Lyndon Township (part 1 of 3)

Lyndon Township

gett died, and Mr. Daggett afterwards married Mrs. Philena L. Jefifers; children: Helen A., and Harvey. Mr. Hazard's house was the only one in the present village of Lyndon when Mr. Daggett settled there. Mr. Daggett has been a member of the Congregational Church at Lyndon since 1839, is a sincere and devout Christian, and has devoted his attention largely to Church and Sunday School matters.

Wesley Anderson came to Lyndon in 1837. He divided his time between teaching school and clerking in a store. At one time he was in business for himself. He was elected County Judge in 1860, and served in that capacity for one year. He married Miss Martha E. Harris, October 20, 1847; one child, Charles F. Mr. Anderson died at Lyndon May 26, 1871. Mrs. Anderson still resides at that place.

Jared D. Conyne came from Lewis county. New York, and settled in Lyndon township in 1839. He worked on the mill race then being extended by Ray, Harmon, Spencer and Dix. He formerly lived on a farm owned by him one and a half miles north of Lyndon, but has of late years resided in the village, where he owns a fine residence. He married Miss Orrell M. Warner; one child has been born to them, a daughter, named Orrell, who married Truman Gr. Wilder.

GrEORGE Dennis Came from Trenton, New Jersey, and settled in Lyndon township prior to 1840. It required moral courage and back-bone for a young man to leave all the social advantages of an old settled country and come to the far West, where he would be almost entirely deprived of the society of young people. Mr. Dennis, though fond of fun, was manly, and very much respected by all who knew him. He married Miss Dodge, a sister of Job Dodge - now of Peru, Illinois - and is now living at Princeton, Iowa.

Eli Summers was born June 1, 1783, and died August 8, 1870. He came to Lyndon township with his two sons and a son-in-law, H. B. Freeman, and settled in the east end of the great bend. All were farmers except Earle, who was a blacksmith. Mr. Freeman was a native of Connecticut, and a shoe-maker by trade. The others came from New Jersey. Christopher Nott, a grandson of Eli Summers, remained two years, and is now a practicing physician at Kankakee, Illinois.

A. I. Maxwell came from New York State with the Coburn family, arriving at Lyndon in July, 1837. Soon afterwards he married Miss Hulce, who had also come West with the Coburns. Their children have been:* Hiram, Samuel A., Louisa, Mary, and one son who died in the army at the commencement of the war. Hiram resides in Minnesota; Samuel A. married Miss Esther Austin, daughter of Dennis Austin, and is a resident of Como, having charge of the Como public school; Louisa and Mary are married, the former living at Mendota, Illinois, and the latter in Minnesota; both were popular school teachers in Whiteside county prior to their marriage. Mr. Maxwell is a mill-wright and house carpenter by trade. In 1837 he worked on Haines' mill in Union Grove, and run it a short time, sawing hard wood lumber. He afterwards attached a pair of burrs, and ground grain. This mill had been built in 1836, but the dam washed out, and it was rebuilt in 1837. Mr. Maxwell also worked on the Hamilton school house in 1837. In 1840 he assisted to construct the fii'st frame school house in what is now Union Grove township, at Unionville. Many of the buildings of the early settlers were also constructed in whole or in part by his handicraft.

prietors originally being Messrs. John C. Pratt, V\^illiam D. Dudley, Adam R. Hamilton, Elisha Hazard, Chauncey Gr. Woodruff, Col. Ebenezer Seely, Dr. Augustin Smith, and P. Daggett, and consisted of eighteen blocks, with one additional block reserved for a public square. The proprietors could not have selected a more beautiful location for a town. It is situated on the north bank of Rock river, upon a plateau of sufficient height to prevent overflow, and afford a fine southern exposure. The lots on the south side of First street and extending to the river were reserved for a levee, as the proprietors, at the time of laying out the village, anticipated a large river business. Boats had passed up and down the stream before that time, carrying freight both ways, and it was but natural that they should look to the river as the great channel upon which their grain and produce could be taken to market, and goods received in return. After the organization of the town several steamers were loaded with grain at the Lyndon levee for St. Louis and other southern ports, so that their anticipations were in a measure realized; but the navigation of the river did not last long. Xevertheless Lyndon prospered, and was for a long time one of the first towns in the county, and its immense water power, if properly utilized, as it undoubtedly soon will be, cannot fail of again placing it in the front rank.

In 1869 the Rockford, Rock Island & St. Louis Railroad was completed, and as its track ran close to the town, anticipations of a brighter day were very generally entertained. It was, however, outside of the limits of the old town, so that in order to have the track within the village, an addition, called the Railroad Addition, was laid out and platted March 6, 18G9, the proprietors of which were George Grreene, Aaron P. Holt, Thomas W. Trumbull, M. M. Warner, Sarah Forth. Louisa Forth, Charlotte M. Aljoe, Samuel Gr. Scott, James H. Maxwell, and Sarah M. Maxwell. The Addition comprises thirty-seven blocks, and is situated on the southeast part of section 16, township 20, range 5. The railroad depot is upon this addition, and at present nearly all the business houses, the old town being nearly deserted, save by dwellings, for which it furnishes some beautiful sites. A further addition, known as Fitch's Addition, George W. Fitch and Martin Conyne proprietors, was laid out and platted, June 4, 1874. This addition comprises seven blocks, and is situated on part of the southwest quarter of section 15, township 20, range 5. Still later another addition, called the Mill Addition, has been laid out and platted, which contains seven blocks, besides the water lots adjoining the river. The mills, and the factory of the Farmers' Co-operative Manufacturing Company, are located on this addition. Sperry's Addition, containing two blocks, and fractional parts of two blocks, lying on the river north of the old town, was laid out and platted some time after the latter was platted.

The first frame house in the old part of Lyndon was erected by Dr. Augustin Smith, in 1836. The same building was used in 1839 by John Roy as a store, Mr. Roy being the first person to open a store in the place. The first hotel was kept by S. Wilson, in 1841. Liquor was occasionally sold at this hotel when under the proprietorship of Mr. Wilson, but when it passed into the hands of Mr. Roy it was kept so strictly temperate that the place received the name of " Saint's Rest." The lower or old ferry has been abandoned for several years, the upper fen7 crossing the river just below the mill dam. The business houses and shops at present are: three grocery stores, one dry goods store, one drug store, one millinery store, one cabinet and furniture store, one hardware store, one livery stable, one barber shop, one restaurant, one meat market, one wagon shop, one lumber yard, three blacksmith shops, and two hotels.

Village Of Lyndon

the State for the incorporation of cities and villages, and the first election held, as provided in the act, on the third Tuesday of April of that year. The election was held at the Town Hall, and a pretty full vote polled. The following gentlemen were elected Trustees : John W. Hazard, ])r. A. P. Holt, Charles C. Sweeney, J. L. Bates, Leander Church, and M. A. McKerg. The first meeting of the new Board of Trustees was held at the office of Dr. A. P. Holt, on the 2d of ^lay, 1874, and a temporary organization effected by appointing J. W. Hazard, chairman, and Leander Church, clerk. An election for President of the Board for the ensuing year was then held, which resulted in the choice of J. W. Hazard. The Board also elfected E. .B. Hazard Village Clerk, and William M. Burkitt Treasurer, for the year. The usual committees were also appointed. Mr. C. L. Parkhurst presented a petition for a license to sell intoxicating liquor, which was laid over until a subsequent meeting, and finally granted, the license fee being fixed at $125. The necessary ordinances for the government of the village were also passed and approved during the year. In 1875, the following Board of Trustees were elected : John W. Hazard, Charles C. Sweeney, James L. Bates, M. A. McKerg, W. H. Williams, and John Whallon. John Whallon was elected President, E. B. Hazard, Clerk, and Wm. M. Burkitt, Treasurer. At the charter election held this year a majority of votes Avere cast in favor of granting licenses for the sale of intoxicating liquor, and several were granted by the Board in pursuance thereof. The following gentlemen were elected Trustees in 1876 : W". H. Williams, Orrin M. Crary,"P. M. Jewell, Alex. Wilson, G. G. Seger, and E. B. Hazard. W. H. Williams was elected President, Wils Greenlee, Clerk, and John W. Hazard, Treasui-er. At this election the people voted not to grant any licenses for the sale of liquor. The Board of Trustees for 1877 is composed of the following gentlemen : W. H. Williams, Orrin M. Crary, P. M. Jewell, Alex. Wilson, G. G. Seger, and E. B. Hazard. President, W. PI. Williams; Clerk, Geo. W. Andrews; Treasurer, John W. Hazard. The vote this year was also against granting licenses for the sale of liquor.

The Lyndon Hydraiilic Manufacturing Company was organized in the spring of 1872, under the general manufacturing law of the State, with a capital of $60,000. The officers were: President, Justus Eew; Secretary, John Whallon; Directors, Justus Rew, George W. Fitch, George L. Coburn, George P. Bichmond. Pardon A. Brooks, B. E. Orton, and John W. Hazard. The Company erected a dam during the same year across Rock river at the head of the rapids, a little north of the village of Lyndon. The dam is seven feet high and eleven hundred and eighty feet long, giving a head of eight feet, and securing a power of thirty thousand inches of water, and cost $30,000. The Company also erected a Merchant Flouring Mill the same year, with five run of stones. The mill is 45 by 50 feet in size, three stories in height above the basement, and is known as the Lyndon Mill. It cost $35,000. The mill was afterwards transferred to Church & Patterson, with use of sufficient water power, and by the latter gentlemen to L. P. Johnson.

The Paper Manufacturing Mill is situated near the Flouring Mill, and was built in 1873, by the Orton Bros., at a cost of $12,000. In 1875 it was transferred to Johnson & Hubbard who furnished the water wheels, and all the machinery at an additional cost of $21,000. The building is one hundred and sixty feet long, and fifty feet wide, and two stories high above the basement. In addition to the main building is the boiler house, sixteen feet long and twenty-four wide, constructed of brick, with stone basement. The mill uses two thousand inches of water, and manufactures two tons of straw wrapping paper per day.

