Mount Morris Township

Mount Morris Township

This township was organized in 1850. With the valuable assistance of Martin T. Rohrer, Esq., the following list of Supervisors and Clerks is compiled :

SCHOOLS. The First School. - The Maryland colonists who first settled at Mount Morris were determined that their children should not want for educational privileges, and a school house was as necessary as a "cabin." When Samuel M.

* Samuel Garber, who was elected, was a Dunkard preacher; his church was unwilling that he should serve in any civil capacity, and he resigned on the spot and Henry Heistand was appointed to fill vacancy.

Hitt and Nathaniel Swingley returned from Maryland with their families, in 1838, accompanied by a number of others who desired to become members of their new colony in the Far West, they engaged Mr. A. Quimby Allen to ac- company them as a teacher, and soon after their arrival he opened a school in a small log cabin then standing in the grove about 80 rods southwest of Prof D. J. Pinckney's present residence and about a mile southwest of the Seminary. This pioneer school house has since been removed to the roadside about a mile west of the town, where it still remains, an interesting monument of - the olden time, when old men and women of the present day attended school within its rough walls, while their parents built their first cabins on the beautiful prairie in the neighborhood. This was the first school in this section of the country. It was named "The Pine Creek Grammar School," and under this somewhat pretentious title it was the first step leading to the foundation of the Rock River Seminary within a year from that time.

The school numbered twenty-six pupils, and a record of their names, so far as they are now remembered by Mr. Allen, will be interesting to their descendants in the present and in the future. Among this little group were Margaret C. Hitt (now Mrs. D. J. Pinckney), John W. Hitt (now an influential citizen of Mount Morris, and for several years past Supervisor of the town), George Hitt (since dead), Andrew M. Hitt, Joseph Hitt, John Hitt (now Deputy Collector of Customs, Chicago), Robert S. Hitt (of Chicago), Robert R. Hitt (now Secretary of Legation at Paris), Martin R. M. Wallace (Judge Wallace of Chicago), Elizabeth Reynolds, Caroline M. Reynolds, Ann E. Swingley (Mrs. Phelps), Urilla Swingley, John H. Swingley, Upton Swingley, Nathaniel A. Ankeny, Augustus H. Ankeny (afterward a leading citizen of Clinton, Iowa), Ann M. Ankeny (Mrs. Wm. Watts), Clinton Helm (an eminent physician at Rockford), James C. T. Phelps (now of Rochelle on the farm his father made), James Reynolds, Peter Householder, the Worden boys, and Richard McClain's children. Rock River Seminary was located here in the Spring of 1839, under the auspices of the Methodist Church, and the first term commenced in November, 1840. A more extended sketch of this important institution will be found on page 468. Mr. Allen taught school in the school house above mentioned during that Spring and Summer.

In the Summer of 1840, before the seminary building was ready for occupation. Prof. Joseph N. Waggoner, its first Principal, taught school in the log school house occupied by Mr. Allen in 1838-9. He was employed by the Trustees of the Seminary.

In the Spring of 1841, the town school was conducted under the management of the Rock River Seminary, as the Primary Department of the Institution, and was in charge of Mrs. Fanny Russell. This department was discontinued in 1843, and private schools continued in several residences. In the Winter of 1845-6, A. Q. Allen taught a select school in the house now occupied by Mrs. Cross, on Short street, west of Seminary Square.

In 1851-2, Mr. Allen again taught in the new district school building, which had been erected on the corner of Main and Clark streets. This was a long frame building, having two rooms. In this taught at various times A. Q. Allen, Mr. Streeter, Mr. Shultnee, Mr. Cross, John Page, with Miss Hannah Cheney (who subsequently married Mr. Page) as Assistant, Holly Allen, Enoch Coffman, James Allen, Francis Hoverland (now Mrs. Crawford), with her sister Florence (now Mrs. B. G. Stevens) as Assistant. Miss Sybil Sammis (now Mrs. Andrew Hitt, of Chicago) was, also, at one time an Assistant in this school. During the term the Misses Hoverland were in charge of the school,

The school house is located on Block 5 of the Botanical Addition to Mount Morris, fronting on Short street. It was built in 1868, at a cost of $10,000, and has four school departments.

Miss Hoverland was followed by J. M. Piper, as Principal, who, in turn, was succeeded, in 1876, by the present Principal, Horace G. Kauffmann. The other teachers at present are, grammar room, Holly C. Clark; intermediate room, Mrs. Becca B. Kauffman ; primary. Miss Lottie E. Waggoner. There are now two hundred pupils enrolled. There is a high scl;iool course of but one year, as facilities for higher education are better afforded in the Seminary.

Religious

Methodist Episcopal Ohurch. - The first Sabbath after his arrival. Rev. Thomas S. Hitt preached at a small school house in Oregon. Thereafter he preached occasionally ; joined the Illinois Conference, and was appointed Agent of the Seminary.

The first regular pastor who was established here was Kev. Barton Cartwright, in 1838. He preached two successive days in the primitive school house in which Mr. Allen taught school. Families came from about twenty miles, and were entertained at the house of Rev. Mr. Hitt. Among those remembered were Mr. and Mrs. Morgan, of Franklin Grove ; Mr. and Mrs. John Ankeny, of Elkhorn Grove ; Mr. and Mrs. Abraham Juneval, of Byron ; Mr. and Mrs. F. G. Petrie, of Leaf River. Rev. Mr. Worthington succeeded Mr. Cartwright for one year.

In the Fall of 1838, Rev. Mr. Cartwright came over from Washington Grove to the residence of Rev. Thomas S. Hitt, and requested him to accompany him to that grove and assist in settling a question of claims. Mr. Hitt considered that somewhat foreign to his line of business until he was informed that the claim was that of marriage between Rev. Cartwright and Miss Chloe Bennett. Mr. and Mrs. Hitt accompanied Mr. Cartwright, and the pioneer of Methodism in Ogle County was wedded on that evening, after the usual religious services.

When the seminary was completed, the north portion of the basement was finished for religious purposes. Methodist services were held here until the erection of the new Seminary, when the east end of the two lower stories of that building was fitted up as a chapel. This was then considered to be a very elegant church room for a Western village. It was dedicated by Rev. J. V. Watson, assisted by Rev. Mr. Hinman.

As no records can be obtained regarding the succeeding Pastors of this charge, it is impossible to give a complete list in their proper order. The following, however, were among them : Revs. McMurtry, Jonathan Snow, Leander S. Walker, Wager, Nathan Jewett, Philo Judson, J. L. Stuff, Sanford, Cone, Winslow, Wm. Keegan, J. C. Stoughton, W. A. Smith, Milton Haney, John H. Vincent, Blanchard L. Anderson, J. B. Strout, Cornelius Ford, J. H. Moore, S. H. Adams, Lewis Kurtz, Edward Battis, E. W. Adams, concluding with the present Pastor, Rev. A. T. Needham.

For many years, the headquarters of the Rock River District were located here, and, consequently. Revs. John Clark, Philo Judson, Hooper Crews and others resided here.

In 1877, the present Methodist Church was erected on the corner of Front street and Wesley avenue, at a cost of $8,000. It is a beautiful edifice, having a large audience room, with gallery and lecture room attached. It was dedicated in July, 1877, by Bishop Harris, during the pastorate of Rev. E. W. Adams. The present parsonage' was erected during the pastorate of Rev. Mr. Jewett, in 1851 or 1852. The present membership is 140.

The Lutheran Church. - In the Fall of 1845, Rev. N. J. Stroh came to Oregon, from Pennsylvania, and began the organization of churches of the Lutheran denomination at that place, at Adeline, Brook ville and Mt. Morris. After eighteen months' residence at Oregon, he moved to a farm near Mt. Morris, and, in the absence of a suitable place of worship there, he preached regularly in a school house near the residence of Joshua Thomas, at Phelps' Grove.

