Kent Township

Kent Township

This township comprises the east half of Township 27, Range 5, and the west half of Township 27, Range 6, with an aggregate of 22,700 acres, upward of 20,000 acres being under cultivation. The township is well watered by Yellow Creek and its numerous branches, and a fine growth of timber is to be found in the northern part.

The first settlement was made in 1827, by 0. W. Kellogg, who ventured into the wilderness of Burrows' (now Timms' Grove), and erected a shanty, which remained intact until 1862, when it was torn down and a new one erected on the site ; this is still standing, owned by a Mr. Taylor.

The old cabin, however, was first sold to a man named Lafayette, who in turn assigned his title to one by the name of Green, from Galena. The latter remained in possession until 1835, when James Timms became the purchaser, removing thither with his family the same year, the first permanent settler in the township, and the only settler at that date west of Freeport. In the fall of 1835, Jesse Willet came in, and settled at what is now known as Willet's bridge, below Timms', building a house there that is yet standing. Calvin and Jabez Giddings are said to have come about the same time and established themselves on Yellow Creek, four miles north of Timms'. During the winter of that year and the spring of 1836, there is no record of any one having ventured into the vicinity, wherein Timms and his neighbors held undisputed possession, and cultivated patches of corn and other grains. In the fall of 1836, Gilbert Osborn was added to the number of settlers already mentioned, and again was the colony remitted to quiet and relief from further incursions by pioneer plodders in the wilderness. In 1839, J. Reber settled one and a half miles northwest of Timms', and in the following year Frank Maginnis erected a cabin on the present farm of Jacob Gable. Benjamin Illingsworth settled near the Timms house, making that hospitable mansion a home while his cabin was without a roof to protect its owner from the inclemency of the weather.

Previous to this last date, a mill had been erected on Yellow Creek by John and Frederick Reber, and, as it was near the center of the township, it was liberally patronized. Before its completion, the settlers had been obliged to procure the grinding of their cereals at Craig's mill, on Apple River, at Buffalo Creek in Ogle County, and elsewhere. The inhabitants obtained their supplies of bacon from Galena or Dixon, and when short of " hog-meat," indulged an appetite for game, which was to be found in abundance in the winter, on barrens and prairie. In 1837, a school was opened by William Ensign in the house of James Timras, where he taught the young idea, acknowledged by the Timms, Maginnis, Giddings and Willet families, the rudiments of reading, writing and arithmetic. By these and kindred means did the early pioneers of Kent Township not only dissipate dull care, but contributed in providing substantial means for future wealth and civilization.

Among others who settled up the township was Thomas Carter, Isaac Rand, etc. ; Samuel Bailey settled across Yellow Creek ; Jacob Gable came in and purchased the Maginnis place ; L. L. L. Pitcher, who is still living near the old Timms place ; a man named Lathrop, with some few others, were among the number who became identified with the cultivation and development of the county in that portion subsequently allotted to Kent.

In 1840, the township began to be made the objective point for a large proportion of emigrants coming into Northern Illinois. These, as is well known, were largely made up of natives of Pennsylvania and the more Eastern States. They brought resources with them, and their industry, thrift, economy and perseverance have been the agencies through which not only Stephenson County and Illinois, but the Great West, to-day in the last degree prosperous, have been brought to that condition of independence it now enjoys. Thence to 1 850 the increase in population, proportioned to the inducements held out to become residents, was large and profitable. In 1844, the land came into market and was sold at public vendue in Dixon. For a short time after, there was considerable trouble between settlers who had come at an early day and purchasers at the Dixon sales, arising from a conflict of title to lands thereat disposed of. The diflSculties growing out of this dispensation were, however, compromised in time, and what promised to prevent, for a season at least, the gratifying success now apparent throughout the township, in no manner matCT rially affected its settlement, growth or improvement.

Since 1850, when the results of nearly twenty years of labor began to bear fruit, the prosperity of the township has been not more pronounced than rapid. Since 1832, when Capt. Adam Snyder was attacked by Indians while encamped in Kellogg's Grove, until to-day, nature and art would seem to have combined to render Kent Township attractive. That they have proved irresistible to a superior class of settlers, is to be found in the wealth and education of the inhabitants, the cultivated fields, the handsome homes, the schools and churches and other evidences of refinement and morality which greet the eye of the permanent and transient at all points.

The first birth was a son to James Timms and wife, who was born on the 26th of May, 1837, christened Harvey M. Timms, and now resides in Loran Township, a prosperous farmer.