The Victoria Flouring Mill, on the same water power, was built in 1873 by Hoole & Putnam. It is a two and a half story frame building, fifty feet long and forty feet wide, with stone basement, and cost $18,000. The mill uses one thousand inches of water under a head of eight feet, supplied by the Lyndon Hydraulic Company, and manufactures seventy-five barrels of flour, and six hundred bushels of feed per day. In 1875 Mr. Putnam sold his interest to Alexander Wilson, and the mill is owned and conducted by the firm of Hoole & Wilson.

The Farmers' Co-operative Manufacturing Company of Lyndon, was organized under the general law of the State of Illinois in 1873. In 1875 the Company commenced the erection of their building for manufacturing purposes, and finished it in 1876. It is a brick structure, the main building being one hundred and sixty feet long and eighty feet wide, two stories high, with stone basement, and the addition eighty feet long and eighty feet wide, one story high, with iron roof. The design of the Company is to manufacture all kinds of farming implements. The first President of the Company was L. C. Belding, of Carroll county. At the second election, Ambrose Denton was chosen President, Alexander Wilson, Treasurer, and Charles K. Rood, Secretary. The present officers are : Samuel J. Baird, President; John Whallon, Secretary, and W. C. Snyder, Treasurer. The building erected by the Company is admirably adapted for manufacturing purposes.

The Congregational Church and Society of Lyndon was organized on the 27th of June, 1836, and was the first religious society organized in Whiteside county. The initiatory steps looking toward the organization of this society were taken by Adam R. Hamilton, William D. Dudley, and Chauncey Gr. Woodruff, and their families, the earliest settlers of Lyndon, and fresh from the great revivals which occurred in New York and other Eastern States during the winters of 1830 to 1835. The meeting was held at the house of William D. Dudley, and presided over by Rev. Elisha Hazard, the agent of the American Home Missionary Society, who had come to the West to organize churches and societies under its patronage. The meeting adopted the Confession of Faith, and the Covenant, and enrolled the following names on the church book ; Adam R. Hamilton, Nancy Hamilton, John M. Hamilton, Adam R. Hamilton, Jr., Nancy A. Hamilton, Lovica Hamilton, Mary E. Hamilton, William D. Dudley, Triphena Dudley, Louisa Dudley, Lilierty Walker, Chauncey G. Woodruff, Sophia Woodruff, Julia Woodruff, Ephraim A. Hubbard, 0. L. Turner, Joshua T. Atkinson, and Emily Atkinson. In 1838 an addition of eighteen members was made to the church by letter from the East. These embraced the families of William L. Clark, Anna Dudley, Daniel F. Millikan, George Garlick, Augustin AV. Newhall, J. M. Kneeland, and Alexis Hubbard. In 1839 there came to the church the families of Charles S. Deming, Artemas Cady, P.Daggett, Solomon Hubbard, Brainard Orton, and John Roy. Besides these twenty-two others came by profession of faith. The places of worship alternated at first between the bluff school house, and houses in the village. In the village meetings were held at Dr. Smith's house, the upper story of Mr. Newhall's house, Gould's building which was used for school house, Circuit Court and Church, Atkinson's house, Gilbert's store room, Chamber's store room, and the first school building erected in Lyndon. The church building was erected in 1850 afa cost of about $2,500. Its size is thirty-two feet wide by forty-eight long, and directly faces the south, which position, owing to the peculiar formation of the village, brings it almost broadside to the street. It was a fine church edifice for the West in its day. The first pastor of the society was the Rev. Elisha Hazard, who continued from 1836 to 1842. Rev. Nathaniel Smith followed, remaining until 1846, when

Kev. Wm. W. Blanchard became pastor, and remained until 1850. He was succeeded by Rev. Mr. Ward, who remained only a short time, when Rev. A. Chapman was called to the pastorate, and remained five years. Rev. H. Judd came next, and continued in charge until the fall of 1862. Rev. W. D. Webb was next called, and continued his labors for five years, and was succeeded by Rev. Simon Gilbert, who labored for a term of two years. Rev. John Gray followed with another two years term. Rev. Charles Machin is the present pastor. Adam R. Hamilton was chosen the first deacon of the church, and so continued until his death. The only associate Deacon Hamilton had in this office during his life, was Daniel F. Millikan, who was chosen in July, 1840. After Deacon Hamilton's death, Martin Conyne was chosen in his place. In February, 1877, Alexis Hubbard was chosen third deacon, making the present deacons of the church, Daniel F. Millikan, Martin Conyne, and Alexis Hubbard. John Roy was appointed the first clerk of the church, and continued in that office for a quarter of a century. He was succeeded by Alexis Hubbard, the present clerk. The present trustees of the church are. Draper Richmond, Jerome Sands, and Edward Lancaster. The present membership of the church is eighty-six.

The Methodist Episcopal Church and Society of Lyndon was organized by Revs. W. Buck ai^d G. L. S. Stuff in 1841, the first members being Chauncey G. Woodruff and Leonora Hazard. Soon afterwards the following persons united with the church : Dr. Augustiu Smith, Lucy Smith, Lucy Ann Ware, J. D. Odell, Samantha Reynolds and Harry R. Smith. Lyndon was at first a remote part of the Savanna circuit, and then became attached to the Union Grove circuit. Preaching was first held at the Chambers' store building, and afterwards at the residence of Mr. Atkinson, until the Town Hall was built, when services were conducted in that building. One of the most successful revivals experienced by the church took place in the winter of 1859-'60, when about one hundred persons were converted and united with the church. It then formed a part of the Union Grove circuit, and was under the pastoral charge of Rev. A. Cross. In 1874 a church edifice was erected at a cost of $2,500. It is sixty feet in length and forty feet in width, and is a very neat and commodious structure. The church has now one hundred and three members in full communion, and fifty on probation. Rev. J. Wardle is the present pastor. The Sunday-school connected with the church has a membership of one hundred and seventy. Mr. P. M. Jewell is the Superintendent, and is assisted by twelve teachers.

The Baptist Church and Society was organized on the 9th of September, 1837, by the adoption of a constitution and the articles of faith and practice. The organization was called the Baptist Church of Lyndon. The church continued in successful working order until recently, when the meetings were discontinued on account of the death and removal of nearly all the members. The meetings of this church, like those of the Congregational and Methodist Churches, were held in private houses until the building of the Town Hall, and afterwards at that place. The society did not erect a church building. The last regular meeting Avas held at the Town Hall on the 13th of Octobei', 1875. The society, however, keeps iip its organization, and has an occasional ministerial supply.

The first school-house erected in the village of Lyndon stood a little west of the present site, and was a one-story frame building, thirty-six feet long and twenty-four feet wide, with two windows in each end and four in each side. The floor was inclined, and the seats of pine made in the old style. The building was put up in 1840. The first teacher was Lewis Jessup, a graduate of Williams College, Massachusetts. Mi-. Jessup taught three years, and had charge of the entire school, consisting of seventy-five or eighty scholars, gath- ered from all parts of the county. This was the first school above the ordinary grade established in the county, and at which Edward P. Scott, Joseph E. Roy, Joseph Ware, Col. W. M. Kilgour, William Prothrow, Emma Roy, R. B. Colcord, and many other prominent and influential sons and daughters of the early settlers received their early education. 3Ir. Jessup was succeeded by Mr. Stone, and he in turn by Mr. Bush. Miss Putnam, Mr. Hillis, Edwin Roy, Ellen Newhall, Clinton G. Taylor, H. H. Smith, M. R. Kelly, Edward P. Scott, Col. D. R. Clendenin, Martha Millikan, Clista Hatch, Miss Wisner, Greorge Manning, Edwin Chapman and 0. M. Crary, the present incumbent, who is now on his eighth year. During the continuance of this school the following persons have been prepared for college : John Rice, Henry H. Smith, Samuel Deming, Frank Millikan, Lucy Ann Ware, S. D. Belt, Emma Ware, Col. D. R. Clendenin, Edwin Chapman, Hiram Rice, John Jeffers, Alexis Hubbard and Charles Jeffers. The cost of the first school-house was $600. The nest school building was erected in 1851, is fifty feet in length and thirty-six feet in width, two stories in heighth, and cost $2,500. It is now used for the Primary and High School departments. The new building was erected in 1875, is two stories high, and contains the Intermediate and Grammar departments. The following is the present corps of teachers : Prof. 0. M. Crary, Principal, and teacher in High School; Miss Jennie Shannon, teacher in Grammar department; Miss Cora Patterson, teacher in Intermediate department; and Miss Gussie Roberts, teacher in Primary department. The High School comprises one grade, with a course of four years; the (rrammar department, one grade with a course of two years; and the Intermediate, two grades of one year each. Diplomas, signed by the Principal and the School Board, are given to the members of the graduating class who pass a satisfactory examination on completing the High School course. Scholars not residing in the district are received in the High School, Grammar and First Intermediate departments, at the tuition prescribed by the School Board. Those from a distance can obtain rooms and board in private families at reasonable rates. The number of pupils enrolled in the school is two hundred and ten, of whom ten are transient. The school is well seated, and has a good apparatus, together wjth Unabridged Dictionaries and Appleton's New American Encyclopaedia. The Board of Directors consists of L. E. Rice, President; John Roberts, Clerk; and Alexis Hubbard.

the Grand Lodge A. F. & A. M., of the State of Illinois, in 1876 granted a dispensation to H. C. Helms, Draper Richmond. John Whallon, William M. Burkitt, George C. Scott, John J. Hurlburt, Jabez S. Smith, Hiram Austin, F. A. Decker, George W. Andrews, Henry D. Kniskern, J. H. Helms, C. H. Birdsail, Henry Edson, Cyrus Reynolds, E. B. Hazard, Martin Conyne, Orrin M. Crary, John Roberts, Caleb B. Smith, Edward F. Nash, George C. Morris, Wm. Burns, Garrett G. Seger and M. V. Sanderson, to organize Lyndon Lodge, No. 750, A. F. & A. M. The first meeting under the dispensation was held August 28, 1876, the oflicers consisting of J. J. Hurlburt, W. M.; M. V. Sanderson, S. W.; Jabez S. Smith, J. W.; John Roberts, S. D.,and the Lodge was duly organized. On the 4th of October the Lodge received its charter from the Grand Lodge of the State. The present officers of the Lodge are : J. J. Hurlburt, W. M.; M. V. Sanderson, S. W.; Jabez S. Smith, J. W.; John Roberts, S. D.; Kelly Smith, J. D.; L. L. Scott, Secretary; and Henry E. Helms, Treasurer. Quite a number of members have been received into the Lodge since its organization, and it is in a prosperous condition. The Lodge was dedicated Thursday evening, October 18, 1877.