When the school house was built in Mt. Morris, the services were held at that place, and Rev. John Nicholas Burket was appointed as regular pastor.

Mrs. McCoy, Mr. Philip Sprecher and wife and Mrs. Samuel Newcomer, still residents of Mt. Morris, were amonor the members of the church at the time of its organization.

The brick church on the southwest corner of the intersection of Ogle and Centre streets was erected in 1845. At that time. Rev. George A. Bowers was Pastor. The sermon of dedication was preached by Rev. Simeon W. Harkey, in May, 1856. Mr. Bowers was followed in succession by Revs. C. Riemenschneider, Daniel Schindler, Ephraim Miller, Rufus Smith, R. B. Whitehill, A. C. Frick, and the present Pastor, Rev. Luther L. Lipe.

In September, 1877, the erection of a new church edifice was begun, on the southwest corner of the crossing of Main and Short streets. It is a frame building, with a basement for Sabbath school use ; has a steeple of one hundred feet in height on the north side, and, when complete, will present a very neat architectural appearance. Its cost is estimated at $7,000. A Sabbath school has always been held in connection with the church and is at present superintended by Rev. Mr. Lipe.

Elysian Lodge, No. 56, I. 0. 0. F., was organized under a charter granted by the Grand Lodge of Illinois, dated July 25, 1849, with the following charter members : George W. Fouke, John F. Grosh, James N. Martin, Daniel Highbarger, Walter Wilson and Emanuel W. Myers.

In 1850-52, many members removed to California and elsewhere, weakening the society so that, in 1853, the charter was surrendered to the Grand Lodge. November 4, 1874, the Lodge was re-organized, and the same charter and books were returned to it. The charter members and gentlemen who procured this re-organization were Henry Sharer, B. G. Stephens, Elijah Lott, G. W. Fouke and W. J. Fouke.

The society is now out of debt and has a well-furnished hall in the front second story of Sprecher & Clevidence's block. The membership, at present, is thirty -eight, and its officers are : W. H. Miller, N. G. ; John T. Stewart, V. G. ; A. M. Newcomer, Secretary ; B. G. Stephens, Treasurer.

^Samuel H. Davis Lodge, No. 96, A. F. ^ A. M., was organized before 1850, and worked under a dispensation for several years. The date of their first organization does not appear on the records of the society. The Bible belonging to the Lodge was presented by the ladies of Mount Morris, and bears the date June 24, 1851.

The Lodge was organized under a charter October 6, 1851, with Isaiah Wilcoxen, W. M. ; James Clark, S. W. ; Wm. Little, J. W. Araong the first members after the charter was obtained were: Ansel Streeter, Benjamin K. Shryock, H. I. Little, Jonathan Knodle, Peter Knodle, Francis A. McNeill, Isaac Rice, Wm. A. Plantz, Nathaniel A. Ankeny, Elbridge W. Little, W. T. Harlow, Joseph Hale, Thomas Winston, Joseph S. Nye, S. H. Clems, John Donaldson, D. B. Turney, Abraham Pope, Edward Knock, James H. Fouke, Daniel Highbarger, John Stanger, Benjamin Swingley, W. S. Pope, James M. Webb.

Samuel H. Davis Lodge, No. 96, of Mount Morris, and Forreston Lodge, No. 413, were consolidated November 17, 1876, under the former name, with O. H. Swingley, W. M. ; D. Rine, S. W., and J. H. Nye, J. W. The Lodge is in a prosperous condition, and has a large and well-arranged hall over Sprecher & Clevidence's store, of which they have a lease for ninety-nine years. Their membership is about fifty. The present officers are : J. H. Nye, W. M.; Peter Householder, S. W. ; Charles Smith, J. W. ; T. C. Williams, Secretary; Samuel Lookabaugh, Treasurer.

Business Interests

In October, 1841, the first store was opened in Mt. Morris, by Daniel Brayton & Son, in an addition to the west side of a small frame house, which they had built that Summer, located on Main, midway between Short and Seminary streets. Mr. Daniel Brayton had been a Methodist minister and preached occasionally in the Seminary chapel. He was a practical and intellectual gentleman who held a high place in the esteem of his acquaintances. The firm was afterward Brayton & Judson, and, in 1850, when Daniel Brayton died, it was continued by F. B. Brayton & Baker. Since 1850, Mr. Brayton has continued in the drug and book department only, and has been Postmaster since 1861.

The second store was opened a couple of years after that of Mr. Brayton, by Samuel Bents, in a small brick building on the northeast corner of Front and Seminary streets, where Lookabaugh & Middour's store now stands. Mr. Bents sold to S. M. Hitt and F. G. Petrie, the latter now of Oregon, who had previously been engaged in the manufacture of brick northeast of town. Mr. Enoch Wood, now of Chicago, soon became associated with Mr. Petrie, under the firm name of Wood & Petrie, and this firm continued for many years.

In 1844, Baker, Pitzer & McCoy built a one-story brick machine-shop, on the corner where the Methodist church now stands, and began the manufacture of traveling threshing machines. This they continued until 1849, and their machines, which threshed grain by being loaded-up and driven around in a circle, were then quite popular.

About the same time the above enterprise commenced, Hitt (Samuel N.) & Coffman built a grist-mill on Pine Creek, southwest of the town, and soon after the same firm opened the third store in Mt. Morris. This was managed by Prof. D. J. Pinckney, until a year later it was purchased by F. B. Brayton.

About 1853, Brayton, Baker & Petrie rented an old saw-mill on Pine Creek, about a mile below the grist-mill site, which had been operated from an early day, by John Stewart. This the above firm fitted up for use, temporarily, for the manufacture of linseed oil. As the facilities were not very favorable, the business was only carried on there for about two years, at the rate of two barrels of oil per day. They then erected a large two-story frame mill, with stone basement, near the southwest corner of the town, and operated the machinery by steam. With this they connected a saw-mill.

A son of F. B. Bray ton, Earnest W., ten years of age, was killed by the saw in this mill, and Mr. F. G. Petrie lost his right hand by a similar accident.

The mill was operated under the charge of Jacob Hilger, with success, for about four years, but was then discontinued on account of a scarcity of flaxseed.

The building then passed into the ownership of Petrie & Sheets, who transformed it into a flouring-mill, but as this proved unprofitable it was taken down and removed to the Rock River, opposite Oregon, where it is now in operation as a flouring-mill.

Martin Heller afterward purchased the mill site on Pine Creek, and erected a large stone and frame grist-mill on the old location. This is now operated by Abner Newcomer & Co.

The village made gradual progress until 1855, when it became a prominent trading point and bade fair to be the largest village of Ogle County, but at that time the Illinois Central Railroad passed near Buffalo Grove, and the trade was attracted to the new town of Polo.

Orville N. Adams, of Galena, opened a general store here about 1850, of which, eighteen months later, Prof. D. J. Pinckney became a partner. They also managed the grist-mill on Pine Creek for about one year. At that time, the partnership was dissolved, and the mill was burned down shortly after. Mr. Adams soon after removed to La Salle.

No. 38, Vol. 1, of the Mount Morris Grazette, dated Thursday, January 23, 1851, a copy of which is preserved by Mr. Samuel Knodle, who has been interested in several newspaper enterprises in Mount Morris, furnishes some interesting items in relation to the business of the town at that day. In an editorial, the editor. Prof. Pinckney, anticipates that " the Great Central Railroad will, no doubt, be built in six or eight years."

At that time. Mount Morris was one of the great business centers of Ogle County, as a glance at the columns of the Grazette fully shows, and is a scrap of Mount Morris history of an interesting character.

