always the first to aid any work of interest to the county, withholding neither money nor influence where either is required. He is in religious faith a Methodist, and is one of the church's most liberal supporters.