Hopkins Township

Hopkins Township

of township 21, range 6 east of the 4th principal meridian, together with a small fraction of section 2, township 20, range 6, lying north of Rock River, comprises the township of Hopkins. It is well watered by the Elkhorn Creek, which enters the township on section 13 and empties into Rock River from section 35 ; and Spring Creek, which rises in Genesee and enters Hopkins on section 3, flowing southward and uniting with the Elkhornon section 14. Round Grove lies wholly within this township, and there is much timber along the banks of the streams. The remainder of the township is a beautiful rolling prairie, which is highly productive.

Jason Hopkins, for whom the township is named and Isaac H. Brittle, have the honor of being the pioneers of the township, effecting a settlement in 1835, where the village of Como was subsequently located. Mr. Hopkins passed through this section in 1832, during the Black Hawk War, and was charmed with the country. At that time he made a "jack-knife claim," by cutting his name in the bark of the trees. He said the location was as " beautiful as the Garden of Eden." When he returned with his family in 1835, he surveyed the claim and marked its boundaries in the customary manner of running furrows through the prairies and marking the trees in the timber.

In 1836 settlements were made by Joseph Jones, William Pilgrim, Clement C. Nance, Frank Adams, James Cleveland, James Brady, Jacob Benjamin, and Anthony Sells. Between 1836 and 1840 many others came in, among whom were James D. Bingham, Mrs. Martha Adams and family, William Beebe, Thomas Matthews, Joel Harvey, W. F. Hopkins, Simon Sampson, H. H. Perkins, Horatio Wells, Frederick Simonson, Thompson Brothers, Elijah Wallace, H. B. Sampson, W. S. Wilkinson, Jesse Scott, G. H. Kirby, N. A. Sturtevant, Geo. Sturtevant, A. C. Merrill, E. C. Whitmore, J. M. Dow, S. P. Breed, Wm. Sampson and J. M. Burr.

Jason Hopkins was a native of Tennessee, born Dec. 26, 1786. On coming to this State he first located at Belleville, from which place he went to Peoria, and was there on the breaking out of the Black Hawk War. Enlisting in a cavalry regiment, he was appointed Quartermaster, and as such served during the war. He was a cabinet-maker and worked at his trade until he came to this county. An intimate friend of Gen. Jackson, he was a great admirer of the old hero. Mr. Hopkins was a true pioneer, a man esteemed by all who knew him. He died at his home in Coino, Aug. 19, 1853.

Jesse Scott came from Ohio, though born in Luzerne Co., Pa. He made the trip by way of the Ohio, Mississippi and Rock Rivers, in a keel-boat propelled by horse-power, lantfing at Como, June i, 1839. With this boat he made trading trips for several'years after coming to Como.

Joel Harvey was a pioneer of 1837, a native of New York and a wagon -maker by trade. He located at Round Grove, purchasing the claim of Caleb Plummer, and was the first Postmaster at that point. It is said that he did more in opening up farms, laying out roads, building mills, stores and factories than any man in Whiteside County. The artesian well in Sterling was his work. Mr. Harvey died in Sterling, Sept 3, 1875.

Wm. Pollock was from Erie Co., Pa., and was numbered among the early settlers of Como. He was County Surveyor several terms and also held other offices of public trust.

Frank Adams came to Como in company with Jason Hopkins, and located on the bank of the river near the ferry landing. His wife was the first white woman in the place, and for a time the only one.

Capt. Simeon Sampson was a native of Massachusetts, and followed the sea for some years, or until he came West. He returned to Massachusetts some years ago and now resides at Boston.

William Pilgrim, Joseph Jones and Clement C. Nance were from Indiana, and located at Round Grove. They all married sisters. Pilgrim and Jones returned to Indiana after a time, but Nance remained, studied and practiced medicine, and also

Jacob Sells sold his claim to Edward Vernon and Frank Adams, moved to Bureau County, laid out the village of Tailholt, and ran a hotel there some years.

The first marriage occurred in 1840, Isaac H. Brittle and Jane Scott being the contracting parties. On the toth day of November, 1841, a double weddin g occurred - Win field S. Wil kinson and Frances E. Sampson, and Frank dishing and Mary D. Breed.