The first in order is a notice of the Amphycton Society, announcing that the following resolution will be discussed: ^' Resolved^ That the political and intellectual condition of Europe is improving." This notice is signed A. N. Odel, Secretary. Mount Morris Division Sons of Temperance announce meetings every Tuesday evening at their hall, on Center street. B. G. Stephens, R. S. Wood, Bryant & Petrie, October, 1850, advertise their hardware business. Wood & Petrie (October 4, 1850) advertise dry goods, groceries, crockery, glassware, paints, books and stationery. Brayton & Baker advertise general merchandise. Wm. Little & Son inform the public, May 1, 1850, that they are prepared with lots of seasoned lumber to manufacture, extensively, wagons, etc., and do all kinds of blacksmithing. George Brayton advertises, June 12,. 1850, to do all kinds of tailoring, with neatness and dispatch. John Ankeny announces the discontinuance of his business, December 13, 1850. T. C. Ankeny speaks of his cheap auction store. B. G. Stephens, M. D., and Dr E. W. Myers publish their professional cards. Wm. Hedges advertises, Septembember 19, 1850, to do all kinds of coopering. S. N. Beaubein advertises, October 16, 1850, to manufacture harness, saddles, etc., and trim carriages. Shop in house formerly occupied by W. S. Blair.

About 1854, Jonathan Mumma opened a store in the storeroom west of his hotel, and in 1858, when J. M. Webb purchased the hotel, the store was sold to Potter & Webb. In 1856, the old firm of Wood & Petrie had become Petrie k Sheets, and this soon after became Coffman Bros., a firm which still exists. In

Source changes here: from Portrait and Biographical Album of Ogle County, Illinois, Containing Full Page Portraits and Biographical Sketches of Prominent and Representative Citizens of the County, by Various, published 1886; 9,003 words in this source stream.

Mount Morris Township

came to is. county in search of a location. After examining the various portions, they made claim to a large body of land upon and near the site of the present village of Mt. Morris. Returning to Maryland, from whence they came, they journeyed back the following spring with a large number of persons, forming what is known as the Maryland Colony. Among those who came at this time were Daniel Stover, Wm. McDaniel, Eli Householder, Frederick Finkbohnar, Adam Stover, John Stover and Mrs. Elizabeth Ankeny. These persons, with their families, remained for a time in a cabin erected by Judge Ford, west of Oregon, until the completion of their own cabins.

The first cabin erected was located about threequarters of a mile southwest of the present village of Mt. Morris, for Mrs. Ankeny. In this cabin for some time, lived not only the family of Mrs, Ankeny, but those of Mr. Householder, Mr. Stover and Mr. McDaniel.

When the colony arrived it found in what now constitutes the township of Mt. Morris, several families who had arrived but a short time previously. Among the number was Solon Crowell, living about

In the fall of 1837 Rev. Thomas S. Hitt came, and for a time lived in the house then about completed by Martin Reynolds, who was his brother-inlaw. He soon after purchased a claim of 1,000 acres for $2,500, lying two and a half miles south, but made his home on the claim reserved for him by his brother, Samuel Hitt, where he lived until his death, which occurred Sept. 23, 1872.

In the fall of 1836, Jacob Rice and family left Washington County, Md., to seek a home in the West, but stepped for the winter in Ohio, with his brother-in-law, John Wagner. In the spring of 1837 Mr. Rice and Mr. Wagner came to this county, selected a location, and in the summer moved their families here. They made claim and located about three miles north of the present village of Mt. Morris. Both these men died on the homesteads secured from the Government.

to Carroll County. During this year, A. Q. Allen, Philip Sprecher, John S. Miller, John Coffman, Henry Artz, Michael Brantner, Henry Sharer, Solomon Nally and others came, and the township rapidly filled with an enterprising people.

When the first families came in they had great difficulty in procuring food, and when it was gotten, some difficulty in cooking. Mrs. McCoy relates that for some time she had the only bake oven in the neighborhood, and that many came to her house for the purpose of baking their bread.

The first religious services held in the township are supposed to have been held either at the house of John Wallace or Martin Reynolds. They were both members of the M. E. Church. Rev. Thomas S. Hitt was doubtless the first to proclaim the gospel in this vicinity, in 1837.

The first school was held in the fall of 1838, A. Q. Allen being the first teacher. The school was held in a log house about one mile southwest of the

The school of Mr. Allen was known as the Pine Creek Grammar School. It is mentioned more at length in the article on education, on a preceding page. A sketch of the Rock River Seminary founded the year following, will also be found in that article. In 1855 the township was well supplied with good school houses and excellent schools.

About 1849 Hitt & Coffman built a grist mill on Pine Creek, and in 1853, Brayton, Baker & Petrie rented a saw mill on the same creek, which had been operated for some years by John Stewart, which they fitted up for an oil mill, and carried on the business there for two years. They then erected a large two story frame mill with stone basement, near the southwest corner of the town, which they ran by steam, connecting therewith a saw mill. The mill was operated by Jacob Hilger, for about four years, and then was discontinued, purchased by Petrie & Sheets, and removed to Oregon While néar the village, two distressing accidents occurred in the saw mill: Ernest W., a son of F. W. Brayton, was killed, and F. G. Petrie lost a hand.

On the adoption of the township organization law this township was organized, its first election being held in the spring of 1850. The following have served as Supervisors of the Township for the years mentioned:

8 HE history of the village of Mount Morrisis closely interwoven with that of the township. The former has a history interesting alike to the general and local reader. When the Maryland Colony located here, the country was but a wilderness. But few improvements had been madein the vicinity. There were no churches or school-houses near, nor had provisions been made for them.

inal plat of Mount Morris. D. Fletcher Hitt, a brother of Samuel, was the surveyor. Before the survey was made it had been determined to erect here a seminary, and three quarter sections of the claims of Samuel Hitt and Nathaniel Swingley had been donated for that purpose. The Board of Trustees of the institution, having accepted the gift, on the 29th of December, 1840, voted that lots be donated to all applicants previous to June 1, 1841, provided that each one should "build a house of stone, brick, or frame, not less than 15 x 24 feet, 13% stories in height, to be fit for occupancy Jan. 1, 1842, or sooner, J. Clark and T. S, Hitt to designate the lots donated and specify the terms." The time was subsequently extended by which the lots were to be thus donated, and Clark and Hitt ruled that every alternate lot might be thus donated.

The first building of any kind erected upon the town plat was in the spring of 1839, for the purpose of a boarding house for the men engaged in the erection of the Seminary building. This house was moved in 1841 some two or three blocks south and subsequently was again moved and now stands about one-half mile south of its first location near the seminary.

The second building erected in the village was the Seminary building, the corner stone of which was laid July 4, 1839. James B. McCoy was the contractor, coming here from Maryland for the purpose. Mr. McCoy became subsequently well known and a very popular citizen. He was the first member of the Board of Supervisors from Mount Morris Township. Mrs. Elizabeth Ankeny. Mr. McCoy died Jan. r4, 1871.

The next building was erected in 1840 by John Sharp, for a barn, but was temporarily used as a dwelling, being occupied by Rev. Philo Judson and F. G. Petrie. The house was subsequently finished up and moved to another location, where it was used for a dwelling.

and Sentinary Streets. The firm was engaged in the general merchandise trade. The firm was subsequently Brayton & Judson and, in 1850, when Daniel Brayton died, the business was continued by F. B. Brayton & Baker. After atime the dry goods and groceries were eliminated and the business continued by Mr. Brayton with drugs and books, and as such yet exists.