Jesse Willet, Jr., is reputed to have been the first death in the township. He was buried at what was afterward known as " Willet's burying-ground,"" where the Dunkard Church now stands.

BERHENKE, farmer, Sec. 9; P. 0. Lena; born Sept. 18, 1829, in Lippe Detmold, Germany; December, 1853, he came to Stephenson County; he owns 80 acres of land, which he has improved ; among other improvements is a well-arranged barn, which cost about $750. He married Henrietta Jasper, in 1859 ; ahe was born in Germany ; they have eleven children - four sons and seven daughters.

WIIililAM H. BOOP, farmer. Sec. 36; P. 0. Yellow Creek; born April 13, 1844, in Union County, Pa. ; in 1858, he came with his parents to Kent Township ; he owns 90 acres of land. He enlisted, in 1864, in Co. E, 45th I. V. I. ; served to the end of the war. Married Maria Mishler, in 1871 ; she was born in Indiana; they have two children - George and Cora.

DAXIELr BROWX, farmer, Sec. 29; P. 0. Lena; born Aug. 19, 1829, in Ireland; in 1832, he came with his parents to Monroe County, N. Y. ; in 1840, they came to Whiteside County, 111.; in 1848, he came to Stephenson County ; in 1850* he went to California, followed mining two years and teaming five years ; he then returned to Stephenson County, where he has since lived ; has been School^ Director and twelve years Commissioner of Highways. Married Bridget Murphy, April 8, 1858; she was born in Canada ; they have sevea children - Mary A., Sarah, Isabel, Edward, Ellen, Daniel and Catharine; lost John, aged 4 years.

BRYAX DUFFY, farmer. Sec. 28; P. 0. Elroy ; he was born, in 1824, in Ireland; in 1846, he came to New Jersey, and, in the fall, came to Stephenson County, where he has since lived; he owns 60 acres of land. Married Ann Harty, in 1844; she was born in Ireland; they have seven children - four sons and three daughters.

SAMUEL EINENBI!!!»E, farmer, Sec. 22; P. 0. Kent; born Oct. 27, 1839, in Miami Co., Ohio; in 1849, he came with his parents to Indiana; in 1859, he came to Carroll Co., 111.; in 1877, he came to his present farm; he owns 65 acres of land. He married Mary A. Gilbert Sept. 22, 1876; she was born in Pennsylvania; they have one child - William.

M. EISL.EY, farmer, Sec. 26 ; P. 0. Kent; born Dec. 28, 1839, in Germany ; in 1856, he came to Stephenson County; he removed to this locality in 1860 ; he owns 340 acres of land ; has been Township Supervisor and Township Clerk, and has held about all the township offices. He married Miss Nancy J. Carter in 1863 ; she was born in New York; they have two children - Carrie and Rollin.

HENRY W. FARI»f(j^ER, farmer, Sec. 5; P. 0. Lena; he was born Oct. 9, 1829, in York Co., Penn. ; in 1854, he came to Stephenson County; he owns 163 acres of land. He married Miss Lydia Fry in 1858; she was born in Ohio ; they have a family of six sons.

JACOB GABIiE, farmer, Sec. 34; P. 0. Kent; born Sept. 21, 1805, in Union Co., Penn. ; when a boy, he was apprenticed to the boot and shoe trade, and followed this about twenty years; in 1843, he came to Jeiferson Township, and, two years later, he came to his present locality ; he owns 320 acres of land, part of which he entered, and has it well improved. He was elected Justice of the Peace in 1851, and, with the exception of two years, has held this office ever since ; he has been School Director, Township Supervisor, Highway Commissioner, etc. He married Elizabeth Machamer April 10, 1828; she was born in Union Co., Penn., May 12, 1808; they have had eleven children, nine living - three sons and six daughters. When in Pennsylvania, he served about seven years as Captain of the 6th Company, 43d Pennsylvania Militia; his son Jacob enlisted, in 1862, in the 93d I. V. I., and served to the end of the war.

came to Stephenson County, remained tere a few years, then returned to Vermont iti about 1854; he then returned here and remained till the time of his death. He married Miss Lucretia S.Hotchkiss Oct. 20, 1856 ; she was born Dec. 11, 1837, in Franklin Co., Vt.; they have two children - Clara and Warren, She now owns 125 acres of land.