In 1855 the young people of Lyndon organized a literary society called " Our Society," the capital being a library which, in a short time, numbered over two hundred volumes, most of which were standard works. Their meetings were semi-monthly, and literary productions were required of the members, and it was a law of the society that everything should be original in its character. In 1859 J. D. Odell was ordered by the society to write and deliver a "poem," on January 12, at their anniversary, which was a matter he had never contemplated; but obedience being the law, he addressed the society with the following rhythm, which he afterward claimed threw him into poetical bankruptcy :

On the spit - venison broiling - In the kettle bison boiling; For their garb in winter weather, Maidens tan the deer-hide leather. Here the trail track -winding, varies O'er the green and flow'ry prairies - From the cainpfires of the nation To the hunting grounds and station Where the wily " pale-face" loiters To exchange his fiery waters. And some useless, tawdry trinkets. And perchance some needed blankets, For rich furs of beaver, martin - With the simple natives bart'ring. Made more simple by " fire-water" - Chieftain, hunter, warrior, daughter. When the " swap" and traffic ending, And the natives, lodge- ward wending Their lone way across the prairies, As the trail-track, winding, varies. To their village by the brooklet. Lodge of Wabokieshiek - prophet; While 1 ^ > .. '

Twenty summers have passed o'er us, Twenty winters gone before us; And no more the dusky daughter Laves her paddle in this water. Her canoe - of bark, from birch- wood. Moors no longer where the lodge stood. Warriors with their p.ainted faces. Homes have left for other races. Land of once proud Sacs and Foxes, Now of bales and dry-goods boxes. Camp-fires of the dusky daughter Smoulder 'neath our brick and mortar; Indian homes and Indian traces Are destroyed by modern races. And their grave-land, to them sacred, Oft by brothers desecrated

Here spreads yet that far-famed valley, Yet tlie rippling waters rally; Westward spreads it to the mountains. Eastward spreads it 'mong the fountains, Northward heads it 'mid the pine-land. Southward in savannas - vine-land. Full throughout our land extended, With zone-climates mingling, blended. To the southward waters drawing. From the northern glaciers tl.awing. Where the flowing water welleth - Where the summer suntime dwelleth. Sweet the fragrance from the vine-land, Dry the cone on sterile pine-land. And the mid -land in this valley Where this river, water -ally Courses through the lovely places Where once dwelt those ancient races. And where waved the Chieftains's feather. Towns and villas join together. Here the cot and palace dwelling O'er the prairies wild are welling. And the people nobly prizin"- Schools and churches 'round them rising. Cities have around usrisen. And the " pale-face" courts a prison; Much to our disgrace 'tis needed, But by savage never heeded.

In our pleasant local stations, Where are subjects from most nations Ming-lin_^ in this lovely valley, 'Longr this river - water ally. Wolverines with the corn-cracker; English and Canadian racker; Hoosiers, Pukes, with Buckeye lasses, Dutch and Irish matching: glasses Filled witli Lager to o'erflowing. And the fumes from smoke-pipe blowing; Pert Italians, Spaniards haughty, Yankee maidens, witching, naughty, Jews and Northmen, with the Pennite, -'Young Americas," like men - tight. Born and full grown in this valley, 'Long this river - water ally. Keen men have we in profession- Men who for this vale's progression. Coax our names upon tlie dockets - Plead our causes, rob our pockets; Build our railroads by their graces, Lav out towns in sundry places, An'd the work of Nature thwarting, Urge the engine onward snorting, Check'ring all the ancient traces. Trail-tracks of the savage races. Trav'ling doctors, with their physic. Ape to 'ieviate the phthisic- Magnifying chronic ailings And their brother doctors' failings; And to splinter old bones broken - Yet, when leaving, leave a token In a bill shape - " service rendered," Politely to patient tendered.

From some maidens, past the youthful, " How young ladies with emotion. Visit church, assume devotion, Scrutinizing dress .and bonnet. Dashing ribbons flowing on it, While ceremonies most admired Are " Hinis" in broadcloth neat attired." Some in just retaliation Say 'twas with this maiden nation, As they judge the youthful daughters, In this valley, "long these waters. They have talent, and they know it, How to criticise your poet; Yet, with their cutting criticism. Lurks sweetly flowing witticism. But kind ladies, when you view it. How the poet has to do it- Seek his theme, his story rhyming, And the measure strictly timing, And his brain in garret urging, Ink with pen on paper splurging - While the lines so sweetly vary. And the pay in " reds is nary." Should our lady poets - misses - For their pay be tendered kisses. Some would answer - some might vary - " P.ay in kisses take we nary.'" But our ladies have a passion, Aping after foreign fashion ; And one fashion very home-like. In its structure very dome like. Were the wigwam's of those people. Formed like dome of modern steeple; With strono; hoop-poles roundwise begirt Like a modern skeleton skirt. Open at the top lor smoke-flue, Open at the top for waist through - When the head with shell-shape bonnet. Like a wind-vane sitting on it , With top feathers, graceful flowing. And the carmine, crimson glowing Beneath their eyes, sparkling, naughty. Like the paint on warriors haughty.

Chaptek Xviii

History of Mt. Pleasant Township - Biographical - History op the City of Morrison - Newspapers - Churches and Other Organizations - Biographical.

Mount Pleasant is the name of township 21, range 5 east of the 4th principal meridian. It was organized in 1852 from Union Precinct and denominated "Mount Pleasant" by A. C. Jackson, the name having been previously applied to a small school house, situated upon a little knoll near Morrison, by one of the early teachers of the township. It contains 36 sections of land - 23,040 acres. The land is principally undulating prairie and of exceeding fertility. Rock creek, which flows in a general southerly direction throughout the western part of the township, presents, along its course, a series of small bluflPs covered with timber. The stream furnishes a number of valuable mill sites, and excellent quarries of sand and lime stone are found along its banks. The principal groves of foi'est trees are in the immediate vicinity of Morrison. The productions of the township are mainly corn, cattle, hogs and horses. The quantity of pork produced is very large. The yield of corn is excellent, and of a superior quality. Latterly wheat has not been produced to any extent; but formerly the yield was large, as the following extract from the Whiteside Sentinel of September 1, 1857, will show:

"In the spring of 1856, Mr. George D. Brown purchased eighty acres of prairie land in Mt. Pleasant township. This land was immediately broken up, and this spring was sowed to wheat. The crop ( just harvested) has paid for the land, expenses of breaking, fencing, harvesting, etc., and ten per cent, on cost of purchase. This land has since been sold for $30 00 per acre - clearing to Mr. Brown, in the space of about one year, the neat little sum of $2,400."

The first settlement made on the territoiy now embraced by Mount Pleasant township was in the latter part of 1835 by Wm. H. Pashcal, John D. Paschal, James J. Thomas, and Felix French. These gentlemen selected claims in and near the timber just east of the present City of Morrison. Jonathan Haines, of Tazewell county, visited the section now known as Jacobstown, in 1835, and the next year settled there and erected a small saw mill on the east side of the creek. After sawing one log a freshet carried off the mill. Subsequently Mr. Haines erected a grist and saw mill which rendered service for a number of years, and proved of much value and convenience to the settlers. About the year 1837 Mr. Haines laid out "Illinois City" just west of Jacobstown. Ten acres were included in the "city," and lots offered without money and without price to all who would improve them. The lots were not improved, and "Illinois City" never was graced by blocks of buildings and a great population, with a directory and City Council. On the older maps the "city" is marked in larger letters than the State Capital, and emigrants travelling westward prior to 1840 often heard of "Hlinois City."

The earliest settlers were not favorably disposed to locating upon the prairie, and usually made their claims in the timber or its immediate vicinity.

In November, 1835, William H. Paschal completed a log cabin which was occupied during the winter by W. H. and J. I). Paschal, Felix French and James J. Thomas. The next spring prairie land was broken and planted with corn, the crop being known as "sod corn." This was doubtless the first farming in Mt. Pleasant township. At this time the Winnebago Indians were numerous, peaceable, but natural thieves and very filthy. This tribe disappeared in 1838 after having nearly exterminated the game. Wolves abounded and were very bold, causing the settlers much trouble. At one time a pack of them made an attack on Mr. Paschal's dog when tied within ten feet of the cabin, and but for prompt interference the canine would have furnished a supper for the hungry brutes. Wolves infested the country in packs for some ten or fifteen years afterwards, and were destructive to pigs and poultry until the county became more generally settled, and liberal bounties were paid for their destruction. The scalps became a circulating medium and stood at par, while the "wild cat" and "red dog" money of those days was at fifty per cent, discount.

In 1836, George 0. James settled in the north part of the township, and the same year, J. B. and Pardon M. Dodge located near where Morrison now is. Jonathan Haines, Horace Heaton, Henry Boyer, and Samuel Love also made settlements this year.

William Heaton and family settled in 1837. He with those of his sons who were grown up made claims in the north part of the township. A. C. Jackson in 1837 purchased a claim from Pardon Dodge and became a resident. Soon after John W. Stakes and .James Knox with his family of boys moved into the settlement from the Rock river country in the south part of the county. Anthony M. Thomas, and his sons John R., G. W., and Wm. C., and John M. Bowman, Pleasant Stanley, and John James, came into the township this year. In those early days but few of the pioneers were "visionary" enough to think the surrounding prairies would, in a score of years, be converted into cultivated farms and dotted over with fine residences. In common with others of the county the pioneers of Mt. Pleasant experienced great privations. Before they produced grain they were compelled to pay as high as SI. 00 per bushel for poor corn to subsist upon. After they commenced raising grain and pork they were obliged to transport it many miles, sell it for a very small price, and "take pay in trade." As the community increased in population and resources, roads were viewed and established, and all the elements of civilization brought into use.