Samuel Bents opened the second store some two yeats after Brayton & Son, in a small building on the corner of Front and Seminary Streets. Mr. Bents sold the store to S. M. Hitt and F. G. Petrie, but Mr. Hitt soon afterwards retired and Enoch Wood became associated with Mr. Petrie in the business, which was continued for many years.

Post Office

as Postmaster. He was succeeded by F. G. Petrie, who in turn gave up the keys and the emoluments of the office to Hiram Beard, who held the office but a short time, and was followed by John Ankeny, the second white settler of Ogle County. Mr. Ankeny held the office until his death in 1853. Being a whig, on the accession of Mr Pierce to the presidency, it was supposed that he would lose the office, but the Democrats, living in the vicinity, signed a request to the Postmaster-General to continue him in the office, which was accordingly done. B.G. Stevens was next appointed and was followed by "Edward Davis. On the accession of the Republicans to power, F. B. Brayton was appointed and reappointed five times, serving until August, 1885, when Oliver H. Swingley was appointed, and is the incumbent. The business of this office is equal to most towns of three or four times its size. The college and the publications of the Brethren add largely to the work and revenue of the office. INCORPORATIONS. Preliminary to incorporation a meeting was held at the chapel on Saturday, Jan. 8, 1848, to ascertain | the wishes of the people. A census of the village had been taken a few days previously by Daniel Brayton, who ascertained there were over 200 inhabitants living within its limits, and it was thought best by some that it should be incorporated. At the meeting on the 8th of January tg votes were cast for incorporation and none against. On the 15th of January an election was held for trustees resulting in the following named being chosen: Aaron C. Marston, Andrew Newcomer, James J. Beatty, Jonathan Knodle and Wm. McCune.

At a meeting of the Board of Trustees, held Feb. 26, 1875, a petition was presented asking that the question be submitted as to whether the village would incorporate under the general law. The Board ordered an election to be held March 27, 1875, at which time 34 votes were cast for incorporation and I against. The first Trustees under this act were A. Newcomer, President; Isaac H. Allen, Henry I. Little, H. H} Clevidence, Peter Householder, J. M. Piper; M. T. Rohrer was elected Clerk and Police

Educational

The first school, as has already been stated, was held outside the limits of the village, by A. Q. Allen. The first school within the village limits was conducted under the management of the Rock River Seminary, as the primary department of that institu tion, in the spring of 1841. Mrs. Fanny Russel This department was continued two years and then private schools were held in the residences of the citizens. The first district school building in the village was erected in 1851, and A, Q. Allen taught the first term of school therein. In 1868 the present two-story stone structure was erected at a cost of $10,000, with four good school rooms. Miss Hoverland was the first principal in the new building.

Religious

The first religious services in the village were held in the old Seminary building. Among those who preached in that building were Revs. Thos. S. Hitt, Philo Judson, John Clark, J. V. Watson and others. Societies were formed by the different denominations until at present the following named are represented : Methodist Episcopal, Lutherans, Christian or Disciples and German Baptists or Brethren.

Methodist Episcopal. - For many years Mt. Morris was the center of Methodism in Northern Illinois, and the Church here was in a very prosperous condition. A class was organized soon after the arrival of the Maryland Colony. Rev. Thos. S. Hitt, with- out doubt, preached the first sermon, but Rev. Barton H. Cartwright was the first assigned to this charge as part of a circuit. The first services held by Mr. Cartwright were in the old log school house, in which Mr. Allen taught school, in the fall of 1838. He continued for two days and was listened to by those coming long distances to hear the gospel. When the Seminary was completed the north portion of the basement was fitted up for religious purposes, and here services were held until the completion of the new Seminary building, when the east end was fitted up as a chapel and dedicated by Rev. J. V. Watson, assisted by Rev. Mr. Hinman. In this chapel services were held until the erection of their church building. The parsonage was erected in 1851-2, while Rev. Mr. Jewett was Pastor of the Church. The present church edifice was erected in 1877 and dedicated in July of that year by Bishop Harris. Its cost was $7,000. In 1885 the Church was in a prosperous condition, though numbering but 135 members, its membership having been reduced by the withdrawal of its influence and care to the Seminary by the Conference, and the removal ' of many in consequence. Rev. Robert Proctor is the present Pastor, now being in his second year.

Lutheran. - The first services by a Lutheran minister in this vicinity were held in 1845, by Rev. N. J. Stroh, who came to this county from Pennsylvania, Services were held in the Methodist Episcopal church and in the school house until the erection of a church edifice, which was begun in 1855, completed and dedicated in May, 1856, Rev. Simeon W. Harkey preaching the sermon. In September, 1877, a new church edifice was begun and completed the following year, at acost of $7,500. It is a frame structure with basement. The Church now has a membership of 70, and is presided over by Rey. Edwin S. Hoffman, Pastor, who came to the charge in June, 1885.

Christian or Disciples. - In November, 1879, Elder D. J. Howe, of Monroe, Wis., came to this place and held a series of meetings, resulting in a number of conversions. In February, 1880, Elder J. H. Wright, now of Rock Island, came and conducted services for a few weeks, and on the 22d of February, 1880,

Chase Keedy, Deacons; M. F. Thomas, Clerk and Treasurer. In June, 1880, the annual meeting of the Northern Illinois District was held here, which strengthened the Church greatly. On its organization the congregation purchased the old Lutheran church building, fitted it up and held services therein. In the fall of 1885 an addition was built to it and the whole building materially changed. Elder - Geo. T. Carpenter, of DesMoines, preached the dedication sermon, Oct. 25. Geo. W. Ross was the first Pastor of the Church, serving from February, 1881, till October, 1884. He was succeeded in February, 1885, by J. H. Carr. The Church has a present membership of 107, and is in good condition, spiritually and otherwise. A Sunday-school has been maintained from the beginning. Dr. J. I. Mershon was its first Superintendent, and M. F. Blakeslee its present Superintendent. The average attendance is 90, with a good corps of teachers.

German Baptists or Brethren. - For many years the Brethren had been represented in the neighborhood of Mt. Morris, but had never held regular services in the village. Since the college came into the hands of the brotherhood services have been regularly held, the Church having a very large membership, composed of some of the best and leading citizens of the place.

Samuel H. Davis Lodge, 96, A. F. & A. M.,was organized under dispensation in 1850, and received its charter Oct. 6, 1851. Isaiah Wilcoxen was W. M.; James Clark, S. W.; Wm. Little, J. W. In 1876 Forreston Lodge, No. 413, was consolidated with this lodge, with O. H. Swingley, W. M.; D. Rine, S. W.; J. H. Nye, J. W. The lodge does not number as many members at present as formerly, but is in good condition, with 22 enrolled. The officers for 1885 were Oliver H. Swingley, W. M.; A. W. Brayton, S. W.; John E. McCoy, J. W.; Sanmifal Lookabaugh, Treasurer; Thomas C. Williams, Secretary, 8 =

Elysian Lodge, No. 56, 1. O. O. F. - A lodge bearing this name and number was organized here in 1849, with six charter members, From 1850 to 1852 - many of its members went to California, so that, in the same charter and books were returned to it. The lodge is now in a very flourishing condition, with 48 members. In 1883 it built a hall on which it has 99 years' lease. George Farwell, N. G.; W. E. McCready, V. G.; A. M. Newcomer, R. S.; W. H. Miller, P. S.; Upton Miller, Treasurer.

"Mt. Morris Lodge, No. 2890, K. of H., was organized Jan. r, 1885, with ro charter memvers. It has not met with the success it deserves, now numbering but rr members, with the following officers: J. A. Armstrong, Dictator; B. F. Mumma, Vice Dictator; Dr. Speaker, Reporter; A. W. Brayton, Treasurer.