William Tell, son of Jason Hopkins, who was born Feb. 22, 1837, was the first born in the township, and is said to have been the first male child born in the county.

By whom the first religious services were held is unknown, but it is quite probable that Rev. B. H. Cartwright was among the first. Clement C. Nance also preached at an early day. The first house of worship was erected at Como by the Congregationalists in 1854.

Miss Higby has the honor of teaching the first school in 1840 at Round Grove. The first schoolhouse was erected at Como, in 1842. The educa- ^ tional interests of the township have kept pace with its improvement in other respects.

From the report of the County Superintendent of Public Schools for the year ending June 30, 1884, it is learned that there were six school districts in the township, each having a good frame school house. The total value of which were $8,500. There were 544 persons under the age of 21, of which number there were 390 of school age, 320 of whom were enrolled in the public schools. The highest wages paid teachers were $60 and the lowest $30 per month. The levy for school purposes was $2,816.

Hopkins Township was organized in 1852, its first election being held in April of that year. The following officers were chosen : Simeon Sampson, Supervisor; Henry B. Sampson, Town Clerk; Simeon Sampson, Assessor; Nelson R. Douglass, Collector; Grant Conklin, Overseer of the Poor; Henry B. Sampson and Walter Harmon, Justices of the Peace ; Ira Silliman, Wm. Manahan and Fred. Simonson, Commissioners of Highways; Nelson R. Douglass and Porter J. Harmon, Constables; Poor Masters, Chas. Holmes, O. C. Stolp, Fred Simonson. Jesse Scott, Joel Harvey, P. J. Harmon and Josiah S. Scott were appointed Overseers of Highways. There were i S this history is being compiled, in the spring of 1885, the village of Como presents another grand illustration of " what might have been. " Located upon the north side of Rock River, with a beauty of location second to none, and surrounded by an agricultural country of great fertility, it would seem that nothing more could have been desired to make of it one of the best inland towns in the State.

The site of the village of Como was a part of the original claim of Jason Hopkins, and about 1837 passed into the hands of Peter Menard and Judge Bigelow, of Peoria. Dr. Harding, a son-in-law of the latter, came about that time and settled upon the claim. Soon afterwards the claim was purchased of Bigelow and Menard by a colony formed in Tazewell County, and in July, 1838, a village was platted to which was given the name of Como, from the fact that the expanse of the river just above the town was said to resemble Lake Como, in Italy.

prospects. Settled by an intelligent, enterprising people, with a determination to build up a thriving city, no one would have dared to predict failure. It is said that among the original proprietors of the town were six civil engineers and surveyors, three ship captains, one clergyman, one editor, one printer, one physician, one miller, one merchant, three shoe and leather dealers :and two farmers. The greater number of them were from Massachusetts and New Hampshire, and were well educated, hospitable and moral people.

In the spring of 1840 a ferry was built across the river at this point, bridges were built and roads opened, so that trade would flow in this direction. A tavern had been opened the year previous by Henry Sampson, the first in the place and which Was extensively patronized by the traveling public, especially after Frink & Walker began running their stage coaches through the place, making Capt. Sampson's house a point where the passengers could be provided with good, wholesome meals.

The first store was opened in 1840, by, Alfred and James Dow. About the same time a postoffice was established here, with Dr. Harding as Postmaster. In 1841 William Pollock opened the second store, and was followed soon after by Wm. Nurritt. In 1845 Aaron W.Pitts began the manufacture of plows, and did a thriving business for several years.

Among other business interests, Lorenzo Hapgood and Charles Holmes opened a store, in 1844, and in 1845 Smith & Weber opened a store, and commenced the erection of a grist-uiill. The mill was built at a cost of $42,000, and was the first of its kind in the county. For many years it did an extensive business, supplying the people witli flour for miles around. Como at this time was the best business point in the eastern part of the county, even Sterling being tributary to it.

While the business interests were being developed, the educational was not neglected In 1842 a schoolhouse was erected, the first in the township. Among the early teachers were Maria Sampson, now Mrs. A. E. Merrill, and Mary D. Breed, who subsequently married Frank dishing. Good schools have always been mrintained at this point.