One of the first cares of the settler was the establishing of schools. In 1838 Oliver Hall was employed by the handful of pioneers, by subscription, to conduct a school in a little log structure in Mr. Paschal's timber. The "windows" of this primitive "temple of learning" were made by stretching greased paper over openings in the logs. For his services Mr. Hall was paid .$10 a month and "boarded 'round". He was succeeded as teacher by Mr. Benjamin Burns, now a resident of Union Grove township. Mr. Oliver Hall, the first school teacher in Mt. Pleasant, was born in Charlton, Wooster county, 3Iassachusetts. He resided in that State until 1838, when he emigrated to Whiteside county, Illinois. After a residence of three or four years he returned to New England where he remained fifteen years, then came back to Whiteside county, and is now a resident of Morrison.

The settlers were not deprived of gospel services. The Methodist Episcopal Church had pushed far out into the wilderness and upon the prairie, and the pioneers had the benefit of the mission services. Rev. James McKean, a missionary, held religious services at Elkhorn, and in the grove in Mt. Pleasant, preaching at the house of James J. Thomas. In 1836 he formed a "class" composed of James J.Thomas and wife and George 0. James and his wife, the first religious organization in Mt. Pleasant. A Rev. Mr. James and Rev. Barton H. Cartwright frequently conducted services after Mr. McKean. Mr. Cartwright was then upon the circuit and reached Union Grrove, as the timber about Morrison was called, once in four weeks. Through other works the readers of the History have all become familiar with the description of the itinerant preacher upon his circuit. Gospel services were conducted afterwards by D. B. Young, Samuel Slocumb of Albany, and Thomas Freek, who resided not far from Erie; also a young gentleman from Fulton. These religious laborers were known as "local preachers." The gospel was preached in this way from 1836 to 1842 or '43, when stated services were held at the school houses, then vspringiug up, and also at Unionville. Previous to the school house preaching, the cabins of the settlers had been required to do duty as churches, and the "neighbors" from Winchell's Grove, now Kingsbury Grove, in Newton, counted it no hardship to drive to Mount Pleasant to listen to the gospel.

In January, 1843, the "land came into market," anditwas necessary to pay for the claims, the Government price being $1.25 per acre, payment to be made in gold or silver. The settlers had come to the country poor in purse, the finances were in a distracted condition, and the products of the land commanded but a small price, therefore the men who had made claims met with great difiiculty in securing the money necessary. Mr. J. D. Paschal relates that he sold his hogs for $1.50 a hundred, and other products at similar figures, and with much labor and tribulation paid for the land. His experience was that of nearly all the settlers. Previous to the purchase of the land the settlers were annoyed by "claim jumping" - that is, locating on lands previously claimed, and for mutual protection the farmers of this vicinity formed themselves into a society to prevent claim jumping. A. C. Jackson was at one time President. In this township little trouble was experienced, but in other portions of the county there was considerable difiiculty. The man who had the temerity to jump a settler's claim was frequently assisted to "jump off" in a manner more vigorous than pleasant. The whip, rope and gun being readily brought into requisition when necessary.

As nearly as can be ascertained, the first funeral in Mt. Pleasant township occurred in 1836, being that of James Heaton, who was buried in a grave yard near Jacobstown. The first child born in the township was in June, 1836, and named John French - a son of Felix French.

The first wedding celebrated in Mt. Pleasant township was in 1836, at the house of Henry Boyer, who then resided near where Jacobstown now is, at the spring on the Morrison and Jacobstown road. The contracting parties were John Powell and Miss Campbell, afterwards Mrs. Russell, who died about two years ago in Morrison. J. T. Atkinson, a Justice of the Peace, performed the ceremony. Mr. J. D. Paschal, who was then a singing master, was to have a singing school at Mr. Boyer's house, and this was chosen as an auspicious time for the ceremony. A large party of the settlers assembled, and were thoroughly surprised and delighted by the novelty of a wedding. The ceremony was fol- lowed by good old-fashioned singing and an excellent meal. The representatives of the fair sex was not so numerous in 1836 in Mt. Pleasant as at the present day, and weddings were of rare occurrence until several years later.

The pioneers of Mt. Pleasant suflFered for the bare necesssities of life during the first year of their settlement. Mr. J. J. Thomas relates that food was so scarce that it was divided so closely that a spoon was necessary to make an equal division. During the winter, owing to lack of hay and absence of other feed, many cattle starved to death. In the spring Mr. Thomas only had four head left out of twenty-two he had driven from the south part of the State. In the spring, in company with Mr. James Heaton, he visited Milledgeville, where there was a " corn cracker," to secure food. They purchased a few bushels of frosted corn from a Mr. Ankeny, at $1.00 a bushel. This they shelled and carried upon their backs three miles to the " corn cracker," where they gave a third to have it ground. Mr. Heaton had a pair of weak, starved oxen, at Ankeny's, with which they started for Union G-rove with their precious food, but so feeble were the cattle that it was two days before the journey was accomplished.

The settlers suffered to a considerable extent from ague and other diseases peculiar to new countries. Physicians were few and at great distances, so that the medicines were principally furnished by Nature, reinforced by "Ague and bilious specifies,'' brought from the former homes of the emigrants.

The following is the first record of school meetings obtainable: " Pursuant to public notice, the citizens of township 21 north, range 5 east, county of Whiteside, Illinois, met at the house of A. M. Thomas, on January 1, 1846, and elected Wm. Knox, A. C. Jackson and Jonathan Haines, Trustees of said town. The trustees met at the house of A. Qi. Jackson, and appointed Jonathan Haines Treasurer of said Board." April 13, 1846, " The Trustees, with the County Surveyor, proeeeded to survey section 16. The section was divided into eight lots, and prices fixed at $1.25, $1.50, $1.75 and $2.50 per acre." October 2, 1847, the school fund of the township was reported to be $412.74; the number of all-white children under the age of twenty years 118, of which number 17 were in district No. 1; it was also ordered that wood for schools be purchased at $1.00 a cord. April, 1848, the school fund was $1,171; money in the Treasurer's hands subject to distribution, $35.25; it was "ordered that the Treasurer pay himself from the above sum $3.22, and $19.75 to the School Commissioner for selling school lands, and the balance to A. P. Young, school teacher, except so much as will be necessary to purchase " a pail and cup for the school." April 19, 1856, the township was divided into school districts: District No. 1 to consist of sections 17, 18, 19 and 20; District No. 2, sections 1, 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11 and 12, and the north one-half of sections 13 and 14; District No. 3, sections 5, 6, 7 and 8; District No. 4, sections 29, 30, 31 and 32; District No. 5, sections 23, 24, 25, 26, 35, 36, and south half of 13 and 14; District No. 6, sections 27, 28, 33 and 34; District No. 7, sections 15, 16, 21 and 22. In 1857 District No. 2 was divided, sections 3, 4, 9 and 10 remaining as No. 2, while sections 1, 2, 11, 12, and the north half of sections 13 and 14, were erected into District No. 8.

Round Grove, a railway station in the eastern part of Mt. Pleasant, was surveyed and laid out in January, 1856, by W. S. Wilkinson, at the direction of and for John A. Holland, Chas. D. Sanford, Jedediah I. Wonser, and James McCoy. Considerable shipping is done at this point by the farmers. There is a postoffice, store, etc., at the station. An excellent school house is located here, and also a Methodist church in which services are maintained by the Methodist Society, and occasionally by other denominations.

In the early history of the country small collections of settlers were usually made in the vicinity of the mills where people came from great distances to have their grain ground, and thus the little hamlet of Jacobstown came into existence. The place was named for Royal Jacobs, who managed the mill. At one time there was a store in the place that had a large trade, a blacksmith and cooper shop, etc. A heavy business was done at the mill, but now the shops and stores are gone, and Jacobstown exists as a town and trading point only in name.

The records of the first township meeting in Mt. Pleasant read as the annexed : " Annual town meeting of legal voters of Mt. Pleasant convened at the Mt. Pleasant school-house, April 6, 1852, and Ward P. Lewis was chosen Moderator, and John W. Stakes elected Clerk, pro tern. Officers duly sworn in by an acting Justice of the Peace, after which the meeting proceeded to the election of township officers for the ensuing year by ballot. On the canvass of the votes the following officers were declared duly elected : Supervisor, Aaron C. Jackson; Assessor, Alfred Haines; Collector, Cyrus P. Emery; Overseer of the Poor, John James; Commissioners of Highways, William H. Paschal, R. K. Hiddleson and Horace Heaton; Justices of the Peace, G. H. Dimick and R. K. Hiddleson; Constables, Cyrus P. Emery and A. C. Pratt. Six Overseers of Highways were elected - J. M. Lenhai-t, Henry Wyman, Alson Knox, H. H. Jacobs, George 0. James and J. Kennedy."

April 5, 1853, it was "Resolved, That a Imvfnl fence for this town for the ensuing year shall be of rails, posts and rails, or posts and boards, and shall be four and a half feet from the top to the ground, and sufficiently tight to turn cattle, sheep and hogs running at large." An effort was made to prevent hogs running at large, but failed. It was decided to prevent calves under one year of age from running at large; also " that every man be his own pound-master for 1853." April 4, 1854, it was ordered that all hogs be shut up. April, 1856, it was ordered that all owners of bulls, over six months old, found running at large, be fined $5, the fines to be applied to roads and bridges; also decided by vote " that pigs and hogs be confined, and all legal voters authorized to take them up when found running at large, and to be entitled to 25 cents for hogs and 12|- cents for pigs, animals to be advertised and if not claimed to be sold, the seller to be responsible to the owner for the money received, above expenses of taking up, advertising, etc." April, 1857, at a town meeting held in Johnson's Hall, A. C. Jackson, H. A. Johnson and John E. Bennett were appointed a committee to frame a hog law; swine and sheep were prohibited from running at large, under a penalty of $5; 40 cents road tax was levied upon each $100 worth of property. April, 1859, a road tax of 40 cents on each $100 was levied; dogs were taxed, the proceeds to be devoted to road and bridge purposes; J. A. Fisher was appointed Poundmaster. April, 1860, a resolution was adopted by which a fine of $1 shall be assessed for scouring plows upon public highways; the road tax levied was 20 cents upon each $100; onehalf of funds arising from fines for violation of stock law to be turned into poor fund for the benefit of widows and orphans. In 1865 it was resolved to give each volunteer who is credited, or may be under the last call, to the town, $110.00.