WIIiLIAM HEYER, farmer, Sec. 17 ; P. 0. Lena; born Feb. 23, 1823, in G-ermany ; in 1847 he came to Washington Co., Wis. ; in 1867 he came to Stephenson Co. ; he owns 160 acres of land ; married Justine Sander, in 1852 ; she was born July 24, 1829, in Germany ; they have five children - William, Paul, Frank, Henry and Johanna.

JAMES A. HUGHES, farmer. Sec. 11; P. 0. Lena; born March 3, 1841, in Ireland ; in 1851, he came with his parents to Dutchess Co., N. Y. ; in 1853 he came to Stephenson Co. ; he owns 120 acres of land, which he has improved. He hasheld the office of District School Clerk the past eleven years. Married Mary McGurk, in 1864, she was born in Maryland ; they have seven children - four dons and three daughters.

PETER KL.ECKXER, farmer, Sec. 23 ; P. 0. Kent ; born Sept. 27, 1804, in Union Co., Penn. ; in 1850 he came to his present farm ; he owns over 700 acres of land ; he has been six years County Superintendent. Married Catharine Wolf, in 1835 ; she was born in Union Co. Penn., in 1814 ; died in 1870 ; they have eight children living - Elizabeth Ann, Emma, Jane A., Ada, Soloman J., Peter A., John M. and Henry C. George W. was killed at the battle of Lookout Mountain, in 1864 ; John M., Henry C. and Peter A. also served in the late war. Attended the German Reformed Church ; he was a Republican in politics.

JOHN MADER, farmer, See. 22 ; P. 0. Kent ; born Dec. 14, 1830, in Union Co., Penn. ; in 1856, he came to Stephenson Co. ; he owns 85 acres of land ; is School Director. Married Eliza Bogenreif, May 31, 1857 ; she was born in Union Co., Penn. ; had seven children, four living - George, Samuel, Charles and Adam.

JOHN J. MERRICK, farmer, Sec. 8 ; P. 0. Lena ; born Feb. 14, 1823, in Tompkins Co., N. Y. ; in 1847 he came to Stephenson Co., where he has since lived ; he owns about 310 acres of land, which was entered by himself and brother. He married Miss Elizabeth Mcintosh, in 1848 ; she was born in Tompkins Co., N. Y. ; they have one daughter - Mary E., now Mrs. Daughenbaugh.

EMAJf rEIi MISHLER, farmer. Sec. 31 ; P. 0. Yellow Creek ; born Sept. 13, 1822, in Lancaster Co., Penn. ; in 1844, he came to Summit Co., Ohio ; he followed the tailoring trade here about four years, having learned this trade in Pennsylvania; in 1848, he came to Elkhart Co., Ind. ; in 1850, he removed to Stephenson County ; he owns 535 acres of land ; has been Assistant Commissioner of Highways, School Trustee and Director. Married Susannah Mishler Sept. 10, 1846 ; she was born in Stark Co., Ohio, March 2, 1825 ; they have nine children - Maria, Elizabeth J., John F., Phares, Calvin H., James L., Susan S., Levi and Marcus.

L.. W. MOGLE, farmer, Sec. 15 ; P. 0. Kent ; born Sept. 20, 1840, in Centre Co., Penn. ; in 1846, he came with his parents to Stephenson Co. ; he owns- 245 acres of land ; he enlisted in 1863 in the 46th I. V. I., Co. B, and served two years ; he is School Director, Commissioner of Highways, etc. Married Harriet Sansman in 1866 ; she was born in Union Co., Penn ; they had four children, three living - G-eorge A., Luetta and Burton S.

O. H. PHILLIPS, farmer. Sec. 36 ; P. 0. Kent; born Feb. 18, 1823, in Windham Co., Vt. ; in 1844, he came to Chicago, thence to Elgin, 111. ; in 1845, he came to Stephenson County and entered 40 acres of land ; in 1846, he returned to Elgin. In- 1847, he enlisted in the 2d Regiment I. V. I. in the Mexican war, under Capt. Edward Harvey ; served thirteen months, for which he received a land-warrant for 160 acres of land. They now own 280 acres ; in 1849, he returned to Stephenson County ; remained here till 1867, when he removed to Tipton Co., Tenn. ; there he engaged in the nursery business till 1879, when he returned to his present farm. He married Miss C Gable ia

GEORGE PIPER, farmer, Sec. 1 ; P. 0. Lena; born Feb. 9, 1821, in Sussex Co., England ; in 1849, he came to Stephenson Co. ; he owns 80 acres of land. He married Miss Lois Buss, in 1854 ; she was born in 1838, in Sussex Co., England; they have four children - Rhoda, Arthur George, Ernest D. and Perley.