When the railroad agitation commenced, it was thought that beyond any possibility of doubt Como would be. made a station on the road, but " the best laid schemes of mice and men gang aft agley," and the town was left a mile and a half one side, and its glory immediately began to wane. One by one the merchants of the place closed their doors, removed the remnants of their stock to more fortunate places, and in some instances removed their store buildings also. The old mill has ceased to run, the fires have gone out of the forges, and, as stated in the beginning of this article, another illustration is given of " what might have been." Only the postoffice remains, in which a small stock of goods is carried by the postmaster.

'N the southwest quarter of section 24, in January, 1855, John Gait and others had platted a village to which was given the name of Gait. It is the first station west of Sterling, and is surrounded by a fine farming country. For a time the village seemed to flourish, but its proximity to Sterling and Morrison has tended to retard .its growth.

HIS village was laid out in 1855, by Elijah Wallace, G. S. Fraser, O. C. Stolp and Wm. M. Sutton, on the southwest quarter of section 13. Hezekiah Brink had here erected a saw-mill, and Joel Harvey soon afterwards erected a large grist-mill, a woolen factory and a store. He also built several dwellinghouses. The mill burned down some years ago, and has not been re-built. This place, like Como, was virtually killed by the railroad running within a short distance of it, but too far away for the citizens to reap the benefits of its construction. The Lutherans have a good church edifice in the place, and there is also a fine school building.

K.UME Township comprises all of township 20 north, of range 6 east of the fourth principal meridian, lying south of Rock River. When the township organization law was adopted, in rS52, the territory was set off, but not fully organized as a township until 1857, the east half being attached to Hopkins and the west half to Prophetstown.

This is a prairie township, there being no tatural groves in it. The soil is rich and highly productive, and every acre is susceptible of cultivation. Rock River forms the greater part of the northern boundary, but there are no streams in the township. Water is easily obtained from wells sunk to not a very great depth.

Leonard Morse has the honor of being the first to reside within the township. He came from Lee County, in 1 836, erected a log cabin on section 16, and for several years resided there, his house being used to entertain travelers, it being on the old State Road from Rock Island to Beloit, and which virtually followed the Indian trail. On account of his being on the school section, no title could be secured for the land claimed. As was customary, the Government gave him a certificate, called by the early settlers a " float," entitling to enter any unoccupied Government land. The certificate he sold to Fred Dutcher, and then moved to McHenry County.

Uriah Wood came next, in 1839. He erected a sod house but a short distance from Morse, on the same section. In this house he lived with a family of seven children, until the fall of 1840, when he removed to Lee County.

William Ramsay was the next to locate in the township, and it may be said was the first permanent settler in the township. He came to the county in 1839, and on the 24th day of March, 1840, took up his residence in Hume, pre-empting a tract of 160 acres, and for which he secured a title, signed by John Tyler. A sketch of Mr. Ramsay may be found on page 283.

Charles Wright came in June, 1840, and located on the west line of the township on the Prophetstown Road. Mr. Wright was a native of Vermont, but came here from Canada, where he had resided for some years. He was a man universally esteemed, a loving father and husband, and a kind neighbor. He died Jan. 24, 1875, on the old homestead.

David Ramsay was the father of William and L. B. Ramsay. He was born in Londonderry, N. H., in 1787; married in Vermont, in 1812, after which he removed to Oneida Co., N. Y., from whidi place he came to Whiteside County. Locating on section 10, he built a frame house, which, though not in- tended for a tavern, was used for that purpose for some years. Men going to and from the land office often availed themselves of the privilege of stopping at Ramsay's. A good many anecdotes of hotel life at this place are related. On one occasion a traveler called at the house after all had retired and asked permission to stop, Mr. Ramsay replied : " Friend, my house is but 16 X22, and we now have 21 lodged here." " Well, I'll make the number 22," said the traveler, as he dismounted from his horse. He was cared for.