The following is the assessed value of the different kinds of property in Mt. Pleasant township, including Morrison, as shown by the Assessor's book for 1877. The assessed value is about two-fifths of the actual value : No. acres improved land, 21,723; acres unimproved land, 588; valuation of improved land, $417,773; value of unimproved land, $6,903; improved lots, 431; unimproved lots, 68; value of improved lots, $197,045; value of unimproved lots, $2,112; number of horses, 581; cattle, 1,474; mules and asses, 19; sheep, 390; hogs, 1,999; fire and burglar proof safes, 28; billiard and similar tables, 11; carriages and wagons, 278; watches and clocks, 485; sewing and knitting machines, 291; piano fortes, 28; melodeons and organs, 73; value of merchandise, $36,865; valueof material and manufactured articles, $1,975; value of manufacturing tools, $550,00; valueof agricultural tools, $1,575; value of jewelry, $128,00; valueof credits other than banks, $47,250; value of household and office furniture, $11,- 023; value of shares of national bank stock, $40,000; value of all personal property, $203,368; value of railroad property, $28,000; assessed value of all property, $855,698.

The population of Mt. Pleasant township, including Morrison, according to the census report was, in 1870, 2,553 persons. Li November, 1876, the township polled 624 votes, which at the usual estimate would show the population of the township to be 3,120. The census of School district No. 1, which embraces Morrison, showed a population of 2,031. The inhabitants of the township and city of Morrison are principally Americans, the census of 1870 enumerating only 378 persons of foreign birth and ten negroes. The population of the township in 1877 is about 3,200.

Biographical. William H. Paschal was born in North Carolina, May 8, 1804, and spent his boyhood near Lebanon, Wilson county. He emigrated to Morgan county, Illinois, in 1826, where he resided until 1835. when he removed to Union Grove, then in Jo Daviess county, and built the first cabin in the present town.ship of Mt. Pleasant. With him in the cabin resided during the winter of 1835-36, J. D. Paschal, James J. Thomas, Felix French, and their families, in all nineteen persons. The cabin was not provided with a chimney, and cook stoves not being introduced, a log fire on the outside served for cooking and heating purposes. Mr. Paschal secured a considerable amount of land and property by industry, and was engaged in farming for many years in the immediate vicinity of Morrison. He was a good citizen, and before his death, which occurred in Morrison, March 12, 1875, he saw the wild prairie and forests he assisted to subdue t'roiu nature's wilderness, the home of a teeming population. lie was married to Grizzy Thomas, daughter of Anthony M. Thomas, October 17, 1833; she died June 20, 1875. Theirchildren are: Agnes J., born May 4, 1835 - died July 12, 1874; Parlee S., born February 11, 1838; Thomas J., born November 2(j, 1850 - died October 3, 1850; Robert M., born June 27, 1843.

John D. Paschal was born in 1805 in North Carolina. AVhen a child was taken to Tennessee; thence moved to Morgan county, Illinois. In 1835 he emigrated to the township now Mt. Pleasant, and made his first claim on Section 16, it being a school section. A law of Congress provided that all persons who should settle upon school sections in the townships of Illinois should be entitled to '-floating pre-emption," therefore Mr. Paschal "floated" over on to section 15. On the farm thus secured he resided until about nine years ago, when, having disposed of his property, he removed to Morrison where he still resides. December 20, 1827, he married Miss Nancy Short, who is yet alive. Children: William B., born October 26, 1828; Daniel B., born March 20, 1831; Elizabeth Jane, born May 15, 1833; James A., born May 28, 1835; Isaiah F.,born March 1, 1838; Sarah A., born April 19, 1840; Maria A., born November 18, 1843; John G., born July 26, 1846. The first four were born in Morgan county. All are now living.

Anthony M. Thomas was born in South Carolina, near Charleston, in 1782. He emigrated to Illinois in 1804. During the War of 1812 he served as a private soldier in the United Eangers. In 1837 Mr. Thomas settled in the territory now Mt. Pleasant. He married Miss Jane Jordan, of North Carolina, in 1805. His children are : Mary, -born in 1805; Margaret, born in 1807; Grizzy, born in 1809; James J., born in 1811; Julia, born in 18 - ; Elizabeth, born in 1815; George W., born in 1820; John R., born in 1822; William C, born in 1828. Five children died in infancy. Mary married F. French; Margaret married George 0. James; Grizzy married W. H. Paschal; Julia married Samuel Currie; Elizabeth married AYilliam French. Mr. Thomas died September 8, 1850, and his wife September 12, 1858.

James J. Thomas was born in St. Clair county, Illinois, April 2, 1811. He was married November 14, 1833, to Miss Lucy Paschal. Mrs. P. died August 13, 1840, and he was married July 25, 1841, to Miss Louisa A. Higley. Being separated by a bill of divorce, Mr. Thomas married Miss Sarah M. Piatt, November 20, 1860. Mr. Thomas settled in the grove near Morrison, November 5, 1835, and passed through the vicissitudes of pioneer life. He has been engaged as a farmer during his life, except an interval of about fifteen months spent in California in 1852-'53. At present he is a resident of Morrison. In 1831 and 1832 he served as a volunteer against the Sacs and Foxes, who were under Blackhawk. His neighbors, J. D. and W. H. Paschal, served in the same war in 1831, and Felix French during the Winnebago troubles in 1828.

George W. Thomas was born in St. Clair county, Illinois, January 10, 1820, and October 2, 1842, was married in Cass county to Miss Mary Paschal. He resided in Morgan county until 1837, when he came north and made a claim on sections 8 and 9 in the present town of Mt. Pleasant. He still resides upon the same farm. Children : Francis Marion, born December 27. 1843; Addison Paschal, born June 1, 1845; Samuel Taylor, born April 2, 1847; John Roberts, born June 12, 1849; Nathan James, born May 28, 1851; Elizabeth Jane, born May 17, 1853; William Henry, born March 23, 1856; Robert Milton, born April 12, 1862; George Eddy, "born October 17, 1866; Minnie Eveline, born April 20, 1869. John Roberts died December 18, 1854, and William H., June 12, 1865. Francis Marion served during the war in the 93d Illinois regiment.

William C. Thomas was born in Morgan county, Illinois, April 28, 1828; settled in Mt. Pleasant in the autumn of 1837. He now resides upon his father's homestead. In 1852 he went to California, where he remained seventeen years. August 3, 1870, he married Wiss Mary E. Hodge.

George O. James was born in Ash county. North Carolina, April 14, 180G. AVhen a child, he, with his father's family, removed to Kentucky, and from that State to Morgan county, Illinois. Mr. James traveled from the latter county to Whiteside in 1835, on horseback, first stopping at Elkhorn, where he remained about six months. At the expiration of that time he made a claim on section 9 in the north part of Mt. Pleasant, where he still lives. For the first two years of his residence in the township, he'dived in a cabin in the timber on section 5. Mr. James has been a hard-working farmer all his life, and assisted much in the development of the country. He was married to Miss Elizabeth Fatherkill, November 1, 1830, who died in 1831, about one year after marriage. On February 9, 1836, Mr. James married Miss Margaret Thomas, who died January 0, 1860. On January 6, 1870, he was united in marriage to Mrs. Jane kS. Mecem, of Pennsylvania.. Mr. James is the father of William S., born September 14, 1831; Anthony A., born August 26, 1837; Elizabeth J., born April 15, 1840; Adam C, born March 27, 1842; Anna L., born December 11, 1845. AV'illiam S. married Miss Rosanna Shepler, and lives in Fenton; Anthony A. married Miss Anna Norrish, and lives in Clyde; Elizabeth J. married Hiram Smith, and lives in Story county, Iowa; Adam C. married Miss Mabel Robertson, and lives in New York; Anna L. married John Little, and lives in Iowa.

Aaron C. Jackson was born in Morristown, Morris county. New Jersey, October 29,1800. When five years of age, he, with his father's family, removed to Fort Pitt, Pa., and some years after to Knox county, Ohio, locating near where the City of Mt. Vernon now is, then a place consisting of two houses. From boyhood to manhood Mr. Jackson was engaged in the usual avocations of pioneers in wooded country - felling trees, grubbing, and opening farms from the primeval forests. His educational advantages were acquired in the log school houses from imperfect text books, and still more imperfect teachers, whose chief re(|uisites were ability to wield the birch and control the hardy pioneer boys. January 16, 1823, Mr. Jackson married Charity Ann Young, daughter of Judge Young, of Ohio, she being a sister of J). B. Young, now of Morrison. In 1837 he emigrated to Illinois, and settled in w^hat is now Mt. Pleasant township, his claim being about one half mile east of the present City of Morrison. The claim of 160 acres, 40 of which was timber, he purchased for $900,00 from Pardon Dodge. Some of the land had been broken, and a rude log cabin erected. Mr. Jackson experienced all the vicissitudes and pleasures of pioneer life, such as hauling dressed hogs to Savannah and Galena, where they were sold for one cent a pound "in trade," the "trade" being calico remnants, no single piece of which was sufficient to make his wife a dress. Mr. Jackson was President of a Society of Settlers to prevent Claim Jumping; in 1839 was commissioned a Justice of the Peace. In 1842 he was elected a representative on the Whig ticket to the State Legislature fnmi Whiteside and Lee counties, serving two years. He was facetiously dubbed "The Log Cabin Candidate," from the style of architecture of his residence. His opponent was known as the leader of the "Dixon Stage Party." Mr. Jackson triumphed by a majority of sixteen votes. Whiteside county was largely Whig, while Lee county was Democratic. In 1847 he was elected a member of the Constitutional Convention, receiving 322 votes. His opponent, Jonathan Haines, received 304 votes, and D. B. Young, 53. From 1852 to '57 he was Supervisor of Mt. Pleasant township, and during President

Biographical

Lincoln's administration Postmaster of Morrison. Mr. Jackson is still a resident of Morrison, quietly spending his days near tlie scenes of his pioneer life. Mrs. Jackson died September 5, 1855, and on November 2(5, 185fi, Mr. Jackson married Sophronia Gibbs, widow of Alonzo Gibbs. Mrs. Gibbs was mother of P]dward Gibbs, of Lyndon, and Mrs. S. ^X. Kobinson and 3Irs. Alpheus Clark, of Morrison. The children of A. C. Jackson were : Daniel B., born October 31, 1823 - drowned July 8, 1837; Flavius J., born August 22, 182(3; Susan L.,born February 13, 1828; John Y., born September 14, 1829; Tryphene, born June 15,1831; Elizabeth, May 27, 1833; Phebe L., born September 2, 1835; Silas M., October 22, 1837; Amanda, born December 8, 1840; Lafayette J., born February 23, 1843 - died at Grand Rapids, Mich., July 22, 1875.