Business Interests

The business and material interests of Mt. Morris have always been of a substantial character, and this is true with the fall of 1885, as well as in all its past history. At that time the general merchandise was controlled by Sprecher & Clevidence and George Windle, who both carried good stocks of all goods usually found in stores of this kind, was a dealer in dry goods, and in a separate room carried a fine stock of groceries. in addition to Mr.

C. Clark, (who also carried a line of boots), Newcomer Bros., and A. E. Binkley; Armstrong & Price were clever dealers in hardware and carried a large stock. A. W. Brayton, as successor of the first firm ever in trade in Mount Morris, carried a fine line of drugs, books and stationery. Peyton Skinner and Henry Gebhardt were boot and shoemakers. The furniture trade was in the hands of Wm. Miller, who was also undertaker. A. E. Binkley and H. E. Binkley, each had restaurants where the hungry were fed. E. O. Startzman was the baker of the town. Mrs. Susie Sharer and Mrs. Sarah Cozzens were milliners. Sprecher & Clevidence were dealers in grain, and also were engaged in the stock trade, together with Samuel Mumma. Wm. H. Jackson carried on the creamery business quite extensively, distributing quite a large amount of money among the farmers in the vicinity. Jacob Fagar was in the jewelry business, and Joseph Thomas in the harness trade, each of whom had a good trade. Joseph Hoskings was the photographer. Newcomer & Mumma supplied _ the people with fresh meat. The banking business - was conducted by Newcomer & Rice, men of experience and reliable in every respect. W. D. Rathbun was the livery-man. The lumber trade was in the hands of the Minnesota Lumber Co., represented here by Chas. Buck. The wagon makers were Benj. Tracy, Jacob Knodle, Albert Doward. The blacksmiths were Calvin Potter, Peter Valentine, Nicholas Koontz. The barbers were Joseph Patterson and Boone Washington. The medical profession was ably represented by Drs. David Newcomer, Wm. P. Speaker, Geo. B. McCosh and Joseph J. Mershon.

Peace were represented by John Weller and Daniel Fager. As an architect and builder M. E. Buser represented the profession. Benj. Seibert was the owner of a fine hall and an opera house.

Nashua. It was among the first settled. In t 1835 a man named Fay came and made a claim on section 35. He left at a very early day and nothing is known of him.

Dr John Roe came in soon after and made aclaim on section 26, and may be said to have been the first permanent settler in the township. Dr. Roe was a prominent character at an early day. -His place was known as Lighthouse Point, from the fact that he always kept a light burning in his window on dark nights to guide the traveler or those in search of a physician. Several of his sons are living in this and neighboring counties. 'The doctor died in Nebraska.

Chas. H. Williams came in 1835, and made claim to the site of the present village of Daysville, but did not remain. He subsequently sold his claim to Col. Jehiel Day and others.

Between 1835 and 1838 a number of families came in among whom were those of the following named: Ruel Peabody, who located on section 28, and is well known to all the pioneers of the county.

Major Chamberlin, came in and located on section 13, and was quite a prominent man in the early day. Stephen Bemis settled on section 25. Levi

Dort, who died at LaSalle many years ago. Henry Farwell, the father of John B. and Chas. B. Farwell of Chicago; Mr. Farwell died at Sterling some years ago. John Carpenter, who died at the old village of Watertown. James Hatch who died at Dixon. Joseph Williams, who subsequently removed to Iowa. Riley Paddock, subsequently removing to Ashton. - Seth H. Hills, who died in California, and who is remembered. Daniel Richardson, John McKinney. Henry Stiles, D, B. Stiles, Mr. Jackson, James Reed and William Keyes, were also among the number. Enoch Wood came in 1838 from New York. In 1842 he moved to Mt. Morris. He held a number of offices in the county, among them those of Justice of the Peace, Supervisor and County Judge. Few men were better known in the county. A numberof years ago he moved to Chicago, where he engaged in the hotel business, and where he died Aug. 11, 1883.

Nashua was among the first townships organized. In the 36 years that have passed since that time the following named have represented it on the Board of Supervisors : i, S already stated, Jehiel Day came out and . purchased the claim of Mr. Williams, and in connection with Jonathan Rawson and James Moore, laid out a village, naming it Daysville in honor of Mr. Day. On the claim Mr. Williams had erected a log house, the only one then on the village site. Mr. Day first came in 1836, but did not bring his family for aks settlement till the next year,

Daniel Day erected the first frame house in the village in 1837, and opened the first store in the place. After continuing the business for a time he sold out and built the first hotel in the place, which was

The second store was opened by Wm. J. "Mix & Son, the former soon withdrawing. The business was then carried on by H. A. Mix and Wm. J. Mix Jr. The latter was made Postmaster in 1842, an office having been established some two or three years previously, with Daniel Day as Postmaster. Mr. Mix, at that time, was not of age, but he discharged the duties just as satisfactorily as if he had been. He held the office five years, and was succeeded by Joseph Williams. In 1850 he was again appointed and served until 1858. Geo. M. |Reed 'is the present Postmaster.

In the fight for the county seat, on the organization of the county, Daysville presented its claims, with the hope that the friends of other towns than Oregon might turn to Daysville when they were convinced that all hopes of securing it for themselves

For a time Daysville seemed to have a bright future, the different branches of business coming in at an early day, and quite a settlement was formed. Among the number were: Wm. Cox, wagon maker; Silas Hawthorne, blacksmith; Dr. Gregory, physician; Hiles & Williams, merchants.

_ No church edifices were ever built in the. place. Services were held at private houses until the erection of the school house, when they commenced to hold all meetings in that building. The Methodist Episcopal and United Brethren in Christ have each at times held regular services there.

Daysville is another example of what " might have " been." At one time it had four general stores, each | doing a thriving business. To-day its appearance 1 is" that of a deserted village, and with Old Buffalo, Grand Detour and Watertown, it looks back upon departed greatness, with no hylan prospects. beforeit. | -° - bey hee

'@ BOUT a mile and a half east of Daysville, Wi, on Kite River, another village was at- * tempted at an early day, but it failed to ; materialize to any extent. A saw mill was a built here, and a carding mill and cabinet shop established. It is claimed by some that Chet. Murphy manufactured here the first cultivator ever made. A post office was established, but only continued a few years. % ee (ii HEN the Chicago & Iowa Railroad was Ni, surveyed through the township, a station " was established in the northern corner, to which was given the name of Honey Creek. Major Chamberlin was the proprietor of the ! village plat. The post office was established here in 1878, with Thomas Wilson as Postmaster. | Alonzo Wood soon after put up a store and opened a stock of general merchandise, and still continues in the business. He was Postmaster for four years. Geo. J. Butterfield now has the office. W. G. Stevens also carries on the mercantile business here.

_ Griffith made claims and erected their. cabins. In 1836 John V. Gale, Lester H. Everett, Jonathan W. Jenkins, W. W. Mudd, Mr. Brown, Mr. Spencer,

Mr. Fuller and others came in and made claims. Mudd, Brown, Spencer, Griffith and Fuller remained but a short time, while the others made this a permanent home. In 1837 a number of others came in, among whom were Isaac S. Woolley, D. H. T. Moss, Henry Roberts, David Pickett, Mr. Harris, E. S. Leland, Thomas Ford, George Rosecrans, Wm. Carpenter, L. H. Evarts, W. G, Spencer, James V. Gale John V. Gale, Martin Hill and Mr. Griffith.

The class of citizens that located in this township were of a character to command respect, and but few of the lawless element sought to make it their home. Some of the pioneers here became quite distinguished, among whom may be mentioned Judge Ford, afterwards Governor of the State, and S. Leland, subsequently a noted Judge.

The history of the township is closely interwoven with that of the city, so that the history of one is substantially that of the other. Events that might naturally be expected in this connection will be found further along in the city's history.