Upon another occasion a party was returning from the land sales, where they had secured titles for their land, and, in consequence, was in good spirits. They brought along with them a jug of whisky, which they had purchased as a preventive of chills, fever and snake-bites. One of the number was a bald-headed man, and as in those days bald-headed men were rare, he was made the butt of a good many jokes. Not knowing but snakes and other " varmints " might abound about the premises, the contents of the jug were sampled, and enough partaken of to make them feel happy. The bald head of their friend shone forth, and as whisky was good for so many " ills that flesh is heir to," it was thought it might make a good hair restorative. Despite the struggles of the man, his head was deluged with the rum, and vigorously shampooed, amid the laughter of all but the victim. David Ramsay lived upon the homestead which he located till his death, which occurred in 1852.

Hume Township did not rapidly settle up, in consequence of their being no timber. Among those who came in at an early period, or before the adoption of the township organization law, in addition to those already named, were J. S. Scott, David Cleaveland, R. F. Stewart, J. G. Peckham, J. D. Beaji, Mr. Chas. S. D. Perry, Austin Morse and G. W. Curtis.

J. S. Scott is a native of Ohio. He came to this county with his parents, resided in Hopkins till his marriage, in 1846, when he removed to Hume. He is now living a retired life at Rock Falls.

The first resident of Hume Township to be united in marriage was William Ramsay. He went to Lee County for his wife, and was there married, Feb. 3, 1845.

James Griffith is said to have taught the first school in the township, in 18157. A school-house had just been completed in the Cleaveland neighborhood, and in this house was held the first school. According to the report of the Superintendent of Public Schools, the township is divided into six school districts, with one brick and five frame school-houses, valued at $6,400. There were, in June, 1884, under the age of 21 years, 356 persons, of whom 257 were over six, with an enrollment of 196. The wages paid ranged from $25 to $50 per month. The tax levy for school purposes was

There is no village in the township. A postoffice was established in 1874, under the name of South Hume, with J. D. Perry as Postmaster. It was continued but about two years.

Source changes here: from History of Whiteside County, Illinois from Its Earliest Settlement to 1908 : Illustrated, with Biographical Sketches of Some Prominent Citizens of the County, by Davis, William W, published 1908; 3,711 words in this source stream.

Hopkins Township

A circle has one center, an ellipse has two, but Hopkins has three, Como, Gait and Emerson. The only member of the family of townships that enjoys that distinction. The early people in Como were a choice set, nothing common or unclean, as Peter once said. They were either of noble descent or of marked ability. For instance, Mrs. Margaret Perkins, wife of Hamilton, was Miss Breck, of Rochester, on the committee to receive Lafayette on his second visit in 1824. Mrs. Harding, wife of Dr. Harding, was a daughter of Judge Bigelow, of Boston, member of the Massachusetts legislature, William Pollock, surveyor of the county from 1847 to 1853, married Miss Sarah Maison, of an old Philadelphia family. The Sampsons were prominent. Two brothers, William and Henry Briggs. Simeon Sampson, a sea captain, married Caroline, daughter of William. After residence here, Simeon returned to Boston, but retained his property in the West, which became valuable. In early Como were six engineers, three ship captains, one minister, one editor, and one doctor. They were mostly New England people.

Another familiar name is the Burrs. Capt. James M. Burr came from Boston, and had several children. Miss Adeline became the wife of the distinguished David Davis, senator, judge of the U. S. supreme court, friend of Lincoln, and administrator of his estate. She resides since his death in Fayetteville, N. C.

Among the happy recollections of William Pollock, the surveyor, was his introduction to General Jackson at his inauguration at Washington in 1829, whom he described as a plain looking old fellow. John Williams Pollock, son of WTilliam, born in 1841, had a varied and responsible career in the rebellion. He served three years, part of the time with the 83d Pennsylvania Volunteers, and then on staff duty in South Carolina. At the close of the war, he was custodian of the secret archives of the Confederacy, captured with Jefferson Davis, taking them to Washington, and turning over to Gen. Thomas. Since the war he has lived an Nebraska, representing his district one term in the legislature.

Jason Hopkins, after whom the township is named, was a native of Tennessee, a cabinet maker, served in the Black Hawk war in a cavalry regiment, and at its close came to Como, where he remained till his death in 1853.