James Knox, Sr., was born January 8, 1791, in Dutchess county, New York. He remained in New York until 1816, when he removed to Canada, where ho lived a number of years. In 1825 he moved to Erie county, New York, where he lived until October, 1835, when with his family he emigrated to the West and settled in the " Ox Bow Bend," across the river north of Prophetstown, where he engaged in farming and running a ferry across Rock river, first using the common oared boat and poles, then the rope and pulleys. He resided at this place about two years, and in 1837 located on land where Morrison now is, near the present corner of Wall and Orange streets. Not being successful in securing water, he changed his location to near where the present Library Hall stands; there he found water by digging the well now on the property of F. C. Woodruff. The site of Morrison was then covered with hazel brush and trees. Mr. Knox was a successful farmer, good citizen, and reai-ed a substantial and highly respected family. He married Miss Ann Martin, of Vermont, January 9, 181G. Children: William, born June 2, 1817; Martin, born February 9, 1819; Alson, born March 3, 1821; Peter, born April 4, 1823 - died May 2, 1875; James, born July 30, 1825 - died September 11, 1873; Archibald, born September 11, 1827; Henry, born December 27, 1828; Lydia, born September 25, 1831; John J., born September 23, 1833; Mary, born March 6, 1837; Allen, born May 3, 1840; Louis, November 8, 1842. Of the twelve children, all are living with the exception of Peter and James. Martin is a resident of California; Mary (Mrs. Mclntyre) resides in Yankton, Dakota, and Lydia (Mrs. Lathe), in Lyndon; the remainder of the family live in Mt. Pleasant township. James Knox, Sr., died September 24, 1860, and his wife February 9, 1866.

William Knox was born in Paris, Canada, June 2, 1817; was married August 21, 1842, to Miss Jane Emery, at Prophetstown, Illinois. Mr. Knox came to Whiteside county with his father, and settled near Prophetstown, in 1835, having previously lived in New York. In 1837, upon his father moving to what is now Mt. Pleasant township, he purchased the ferry at Prophetstown, and did a large business for several years. He closed out his business in that part of the county and came to the vicinity of Morrison in 1842, settling on section 16. Subsequently he located on section 14, where he has since resided. Mr. Knox is largely engaged in farming, owning a number of valuable tracts of land. His children are Sarah Jane, born April 17, 1845; Harriet Ellen, born March, 1847; Walter E., born May 25, 1851; Martin W., born March 19, 1854; Wiiliam H., born October 8, 1856; Andrew J., born September 27, 1858; Clarence and Claretta, born June 5, 1866. The first-mentioned died at the age of five years.

Alson Knox was born in Dumfries, Upper Canada, March 3, 1821. In 1825 he moved with his father's family to Erie county, New York, and in October, 1835, came with them to Whiteside county. The family first settled in Prophetstown, and about three months afterwards at the ox bow bend in Lyndon township. In 1837 they came to Mt. Pleasant, and settled on section 18.

Mr. Knox, in company with his brother Martin, made a chiim of three hundred and twenty acres on sections 15 and 22, in Mt. Pleasant township, and now owns a farm of one hundred and twenty acres on the same sections. On the 22d of February, 1848, he married Miss Julia Ann AA'^eaver, a native of Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, at Empire. They have several children.

James Knox, Jr., was born July 30, 1825, in the township of Dumfries, District of Gore, Canada. He moved with his father to Whiteside county in 1835, first settling near Prophetstown. Soon after the family located on land where Morrison now stands. Mr. Knox subsequently acquired a farm a few miles east of Morrison, where he resided until, his death, September 11, 1873. He was the first of a family of twelve to die. He left a widow and several children.

Peter Knox was born in Dumfries, Canada, April 4, 1823. Came with his father to this county in 1835. After arriving at man's estate Mr. Knox secured a fine farm near Morrison. He was an industrious and competent business man, and amassed prior to his death a large property. For a number of years previous to his death he suffered from pulmonary disease, and in the hope that change of climate would be beneficial, made several trips to the Pacific coast. He died at Brownsville, California, May 2, 1875, leaving a wife, but no children.

Cyrus P. Emory was born at Moriah, Essex county, New York, March 31, 1820, and came West in 1839, stopping at Lyons, Iowa, a short time, and then settling on his present farm on section 21, Mt. Pleasant township. Mr. Emory married Miss Frances Dimick, and has several children. He has served several terms both as Assessor, and as Collector, of Mt. Pleasant township, and has also been Constable for the township, and School Director in his district. His farm comprises over two hundred acres of choice land, which he has brought under a good state of cultivation, and is what can be truthfully termed a forehanded farmer. As a man, citizen, and neighbor, Mr. Emory stands high in the community.

Wm. Heaton, Sr., was born in Massachusetts in 1782, and died in 1843. He married 31iss Martha Bailey in 1804. Mrs. Heaton died June 21, 1872. Mr. Heaton settled with his family in Mt. Pleasant township, in 1837. Children: Freedom, born in 1805; Maria V., born in 1808; James, born in 1812; Horace, born in 1814; Susan, born in 1816; George, born in 1818; Alfred, born in 1820; Lydia, born in 1822; Orson, born in 1824; Koana, born in 182G; William, Jr., born in 1829. Freedom married Thomas L. Jackson (sec biography). jNLaria V. married Van Vleck Vedder, and removed from the county. James came to Mt. Pleasant in 1835, being the pioneer of the family; he died in 1837, unmarried; his funeral was the first in the present township. Horace (see biography). Susan married Ward P. Lewis, and is now living; her husband died in 1870. George now lives in Kansas. Alfred (see biography). Lydia 'married Harley Derby. Orson is now a resident of Iowa, lloana married Jas. K. llobertson. William, Jr., married Miss Elizabeth Hiddleson; they have four children; he served during the war in the 8th Wisconsin Artillery.

Horace Heaton was born in Washington county, Vermont, May 23, 1814. Went to Jefferson county, New York, when five years of age, and resided there until the fall of 1836, when he settled in Mt. Pleasant, and made a claim on section 4, he and George O. James being the first settlers in the northeast part of the township. He resided upon his farm until 1864, when he removed to Morrison, and now has charge of the stage route from Morrison to Spring Hill. He was married March 21, 1839, to Sarah Chamberlain, who was born February 28,1814. Mrs. Heaton died September 18, 1867. Children: Gideon C, Mar- tha Jane, Ward P., Miranda, Nancy, Malissa and Clarissa - twins, and Judson. All the children arc dead but Gideon and Nancy. Mr. Heaton was married December 13, 18(58, to Mrs. Lucy A. Thomas.

Alfhki) Heaton was born April 28, 1820, in Jefferson county, New York. In 1837 he came to Mt. Pleasant with his father and the family. He made his claim on Section 3, where he still resides. May 11, 1845, he married Miss Eliza Jane llobertson. Children: James W., died in the army; Ellen R., wife of W. P. Hiddlcson; Olive A., wife of Oliver King; Alfarata, wife of Frank Babcock; Emily E., wife of N. J. Thomas; Ada J.; Susan Kate, who died in 1862. Mr. Heaton has made a successful growth with the country and has been well rewarded for the trials of pioneer life. He served during the war in the 8th Illinois Cavalry, the same regiment to which his son James W. belonged.

Thomas L. Jackson was born in New Lisbon, New London county, Connecticut, October 23, 1787. At thirteen years of age he removed to New York State where he resided until 1835, being engaged in farming during the whole time. Duriiig his residence in Jefferson county. New York, he was marvied in December, 1824, to Miss Freedom Heaton, daughter of William Heaton, who then resided in St. Lawrence county, New York. About the year 1835 he moved with his family to Portage county, Ohio, where he lived for several years. In April, 1841, he left Ohio for Illinois, arriving in Whiteside county in May of that year, and settling on section 4 in the present township of Mt. Pleasant. He has resided on the same farm continously since that date. Children: Floyd H., born October 20, 1825 - married Miss Ellen J. Carlton, and lives in Story county, Iowa; Mary, now Mrs. J. W. Wells, of Chicago, born July 25, 1827; Sullivan, born December 3, 1830 - married Miss E. C.Baxter, and lives with his parents. Mr. Jackson was 90 years of age October 23, 1877, and is the oldest person in the township.

John B. Dodoe, a prominent character among the early settlers of this county, was boi-n in Tioga county, New York, April 0, 1808. Removed to Licking county, Ohio, where, November 6, 1828, he was united in the bonds of matrimony to Miss Lydia B. Smith. He removed to Stark county, Illinois, August,

1829, where he remained about seven years, when he removed once more to what is now Mt. Pleasant township, Whiteside county, arriving in August, 1836, and settling on section 20. He was the Captain of a Militia Company in

1830, and volunteered during the Blackhawk War, and was present at the battle of Bloody Run. He was a man of much energy, and was frequently called upon by his fellow citizens to bear the burdens of office, not less onerous then than now, and less remunerative. In those days of Auld Lang Syne honor and a desire for the public good were the only inducements to office seeking. Fat salaries and well-furnished, comfortable offices existed only in extremely vigorous and daring imaginations. In May, 1839, Mr. Dodge was one of the three County Commissioners who held the first Commissioners' Court of Whiteside county. .He is reported to have announced the opening of the session in the following characteristic words: "Fellow Citizens, the County Commissioners' Court of Whiteside is about to set, and will be ready to hatch in two or three days." He was at different times Constable, and Justice of the Peace. He died January 24, 1843, at the early ago of 35. His widow re-married, her second husband being James Magby, who died several years since leaving her a second time a widow. She at present resides with her son-in-law, George P. Garlick, of Fenton township. Mr. Dodge was buried on his farm. In 1860 his remains were removed to the Morrison Cemetery, where they now repose. The children were Eber B., born November 27, 1829, who is married and now resides in this county; Matilda S.. born September 1. 1832, married E. M. Thompson, of Fenton, December 25, 1849; Abiel Mc, born October 1, 1834, died December 28, 1835; Eli M., born January 20, 1837, is now a resident of Marshall county, Iowa; Henrietta, born November 4,1839, married to James Garlick, and resides in Marshall county, Iowa. There were children of the second marriage, one of whom married George P. Garlick, of Fenton.