Dr. Wm. J. Mix was a prominent man in the county, as a physician anda citizen. He was the first of the profession in the county, and in response ¥» to calls has traveled in every part of Ogle County, and in much of the surrounding counties. A daughter of Doctor and Mrs. Mix - Eliza M. Mix - was the first born in the township. She was born Nov. 28, 1836, grew to womanhood, became the wife of G. M. McKenney, and is now his widow.

The first death was that of a child of George Rosecrans, July 13, 1837. The first death of an adult occurred in 1838 - Mary Ann Fuller - who died in August of that year.

Oregon township was organized in 1850, at the time of the adoption of the township organization law. Inthe Board of Supervisors it has been represented by some good men. James V. Gale held the office ten years in succession, and his brother, John V. Gale, the same number. The following named constitutes the list to date:

The first crop raised in this vicinity was in 1834, by John Phelps, residing in what is now Rockvale Township. In 1835, 0n his return from Schuyler

County, where he spent the winter of 1834-5, Mr. Phelps again attempted to raise a crop, but frost came before it ripened, and it was not until some time in June that he planted. James V. Gale assisted him in this planting. Mr. Gale also assisted Mr. Good win,(who claimed the estate subsequently owned by Dr. Wm. J. Mix,) in putting in a crop of sod corn, chopping it in with an ax. While engaged in this work he killed his first rattle-snake. After skinning it he rendered out the oil, which filled a two or three ounce vial.

The house of John Phelps was the stopping sites of the first settlers in this vicinity. Before completing it, and before they could supply themselves with tables and chairs a table cloth was spread upon the floor and all sat around it, Asiatic fashion. .Old settlers say the meals there obtained were fit for a king.

Breaking prairie was the first thing after the erection and furnishing of a house, but not every one was prepared to do the work. It required five or six yoke of oxen, and a plow that turned 20 to 24 inches of sod. A charge of $3 per acre was made for breaking.

The first market for grain and produce was Chicago, and it required from 7 to 14 days to make the trip. Ruel Peabody took the first load of wheat to Chicago, from this vicinity, in the fall of 1837, for which he received 75 cents per bushel. Grain and produce were quite low for many years. and 1841 pork sold as low as $1.50 per hundred.

The summer and fall of 1839 was known as the sickly season, almost the entire community being afflicted in some way, though bilious and intermittent fever were the prevailing diseases. There were

5 ural advantages than that of Oregon, the 'wY Seat of Justice for Ogle County. Situated upon the west bank of the loveliest river that flows through the State of Illinois, the beautiful Rock, or Sinnissippi River of the red man, Bayard

Taylor, the great traveler, poet and lecturer, who |} had visited almost every part of the civilized globe, | and inspected the ruins of the old world and the fine natural scenery of the new, was struck by its beautiful situation and the charming scenery with which itis surrounded. Margaret Fuller, author and trav- | eler, was enchanted with the lovely region and ad prose and poetry sung its praise.

John Phelps, in 1835, claimed the site with a view of laying out a town, asserting that it was the finest location for a town upon Rock River. The Commissioners appointed by an act of the General Assembly to locate the county seat, selected it as much for its rare beauty as for the reason that it would be the most convenient to the citizens of the county. Thus we see that it attracted practical men, the pioneer, the author and the traveler, and from the earliest day to the present it has continued - to attract, and doubtless will to the end of time.

Before speaking particularly of the city, its foundation and development, it will be well to speak of some of the natural attractions surrounding it.

Crossing the river on the bridge and proceeding - north along its bank for about one-half mile, past a handsome wooded island, named the Margaret Fuller Island, the road deviates to the right, and winding in gradual ascent through glens, valleys and - heavy woods, another half mile, you are landed on Eagle's Nest Bluff, named by Margaret Fuller, and made famous as being the place where, July 4, 1843, she wrote the celebrated poem "Ganymede to his Eagle." Elevated over 300 feet above the river, the vision has an uninterrupted view up and down the valley of 25 or 30 miles in either direction. The scene is indescribably grand. At the foot of the bluff the beautiful river flows on toward the great Mississippi, its smooth and placid surface dotted with numerous green verdured islands. Oregon, with its church spires and larger buildings appearing above the shade trees in its midst, gives life to the superb panorama of prairie, hill, rock and silvery stream, arranged by nature in the loveliest and most picturesque manner. When Margaret Fuller wrote - the poem of which mention has been made, a large eagle's nest, in which for years before an eagle and his mate had reared their annual broods, was stil extant. It was built on a red cedar tree, growing the highest edge of the bluff immediately facing t

. Ganymede Spring is situated on the edge of the river directly at the foot of the bluff. It can be reached from the bluff by a pathway, or by boat. The spring flows at the rate of 50 gallons per minute, and its waters are said to be very beneficial. It is enclosed by a handsome and substantial wall of masonry, and just over the spring is a marble tablet, with the following inscription: ' Ganymede Spring, named by Margaret Fuller, Countess de Ossoli, who named the bluff, Eagle's Nest, and beneath the cedars on its crest wrote 'Ganymede to his Eagle,' July 4, 1843." Seats and drinking cups have been provided for visitors.

Two miles south of Oregon is Indian Mound, 300 feet high, famous as being the place on the summit of which the Indians sharpened their spears, and carved rough allegorical figures, images of human beings and animals. Three miles further on are Castle Rock, Hotel Rock and Squaw Rock. immense rock formations equally as high as Indian Mound. Looking down the river from Castle Rock, one gets another of the never ending superb views of this section, including a view of the "Thousand Islands," so named from a resemblance to the famous islands of the St. Lawrence. Leaving the rock and continuing down the river, the next mile takes one through a wild and picturesque section, winding around hiils and through small canons, forcibly reminding one of the drives in Colorado.

Liberty Hill, back of Oregon, on which is situated the city's reservoir, is an interesting place to visit. All in all, the attractions around Oregon are sufficient to interest one for many days, and her citizens have a just pride in the beautiful scenery with which it is surrounded, as well as the beauty of its location.

Oregon dates its beginning from the summer of 1836, at which time Jonathan W. Jenkins built a -small log cabin near the corner of what is now Third and Franklin Streets. This house,was used for all purposes, as occasion required. John Phelps erected the second building, a log structure, two stories in height. Lumber for the floor and doors was furnished from Phelps' saw-mill on Pine Creek. During the same season John Harris erected a dwelling on the lot now owned by Edward F. Dutcher, on the corner of Fourth and Franklin Streets. Harris also erected a blacksmith shop, in which he began work, being the first of that trade in the place.

While these building operations were going on, a.small building was erected near what is now Second and Jefferson Streets, about lot 11, in which Mudd & Brown opened a small stock of groceries, principally liquids. This was the first mercantile establishment in the place. Harvey Moss soon after started the first general store, on Third Street, about lot 3. Other buildings were soon afterward erected, and Oregon started on its career.

The post office was established in 1836, with D. H. T. Moss as Postmaster. He served but a short time and was succeeded in turn by the following named: James V. Gale, Henry Roberts, Richard Chaney, E. P. Sexton, S. A. Irvine, W. J. Mix, F. H. Marsh, John Sharp, B. F. Sheets and C. T. Marsh, the incumbent who was appointed in the summer of 1885.