Of all the Como pioneers, Jesse Scott was the most inventive and original. While other emigrants came in regular passenger packets by river, or In wagons overland, Jesse started from Ohio in a hundred-ton keel boat propelled by horse power. On this was a cabin of two rooms for the use of the family. Never before or since did any navigator stem the current of the Mississippi with such a contrivance. Leaving the great river, he turned up the Rock, and on landing at Como, set up his cabin, where it braved the elements for many winters. A piece of the siding is in the Whiteside Historical Society. Mrs. Scott died in 18T6, and Jesse in 1907.

Como was platted in 1838 on the original claim of Jason Hopkins, and was laid out in nine blocks and 142 lots, which were bid off by the settlers, on condition they were to build a house or forfeit the money paid. The postoffice was established in 1840, with Dr. Harding as postmaster. The Congregational church was erected in 1854, the first church building in Hopkins. Charles Holmes and Lorenzo Hapgood opened a store in 1844, and the Smiths and Weber a mill store. In 1845 Aaron W. Pitts began the manufacture of an improved plow, much superior to those in common uss, and which had an extensive sale.

The first hotel in Como was opened in 1839 by Capt. Henry Sampson, and as the daily line of four-horse stages changed teams here, and passengers took their meals, the young village became a lively point. But the large grist mill, erected in 1845, at a cost of $42,000, and carried on for many years by Leman and Howard Smith, was the commercial glory of the place. It was the only mill in the valley, up and down Rock river, and was the headquarters for flour and feed for half the county. But Babylon fell, and the big landmark is no more. W. R. Kelsey, of Lyndon, is our authority in saying that it was abandoned in 1868 or '69, and was burned to the ground in 1880.

The Lyceum

Como has always had good schools and teachers, with such men as Phinney and Crary at the desk, and naturally with the intelligence of her citizens would have a lyceum. Their New England training may account for jt, too. In our Historical Society is the record of the Como Lyceum from 1858 to 1860. After the constitution and by-laws, are the minutes of the meetings held every week. The main business of the society seemed to be debate, and the best brains of the village investigated all kinds of questions, moral, social, political.

We glean a few: Resolved, that intemperance has caused more misery in the world than any other evil. Resolved, that a tariff barely sufficient to defray the expenses of our government is the best. Resolved, that we can profit more by the defects than the excellencies of others. Resolved, that we are' not free moral agents. Resolved, that the signs of the times indicate the perpetuity of the Union. Is the Fugitive Slave Law constitutional? A roll of twenty-one members is given, and among them are the following: John Phinney, Norman Besse, Charles N. Russell, Washington Loomis, Charles B. Holmes, Henry Murray, George Davidson, R. B. Stoddard, John I. Russell. Joel Burdick, Francis Dubridge, R. C. Warfield, S. S. Partridge, W. T. Smith.

Galt

When Gait was platted in 1855, and the railroad came through, the death knell of Como, over a mile south, was rung. So near, and yet so far. A depot was erected, and various business concerns sprang up, some of which have since subsided. The elevator and lumber yard remain. The Cheese company was started in 1873 with a capital of $3,100 and a main building and addition. For a few years sixty thousand pounds of cheese were made annually. William Pratt was president, and Robert A. Gait treasurer. It ceased operations long ago. An account of the Gait family after whom the station is named is given in the second volume.

On a spacious lot planted with trees, stands the most imposing edifice in Gait, the school room below, and the town hall in the second story. It is of frame painted white. The citizens take pride in their school as the best jewel in their crown. In December, 1907, an operetta, "Bonnybell, or Cinderella's Cousin," was given by the pupils, and received with great satisfaction. In the cast were forty pupils, and the characters were all well taken from the prince and queen to the fairies and brownies. Some excellent musical numbers. The town hall is the favorite place for oyster suppers and festivals. It is at the service of any minister who desires to hold religious meetings.