Jonathan Haines was a native of Butler county, Ohio, and came to Hlinois in 182G, first settling in Tazewell county. In 1835 he came to Whiteside county on his way to Galena, and being so well pleased with the location of what is now known as Jacobstown, and the water privileges there, made a claim and erected a cabin. His purpose in going to Galena was to use his steam ice boat, which he had recently patented, in navigating the Upper Mississippi during the winter, feeling sanguine of carrying the United States mail: and keeping up trade with St. Paul, and the upper forts. He made a few trips to Dubuque. In the winter of 1835, Felix French lived in the cabin, and took care of the mill claim, Mr. J. T. Atkinson boarding with him during the time while he w\as making rails and cutting logs on his claim near by. Mr. Haines returned in 1836, and built a saw mill on his claim, on the opposite side of the creek from the present mill. This mill, however, was washed away by a freshet after one log had been sawed, and in 1837heerectedanother one on the same site, to which he afterwards added a pair of burrs for grinding grain. In 1847 he invented the "Illinois Harvester," and put up machine shops at Uuionville, where he manufactured them until his removal to Tazewell county, in 1849. These Harvesters have since been somewhat improved, and are now extensively used in all the Western States. Union Grove Precinct was named by Mr. Haines, J. T. Atkinson, and Henry Boyer, in the spring of 1836. Mr. Haines was quite a prominent man in Whiteside county at an early day, and held several positions of public trust. He was a useful citizen, a kind and generous neighbor, and endeared himself to all who became acquainted with his many excellent traits of character. He died in Pekin, Tazewell county, February 22, 1868, of apoplexy.

WiNFiELD S. Wilkinson was born in Skaneateles, Onondaga county, New York, September 11, 1812. In 1834 he went to Georgetown, Kentucky, and remained there until 1837, when he came to Jacksonville, Illinois, and was employed at that place, and at Springfield, as civil engineer in the service of the State, until October, 1839, when he came to Como, Whiteside county. Mr. Wilkinson was married November 10, 1841, at Como, to Miss Francis Elizabeth Sampson, daughter of Capt. Henry B. Sampson. Their children have been: Mary C, born at Como, April 14, 1843; Alfred E., born at Skaneateles, Onondaga county. New York, December 6, 1846; Henry B., born at Como, April 8, 1849, and Frank, born at Sterling, March 11, 1857. Mary C. married Charles H. Cogswell, May 20, 1869, and resides at Clinton, Iowa; children, Francis E. and Charles H. Alfred E. married Miss Annie Oldham, of Gainesville, Texas, November 4, 1875, and resides at Sherman, Texas, where he is engaged in the practice of law, and now wears the judicial ermine; one child, Henry. Henry B. resides in Chicago. Frank died at Morrison, November 21, 1860. Mr. Wilkinson resided in Como until September, 1856, when he moved to Sterling, and in 1858, at the removal of the County Seat, came to Morrison. Probably no man in Whiteside county has taken a more active and prominent part in its affairs than Mr. Wilkinson. His peculiar qualifications for an able and honest discharge of the duties of a public trust, were early recognized, and for more than a quarter of a century his fellow citizens freely conferred these trusts upon him. When the lands upon which Como is situated were placed into market by the government, he was one of three gentlemen selected by the claimants to bid them in, and for the hinds in IIopkinH township he was the only one selected to make the pnrchases. In 1842 ne was elected County Surveyor of Whiteside county, and held the position five years. In 1844, and while still County Surveyor, the })eople of Wiiiteside called upon him to represent them in the General Assembly of the State, which he did, greatly to their satisfaction, and to the interests of the State, for a term of two years. When the County Court which superseded the County Commissioners' Court in all county affairs, was first organized, he was elected one of the associate justices, and in 1853 waS again elected County Surveyor, holding the position until 1857, when he became County Clerk, the duties of which office he conducted with signal ability until 1869, a period of twelve years. At the conclusion of his term, the lioard of Supervisors, for Avhom the County Clerk is ex-ojficio clerk, passed a resolution highly complimenting him for the able and faithful manner in which he had dischai-ged the multifarious duties of his office, and sincerely regretting that he had concluded to retire from it at the close of his term. He has also represented the township of Mt. Pleasant in the Board of Supervisors. In 1870, upon the adoption of the new Constitution, he was elected a Senator to the General Assembly from the district then comprising the counties of Whiteside and Lee, and served a term of two years, during which time he aided materially by his sound judgment, discriminating mind, and close attention to legislative duties, in properly completing the laws of the State so as to make them conform to the newly adopted Constitution. The labors of the General Assembly when he was Senator were made unusually arduous and exacting on account of the conflict of the then existing laws with the new Constitution, and it required the utmost care and ability on the part of the members of both Houses, to remodel the former so as to make them conform to the latter without rendering them nugatory by reason of unconstitutionality. 3Ir. Wilkinson gave the new fundamental document the closest study, and by that means, aided by a comprehensive and systematic mind, was enabled to readily discover the objectionable featiires in a bill proposing the remodeling of an old law, or the creation of a new one. At the close of his Senatorial term, Mr. Wilkinson retired from public and political life, as well as from active business cares. He is the owner of a large farm near Como, a fine residence in Morrison, besides other property, and surrounded by friends, is passing the days of' the sere and yellow leaf with that ease and contentment which a well spent life always brings to the happy possessor.

Simon Fellows is a native of Sandwich, Carroll county, ( formerly Strafford county, ) New Hampshire, and was born Xovember 20, 1815, and lived there until he came to Illinois in September, 1834. He first located in what is now the township of Palmyra, Lee county, where he remained until 1850 Avhen he moved to Round Grove, Mt. Pleasant township,Whiteside county. Mr. Fellows was married to Miss Elizabeth Deyo, July 10, 1830, the marriage taking place in a little log cabin without any floor, situated in the northeast part of the present township of Jordan. Miss. Deyo was born March 12, 1810.' The children of this marriage were : Oliver E., born June 12,1837; Albert, born April 16,1839; Charles, born May 25, 1841 ; Margaret, born January 27, 1843; Electa, born June 6, 1845; Edward S.,born September 22, 1848; Elizabeth D., born March 31, 1851; EmelineS.,born February 3, 1854; Ernest, born June 14, 1856, and Omar D., born October 10, 1860. The children have all been married except Edward and Omar. Oliver E. resides in Palmyra, Lee county, Illinois. Albert served three years in the 4th Illinois Cavalry, and died Februaryl, 1866. Charles was also in the army, and served three years in the 75th Illinois Infantry; he now lives in Mt. Pleasant township. Margaret resides in Calhoun county, Michigan; Electa resides at Round Grove, Whiteside county; Edward S. resides in Mt. Pleasant township; Elizabeth D. is a resident of Morrison; Emelino S. lives in Branch county, Michigan ; Ernest, and Omar, both live in Mt. Pleasant township. During the winter of 183-JU-'35 Mr. Fellows taught the first school in Buffalo Grove, near Polo, Ogle county. The school was kept in the house of Oliver W. Kellogg, and among the patrons of Mr. Fellows were Mr. Kellogg, John Dixon, better known as Father Dixon, and Joseph Smith. In the same winter, his brother Samuel Fellows taught the first school in Elkhorn Grove, at the house of John Ankeny. In November, 1836, Mr. Fellows served as Clerk of Election in Cherry Grove Precinct, Jo Daviess county, and made return of the poll book to Galena, a distance of forty miles. Mr. Fellows held the office of Justice of the Peace of Mt. Pleasant township for twelve consecutive years, dating at 1856, his first commission being signed by Hon. Joel Matteson, the then Governor of the State. He has been Postmaster twice, the first time when he received his commission from Hon. Amos Kendall, then Postmaster General, and the second time receiving his commission from Hon. Montgomery Blair, Postmaster General.

J. Danforth Odell was born in Petersburgh, Rensselaer county. New York, June 9, 1815, and came to Whiteside county in ,1839, arriving the day before the last, or September election for the location of the county-seat. He was married to Miss Elsie Ann Peters in North Adams, Massachusetts, June 10, 1839. They have had two children, both of whom died in childhood. When Mr. Odell first came to Whiteside he purchased a claim, with a cabin and some small improvements, of Dr. William Price, situated in the southeast corner of what is now Fcnton township, known as the Lyman Bennett claim, and took possession iu the December following. The Winnebago Indians still lingered around their old hunting grounds, and it was both natural and desirable on the part of new-comers to obtain all the information possible of their habits and characteristics, and the advice was not to feed them. After a few days domicil Mr. Odell was obliged to seek some supplies, which would require the absence of the entire day, leaving Mrs. Odell at home alone; and soon after his departure an Indian stealthily opened the door, glided to the fire, and silently surveyed the premises. Seeing a strange, squaw he inquired, " Where Moconder? " (medicine man). " Puckagee to 0-hi-o," replied Mrs. Odell. He then asked for food, which she would not understand until he had made the demand a third time, accompanied by a dramatic flourish of his tomahawk, which brought to her recollection enough of the Indian dialect as to hurriedly furnish him food to his satisfaction. Having used Winnebago dialect in her first answer, he knew her to be no uneducated squaio. These Indians often visited their old homes in after years, and, being treated with kindness, property was more safe while surrounded by them than it is now with our doted civilization. Mr. Odell continued to cultivate the rich soil of the Rock river bottom for thirteen years, when he moved to Lyndon, where he clerked in the general merchandise store of Marcus Sperry for about two years, and until IMr. Sperry's death, when he entered into partnership with F. K. Powell and W. W^. Gilbert, under the firm name of J. D. Odell & Co., which continued for nearly two years. Lyndon at that time sold more goods than any other town in the county, and one of the partners of the firm, who furnished no part of the capital, drew at the rate of $150 per month as his share of the profits. The firm was mutually dissolved while in the height of prosperity, and at a great sacrifice, as was then supposed. But Mr. Odell has often said afterwards it was the most fortunate move of his life, financially, as the firm was then indebted to New York and Chicago parties to the amount of nearly $1U,000, and the firm were enabled to close up their liabilities about the time of the great financial crisis of 1857-'58. Mr.