Incorporation

Methodist Episcopal - This Church dates its origin from 1839, when Rey. G. G. Worthington organized a class of 11 persons. Meetings were first held in private houses, the school house and the Court House until 1858, when their first house of worship was erected, at a cost of $3,000. In 1868-9 a parsonage was erected, at a cost of $2,800. The society rapidly increased in numbers and in time the old church became too small to hold the crowd. A new house became a necessity, and the society, in 1874, went resolutely to work and completed a large and handsome brick edifice, on the corner of Fourth and Jefferson Streets, at a cost of $15,000. Until 1852, Oregon formed a part of Buffalo and other circuits, when it was made the head of the Oregon circuit, and so continued until 1869, when it became a station. .The Church has had a very prosperous Career and gracious revivals have followed the labors of the Pastors. It now numbers 160 members and ro probationers. The Sunday-school, under the superintendency of B. F. Sheets, is likewise in a prosperous condition. In 1884 the society lost its Pastor, Rev. Cyrus F. Krydee, who died January 5, of that year. Rev. F. H. Sheets, a young man born and raised in Oregon, was by request of the Church, assigned to the charge by the Presiding Elder. When the Conference met in the fall of 1884, he was again assigned to the charge, and again in the fall of 1885. The society is well pleased with the action of the Conference in the appointment.

Lutheran. - An organization of those holding Lutheran views was effected March 16, 1848. A-constitution was adopted and Church organized under the name of "' Evangelical Lutheran Congregation of Oregon," with Daniel Etnyre, Chas. M. Haller, Ernest J. Reeman, Samuel B. Haines, Nathaniel Swingley and Philip Sprecher, Trustees. The congregation worshipped in the Court House until the completion of their church edifice, on a lot donated to them in the Court House square. The cornerstone of the church was laid April 27, 1850, and the building hastened to completion. This was the first church building erected in Oregon and for some years was used by representatives of various denominations. In 1874 the church building was enlarged and improved, and in 1875 it was supplied with a pipe organ, at an expense of $1,500. _ The congregation, until 1873, was the leading one in numbers. At that time quite a number withdrew and organized the Presbyterian Church. The Church now, in 188s, is quite prosperous, though it has lost many by removals and dismissals to other Churches.

Presbyterian. - This is the youngest Church in Oregon. At a meeting held Feb. 16, 1873, E. L. Wells was appointed to lay the matter of organization before the Freeport Presbytery. In April the committee from the Presbytery came to Oregon and steps were taken for the erection of a house of worship. Plans were secured, and in September, 1873, a contract was made for, its erection. stone was laid, with appropriate ceremonies, Oct. 6, 1873, and on Sunday, Oct. 24, 1874, it was dedicated to the service of Almighty God, Rev. Wm. Blackburn, of Chicago, officiating. The building is of brick, 48x 70 feet, with basement beneath the audi-- ence room, and cost, including lot and furniture, about $14,000. Rev. G. W. Crofts was the second Pastor. After his resignation, in 1877, the pulpit was supplied by students from the Theological Seminary until the call of the present Pastor, Rey. Ar-.

thur S. Hoyt, in July, 1878. Mr. Hoyt served as supply until December, 1879, when he was duly installed as Pastor and has since served acceptably to the present time. The Church is in a prosperous condition, spiritually, with a membership of 93. E. L. Wells, H. P. Sargent, Harvey Jewett and Norman W. Wadsworth are the Elders and H. C. Peck, Geo. A. Mix and Judd B. Light, Deacons. The Sundayschool is under the superintendency of Mr. Hoyt, with an attendance of 140. In practical benevolence this Church ranks among the best in the State, raising during the year 1884, exclusive of Pastor's salary and Church expenses, $385.

Catholic Church. Michael Nohe, an enterprising grocer, and John M. Schneider, clothing merchant, of Oregon, soon after locating here, began to cast secured the necessary grounds for a church edifice, and then by subscription, obtained a sufficient amount of money to commence the erection of the present church building, which was com pleted in 1862,

Grand Army. Other organizations have existed here for a time and then died out. This is true of temperance organizations. Within the past ten years a - flourishing lodge of Good Templars was here, numbering among its members some of the best citizens of the place. The ribbon movement was established in 1878, with a membership of several hundred. In connection with the Women's Christian Temperance Union, organized about the same time, a room was leased and fitted up asa public reading room, and placed in charge of Hannah Jackson. The expenses of the reading room were met by voluntary contributions from business men, while the salary of Mrs. Jackson was paid by the Women's Christian _ Temperance Union.

Odd Fellows. - This Order is represented by Oregon Lodge, No. 94, organized Oct 17, 1855. It is the oldest society in the city. The charter was granted to R. C. Burchell, John V. Gale, John M. Hinkle, C. F. Emerson and N. K. Hawthorne. While the lodge has had its seasons of prosperity and adversity, it is now in a flourishing condition, with an active membership of 58 of the leading citizens, meeting in a hall on the northwest corner of Third and Washington Streets. Daniel Farrell is N. G.. Daniel Stout, V. G.; C. E. Welty, Sec.; Stephen Parkhurst, P. S. ; C. Olson, Treas.

Masonic - This Order is represented by a Blue Lodge and Chapter. Oregon Lodge No. 420, A. F. & A. M., was organized in 1863, with 17 charter members. It has had a prosperous record and now numbers 50 members. Its hall is on the southeast corner of Third and Franklin Streets. The officers for 1885 were: C. A. Anderson, W. M.; Geo. M. Dwight, S. W.; Lewis Hormell, J. W.; J. E. Sheldon, Treas.; T. A. Jewett, Sec.

Rock River Chapter, No. 151, R. A. M., was organized on the petition of 15 members, Oct. 6, 1871. It has doubled its original "membership, having at present 30, with T. A. Jewett, H. P.; H. P. Sargeant, King; T. O. Johnston, Scribe; G. M. Dwight, Sec. ; iE, Sheldon, Treas. Meetings are held the third Tuesday in each month.

Grand Army of the Republic. - This Order has in this city a flourishing past, numbering 100 members, has been increased from 15, the number of charter members. The post which is known as Oregon Post, No. 116, G. A. R., was mustered in December,

The public schools of Oregon areits pride. The people at an early day began to manifest an interest in educational matters, and as soon as there was a sufficient number of "little folks " to form a school a teacher wasemployed. Dr. Adams was the first, the school being held in the winter of 1837-38 ina small log cabin. John Etnyre followed in the winter of 1838-9 in a rented room. A house was soon afterwards erected, which served a double purpose, being used both for a school and a church, and was open to any who desired to preach the gospel. This building was used until 18538, for school purposes, and now answers for a dwelling house.

The brick building yet in use was erected in 1856, at which time it is said to have been the largest school building in the county. But even this, in time was too small, and the two story frame structure on the corner of the same block was erected. Still the number of pupils increased, and in 1882 the vestry of the Methodist Episcopal church was leased, and in 1884 a building on Third Street, between Washington and Jefferson was engaged. All these buildings are now in use, and the city employs eight teachers in addition to the Superintendent.

No attempt at systematic grading was made until 1873, when Emanuel Brown, who was Superindent, formed ro grades. In 1874-5 John R. Leslie was Superintendent and adopted the system of Mr. Brown. In 1875-6 Mr. Brown was again placed in charge, and in addition to the grades already established, introduced a two years' course for a high school. A rule was adopted requiring a first grade certificate from the County Superintendent of Schools to entitle one to a graduating diploma, As county superintendents do not now give first grade certificates to inexperienced teachers, the rule has been modified so far as the certificates are concerned, but requiring an equal standing in their studies with those securing the first grade certificate. Mr. Brown, in the fall of 1876, was succeeded by S. B Wadsworth, who has continued from that time to the present, now serving his tenth year. To his untiring zeal and energy, backed by an excellent board of directors, the credit is due for the success of the schools. He seems to thoroughly understand what is for the best interests of the school and does not hesitate to adopt any course deemed for the best.

In 1877 the high school course was changed from two to three years, and in 1884 was again changed to four years ; at the same time the entire school was regraded, the eight-grade system being adopted, the numbering being the reverse of the old system.