A mile or so north from 'Gait is Emerson. The old name was Empire, but some admirer of the philosopher decided to change the appellation. In its palmy days, the prettiest inland spot in the county. It has not the bluffs of Albany and the mighty Mississippi, but Elkhorn and the dam, Spring creek and its rocky banks, the mossy meadows between, the white cottages, and around all, the refreshing woodlands, made a romantic picture on which the eye loved to linger. But much of the beauty is departed. The dam is gone and turned into a cornfield, and so farewell to Riley's "ole swimmin' hole," and the skating crystal of January. The bed of Spring creek is quarried out. Acres of noble oak have fallen before the Vandal ax. It were vain to say

Corn and hogs drive out all sentiment. Like Como, the present village has lost much of its early importance. The grist mill, woolen factory, and saw mill, ceased operations before the dam was swept away. There remain the store and blacksmith shop. There is a substantial two-story schoolhouse, erected in the early fifties, and afterwards enlarged. It once bore the flattering title of Oak Grove Academy. Here were in attendance at various times some persons who are quite well known: Rev. John K. Reed, missionary to Africa, Dr. Frank Keefer, Miss Alice Dinsmoor, Mrs. George Keefer, Jarvis Dinsmoor, Esq. At one time many of the patrons were from Franklin county, coming in 1854 and 55, the Reeds, Reefers, and Groves. James Dinsmoor, Esq., a member of the legislature, had an extensive farm in the northeastern part of the district. Of all the settlers fifty years ago, only two are living, Benjamin Reed and Mrs. Ryerson, now in Sterling. Martin Ryerson came from New Jersey to Whiteside in 1850, worked as a carpenter and farmer, married Margaret Johnson, and died a few years ago. At sixteen he was apprenticed for four years at ten cents a day.

Through the kindness of Mr. Harry Reed, we are furnished with the subjoined account of the First Lutheran church of Hopkins. It stands in Emerson on the road leading north :

The Lutheran church at Empire (now Emerson) was organized April 4, 1870, and a church building erected the same year. Dr. J. W. Richards, who has since risen to a prominent position in the Lutheran church, was practically the first pastor of the church, although there was preaching for a short period before that time. The names "of the pastors, and time they served, are as follows: J. W. Richard, April 1, 1871, to July 31, 1873; J. T. Gladhill, August 1, 1873, to December 15, 1874; E. S. Rees, August 1, 1875, to August 1, 1878; J. W. Elser, December 1, 1878 to December 1, 1880. At this date the church ceased to have a resident pastor, and services were held by Rev. E. Brown of Sterling Sunday afternoons, with the exception of one Sunday each month, during more than nineteen years, until his death. From that time until now preaching services have been held by Mr. H. K. Hostetter of Sterling, and the ministers of Trinity Evangelical church on alternate Sunday afternoons. There are 58 members of the church. The Sunday school was held in the schoolhouse long before the church was built. It has continued without any interruption ever since. The superintendent is H. M. Overholser. The total attendance is about 50.

Old Empire had two conspicuous characters, familiar to the dwellers as household words, Joel Harvey and Major Wallace. Joel came from New York. He built the mill and store, several dwellings, and owned large tracts of land in the vicinity. It was said, although ready to buy, he never sold an acre. A man of enterprise, sagacity, and very tenacious of his rights. His son, Samuel, was second sergeant in Co. B, 13th Illinois Volunteers, and went through all the battles without a scratch. Joel bored an artesian well in Sterling, and laid pipes, long before the present system. He removed to Sterling, and died there in 1875.

My acquaintance with Major Wallace began in 1859 when I taught the Empire school, and boarded at the large white farm house, one of the firmest ever put up in the county. Martin Ryerson. neighbor on the north, was the carpenter. He was a man of powerful muscle, raw boned, and used to pick up timbers that generally required two ordinary fellows to lift. A wide hall runs through the center, two spacious rooms on each side. The major called the ample cellar and garret the two best rooms in the house.

A genuine Sucker, careless in dress, slouch pulled over his eyes, his hooked cane hung over his arm, shambling gait, always ready to stop and chat, full of joke and story. An early riser, and at four o'clock he might regularly be seen dozing in his rocking chair before the Franklin stove in the sitting room. 0 pity this has disappeared, the only specimen in the state, I suppose. It was a large cast iron hearth with back and plate, all open, no doors.