' FRAXK H. REBER, farmer, Sec. 22; P. 0. Kent; born Jan. 11, 1850, in Jo Daviess County; in 1872, he came to this farm of 160 acres, which he rents from his father. Married Mary White in 1871 ; she was born in Jo Daviess County ; they had four children, one living - Frank M.

J. W. RUSH, farmer, Sec. 35 ; P. 0. Kent; born March 16, 1839, in Union Co., PeuB. ; in 1843 he came with his parents to Stephenson Co. ; he owns 80 acres of land ; is Township Collector ; has been School Director, etc. Married Elizabeth Tipton, in 1865 ; she was born in Bedford Co., Penn. ; they have seven children - two sons and five daughters.

DAVID SHEARER, farmer, Sec. 8 ; P. 0. Lena; born May 2, 1822, in Perry Co., Penn. ; at about the age of 20 he commenced to learn the stone and brick mason's trade ; followed this about thirteen seasons ; he then opened a store ; continued this about three years ; he then traded his store for a tannery ; ran this about six years ; in 1869, he came to Stephenson Co. ; he owns about 90 acres of land. When in Pennsylvania, he held the offices of Justice of the Peace, Assessor, etc. Married Lydia Hollenbaugh, in 1847 ; she was born in Perry Co., Penn. ; they had ten children, seven living - James, Rebecca Jane, Charles B., George C, Samuel E., Robert C. and Benjamin F.

LiOUIS WERlflCKE, farmer. Sec. 21 ; P. 0. Lena; born Sept. 3, 1834, in Germany; in 1854, he came to New York City; in 1856, he came to Stephenson Co. ; he owns 107 acres of land. He entered the service in 1864, Co. G., 42d I. V. I. ; served to the end of the war. Married Catherine Rudel, in 1860 ; she was born in 1842, in Germany; have four children - John, Emma, William and Henry.

Source changes here: from History of Stephenson County, Illinois : a Record of Its Settlement, Organization, and Three-quarters of a Century of Progress, by Fulwider, Addison L, published 1910; 1,487 words in this source stream.

Kent Township

Kent Township, located in the western tier of townships of Stephenson County, contains thirty-six square miles, or a total of about 22,700 acres, nearly all of which is under cultivation. It is bounded on the north by West Point Township, on the east by Erin, on the south by Jefferson and Loran, and on the west by Jo Daviess County.

It was settled very early in the history of the county, at least six year before most of the county was settled up. The first settlement was made in 1827 by O. W. Kellogg, a now famous pioneer, who staked out his claim in the virgin forest at Burrows' Grove. He cleared away the timber, built for himself and his wife and children a log shanty, and re-named the stretch of timberand Kellogg's Grove. It has since been rechristened Timms' Grove, and stands near the site of the Black Hawk monument.

But about the time of Kellogg's settlement, the Black Hawk War occurred, and the Kellogg family, after enduring the throes of the combat successfully, packed up their effects, and departed for other parts. For eight years, no permanent settler ventured into Kent Township. Then, in 1835, a man named Green, who hailed from Galena, came to settle, and he obtained possession of the Kellogg cabin. Not satisfied with the aspect of the country, he remained only a short time and disposed of his real estate to James Timms, who became the first permanent white settler in Kent Township, and one of the first of the whole county.

In the fall of the same year, Jesse Willet made his appearance settling near the bridge afterward known as Willet's Bridge, near to the Timms settlement. About the same time Calvin Giddings and Jabez Giddings came and settled on the banks of Yellow Creek four miles north of the Timms cabin. For a long time after these migrations no new settlers ventured into the district, and Timms and his neighbors remained in sole possession. In the fall of 1836, Gilbert

Osborn came, and then again intervened a time of inaction, when no new settlers came to take up their new homes in the wilderness. For three years this condition of affairs prevailed. In 1839, J. Reber settled a mile and a half northwest of Timms' Grove, and in 1840 Frank Maginnis erected a cabin. Benjamin lllingsworth came the same year and settled near the Timms homestead, remaining with the Timms family until he could get his house into shape such that it should protect him from the force of wind and tempest.