City Of Morrison

Odell afterwai'ds engaged in the grocery trade in Lyndon for about two years, and in March, 1863, came to Morrison, where he has resided fourteen years, retired from active business life, having seen enough, as he alleges, of the hardships of the frontier to pass the balance of his days in quiet retirement. Mr. Odell was the first Town Clerk of Fenton township, and has been for several years, and is at present. Treasurer of Mt. Pleasant township. He has considerable literary taste and ability, which he has used to good advantage as newspaper correspondent. He was for some time correspondent of the Whiteside Sentinel, writing under the nom de jilume of "Tim Downes," and has con - tributed various articles at other times.

The City of Morrison is situated in the western part of Mt. Pleasant township, on Sections 17, 18 and 19 and near the geographical center of the county. The town was surveyed and laid out in 1855 by W. S. Wilkinson, Surveyor, under the management of Lyman Johnson, v/ho had come to the place as a railroad contractor and builder with Mr. H. S. Vroom, the year previous. In 1851 the line of the present C. & N. W. R. R. had been surveyed through northern Illinois, the original line passing some distance north of the present location of Morrison, to the then flourishing village of Unionville. The citizens of that town, not familiar with railroads or their management, were assured in their own minds that the road must pass through that village, and no where else, therefore they demanded extravagant prices for their lands, and were not disposed to make any concessions to the railway comjpany. As a sequence the line of the road was changed and Unionville left at one side.

The original proprietors of the town of Morrison were men of enterprise and business sagacity, and Mr. Johnson by liberal dealing and good management secured the location of the railway station where it now is, and the future of Morrison was then assured.

After the surveyor's chain had been run through the hazel brush and scrub oaks, the town, to spring up within the survey, was named "Morrison" by Mr. Johnson, in honor of Mr. Charles Morrison_ a wealthy merchant of New York, and friend of Mr. W. H. VanEpps. Doubtless Mr. Morrison would have given substantial aid to the town but for the fact that business reverses swept his property away and left him a poor man. The originators of the town were sanguine of the future from its first inception, and invited merchants, mechanics and professional men to come and make their homes in the "new City."

The first house erected was by Lyman Johnson on the site now occupied by Library Hall. It was commenced in 185-1, before the town was laid out; subsequently it was enlarged and used for a "hotel" known as the "Morrison House." Portions of the structure are now doing duty in difi'erent parts of the town as dwelling houses.

The following extract from a letter signed "Gotham." and printed in the New York Day Book, March 12, 1855, presents a fair picture of Morrison as it then appeared, and contains a prophecy which has been literally fulfilled : manding place just springing into existence, possessing innate vitality aside from its beautiful central position to warrant the assertion that it will never lag for energy, or in other words Avant for go-aheadativeness so long as it has a name, and its present proprietors, Johnson and Vroom {two enterprising citizens from Chicago), with their eastern associates, manage the helm and push forward the contemplated improvements so liberally provided for. Within a circle of one mile three fine mill pri^-ileges exist; one known as Jacob's Mill, a fine four story flouring mill ; about three-fourths of a mile below is an equally good privilege owned by Mr. Robertson, with only a saw mill at present; and a short distance still below on the same little Rock river is the third water power to be improved. Stone abounds in fine quarries, a fine and quite extensive grove of timber, called Union Gro\e, immediately north, and adjoining the town of Morrison, with good material at hand for making brick, combining so many essential elements at hand as to require no great foresight in pointing to this place as being, not only the most central in the county, but at no distant day transacting a vast amount of business by capitalists building up a large commercial and inland trade in the very heart of this wealth}- new countr}-. No point in my travel thus far has so infatuated me and beguiled my time, as this promising, charming spot. What an opening for a half a dozen of our enterprising young men in your gi-eat city to open trade and become great and good in thedestinedgrowth of this western town. But two small stores are existing up to this time at Morrison. The Directors of the Air Line Railway have wisely selected this as a fit place to erect an extensive depot and station building, and if my observations are of any worth, a more judicious expenditure could not well be contemplated."

October 19, 1855', the first train was run into Morrison under charge of Mr. John Furlong, now a resident of the City. The next day his ''residence" came in upon a flat car all ready to locate. For several weeks Mr. Furlong's family had been keeping house in the shanty upon a flat car, at Round Grove, awaiting the forward move to IMorrison. Mrs. Furlong relates that the growth of population in the new town was noticed by the "new lights" that appeared each night in the new shanties springing up amid the brush. At this time one sled was sufiicient to convey all the young people of Morrison to the "entertainments ' then given at Unionville. During this year several residences and small stores were erected, among the first being the residence of H. S. Vroom, on the corner of Main and Base Streets, where F. C. Woodruff now resides. L. H. Robinson, Rev. L. L. Lansing, and others, also erected dwelling houses, and Mr. Henry Ustick came to the town and opened a small general store.

The same year Mr. Tra Towne, a carpenter, removed from Fulton to Morrison; Mr. Thomas McClelland and 8. Eshleman started a blacksmith shop, and Mr. Wilcox, of Como, also built a small shop and engaged in blacksmithing. Mr. A. S. Tryon burnt a kiln of brick in the south part of the town. The brick from his yard was used in the walls of the Baptist church which was erected in 1856-'57. This was the first church edifice in the place. In ]855-'56 the inhabitants worshipped at Unionville, where there were three or four churches, and in Johnson's Hall, a room fitted up over a store erected by Mr. Lyman Johnson in 1855. During this year a Dr. Norris, the first man who located in Morrison to practice medicine, built a shanty on the site of the present Universalist church, which he used as an oflice and residence. Among the physicians who came to Morrison at an early day were Dr. H. P. Roberts, now living in Iowa; Dr. William S. (>oe, since deceased; Dr. A. Nowlen, from Unionville; Dr. W. W. Winter, from Milledgeville, Carroll county, in the winter of 1857-'58, who moved to Chicago in 18(52, where he has a lucrative practice; Dr. S. Taylor, formerly of Erie, in this county; and Dr. H. C. Donaldson, from Como, where he had been in successful practice since 1847. Drs. Nowlen, Donaldson and Taylor are still in practice in IMorrison.

On November 30, 1855, the first child was born in Morrison - Miss Minnie Vroom, a young lady still a resident of the town. Charles Morrison Johnson,

The railroad depot in 1855 was only a board shanty, yet a large business in shipping to and from this point was done by the company. H. H. Cortright, now General Freight Agent of the Hannibal & St. Jo. Railroad, was the first station agent.

In 1855 John E. Bennett came to the town and engaged in the mercantile business, and in 185G, when the postofiice was removed from Unionville to Morrison, was made Postmaster. The feeling between the two towns was intensely bitter, and the citizens of Unionville refused to visit Morrison for their mail, but had letter boxes fitted up in a store in the former town, and one of their citizens was deputized to bring the Unionville mail from Morrison to be redistributed. The Morrison Postofiice was denounced as a location unfit for ladies to enter, a place where every bean barrel concealed a whisky jug.

In 1857 the permanency and future of Morrison was assured. Merchants, mechanics and professional men had begun to pour into the town, realizing its great advantages. The rich farming lands on all sides were soon improved by an enterprising class of farmers, and trade increased rapidly in the new town. This year the following firms were engaged in business: John ^I. Cobleigh, merchant tailor and clothier; R. M. & J. H. Johnson, dry goods; Neely& Johnson, dry goods and groceries; Spears & Bro., dry goods and groceries; 0. B. Crosby, groceries and provisions; I. Burton, groceries and provisions; S. W. & F. H. Robinson, hardware dealers; W. L. Coe & A. Nowlen, drugs, medicines, paints, oils and glass; S. H. McCrea & Co., dealers in grain and lumber; J. V. Griles & Co., grain and lumber dealers; John II. Brown, produce dealer; Chas. Foster, grain buyer; Edwin L. Johnson, grain and coal dealer; Henry Levett and B. 0. Russell, in the hotel business; Vroom & Brokaw, livery stable; Wm. Trauger, groceries; Alphonso Bent, and Laune & Thompson, painters; H. A. & C. J. Johnson, attorneys at law; R. Thompson, auctioneer; L. H. Robinson, Lyman Johnson, Olmstead & Grridley, and Knox & McCrea, engaged in selling town lots; Wm. Finch, groceries and boots and shoes; Thos. McClelland and Sol. Eshleman, blacksmiths; F. W. Chapman, jeweler. John M. Cobleigh is the only one mentioned who is still engaged in the same business in Morrison.

- A large business was transacted by the merchants, and considerable quantities of grain and other produce were shipped. From July 1, 1856, to July 1, 1857, 175,000 bushels of wheat were shipped from Morrison, the price ranging from 75 cents to $1.00 per bushel. In 1857 the brick stores now occupied by Spears & Son, Spears & Shafer, J. S. Grreen and Robt. Wallace, were erected by Charles and William Spears, W. L. Coe, John McDonald, John Devine, John D. Bartholf, and John Weaver. This was the first brick block erected in Morrison. The same year the railroad company erected a depot building, and a number of residences sprang up in diff'erent ftarts of the town. Good business lots sold at from $150 to $350, and residence locations at from $75 to $100. The strip of table land now occupied by numerous fine residences was laid ofi" and placed in market about this time by Mr. Peter Knox.

On November 3, 1857, the citizens of the county voted upon the question of the removal of the county seat from Sterling to jMorrison, the result of the ballot being in favor of the latter town, and the records were removed to Morrison May 3, 1858. The county oflaces were for several years on the second floor of the brick building on Main street now owned by J. S. Green and S. W. Robinson. Court was held on the floor above, in what was afterwards known as Concert Hall. The removal of the county seat to Morrison gave the town a great impetus, and the population increased with wonderful rapidity. An ex- cellent class of stores was established, and trade was received from many miles in all directions. Several churches were soon afterwards organized, and a lively interest manifested in schools in the young village.