His estate of stream and woodland was his world. Day after day about the house or farm, or to the village store, or to some neighbor'.-;, or in pleasant weather lounging at one end of the long front porch. He was induced to attend the state fair at Freeport about 1860, and that was the only time I ever heard of his going away, or saw him in his Sunday suit of rusty black. He was no Beau Brummel.

As he had plenty of leisure and tired of reading, he liked to meet folks. He was fond of the children, talked to them as they went to school, and they in turn liked him. In fact, Major had no enemies. He never looked for trouble, never made any, always in good humor, played jokes, and took them. Always at meeting when any was held in the school house, an admirer of Rev. E. Erskine, Presbyterian, who occasionally preached at Empire.

It is said the father of Hugh and Elijah Wallace came with them at first, and that they rode on horseback from Cumberland county, Pa., the father advising the boys in the selection of land. Certainly the original tract as purchased in 1838 was an ideal spot, watered by Spring and Elkhorn creeks with prairie for fanning, and woodlands for pasture. A noble homestead, now all in the hands of strangers. The major soon planted a large orchard, and for years after his bins were full. Empire people were invited to help themselves.

The major took to hunting and fishing as a duck to water. Just suited his tastes, as he had no fondness for steady work. What stories he had of deer, fish, and the wild denizens of the woods. At that day a stroll on the prairie or a search along the banks of the creeks, generally was rewarded with some kind of game. An expert carver, laying a fowl in pieces with the ease of an operator in a hospital.

Elizabeth Wallace was in some respects like the major, good natured, companionable, simple in dress, kindly, sympathetic, but much more industrious. Seldom away from home, except once in a while to a neighbor's, but always busy. Her tastes were purely domestic. The kitchen was her world. The preparation of the meals and the various functions of the culinary department occupied most of her time.

She took the milk management into her care, for they had a herd of cows, and it was her joy to perform the regular task of making the butter. In pleasant weather as you drove past the kitchen door, you were sure to see Aunt Elizabeth standing by the high upright churn, and moving the piston up and down, the strings of her white cap fluttering in the wind.

Mrs. Wallace had an excellent pedigree, belonging to one of the best families in Pennsylvania, the Cassatts. Her father was prominent in politics, and if will be remembered that the late Napoleonic president of the Pennsylvania Railroad Company was A. J. Cassatt. In her girlhood, Mrs. Wallace had a good education, and in her pioneer days must have missed the refinements of her father's home in which the first years were spent before the big frame house was built, was allowed to stand, and was used as a cob house. It was on the south side of the Morrison road, and near the rocky bank of Spring Creek, but finally tumbled down. As late as 1865 the spring at the foot of the hill north of Spring creek bridge, was running, but with the cutting of the forest trees it has dried up.

The major died at 53 in 1861, followed in time by Anna and David. The oldest daughter, Mary, married and moved to Iowa, where the mother removed after the sale of the favorite early homestead. James also died in Iowa. Robert is in California. Aunt Elizabeth, on her death in Iowa, was brought to Sterling, and laid by the side of her husband and daughter in Riverside. The entire family is broken up and the Wallace name is forgotten.

Northwest of Emerson is a German church for the benefit of the surrounding farmers from the Fatherland. The German Evangelical Lutheran church of Hopkins township was organized in the year 1875 by Rev. FT. Lussky, at present in Ottawa, 111. Before Rev. Lussky organized this church, there had been Lutheran service for some time by Rev. C. Seuel, who was at that time stationed at Lyons, Iowa. His present location is Freistadt, Wis. Several years ago he. advanced to the office of president of the Wisconsin District of the Missouri Synod.

The following are some of the first members of this congregation : John Kuelson, Aug. Stern, John Staassen, H. T. Meins, Frank Haven, Aug. Ohms, Louis Dauen, John F. Onken, D. L. Janssen, Henry Ohnen, Gerh. Dirks, Wm. Hinrichs. After Rev. C. Seuel, the congregation had the following ministers: Fr. Lussky, C. Ponitz, and Em. Meyer. Emanuel Meyer, present minister, was born in Rodenberg, Cook county, 111., educated at Concordia College, Ft. Wayne, Ind., and prepared for the ministry at Concordia Seminary, Springfield, 111. His installation here took place on Oct. 23, 1892, fifteen years ago last October. At the present time the church has a voting membership of 53. All told, about 75 families belong to this church. There is no Sunday school, but part of the Sunday service is devoted to catechetical instruction for the children in the presence of the whole congregation. The average attendance' of the children is 30. Besides this, there is- a parochial school with 28 pupils.