With 1840 the township became more populated. In 1837 the first marriage took place. James Blair and Kate Marsh were united in holy bonds of matrimony at the house of James Timms. The old records do not state who performed the ceremony. The first birth was Harvey M. Timms, son of James Timms and wife, who was born May 26, 1837, and resided in this county all his life. The first death took place in the same memorable year. The unfortunate was Jesse Willet, Jr., who was buried in the old "Willet burying-ground" near the preesnt site of the Dunkard church. The first school was opened in 1837 by one William Ensign, who instructed the young idea in the house of James Timms, magnanimously loaned for the purpose. Among the families represented in his school were the Timms, Maginnis, Giddings, and Willets.

About 1838 a mill was built on Yellow Creek by John and Frederick Reber. Its site was near the center of the township, and it was well patronized by the farmers round about. The coming of the mill was a great boon to the pioneers. Before its advent they had been obliged to have their grinding done at Craig's Mill, at Apple River, and at other places of uncomfortable and inconvenient distance. Still the question of supplies was a troublesome one. Meat and game were procurable, but many supplies had to be obtained from Galena in Jo Daviess County, from Dixon, in Lee County, and other points at a considerable distance. The new mill thus furnished an inducement for emigrants to settle in the Kent district, and they came, forthwith, in large numbers.

By 1840 the tide of immigration was well begun, and in 1844, four years later, the land of Kent Township, was sold at a public sale in Dixon. This proceeding caused no end of trouble, for there were conflicts of title between the old settlers and the new purchasers, and in some cases the quarrels were violent and of long duration. In time they were settled, but for many years there was more or less feeling harbored by certain of the settlers against one another.

Kent Township was only opened up to the commercial world when the Chicago and Great Western Railroad chose to lay their tracks across the southwestern corner of the section. This brought an influx of speculators and purchasers, and the railroad company established a station, thereby founding the village of Kent. The village has never grown to surpassing dimensions, principally because the railroad which performs its service connects with the county seat only indirectly. It remains, however, a pleasant and habitable little settlement, with an enterprising and energetic population.

with a network of rills and brooklets, and prevent a dearth of the desirable moisture. The land is mostly prairie with a few large groves still standing. In general there is very little to differentiate Kent Township from the ordinary middle west rich farming lands. It is a square of highly desirable land, inhabited by a rich and prosperous class of scientific farmers whose premises present as attractive and orderly appearance as one could wish to see.

Kent

When the Chicago Great Western Railroad laid its tracks through Stephenson County in 1887, the village of Kent was surveyed and platted, and lots were sold. As it was the only village in the township, a phenomenal growth was anticipated - a growth which, unfortunately, has never been realized. The village is located in the southwestern corner of the township, near the county line. It contains about one hundred and fifty inhabitants and supports several stores, two churches, and a creamery. Owing to the proximity of Kent to Pearl City, the people of Kent for the most part attend lodge in that village.

Lutheran Church. The Lutheran church of Kent was built about 1880. It is on the same circuit with the Pearl City church, and is officiated over by the Rev. Alex MacLaughlin, who lives at the larger village. The Kent Lutheran church is an unusually well built and well equipped church, and is valued at about $3,000. The membership is quoted as sixty, with a Sunday school of practically the same proportions. Morning services are held every two weeks at the Kent church, with evening services on the alternate Sunday.

M. E. Church. The early history of the Methodist church is completely lost. It is not a very old organization, having been founded not more than twenty years ago, about the time of the platting of the village itself. The Kent church is in the same charge with two other rural churches, all three of them being officiated over by Rev. Armitage. The parsonage of the pastor is located in the village of Kent, and the building is valued at $1,200. The Kent church is valued at $2,500. The circuit, which is a student charge, has an aggregate membership of ninety-seven souls, about forty of whom are connected with the Kent church.

Kent Observer. The Kent Observer, a weekly newspaper, printed at Pearl City on Thursdays, is the official organ of the villagers at Kent. It forms a part of the sheet published by the Pearl City News, and comprises half of the edition of that paper, or space equivalent to a seven column quarto. While the paper is issued at Pearl City, it is devoted to the interests of the people at Kent, and contains news items, and other material of interest to the people of the town. The Observer was originated by Mr. Freas, a former editor of the Pearl City News, and has since appeared with unfailing regularity on Thursday of every week. The paper is a great boon to Kent people and is widely patronized both in the village itself and in the surrounding rural districts. Dr. M. W. Hooker is editor.

Kent contains a creamery, operated by a farmers' stock company, and a grain elevator. The business section of the town is very lively for a place of the size, and the stores do considerable business with the farmers of the vicinity.

The population of the village was listed at about one hundred inhabitants at the taking of the last census. There has been considerable increase since 1900, and the next census will probably bring the mark up to one hundred and fifty or more.