The first class graduated was in 1877, there being two. Up to the present time 43 persons have graduated from the high school with their diplomas. Graduating exercises are usually held in the M. E. church, and much interest is shown by the people. Class-day and re-union exercises are annually held.

Few schools are better equipped with chemical and philosophical apparatus. In the museum there are 3,500 specimens of pressed plants, a large number of which have been received in exchange for those prepared by the students of this school. They have many valuable specimens, some from Europe. They have also about 100 specimens of animals well >mounted; 1,300 geological specimens; and roo zoological specimens 1n alcohol.

At 'present there are about 500 pupils enrolled. Three examinations are held yearly, and promotions made at the end of the year. A higher average is required in the lower than in the higher departments.

Manufacturing Interests

The manufacturing interests of Oregon have never been fully developed, and until the past 10 or 15 years, but little had been done. The water power is almost inexhaustible, and is capable of propelling a vast amount of machinery. Among the manufacturing institutions are the flouring mills of Geo. A. Mix, the Rock River Furniture Company, the Ogle County Manufacturing Company, the Novelty Works, Wagon and Plow Manufactories.

The Oregon Mills, owned and operated by Gev. A. Mix, are located near the river bank between Franklin and Washington Streets. The mill was begun in 1879 and completed in 1880. It is a five story and basement brick 66x 40 feet, and run by water power. The roller process is used and the flour ranks high.

subsequently increased to $40,000. Daniel Etnyre was chosen President, and John Sheaff Secretary and Manager. Mr. Sheaff resigned in February, 1885, and was succeeded by E. W. Blackstone, the present efficient manager. Mr. Etnyre is still President, The building located on the corner of Second and stone, and is 55 x 125 feet, with four stories and basement. It is supplied with the most improved machinery and operated by water power. The total cost of the plant was $28,000. Chamber furniture constitutes the general product of the factory, and about $50,000 worth of manufactured stock is turned out annually. When run at its full capacity the establishment is capable of producing $100,000 worth of finished work. From 25 to 30 men are usually employed.

The Ogle County Manufacturing Company was incorporated June 2, 1883, with a capital stock of $5,000, which was subsequently increased to $r8,- ooo. H. P. Lason was elected President, and John T. Gantz, Secretary and jTreasurer. The company was organized with a view to the manufacture of chairs. A most substantial building was erected of stone and wood, four stories high, well supplied with the necessary machinery and operated with water power, with reserved steam power. The factory was operated but a short time, when owing to the dullness of trade, business was temporarily suspended. When operated to its full capacity, the factory will give employment to about 50 men, and turn out about $50,000 worth of work annually. The original officers still continue, with H P. Lason, B. F. Sheets, John F. Gantz, F. S. Burchell, John B. Mix and F, H. Wagner, Board of Directors.

The Novelty Iron Works and Foundry has gen in operation some three years, being established in 1882, by Mr. Vosburg. They are now owned By. Se D. Wallace & Co. 2

The Oregon Manufacturing Co. was incorporated Sept. 6, 1882, with authorized capital stock amounting to $20,000. It erected a building 36x 80, three stories including a stone basement, and began work Jan 1, 1883. There is room for the employment of 40 men, though but half the number have usually

_ Lhe Oregon Creamery is situated on the west bank oy Rock River at the foot of Adams Street, and was recently purchased by Antoine & Edias, from Fred G. Jones. The establishment is well equipped and has done an excellent business in the past, and under its present management will doubtless maintain its reputation. An average of 300 pounds of butter is _ made daily from cream collected from the neighboring farmers, The creamery was established in 1878 by Jones & Petrie, and one year later Jones became sole proprietor.

The Oregon Grist Mill of Petrie & Sheets is situated on the east side of the river. It is a four story frame structure run by water power, with five sets of burrs and a capacity of 50 barrels per day. William Shott, miller in charge, has been connected with it the greater part of 18 years.

Banking Business

_ There are two banks in the place. The First National is the outgrowth of a private bank established in 1870 by Baird & Miller, the latter subsequently retiring and being succeeded by James D. Lott, the business being conducted under the firm name of Lott & Baird. In May, 1872, the business was merged into that of the First National Bank, which was then organized. Daniel Etnyre was the first President, and James V. Gale, Vice President, and James D. Lott the first Cashier. Mr. Etnyre served as President until September, 1874, when he resigned. Wm. W. Bennett was elected his successor, and served until Jan. 14, 1879, when he was succeeded by Isaac Rice, who continues to serve. Mr. Lott served as cashier till July 13, 1874, when he was succeeded by the present cashier, Chas. Schneider. Daniel Etnyre is Vice President. The Board of Directors are Isaac Rice, Daniel Etnyre, Geo. P. Jacobs, W. W. Bennett and Samuel B. Wadsworth. The bank has done a very satisfactory business oad has a surplus of $10,000.

with a capital of $30,000, and at the end of one year it had a surplus of $3,500. This bank is the successor of the Exchange Bank of Oregon, which was established by John B. Seibert and Wm. Artz in 1878, and conducted by them till July 15, 1884, when it was re-organized under its present name, by the admission of new partners - P. E. Hastings, Simon and Joseph Sheaf - Mr. Artz retiring. Its proprietors are well known business men of wealth, and the bank is reckoned among the solid financial concerns

As stated, Mudd & Brown opened the first mercantile business in Oregon City, and were followed soon after by Harvey Moss. The former continued in business only a short time, but the latter was engaged in trade. for some years. Jacobs, Brush & Bennett were the next, setting up in the fall of 1838. The firm found rather rough sailing as times were hard and it was next to impossible to make collections. Jacobs and Brush managed to retire from the firm, but Bennett continued for many years.

1871. The firm of Cole & Snyder was organized Oct. 29, 1883. They carry the largest and most complete assortment in the city, having a_ stock ranging from $8,000 to $12,000.°

Guilford & Sheldon are leading dealers in dry goods and notions. The business was established Joel E. Sheldon purchased aninterest in March, 1872, and the firm name of Thorp, Guilford & Co. was adopted. On the 4th of March, 1874, Mr. Thorp sold his interest to his partners, and the firm of Guilford & Sheldon was organized. An average stock of $10,000 is carried, and an annual business of $30,000 is transacted. They now occupy their new brick block, erected in the fall of 1885, using the east room which is 22 x 93. The entire block is 64 x 93 feet, two stories and basement, and is one of the finest in the city.

Wadsworth, Etnyre & Co. are loan, real estate and insurance agents, and proprietors of the abstracts of Ogle County. The business was established by Mortimer W. Smith in 1859. Mr. Smith was succeeded by Babcock & Piersoll. In 1880, Samuel B. Wadsworth bought an interest, and in April, 1882, bought out his partners, almost immediately selling interests to Chas. D. Etnyre, Benj. F. Wadsworth and others, now constituting the firm. The company have the most complete set of abstracts in the county.

John M. Schneider is a dealer in clothing and groceries. He began business here in 1837 and has had a greater experience in trade than any man in the city.

Fred G. Jones carries a large stock of general merchandise. The business was established in 1868. A large double store room is occupied 40 x go feet, and the stock averages about $14,000. Five salesmen are employed, the business transacted amounting to $50,000 per year.

Artz & Ray carry a large stock of general merchandise and enjoy a large trade. The business was established in 1870 by Ettinger & Artz. In 1880 John T. Ray purchased the interest of Mr. Ettinger and the firm name was changed to Artz & Ray.

Thomas A. Jewett is a dealer in drugs and stationery. Mr. Jewett is the successor of his father, Harvey Jewett, who commenced the business in 1859, being the pioneer druggist of Oregon.

Stroh & Light are also druggists and carry a large stock of the goods embraced in their line. The business was established in 1870. The firm has a large trade.