In the Whiteside Historical Society is a wooden sign, two feet by three, bearing the words, "Temperance House," which swung in the stagecoach days before the Sampson hotel.

As late as 1860 the cabins of Joel Harvey and Major Wallace were .standing on their property. The first by his new dwelling, the second in his barn yard, both used as cob houses.

Peter Pollock, son of the pioneer surveyor of Como, says Elkhorn creek derives its name from that animal's remains in Hopkins. His father gave Elijah Wallace $15 for a pair of elkhorns found along the creek, and sent them as a gift to Peter Maison in Philadelphia.

Como's old cemetery, north of the town, opposite the dam, has suffered of late by the inroads of the creek in freshet, so that some graves had to be removed.

Col. George Weber, promoter of the Como mill, a frequent visitor at Pollocks, was grandfather of Jane Addams, the founder of Hull House in Chicago.

One of the most useful citizens at old Empire was 0. C. Stolp, manager of the carding mill. Mrs. Stolp was a good cook, and the traveler was sure of comfortable entertainment. There was a prophet's chamber for the itinerant Methodist preacher. Mr. S. was for a long time the only person in the village to conduct the Sunday school. He took delight in every goad word and work. At the lyceum meetings in the schoolhouse he often sent in a poem on some current event. Two children, Lydia and Byron. Byron is a doctor near Chicago. Mr. Stolp died in Missouri.

Como Chief A Trotter

About 1870, when the old Sterling fair was in its glory, and the afternoon races were the attractive feature, the appearance of one dark horse in the ring was the signal for applause. That was Como Chief, and he was always driven in sulky by his proud owner, Ezekiel Olds. In his best days he was never beaten, although matched against imported stock. Game to the last, reliable, never broke, trotted squarely from start to finish. What cheers as the Olds horse crossed the pole. Like Patti, he never seemed to decline. Year after year witnessed the triumphs of the staunch steed. But that was a generation ago, and driver and horse are now under the violets.

Prices In 1862 And 1865 War History In Old Ledgers

owned by D. M. Crawford, Sterling, and one winter day as the janitor was shoving them, one by one, into the furnace, a friendly hand in the nick of time rescued two from annihilation, and placed them in the Historical Society. A glance through the big volumes makes interesting reading today. The present generation knows little about low prices or high prices. "Before and after," as the patent medicine pictures say. It was about 1860 that corn was only ten cents a bushel, and in some places was burned for fuel.

Let us look at the day-book of June, 1862. Common shoes only $1.15, muslin 14 cents a yard, cheap gloves 9 cents, cheaper shoes 50 cents, calico 18 cents, drilling 28, denim 22, coffee 25 cents, cotton flannel 30, buttons 10, thread 8. As the year wore on, however, things advanced, and we find in November, muslin ,at 28 cents, thread 10, shoes $1.75, calico 20. The poor farmers were almost giving their produce away. What do you think of bringing 30 pounds of butter five miles for eight cents a pound, and eges for four cents? The hens should have gone on a strike. Lard was only seven cents. As the stores took the butter and eggs in trade, we find they were sold over the counter at the same price.

Now turn to the day-book for March, 1865. The war was about over, but goods were soaring. The times did not try men's souls as in 1776, but their pocketbooks. Muslin 65, suspenders 90, coffee 50, hose 50 and 60, tea $2.25, drilling 50, Cassimere $3.62 per yard, check 60, hickory 55, cloth for coats $8 yard, denim 60, wool shirt $4, boy's coat $11, yarn $2, goods for suit $43, cotton flannel 65. The poor farmer began to smile. November, 1865, he was receiving 30 cents for butter, and 30 for eggs. Doubtless the books for 1866 and onward would show a gradual decrease in merchandise, but produce has never since fallen so low.